bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Underwater unexploded ordnance discrimination based on intrinsic target polarizabilities – A case study
Authors: Gasperikova Erika , Conti Ugo , Morrison H. Frank 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSeabed unexploded ordnance that resulted partly from the high failure rate among munitions from more than 80 years ago and from decades of military training and testing of weapons systems poses an increasing concern all around the world. Although existing magnetic systems can detect clusters of debris, they are not able to tell whether a munition is still intact requiring special removal (e.g. in situ detonation) or is harmless scrap metal. The marine environment poses unique challenges, and transferring knowledge and approaches from land to a marine environment has not been easy and straightforward. On land, the background soil conductivity is much lower than the conductivity of the unexploded ordnance and the electromagnetic response of a target is essentially the same as that in free space. For those frequencies required for target characterization in the marine environment, the seawater response must be accounted for and removed from the measurements. The system developed for this study uses fields from three orthogonal transmitters to illuminate the target and four three‐component receivers to measure the signal arranged in a configuration that inherently cancels the system's response due to the enclosing seawater, the sea–bottom interface and the air–sea interface for shallow deployments. The system was tested as a cued system on land and underwater in San Francisco Bay – it was mounted on a simple platform on top of a support structure that extended 1 m below and allowed the diver to place metal objects to a specific location even in low‐visibility conditions. The measurements were stable and repeatable. Furthermore, target responses estimated from marine measurements matched those from land acquisition, confirming that the seawater and air–sea interface responses were removed successfully. Thirty‐six channels of normalized induction responses were used for the classification, which was done by estimating the target principal dipole polarizabilities. Our results demonstrated that the system can resolve the intrinsic polarizabilities of the target, with clear distinctions between those of symmetric intact unexploded ordnance and irregular scrap metal. The prototype system was able to classify an object based on its size, shape and metal content and correctly estimate its location and orientation.
Three‐dimensional vegetation structure drives patterns of seed dispersal by African hornbills
Authors: Russo Nicholas J. , Nshom Docas L. , Ferraz António , Barbier Nicolas , Wikelski Martin , Noonan Michael J. , Ordway Elsa M. , Saatchi Sassan , Smith Thomas B. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Three‐dimensional (3D) vegetation structure influences animal movements and, consequently, ecosystem functions. Animals disperse the seeds of 60%–90% of trees in tropical rainforests, which are among the most structurally complex ecosystems on Earth.

Here, we investigated how 3D rainforest structure influences the movements of large, frugivorous birds and resulting spatial patterns of seed dispersal.

We GPS‐tracked white‐thighed (Bycanistes albotibialis) and black‐casqued hornbills (Ceratogymna atrata) in a study area surveyed by light detection and ranging (LiDAR) in southern Cameroon.

We found that both species preferred areas of greater canopy height and white‐thighed hornbill preferred areas of greater vertical complexity. In addition, 33% of the hornbills preferred areas close to canopy gaps, while 16.7% and 27.8% avoided large and small gaps, respectively. White‐thighed hornbills avoided swamp habitats, while black‐casqued increased their preference for swamps during the hottest temperatures. We mapped spatial probabilities of seed dispersal by hornbills, showing that 3D structural attributes shape this ecological process by influencing hornbill behaviour.

These results provide evidence of a possible feedback loop between rainforest vegetation structure and seed dispersal by animals. Interactions between seed dispersers and vegetation structure described here are essential for understanding ecosystem functions in tropical rainforests and critical for predicting how rainforests respond to anthropogenic impacts.
