bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Cliques in Point Sets
Authors: Langerman Stefan , Mydlarz Marcelo , Welzl Emo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLet $$n \in \mathbb {N}$$

n
∈
N

and $$k \in \mathbb {N}_0$$

k
∈

N
0

. Given a set P of n points in the plane, a pair $$\{p,q\}$$

{
p
,
q
}

of points in P is called k-deep, if there are at least k points from P strictly on each side of the line spanned by p and q. A k-deep clique is a subset of P with all its pairs k-deep. We show that if P is in general position (i.e., no three points on a line), there is a k-deep clique of size at least $$ \max \{1,\lfloor \frac{n}{k+1} \rfloor \}$$

max
{
1
,

⌊

n

k
+
1

⌋

}

; this is tight, for example in convex position. A k-deep clique in any set P of n points cannot have size exceeding $$n-\lceil \frac{3k}{2} \rceil $$

n
-
⌈

3
k

2

⌉

; this is tight for $$k \le \frac{n}{3}$$

k
≤

n
3

. Moreover, for $$k \le \lfloor \frac{n}{2} \rfloor - 1$$

k
≤
⌊

n
2

⌋
-
1

, a k-deep clique cannot have size exceeding $$2\sqrt{n(\lfloor \frac{n}{2} \rfloor -k)}$$

2

n
(

⌊

n
2

⌋

-
k
)

; this is tight within a constant factor. We also pay special attention to $$(\frac{n}{2}-1)$$

(

n
2

-
1
)

-deep cliques (for n even), which are called halving cliques. These have been considered in the literature by Khovanova and Yang, 2012, and they play a role in the latter bound above. Every set P in general position with a halving clique Q of size m must have at least $$\lfloor \frac{(m-1)(m+3)}{2}\rfloor $$

⌊

(
m
-
1
)
(
m
+
3
)

2

⌋

points. If Q is in convex position, the set P must have size at least $$m(m-1)$$

m
(
m
-
1
)

. This is tight, i.e., there are sets $$Q_m$$

Q
m

of m points in convex position which can be extended to a set of $$m(m-1)$$

m
(
m
-
1
)

points where $$Q_m$$

Q
m

is a halving clique. Interestingly, this is not the case for all sets Q in convex position (even if parallel connecting lines among point pairs in Q are excluded).
Six Decades of Changes in Pool Characteristics on a Concentric-Patterned Raised Bog
Authors: Colson Daniel W. , Morris Paul J. , Smith Mark W. , Rydin Håkan , Granath Gustaf , Quincey Duncan J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRaised bogs are wetland ecosystems which, under the right climatic conditions, feature patterns of pool hollows and hummock ridges. The relative cover and the spatial arrangement of pool and ridge microforms are thought to be influential on peatland atmosphere carbon gas fluxes and plant biodiversity. The mechanisms responsible for the formation and maintenance of pools, and the stability of these features in response to warming climates, remain topics of ongoing research. We employed historical aerial imagery, combined with a contemporary uncrewed aerial vehicle survey, to study 61 years of changes in pools at a patterned raised bog in central Sweden. We used a pool inheritance method to track individual pools between image acquisition dates throughout the time series. These data show a rapid loss of open-water pool area during the study period, primarily due to overgrowth of open-water pools by Sphagnum. We postulate that these changes are driven by ongoing climate warming that is accelerating Sphagnum colonisation. Open-water pool area declined by 26.8% during the study period, equivalent to a loss of 1001 m2 y−1 across the 150-hectare site. This is contradictory to an existing theory that states pools are highly stable, once formed, and can only convert to a terrestrial state through catastrophic drainage. The pool inheritance analysis shows that smaller pools are liable to become completely terrestrialised and expire. Our findings form part of a growing body of evidence for the loss of open-water habitats in peatlands across the boreal and elsewhere.
Intersecting and dense restrictions of clutters in polynomial time
Authors: Drees Martin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA clutter is a family of sets, called members, such that no member contains another. It is called intersecting if every two members intersect, but not all members have a common element. Dense clutters additionally do not have a fractional packing of value 2. We are looking at certain substructures of clutters, namely minors and restrictions. For a family of clutters we introduce a general sufficient condition such that for every clutter we can decide whether the clutter has a restriction in that set in polynomial time. It is known that the sets of intersecting and dense clutters satisfy this condition. For intersecting clutters we generalize the statement to k-wise intersecting clutters using a much simpler proof. We also give a simplified proof that a dense clutter with no proper dense minor is either a delta or the blocker of an extended odd hole. This simplification reduces the running time of the algorithm for finding a delta or the blocker of an extended odd hole minor from previously $${\mathscr {O}}(n^4)$$

