bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biotic and abiotic dispersal of a large-seeded keystone genus in Madagascar
Authors: Tonos Jadelys , Rakotoarisoa Hasinavalona , Ramananjato Veronarindra , Randimbiarison Finaritra , Razafindratsima Onja 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn tropical forests, most plant species rely on frugivorous animals for seed dispersal services. Such mutualisms are imperiled by defaunation, which disproportionately affects large-bodied vertebrates and may impact the interactions of the large-seeded plants they disperse. However, frugivore-mediated seed dispersal (zoochory) may not be the only mechanism ensuring the dispersal of a given plant species. With a focus on large-seeded canopy trees in the genus Canarium in the rainforests of Madagascar, thought to be dispersed by large-bodied lemur species, we investigated the contribution of multiple dispersal mechanisms to the movement of large seeds. Specifically, we (1) examined the potential for dispersal by abiotic factors, such as winds and runoff associated with frequent cyclones, (2) documented the animal species that could effectively contribute to their primary and secondary seed dispersal, and (3) determined how non-lemur and abiotic dispersal compare to the imperiled function of extant, though threatened, lemur primary dispersers. Using field observations and experiments, we found that wind, water, and secondary dispersal can move seeds considerable distances away from the parent plants, though they were less effective at long-distance dispersal than primary dispersers (i.e., large-bodied lemurs). For secondary dispersal, we found that dispersal distance is positively correlated with predation, potentially reducing dispersal effectiveness. Future comparisons with predation of primary or abiotically dispersed seeds will be necessary. Our research highlights the role of understudied mechanisms in the dispersal of large-seeded plants in Madagascar. Understanding the existence and impact of non-lemur dispersers in these imperiled forests can help complete our understanding of the mechanisms that shaped their astounding biodiversity and may mediate their response to ongoing environmental change.
The differences between pure and mixed invasive micropapillary breast cancer: the epithelial–mesenchymal transition molecules and prognosis
Authors: Oz Ozden , Irmak Yuzuguldu Resmiye , Yazici Ayse , Kocatepe Cavdar Demet , Yilmaz Cengiz , Ozturk Mucteba , Duzel Hilal , Gurel Duygu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast is known for its high metastatic potential, but the definition of pure and mixed IMPC remains unclear.
This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of the micropapillary component ratio and the expression of critical molecules of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), including E-cadherin (E-cad), N-cadherin (N-cad), CD44s, and β-catenin (β-cat), in distinguishing between pure and mixed IMPCs.

Methods
We analyzed 100 cases of locally advanced IMPC between 2000 and 2018 and excluded patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pure IMPC was defined as having a micropapillary component of over 90%. A comprehensive recording of prognostic parameters was conducted. The IMPC areas were analyzed using the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining method on the microarray set for pure and mixed IMPC patients. Pearson's chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards analysis were employed.

Results
The comparative survival analysis of the entire group, based on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), revealed no significant difference between the pure and mixed groups (P = 0.480, HR = 1.474 [0.502–4.325] and P = 0.390, HR = 1.587 [0.550–4.640], respectively). However, in the pure IMPC group, certain factors were found to be associated with a higher risk of short survival. These factors included skin involvement (P = 0.050), pT3&4 category (P = 0.006), a ratio of intraductal component (> 5%) (P = 0.032), and high-level expression of N-cad (P = 0.020). Notably, none of the risk factors identified for short OS in pure IMPC cases were observed as significant risks in mixed cases and vice versa. Furthermore, N-cad was identified as a poor prognostic marker for OS in pure IMPCs (P = 0.002).

