bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Eurasian badgers responsible for lamb predation? An investigation using farmer interviews, post‐mortem examination and molecular tools
Authors: George Sheila , Campbell Steve , Martineau Henny , Hale Catherine , Kaden Jennifer , Webster Lucy M. I. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigates farmers' reports of lamb predation by badgers on Scottish sheep farms. Differentiating between predation and scavenging, and identifying the species responsible, is essential for livestock managers to effectively mitigate risk.

Questionnaire‐style interviews established farmer perceptions of lamb predation by badgers and incidents of suspected predation were investigated on farms in 2022 and 2023 using post‐mortem examination and molecular tools.

Farmers submitted 29 carcasses for post‐mortem. Of these, evidence of predation was present on 14 lambs (48%) and predation could not be ruled out for six further lambs (21%). No evidence of predation, but wounds consistent with scavenging after death, were present on nine lambs (31%). Nine (64%) of the 14 predated lambs also showed evidence of scavenging after death.

Swabs were taken from 39 dead or injured lambs for potential predator/scavenger DNA recovery, and from 20 live control lambs. Badger DNA was obtained from the partial remains of two (5%) lambs. Badger DNA was not present on any of the carcasses submitted for post‐mortem or from any living, wounded lambs. Fox DNA was obtained from 34 (87%) dead or injured lambs, including all lambs that exhibited evidence consistent with predation at post‐mortem. Dog DNA was present on 12 (31%) lambs.

While the results of this study cannot fully rule out the occurrence of lamb predation by badgers, no direct evidence was found to suggest that it does occur. The overall contribution of wildlife predation to lamb losses is considered to be low, but the results strongly suggest that foxes are likely to be responsible for lamb predation where it does occur. For livestock managers, a review of predator management strategies should be a key response to prevent future predation incidents.

Practical implications. This study highlights the value of using post‐mortem examination and molecular evidence to accurately confirm predation events and to identify predator species, informing appropriate management interventions.
B cell and aquaporin‐4 antibody relationships with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder activity
Authors: Bennett Jeffrey L. , Pittock Sean J. , Paul Friedemann , Kim Ho Jin , Irani Sarosh R. , O'Connor Kevin C. , Patterson Kristina R. , Smith Michael A. , Gunsior Michele , Mittereder Nanette , Rees William A. , Cimbora Daniel , Cree Bruce A. C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis post hoc analysis of the randomized, placebo‐controlled N‐MOmentum study (NCT02200770) of inebilizumab in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) evaluated relationships between circulating B‐cell subsets and aquaporin‐4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4‐lgG) titers and attacks. Among participants receiving placebo, CD20+ and CD27+ B‐cell counts were modestly increased from the pre‐attack visit to attack; plasmablast/plasma cell gene signature was increased from baseline to the pre‐attack visit (p = 0.016) and from baseline to attack (p = 0.009). With inebilizumab treatment, B‐cell subset counts decreased and did not increase with attacks. No difference in change of AQP4‐IgG titers from baseline to time of attack was observed.
Effects of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone in neuromyelitis optica during the acute phase
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Xue Mengru , Wang Jianglong , Wu Rui , Shao Yanqing , Luo Ke , Liu Jiacheng , Zhu Mingqin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an anti‐aquaporin 4 (anti‐AQP4) autoantibodies‐mediated idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. While intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (IVMP) is the recommended initial treatment option for acute onset NMOSD, its therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesized that IVMP would reduce the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors and increase the resolution of inflammation in patients with NMOSD.MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to screen meaningful inflammatory and resolution factors for inclusion. Three MR methods with inverse variance weighting (IVW) were primarily used to identify positive results. Interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐1β, IL‐6, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) were screened from 41 inflammatory factors, and resolvin D1 (RvD1), maresin 1 (MaR1), and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) were screened from 6 resolution markers for inclusion. Subsequently, 12 patients with NMOSD were enrolled and treated with IVMP. Serum levels of the aforementioned inflammatory and resolution markers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay before and after IVMP treatment.ResultsHigh levels of TRAIL, CXCL12, and IL‐1β were associated with an increased risk of NMOSD (TRAIL: odds ratio [OR], 1.582; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–2.495; CXCL12: OR, 3.610; 95% CI, 1.011–12.889; IL‐1β: OR, 4.500; 95% CI, 1.129–17.927). High levels of RvD1, MaR1, and LXA4 were associated with a reduced risk of NMOSD (RvD1: OR, 0.725; 95% CI, 0.538–0.976; MaR1: OR, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.970–0.999; LXA4: OR, 0.849; 95% CI, 0.727–0.993). Among patients with NMOSD, serum levels of IL‐6, CXCL12, and TRAIL significantly decreased following IVMP treatment, compared with pretreatment levels, while levels of IL‐1β, LXA4, and MaR1 significantly increased after IVMP treatment (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between CXCL12 levels and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (r = 0.451, p < 0.05).ConclusionSeveral systemic inflammatory regulators associated with the pathogenesis of NMOSD were identified. The protective roles of LXA4 and MaR1 may be indispensable components of glucocorticoid treatment. Therefore, the use of resolution markers may be a potential strategy for improving central nervous system injury in individuals with NMOSD.
