bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cranial ontogenetic development and sexual dimorphism of the extant water chevrotain Hyemoschus aquaticus
Authors: Hartung Josephina , Böhme Madelaine 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTragulids or mouse-deer live in tropical Asia and Africa. They are the sister group of Pecora and have a long fossil record dating back into the Eocene. The extant African species, Hyemoschus aquaticus, is the sister taxon of all other extant tragulids and is therefore often used for comparison with fossil mouse deer. However, although many fossil tragulid skulls were found and studied within the last years, no attempt has been made for a comprehensive and comparative study of the ontogenetic development of cranial sexual dimorphism of H. aquaticus. Based on 39 extant skulls we establish an ontogenetic categorization of this species, comprising nine stages of tooth wear. We show that (I) in H. aquaticus upper canine development remains the main character for distinction of male and female, (II) that the eruption of the permanent upper canines and the development of sagittal crests starts before sexual maturity after the eruption of the second upper molar, and (III) that the development of further cranial crests (nuchal crests, temporal lines) varies greatly within the same age class and among the sexes. Thus cranial ornamentation is not useful as a primary distinction feature between the sexes and of limited importance in identifying ontogenetic age. The newly established categories of wear stages and the observed sexual similarity in cranial crest development can be used in future comparative studies with the other extant mouse-deer and especially with their fossil representatives.
Osmotic dehydration kinetics of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) using a low-calorie sugar
Authors: Eyembe Lobe Elias , Nde Divine Bup , Jean Sonchieu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPlantain is consumed as a stable food in most sub-Saharan countries and to some extent in southern America and Asia. To avoid deterioration of the plantain after harvest and to provide food variety, a reasonable quantity of plantain is now being transformed into flour. Osmotic dehydration (OD) is a critical step in the flour production process because it enhances the nutritional and sensory quality of the flour. There are efforts to use alternative osmotic dehydration agents to sucrose and salts to avoid their high content in the final product which is believed to have serious negative effects on the health of consumers. Suitable alternatives are low-calorie sugars (LCS) because they have low glycemic indices but which unfortunately have not been tested for the OD of plantain. This work investigated osmotic dehydration process of unripe plantain using a commonly consumed commercial LCS (Sussli) as an osmotic agent. The effect of slice thickness, solution concentration, sample solution ratio and temperature on water loss (WL) and solute gain (SG) on the osmotic dehydration of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) were evaluated. All parameters had a significant influence on water loss and solid gain. The osmotic dehydration was modeled using the Azuara, Peleg and Page models. Plantain slice of thickness 5 mm, LCS solution concentration of 50% at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C), and a sample/solution ratio of 1:10 (w/v) were judged best for osmotic treatment of plantains in LCS. Under these conditions, the water loss and solid gain were 20% and 1.73% respectively. The best-fitted model was Peleg model with the highest R2 (0.999) and the least RMSE values.
On the Proposed Measures to Regulate Third Country Interest Representation Activities in the European Union
Authors: Veraldi Jacquelyn 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The 2022–2023 Qatargate scandal – which entailed the widespread undermining of Union democracy by members of the European Parliament acting on behalf of third countries – has rocked the European Union to its core. The proposal by the Commission aimed at establishing transparency and accountability surrounding such activities cannot therefore come at a more appropriate time. But does the proposal live up to its objectives? Here, this piece casts doubt on whether that is the case, with this piece exploring Qatargate as an example, as well as the content, constitutionality, and criticism of the proposal. This Article also makes comparisons to Union-based representation activities and the Commission’s approach to antidumping, and shines light on the Commission’s treatment of third-country actors and representatives thereof.
Participatory modelling across Kenyan villages facilitates insights into the complexity of human–elephant interactions
Authors: Von Hagen Lynn , Gray Steven A. , Schulte Bruce A. , Githiru Mwangi , Kiute Helena I. , Lepczyk Christopher A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Negative human–wildlife interactions are a growing problem, particularly for people living near protected areas and wildlife refuges. In Kenya, African savannah elephants Loxodonta africana threaten food security for subsistence farmers by crop foraging, which can jeopardize conservation efforts if farmers retaliate against elephants. To inform conservation and management, this study had three objectives: (1) to evaluate stakeholder participatory models of human–elephant conflict; (2) to note any novel or underrepresented variables in the models; and (3) to determine if there were indicators for assessing the success of mitigation programmes using a biocultural approach. We conducted participatory modelling sessions in six villages in rural Kenya using fuzzy cognitive mapping (n = 206 participants). Farmers created group visual models with variables related to conflict with elephants. A total of 14 variables were common across all six villages, with the two highest centrality scores (a measure of importance to overall dynamics) associated with income and feelings of security. Most variables fell into two categories: environmental interactions, and policy and management. Multiple variables such as road infrastructure (drivers) and soil compaction (consequences) were identified as aspects of conflicts that are under-reported or absent in scientific literature, as well as potential socio-cultural indicators. The participatory method used is a tool for gaining more refined insights into interactions with elephants, with implications for other complex conservation issues or wildlife interactions. A more holistic view of the impacts of human–elephant interactions as demonstrated here can lead to sustainable, co-developed programmes that benefit both farmer livelihoods and elephant conservation.
