bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental filtering drives the assembly of mammal communities in a heterogeneous Mediterranean region
Authors: Suárez‐Tangil Bruno D. , Rodríguez Alejandro 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAgricultural expansion and intensification are major drivers of global change. Quantifying the importance of different processes governing the assembly of local communities in agroecosystems is essential to guide the conservation effort allocated to enhancing habitat connectivity, improving habitat quality or managing species interactions. We used multiple detection methods to record the occurrence of medium‐sized and large‐sized mammals in three managed landscapes of a heterogeneous Mediterranean region. Then we used a joint species distribution model to evaluate the relative influence of dispersal limitation, environmental filtering, and interspecific interactions on the local assembly of mammal communities in 4‐km2 plots. The partitioning of the explained variation in species occurrence was attributed on average 99% to environmental filters and 1% to dispersal filters. No role was attributed to biotic filters, in agreement with the scarce support for strong competition or other negative interactions found after a literature review. Four principal environmental factors explained on average 63% of variance in species occurrence and operated mainly at the landscape scale. The amount of shrub cover in the neighboring landscape was the most influential factor favoring mammal occurrence and accounted for nearly one‐third of the total variance. The proportion of intensively managed croplands and proxies of human activity within landscape samples limited mammal presence. At the microhabitat scale (~80 m2 plots) the mean percentage area deprived of woody vegetation also had a negative effect. Functional traits such as body mass or social behavior accounted for a substantial fraction of the variation attributed to environmental factors. We concluded that multiscale environmental filtering governed local community assembly, whereas the role of dispersal limitation and interspecific interactions was negligible. Our results suggest that further removal of shrubland, the expansion of intensive agriculture, and the increase of human activity are expected to result in species losses. The fact that community integrity responds to a single type of ecological process simplifies practical recommendations. Management strategies should focus on the conservation and restoration of shrubland, adopting alternatives to intensive schemes of agricultural production, and minimizing recreational and other human activities in remnant natural habitats within agroecosystems or mosaic landscapes.
Fatal mobbing and attack of the common cuckoo by its warbler hosts
Authors: Zhao Huahua , Luo Haixia , Yan Hanlin , He Gangbin , Wang Longwu , Liang Wei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNest defense is an effective strategy of hosts against parasites. Typically, hosts will aggressively attack brood parasites that approach or visit their nests, which can prevent the parasites from laying eggs or may even lead to the death of the parasites. Few previous studies have specifically reported such fatal cases involving brood parasites and have attributed the cause of death to either drowning or hypothermia after falling into the water following an attack from hosts. In this study, we recorded the process of multiple host individuals of the Oriental reed warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis) mobbing and attacking a female common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) in the field. We discovered that the immediate cause of the cuckoo's death was the fatal physical damage resulting from the aggressive defense from the hosts, suggesting that frantic pecking and scratching by the hosts is the most proximate cause of mortality among egg‐laying female cuckoos. This finding enhances our essential understanding of the effectiveness of host attacks.
Sex‐related differences in left ventricular assist device utilization and outcomes: results from the PCHF‐VAD registry
Authors: Radhoe Sumant P. , Jakus Nina , Veenis Jesse F. , Timmermans Philippe , Pouleur Anne‐Catherine , Rubís Pawel , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M. , Gaizauskas Edvinas , Barge‐Caballero Eduardo , Paolillo Stefania , Grundmann Sebastian , D'Amario Domenico , Braun Oscar Ö. , Gkouziouta Aggeliki , Planinc Ivo , Macek Jana Ljubas , Meyns Bart , Droogne Walter , Wierzbicki Karol , Holcman Katarzyna , Flammer Andreas J. , Gasparovic Hrvoje , Biocina Bojan , Milicic Davor , Lund Lars H. , Ruschitzka Frank , Brugts Jasper J. , Cikes Maja 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsData on sex and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) utilization and outcomes have been conflicting and mostly confined to US studies incorporating older devices. This study aimed to investigate sex‐related differences in LVAD utilization and outcomes in a contemporary European LVAD cohort.Methods and resultsThis analysis is part of the multicentre PCHF‐VAD registry studying continuous‐flow LVAD patients. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventricular arrhythmias, right ventricular failure, bleeding, thromboembolism, and the haemocompatibility score. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess associations between sex and outcomes. Overall, 457 men (81%) and 105 women (19%) were analysed. At LVAD implant, women were more often in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile 1 or 2 (55% vs. 41%, P = 0.009) and more often required temporary mechanical circulatory support (39% vs. 23%, P = 0.001). Mean age was comparable (52.1 vs. 53.4 years, P = 0.33), and median follow‐up duration was 344 [range 147–823] days for women and 435 [range 190–816] days for men (P = 0.40). No significant sex‐related differences were found in all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79 for female vs. male sex, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.50–1.27]). Female LVAD patients had a lower risk of ventricular arrhythmias (HR 0.56, 95% CI [0.33–0.95]) but more often experienced right ventricular failure. No significant sex‐related differences were found in other outcomes.ConclusionsIn this contemporary European cohort of LVAD patients, far fewer women than men underwent LVAD implantation despite similar clinical outcomes. This is important as the proportion of female LVAD patients (19%) was lower than the proportion of females with advanced HF as reported in previous studies, suggesting underutilization. Also, female patients were remarkably more often in INTERMACS profile 1 or 2, suggesting later referral for LVAD therapy. Additional research in female patients is warranted.
