bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phylogenetic evaluation of non‐random medicinal plants selection around an African biosphere reserve
Authors: Moutouama Jacob K. , Gaoue Orou G. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Theory in ethnobiology suggests that the selection of medicinal plants by local people in a given region is not random and evolutionary closely related species may have similar medicinal uses. Additionally, plants selection by local people is often driven by plant therapeutic efficacy, plant availability, plant versatility or local knowledge on medicinal plants.

We tested the hypothesis of non‐random selection of medicinal plants as well as the potential mechanisms explaining such non‐random plants selection. We also tested for phylogenetic signal in medicinal plants. Our study was based in four villages across Benin, West Africa, where the local communities have deep knowledge about medicinal plants. We installed 91 plots around these four villages to establish the total list of plant species and their abundance. We then conducted ethnobotanical surveys in the same villages to identify medicinal plants used in the local pharmacopoeia. To test whether the selection of medicinal plants used in the region was non‐random and whether plant selection was driven by plant therapeutic efficacy, plant availability, plant versatility or local knowledge, we used a generalized linear model. Furthermore, we used the D‐statistic to test whether evolutionary closely related species are more commonly used as medicinal than other species.

We found support for non‐random medicinal plant selection. Such a non‐random plant selection was driven by plant medicinal versatility. Plant availability and secondary compounds have no significant influence on plant selection. Local people's knowledge on medicinal plants was significantly affected by individuals' literacy but not by their gender, their age or the ethnic group they belong to. We found a weak phylogenetic signal in medicinal plant uses.

Our study reveals that the most used families are not necessarily the ones that have more secondary compounds or that are the most available to the local people, but are the most versatile plants. The high level of medicinal flora used at the local scale, which contrasts with the country‐level analysis found by previous studies, suggests new methodological guidance in testing the theory of non‐random medicinal plants selection.

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Effect of interfacial morphology on electromagnetic shielding performance of poly (l‐lactide)/polydimethylsiloxane/multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites with honeycomb like conductive networks
Authors: Tang Yi , Wang Ye , Huang Ming‐Lu , Wang Ming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe construction of effective conductive networks can enhance the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of the conductive polymer composites (CPCs). Herein, poly (l‐lactide) (PLLA) micro‐particles were used as a volume‐occupying phase to design and prepare the PLLA/polydimethylsiloxane/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PLLA/PDMS/MWCNT) composites with honeycomb‐like conductive networks. The interfacial morphology of the composites was adjusted by changing the surface morphology of the PLLA micro‐particles. The effects of the morphology and particle size of the PLLA phase on the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composites were investigated in this study. The results indicate that the PLLA micro‐particles with regular shape and rough surface can effectively improve the EMI shielding performance of the PLLA/PDMS/MWCNT composites with the same filler loadings and the particle size of PLLA micro‐particles. Specifically, the EMI SE of the composites with etched 300‐μm spherical micro‐particles with rough surface can achieve 35.1 dB, which is 15% higher than the EMI SE of 30.6 dB for the composites with the 300‐μm irregular micro‐particles. In addition, the R values of the composites with honeycomb‐like conductive networks are below 0.5, indicating absorption dominated shielding mechanism.Highlights
Micro‐particle surface tunes the interfacial structure of the honeycomb‐like samples.
Micro‐particles with different sizes endow different EMI SE for the composites.
Samples with regular micro‐particles have higher EMI SE than irregular ones.
The samples with etched micro‐particles have the highest EMI SE.
The honeycomb‐like samples show an absorption‐dominated shielding mechanism.