Inequalities in health and health-care accessibility among older people in China
Authors: Zhu Huoyun , Walker Alan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
While health inequalities among older people have long been a research focus and are now high on policy agendas in developed societies, they have often been neglected in less developed ones, despite them experiencing rapid population ageing since the turn of the century. Using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) cohort study (N = 63,578), this paper measures the health status of older people using the Quality of Well-Being scale, and estimates time trends in health inequality with concentration indices, followed by an investigation of their social determinants. Its specific focus is health care accessibility (HA) in the period 2005–2018, when China experienced an unprecedented advance in health-related social policy reform. The analysis reveals pro-rich inequalities in health among older people, but also shows that these have narrowed gradually over the past two decades, which is largely attributable to greater equity in access to health care. Within this general trend of inequality reduction, however, the role of HA has declined and social determinants such as education now have an increasing influence on health inequalities. These findings suggest that social policies targeting not only health improvements among older people but also health inequalities earlier in the life course are required if policy makers want to promote health equity in later life.
Wounds and Vulnerabilities. The Participation of Special Operations Forces in Experimental Brain–Computer Interface Research
Authors: Gielas Anna M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) exemplify a dual-use neurotechnology with significant potential in both civilian and military contexts. While BCIs hold promise for treating neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the future, military decisionmakers in countries such as the United States and China also see their potential to enhance combat capabilities. Some predict that U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) will be early adopters of BCI enhancements. This article argues for a shift in focus: the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) should pursue translational research of medical BCIs for treating severely injured or ill SOF personnel. After two decades of continuous military engagement and on-going high-risk operations, SOF personnel face unique injury patterns, both physical and psychological, which BCI technology could help address. The article identifies six key medical applications of BCIs that could benefit wounded SOF members and discusses the ethical implications of involving SOF personnel in translational research related to these applications. Ultimately, the article challenges the traditional civilian-military divide in neurotechnology, arguing that by collaborating more closely with military stakeholders, scientists can not only help individuals with medical needs, including servicemembers, but also play a role in shaping the future military applications of BCI technology.
Robust mortality forecasting in the presence of outliers
Authors: Richards Stephen J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Stochastic mortality models are important for a variety of actuarial tasks, from best-estimate forecasting to assessment of risk capital requirements. However, the mortality shock associated with the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 distorts forecasts by (i) biasing parameter estimates, (ii) biasing starting points, and (iii) inflating variance. Stochastic mortality models therefore require outlier-robust methods for forecasting. Objective methods are required, as outliers are not always obvious on visual inspection. In this paper we look at the robustification of three broad classes of forecast: univariate time indices (such as in the Lee-Carter and APC models); multivariate time indices (such as in the Cairns-Blake-Dowd and newer Tang-Li-Tickle model families); and penalty projections (such as with the 2D P-spline model). In each case we identify outliers using quantitative methods, then co-estimate outlier effects along with other parameters. Doing so removes the bias and distortion to the forecast caused by a mortality shock, while providing a robust starting point for projections. Illustrations are given for various models in common use.
Predicting Papiamento and Dutch reading comprehension development in a post-colonial context
Authors: van der Elst-Koeiman Melissa , Segers Eliane , Severing Ronald , Verhoeven Ludo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The current research aims to predict L1 Papiamento and L2 Dutch reading comprehension development in 180 children in the upper primary grades (4–6) in a post-colonial Caribbean context from initial language of decoding instruction, cognitive and linguistic child characteristics, and linguistic transfer. Overall, children showed better reading comprehension proficiency in L1 as compared to L2 Dutch. Over the grades, strong autoregression effects in reading comprehension development in both languages were evidenced. Language of decoding instruction was found to predict L2 reading comprehension, but not L1 reading comprehension. The development of L2 reading comprehension showed better outcomes in the case of initial decoding instruction in L2. Word decoding, reading vocabulary, and grammar in respectively L1 and L2 were related to L1 and L2 reading comprehension in Grade 4, while L2 reading comprehension was additionally related to L2 basic oral vocabulary. Moreover, only reading vocabulary was related to L1 and L2 reading comprehension development across the grades. Finally, evidence of cross-linguistic interdependencies in the development of reading comprehension in L1 and L2 was found.
Dosimetric comparison of 6 MV and 10 MV flattening filter-free beams using small diameter cone for trigeminal neuralgia radiosurgery
Authors: Apaza Blanco Oscar Abel , Venencia Carlos Daniel , Díaz Moreno Rogelio Manuel , Muñoz Fabian , Barolo Franco , Muriano Oscar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
To compare the dosimetric characteristics and treatment delivery efficiency of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) patients previously treated with a 6 MV-FFF (flattening filter-free; radiation beam obtained by removing the flattening filter) beam versus those re-planned with a 10 MV-FFF beam using a conical collimator on the TrueBeam Novalis STx linear accelerator.