Seismic demand on non‐structural elements for quantifying seismic performance factors
Authors: Rodriguez Derek , Perrone Daniele , Filiatrault Andre 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe quantification of non‐structural seismic performance factors is a crucial step to improve the seismic performance of non‐structural elements (NSEs). Non‐structural seismic performance factors currently included in modern seismic design provisions are mainly based on engineering judgment and have not been calibrated to meet specific performance objectives. This makes the seismic performance of NSEs designed according to force‐based procedures uncertain at best. Previous studies have proposed a general framework for the quantification of non‐structural seismic performance factors. However, due to the necessity of considering the supporting structure dynamic properties in the estimation of the seismic demand, the required computational overhead can make the process unfeasible in some cases depending on the target supporting structure population and the pursued performance objectives. This paper proposes a procedure to estimate the seismic demand on NSEs for the quantification of non‐structural seismic performance factors that drastically reduces the required computational overhead. The proposed procedure makes use of synthetic floor accelerograms to describe in terms of seismic demand an entire population of supporting structures and ground motion sets. The proposed procedure is validated against a complete multiple‐stripe non‐linear time history analysis by deriving and comparing fragility curves. The results of the validation demonstrate that the proposed procedure is able to derive fragility curves that closely match the ones generated by using a multiple‐stripe analyses with remarkable savings in computational time and output storage size.
Stability of ellagitannins in processing products of selected Fragaria fruit during 12 months of storage
Authors: Hejduk Agnieszka , Sójka Michał , Klewicki Robert 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine the stability of ellagitannins (ETs), ellagic acid, and conjugates (EAC) in unclarified juices and purees produced from two selected berries of the Rosaceae family, genus Fragaria. A total of 16 ellagitannins have been identified in the products. Stability studies were carried out for 1 year in three temperature variants: −20, 4, and 20°C (±2°C). The quantitative and qualitative determinations of ETs + EAC were performed every 3 months using the HPLC‐DAD and LC–MS techniques. An important element of the research was also the determination of ETs transformations that occur in juices and purees during storage. The stability of ETs + EAC is primarily determined by the temperature and storage time as well as the matrix. After 1 year of storage at −20°C, the sum of ETs and EAC did not decrease in strawberry juice. On the other hand, the decrease was shown at the level of 30 and 20% at temperatures of 4 and 20°C, respectively. In strawberry purees, a decrease in ETs + EAC of 15–28% was recorded during storage in all three temperature variants. After 1 year, in wild strawberry juice, 20–50% of ellagitannin decreased, in puree the decrease in ETs + EAC concentration was 40–54%. With increasing temperature, the percentage of compounds with lower molecular weight increased—from 10 to 14% at temperatures of 4 and 20°C, respectively. At the temperature of −20°C, the proportion of low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight compounds remained stable in each case.
Patterns of sleep disturbances across stages of cognitive decline
Authors: Gallagher Virginia T. , Reilly Shannon E. , Williams Ishan C. , Mattos Meghan , Manning Carol 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate insomnia symptoms and excessive sleep/sluggishness across stages of cognitive decline (cognitively normal [CN], Cognitively Impairment, Not Demented [CIND], dementia) in a large, racially/ethnically diverse sample of older adults (70+) in the US. We also examined whether sleep disturbances at baseline predicted conversion to CIND or dementia at follow‐up.MethodsIn this secondary analysis of the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) supplement of the Health Retirement Study, we analyzed patterns of informant‐reported insomnia and excessive sleep symptoms among three groups of older adults (n = 846): CN, CIND, and dementia.ResultsCIND adults were significantly more likely to have informant‐reported insomnia symptoms than those in the CN group (p = 0.013). This was driven by a significant race/ethnicity‐by‐insomnia interaction with diagnostic status (p = 0.029), such that CIND Black and Hispanic older adults had increased insomnia symptom rates compared to CN, whereas White adults had similar insomnia symptoms across diagnostic status. Across all racial/ethnic groups, the prevalence of excessive sleep symptoms increased stepwise from CN to CIND to dementia (p < 0.001). Overall, insomnia symptoms at baseline predicted conversion from CN to CIND (p < 0.001, OR = 0.288; 95% CI: 0.143‐0.580) at 4‐year (approximate) follow‐up; there was no relationship between baseline insomnia or excessive sleep/sluggishness symptoms and conversion from CIND to dementia.Discussion/ConclusionThis study provides evidence for the increased risk of insomnia symptoms among Hispanic and Black older adults with CIND, and indicates that insomnia symptoms may be associated with increased risk for development of cognitive impairment.
