bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveyor and analyst biases in forest density estimation from United States Public Land Surveys
Authors: Cogbill Charles V. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAccurate forest density estimates based on United States Public Land Surveys have long been questioned because of doubts about randomness of both the surveyors' selection of witness trees and the underlying tree dispersion. This study analyzes the surveyor sampling of witness trees in six Midwestern states in the mid‐1800s. It develops universal methods for identification, quantification, and correction of bias, and then calculation of unbiased density. Applying these techniques produces unbiased site‐specific densities before Euro‐American settlement, which are the essential baseline for determining historic changes in forest structure. Previous analysts used untested assumptions, inaccurate estimators, unknown or unrealistic sampling designs, and omitted or poorly corrected surveyor bias, resulting in hundreds of unreliable density estimates. The surveyors' recording of the empirical distance, bearing, and diameter of witness trees documented the exact sampling design. The intended design and deviation from it are investigated with a combination of descriptive statistics, probability theory, computer simulations, analogue geometric models, and modern stand conditions. Herein, analyst bias is eliminated using the robust Morisita II density estimator matching the predominant sampling design of two trees in opposing semicircles. Six widespread surveyor biases deviating from the nearest tree to the corner are evaluated. Quadrant bias and diameter bias for medium‐sized trees are subsumed under newly framed design and small tree biases. Two novel surveyor positional biases (pair angle and near‐post) are introduced here. Previously recognized azimuthal and species biases are analyzed with new techniques. Widely postulated surveyor bias for certain species was found to be minimal. Bias correction and density estimation are applied in detail over 68 townships in northern Wisconsin. The estimated historical forest density in northern Wisconsin, corrected for bias and small tree truncation, averaged 323 trees/ha ≥20 cm. Over 80 Midwestern subregions, surveyors bypassed an estimated 17% of the nearest trees due to their position, resulting in an average bias correction of +24% over the base density. If censored trees below a 20‐cm “veil‐line” are considered, the surveyors bypassed 48% of the nearest trees >12.7 cm in diameter. This study resolves a 70‐year‐old conundrum of surveyor and analyst biases in historical density estimation.
Real‐time pulmonary artery pressure monitoring in heart failure patients: an updated cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Cowie Martin R. , Thokala Praveen , Ihara Zenichi , Adamson Philip B. , Angermann Christiane 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimsPrevious cost‐effectiveness analysis suggests that CardioMEMS is cost‐effective compared with usual care for patients with persistent New York Heart Association class III symptoms and at least one heart failure (HF) hospitalization within 12 months. The aim of the paper is to perform an update of the cost‐effectiveness analysis of CardioMEMS using the most recent data from the published literature.Methods and resultsA Microsoft Excel Markov model from a previous UK cost‐effectiveness study of CardioMEMS was updated using the clinical effectiveness of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP)‐guided treatment derived from the pivotal trials. The model included the device costs (and the implantation procedure and related complications), costs of remote monitoring, costs of HF‐related hospitalizations, and costs of usual care. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated based on utilities from pivotal trials and published literature. Cost‐effectiveness results were estimated as incremental cost per QALY gained of CardioMEMS compared with usual care. Scenario analyses were also performed using data from real‐world studies that showed a significant decrease in HF‐related hospitalizations. In the base case analysis over a time horizon of 10 years, PAP‐guided HF therapy increased cost compared with usual care by £6337 (i.e. from £22 770 in usual care to £29 107 in PAP‐guided HF therapy) and the QALYs per patient for usual care and PAP‐guided patients were 2.62 and 2.94, respectively, reflecting an increase of 0.32 QALYs with PAP‐guided treatment. The resultant incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), the ratio between incremental costs and the QALYs, is estimated at £19 761/QALY. Scenario analyses suggest that the ICER for CardioMEMS can range from being dominant to £27 910/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses suggested that PAP‐guided HF therapy has 81.9% probability of being cost‐effective at a threshold of £30 000/QALY.ConclusionsOur model suggests that CardioMEMS is likely to be cost‐effective in the United Kingdom, at the currently considered thresholds of £20 000–30 000/QALY.