Clinical characteristics of double negative atypical inflammatory demyelinating disease: A prospective study
Authors: Jiang Fei , Cai Haobing , Li Hongliang , Yin Weifan , Ouyang Song , Hu Jue , Tu Ewen , Fu Ke , Yin Junjie , Zhao Zhen , Yang Jieyu , Zeng Qiuming , Yang Huan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and predictors of relapse in double negative atypical inflammatory demyelinating disease (IDD) and to explore potential antigenic targets by tissue‐based assays (TBA) using rat brain indirect immunofluorescence.MethodsWe compared the clinical, laboratory, and MRI data of double negative atypical IDD with other IDD patients. Serum samples were collected for TBA. The predictors of relapse were examined over a minimum of 24 months follow‐up.ResultsIn our cohort of 98 patients with double negative atypical IDD, there was no significant female predominance (58.2%, 57/98). The lesions primarily affected the spinal cord and brain stem, with fewer cases of involvement in the area postrema (5.1%, 5/98) and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (43.9%, 43/98). A total of 62.5% (50/80) patients tested positive for anti‐astrocyte antibodies based on rat brain TBA. Over a median duration of 39.5 months, 80 patients completed the entire follow‐up, and 47.5% (38/80) patients exhibited monophasic course. A total of 36% (18/50) patients positively for anti‐astrocyte antibodies had a monophasic course, which is significantly lower than patients negatively for anti‐astrocyte antibodies (66.7%, 20/30) (p = 0.008). The presence of anti‐astrocyte antibodies (hazard ratio (HR), 2.243; 95% CI, 1.087–4.627; p = 0.029) and ≥4 cerebrum lesions at first attack (HR, 2.494; 95% CI, 1.224–5.078; p = 0.012) were risk factors for disease relapse, while maintenance immunotherapy during remission (HR, 0.361; 95% CI, 0.150–0.869; p = 0.023) was protective factor.InterpretationDouble negative atypical IDD are unique demyelinating diseases with a high relapse rate. Maintenance immunotherapy is helpful to the prevention of relapse, particularly in patients with anti‐astrocyte antibodies or ≥4 cerebrum lesions at first attack.
Evidence‐based reasoning: Results from an intervention
Authors: Du Hongcui , List Alexandra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn two studies, we develop and evaluate an intervention focused on one significant challenge that undergraduate students have with evidence‐based reasoning—reasoning about different evidence types. Our Evidence‐Based Reasoning intervention teaches students about three common evidence types—comparative, correlational, and causal—often discussed in the popular press. In Study 1, using a within‐subjects design, we find students' performance on an objective evidence‐based reasoning (OEBR) measure to be significantly improved post‐intervention (Cohen's d = 2.05). In Study 2, we add two open‐ended measures to examine the effects of the intervention on students' evaluations of evidence‐based conclusions. We again find students to perform significantly better on the OEBR measure (Cohen's d = 0.96), as well as on two open‐ended conclusion evaluation tasks (Cohen's d = 0.97 and d = 0.69). Moreover, we find some of these benefits to persist on a delayed post‐test, administered three weeks after intervention.
