bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theranostic‐Guided UV‐A Light Corneal Wavefront Photo‐Reshaping for Presbyopia Correction: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Bernava Giuseppe Massimo , Serrao Sebastiano , Lombardo Giuseppe 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effect of a theranostic‐guided UV‐A light corneal photo‐reshaping technique on corneal elevation and wavefront aberration (WA) in human donor eyes. A specialized platform, combining UV‐A light with corneal iontophoresis for controlled, patterned, riboflavin delivery, was used for both distribution assessment and concentration‐driven photopolymerization of corneal proteins. In all cases, a consistent riboflavin concentration gradient, with lower levels in the central prepupillary zone, was recorded. Corneal topography and WA measurements showed significant corneal steepening and smooth wavefront shaping, respectively, with a delay in the central 2.0 mm of the WA and advancement in the surrounding zone, as well as a 50% reduction in corneal spherical aberration over a 5.0 mm pupil size. Notably, the corneal optical quality, measured via modulation transfer function (MTF), remained stable. This incision‐free approach demonstrated the potential to extend focal range without compromising distance vision, presenting a new solution for presbyopia correction.
Sustainable synthesis and electrochemical characterization of Ti3C2/Fe1‐xBaxCr2O4 nanocomposite for enhanced Supercapacitor electrode performance
Authors: Batool Kiran , El‐marghany Adel , Saeed Muhammad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive analysis of the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized Ti₃C₂ and Ti₃C₂/Fe1‐xBaₓCr₂O₄ nanocomposite, highlighting their potential as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Utilizing X‐ray diffraction (XRD), we established the crystalline structure, revealing crystallite sizes of 13.29 nm and 20.00 nm for Ti₃C₂ and the nanocomposite, respectively, with corresponding crystallinity indices of 60% and 70%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that Ti₃C₂ exhibited a characteristic layered structure, while the composite demonstrated a more granular morphology with integrated ferrite particles, enhancing its magnetic properties. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the elemental composition, including titanium, iron, barium, and chromium, validating the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis indicated a significant band gap reduction from 2.05 eV for Ti₃C₂ to 1.77 eV for the composite, suggesting enhanced light absorption capabilities. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrated impressive electrochemical performance, with a maximum specific capacitance of 728.5 F/g in 1 M H₂SO₄. These findings collectively underscore the structural integrity, enhanced electrochemical properties, and multifunctional potential of the Ti₃C₂/Fe1‐xBaₓCr₂O₄ nanocomposite for advanced energy storage applications.
Strategies for Optimizing Traditional Exposure and Response Prevention: A Case Study Example in an Adolescent With Contamination‐Based OCD
Authors: Jessup Sarah C. , Mariaskin Amy , Olatunji Bunmi O. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with an emphasis on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) has consistently been observed to be an efficacious treatment for obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Although ERP is currently considered the gold‐standard, first‐line psychological treatment, individuals with chronic fluctuations in symptom presentations or especially severe cases may require additional supplements to exposure that maximize learning and facilitate greater generalization of learning experiences. The present case study serves as an example of how traditional aspects of exposure‐based CBT (e.g., psychoeducation, hierarchy building, functional analysis, homework) can be successfully used in addition to leveraging more contemporary stylistic modifications (e.g., explicit expectancy violation, context variability) that may optimize treatment in complex or difficult cases. In the present case study of a patient with contamination‐based OCD, functional impairment and disorder symptoms responded to treatment and remained improved at a 3‐month follow‐up. Implications of the case study are discussed and recommendations are offered for clinicians treating complex or challenging OCD cases.
The effect of tactile stimulation on spatial memory and hippocampal neuronal density in male rats with sensory deprivation during a critical period
Authors: Ozkan Suheda , Oz Pınar , Erdogan Yaren , Akpinar Melisa , Sahsahi Aya , Gecen Zehra 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIt is well known that sensory information driven from whiskers serves as an example of tactile perception in rodents, and plays an important role in social behavior, environmental exploration, and decision‐making processes, the influence of manipulations performed during the development of whiskers, on learning has been received little attention in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tactile stimulation (TS) on spatial memory performance and neuronal density in the hippocampus during adulthood in early sensory‐deprived rats. Wistar albino male rats were divided into four groups: control (CTL), bilateral whisker trimming (BWT), tactile stimulation (TS), and bilateral whisker trimming+tactile stimulation (BWT + TS). All whiskers were trimmed between P0–10, a critical period for whisker development. TS was applied from P3 to P21 using a soft brush. In this study, the 8‐arm radial maze test was conducted from postnatal days 77 to 81 to assess spatial memory Animals sacrificed by intracardial perfusion and neuronal density in CA1, CA3, vDG, and dDG regions of the hippocampus were evaluated by Nissl staining. TS exposure negatively affected spatial memory performance and hippocampal neuronal density compared to BWT. We conclude that TS in healthy offspring can cause stress by interrupting maternal care, given the vulnerability of early development. On the contrary, the sensory deprivation protocol in this study was terminated at a time of high homeostatic plasticity and did not produce complete whisker deprivation, have triggered learning by inducing moderate stress early in development.