Reprogramming dendritic cells through the immunological synapse: A two‐way street
Authors: Calzada‐Fraile Diego , Sánchez‐Madrid Francisco 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Their main function is to present antigens to prime T cells and initiate and shape adaptive responses. Antigen presentation takes place through intimate contacts between the two cells, termed immune synapses (IS). During the formation of IS, information travels towards the T‐cell side to induce and tune its activation; but it also travels in reverse via engagement of membrane receptors and within extracellular vesicles transferred to the DC. Such reverse information transfer and its consequences on DC fate have been largely neglected. Here, we review the events and effects of IS‐mediated antigen presentation on DCs. In addition, we discuss novel technological advancements that enable monitoring DCs interactions with T lymphocytes, the main effects of DCs undergoing productive IS (postsynaptic DCs, or psDCs), and how reverse information transfer could be harnessed to modulate immune responses for therapeutic intervention.
Exploring LiZnNbO4 as a Host for New Colored Compounds: Synthesis, Structure, and Material Properties of NbZn1‐x Mx LiO4 (M=Mn, Co, Ni, Fe) and Nb1‐ySby Zn1‐x Mx LiO4 (M=Co, Ni)
Authors: Malik Diksha , Natarajan Srinivasan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe non ‐ centrosymmetric tetragonal inverse spinel structure of LiZnNbO4 has been explored with a view to prepare new colored compounds. The substitution of Co2+, Ni2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ ions were attempted in the place of Zn2+ ions and Sb5+ ions in place of Nb5+ ions. The studies indicated that 0.75 Zn2+ ions in LiZnNbO4 can be replaced by Co2+ ions and 0.5 Zn2+ ions in LiZnNb0.5Sb0.5O4 compound. The substitution of Co2+ ions gives rise to different shades of blue color in Li(Zn1‐xCox)NbO4 compounds and from ink blue to blue‐green color in Li(Zn1‐xCox)(Nb0.5Sb0.5)O4 compounds. The different colors observed in the present study were explained by the traditional allowed d‐d transitions as well as the metal‐to‐metal charge transfer (MMCT) transitions involving Nb5+ (4d0) ions and partially filled 3d electrons. The SHG studies indicate that the prepared compounds are SHG active. All the compounds exhibit reasonable dielectric behavior with low loss. The XPS studies confirm the oxidation states of the different substituted ions. Raman studies indicate variations in the bands due to the substitutions in the parent LiZnNbO4 phase. Magnetic studies on the Co2+ ions substituted compounds suggest antiferromagnetic behavior.
Musculoskeletal pain in Parkinson's disease: Association with dopaminergic deficiency in the caudate nucleus
Authors: Rukavina Katarina , Mulholland Nicola , Corcoran Benjamin , Skoric Magdalena Krbot , Staunton Juliet , Rota Silvia , Zinzalias Pavlos , Wu Kit , Fieldwalker Anna , Bannister Kirsty , Rizos Alexandra , Chaudhuri K Ray 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundMusculoskeletal (MSK) pain affects over 80% of People with Parkinson's (PD, PwP) and may, in part, be dopaminergic in origin, as dopaminergic medication often leads to its relief.MethodsPwP who underwent striatal dopamine transporter visualization with a radiopharmaceutical DaTscan™ (123I‐Ioflupane Injection) using a single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as a part of their clinical‐diagnostic work up were enrolled in the “Non‐motor International Longitudinal Study” (NILS; UK National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Number 10084) and included in this cross‐sectional analysis. The association between specific DaTscan binding ratios for each striatum, the caudate nucleus and putamen and clinical ratings for MSK pain (assessed using the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS)) were analysed.Results53 PwP (30.2% female; age: 63.79 ± 11.31 years; disease duration (DD): 3.32 (0.31–14.41) years; Hoehn & Yahr stage (H&Y): 2 (1–4); Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose (LEDD): 543.08 ± 308.94 mg) were assessed and included in this analysis. MSK pain was highly prevalent (71.7% of all participants, mean KPPS Item 1 score 5.34 ± 4.76) and did not correlate with the motor symptoms burden (SCOPA‐Motor total score; p = 0.783) but showed a significant correlation with quality of life (PDQ‐8, rs = 0.290, p = 0.035). z‐scores for the caudate nucleus (Exp (B) = 0.367, 95% CI for Exp (B) 0.148–0.910, p = 0.031) and striatum (Exp (B) = 0.338, 95% CI for Exp (B) 0.123–0.931, p = 0.036), adjusted for DD, H&Y and LEDD, were significant determinants of MSK pain.ConclusionsOur findings suggest an association between MSK pain in PwP and the severity of dopaminergic deficiency in the caudate nucleus.SignificanceIn People with Parkinson's, musculoskeletal pain does not arise simply as a direct sequel to motor symptoms—instead, it is linked to the severity of dopaminergic depletion in the caudate nucleus.
