bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size Matters: The Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Parasite Transmission in the Daphnia‐Metschnikowia Host–Parasite System
Authors: Webb Lukas , Manzi Florent , Wolinska Justyna 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNPs) poses a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems. Nanoplastics (NPs; < 1000 nm) are particularly concerning due to their ability to penetrate cellular membranes and disturb intracellular functions. While current research has predominantly focused on the toxicological impacts of MNP on individual species, their broader ecological effects, particularly on species interactions, remain poorly understood.

Prior studies have indicated that smaller NPs within the nano‐size range generally cause more severe effects on individual organisms. However, the impact of varying NP sizes on species interactions has not been thoroughly explored. This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of polystyrene NP beads of two sizes (50 nm and 100 nm) and two concentrations (1 mg/L and 5 mg/L) on the infection dynamics of the fungal parasite Metschnikowia bicuspidata in two genotypes of the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna.

Our results indicated that lower NP concentrations (1 mg/L) had no significant effects on either host or parasite fitness. Exposure to 50 nm NPs at 5 mg/L significantly diminished both the parasite's transmission success and the host's lifespan. Conversely, 100 nm NPs at the same concentration enhanced parasite fitness. Given that M. bicuspidata is a widespread and virulent parasite affecting various Daphnia species globally, alterations in infection dynamics due to NP pollution could have broader implications for Daphnia populations and freshwater food webs.

These findings highlight the critical need to incorporate species interactions into plastic pollution research and emphasise the importance of evaluating the effects of different NP sizes on ecological relationships to fully comprehend the ecological impact of MNP pollution.
Contextual Admissions: Normative Considerations
Authors: Moore Joanne , Mountford‐Zimdars Anna 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAccess to higher education is often competitive, and much attention has been placed on the question of admission decision‐making in such high stakes situations. We identify various approaches to distributive justice and consider these under the framework developed by Pike distinguishes between ‘egalitaria’ (everyone gets the same); ‘necessitia’ (people get what they need); ‘desertia’ (people get what they deserve); and ‘marketia’ (the market decides what people get). Considering applicants in context is one approach to deciding admissions designed to enhance fairness and support social justice. This approach is practiced in a range of countries including the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan and operates under names such as Contextual Admissions (CA), Holistic Assessment (HA) or Holistic Review (HR). This thought piece considers the philosophical/normative and practical reasoning approaches that underpin CA. We use the case of English higher education to illustrate the political and philosophical debates, to highlight practical challenges and potential limitations and to identify further considerations for realising the benefits of contextualising university applicants.
Densification of ceramics and ceramic‐based composites using ultralow temperature sintering (cold sintering): A comprehensive review
Authors: Evangeline T Gecil , Annamalai A Raja 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis article provides a concise overview of cold sintering, a technique for densification of ceramics and ceramic‐based composites at ultralow temperatures. It emphasizes the incorporation of various materials including oxides, fluorides, bromides, carbonates, chlorides, and phosphates during the cold sintering process. Cold sintering achieves densification through high‐pressure dissolution and precipitation using liquids like water as a medium. For multi‐material devices, this ultralow temperature method offers a promising solution for combining materials with diverse thermal properties leading to novel integrated materials. Numerous materials have been effectively integrated at extremely low temperatures achieving properties comparable to those of traditional methods; this review comprehends their perspective on the wet consolidation mechanism.
Defect center–tailored calcium aluminate glasses for photonic applications: Unveiling structure–diffusivity correlation
Authors: Chakraborty Saswata , Tah Indrajit , Chakraborty Anustup , Mohapatra Sushanta K. , Maharana Himanshu S. , Kancharla Harikrishna , Dey Krishna K. , Sen Prince , Balaji Sathravada , Biswas Kaushik , Annapurna K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCalcium aluminate (CA)‐based glasses have drawn significant attention owing to their pronounced optical, mechanical, and chemical properties for potential applications in IR photonics. Nonetheless, limitations related to their poor glass‐forming ability was addressed by incorporating ZnO that has formed negatively charged [ZnO4]2− and [AlO4]− units, thereby generating the oxygen‐excess defects. These defects impart a detrimental effect on the optical properties. Thus, the present study explores the impact of Li2O, Na2O, K2O, and GeO2 inclusion in the barium–zinc–calcium–aluminate (BZCA) glass to eliminate the oxygen‐excess defects. The molecular structure of the glass matrix was examined by Raman, NMR, and XPS along with the bulk diffusivity of the glasses through MD simulation and are correlated to elucidate the origin of the defect centers. Due to higher diffusivity, Li+ and Na+ cations decrease Al–O hole centers (Al–OHC) and defects but promote F+ (Farbe) centers while K+ ions having lower diffusivity and enhance the defects. Interestingly, all the defect centers are substantially reduced in GeO2‐containing glasses. Further, multivalent Cr ions are doped to optically probe the defect centers through UV–Vis–NIR absorption and photoluminescence spectra. Cr3+ and Cr4+ are found dominant in Li+‐and Na+‐containing glasses due to the presence of less defect, whereas excess converts all Cr3+ into Cr6+ for K+‐containing glasses. Additionally, broadband NIR emission from Cr4+ can functionalize selective glasses for laser and telecommunication applications.