The impacts of New York's balance billing regulation on ground ambulance pricing
Authors: Xu Wendy Y. , Garmon Christopher , Retchin Sheldon M. , Li Yiting 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effects of New York's surprise billing regulations on price changes by emergency ground ambulance service providers.Study DesignWe exploited a natural experiment using a difference‐in‐differences design with randomization inference (RI) to examine the effects of New York state regulations on the prices of emergency ground ambulances, analyzing 2012–2019 commercial claims data. In March 2015, New York implemented a law protecting patients from surprise out‐of‐network (OON) balance bills, including ground ambulance services. New York's policy tied OON ground ambulance reimbursements to usual, customary, and reasonable rates that typically reflect charges. The control group consisted of similar states that never enacted surprise billing laws. Although self‐funded plans are exempted from state laws, we also examined for spillover effects on self‐funded plans.Data Source and Analytic SampleMulti‐payer national commercial plan claims data were used. The study sample was selected by isolating claims involving an emergency ground ambulance activation code.Principal FindingsThe event study findings indicated that New York's law led to a continuous increase in prices, relative to controls. The law's implementation was associated with an overall emergency ground ambulance price increase of 13 percentage points (RI p‐value: 0.07). We observed a 21‐percentage‐point increase in in‐network prices (RI p‐value: 0.07) and a 19‐percentage‐point increase in OON prices (RI p‐value: 0.07), relative to controls, for fully insured health plans. Similar changes in overall prices and in in‐network prices were observed in self‐insured plans. Last, our study did not find statistically significant evidence of changes in out‐of‐pocket cost‐sharing amounts under New York's regulation.ConclusionsBalance billing laws based on charges can lead to price increases for emergency ground ambulance services. Legislation intended to inoculate patients from these surprise billings for ground ambulance transportation may have unintended consequences for costs of care.What is known on this topic
Emergency ground ambulances are a major source of surprise billing.
The federal No Surprises Act of 2020 excluded emergency ground ambulance services.
Some states have regulations that prohibit out‐of‐network balance bills for ground ambulance services.
What this study adds
The study provides the first empirical evidence on the potential impacts of regulations on price changes among emergency ground ambulance providers.
The study offers evidence of state policies' effects on fully insured plans and potential spillover effects on self‐funded plans.
Experiences from New York's state ambulance out‐of‐network billing regulation indicate that tying reimbursement policies to charges may have the unintended consequences of increasing health care costs.
Impact of delayed seed drop on rodent‐mediated seed dispersal and predation of pine
Authors: LAI Yuling , DOU Haojun , ZHOU Yuqun , WANG Zhenyu , HOU Ling , CAO Lin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMany plants exhibit a canopy seed bank, where seeds persist within the canopy for prolonged periods, gradually descending over time and potentially influencing seed predation and animal‐mediated dispersal. However, the impact of delayed seed drop on animal predation and seed dispersal remains unclear. We used Chinese Armand pine seeds to simulate delayed seed drop of the canopy seed bank by releasing 7800 pine seeds in both winter and the following summer over 2 years, tracking their fates to investigate its effect on seed predation and dispersal by rodents in a pine plantation in southwest China. Results showed significant seasonal differences in seed fate. In summer, seeds experienced higher predation rates (62.08% vs 3.80% in winter) and lower scatter‐hoarding rates (4.18% vs 15.40% in winter). Additionally, seeds in summer were dispersed farther (4.20 m vs. 3.56 m in winter) and primarily formed single‐seed caches, as opposed to multi‐seed caches in winter. Although delayed seed drop increased immediate predation risks, favorable summer conditions allowed for rapid germination, reducing long‐term exposure to predation. In conclusion, while delayed seed drop increases immediate predation risks and reduces caching, it concurrently enhances dispersal distances and reduces cache size.
