bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Livestock guardian dogs establish a landscape of fear for wild predators: Implications for the role of guardian dogs in reducing human–wildlife conflict and supporting biodiversity conservation
Authors: van Bommel Linda , Magrath Michael , Coulson Graeme , Johnson Chris N. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are increasingly used to protect livestock from predators, but their effects on the distribution and behaviour of wild predators are mostly unknown. A key question is whether LGDs exclude predators from grazing land, or if predators continue to use areas with LGDs but modify their behaviour in ways that reduce impacts on livestock.

We studied effects of LGDs (Maremma sheepdogs) on distribution and behaviour of red foxes Vulpes vulpes in north‐eastern Victoria, Australia. We mapped the activity of LGDs across the study areas using GPS tracking and measured fox activity using remote cameras. We also measured risk‐sensitive foraging in foxes to test if they reduced feeding time at sites regularly used by LGDs.

Foxes occurred throughout areas occupied by LGDs, but their probability of detection was negatively related to the probability of LGD presence. Foxes extracted fewer food items from experimental food stations in proportion to the intensity of local activity of LGDs. This indicates that, though foxes overlapped with LGDs, they responded to risk of encountering LGDs by allocating less time to foraging.

While LGDs do not necessarily exclude wild predators from areas used for livestock production, they can have strong effects on predator behaviour. Reduction in time allocated to foraging in areas regularly used by LGDs could lead to suppression of hunting behaviour and therefore a reduction in attacks on livestock. The flexible response of predators to LGDs should facilitate coexistence of wild predators with livestock farming, by allowing predators to continue to use areas occupied by livestock while still preventing attacks on those livestock. Our results therefore strengthen the case for use of LGDs in the conservation of predators threatened by conflict with farming. Suppression of hunting behaviour should also mean that prey species experience reduced rates of predation on farmland with LGDs. This effect could be valuable for conservation of threatened species of prey.
AI‐ALOE: AI for reskilling, upskilling, and workforce development
Authors: Goel Ashok , Dede Chris , Garn Myk , Ou Chaohua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe National AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education (AI‐ALOE) develops AI learning and teaching assistants to enhance the proficiency of adult reskilling and upskilling, and thereby transform workforce development. The AI assistants both address known problems in online education for reskilling/upskilling and help personalize adult learning for workforce development. AI‐ALOE develops new AI models and techniques for self‐explanation, machine teaching, and mutual theory of mind to make the AI assistants usable, learnable, teachable, and scalable. AI‐ALOE is also developing a data architecture for deploying and evaluating the AI assistants, collecting and analyzing data, and personalizing learning at scale.
Efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide in patients aged <4 years with focal seizures
Authors: Makedonska Iryna , Ng Yu‐Tze , Beller Cynthia , Bozorg Ali , Csikós János , McClung Carrie , Moeltgen Holger , Farkas Mark Kristof ,   the SP0967 Study Group
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivePrimary objective was to evaluate efficacy of lacosamide administered concomitantly with 1–3 antiseizure medications in young children with uncontrolled focal (partial‐onset) seizures.MethodsDouble‐blind, parallel‐group trial (SP0967: NCT02477839/2013‐000717‐20) conducted between June 2015 and May 2020 at hospitals and clinics in 25 countries. Patients (aged ≥1 month to <4 years) with uncontrolled focal seizures were randomized 1:1 to adjunctive lacosamide or placebo using an interactive voice/web response system and stratified by age. After a 20‐day titration period, patients who reached target‐dose range (8–12 mg/kg/day) entered a 7‐day maintenance period. Region‐specific primary efficacy variables were based on ≤72‐h video‐electroencephalograms: change in average daily frequency (ADF) of electrographic focal seizures as measured on end‐of‐maintenance video‐electroencephalogram versus end‐of‐baseline video‐electroencephalogram (United States); 50% responder rate (≥50% reduction in ADF of focal seizures) during maintenance (European Union).ResultsIn total, 255 patients were randomized (lacosamide/placebo: 128/127) and received ≥1 trial medication dose. Percentage reduction in ADF of focal seizures for lacosamide (116 patients) versus placebo (120 patients) was 3.2% (95% confidence interval = −13.6 to 17.5, p = 0.69). 50% responder rate was 41.4% for lacosamide (116 patients), 37.5% for placebo (120 patients) (p = 0.58). Treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported by 44.5% of lacosamide‐treated patients (placebo 51.2%).InterpretationAdjunctive lacosamide did not show superior efficacy versus placebo in young children with focal seizures. However, efficacy variables were potentially affected by high variability and low reliability between readers in video‐electroencephalogram interpretation. Lacosamide was generally well tolerated; safety profile was acceptable and consistent with that in adults and children aged ≥4 years.
