bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study on molecular charge populations of 1D π-stacked multimers in neutral and electron oxidation states
Authors: Yoshida Wataru , Shigeta Yasuteru , Matsui Hiroshi , Miyamoto Hajime , Kishi Ryohei , Kitagawa Yasutaka 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We theoretically investigated molecular charge populations of 1D π-stacked multimers consisting of π-conjugated molecules in the neutral and electron oxidation states based on the valence-bond (VB) theory. Qualitative analysis for a π-stacked trimer model based on the VB mixing diagram suggested that the inner monomer site tends to be more positively charged than the outer sites in the monocationic π-stacked trimer. Spatial expansion of each molecular site orbital toward the stacking direction is predicted to enhance the difference of positive charge populations between the inner and outer monomers. In contrast, an opposite tendency for the site charges was expected in the dicationic π-stacked trimer, primarily due to the hole–hole Coulomb repulsions. To generalize the results of the trimer to π-stacked N-mers, 1D N-site VB configuration interaction models were constructed considering the orbital expansion effects between the sites. We examined how the number of monomers (N), stacking distance (R), and characteristic orbital exponent for the monomers (ζ) affected the molecular charge populations in the monocationic and dicationic π-stacked N-mers through the parameters χij characterizing the orbital expansion effect. The results are expected to help establish design strategies for novel electronic functional materials based on discrete stacks of π-conjugated molecules.
A General Blockchain-Based Automatic Audit Scheme For Proofs Of Retrievability
Authors: Chen Xiuyuan , Lin Chao , Wu Wei , He Debiao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cloud storage has been widely used in remote data management, although correct storage of the outsourced file is still challenging in practice. Proofs of Retrievability (PoRs), a storage-oriented cryptographic tool, support integrity checking and efficient retrieval of the file. However, due to the lack of a fully credible oversight mechanism or a serious dependence on a trusted third party, most PoRs are incapable of achieving essential and straightforward trust between participants (i.e. the client and server). While blockchain shows promise in solving this trust issue, existing blockchain-based storage systems are scenario-constrained as they require private/permissioned or special-construct blockchains. Consequently, none of these systems provide robust and decentralized trustworthiness. We propose a general Blockchain-based Automatic Audit (BAA) scheme for PoR without limitations based on specific blockchain types. Specifically, we present BAA via stitching together a carefully designed or chosen array of sub-components such as storage proofs and Turing-complete smart contracts. We also integrate BAA with specific PoR models to prove its strong generality and availability. To our best knowledge, our proposal is the first blockchain-based approach that enhances traditional PoR models with both automatic audit and fair payment. The final analysis and implemented prototype on Ethereum demonstrate the utility of BAA.
Validation of an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of corticosterone metabolites from northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) feces
Authors: Leach Jeremiah , Suber Hannah N , Conley Katelyn , Rivera Regan , Surles James , Hames Benjamin , Kendall Ronald J 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Interest in the effects of stressors on wildlife has grown substantially over the past few decades. As this interest has grown, so has the need for minimally invasive and reliable methods for estimating differences in the levels of stress hormones. An enzyme immunoassay using standardized methods was validated for detecting concentrations of corticosterone (cort) metabolites from northern bobwhite fecal samples. Two physiological challenges and one biological challenge were applied to 18 northern bobwhites (nine males and nine females), and the fecal cort metabolite concentrations were compared to baseline levels. The interactions of sex and treatment, treatment and time and sex and time were all significant. Thus, the methods and tools used here were sensitive enough to detect expected changes to the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis of northern bobwhite.
The habitat quality paradox: loss of riparian forest cover leads to decreased risk of parasitism and improved body condition in an imperiled amphibian
Authors: Bodinof Jachowski Catherine M , Alaasam Valentina , Blumenthal Arden , Davis Andrew K , Hopkins William A 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Amphibian declines are a global phenomenon but responses of populations to specific threats are often context dependent and mediated by individual physiological condition. Habitat degradation due to reduced riparian forest cover and parasitism are two threats facing the hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), but their potential to interact in nature remains largely unexplored. We investigated associations between forest cover, parasitic infection and physiology of hellbenders to test the hypotheses that physiological condition responds to infection and/or habitat degradation. We sampled 17 stream reaches in southwest Virginia, USA, on a year-round basis from 2013 to 2016 and recorded 841 captures of 405 unique hellbenders. At each capture we documented prevalence of two blood-associated parasites (a leech and trypanosome) and quantified up to three physiological condition indices (body condition, hematocrit, white blood cell [WBC] differentials). We used generalized linear mixed models to describe spatiotemporal variation in parasitic infection and each condition index. In general, living in the most heavily forested stream reaches, where hellbender density was highest, was associated with the greatest risk of parasitism, elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N:L) ratios and eosinophils, slightly lower hematocrit and lower mean body condition in hellbenders. All condition indices fluctuated temporally in a manner consistent with seasonal variation in hellbender metabolic demands and breeding phenology and were associated with land use during at least part of the year. Paradoxically, relatively low levels of forest cover appeared to confer a potential advantage to individuals in the form of release from parasites and improved body condition. Despite improved body condition, individuals from less forested areas failed to exhibit fluctuating body condition in response to spawning, which was typical in hellbenders from more forested habitats. We postulate this lack of fluctuation could be due to reduced conspecific competition or reproductive investment and/or high rates of filial cannibalism in response to declining forest cover.
