bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cosmological constraints on anisotropic Thurston geometries
Authors: Smith Ananda F. , Copi Craig J. , Starkman Glenn D. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Much of modern cosmology relies on the Cosmological Principle, the assumption that the Universe is isotropic and homogeneous on sufficiently large scales, but it remains worthwhile to examine cosmological models that violate this principle slightly.
We examine a class of such spacetimes that maintain homogeneity but break isotropy through their underlying local spatial geometries.
These spacetimes are endowed with one of five anisotropic model geometries of Thurston's geometrization theorem, and their evolution is sourced with perfect fluid dust and cosmological constant.
We show that the background evolution of these spacetimes induces fluctuations in the observed cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature with amplitudes coupled to the curvature parameter Ω
K
.
In order for these fluctuations to be compatible with the observed CMB angular power spectrum, we find |Ω
K
| ≲ 10-5.
This strongly limits the cosmological consequences of these models.
In situ swelling of low-friction, high load-bearing self-bending bilayer hydrogels inspired by articular cartilage
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Li Chuan , Chen Xiaoxiao , Zhou Kui , Li Hanjing , Peng Kai , Yang Yinong , Dai Yichuan , Huang Ben 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The articular cartilage is characterized by its gradient hierarchical structure, which exhibits excellent lubrication and robust load-bearing properties. However, its inherent difficulty in self-repair after damage presents numerous formidable challenges for cartilage repair. Inspired by the unique structure of articular cartilage, a biomimetic bilayer hydrogel composed of PAM (polyacrylamide) and PAM/SA (sodium alginate) is prepared using a two-step in-situ swelling method. The bilayer hydrogel demonstrates exceptional structural stability due to the interlayer in-situ chemical cross-linking. Compared to monolayer hydrogels, the PAM-PAM/SA bilayer hydrogel demonstrates superior mechanical attributes, exhibiting a compressive strength of 1 MPa and a compressive modulus of 0.22 MPa. Furthermore, exploration of the tribological performance of the PAM-PAM/SA bilayer hydrogel have revealed its low-friction performance under high loads, with a coefficient of friction as low as 0.032. Finally, leveraging the differential swelling properties between the distinct layers of the PAM-PAM/SA bilayer hydrogel, a self-bending biomimetic cartilage capable of conforming to complex joint surfaces is fabricated. This highly lubricating, mechanically robust, and conformal biomimetic cartilage provides an effective means for addressing cartilage defects and joint diseases.
An ecofriendly approach to explore the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar reinforced with Abutilon indicum fibres
Authors: Aarthipriya V , Umarani C 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cement composites are inherently characterized by low tensile strength and limited fracture resistance. The fibres have the potential of improving the tensile properties and lessen cracking. In recent years, a substantial increase in the utilization of plant-based fibres over synthetic fibres was observed primarily because of their abundant availability, which is also found to enhance the mechanical characteristics of cement composites. This study aims to examine the performance of Abutilon indicum fibre reinforced cement mortar with varied fibre contents and fibre lengths based on physical, mechanical and microstructural properties. Three different fibre lengths, 5, 10 and 15 mm and varying fibre contents of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt% were considered. Experimental tests were carried out to find the physical and mechanical properties and the results revealed that the flexural and tensile strengths of mortar mixes were significantly improved by the addition of fibres with increased fibre lengths and contents. Conversely, the cement mortar experienced significant decrease in compressive strength as the dosage and length of fibres increased, attributed to a decrease in density, as well as the agglomeration and clustering of fibres within the mortar mixture. Multicriterial decision making method was employed to optimize and evaluate the overall technical performance of the fibre reinforced cement mortar. The mortar reinforced with 5 mm fibre length and 1% fibre addition was found to be potentially beneficial and considered as an optimum mix with respect to all mechanical properties. Microstructural analysis on the optimum mix revealed the existence of proper and sufficient interfacial bonding between the fibres and cement matrix and therefore it is recommended to use Abutilon indicum fibre in cement mortar for repair and other construction applications and the optimum mix proportion is reported.
Distributing quantum correlations through local operations and classical resources
Authors: Hawkins Adam G , McAleese Hannah , Paternostro Mauro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Distributing quantum correlations to each node of a network is a key aspect of quantum networking. Here, we present a robust, physically motivated protocol by which global quantum correlations, as characterized by the discord, can be distributed to quantum memories using a mixed state of information carriers which possesses only classical correlations. In addition, such distribution is done using only bilocal unitary operations and projective measurements, with the degree of discord being measurement-outcome independent. We explore the scaling of the performance of the proposed protocol with the size of the network and illustrate the structure of quantum correlations that are shared by the nodes, showing its dependence on the local operations performed. Finally, we find the counterintuitive result that even more discord can be generated when the resource state undergoes correlated dephasing noise, allowing high fidelities with mixtures of the Bell basis such as Werner states.