Neuroimaging abnormalities associated with immunotherapy responsiveness in Down syndrome regression disorder
Authors: Santoro Jonathan D. , Khoshnood Mellad M. , Jafarpour Saba , Nguyen Lina , Boyd Natalie K. , Vogel Benjamin N. , Kammeyer Ryan , Patel Lina , Manning Melanie A. , Rachubinski Angela L. , Filipink Robyn A. , Baumer Nicole T. , Santoro Stephanie L. , Franklin Catherine , Tamrazi Benita , Yeom Kristen W. , Worley Gordon , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Rafii Michael S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of neuroimaging abnormalities in individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD) and evaluate if neuroimaging abnormalities were predictive of therapeutic responses.MethodsA multicenter, retrospective, case–control study which reviewed neuroimaging studies of individuals with DSRD and compared them to a control cohort of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) alone was performed. Individuals aged 10–30 years and meeting international consensus criteria for DSRD were included. The presence of T1, T2/FLAIR, and SWI signal abnormalities was reviewed. Response rates to various therapies, including immunotherapy, were evaluated in the presence of neuroimaging abnormalities.ResultsIn total, 74 individuals (35%) had either T2/FLAIR and/or SWI signal abnormality compared to 14 individuals (12%) without DSRD (p < 0.001, 95%CI: 2.18–7.63). T2/FLAIR signal abnormalities were not appreciated more frequently in individuals with DSRD (14%, 30/210) than in the control cohort (9%, 11/119) (p = 0.18, OR: 1.63, 95%CI: 0.79–3.40). SWI signal abnormalities were appreciated at a higher frequency in individuals with DSRD (24%, 51/210) compared to the control cohort (4%, 5/119) (p < 0.001, OR: 7.31, 95%CI: 2.83–18.90). T2/FLAIR signal abnormalities were localized to the frontal (40%, 12/30) and parietal lobes (37%, 11/30). SWI signal abnormalities were predominantly in the bilateral basal ganglia (94%, 49/52). Individuals with DSRD and the presence of T2/FLAIR and/or SWI signal abnormalities were much more likely to respond to immunotherapy (p < 0.001, OR: 8.42. 95%CI: 3.78–18.76) and less likely to respond to benzodiazepines (p = 0.01, OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.25–0.83), antipsychotics (p < 0.001, OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.11–0.55), or electroconvulsive therapy (p < 0.001, OR: 0.12; 95%CI: 0.02–0.78) compared to individuals without these neuroimaging abnormalities.InterpretationThis study indicates that in individuals diagnosed with DSRD, T2/FLAIR, and SWI signal abnormalities are more common than previously thought and predict response to immunotherapy.
Coral‐Inspired Hollow Microneedle Patch with Smart Sensor Therapy for Wound Infection
Authors: Liu Yanhua , He Chaofan , Qiao Tianhong , Liu Guofeng , Li Xue , Wan Qianbing , Zhu Zhou , He Yong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEvery year, over 12 million people are enduring the persistent pain resulting from wound infections. In these chronic wounds, concealed infections may be covered up by scabs or granulation, which impeding accurate diagnosis and treatment. To address such clinical challenges, inspired by corals, a biomimetic microneedle patch (HepMi‐PCL) is developed to indicate and treat infections within wound. Relying on high‐precision 3D printing technology, each polycaprolactone microneedle own an equally sized porous shell and cavity with heparin‐based functional hydrogel filling in. After penetrating through the scab, HepMi‐PCL can absorb exudate in wound through surficial guide grooves and pores microstructure on its microneedle, thereby indicating whether anti‐infection is needed. Upon the identification of a positive chronic infection, HepMi‐PCL will smartly activate to release drugs rapidly. Subsequently, when the infection is effectively managed and the exudate progressively decreases, the drug delivery will correspondingly slow down or cease altogether. By leveraging autonomous response and therapeutic capabilities, HepMi‐PCL demonstrates the potential to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of infections, resulting in an enhancement of healing speed for infected wounds by over 200%. Thus, the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic functions of the microneedle patch is anticipated to offer novel approaches in addressing the management of chronic wounds.