O
(

n
4

)

to $${\mathscr {O}}(n^3)$$

O
(

n
3

)

filter oracle calls.
Sketches of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hoo’s: vowels by any other name?
Authors: Ekström Axel G. , Edlund Jens 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn human speech, the close back rounded vowel /u/ (the vowel in “boot”) is articulated with the tongue arched toward the dorsal boundary of the hard palate, with the pharyngeal cavity open. Acoustic and perceptual properties of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hoo’s are similar to those of the human vowel /u/. However, the vocal tract morphology of chimpanzees likely limits their phonetic capabilities, so that it is unlikely, or even impossible, that their articulation is comparable to that of a human. To determine how qualities of the vowel /u/ may be achieved given the chimpanzee vocal tract, we calculated transfer functions of the vocal tract area for tube models of vocal tract configurations in which vocal tract length, length and area of a laryngeal air sac simulacrum, length of lip protrusion, and area of lip opening were systematically varied. The method described is principally acoustic; we make no claim as to the actual shape of the chimpanzee vocal tract during call production. Nonetheless, we demonstrate that it may be possible to achieve the acoustic and perceptual qualities of back vowels without a reconfigured human vocal tract. The results, while tentative, suggest that the production of hoo’s by chimpanzees, while achieving comparable vowel-like qualities to the human /u/, may involve articulatory gestures that are beyond the range of the human articulators. The purpose of this study was to (1) stimulate further simulation research on great ape articulation, and (2) show that apparently vowel-like phenomena in nature are not necessarily indicative of evolutionary continuity per se.
The protective efficacy of dual dietary rosemary plus cinnamon mix against lead nitrate-induced immune suppression, genotoxicity, and oxidant/antioxidant status in Nile tilapia fingerlings
Authors: Abdel-Tawwab Mohsen , Elabd Hiam , Mahboub Heba H. , Assayed Mohamed Ezzat M. , Hamed Heba S. , Elsayyad Asmaa , Mohamed Engy M. M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLead (Pb) is a common heavy metal, which negatively influences the health and performance of aquatic organisms. The aquatic pollution with Pb is increasing day after day due to the increase in human activities, agricultural, and mining activities among others. Lead was regarded as oxidative stressor causing mutagenic and physiological disorders in aquatic animals. Hence, the current perspective assessed the promoting effects of dietary mixture of rosemary plus cinnamon (R + C) intervention on growth, hemato-biochemical, and hepatic oxidative biomarkers in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to a sub-lethal dose of lead nitrate (7.94 mg Pb/L) for 60 days. Fish were distributed into four equal groups; T1 was kept as a control group, T2 was fed on 10 g R + C/kg feed, and T3 and T4 were fed on the control diet and 10 g R + C/kg feed, respectively, along with lead nitrate exposure. Findings of the present study indicated that, upon exposure to Pb (T3), growth, hemato-biochemical, and immune indices in Nile tilapia were notably reduced compared with that of the control group (T1). Meanwhile, stress (blood glucose, cortisol, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), hepatic oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) biomarkers, and DNA fragmentation percentage were significantly augmented in T3 vs T1. Additionally, exposing fish to lead nitrate caused immune suppression compared with the control group (T3 vs T1). On the other hand, the dietary supplementation of R + C mix to Nile tilapia (T2) enhanced its growth performance, antioxidant, and immune status. Feeding Pb-intoxicated Nile tilapia on R + C mix (T4) mitigated the oxidative damage and immune suppression induced by lead nitrate exposure compared with T3. Based on the present study outcomes, we opine that feeding Nile tilapia with rosemary plus cinnamon mixture (10 g/kg feed) has protective effects against lead nitrate-induced stress, physiological alterations, and oxidative damage.
PCSK9: an emerging player in cardiometabolic aging and its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker
Authors: Csiszar Anna , Tarantini Stefano , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Ungvari Zoltan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), renowned for its pivotal role in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) regulation, has emerged as a compelling regulator of cardiometabolic aging. Beyond its well-established involvement in cholesterol metabolism, PCSK9’s multifaceted influence on the aging processes of the cardiovascular and metabolic systems is garnering increasing attention. This review delves into the evolving landscape of PCSK9 in the context of cardiometabolic aging, offering fresh insights into its potential implications. Drawing inspiration from pioneering research conducted by the Pacher laboratory (Arif et al., Geroscience, 2023, PMID: 37726433), we delve into the intricate interplay of PCSK9 within the aging heart and liver, shedding light on its newfound significance. Recent studies underscore PCSK9’s pivotal role in liver aging, suggesting intriguing connections between hepatic aging, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic potential of PCSK9 as both a target and a biomarker, within the context of age-related cardiovascular disease.
Determination of 3- and 4-chloromethcathinone interactions with plasma proteins: study involving analytical and theoretical methods
Authors: Holowinski Piotr , Dybowski Michal P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to determine 3- and 4-chloromethcathinone (3- and 4-CMC) binding degree and possible binding interaction modes with human serum albumin (HSA) using analytical and theoretical methods.