4D printing of direct-driven deformable wheel with multiple programmable configurations
Authors: Tian Huichun , Chu Guanghao , Zhou Bin , Zhou Dekai , Qiao Jing , Li Longqiu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Conventional deformable wheel systems in robots and other mechatronic systems face significant challenges in achieving miniaturization, intelligence, and integration. To address these issues, we propose a novel integrated structural design method and four-dimensional printing strategy for deformable wheels capable of shaping among multiple programmable direct-driven deformation configurations. The load-bearing capacity of the printed wheel is strengthened by employing deformed components in various locations and actuated states. Additionally, a novel analytical design method is presented to determine the structure, actuation, and deformation parameters of each component under complex coupled deformation. Our findings reveal that the designed wheel can transform into three different configurations, exhibiting desired deformations of 12.5% in the radial direction and 19.6% in the axial direction. It also demonstrates robust deformation behavior and structural stability under multi-directional loads. By integrating a terrain sensing system, the designed wheel exhibits highly adaptive deformation capabilities on various terrains, showing great potential for exploring complex environments.
Autonomous driving enhanced: a fusion framework integrating LiDAR point clouds with monovision depth-aware transformers for robust object detection
Authors: Liu Hui , Su Tong , Guo Jing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the evolving landscape of autonomous driving technology, the ability to accurately detect and localize objects in complex environments is paramount. This paper introduces an innovative object detection algorithm designed to enhance the perception capabilities of autonomous vehicles. We propose a novel fusion framework that integrates LiDAR point clouds with monocular depth estimations, utilizing a Depth-Aware Transformer (DAT) architecture. The DAT, a recent advancement in transformer models, is uniquely equipped to handle spatial hierarchies and depth cues, making it ideal for interpreting three-dimensional scenes from two-dimensional images. Our approach leverages the complementary strengths of LiDAR and monocular vision, where LiDAR provides precise depth information while the monocular camera offers rich visual textures and color information. The adaptive fusion strategy dynamically adjusts the weight given to each sensor modality based on the reliability and quality of the data in real-time, ensuring optimal performance under varying environmental conditions. We validate our method using the extensive KITTI dataset, a benchmark in autonomous driving research. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art object detection models, achieving higher accuracy in object localization and classification. Moreover, our solution showcases improved robustness and generalization across diverse driving environments, thanks to the enhanced depth perception enabled by the DAT architecture. To further validate the effectiveness of our model, we conducted both comparative and ablation experiments, which confirmed the performance improvements of our approach and demonstrated the critical contributions of the DAT and Adaptive Fusion components. The proposed fusion of LiDAR and monocular depth estimation using Depth-Aware Transformers represents a significant step forward in autonomous driving perception systems. It not only advances the field of object detection but also paves the way for more sophisticated applications in autonomous navigation, where a deep understanding of the environment is crucial for safe and efficient operation.
Replicating the Expected and the Unexpected: Neuropsychological and Symptom Profiles in a Neurotypical Romanian-English Bilingual Sample
Authors: Crișan Iulia , Bunghez Cătălina , Avram Luisa , Pîrciu Alexandru , Erdodi Laszlo A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Establishing the effect of limited English proficiency (LEP) on cognitive performance within linguistically diverse populations is central to cross-cultural neuropsychological assessments. The present study was designed to replicate previous research on cognitive profiles in Romanian-English bilinguals. Seventy-six participants (54 women, MAge = 23.16, SDAge = 5.91; MEducation = 14.49, SDEducation = 1.57) completed a neuropsychological battery in English. The Digit Span, Animal and Emotion Fluency, and several symptom-report scales were also administered in Romanian. Performance patterns were similar to previous findings: verbal fluency, auditory verbal learning, and picture and speeded color naming were highly sensitive to LEP. In contrast, visuomotor processing speed and mental flexibility were robust to LEP. Participants performed better when ability tests were administered in their native language; there was no difference on symptom inventories. Test performance was related to the degree of LEP, operationalized as performance on the Boston Naming Test—Short Form. Level of verbal mediation and LEP are independent predictors of cognitive performance. Administering tests in the native language may provide a more accurate measure of cognitive functioning in examinees with LEP (especially at the low end of English proficiency). Developing population-specific norms is a necessary safeguard against the multiple confounding factors in the neuropsychological assessment of individuals with LEP.
Botulinum Toxin in Aesthetic Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Methodological Quality of the Top 100 Cited Publications
Authors: Wong Zhen Yu , Damavandi Pegah , Richards Maksim , Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Adegboye Oluwatobi , Faderani Ryan , Kanapathy Muholan , Mosahebi Afshin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Botulinum toxin is widely used in aesthetic medicine, with numerous studies examining its efficacy and safety.

