bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Raccoon density estimation from camera traps for raccoon rabies management
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Dixon Wesley C. , Chipman Richard B. , Gilbert Amy T. , Hill Jacob E. , Beasley James C. , Rhodes Olin E. , Dharmarajan Guha 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDensity estimation for unmarked animals is particularly challenging, yet density estimates are often necessary for effective wildlife management. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are the primary terrestrial wildlife reservoir for Lyssavirus rabies within the United States. The raccoon rabies variant (RRVV) is actively managed at landscape scales using oral rabies vaccination (ORV) within the eastern United States. To effectively manage RRVV, it is important to know the density of raccoons to appropriately scale the density of ORV baits distributed on the landscape. We compared methods to estimate raccoon densities from camera‐trap data versus more intensive capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) estimates across 2 land cover types (upland pine and bottomland hardwood) in the southeastern United States during 2019 and 2020. We evaluated the effect of alternative camera configurations and durations of camera trapping on density estimates and used an N‐mixture model to estimate raccoon densities, including covariates on abundance and detection. We further compared different methods of scaling camera‐based counts, with the maximum number of raccoons seen on any given image within a day best explaining density. Camera‐trap density estimates were moderately correlated with CMR estimates (r = 0.56). However, densities from camera‐trap data were more reliable when classifying category of density as an index used to inform management (83% correct when compared to CMR estimates), although the densities in our study fell into the 2 lowest density classes only. Using more cameras reduced bias and uncertainty around density estimates; however, if ≤6 camera traps were used at a site, a line transect approach proved less biased than a grid design. Camera trapping should be conducted for at least 3 weeks for more accurate estimates of raccoon population density in our study area (<5% bias). We show that camera‐trap data can be used to assign raccoon densities to management‐relevant density index bins, but more studies are needed to ensure reliability across a greater range of environmental conditions and raccoon densities.
Asymmetric Domain Growth for Bistable Information Hiding and Revealing in Blue Phase Liquid Crystals
Authors: Chen Quanming , Ouyang Cheng , Xie Zhiyao , Xu Chunting , Wu Zongxuan , Min Jiayuan , Liu Yanjun , Luo Dan , Hu Wei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPhotonic crystals (PCs) are innovative structures with periodic variations in refractive index, enabling remarkable light manipulation capabilities that hold promise for fundamental research and practical applications in physics, biology, and engineering. This work explores the hierarchical structures of blue‐phase liquid crystals (BPLCs), which are characterized by distinct omnidirectional photonic band gaps. By leveraging the asymmetric domain growth of BP a novel method for bistable information hiding and revealing is proposed. With a single‐side photopatterned cell, a polydomain of BPLC is formed during cooling thanks to the generated temperature gradient. Upon applying an alternating current (AC) electric field, a monodomain state is achieved, allowing for clear, high‐contrast information retrieval. Both quick response (QR) code and geometric phase hologram are encoded to the alignment layer, and reversible information hiding and revealing are demonstrated via alternating the heating and electric driving processes. Moreover, continuous shifting of reflective color is presented via varying applied voltages. The proposed technique may inspire future applications in optical encryption, camouflage, and advanced information security technologies.
Advances in Adhesive Materials for Oral and Maxillofacial Soft Tissue Diseases
Authors: Cheng Qiu‐Shuang , Xu Pei‐Yao , Luo Sheng‐Chang , Chen Ai‐Zheng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOral diseases represent a prevalent global health burden, profoundly affecting patients' quality of life. Given the involvement of oral mucosa and muscles in diverse physiological functions, coupled with clinical aesthetics considerations, repairing oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects poses a formidable challenge. Wet‐adhesive materials are regarded as promising oral repair materials due to their unique advantages in easily overcoming physical and biological barriers in the oral cavity. This review first introduces the intricate wet‐state environment prevalent in the oral cavity, meticulously explaining the fundamental physical and chemical adhesion mechanisms that underpin adhesive materials. It then comprehensively summarizes the diverse types of adhesives utilized in stomatology, encompassing polysaccharide, protein, and synthetic polymer adhesive materials. The review further evaluates the latest research advancements in utilizing these materials to treat various oral and maxillofacial soft tissue diseases, including oral mucosal diseases, periodontitis, peri‐implantitis, oral and maxillofacial skin defects, and maxillofacial tumors. Finally, it also highlights the promising future prospects and pivotal challenges related to stomatology application of multifunctional adhesive materials.
