bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the stoichiometric composition of Wyoming montmorillonite using improved transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (TEM-EDX) techniques
Authors: Warr L.N. , Thombare B.R. , Sudheer Kumar R. , Peltz M. , Podlech C. , Grathoff G.H. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (TEM-EDX) represents an effective tool for determining the stoichiometric composition of clay minerals, but the methodology is often hampered by analytical difficulties. Studies of beam-sensitive minerals, such as smectites, are associated with low count intensities and dynamic loss of cations (e.g. K+, Na+, and Al3+), which can lead to erroneous quantifications of composition. After exploring how to minimize cation migration by reducing the beam current density to <5 pA cm–2, the most reliable and consistent compositions were determined using 1 μm2 area measurements of particles acquired in normal TEM mode where the electron beam was parallel, the degree of specimen damage was at its minimum and good acquisition intensities (>10,000 cps) were acquired. Based on 528 TEM-EDX area analyses, the composition of Wyoming montmorillonites (SWy-1, SWy-2, and SWy-3) was studied in their natural and Ca-saturated states from thin (<50 nm thick) particle aggregates lying on lacey carbon films. Overall, the TEM-EDX results confirmed the heterogeneous charge distributions of montmorillonite at the particle and sample levels. The average composition per formula unit of SWy-1 to -3 was determined as: (Na0.12Ca0.04Mg0.03K0.02)(Si3.91Al0.09)(Al1.57Mg0.27Fe0.19)2.03 O10(OH)2 · nH2O, where the tetrahedral and octahedral layer charges are –0.09 and –0.19 per O10(OH)2, respectively, and the total layer charge ranges from –0.25 to –0.30 per O10(OH)2 (mean of –0.28). This study demonstrates how TEM-EDX can provide new insight into the natural heterogeneities of smectite chemistry as long as adequate calibration and specimen damage control procedures are implemented.
Effect of layer bending on montmorillonite hydration and structure from molecular simulation
Authors: Greathouse Jeffery A. , Ho Tuan A. , Jové-Colón Carlos F. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Conceptual models of smectite hydration include planar (flat) clay layers that undergo stepwise expansion as successive monolayers of water molecules fill the interlayer regions. However, X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicate the presence of interstratified hydration states, suggesting non-uniform interlayer hydration in smectites. Additionally, recent theoretical studies have shown that clay layers can adopt bent configurations over nanometer-scale lateral dimensions with minimal effect on mechanical properties. Therefore, in this study we used molecular simulations to evaluate structural properties and water adsorption isotherms for montmorillonite models composed of bent clay layers in mixed hydration states. Results are compared with models consisting of planar clay layers with interstratified hydration states (e.g. 1W–2W). The small degree of bending in these models (up to 1.5 Å of vertical displacement over a 1.3 nm lateral dimension) had little or no effect on bond lengths and angle distributions within the clay layers. Except for models that included dry states, porosities and simulated water adsorption isotherms were nearly identical for bent or flat clay layers with the same averaged layer spacing. Similar agreement was seen with Na- and Ca-exchanged clays. While the small bent models did not retain their configurations during unconstrained molecular dynamics simulation with flexible clay layers, we show that bent structures are stable at much larger length scales by simulating a 41.6×7.1 nm2 system that included dehydrated and hydrated regions in the same interlayer.
Evidence that cultural groups differ in their abilities to detect fake accents
Authors: Goodman Jonathan R. , Crema Enrico , Nolan Francis , Cohen Emma , Foley Robert A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Previous research in the evolutionary and psychological sciences has suggested that markers or tags of ethnic or group membership may help to solve cooperation and coordination problems. Cheating remains, however, a problem for these views, insofar as it is possible to fake the tag. While evolutionary psychologists have suggested that humans evolved the propensity to overcome this free rider problem, it is unclear how this module might manifest at the group level. In this study, we investigate the degree to which native and non-native speakers of accents – which are candidates for tags of group membership – spoken in the UK and Ireland can detect mimicry. We find that people are, overall, better than chance at detecting mimicry, and secondly we find substantial inter-group heterogeneity, suggesting that cultural evolutionary processes drive the manifestations of cheater detection. We discuss alternative explanations and suggest avenues of further inquiry.
