bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome of laser photocoagulation in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by Type‐II selective fetal growth restriction
Authors: Nassr A. A. , Hessami K. , Corroenne R. , Sanz Cortes M. , Donepudi R. , Espinoza J. , Yamamoto R. , Stirnemann J. , Ishii K. , Belfort M. A. , Chmait R. H. , Shamshirsaz A. A. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate the outcome of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins complicated by Type‐II selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) who underwent fetoscopic laser photocoagulation and to validate a previously proposed subclassification system for Type‐II sFGR in a large multicenter cohort.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter cohort study included all MCDA twins complicated by Type‐II sFGR who underwent laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses at four large tertiary fetal‐care centers between 2006 and 2020. Cases were subclassified according to a recently proposed system based on Doppler evaluation of the ductus venosus (DV) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) into Type‐IIA (normal DV flow and MCA peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the growth‐restricted fetus) or Type‐IIB (absent or reversed flow in the DV during atrial contraction and/or MCA‐PSV ≥ 1.5 multiples of the median of the growth‐restricted fetus). Demographic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups. Data are presented as mean ± SD or n (%) as appropriate. P‐values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 98 patients with MCDA twins met our inclusion criteria, with 56 subclassified as Type IIA and 42 as Type IIB. Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups; however, Type‐IIB cases had a significantly earlier gestational age at diagnosis and at laser surgery, as well as larger intertwin estimated fetal weight discordance, which may be a reflection of disease severity. Postnatal survival of the growth‐restricted fetus to 30 days of age was significantly lower in Type‐IIB compared to Type‐IIA cases (23.8% vs 46.4%; P = 0.034).ConclusionsIn MCDA twins complicated by Type‐II sFGR and treated with laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses, preoperative Doppler assessment of the DV and MCA helped identify a subset of patients at increased risk of demise of the growth‐restricted fetus following intervention. This study provides valuable information for guiding surgical management and patient counseling. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Visitors and observers otter‐ly influence the behavior and enclosure use of zoo‐housed giant otters
Authors: Brereton James E. , Jones Edward M. L. , McMillan Connor , Perkins Kerry 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe potential impact of human presence on captive animal behavior has recently been the focus of considerable research interest, especially following 2020 and 2021 periods of enforced closure as a result of COVID‐19 opening restrictions. It is important to investigate whether human presence represents an enriching or stressful stimulus to a range of zoo‐housed species. In 2020, during an easing of lockdown restrictions, investigations of the “visitor effect” and “observer effect” were carried out, using the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) as a model species. To investigate the impact of both visitor and observer presence, otter behavior and space use was recorded for a pair of on‐show and a pair of off‐show otters. Observations were conducted using either a human observer, or cameras, allowing the researchers to investigate otter behavior when no one was present at the exhibits. The Electivity Index was used to assess the otters' use of four enclosure zones. Overall, otter behavior was significantly impacted by observer presence, though the impact of an observer differed between individual otters. Visitors had a minimal effect on otter enclosure use, whereas observers had a greater impact, whereby otters used their pools less frequently and houses more frequently when observers were present. However, this change in zone use differed between individuals, with more dominant otters tending to make use of indoor zones more often when observers were present. Zoos should consider the potential impact of human presence on their animals and use both behavior and space use when conducting their investigations.
Bergbaukunde, quo vadis?