High‐velocity impact behavior and quasi‐static indentation of new elastomeric nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers and lignin powder
Authors: Ghiaskar Ahmad , Damghani Nouri Mohammad 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe present study investigates the indentation resistance of elastomeric nanocomposites based on natural rubber with different amounts of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) under quasi‐static indentation (QSI) and high‐velocity impact (HVI) tests. At first, the baking characteristics and hardness of the samples were checked. The results showed that with the increase in CNFs content, the hardness of the samples increases, and the optimal baking time decreases. A high‐quality final product is produced through good dispersion and acceptable physical bonding between the CNF filler and the rubber chain. Further, the results of quasi‐static indentation showed that the amount of energy absorption for optimal loading of 6 phr increased by 43% compared to a control sample (0 phr). Similarly, from the high‐speed impact results for optimal loading (6 phr), the ballistic limit and energy absorption values increased by 23.6 and 52.7%, respectively, compared to the control sample (0 phr). It was also observed for higher values (9,12 phr) that the glass transition temperature, Tg, effect significantly affected the fracture behavior of the samples due to the high‐speed impact. Finally, CNFs provide better bonding with polymer chains to improve properties through good interaction with natural rubber, making them suitable for energy absorption applications.Highlights
New elastomeric nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers were made.
Increasing the amount of CNFs decreases the optimum curing temperature.
The hardness of elastomeric nanocomposites is increased by cellulose nanofibers.
The indentation properties of nanocomposites have increased significantly.
The optimum value of 6‐phr increased the impact resistance of nanocomposites.
Vortioxetine as a potential alternative for patients with escitalopram‐induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome: A report of three cases
Authors: Arai Kaoru , Nonaka Mari , Shimada Shoko , Nakamura Masayuki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundJitteriness/anxiety syndrome is a recognized adverse effect observed during the initiation or change of dose in antidepressant treatment. Managing patients who develop this syndrome remains a challenge. While escitalopram is a widely used antidepressant known to cause these symptoms, this report explores vortioxetine as a therapeutic alternative.Case PresentationThree distinct clinical scenarios were observed in patients who manifested jitteriness/anxiety syndrome while on escitalopram treatment for depression. Patient A was initiated on escitalopram and experienced an initial alleviation in depressive symptoms, but 3 months later displayed mood elevation, talkativeness, and increased activity, which disturbed his daily life. A transition to vortioxetine subsequently resolved the mood elevation. Patient B exhibited elevated mood, hyperactivity, irritability, and talkativeness just 6 days post‐initiation of treatment with escitalopram. After the discontinuation of escitalopram and unsuccessful trials with aripiprazole, lurasidone, and lamotrigine, her depressive mood intensified, culminating in suicidal ideation. Starting vortioxetine led to a consistent improvement of her symptoms, and she resumed work and was emotionally stable. Patient C was initially diagnosed with bipolar disorder and faced a relapse into depression despite undergoing various treatments. After 2 weeks on escitalopram, she exhibited irritability and self‐harm urges. Three months later, after being re‐diagnosed with depressive disorders with anxious distress, vortioxetine was administered, which significantly reduced her depressive symptoms and allowed her to continue her education.ConclusionVortioxetine presents as a promising therapeutic alternative that is worth considering for patients with escitalopram‐induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome.
Neu Laxova syndrome and megacystis in the first trimester: Broadening the fetal phenotype
Authors: Bourgon Nicolas , Chen Ruiqian , Grangé Gilles , Grotto Sarah , Molac Clémence , Loeuillet Laurence , Attié‐Bitach Tania 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNeu Laxova syndrome (NLS) is a rare and lethal congenital disorder characterized by severe intra‐uterine growth retardation (IUGR), ichthyosis, abnormal facial features, limb abnormalities with arthrogryposis and a wide spectrum of severe malformations of the central nervous system (CNS). NLS is due to biallelic variants in three genes previously involved in serine‐deficiency disorders (PHGDH, PSAT1 and PSPH), extending the phenotypic spectrum of these disorders.
