bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal and interspecific comparisons reveal shifts in the distributions of two Florida skunk species
Authors: Doran‐Myers Darcy , Gillikin Mike N. , Barrett Mark A. , Sella Kristen Nelson , Zambrano Ricardo , Wallrichs Megan , Doonan Terry J. , Braun de Torrez Elizabeth C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the distribution of wildlife species is key to their effective conservation and management. Comparing distributions of similar species can provide valuable insights regarding range overlap and how overlap changes over time. We estimated the geographic distributions of 2 skunk species, the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) and the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), in Florida, USA, for historical (1997–2002) and contemporary (2017–2022) periods using opportunistic presence data (e.g., public sightings, camera trap records, live trap records). For each species, we produced range models at 2 levels: a generalized boundary (range extent) using a concave hull and a more detailed delineation (occupied range) using kernel density estimation. We expected spotted skunk range to decline (as it has elsewhere), striped skunk range to remain stable, and both species' ranges to have a relatively high geographic overlap. The contemporary models show spotted skunk range encompassing 26% of Florida land area, primarily in southern and coastal Florida, and striped skunk range encompassing 55% of Florida land area, primarily in northern and interior Florida. Range size for spotted skunk declined by approximately 30% between periods, although range expansion occurred in some localized areas. Range size for striped skunk was stable over time, with some localized contractions and expansions. Considerable temporal shifts occurred in skunk distribution, where only 34% of spotted skunk and 54% of striped skunk occupied range remained spatially constant between periods. Divergent geographic use between the 2 species increased over time, yielding a low range overlap of 23% between their contemporary occupied ranges. Our study fills a spatial data gap in skunk research, can inform state‐ or species‐level conservation decisions for spotted skunk, and supports the need for further research on habitat requirements of skunks in Florida.
Variational Learning of Integrated Quantum Photonic Circuits via Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Chengran , Mok Wai‐Keong , Wan Lingxiao , Cai Hong , Li Qiang , Gao Feng , Luo Xianshu , Lo Guo‐Qiang , Chin Lip Ket , Shi Yuzhi , Thompson Jayne , Gu Mile , Liu Ai Qun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntegrated photonic circuits play a crucial role in implementing quantum information processing in the noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) era. Variational learning is a promising avenue that leverages classical optimization techniques to enhance quantum advantages on NISQ devices. However, most variational algorithms are circuit‐model‐based and encounter challenges when implemented on integrated photonic circuits, because they involve explicit decomposition of large quantum circuits into sequences of basic entangled gates, leading to an exponential decay of success probability due to the non‐deterministic nature of photonic entangling gates. Here, a variational learning approach is presented for designing quantum photonic circuits, which directly incorporates post‐selection and elementary photonic components into the training process. The complicated circuit is treated as a single nonlinear logical operator and a unified design is discovered for it through variational learning. Engineering an integrated photonic chip with automated control achieved by genetic algorithm, the internal parameters of the chip are adjusted and optimized in real‐time for task‐specific cost functions. A simple case of designing photonic circuits for a single ancilla CNOT gate with improved success rate is utilized to illustrate how the proposed approach works, and then the approach is applied to the first demonstration of quantum stochastic simulation using integrated photonics.
Association between psychological distress and schizotypy in adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Uchida Hiroyuki , Ohki Sae , Kuroiwa Chiaki , Tsuchiya Kenji , Kikuchi Senichiro , Hirao Kazuki 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundSchizotypy refers to a personality type characterized by behavioral and cognitive abnormalities similar in nature but less severe than those of schizophrenia. Schizotypy often progresses to schizophrenia, so identifying risk factors may facilitate early schizophrenia diagnosis and improve treatment. Psychological distress may be associated with schizotypy, highlighting its importance. However, the link between psychological distress and schizotypy remains unclear.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study examined the relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress in a Japanese adult population using internet‐based questionnaires. Schizotypy was assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire‐Brief and psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between psychological distress and schizotypy after adjusting for numerous potential confounding variables.ResultsAmong 6632 participants, 225 were classified with schizotypy (3.39%, 89 females [39.6%]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors revealed that participants with psychological distress were significantly more likely to exhibit signs of schizotypy than those without psychological distress (adjusted odd ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.85–4.59).ConclusionsThe emergence of schizotypy in adults is strongly associated with psychological distress. This finding emphasizes the need for physicians to carefully, thoroughly, and routinely assess psychological distress in adults. Longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the causal relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress.
