bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Sex May Serve as Low Mate Value Compensation Among Men: Evidence from a Pre-registered Study
Authors: Frankowska Natalia , Szymkow Aleksandra , Galbarczyk Andrzej 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFrom the evolutionary perspective, maintaining a committed relationship is beneficial for reproductive success but involves risks such as losing a partner or infidelity. People typically prefer partners with similar mate value (MV) to avoid rejection. However, when a mate value discrepancy (MVD) arises, the partner with lower MV might employ mate retention strategies to maintain the relationship. This study investigated whether men with lower MV compared to their female partners used cunnilingus more often and whether this effect was mediated by their motivation to satisfy the partner. Additionally, it tested the moderating role of men’s perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD), predicting that men less concerned about disease would show a stronger link between MVD and cunnilingus frequency, given the health risks associated with oral sex. Data from 540 men in committed heterosexual relationships confirmed that a higher MVD—where the man's MV was lower than his partner's—led to more frequent cunnilingus, and this relationship was mediated by a greater motivation to sexually satisfy the partner. However, the moderating role of PVD was not confirmed. We explore the evolutionary perspective that men may perform oral sex on their partners as a mate retention strategy. This behavior potentially serves as a benefit-provisioning mechanism, compensating for discrepancies in mate value.
Understanding Taphonomy Through 3D and 2D Records: A Case Study from the Tropical Maya Area
Authors: De Tomassi Mirko , Lercari Nicola 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMortuary archaeology in the Maya region is complicated by both cultural and natural factors. Distinctive funerary depositional and post-depositional secondary activities, in addition to tropical climate, contribute to the complexity of pre-Hispanic Maya funerary practices. This paper proposes to merge 2D and 3D recording data to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the taphonomic phenomena that affect heavily altered burials at the site of Palenque, Mexico. Employing an archaeothanatological approach, we argue that careful 3D imaging, integrated with earlier produced legacy data, provides additional insight into the formation processes of funerary contexts compared to previous methods. Digital photogrammetric analyses improve our capacity to reconstruct joint articulations of the body and its original funerary deposition in situ. The results of this research elucidate the intentional activities that led to the archaeological arrangement of the grave assemblage. By noticing the degree of articulation and clarifying the pace at which bodies decomposed, these results showcase the depositional sequence of one collective mixed burial from Group IV, a domestic compound in Palenque. These results suggest the viability of 3D methodologies in assessing post-depositional disturbances and movements of the body, both for illuminating funerary taphonomic practices and serving as important recording procedures for the future.
Neuronal traveling waves form preferred pathways using synaptic plasticity
Authors: Butler Kendall , Cruz Luis 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Traveling waves of neuronal spiking activity are commonly observed across the brain, but their intrinsic function is still a matter of investigation. Experiments suggest that they may be valuable in the consolidation of memory or learning, indicating that consideration of traveling waves in the presence of plasticity might be important. A possible outcome of this consideration is that the synaptic pathways, necessary for the propagation of these waves, will be modified by the waves themselves. This will create a feedback loop where both the traveling waves and the strengths of the available synaptic pathways will change. To computationally investigate this, we model a sheet of cortical tissue by considering a quasi two-dimensional network of model neurons locally connected with plastic synaptic weights using Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP). By using different stimulation conditions (central, stochastic, and alternating stimulation), we demonstrate that starting from a random network, traveling waves with STDP will form and strengthen propagation pathways. With progressive formation of traveling waves, we observe increases in synaptic weight along the direction of wave propagation, increases in propagation speed when pathways are strengthened over time, and an increase in the local order of synaptic weights. We also present evidence that the interaction between traveling waves and plasticity can serve as a mechanism of network-wide competition between available pathways. With an improved understanding of the interactions between traveling waves and synaptic plasticity, we can approach a fuller understanding of mechanisms of learning, computation, and processing within the brain.
Phosphorous determination in nuclear reactor materials: dysprosium titanate, titanium dioxide and uranium oxide
Authors: Verma Poonam , Thakur U. K. , Jeyakumar S. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA reliable analytical methodology is developed to determine phosphorus as phosphate in nuclear matrices viz uranium oxide, TiO2 and dysprosium titanate by spectrophotometric molybdenum blue method. Refractory matrices (TiO2 and dysprosium titanate) are dissolved employing microwave technique. Calibration is linear in the concentration range from 0.1 to 1.0 ppm of phosphorous with r2 better than 0.9989. LOD obtained is 0.03 ppm. Method and instrumental RSD is 1 and 0.3%, respectively at 0.33 ppm level. Recovery of P at 0.33 ppm level is better than 95%. The developed method is validated by comparing results obtained by ion chromatography.
First evidence of predation on the native endangered Iberian desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) and Iberian water shrews (Neomys anomalus) by the invasive species American mink using eDNA tools in Extremadura (Spain)
Authors: Ripa Adriana , Palacios-Gonzalez María Jesús , Díaz-Caballero José A. , Espinosa Antonio , Zalba Francisco Javier , García-Zapata Juan Luis , Fernádez-García José Luis 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Wildlife conservation and management aims to restore population declines, it is the vulnerable or endangered populations who require the greatest conservation efforts. In this context, non-invasive sampling has been evaluated as an option for reporting prey/predator impact. Galemys pyrenaicus is currently threatened throughout its range, and cohabits with Nemys anomalus, in Extremadura (Spain). Predation by American mink and otter has been suggested, but the first one is considered a serious conservation problem. This study has focused on the use of molecular methods based on RT-PCR and DNA sequencing, as it can inform on how invasive predators are harming the desman or the Iberian water shrew, and how these genetic tools can be used to detect predation.