Expectation violation and cognitive dissonance theory: Proposal for an epistemic inconsistency management model
Authors: Aubert‐Teillaud Benjamin , Bran Alexandre , Vaidis David C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA crucial dilemma for any individual facing contradictory information is whether to maintain or disengage from an expectation. Cognitive dissonance theory offers an influential model of these situations. However, this theory does not provide clear predictions regarding the use of reduction strategies (methods used to resolve inconsistency) and their consequences. We propose a decision rule and parameters to model decisions faced by individuals who encounter epistemic inconsistency. Inconsistency leads individuals to assess the probabilities and costs associated with the error of disengaging from a correct expectation and the error of maintaining an incorrect expectation. Depending on these assessments, individuals opt for a reduction strategy allowing for maintenance of or disengagement from the expectation. We propose a categorization of reduction strategies derived from this process and oriented towards the explanation of expectation bolstering, contributing to the understanding of radicalization. This model offers new predictions and avenues for empirical work.
A study of vehicle lateral position characteristics and passenger cars' special lane width on expressways
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Wu Shaofeng , Dai Zhenhua , Chen Zhengwei , Pan Cunshu , Xu Jin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLane width is crucial for traffic safety management. Previous studies have shown that inappropriate width will lead to an increase in accident probability and unsafe driving behaviors. However, there have been limited studies on determination method of special lane width for different models, especially for passenger cars. To tackle this problem, the lateral driving behavior characteristics of the expressway need to be clarified. This work aims to obtain the appropriate lane width according to the vehicles' width and lateral position characteristics. In this study, the lane lateral residual width (the distance between the vehicle body's contour and the lane marking on the same side) and the lateral safety margin are extracted as characterization indices of vehicle lateral characteristics from natural driving trajectory data of expressways. The effect of vehicle type, driving speed, and lane position on the expressway's trajectory behavior is investigated. The results show that the utilization rate of lane width is higher in the outer lane compared to the inner lane. As driving speed increases, vehicles in the inner and middle lanes exhibit shy away effect, moving away from obstacles. Substantial variations exist in the lateral width of lanes among different vehicle types. When driving in the same lane, passenger cars' lane lateral residual width that is 0.4–0.5 m wider than that of heavy vehicles. The recommended lane width for the safe operation of trucks on expressways is 3.75 m. After a comprehensive analysis of vehicle width, trajectory oscillation, and lateral safety margin, this study proposes a minimum lane width of 3.25 m and a recommended general width of 3.5 m for a passenger car‐only expressway. This study holds great significance in enhancing road safety and provides a valuable theoretical foundation for the design of lane width in a passenger car‐only expressway.