Forest Microclimate as a Driver of Epiphytic Bryophyte Diversity Along a Subtropical Elevational Gradient
Authors: Dai Zun , Xing Shi‐chen , Gradstein S. Robbert , Li Min , Tu Shu‐wen , Chen Xing , Yao Xue , Gao Shuang , Shi Rui‐ping , Tang Lu‐yan , Zhang Ran , Zhang Zhao‐chen , Zhao Ming‐shui , Wang You‐fang , Zhang Jian , Wang Jian 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimConsidering the importance of microclimate in maintaining the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes, we investigated epiphytic bryophytes along an elevational gradient in the subtropical forest of eastern China to unravel the diversity patterns of epiphytic liverworts and mosses along the elevational gradients and the roles of forest microclimates, topographic variables and host plant composition attributes in shaping these elevational diversity patterns.LocationTianmushan National Nature Reserve, Zhejiang, China.TaxonEpiphytic bryophytes.MethodsSpecies diversity patterns of liverworts and mosses were compared based on an inventory of 16 plots along an elevational gradient from 367 to 1470 m. In situ microclimatic data of air temperature and moisture were collected under constant monitoring for over 3 years. Spatial linear models and structural equation models were used to assess the relative roles of the environmental variables in shaping the patterns of species diversity along elevation.ResultsWe found that epiphytic liverwort and moss richness showed different elevational patterns; overall richness patterns of epiphytic bryophytes were largely driven by mosses. Epiphytic mosses exhibited a decline, followed by a hump‐shaped pattern of species richness with increasing elevation, while epiphytic liverworts showed a mid‐elevation plateau with a richness maximum between 800 and 1300 m. Forest microclimate, topography and host plant composition attributes influence epiphytic moss and liverwort patterns differently and interact in a complex way. Overall, species richness of epiphytic liverworts was most strongly affected by microclimate (mean annual air temperature of growing season) and of epiphytic mosses richness by topography (slope). Further, epiphytic liverwort species richness was more influenced by temperature than moisture.Main ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of collecting climatic factors at a fine scale (microhabitats) for understanding the patterns and drivers of bryophyte diversity. Further, our findings demonstrate the differences between liverworts and mosses in terms of their response to different environments in the forest ecosystem.
American Geriatrics Society position statement: Making medical treatment decisions for unrepresented older adults
Authors: Dixon Joseph D. , Josyula Aruna V. , Javier Noelle Marie , Zweig Yael , Singh Mriganka , Kim Luke , Thothala Niranjan , Farrell Timothy W. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper is an official position statement of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and updates the 2017 AGS position statement, Making Medical Treatment Decisions for Unbefriended Older Adults. In this updated position statement, the term “unbefriended” is replaced by “unrepresented” as a term that is more value‐neutral, more accurately describes the circumstance in which a person without medical decision‐making capacity does not have recognized surrogate representation, and better aligns with increasingly preferred terminology as reflected in recent medical literature. We define unrepresented older adults as those who (1) lack decisional capacity to provide informed consent for a particular medical treatment, (2) have not executed an advance directive that addresses the medical treatment at hand and lack capacity to do so, and (3) lack representation from a surrogate decision‐maker (i.e., family, friend, or legally authorized surrogate). Making medical decisions on behalf of unrepresented older adults is exceptionally challenging and, given demographic trends, is likely to become increasingly common in the years ahead. The process of arriving at treatment decisions for this population should follow standards of procedural fairness and include capacity assessment, search for potential surrogates, team‐based efforts to determine the patient's values and preferences, and steps to guard against bias. Proactive measures are needed to identify older adults at risk for becoming unrepresented. This position statement also calls for national efforts to reduce state‐to‐state variability in legal approaches for unrepresented patients.
