bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More than migration: Pronghorn exhibit diverse array of seasonal use behaviors
Authors: Hudgens Brian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Considerable attention has been given in recent years to the variety of migratory behaviors that ungulates employ. However, the focus on migration ignores many other behaviors animals may exhibit to cope with seasonal changes in resource availability and mortality risk.
Methods
I examined daily location data of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) inhabiting the Modoc Plateau in northern California to characterize their repertoire of seasonal use behaviors. I defined six seasonal use behaviors (resident, seasonal shift, seasonal contraction, seasonal expansion, migration, nomadism) based on patterns of home range overlap in successive seasons and identified numerous annual strategies corresponding to patterns of behaviors over the course of a year.
Results
Pronghorn engaged in all six behaviors throughout the year, although nomadism was observed on only four occasions. Individual pronghorn combined seasonal behaviors in numerous ways to create a wide variety of annual strategies. Individuals exhibited different annual patterns across years, while neighboring individuals exhibited different behavioral strategies in the same year.
Conclusions
This variety of behaviors highlights that simple categorization of seasonal use behaviors as if-when-where animals migrate is insufficient to understanding how animals respond to seasonal changes. While some ecologists have considered range residency and classical migration to be endpoints along a continuum of behaviors, the complexity of annual strategies will likely need to be considered within a multidimensional framework to understand how climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances will affect animals’ ability to respond to seasonal changes in environmental conditions.
Perturbations of the global carbon cycle across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary
Authors: Ma Mingming , Wang Mengdi , Huang Huixin , Liu Xiuming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Two hyperthermal events with different carbon cycle perturbations occurred across the Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K-Pg) boundary, i.e., the late Maastrichtian Warming Event (LMWE) and the early Danian Dan-C2 event. However, the roles played by Deccan volcanism and orbital forcing in these two hyperthermals are still debated. Here, we obtain a new terrestrial δ13Ccarb record in the Nanxiong Basin (southeastern China) and compare it with marine records. The results show that both the LMWE and Dan-C2 event can be well distinguished in the terrestrial record and that the Dan-C2 event is characterized by a typical hyperthermal event; however, the specificity of the context under which this event occurred has resulted in inconsistencies in the marine records. In addition, the δ13C excursion during the LMWE was more muted and prolonged than that during the Dan-C2 event, and the short-eccentricity cycle disappeared in the marine record during the LMWE, indicating that Deccan volcanism perturbed the carbon cycle during the LMWE, while the Dan-C2 event was less influenced by volcanic perturbation.
Spatial structure and proximity mechanism of cross-city patient mobility networks in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China: Based on patient online evaluation data
Authors: Xiang Bowen , Wei Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cross-city patient mobility reflects geographic mismatch in medical resources. However, existing research methods fail to fully capture complex healthcare supply–demand relationships and proximity mechanisms of patient mobility. In this study, we used 500,120 patient online evaluations to construct the 2023 Cross-city patient mobility networks (CPMNs) for the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) and analysed its spatial structure and influencing factors using the healthcare relative size index, dominant association analysis, and exponential random graph models (ERGMs). The results show that (1) there is a double logarithmic linear relationship between healthcare supply and intensity (coefficient of 0.627) and a weak negative correlation between demand and intensity; (2) while the spatial organization of healthcare aligns with administrative boundaries and hierarchies, exceptions are observed in parts of Shanghai and Chongqing's healthcare catchment areas; and (3) geographical proximity, cultural proximity, institutional proximity and social proximity are significant for patient mobility. This research contributes new data and methods to patient mobility studies, and the spatial patterns and factors influencing patient mobility uncovered here provide theoretical and empirical insights for optimizing healthcare resource allocation in the YREB.
Geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of granitic pegmatite rocks in the Um Solimate area, south Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Ghoneim Mohamed M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Um Solimate granitic pegmatite is an outstanding example of rare-metal mineralization in the Arabian Nubian Shield. In this contribution, new bulkrock compositions (major, trace and rare earth element (REE)) are presented to study and constrain the origin and processes that controlling the formation of the Um Solimate granitic pegmatite and associated rare metal mineralization. The granitic pegmatite rocks exhibit calc-alkaline and peraluminous properties, which are common features observed in A-type granites. The area under study reveals the significant presence of high field strength elements within the granitic pegmatite. Conversely, there is a noticeable deficiency in TiO2, K2O, and P2O5. The similarity in the geochemical characteristics of the granitic pegmatite and the muscovite granite provpes their genetic relationship. Mineralogical studies have identified a diverse range of minerals in granitic pegmatite, including columbite, bismoclite, xenotime, monazite, pyrite and garnet. Chondrite-normalized REE diagrams show a pronounced flat LREE, slight enrichment of HREEs, and significant negative Eu anomalies. The formation of granitic pegmatite in the study area involved a combination of processes, including partial melting and fractional crystallization. Pegmatite-forming melts can be produced through continuous fractional crystallization of granitic melts, resulting in the emplacement of A1-type rocks in an intraplate setting.