Methods and results
Five samples (faecal and stomach contents) were received and RT-PCR assays were performed using TaqMan probes simultaneously targeting the cytochrome b (cytb) genes of G. pyrenaicus and N. anomalus, and the presence of both micromammals as prey was assessed. The predator was identified by Sanger sequencing using the nuclear IRBP gene. The assays provide a powerful tool for identification of invasive species, as in this case, but further confirmation by comparative sequence alignment by BLAST search was also necessary.

Conclusions
This study contributes to highlight simultaneously monitor and discriminate predation on specific micromammals with faecal samples of predators. Also supports the use of highly sensitive DNA analysis from samples obtained from predators as an additional methodology to monitor their effects on prey populations.
Understanding and how-possibly explanations: Why can’t they be friends?
Authors: Verreault-Julien Philippe , Grüne-Yanoff Till 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In the current debate on the relation between how-possibly explanations (HPEs) and understanding, two seemingly irreconcilable positions have emerged, which either deny or assert HPEs’ contribution to understanding. We argue, in contrast, that there is substantial room for reconciliation between these positions. First, we show that a shared assumption is unfounded: HPEs can be interpreted as being correct explanations. Second, we argue that what we call the standard account is actually compatible with the claim that HPEs may improve understanding. Our analysis not only indicates that there is room for reconciliation, but also specifies the potential remaining disagreements.
Centenarians—the way to healthy vascular ageing and longevity: a review from VascAgeNet
Authors: Summer Sabrina , Borrell-Pages Maria , Bruno Rosa-Maria , Climie Rachel E. , Dipla Konstantina , Dogan Aysenur , Eruslanova Kseniia , Fraenkel Emil , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Pugh Christopher J. A. , Rochfort Keith D. , Ross Mark , Roth Lynn , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno , Schwarz Dennis , Shadiow James , Sohrabi Yahya , Sonnenberg Jannik , Tura-Ceide Olga , Guvenc Tuna Bilge , Julve Josep , Dogan Soner 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of centenarians, people who lived 100 years and longer, is steadily growing in the last decades. This exceptional longevity is based on multifaceted processes influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as sex, (epi-)genetic factors, gut microbiota, cellular metabolism, exposure to oxidative stress, immune status, cardiovascular risk factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle behavior. Epidemiologically, the incidence rate of cardiovascular diseases is reduced in healthy centenarians along with late onset of age-related diseases compared with the general aged population. Understanding the mechanisms that affect vascular ageing in centenarians and the underlying factors could offer valuable insights for developing strategies to improve overall healthy life span in the elderly. This review discusses these key factors influencing vascular ageing and how their modulation could foster healthy longevity.
Interfacial mechanical behavior of epoxy-quartz: MD nanoindentation and nanoscratching study
Authors: Wei Pengchang , Yin Zhen-Yu , Hicher Pierre-Yves , Xu Wangqi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is widely used in various engineering fields due to its several outstanding properties. In geotechnical engineering, the interactions between FRP and soil play an essential role. In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method has been performed to study the interfacial mechanical behavior of epoxy-quartz interface as a subsystem of FRP-soil structure. Uniaxial traction on bulk epoxy was conducted to verify the accuracy of the model. The nanoindentation and nanoscratching mechanisms of epoxy-quartz interface were analyzed, considering the effect of loading rate, sliding velocity, and indentation depth. Abrasion models have been proposed based on the relationship between forces and displacements. Simulation results indicated that the indenter force and the indentation hardness of epoxy substrate increased with the loading rate during nanoindentation, and the relationship between indenter force and indentation depths could be expressed by a power law. The forces along three directions increased with the sliding velocity or indentation depths during nanoscratching, the sliding force and the sliding distance following an exponential function. The numerical simulations demonstrated that the surface wear of the epoxy substrate had the shape of a groove in nanoindentation and a fan-shaped distribution during the nanoscratching process.
Technology-Based Substance Use Interventions for Emerging Adults and College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hai Audrey Hang , Curran Laura , Simons Jocelyn N. , Carey Kate B. , Bordnick Patrick S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective
To synthesize randomized controlled trial evidence on technology-based interventions’ (TBIs) effectiveness for substance use among emerging adults (EA)/college students (CS).