Authors: Tost Michael , Hartlieb Philipp , Heiss Christian , Knoll Birgit , Ladinig Tobias , Mayer Gerhard , Moser Peter , Prenner Michael , Sifferlinger Nikolaus , Tscharf Alexander 
Published: January 2023

ZusammenfassungUm dem Klimawandel und dem zunehmenden Wettbewerb beim Zugang zu Ressourcen zu begegnen, hat die Europäische Union im sogenannten Green Deal weitreichende Transformationen in den Bereichen Energie und Digitalisierung sowie die Umstellung des Wirtschaftssystems hin zu einer inklusiven Kreislaufwirtschaft festgelegt. Aus Sicht des Bergbaus bedeuten diese Transformationen einen weiterhin wachsenden Rohstoffbedarf, der durch die Gewinnung mineralischer Rohstoffe aus primären Lagerstätten gedeckt werden muss. Gesteigerte Mengen mit „Business as usual“ würden allerdings auch die Umwelt- und Sozialauswirkungen des Bergbaus steigern, was vor allem in Europa und Österreich keine Option darstellt.Aufgrund dieser Tatsachen ergibt sich Forschungsbedarf für neue und verbesserte Abbauverfahren und -planung ebenso wie für optimierte Prozesse und Maschinen. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird beschrieben, wie der Lehrstuhl für Bergbaukunde, Bergtechnik und Bergwirtschaft an der Montanuniversität Leoben mit seiner aktuellen Strategie, sowohl für die Forschung als auch für die Lehre, diese Herausforderungen als Chance nutzen möchte. Für den Forschungsbereich soll dabei die Nachhaltigkeit und Involvierung in die Gestaltung von Rohstoffpolitik den Rahmen bilden. Mit einer Fokussierung auf die Digitalisierung und den untertägigen Bergbau sowie der Stärkung der Bereiche Tagebau, Fördertechnik und Geoinformatik soll die Forschung für die anstehenden Transformationen zukunftssicher ausgerichtet werden. Die Lehre wird inhaltlich weiterhin eine ingenieurwissenschaftliche Grundausbildung mit Spezialisierung auf den Bergbau beinhalten, wobei die Digitalisierung eine zunehmend stärkere Rolle spielen wird.
Landscape and connectivity metrics as a spatial tool to support invasive annual grass management decisions
Authors: Buchholtz Erin K. , Heinrichs Julie , Crist Michele 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe spatial patterns and context of invasions are increasingly recognized as important for successful and efficient management actions. Beyond mapping occurrence or percent cover in pixels, spatial summary information that describes the size and arrangement of patches in the context of a larger landscape (e.g., infested regions, connected patch networks) can add a depth of information for managing invasive grasses that threaten native ecosystems. Few invasive annual grass analyses have explored the use of landscape and circuit-based connectivity metrics to characterize and compare spatial patterns of invasion. To assess the transferability and applicability of these landscape ecology analyses, we calculated landscape metrics (4 area-based, 3 configuration) and a connectivity metric (circuit-based centrality), using a weighted-average map of invasive annual grass cover in the Great Basin, USA. We calculated metrics at local and regional scales, allowing invasion statistics to be compared across the landscape and illustrating varying patterns of invasion extent and connectedness. We found the metrics provided additional, complementary information at the sampled local and regional scales beyond abundance measures alone. We also illustrated how key metrics could be used to categorize and map areas needing different management strategies, for example, where strategies could proactively protect uninvaded cores, disconnect fine fuel patches, or contain established invasions. The landscape and connectivity metric approach can be applied across scales to spatially target patches locally, provide broader context within a single region, as well as to compare metrics and spatial variation in patterns among different regions.
New insights into the geographic patterns of functional role and taxonomic richness of ants from Mexico
Authors: Rocha-Ortega Maya , Rodríguez Pilar , Nava-Bolaños Angela , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
One approach to prioritise conservation efforts is to identify hotspots that are either species-rich or that harbour a high proportion of narrow-ranged species with varying functional roles. Given this, we have developed full ant species distribution models as tools for identifying biodiversity and hotspot areas in Mexico. We predicted ant species richness and potential areas of endemism using the more complete data available from across America (i.e., including both North America and South America) and habitat/ecological specificity (functional diversity) in a species distribution model (SDM). In Mexico, the ecoregions more relevant for ant species richness and endemism are Mesoamerica, Petenes, Sierra Madre Oriental, Trans-Mexican Volcanic, and the Sierra Madre Occidental. While for hypogeic and arboreal ants the hotspots were localized in the tropic biomes, for epigeic and subterranean ants, hotpots were most prevalent in the tropics and desert. Moreover, the geographical patterns suggest that some hotspots for ants converge with those hotspots proposed for other invertebrates and vertebrates.