The genetic causal association between arthritis and low back pain
Authors: Gong Aimin , Yang Daniel , Zeng Mengjie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundArthritis and low back pain (LBP) are prevalent musculoskeletal conditions with a perceived association. Previous observational studies have suggested a possible link between arthritis and LBP, but causality has not been firmly established.MethodsThe analysis involved data from a meta‐analysis of genome‐wide association studies sourced from the UK Biobank Genetics resources on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) at any site, knee osteoarthritis (KOA), hip osteoarthritis (HOA), and LBP. Two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis was utilized to evaluate the causal link between arthritis and LBP. The primary method employed was inverse‐variance weighting (IVW), with additional techniques such as MR‐Egger, weighted median, Cochran Q statistic, and leave‐one‐out analysis used to identify heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ResultsGenetically determined RA exhibited a causal impact on LBP (Weighted median: odds ratio [OR] = 1.094, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.002–1.195, p = 0.043). Furthermore, OA at any site and KOA showed causal associations with LBP (Inverse variance weighted: OR = 1.089, 95% CI 1.011–1.173, p = 0.026) and (OR = 1.0004, 95% CI 1.000–1.008, p = 0.019), respectively. Additionally, HOA was also linked causally with an elevated risk of developing LBP (Weighted median: OR = 1.002, 95% CI 1.000–1.004, p = 0.049; Inverse variance weighted: OR = 1.002, 95% CI 1.001–1.004, p = 0.003).ConclusionsThis study offers genetic evidence supporting the causal relationship between RA, OA at any site, KOA, HOA and the increased risk of LBP, especially highlighting the significant impact of HOA.
Coupling Response of Ecosystem Service Value to Human Activity Intensity in Mountainous Areas: A Case Study of the Three Gorges Reservoir Hinterland, China
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Yangbing , Sheng Mengchen , Li Ting , Shao Jing'an , Zhao Wenxin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA comprehensive and fine‐grained understanding of the coupling relationship between ecosystem service value (ESV) and human activity intensity (HAI) in mountainous areas effectively promotes sustainable development. However, there is a shortage of research exploring the complex and comprehensive coupling relationship between the two in mountain areas. This paper constructed a research framework for the coupling relationship between ESV and HAI in mountainous areas, revealed the evolutionary characteristics of the coupling relationship between ESV and HAI in mountainous areas, and explored whether mountainous areas can move toward a win‐win situation regarding ecology and economy. The results showed that: (1) ESV in the study area showed an increasing trend from 2000 to 2020, with 204 townships (streets) showing increasing ESV, and the spatial distribution showed that streets and surrounding townships had lower ESV compared to townships farther away from the streets. The HAI showed the changing characteristics of local weakening and overall enhancement, and the spatial distribution showed that the HAI in the streets and surrounding townships was substantially higher than in the rest of the area. (2) Four types of coupling relationship changes were formed between ESV and HAI in the study area, specifically comprehensive enhancement, comprehensive recession, ecological restoration‐economic decline, and ecological decline‐economic development, with comprehensive enhancement being the dominant type, and there were 189 townships (streets) belonging to this type in 2000–2010, and in 2010–2020 there were 80. (3) Driven by natural, socioeconomic, and policy factors, the coupling relationship between ESV and HAI in mountainous areas gradually coordinated toward a win‐win situation for ecology and economy. The case study verifies the theoretical hypothesis on the coupling relationship between ESV and HAI in mountainous areas at a smaller spatial scale, providing a theoretical reference for ecological environment construction and sustainable development in similar mountainous areas.
Use of vehicle counters to index and evaluate potential shifts in angler effort following implementation of more restrictive panfish regulations in Wisconsin lakes
Authors: Dembkowski Daniel J. , Latzka Alexander W. , Feiner Zachary S. , Isermann Daniel A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Understanding angler responses to fisheries management actions, such as regulation changes, has important implications for the effectiveness and efficacy of such management strategies. We examined whether vehicle counters could provide a relative index of angler effort, and we present a case study demonstrating use of vehicle counters to assess potential changes in angler effort associated with implementation of more restrictive panfish regulations in a subset of Wisconsin lakes.

Methods
We compared vehicle counts with compulsory creel- and game-camera-based estimates of angler-hours and the number of angling parties. During 2016, a series of more restrictive panfish regulations were implemented across 132 Wisconsin lakes. We deployed vehicle counters at a subset of lakes within each regulation type during preregulation (2015–2016) and postregulation (2021–2022) time periods to assess whether the distribution of angler effort (as indexed using vehicle counters) among regulation types shifted in response to regulation implementation.