Causal relationship between telomere length and epilepsy: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Xinxin , Ruan Zhichao , Liu Ling 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveObservational studies have suggested a link between telomere length (TL) and epilepsy, but the direction of the effect and whether it is causal or not is still being debated. The objective of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between TL and epilepsy using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsWe performed a bidirectional two‐sample MR analysis using pooled statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of TL and epilepsy. Additionally, we conducted a replication analysis using data from another GWAS study on epilepsy to validate our findings. The final results were analyzed using five MR methods, with the inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary outcome. We applied methods such as radial MR, MR pleiotropy residual and outlier test and MR Steiger filters to exclude outliers. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ResultsOur analysis found no evidence of a causal relationship between epilepsy and TL (all p‐values >0.05). The sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of these results.SignificanceIn summary, our study contradicts existing observational reports by not finding any evidence to support a causal relationship between epilepsy and TL. Further research is necessary to determine the underlying mechanism behind the association observed in observational studies.
Cenozoic tectonic reactivation and its implications for landscape transience in southeastern Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Jéssica Miranda , Salamuni Eduardo , Val Pedro , da Silva Clauzionor Lima , Morales Norberto , de Souza Iata Anderson , Sanches Emerson 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntraplate settings far from tectonic plate boundaries are normally thought to be tectonically inactive regions in which the landscape evolves via the slow downcutting of fluvial systems. When identified, tectonic reactivations are thought to be of too low an amplitude and not cause any change in the landscape. However, in the absence of datable markers of tectonic deformation, the landscape can be used as a passive marker of intraplate tectonic activity. In this study, we investigate the northern boundary of the Ponta Grossa Arch in the southeastern portion of the Brazilian passive margin. We mapped and studied the spatial and temporal (relative) relationships between brittle structures and geomorphic markers of base level changes. Drainage anomalies (knickpoints and high ksn values) are correlated with structural/tectonic lineaments in which we recognize strike‐slip and transtensional faults with right‐lateral and left‐lateral kinematics. Through mapping and analysis of structural data, we constrained the underlying structural framework. The fault data demonstrate the counterclockwise rotation of the maximum stress field, which moved from the NE–SW orientation (at the Cretaceous‐Paleogene boundary) to N‐S to reach the current WNW‐ESE position. Together, the data suggest that, though subtle and low‐magnitude, the evolution of intraplate stress field forms a dynamic forcing of intracontinental landscape change.
Effect of the surface water content on dry saltation cloud dynamics: A wind tunnel simulation with particle tracking velocimetry
Authors: O'Brien Patrick , Neuman Cheryl Mc Kenna 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe mass transport rate of wind‐borne particles, and indeed the fluid stress required for their entrainment, is strongly governed by inter‐particle cohesion arising from water retained through adsorption and capillary force. This paper reports on a series of wind tunnel experiments in which high‐speed photography was used to record the motion of dry sand particles as they impinged on test beds of systematically varied target gravimetric pore water content (0% ≤ W ≤ 10%). The wind friction velocity was preset to 0.33 m s−1, sufficient to maintain a saltation cloud above an upwind strip of dry sand, which then was blown over the wetted surface. Discrete particle trajectories were identified in the camera images using expected particle area searching–particle tracking velocimetry (EPAS‐PTV). Adding progressively more water produced an exponential decrease in the normalized particle number density over the test surface. The largest response was achieved by wetting the bed surface to just 2%. To reduce the number of particles by a further 40%, it was necessary to add eight times more water, signifying a diminishing return regarding water use. Relative to particles either rebounding or splashed from a dry bed, the total particle velocity increased incrementally by a factor between 1.5 and 2 with increasing water content. Increasing amounts of pore water were associated with progressively higher saltation trajectories, reaching a plateau beyond W ~8%. The spatio‐temporal adjustment in the sand cloud was observed to be extremely rapid. There is no consensus in the literature on how to measure the water content that effectively governs aeolian transport. In this study, all approaches to sampling W produced strong correlation (R2 ≥ 0.85). Sampling the topmost grains, however, provided the most accurate prediction of the normalized number density over the full range of water content.