Methods:
Eleven patients with TN previously treated with a 6 MV-FFF beam following the SRS protocol of 90 Gy in a single fraction were selected. Plans were recalculated using 10 MV-FFF beam, maintaining the same dose prescription and beam angle configuration used with 6 MV-FFF beam. The dose gradient, volumes receiving 20 and 10 Gy, maximum dose and dose to 10% of the brainstem were recorded for both the energies. Efficiency was assessed by the average monitor unit (MU) and time per arc. The 10 MV-FFF machine was configured in the treatment planning system (TPS) to measure the tissue phantom ratio (TPR), dose profiles and scatter factors using RAZOR, PTW-60012 diodes and EBT3 radiochromic films.

Results:
Compared to the 6 MV-FFF, the 10 MV-FFF plans exhibit average increments in dose gradient, volume of 20 Gy and volume of 10 Gy of 3.8, 17.1 and 17.8%, respectively. Average increases of 6.5 and 18.1% were obtained for maximum dose and dose to 10% of the brainstem, respectively. An average increase of 31 MU/arc was observed for the 10 MV-FFF plans, with a 40% reduction in treatment time per arc. The TPR for the 10 MV-FFF beams increased by 10%, and a penumbra width of 0.3 mm was observed. Scatter factor increments of 15, 13.5, 12.7 and 10.3% were observed for the 6 MV-FFF over the 10 MV-FFF for cones of 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm, respectively.

