bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying large carnivore predation relative to human harvest on moose in an intensively managed boreal ecosystem
Authors: Sand Håkan , Zimmermann Barbara , Wabakken Petter , Eriksen Ane , Wikenros Camilla 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe return of large carnivores to areas with strong anthropogenic impact often results in conflicts among different interest groups. One cause of conflict is that large carnivores compete with humans for wild game species. In Scandinavia, the recolonization of wolves (Canis lupus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos) has important ramifications for the harvest of an ungulate species with high economic and recreational value, the moose. We estimated wolf and brown bear predation rates on moose (Alces alces) relative to harvest, natural causes of death, and vehicle collisions within 20 wolf territories. We used data on multi‐season kill rates of wolves and brown bears on moose combined with wolf territory sizes and estimates of the population density of brown bears and moose. Wolf predation rate on moose was not related to the density of moose, wolf pack size, nor kill rate but was positively related to wolf density and strongly negatively related to the abundance of moose within wolf territories. Estimated annual wolf and brown bear predation rates averaged 8.6% (range 2.8%–16.9%) and 2.3% (range 0%–12.7%) respectively, among wolf territories, whereas estimated annual harvest rates averaged 17.5% (range 8.1%–33.1%). In wolf territories with relatively high bear densities, the combined predation rates from wolves and brown bears exceeded harvest rates. Across wolf territories, harvest rates were not related to wolf predation rates or to the combined predation rates from wolves and brown bears, indicating that large carnivore predation and harvest were not compensatory to each other at this spatial level. The recolonization of these large carnivores in the Scandinavian boreal forest ecosystem may have small to significant consequences for the sustainable management of moose populations depending on the local conditions of both wolves, brown bears, and moose. Comparison of annual mortality rates for moose in our study in Scandinavia with corresponding data from areas with lower anthropogenic impact (Alaska) shows lower total mortality rates in Scandinavia. This likely results from a different age and sex composition of moose killed by wolves and brown bears versus harvest, in combination with a significant difference in the relative importance of these mortality factors between areas.
Effects of Climate Warming on the Performance of Gynaephora alpherakii (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Larvae in a Tibetan Alpine Meadow
Authors: Cao Rui , Chen Han , Zheng Kezhi , Nong Dajie , Jiang Menglei , Zhang Ziyu , Wu Xinwei , Xie Peng 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe performance of invertebrate herbivores in grasslands can be influenced by climate warming, but there is a lack of experimental evidence, particularly in high elevation areas. We conducted two complementary experiments to investigate the effect of experimental warming on the performance of the grassland caterpillar Gynaephora alpherakii, a notorious pest species in the alpine Tibetan meadow. The first field experiment examined the effect of warming (nonwarmed vs. warmed) on the feeding behavior, growth, and development rate of the caterpillars. The second chamber experiment explored the relationship between temperature and caterpillar appetite, excrement mass, respiration rate, or change of caterpillar weight. Results show that warming significantly decreased fresh body mass of caterpillars by 27.5%, cocoon volume by 61.1%, and egg production per female moth by 26.9% at the end of the field experiment. Warming did not affect cocooning time but significantly increased feeding time of caterpillars during the field experimental period. The independent chamber experiment revealed a significant and positive correlation between caterpillar appetite, excrement mass, respiration rate, and temperature. However, except the first examination, there was a significant negative correlation between changes in caterpillar weight and temperature. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that excrement mass had the greatest influence on caterpillar weight. The weight loss of caterpillars to warming might thus be attributed to elevated metabolic rates at higher temperatures, and the behavioral adaptations failed to compensate for the physiological‐induced weight loss. These findings suggest that climate warming can modify the performance and thus the fitness of invertebrate herbivores in high elevation areas.
