bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) population trend using 12 years of data across different Italian regions
Authors: Tramontana Daniel , Franchini Marcello , Giannerini Sauro , Labate Antonella , Cortesi Claudio , Sorrenti Michele 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a popular migratory game bird in Italy, especially in the northern regions. An effective management plan for this species requires setting up a population monitoring scheme to estimate its conservation status. For waders subject to hunting, like the common snipe, such monitoring must also be based on quantitative and qualitative data collected for consecutive hunting seasons. Among these data, the demographic trends, the frequency and distribution during postnuptial migration, hunting bags, plumage collections, and habitat use are essential to improve the management and conservation of this species. The aim of this work was to explore variations in common snipe abundance in the span of 12 hunting seasons in 5 Italian regions: Emilia‐Romagna, Latium, Marche, Piedmont, and Umbria. Data on common snipe abundance in each region and year were reported in the form of an abundance index (Indice Cynégétique d'Abondance [ICA]) and a harvest index (Indice Cynégétique de Prélèvement [ICP]), which correspond respectively to the number of common snipes flushed and harvested during a hunting trip. Considering pooled data from all regions, our findings revealed no significant variations in common snipe abundance and harvest rate from 2010–2011 to 2021–2022. However, significant differences emerged in the 5 explored regions. These results underscore the importance of maintaining long‐term monitoring programs for evaluating the conservation status of the common snipe population, such as presence and abundance, which are critical for sustainable hunting and conservative management of the species in Italy.
The Optimal Layout Strategy for Subsurface Pipes to Improve Soil Desalination and Increase Crop Yield: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yang Yang , Ao Chang , Liu Yi , Zuo Yutian , Zeng Wenzhi , Xing Weimin , Huang Jiesheng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSubsurface drainage systems are now used in various fields to control soil salinity, manage the water table, and increase crop yields by discharging groundwater and excess water from the soil. However, few studies have compared the effects of subsurface drainage systems on soil salinity and crop yield of different soil and climatic environments. Therefore, this study synthesized 891 experiments from 57 screened papers spanning 1979 to 2024. The results showed that fields with subsurface drainage system significantly reduced soil salinity by 25.56% and increased crop yield by 20.28% (p < 0.05) compared to fields without such systems. Other physicochemical properties of the soil showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the ionic content of CO3
2−, HCO3
−, Na+, etc., and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in soil permeability. This study found that subsurface drainage systems had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on soil desalination and yield increase in most soils and climates. Comparatively better desalination was achieved in weakly alkaline saline soils with medium sand content and high salt content than in areas without such systems. Subsurface drainage significantly reduced soil salinity and increased yield in both dryland and paddy fields (p < 0.05), while the effects on soil desalination and yield improvement were more significant in paddy fields. Additionally, this study suggests that in humid climates, the subsurface drainage system layout should have more than 30 m spacing and a drain depth of over 1.2 m. In arid climates, if the groundwater table depth is less than or equal to 1 m, the drain depth should be over 1.2 m with a spacing of 10–20 m. However, when the groundwater table depth exceeds 1 m, the drain depth should be between 1 and 1.2 m. In summary, subsurface drainage has good application prospects for saline and alkaline soils.
Optimization Strategies for Ecological Security Pattern Based on the Remote Sensing Ecological Index in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Lai Jinlin , Li Jiashun , Liu Li 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCurrent research on ecological security pattern (ESP) primarily emphasizes preserving the overall connectivity of ecosystems. However, a significant gap exists in systematically identifying ecologically degraded areas and optimizing regional ecological networks. In particular, the southwestern region of China, characterized by complex terrain and diverse ecosystems, lacks comprehensive research on the dynamic changes in regional ESP. This study uses machine learning to identify the primary drivers of spatial patterns in the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) and establishes a corresponding ecological resistance surface. Through integrating morphological spatial pattern analysis with circuit theory, we developed a “point‐line‐area” combined ESP for Yunnan Province and proposed recommendations for optimizing regional ecological protection. Results show that 66 ecological sources were identified in 2000, decreasing to 52 in 2023, with the area increasing from 29,730.57 to 43,122.06 km2, primarily in the southwest. Additionally, the study identified 69 ecological corridors in 2000 and 52 in 2023, with total length reducing from 5934 to 4813 km. Ecological connectivity in the southwestern region improved significantly; however, ecological corridors in the northeast remain sparse, contributing to ecological pressure. Furthermore, 71 and 65 ecological pinch points, along with 46 and 53 ecological barriers, were identified. Overall, ecological source areas in Yunnan Province increased significantly, with substantial connectivity improvements, especially in the southwest. However, areas such as the Kunming economic circle exhibit limited ecological functionality. Future efforts should focus on expanding buffer zones and restoring corridors to enhance connectivity and stability.
