bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urbanization and primary productivity mediate the predator–prey relationship between deer and coyotes
Authors: Parsons Arielle W. , Pacifici Krishna , Shaw Jonathan C. , Cobb David , Boone Hailey M. , Kays Roland 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPredator–prey interactions are important for regulating populations and structuring communities but are affected by many dynamic, complex factors across large scales, making them difficult to study. Integrated population models (IPMs) offer a potential solution to understanding predator–prey relationships by providing a framework for leveraging many different datasets and testing hypotheses about interactive factors. Here, we evaluate the coyote–deer (Canis latrans–Odocoileus virginianus) predator–prey relationship across the state of North Carolina (NC). Because both species have similar habitat requirements and may respond to human disturbance, we considered net primary productivity (NPP) and urbanization as key mediating factors. We estimated deer survival and fecundity by integrating camera trap, harvest, and biological and hunter observation datasets into a two‐stage, two‐sex Lefkovich population projection matrix. We allowed survival and fecundity to vary as functions of urbanization, NPP, and coyote density, and projected abundance forward to test eight hypothetical scenarios. We estimated initial average deer and coyote densities to be 11.83 (95% CI: 5.64, 20.80) and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.02, 1.45) individuals/km2, respectively. We found a negative, though highly uncertain, relationship between the current levels of coyote density and deer fecundity in most areas that became more negative under hypothetical conditions of lower NPP or higher urbanization, leading to lower projected deer abundances. Though not conclusive, our results indicate the possibility that coyotes could have stronger effects on deer populations in NC if their densities rise, but primarily in less productive and/or more suburban habitats. Our case study provides an example of how IPMs can be used to better understand the complex relationships between predator and prey under changing environmental conditions.
Quantifying power regulation characteristics in pump mode of variable‐speed pumped storage unit with DFIM
Authors: Liu Yuanhong , Yang Weijia , Yang Jin , Huang Yifan , Zhao Zhigao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPumped storage plants (PSPs) play an important role in renewable energy consumption in power systems. Variable‐speed technology is a new and critical direction for the development of PSPs. In pump mode, variable‐speed pumped storage units (VSPSUs) have wider power regulation ranges and more flexible power responses than fixed‐speed pumped storage units (FSPSUs); however, the corresponding quantification study of VSPSUs is rare. Therefore, this study aims to quantify the static and dynamic power regulation characteristics of VSPSU in pump mode. First, the modeling of the fast speed control strategy of VSPSU in pump mode is improved. Then, the power regulation range of the VSPSU is explored. The factors (i.e., power command, governor, and converter) affecting the power response rapidity are quantified through the engineering case of a variable‐speed PSP adopting the doubly fed induction machine. Accordingly, suggestions on the settings of the parameters are provided. Quantification results show that parameter tuning based on this study effectively solves the problem of low regulation rate caused by great power fluctuations under typical power regulation cases in pump mode. This VSPSU has the fastest regulation rate of 13.75%/s when adjusting 40% power. This study could provide technical support to the practical operation of VSPSU.
Estimation of static and dynamic functional connectivity in resting‐state fMRI using zero‐frequency resonator
Authors: Das Sukesh Kumar , Sao Anil K. , Biswal Bharat B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractResting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) is increasingly being used to infer the functional organization of the brain. Blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) features related to spontaneous neuronal activity, are yet to be clearly understood. Prior studies have hypothesized that rs‐fMRI is spontaneous event‐related and these events convey crucial information about the neuronal activity in estimating resting state functional connectivity (FC). Attempts have been made to extract these temporal events using a predetermined threshold. However, the thresholding methods in addition to being very sensitive to noise, may consider redundant events or exclude the low‐valued inflection points. Here, we extract the event‐related temporal onsets from the rs‐fMRI time courses using a zero‐frequency resonator (ZFR). The ZFR reflects the transient behavior of the BOLD events at its output. The conditional rate (CR) of the BOLD events occurring in a time course with respect to a seed time course is used to derive static FC. The temporal activity around the estimated events called high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) segments are also obtained in the rs‐fMRI time course and are then used to compute static and dynamic FCs during rest. Coactivation pattern (CAP) is the dynamic FC obtained using the high SNR segments driven by the ZFR. The static FC demonstrates that the ZFR‐based CR distinguishes the coactivation and non‐coactivation scores well in the distribution. CAP analysis demonstrated the stable and longer dwell time dominant resting state functional networks with high SNR segments driven by the ZFR. Static and dynamic FC analysis underpins that the ZFR‐driven temporal onsets of BOLD events derive reliable and consistent FCs in the resting brain using a subset of the time points.