Increased copeptin may reflect vasopressin‐related metabolic changes after bariatric surgery
Authors: Galbiati Francesca , Becetti Imen , Lauze Meghan , Aulinas Anna , Singhal Vibha , Bredella Miriam A. , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Misra Madhusmita 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveMechanisms underlying metabolic improvement following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) may provide insight into novel therapies. Vasopressin improves body composition and protects against hypoglycemia. Associations of copeptin, a stable cleavage product of vasopressin, with BMI and insulin resistance suggest an adaptive increase in vasopressin to counteract metabolic disruption. To our knowledge, no study has investigated copeptin before and after MBS in humans. This study's aim was to investigate copeptin changes following MBS and associations with metabolic parameters.MethodsThis was a 12‐month longitudinal study of 64 youth (78% female; mean age 18.7 [SD 2.8] y) with obesity (mean BMI 45.6 [SD 6.8] kg/m2) undergoing MBS (n = 34) or nonsurgical (NS) lifestyle management (n = 30). Fasting copeptin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), body composition, and resting energy expenditure (REE) were assessed.ResultsOver 12 months, copeptin increased more (time‐by‐treatment p = 0.017) whereas HbA1c and adiposity decreased more after MBS than NS (ps ≤ 0.036). Copeptin changes correlated negatively with percentage fat mass and REE changes (rho ≤ −0.29; ps ≤ 0.025) in the whole group, and they correlated positively with HbA1c and HOMA‐IR (rho ≥ 0.41; false discovery rate–adjusted p = 0.05) and negatively with REE changes (rho = −0.55; false discovery rate–adjusted p = 0.036) in the MBS group.ConclusionsIncreases in copeptin after weight loss in MBS compared with NS were associated with lower REE and higher HbA1c/HOMA‐IR values. Vasopressin may contribute to MBS‐related metabolic modifications.
Fabrication and Characterization of PPSU/PES Blend Nanofiltration Membrane via VIPS‐NIPS Method for Effective Dye Rejection
Authors: Dehban Amin , Kargari Ali , Ashtiani Farzin Zokaee 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIndustrial effluents, including dyes, pose a threat to the environment and human health, as they are resistant to reacting with oxygen; therefore, they are rarely biodegradable. Among the various processes, nanofiltration is an attractive process for separating dyes from water due to its economic efficiency. This work represents the fabrication of poly (phenyl sulfone) (PPSU)/poly (ether sulfone) (PES) blend nanofiltration membranes through vapor‐induced phase separation (VIPS) followed by immersion precipitation. The influence of polymer blend, exposure time, and coagulation bath composition on membrane characteristics and performance was studied. Results illustrate that an increment in exposure time caused a thinner top layer and changed the cross‐section morphology from finger‐like to sponge‐like. At PPSU:PES = 50:50 blend ratio, the pore radius significantly got larger than the neat polymers' fabricated membranes. The addition of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) in the coagulation bath causes the formation of smaller finger‐like voids at the top layers and a sponge‐like structure in the sub‐layers of membranes. The optimal conditions for the nanofiltration membrane were determined at 28 s VIPS time, an equal ratio of polymers, and pure water as the coagulation bath. Under these conditions, the distilled water permeability and Rose Bengal rejection were determined as 63.6 L/m2 h and 77.11%, respectively.
