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Bertoin, Roynette and Yor (2004) described new connections between the class LE of Lévy‐Laplace exponents Ψ (also called the class of (sub)critical branching mechanism) and the class of Bernstein functions (BF) which are internal, that is, those Bernstein functions ϕ s.t. Ψ∘ϕ remains a Bernstein function for every Ψ. We complete their work and illustrate how the class of internal function is rich from the stochastic point of view. It is well known that every ϕ∈BF corresponds to (i) a subordinator (Xt)t ≥ 0 (or equivalently to transition semigroups ℙ(Xt∈dx)t≥0 and (ii) a Lévy measure μ (which controls the jumps of the subordinator). It is also known that, on (0,∞), the measure ℙ(Xt∈dx)/t converges vaguely to dδ0(dx)+μ(dx) as t→0, where d is the drift term, but rare are the situations where we can compare the transition semigroups with the Lévy measure. Our extensive investigations on the composition of Lévy‐Laplace exponents Ψ with Bernstein functions show, for instance, these remarkable facts: ϕ is internal is equivalent to (a) ϕ2∈BF or to (b) tμ(dx)−ℙ(Xt∈dx) is a positive measure on (0,∞). We also provide conditions on μ insuring internality for ϕ and illustrate how Lévy‐Laplace exponents are closely connected to the class of Thorin Bernstein function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides a state of the art on methods for evaluating active chain density of rubbers from swelling experiments. This review focuses more particularly on the effects of components that are known to limit the swelling, and which typically results in an overestimation of the active chain density. These components are commonly considered as insoluble. Different corrections dealing with the two principal insoluble components, namely zinc oxide (Zn0) and carbon black (CB) filler, are thoroughly investigated. A comparative study on the same natural rubber (NR), either filled and unfilled, vulcanized with three different vulcanization systems, is performed to evaluate the relevance of each predictive approach. The results obtained highlight their respective limitations. In particular, it is shown that the swelling ratio of unfilled and filled natural rubbers are linearly related, suggesting that fillers have no significant effect on the overall number of cross‐links formed during vulcanization. As a result, we propose a unified approach for correcting the ZnO content for unfilled NR and both the ZnO and CB contents for filled NR. By comparing with results issued from uniaxial tensile tests, it is shown that the use of a mechanical response is a relevant alternative for determining the active chain density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Azoxy coupling of 5‐amino‐1‐methyl‐tetrazole, 5‐amino‐2‐methyl‐tetrazole, and 5‐amino‐1‐methoxy‐tetrazole was performed by reacting each with various oxidants. These reactions revealed aqueous Oxone to be the most facile system for yielding the azoxy couple for the previously mentioned tetrazoles. Chemical and structural characterization of each novel azoxy‐coupled tetrazole was conducted with 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, and single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction. Energetic characterization was evaluated by analysis of each compounds' single crystal x‐ray diffraction density, impact sensitivity, friction sensitivity, and decomposition temperature. All compounds were found to be very sensitive to impact and friction stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscosity, density, and surface tension of an industrial electric arc furnace (EAF) slag from production of construction steel with varying SiO2 and Al2O3 contents are investigated using a rotating viscometer and the maximum bubble pressure method. In addition, influence of thermophysical properties on foaming index is discussed. To predict the behavior of the solid phase in the slag at different temperatures, thermodynamic calculations are performed using FactSage 8.1 software. The experiments demonstratethat SiO2 and Al2O3 act as network formers in the studied slag systems, resulting in increased viscosity values in the liquid‐dominant region and decreased density of the slag. The presence of alumina and silica altered the behavior of the slag in the liquid‐dominant region, shifting the breaking point of the slags. Furthermore, the addition of silica decreases the surface tension of the slag, confirming its role as a surfactant. However, the addition of Al2O3 increases the surface tension due to the high surface tension of pure alumina. Consequently, the foaming index of the slag can increase by ≈40%, primarily due to the polymerization of the slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the thermophysical properties of low‐sulfur manganese–boron steel with varying boron and sulfur contents at different temperatures are investigated. Density and surface tension are measured between 1550 and 1650 °C using the maximum bubble pressure method, while viscosity is examined between 1530 and 1570 °C using an improved oscillating crucible viscometer. The methods yield results with low error, consistent with existing literature. The density of the base steel decreases from 7057 ± 25 kg m−3 at 1550 °C to 6843 ± 85 kg m−3 at 1650 °C. The addition of boron (up to 57 ppm) and sulfur (up to 130 ppm) does not significantly change the density. Sulfur, increasing from 39 to 130 ppm, reduces the surface tension from 1416 ± 12 to 1302 ± 9 mN m−1 at 1650 °C. Boron's effect on surface tension varies, possibly influenced by other elements like oxygen. Viscosity ranges from 5.74 to 6.44 mPa s, with boron and sulfur additions causing minimal changes, the largest deviation being 8%. In these results, valuable data for the simulation, modeling, control, and optimization of liquid steel processing are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional communication training is an effective intervention for establishing an appropriate, alternative response that produces the functional reinforcer maintaining challenging behavior. Once the alternative response is established, it is differentially reinforced—typically using dense schedules—while challenging behavior is placed on extinction. After achieving clinically significant reductions in challenging behavior, reinforcement schedule thinning is conducted to promote the maintenance of the alternative response under more practical reinforcement schedules. In the current study, we compared two different methods for thinning the schedule of reinforcement for the alternative response to a terminal schedule. One method, referred to as the dense‐to‐lean (DTL) approach, involves gradually decreasing the density of alternative reinforcement over successive sessions until the terminal schedule is reached. Another method, referred to as the fixed‐lean (FL) approach, involves abruptly decreasing the density of alternative reinforcement by rapidly transitioning to the terminal schedule. Whereas the former approach has been evaluated extensively within the applied literature, the latter approach has not been the focus of much empirical work in either the clinic or the laboratory. An alternating treatment design was used to directly compare these approaches, both of which included noncontingent access to competing stimuli. Participants achieved clinically significant reductions in challenging behavior at the terminal schedule more readily with the FL than the DTL approach. The results are further discussed in terms of the efficacy and efficiency for both approaches, the potential mediating effect of competing stimuli, and implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the Ricker model with delay and constant or periodic stocking. We found that the high stocking density tends to neutralize the delay effect on stability. Conditions are established on the parameters to ensure the global stability of the equilibrium solution in the case of constant stocking, as well as the global stability of the 2‐periodic solution in the case of 2‐periodic stocking. Our approach extensively relies on the utilization of the embedding technique. Whether constant stocking or periodic stocking, the model has