The potential value of cancer‐testis antigens in ovarian cancer: Prognostic markers and targets for immunotherapy
Authors: Lin Lina , Zou Xiaoqiong , Nong Weixia , Ge Yingying , Li Feng , Luo Bin , Zhang Qingmei , Xie Xiaoxun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundTumor immunotherapy has become an important adjuvant therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In recent years, the role of tumor‐associated antigen (TAA) in tumor immunotherapy has become increasingly prominent. Cancer‐testis antigen (CTA) is a kind of TAA that is highly restricted in a variety of tumors and can induce an immune response.AimsThis review article aimed to evaluate the role of CTA on the progression of ovarian cancer, its diagnostic efficacy, and the potential for immunotherapy.MethodsWe analyzed publications and outlined a comprehensive of overview the regulatory mechanism, immunogenicity, clinical expression significance, tumorigenesis, and application prospects of CTA in ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on recent progress in CTA‐based immunotherapy.ResultsThe expression of CTA affects the occurrence, development, and prognosis of ovarian cancer and is closely related to tumor immunity.ConclusionCTA can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of ovarian cancer and is an ideal target for antitumor immunotherapy. These findings provide novel insights on CTA in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer. The successes, current challenges and future prospects were also discussed to portray its significant potential.
Retrospective assessment of medication patterns among candidates evaluated for living kidney donation
Authors: Dickinson Drew T. , Nguyen Linh , Liu Xinqi , Castro Gianna , Cherry Morgan , Dadabaev Fadel , Rodriguez Hercys Sanchez , Malat Gregory E. , Forte Abigail , Dunn Ty B. , Redfield Robert R. , Leonberg‐Yoo Amanda , Trofe‐Clark Jennifer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionMedication use in living kidney donor (LKD) candidates may have important implications for evaluation and donation care. We sought to characterize LKD candidate medication use through medication histories conducted at nephrologist evaluation and transplant pharmacist preoperative visits.MethodsThis retrospective single‐center cohort study included adult LKD candidates evaluated for donation between October 1, 2019 and October 1, 2021. Scheduled and as‐needed medications for each candidate were abstracted from pre‐donation medication histories collected at the evaluation visit with the nephrologist and the preoperative visit with the transplant pharmacist, if approved for donation. Medication histories from each visit were compared with each other and evaluated by therapeutic class frequency.ResultsAmong 213 LKD candidates (112 approved for donation and 101 declined for donation), 198 (93.0%) candidates were taking at least one prescription medication, over‐the‐counter agent, or dietary supplement. Antidepressants and antihypertensives were the most common prescription agents used among candidates, with antihypertensives more common among declined donors (20.8% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.042). Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were more commonly identified at the evaluation visit of approved candidates compared to the preoperative visit (29.5% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001) and dietary supplements were more commonly identified at the preoperative visit compared to the evaluation visit (49.1% vs. 59.8%, p = 0.023).ConclusionsThe frequency of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs decreased greatly between the evaluation and preoperative visit, likely reflective of discontinuation pre‐donation. Characterizing medication use among candidates evaluated for LKD donation may assist donor programs with developing more targeted patient medication education. Nearly all LKD candidates were taking a medication or dietary supplement pre‐donation. Transplant pharmacists are uniquely positioned to perform medication reconciliations and can also offer guidance to other team providers on best practices for this process. A better understanding of medication patterns in this population may also aid with further developing care guidelines for LKD evaluation and pre‐/postoperative LKD care.
Palladium‐catalyzed sequential Heck/Suzuki coupling reaction and the synthesis of diarylmethanes in aqueous media using indole‐based N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Ming , Hua Yi‐Wen , Wang Ying‐Yueh , Lu Ta‐Jung , Lee Dong‐Sheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study introduced a versatile class of indole‐based benzimidazolium salts, offering distinct advantages: (1) the utilization of affordable and easily accessible starting materials; (2) a straightforward and uncomplicated synthesis process; (3) the diversity of the salt should provide fine‐tunability of steric and electronic properties. These salts, employed as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors, were effectively utilized in the Pd‐catalyzed C–C bond formation reactions involving aryl or benzyl halide. The catalytic system, arising from the in situ generation of Pd(OAc)2 and indole‐based benzimidazolium salts, demonstrated remarkable efficiency. It accomplished the synthesis of diarylmethanes via the Suzuki coupling of benzyl chlorides and arylboronic acids in aqueous media with a Pd loading of 0.5 mol%. Furthermore, it successfully achieved the one‐pot sequential Heck/Suzuki coupling reactions with a Pd loading of as low as 0.25 mol%.