Thermal evaluation of solar dryers and the effect on the antioxidant and some physicochemical properties of Agastache mexicana and Rosmarinus officinalis
Authors: Domínguez‐Niño Alfredo , Lucho‐Gómez Ana María , Chávez‐Santos Rosa María , Martínez Roberto , Guillén‐Velázquez Paulina , Castillo‐Téllez Beatriz , García‐Valladares Octavio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLemon balm (Agastache mexicana) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were dried using a mixed‐mode solar dryer. A 23‐factorial design was carried out: operation mode (mesh shade and direct irradiance), airflow (natural convection and forced convection), and type of flat plate solar collector cover (polycarbonate and glass). The drying kinetics of lemon balm and rosemary ranged from 4.5 to 6.5 h and 4 to 7 h, respectively, according to the operation mode of the solar dryer. The highest percentage of antioxidant activity in the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil tests was lemon balm, with values between 88% and 93% (100 µg/mL), and rosemary, 88% and 92% (100 µg/mL). When forced convection was applied, solar collector thermal efficiency increased from 3.97%–5.11% to 17.20%–24.75%, dryer efficiencies ranged from 4.78% to 6.05%, and drying efficiencies between 14.17% and 44.23%. The lowest color difference (6.01) for lemon balm was shown with the mesh shade, forced convection, and glass cover collector, and for rosemary, the lowest color difference (12.87) resulted from using the mesh shade and natural convection; according to the analysis of variance, the cover collector did not affect significantly the color difference. Dehydrated lemon balm and rosemary could be used as an additive for medicinal, gastronomic, and food preservative applications.Practical ApplicationThe results are significant for designing dryers for community centers in areas where the production and losses of fruits, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and edible flowers are high. The novelty of this research is to introduce a new product for the consumer; in this case, the traditional dried rosemary and lemon balm in powder form as a nutritional source, both for the preparation of remedies and for direct consumption in dishes, powders, or healthy pills and food supplements.
Optimising PTV margins in oesophageal cancer radiotherapy: A modern radiotherapy planning, treatment delivery and verification approach – A single institutional analysis
Authors: Mitchell Jack , Campbell Amelia , Zhao Ming , Harvey Jennifer , Mai Gang Tao , Lee Yoo Young 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionRadiotherapy plays a key role in the multidisciplinary management of oesophageal cancers across neoadjuvant, definitive and palliative settings. Improved precision in radiotherapy planning and delivery techniques have allowed treating disease with tighter margins reducing toxicity. In this study, we examine the appropriateness of current practice in defining the planning target volume (PTV).MethodsThis is a single institutional retrospective study of patients who received radiotherapy for oesophageal cancers using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) during 2020. All cone‐beam computerised tomography (CBCT) scans were reviewed to assess whether PTV expansions appropriately accounted for tumour motion and interfractional variation.ResultsOf the 27 patients, 2 (7%), 5 (19%) and 20 (74%) had cervical, thoracic and distal/gastro‐oesophageal junction (GOJ) disease, respectively. 16 (59%) had adenocarcinoma and 9 (33%) had squamous cell carcinoma. 9 of 20 distal/GOJ patients were planned and treated according to the institutional stomach filling protocol. 521/528 (98.7%) CBCTs demonstrated adequate target coverage. Cervical, thoracic and GOJ regions demonstrated adequate target coverage in 57/58, 96/97 and 368/373 CBCTs with median PTV expansions of 5, 7 and 7 mm, respectively. In four patients with GOJ disease, CBCT review identified five episodes where the target volume was insufficiently covered during the treatment course.ConclusionIn this single institutional retrospective study, for the vast majority of patients, our institutional practice of defining PTV margins achieved satisfactory target treatment. The interfractional variations observed in patients with GOJ tumours due to target motion and variable gastric volume, highlights the role of further refinements to motion management techniques in this cohort.
Angiopoietin‐2 reverses endothelial cell dysfunction in progeria vasculature
Authors: Vakili Sahar , Izydore Elizabeth K. , Losert Leonhard , Cabral Wayne A. , Tavarez Urraca L. , Shores Kevin , Xue Huijing , Erdos Michael R. , Truskey George A. , Collins Francis S. , Cao Kan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging disorder in children caused by a point mutation in the lamin A gene, resulting in a toxic form of lamin A called progerin. Accelerated atherosclerosis leading to heart attack and stroke are the major causes of death in these patients. Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of HGPS related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Endothelial cell–cell communications are important in the development of the vasculature, and their disruptions contribute to cardiovascular pathology. However, it is unclear how progerin interferes with such communications that lead to vascular dysfunction. An antibody array screening of healthy and HGPS patient EC secretomes identified Angiopoietin‐2 (Ang2) as a down‐regulated signaling molecule in HGPS ECs. A similar down‐regulation of Ang2 mRNA and protein was detected in the aortas from an HGPS mouse model. Addition of Ang2 to HGPS ECs rescues vasculogenesis, normalizes endothelial cell migration and gene expression, and restores nitric oxide bioavailability through eNOS activation. Furthermore, Ang2 addition reverses unfavorable paracrine effects of HGPS ECs on vascular smooth muscle cells. Lastly, by utilizing adenine base editor (ABE)‐corrected HGPS ECs and progerin‐expressing HUVECs, we demonstrated a negative correlation between progerin and Ang2 expression. Lastly, our results indicated that Ang2 exerts its beneficial effect in ECs through Tie2 receptor binding, activating an Akt‐mediated pathway. Together, these results provide molecular insights into EC dysfunction in HGPS and suggest that Ang2 treatment has potential therapeutic effects in HGPS‐related CVD.
