bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistence of the African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in a system experiencing chronic utilization by elephants
Authors: Foster Jarryd , O'Connor Timothy , Visser Vernon , Hoffman Timm 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChronic utilization of woody vegetation by African savanna elephants may transform woodland vegetation to open savanna and threaten the extirpation of targeted species. This situation has arisen in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), Zimbabwe, where a large elephant population (>2 km−2) threatens the persistence of the long‐lived baobab (Adansonia digitata) tree, through elevated mortality levels. This study investigated whether complete or partial refugia from elephant utilization existed for baobabs, and whether protection of trees by management, using wire netting or log‐ or rock‐packs around a tree base, had been effective. A total of 563 baobabs were sampled across northern GNP. Elephants had debarked 99% of trees to some degree, and gouged holes in the stem of 22% of trees. The probability, and severity, of debarking and gouging decreased with increasing distance to permanent water, increasing slope, and the amount of boulder cover. Slope gradient had the greatest effect on elephant impact, with trees located on steep slopes being less affected by elephants than those on flat ground. Distance to water had an effect despite the farthest tree, at 9 km from water, being within the 15 km foraging range of bull elephants. Large boulders partly protected trees even on gentle terrain. None of these factors provided a complete refuge from elephant impact within GNP, but, individually and collectively, provided a partial refuge at current elephant densities. Protection measures doubled tree survival over approximately 5 years, with fencing wire wrapped around baobab stems proving to be the most effective method. Assessment of the future security of baobabs in GNP requires knowledge of their distribution and that of the refugia provided by distance from permanent water, slope, and boulder cover.
Setting conservation objectives with value‐focused thinking
Authors: Martin David M. , Goldstein Joshua H. , Smith David R. , Galgamuwa G. A. Pabodha , Craig Aileen , Dietz Michelle , Kerr Caitlin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe approach common to well‐known conservation planning frameworks is rooted in values, like species persistence and quality habitat, and expectations resulting from conservation actions, like restoration and protection. We evaluated value‐focused thinking (VFT) as a framework for setting objectives based on personal or group values. Our approach included five steps: eliciting individual participant values, specifying objectives, organizing objectives, structuring multiple objectives, and a quality check. We implemented these steps with 12 conservation planning teams at a global conservation organization. We performed descriptive analyses based on comparisons between final group objectives and initial individual objectives as well as the quality check. We found that participants could only self‐identify a proportion of the team's objectives, which VFT strengthened. Participants were equally challenged with identifying means and ends objectives, contrasting with general VFT theory. Both experienced and newly formed teams effectively applied VFT. Our study formalizes a common‐sense approach to evaluating the underlying drivers of conservation planning so that its resulting outcomes can be most impactful.
Effects of experimental modification of temperature and humidity on abundance of dermestid beetles in nests of blue tits
Authors: García‐Velasco Javier , Háva Jiří , García‐del Río Marina , Cantarero Alejandro , Castaño‐Vázquez Francisco , Merino Yago , Selfa Jesús , Merino Santiago 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMany factors may affect the diversity and abundance of arthropods in their natural habitats including changes in temperature and humidity. Sometimes, large arthropods remain undetected in unsuspected habitats such as bird nests. Here, we explore the effects of an experiment modifying temperature and relative humidity inside the nest of a troglodyte bird species, the blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus (L.) (Passeriformes: Paridae), on the abundance of dermestid beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) inhabiting the nests. Ten taxa were identified, six at the species level and four—based on larval stages—at the genus level. Most of the dermestids found in the larval stage were nidicolous dermestids of the genus Anthrenus. Specimens of necrobiont dermestids (those that feed on carcasses in both the larval and adult stages) were found in lower numbers, and almost always in adult stages. The abundance of dermestid larvae found in blue tit nests where the temperature or the humidity were experimentally increased was significantly higher than in the control nests. In addition, adult necrobiont dermestids of genus Dermestes appeared more frequently in those nests where corpses of blue tit nestlings were found.
Aging suppresses subthalamic neuronal activity in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Alzate Sanchez Ana M. , Janssen Marcus L. F. , Temel Yasin , Roberts Mark J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAge is a primary risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the effects of aging on the Parkinsonian brain remain poorly understood, particularly for deep brain structures. We investigated intraoperative micro‐electrode recordings from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of PD patients aged between 42 and 76 years. Age was associated with decreased oscillatory beta power and non‐oscillatory high‐frequency power, independent of PD‐related variables. Single unit firing and burst rates were also reduced, whereas the coefficient of variation and the structure of burst activity were unchanged. Phase synchronization (debiased weighed phase lag index [dWPLI]) between sites was pronounced in the beta band between electrodes in the superficial STN but was unaffected by age. Our results show that aging is associated with reduced neuronal activity without changes to its temporal structure. We speculate that the loss of activity in the STN may mediate the relationship between PD and age.