A Novel Synonymous Variant in SQSTM1 Causes Neurodegeneration With Ataxia, Dystonia, and Gaze Palsy Revealed by Urine‐Derived Cells‐Based Functional Analysis
Authors: Masuko Shinji , Sato Mitsuto , Nakamura Katsuya , Hamanaka Kohei , Miyatake Satoko , Inaba Yuji , Kosho Tomoki , Matsumoto Naomichi , Sekijima Yoshiki 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHeterozygous variants of sequestosome‐1 gene (SQSTM1) have been reported in patients with various neurological disorders, whereas biallelic pathogenic variants of SQSTM1 can cause child‐onset and multisystem neurodegeneration, including cerebellar ataxia, dystonia, and vertical gaze palsy (NADGP). Here, we describe two cases of NADGP in a Japanese family.MethodsWe performed clinical and genetic laboratory evaluations of the two patients and their healthy parents.ResultsBy whole‐exome sequencing, we identified compound heterozygous variants in SQSTM1(NM_003900.5): c.1A>G p.(Met1?) in the initial codon, and c.969G>A, located at the 3′ end of exon 6, which is novel and seemingly a synonymous but is actually a truncating variant causing aberrant splicing. An SQSTM1 protein expression assay using urine‐derived cells (UDCs) demonstrated that both variants (c.1A>G and c.969G>A) were unable to induce normal splicing of premessenger RNA. Cerebellar ataxia is a characteristic manifestation of this disorder; however, brain magnetic resonance imaging studies have not shown significant cerebellar atrophy. Our patients experienced chorea during adolescence.ConclusionsOnly a few reports have highlighted the presence of chorea; however, our findings suggest that NADGP should be considered as a differential diagnosis of hereditary chorea. This study also demonstrates the utility of UDCs, obtained using noninvasive approaches, in functionally analyzing genetic diseases.
3D MR elastography at 0.55 T: Concomitant field effects and feasibility
Authors: Darwish Omar Isam , Di Cio Pierluigi , Sinkus Ralph , Neji Radhouene 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of hepatic 3D MR elastography (MRE) at 0.55 T in healthy volunteers using Hadamard encoding and to study the effects of concomitant fields in the domain of MRE in general.MethodsConcomitant field effects in MRE are assessed using a Taylor series expansion and an encoding scheme is proposed to study the corresponding effects on 3D MRE at 0.55 T in numerical simulations and in phantom experiments. In addition, five healthy volunteers were enrolled and scanned at 60 Hz mechanical excitation with a Hadamard‐encoded 3D MRE sequence at 0.55 T and were also scanned with a reference 3D MRE sequence at 3 T for comparison. The retrieved biomechanical parameters were the magnitude of the complex shear modulus (|G*|), the shear wave speed (Cs), and the loss modulus (G″). Comparison of apparent SNR between 3 T and 0.55 T was performed.ResultsTheoretical analysis, numerical simulations and phantom experiments demonstrated that the effects of concomitant fields in 3D MRE at 0.55 T are negligible. In the healthy volunteer experiments, the mean values of |G*|, Cs, and G″ in the liver were 2.1 ± 0.3 kPa, 1.5 ± 0.1 m/s, and 0.8 ± 0.1 kPa at 0.55 T, respectively, and 2.0 ± 0.2 kPa, 1.5 ± 0.1 m/s, and 0.9 ± 0.1 kPa at 3 T, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between the biomechanical parameters retrieved at 0.55 T and 3 T. A 2.1‐fold relative apparent SNR decrease was observed in 3D MRE at 0.55 T in comparison with 3 T.ConclusionHepatic 3D MRE is feasible at 0.55 T, showing promising initial results in healthy volunteers.
Analytical Method for Predicting Tunnel Deformation Caused by Overlying Excavation Considering the Dewatering
Authors: Li Yanwei , Wang Defa , Luo Yiping , Liu Yuhao , Suo Nan , Liu Zhao , Wang Qi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPredicting the tunnel deformation caused by overlying excavation is a crucial catch in current rail transit construction. Most theoretical studies overlook the effect of dewatering on tunnel response. This study utilized Mindlin's stress solution and an improved incremental method to calculate the additional load resulting from excavation. The load increment due to dewatering was determined based on the effective stress principle and a modified Dupuit infiltration curve. Treating the tunnel as a series of segment rings on a Vlazov foundation, the energy variance method and a collaborative deformation model were employed to develop a tunnel deformation prediction model. The proposed model's validity was confirmed by examining two traceable cases. Based on this, further discussion addressed the impact of dewatering depth, tunnel burial depth, tunnel‐pit relative distance, and intersection angle on existing tunnel deformation. Finally, combining the proposed model with multiple regression analysis, a semi‐empirical method was established to determine the tunnel's maximum vertical displacement. The study found that dewatering extends the tunnel force range, and the tunnel subsidence was positively correlated with groundwater level drop depth. The increase in the tunnel burial depth and distance from the excavation center led to a longer soil unloading transfer path, resulting in reduced disturbance to the tunnel. A smaller intersection angle between the excavation's short edge and the tunnel led to less disturbance of the underlying tunnel, which should be avoided in practical engineering. The developed semi‐empirical formulae have sufficient engineering accuracy, guiding the reinforcement of the underlying tunnel.