Diether‐Based Chiral Multilayered 3D Polymers and Oligomers: Unveiling AIE and AIP Phenomena
Authors: Zhang Sai , Xu Qingzheng , Qin Xiuyuan , Yuan Qingkai , Li Guigen , Zhang Yue 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this study, the synthesis of a novel chiral multilayer 3D polymer based on a diether structure is reported. This architecture not only imparts chirality but also facilitates the study of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and aggregation‐induced polarization (AIP). Using various polymerization techniques, multilayered chiral structures are constructed that exhibit significant AIE, marked by increased luminescence upon aggregation, and notable AIP behavior, indicating enhanced optical activity. Comprehensive characterization through spectroscopy and microscopy elucidates the mechanisms behind these phenomena. These findings highlight the potential of diether‐based chiral multilayer 3D polymers for advanced optoelectronic and sensor applications, paving the way for multifunctional materials.
Multiple‐Temperature‐Responsive Double‐ and Triple‐Network Hydrogels
Authors: Boon‐in Supissra , Crespy Daniel 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTemperature‐responsive hydrogels which are reversibly activated attract much attention in the field of smart materials. Herein, double‐ and triple‐network hydrogels exhibiting dual‐ or triple‐volume transitions upon changes of temperature are fabricated. Interestingly, the incorporation of superhydrophilic polymer network leads to a significant difference swelling or shrinkage of the multiple‐network hydrogels. Applications of such hydrogels are envisioned in soft robotics or for producing programmable reactors.
Nodal staging score: A tool to quantify the number of lymph nodes for examination and predict survival in IB–IIA cervical cancer
Authors: Qiu Hongrui , Hu Xingyuan , Huang Qizhi , Feng Yinan , Lin Hongwei , Wang Huili , Huang Zhenyu , Leng Jinhang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccording to current official guidelines, there is no generally recommended minimum number of lymph nodes examined during surgery for cervical cancer. However, patients with few nodes removed are still common, and the prevalence of nodal invasion may be underestimated because of false‐negative findings. In this article, we introduced a statistical tool called the Nodal Staging Score (NSS), which predicts the minimum number of examined lymph nodes to confidently ensure a node‐negative status preoperatively.MethodsUsing the beta‐binomial model, we analyzed lymph node invasion data for 8789 patients with cervical cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. This analysis quantified the number of lymph nodes that require assessment across various early International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages. We also performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to explore the prognostic significance of NSS.ResultsWith an increased number of examined lymph nodes, the probability of missing nodal disease decreased and varied among different FIGO stages. For stages IB1–IIA, the examination of 6, 21, and 33 lymph nodes, respectively, was required to reduce the probability of missing positive nodes (i.e., 1−NSS) to less than 10%. The clinical significance of NSS was verified with prognostic information. Compared with NSS <0.90, NSS ≥0.90 was significantly associated with better overall survival for node‐negative patients.ConclusionThe NSS is an auxiliary tool that not only enhances the precision of FIGO staging but also provides a statistical basis for postoperative evaluation to inform further clinical decision‐making.