Methods
Experimental determination of 3- and 4-CMC binding degree with HSA was performed using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry preceded by the equilibrium dialysis (ED) and ultrafiltration (UF). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to determine 3- and 4-CMC epitope-binding maps and possible binding sites in HSA. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics were employed to obtain detailed information about binding modes of 3- and 4-CMC enantiomers in HSA.

Results
As follows from the presented data, the degree of binding of 3- and 4-CMC is at a similar level of approx. 80%. This indicates a relatively strong binding of CMC to plasma proteins. The model studies employing the NMR spectroscopy and molecular simulations indicate that both CMCs bind to HSA. The whole 3- and 4-CMC molecules are embedded in the binding sites, with aromatic moieties being in the closest contact with the HSA residues. Moreover, conducted experiments show that Sudlow site II is the main binding center for 3- and 4-CMC and Sudlow site I acts as the secondary binding site.

Conclusions
Although many studies describe pharmacological and toxicological properties of synthetic cathinones (SC), the data taking SCs binding in plasma into consideration are scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting comprehensive experimental and theoretical characterization of 3- and 4-CMC binding with plasma proteins.
Dynamics of a Mosquito Egg-Larvae Model with Seasonality
Authors: Bellver-Arnau Jesús , Margheri Alessandro , Rebelo Carlota 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe propose a two stages mosquito egg-larvae model with seasonality as a simplification of a four stages one. For the simplified model we characterize the dynamics in terms of the vectorial reproduction number, $$R_0$$

R
0

, obtaining extinction if $$R_0\le 1$$

R
0

≤
1

and convergence to a unique positive periodic orbit if $$R_0>1$$

R
0

>
1

. We illustrate each case with an example, by providing general conditions on the periodic coefficients for its occurrence. These examples are further developed using numerical simulations where the periodic parameters satisfy the conditions obtained. In the $$R_0>1$$

R
0

>
1

case, real climatic data is used for inferring the parameter behaviour. For the four stage system, using alternative oviposition rate functions, we present a result which generalizes others given for models with delays and even with diffusion to the case in which competition between the larvae is introduced. The analytical study of our initial four stages system when $$R_0\ge 1$$