Result
At lakes with paired vehicle counters and compulsory creel data, vehicle counts explained 57–72% of the variation in daily angler effort (h) and 65–84% of the variation in daily number of angling parties. Across lakes with paired vehicle counters and game cameras, vehicle counters explained 63–77% of the variation in the number of apparent angling parties depending on how lakes were grouped (i.e., combined or stratified by regulation type); however, effectiveness of vehicle counters for explaining the variation in number of apparent angling parties varied at the individual lake level. We did not observe any systematic shifts in effort that would indicate a redistribution of angler effort in response to panfish regulations.

Conclusion
Results suggest that given appropriate validation measures, vehicle counters could be used as a cost-effective tool to index angler effort. Our findings indicate that a localized scale for implementation of specialized regulations may be appropriate given angler behaviors and preferences for Wisconsin panfish.
A comparison of recreational and survey-grade side-scan sonar systems in mapping reservoir fish habitat
Authors: Fletcher Taher , Booth Michael T. , Pritt Jeremy J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Littoral zone aquatic habitat is an important component of sport fish population dynamics in freshwater lakes and reservoirs and is a primary target of fisheries management actions. However, habitat data for these systems are often minimal or nonexistent due to the cost and time-consuming nature of traditional aquatic habitat sampling methods. Side-scan sonar has been identified as a potential tool that can address these limitations, allowing quantification of habitat features over large areas. Side-scan sonar is available in two forms: recreational (consumer grade) and professional (survey grade). Our goal was to compare these two grades of side-scan sonar by analyzing their ability to map littoral habitat features in three Ohio reservoirs.

Methods
We used a Lowrance Active Imaging 3-in-1 system (≈US$2000) recreational sonar and an EdgeTech 6205 system (≈$150,000) survey-grade sonar to collect imagery in the littoral zones of reservoirs. We manually quantified submerged woody debris, standing timber, aquatic vegetation, and benthic substrate in a geographical information system (GIS) using imagery from each sonar system and compared habitat estimates and GIS processing times. We analyzed how differences in image resolution between the two sonar systems affected the level of variation in habitat classification values generated by individual analysts.

Result
We found small differences in habitat classification values and accuracy between the two sonar systems, and trade-offs existed in spatial accuracy and ability to image dense vegetation. However, side-scan data acquisition, postprocessing, and habitat classification were generally less time-intensive with the recreational Lowrance system than with the survey-grade EdgeTech system. Unexpectedly, the lower quality Lowrance imagery had less user-based variation in GIS habitat classification.

Conclusion
Recreational side-scan sonar systems such as the Lowrance system provide sufficient imagery resolution, habitat classification values, and accuracy at a lower cost and with less processing time than survey-grade side-scan sonar systems and are useful tools for quantifying littoral habitat features in reservoirs.
Assessing Static Liquefaction Triggers in Tailings Dams Using the Critical State Constitutive Models CASM and NorSand
Authors: Rógenes Erick , Paes Ian Torras , Delgado Bruno Guimarães , Bittar Rafael Jabur , Gomes Alessandra dos Santos , Cirone Alessandro , Fávero Neto Alomir H. , Rasmussen Leandro Lima 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTStatic liquefaction‐induced failure in tailings dams can result in extensive economic and environmental damage. In practice, the use of constitutive models capable of capturing this phenomenon and assessing structures susceptible to liquefaction is increasing. Numerous constitutive models exist and have been applied to model static liquefaction of tailings materials, but the extent of the influence exerted by the choice of constitutive model on analysis outcomes remains to be determined. This study addresses this uncertainty by employing the Clay and Sand Model (CASM) and NorSand models to analyze the well‐documented case of the B1 dam failure in Brazil. Initially, a back analysis of the failure was conducted, and further analyses were carried out by simulating hypothetical triggers: crest loading and increased gravity. The influence of the adopted constitutive model on results was analyzed through the failure mechanisms generated, stress paths, and levels of disturbances necessary to trigger liquefaction. Both models produced compatible failure mechanisms, with slight differences observed in the level of disturbance required to trigger liquefaction. The results obtained from the B1 case indicate that the most important aspect related to the constitutive model in assessing structures susceptible to static liquefaction lies in the constitutive model's capacity to represent the sudden strength loss due to pore pressure generation, while the particular formulations employed in each method tend to be a secondary consideration in the analysis.
A cross‐sectional observational study of quality of life in adult short bowel syndrome patients: What role does autologous gut reconstruction play?