An Adaptive Time Filter Algorithm for the 2D/3D Unsteady Triple‐Porosity Stokes Model Arising in Super‐Hydrophobic Proppant Modification in Hydraulic Fracturing Systems
Authors: Li Jian , Song Wenyan , Qin Yi , Chen Zhangxing 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we propose an adaptive time filter algorithm for the 2D/3D unsteady triple‐porosity Stokes model arising in super‐hydrophobic proppant modification in hydraulic fracturing systems. The time filter algorithm with variable time steps is given, which can improve the time accuracy from the first order to the second order without increasing any computational complexity. Moreover, this adaptive decoupled algorithm can reduce calculational costs and provide effective error control for its solution, compared to traditional numerical algorithms. Especially, the stability and second‐order convergence of the time filter algorithm with variable time steps are proven under a relaxed time step restriction of the form . Numerical results confirm the results of our theoretical analysis and the complex flow characteristics of the model through 2D/3D numerical examples.
Efficacy of Nortriptyline‐Topiramate and Verapamil‐Paroxetine in Tinnitus Management: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Abouzari Mehdi , Tawk Karen , Kim Joshua K. , Larson Eva D. , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of 2 drug combinations on tinnitus severity and associated stress, depression, sleep, and anxiety.Study DesignA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial conducted between 2019 and 2023 for an 8‐week duration.SettingSingle institution tertiary care center.MethodsThe study recruited adult patients with moderate to severe tinnitus for 6 months or more. In total, 81 patients were assessed for eligibility, 78 were enrolled and randomized, and 67 were included in the per‐protocol analysis. Patients were randomized into 3 groups (1:1:1). Group NT received nortriptyline‐topiramate, group VP received verapamil‐paroxetine, and group P received placebo.ResultsA total of 19 patients in group NT, 22 in group VP, and 26 patients in group P were included in the per‐protocol analysis. In group NT, the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) score decreased from 58.4 ± 13.9 (baseline) to 46.3 ± 17.5 (end‐of‐trial) (P < .001). Similarly, in group VP, the TFI score decreased from 54.6 ± 17.5 to 42.2 ± 16.1 (P = .004). However, group P did not demonstrate any significant decrease in the TFI score from 51.2 ± 18.6 to 45.2 ± 20.1 (P = .086). The between‐arm analysis did not yield any statistical significance decrease in the TFI score (analysis of variance, P = .265).ConclusionBoth combinations of drugs were promising in improving tinnitus severity. However, larger‐scale trials with longer follow‐up periods are warranted to validate our findings between groups.
Multiscale damage analysis based on the variational effective model
Authors: Xu Xu , Jezdan Ghina , He Yiqian , Hackl Klaus 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the damage analysis of material with complex microstructures, a full‐scale direct numerical simulation (DNS) could produce huge computational costs. Alternatively, multiscale modeling is a more effective method by using less degrees of freedom to balance the calculation accuracy and cost. In this paper, a new multiscale damage modeling method is proposed based on the framework of the variational effective model originally presented by Jezdan et al. and the relaxation damage model presented by Junker et al. A variational statement for the free energy and the dissipation potential for a coarse scale model is constructed by relating the free energy and dissipation potential of the fine scale model. In this way, the coarse scale damage variable is defined instead of directly solving in the fine scale model; therefore, the computational efficiency can be increased. Besides, the relaxation damage model can effectively avoid ill‐posed boundary value problems in damage analysis without use of gradients or integration techniques. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hydrothermal behavior of pure PA 6 and homogenization of discontinuous long carbon fiber‐reinforced PA 6
Authors: Kehrer Loredana , Scheuring Benedikt , Blarr Juliane , Böhlke Thomas 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPolymer‐based composites play a crucial role in lightweighting applications by providing resource‐efficient semi‐structural materials. Among these, polyamides, in particular polyamide 6 (PA 6), serve as widely used matrix materials in various technical applications, especially in fiber‐reinforced composites. The mechanical properties and performance of PA 6 are significantly affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Previous research has investigated the influence of hydrothermal conditions on the mechanical properties of pure PA 6. This study aims to extend the preceding investigations with additional experimental tests. As a preliminary work to later investigate the influence of the fibers on the hydrothermal behavior, discontinuous long carbon fiber‐reinforced PA 6 is considered for micromechanical modeling of the effective behavior. In this context, a mean‐field homogenization approach based on the Hashin–Shtrikman principle is used. By means of a variable reference stiffness, an approach specifically tailored to the material system under consideration can be applied. The simulation data are compared with data from experiments under tension load indicating good agreements for a specific choice of the reference material.