Scaling up Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security With Nanoscience and Technology
Authors: Miteu Goshen David , Ojeokun Olayemi , Addeh Irenosen , Ayomide Afolabi , Olayinka Temidayo , James Sunday Godwin , Adeyemo Oluwatobi , Benneth Elohozino Oghale 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAgriculture has been the primary source of food for humanity since time immemorial. With the ever‐growing global population and the rising demand for food supplies, there has been a transition from traditional agricultural practices to more advanced methods. Nanoscience and technology represent a cutting‐edge approach that offers numerous benefits. This review narrates the importance of incorporating nanoscience and technology into agriculture to manipulate matters for sustainable agriculture and food security. This study will also serve as a valuable resource for agriculturalists in developing countries, providing them with a better understanding of the potential of nanoscience and technology in agriculture, ultimately contributing to improved food production and global food security.
Single‐Layer Miniaturized Wideband Antenna Based on Stub‐Loaded Metasurface
Authors: Li Jie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a single‐layer miniaturized wideband antenna based on the stub‐loaded metasurface (MS) structure. The stub is loaded at the edge of a square MS cell and inserted into the gap between two adjacent cells, enhancing the surface capacitance and reducing the resonance frequency. Consequently, the stub‐loaded MS structure can provide the resonance frequency of the conventional square MS structure while having a smaller aperture. In this way, a miniaturized wideband MS antenna based on the stub‐loaded MS structure is designed. It has a bandwidth of 41% (4.5−6.82 GHz) and a compact size of (where is the wavelength at the center frequency). Subsequently, based on this miniaturized MS antenna, the partial peripheral cells, which initially have little effect on radiation, are modified to obtain a sufficiently excited radiation aperture, resulting in a larger bandwidth of 47% (4.61−7.43 GHz) with a size of . Compared with the conventional MS antenna, the proposed antenna is 70% smaller in size while having a larger bandwidth and a simple single‐layer structure.
O‐TO‐T Advancement Reconstruction for Partial Glossectomy Defects: A Case Series
Authors: Rickels Kaersti L. , Shay Aryan , Gardner James R. , King Deanne , Sunde Jumin , Moreno Mauricio , Vural Emre 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe present O‐T advancement reconstruction (OTAR) in lateral tongue defects, describing technique, indications, outcomes, and limitations. 11 patients with lateral tongue defects who underwent OTAR after earlystage cancer removal. Demographics, staging, functional oral intake scale (FOIS), dysphagia outcome severity scale (DOSS), defect size, and complications were included. Functional outcomes assessed through telephone encounters. Preoperative FOIS and DOSS were 6.9 and 6.8, postoperatively were 4.8 and 5. Mean defect of 4.7 cm × 3.4 cm. Nine patients required nasogastric tubes postoperatively. Site complications included 2 minor dehiscence. By telephone, tongue‐biting was reported in 3, mild dysarthria in 3, and food impaction in 2. FOIS and DOSS were 6.7 and 6.5. Reconstruction of tongue defects may be achieved with OTAR as a reliable alternative to primary closure or even more complex microvascular techniques. Utilization may preserve functional swallowing and speech outcomes, most probably due to lateral sulcus sparing features.
Molecular dynamics and experimental study of mechanical and tribological properties of graphene‐reinforced nitrile butadiene rubber–phenolic resin composites
Authors: Li Yunlong , Chen Zhiju , Qian Cheng , Wang Shijie , Nie Rui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe mechanical and tribological properties as well as the microstructural characteristics of five groups of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/graphene (GE)/phenolic resin (PF) composites were systematically investigated using a combination of experimental and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods. Experiments confirmed that PF effectively enhanced the mechanical properties of NBR, including the crosslinking density, hardness, and compression permanent deformation, along with its tribological performance under various working conditions. MD simulations further clarified the tribological mechanism of the NBR/GE/PF composites from a microscopic perspective, highlighting the pivotal role of the hydrogen‐bonding network. PF15 exhibited low wear and mobility during friction owing to its robust hydrogen‐bonding network.Highlights
Combined experiments and simulation for NBR performance analysis.
Investigated the tribological properties of NBR/GE/PF under various conditions.
Hydrogen bonding in NBR/GE/PF was achieved via simulation.
A good correlation was found between experimental results and simulation data.