Spiders Use Structural Conversion of Globular Amyloidogenic Domains to Make Strong Silk Fibers
Authors: Qi Xingmei , Wang Han , Wang Kezhen , Wang Yu , Leppert Axel , Iashchishyn Igor , Zhong Xueying , Zhou Yizhong , Liu Ruifang , Rising Anna , Landreh Michael , Johansson Jan , Chen Gefei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSpider silk—an environmentally friendly protein‐based material—is widely recognized for its extraordinary mechanical properties. Biomimetic spider silk‐like fibers made from recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) currently falls short compared to natural silks in terms of mechanical performance. In this study, it is discovered that spiders use structural conversion of molecular enhancers—conserved globular 127‐residue spacer domains—to make strong silk fibers. This domain lacks poly‐Ala motifs but interestingly contains motifs that are similar to human amyloidogenic motifs, and that it self‐assembles into amyloid‐like fibrils through a non‐nucleation‐dependent pathway, likely to avoid the formation of cytotoxic intermediates. Incorporating this spacer domain into a recombinant chimeric spidroin facilitates self‐assembly into silk‐like fibers, increases fiber molecular homogeneity, and markedly enhances fiber mechanical strength. These findings highlight that spiders employ diverse strategies to produce silk with exceptional mechanical properties. The spacer domain offers a way to enhance the properties of recombinant spider silk‐like fibers and other functional materials.
Focusing Micromechanical Polaritons in Topologically Nontrivial Hyperbolic Metasurfaces
Authors: Zheng Jiang‐Po , Zheng Li‐Yang , Yu Si‐Yuan , Yang Shi‐Li , Sun Xiao‐Chen , Liu Le , Lu Ming‐Hui , Chen Yan‐Feng , Christensen Johan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVertically stacked multiple atomically thin layers have recently widened the landscape of rich optical structures thanks to these quantum metamaterials or van der Waals (vdW) materials, featuring hyperbolic polaritons with unprecedented avenues for light. Despite their far‐reaching implications, most of their properties rest entirely on a trivial band topological origin. Here, a 2D approach is adopted toward a micromechanical vdW analogue that, as a result of engineered chiral and mirror symmetries, provides topologically resilient hyperbolic radiation of mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic regime. By applying laser vibrometry of the micrometer‐sized metasurface, we are able to exhibit the exotic fingerprints of robust hyperbolic radiation spanning several frequencies, which beyond their physical relevance, may enable ultrasonic technologies.
Stainless Steel Activation for Efficient Alkaline Oxygen Evolution in Advanced Electrolyzers
Authors: Zuo Yong , Mastronardi Valentina , Gamberini Agnese , Zappia Marilena I. , Le Thi‐Hong‐Hanh , Prato Mirko , Dante Silvia , Bellani Sebastiano , Manna Liberato 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDesigning robust and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for efficient alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance in the field of water electrolysis. In this study, an electrochemical strategy to activate stainless steel (SS) electrodes for efficient OER is introduced. By cycling the SS electrode within a potential window that encompasses the Fe(II)↔Fe(III) process, its OER activity can be enhanced to a great extent compared to using a potential window that excludes this redox reaction, decreasing the overpotential at current density of 100 mA cm−2 by 40 mV. Electrochemical characterization, Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy, and operando Raman measurements demonstrate that the Fe leaching at the SS surface can be accelerated through a Fe → γ‐Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 or FeO → Fe2+ (aq.) conversion process, leading to the sustained exposure of Cr and Ni species. While Cr leaching occurs during its oxidation process, Ni species display higher resistance to leaching and gradually accumulate on the SS surface in the form of OER‐active Fe‐incorporated NiOOH species. Furthermore, a potential‐pulse strategy is also introduced to regenerate the OER‐activity of 316‐type SS for stable OER, both in the three‐electrode configuration (without performance decay after 300 h at 350 mA cm−2) and in an alkaline water electrolyzer (≈30 mV cell voltage increase after accelerated stress test‐AST). The AST‐stabilized cell can still reach 1000 and 4000 mA cm−2 at cell voltages of 1.69 and 2.1 V, which makes it competitive with state‐of‐the‐art electrolyzers based on ion‐exchange membrane using Ir‐based anodes.