Molecular genetic variations of some rabbit breeds using small mitochondrial rRNA sequences
Authors: Allam Mohammad , Al-Farga Ammar , Wlson Mary 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

With the help of small mitochondrial rRNA (12S rRNA), the genetic diversity of five different rabbit breeds in Egypt was estimated in the current study. Slight difference was found between 12S rRNA sequences of the five different rabbit breeds 923 bp to 924 bp. The final alignments consisted of 924 bp., of them 913 conserved sites. The accession numbers for these sequences in GenBank/NCBI are (OR210201-OR210205). All breeds had an average A + T rating of 59.68%. The genetic distance values amongst breeds extended from 0.000 to 0.0033. The (0.0033) percentage was observed amongst the breed New Zealand White and both Baladi Black and REX breeds. As well as low genetic similarity was shown between New Zealand White breed and the rest breeds. The information provided by the 12S rRNA sequences demonstrated that the New Zealand White breed was genetically unique from the other breeds. The investigation's findings validate the suitability and qualification of 12S rRNA for observing breed-specific genetic variation in rabbits. The generation of genetic maintenance and amelioration strategies for Egyptian rabbit genetic resources may benefit from this data in the future.
Remote Sensing Identification and Hazard Assessment Methods for Spoil Sites
Authors: Xiao wei , TIAN Weiping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Spoil sites, as loose accumulations, are prone to instability after disturbances and are a serious threat to the safety of downstream communities. Currently, research on the hazard assessment of regional spoil sites is relatively limited. This study aims to develop an integrated approach that combines spatial, aerial, and ground techniques to rapidly identify and assessment the hazard of spoil sites. Using remote sensing and airborne LiDAR, spoil sites within the region are identified and key factors influencing their stability are appropriately interpreted. Subsequently, based on the numerical simulation results obtained via the material point method, a hazard assessment methodology for spoil sites is proposed, which combines the slope safety factor method with the analytical hierarchy process. The proposed method is applied and validated on a spoil site along an expressway in Guizhou, China. The achieved results reveal that remote sensing combined with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) verification technology is capable of quickly and accurately identifying spoil sites and accurately interpreting their critical elements. The hazard assessment of the spoil site is represented by the hazard coefficient (P), where 0 < P < 1 indicates safety, 1 ≤ P < 5 signifies instability, and P ≥ 5 represents extreme instability. The effectiveness of the proposed assessment approach is then verified through the on-site validation, which provides a vital reference for rapid identification and batch assessment of spoil sites.
Highly efficient pure-blue organic light-emitting diodes based on rationally designed heterocyclic phenophosphazinine-containing emitters
Authors: Huo Yanping , Xing Longjiang , Wang Jianghui , Chen Wen-Cheng , Liu Bo , Chen Guowei , Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Season Si , Chen Jia-Xiong , Ji Shaomin , Zhao Zujin , Tang Man-Chung 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorophores have been actively studied for high-resolution photonic applications due to their exceptional color purity. However, these compounds encounter challenges associated with the inefficient spin-flip process, compromising device performance. Herein, we designed and synthesized two pure-blue emitters based on an organoboron multi-resonance core, incorporating a conformationally flexible donor, 10-phenyl-5H-phenophosphazinine 10-oxide (or sulfide). This design concept selectively modifies the orbital type of high-lying excited states to a charge transfer configuration while simultaneously providing the necessary conformational freedom to enhance the density of excited states without sacrificing color purity. We show that the different embedded phosphorus motifs (phosphine oxide/sulfide) of the donor can finely tune the electronic structure and conformational freedom, resulting in an accelerated spin-flip process through intense spin-vibronic coupling, achieving over a 27-fold increase in the reverse intersystem crossing rate compared to the parent multi-resonance emitter. Utilizing these new emitters, we achieved high-performance pure blue organic light-emitting diodes, showcasing a top-tier external quantum efficiency of 37.6% with reduced efficiency roll-offs. This proposed strategy not only challenges the conventional notion that flexible electron-donors are undesirable for constructing narrowband emitters but also offers a new pathway for designing efficient narrow-spectrum blue organic light-emitting diodes.
