bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spiny lobster predation of barrens‐forming sea urchins is not limited by body size, but may be overstated
Authors: Day Jeremy K. , Knott Nathan A. , Swadling Daniel S. , Ayre David , Huggett Megan J. , Gaston Troy F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWorldwide, lobsters are considered key predators that control urchin populations. It has been widely reported that lobster size plays a significant role in the size of urchins they feed on, as does the size of the urchin. Generally, it is thought that small palinurid “spiny” lobsters measuring less than 120 mm carapace length (CL) are morphologically incapable of eating urchins, while large lobsters are voracious predators. Urchin size is expected to affect predation with larger urchins of greater than 90 mm test diameter (TD) presenting the most difficult prey. These generalities, however, have not been quantitatively tested for the eastern spiny lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi and recently the accepted size paradigm for lobsters eating urchins has come into question. The aim of this study was to assess whether lobster predation on urchins would differ with urchin size or species, or the size of lobster. Our results indicate that S. verreauxi does not fit the common lobster patterns regarding urchin predation. There were generally low rates of predation and a significant negative relationship between feeding and both lobster size and urchin size. We found that small lobsters were capable urchin predators with a higher likelihood of eating urchins than larger lobsters, which were more reluctant predators. While we did find the expected effect of smaller urchins being significantly more vulnerable prey, there was none of the expected size limitations for small lobsters eating large urchins and predation did not differ between urchin species, indicating that this was a general pattern. Overall, we observed low rates of predation, suggesting that either S. verreauxi may not be a key urchin predator like other lobster species elsewhere, or that small lobsters are underestimated as urchin predators in temperate marine ecosystems.
An improved preconditioned conjugate gradient method for unconstrained optimization problem with application in Robot arm control
Authors: Muhammad Lawal , Waziri Mohammad Y. , Sulaiman Ibrahim Mohammed , Moghrabi Issam A.R. , Sambas Aceng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis work suggests improved conjugate gradient methods for enhancing the efficiency and robustness of the classical conjugate gradient methods. The study modifies the diagonal of the inverse Hessian approximation of the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) quasi‐Newton update in order to build a preconditioner for nonlinear conjugate gradient (NCG) methods applied to large‐scale unconstrained optimization problems. Damping techniques were embedded into the algorithm to impose the positive definiteness of the diagonal approximation. This made the methods easy to use and presented a viable way to increase the effectiveness of unconstrained optimization techniques. Experimental findings from a collection of benchmark problems demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method when compared to five other existing NCG algorithms. Moreover, the successful application of the algorithm to manipulate robotic planar motion control systems with 3 degrees of freedom has been demonstrated, highlighting the practicality of the proposed approach.
The method based on ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy combined with feature variable selection for the boletus species and origins identification
Authors: Ji Zhiyi , Liu Honggao , Li Jieqing , Wang Yuanzhong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWild boletus mushrooms, which are macrofungi of the phylum Basidiomycetes, are a nutritious and unique natural food that is widely enjoyed. Since boletus are consumed with problems of indistinguishable toxic and non‐toxic species and heavy metal enrichment, their species identification and traceability are crucial in ensuring quality and safety of consumption. In this study, the attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy technique combined with three feature variable extraction methods, manual selection method, semi‐manual selection method, and algorithm method, were used to improve the accuracy and computational speed of the model identification, and the models were established for the identification of boletus species with an accuracy of up to 100% as well as for the identification of boletus origin with an accuracy of 86.36%. It was found that the best methods to improve the accuracy of the models were semi‐manual selection, manual selection and algorithmic selection in that order. This study can provide rapid and accurate species identification and origin traceability of wild boletus, and provide theoretical basis for the rational use of feature variable selection methods.