Possible role of β‐hydroxybutyrate in inducing inflammation in alopecia areata
Authors: Shin Jung‐Min , Son Seungjin , Jung Kyung Eun , Kim Chang Deok , Lee Young 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by non‐scarring hair loss due to an immune response that targets hair follicles. The current treatment approach for AA involves the use of immunosuppressants and immunomodulators to reduce cytokine levels around affected hair follicles. Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as potential anti‐inflammatory agents with diverse beneficial effects in various medical conditions. This study investigates the role of beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone body produced during SGLT2 inhibition, in the pathogenesis of AA. Serum BHB levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients with AA compared with healthy controls, with higher levels correlating with severity of hair loss. BHB treatment increased inflammatory cytokine production in outer root sheath (ORS) cells, mimicking the inflammatory conditions seen in AA. The results suggest that elevated BHB levels may exacerbate the inflammatory immune response in AA patients and may be associated with chronic hair loss and resistance to treatment. Serum BHB levels may serve as a potential marker of poor prognosis in patients with severe AA. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of BHB in the pathogenesis of AA and its implications for disease management.
The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor family and CD74 in the pathogenesis of melanoma
Authors: Tanese Keiji , Ogata Dai 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMelanoma is an aggressive tumour with poor prognosis that arises from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Over the past few decades, intense research into the pathogenesis of melanoma has led to the development of BRAF and immune checkpoint inhibitors, including antibodies against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4), which have shown clinically significant efficacy. However, some tumours do not respond to these therapies initially or become treatment resistant. Most melanoma tissues appear to possess biological characteristics that allow them to evade these treatments, and identifying these characteristics is one of the major challenges facing cancer researchers. One such characteristic that has recently gained attention is the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its receptor CD74. This review outlines the cellular and molecular functions of CD74, MIF and their family of proteins. We then review their roles in tumours based on previous reports, highlight their pathological significance in melanoma and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.
Long‐term climatic means affect the magnitude of short‐term variability in population growth rates
Authors: Bistritz Liraz , Kadmon Ronen , Flather Curtis H. , Kalyuzhny Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTemporal variability in population growth rates is a fundamental property of natural populations with implications for almost any facet in ecology and evolution. Using the framework of nonlinear averaging, we test the hypothesis that the magnitude of short‐term variability in population growth rates is influenced by the long‐term means of climatic conditions.LocationThe contiguous United States.Time period1970–2019.Major taxa studiedBirds.MethodsOur study encompassed 3941 populations of resident birds in 1335 localities across the contiguous United States. For each population, we quantified the standard deviation of annual growth rates over the relevant period and the corresponding long‐term mean values of annual temperature and precipitation. We further considered the effects of covariates known to influence temporal variability in population growth, namely the standard deviations of climatic variables, the lifespan and the preferred habitat (forest vs. non‐forest) of each species. The effects of climate and species traits on the variability in population growth rates were analysed using linear mixed‐effects models.ResultsThe magnitude of variability in population growth rate decreased with increasing the long‐term mean of annual precipitation and had a U‐shaped dependence on mean annual temperature. Variability in climatic conditions increased population growth variability, but this effect was weaker than the effect of the corresponding long‐term means. A long lifespan reduced the impact of climatic variability on the variability in population growth rates.Main conclusionsOur finding that the magnitude of variability in population growth rates is influenced by the long‐term characteristics of climatic conditions and species traits extends our perspective on the relationship between climate and population dynamics and should be taken into account in future assessments of spatial and temporal population responses to climate change.
Pivot to the South: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through China's Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: McNicol Hannah 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhilst China's aid and development model has been traditionally understood as divergent from the dominant post‐1945 liberal development model, scholars are also increasingly exploring convergence between features of the two development models. Recently, scholars from a range of disciplines including development studies, development geography and international (business, environment and legal) studies have explored a process whereby China's Belt and Road Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals converge (‘BRI‐SDG integration’). This paper brings these multidisciplinary strands of scholarship together and places them in dialogue with social sciences convergence theory to understand how BRI‐SDG integration aligns with or challenges previous conceptualisations of Chinese‐dominant development convergence. The paper first demonstrates that BRI‐SDG integration proposes a novel and deliberate convergence process ‐ which the paper names ‘complementary convergence’. However, BRI‐SDG integration also underscores the need for more multidirectional frameworks that reject Eurocentricity for evaluating the contemporary Chinese‐dominant relationship, and an enhanced focus on how China is influencing dominant development institutions. Finally, BRI‐SDG integration reiterates the methodological difficulties of delineating between ‘development models’ in an increasingly interrelated global governance of development.