the potential to undergo a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation in both cases. However, the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation in the 2‐periodic case results in the emergence of two invariant curves that collectively function as a single attractor. Finally, we pose open questions in the form of conjectures about global stability for certain choices of the parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When planning abundance surveys, the impact of search intensity on the quality of the density estimates is rarely considered. We constructed a time‐budget modeling framework for abundance surveys using principles from optimal foraging theory. We link search intensity to the number of sample units surveyed, searcher detection probability, the number of detections made, and the precision of the estimated population density. This framework allowed us to determine how a searcher should behave to produce optimized density estimates. Using data collected from quadrat and removal surveys of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in central Minnesota, we applied this framework to evaluate potential improvements. We found that by tuning searcher behavior, density estimates from removal surveys of zebra mussels could be improved by up to 60% in some cases, without changing the overall survey time. Our framework also predicts a critical population density where the best survey method switches from removal surveys at low densities to quadrat surveys at high densities, consistent with past empirical work. In addition, we provide simulation tools to apply this form of analysis to a number of other commonly used survey designs. Our results provide insights into how to improve the performance of many survey methods in high‐density environments by either tuning searcher behavior or decoupling the estimation of population density and detection probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To develop a standardised, automated protocol for detecting protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) positive intra‐epidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) in skin biopsies, transitioning from the established manual technique to an automated platform. This automated method, although currently intended for research applications, may improve the accessibility of this diagnostic test for small fibre neuropathy in clinical settings. Methods: Skin biopsies (n = 274) from 100 participants (fibromyalgia syndrome n = 62; idiopathic small fibre neuropathy: n = 16; healthy volunteers: n = 22) were processed using an automated immunohistochemistry platform. IENF quantification was performed by blinded examiners, with reliability assessed via a two‐way mixed‐effects model to evaluate inter‐ and intra‐observer variability. Results: The automated staining system reproduced intra‐epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) counts consistent with free‐floating sections (mean ± standard deviation: free‐floating: 5.6 ± 3.4 fibres/mm; automated: 5.9 ± 3.2 fibres/mm). A median difference of 0.3 with a lower bound 95% Confidence Interval (CI) at −0.00005 established non‐inferiority against a margin of −0.4 (p =.08). Specifically, the inter‐class correlation coefficient (class denotes consistency in measured observations) was 99% (95% CI: 0.9–1), indicating excellent agreement between free‐floating and automated methods. The inter‐ and intra‐class coefficient between examiners were both 99% (95% CI: 0.9–0.1) for IENFD, demonstrating high reliability using sections stained using the automated method. Interpretation: Automated immunohistochemistry provides high‐throughput reliable and reproducible intra‐epidermal nerve fibre quantification. This method, although currently proof‐of‐concept, for research use only, may be more widely deployed in histopathology laboratories to increase the adoption of IENFD assessment for the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspherical kernel density estimators (KDE), which use a parametric distribution as a guide, are studied in this paper. The main benefit is that these estimators improve the bias of nonguided kernel density estimators when the parametric guiding distribution is not too far from the true density, while preserving the variance. When using a von Mises‐Fisher density as guide, the proposal performs as well as the classical KDE, even when the guiding model is incorrect, and far from the true distribution. This benefit is particular for the hyperspherical setting given its compact support, and is in contrast to similar methods for real valued data. Moreover, we deal with the important issue of data‐driven selection of the smoothing parameter. Simulations and real data examples illustrate the finite‐sample performance of the proposed method, also in comparison with other recently proposed estimation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor (now emeritus) Nils Lid Hjort has through more than four decades been one of the most original and productive statisticians in Norway, contributing to a wide range of topics such as survival analysis, Bayesian nonparametrics, empirical likelihood, density estimation, focused inference, model selection, and confidence distributions. This conversation, which took place at the University of Oslo in December 2023, sheds light on how Nils Hjort's curious and open mind, coupled with a deep understanding, has enabled him to seamlessly navigate between different fields of statistics and its applications. Our aim is to encourage the statistics community to always be on the lookout for unexpected connections in statistical science and to embrace unexpected encounters with fellow statisticians from around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We say that a signed graph is k $k$‐critical if it is not k $k$‐colorable but every one of its proper subgraphs is k $k$‐colorable. Using the definition of colorability due to Naserasr, Wang, and Zhu that extends the notion of circular colorability, we prove that every 3‐critical signed graph on n $n$ vertices has at least 3n−12 $\frac{3n-1}{2}$ edges, and that this bound is asymptotically tight. It follows that every signed planar or projective‐planar graph of girth at least 6 is (circular) 3‐colorable, and for the projective‐planar case, this girth condition is best possible. To prove our main result, we reformulate it in terms of the existence of a homomorphism to the signed graph C3* ${C}_{3}^{* }$, which is the positive triangle augmented with a negative loop on each vertex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry ice is one of the world's most in‐demand commodities for cold chain distribution of temperature sensitive products in insulated shippers. A commonly used rule of thumb is that dry ice sublimates about 8% every 24 h, without consideration for dry ice type, size, or geometry. This study explored sublimation rates of dry ice composition (binding agent and density), age, and geometry (size and shape). Dry ice block manufacturing often involves dosing propylene glycol‐water "binder" solution to liquid carbon dioxide. Tests performed in this study revealed that the binding agent did not influence the dry ice sublimation rate. Dry ice density was found to impact sublimation rate. Fresh and aged blocks of similar dimensions and mass were found to have similar performance outcomes. Mass loss curves for pellets and various sized dry ice blocks showed a dependence on surface area and volume. Chunked blocks and pellets with and without binding agent sublimated at similar rates of 2.84 and 2.53% h−1 (w/w), respectively, whereas block varieties with significantly lower surface area to volume ratios had lower sublimation rates of 0.98–1.60% h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel and fully probabilistic approach for combining model‐based forecasts with surveys or other judgmental forecasts. In our method, survey forecasts are integrated as penalty terms for the model parameters, facilitating a probabilistic exploration of additional insights obtained from surveys. We apply this approach to estimate a growth‐at‐risk model for real GDP growth in the United States. The results reveal that