Advances and Challenges in Prenatal Detection and Genetic Diagnosis of Upper Limb Anomalies: Analysis of a South London and Kent Cohort
Authors: Ruscitti Federica , Giacchino Tara , Koutoulas Lemonia , Homfray Tessa , Akolekar Ranjit , Sankaran Srividhya , Fowler Emma , Bint Susan , Walsh Cheryl , Garagnani Lorenzo , Forzano Francesca , Holder‐Espinasse Muriel , Elmakky Amira 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivePrenatal detection and genetic diagnosis of congenital upper limb anomalies is particularly challenging due to both anatomical and technological factors. Hereby, we present a cross‐sectional description of clinical and genetic findings in a 188‐patient cohort.MethodIn this retrospective study, we present 188 cases with prenatally or postnatally detected upper limb anomalies, either isolated, associated with other anomalies, or syndromic. Patients were examined in four tertiary care centers in South London and Kent from 2012 to 2023.ResultsAnomalies were prenatally detected in 158/188 patients (84%), with positional defects (37), polydactyly (34) and transverse defects (25) as the most frequent. 63/188 patients (58%) received a genetic diagnosis of aneuploidy (36), Copy Number Variant (9), or monogenic disorder (18). In 39 out of 103 prenatally tested patients (38%), this diagnosis was given prenatally, contributing to termination of the pregnancy in 23 cases.ConclusionThrough a cross‐sectional description of 188 cases with congenital upper limb anomalies, we discuss prenatal ultrasound detection (in terms of numbers and accuracy) and genetic diagnosis.
Predicting absolute protein folding stability using generative models
Authors: Cagiada Matteo , Ovchinnikov Sergey , Lindorff‐Larsen Kresten 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWhile there has been substantial progress in our ability to predict changes in protein stability due to amino acid substitutions, progress has been slower in methods to predict the absolute stability of a protein. Here, we show how a generative model for protein sequence can be leveraged to predict absolute protein stability. We benchmark our predictions across a broad set of proteins and find a mean error of 1.5 kcal/mol and a correlation coefficient of 0.7 for the absolute stability across a range of natural, small‐ to medium‐sized proteins up to ca. 150 amino acid residues. We analyze current limitations and future directions including how such a model may be useful for predicting conformational free energies. Our approach is simple to use and freely available at an online implementation available via https://github.com/KULL-Centre/_2024_cagiada_stability.
Experimental recombining of repetitive motifs leads to large functional metallothioneins and demonstrates their modular evolvability potential
Authors: Dallinger Reinhard , Pedrini‐Martha Veronika , Burdisso Maria Lucia , Capdevila Mercè , Palacios Oscar , Albalat Ricard 
Published: December 2024

AbstractProtein modularity is acknowledged for promoting the emergence of new protein variants via domain rearrangements. Metallothioneins (MTs) offer an excellent model system for experimentally examining the consequences of domain rearrangements due to the possibility to assess the functional properties of native and artificially created variants using spectroscopic methods and metal tolerance assays. In this study, we have investigated the functional properties of AbiMT4 from the snail Alinda biplicata (Gastropoda, Mollusca), a large MT comprising 10 putative β domains (β39β1), alongside four artificially designed variants differing in domain number, type, or order. Our findings reveal that AbiMT4 is a cadmium‐selective protein with a high metal‐binding capacity, characterized by structurally and functionally independent domains repeated in tandem along the protein. Our results indicate that due to its modular organization, AbiMT4 remains functional even when the number, type, and order of the domains are significantly altered. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the metal‐binding properties of AbiMT4 are not dictated by the overall architecture of the protein but primarily arise from the properties of each individual domain. Using MTs as example, this work provides empirical evidence that domain rearrangements are an effective strategy for exploring new viable sequences and creating novel protein variants subject to adaptive selection. Thus, our study highlights the importance of the modular structure of proteins, as increasing their functional flexibility enhances their evolvability. Additionally, our work demonstrates a simple way to design and model new proteins for predefined functions.
