bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gαo1 and Gαo1/Gαo2 deletion differentially affect hippocampal mossy fiber tract anatomy and neuronal morphogenesis
Authors: Höltje Markus , Wolkowicz Anton , Brunk Irene , Baron Jens , Ahnert‐Hilger Gudrun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe heterotrimeric G‐protein αo subunit is ubiquitously expressed in the CNS as two splice variants Gαo1 and Gαo2, regulating various brain functions. Here, we investigated the effect of single Gαo1, Gαo2, and double Gαo1/2 knockout on the postnatal development of the murine mossy fiber tract, a central pathway of the hippocampal connectivity circuit. The size of the hippocampal synaptic termination fields covered by mossy fiber boutons together with various fiber length parameters of the tract was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of the vesicular Zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) or Synaptoporin at postnatal days 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and in the adult. Ultimately, Gαo1 knockout resulted in a reduced developmental growth of synaptic mossy fiber terminal fields by 37% in the adult Stratum lucidum and by 30% in the total mossy fiber tract size. Other morphological parameters such as projection length of the infrapyramidal bundle of the tract were increased (+52% in Gαo1−/− mice). In contrast, Gαo2 knockout had no effects on the mossy fiber tract. Moreover, by using primary heterozygous and homozygous Gαo1 knockout hippocampal cultures, we detected a strongly pronounced reduction in axon and dendrite length (−50% and −38%, respectively) as well as axon and dendrite arborization complexity (−75% and −72% branch nodes, respectively) in the homozygous knockout. Deletion of both splice variants Gαo1 and Gαo2 partially rescued the in vivo and completely reconstituted the in vitro effects, indicating an opposing functional relevance of the two Gαo splice variants for neuronal development and synaptic connectivity.
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Does Floor Trading Matter?
Authors: BROGAARD JONATHAN , RINGGENBERG MATTHEW C. , ROESCH DOMINIK 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAlthough algorithmic trading now dominates financial markets, some exchanges continue to use human floor traders. On March 23, 2020 the NYSE suspended floor trading because of COVID‐19. Using a difference‐in‐differences analysis around the closure of the floor, we find that floor traders are important contributors to market quality. The suspension of floor trading leads to higher spreads and larger pricing errors for treated stocks relative to control stocks. To explore the mechanism, we exploit two partial floor reopenings that have different characteristics. Our finding suggests that in‐person human interaction facilitates the transfer of valuable information that algorithms lack.
Genome‐Wide Data Uncover Cryptic Diversity With Multiple Reticulation Events in the Balkan‐Anatolian Cardamine (Brassicaceae) Species Complex
Authors: Šlenker Marek , Kantor Adam , Senko Dušan , Mártonfiová Lenka , Šrámková Gabriela , Cetlová Veronika , Dönmez Ali A. , Yüzbaşıoğlu Sırrı , Zozomová‐Lihová Judita 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPlant species diversity may be considerably underestimated, especially in evolutionarily complex genera and in diversity hotspots that have enabled long‐term species persistence and diversification, such as the Balkan Peninsula. Here, we address the topic of underexplored plant diversity and underlying evolutionary and biogeographic processes by investigating the hygrophytic mountain species complex of Cardamine acris s.l. distributed in the Balkans (three subspecies within C. acris) and northwestern Anatolia (C. anatolica). We performed a series of phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses based on restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and target enrichment (Hyb‐Seq) data in combination with habitat suitability modelling. We found C. anatolica as a clade nested within the Balkan C. acris, probably resulting from a founder event, and uncovered three allopatric cryptic lineages within C. acris subsp. acris, allowing us to recognise a total of six entities in this complex. We observed the deepest genetic split within C. acris subsp. acris in the western Balkans, which was at odds with taxonomy and showed no distribution gap. We inferred vicariance as the most likely process for population divergence in the Balkans, accompanied by gene flow between the recognised entities, which was consistent with the modelled habitat suitability dynamics. Furthermore, we discovered several polyploid populations in C. acris, representing both pure intra‐ and inter‐lineage hybrid polyploids, but detected only minor traces of hybridization with related congeners. Overall, our results illustrate that diverse evolutionary processes may influence the history of mountain plant species in the Balkan Peninsula, including vicariance, reticulation, polyploidization and cryptic diversification.