Implications for insect conservation
Our study highlights the importance of hotspots areas for biodiversity conservation, and provides data and maps for ant conservation programs.
Neurocircuitry of Predatory Hunting
Authors: Zhao Zheng-Dong , Zhang Li , Xiang Xinkuan , Kim Daesoo , Li Haohong , Cao Peng , Shen Wei L. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPredatory hunting is an important type of innate behavior evolutionarily conserved across the animal kingdom. It is typically composed of a set of sequential actions, including prey search, pursuit, attack, and consumption. This behavior is subject to control by the nervous system. Early studies used toads as a model to probe the neuroethology of hunting, which led to the proposal of a sensory-triggered release mechanism for hunting actions. More recent studies have used genetically-trackable zebrafish and rodents and have made breakthrough discoveries in the neuroethology and neurocircuits underlying this behavior. Here, we review the sophisticated neurocircuitry involved in hunting and summarize the detailed mechanism for the circuitry to encode various aspects of hunting neuroethology, including sensory processing, sensorimotor transformation, motivation, and sequential encoding of hunting actions. We also discuss the overlapping brain circuits for hunting and feeding and point out the limitations of current studies. We propose that hunting is an ideal behavioral paradigm in which to study the neuroethology of motivated behaviors, which may shed new light on epidemic disorders, including binge-eating, obesity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Brain Maturation as a Fundamental Factor in Immune-Neurovascular Interactions in Stroke
Authors: Di Martino Elena , Rayasam Aditya , Vexler Zinaida S. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractInjuries in the developing brain cause significant long-term neurological deficits. Emerging clinical and preclinical data have demonstrated that the pathophysiology of neonatal and childhood stroke share similar mechanisms that regulate brain damage, but also have distinct molecular signatures and cellular pathways. The focus of this review is on two different diseases—neonatal and childhood stroke—with emphasis on similarities and distinctions identified thus far in rodent models of these diseases. This includes the susceptibility of distinct cell types to brain injury with particular emphasis on the role of resident and peripheral immune populations in modulating stroke outcome. Furthermore, we discuss some of the most recent and relevant findings in relation to the immune-neurovascular crosstalk and how the influence of inflammatory mediators is dependent on specific brain maturation stages. Finally, we comment on the current state of treatments geared toward inducing neuroprotection and promoting brain repair after injury and highlight that future prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for stroke should be age-specific and consider gender differences in order to achieve optimal translational success.
Novel formulation for co-delivery of cinnamon- and cumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to enhance their oral bioavailability
Authors: Sangal Aditi , Rattan Sunita , Maurya Muni Raj , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar 
Published: January 2023

AbstractNanobiotechnology has been an encouraging approach to improving the efficacy of hydrophobic bioactive compounds. The biologically active constituents present in herbal extracts are poorly absorbed, resulting in loss of bioavailability and efficacy. Hence, herbal medicine and nanotechnology are combined to overcome these limitations. The surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles is high and as the size is small, the functional properties are enhanced. The present study reports the synthesis of cinnamon and cumin (Ci–Cu) dual drug-loaded poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) to overcome the limitations of oral bioavailability and extend the effect of these drugs for alleviating health problems. The solvent evaporation method was adopted for the synthesis, and the as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average size of the formed spherical Ci-Cu nanoparticles ranged between 90 and 120 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of the drug was found to be 79% ± 4.5%. XRD analysis demonstrated that cinnamon and cumin were amorphously scattered in the PLGA matrix. The FTIR bands showed no evident changes suggesting the no direct molecular interactions between the drug and the polymer. At pH 6.9, the release studies in vitro exhibited a burst initially followed by a tendency to obtain a slower steady release. The results indicated that the Cu-Ci dual drug-loaded polymeric NPs has drug release at a slower rate. The time taken for 25% release of drug in Ci-Cu-loaded PLGA NPs was twice as compared to cumin-loaded PLGA Nps, and three times compared to cinnamon-loaded PLGA NPs.