Development of Assembly Techniques for Miniaturized In‐Line Pressure Sensor by Utilizing Thin Strain Sensor for High Reliability
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Kanamaru Masatoshi , Aono Takanori 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHigh‐reliability assembly techniques for miniaturized in‐line pressure sensor with diaphragm using a thin strain sensor have been developed to monitor the hydraulic pressure in the pipetting such as dispensing devices. The pressure sensor with a thin strain sensor as a diaphragm has two problems, (i) water leakage and (ii) sensitivity reduction by adding hydraulic pressure. These problems were clarified to generate tensile stress in the adhesive (Ag paste) by adding hydraulic pressure and peeling a strain sensor from SUS housing. To overcome these problems, the stress in Ag paste was needed to keep compressive stress even when adding pressure. In this paper, a pressing mechanism is newly proposed to make compressive stress in Ag paste and assemble on the pressure sensor. First, to press the strain sensor to the SUS housing, a lid was bonded on the strain sensor with wafer‐level‐packaging (WLP) technique. Next, a pressing mechanism was designed to assemble the miniaturized pressure sensor. The pressing mechanism was composed of a cover, two coil springs, and a spring base with a pressing point. The pressing mechanism generates compressive stress to Ag paste even under high hydraulic pressure. The pressure sensor which implements the pressing mechanism has high‐pressure resistance and high reliability under the repetitive hydraulic pressure of 10 million times, without water leakage and sensitivity decrease.
Filling the Gaps: A Bayesian Mixture Model for Imputing Missing Soil Water Content Data
Authors: Ogle Kiona , Reich Emma , Samuels‐Crow Kimberly , Litvak Marcy , Bradford John B. , Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Devan Megan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSoil water content (SWC) data are central to evaluating how soil moisture varies over time and space and influences critical plant and ecosystem functions, especially in water‐limited drylands. However, sensors that record SWC at high frequencies often malfunction, leading to incomplete timeseries and limiting our understanding of dryland ecosystem dynamics. We developed an analytical approach to impute missing SWC data, which we tested at six eddy flux tower sites along an elevation gradient in the southwestern United States. We impute missing data as a mixture of linearly interpolated SWC between the observed endpoints of a missing data gap and SWC simulated by an ecosystem water balance model (SOILWAT2). Within a Bayesian framework, we allowed the relative utility (mixture weight) of each component (linearly interpolated vs. SOILWAT2) to vary by depth, site and gap characteristics. We explored “fixed” weights versus “dynamic” weights that vary as a function of cumulative precipitation, average temperature, and time since the start of the gap. Both models estimated missing SWC data well (R2 = 0.70–0.88 vs. 0.75–0.91 for fixed vs. dynamic weights, respectively), but the utility of linearly interpolated versus SOILWAT2 values depended on site and depth. SOILWAT2 was more useful for more arid sites, shallower depths, longer and warmer gaps and gaps that received greater precipitation. Overall, the mixture model reliably gap‐fills SWC, while lending insight into processes governing SWC dynamics. This approach to impute missing data could be adapted to accommodate more than two mixture components and other types of environmental timeseries.
HCMV Variants Expressing ULBP2 Enhance the Function of Human NK Cells via its Receptor NKG2D
Authors: Meyer Greta , Siemes Anna Rebecca , Kühne Jenny F. , Bevzenko Irina , Baszczok Viktoria , Keil Jana , Beushausen Kerstin , Wagner Karen , Steinbrück Lars , Messerle Martin , Falk Christine S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe immunosuppressed state of transplant patients allows opportunistic pathogens such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to cause severe disease. Therefore, inducing and boosting immunity against HCMV in recipients prior to organ transplantation is highly desirable, and accordingly, the development of an HCMV vaccine has been identified as a clinically relevant priority. Such vaccines need to be highly attenuated while eliciting specific and protective immune responses. We tested the concept of expressing the NKG2D ligand (NKG2D‐L) ULBP2 by HCMV vaccine candidates to achieve NK cell activation, and, thereby viral attenuation. ULBP2 expression was found on HCMV‐infected cells, reflecting the promotor strengths used to drive ULBP2 transgene expression. Moreover, significantly increased shedding of soluble ULBP2 (sULBP2) was detected for these mutants mirroring the surface expression levels. No negative effect of sULBP2 on NK cell function was observed. NK cells efficiently controlled viral spread, which was further increased by additional triggering of the activating receptor NKG2D. Engagement of NKG2D was also confirmed by its downregulation depending on ULBP2 surface density. Finally, expression of ULBP2 significantly enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity, which was independent of KIR‐ligand mismatch as well as the presence of T cells. This NKG2D‐L‐based approach represents a feasible and promising strategy for HCMV vaccine development.