Insights into substrate recognition and export tunnel preferences in the efflux transporter AcrB
Authors: Makhamadjamonov Farrukh , Karolak Michal Emil , Smyth Lesley , Ababou Abdessamad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn Escherichia coli AcrB is a major multidrug exporter, which confers the bacterium resistance to many antibiotics with diverse structural and chemical proprieties. Studies have identified three possible tunnels (or channels) within AcrB that different substrates use before reaching the distal pocket, from which they are subsequently extruded. Recently, we reported that mutations in the AcrB gate loop may affect the conformational change kinetics involved in substrate export rather than directly affecting molecular interactions with this loop, and we highlighted the distinct export tunnel preferences between erythromycin and doxorubicin. To further understand the gate loop's role in AcrB's export activity and the rationale behind substrate preferences among the three possible export tunnels, namely tunnel‐1, ‐2, and ‐3, we investigated the structural and functional effects of several single and multiple mutations in the gate loop of AcrB. Our findings indicate that all three tunnels are energetically favorable for the substrates studied, with the majority forming more hydrogen bonds in any tunnel compared to the distal pocket. Moreover, our experimental and computational data revealed that some substrates with high molecular similarity exhibited different export tunnel preferences, as strongly suggested by their MIC values. To explain this unexpected outcome, we propose a generalized explanation that the conformational change kinetics in AcrB is substrate‐dependent.
Right ventricular stroke work index in pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Csósza Györgyi , Valkó Luca , Dinya Elek , Losonczy György , Müller Veronika , Lázár Zsófia , Karlócai Kristóf 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI) reflects the active work of the right ventricle (RV), but its clinical usefulness is not yet fully known in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to evaluate the correlation of RVSWI to clinical parameters, the presence of comorbidities and response to therapy. We performed a retrospective observational study of 54 patients (PAH: N = 30, CTEPH: N = 24) and control patients (N = 11), and collected clinical data including RVSWI and comorbidities at baseline. We also compared changes in the parameters of the four‐strata mortality risk score at follow‐up (median time of 12 months) after the initiation of therapy between patients with low‐ (<1450 mmHg*mL/m2, N = 18) and high‐RVSWI values (≥1450 mmHg*mL/m2, N = 19). RVSWI at diagnosis was higher in PAH/CTEPH compared to control subjects (1408 ± 391 vs. 704 ± 140 mmHg*mL/m2, p < 0.001, mean ± standard deviation, t‐test), but did not differ between PAH and CTEPH patients (1406 ± 342 vs. 1409 ± 470 mmHg*mL/m2, p = 0.98). Patients without comorbidities had higher RVSWI than those with comorbidities (N = 23: 1522 ± 400 vs. N = 31: 1323 ± 384 mmHg*mL/m2, p = 0.04), which was also found in PAH (p < 0.001), but not in CTEPH (p = 0.37). A greater improvement in the four‐strata mortality risk score (p < 0.05) and a trend for a larger reduction in N‐terminal proB‐type natriuretic peptide concentration (p = 0.06) were observed in the high‐RVSWI subgroup than in the low‐RVSWI patients at follow‐up. In PAH and CTEPH, RVSWI provides additional information on RV function in comorbidities, and it may predict response to specific therapy. Regular monitoring of RVSWI may aid in optimizing therapy selection and timing.
Tunable Chern Number and Sizable Bandgap in Kagome‐Honeycomb‐Triangle Latticed Quantum Anomalous Hall Insulator
Authors: Lian Huijie , Xu Xiaokang , Lu Jinlian , Rui Xue , Qi Lu , Yao Xiaojing , He Ailei , Zhang Xiuyun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe search of 2D magnetic materials with quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect is a fascinating topic in the field of condensed matter physics, which holds great promise for topological quantum computing. This work proposes that Kagome‐Honeycomb‐Triangle lattice Cr3O4Cl monolayer represents a class of ferromagnetic Weyl half‐metal with high Curie temperature. Upon considering the spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) effect, the Weyl point is broken and a topologically nontrivial gap of 101.96 meV is opened. Under biaxial tensile strain, the Cr3O4Cl monolayer is transformed from QAH metal to QAH insulator with Chern number C = 1. Remarkably, a Chern number phase transition from C = 1 to C = 3 can be achieved via manipulating the hole concentration of 1.05 holes per unit cell. This work proposes a platform for realizing 2D high Chern number QAH effect for practical applications.