Conclusion
The selection of a 90% ratio for classifying pure IMPCs revealed significant differences in certain molecular and prognostic parameters between pure and mixed groups. Notably, the involvement of N-cadherin in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process provided crucial insights for predicting OS and DFS while also distinguishing between the two groups. These findings strongly support the notion that the pure IMPC subgroup represents a distinct entity characterized by unique molecular characteristics and behavioral patterns.
Ionic liquid interactions with cellulose and the effect of water
Authors: T. Rodrigo Kraemer , Reyes Guillermo , Cartes Marcela , Mejía Andrés , Rojas Orlando J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIonic Liquids (ILs) have been used to address issues such as recyclability, cost-effectiveness, and tailored thermophysical properties. This is most relevant to recent efforts directed at dissolving cellulose for filament spinning and bioproduct development. Herein, we introduce a simple method to investigate how interactions between cellulose films (roughness, Rh = 37 nm) and ILs specifically 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([bmim][OAc]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([bmim][Cl]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([emim][OAc]), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([emim][Cl]), along with their water mixtures (0, 5, and 10 wt%) affect thermophysical properties relevant to cellulose dissolution (surface tension, γ; contact angle, θ; diffusivities, D; and bulk density, ρ) at 363.15 K and 0.1 MPa under argon and air atmospheres. Thermophysical properties relevant to cellulose dissolution were measured at 363.15 K and 0.1 MPa under argon (surface tension, γ, contact angle, θ), and air (diffusivities, D and bulk density, ρ) atmospheres to reveal the effect of the IL counter ions on the involved interactions with water. In general, water increased γ, θ, but reduced D, which supports experimental observations indicating the detrimental effect of water on IL-cellulose interactions. The [emim]+ cation (in [emim][OAc] and [emim][Cl]), produced a lower contact angle with cellulose while the interfacial properties (γ, θ, D) for ILs with the [OAc]− anion were marginally affected by water. By contrast, the two ILs carrying [Cl]− anions exhibited a significant reduction in D (from 11.7$$\cdot {10}^{-13}$$