Objectives
This bibliometric analysis aims to describe research trends and assess the methodological quality of the highest-impact botulinum toxin research in aesthetic applications.

Methods
The authors of this study identified the 100 most-cited publications on botulinum toxin in aesthetics using Web of Science, covering all available journal years (from inception to October 2024). The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Level of Evidence (LOE) was used to assess the methodological quality of each study.

Results
The authors identified 1728 articles on the aesthetic uses of botulinum toxin, with the top 100 most-cited articles spanning from 1994 to 2021. The United States dominated the research landscape with 50 articles, followed by Canada (15). The University of California (United States) and the University of British Columbia (Canada) emerged as the top contributing institutions. Among journals, Dermatologic Surgery led in publication count, followed by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetics Surgery Journal. Notably, Professors Jean Carruthers and Alastair Carruthers from Canada were the leading researchers, topping both publication count and citation metrics. Notably, more than half of the studies were classified as LOE 5 (Expert Opinion/Narrative Review).

Conclusions
This bibliometric analysis reveals a paucity of high-quality studies in the field of botulinum toxin in aesthetic medicine, with research predominantly concentrated in western countries. These findings highlight the need for more rigorous, evidence-based studies and increased global collaboration to advance the understanding and application of botulinum toxin in aesthetics.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
Prevalence and predictors of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Zhou Margaret J , Hsing Ann W , Clarke John O 
Published: January 2025

Summary
Data on Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer (EC) outcomes in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are limited. We aimed to determine the risk of prevalent BE (&lt;1 year after endoscopy), incident BE (≥1 year after endoscopy), and incident EC in patients with versus without EoE, and to identify predictors of BE/EC in EoE patients. We identified adult patients in the Merative MarketScan Database who underwent first-time upper endoscopy between 2008 and 2020. Chi-square analysis compared proportions of patients with versus without EoE who had BE or EC. Multivariate Cox regression determined associations between demographics/comorbidities and incident BE/EC in the EoE cohort, adjusting for established BE risk factors. Among 2,947,003 patients who underwent upper endoscopy, 20,588 patients (0.70%) had EoE (mean age 40.6 years, 63.8% male, gastroesophageal reflux disease in 44.9%). Prevalent BE, incident BE, and incident EC was found in 1.03%, 0.57%, and 0.06% of patients with EoE versus 1.06%, 0.54%, and 0.05% of patients without EoE, respectively (P = 0.13, 0.21, and 0.36, respectively). Among individuals with EoE, older age, male sex, presence of a hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and location in North Central or Southern USA were independently associated with incident BE. Older age and prevalent BE were independently associated with incident EC. BE/EC risk in EoE is comparable to that of the baseline population undergoing upper endoscopy. Our findings support current understanding that EoE is not associated with an increased risk of BE/EC and reinforce that conventional BE screening strategies can be applied in patients with EoE.
Does incisor inclination change during orthodontic treatment affect gingival thickness and the width of keratinized gingiva? A prospective controlled study.
Authors: Kloukos Dimitrios , Koukos George , Doulis Ioannis , Stavropoulos Andreas , Katsaros Christos 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
This prospective controlled study aimed to assess whether changes in mandibular incisor inclination during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances affect gingival thickness (GT) and the width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), and having as reference an untreated group of participants.

Materials and methods
Forty consecutively recruited adult orthodontic patients and 40 untreated volunteers, matched for age and gender and selected from the same background population serving as controls, were included. Mandibular incisor inclination was measured in lateral cephalograms before treatment commencement (T0) and 1 month before fixed appliances’ removal (T1). Gingival thickness was measured using an Ultrasound Device (US) and width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) using a standard periodontal probe within the frames of a full periodontal examination at T0, T1, and 1 year after bracket removal (T2), that is, at about 30 months from T1.

Results
Nineteen females and 21 males in each group [mean age in years (range): intervention group 23.1 (16.8–43.3); control: 21.85 (18.2–43.9)] were analysed. Overall, change in incisor proclination [mean change in Incisor Mandibular Angle Plane—IMPA (ΔIMPA) was 6.35° (SD 5.08°)] was not associated with any significant change in soft tissue thickness and with alterations in WKG. The group receiving fixed appliances did not exhibit thickening or thinning of GT in comparison to the control group; the WKG was reduced in the intervention group in comparison to the untreated group, where it essentially remained unchanged (#41: coeff.: −0.29, P value: .1, 95% CIs: −0.65, 0.06; #31: coeff.: −0.51, P value: .01, 95% CIs: −0.88, −0.14).