Risk factors for delayed termination of pregnancy following increased nuchal translucency
Authors: Bunnell Megan E. , Adams Sophie , Pelletier Andrea , Hoffman Sage Yael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesTermination of pregnancy after increased nuchal translucency (NT) is a common occurrence. This study aimed to identify characteristics of a cohort with a NT ≥3.0 mm who underwent a pregnancy termination ≥15 weeks compared with those who terminated <15 weeks.MethodsAll NT ≥3.0 mm identified within our department over an 11‐year period (2010–2021) (n = 689) were retrospectively examined and characteristics of the cohort of increased NTs ending in termination were further categorized.ResultsThere were 221 (32.1%) individuals with an increased NT (≥3 mm) who underwent a termination of pregnancy within our study period (2010–2021). Pregnancy termination occurred at a gestational age <15 weeks in 162 (73.3%) and ≥15 weeks in 59 individuals. Pregnant individuals without positive NIPT for aneuploidy were at a higher risk for a ≥15‐week termination (p = 0.004). In 29% (17/59) of late terminations, there were additional imaging findings after the NT scan (ultrasound, echocardiogram, magnetic resonance imaging) that ultimately triggered the decision to pursue termination.ConclusionsAs the options for workup of an increased NT expand, potential delays in decision‐making surrounding termination increase. This study identifies multiple reasons for delayed termination and proposes several approaches to care aimed at maximizing diagnostic information by imaging and diagnostic testing in an expedited manner.
Preparation of porous membrane for moisture absorption from high‐humidity gases
Authors: Guo Dan , Ma Xiaoyan , Lu Yongji , Li Nana 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSuitable air humidity is of great importance for human health, crop growth and the life of buildings. In this work, the polyvinylidene fluoride/calcium chloride (PVDF/CaCl2) porous membranes with rich pore structures for adsorption of high‐humidity gases were prepared using solvent evaporation‐induced phase separation. The results showed that the gap between the PVDF spherical crystals increased with the increase of CaCl2 content, which increased the porosity of the membrane. When the CaCl2 content reached 20 wt.%, the water vapor adsorption capacity of the PVDF/CaCl2 porous membrane was 0.876 and the initial adsorption rate was 0.050 g·g−1·min−1. At this point, the moisture vapor permeance of the membrane was the best at 0.04 g·m−2·h−1·Pa−1, and the dry strength of the PVDF/CaCl2 membrane was 0.397 MPa, which was 1.64 times that of the membrane without CaCl2. This work provides theoretical and technical guidance for the preparation of air dehumidification materials.Highlights
The porosity of the membranes increased with increasing of calcium chloride content.
The moisture vapor permeance of the M‐20 membrane was the best at 0.04 g·m−2·h−1·Pa−1.
The dry strength of the M‐20 membrane was 1.64 times that of the M‐0 membrane.
Migrants' choices pertaining to informal childcare in Italy and France: A complex relationship between the origin and destination countries
Authors: Trappolini Eleonora , Barbiano di Belgiojoso Elisa , Rimoldi Stefania M. L. , Terzera Laura 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChildcare is a need that inevitably emerges once migrants establish themselves and their families in their destination country. However, migrants' use of informal childcare still constitutes an under‐researched phenomenon. Using data from the ‘Social Condition and Integration of Foreign Citizens’ survey (2011–2012) for Italy and the ‘Trajectoires et Origines’ survey (2008–2009) for France, this paper examines differences between migrants living in the two countries in terms of their use of informal childcare and, more specifically, their informal childcare arrangements. We employ a comparative analysis because we hypothesised that parental choices would depend on the migrants' region of origin, the institutional context of their destination country and the interplay between these two elements. The results suggest that migrants' choices stem from a complex relationship between the norms and beliefs of the country of origin and those in the destination country, which are generally characterised by different family policies and levels of childcare availability. We show that the use of informal childcare is higher among migrants in Italy than it is among those in France, even among migrants from the same region of origin. The results also suggest that the use of particular informal childcare arrangements varies by region of origin regardless of destination country, supporting the hypothesis that migrants' cultural values and beliefs play a critical role in determining childcare arrangements. Finally, we demonstrate that household composition and parents' occupational status strongly influence migrants' childcare choices.