Graph convolutional network as a fast statistical emulator for numerical ice sheet modeling
Authors: Koo Younghyun , Rahnemoonfar Maryam 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The Ice-sheet and Sea-level System Model (ISSM) provides numerical solutions for ice sheet dynamics using finite element and fine mesh adaption. However, considering ISSM is compatible only with central processing units (CPUs), it has limitations in economizing computational time to explore the linkage between climate forcings and ice dynamics. Although several deep learning emulators using graphic processing units (GPUs) have been proposed to accelerate ice sheet modeling, most of them rely on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) designed for regular grids. Since they are not appropriate for the irregular meshes of ISSM, we use a graph convolutional network (GCN) to replicate the adapted mesh structures of the ISSM. When applied to transient simulations of the Pine Island Glacier (PIG), Antarctica, the GCN successfully reproduces ice thickness and velocity with a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.997, outperforming non-graph models, including fully convolutional network (FCN) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). Compared to the fixed-resolution approach of the FCN, the flexible-resolution structure of the GCN accurately captures detailed ice dynamics in fast-ice regions. By leveraging 60–100 times faster computational time of the GPU-based GCN emulator, we efficiently examine the impacts of basal melting rates on the ice sheet dynamics in the PIG.
A call for clarity in contractual accessions to shareholder and partnership agreements
Authors: Lau Kwan Ho 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper explores understudied issues surrounding accessions to shareholder and partnership agreements: the process by which such accessions take effect; the survival of equities following an accession; and the enforcement of a condition for incoming shareholders to have to execute and deliver a deed of accession. Accessions happen extremely often in modern commercial life, which renders surprising the dearth of academic and judicial discussion, but more disconcerting is the unsettledness of some of the complex issues implicated. The repurposing of unilateral contracts to explain how deeds of accession operate is not fully tested in English law; the conception of partial novation as adumbrated in Unitech Global Ltd v Deutsche Bank AG, which is not even law – much less bad law – has already generated academic controversy; and the enforcement of a condition precedent, in the form of prior accession to a shareholder agreement, for registration of membership in a company interacts in an uncertain way with the Companies Act 2006, lending impetus to the adoption of new methods for attaining relief.
Placebo and nocebo effects in gambling disorder pharmacological trials: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ioannidis Konstantinos , Huneke Nathan T.M. , Solly Jeremy E. , Fusetto Veronesi Guilherme , Tzagarakis Charidimos , Parlatini Valeria , Westwood Samuel J. , Del Giovane Cinzia , Baldwin David S. , Grant Jon E. , Cortese Samuele , Chamberlain Samuel R. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Placebo and nocebo effects are widely reported across psychiatric conditions, yet have seldom been examined in the context of gambling disorder. Through meta-analysis, we examined placebo effects, their moderating factors, and nocebo effects, from available randomised, controlled pharmacological clinical trials in gambling disorder.

Methods:
We searched, up to 19 February 2024, a broad range of databases, for double-blind randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of medications for gambling disorder. Outcomes were gambling symptom severity and quality of life (for efficacy), and drop outs due to medication side effects in the placebo arms.

Results:
We included 16 RCTs (n = 833) in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size for gambling severity reduction in the placebo arms was 1.18 (95%CI 0.91–1.46) and for quality of life improvement was 0.63 (0.42-0.83). Medication class, study sponsorship, trial duration, baseline severity of gambling and publication year significantly moderated effect sizes for at least some of these outcome measures. Author conflict of interest, placebo run-in, gender split, severity scale choice, age of participants or unbalanced randomisation did not moderate effect sizes. Nocebo effects leading to drop out from the trial were observed in 6% of participants in trials involving antipsychotics, while this was less for other medication types.

Conclusion:
Placebo effects in trials of pharmacological treatment of gambling disorder are large, and there are several moderators of this effect. Nocebo effects were measureable and may be influenced by medication class being studied. Practical implications of these new findings for the field are discussed, along with recommendations for future clinical trials.