Bat cellular immunity varies by year and dietary habit amidst land conversion
Authors: DeAnglis Isabella K , Andrews Benjamin R , Lock Lauren R , Dyer Kristin E , Yang Anni , Volokhov Dmitriy V , Fenton M Brock , Simmons Nancy B , Downs Cynthia J , Becker Daniel J 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMonitoring the health of wildlife populations is essential in the face of increased agricultural expansion and forest fragmentation. Loss of habitat and habitat degradation can negatively affect an animal’s physiological state, possibly resulting in immunosuppression and increased morbidity or mortality. We sought to determine how land conversion may differentially impact cellular immunity and infection risk in Neotropical bats species regularly infected with bloodborne pathogens, and to evaluate how effects may vary over time and by dietary habit. We studied common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus), northern yellow-shouldered bats (Sturnira parvidens) and Mesoamerican mustached bats (Pteronotus mesoamericanus), representing the dietary habits of sanguivory, frugivory and insectivory respectively, in northern Belize. We compared estimated total white blood cell count, leukocyte differentials, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and infection status with two bloodborne bacterial pathogens (Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas) of 118 bats captured in a broadleaf, secondary forest over three years (2017–2019). During this period, tree cover decreased by 14.5% while rangeland expanded by 14.3%, indicating increasing habitat loss and fragmentation. We found evidence for bat species-specific responses of cellular immunity between years, with neutrophil counts significantly decreasing in S. parvidens from 2017 to 2018, but marginally increasing in D. rotundus. However, the odds of infection with Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas between 2017 and 2019 did not differ between bat species, contrary to our prediction that pathogen prevalence may increase with land conversion. We conclude that each bat species invested differently in cellular immunity in ways that changed over years of increasing habitat loss and fragmentation. We recommend further research on the interactions between land conversion, immunity and infection across dietary habits of Neotropical bats for informed management and conservation.
Capture and discard practises associated with an ornamental fishery affect the metabolic rate and aerobic capacity of three-striped dwarf cichlids Apistogramma trifasciata
Authors: Ojelade Oluwaseun , Storm Zoe , Fu Cheng , Cortese Daphne , Munson Amelia , Boulamail Sarah , Pineda Mar , Kochhann Daiani , Killen Shaun 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Fishing causes direct removal of individuals from wild populations but can also cause a physiological disturbance in fish that are released or discarded after capture. While sublethal physiological effects of fish capture have been well studied in commercial and recreational fisheries, this issue has been overlooked for the ornamental fish trade, where it is common to capture fish from the wild and discard non-target species. We examined metabolic responses to capture and discard procedures in the three-striped dwarf cichlid Apistogramma trifasciata, a popular Amazonian aquarium species that nonetheless may be discarded when not a target species. Individuals (n = 34) were tagged and exposed to each of four treatments designed to simulate procedures during the capture and discard process: 1) a non-handling control; 2) netting; 3) netting +30 seconds of air exposure; and 4) netting +60 seconds of air exposure. Metabolic rates were estimated using intermittent-flow respirometry, immediately following each treatment then throughout recovery overnight. Increasing amounts of netting and air exposure caused an acute increase in oxygen uptake and decrease in available aerobic scope. In general, recovery occurred quickly, with rapid decreases in oxygen uptake within the first 30 minutes post-handling. Notably, however, male fish exposed to netting +60 seconds of air exposure showed a delayed response whereby available aerobic scope was constrained &lt;75% of maximum until ~4–6 hours post-stress. Larger fish showed a greater initial increase in oxygen uptake post-stress and slower rates of recovery. The results suggest that in the period following discard, this species may experience a reduced aerobic capacity for additional behavioural/physiological responses including feeding, territory defence and predator avoidance. These results are among the first to examine impacts of discard practises in the ornamental fishery and suggest ecophysiological research can provide valuable insight towards increasing sustainable practises in this global trade.