Tapping Into Awareness: Assessing Nursing Students’ Water Consumption Behaviors and Sustainability Perceptions Through a Cross‐Sectional Study With Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Kucukkuya Aycan , Bodur Gonul , Ozata Sabri Yasir , Goktas Polat 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionInvestigating water consumption behaviors and perceptions of water sustainability among nursing students is crucial for effective resource management. This study employs machine learning (ML) techniques to analyze these factors in detail.MethodsThis descriptive cross‐sectional study involved 182 senior nursing students from an accredited faculty in Istanbul, Turkey, during the 2023–2024 academic year. Data were collected through an online survey, including an information form, a visual analog scale toward foresight about water scarcity (VAS), and a water consumption behavior scale. Advanced ML techniques were utilized to identify intricate patterns and correlations in the students’ behaviors and perceptions.ResultsThe survey revealed that nursing students primarily rely on packaged water and perceive an imminent threat of water scarcity, though they exhibit limited awareness of their personal water footprint. High VAS scores indicated a strong awareness of global water crises but skepticism about local water scarcity. The ML model identified “Domestic Water Use Efficiency” as the primary factor influencing attitudes toward water sustainability, with “Water Awareness” and “Sustainable Water Ethics” also playing significant roles.ConclusionsThe study highlights the need to integrate sustainable water management education into nursing curricula and demonstrates nursing students’ awareness and preparedness for sustainable practices.
Rehabilitation of a degraded acid Mediterranean soil after 11 years of by‐product calcium amendments and pasture improvement
Authors: Mariscal‐Sancho Ignacio , Peregrina Fernando , Espejo Rafael , Hontoria Chiquinquirá 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe clearing of natural vegetation and tillage for agricultural purposes makes acid soils highly vulnerable to degradation, resulting in significant losses of soil fertility and crop productivity. This work focused on nature‐based agricultural solutions to rehabilitate degraded acid soils in low‐resource systems. We studied after 6 and 11 years how the introduction of a legume‐rich pasture replacing a natural pasture or a tilled forage crop, with and without Ca‐amendment, contributed to recover the soil health, the fertility and the productivity of degraded Ultisols in Western Spain. Industrial by‐products, mainly sugar foam, were used as Ca‐amendment to promote circular economy. The Ca‐amendment factor influenced soil chemistry to 30 cm depth, while the type of soil use affected soil organic matter (SOM) to 15 cm; and both factors had positive effects on biomass productivity. Except for pH and Ca, no interaction between factors was found. Ca‐amendment increased nutrient availability and soil pH, and Al ion precipitated at 0–15 cm depth. As a result, biomass production increased by 35% relative to no Ca‐amendment. Forage cop produced 66% more biomass than pastures, but this increase did not translate into an increase in SOM. In fact, the legume‐rich pasture was the best option to recover soil organic C and N levels, earlier and deeper. Over the 11 years, the use of pastures and Ca‐amendment enhanced biomass production stability. Relative to natural, the improved pasture did not increase plant biomass but provided higher biomass stability and quality in terms of legume abundance, which was promoted when sugar foam was applied. Pastures also favoured key biological variable as earthworm's population, increasing it by four times with respect to forage crops. Compared to the non‐amended and unfertilized natural pasture out of the experiment, the use of improved pasture, followed by natural pasture, combined with sugar foam and fertilization enhanced soil health, soil fertility and biomass production stability. Thus, this solution has proven effective for restoring degraded acid soils, promoting diversity and mitigating climate change, while offering a more economically beneficial alternative.