Real‐Life Functioning in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome in Relation to Neurocognitive Abilities and Psychotic Symptoms: A Comparison With Idiopathic Schizophrenia
Authors: Accinni Tommaso , Frascarelli Marianna , Cordellieri Pierluigi , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Fanella Martina , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Putotto Carolina , Marino Bruno , Bucci Paola , Giuliani Luigi , Maraone Annalisa , Pasquini Massimo , Di Fabio Fabio , Buzzanca Antonino ,   the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) entails intellectual disabilities and higher risk of psychotic disorders. Neurocognitive deficits predict real‐life functioning of schizophrenic patients. We investigated real‐life functioning in 22q11.2DS, aiming at defining how neurocognitive profile and psychopathological variables impact on psychotic patients' social functioning.MethodsWe recruited 63 patients with schizophrenia (SCZ, N = 63), 44 with 22q11.2DS (DEL, N = 44) and 19 with 22q11.2DS and psychosis (DEL–SCZ, N = 19), all matched for age, sex and neurocognitive profile; we administered the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS), the Specific Levels of Functioning (SLoF) scale and the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). We implemented descriptive analyses, MANCOVA and linear regression statistics.ResultsThe DEL–SCZ and the SCZ groups showed similar levels in Interpersonal Relationships (p = 0.093) and Social Acceptability subscales (p = 0.283). The DEL group scored higher on the Interpersonal Relationships subscale compared with the SCZ group (p = 0.001). The groups scored similarly on the other SLoF subscales. Both BNSS total score (beta = −0.343; p = 0.004) and BNSS asociality (beta = −0.487; p = 0.038) significantly predicted the Interpersonal Relationships variable in the groups with psychosis (SCZ and DEL–SCZ).Discussion and ConclusionsIndividuals with 22q11.2DS display a similar real‐life functioning to patients with chronic schizophrenia. Social functioning impairments are typical of psychosis regardless of the genetic condition and highly predicted by negative symptoms like asociality. The 22q11.2DS represents a reliable biological model to study vulnerability to psychosis and its consequences on patients' real‐life and social functioning.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of occiput posterior vaginal delivery
Authors: Sawai Mizuho , Shindo Ryosuke , Nakanishi Sayuri , Obata Soichiro , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru 
Published: November 2024

ABSRACTAimThe occiput posterior (OP) position is the most common fetal malposition associated with poorer maternal outcomes compared to the occiput anterior (OA) position. However, there are no equivalent reports for women in Japan. This study aimed to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of OP delivery in Japan.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Japan. Singleton pregnant women who delivered vaginally at and after 37 weeks of gestation between January 2000 and May 2023 were included. Participants were divided into OA and OP groups and pregnancy outcomes were compared. Multivariable analysis was performed to adjust for background.ResultsIn total, 13 852 eligible participants were divided into OA (13 633, 98.4%) and OP (218, 1.6%) groups. Maternal weights were significantly higher in the OP group than in the OA group, but there were no significant differences in maternal age, height, BMI, and parity. The incidence of assisted vaginal delivery (6.0% vs. 25.2%, adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 6.97), third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal laceration (0.9% vs. 2.8%, aOR 3.52), postpartum hemorrhage (4.3% vs. 8.7%, aOR 2.17), and prolonged second stage of labor (11.3% vs. 29.4%, aOR 4.75) were significantly higher in the OP group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes.ConclusionThe present study showed that OP vaginal deliveries require more time, and the increased number of assisted vaginal deliveries resulted in more maternal lacerations and hemorrhage. Maternal complications should be noted in the management of OP deliveries.
Accelerometry for sleep assessment in children: Criterium validity of different algorithms in wrist‐ and ankle‐worn devices
Authors: Burger Pia , Kruisinga Frea H. , Lettink Anneline , Chinapaw Mai J. M. , Gemke Reinoud J. B. J. 
Published: November 2024

SummaryPolysomnography, the gold‐standard for measuring sleep, is costly, intrusive and usually limited to 1 night. Actigraphy offers a more affordable, less intrusive method over multiple nights. However, little research validates ActiGraph accelerometers against polysomnography, especially in children. This study evaluated the validity of different algorithms and compared wrist versus ankle accelerometer placements for estimating sleep in children aged 1–12 years. Twenty‐nine children undergoing overnight type 1 polysomnography wore ActiGraph accelerometers. Six algorithms were evaluated against polysomnography using Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation, paired t‐tests and Bland–Altman plots. Agreement was classified as poor (intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.4), fair (0.4 < intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.6), good (0.6 < intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.75) or excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.75). Total sleep time was the primary outcome. For wrist‐worn devices, the Sadeh (Actilife) and Cole–Kripke (Actilife and GGIR) algorithms showed excellent agreement with polysomnography (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.80–0.85), while vanHees showed good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.67) and Galland showed fair agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.46). The Cole–Kripke algorithm did not significantly differ from polysomnography total sleep time, whereas others underestimated total sleep time. For ankle‐worn devices, Sadeh (Actilife), Cole–Kripke (Actilife) and vanHees algorithms demonstrated excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75–0.82). No significant differences were found between wrist and ankle placements for certain algorithms. The findings support accelerometry as a valid tool for sleep assessment in children, recommending that algorithm selection be tailored to specific study requirements.