Can we predict the risk of esophageal stricture after caustic injury?
Authors: Zerbib Philippe , Lailheugue Aurore , Labreuche Julien , Richa Yasmina , Cailliau Emeline , Onimus Thierry , Valibouze Caroline 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Nonoperative management of severe caustic injuries has demonstrated its feasibility, avoiding the need for emergency esogastric resection and resulting in low mortality rates. However, leaving superficial necrosis in place could increase the risk of esophageal stricture development. Data on the risk factors of esophageal stricture secondary to caustic ingestion are scarce. The aim of our study was to identify the risk factors for esophageal strictures after caustic ingestion at admission. From February 2015 to March 2021, all consecutive patients with esophageal or gastric caustic injury score ≥ II according to the Zargar classification were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient, we collected over 50 criteria at admission to the emergency room and then selected among them 20 criteria with the best clinical relevance and limited missing data for risk factor analyses. Among the 184 patients included in this study, 37 developed esophageal strictures (cumulative rate 29.4%). All esophageal strictures occurred within 3 months. In multivariate analyses, the risk factors for esophageal strictures were voluntary ingestion (cause-specific hazard ratio 5.92; 95% confidence interval 1.76–19.95, P = 0.004), Zargar’s esophageal score ≥ III (cause-specific hazard ratio 14.30; 95% confidence interval 6.07–33.67, P &lt; 0.001), and severe ear, nose, and throat lesions (cause-specific hazard ratio 2.15; 95% confidence interval 1.09–4.22, P = 0.027). Intentional ingestion, severe endoscopic grade, and severe ENT lesions were identified as risk factors for esophageal stricture following caustic ingestion. Preventive measures for this population require further evaluation.
Medical management of painful achalasia: a patient-driven systematic review
Authors: Bramer Solange , Ladell Amanda , Glatzel Hannah , Moss Alan , Hashemi Majid , Zaninotto Giovanni , Antonowicz Stefan 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Achalasia is a rare esophageal disorder characterized by abnormal esophageal motility and swallowing difficulties. Pain and/or spasms often persist or recur despite effective relief of the obstruction. A survey by UK charity ‘Achalasia Action’ highlighted treatments for achalasia pain/spasms as a key research priority. In this patient-requested systematic review, we assessed the existing literature on pharmacological therapies for painful achalasia. A systematic review of the literature using Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies evaluating pharmacological therapies for achalasia. Methodological quality of included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. In total, 70% (40/57) of survey respondents reported experiencing pain/spasms. A range of management strategies were reported. Thirteen studies were included in the review. Seven were randomized controlled trials. Most studies were &gt;30 years old, had limited follow-up, and focussed on esophageal manometry as the key endpoint. Generally, studies found improvements in lower esophageal pressures with medications. Only one study evaluated pain/spasm specifically, precluding meta-analysis. Overall risk of bias was high. The achalasia patient survey identified that pain/spasms are common and difficult to treat. This patient-requested review identified a gap in the literature regarding pharmacological treatments for these symptoms. We provide an algorithm for investigating achalasia-related pain/spasms. Calcium channel blockers or nitrates may be helpful when esophageal obstruction and reflux have been excluded. We advocate for registry-based clinical trials to expand the evidence base for these patients.
Gastro-esophageal diagnostic workup before bariatric surgery or endoscopic treatment for obesity: position statement of the International Society of Diseases of the Esophagus
Authors: Visaggi Pierfrancesco , Ghisa Matteo , Barberio Brigida , Chiu Philip W , Ishihara Ryu , Kohn Geoffrey P , Morozov Sergey , Thompson Sarah K , Wong Ian , Hassan Cesare , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial condition characterized by abnormal weight gain due to excessive adipose tissue accumulation that represents a growing worldwide challenge for public health. In addition, obese patients have an increased risk of hiatal hernia, esophageal, and gastric dysfunction, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease, which has a prevalence over 40% in those seeking endoscopic or surgical intervention. Surgery has been demonstrated to be the most effective treatment for severe obesity in terms of long-term weight loss, comorbidities, and quality of life improvements and overall mortality decrease. The recent emergence of bariatric endoscopic techniques promises less invasive, more cost-effective, and reproducible approaches to the treatment of obesity. With the endorsement of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, we started a Delphi process to develop consensus statements on the most appropriate diagnostic workup to preoperatively assess gastroesophageal function before bariatric surgical or endoscopic interventions. The Consensus Working Group comprised 11 international experts from five countries. The group consisted of gastroenterologists and surgeons with a large expertise with regard to gastroesophageal reflux disease, bariatric surgery and endoscopy, and physiology. Ten statements were selected, on the basis of the agreement level and clinical relevance, which represent an evidence and experience-based consensus of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.