Recent Advances in Zinc‐Catalyzed Carbon‐Heteroatom Bond Formation
Authors: Álvarez‐Valle Julio , García‐Martínez Patricia , López Luis A. , Santamaría Javier 
Published: February 2025

AbstractZinc has been an overlooked metal in catalysis for many years. However, this situation has begun to change in the last two decades with a number of contributions demonstrating that zinc salts and complexes are able to catalyze transformations typically accomplished with catalysts based on precious transition metals. The development of such zinc‐catalyzed methodologies is highly appealing because, in general, zinc catalysts are easily available, inexpensive and less toxic. This review aims to present the most recent and relevant examples of the use of zinc catalysts in the formation of carbon‐heteroatom bonds, which is a very important process in synthetic organic chemistry.
Chemoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydropyrimidines and Dihydropyrrolidones through Three‐Component Reaction of Amines, 1,3,5‐Triazinanes, and Alkyne Esters
Authors: Wang Wen‐Kang , Zheng Jian , Zhao Sheng‐Yin 
Published: February 2025

AbstractA three‐component reaction of amines, 1,3,5‐triazinanes, and alkyne esters for the construction of tetrahydropyrimidines and dihydropyrrolidones derivatives was reported. Shifting the substituent group of 1,3,5‐triazinanes led to the chemoselective synthesis. As three‐atom synthons, aryl substituted 1,3,5‐triazinanes were applied to the regioselective synthesis of tetrahydropyrimidines. Alkyl substituted 1,3,5‐triazinanes working as two‐atom synthons promoted intramolecular cyclization to generate dihydropyrrolidones analogues. The practicality of the developed methods was demonstrated by easy operation, catalyst‐free conditions, and good functional groups tolerance.
Water Mediated Chemoselective Synthesis of Novel Spiro Benzoxazinoindoline and Extended Synthesis of Spiro Benzoxazinoindene Derivatives*
Authors: Bansal Diksha , Sivaganesan Pooja , Elanchezhian Chibisree , Nataraj Gokulprasanth , Das Mrinal Kanti , Chaudhuri Saikat 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSpirobenzoxazines are a unique class of heterocyclic compounds that combine the structural features of spiro and benzooxazine frameworks, offering enhanced chemical stability and diverse biological activities. Their rigid three‐dimensional structures make them ideal candidates for interacting with biological targets, contributing to their potential in various therapeutic applications, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibition. However, the development of efficient and sustainable methods for the synthesis of spirobenzoxazines remains a challenge in organic synthesis. In this work, we present a novel and environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of spirobenzoxazine derivatives. Utilizing water as a green solvent, this methodology offers an efficient and sustainable route for constructing these complex heterocyclic frameworks. By emphasizing eco‐friendly practices, this approach aligns with the principles of green chemistry, providing both high yields and operational simplicity. This advancement not only highlights the potential of spirobenzoxazines in the pharmaceutical and material sciences but also paves the way for future research in sustainable synthetic methodologies.
Fluorine‐Containing 6‐Azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes: Bicyclic Piperidine Analogs for Drug Discovery
Authors: Chernykh Anton V. , Liashuk Oleksandr S. , Hurieva Anastasiia M. , Lesyk Dmytro , Holota Yuliia , Borysko Petro , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Volochnyuk Dmytro M. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractConvenient synthetic approaches to a series of fluorinated bicyclic piperidine analogs (including 3‐fluoro‐, 3,3‐difluoro‐, 3‐carboxy‐3‐fluoro‐, and 3‐trifluoromethyl‐substituted 6‐azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes) were proposed. Using commercially available fluorination agents, the target building blocks were prepared in gram to decagram scale in a single run. Evaluation of pKa and LogP values revealed the importance of the fluorine‐containing substituent and methylene bridge relative disposition for the compound's physicochemical properties. Analysis of molecular structure using the exit vector plot (EVP) approach revealed negligible change in molecules conformation upon fluorination.
