bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the influence of wall thickness on the reception signal in a PFA-made ultrasonic flow sensor
Authors: Hu Liang , Liu Chengwei , Su Rui , Liu Weiting 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
In a coaxial ultrasonic flow sensor (UFS), wall thickness is a vital parameter of the measurement tube, especially those with small inner diameters. The paper aims to investigate the influence of wall thickness on the transient signal characteristics in an UFS.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the problem was researched experimentally using a series of measurement tubes with different wall thicknesses. Second, a finite element method–based model in the time domain was established to validate the experimental results and further discussion. Finally, the plane wave assumption and oblique incident theory were used to analyze the wave propagation in the tube, and an idea of wave packet superposition was proposed to reveal the mechanism of the influence of wall thickness.

Findings
Both experimental and simulated results showed that the signal amplitude decreased periodically as the wall thickness increased, and the corresponding waveform varied dramatically. Based on the analysis of wave propagation in the measurement tube, a formula concerning the phase difference between wave packets was derived to characterize the signal variation.

Originality/value
This paper provides a new and explicit explanation of the influence of wall thickness on the transient signal in a co-axial UFS. Both experimental and simulated results were presented, and the mechanism was clearly described.
Overwintering strategy regulates phenological sensitivity and consequences for ecological services in a clade of temperate North American insects
Authors: Larsen Elise A. , Belitz Michael W. , Di Cecco Grace J. , Glassberg Jeffrey , Hurlbert Allen H. , Ries Leslie , Guralnick Robert P. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Recent reports of insect declines have raised concerns about the potential for concomitant losses to ecosystem processes. However, understanding the causes and consequences of insect declines is challenging, especially given the data deficiencies for most species. Needed are approaches that can help quantify the magnitude and potential causes of declines at levels above species.

Here we present an analytical framework for assessing broad‐scale plant–insect phenologies and their relationship to community‐level insect abundance patterns. We intentionally apply a species‐neutral approach to analyse trends in phenology and abundance at the macroecological scale. Because both phenology and abundance are critical to ecosystem processes, we estimate aggregate metrics using the overwintering (diapause) stage, a key species trait regulating phenology and environmental sensitivities. This approach can be used across broad spatiotemporal scales and multiple taxa, including less well‐studied groups.

Using community (‘citizen’) science butterfly observations from multiple platforms across the Eastern USA, we show that the relationships between environmental drivers, phenology and abundance depend on the diapause stage. In particular, egg‐diapausing butterflies show marked changes in adult‐onset phenology in relation to plant phenology and are rapidly declining in abundance over a 20‐year span across the study region. Our results also demonstrate the negative consequences of warmer winters for the abundance of egg‐diapausing butterflies, irrespective of plant phenology.

In sum, the diapause stage strongly shapes both phenological sensitivities and developmental requirements across seasons, providing a basis for predicting the impacts of environmental change across trophic levels. Utilizing a framework that ties thermal performance across life stages in relation to climate and lower‐trophic‐level phenology provides a critical step towards predicting changes in ecosystem processes provided by butterflies and other herbivorous insects into the future.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Individual and combined effects of non‐native earthworms and native white‐tailed deer on understorey plant survival, growth and reproduction
Authors: Dobson Annise , Bowe Audrey , Nuzzo Victoria , Dávalos Andrea , Fahey Timothy , Blossey Bernd 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Forests in northeastern North America have undergone dramatic transformations due to losses and gains of species, changes in land use and pollution. Historic stressors combined with new threats of white‐tailed deer and non‐native earthworms are threatening native plant diversity.

We developed a transplant approach to gauge the importance of deer and earthworms in allowing understorey species recovery. This approach, instead of censusing existing individuals, avoids problems imposed by past land use, dispersal limitation or climate change. We selected 20 native species in different taxonomic and functional groups, with different palatability to herbivores, different life‐history strategies and a range of plant traits (%N, specific leaf area [SLA]) and our selection included species indicative of primary or secondary forests.

Using a 2 × 2 full factorial design, we planted species into fenced and unfenced plots with and without existing earthworm invasions in five secondary hardwood forests. We measured survival, plant growth and reproduction over 4–6 years.

Earthworm biomass was associated with increased survival of 13 and decreased survival of five species. Surviving transplants grew taller (eight of 12 species measured) and wider (seven of nine species measured) in earthworm plots but were more likely to be attacked by insects. Excluding deer benefitted most species' survival and growth.

Taxonomic class, SLA or foliar N did not affect species sensitivity to deer or earthworms.