this additional shrinkage significantly improves prediction performance, with the information from surveys even exerting an influence on the lower tails of the distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the compressible Navier–Stokes equations with viscosities μ(ρ)=ρ,λ(ρ)=0$$ \mu \left(\rho \right)=\rho, \lambda \left(\rho \right)=0 $$ in bounded domains when the initial data are spherically symmetric, which covers the Saint‐Venant model for the motion of shallow water. First, based on the exploitation of the one‐dimensional feature of symmetric solutions, we prove the global existence of weak solutions with initial vacuum, where the upper bound of the density is obtained. Then, with more conditions imposed on the nonvacuum initial data, we obtain the global weak solution which is a strong one away from the symmetry center. The analysis allows for the possibility that a vacuum state emerges at the symmetry center; in particular, we give the uniform bound of the radius of the vacuum domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overflow of cold water through the Faroe Bank Channel (FBC) is the densest water crossing the Greenland‐Scotland Ridge and the densest source for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Here, we show that the overflow volume transport remained stable from 1996 to 2022, but that the bottom water warmed at an average rate of 0.1°C per decade, mainly caused by warming of deep waters upstream. The salinity of the overflow water has increased as a lagged and reduced response to the salinity increase seen in the upper‐layer source waters. Therefore, the potential density of the bottom water over the FBC sill shows no statistically significant trend. After entrainment of warmer ambient waters downstream of the FBC, the nonlinear density dependence upon temperature implies, however, that the overflow contributed water of reduced density to the local overturning and the deep limb of the AMOC. Plain Language Summary: As part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation—often called AMOC—dense water is formed north of the subsea ridge between Greenland and Scotland. On its route southward at depth, the dense water has to cross this subsea ridge called the Greenland‐Scotland Ridge. The densest water flows through the deepest trench, which is the Faroe Bank Channel with a sill depth of 840 m. Here, the strength of the flow has been monitored since 1995 together with its temperature and salinity characteristics. While the strength of the flow has been stable throughout the monitoring period, the dense water in the Faroe Bank Channel has warmed and also become more saline. Despite the warming, the density of the water, which is determined by the combination of temperature and salinity, has remained nearly unchanged. After leaving the Faroe Bank Channel, the dense water intensively entrains and mixes with warmer surrounding water and forms a larger volume of water, termed Iceland‐Scotland Overflow Water, that feeds the AMOC. The density of this large volume is sensitive to warming. The observed warming of the dense water may, therefore, have implications for the AMOC and thereby on the regional as well as global climate. Key Points: Observed Faroe Bank Channel overflow strength has been stable from 1996 to 2022, but the overflow waters warmed in the recent two decadesConcurrent salinity increase prevented the bottom water density from decreasing significantly from the effect of warmingAfter entrainment downstream, the overflow contributed water of reduced density to global overturning due to non‐linear effects of warming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are increasingly recognized as sustainable alternatives suitable for a range of industrial applications. A precise comprehension of their properties is important for progress in science and engineering. In this study, we synthesized four novel ternary DESs using mandelic acid and measured their densities and viscosities at temperatures ranging from 298 to 353 K. Subsequently, an artificial neural network model was developed to predict DES density and viscosity based on temperature, critical properties, acentric factor, and molar ratio. The neural network parameters were optimized using experimental data from synthesized DESs and literature sources, both collectively over 500 data points for density and viscosity. Additionally, we investigated the influence of input parameters on model accuracy and assessed their significance. The results show that the average percentage relative error was 0.501 for density and 4.81 for viscosity. This research helps advance science and engineering applications of DESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is centered on the analysis of composite component additive manufacturing, via fused filament fabrication (FFF), comprising of 316L stainless steel particles in a polymer matrix. It examines the impact of several process factors of FFF, including extrusion speed, layer height, and extrusion temperature, on the density and surface roughness with the goal to minimize porosity. The independent and interaction impacts of these parameters were investigated using a central composite design technique. The technique of analysis of variance was utilized to determine the influence of relevant factors. Regression analysis was used to establish statistical models linking the parameters to green density and surface roughness. The green density was enhanced by reducing the layer height from 0.2 to 0.1 μm and decreasing the nozzle speed from 100 to 20 mm min−1. The surface roughness was improved by using a slow printing speed and minimum layer height. The ideal temperature range for producing favorable results in terms of green density and surface roughness during extrusion was found to be between 235 and 240°C. Significant correlations were found between the parameters and the green density and surface roughness. A genetic algorithm was used as an optimisation tool to determine the thresholds that would provide the highest green density and the lowest surface roughness values. The porosity of the samples generated with the optimized settings was evaluated using microtomography scans. The methodology presented here can be applied to composite and standard polymeric filament printing to determine optimal printing parameters. Highlights: Blend of stainless steel 316L and polymer was used for fused filament fabrication.Printing speed and layer height were the dominating for density and roughness.Height 0.2 mm, speed 20 mm s−1, and temperature 239°C resulted 4.73 g cm−3 density and 21.09 μm roughnessMicrotomography revealed porosity of 1.7% in the optimized sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) contents and asphalt properties remains unclear. This study aimed to propose a high‐throughput molecular dynamics simulation framework and demonstrate its application in rapidly building asphalt molecular models of various SARA ratios and predicting their properties, using density as an example. Based on the framework, 400 models with varying SARA ratios with different aging degrees were generated to calculate their densities and used to train machine learning algorithms. The ordinary least squares model achieved R2 values exceeding 80%, and quantitative formulas linking asphalt density to SARA ratios were derived. It was found that saturate content negatively correlates with asphalt density, while resin content positively correlates with asphalt density. Additionally, asphalt density and viscosity increase with aging, influenced simultaneously by the SARA ratio and aging degree. Overall, this paper creates a rapid, high‐throughput molecular simulation pathway to predict asphalt behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Among the variety of statistical intervals, highest‐density regions (HDRs) stand out for their ability to effectively summarise a distribution or sample, unveiling its distinctive and salient features. An HDR represents the minimum size set that satisfies a certain probability coverage, and current methods for their computation require knowledge or estimation of the underlying probability distribution or density f$$ f $$. In this work, we