Development and Validation of a Short Version (PAIC6) of the Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition Scale
Authors: Schreiber Vivien , Kunz Miriam , Achterberg Wilco , van der Steen Jenny T. , Lobbezoo Frank , Langner Bernhard , Lautenbacher Stefan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundObserver pain scales are commonly used to assess pain in individuals with impaired cognition. However, nursing staff have highlighted that extremely tight time schedules and increasing workload demands prevent regular use. With the development of a short version of the Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition (PAIC15), we aimed to reduce implementation barriers in everyday clinical practice.MethodsWe developed a new 6‐item short version (PAIC6) in a first sample (N = 59) and validated its psychometric properties in a second sample (N = 250) of older individuals with cognitive impairments. The item reduction and evaluation involved four steps. First, we used Sample 1 to exclude items based on item quality statistics (e.g., difficulty, reliability). Second, the Partial Credit Model (PCM) was utilised for further reduction using again Sample 1. Third, an expert panel evaluated the preceding steps and suggested a draft short version with six items (PAIC6). Fourth, psychometric properties of the short version were evaluated in the independent Sample 2. Thereafter, the final short version was approved.ResultsThe new PAIC6 showed a high correlation with the total scale PAIC15 (r = 0.870), good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.684), and high convergent construct validity, as observed by a high correlation with the established Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (r = 0.602).ConclusionsOverall, we developed a valid, reliable, and clinically valuable PAIC6 that allows a more time‐efficient pain assessment, by reducing the assessment time from 5 min to approximately 2 min (60% time saving).SignificanceObserver pain scales are commonly used to assess pain in individuals with impaired cognition. However, nursing staff have highlighted that extremely tight time schedules and increasing workload demands prevent regular use. To address this, we developed PAIC6, a short version of the Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition 15 (PAIC15). PAIC6 includes six items and takes 2 min for completion after training, realising a 60%‐time reduction compared to the original scale while keeping the psychometric quality high.
A New Comprehensive Model to Simulate and Optimize Fluid Flow in Complex Well‐Formation System for In Situ Leaching Uranium
Authors: Li Zhaokun , Su Xuebin , Jiao Yangquan , Zhang Yu , Qiu Yang , Hu Xiaodong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn situ leaching (ISL) is an important method for green and efficient development of sandstone‐type uranium ore. It achieves ISL of uranium through the deployment of injection and extraction vertical well patterns. The optimization of parameter matching between injection and extraction wells is key to improving the efficiency of uranium development. However, as the depth of mining and the scale of development increase, the small area controlled by vertical wells leads to a large number of vertical wells and high drilling costs, which severely affect the benefits of mine development. In this paper, taking the development case of the LK mine area in Xinjiang as an example, an extraction method of “horizontal well injection–vertical well extraction” was innovatively proposed for the first time. By using the well‐storage coupling model and particle tracking technology, this study systematically investigated the impact of well types and injection–extraction parameters on the leaching range and the distribution of leaching dead zones. Furthermore, a hybrid multiobjective optimization algorithm was used to complete the parameter optimization of well‐storage coupling for ISL of uranium. The research content of this paper explores the impact of injection–extraction parameters and well spacing on the leaching effect of “horizontal well injection–vertical well extraction,” providing a method and approach for the optimization study of ISL uranium parameters. In addition, the research results of this paper have certain guiding significance for enhancing the leaching and extraction effect of the existing uranium mining plan in the LK mining area.