Reality Capturing – Innovativer Einsatz von Drohnen bei der Planung, Dokumentation und Beweissicherung im Spezialtiefbau
Authors: Meißner Simon , Allinger Manuel , Cronen Bernd , Lemmer Manuel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAuf dem Gelände der ehemaligen Reemtsma Zigarettenfabrik in Berlin‐Schmargendorf entsteht derzeit das Gewerbehöfequartier GoWest – ein zukunftsorientierter nachhaltiger Gewerbestandort nach historischem Berliner Vorbild. Auf einer Fläche von ca. 50.000 m2 entstehen zwölf Gewerbehöfe mit bis zu sechs Obergeschossen. Das gesamte Quartier wird vollflächig 3‐geschossig unterkellert. Die Sicherung der 14 m tiefen Baugrube erfolgt mit einer Stahlbetonschlitzwand in Verbindung mit einem vorgesetzten Trägerbohlverbau. Die Stahlbetonschlitzwand dient im Endzustand als Außenwand der geplanten Untergeschosse. Bei der Baugrubenplanung und der Dokumentation der Bauausführung kommt ein mittels Reality Capturing erstelltes digitales 3D‐Drohnenmodell des Baufeldes zum Einsatz. Die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten eines solchen Modells werden in diesem Beitrag dargelegt.
Chromosome‐scale genome assembly of the autoalloenneaploid Arundo donax
Authors: Ren Mengmeng , Liu Fupeng , Han Xiaohong , Wu Daohong , Peng Hai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundArundo donax L. has great potential as an energy crop due to its high biomass yield and broad adaptability, while lack of a reference genome is a hindrance to genetic improvement efforts for this species.MethodsGenome assembly of A. donax was conducted by utilizing PacBio SMRT sequencing and high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture technology, with further analysis exploring the plant's ploidy, whole‐genome duplication event, and evolutionary history through comparative genomics.ResultsThe genome assembly of A. donax consists of 1.30 Gb with a contig N50 size of 33.15 Mb. A total of 74 403 gene models were identified, with over 90% of genes being functionally annotated. Karyotype and synteny analyses revealed that A. donax is an autoalloenneaploid (3n = 9x = 108) and has experienced significant gene family expansion and two whole‐genome duplication events during its evolutionary history. Furthermore, utilizing the genome assembly, a variety of salinity stress‐related genes were uncovered through the analysis of public RNA‐seq data.ConclusionsThis study presents the initial chromosome‐scale genome assembly of A. donax, which will advance genetic comprehension and support the genetic enhancement of this important energy crop.
Air pollution, viral spread and health outcomes evidence from strikes in France
Authors: Godzinski Alexandre , Suarez Castillo Milena 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo evidence the impact of air pollution on the health of urban populations, several studies use natural experiments that shift commuting from public transport to cars (or vice‐versa). However, as public transport use declines, reduced interpersonal contact may lead to slower virus spread and thus lower respiratory morbidity. Using a difference‐in‐differences strategy, we show that respiratory hospitalisations are both positively affected by air pollution and negatively affected by viral spread following partial unavailability of public transport due to strikes in the ten most populated French cities during the period 2010–2015. Our results are in line with studies in other countries that have found a significant increase in urgent respiratory hospitalisations following a public transport strike, most likely due to car pollution, but we also find a detectable interaction with viral spread, which should not be overlooked when interpreting these studies.