illustrate a broader framework for computing HDRs, which generalises the classical density quantile method. The framework is based on neighbourhood measures, that is, measures that preserve the order induced in the sample by f$$ f $$, and include the density f$$ f $$ as a special case. We explore a number of suitable distance‐based measures, such as the k$$ k $$‐nearest neighbourhood distance, and some probabilistic variants based on copula models. An extensive comparison is provided, showing the advantages of the copula‐based strategy, especially in those scenarios that exhibit complex structures (e.g. multimodalities or particular dependencies). Finally, we discuss the practical implications of our findings for estimating HDRs in real‐world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest for high‐performance energetic materials for defense and aerospace has intensified, focusing on balancing energy output and safety. This study presents the synthesis of 3D energetic metal‐organic frameworks (EMOFs) [Na3(DNT)(H2O)]n (Na‐MOF), [K2(DNT)2(H2O)]n (K‐MOF), and [Cs2(DNT)]n (Cs‐MOF) using 1,2,4‐dinitrimino triazole (DNT) through a hydrothermal process. The synthesized EMOFs are characterized using infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, and structures confirmed via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, revealing 3D frameworks with crystal densities of 2.15, 2.16, and 2.86 g cm−3, respectively. Among them, Na‐MOF exhibits excellent detonation performance (VOD = 8900 m s−1, DP = 26.21 GPa), high thermal stability (Td = 369 °C), and insensitivity to impact and friction (IS = 40 J, FS = 360 N). K‐MOF displays balanced energetic and mechanical properties, while Cs‐MOF, though moderate in energetic performance, shows significant potential in pyrotechnic applications, producing a bright red flame. Intermolecular interactions are analyzed through Hirshfeld surface, 2D fingerprint, and SEM analyses, enhancing the understanding of particle size and morphology. Na‐MOF also demonstrates high iodine encapsulation capacity, positioning it as a potential replacement for traditional materials like RDX and heat‐resistant explosives such as HNS, with comparability to PYX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs machine learning algorithms to analyze the bead foam extrusion process and to assess the impact of processing parameters, specifically focusing on their effects on bead foam density and melt pressure in under water granulation (UWG) for polylactic acid (PLA). These interrelated parameters, influenced by processing parameters such as temperature, screw speed, and blowing agent, possess challenges for traditional empirical methods to capture. The key factors that significantly impact the prediction of melt pressure in UWG are blowing agent, injector pressure, temperature in B‐extruder and die size. Likewise, essential parameters for predicting bead foam density comprise blowing agent, injector pressure, temperature in B‐extruder, die plate temperature, melt temperature in B‐extruder, and melt pressure in B‐extruder. Machine learning (ML) models were employed to forecast bead foam density and melt pressure in UWG using various processing parameters in PLA bead foam extrusion. The random forest model achieved a high coefficient of determination R2 score of 0.96 for predicting melt pressure in UWG. Additionally, the decision tree model demonstrated effective predictions for bead density, with the R2 score: 0.81. These ML models can be applied to diverse materials, leading to more sustainable, efficient processes for bead foam extrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a food chain model in which the primary predator moves directly toward areas of high prey density. Simultaneously, the primary predator, which serves as the prey for the secondary predator, indirectly influences the directional movements of the secondary predator through cues such as chemical signals, scents, or excretions. We investigate whether the distinct influences of direct taxis and indirect taxis, as observed in prey–predator dynamics, are also manifested in the proposed food chain model. Our study demonstrates that the model, which incorporates both direct and indirect prey‐taxis, possesses bounded and global solutions up to three‐dimensional space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning techniques have found their way into computational chemistry as indispensable tools to accelerate atomistic simulations and materials design. In addition, machine learning approaches hold the potential to boost the predictive power of computationally efficient electronic structure methods, such as density functional theory, to chemical accuracy and to correct for fundamental errors in density functional approaches. Here, recent progress in applying machine learning to improve the accuracy of density functional and related approximations is reviewed. Promises and challenges in devising machine learning models transferable between different chemistries and materials classes are discussed with the help of examples applying promising models to systems far outside their training sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen infection and conspecific density may considerably affect key life‐history traits of organisms. For naturally aggregating species, even low concentrations of pathogens or high larval densities may have detrimental effects. However, the detailed influence of these factors, particularly their interaction effect, is often overlooked in ecological and life‐history studies. To investigate the effects of conspecific density and pathogen infection on life‐history traits, we explored the influence of larval density (1 and 5 larvae cm−2, i.e., low and high density, respectively) on phenoloxidase (PO) activity, body mass, and development time of Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae in the presence of two strains of the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. We observed higher PO activity in EPF‐treated larvae than in the untreated control and a pronounced difference in PO activity between the two EPF‐strain treatments. Larvae reared at high density and treated with EPF showed higher PO activity than untreated larvae at low density. The EPF‐treated larvae and larvae reared at high density had longer larval periods than untreated larvae and larvae reared at low density, respectively. Larvae reared at high density also achieved reduced prepupal and pupal masses compared to conspecifics at low density. Interestingly, untreated larvae only achieved higher prepupal and pupal masses at low density, whereas at high density, the pattern was reversed (treated individuals had higher pupal masses). Overall, our results demonstrate that high density and fungal pathogens both induce a higher immune response compared to low density and pathogen‐free environments, but this comes with a cost of a longer larval period and reduced body mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the association between progressive peripapillary capillary vessel density (pcVD) reduction and the progression of visual field (VF) impairment in individuals with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: The study enrolled 110 participants with one eye each, totalling 110 NTG eyes. VF defects were evaluated using standard automated perimetry mean deviation (MD), while pcVD measurements were obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography throughout the follow‐up period. Estimates of VF progression were determined by event‐based and trend‐based analyses. Fast VF progression was defined as an MD slope steeper than −0.5 dB/year, while the slow progression or stable VF was defined as an MD slope better or equal to −0.25 dB/year. Linear mixed‐effects models were employed to analyse the rates of change in pcVD reduction and VF MD decline over time. Additionally, univariable and multivariable linear models were used to examine the relationship between pcVD changes and VF loss rates in NTG. Results: Slow VF progression or stable VF was observed in 45% of subjects, while 25% had moderate progression and 30% showed fast progression. Patients with VF progression exhibited faster rate of pcVD reduction in peripapillary global region (−0.73 ± 0.40%/year vs. −0.56 ± 0.35%/year, p = 0.022). Moreover, this rate positively correlated with VF MD decline in NTG (estimate 0.278, 95% CI 0.122–0.433, p = 0.001). Conclusion: In individuals with NTG, faster VF progression was linked to a quicker reduction in pcVD, suggesting a positive correlation between pcVD decline and VF deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare collected bone weight and the frequency of autologous bone harvesting from the flutes of surgical drills used for implant bed preparation using two different drilling techniques. A comparative evaluation of radiographic bone density and bone quality was also made. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was made of 66 dental implants in patients with a single posterior edentulous site. The compared drilling techniques were high‐speed drilling with irrigation (control group) and low‐speed drilling without irrigation (test group). The bone collected in both groups was dried and weighed with a precise electronic balance. The frequency of harvesting was calculated. The median radiographic bone density of each implant site was measured using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) pixel values. Patient sex, age, implant position and dimensions, as well as the last drill diameter were analyzed as independent variables. The level of significance was 5%. Results: The harvesting of bone chips from drill flutes proved possible in 51.5% of the procedures in the control group and in 100% in the test group (p < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences in bone weight between the control group (6.7 ± 10.6 mg) and the test group (41.9 ± 30.3 mg) (p < 0.001). The CBCT pixel values were directly correlated with the collected bone weight in both groups. The median radiographic bone density, arch and last drill diameter were significantly associated with harvesting bone frequency and collected bone weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the frequency and weight of autologous bone harvested from drills are greater with low‐speed drilling without irrigation than with high‐speed drilling with irrigation. Radiographic bone density, arch and last drill diameter also significantly influenced the harvesting outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the advancements and current state of Variable Density (VD) Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in comparison to traditional earth pressure balance (EPB) and slurry shield (Mix) TBMs for tunneling in soft ground. Topics discussed include the evolution of VD TBMs, comparisons with EPB and Mix shields based on various operational criteria, and the future outlook for these technologies.

This study develops a novel approach for improving stock return volatility forecasts using volatility index information with the entropic tilting technique. Unlike traditional linear heteroskedasticity autoregressive methods with option‐implied information, we first derive predictive densities from traditional models, and then tilt using both the first and second moments of the risk‐neutral distribution, which enables us to capture the nonlinear effect in our specification. The empirical findings demonstrate a substantial enhancement in the forecasting accuracy of all models once the first‐ and second‐moment information is considered, where the improvement is both statistically and economically significant. These results have important implications for risk management in well‐established derivatives markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article presents a comprehensive examination of effective stress behavior in internally pressurized cylinders with varying density, utilizing Norton's law as the analytical framework. Our thorough numerical computations encompass a wide array of steels and steel alloys commonly employed in cylinder fabrication, covering five distinct types of anisotropy. The investigation meticulously analyzes the profound impact of anisotropy and the exponent "n" within the creep law. A key insight emerges as the effective stress values for anisotropic materials, particularly in Type‐I and Type‐II, showcase a notable reduction compared to their isotropic counterparts in Type‐III. Moreover, we highlight the active role played by an increasing density parameter in elevating the values of radial, circumferential, axial stress, and effective stress within the rotating cylinder composed of anisotropic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We obtain conditional upper bounds for negative discrete moments of the derivative of the Riemann zeta‐function averaged over a subfamily of zeros of the zeta function that is expected to be arbitrarily close to full density inside the set of all zeros. For k⩽1/2$k\leqslant 1/2$, our bounds for the 2k$2k$‐th moments are expected to be almost optimal. Assuming a conjecture about the maximum size of the argument of the zeta function on the critical line, we obtain upper bounds for these negative moments of the same strength while summing over a larger subfamily of zeta zeros. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euro area real‐time density forecasts from three dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) and three Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) models are compared with six combination methods over the sample 2001Q1–2019Q4. The terms information and observation lag are introduced to distinguish time shifts between data vintages and actuals used to compute model weights and compare the forecast, respectively. Bounds for finite mixture combinations are presented, allowing for benchmarking them given the models. Empirically, combinations with limited weight variation often improve upon the individual models for the output and the joint forecasts with inflation. This reflects overconfident BVAR forecasts before the Great Recession. For inflation, a BVAR model typically performs best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppose that C0n⊂Rn+1$\mathbf {C}_0^n \subset \mathbb {R}^{n+1}$ is a smooth strictly minimizing and strictly stable minimal hypercone (such as the Simons cone), l≥0$l \ge 0$, and M$M$ a complete embedded minimal hypersurface of Rn+1+l$\mathbb {R}^{n+1+l}$ lying to one side of C=C0×Rl$\mathbf {C}= \mathbf {C}_0 \times \mathbb {R}^l$. If the density at infinity of M$M$ is less than twice the density of C$\mathbf {C}$, then we show that M=H(λ)×Rl$M = H(\lambda) \times \mathbb {R}^l$, where {H(λ)}λ$\lbrace H(\lambda)\rbrace _\lambda$ is the Hardt–Simon foliation of C0$\mathbf {C}_0$. This extends a result of L. Simon, where an additional smallness assumption is required for the normal vector of M$M$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In density estimation, the mean integrated squared error (MISE) is commonly used as a measure of performance. In that setting, the cross‐validation criterion provides an unbiased estimator of the MISE minus the integral of the squared density. Since the minimum MISE is known to converge to zero, this suggests that the minimum value of the cross‐validation criterion could be regarded as an estimator of minus the integrated squared density. This novel proposal presents the outstanding feature that, unlike all other existing estimators, it does not need the choice of any tuning parameter. Indeed, it is proved here that this approach results in a consistent and efficient estimator, with remarkable performance in practice. Moreover, apart from this base case, it is shown how several other problems on density functional estimation can be similarly handled using this new principle, thus demonstrating full potential for further applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Stomatal pores in plant leaves mediate CO2 uptake for photosynthesis and water loss via transpiration. Altered stomatal density can affect plant photosynthetic capacity, water use efficiency, and growth, potentially providing either benefits or drawbacks depending on the environment. Here we explore, at different air humidity regimes, gas exchange, stomatal anatomy, and growth of Arabidopsis lines designed to combine increased stomatal density (epf1, epf2) with high stomatal sensitivity (ht1‐2, cyp707a1/a3). We show that the stomatal density and sensitivity traits combine as expected: higher stomatal density increases stomatal conductance, whereas the effect is smaller in the high stomatal sensitivity mutant backgrounds than in the epf1epf2 double mutant. Growth under low air humidity increases plant stomatal ratio with relatively more stomata allocated to the adaxial epidermis. Low relative air humidity and high stomatal density both independently impair plant growth. Higher evaporative demand did not punish increased stomatal density, nor did inherently low stomatal conductance provide any protection against low relative humidity. We propose that the detrimental effects of high stomatal density on plant growth at a young age are related to the cost of producing stomata; future experiments need to test if high stomatal densities might pay off in later life stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly promising devices for efficient and low‐emission energy conversion. The effective triple‐phase boundary (TPB) density refers to the fraction of percolated TPB density that effectively contributes to the current production during cell operation. This is one of the most fundamental and least understood aspects of the cell design and performance assessment. This study methodically investigates the effective TPB density, using a computational fluid dynamics model based on the TPB‐based kinetics and its correlation with the active anode thickness. Experimental data from previously published studies with varying thicknesses of anode functional layer and operating regimes are utilized to validate the model. The results of this study reaffirm that a significant fraction of the percolated TPB density in SOFCs remains unused during cell operation. This finding emphasizes the need to consider the effective TPB density for theoretical and experimental investigations focusing on optimizing cell performance. Furthermore, an inverse relationship is observed between the effective TPB density and the active anode thickness; a lower active anode thickness corresponds to a higher effective TPB density and vice versa. These findings contribute to advancing sustainable energy systems by guiding the development of more efficient SOFC designs and operational strategies that effectively utilize TPB sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and their association with clinical and pathological features.12 TLS‐related chemokines in TCGA database were analyzed to investigate the TLSs in OSCC. The density, maturity, and location of TLSs in a large cohort of 189 OSCC patients (114 of which had clinical and prognostic information) were assessed. And the significance between TLSs and clinicopathologic characteristics was analyzed.Bioinformatics and analysis showed that TLSs were associated with better clinical outcomes in OSCC. Histological staining and analysis showed that the overall survival rate of the high‐density group (71/112, 63.4%) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that of the low‐density group (41/112, 36.6%), and the high‐density group had fewer lymph node metastases (50.0%/68.3%, p = 0.021). And TLSs were divided into 4 types according to the maturity and location. Different types of TLSs are associated with prognosis (OS, p < 0.0001), clinical features (T stage, p = 0.028; degree of differentiation, p = 0.043), and precancerous lesion types (OSF, p = 0.049) of OSCC patients.TLSs were closely associated with better OSCC prognosis, and a more systematic classification may better guide the formulation of further treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents are maintenance hosts of numerous pathogens, and both their density and the pathogen prevalence determine the risk they pose to other animals or humans. However, density is often overlooked. We investigated a capture‐mark‐recapture‐sampling strategy to study introduced mice (Mus musculus) and Leptospira as a model and demonstrate the advantages of a combined approach. We estimated population density and Leptospira prevalence in mice in a replicated longitudinal survey conducted between 2016 and 2018. Capture‐mark‐recapture sessions were undertaken at two sites in Spring and Autumn and blood and kidney samples were collected at the end of each session. Mouse density and areas of activity were estimated using spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models and both were compared between Leptospira positive and negative mice. Leptospira exposure and shedding status were estimated using Microscopic Agglutination Test, and a combination of culture and lipL32 PCR on kidneys. Leptospira prevalence was higher in spring (83%–86%) than in autumn (31%–37%) and mouse densities simultaneously varied from 3.6 to 55.9/ha. However, despite these variations in prevalence and density, the density of infected animals remained relatively constant over time (3–8/ha). Shedding or being seropositive was also associated with the activity of mice. Shedding or seropositive mice had a larger activity area, and seropositive mice were trapped on average 1 day earlier than seronegative mice. Synthesis and applications: Our results show how understanding the population dynamics of pathogen‐carrying rodents is critical in epidemiology. The wider movement patterns and easier encounters of positive mice highlight the possibility of biases in classical prevalence surveys and have implications for disease transmission within and between species. Importantly, and quite counter‐intuitively, Leptospira prevalence was negatively associated with mouse density, resulting in a constant density of shedders that contradicts the conventional view of higher exposure risk at high rodent density. More broadly, such sampling designs can improve animal and disease control policies and better inform modelling studies by providing more parameter estimates than classical prevalence surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle size evolution in seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization is monitored by two real‐time monitoring techniques: online turbidity spectroscopy (TUS) and inline photon density wave spectroscopy (PDWS). An automatic dilution system that withdraws a sample from the reactor and upon dilution transfers to the measurement cell is used for the online TUS analysis. A PDWS probe is immersed in the reactor and collects inline the scattered light directly from the reacting latex. The particle sizes retrieved from TUS and PDWS are compared to offline dynamic light scattering (DLS) values. The particle size obtained by TUS is close to the intensity‐average particle size obtained offline by DLS, while the particle size obtained by PDWS lies closer to the number‐average particle size from DLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree rings are the most widely‐used proxy records for reconstructing Common Era temperatures. Tree‐ring records correlate strongly with temperature on an interannual basis, but studies have found discrepancies between tree rings and climate models on longer timescales, indicating that low‐frequency noise could be prevalent in these archives. Using a large network of temperature‐sensitive tree‐ring records, we partition timeseries variance into a common (i.e., "signal") and non‐climatic (i.e., "noise") component using a frequency‐resolved signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) analysis. We find that the availability of stored resources from prior years (i.e., biological "memory") dampens the climate signal at high‐frequencies, and that independent noise reduces the SNR on long timescales. We also find that well‐replicated, millennial‐length records had the strongest common signal across centuries. Our work suggests that low‐frequency noise models are appropriate for use in pseudoproxy experiments, and speaks to the continued value of high‐quality data development as a top priority in dendroclimatology. Plain Language Summary: Tree rings contain valuable information about past variations in Earth's climate, but this information can be obscured by biological influences over tree‐ring formation, particularly when slow changes in climate