A model‐based approach leveraging in vitro data to support dose selection from the outset: A framework for bispecific antibodies in immuno‐oncology
Authors: Sánchez Javier , Claus Christina , Albrecht Rosmarie , Gaillard Brenda C. , Marinho Joana , McIntyre Christine , Tanos Tamara , Boehnke Axel , Friberg Lena E. , Jönsson Siv , Frances Nicolas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFAP‐4‐1BBL is a bispecific antibody exerting 4‐1BB‐associated T‐cell activation only while simultaneously bound to the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) receptor, expressed on the surface of cancer‐associated fibroblasts. The trimeric complex formed when FAP‐4‐1BBL is simultaneously bound to FAP and 4‐1BB represents a promising mechanism to achieve tumor‐specific 4‐1BB stimulation. We integrated in vitro data with mathematical modeling to characterize the pharmacology of FAP‐4‐1BBL as a function of trimeric complex formation when combined with the T‐cell engager cibisatamab. This relationship was used to prospectively predict a range of clinical doses where trimeric complex formation is expected to be at its maximum. Depending on the dosing schedule and FAP‐4‐1BBL plasma: tumor distribution, doses between 2 and 145 mg could lead to maximum trimeric complex formation in the clinic. Due to the expected variability in both pharmacokinetic and FAP expression in the patient population, we predict that detecting a clear dose–response relationship would remain difficult without a large number of patients per dose level, highlighting that mathematical modeling techniques based on in vitro data could aid dose selection.
Tick bite risk factors and prevention measures in an area with emerging Powassan virus disease
Authors: Wilson Nicolette , Vahey Grace M. , McDonald Emily , Fitzpatrick Kelly , Lehman Jennifer , Clark Sandhya , Lindell Kristine , Pastula Daniel M. , Perez Stephen , Rhodes Heather , Gould Carolyn V. , Staples J. Erin , Martin Stacey W. , Cervantes Kim 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn the United States (U.S.), Powassan virus is primarily transmitted to humans by the black‐legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Rarely, infections can present as severe neuroinvasive disease. In 2019, four neuroinvasive disease cases were reported in Sussex County, New Jersey, U.S. We administered a survey to county residents to better understand tick bite risk factors and the performance of personal prevention measures.MethodsA survey was administered in October 2019 to adult residents of randomly selected households. Questions focused on tick bite prevention and risk factors. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for various outcomes.ResultsOf 274 participants, 25% were previously diagnosed with a tick‐borne disease, and 42% reported finding an attached tick in 2019. Yardwork and gardening (OR = 7.38) and spending >50 hours outdoors per week (OR = 8.15) were associated with finding an attached tick. Finding an attached tick was inversely associated with the number of prevention measures used, indicating that a layered approach could reduce the risk of tick bites. Those who performed post‐outdoor activity prevention measures (e.g., tick checks) were less likely to have a tick attached compared to finding a crawling tick.ConclusionCompliance with prevention recommendations was low, despite a high prevalence of reported tick bites and significant outdoor exposures. Older adults and persons who spend significant time outdoors or engage in yardwork or gardening were at the highest risk of tick bites. Additional research is needed to further understand the barriers to tick bite prevention.