Synthesis. Secondary forests in our region continue to provide suitable habitat for native species. Earthworms and deer are major structuring forces affecting survival and growth of our transplant species, but their impacts are species‐specific and change over time. We observed poorly recognized indirect negative impacts of deer on many unpalatable species. Taxonomic class and differences in plant traits offered no important insights regarding vulnerability to deer or earthworms. Transplanting native species into secondary forests can succeed in restoring understorey communities, but will require fencing or substantial deer population reductions to be successful long term.
Dataset of the impacts of invasive alien species in Brazil
Authors: Sampaio Franco Ana Clara , da Rocha Rosana Moreira , Pivello Vania R. , Magalhães André Lincoln Barroso , de Castro Camila Fediuk , da Cruz Neto Claudiano C. , da Silva Matos Dalva M. , Brown George Gardner , Heringer Gustavo , Saulino Hugo Henrique Lanzi , Oliveira Igor , Braga Raul Rennó , Miranda Ricardo Jessouroun , Mormul Roger Paulo , Vitule Jean Ricardo Simões 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis dataset summarizes the research on the impacts of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) documented in Brazil from 1981 to 2022 and was used to subsidize the Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Impacts of non‐native plants and animals, but not microorganisms and fungi, on terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) environments were included in this review. Most of the literature reviewed consisted of published articles, plus a few book chapters, dissertations, theses, and reports. We found 1003 records of ecological and economic impacts (970 negative and 33 positive) caused by 239 different species, as well as effects on people's well‐being. Understanding and assessing all ecological interactions of IAS in nature, as well as evaluating their contributions to humans, can be a complex task. However, the current scientific evidence from Brazil suggests that negative impacts of IAS are far more common than positive impacts, highlighting the importance of avoiding novel introductions. From a conservationist perspective, the simple presence of IAS may cause the negative impact of changing the original structure and processes of nature. This is of special concern in megadiverse countries like Brazil, where interactions among species are multiple and complex. Therefore, we believe this extensive review is an important contribution to the national knowledge of IAS and the improvement of global databases, which must be periodically reviewed. The complete dataset for this abstract published in the Data Article section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2024-01.1/jalter-en.
Validation of the extinction probe trial as a measure of motivation in male and female Long Evans rats
Authors: Ortelli Olivia A. , Weiner Jeffrey L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundEthanol self‐administration is governed by appetitive and consummatory behaviors. The sipper model procedurally separates these behaviors by training rats to meet a response requirement within 20 min to obtain continuous access to a sipper tube for an additional 20 min. Variations of this paradigm have been developed to quantify appetitive strength by evaluating lever presses during an extinction probe trial (EPT) or by deriving a break point (BP) from a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. However, no study has assessed the relationship between these tasks, within subjects, in both sexes.MethodsMale and female rats (n = 16) were trained to meet a response requirement of 20 to access a slightly sweetened ethanol solution (10% ethanol + 1% sucrose). Two EPTs, during which no operant behavior was reinforced, were interleaved between 18 reinforced sessions. Next, rats completed an across‐session PR schedule, where the response requirement increased each session. BP was defined as the highest completed response requirement. We then replicated the methodology in the same subjects responding for a 3% sucrose solution. Finally, the experiment was replicated in a separate cohort of rats (n = 24) trained to a response requirement of 4 to earn access to the ethanol solution and paradigm order (EPT vs. PR) was counterbalanced.ResultsWe report strong, positive correlations between average EPT lever presses and BP across all experiments. No sex differences were observed in appetitive behaviors. However, the two cohorts revealed mixed results when assessing sex differences in consummatory measures.ConclusionsThis study further validates the EPT as a measure of motivation and suggests that similar levels of motivation exist to procure alcohol in males and females. The findings complement the literature showing that appetitive and consummatory processes are distinct and thus should be independently assessed in self‐administration paradigms.
A population‐based time‐series analysis of opioid agonist treatment dispensed during pregnancy