Effect of low/high hybrid of coffee husk powder on weathering resistance of WPCs composites
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Di Yasen , Zhong Chenxin , Wang Ran , Wu Zhangkang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this study, wood-plastic composites (WPCs) were fabricated using a two-step melting process, blending high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with varying proportions of coffee shell powder (CHP) as a substitute for traditional wood powder. The weatherability of these composites was assessed through 2000 hours of exposure to xenon arc weathering. To evaluate the anti-aging properties of the WPCs, a range of tests were conducted, including infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), analysis of surface color, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and microstructure (SEM). The findings revealed that WPCs with a high hybrid CHP (HCHP/HDPE) composition experienced accelerated degradation after 2000 hours of weathering, leading to increased susceptibility to fading and cracking. In contrast, the O/C ratio of WPCs with a low hybrid CHP (LCHP/HDPE) composition increased minimally, recording values of 136.6% and 66.23% respectively, while their physical properties showed no significant decline. Therefore, it was concluded that low hybrid CHP fillers enhance the weather resistance of wood flour/HDPE composites.
Appendicitis and Colon Cancer: Exploring the Connection through a Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Rachakonda Varun , Kandhadai Anuttham , Arif Hassan , Katz Joshua , Akhras Aya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Appendicitis and colon cancer are medical conditions with unique clinical implications. While both conditions have been extensively studied individually, the potential relationship between appendicitis and subsequent development of colon cancer remains unclear. Understanding this association could impact preventive strategies. This study aimed to investigate whether a history of appendicitis is a risk factor for the development of colon cancer.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database. The study cohorts were defined based on the index event of a colonoscopy, with one group comprising patients with a history of appendicitis prior to colonoscopy and the other without. Individuals with a history of colonic polyps, neoplasms, or secondary malignancies of the colon prior to colonoscopy were excluded. Propensity-score matching was performed based on comorbidities. The primary outcomes of interest were the 5-year rates of mortality and malignant neoplasms of the colon.
Results
After matching, there were 16,651 patients in each cohort. The rate of colon cancer in patients with a history of appendicitis was 2.14%, compared to 1.50% in patients without a history of appendicitis (RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.21–1.67). Interestingly, mortality rates were lower in the group with a history of appendicitis, with a rate of 4.07% compared to 5.98% in the group without appendicitis (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.62–0.75).
Conclusion
This study suggests that a history of appendicitis may be associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Additionally, the findings reveal a lower mortality rate in patients with a history of appendicitis. Understanding the association between appendicitis and colon cancer can improve screening strategies and patient management in clinical practice. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential preventive measures in individuals with a history of appendicitis.
Multidimensional Forecasting of Precipitation and Potential Evapotranspiration in the Paranapanema River Basin Using Neural Network Time Series
Authors: VALLEJO CARLOS ANDRES MENDEZ , MANZIONE RODRIGO LILLA 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Spatial and temporal forecasts of the hydrological cycle compartments aiming projections of extreme drought scenarios represent a challenge for the planning, management and monitoring of water resources in order to mitigate potential impacts on the natural environment, civil society and wildlife under climate change. Machine Learning (ML) methods can help in this task, combining constant updating of model information and further scenarios evaluation. This study investigated the application of multidimensional forecast of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration at the Paranapanema River Basin (PRB) for the years 2023 to 2025. PRB is a region that provides hydrological, energy and agricultural resources, located in the southeast of Brazil that has suffered several problems related to water deficit and stress as well as droughts in the last 10 years. For these reasons, geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were applied to generate time series between 2001 and early 2023 for a total of 22 Hydrological Planning Units (HPUs) in the PRB. Subsequently, a Neural Network Auto Regression (NNAR) was used to forecast precipitation and potential evapotranspiration of the HPUs in the period 2023–2025, finding for the months of May, June, July and August of 2024 and later in 2025 possible periods of water deficit in the central and northern regions. Finally, a comparative analysis of possible impacts on the agricultural, energy and social sectors based on the ETA regional climate model and the forecast developed by the NNAR network is presented, showing possible scenarios for short and mid-term water planning in the PRB.
Comparing care pathways between COVID-19 pandemic waves using electronic health records: a process mining case study
Authors: Georgiev Konstantin , Fleuriot Jacques D , Papapanagiotou Petros , McPeake Joanne , Shenkin Susan D , Anand Atul 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic caused rapid shifts in the workflow of many health services, but evidence of how this affected multidisciplinary care settings is limited. We propose a Process Mining approach that utilises timestamped data from Electronic Health Records to compare care provider patterns across pandemic waves.
Methods: We collected routine events from Scottish hospital episodes in adults with COVID-19 status and linked health provider inputs to generate standardised treatment logs. Conformance checking metrics were used to select the optimal model (Inductive Miner infrequent [IMi]) for downstream analysis. Visual diagrams from the discovered Petri Nets indicated the interactions on pre-coded provider and activity-level subsets. We used cross-log conformance checking and graph similarity to measure distances between adverse and less adverse groups across pandemic waves.