Numerical modelling of spatially and temporally distributed on-fault induced seismicity: implication for seismic hazards
Authors: Sainoki Atsushi , Schwartzkopff Adam Karl , Jiang Lishuai , Mitri Hani 
Published: January 2023

AbstractInduced seismicity is strongly related to various engineering projects that cause anthropogenic in-situ stress change at a great depth. Hence, there is a need to estimate and mitigate the associated risks. In the past, various simulation methods have been developed and applied to induced seismicity analysis, but there is still a fundamental difference between simulation results and field observations in terms of the spatial distribution of seismic events and its frequency. The present study aims to develop a method to simulate spatially distributed on-fault seismicity whilst reproducing a complex stress state in the fault zone. Hence, an equivalent continuum model is constructed, based on a discrete fracture network within a fault damage zone, by employing the crack tensor theory. A fault core is simulated at the center of the model as a discontinuous plane. Using the model, a heterogeneous stress state with stress anomalies in the fault zone is first simulated by applying tractions on the model outer boundaries. Subsequently, the effective normal stress on the fault plane is decreased in a stepwise manner to induce slip. The simulation result is validated in terms of theb-value and other seismic source parameters, hence demonstrating that the model can reproduce spatially and temporally distributed on-fault seismicity. Further analysis on the parameters shows the variation of frequency-magnitude distribution before the occurrence of large seismic events. This variation is found to be consistent with field observations, thus suggesting the potential use of this simulation method in evaluating the risk for seismic hazards in various engineering projects.
A Personalized Explainable Learner Implicit Friend Recommendation Method
Authors: Li Chunying , Zhou Bingyang , Lin Weijie , Tang Zhikang , Tang Yong , Zhang Yanchun , Cao Jinli 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWith the rapid development of social networks, academic social networks have attracted increasing attention. In particular, providing personalized recommendations for learners considering data sparseness and cold-start scenarios is a challenging task. An important research topic is to accurately discover potential friends of learners to build implicit learning groups and obtain personalized collaborative recommendations of similar learners according to the learning content. This paper proposes a personalized explainable learner implicit friend recommendation method (PELIRM). Methodologically, PELIRM utilizes the learner's multidimensional interaction behavior in social networks to calculate the degrees of trust between learners and applies the three-degree influence theory to mine the implicit friends of learners. The similarity of research interests between learners is calculated by cosine and term frequency–inverse document frequency. To solve the recommendation problem for cold-start learners, the learner's common check-in IP is used to obtain the learner's location information. Finally, the degree of trust, similarity of research interests, and geographic distance between learners are combined as ranking indicators to recommend potential friends for learners and give multiple interpretations of the recommendation results. By verifying and evaluating the proposed method on real data from Scholar.com, the experimental results show that the proposed method is reliable and effective in terms of personalized recommendation and explainability.
Marine protected areas and electronic navigational charts: legal foundation, mapping methods, IHO S-122 portrayal, and advanced navigation services
Authors: Contarinis Stilianos , Kastrisios Christos , Nakos Byron 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA strategic instrument for the sustainable conservation of the fragile marine ecosystem is the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), within which various regulations exist for the protection of highly vulnerable species and habitats. These regulations can be depicted on Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) based on the new International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-100 series of standards, which support Marine Information Overlays (MIOs) that enrich the portrayed information by including both static and dynamic information, such as vessels traffic, tides, currents, and weather conditions, as well as essential information for the regulation of MPAs. Although, the new IHO S-122 Product Specification introduced specifically for the MPAs has been developed to encapsulate geospatial information for these regulations, the present edition does not specify portrayal. This paper reviews the legal foundation for the protection of marine mammals as well as the mapping methods used in selected study cases and builds upon these to present new, intuitive portrayal symbols for depicting the type of MPAs in combination with the regulations to be enforced on ENCs. Moreover, to support the global efforts for the protection of marine biodiversity, contemporary navigation systems aboard vessels can be used to enforce environmental regulations, and operations centers ashore can also monitor vessels’ passage and activities in MPAs. In that respect, this paper also discusses the concepts of Ecosystem Protection Zones and Environmental Risk Contours that can facilitate environmental risk-based voyage planning and preventive alarm services through Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).