Authors: Schmidt Rose A. , Everett Karl , Perez‐Brumer Amaya , Strike Carol , Rush Brian , Gomes Tara 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsIdentifying effective opioid treatment options during pregnancy is a high priority due to the growing prevalence of opioid use disorder across North America. We assessed the temporal impact of three population‐level interventions on the use of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) during pregnancy in Ontario, Canada.DesignThis was a population‐based time‐series analysis to identify trends in the monthly prevalence of pregnant people dispensed methadone and buprenorphine. The impact of adding buprenorphine/naloxone to the public drug formulary, the release of pregnancy‐specific guidance and the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic were assessed.Setting and participantsThe study was conducted in Ontario, Canada between 1 July 2013 and 31 March 2022, comprising people who delivered a live or stillbirth in any Ontario hospital during the study period.MeasurementsWe identified any prescription for methadone or buprenorphine dispensed between the estimated conception date and delivery date and calculated the monthly prevalence of OAT‐exposed pregnancies among all pregnant people in Ontario.FindingsOverall, rates of OAT during pregnancy have declined since mid‐2018. Methadone‐exposed pregnancies decreased from 0.46% of all pregnancies in Ontario in 2015 to a low of 0.16% in 2022. In the primary analysis, none of the interventions had a statistically significant impact on overall OAT rates; however, in the stratified analyses, there was a small increase in buprenorphine after the formulary change [0.006%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0032−0.0081, P < 0.0001] and a decrease in buprenorphine after the release of the 2017 guidelines (−0.005%, 95% CI = −0.0080 to −0.0020, P = 0.001) and the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic (−0.003%, 95% CI = −0.0054 to −0.0006, P = 0.015).ConclusionDespite changes in guidance and funding, opioid agonist treatment during pregnancy has been declining in Ontario, Canada since 2018.
Exploring the molecular mechanisms network of breast cancer by multi‐omics analysis
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Qiuqiong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer (BC), the most prevalent malignancy in women globally, still lacks comprehensive research on its molecular targets and necessitates further investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms driving its initiation and progression.MethodsThe GSE20685 Series Matrix File downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was divided into a high‐risk group (n = 49) and a low‐risk group (n = 278) to construct the co‐expression network.ResultsFour hub genes were identified based on the Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analyses were performed. Hub gene immune infiltration was investigated using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database, and CD4+ T cell expression levels were substantially correlated with hub gene expression. Based on the CancerRxGene database (Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database), it was found that the hub genes were highly sensitive to common chemotherapy drugs such as AKT inhibitor VIII and Erlotinib. The expression of Secreted Frizzled‐Related Protein 1, melanoma‐inhibiting activity (MIA), and Keratin 14 was related to tumor mutation burden, and the expression of MIA also affected the microsatellite instability of the tumor. This study employs multi‐omics analysis to investigate the molecular network associated with the prognosis of BC, highlighting its intricate connection with the immune microenvironment.ConclusionThese findings pinpoint four crucial genes in BC progression, offering targets for further research and therapy. Their connections to immune infiltration and chemotherapy sensitivity underscore complex interactions in the tumor microenvironment.
Evaluating (in)experience in congressional elections
Authors: Porter Rachel , Treul Sarah A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFrom the 1980s to the mid‐2010s, nearly three‐quarters of members newly elected to the US House of Representatives had previous elected experience; however, only half of the freshmen elected from 2016 to 2020 held prior office. In this article, we investigate emergence‐ and success‐driven explanations for the declining proportion of experienced officeholders entering Congress. In our analyses, we find that the advantages traditionally afforded to experienced candidates are waning. First, we show that inexperienced candidates’ emergence patterns have changed; amateurs are increasingly apt to emerge in the same kinds of contests as their experienced counterparts. We then show that experienced candidates have lost their fundraising edge and that—for certain kinds of candidates—the value of elected experience itself has declined. Lastly, we identify other candidate characteristics as strong predictors for success in modern elections. We demonstrate that these electorally advantageous identities overwhelmingly belong to candidates who lack elected experience.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and the risk of lung cancer among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shapiro Samantha B. , Yin Hui , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Azoulay Laurent 
Published: March 2024