·

10

-
13

to 2.9$$\cdot {10}^{-13} {m}^{2}{s}^{-1}$$

·

10

-
13

m

2

s

-
1

) in the cation shift from [emim]+ to [bmim]+ at 363.15 K and 0.1 MPa, with 0% water content. Overall, we present a methodical approach rooted in experimental and theoretical approaches to facilitate our understanding of ionic liquids (ILs), especially within the domain of bioprocessing.
Graphical Abstract
Teacher Efficacy, Its Sources, and Implementation in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Pitkäniemi Harri , Hirvonen Riikka , Heikka Johanna , Suhonen Katja 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of the study is to comprehensively analyze the interrelationships between teacher efficacy, the sources of self-efficacy, and implementation of early childhood education (ECE). The assumption is that according to socio-cognitive theory, source categories predict the self-efficacy of educational staff. According to a few previous research results, knowledge of theories and research in the field of education also contributes to a professional’s self-efficacy. In this study, 202 Finnish ECE teachers evaluated their self-efficacy and its sources (mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological arousal) as well as their pedagogical planning, implementation, and leadership. A path analysis was conducted to estimate the sources of self-efficacy and active and reactive use of educational research as predictors of teacher self-efficacy, and further, of self-efficacy as a predictor of teachers’ pedagogical planning, implementation, and leadership. The findings showed that mastery experiences, social persuasion, and physiological arousal were positively related to self-efficacy in pedagogical approaches, group management, and child engagement. Intentional use of educational theory and research was positively related to self-efficacy in pedagogical approaches. Furthermore, the quality of pedagogical planning, implementation, and leadership were predicted by high self-efficacy in pedagogical approaches, but implementation also by social persuasion and active use of theory and research.
Sex hormone-binding globulin may explain sex differences for glucose homeostasis and incidence of type 2 diabetes: the KORA study
Authors: Raeisi-Dehkordi Hamidreza , Amiri Mojgan , Rathmann Wolfgang , Zeller Tanja , Adamski Jerzy , Bano Arjola , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Thorand Barbara , Muka Taulant , Nano Jana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractResearch has indicated that sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is associated with glucose homeostasis and may play a role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D). While it is unclear whether SHBG may mediate sex differences in glucose control and subsequently, incidence of T2D. We used observational data from the German population-based KORA F4 study (n = 1937, mean age: 54 years, 41% women) and its follow-up examination KORA FF4 (median follow-up 6.5 years, n = 1387). T2D was initially assessed by self-report and validated by contacting the physicians and/ or reviewing the medical charts. Mediation analyses were performed to assess the role of SHBG in mediating the association between sex (women vs. men) and glucose- and insulin-related traits (cross-sectional analysis) and incidence of T2D (longitudinal analysis). After adjustment for confounders, (model 1: adjusted for age; model 2: model 1 + smoking + alcohol consumption + physical activity), women had lower fasting glucose levels compared to men (β = -4.94 (mg/dl), 95% CI: -5.77, -4.11). SHBG levels were significantly higher in women than in men (β = 0.47 (nmol/l), 95% CI:0.42, 0.51). Serum SHBG may mediate the association between sex and fasting glucose levels with a proportion mediated (PM) of 30% (CI: 22–41%). Also, a potential mediatory role of SHBG was observed for sex differences in incidence of T2D (PM = 95% and 63% in models 1 and 2, respectively). Our novel findings suggest that SHBG may partially explain sex-differences in glucose control and T2D incidence.
On the Scaling of the Cubic-to-Tetragonal Phase Transformation with Displacement Boundary Conditions
Authors: Rüland Angkana , Tribuzio Antonio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe provide (upper and lower) scaling bounds for a singular perturbation model for the cubic-to-tetragonal phase transformation with (partial) displacement boundary data. We illustrate that the order of lamination of the affine displacement data determines the complexity of the microstructure. As in (Rüland and Tribuzio in ESAIM Control Optim. Calc. Var. 29:68, 2023) we heavily exploit careful Fourier space localization methods in distinguishing between the different lamination orders in the data.
Comment on Aurélien Drezet’s Defense of Relational Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Lawrence Jay , Markiewicz Marcin , Żukowski Marek 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAurélien Drezet has attempted in Found. Phys. 54(1), 5 (2023) to defend Relational Quantum Mechanics (RQM) against our recent critique, entitled Relational Quantum Mechanics is incompatible with quantum mechanics, published in Quantum 7, 1015 (2023). Drezet not only misrepresents our work, but he also misconstructs the very theory (RQM) that he claims to defend.
Use-Wear Analysis of Obsidian and Other Volcanic Rocks: An Experimental Approach to Working Plant Resources
Authors: Brito-Abrante Idaira , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Amelia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis experimental study aims to contribute to functional analysis research on tools which specifically served to work wood and non-woody plants. They were made of obsidian and other volcanic rocks (basalt, trachyte, and phonolite) characterised by an amorphous matrix and phenocrysts of different number and size. In spite of prior functional analysis research resorting to these raw materials, there remain gaps in our understanding of specific activities. The work thus focused on working different types of wood from the Canary Island as well as on harvesting cereals. It is likewise centred on craftwork, especially regarding certain rarely studied contact materials such as palm leaves and rushes. The results reveal use-wear differences stemming from working woody and non-woody plants with both obsidian and other volcanic rocks. A special attention was given to the identification and description of the different features depending on the raw materials and the characteristics of their knapped surfaces. Identifying the combination of attributes has been essential to attain more accurate diagnostics. There are limits to each of the types of raw materials. The surfaces of obsidian are easier to observe and allow more specific identifications. In turn, the heterogeneous surfaces of volcanic rocks with phenocrysts that require more to time to develop diagnostic traces render use-wear amongst these types of rocks more difficult to observe. It is possible to distinguish longitudinal and transversal actions between woody and non-woody plants on every rock. Actions related to basketry, such us splitting and scraping, are more complicated to identify. The state of the worked plant (dry or fresh) and the time of use are key factors to consider in each case.
Comparative analysis of AnaLig Sr01 and Sr Resin methods for 210Pb determination in tobacco using TriCarb 3100 TR spectrometry: a statistical approach to accuracy and efficiency
Authors: Dulanská Silvia , Silliková Veronika , Burganová Andrea , Bujdoš Marek , Trnka Michal , Kosnáč Daniel , Pánik Ján 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aims to statistically compare two methods for determining 210Pb in tobacco: the molecular recognition sorbent method (AnaLig Sr01) and the extraction chromatography sorbent method (Sr Resin). The TriCarb 3100 TR liquid scintillation spectrometer was used to measure and determine 210Pb activity in the tobacco solution. Statistical analysis confirmed the accuracy and precision of the 210Pb measurements, with high detection efficiencies of 82% for both AnaLig Sr01 and Sr Resin. The linear model demonstrated that the residuals followed the Gaussian model, without any autocorrelation or trend. Paired t tests showed consistent results across all methods, and all solid-phase extraction methods proved efficient for 210Pb separations in tobacco samples. These findings provide support for the suitability of both methods and lay a foundation for future articles on tobacco and cigarette samples.
A Note on the Distribution of the Extreme Degrees of a Random Graph via the Stein-Chen Method
Authors: Malinovsky Yaakov 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe offer an alternative proof, using the Stein-Chen method, of Bollobás’ theorem concerning the distribution of the extreme degrees of a random graph. Our proof also provides a rate of convergence of the extreme degree to its asymptotic distribution. The same method also applies in a more general setting where the probability of every pair of vertices being connected by edges depends on the number of vertices.
Are Women Politicians Kind and Competent? Disentangling Stereotype Incongruity in Candidate Evaluations
Authors: Rohrbach Tobias 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Academia and political campaigners conventionally cast gender stereotypes as an electoral liability for women in politics. Incongruent stereotype expectations place women in a double-bind where they either fail the social demands of political leadership or they breach gender norms related to femininity—with potential backlash due to stereotype violation in both cases. Two decades of research offer conflicting conclusions regarding the role of stereotype incongruity in candidate evaluations and its electoral consequences for women in politics. This paper theoretically revisits and empirically tests core assumptions of stereotype incongruity as a driver of gender biases in political communication. In a series of four online survey experiments, this study examines incongruity in trait expectations (study 1), trait inferences (studies 2 and 3), and trait evaluations (study 4). Results show that voters expect and infer incongruity in candidate traits for women and men politicians only in few but notable cases. Moreover, voters punish candidates of both gender groups similarly for displaying stereotypically undesirable traits but reward female politicians more strongly for displaying desirable communal traits. The findings have important implications for the understanding of persistent biases that women face in electoral politics.
Effects of Two Early Parenting Programmes on Child Aggression and Risk for Violence in Brazil: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Murray Joseph , Martins Rafaela Costa , Greenland Melanie , Cruz Suélen , Altafim Elisa , Arteche Adriane Xavier , Cooper Peter J. , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Gonzalez Andrea , Kramer Fiala Machado Adriana , Murray Lynne , Oliveira Isabel , Santos Iná , Soares Tâmara Biolo , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana , Voysey Merryn 
Published: July 2024