Improving classification‐based nowcasting of radiation fog with machine learning based on filtered and preprocessed temporal data
Authors: Schütz Michaela , Schütz Adrian , Bendix Jörg , Thies Boris 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRadiation fog nowcasting remains a complex yet critical task due to its substantial impact on traffic safety and economic activity. Current numerical weather prediction models are hindered by computational intensity and knowledge gaps regarding fog‐influencing processes. Machine‐Learning (ML) models, particularly those employing the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) algorithm, may offer a robust alternative, given their ability to learn directly from data, swiftly generate nowcasts, and manage non‐linear interrelationships among fog variables. However, unlike recurrent neural networks XGB does not inherently process temporal data, which is crucial in fog formation and dissipation. This study proposes incorporating preprocessed temporal data into the model training and applying a weighted moving‐average filter to regulate the substantial fluctuations typical in fog development. Using an ML training and evaluation scheme for time series data, we conducted an extensive bootstrapped comparison of the influence of different smoothing intensities and trend information timespans on the model performance on three levels: overall performance, fog formation and fog dissipation. The performance is checked against one benchmark and two baseline models. A significant performance improvement was noted for the station in Linden‐Leihgestern (Germany), where the initial F1 score of 0.75 (prior to smoothing and trend information incorporation) was improved to 0.82 after applying the smoothing technique and further increased to 0.88 when trend information was incorporated. The forecasting periods ranged from 60 to 240 min into the future. This study offers novel insights into the interplay of data smoothing, temporal preprocessing, and ML in advancing radiation fog nowcasting.
Characterizing the Madden–Julian Oscillation in the western Pacific Ocean from a regional coupled ocean–atmosphere model simulation
Authors: Misra Vasubandhu , Jayasankar C. B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study reports on the analysis of the results from a 20 km grid spacing, Regional Coupled ocean–atmosphere Model (RCM) integration over the Western Pacific Warm Pool (WP2). The RCM was integrated over a 20‐year period (1986–2005) using reanalysis boundary conditions for the atmosphere and the ocean. This is a first‐of‐a‐kind study with an RCM at 20 km over the WP2. The RCM simulation shows reasonable fidelity of the mean state and of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). We utilize this successful integration of the RCM to understand a well‐known observed feature of MJOs in the WP2 to be of the strongest amplitude during the December–March period of the year. Our analysis of the model integration reveals that the recharge of moist static energy (MSE) prior to peak MJO convection and its discharge during and after the convection explains the MJO in the simulation. The recharge/discharge of the MSE is shown to be largely dictated by horizontal advection, which is stemmed to a small extent by column‐integrated radiative heating and surface evaporation. This balance of forces in the evolution of the MSE anomalies and their corresponding variations with sea‐surface temperature (SST) anomalies at MJO time‐scales in the WP2 is strongest in the December–March period in the RCM simulation.
Development of in situ Li isotope analysis using laser ablation quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Fan Xuefei , Sio Corliss Kin I , Chu Xu , Jiang Hehe 
Published: November 2023

RationaleLithium isotope geochemistry is an important tool in the studies of Earth and planetary materials. In situ Li isotope analyses are typically performed using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) or laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICPMS), but these instruments are not widely accessible. Here, the capability of laser ablation quadrupole ICPMS for conducting Li isotopic analyses is evaluated.MethodsAn array of MPI‐DING and USGS silicate glass reference materials was analyzed repeatedly over the course of 6 months. These materials range from komatiite to rhyolite in terms of silica content (45.5–75.6 wt%) with 9–45 ppm Li. Their Li isotope compositions have been previously characterized so that matrix effects could be tested with these reference materials. Analyses were conducted using an NWR193 laser ablation system coupled to an Agilent 7900 ICPMS system.ResultsAnalytical precision is primarily limited by Li concentration in the samples. For samples with ~9 ppm Li, the internal precision is 6‰ (2 SD, 150 μm spot diameter), whereas that for a sample with ~45 ppm Li is 4‰ (2 SD, 120 μm spot diameter). The technique is somewhat sensitive to sample matrix: samples with SiO2 content that deviates from the bracketing standard display fractionated δ7Li, necessitating correction using a session‐specific matrix correction curve.ConclusionLithium isotope analysis by ns‐LA‐QICPMS is worthwhile for samples with high Li concentrations and when a matrix‐matched standard can be obtained. Although the precision of this method is not as high as those achievable with SIMS and LA‐MC‐ICPMS, it remains adequate for resolving large isotope fractionations found in natural and laboratory settings.