Association between nonalcholic fatty liver disease and pancreatic cancer: Epidemiology, mechanisms, and antidiabetic medication
Authors: Sakaue Takahiko , Terabe Hiroya , Takedatsu Hidetoshi , Kawaguchi Takumi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExtrahepatic malignancies are the leading cause of death in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Of these cancers, pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal; however, the link between NAFLD and pancreatic cancer remains unclear. Recently, various research results have been reported on the association between NAFLD and pancreatic cancer, and the results of compiling this information revealed the following. First, the prevalence of pancreatic cancer in patients with NAFLD is at 0.26%. Second, the currently evident pathogenesis includes intrapancreatic risk factors, such as: (1) non‐alcoholic fatty pancreas disease, and (2) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm; and extrapancreatic risk factors, such as: (1) insulin resistance and adipocytokines, (2) proinflammatory cytokines, and (3) dysbiosis. Finally, metformin and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer in diabetes patients with NAFLD. In this review, we summarize the recent evidence on the epidemiology and mechanisms for NAFLD‐related pancreatic cancer. We further discuss the impact of anti‐diabetic medication on pancreatic cancer.
Properties of porous magnesia‐stabilized zirconia ceramics fabricated by slurry infiltration into polyurethane foam
Authors: Rose Poly , Pallagani Jeevan Kumar , Vummethala Seshu Bai , T Rajasekharan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper brings out an innovation in fabricating porous magnesia‐stabilized zirconia components by infiltrating free‐flowing suspension into polyurethane foam. The process enables the production of samples with different levels of porosity and pore structure by easily controlling the amount of slurry infiltrated into the foam. The process uses Isobam, a nontoxic binder, which makes the fabrication simple and environment‐friendly. Samples with five different levels of total porosity ranging from 41.7% to 62.4% were fabricated. Microstructural studies revealed multimodal pore structure comprising both open and closed porosities. Measurements on thermal properties and compressive strength of the samples showed that the sample with the lowest porosity exhibited a thermal conductivity of 0.495 W/mK and a compressive strength of 45.7 MPa. The measured values of thermal conductivity of the samples with different porosity levels could be described by modified effective medium theory. Present work opens up enormous possibilities for economical industrial production of porous magnesia‐stabilized zirconia components for biomedical and thermal insulation applications.
Analysis of the characteristics of reflectance confocal microscopy images of xanthogranuloma and xanthoma
Authors: Sun Hongyong , Wang Aoxue 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundBoth xanthogranuloma and xanthoma clinically manifest as yellowish skin lesions. Historically, the gold standard for diagnosis was skin histopathological examination. Currently, the advent of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) offers additional diagnostic support for these diseases by revealing their microscopic features, thereby enhancing the theoretical foundation for diagnosis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the distinctive characteristics of RCM images in xanthogranuloma and xanthoma, assess their diagnostic value, and investigate the relationship between RCM and histopathological features, ultimately boosting diagnostic accuracy.MethodsRCM and histopathological examinations were conducted on 13 patients with xanthogranuloma and 12 with xanthoma, recruited from our Dermatology Clinic between August 2022 and November 2023. The study involved analyzing RCM image features and correlating them with histopathological findings.ResultsThe RCM images of 13 xanthogranuloma and 12 xanthoma cases showed similar features. Xanthogranuloma predominantly exhibited epidermal atrophy and thinning in 6 cases (46.15%). Additionally, in 69.23% of cases, scattered small mononuclear inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the superficial and middle dermis layers. Medium to high refractive cells, predominantly vacuolated and resembling foam, were observed in 61.54% of cases. All cases demonstrated high refractive cells with distinct target‐shaped, disc‐shaped, horseshoe‐like, and flower‐ring structures. Concordance rates with histopathological examinations were 69.23, 92.31, 92.31, and 100%, respectively. Regarding xanthoma, epidermal atrophy and thinning occurred in two cases (16.67%), and mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in 25% of cases. High refractive cells with the previously mentioned shapes were present in 100% of cases, though only 16.67% displayed these characteristics exclusively. The concordance rates were 66.67, 91.67, 100, and 91.67%, respectively.ConclusionRCM imaging of xanthogranuloma and xanthoma presents distinctive, highly consistent features with their histopathology, offering valuable insights for clinicians in diagnosing and differentiating these conditions.