Socioeconomic and epidemiological milieu of maternal death due to eclampsia in West Bengal, India: A mixed methods study
Authors: Sk Md Illias Kanchan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundWest Bengal is experiencing an unanticipated risk of eclampsia among pregnant women and it persists as the leading cause of maternal mortality. This study aimed to investigate the predictors for maternal deaths due to eclampsia in West Bengal.MethodsThe study adopted retrospective mixed methods covering facility and community‐based maternal death review approaches. Facility‐based data were used for 317 deceased cases wherein the community‐based review approach was used in 40 cases. An in‐depth interview was also performed among 12 caregivers.ResultsOne‐third of maternal deaths occurred due to eclampsia, and this accounted for the leading cause of maternal deaths in West Bengal. A younger age, a primigravida or nulliparous status, absence of antenatal care (ANC), and residence in rural areas appeared to have the highest risk of developing eclampsia. The majority of pregnant women had an irregular antenatal check‐up history, particularly during the second trimester of pregnancy. The rate of eclampsia‐related maternal death was higher in women residing more than 49 km from the studied hospitals. Most of the deceased women were referred to three or more hospitals before their death. Gravidity, the number of ANC visits, the mode of delivery, and delays at different levels were significant confounders of death due to eclampsia. The risk of death due to eclampsia was two times higher among women without ANC and those who had a cesarean section than that in their counterparts.ConclusionsWomen in West Bengal have a high risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia resulting in maternal mortality and morbidity. Gravidity, the number of ANC visits, the mode of delivery, and delays in recognition of eclampsia contribute to the risk of maternal deaths. The establishment of separate eclampsia units, enhanced screening, and preventive and treatment procedures may optimize managing eclampsia.
Ninety‐day mortality following transoral robotic surgery or radiation at Commission on Cancer‐accredited facilities
Authors: Janopaul‐Naylor James R. , Rupji Manali , Tobillo Rachel A. , Lorenz Joshua W. , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Tian Sibo , Kaka Azeem S. , Qian David C. , Schlafstein Ashley J. , Steuer Conor E. , Remick Jill S. , Rudra Soumon , McDonald Mark W. , Saba Nabil F. , Stokes William A. , Patel Mihir R. , Bates James E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative mortality for oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) varies from 0.2% to 6.5% on trials; the real‐world rate is unknown.MethodsNCDB study from 2010 to 2017 for patients with cT1‐2N0‐2M0 OPSCC with Charleson–Deyo score 0–1. Ninety‐day mortality assessed from start and end of treatment at Commission on Cancer‐accredited facilities.Results3639 patients were treated with TORS and 1937 with radiotherapy. TORS cohort had more women and higher income, was younger, more often treated at academic centers, and more likely to have private insurance (all p < 0.05). Ninety‐day mortality was 1.3% with TORS and 0.7% or 1.4% from start or end of radiotherapy, respectively. From end of therapy, there was no significant difference on MVA between treatment modality.ConclusionsThere is minimal difference between 90‐day mortality in patients treated with TORS or radiotherapy for early‐stage OPSCC. While overall rates are low, for patients with expectation of cure, work is needed to identify optimal treatment.
Investigating the effectiveness of employing clinical faculty members in the shift work system during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gilavand Abdolreza 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionHaving an accurate attitude about shift work and choosing the right people to work in the shift work system increases organizational productivity and improves the employees' life quality. Consequently, the current research investigates the effectiveness of employing clinical faculty members in the shift work system during the Covid‐19 pandemic.Materials and MethodsIn this descriptive study, 71 Iranian clinical faculty members with a history of shift work (night shift) during the Covid‐19 pandemic participated. Circadian Type Inventory (CTI) was used to collect data.ResultsBased on the results of this research (Flexible/Rigid = Mean ± SD = 2.47 ± 18.17) and (Languid/Vigorous = Mean ± SD = 2.89 ± 15.35) which revealed that although clinical faculty members in normal conditions can overcome the feeling of sleepiness due to lack of sleep, they are not flexible and cannot work in the shift work system with the ability to stay awake at unusual times of the day or night. Pearson's correlation coefficient test also showed that as the value of the Languid/Vigorous component increases, the value of the Flexible/Rigid component also increases (r = 0.410). Likewise, there was no significant relationship between the main research variables and demographic characteristics.Discussion and ConclusionClinical faculty members who are simultaneously responsible for the duties of teaching students, research, and treating patients, if they are employed in a shift work system, especially during the pandemic, it may lead to a decrease in the quality of teaching, lack of motivation in research and indifference toward students' affairs, reducing flexibility, inability to update what they have learned in the professional world, increasing medical errors and also reducing their ability to manage the class. Consequently, it is suggested to avoid using them in the shift work systems as much as possible.