We sought to determine whether the use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors is associated with a decreased risk of incident lung cancers among patients with type 2 diabetes. We assembled a new‐user, active comparator cohort of SGLT‐2 inhibitor and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor users using the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We fit Cox proportional hazards models with propensity score fine stratification weighting to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident lung cancer. Crude incidence rates were 0.94 per 1000 person‐years among 69 675 SGLT‐2 inhibitor users followed for a median of 2.4 years and 1.45 per 1000 person‐years among 151 495 DPP‐4 inhibitor users followed for a median of 3.7 years. No reduced short‐term risk of lung cancer was observed among SGLT‐2 inhibitor users after weighting (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.77–1.21). Further research with a longer follow‐up period may be warranted.
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain and acute myocardial injury in patients with sickle cell disease admitted to the intensive care unit for vaso‐occlusive crisis
Authors: Roger Guillaume , Denormandie Pierre , Gobe Thibaut , Azzolina Danila , Pham Tài , Chantalat Christelle , Cuveillier Daphnée , Bouchachi Amir , Jourdain Patrick , Lai Christopher , Pavot Arthur , Fage Nicolas , Domnariu Paul , Teboul Jean‐Louis , Monnet Xavier 
Published: March 2024

SummaryIn patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), SCD‐related cardiomyopathy may be partly due to repeated ischaemic events related to sickling during vaso‐occlusive crises, but few clinical studies support this hypothesis. We evaluated the incidence of acute myocardial ischaemia during vaso‐occlusive crises as assessed by the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and high‐sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT). We included adult patients with SCD admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for vaso‐occlusive crisis. We collected hs‐cTnT and measured LVGLS with echocardiography at admission (day 1), day 2, day 3 and ICU discharge. Among 55 patients included, considering only the first hospitalization of patients admitted several times, 3 (5%) had elevated hs‐cTnT at ≥1 time point of the ICU stay. It was ≤2 times the upper limit of normal in two of these patients. LVGLS was altered at ≥1 time point of the ICU stay in 13 (24%) patients. Both hs‐cTnT and LVGLS were abnormal at ≥1 time point of the hospital stay in 2 (4%) patients. Acute myocardial injury as assessed by troponin elevation and LVGLS impairment was a rare event during vaso‐occlusive crises.
Intermittent hypoxia preconditioning can attenuate acute hypoxic injury after a sustained normobaric hypoxic exposure: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zhang Qihan , Ma Qingfeng , Wang Qing , Huang Dan , Ji Xunming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntermittent hypoxia (IH) is emerging as a cost‐effective nonpharmacological method for vital organ protection. We aimed to assess the effects of a short‐term moderate intermittent hypoxia preconditioning protocol (four cycles of 13% hypoxia lasting for 10 min with 5‐min normoxia intervals) on acute hypoxic injury induced by sustained hypoxic exposure (oxygen concentration of 11.8% for 6 h).MethodsOne hundred healthy volunteers were recruited and randomized to the IH group and the control group to receive IH or sham‐IH preconditioning for 5 days, respectively, and then were sent to a hypoxic chamber for simulated acute high‐altitude exposure (4500 m).ResultsThe overall incidence of acute mountain sickness was 27% (27/100), with 14% (7/50) in the IH group and 40% (20/50) in the control group (p = 0.003). After 6‐h simulated high‐altitude exposure, the mean Lake Louise Score was lower in the IH group as compared to controls (1.30 ± 1.27 vs. 2.04 ± 1.89, p = 0.024). Mean peripheral oxygen saturations (SpO2) and intracranial pressure (ICP) measures after acute hypoxic exposure exhibited significant differences, with the IH group showing significantly greater SpO2 values (85.47 ± 5.14 vs. 83.10 ± 5.15%, p = 0.026) and lower ICP levels than the control group (115.59 ± 32.15 vs. 130.36 ± 33.83 mmH2O, p = 0.028). IH preconditioning also showed greater effects on serum protein gene product 9.5 (3.89 vs. 29.16 pg/mL; p = 0.048) and C‐reactive protein (−0.28 vs. 0.41 mg/L; p = 0.023).ConclusionThe short‐term moderate IH improved the tolerance to hypoxia and exerted protection against acute hypoxic injury induced by exposure to sustained normobaric hypoxia, which provided a novel method and randomized controlled trial evidence to develop treatments for hypoxia‐related disease.
Acetylsalicylic acid use and development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy: A national prospective study using highly automated 3‐D optical coherence tomography analysis
Authors: Mayerova Lucie , Wohlfahrt Peter , Sonka Milan , Chen Zhi , Kautzner Josef , Melenovsky Vojtech , Karmazin Vladimir , Malek Ivan , Bedanova Helena , Tomasek Ales , Ozabalova Eva , Krejci Jan , Kovarnik Tomas , Pazdernik Michal 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere is conflicting evidence on the role of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use in the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV).MethodsA nationwide prospective two‐center study investigated changes in the coronary artery vasculature by highly automated 3‐D optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis at 1 month and 12 months after heart transplant (HTx). The influence of ASA use on coronary artery microvascular changes was analyzed in the overall study cohort and after propensity score matching for selected clinical CAV risk factors.ResultsIn total, 175 patients (mean age 52 ± 12 years, 79% male) were recruited. During the 1‐year follow‐up, both intimal and media thickness progressed, with ASA having no effect on its progression. However, detailed OCT analysis revealed that ASA use was associated with a lower increase in lipid plaque (LP) burden (p = .013), while it did not affect the other observed pathologies. Propensity score matching of 120 patients (60 patient pairs) showed similar results, with ASA use associated with lower progression of LPs (p = .002), while having no impact on layered fibrotic plaque (p = .224), calcification (p = .231), macrophage infiltration (p = .197), or the absolute coronary artery risk score (p = .277). According to Kaplan–Meier analysis, ASA use was not associated with a significant difference in survival (p = .699)ConclusionThis study showed a benefit of early ASA use after HTx on LP progression. However, ASA use did not have any impact on the progression of other OCT‐observed pathologies or long‐term survival.