Numerical Simulation Study of the Motion of Single‐Chain Polymers in Microchannels
Authors: Dong Hua , Li Xiaobao , Zhou Hao , Zhao Liang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe rapid progress in microfluidic technology for viscoelastic fluids offers great potential in biomedical applications and beyond. Exploring macromolecular motion and conformation in microchannels is vital for understanding viscoelastic fluids at a microscopic level and enhancing microfluidic manipulation precision. Using the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method, this study investigates the influence of flow parameters, molecular properties, and microchannel structures on macromolecular motion and conformation. Findings include the center of mass distribution of macromolecules in straight‐channel Poiseuille flow shifting toward the channel center with increasing confinement. In lower confinement, macromolecules exhibit symmetric probabilities of being coiled or stretched, whereas higher confinement favors coiling. Tapering channels exhibit similar conformational changes to straight channels but with increased stretch length. T‐shaped channels display an entropic trapping mechanism favoring shorter chains, while longer chains exhibit a “hairpin escape” phenomenon. This study enhances the understanding of macromolecular motion at a microscopic level and contributes to the advancement of efficient microfluidic technologies.
Novel Surface Crosslinker for Superabsorbent Polymers Based on Schiff Base Reaction
Authors: Talebi Nafiseh , Rezanejade Bardajee Ghasem , Kabiri Kourosh , Boohendi Hossein , Mehr Mohammad Jalal Zohuriaan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSuperabsorbent surface modification significantly enhances hydrogels' structure, properties, and functionality, which cannot be directly polymerized. Over the past few decades, this modification technique has broadened the range of applications for superabsorbents in various industries. In this study, the Schiff base compound (E)‐2‐(((4‐hydroxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HPIMP) was synthesized by reacting salicylaldehyde with para‐aminophenol. The resulting diphenol compound was then transformed into bis (phenol glycidyl ether)imine (DGSB) using epichlorohydrin to create a new crosslinker. The chemical structure of the DGSB crosslinker was analyzed using FTIR and H‐NMR spectroscopies. The results from both FTIR and 1H‐NMR confirmed that the crosslinker was successfully synthesized. Then, the synthesized DGSB crosslinker (different amounts) as an external crosslinker was used to modify the sodium polyacrylate superabsorbents. The modified SAP's chemical composition and thermal stability were evaluated using FTIR and TGA methods. Various tests were applied to evaluate the SAP and modified SAP properties, including free absorption properties in water and saline solution, absorption under load, gel‐blocking properties, rheological behavior, and antibacterial properties. The storage modulus indicates that the gel strength and absorbency under load have been enhanced, reaching levels of 57,600 Pa and 24.81 g/g, respectively. It is proposed that the outer layer of the SAP particles has been altered through crosslinking. The surface alteration has also improved thermal stability and prevented unwanted gel blocking.
An Updated Review on the Nanocarriers Based Co‐Delivery System of Chemo Drug Doxorubicin and Phytocompounds
Authors: Pandey Pratibha , Verma Meenakshi , Lakhanpal Sorabh , Bishoyi Ashok Kumar , Roopashree R. , Kaur Manpreet , Nakash Prashant , Kaur Irwanjot , Singh Ajay , Alam Mir Waqas , Khan Fahad 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTNumerous issues and concerns are associated with current cancer therapeutics, such as multidrug resistance tumors, drug toxicity, severe side effects, and financial burden. Phytocompounds from plants have garnered significant interest as alternatives and adjunct therapies to mitigate these effects owing to their safety, efficacy, and cost‐effectiveness. As demonstrated by a number of preclinical and clinical investigations, phytocompounds and their combinations with doxorubicin mediate their anticancer effects by modulating multiple signaling pathways linked to immune system mobilization, apoptosis promotion, and inhibition of excessive cellular proliferation. However, these combinations continue to encounter challenges related to inadequate bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism. To address these challenges, the utilization of different types of nanoparticles has become significant in nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery, enhancing bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, retention time, and reducing toxicity. This field of study showcases the remarkable amalgamation of nanotechnology with phytocompounds and chemo‐drugs (doxorubicin). Thus, this review focuses on recent developments in nanocarriers based drug delivery systems, particularly those intended for the simultaneous delivery of phytocompounds and doxorubicin chemotherapy medicines, by synthesizing existing knowledge and filling research gaps. This study also discussed the combined therapy of phytocompounds with doxorubicin chemotherapeutic drugs and other nanotechnology‐based carriers for cancer treatment.