A simplified liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry methodology to probe the shikimate and aromatic amino acid biosynthetic pathways in plants
Authors: El‐Azaz Jorge , Maeda Hiroshi A. 
Published: October 2024

SUMMARYPlants direct substantial amounts of carbon toward the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids (AAAs), particularly phenylalanine to produce lignin and other phenylpropanoids. Yet, we have a limited understanding of how plants regulate AAA metabolism, partially because of a scarcity of robust analytical methods. Here, we established a simplified workflow for simultaneous quantification of AAAs and their pathway intermediates from plant tissues, based on extraction at two alternative pH and analysis by Zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. This workflow was then used to analyze metabolic responses to elevated or reduced carbon flow through the shikimate pathway in plants. Increased flow upon expression of a feedback‐insensitive isoform of the first shikimate pathway enzyme elevated all AAAs and pathway intermediates, especially arogenate, the last common precursor within the post‐chorismate pathway of tyrosine and phenylalanine biosynthesis. Additional overexpression of an arogenate dehydrogenase enzyme increased tyrosine levels and depleted phenylalanine and arogenate pools; however, the upstream shikimate pathway intermediates remained accumulated at high levels. Glyphosate treatment, which restricts carbon flow through the shikimate pathway by inhibiting its penultimate step, led to a predictable accumulation of shikimate and other precursors upstream of its target enzyme but also caused an unexpected accumulation of downstream metabolites, including arogenate. These findings highlight that the shikimate pathway and the downstream post‐chorismate AAA pathways function as independently regulated modules in plants. The method developed here paves the way for a deeper understanding of the shikimate and AAA biosynthetic pathways in plants.
Evaluation of the effects of cementless total hip replacement on femoral length in skeletally immature dogs
Authors: Forzisi Ida , Vezzoni Aldo , Vezzoni Luca , Drudi Dario , Bourbos Alexandros , Marcellin‐Little Denis J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe percentage length changes in the femur after total hip replacement (THR) performed before skeletal maturity.Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsTwenty‐four dogs younger than 8.5 months which underwent unilateral THR and had radiographic follow up.MethodsPreoperative and follow‐up radiographs were reviewed. Radiographic measurements included the length of the greater trochanter, femoral diaphysis and distal epiphysis, width of the femur 10 mm distal to the distal aspect of the greater trochanter, width of the femur at 50%, and femoral condylar offset. Percentage changes in length over time were compared among operated and contralateral femurs used as controls. Measurements were collected in triplicate in 10 dogs to evaluate consistency.ResultsAll repeated measurements had excellent consistency. The percentage increase in length of the greater trochanter was smaller in operated femurs than controls (mean difference: −11.5%, p = .017), but no differences were observed for the femoral diaphysis and distal epiphysis (−1.0%, p = .595), or the femur overall (−2.3%, p = .232). The percentage increase in femoral cortical width was greater in operated femurs than controls, both 10 mm distal to the greater trochanter (4.6% difference, p = .037) and at 50% length (8.5% difference, p = .030).ConclusionIn growing dogs, cementless THR decreased trochanteric growth by approximately 10% but did not change diaphyseal growth and femoral growth.Clinical significanceCementless THR performed in skeletally immature dogs with severe hip problems did not impact femoral length in a clinically relevant fashion.