The Greater the Interaction, the Stronger the Learning Performance? Examining Pedagogical Agents' Interactive Presence in Instructional Videos
Authors: Wu Changcheng , Li Yichun , Yang Hailiang , Wang Xinyue , Li Xuemei , Jing Bin 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTTechnological advances in video‐based education practices have led to the creation of pedagogical agents (PA), and an important question now is how to optimize their visual presence. This study explored how different PA presence forms in instructional videos influence children's learning. Four videos were created, each featuring a different type of PA presence: continuous presence of a realistic or a virtual panda, alternative or interactive presence of human and panda PAs. In the experiment, 112 third‐grade students were randomly assigned to watch one of the videos. Results showed that the interactive presence video led to the highest scores in retention, transfer, learning motivation, social presence, and germane cognitive load. Social presence mediated the influence of interactive presence on retention, whereas social presence and germane cognitive load mediated the influence on transfer. The findings confirm and better clarify the benefits of introducing interactive PA presence design in children's video learning.
Random Learning Leads to Faster Convergence in ‘Model‐Free’ ILC: With Application to MIMO Feedforward in Industrial Printing
Authors: Aarnoudse Leontine , Oomen Tom 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTModel‐free iterative learning control (ILC) can lead to high performance by attenuating repeating disturbances completely, using dedicated experiments on the real system to replace the traditional model. The aim of this paper is to develop a fast data‐driven method for MIMO ILC that uses random learning in the form of efficient unbiased gradient estimates. This is achieved by developing a stochastic conjugate gradient algorithm, in which the search direction and optimal step size are generated using dedicated experiments. The approach is applied to MIMO automated feedforward tuning. Simulation and experimental results show that the method is superior to earlier stochastic and deterministic methods.
Bio‐p–n Junction–Derived Bio–Diodes With Opto‐Ionotronic Switching and Rectification Effects
Authors: Lv Yujia , Xie Shiwang , Huang Jiayin , Lu Shanfu , Luo Dan , Xiang Yan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe advancement of bio‐ionotronics for the brain‐computer interaction necessitates an exploration of the mechanisms of electron‐ion coupled transport in solid state devices. In this study, a bio‐p–n junction composed of n‐type bacteriorhodopsin and p‐type P3HT are proposed. By leveraging electron‐proton synergistic effects, an opto‐ionotronic bio‐diode capable of performing ionotronic switching and rectification functions is fabricated. The switching behavior of the bio‐diode can be controlled both optically and electrically. Under light illumination, the ionotronic bio‐diode exhibits a rectification effect approaching that of an ideal diode, with a reliability of 99% and a rectification ratio of ≈661. Additionally, this bio‐organic composite ionotronic bio‐diode exhibits wide pH responsiveness, good photostability, and high biocompatibility. The proposed opto‐ionotronic bio‐diode can be utilized as a fundamental component in logic circuits, bridging the gap between semiconductor technology and biological systems, and represents a novel paradigm for the advancement of brain‐computer interaction.
Versatile NbOx‐Based Volatile Memristor for Artificial Intelligent Applications
Authors: Ju Dongyeol , Kim Sungjun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo achieve cost‐effectiveness, researchers are exploring various memristors for their adaptation in neuromorphic computing. Recent studies have focused on developing versatile functioning singular memristors, such as those involved in on‐receptor computing, which integrates sensory functions into current neuromorphic computing paradigms. Additionally, adaptations like reservoir computing are being investigated for computing systems. In this study, a memristor composed of a stack of Ti/NbOx/Pt layers is fabricated to explore multifunctional behaviors within a single memristor. By applying bias toward the top Ti electrode, gradual current changes with volatile features are demonstrated, revealing an ion‐migration‐based nonfilamentary switching memristor. Leveraging this volatile functionality, an artificial nociceptor is first implemented, demonstrating key functions of biological nociceptors including thresholding, relaxation, no‐adaptation, and sensitization. Subsequently, synapse emulation akin to the biological brain is achieved through easy conductance potentiation and depression with diverse synapse functions, enabling the memristor to mimic learning activities with spike firing. Lastly, computational applications are explored by adapting edge computing and multi‐bit reservoir computing, expanding the memristor's applications across diverse fields with versatile behaviors.