R
0

≥
1

remains open, since we were not able to prove that in this case the system is dissipative.
On the Mechanisms of the Cardiotoxic Effect of Lead Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Minigaliyeva Ilzira A. , Klinova Svetlana V. , Sutunkova Marina P. , Ryabova Yuliya V. , Valamina Irene E. , Shelomentsev Ivan G. , Shtin Tatiana N. , Bushueva Tatiana V. , Protsenko Yuri L. , Balakin Alexander A. , Lisin Ruslan V. , Kuznetsov Daniil A. , Katsnelson Boris A. , Toropova Liubov V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLead compounds are one of the most common pollutants of the workplace air and the environment. In the occupational setting, the sources of their emission, including in nanoscale form, are various technological processes associated with lead smelting and handling of non-ferrous metals and their alloys, the production of copper and batteries. Both lead poisoning and lead exposure without obvious signs of poisoning have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanisms of the cardiotoxic effect of lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO NPs). The toxicological experiment involved male albino rats subchronically exposed to PbO NPs (49.6 ± 16.0 nm in size) instilled intraperitoneally in a suspension. We then assessed post-exposure hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and urine, histological and ultrastructural changes in cardiomyocytes, and non-invasively recorded electrocardiograms and blood pressure parameters in the rodents. Myocardial contractility was studied on isolated preparations of cardiac muscles. We established that PbO NPs induced oxidative stress and damage to the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes, and decreased efficiency of the contractile function of the myocardium and blood pressure parameters. We also revealed such specific changes in the organism of the exposed rats as anemia, hypoxia, and hypocalcemia.
Graphical Abstract
Preclinical Proof-of-Concept of a Minimally Invasive Direct Cardiac Compression Device for Pediatric Heart Support
Authors: Hord Erica C. , Hager Melanie P. , Bolch Christina M. , Bonugli Katherine , Guo Lee-Jae , Tuzun Egemen , Criscione John C. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
For pediatric patients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains the predominant mechanical circulatory support (MCS) modality for heart failure (HF) although survival to discharge rates remain between 50 and 60% for these patients. The device-blood interface and disruption of physiologic hemodynamics are significant contributors to poor outcomes.

Methods
In this study, we evaluate the preclinical feasibility of a minimally invasive, non-blood-contacting pediatric DCC prototype for temporary MCS. Proof-of-concept is demonstrated in vivo in an animal model of HF. Hemodynamic pressures and flows were examined.

Results
Minimally invasive deployment on the beating heart was successful without cardiopulmonary bypass or anticoagulation. During HF, device operation resulted in an immediate 43% increase in cardiac output while maintaining pulsatile hemodynamics. Compared to the pre-HF baseline, the device recovered up to 95% of ventricular stroke volume. At the conclusion of the study, the device was easily removed from the beating heart.

Conclusions
This preclinical proof-of-concept study demonstrated the feasibility of a DCC device on a pediatric scale that is minimally invasive and non-blood contacting, with promising hemodynamic support and durability for the initial intended duration of use. The ability of DCC to maintain pulsatile MCS without blood contact represents an opportunity to mitigate the mortality and morbidity observed in non-pulsatile, blood-contacting MCS.
Computational Comparison of the Mechanical Behavior of Aortic Stent-Grafts Derived from Auxetic Unit Cells
Authors: Vellaparambil Rahul , Han Woo-Suck , Di Giovanni Pierluigi , Avril Stéphane 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Inappropriate stent-graft (SG) flexibility has been frequently associated with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) complications such as endoleaks, kinks, and SG migration, especially in tortuous arteries. Stents derived from auxetic unit cells have shown some potential to address these issues as they offer an optimum trade-off between radial stiffness and bending flexibility.

Methods
In this study, we utilized an established finite element (FE)-based approach to replicate the mechanical response of a SG iliac limb derived from auxetic unit cells in a virtual tortuous iliac aneurysm using a combination of a 180° U-bend and intraluminal pressurization. This study aimed to compare the mechanical performance (flexibility and durability) of SG limbs derived from auxetic unit cells and two commercial SG limbs (Z-stented SG and circular-stented SG models) in a virtual tortuous iliac aneurysm. Maximal graft strain and maximum stress in stents were employed as criteria to estimate the durability of SGs, whereas the maximal luminal reduction rate and the bending stiffness were used to assess the flexibility of the SGs.

Results
SG limbs derived from auxetic unit cells demonstrated low luminal reduction (range 4–12%) with no kink, in contrast to Z-stented SG, which had a kink in its central area alongside a high luminal reduction (44%).