RADICALS AND IDEMPOTENTS III: q-CENTRAL IDEMPOTENTS
Authors: COJUHARI E. P. , GARDNER B. J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Previously [‘Radicals and idempotents I, II’, Comm. Alg.49(1) (2021), 73–84 and 50(11) (2022), 4791–4804], we have studied the interaction between radicals of rings and idempotents in general or those of particular types, for example, left semicentral. Here we carry out similar investigations for q-central idempotents, that is, those idempotents e satisfying the condition

$(ea-eae)(be-ebe) = 0$

for all a, b.
Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) a legume with great ecological and agronomical potential under climate change
Authors: Sakhraoui Anis , Ltaeif Hela B. , Sakhraoui Asma , Villalba Juan J. , Castillo Jesús M. , Rouz Slim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Climate change is a global challenge to ecosystem services, altering crop yields and food security worldwide. In the context of climate change, Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (sainfoin) can offer a multitude of ecosystem services conferred by its multifaceted beneficial properties. We reviewed the morphological, biochemical and physiological responses to environmental stressors of O. viciifolia, summarized its ecological, agronomic, nutritional and biological interests, and we discussed its use under climate change. Onobrychis viciifolia is a hemicryptophyte forage legume adapted to arid and semiarid regions by evolving a diverse array of protective mechanisms against abiotic stressors at morphological, biochemical and physiological levels. In the present scenario of climate change, O. viciifolia has desirable forage characteristics such as high nutritive value, high voluntary intake and palatability to grazing animals, leading to satisfying animal performance for milk, meat, honey and wool production. Recent studies suggest that O. viciifolia has several highly beneficial phytochemical properties including condensed tannins and polyphenol content, which have been demonstrated to have anthelmintic activities, enhance protein utilization, and prevent bloating. In addition, O. viciifolia also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequestrate atmospheric carbon and nitrogen into the soil. Ethnobotanical investigations show that O. viciifolia possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic and vulnerary activities. This review could be helpful for understanding of O. viciifolia characteristics, interests and uses, thus promoting its reasonable cultivation under a changing climate.
Using carcass information as a predictor variable of empty body weight, empty body weight gain and retained energy of hair sheep
Authors: Brito Neto Antonio de Sousa , Herbster Caio Julio Lima , Marcondes Marcos Inacio , Chagas Juana Catarina Cariri , Oliveira Ronaldo Lopes , Bezerra Leilson Rocha , da Silva Luciano Pinheiro , Pereira Elzania Sales 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The objective was to develop equations to predict carcass weight (CW), use CW to predict empty body weight (EBW); and carcass gain (CG) to predict empty body weight gain (EBWG) and retained energy (RE) in hair sheep. To generate the prediction models, a data set was composed of individual measurements from 569 sheep encompassing intact males (n = 416), castrated males (n = 51), and females (n = 102). Validation analyses were performed by using the Model Evaluation System (MES). The prediction equations for CW, EBW, and EBWG were not influenced by sex class (P > 0.05), and the following equations were generated, respectively: CW (kg) = − 0.234 (±1.1358) + 0.485 (±0.0387) × FBW; EBW (kg) = 1.367 (±0.5472) + 1.681 (±0.0210) × CW and EBWG (kg) = 0.004 (±0.0026) + 1.679 (±0.0758) × CG. There was an effect of sex class on the intercept (P = 0.0013) of the relationship between RE and CG: RE (MJ/day) = 1.448 (±0.0657) × EBW0.75 × CG0.797 (±0.0399); RE (MJ/day) = 1.522 (±0.0699) × EBW0.75 × CG0.797 (±0.0399) and RE (MJ/day) = 1.827 (±0.0739) × EBW0.75 × CG0.797 (±0.0399) for intact males, castrated males and females, respectively. This study highlights the importance of incorporating carcass information into EBW, EBWG, and RE predictions. Replacing empty body weight gain with carcass gain might be a suitable alternative to estimate the retained energy of hair sheep. In addition, the generated equations will provide support for meat production systems in carcass weight prediction.