are integrated with long biological trends. In this study, we measured the strength of the common signal and random noise in a network of tree‐ring records from across the Northern Hemisphere. We find that the emergence of non‐climatic trends decreases the similarity of nearby tree‐ring records to each other on long timescales. Key Points: Temperature‐sensitive tree‐ring records had the highest signal‐to‐noise ratios on an interannual basisNoise showed a positive relationship with timescale indicating presence of independent trends over long time periodsSignal‐to‐noise ratios were highest in tree‐ring density records and in records comprised of a greater number of individual trees [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamoxifen prevents recurrence of breast cancer and is also approved for preventive, risk‐reducing, therapy. Tamoxifen alters the breast tissue composition and decreases the mammographic density. We aimed to test if baseline breast tissue composition influences tamoxifen‐associated density change. This biopsy‐based study included 83 participants randomised to 6 months daily intake of placebo, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, or 1 mg tamoxifen. The study is nested within the double‐blinded tamoxifen dose‐determination trial Karolinska Mammography Project for Risk Prediction of Breast Cancer Intervention (KARISMA) Study. Ultrasound‐guided core‐needle breast biopsies were collected at baseline before starting treatment. Biopsies were quantified for epithelial, stromal, and adipose distributions, and epithelial and stromal expression of proliferation marker Ki67, oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR). Mammographic density was measured using STRATUS. We found that greater mammographic density at baseline was positively associated with stromal area and inversely associated with adipose area and stromal expression of ER. Premenopausal women had greater mammographic density and epithelial tissue, and expressed more epithelial Ki67, PR, and stromal PR, compared to postmenopausal women. In women treated with tamoxifen (1–20 mg), greater density decrease was associated with higher baseline density, epithelial Ki67, and stromal PR. Women who responded to tamoxifen with a density decrease had on average 17% higher baseline density and a 2.2‐fold higher PR expression compared to non‐responders. Our results indicate that features in the normal breast tissue before tamoxifen exposure influences the tamoxifen‐associated density decrease, and that the age‐associated difference in density change may be related to age‐dependant differences in expression of Ki67 and PR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the problem of the nonparametric estimation for the density π$$ \pi $$ of the stationary distribution of a d$$ d $$‐dimensional stochastic differential equation (Xt)t∈[0,T]$$ {\left({X}_t\right)}_{t\in \left[0,T\right]} $$. From the continuous observation of the sampling path on [0,T]$$ \left[0,T\right] $$, we study the estimation of π(x)$$ \pi (x) $$ as T$$ T $$ goes to infinity. For d≥2$$ d\ge 2 $$, we characterize the minimax rate for the L2$$ {\mathbf{L}}^2 $$‐risk in pointwise estimation over a class of anisotropic Hölder functions π$$ \pi $$ with regularity β=(β1,…,βd)$$ \beta =\left({\beta}_1,\dots, {\beta}_d\right) $$. For d≥3$$ d\ge 3 $$, our finding is that, having ordered the smoothness such that β1≤⋯≤βd$$ {\beta}_1\le \cdots \le {\beta}_d $$, the minimax rate depends on whether β2<β3$$ {\beta}_2<{\beta}_3 $$ or β2=β3$$ {\beta}_2={\beta}_3 $$. In the first case, this rate is logTTγ$$ {\left(\frac{\log T}{T}\right)}^{\gamma } $$, and in the second case, it is (1T)γ$$ {\left(\frac{1}{T}\right)}^{\gamma } $$, where γ$$ \gamma $$ is an explicit exponent dependent on the dimension and β‾3$$ {\overline{\beta}}_3 $$, the harmonic mean of smoothness over the d$$ d $$ directions after excluding β1$$ {\beta}_1 $$ and β2$$ {\beta}_2 $$, the smallest ones. We also demonstrate that kernel‐based estimators achieve the optimal minimax rate. Furthermore, we propose an adaptive procedure for both L2$$ {L}^2 $$ integrated and pointwise risk. In the two‐dimensional case, we show that kernel density estimators achieve the rate logTT$$ \frac{\log T}{T} $$, which is optimal in the minimax sense. Finally we illustrate the validity of our theoretical findings by proposing numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues Addressed: Tobacco product availability is higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, which can further widen tobacco‐related health and disease burden inequities. This study aimed to describe retail availability of tobacco products in South Australia and examine the association between tobacco vendor location, population's socioeconomic status (SES) and tobacco smoking prevalence. Methods: Cross‐sectional 2022 tobacco vendor licence data and 2021–2022 state‐wide population health survey data from the South Australian Department of Health were used. Tobacco vendors were enumerated by Statistical Area 2 (SA2) using geocoding software, with SA2s assigned health survey derived smoking prevalence, SES, remoteness category, area size, and population size. Results: As of 2022, there were 1723 tobacco vendors in South Australia and the overall tobacco smoking prevalence across the state was 11.8%. Regression analyses indicated that tobacco vendor density increased with socioeconomic disadvantage and geographic remoteness, and that smoking prevalence was higher in low SES areas. Vendor density was not related to smoking prevalence. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with existing research indicating greater tobacco availability in socially disadvantaged areas. This supports that tobacco vendor saturation may be directed to areas in a way that promotes tobacco availability for vulnerable populations. Our finding that smoking prevalence was unrelated to tobacco availability contrasts existing literature and should be carefully interpreted. So What?: This is the first study to map tobacco retailers across South Australia, contributing needed evidence on the intersection of tobacco vendor density, social disadvantage, and smoking prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the population size of endangered Oryx beisa (Rüppell, 1835), and near‐threatened Litocranius walleri (Brooke, 1878) of uncertain global population estimates in Geralle National Park, southeastern Ethiopia. Systematic line transects were established with a transect length range of 2.3 to 6.8 km long (a total of 165.4 km long with a sighting distance of 150 m after truncation). The combination of AIC and chi‐square p‐values was used as model selection criteria for density/population size estimation in distance sampling software. The lowest AIC, ∆AIC (close to zero), and Chi‐square tests (p‐value >.05) were selected with adequate model fit. The minimum observation was 67 individuals of beisa oryx in the dry season. The maximum observation was 349 individuals of gerenuk during the wet season. The minimum detection probability of oryx was in the wet season (pâ = 76 ± 26), and the minimum detection probability of gerenuk was (pâ = 75 ± 1) in both seasons. The two‐season pooled density analyzed for studied species indicated (0.85 ± 0.34, 1.24 ± 0.47, beisa oryx/km2), and (3.82 ± 0.6, 4.88 ± 0.7 gerenuk/km2) in dry and wet seasons, respectively. It can be concluded from the results of the study that GNP is home to previously undiscovered healthy populations of the endangered beisa oryx and near‐threatened gerenuk. So it is recommended to undergo in‐depth population studies, including other species available in the national park and their habitat components, so as to design sound, sustainable conservation measures for the wildlife resources in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sponges play a vital role in the reef's benthic community; however, understanding how their diversity and abundance vary with depth is a major challenge, especially on marginal reefs in areas deeper than 30 m. To help bridge this gap, we used underwater videos at 24 locations between 2‐ and 62‐meter depths on a marginal reef system in the Southwestern Atlantic to investigate