AbstractViolence is a major public health problem globally, with the highest rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Americas and southern Africa. Parenting programmes in high-income countries can diminish risk for violence, by reducing risk factors such as child aggression and harsh parenting, and increasing protective factors such as child cognitive development and school readiness. However, there is critical need to identify low-cost programmes with replicable benefits that work in real-world LMICs contexts. A three-arm, randomised, single-blind trial evaluated effects of two low-cost, group-based parenting programmes recommended for LMICs (ACT: Raising Safe Kids; DBS: dialogic book-sharing) on child aggression (primary outcome), child development, parenting, maltreatment, and stress. Participants were 369 children with medium–high levels of aggression (mean age 3.1 years at baseline) in poor households. Interventions were implemented in city health and education services in southern Brazil. Maternal reports, filmed observations, child tasks, and hair cortisol were assessed at baseline, 1-month post-intervention, and 8-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses compared each of ACT and DBS with a control group. Three hundred sixty-eight (99.7%) participants completed follow-up assessments 8 months after the interventions. There was no effect of ACT (standardised mean difference, SMD 0.11, 95% CI − 0.05, 0.27) or DBS (SMD 0.05, 95% CI − 0.11, 0.21) on the primary outcome of child aggression. ACT reduced harsh parenting behaviour post-intervention (SMD − 0.23; 95% CI − 0.46, − 0.01), but not at follow-up. DBS improved book-sharing practices at both time points (e.g., maternal sensitivity at follow-up SMD 0.33; 95% CI 0.08, 0.57). There were no benefits of either programme for other parenting, child development, or stress outcomes. Two parenting programmes in Brazil had small effects on parenting practices but did not reduce child aggression or several other important risk/protective factors for violence. Effective early interventions that reduce violence in real-world LMIC settings are highly desirable but may be challenging to achieve.
Indeterministic grounding
Authors: Wygoda Cohen Shlomit 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGrounding is sometimes thought of as metaphysical causation. If we take this analogy seriously, given the possibility of indeterministic causation we have at least prima facie reason to accept the possibility of indeterministic grounding. However, prima facie reasons are defeasible and there may be stronger reasons to reject this possibility. This paper sets out to critically examine this mostly overlooked possibility. After introducing the possibility of indeterministic grounding as analogous to indeterministic causation (Sect. 1), I clarify further the notion of indeterministic grounding by relating it to failure of supervenience (Sect. 2). I then construct an argument for the logical or conceptual possibility of indeterministic grounding, and defend it against a few possible objections (Sect. 3). Next, I explore and reject various reasons for dismissing the possibility of indeterministic grounding (Sects. 4 and 5). And I conclude by considering why philosophers almost universally overlook or rule out the possibility of indeterministic grounding, by examining the case of physicalism (Sect. 6).
Optimizing anterior urethral stricture assessment: leveraging AI-assisted three-dimensional sonourethrography in clinical practice
Authors: Feng Chao , Lu Qi-Jie , Xue Jing-Dong , Shu Hui-Quan , Sa Ying-Long , Xu Yue-Min , Chen Lei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This investigation sought to validate the clinical precision and practical applicability of AI-enhanced three-dimensional sonographic imaging for the identification of anterior urethral stricture.