Preparation of One‐Dimensional Polymer Brushes by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Styrene Initiated by Macroinitiator
Authors: Li Mengwen , Yuan Yuka , Peng Shuoli , Zhu Xiaofan , Wang Zeyun , Hua Jing , Liu Jinhui 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTReversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is a controllable technique for free radical polymerization to synthesize polymer brushes. Macroinitiators have the advantage of grafting polymer brushes with high density over small molecule initiators due to the multiple active units in one molecule. However, there are still some shortcomings in the control of catalytic activity and polymer structure due to the unique segmental motion of macromolecules. In this work, we prepared one‐dimensional styrene polymer brushes via the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method using chlorinated polybutadiene (Cl‐LBR) as a macroinitiator and cuprous chloride (CuCl) as a catalyst. The effect of polymerization conditions on catalytic activity and polymer structure was investigated in detail. The ligands for CuCl including 2,2‐bipyridine (bpy) and pentamethyl‐diethylenetriamine (PMDETA) were also examined. Additionally, l‐ascorbic acid was adopted as a reducing agent to generate activator regenerated electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP in Cl‐LBR initiated system. In comparison with ATRP, ARGET ATRP can reduce the dosage of CuCl by 20 times. This work prepared one‐dimensional polystyrene polymer brushes with high polymerization rate and controllable structure through macromolecular initiators. This method provides a promising pathway for the preparation of one‐dimensional polymers with functional designs and demonstrates broad developmental potential in antifouling.
Modeling of z‐pinned structures using virtual fibers
Authors: Fang Jing , Chen Lei , Xie Junbo , Wang Jingjing , Shang Wei , Chen Li 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper proposed a numerical method to simulate the z‐pinning process based on the concept of virtual fiber. Each virtual fiber is a flexible chain connected by truss elements with very short length. Then the plain fabric is constructed by virtual fiber yarns, which are obtained by assembling virtual fibers together. High precision model of z‐pinned structure is generated in the quasi‐fiber scale. Micro‐scale characteristics of z‐pinned structures are well modeled by the virtual fiber model, including the nesting between fabric plies, deflection of in‐plane fibers and the tilt of z‐pins during the z‐pinning process. The Micro‐CT tests are performed to investigate the internal fiber structures of the plain laminates, before and after z‐pinning. It is found that the modeled fiber structures are in excellent agreement with the Micro‐CT results. This approach would be helpful for understanding internal fiber architectures of z‐pinned structures and provides a good basis for mechanical modeling of z‐pinned composites.Highlights
A novel method for modeling z‐pinned structures is proposed.
High precision model of z‐pinned structure is established at fiber scale.
It provides a good basis for mechanical modeling of z‐pinned composites.
Adolescents Are More Utilitarian Than Adults in Group Moral Decision‐Making
Authors: Jiang Yingying , Zhang Weiwei , Wan Yingjia , Gummerum Michaela , Zhu Liqi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study explores how peers influence the moral decisions of Chinese adolescents (12‐ to 16‐year‐olds, Mage = 14.32, n = 84) and young adults (18‐ to 26‐year‐olds, Mage = 20.92, n = 99) in moral dilemmas. Participants were asked to make moral decisions individually and then collectively within groups of three to reach a consensus in Trolly dilemma and Footbridge dilemma. They were also required to evaluate the degree to which they felt their decisions were moral. Results showed that adolescents tended to choose “action” (pull the lever in Trolly dilemma, or push the man in Footbridge dilemma) more than adults, and evaluate their “no action” choice as more immoral than young adults across both individual and group settings. Adolescents showed consistent decision‐making patterns regardless of whether decisions were made individually or collectively, while adults were more likely to choose “no action” in group decision‐making. Our results suggest that adolescents are more utilitarian than young adults when making decisions in moral dilemmas, compared to young adults. Young adults are less likely to make utilitarian choices when they are in groups than when they make decisions individually.