The current therapeutic cancer vaccines landscape in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Shaoyi , Cheng Sida , Cai Jingsheng , Liu Zheng , Li Haoran , Wang Peiyu , Li Yun , Yang Fan , Chen Kezhong , Qiu Mantang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCurrently, conventional immunotherapies for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have low response rates and benefit only a minority of patients, particularly those with advanced disease, so novel therapeutic strategies are urgent deeded. Therapeutic cancer vaccines, a form of active immunotherapy, harness potential to activate the adaptive immune system against tumor cells via antigen cross‐presentation. Cancer vaccines can establish enduring immune memory and guard against recurrences. Vaccine‐induced tumor cell death prompts antigen epitope spreading, activating functional T cells and thereby sustaining a cancer‐immunity cycle. The success of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has rendered cancer vaccines a promising avenue, especially when combined with immunotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for NSCLC. This review delves into the intricate antitumor immune mechanisms underlying therapeutic cancer vaccines, enumerates the tumor antigen spectrum of NSCLC, discusses different cancer vaccines progress and summarizes relevant clinical trials. Additionally, we analyze the combination strategies, current limitations, and future prospects of cancer vaccines in NSCLC treatment, aiming to offer fresh insights for their clinical application in managing NSCLC. Overall, cancer vaccines offer promising potential for NSCLC treatment, particularly combining with chemoradiotherapy or immunotherapy could further improve survival in advanced patients. Exploring inhaled vaccines or prophylactic vaccines represents a crucial research avenue.
Using industrial computed tomography to determine the spatial distribution of clogging substances in drip irrigation emitter flow channels
Authors: Yao Yuqian , Shen Yan , Ma Changjian , Zhang Kai , Li Jingzhi , Xiao Yang , Li Yunkai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDrip irrigation using poor‐quality water is effective for addressing agricultural water shortages, but it can lead to emitter clogging. However, little is known about the formation behaviour of clogging substances inside emitters when using reclaimed effluent. This study used industrial computed tomography (ICT) to determine the spatial distribution of clogging substances within emitter flow channels. The results showed that 21%–27% of the clogging substances were on the top face, and 20%–26% were on the substrate face, with less than 20% on the downstream and root faces. Clogging substances concentrated at the front of flow channels accounted for 38%–61% of the first structural unit. As the flow channel length increased, there was a significant fluctuation in the volume of clogging substances on the upstream and downstream faces, while changes on the upstream face, downstream face and root face exhibited relatively minor fluctuations. It is recommended to focus on controlling clogging substances on the top and substrate faces, as well as at the front of the emitter flow channel. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the spatial distribution of clogging substances in emitter flow channels, which is crucial for the development of anti‐clogging emitters and the promotion of poor‐quality water drip irrigation technology.
Revisiting the role of governance and institutions on agricultural production
Authors: Lin Jessie , Fiankor Dela‐Dem Doe , Rosero Gabriel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper revisits the 2008 paper in Food Policy, “Governance and agricultural productivity: A cross‐national analysis.” We estimate a country‐level production function to assess the relationship between institutional indicators and agricultural production. We extend the analysis to a 22‐year panel and use different functional forms. We test whether the governance and agricultural production effect varies across high and low‐income countries. To check whether the choice of institutional measure drives the findings, we use two alternative indices. Our findings confirm the role of governance and institutions with quantitative differences in the estimates. We further discuss these and other heterogeneity in the paper.
Protective procedures in functional analysis of self‐injurious behavior: An updated scoping review
Authors: Frank‐Crawford Michelle A. , Piersma Drew E. , Fernandez Nathalie , Tate Savannah A. , Bustamante Erik A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDespite the efficacy of functional analyses in identifying the function of challenging behavior, clinicians report not always using them, partly due to safety concerns. Understanding how researchers employ safeguards to mitigate risks, particularly with dangerous topographies like self‐injurious behavior (SIB), is important to guide research and practice. However, the results of a scoping review of functional analyses of self‐injurious behavior conducted by Weeden et al. (2010) revealed that only 19.83% of publications included protections. We extended the work of Weeden et al. to determine whether reporting has improved. We observed increases in all but two types of protections reviewed by Weeden et al. Additionally, we included new protections not reported by Weeden et al. In total, 69.52% of the studies included at least one protective procedure and 44.39% specified that the protections were used for safety. It appears that reporting has increased since Weeden et al. called for improved descriptions of participant protections.