Drought stress tolerance in vetch plants (Vicia sp.): agronomic evidence and physiological signatures
Authors: Yadollahi Parvis , Eshghizadeh Hamid Reza , Razmjoo Jamshid , Zahedi Morteza , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Gheysari Mahdi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate vetch genotypes’ responses to moderate and severe drought stress and identify stress tolerance markers in arid conditions. Ten vetch genotypes (Vicia dassycarpa Ten., V. pannonica Crantz., V. michauxii Spereng., V. sativa-Ardebil, V. sativa-Dashtyar, V. sativa-Fereydonshahr, V. sativa-Mashhad, V. sativa-Semirom, V. sativa-Shahrekord and V. villosa Roth.) were cultivated under three water-deficit conditions: control, moderate and severe drought stress. These conditions represented maximum allowable depletion levels of 30, 50 and 85% of soil available water, applied after the six-leaf stage in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 growing seasons. The findings highlight the vetch's response to drought stress is influenced by stress severity and genotype. The result indicated a wide range of genetic diversity in agro-physiological traits among the studied vicia germplasm. Vicia dassycarpa Ten. shows highest straw yield and shorter days to flowering and maturity. Vicia michauxii Spreng. demonstrates high grain yield and advantageous traits like increased water content, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and membrane stability index. It has lower soluble carbohydrate, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and proline content. Additionally, V. michauxii Spreng. exhibits superior agronomic traits such as more seeds per pod, per plant and higher 1000 seeds weight, serving as reliable markers for drought tolerance. The results emphasize V. dassycarpa Ten. for fodder and V. michauxii Spreng. for grain production in water-limited regions. Further research on gene expression related to drought tolerance traits should enhance our understanding of vetch.
Charting brain GABA and glutamate levels across psychiatric disorders by quantitative analysis of 121 1H-MRS studies
Authors: Zhang Jiayuan , Toulopoulou Timothea , Li Qian , Niu Lijing , Peng Lanxin , Dai Haowei , Chen Keyin , Wang Xingqin , Huang Ruiwang , Wei Xinhua , Zhang Ruibin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundPsychiatric diagnosis is based on categorical diagnostic classification, yet similarities in genetics and clinical features across disorders suggest that these classifications share commonalities in neurobiology, particularly regarding neurotransmitters. Glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain's primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, play critical roles in brain function and physiological processes.MethodsWe examined the levels of Glu, combined glutamate and glutamine (Glx), and GABA across psychiatric disorders by pooling data from 121 1H-MRS studies and further divided the sample based on Axis I disorders.ResultsStatistically significant differences in GABA levels were found in the combined psychiatric group compared with healthy controls (Hedge's g = −0.112, p = 0.008). Further analyses based on brain regions showed that brain GABA levels significantly differed across Axis I disorders and controls in the parieto-occipital cortex (Hedge's g = 0.277, p = 0.019). Furthermore, GABA levels were reduced in affective disorders in the occipital cortex (Hedge's g = −0.468, p = 0.043). Reductions in Glx levels were found in neurodevelopmental disorders (Hedge's g = −0.287, p = 0.022). Analysis focusing on brain regions suggested that Glx levels decreased in the frontal cortex (Hedge's g = −0.226, p = 0.025), and the reduction of Glu levels in patients with affective disorders in the frontal cortex is marginally significant (Hedge's g = −0.172, p = 0.052). When analyzing the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex separately, reductions were only found in GABA levels in the former (Hedge's g = − 0.191, p = 0.009) across all disorders.ConclusionsAltered glutamatergic and GABAergic metabolites were found across psychiatric disorders, indicating shared dysfunction. We found reduced GABA levels across psychiatric disorders and lower Glu levels in affective disorders. These results highlight the significance of GABA and Glu in psychiatric etiology and partially support rethinking current diagnostic categories.