Ferroelectric 2D SnS2 Analog Synaptic FET
Authors: Song Chong‐Myeong , Kim Dongha , Lee Shinbuhm , Kwon Hyuk‐Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, the development and characterization of 2D ferroelectric field‐effect transistor (2D FeFET) devices are presented, utilizing nanoscale ferroelectric HfZrO2 (HZO) and 2D semiconductors. The fabricated device demonstrated multi‐level data storage capabilities. It successfully emulated essential biological characteristics, including excitatory/inhibitory postsynaptic currents (EPSC/IPSC), Pair‐Pulse Facilitation (PPF), and Spike‐Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP). Extensive endurance tests ensured robust stability (107 switching cycles, 105 s (extrapolated to 10 years)), excellent linearity, and high Gmax/Gmin ratio (>105), all of which are essential for realizing multi‐level data states (>7‐bit operation). Beyond mimicking synaptic functionalities, the device achieved a pattern recognition accuracy of ≈94% on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) handwritten dataset when incorporated into a neural network, demonstrating its potential as an effective component in neuromorphic systems. The successful implementation of the 2D FeFET device paves the way for the development of high‐efficiency, ultralow‐power neuromorphic hardware which is in sub‐femtojoule (48 aJ/spike) and fast response (1 µs), which is 104 folds faster than human synapse (≈10 ms). The results of the research underline the potential of nanoscale ferroelectric and 2D materials in building the next generation of artificial intelligence technologies.
Regulating the Quantum Dots Integration to Improve the Performance of Tin–Lead Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Mubarok Muhibullah Al , Kim Yu Jin , Imran Imil Fadli , Hwang Jin‐Ha , Lee Sang‐Hak , Seog Hae Jin , Kwak Sang Kyu , Jang Sung‐Yeon 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite their advantageous attributes, such as a narrow bandgap and reduced toxicity, tin–lead halide perovskites (TLHPs) have received limited attention due to their lower power conversion efficiency (PCE) relative to lead‐only variants. In this study, a transformative approach is introduced that leverages perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) to optimize TLHP solar cells. While conventional oleyl‐capped PQDs enhance the open circuit voltage (VOC), the long‐chain ligands hinder charge transport. To overcome this limitation, a post‐treatment with isopropyl alcohol effectively dissociates these ligands and PQD crystals, resulting in reduced defect density, improved charge transfer, and elevated quasi‐Fermi level splitting in the TLHP device. Consequently, the PCE of the device is notably increased from 19.0% to 23.74% and elevated the VOC from 0.78 to 0.87 V, without compromising the photocurrent or fill factor. The findings highlight PQD modification as a compelling avenue for TLHP solar cell enhancement, particularly in boosting VOC.