U‐shaped association between pan‐immune‐inflammation value and periodontitis: NHANES 2009–2014
Authors: Zhou Huan , Zhang Shusen , Miao Di , Cao Ruoyan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between the pan‐immune‐inflammation value (PIV) and periodontitis based on a large national survey.MethodsIn the present cross‐sectional study, data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014, which included a total of 10,300 participants. The categorization of periodontitis was based on the 2017 classification scheme. The PIV was determined using the formula: (neutrophils count × monocyte count × platelet count)/lymphocytes count. Restricted cubic spline and weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate the associations between the PIV with periodontitis.ResultsThe associations between PIV and stage III/IV periodontitis followed a U‐shaped pattern (Pnon‐linearity < 0.001). The risk of developing stage III/IV periodontitis showed an increasing trend among participants in the first quartile (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.46), third quartile (OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.11–1.61), and fourth quartile (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.25–1.73) compared to those in the second quartile. Subgroup analysis indicated stronger associations of PIV with periodontitis in males (ORQ4vs2 = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.36–2.18) and individuals with hypertension (ORQ4vs2 = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.38–2.28) with significant interactions (Pinteraction < 0.05).ConclusionsThere is a U‐shaped association between PIV and stage III/IV periodontitis, which suggests a potential adjunctive treatment strategy for periodontitis. Higher PIV values were found to have a stronger correlation with stage III/IV periodontitis in males and individuals with hypertension. Further prospective trials are needed to confirm the validity of our results.Plain Language SummaryA U‐shaped association exists between the pan‐immune inflammation value and periodontitis in US adults, suggesting that maintaining a moderate immune inflammation response is crucial for periodontal health.
The dynamic response mechanism of crops to manganese uptake and transfer mediated by different intercropping crop attributes
Authors: Li Zhixian , Shang Qiuyao , Zou Li , Xing Zhenan , Chen Guoliang , Chen Zhang , Zhou Jianlin , Liu Xiling 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAn issue of pressing concern is the manganese contamination in farmland soils adjacent to industrial areas. To address this, intercropping hyperaccumulator plants with crops emerges as a sustainable approach to ensuring food security. This study aims to investigate the influence of intercropping Sedum alfredii with maize or soybean on their growth and the dynamics of manganese accumulation through field experiments.RESULTSThe results showed that compared with monoculture, the Sedum alfredii–maize intercropping system exhibited a land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.89, signifying a 71.13% augmentation in bioaccumulation amount (BCA). Additionally, it led to a significant reduction in manganese content in various organs, ranging from 17.05% to 25.50%. However, the Sedum alfredii–soybean intercropping system demonstrated a LER of 1.94, accompanied by a 66.11% increase in BCA, but did not significantly reduce the manganese content in the roots, stems, and pods of soybeans. Furthermore, manganese accumulation in maize and soybean grains was primarily attributed to the aboveground translocation of manganese. The intercropping effect on blocking manganese absorption of maize during growth and maturity is primarily attributed to the earlier manganese accumulation in intercropped maize by 2.63 to 4.35 days, and a reduction of 21.95% in the maximum manganese accumulation rate.CONCLUSIONSThe study found that manganese accumulation dynamics vary significantly depending on the crop family. Intercropping Sedum alfredii with maize enhances land‐use efficiency and reduces manganese uptake by crops, making it a promising strategy for remediating manganese‐contaminated farmland near industrial areas. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