Methods
Nine electronic databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed evidence quality. We used robust variance estimation in meta-regression for effect size synthesis and moderator analysis.

Results
Based on 130 studies, the overall between-group effect size was 0.23 (95% CI = 0.18, 0.28). The effect sizes for comparing TBIs with no treatment, standard care, and non-technology interventions were 0.25 (CI = 0.19, 0.31), 0.23 (CI = 0.15, 0.32), and 0.12 (CI = -0.02, 0.25), respectively. Older participants showed significantly larger effect sizes, and interventions using multiple technologies had larger effects than smartphone-based ones.

Conclusion
TBIs are effective in reducing substance use in EA/CS, with outcomes comparable to non-technology interventions and advantages over no treatment and standard care. Future research should address drug-related outcomes, multi-technology approaches, age-appropriate designs, and cultural diversity.
When am I Accountable for What Others do? The Causal Accounts and the Explanatory Challenge
Authors: Oidermaa Meradjuddin Khan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe majority of authors in the complicity literature claim that causal accounts of complicity are inadequate because they fail to handle cases of causal overdetermination (Kutz, 2000, 2007, 2020; Lawson, 2013; Driver, 2015a, b; Bazargan-Forward, 2013, 2017, 2022; Mellema, 2016; Aragon and Jaggar, 2018; Williams 2019; Bennett, 2021; Donohue, 2021; Knowles, 2021). However, it has recently been argued that causal accounts can handle such cases (Lepora and Goodin, 2013; Petterson, 2013; Jensen, 2020). In this paper I scrutinize these defenses. I argue while they make some progress towards overcoming the standard overdetermination challenge, they are not fully satisfactory. More importantly, I present a novel challenge raised by cases of overdetermination—the explanatory challenge. I argue that, not only do these recent defenses not overcome this challenge, it is unlikely that any causal account can overcome it. Finally, I suggest that since causal accounts of complicity are inadequate, pluralism about complicity must be correct, because we cannot fully dispense with causation from our understanding of complicity.
Evaluating air leakage from staple line reinforcements in anatomical pulmonary resection (AIRSTOP): a prospective randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Yusa Jotaro , Tanaka Kazuhisa , Takahashi Kohei , Shiko Yuki , Sugawara Takeshi , Yoshino Ichiro , Suzuki Hidemi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Air leakage during pulmonary resection is a major complication in thoracic surgery. It frequently occurs at sites of adhesion dissection, due to lung manipulation, and along the staple lines of automatic suturing devices, particularly in cases of pulmonary fragility such as those of emphysema and interstitial pneumonia. Persistent postoperative air leakage prolongs chest tube indwelling and extends hospitalization time. Staplers with absorbable tissue reinforcements have been introduced for pulmonary resection to prevent intraoperative stapler-related air leakage. This phase II prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial aims to validate the efficacy of staplers with or without absorbable tissue reinforcements in controlling stapler-related air leakage during anatomical pulmonary resections.

Methods
Overall, 120 patients will be randomized into two groups: one that will undergo conventional anatomical pulmonary resection and the other in which staplers with absorbable tissue reinforcements will be used. The primary endpoint will be intraoperative stapler-related air leakage. Data will be analyzed between 2024 and 2025.

Discussion
This trial will validate the effectiveness and safety of staple line reinforcements in controlling intraoperative air leakage during anatomical pulmonary resections, potentially leading to optimized strategies for patients with conditions such as emphysema and interstitial pneumonia.

Trial registration
This trial has been registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials 1032220620 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs031230224).
Disease Network-Based Approaches to Study Comorbidity in Heart Failure: Current State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Gomez-Ochoa Sergio Alejandro , Lanzer Jan D. , Levinson Rebecca T. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Heart failure (HF) is often accompanied by a constellation of comorbidities, leading to diverse patient presentations and clinical trajectories. While traditional methods have provided valuable insights into our understanding of HF, network medicine approaches seek to leverage these complex relationships by analyzing disease at a systems level. This review introduces the concepts of network medicine and explores the use of comorbidity networks to study HF and heart disease.