Mediated relationships between coping style and social support on the quality of life of disabled older adults
Authors: Wu Yuanrong , Chen Jiaru , Yin Guo , Shen Manxuan , Li Qin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationship between coping styles, social support and quality of life among disabled older adults and to examine the mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between social support and quality of life.MethodsUsing a purposive sampling method, three investigators conducted a face‐to‐face questionnaire survey of eligible participants in the geriatric department of a tertiary care hospital in one of the largest cities in southern China between August 2021 and March 2022. A total of 187 questionnaires were collected, of which 176 were valid, with an effective response rate of 94.1%.ResultsSocial support and positive coping were positively related to disabled older adults' quality of life, while negative coping was negatively related to both social support and disabled older adults' quality of life. According to the mediating effect analysis after covariate adjustment, positive coping completely mediated the relationship between social support and older adults' quality of life (p < 0.01), with the mediating effect size accounting for 76.9% of the total effect. Negative coping had some mediating effect on the relationship between social support and older adults' quality of life (p < 0.01), with the mediating effect size accounting for 13.0% of the total effect.ConclusionThe quality of life of disabled older adults is low, which is closely related to their social support and coping styles. Therefore, it is important to recognize and emphasize the key role that social support systems play in improving the quality of life of this population, broaden their access to social support and guide them to adopt positive coping styles.
In situ observation of the multistep process of cold sintering
Authors: Maier Russell A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA compact cold sintering stage was constructed to densify ceramic samples in capillary tubes for the purpose of conducting in situ experiments designed to elucidate fundamental cold sintering mechanisms. The stage was used to successfully densify samples composed of ZnO/CH₃COOH mixtures under a range of pressures (25–175 MPa) over a modest temperature range (room to 150°C) in capillary tubes (0.75 mm inner diameter). The progression of the cold sintering process of ZnO was monitored by both piston displacement and a camera. These measurements allowed the strain rate and fluid extraction during densification to be recorded. The results of these measurements are compared to existing models of cold sintering and pressure solution creep, and direct correlations are observed between abrupt changes to the densification rate during constant heating rate experiments and the observation of solvent extraction from the powder compact.
Porous (Y0.25Ho0.25Yb0.25Lu0.25)2Si2O7: A novel high‐entropy ceramic with high porosity and excellent thermal stability
Authors: Zhou Jiaxin , Zeng Dawei , Wu Zhen , Sun Luchao , Wang Jingyang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of hypersonic vehicles, the thermal protection systems face great challenges due to the severe aerodynamic heat. As a result, conventional fiber insulation tiles would experience severe shrinkage at high temperatures (>1500°C), endangering the safety of the aircraft. To solve the problem, a high‐entropy effect was introduced to increase the high‐temperature resistance of thermal insulation materials, and highly porous (Y0.25Ho0.25Yb0.25Lu0.25)2Si2O7 was prepared by in situ reaction sintering process in this work. The fabricated porous samples present excellent overall properties, including superhigh porosity (95.09%–93.10%), lightweight (0.29–0.41 g/cm3), and very low thermal conductivity (0.066–0.085 W/(m·K)). More importantly, porous (Y0.25Ho0.25Yb0.25Lu0.25)2Si2O7 has outstanding high‐temperature dimensional stability. Although the porosity of the sample is higher than 90%, its linear shrinkage at 1550°C for 2 h is less than 1%. The results demonstrate that porous high‐entropy (Y0.25Ho0.25Yb0.25Lu0.25)2Si2O7 is a promising thermal insulation material in extreme high‐temperature environments.
A Necessary Shift in Design Education: From Outputs to Outcomes
Authors: Rowe Aidan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTraditionally, design – and by extension design education – has focused on the creation of distinct outputs (forms, artefacts, and objects) that satisfy a specific purpose and need. Historically these needs – and often the designed outputs themselves – have been dictated not by the designer but by clients and also through established disciplinary practices. Design was broadly framed as a commercial industry, where a client needed something (a poster, a chair) and the designer provided the requested output. Design education practices grew out of a master‐apprentice approach, where students often learned by recreating idealized outputs repetitively. This didactic and skills‐acquisition approach was sufficient when design focused on distinct fields (e.g., graphic, industrial, or fashion design), specific outputs, and traditionally understood challenges. As the field of design has expanded – in the scope of practice, the complexity of challenges tackled, and the range of collaborators – there is a need to re‐examine our pedagogy. Traditional design education approaches are insufficient for the role that design needs to play in the 21st century. In this paper, I argue that a critical consideration of this re‐examination is the reframing of a central tenet of design education, which is the production of outputs. Instead, what is needed is a re‐focus considering the outcomes of design practice – the processes involved, and the effects of our design actions and artefacts. I identify seven principal and interconnected factors that drive the need for this shift in focus.