Excellent accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of discoid meniscus tears: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Amiri Shayan , Mirahmadi Alireza , Parvandi Ava , Moshfegh Mana Zaker , Hashemi Abatari Seyedeh Pardis , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Hoseini Seyyed Mehdi , Kazemi Seyed Morteza , Momenzadeh Kaveh , Wu Jim S. , Nazarian Ara 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeThe discoid meniscus (DM) is distinguished by its thickened, disc‐shaped formation, which extends over the tibial plateau. The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis escalates if a DM tear remains undiagnosed and untreated. While DM tears can be diagnosed through arthroscopy, the high cost, invasive nature and limited availability of this procedure highlight the need for a better diagnostic modality. This study aims to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing DM tears.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to gather articles with at least 10 cases on the comparison of MRI and arthroscopy as the gold standard for DM tear diagnosis. Stata and MetaDisc were used to conduct the statistical analysis. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.ResultsFive diagnostic performance studies, derived from four original research papers involving 305 patients, were evaluated. Based on the pooled data, the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive limit of detection and negative limit of detection were found to be 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82–0.91) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75–0.90), 32.88 (95% CI, 5.81–186.02), 5.22 (95% CI, 1.71–15.92) and 0.18 (95% CI, 0.09–0.38), respectively. A hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve with an area under the curve of 0.92 was generated.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis demonstrates that MRI has excellent sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing DM tears. Despite its lower accuracy compared to arthroscopy, MRI can be used in symptomatic patients as a viable alternative to arthroscopy due to its inherent advantages.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Repair potential of self‐assembling peptide hydrogel in a mouse model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Fujino Keitaro , Yamamoto Natsuki , Yoshimura Yukiko , Yokota Atsushi , Hirano Yoshiaki , Neo Masashi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeEstablishing zonal tendon‐to‐bone attachment could accelerate the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation schedule and facilitate an earlier return to sports. KI24RGDS is a self‐assembling peptide hydrogel scaffold (SAPS) with the RGDS amino acid sequence. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic potential of KI24RGDS in facilitating zonal tendon‐to‐bone attachment after ACLR.MethodsSixty‐four C57BL/6 mice were divided into the ACLR + SAPS and ACLR groups. ACLR was performed using the tail tendon. To assess the maturation of tendon‐to‐bone attachment, we quantified the area of mineralized fibrocartilage (MFC) in the tendon graft with demeclocycline. Immunofluorescence staining of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) was performed to evaluate progenitor cell proliferation. The strength of tendon‐to‐bone attachment was evaluated using a pull‐out test.ResultsThe MFC and maximum failure load in the ACLR + SAPS group were remarkably higher than in the ACLR group on Day 14. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups on Day 28. The number of α‐SMA‐positive cells in the tendon graft was highest on Day 7 after ACLR in both the groups and was significantly higher in the ACLR + SAPS group than in the ACLR group.ConclusionThis study highlighted the latent healing potential of KI24RGDS in facilitating early‐stage zonal attachment of tendon grafts and bone tunnels post‐ACLR. These findings may expedite rehabilitation protocols and shorten the timeline for returning to sports.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.
Medicaid expansion and 30‐day hospital readmissions: A nationwide study
Authors: Tahhan Sami , Avila Cynthia , Carr Chloe , Qayyum Rehan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn 2010, Congress enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to enhance health insurance affordability via subsidies and Medicaid expansion (ME). However, not all states adopted ME. We examined national hospital readmissions from 2005 to 2019 to investigate readmission reduction trends based on state ME status. The states were divided into those that expanded Medicaid in 2014 (ME‐States) and those that did not until 2019 (non‐ME States). Using a difference‐in‐difference framework and adjusting for hospital and population characteristics, we assessed the relationship between ME and 30‐day readmissions following pneumonia, heart failure (HF), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalizations. Both before and after the expansion, ME‐States had higher mean readmission rates than non‐ME‐States. After ME, hospitals in ME‐States exhibited larger reductions in readmission rates compared to non‐ACA States: pneumonia (−0.12%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.19%, −0.04%; p = .002), HF (−0.18%; 95% CI = −0.28%, −0.08%; p = .001), and AMI (−0.23%; 95% CI = −0.32%, −0.13%; p < .001).
Synthesis, molecular dynamics simulation, and evaluation of biological activity of novel flurbiprofen and ibuprofen‐like compounds
Authors: Yıldız Mehmet Taha , Osmaniye Derya , Saglik Begum Nurpelin , Levent Serkan , Kurnaz Recep , Ozkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer Asım 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe frequent use of anti‐inflammatory drugs and the side effects of existing drugs keep the need for new compounds constant. For this purpose, flurbiprofen and ibuprofen‐like compounds, which are frequently used anti‐inflammatory compounds in this study, were synthesized and their structures were elucidated. Like ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, the compounds contain a residue of phenylacetic acid. On the other hand, it contains a secondary amine residue. Thus, it is planned to reduce the acidity, which is the biggest side effect of NSAI drugs, even a little bit. The estimated ADME parameters of the compounds were evaluated. Apart from internal use, local use of anti‐inflammatory compounds is also very important. For this reason, the skin permeability values of the compounds were also calculated. And it has been found to be compatible with reference drugs. The COX enzyme inhibitory effects of the obtained compounds were tested by in vitro experiments. Compound 2a showed significant activity against COX‐1 enzyme with an IC50 = 0.123 + 0.005 μM. The interaction of the compound with the enzyme active site was clarified by molecular dynamics studies.