Recent Findings
Comorbidity networks are used to understand disease trajectories, predict outcomes, and uncover potential molecular mechanisms through identification of genes and pathways relevant to comorbidity. These networks have shown the importance of non-cardiovascular comorbidities to the clinical journey of patients with HF. However, the community should be aware of important limitations in developing and implementing these methods.

Summary
Network approaches hold promise for unraveling the impact of comorbidities in the complex presentation and genetics of HF. Methods that consider comorbidity presence and timing have the potential to help optimize management strategies and identify pathophysiological mechanisms.
Beyond the herd: investigating livestock feeding strategies in the Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (3rd c. BC) through a multi-isotope analysis
Authors: Messana Chiara , Tornero Carlos , Colominas Lídia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
During the Iron Age, north-eastern Iberian communities relied on crop cultivation and animal husbandry for their subsistence. The latter was mainly focused on caprine, with sheep being prominent due to their suitability to the Mediterranean climate, orography, and environment. Despite the pivotal role of sheep in livestock husbandry, information on Iberian communities’ feeding strategies for this species is limited. To address this lacuna, this study investigates the livestock feeding habits at four Catalan sites dating back to the 3rd century BC: Mas Castellar de Pontós, Tossal de Baltarga, Sant Esteve d’Olius, and Turó de la Rovira. Bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) of bone collagen and sequential carbon and oxygen analyses (δ13C and δ18O) of dental enamel were performed on 74 remains (43 bones, 31 teeth) from 51 sheep. Additionally, 153 bone remains from other domestic and wild species from the four sites were analysed. Our results revealed the complex and adaptive livestock feeding strategies of Iron Age Iberian populations. Sheep exhibited minimal diet variations, mainly consuming C3 plants across the four sites. Nevertheless, their feeding habits changed seasonally depending on pasture availability and settlement requirements. The other main domestic species were subject to individualised and variable feeding strategies within the same settlement. This diversified feeding management unveiled the complex and adaptive nature of the husbandry practices employed by Iron Age Iberian communities. Finally, the extensive number of remains analysed provides the first data on livestock feeding strategies for the Middle/Late Iron Age in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula.
Ionic liquids as stabilisers of therapeutic protein formulations: a review of insulin and monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Tien Samuel , Kayser Veysel 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTherapeutic proteins such as insulin and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become an essential part of the modern healthcare system and play a crucial role in the treatment of various diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders. However, their long-term stability is a significant concern, affecting efficacy, shelf-life, and safety. Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as promising additives to enhance protein stability and address the aforementioned issues. Indeed, recent studies indicate that biocompatible ILs, particularly choline-based ILs, have significant potential to improve stability while preserving proteins’ functionality. For instance, choline valinate has been shown to increase the melting temperature of insulin by almost 13 °C (Judy and Kishore Biochimie 207:20-32, 2023), while choline dihydrogen phosphate has increased the melting temperature of trastuzumab by over 21 °C (Reslan et al. Chem Commun 54:10622-10625, 2018). However, it is worth noting that the use of some ILs introduces a complex trade-off: while they can increase thermal stability, they may also promote protein unfolding, thereby reducing conformational stability. Moreover, selecting the most suitable IL and its optimal concentration is challenging, as different protein formulations may exhibit varying effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on ILs as stabilisers for insulin and mAbs, documenting specific IL-protein combinations and conditions to identify potential future stabilising agents for biologics in general.
The PARPscore system using poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family features and tumor immune microenvironment in glioma
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Feng Juan , Zhou Xia , Zhang Jie , Tao Chuming , Zhou Hongwei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe immune response plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and therapy. However, the influence of protein PAR polymerases (PARPs) modifications on cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains insufficiently understood. In this study, the Clinical and RNA sequencing data we performed a comprehensive analysis of PARPs modification patterns, exploring their associations with TME cell infiltration were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database. To quantify PARPs modification in individual tumors, we developed a novel metric, the PARPscore, derived using principal component analysis. Our findings revealed three distinct PARPs modification patterns, each correlated with unique TME infiltration characteristics and tumor immunophenotypes. These patterns demonstrated predictive value for various clinical parameters, including inflammation stage, tumor subtypes, TME matrix activity, genetic variations, and patient prognosis. Notably, the high PARPscore subtype exhibited features of stromal activation and reduced immune infiltration, indicative of a non-inflamed, immune-excluded TME phenotype, and was associated with poorer survival outcomes. Conversely, lower PARPscore subtypes corresponded to substantial therapeutic benefits and improved outcomes in two independent immunotherapy cohorts. This study underscores the critical role of PARPs modification in shaping the diverse and dynamic TME. By delineating tumor-specific PARPs modification patterns, we provide valuable insights into TME complexity and its implications for immunotherapy.