Flexible, Breathable and Hydrophobic SnO2–SnS2–SiO2/SiO2 All‐Inorganic Self‐Supporting Nanofiber Membrane for Ultralow‐Concentration NO2 Sensing Under High Humidity
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Jinniu , Yu Qian , Liu Yumeng , Zhang Xinlei , Zhu Gangqiang , Jia Yanmin , Lu Hongbing , Gao Jianzhi , Wang Hongjun , Zhu Benpeng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInorganic semiconductor gas sensors, being widely utilized in gas‐sensing applications, face significant challenges in attaining mechanical flexibility and humidity resistance in wearable sensing fields. Herein, a highly flexible, breathable, and hydrophobic all‐inorganic self‐supporting nanofiber (NF) gas sensor is developed using electrospinning combined with thermal sulfidation approach. This innovative sensor features a bilayer configuration, with an amorphous SiO2 nanofiber substrate layer and an interwoven SiO2 and SnO2–SnS2 nanofiber active layer. The relatively low elastic modulus of the amorphous SiO2 nanofibers, combined with the three‐dimensional network interwoven structure, endow the SnO2–SnS2–SiO2/SiO2 sensor with superior mechanical flexibility. The sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity, selectivity, moisture resistance, and cycling stability (>10 000 cycles at 140° bending) to both high and low concentration NO2. Notably, an excellent flexible detecting capability of the sensor to NO2, an asthma‐related biomarker, is demonstrated at ultralow concentrations (≈25 ppb) in simulated exhaled breath environments. The enhanced moisture resistance is attributed to the effective inhibition of hydrogen bond formation from H2O molecules by the Sn─S bonds formed through sulfidation of SnO2 nanofibers. This work represents a substantial advancement in the universal fabrication of flexible, breathable and moisture‐resistant inorganic semiconductor sensors for wearable breath sensing applications.
Ultrafast One‐Step Synthesis of Garnet‐Type Solid Electrolytes With Modified Surface and Microstructure for Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Kim Jong Heon , Kim Doosoo , Nanda Siddhartha , Khani Hadi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGarnet‐type Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZTO) solid electrolytes provide the necessary electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity for solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, their wider application is hindered by their high interfacial resistance with electrodes and a lengthy synthesis process. This study presents the synthesis of densified LLZTO electrolytes using unconventional Li2O and Li2ZrO3 precursors through an ultrafast (≈60 s) Joule heat‐assisted synthesis approach in a single‐step process. The lower sintering temperature of Li2ZrO3 compared to traditional ZrO2 precursor yields LLZTO with larger grains, resulting in enhanced Li+ conductivity (7.0 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C), reduced electronic conductivity (1.7 × 10−10 S cm−1), and higher density (94.2%). Applying a 52–80 nm Sn:SnF2 coating on the LLZTO surface using a melt‐quenching approach produces a uniform interlayer that chemically converts to Li‐Sn alloy and LiF upon contact with lithium, resulting in a near‐zero interfacial resistance and a critical current density of 4.2 mA cm−2 at 25 °C. The SSLMBs, incorporating Sn:SnF2‐coated LLZTO electrolyte with NMC811 cathode, demonstrate remarkable initial capacity (181.1 mAh g−1) and cycle performance (88.63% capacity retention at 3000th cycle). The results indicate that this approach has the potential to advance the commercial fabrication technology for high‐performance solid electrolytes for SSLMBs.