Trajectories following Impella 5.5 support are associated with initial presentation acuity
Authors: Maigrot Jean‐Luc A. , Starling Randall C. , Soltesz Edward G. , Smedira Nicholas G. , Tong Michael Z. Y. , Unai Shinya , Bhat Pavan , Moros David , Blackstone Eugene H. , Weiss Aaron J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundImpella 5.5 is a temporary left ventricular assist device utilized to support patients with cardiogenic shock and those undergoing high‐risk cardiac interventions.MethodsFrom October 2019 to January 2023, 226 patients received Impella 5.5 support at Cleveland Clinic main campus. Patients were stratified by Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) shock stages. Immediate post‐Impella 5.5 trajectories were compared across groups. Trajectories were defined as mortality on Impella 5.5, transition to advanced heart failure therapies (durable left ventricular assist device/heart transplantation), or survival to Impella 5.5 removal without advanced therapies.ResultsOverall, 148 (65%) patients with cardiogenic shock and 78 (35%) undergoing high‐risk cardiac interventions received Impella 5.5 support. SCAI stage was A in 63 (28%), B in 10 (4.4%), C in 29 (13%), D in 104 (46%), and E in 20 (8.8%). Mortality on Impella 5.5 was highest in SCAI stage E (A: 3.2%, B: 10%, C: 14%, D: 27%, E: 35%; p < 0.01). Transition to advanced therapies (durable left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation) was highest in SCAI stages C‐D (A: 1.6%, B: 0.0%, C: 45%, D: 36%, E: 20%; p < 0.01). Survival to Impella removal without advanced therapies was highest in SCAI stages A‐B (A: 95%, B: 90%, C: 41%, D: 38%, E: 45%; p < 0.01).ConclusionsStratification by presentation acuity in candidates for Impella 5.5 insertion may help identify which patients may and may not benefit from this escalation of tailored temporary mechanical circulatory support.
Imprint of preterm birth with very low birth weight on optic disc OCT in adulthood—A two‐country birth cohort study
Authors: Kulmala Maarit K. , Jørgensen Anna , Austeng Dordi , Evensen Kari Anne I. , Kajantie Eero , Morken Tora Sund , Majander Anna 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeTo determine the pattern, degree and prevalence of optic disc optical coherence tomography (OCT) alterations in adults born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW; birth weight < 1500 g).MethodsOptic disc OCT was assessed in 98 VLBW participants and 139 term‐born controls from birth cohorts in Finland and Norway at the mean age of 36 years. The participants had not been treated for retinopathy of prematurity and had no diagnosed brain abnormality. OCT assessment included parameters for optic disc size, neural rim and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFLT), and for the foveal developmental stage. Background data, visual acuity, refractive error and intraocular pressure were recorded.ResultsIn the VLBW group, optic disc neural rim and pRNFLT were significantly decreased, most frequently in the nasal and inferior sectors. In 40% (95% CI: 33–47) of the VLBW eyes, nerve fibre thickness of at least one optic disc sector was below the fifth percentile of the control group, including 9% (95% CI: 6–14) subgroup falling below the first percentile, that is, clinically below normal limits. VLBW participants with nerve fibre thickness below the fifth percentile did not differ by perinatal data or foveal developmental stage from the other VLBW participants. All participants had normal visual acuity.ConclusionA moderate decrease of the optic disc neural rim and pRNFLT is frequently seen in clinically healthy adults born preterm with VLBW. Awareness of the VLBW‐related optic disc nerve fibre shallowness especially in the inferior and nasal sectors is important while evaluating acquired optic disc pathology in adulthood.