Salivary biomarkers: The early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nazir Sophia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe precise identification of Alzheimer's disease and other prevalent neurodegenerative diseases remains a difficult issue that requires the development of early detection of the disease and inexpensive biomarkers that can replace the present cerebrospinal fluid and imaging biomarkers. Blood biomarkers, such as amyloid and neurofilament light, have been emphasized as an important and practical tool in a testing or examination procedure thanks to advancements in ultra‐sensitive detection techniques. Although saliva is not currently being researched for neurodegenerative diseases, it is an important source of biomarkers that can be used for the identification of diseases and has some advantages over other biofluids. While this may be true for most people, getting saliva from elderly people presents some significant challenges. In this overview, we will first discuss how saliva is created and how aging‐related illnesses may affect the amount and kind of saliva produced. The findings support the use of salivary amyloid protein, tau species, and novel biomarkers in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Disentangling differing relationships between internalizing disorders and alcohol use
Authors: Brasher Maizy S. , Grotzinger Andrew D. , Friedman Naomi P. , Smolker Harry R. , Evans Luke M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBoth internalizing disorders and alcohol use have dramatic, wide‐spread implications for global health. Previous work has established common phenotypic comorbidity among these disorders, as well as shared genetic variation underlying them both. We used genomic structural equation modeling to investigate the shared genetics of internalizing, externalizing, and alcohol use traits, as well as to explore whether specific domains of internalizing symptoms mediate the contrasting relationships with problematic alcohol use compared to alcohol consumption. We also examined patterns of genetic correlations between similar traits within additional Finnish and East Asian ancestry groups. When the shared genetic influence of externalizing psychopathology was accounted for, the genetic effect of internalizing traits on alcohol use was reduced, suggesting the important role of common genetic factors underlying multiple psychiatric disorders and their genetic influences on comorbidity of internalizing and alcohol use traits. Individual internalizing domains had contrasting effects on frequency of alcohol consumption, which demonstrate the complex system of pleiotropy that exists, even within similar disorders, and can be missed when evaluating only relationships among formal diagnoses. Future work must consider the broad effects of shared psychopathology along with the fine‐scale effects of heterogeneity within disorders to more fully understand the biology underlying complex traits.
Intergenerational financial assistance with home ownership: Considering the potential for financial elder abuse
Authors: Cook Julia , Cook Peta S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntergenerational financial assistance with home ownership has attracted increasing scholarly interest in recent years. Existing research has focussed primarily on its impact on inequality, housing market outcomes and notions of meritocracy, as well as the relational dynamics through which it is negotiated. The topic of financial elder abuse has, however, remained an area of relative silence in this literature despite concerns raised by advocacy groups. In this article, we consider how intergenerational financial assistance may facilitate attitudes and behaviours that can result in financial elder abuse. To do so, we draw on an analysis of the Banking Code of Practice and the presumption of advancement, each of which shapes the way intergenerational financial assistance with home ownership unfolds in Australia. We then consider how such arrangements play out in practice through analysis of interviews conducted with donors and recipients of assistance of this type. We ultimately argue that in the context of intergenerational financial assistance with home ownership, the potential for financial elder abuse should be considered not just as an individual or family issue rooted in relationships, but as the outcome of ageist social attitudes and structural problems in the asset economy.
Protective effect of bilingualism on aging, MCI, and dementia: A community‐based study
Authors: Venugopal Aparna , Paplikar Avanthi , Varghese Feba Anna , Thanissery Nithin , Ballal Divya , Hoskeri Rakshith Maneshwar , Shekar Revathi , Bhaskarapillai Binukumar , Arshad Faheem , Purushothaman Vandana Valiyaparambath , Anniappan Aravind Banavaram , Rao Girish Nagaraja , Alladi Suvarna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONLifelong bilingualism is associated with a delayed age at onset of dementia, but evidence from community‐based studies is limited. We investigated the relationship between bilingualism and the prevalence of cognitive impairment in a linguistically diverse community.METHODSA door‐to‐door community study was conducted from January to December 2021 in urban Bengaluru, India. 1234 individuals aged ≥60 years participated in the study. Participants were diagnosed with no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia using established diagnostic criteria.RESULTSDementia prevalence was higher in monolinguals (4.9%) than bilinguals (0.4%) (P = .001). The prevalence of MCI was also higher in monolinguals (8.5%) than bilinguals (5.3%) (P = .001). The study also revealed better cognitive function in bilinguals than monolinguals with NCI, after controlling for confounding variables.DISCUSSIONThe current study provides significant support for the protective effect of bilingualism on cognitive impairment in an urban community with extensive bilingual interactional contexts in everyday life.Highlights
Bilingualism has been demonstrated to protect against dementia and mild cognitive impairment in a linguistically diverse community with extensive code‐switching contexts.
Bilingual older individuals had superior baseline cognitive performance compared to monolingual older individuals.
Bilingualism was found to have an independent effect on general cognition after adjusting for major social determinants of health in the group without cognitive impairment.