Conclusions:
In TN SRS, the utilisation of 10 MV-FFF beams reduces treatment duration but results in an increased brainstem radiation dose. To mitigate this increase in brainstem dose, it is necessary to adjust the isocentre position.
Populism, backlash morality and immigrants
Authors: Nayyeri Mohammad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe social and political contexts in many countries are affected by dangerous trends and forces of populism. Populist hostility is most observable in connection with issues of immigration, where it functions as a pretext for scrapping legal protections in increasingly hostile immigration laws. What is particularly insidious about these developments is the claim, articulated by some theorists, that the popular resentment and backlash against immigrants and refugees are justified. That populists are hostile towards immigrants and human rights laws, the claim seems to go, is the fault of the legal norms and institutions that allow in the immigrants and protect them. This article challenges those approaches and argues that legal constraints on popular biases towards immigrants are necessary and need to be defended against popular moralism. It is also argued that although community values are important, they should not be considered as trumps against the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Updraft Width Modulates Ambient Atmospheric Controls on Convective Cloud Depth
Authors: Varble A. C. , Feng Z. , Marquis J. N. , Zhang Z. , Geiss A. , Hardin J. C. , Jo E. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe depth of convective clouds affects vertical transport of atmospheric constituents, influencing downstream weather and climate. Atmospheric controls on the maximum depth reached by moist convection are investigated with radar‐tracked convective cells tagged with sounding‐derived atmospheric parameters from a field campaign in central Argentina. Regression analyses show that narrow (<12‐km diameter) and wide (>16‐km diameter) cell depths respond to disparate factors, where cell areas are defined using composite reflectivity signatures. Undiluted lifted parcel indices including convective available potential energy (CAPE) and level of neutral buoyancy (LNB) are top predictors of wide cell maximum depth while mid‐tropospheric relative humidity is the top predictor of narrow cell maximum depth. Because narrow cells are more numerous than wide cells, the overall outcome of the full cell population does not strongly correlate with CAPE and LNB conditions. Tracked cells and atmospheric conditions in a simulation with 3‐km grid spacing covering the field campaign produce similar results to those observed. Narrow cells that are relatively deep have a cooler and moister mid‐troposphere with weaker free tropospheric subsidence, while relatively deep wide cells have much warmer and moister lower tropospheric conditions. These atmospheric differences are present 1 hr before cell initiation at both a fixed observing site and variable cell initiation locations. Simulated narrow cell maximum equivalent potential temperature decreases with height at a rate similar to the ambient vertical gradient, causing these cells to fall short of their LNB and supporting the view that entrainment‐driven dilution is a dominant control on their depth.
Poisson’s ratio transition in strain crystallizing elastomer: from rubbery amorphous to semicrystalline
Authors: Naraoka Takuho , Tanaka Ruito , Takagi Hideaki , Tsunoda Katsuhiko , Mai Thanh-Tam , Sakurai Shinichi , Urayama Kenji 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Poisson’s ratio (μ) of natural rubber (NR) undergoing strain-induced crystallization (SIC) during uniaxial stretching was investigated as a function of the applied stretch ($${\lambda }_{{||}}$$

λ

∣
∣

) over a broad $${\lambda }_{{||}}$$

λ

∣
∣

range, encompassing the SIC onset stretch ($${{\lambda }_{{||}}}^{* }$$

λ

∣
∣

*

≈ 4.1). Below $${{\lambda }_{{||}}}^{* }$$

λ

∣
∣

*

, μ remains near 1/2, indicating the incompressible behavior of NR in its fully rubbery amorphous state. However, once $${\lambda }_{{||}}$$

λ

∣
∣

exceeds $${{\lambda }_{{||}}}^{* }$$

λ

∣
∣

*

, μ decreases as the degree of crystallinity (χc) increases. As $${\lambda }_{{||}}$$