Development and validation of the Abolitionist Ideology Scale with abolitionist‐identifying and nationally representative samples
Authors: Oswald Flora , Pham Minh Duc , Chaney Kimberly E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBuilding upon recent calls for the integration of abolition into psychology, we develop and validate a measure of Abolitionist Ideology. In two studies with abolitionist leaning (N = 201, abolitionist‐identifying n = 58) and nationally representative (N = 350) samples, we identify and confirm a three‐factor, 26‐item measure including subscales of Alternatives to State Violence, Revolutionary Abolitionism, and Abolitionist Identity. The Abolitionist Ideology Scale demonstrates convergent validity with measures including support for Black Lives Matter, critical consciousness, openness to experience, radical imagination, and attribution of violence to the state. The scale demonstrates divergent validity from measures including social dominance orientation (SDO) and political conservatism. Finally, the scale predicted activism tenacity above and beyond a related measure of carceral system justification. The Abolitionist Ideology Scale demonstrates initial reliability and validity and will be useful for those aiming to engage abolition in liberatory theory, research, and practice.
Enhancing AR‐based learning environments for STEM education: A design‐based study on design features, kinematics learning and mathematics self‐efficacy
Authors: Li Shuhui , Jiao Xinyue , Cai Su , Shen Yihua 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis design‐based research project explored how various design features of AR‐based learning environments (ARLE) influence students' mathematics self‐efficacy and learning of kinematics. Specifically, five ARLEs with different design features were developed and implemented with 136 seventh‐grade students in two rounds. Data were gathered from pre‐ and post‐mathematics self‐efficacy tests, interviews, classroom observation records and reflective journals, to identify which design features promote or hinder students' learning and self‐efficacy. Results revealed that adopting a well‐designed ARLE is a viable way to promote students' learning and mathematics self‐efficacy, and the success of ARLE lies in (1) coherent tasks with proper time for self‐exploration, progressive levels, useful problem contexts and a certain degree of open‐endedness, and (2) sufficient technological affordances with strengthened authenticity, clarity and integrated media presentation, as well as engaging interactions with decent flexibility, embodied actions and feedback. These results validated the applicability of the proposed checklist for ARLE designers and practitioners in their design and implementation of ARLEs, within the domain of mathematics, physics and beyond.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

AR‐based learning environments (ARLEs) have demonstrated substantial advantages in STEM education, but ARLEs can be a drawback if they are not adequately designed.
ARLE may facilitate students' mathematics self‐efficacy, and relevant design features are underexplored.
Design‐based research sustains interventions combining empirical research and theory‐driven design of innovative learning environments, for example, ARLEs.
What this paper adds

Demonstrates the potential of ARLEs that can be used in classrooms to support STEM learning.
Identifies a collection of effective and ineffective design features of ARLEs that promote or hinder students' STEM learning and mathematics self‐efficacy.
Tackles the challenges for the design of ARLEs for classrooms by taking AR technological affordances and the pedagogical perspective together.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Five ARLEs for STEM topics were developed and implemented in secondary schools.
Evidence of positive impacts of ARLEs on students' learning and mathematics self‐efficacy.
Our research produces useful guidelines for designers and practitioners in their development and implementation of ARLEs in real classrooms.
Generating Flight Summaries Conforming to Cinematographic Principles
Authors: Lino Christophe , Cani Marie‐Paule 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe propose an automatic method for generating flight summaries of prescribed duration, given any planed 3D trajectory of a flying object. The challenge is to select relevant time‐ellipses, while keeping and adequately framing the most interesting parts of the trajectory, and enforcing cinematographic rules between the selected shots. Our solution optimizes the visual quality of the output video both in terms of camera view and film editing choices, thanks to a new optimization technique, designed to jointly optimize the selection of the interesting parts of a flight, and the camera animation parameters over time. To our best knowledge, this solution is the first one to address camera control, film editing, and trajectory summarizing at once. Ablation studies demonstrate the visual quality of the flights summaries we generate compared to alternative methods.