Transcriptional profile of selected flavescence dorée phytoplasma genes during infection of insect vectors and host plants
Authors: Galetto Luciana , Pesando Massimo , Abbà Simona , Bodino Nicola , Marzachì Cristina 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFlavescence dorée is an economically important vector-borne disease of grapevine in Europe caused by phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrV ribosomal group. Expression profiles of 11 genes of the Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp) were analysed over time following infection of natural (Vitis vinifera and the leafhopper vector Scaphoideus titanus) and experimental (Vicia faba and Euscelidius variegatus) hosts. Infected and symptomatic grapevine plants (Chardonnay) were sampled under natural field conditions in a productive vineyard in north-western Italy. Broad bean samples were assayed after the experimental inoculation with infectious E. variegatus. Adults of both vector species were analyzed following FDp acquisition from infected broad bean plants. The selected FDp genes were grouped according to their putative functions within different categories, namely ‘Membrane proteins’ (imp), ‘Regulative elements’ (spoVG, rpoD), ‘Protein metabolism, transport and secretion’ (tldD, ysdC, ftsY), ‘Stress response’ (comp83, osmC), ‘ABC transporters’ (CoABC) and ‘Unknown’ function (contig12, comp115). All analyzed genes were expressed in the four different host species suggesting their crucial role during the FDp infection cycle. Moreover, some of them (contig12, CoABC, comp83, and imp) might be considered essential for phytoplasma survival irrespective of the host, while comp115 seems to be required for insect infection. We showed that FDp is metabolically more active in insects than in plants, at least according to the pool of selected genes for this study, indicating that FDp behaves differently in the two hosts compared to other phytoplasma species/strains.
Implementation of optimal oil flushing methodology for nuclear steam turbo generator oil circuits
Authors: Swamynathan Kudiyarasan , Lakshmanaraj Levankumar , Ramalingam Mahesh 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The first turning gear operation is regarded as a significant milestone in the overall activities of Turbine Generator system commissioning. To accomplish this critical goal, the lube oil circuit must be clean and free of all type of contaminants. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the various flushing tactics used in the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor 500 MW Turbo Generator (TG) oil systems, to understand the factors that influence oil circuit flushing, the difficulties encountered during flushing, and to optimise the flushing process of TG oil circuits. Also A simple method was used in this paper to determine the minimum amount of oil required to begin flushing and the make-up requirements of lube oil at various stages of flushing. The percentage of oil passing through the cooler and cooler bypass line during the thermal shocking process was also determined using an energy balance approach. Based on TG oil circuit commissioning experience, an optimised methodology for completing the TG oil circuits flushing exercise is also proposed. This study demonstrates that the cooling and heating times of lube oil can be controlled during oil flushing, resulting in an increase in the number of thermal shocks per day and a significant reduction in flushing time.

Article Highlights

This paper is the result of flushing experiences with oil circuits of a 500 MW Nuclear power plant. This can be used to minimize oil quantity and the time flushing thereby lot of man hours and cost of flushing could be saved during flushing of turbine oil circuits.

The minimum oil required for turbine oil circuit flushing is not readily available. The method outlined here can be used to determine the minimum amount of oil required for each stage of oil circuit flushing.

This paper describes an energy balance methodology that can be used to increase the number of thermal shocks per day during flushing, thereby significantly reducing flushing time.