A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Management Methods and Ideal System Design for Improved Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Performance and Safety
Authors: Murugan M. , Elumalai P. V. , Vijayakumar KCK , Babu M. , Suresh Kumar K. , Ganesh M. , Kuang Liu , Prabhakar S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe scientific aim of the study is to propose a comprehensive review of thermal management systems (TMSs) used in electric vehicle (EV) battery packs on matters pertaining to performance enhancement, improvements in safety, and reliability. This includes the various thermal management strategies, addressing some of the problems posed by the dynamic nature of operating conditions, and evaluating emerging TMS technologies. From this aspect, the problem of this research focused on the description of a detailed insight into the efficiencies of TMSs inside an EV, pointing to the impacts of various cooling mechanisms, mostly liquid cooling, air cooling, and phase‐change materials. The research study further evaluates the integration of TMS in vehicle design and its effects on battery lifespan, charging speeds, and environmental impacts. The benefits, disadvantages, and specific applications of each method are discussed about EVs. Taking into consideration the fast charging, high‐power, and environmental effects, further discussion is made on the specific challenges that come with dynamic operating conditions of EVs. This is shown through the industry's constant pursuit to develop in this critical area through the discovery of novel technologies, including predictive control algorithms and superior thermal materials. It discusses in depth how heat management is integrated into the general vehicle design and how this impacts battery lifespan, charging speed, and range. In conclusion, it is a source of material for research scholars, engineers, and policymakers in charge of developing EVs by synthesizing what already exists, highlighting trends at current times, and outlining possible future directions in the continuum of optimizing TMS for the next generation of driving automobile transportation batteries.
Infrared‐Treated Diced Dehydrated Onion: Microbiological Shelf Life and Quality Changes
Authors: Savitha S. , Chakraborty Snehasis , Thorat Bhaskar N. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTOnion dehydration has been associated with surface contamination. Blanching treatments eliminate surface contamination and improve color and texture of the onion prior to dehydration. However, contamination may occur during dehydration through air and human contact. Infrared treatment on the diced dehydrated onion was explored as post‐dehydration treatment. Hot water blanching pretreatment with CaCl2 and infrared treatment at 80°C for 15 min post‐dehydration were employed. The quality attributes and microbiological safety were assessed to estimate the shelf life. Samples stored at 25°C and 75% relative humidity had a shelf life of 25 days. Samples stored at 30°C had a shelf life of 20 days, and those stored at 37°C had a shelf life of 16 days. Browning index was the most sensitive property, having an activation energy of 48.759 ± 0.31 kJ·mol−1, followed by total color change, flavonoid, and pyruvic acid content. The quality attributes degraded as per first‐order kinetics. During the microbiological storage period, about 25%–39% of ascorbic acid, 47%–57% of pyruvic acid, 14%–30% of thiosulphinate content, 66%–76% of total phenolics, and 36%–39% of total flavonoid were retained. The microbiological shelf life of the infrared‐treated diced dehydrated onion was 26, 20, and 16 days at 25°C, 30°C, and 37°C, respectively.
Nutrient Composition, Sensory Qualities, and Acceptability of Locally Prepared Ready‐To‐Use Therapeutic Food in Northern Ghana's Hospital Settings
Authors: Yakubu Tamimu , Apprey Charles , Annan Reginald Adjetey 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMalnutrition is a significant life threat to children under 5 years of age, especially in disadvantaged regions where accesses to commercial therapeutic foods are limited. Local therapeutic foods, specifically Ready‐to‐Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), have emerged as crucial interventions. This study delves into the nutrient composition, sensory qualities, and acceptability of hospital‐based locally formulated RUTF in comparison to the WHO standard formulation, examining samples from two hospitals in the northern region of Ghana. The research was a cross‐sectional study design, conducted within 3 months and involved 112 mothers/caregivers and their children. The locally prepared RUTF, demonstrated potential to meet the nutrient requirement of children under 5 years, particularly for SAM management. Microbial analysis indicated safe consumption levels, but discrepancies in nutrient composition arose due to ingredient variations and addition of specific minerals and vitamin. The local formulae compared to WHO standard RUTF, liquid therapeutic formulae, and human breast milk revealed both strengths and limitations in the local formulations. Chemical analysis of samples revealed energy and protein content of 530 kcal and 14 g per 100 g for Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), and King Medical Centre (KMC) recorded 570 kcal and 11 g per 100 g respectively. The mean and average acceptability of the samples indicate WHO standard RUTF performed better than the other two samples with an overall acceptability of (30.4) followed by TTH (27.0) and KMC was least liked with (23.0). The study highlights the need for stringent adherence to guidelines and local adaptations to ensure effective, culturally appropriate, and safe therapeutic formulae for malnourished children, and hence, emphasized the critical role of local solutions in global malnutrition management strategies.