Rolling Formability Optimization of Locking Bolt Based on a Double-Thread Structure Composed of Coaxial Single and Multiple Threads
Authors: Amano Shuichi , Shinbutsu Toshinaka , Okimoto Yuki , Takemasu Teruie , Shimura Jyo , Hasegawa Osamu , Kuwabara Toshihiko 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In previous studies, we developed innovative anti-loosening bolts and nuts with a double-thread structure (denoted DTB-IIC) composed of coaxial single and multiple coarse threads. It was also experimentally proven that the DTB-IIC has high anti-loosening performance. In this study, we analytically and experimentally investigated the effects of multiple thread groove depths and rolling methods on the thread rolling formability of DTB-IIC fasteners. The bottom rise rate, which is the ratio of the bottom rise amount of the multi-thread groove to the reference thread height, was set in three ways of 50%, 60%, and 70%. As the bottom rise rate increased, peeling on the thread surface was suppressed and the high temperatures produced by thread rolling decreased significantly, but the loosening resistance against vibration clearly decreased. We compared three typical mass production processes for bolts: the round die method, the flat die method, and the planetary method, with the bottom rise rate set at 50%. It was found that the flat die method had the best rolling formability in terms of screw-thread shape and surface quality. A finite element simulation consistently reproduced the deformation process of the complex DTB-IIC thread and revealed that the material shear flow due to over-rolling led to the occurrence of surface peeling.
Investigating the Feasibility of Focused Ultrasound Actuation of Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Chipana Aldo , Moore Joseph , Hancock Matthew , Sanderson Sarah G. , Hill Jeffrey R. , Dillon Christopher R. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Nitinol, a shape memory alloy, has shown immense promise and utility in biomedical engineering with its remarkable biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Most biomedical applications rely on Nitinol’s superelasticity rather than its hysteretic properties, otherwise known as its shape memory. The aim of this research is to determine if local heating from focused ultrasound could be used to induce the shape memory effect of Nitinol safely and non-invasively for biomedical applications deep within the body.
Specifically, Nitinol’s shape memory properties and focused ultrasound’s precise and localized heating in deep tissues could be utilized for non-invasive actuation and slow deployment of stents in the treatment of peripheral artery disease, which affects approximately 21 million Americans today. This approach could reduce the risk of in-stent restenosis, a consequence of injury to arterial walls caused by the traditionally rapid deployment of stents. The current study investigates whether focused ultrasound can actuate a tight coil of Nitinol (representing a simple stent) under experimental conditions that mimic in vivo conditions. Results demonstrate that focused ultrasound-induced actuation of Nitinol stents in deep vessels under physiological conditions is a possibility. Precise positioning and control of the stent and ultrasound transducer will be necessary to achieve stent actuation at power levels that prevent thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Enhancing Indirect Electromechanical Impedance NDE Sensitivity Using Elastic Metamaterial
Authors: Oyekola Peter O. , Albakri Mohammad I. , Rao Mohan D. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces a novel approach to non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and quality control (QC) of engineered structures by employing an indirectly bonded electromechanical impedance (iEMI) technique with a metamaterial fixture. Traditional NDE methods encounter limitations such as high cost, restricted accessibility, or sensitivity to complex geometries. The iEMI technique offers a cost-effective alternative by utilizing a piezoelectric element attached to a fixture instead of directly to the part, eliminating the need for individual part instrumentation. However, conventional iEMI setups may be affected by fixture dynamics, obscuring the test specimen’s impedance signature. To address this challenge, this paper proposes using a metamaterial fixture with broad bandgap properties to prevent wave propagation within specific frequency ranges, accurately reflecting the part’s characteristics. The study focuses on developing a chiral metamaterial beam with two-unit cell designs to control mechanical wave propagation, emphasizing bandgap formation within desired frequency ranges. Experimental setup, bandgap analysis, fixture development, and iEMI performance evaluation are detailed, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach. Conclusions offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of metamaterial fixtures in enhancing iEMI sensitivity and accuracy for defect detection in engineered structures.