Estimation of hydraulic parameters in a heterogeneous low‐lying farmland near Venice
Authors: Zancanaro Ester , Zoccarato Claudia , Morari Francesco , Teatini Pietro 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEstimating the hydraulic properties of the vadose zone is essential to understand soil‐water dynamics and achieving appropriate water management in agricultural lands. Inverse modelling methods are commonly used to estimate hydraulic properties from field observations. Unlike the extensively applied local search methodologies, data assimilation techniques can fully account for multiple uncertainties and are becoming a widely used tool for estimating hydraulic parameters. However, only few applications on real field tests are available. The main objective of this study was to estimate the van Genuchten‐Mualem (VGM) parameters and the saturated hydraulic conductivity () of a heterogeneous low‐lying farmland at the margin of the Venice Lagoon, Italy, characterized by high peat content, sandy drifts, and a very shallow water table. To this end, two methods were tested, that is, the Ensemble Smoother (ES) and the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm associated with hydrological modelling performed with Hydrus‐1D. Volumetric water content (VWC) observations were collected at three monitoring sites from May to September 2011. Results on parameters highlighted that the ES technique effectively reduced the uncertainty of and , but it was less effective on and . The results on VWC showed that the ES efficiency decreased with the increasing non‐linearity of the system (e.g., higher sand content) and when the variability of the experimental data was lower (e.g., deepest soil layers where saturation remained permanently close to 1). Both LM and ES allowed to reproduce the VWC observations in the calibration and validation phases, with the former and the latter performing better in the case of sandy and peat soils, respectively. As concerns the method applicability, the ES was less time‐demanding as it efficiently updated all the parameters at once and was less dependent on the user choices. Finally, the paper points out the importance of previous knowledge of the VGM parameters (e.g., from lab hydraulic analyses) in defining the constraints for the optimization.
Integrated brain on a chip and automated organ‐on‐chips systems
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhao Yimeng , Lv Xuefei , Deng Yulin 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe nervous system plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating with the external environment. However, the incidence of neurological diseases is high and increasing year by year. Long drug development cycles, low efficacy, improper models and other bottlenecks restrict the prevention and treatment of diseases. Organ‐on‐chips (OOCs), as in vitro constructed organ microsystems, have made remarkable progress in recent years. The blood–brain barrier chip, neurovascular unit chip, nerve signal transduction chip, and other chips related to brain function have been widely studied. However, in vitro modeling of complex biological systems remains a major challenge for OOCs. The future development goal of OOC is to realize automatic culture, organ function simulation, and real‐time monitoring of physiological and biochemical indicators. In this paper, a strategy for optimizing the structure and functional interface of cell‐derived modules is presented, and a specific model of the automated integration system is proposed. It aims to build standardized and commercial chips related to brain functions and systems by integrating multidisciplinary strengths. In addition, it will drive the progress of life science research, disease modeling, and drug research and promote the development of related industries.
Diamond‐like carbon films prepared by a low temperature periodic process for application in ventricular assist devices
Authors: Jing Peipei , Zhang Meili , Chan Chris H. H. , Jing Fengjuan , Pauls Jo P. , Dargusch Matthew S. , Fraser John F. , Leng Yongxiang 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDue to the poor tribological properties of titanium (Ti) and its alloy Ti6Al4V (commonly used for ventricular assist devices manufacturing), diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films with excellent anti‐wear properties are pursued to improve the wear resistance of Ti and its alloys. Considering the effect of temperature on magnets inside pump impellers and workpiece deformation, DLC films are preferred to be prepared under low temperature. In this study, DLC films were prepared on Ti6Al4V alloys by periodic and continuous processes, and the corresponding maximum deposition temperature was 85 and 154°C, respectively. The periodic DLC films exhibited the feature of columnar structure, and the surface hillocks were less uniform than that of continuous DLC films. The periodic DLC films possessed more sp3‐bonded structures, and the accessorial sp3‐bonding mainly existed in the form of CH. Compared to continuous DLC films, the periodic DLC films had lower residual stress and better adhesion with Ti6Al4V substrates. Both DLC films could effectively reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of Ti6Al4V alloys both in air and fetal bovine serum (FBS), and the periodic DLC films exhibited superior anti‐wear properties to that of continuous DLC films in FBS. Haemocompatibility evaluation revealed that both DLC films presented similar levels of more human platelet adhesion and activation as compared with that of bare Ti6Al4V. However, both DLC films significantly prolonged plasma clotting time in comparison to bare Ti6Al4V. This study demonstrates the potential of low‐temperature DLC films as wear‐resistant surface modification for VADs.