λ

∣
∣

increases from $${{\lambda }_{{||}}}^{* }$$

λ

∣
∣

*

to fracture stretch ($${\lambda }_{{||}}$$

λ

∣
∣

≈ 7.1), χc increases to 18%, and μ gradually decreases to 0.33. This reduction in μ reflects the transformation of the NR matrix from a rubbery amorphous state to a semicrystalline state. In fact, the true stress (force per cross-sectional area in the deformed state) at the fracture point, obtained via actual lateral contraction, is approximately 85% of that estimated under the assumption μ = 1/2. These findings provide a critical foundation for accurately modeling the mechanical behavior of strain-crystallizing elastomers.
A landscape of X-inactivation during human T cell development
Authors: Gylemo Björn , Bensberg Maike , Hennings Viktoria , Lundqvist Christina , Camponeschi Alessandro , Goldmann Dóra , Zhang Huan , Selimović-Pašić Aida , Lentini Antonio , Ekwall Olov , Nestor Colm E. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFemales exhibit a more robust immune response to both self-antigens and non-self-antigens than males, resulting in a higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases but more effective responses against infection. Increased expression of X-linked immune genes in female T cells is thought to underlie this enhanced response. Here we isolate thymocytes from pediatric thymi of healthy males (46, XY), females (46, XX), a female with completely skewed X-chromosome inactivation (46, XX, cXCI) and a female with Turner syndrome (45, X0). Using whole exome sequencing, RNA sequencing and DNA methylation data, we present a sex-aware expression profile of T cell development and generate a high-resolution map of escape from X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). Unexpectedly, XCI is transcriptionally and epigenetically stable throughout T cell development, and is independent of expression of XIST, the lncRNA responsible for XCI initiation during early embryonic development. In thymocytes, several genes known to escape XCI are expressed from only one X-chromosome. Additionally, we further reveal that a second X-chromosome is dispensable for T cell development. Our study thus provides a high-resolution map of XCI during human development and suggests a re-evaluation of XCI in sex differences in T cell function.
High proton conductivity through angstrom-porous titania
Authors: Ji Yu , Hao Guang-Ping , Tan Yong-Tao , Xiong Wenqi , Liu Yu , Zhou Wenzhe , Tang Dai-Ming , Ma Renzhi , Yuan Shengjun , Sasaki Takayoshi , Lozada-Hidalgo Marcelo , Geim Andre K. , Sun Pengzhan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTwo dimensional (2D) crystals have attracted strong interest as a new class of proton-conducting materials that can block atoms, molecules and ions while allowing proton transport through the atomically thin basal planes. Although 2D materials exhibit this perfect selectivity, the reported proton conductivities have been relatively low. Here we show that vacancy-rich titania monolayers are highly permeable to protons while remaining impermeable to helium with proton conductivity exceeding 100 S cm−2 at 200 °C and surpassing targets set by industry roadmaps. The fast and selective proton transport is attributed to an extremely high density of titanium-atom vacancies (one per square nm), which effectively turns titania monolayers into angstrom-scale sieves. Our findings highlight the potential of 2D oxides as membrane materials for hydrogen-based technologies.
Pyroptotic cell corpses are crowned with F-actin-rich filopodia that engage CLEC9A signaling in incoming dendritic cells
Authors: Holley Caroline L. , Monteleone Mercedes , Fisch Daniel , Libert Alexandre E. S. , Ju Robert J. , Choi Joon H. , Condon Nicholas D. , Emming Stefan , Crawford Joanna , Lawrence Grace M. E. P. , Coombs Jared R. , Lefevre James G. , Bajracharya Rinie , Lahoud Mireille H. , Yap Alpha S. , Hamilton Nicholas , Stehbens Samantha J. , Kagan Jonathan C. , Ariotti Nicholas , Burgener Sabrina S. , Schroder Kate 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWhile apoptosis dismantles the cell to enforce immunological silence, pyroptotic cell death provokes inflammation. Little is known of the structural architecture of cells undergoing pyroptosis, and whether pyroptotic corpses are immunogenic. Here we report that inflammasomes trigger the Gasdermin-D- and calcium-dependent eruption of filopodia from the plasma membrane minutes before pyroptotic cell rupture, to crown the resultant corpse with filopodia. As a rich store of F-actin, pyroptotic filopodia are recognized by dendritic cells through the F-actin receptor, CLEC9A (DNGR1). We propose that cells assemble filopodia before cell rupture to serve as a posthumous mark for a cell that has died by gasdermin-induced pyroptosis, or MLKL-induced necroptosis, for recognition by dendritic cells. This study reveals the spectacular morphology of pyroptosis and identifies a mechanism by which inflammasomes induce pyroptotic cells to construct a de novo alarmin that activates dendritic cells via CLEC9A, which coordinates the transition from innate to adaptive immunity1,2.