Biological activities, therapeutic potential, and pharmacological aspects of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L): A comprehensive review
Authors: Ejaz Afaf , Waliat Sadaf , Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Ahmad Aftab , Din Ahmad , Ateeq Huda , Asghar Asma , Shah Yasir Abbas , Rafi Ahmad , Khan Mahbubur Rahman 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBlackcurrant possesses various health‐endorsing attributes owing to its polyphenol profile. Recent studies have demonstrated its therapeutic potential against various health disorders. Various bioactives present in blackcurrants have different functional and pharmacological aspects including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The most dominant and important bioactive include anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Food formats derived from blackcurrants comprise pomace, juice, powder, and extracts. All these food formats have industrial, prebiotic, and pharmacological benefits. In the current article, the nutritional composition, industrial applications, and therapeutic potential are discussed in the recent literature. Moreover, novel extraction techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds present in blackcurrants and their safety concerns have been elaborated.
Improving the structure and properties of whey protein emulsion gel using soluble interactions with xanthan and basil seed gum
Authors: Sarraf Mozhdeh , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Beig‐Babaei Adel , Moros José E. , Sánchez M. Carmen , Franco José M. , Tenorio‐Alfonso Adrián 
Published: August 2023

AbstractApplying hydrocolloids in the structure of protein emulsion gel can improve its properties. Interaction of whey protein concentrate (WPC) (5%) with xanthan gum (XG) and basil seed gum (BSG) at different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) was investigated to improve mechanical and structural properties of emulsion gel. Results illustrated that gums created a stronger structure around the oil droplets, which confocal images approved it. Also, the particle size decreased and uniformed by cooperating 0.6% gum in comparison with WPC (46.87 μm). The lowest and highest hardness values were observed in emulsion gel formed by WPC (1.27 N) and 0.6BSG: WPC (3.03 N), respectively. Also, the increase of gum concentration had a positive on consistency parameter of texture, so the value was 11.48 N s in WPC emulsion gel and it reached 0.6BSG: WPC (25.71 N s) and 0.6XG: WPC (19.96 N s). Evaluating the stability of the treatments by centrifugation indicated that 0.6BSG: WPC (89.10%) and 0.6XG: WPC (74%) had the highest level of stability. Increasing gum concentration increased the consistency and viscosity. Also, the viscoelastic properties of emulsion gel improved by 0.6% BSG. The elastic modulus of the WPC, 0.6XG: WPC, and 0.6BSG: WPC emulsion gels at the same frequency (1 Hz) was 240.90, 894.59, and 1185.61 Pa, respectively. In general, the interaction of WPC solution with hydrocolloids, especially BSG, is suggested to prepare more stable and elastic emulsion gels.
Dietary patterns of Indian school‐aged children and associations with markers of chronic disease risk
Authors: Trilok‐Kumar Geeta , Malik Anku , Gusain Yamini , Millerot Eve , Pathak Renuka , Filteau Suzanne 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThere is an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in India which may be related to changing dietary patterns. We aimed to assess dietary patterns in children since they have time to change unhealthy patterns before NCDs develop. Participants were 665 children, 9–12 years old, born with low birth weight and 77 similarly aged normal birth weight controls. We collected data on sociodemography, anthropometry, body composition, and markers of risk for NCDs: grip strength, long jump, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). A food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary data from which dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). Fourteen food groups were included in the PCA analysis, resulting in three components: ‘fruits and vegetables’, ‘protein’, and ‘sugar and fat’. Higher socioeconomic status and maternal education were associated with lower adherence to the fruit and vegetable pattern and higher adherence to the protein and sugar and fat patterns. Adherence to the fruits and vegetables pattern was associated with lower height‐for‐age, whereas the fat and sugar pattern was associated with higher indicators of body fat. In linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, maternal education, and season of data collection, adherence to the ‘fruits and vegetables’ pattern was associated with lower grip strength, shorter long jump, and lower HbA1c. Adherence to the other patterns was not associated with NCD risk factors. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, achievable even by poorer families in the cohort, may lower HbA1c, a risk factor for diabetes.