Adverse psychiatric effects of psychedelic drugs: a systematic review of case reports
Authors: Yildirim B. , Sahin S. S. , Gee A. , Jauhar S. , Rucker J. , Salgado-Pineda P. , Pomarol-Clotet E. , McKenna P. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundPsychedelic drugs are a focus of interest in the treatment of depression and other disorders but there are longstanding concerns about possible adverse psychiatric consequences. Because the relevant literature is largely informal, the seriousness of these risks is difficult to evaluate.MethodsSearches were made for case reports of schizophrenia-spectrum, affective or other psychiatric disorders after use of psychedelic drugs. Case reports of flashbacks were also searched for. Individuals with recent use of other drugs (apart from cannabis and alcohol) and/or a previous history of major psychiatric disorder were excluded. Symptoms were tabulated using the Syndrome Check List of the Present State Examination (PSE-9).ResultsWe found 17 case reports of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, 17 of affective disorder (depression, mania, or both), 3 cases of anxiety, 1 of depersonalization, and 1 of unclassifiable illness. The states could develop after a single use of the drug (5/17 schizophrenia; 6/17 affective disorder), and duration was highly variable. Recovery was the rule in cases of affective disorder but not in schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Twelve of 29 cases of flashbacks showed psychiatric symptomatology definitely outlasting the attacks, mainly anxiety (5 cases) and depression (8 cases). Flashback symptoms resolved within twelve months in approximately half of the cases but in a few persisted for years.ConclusionsReliable descriptions of schizophrenia spectrum disorder and major affective disorder after psychedelic drug use disorder exist but are relatively uncommon. Flashbacks are sometimes but not always associated with psychiatric symptomatology, mainly anxiety or depression.
A hierarchical deep reinforcement learning algorithm for typing with a dual-arm humanoid robot
Authors: Baltes Jacky , Mandala Hanjaya , Saeedvand Saeed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Recently, the field of robotics development and control has been advancing rapidly. Even though humans effortlessly manipulate everyday objects, enabling robots to interact with human-made objects in real-world environments remains a challenge despite years of dedicated research. For example, typing on a keyboard requires adapting to various external conditions, such as the size and position of the keyboard, and demands high accuracy from a robot to be able to use it properly. This paper introduces a novel hierarchical reinforcement learning algorithm based on the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm to address the dual-arm robot typing problem. In this regard, the proposed algorithm employs a Convolutional Auto-Encoder (CAE) to deal with the associated complexities of continuous state and action spaces at the first stage, and then a DDPG algorithm serves as a strategy controller for the typing problem. Using a dual-arm humanoid robot, we have extensively evaluated our proposed algorithm in simulation and real-world experiments. The results showcase the high efficiency of our approach, boasting an average success rate of 96.14% in simulations and 92.2% in real-world settings. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms DDPG and Deep Q-Learning, two frequently employed algorithms in robotic applications.
To divide or not to divide: Innovations on liability for reparations in the Ntaganda case
Authors: Biazatti Bruno 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn 2021, the Ntaganda case introduced a new approach to evaluating the monetary liability for reparations in the International Criminal Court (ICC) by explicitly recognizing joint and several liability and centring the determination of the quantum of reparations on the harm suffered by the victims and the costs to repair it. As suggested by the Ntaganda Trial Chamber, these two innovations promote a stronger separation between the reparation process and the criminal trial, in order to consolidate a compensatory and victim-centred approach to reparations awarded by the ICC. This article critically appraises the innovations in Ntaganda through the lens of Article 21 of the Rome Statute, focussing on three elements: (i) the evolving jurisprudence on monetary liability in the ICC prior to the Ntaganda case; (ii) the case law on reparations of hybrid criminal courts; and (iii) the notion of general principles of law derived from the national legal systems of the world, in the sense of Article 21(1)(c) of the Statute. The article argues that, despite its victim friendly veneer, the approach introduced in Ntaganda should not be taken for granted. Besides the fact that multiple important aspects and ramifications of this approach remain unaddressed, those two innovations may have serious implications for the victims, the convicted persons, and the ICC’s reparations process as a whole.