Rational Tailored Polyfluorosubstituted Amide Molecule for Stabilizing PbI6 Framework and Inhibiting Ion Migration Toward Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Shidong , Gao Jie , Wu Yongjing , Zou Yaqing , Liang Jiading , Li Yaoyao , He Xiafeng , Cai Qingrui , Wang Mingliang , Huang Xiaozhen , Wang Xuran , Sajid Sajid , Wei Dong , Zhang Ruidan , Song Dandan , Wang Yang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs), while highly efficient, face stability challenges that hinder their commercial application. These instability issues mainly arise from the fragile nature of Pb─I bonds in perovskites, which easily break under environmental stresses such as heat and light, leading to the breakdown of the [PbI6] framework and irreversible degradation. To address these issues, a multifunctional molecule, N1,N4‐bis(2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐4‐iodophenyl)terephthalamide (FIPh‐A), is designed and synthesized to enhance the stability of perovskite films and devices. FIPh‐A molecule possesses carbonyl, amino, and iodotetrafluorophenyl groups that bind and stabilize Pb2+ ions and [PbI6]4− octahedra structure, preventing ion migration in perovskite films. The activation energy of ion migration increases obviously from 0.28 eV to 0.39 eV by adding FIPh‐A verified by experiment results. The residual strain is also released efficiently by introducing FIPh‐A molecule into perovskite films characterized by grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction. The champion PSC with FIPh‐A achieves a power conversion efficiency of 24.60%. After 500 h of continuous illumination (ISOS‐L‐1) and 300 h of thermal aging at 80 °C (ISOS‐D‐2I), these PSCs with FIPh‐A maintained 93% and 77% of their initial efficiency, respectively. These results emphasize the potential of multifunctional additives in overcoming the stability challenges of PSCs, thereby facilitating their commercial advancement.
Design and Synthesis of D‐A Polymer as Cathode Material for Na‐Based Dual‐Ion Batteries with Excellent Cycling Performance
Authors: Chen Jingfu , Yin Haoyu , Xue Qianwen , Zhang Jingwei , Chen Xin , Liu Xiaorui , He Rongxing , Zhu Linna , Wu Fei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOrganic bipolar electrodes can undergo both n‐type and p‐type reactions for energy storage due to numerous active sites, which can usually deliver a high theoretical specific capacity. Herein, a new bipolar polymer cathode material PQPZ is designed and synthesized. The electron‐donating phenazine group undergoes a two‐electron redox reaction which can store anions, the electron‐withdrawing phenanthraquinone can store sodium‐ions through a two‐electron redox reaction. Notably, as a bipolar cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries, PQPZ exhibits a reversible specific capacity of up to 270 mAh g−1 in the voltage range of 1.0–4.0 V (vs. Na+/Na) and achieves a high energy density of 696 Wh kg−1 in a half‐cell. A capacity retention rate of 90% is obtained after 300 cycles at a current density of 0.5C. More excitingly, even after being cycled for 10000 cycles at 10C, the PQPZ electrode shows an average decay rate as low as 0.0036% per cycle, manifesting a very stable cycling performance. In addition, PQPZ also shows excellent performances when tested at −10 °C, making it promising in practical applications. Considering the bipolar character of PQPZ, symmetric batteries are also successfully constructed, fulfilling the “ready‐to‐charge” property without a pre‐activation process. The results reveal the potential application of PQPZ in practical use.
Phase Separation Manipulated Gradient Conductivity for A High‐Precision Flexible Pressure Sensor
Authors: Zeng Mingze , Ding Jie , Tian Yuan , Zhang Yusheng , Liu Xiaoyin , Chen Zhihong , Sun Jing , Wu Chengheng , Yin Huabing , Wei Dan , Fan Hongsong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPiezoresistive pressure sensors, analyzing and converting external pressure signals to readable electrical signals for monitoring human health, are always subjected to simultaneously possess high signal‐linearity and signal sensitivity. Analogous to the control of sophisticated microstructure for increasing active sensing area, the control of gradient conductivity should enable a linear response via regulating the formed saturation current. Here, inspired by phase separation showing the feasibility of controlling material microstructure and conductivity, a high‐performance flexible pressure sensor via the simultaneous control of microgroove structure and wide‐range gradient conductivity is demonstrated. First, a laser‐etching and dopamine (DA)‐doping synergistic approach is used to induce selective phase separation in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS), achieving broad conductivity modulation (from 297 to 4525 S cm−1) and precise microgroove pattern (15.5 µm). Then, by designing conductivity‐gradient PEDOT: PSS‐based multi‐sublayers and microgroove interlocked structure, the sensor shows extraordinarily comprehensive performance of excellent stress‐sensing sensitivity (4 × 105 kPa−1), high linear responsiveness (99.85%) and wide‐range sensing ability (up to 100 kPa). Consequently, this sensor reveals excellent capability in detecting multi‐mode pressure changes and is expected to branch out into other electronic device designs as a general strategy for the precise manipulation of material physical‐chemical properties.