Flexible Matrix Composite Wafers in Smart Prosthetic Sockets for Improved Socket Comfort and Fit
Authors: Hada Masaki , Bailey Abigail , Squibb Carson , Kaluf Brian , Madigan Michael L. , Philen Michael 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Improving comfort is a paramount objective in the design process of a lower-limb prosthetic socket. A common issue with maintaining a comfortable socket fit during the day is that volume changes in the residual limb can result in regions of severe discomfort on the limb. These changes in residual limb volume can occur during both brief and long-term timescales. The objective of this research is to develop smart prosthetic sockets that can adjust for changes in the volume of the residual limb. Flexible Matrix Composites (FMCs) are high performance actuators that exhibit a high mechanical advantage when internally pressurized. FMCs are composed of symmetric layers of carbon fiber surrounding a flexible rubber tube. The actuators are then coiled into custom molds and filled with an elastomer, thus forming the active wafer. While FMCs are typically used for axial actuation, the FMC wafers take advantage of the radial expansion of the actuator to obtain actuation through the thickness of the wafer. Previous research characterized the effect of several design variables on the stiffness and actuation performance of wafer-style FMC actuators. Building upon the previous work, custom FMC wafers are fabricated and integrated into prosthetic sockets, thus forming a smart socket that can accommodate for volume changes. A socket was fabricated with custom wafers designed to target critical regions identified for the participant. An external gas canister and pressure regulation valve was used for precise control of the air pressure within the wafers. The participant was subjected to a physical activity regimen, recording their socket comfort every 150 seconds. The participant’s socket comfort score improved using the FMC wafers after actuation.
Guided-Wave Structural Health Monitoring for Assessing the Bond Strength of Induction-Welded Thermoplastic Composite Joints
Authors: Mazzeschi Mattia , Farhangdoust Saman , Ahmed Shabbir , Cañibano Esteban , Fernandez Maite , Chang Fu-Kuo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the interaction between ultrasonic guided waves (GW) propagation and bond quality of induction-welded thermoplastic composite joints. Using ultrasonic piezoelectric transducers, the proposed robust structural health monitoring (SHM) method established a strong correlation between ultrasonic signals and the health status of joint. Three joint batches were manufactured with varying shear strength by adjusting welding parameters. Batch 1 had superior properties, while batches 2 and 3 were intermediate and lower, respectively. Transducers were placed on opposite sides of the joint overlap, operating at 350 kHz and 450 kHz. Time of flight (ToF) measurements, indicating wave group velocity, showed a direct correlation with weld-line stiffness and wave propagation velocity. These findings significantly contribute to the understanding of the interaction between mechanical properties and guided wave propagation in induction-welded thermoplastic composite joints, providing valuable insights for monitoring the performance of such joints in engineering applications.
Body Mass Management Practices of Olympic Weightlifting Athletes
Authors: Cox Amie M. , Langan-Evans Carl , Jenkins David , Reale Reid , Pelly Fiona , Slater Gary J. 
Published: October 2024

This study explored the body mass (BM) management practices among competitive male and female Olympic weightlifting athletes, hypothesizing that athletes compete in lighter weight categories than their habitual training weight (i.e., making weight). Utilizing a validated, anonymous survey, data were collected from 149 Olympic weightlifting athletes (>18 years; female = 94). The survey comprised five sections: demographics, training/competition history, weight history, source of influence, and BM management practices. The prevalence, magnitude, and methods employed for BM management were analyzed with subgroup analysis using one-way analysis of variance. Post hoc testing including Spearman’s rho and chi-square analysis was completed when a significant effect was found. Three quarters (76%) of athletes acknowledged using chronic weight loss and/or acute weight loss strategies to make weight. Usual BM loss (2%–3%) in the week before competition was within recommended guidelines. Gradual dieting, fluid restriction, and low food weight, high-calorie options were the most commonly used BM management strategies. Female athletes were more likely to use gradual dieting (p = .043; r = .104) and were less likely to increase their exercise (p = .046; r = −.105) and utilize fasting (p = .038; r = .05) compared with their male counterparts. Women further identified dietitians/nutritionists (p = .006; r = .022) as a highly influential source of information. This research offers new insights into the BM management practices of Olympic weightlifting athletes, identifying that the majority of athletes compete at a BM lighter than their habitual training weight, achieved using a range of chronic weight loss and acute weight loss strategies.