the effect of depth on the sponge metacommunity. Specifically, we quantified the abundance, density, and taxonomic composition of sponge communities, and decomposed their gamma (γ) diversity into alpha (α) and beta (β) components. We also assessed whether beta diversity was driven by species replacement (turnover) or by nesting of local communities (nestedness). We identified 2020 marine sponge individuals, which belong to 36 species and 24 genera. As expected, deep areas (i.e., those greater than 30 m) presented greater sponge abundance and more than eightfold the number of sponges per square meter compared to shallow areas. About 50% of the species that occurred in shallow areas (<30 m) also occurred in deep areas. Contrarily to expectations, alpha diversity of rare (0Dα), typical (1Dα), or dominant (2Dα) species did not vary with depth, but the shallow areas had greater beta diversity than the deep ones, especially for typical (1Dβ) and dominant (2Dβ) species. Between 92.7% and 95.7% of the beta diversity was given by species turnover both inside and between shallow and deep areas. Our results support previous studies that found greater sponge abundance and density in deep areas and reveal that species sorting is stronger at smaller depths, generating more beta diversity across local communities in shallow than deep areas. Because turnover is the major driver at any depth, the entire depth gradient should be considered in management and conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited information available on wolverine (Gulo gulo) population density and trends in the boreal forest of North America. We estimated wolverine density using spatial capture‐recapture methods across 2 boreal forest study areas in Red Lake, Ontario (26,568 km2) and Rainbow Lake, Alberta (19,084 km2), Canada. We also used radio‐telemetry data to estimate annual survival of adult and sub‐adult wolverines and evaluated population trends with a stage‐based matrix model. We used an array of run poles and live traps to detect wolverines. In Red Lake over 3 winter field seasons (2019–2022), we detected 56 individual wolverines (17 females, 32 males, and 7 unknown sex), and in Rainbow Lake over 2 field seasons (2014–2016), we detected 48 individuals (19 females, 18 males, and 11 of unknown sex). Average densities in Red Lake and Rainbow Lake were 3.64 and 6.74 wolverines/1,000 km2, respectively. Adults and sub‐adults occurred at equal abundance. Spring snow cover, roads, and industrial developments were not associated with spatial patterns of wolverine density. Most deaths occurred near roads; wolverines were killed in fur traps set along roads, by wolves using roads to travel, and by vehicles. The largest source of death was from incidental (n = 6 in Red Lake) or licensed fur trapping (n = 8 in Rainbow Lake) and we report 8 injuries from fur trapping sets. Red Lake survival estimates for adults (0.87) and sub‐adults (0.86) contributed to a stable population trend. Rainbow Lake survival estimates for adults (0.66) and sub‐adults (0.50) contributed to a declining population trend based on a relatively low sample of radio‐days. Red Lake and Rainbow Lake combined survival estimates for adults (0.77) and sub‐adults (0.73) also contributed to a declining population trend. Our survival and population modeling suggests that human‐caused mortality is a significant risk to these populations. Our results can be applied to wolverine status assessments and used as benchmarks for future monitoring. Wolverine population stability or growth might be achieved by reducing incidental trapping deaths or injury and hindering human access to wolverine habitats through decommissioning or limiting development of industrial roads or other anthropogenic linear features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis has been implicated in several neurological disorders and may be therapeutically targeted. However, the susceptibility to ferroptosis varies in different cells, and inconsistent results have been reported even using the same cell line. Understanding the effects of key variables of in vitro studies on ferroptosis susceptibility is of critical importance to facilitate drug discoveries targeting ferroptosis. Here, we showed that increased cell seeding density leads to enhanced resistance to ferroptosis by reducing intracellular iron levels. We further identified iron‐responsive protein 1 (IRP1) as the key protein affected by cell density, which affects the expression of ferroportin or transferrin receptor and results in altered iron levels. Such observations were consistent across different cell lines, indicating that cell density should be tightly controlled in studies of ferroptosis. Since cell densities vary in different brain regions, these results may also shed light on selective regional vulnerability observed in neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trophic interaction modifications (TIM) are widespread in natural systems and occur when a third species indirectly alters the strength of a trophic interaction. Past studies have focused on documenting the existence and magnitude of TIMs; however, the underlying processes and long‐term consequences remain elusive. To address this gap, we experimentally quantified the density‐dependent effect of a third species on a predator's functional response. We conducted short‐term experiments with ciliate communities composed of a predator, prey and non‐consumable 'modifier' species. In both communities, increasing modifier density weakened the trophic interaction strength, due to a negative effect on the predator's space clearance rate. Simulated long‐term dynamics indicate quantitative differences between models that account for TIMs or include only pairwise interactions. Our study demonstrates that TIMs are important to understand and predict community dynamics and highlights the need to move beyond focal species pairs to understand the consequences of species interactions in communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how climate and local stressors interact is paramount for predicting future ecosystem structure. The effects of multiple stressors are often examined in small‐scale and short‐term field experiments, limiting understanding of the spatial and temporal generality of the findings. Using a 22‐year observational dataset of plant and grazer abundance in a southeastern US salt marsh, we analyzed how changes in drought and grazer density combined to affect plant biomass. We found: (1) increased drought severity and higher snail density both correlated with lower plant biomass; (2) drought and snail effects interacted additively; and, (3) snail effects had a threshold, with additive top‐down effects only occurring when snails were present at high densities. These results suggest that the emergence of multiple stressor effects can be density dependent, and they validate short‐term experimental evidence that consumers can augment environmental stress. These findings have important implications for predicting future ecosystem structure and managing natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the studies of topological corner states (TCSs) have been extended from crystals to quasicrystals, which are referred to as higher‐order topological quasicrystalline insulators (HOTQIs). However, the TCSs of complete quasi‐periodic structure in photonic systems have yet to be demonstrated. Moreover, there is only one TCS in each corner region in higher‐order topological insulators (HOTIs). Increasing the number of TCS is expected to increase the application potential of TCSs. In this work, HOTQIs in photonic systems are experimentally observed. It is found that HOTQIs possess TCS arrays, and each TCS array contains several TCSs. Furthermore, the universal theoretical framework of the multimer analysis method is improved, and the difference in the average charge density is proposed as a real‐space topological index. These results will open up new ideas for investigating highly integrated, multi‐region localized TCSs and are expected to provide new ways to explore topological phenomena and the applications of photonic quasicrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]