Conclusions
SG limbs derived from auxetic unit cells show great promise for EVAR applications even at high angulations such as 180°, with acceptable levels of durability and flexibility.
Beharrlich, strategisch, integriert. Zur Vorhersage akademischer Studienadaptation von Lehramtsstudierenden durch Beharrlichkeit und den Einsatz von Lernstrategien
Authors: Malai Dumitru , Vogel Sebastian , Lipowsky Frank 
Published: December 2023

ZusammenfassungStudienadaption als Anpassungsprozess an das universitäre Umfeld ist im Studium von großer Bedeutung, da eine mangelnde soziale oder akademische Adaption zum Studienabbruch führen kann. Der Zusammenhang der akademischen Studienadaption mit Aspekten strategischen Lernverhaltens, wie etwa der Nutzung von Lernstrategien und der Beharrlichkeit als Aspekt der Leistungsmotivation, wurde bisher nur unzureichend untersucht. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, welche Lernstrategien in Kombination mit Beharrlichkeit die akademische Studienadaption vorhersagen.Die Untersuchung basiert auf einer Kohorte Lehramtsstudierender, die zu zwei Messzeitpunkten – zu Beginn (N = 333) und in der Mitte des Studiums (N = 298) – befragt wurden.Die Ergebnisse der multiplen linearen Regressionen und Mediatoranalysen zeigen, dass die akademische Adaption sowohl zu Studienbeginn als auch in der Mitte des Studiums vor allem durch Beharrlichkeit, interne ressourcenbezogene Lernstrategien (z. B. Management von Aufmerksamkeit, Anstrengung und Zeit) und externe ressourcenbezogene Strategien (z. B. gemeinsames Lernen mit Kommiliton*innen, Gebrauch von Fachliteratur und Lernraumgestaltung) vorhergesagt wird.
Evaluating Longevity as a Farm Animal Welfare Indicator
Authors: Mann Stefan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn assessing the welfare of dairy cows and laying hens, longevity has recently been introduced as an indicator. This paper presents recent attempts to transfer the normative power of longevity to non-human animals and evaluates this choice systematically. It first shows that the normative power of longevity can be justified by utilitarianism but not by rights-based approaches. The case of the ban to kill day-old chicks in Germany is then used to show that public opinion leans neither to the utilitarian approach nor to the rights-based one but draws a firm line between killing animals before and after reaching an adult age. This may be not so much a desire for longevity among farmed animals but a first sign of empathy that may transform our relationship with farmed animals.
Development of quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) relations for dual-polarization radars based on raindrop size distribution measurements in Metro Manila, Philippines
Authors: Ibañez Marco Polo A. , Martirez Samuel C. , Pura Alvin G. , Sajulga Ramjun A. , Cayanan Esperanza O. , Jou Ben Jong-Dao , Chang Wei-Yu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractQuantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) can be further improved using estimation algorithms derived from localized raindrop size distribution (DSD) observations. In this study, DSD measurements from two disdrometer stations within Metro Manila during the Southwest monsoon (SWM) period were used to investigate the microphysical properties of rainfall and develop localized dual-polarimetric relations for different radar bands and rainfall types. Observations show that the DSD in Metro Manila is more distributed to larger diameters compared to Southern Luzon and neighboring countries and regions in the Western Pacific. This is reflected by the relatively higher mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) and smaller shape (μ) and slope (Λ) parameters measured in the region. The average values of Dm and normalized intercept parameter (Nw) in convective rain samples also suggest that convective rains in Metro Manila are highly influenced by both continental and oceanic convective processes. Dual-polarimetric variables simulated using the T-matrix scattering method showed good agreement with disdrometer-derived reflectivity (ZH) values. The 0.5 dB and 0.3° km−1 thresholds for the differential reflectivity (ZDR) and specific differential phase (KDP) based on the blended algorithm of Cifelli (J Atmos Ocean Technol 28:352-364, 2011) and Thompson et al. (2017) are proven to be useful since the utility of the dual-polarimetric variables as rainfall estimators are shown to have dependencies on the radar band and rainfall type. Evaluation of the QPE products with respect to the C-band shows that R (KDP, ZDR) has the best performance among the dual-pol relations and statistically outperformed the conventional Marshall & Palmer relation [R(ZMP)]. The results show that dual-polarimetric variables such as ZDR and KDP can better represent the DSD properties compared to one-dimensional Z, hence providing more accurate QPE products than the conventional R(Z) relations.