Sustainable Solar Module Through the Substitution of Materials by Renewable Encapsulation, Recycled Backsheet, and Lead‐Free Interconnection
Authors: Koepge R. , Pander M. , Mordvinkin A. , Jaeckel B. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSustainability and resource‐efficiency are the major topics for the 21st century. Most of the PV modules are manufactured of glass, polymers, metals, and silicon‐based solar cells. All these materials have the potential to be substituted by sustainable products. The substitution of materials for PV modules is challenging because of issues in significant unknown risks for short‐ and long‐term reliability of the PV module. Investigations for material and process routes of a 100% renewable solar module are necessary. This study investigates the suitability and reliability of different materials. For example, the reliability of an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) to a leaded‐solder reference is under investigation as well as various polymers (recycled, bio‐based, or biodegradable). In the first step, the interconnections are tested with a standard module encapsulation bill of materials (known good reference). In the second step, the module encapsulation and backsheet materials are substituted by their sustainable counterparts. The goal is to identify the most promising material combinations for further integration of lead‐free interconnected solar cells. Reliability is assessed using accelerated ageing tests in accordance with IEC 61215/IEC 61730 with standard test duration and extended test duration for each material and interconnection batches. The condition of the samples is assessed by regular visual inspection, power measurements, and electroluminescence images. The study aims to demonstrate and assess the suitability and reliability of the selected material combinations to enable the steps toward a renewable material solar module.
A549 Alveolar Carcinoma Spheroids as a Cytotoxicity Platform for Carboxyl‐ and Amine‐Polyethylene Glycol Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Petzer Melissa , Fobian Seth‐Frerich , Gulumian Mary , Steenkamp Vanessa , Cordier Werner 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTGold nanoparticles (AuNPs) present with unique physicochemical features and potential for functionalization as anticancer agents. Three‐dimensional spheroid models can be used to afford greater tissue representation due to their heterogeneous phenotype and complex molecular architecture. This study developed an A549 alveolar carcinoma spheroid model for cytotoxicity assessment and mechanistic evaluation of functionalized AuNPs. A549 spheroids were generated using an agarose micro‐mold and were characterized (morphology, acid phosphatase activity, protein content) over 21 culturing days. The 72‐h cytotoxicity of carboxyl‐polyethylene glycol‐ (PCOOH‐) and amine‐polyethylene glycol‐ (PNH2‐) functionalized AuNPs against Day 7 spheroids was assessed by determining spheroid morphology, acid phosphatase activity, protein content, caspase‐3/7 activity, and cell cycle kinetics. Spheroids remained stable over the experimental period. Although the A549 spheroids' volume increased while remaining viable over the culturing period, structural integrity decreased from Day 14 onwards. The PCOOH‐AuNPs lacked cytotoxicity at a maximum concentration of 1.2 × 1012 nanoparticles/mL with no prominent alteration to the cellular processes investigated, while the PNH2‐AuNPs (at a maximum of 4.5 × 1012 nanoparticles/mL) displayed dose‐ and time‐dependent cytotoxicity with associated loss of spheroid compactness, debris formation, DNA fragmentation, and a 75% reduction in acid phosphatase activity. Differentiation between cytotoxic and non‐cytotoxic AuNPs was achieved, with preliminary elucidation of cytotoxicity endpoints. The PNH2‐AuNPs promote cytotoxicity by modulating cellular kinetics while destabilizing the spheroid ultrastructure. The model serves as a proficient platform for more in‐depth elucidation of NP cytotoxicity at the preclinical investigation phase.