Conclusions
Lower incisor proclination during orthodontic treatment does not appear to significantly alter GT and WKG, but orthodontic treatment, overall, leads to reduction of the WKG.
Vanishing twins, selection in utero, and infant mortality in the United States
Authors: Catalano Ralph , Casey Joan , Stolte Allison , Lee Hedwig , Gemmill Alison , Bustos Brenda , Bruckner Tim 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives
Research to identify fetal predictors of infant mortality among singletons born in the United States (US) concludes that poorly understood and unmeasured “confounders” produce a spurious association between fetal size and infant death. We argue that these confounders include Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS)—the clinical manifestation of selection against frail male twins in utero. We test our argument in 276 monthly conception cohorts conceived in the US from January 1995 through December 2017.

Methodology
We use Box-Jenkins transfer function modeling to test the hypothesis that among infants born from 276 monthly conception cohorts conceived in the US from January 1995 through December 2017, the sex ratio of twins born in the 37th week of gestation will correlate inversely with infant mortality among singleton males born at the 40th week of gestation.

Results
We find support for our hypothesis and infer that the contribution of survivors of VTS to temporal variation in infant mortality among the hardiest of singleton male infants, those born at 40 weeks gestation, ranged from a decrease of about 7% to an increase of about 5% over our 276 monthly conception cohorts.

Conclusions and Implications
We conclude that an evolutionary perspective on fetal loss makes a heretofore “unmeasured confounder” of the relationship between fetal size and infant mortality both explicable and measurable. This finding may help clinicians better anticipate changes over time in the incidence of infant mortality.
Methylmercury in subarctic amphibians: environmental gradients, bioaccumulation, and estimated flux
Authors: Hossack Blake R , Davenport Jon M , Mattison C Kabryn , Eagles-Smith Collin A , Fishback LeeAnn , Tornabene Brian J , Smalling Kelly L 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Rapid warming in polar regions is causing large changes to ecosystems, including altering environmentally available mercury (Hg). Although subarctic freshwater systems have simple vertebrate communities, Hg in amphibians remains unexplored. We measured total Hg (THg) in wetland sediments and methylmercury (MeHg) in multiple life-stages (eggs to adults) of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) and larval boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata) from up to 25 wetlands near Churchill, Manitoba (Canada), during the summers of 2018–2019. We used egg mass counts for wood frogs from 24 wetlands (2015–2019) and per-ovum MeHg concentrations to estimate site-level MeHg flux by metamorphs from wetlands to the terrestrial environment. Total Hg in wetland sediment was unrelated to MeHg concentrations of amphibian larvae, but sediment THg increased with from coastal tundra vegetation to inland boreal forests. Methylmercury concentrations of wood frog eggs (geometric mean = 35.9; range: 6.7–77.9 ng/g dry wt) exceeded previous reports for amphibians, including from sites contaminated by industrial sources of Hg. Methylmercury concentrations of adult wood frogs (298.9 ng/g dry wt) were also higher than that for frogs included in a recent assessment of MeHg in amphibians across the contiguous United States. Within wetlands, MeHg concentrations of wood frog larvae were strongly correlated with MeHg concentrations in eggs earlier in the summer, and concentrations increased with each life stage. We estimate there would have been 1,971.8–3,286.4 ng MeHg exported from wetlands by wood frog metamorphs, which is 3.4–5.6 times more MeHg than inputted by eggs. Collectively, these data provide an initial assessment of Hg concentrations, body burdens, and dynamics in subarctic food webs that are expected to experience large changes from climate warming.
Occurrence, toxicity, ecological risk, and remediation of diclofenac in surface water environments: a review with a focus on China
Authors: An Xiding , Tao Yanru , Wu Jiaqing , Li Zechan , Li Huixian , Chen Shuqin , Pang Yan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Diclofenac (DCF) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used in health care, livestock, and pharmaceuticals and widely detected in surface water environments globally. Here, we reviewed the occurrence characteristics, migration pathways, and aquatic toxicity of DCF in surface water environments. Asian and African populations are exposed to high concentrations of DCF (&gt; 8,000 ng L−1). Wastewater discharge, livestock, and industrial pollution are the primary factors influencing the concentration and distribution of DCF. Diclofenac can cause acute toxicity, oxidative stress, and other toxic effects on aquatic organisms. We focused on China and analyzed the ecological risks of DCF in surface water environments and found low risk in the south and high risk in the north, as well as low risk during the rainy season and high risk during the dry season. Finally, we discuss the removal methods for DCF and propose the potential of metal-organic frameworks as a new material to replace conventional methods for DCF removal. This study comprehensively reveals the pollution status of DCF and the ecological risk it poses to surface water environments, providing a reference for the environmental management of DCF.