Authors: Braun Julia , Arensmeyer Jan Christian , Hausen Annekristin , Stolz Verena , Keller Peter Sebastian , Amarell Nicola , Lurje Georg , Schäfer Nico , Kalff Jörg C. , von Websky Martin W. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal failure (IF) describes a condition of insufficient absorption capacity and general function of the gastrointestinal tract and may necessitate long‐term intravenous fluid and nutrient supplementation. Quality of life (QoL) may be reduced in these patients. The aim of the study was to analyze QoL by two tools (SBS‐QoL and SF‐12) to elucidate which parameters impact QoL in patients with IF.MethodsQoL was assessed in a cohort of 105 patients with IF at a tertiary referral center for intestinal rehabilitation. Complete data for SBS‐QoL and SF‐12 were available in 44 of 81 surviving patients at a single time point for a cross‐sectional analysis. Medical data, outcome parameters, and comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index [CCI]) were extracted and entered in a prospective database for analysis and correlation with QoL assessment.ResultsSubscales of SBS‐QoL and SF‐12 highly correlated with each other (P = −0.64 for physical subscales; P = −0.75 for mental subscales). Significant differences in QoL were detected in patients with Messing Type I (end‐jejunostomy) and Type III anatomy (ileocolonic anastomosis) (one‐way ANOVA: P < 0.05). Performance of autologous gut reconstruction (AGR) was associated with significantly better physical QoL. CCI correlated significantly with QoL scores. Longer duration of illness resulted in higher QoL in SBS‐QoL (reduction of 0.15 per month; P = 0.045).ConclusionBoth SBS‐QoL and SF‐12 are useful to determine QoL in patients with IF. AGR was associated with improved QoL by changing SBS‐related anatomy and function. Thus, AGR surgery should be included in the treatment plan whenever possible. Comorbidities should be addressed interdisciplinarily to improve QoL.
Design of MnOx/TiO2 Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Removal of 2,4‐D Herbicide
Authors: Mantilla Angeles , Cipagauta Díaz Sandra , Samaniego Benitez Enrique , Tzompantzi Morales Francisco Javier , Navarrete Magaña Michelle 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe research and modification of semiconductors through different synthesis routes allow obtaining materials with optimal properties to induce new energy levels and improve charge separation efficiency. In this context, the sol‐gel method was used to synthesize TiO2‐based materials doped with different percentages of MnOx to evaluate their photocatalytic activity in the degradation of the herbicide 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) in water under UV irradiation. Characterization results revealed a reduction in crystallite size to 7.2 nm. Adding MnOx enhanced the optical absorption of TiO2, resulting in a shift toward the red end of the spectrum of the forbidden energy band. The photocatalytic activity increased significantly with the percentage of MnOx, reaching a maximum degradation of 70 % in 6 hours with the 3 MnTi material. This increase was attributed to the synthesis method, which facilitated the formation of nanostructured heterojunctions mainly composed of TiO2 and MnO2, reducing the recombination of electron‐hole pairs. TEM analysis confirmed these structures. A reaction mechanism for the 3 MnTi material is proposed, considering the mobility of charge carriers and the photooxidation processes of the pollutant.
Effect of soft and hard segments ratio of waterborne polyurethane on the properties of modified basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Li Guang‐Zhao , Lu Qian , Kuang Wen , Liu Gen , Liu Yi , Chen Honglin , Cao Jiaxuan , Zhang Hongwei , Han Rui , Wei Xueli , Zhou Ce , He Xuewei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe interaction between fiber and polymer matrix is crucial for the properties of fiber‐reinforced composites. This paper explored the use of end‐capped waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) modified basalt fiber (BF) to reinforce the polypropylene (PP), aiming to improve interfacial interaction and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the effect of the ratio of soft and hard segments in the end‐capped WPU and the fiber content on the comprehensive properties of the composites have been thoroughly investigated. Three kinds of capped aqueous polyurethanes with different soft‐to‐hard segment ratios were prepared, corresponding to isocyanate indices (R) of 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5, respectively. The results indicated that the fracture section images of the composites confirmed the modification effect of BF and the good interfacial compatibility between end‐capped WPU modified BF (W‐BF) and PP. Moreover, the composite with R = 1.4 end‐capped WPU modified BF exhibited the optimum mechanical properties, fatigue properties and thermal deformation temperature. Specifically, the tensile strength, fatigue performance and heat distortion temperature achieved value of 47.7 MPa, 55,000 cycles and 142.5°C, which represent increases of 32.5%, 400%, and 10.9%, respectively, compared with the unmodified fiber‐reinforced composites, respectively. This efficient interface modification strategy will provide a novel method for high‐performance fiber reinforced composites.Highlights
Waterborne polyurethanes improve the surface roughness of BF.
Chemical and physical interaction between WPU and BF.
WPU modification to enhance BF‐PP interfacial interaction.
WPU and BF increase the tensile strength by 40%.
Stronger interfacial interactions lead to higher thermal stability.