Spectral sensitivity of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) and their responses to light stimuli in laboratory and field experiments
Authors: Singleton Kendal , van Herk Willem G , Pickett Calla , Blake Adam James , Asad Syed , Furtado Kathleen , Saguez Julien , Gries Gerhard 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
With increasingly fewer insecticides registered to control the larvae of pest click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae), integrative beetle management, including pheromone- and light-based trapping of adult beetles, must be explored as an alternative strategy. Here, we analyzed the spectral sensitivity and color preference of 9 elaterids across 6 genera in electrophysiological recordings and in behavioral bioassays. In electroretinogram recordings (ERGs), dark-adapted beetles were exposed to narrow wavebands of light in 10-nm increments from 330 to 650 nm. All beetles proved most sensitive to green (515–538 nm) and ultraviolet (UV) light (~360 nm). In 4-choice bioassay arenas with 3 light emitting diodes (LEDs; green [525 nm], blue [470 nm], red [655 nm]) and a dark control as test stimuli, beetles discriminated between test stimuli, being preferentially attracted to green and blue LEDs. In field experiments, Vernon pitfall traps fitted with a green, blue or white LED captured significantly more male and female Agriotes lineatus and A. obscurus than dark control traps. When traps were baited with green or blue LEDs at light intensities that differed by 10-fold, the traps baited with higher light intensity lures captured numerically more beetles but trap catch data in accordance with light intensity did not differ statistically. Light-based trapping may be a viable tool for monitoring elaterid species known not to have pheromones.
Social, intellectual, psychological, and attractiveness judgements of lay people about patients before and after combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment
Authors: Conville Robert M , Benson Philip E , Flett Andrew M C 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Facial appearance plays a significant role in the success of social interactions. There is a limited amount of evidence investigating the influence of combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment on the social judgments of lay people.

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in facial appearance following orthognathic surgery alter the social judgements made by lay people.

Ethical approval
Ethical approval was granted from the University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry Research Ethics Committee on 17th August 2020 (Reference: 033775).

Materials and methods
This cross-sectional, web-based survey involved clinical photographs of six Caucasian female patients pre- and post-combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment. Three patients had a pre-treatment class 2 skeletal pattern, and three patients had a pre-treatment class 3 skeletal pattern. Staff and students at the University of Sheffield, UK were invited to evaluate five personality traits: (i) friendliness, (ii) intelligence, (iii) attractiveness, (iv) self-confidence, and (5) trustworthiness using a 5-point Likert scale. The trait scores were summed to obtain a total social judgement score, and a paired t-test was used to compare the total scores from pre- and post-treatment images.

Results
There were 261 responses to the survey of which 181 (75%) were completed fully. The total social judgement scores from after treatment images were higher compared with the pre-treatment images (mean diff 1.6; P &lt; .001) indicating more positive social judgements. The improvements in perceived social judgments were more notable for class 3 patients (mean diff 2.7) compared to class 2 patients (mean diff 0.7).

Conclusion
Social judgement scores were higher (more positive) from post-treatment images of patient faces than their pre-treatment images. The findings highlight the possible indirect benefits combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment may have on an individual in a social setting.
Many roads to success: alternative routes to building an economic shell in land snails
Authors: Páll-Gergely Barna , Sipos András Á , Harzhauser Mathias , Örstan Aydın , Winkler Viola , Neubauer Thomas A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Land snails exhibit an extraordinary variety of shell shapes. The way shells are constructed underlies biological and mechanical constraints that vary across gastropod clades. Here, we quantify shell geometry of the two largest groups, Stylommatophora and Cyclophoroidea, to assess the potential causes for variation in shell shape and its relative frequency. Based on micro-computed tomography scans, we estimate material efficiency through 2D and 3D generalizations of the isoperimetric ratio, quantifying the ratios between area and perimeter of whorl cross-sections (2D) and shell volume and surface (3D), respectively. We find that stylommatophorans optimize material usage through whorl overlap, which may have promoted the diversification of flat-shelled species. Cyclophoroids are bound to a circular cross-section because of their operculum; flat shells are comparatively rare. Both groups show similar solutions for tall shells, where local geometry has a smaller effect because of the double overlap between previous and current whorls. Our results suggest that material efficiency is a driving factor in the selection of shell geometry. Essentially, the evolutionary success of Stylommatophora likely roots in their higher flexibility to produce an economic shell.