Methods
The study enrolled 63 male patients with diagnosed anterior urethral strictures alongside 10 healthy volunteers to serve as controls. The imaging protocol utilized a high-frequency 3D ultrasound system combined with a linear stepper motor, which enabled precise and rapid image acquisition. For image analysis, an advanced AI-based segmentation process using a modified U-net algorithm was implemented to perform real-time, high-resolution segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction of the urethra. A comparative analysis was performed against the surgically measured stricture lengths. Spearman’s correlation analysis was executed to assess the findings.

Results
The AI model completed the entire processing sequence, encompassing recognition, segmentation, and reconstruction, within approximately 5 min. The mean intraoperative length of urethral stricture was determined to be 14.4 ± 8.4 mm. Notably, the mean lengths of the urethral strictures reconstructed by manual and AI models were 13.1 ± 7.5 mm and 13.4 ± 7.2 mm, respectively. Interestingly, no statistically significant disparity in urethral stricture length between manually reconstructed and AI-reconstructed images was observed. Spearman’s correlation analysis underscored a more robust association of AI-reconstructed images with intraoperative urethral stricture length than manually reconstructed 3D images (0.870 vs. 0.820). Furthermore, AI-reconstructed images provided detailed views of the corpus spongiosum fibrosis from multiple perspectives.

Conclusions
The research heralds the inception of an innovative, efficient AI-driven sonographic approach for three-dimensional visualization of urethral strictures, substantiating its viability and superiority in clinical application.