Temporal summation of second pain is affected by cognitive load
Authors: Rubal‐Otero Lara , Gil‐Ugidos Antonio , Villar Alberto Jacobo González , Carrillo‐de‐la‐Peña María Teresa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis work attempted to clarify the interaction of cognition and pain sensitization during a paradigm of Temporal Summation of Second Pain (TSSP). We analyzed pain ratings and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity obtained from 21 healthy participants during the presentation of four experimental conditions that differed in the manipulation of attention to painful stimuli or working memory load (Attention to hand & TSSP; 0‐back & TSSP (low cognitive load); 2‐back & TSSP (high cognitive load); 2‐back (without pain)). We found that the TSSP was reduced when the attention was diverted and the cognitive load increased, and this reduction was accompanied by higher midfrontal theta activity and lower posterior alpha and central beta activity. Although it is well established that TSSP is a phenomenon that occurs at the spinal level, here we show that it is also affected by supraspinal attentional mechanisms. Delivery of painful repeated stimuli did not affect the performance of the 2‐back task but was associated with smaller amplitudes of attentional event‐related potentials (ERPs) after standard stimuli (not the target). The study of brain activity during TSSP allowed to clarify the role of top‐down attentional modulation in pain sensitization processes. Results contribute to a better understanding of cognitive dysfunction in pain conditions and reinforce the use of therapeutic strategies based on distracting attention away from pain.
Thermal Enhancement of Er3+ NIR‐II Luminescence by Ho3+‐Mediated Energy‐Trapping in Negative Thermal Expansion Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Jiaoyin , Chang Jiwen , Wang Nan , Zhao Peihang , Zhu Mengyuan , Liu Ying , Guo Dongxu , Wang Yu , Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Suo Hao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThermal quenching of luminescence materials poses a major obstacle to the technological application of luminescence thermometry. It still remains challenging to attain thermally enhanced light emissions, especially in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II). Herein, an anomalous thermal dependence of NIR‐II luminescence in the negative thermal expansion (NTE) Sc2Mo3O12:Er3+/Ho3+ nanocrystals is reported. Mechanistic investigations affirm that Ho3+ ion can work as an energy reservoir and back‐transfer to Er3+ ion with the assistance of lattice phonon at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the Ho3+‐mediated energy feedback is strengthened by the thermal contraction between dopant ions, thereby enabling a remarkable thermal enhancement of NIR‐II emission over 11‐fold. The opposite thermal response of Er3+ and Ho3+ emissions is harnessed for NIR‐II ratiometric thermometry, registering exceptional performance in a high‐temperature regime (Sr = 1.71% K−1, δT = 0.2 K at 513 K). These findings may inspire new insights for addressing the thermal quenching of NIR‐II luminescence, which also raises exciting opportunities for flexible thermometry in complex settings.
Effects of particle overall regularity and surface roughness on fabric evolution of granular materials: DEM simulations
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhao Chaofa , Chen Yanni , Yang Zhongxuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractParticle shape irregularity is a notable feature of granular materials that exerts a profound influence on their mechanical behavior. This study examines the effects of particle overall regularity and surface roughness on the fabric evolution of granular materials using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). By connecting multiple spheres with varying sizes and positions, a diversity of clump particles characterized by distinct overall regularity () and surface roughness () are generated. A series of DEM simulations on drained triaxial compression tests have then been performed on granular assemblies with varying shapes, whereby their characteristics of contact intensity and the anisotropy of various fabric entities defined by contact normal, branch vector, and particle orientation, have been thoroughly investigated. The results show that increasing particle shape irregularity, indicated by smaller values of and , is generally associated with an enhanced internal structure within the granular assembly, exhibiting a higher mechanical coordination number and a greater fabric anisotropy. Conversely, in granular assemblies with relatively high overall regularity, the fabric anisotropy is notably reduced, and this reduction cannot be compensated by enhancements in particle surface roughness. The evolution of two contact‐related fabric anisotropies is analyzed in relation to particle orientation‐based fabric anisotropy, which is more profoundly influenced by particle overall regularity, underscoring its significant role in fabric evolution of granular materials.