Caudal vena cava isolation using ablation index‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (CARTO™ 3) to treat sustained atrial tachycardia in horses
Authors: Buschmann Eva , Van Steenkiste Glenn , Vernemmen Ingrid , Demeyere Marie , Schauvliege Stijn , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundMyocardial sleeves of the caudal vena cava are the predilection site for atrial tachycardia (AT) in horses. Caudal vena cava isolation guided by the ablation index, a lesion quality marker incorporating power, duration and contact force, might improve outcome.ObjectivesDescribe the feasibility and outcome of caudal vena cava isolation using ablation index‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) to treat AT in horses.AnimalsTen horses with sustained AT.MethodsRecords from 10 horses with sustained AT treated by three‐dimensional electro‐anatomical mapping and ablation index‐guided RFCA (CARTO™ 3) were reviewed.ResultsThree‐dimensional electro‐anatomical mapping of the right atrium identified a macro‐reentry circuit in the caudomedial right atrium (n = 10). Point‐by‐point RFCA was performed to isolate the myocardial sleeves of the caudal vena cava in power‐controlled mode with a mean of 17 ± 7 applications. The ablation index target was 400‐450. A median ablation index of 436 (range, 311‐763) was reached using a median maximum power of 35 (range, 24‐45) W for a median duration of 20 (range, 8‐45) seconds, with a median contact force of 10 (range, 3‐48) g. Sinus rhythm was restored in all 10 horses. To date, 9‐37 months post‐ablation, none of the horses have had recurrence.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCaudal vena cava isolation using ablation index‐guided RFCA was feasible and effective to permanently treat sustained AT in horses. Ablation index guidance ensured efficient lesion creation, and isolation of the caudal vena cava eliminated the arrhythmogenic substrate, thereby minimizing the risk of recurrence.
Coupled lattice discrete particle model for the simulation of water and chloride transport in cracked concrete members
Authors: Zhu Yingbo , Jia Dongge , Brigham John C. , Fascetti Alessandro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA novel coupled mechanical and mass transport lattice discrete particle model is developed to quantitatively assess the impact of cracks on the mass transport properties in concrete members subjected to short‐ and long‐term loading conditions. In the developed approach, two sets of dual lattice networks are generated: one to resolve the mechanical response and another for mass transport analysis. The cracks simulated by the mechanical lattice are mapped onto the transport elements to investigate the effect of cracks on the global transport properties in concrete members. A new quantitative relationship is proposed for the estimation of the diffusion coefficient based on local crack information, and the developed model is capable of describing both convection and diffusion mechanisms. Moreover, creep behavior is incorporated to account for the influence of cracks induced by long‐term loading conditions. Numerical results, in the form of dynamic changes in cumulative water and chloride contents in concrete members under tension, compression, and bending with various stress levels show remarkable accuracy when compared to available experimental observations. The developed model provides an effective means for incorporating mesoscale information in simulations of water and chloride transport in concrete members under varying short‐ and long‐term loading conditions.
Using accelerometry tags to quantify gray whale foraging behavior
Authors: Colson Kate M. , Pirotta Enrico , New Leslie , Cade David E. , Calambokidis John , Bierlich K. C. , Bird Clara N. , Ajó Alejandro Fernandez , Hildebrand Lisa , Trites Andrew W. , Torres Leigh G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHigh‐resolution tri‐axial accelerometry biologging tags have quantitatively described behaviors in baleen whale species that forage using lunges and continuous ram filtration. However, detailed quantitative descriptions of foraging behaviors do not exist for gray whales, a unique baleen whale species that primarily uses benthic suction feeding with a rolling component. We deployed suction cup biologging tags on Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales to quantify foraging behavior at the broad state (dive) and foraging tactic (roll event) scales. Hidden Markov models were used to describe three distinct states using turn angle, dive duration, pseudotrack tortuosity, and presence of roll events that can be interpreted as forage, search, and transit behavior. Classification and Regression Tree models best described foraging tactics (headstands, benthic digs, and side swims) using median pitch, depth to total length ratio, and absolute value of the median roll. On average, PCFG gray whales spent more time searching and performed more left‐rolled foraging tactics at shallower depths at night compared to during the day, potentially to track prey above them in the water column. Describing foraging behavior in PCFG gray whales enables examination of links between behavioral budgets, energetics, and the physiological impact of threats facing this group.