Results: We included 1,153 patients with COVID-19 (302 [26%] in Wave 1 and 851 [74%] in Wave 2) with 55,212 relevant care provider events. At the conformance checking stage, the IMi model, achieved good log fitness (LF=0.95) and generalisation (G=0.89), but limited precision (PR=0.27) across all granularity levels. More structured care procedures in Wave 1 were present, compared to mixed multidisciplinary patterns in Wave 2. Care activities differed in patients with extended stay (GED=348, PR=0.231 vs GED=197, PR=0.429 in shorter stays). Patients in out-of-hours care and intensive therapy were linked with more standardised patterns.
Conclusion: Process Mining can be incorporated alongside clinical oversight to provide visual and quantitative comparisons of care interactions in COVID-19 episodes and enhance further research in complex cases.
Spatially Fractionated GRID radiation potentiates immune-mediated tumor control
Authors: Bekker Rebecca A. , Obertopp Nina , Redler Gage , Penagaricano José , Caudell Jimmy J. , Yamoah Kosj , Pilon-Thomas Shari , Moros Eduardo G. , Enderling Heiko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Tumor-immune interactions shape a developing tumor and its tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) resulting in either well-infiltrated, immunologically inflamed ‘hot’ tumor beds, or ‘cold’ immune deserts with low levels of infiltration. The pre-treatment immune state of the TIME is associated with treatment outcome; immunologically hot tumors generally exhibit better responses to radio- and immunotherapy than cold tumors. However, radiotherapy is known to induce opposing immunological consequences, resulting in both immunostimulatory and inhibitory responses. In fact, it is thought that the radiation-induced tumoricidal immune response is curtailed by subsequent applications of radiation. It is thus conceivable that spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT), administered through GRID blocks (SFRT-GRID) or lattice radiotherapy to create areas of low or high dose exposure, may create protective reservoirs of the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby preserving anti-tumor immune responses that are pivotal for radiation success.
Methods
We have developed an agent-based model (ABM) of tumor-immune interactions to investigate the immunological consequences and clinical outcomes after whole tumor radiation therapy (WTRT) and SFRT-GRID. The ABM is conceptually calibrated such that untreated tumors escape immune surveillance and grow to clinical detection. Individual ABM simulations are initialized from four distinct multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) slides, and immune related parameter rates are generated using Latin Hypercube Sampling.
Results
In silico simulations suggest that radiation-induced cancer cell death alone is insufficient to clear a tumor with WTRT. Only explicit consideration of radiation-induced antitumor immunity synergizes with radiation cytotoxicity to eradicate tumors. Similarly, SFRT-GRID is only successful with radiation-induced antitumor immunity, and, for some pre-treatment TIME compositions and modeling parameters, SFRT-GRID might be superior to WTRT in providing tumor control.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the pivotal role of the radiation-induced antitumor immunity. Prolonged fractionated treatment schedules may counteract early immune recruitment, which may be protected by SFRT-facilitated immune reservoirs. Different biological responses and treatment outcomes are observed based on pre-treatment TIME composition and model parameters. A rigorous analysis and model calibration for different tumor types and immune infiltration states is required before any conclusions can be drawn for clinical translation.
Trachemys dorbigni as a metal(loid)s bioindicator: a study in rural and urban areas, in southern Brazil.
Authors: Stark Amanda , Corcini Carine , Oliveras Marc , Bianchini Adalto , Acosta Izani , Costa Patrícia , Zani Gabriel da Silva , Junior Antonio , França Raqueli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The pollution by metals and metalloids represents a significant environmental threat, due to the adverse repercussions they can have on aquatic organisms and on the health of human populations. Aquatic reptiles can be used as bioindicators of the presence of contaminants in watercourses. In the present study, water, carapace and blood samples from Trachemys dorbigni tortoises were collected in rural and urbanized areas, in order to identify the presence and consequences of exposure to metal(loid)s. The elements Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured in water, blood and carapace, and erythrocitary changes were also analyzed by flow cytometry and micronucleus evaluation. In the assessment of water in the urban area, the metals evaluated exceeded all established national parameters, while in the rural area, only Cd, Hg and Ni were elevated. In the carapace evaluation, the samples collected in the urban area showed higher levels of all measured metals, when compared to animals from the rural area. In blood samples only Al, Cr, Ni and Zn showed higher values in this area. Animals from the urban area also showed a higher incidence of necrotic cells, a greater number of micronucleated cells and a high rate of DNA fragmentation, resulting in cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic damage. The results highlight the importance of using bioindicators to measure metallic contaminants in urban watercourses, thus estimating their impacts on the health of animals and humans, in the short and long term.