External Auditory Canal Exostosis and the California Surfer Population: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Davis Ryan J. , Ayo‐Ajibola Oluwatobiloba , Lin Matthew E. , Doherty Joni K. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesCalifornia has the most surfers in the United States and a high prevalence of external auditory canal exostoses (EACEs) among them. We aimed to characterize their EACE knowledge, use of earplugs, and barriers toward earplug use.MethodsA RedCap survey was distributed to online surfing forums and surfers at California beaches. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to characterize responses.ResultsOur cohort included 334 primarily male (n = 269, 81.52%), college‐educated (n = 237, 71.17%) surfers who were on average 30.79 years old (SD = 11.07). Two hundred and ninety‐seven (90.00%) heard of EACE and 317 (96.06%) believed earplugs prevent EACE. However, 214 (64.85%) had never used earplugs. Multivariable logistic regression found increased age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = [1.00–1.08], p = 0.03), higher EACE knowledge quiz scores (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = [1.19–1.80], p < 0.001), and primarily surfing in Southern California (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = [1.15–4.16], p = 0.02) increased the likelihood of earplug use. Common reasons against earplug use included reduced hearing, discomfort, and social hindrance. Two hundred and eighty‐seven (86.45%) would wear earplugs following more EACE knowledge. They preferred learning from surf community members, doctors, and surf events.ConclusionLow earplug use despite awareness of EACE preventability suggests a need for EACE education among California surfers and more accessible, user‐friendly earplugs. Younger, less‐skilled surfers who were more commonly unaware of EACE may represent a key intervention group. Education could be promoted through partnerships between health professionals and renowned surf organizations, as most participants indicated a willingness to use earplugs post‐education.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 2024
A Systematic Review of Occult Contralateral Neck Metastasis in Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Punjabi Nihal , Sharma Arjun , Park Jamie , Kennedy Kari , Inman Jared C. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of occult contralateral nodal metastasis in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) in patients who have undergone bilateral neck dissection.Data SourceA systematic review of English articles identified from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases.Review MethodsSearch terms included “oropharynx,” “carcinoma,” “lymph node,” and “neck dissection.” Two reviewers independently screened abstracts, reviewed full texts, and extracted data from all studies that presented the prevalence of contralateral occult nodal metastasis in TSCC.ResultsThe overall prevalence of occult contralateral nodal metastasis was 10%. The prevalence was 8% for cT1/T2 tumors, 19% for cT3/T4, 1% for N0 in the ipsilateral neck, and 12% for N+. Occult contralateral lymph nodes were most frequently found in neck level II (81%) and level III (19%). No metastatic nodes were found in level I.ConclusionElective neck dissection of the contralateral neck in TSCC is controversial due the historic morbidity caused by the surgery. A widely accepted recommendation suggests performing an elective neck dissection when the prevalence of occult metastasis is between 15% and 20%. The results of this study suggest that elective contralateral neck dissection will identify occult positivity in 19% of patients with T3/T4 tonsil cancer. In T1/T2 or N0 tumors, the diagnostic yield would be considerably lower at 8% and 1%, respectively. Contralateral nodal sampling could be considered based on patient preference after adequate counseling on the risks/benefits of occult nodal detection. More research is needed on other nodal features to formulate treatment guidelines. Laryngoscope, 2024
Compositional Influence of Cross‐linked Polyion Hydrogels from Poly(L‐Lysine) and Poly(L‐Glutamic Acid) on Their Properties for Potential Skin Applications
Authors: Bielas Rafał , Fattah Sarinj , Mielańczyk Łukasz , Pozdeev German , Cryan Sally‐Ann , Heise Andreas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractChemically cross‐linked hydrogels are synthesized from a set of protected L‐lysine and L‐glutamic acid containing homo and copolypetides. Cross‐linking of the linear copolypeptides is achieved through the incorporation of L‐tryptophan and its reaction with hexamethylene bis(triazolinodione). Upon deprotection, hydrogels with oppositely charged polypeptides of different L‐lysine and L‐glutamic acid composition form pH‐dependent polyion complexes through electrostatic interaction. The obtained networks show distinct pH‐dependent differences in their water swelling and rheological properties. Hydrogels at pH 4 display higher strengths compared to pH 8 and their rheological properties scale with L‐lysine/L‐glutamic acid ratio. At pH 8 results suggests that ionic interactions and presumably secondary structure effects have a significant impact on the hydrogel properties. This is further evident from the influence of the copolypetide structures, random versus block copolypeptides, used in the cross‐linked hydrogel. None of the hydrogel shows any significant cytotoxicity against skin cell lines.