Utilization and associated factors of TPMT testing among Australian adults receiving thiopurines: A national retrospective data‐linkage study
Authors: Yiu Chin Hang , Ianni Bella D. , Fujita Kenji , Tan Edwin C. K. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Lu Christine Y. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionThiopurine drugs are metabolized by thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and low TPMT activity can result in severe adverse drug reactions. Therefore, TPMT testing is recommended for individuals receiving thiopurines to reduce the risk of toxicity.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess the rate of TPMT testing among individuals receiving thiopurines and explore factors associated with undergoing TPMT testing in Australia.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized administrative data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), and the 2021 Census, accessed via the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA) at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) DataLab. Individuals receiving thiopurines aged 18 years or above were identified using PBS data and exposure to TPMT testing was determined using MBS data. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with TPMT testing.ResultsA total of 62,574 prevalent thiopurine users were identified between 2020 and 2022. Of these, 20,327 (32.5%) underwent TPMT testing (2011–2022). The most significant factor associated with TPMT testing was having at least one thiopurine medication prescribed by a medical specialist (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02–2.22), compared to having medication solely prescribed by primary care physicians (PCPs). Other significant factors associated with TPMT testing included speaking a non‐English language at home (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.22–1.36), having no chronic health conditions (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.13–1.24), not requiring assistance with core activities (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.23), and having a higher educational attainment (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.11). Compared to living in major cities, individuals living in remote areas were significantly less likely to undergo testing (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.39–0.60).ConclusionOur study highlights the low utilization of TPMT testing in Australia and suggests the need for targeted interventions to address disparities and improve TPMT testing.
Design and synthesis of camphor‐thiazole derivatives as potent antifungal agents: structure–activity relationship and preliminary mechanistic study
Authors: Dai Peng , Ma Zihua , Dang Yuncong , Huang Jiaxuan , Xue Huizhen , Sun Yafang , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Xia Qing , Zhang Weihua 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlant pathogenic fungi pose a severe threat to crop yield and food security. This study aims to investigate the potential antifungal activity and mechanism of action of camphor‐thiazole derivatives against six plant pathogenic fungi. A novel series of camphor‐thiazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal effects against Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium graminearum, Valsa mali, Alternaria solani, Colletotrichum orbiculare and Botryitis cinerea.RESULTSMost of the synthesized camphor‐thiazole derivatives exhibited notable antifungal activity. Amongst them, compounds C5, C10 and C17 showed significant activity against R. solani with median effective concentrations (EC50) values in the range 3–4 μg mL−1, demonstrating superior antifungal efficacy to the control drug boscalid (EC50 = 1.23 μg mL−1). Structure–activity relationship and density functional theory analysis emphasized the critical role of substituent selection in optimizing the biological activity of these compounds. Moreover, preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that compound C5 induced abnormal mycelial and cellular morphology in R. solani as observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and triggered the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the increased concentration of C5 resulted in enhanced cell membrane permeability.CONCLUSIONIn this study, the designed and optimized compound C5 emerged as a promising candidate for potent antifungal agents. The results demonstrate that synthesized camphor‐thiazole derivatives possess potent antifungal activity and can serve as lead compounds for further optimization in antifungal agent development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of Mathematics for Robust Stability and for Robustly Strictly Positive Real on an Uncertain Interval Plant
Authors: Ghosh Buddhadev , Chakraborty Gargi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present a robust control problem wherein represents a family of interval plants. For this particular problem, we introduce four Kharitonov polynomials uniquely by minimizing and maximizing the concept of multilinear functions with uncertain parameters and for the plant and where denotes the conjugate of and , with representing frequency within a specified domain. This technique yields a Kharitonov rectangle or box whose every four vertices are represented by four unique Kharitonov polynomials , each is denoted by and and this rectangle characterizes both robust stability and robustly strictly positive real (SPR) for the family of interval plants (). Thus, the introduction of this Kharitonov rectangle stands as a novel innovation in this article. Our contribution encompasses two key aspects. Initially, we demonstrate the stability of the four unique Kharitonov polynomials employing Hurwitz stability criteria, followed by the utilization of Kharitonov's theorem to ensure robust stability of . Subsequently, to establish robustly SPR of , we analyze the SPR of each interval plant concerning the stability of and , adhering to the condition . Additionally, we provide a detailed illustrative example. Furthermore, we demonstrate the motion of the Kharitonov rectangle and the robust stability test through simulation.