bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma extracellular vesicles carry immune system-related peptides that predict human longevity
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ma Sisi , Naz Syeda Iffat , Soderblom Erik J. , Aliferis Constantin , Kraus Virginia Byers 
Published: December 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) play crucial roles in aging. In this National Institutes on Aging-funded study, we sought to identify circulating extracellular vesicle (EV) biomarkers indicative of longevity. The plasma EV proteome of 48 older adults (mean age 77.2 ± 1.7 years [range 72–80]; 50% female, 50% Black, 50% < 2-year survival, 50% ≥ 10-year survival) was analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry and flow cytometry. The ability of EV peptides to predict longevity was evaluated in discovery (n = 32) and validation (n = 16) datasets with areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Longevity-associated large EV (LEV) plasma subpopulations were mainly related to immune cells (HLA-ABC+, CD9+, and CD31+) and muscle cells (MCAD+ and RyR2+). Of 7960 identified plasma EV peptides (519 proteins), 46.4% were related to the immune system and 10.1% to muscle. Compared with short-lived older adults, 756 EV peptides (131 proteins) had a higher abundance, and 130 EV peptides (78 proteins) had a lower abundance in long-lived adults. Among longevity-associated peptides, 437 (58 proteins) were immune system related, and 12 (2 proteins) were muscle related. Using just three to five plasma EV peptides (mainly complement components C2-C6), we achieved high predictive accuracy for longevity (AUC range 0.91–1 in a hold-out validation dataset). Our findings suggest that immune cells produce longevity-associated plasma EVs and elucidate fundamental mechanisms regulating aging and longevity. EV longevity predictors suggest there may be merit in targeting complement pathways to extend lifespan, for instance, with any one of the multiple complement inhibitors currently available or in clinical development.
Windowed anisotropic local inverse distance-weighted (WALID) interpolation method for riverbed mapping
Authors: Fleit Gábor 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDigital elevation models (DEMs) are pivotal in river engineering and management, making their accuracy paramount. This paper introduces a novel interpolation method that addresses the challenges of data point distributions, anisotropic river topography, and meandering rivers. The windowed anisotropic local inverse distance-weighted (WALID) method is tested and compared with conventional methods through a case study. Elevation data are generated from multi-beam echosounder data to mimic conventional cross-sectional measurements, while ground truth data provides qualitative comparisons. Root-mean-square error and volumetric differences are used as criteria for validation and comparison. Sensitivity analysis of the method’s free parameters demonstrated its robustness. Notably, the proposed algorithm exhibited superior volumetric accuracy compared to other methods when considering literature recommendations for optimal transect spacing.
Changes in Healthcare Professionals’ Practice Behaviors Through an Educational Intervention Targeting Weight Bias
Authors: Velazquez Amanda , Coleman Karen J. , Kushner Robert F. , Nadglowski Joseph F. , Nece Patricia M. , Zhang Jing , Tomiyama A. Janet 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective
Weight bias is pervasive in healthcare and leads to worse patient outcomes. A uniquely designed 4-h continuing medical education (CME) intervention was assessed for changing healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) weight biases and clinical practice behaviors.

Design
The intervention used a (1) pre/post design examining CME attendees’ self-reported weight bias at baseline, after, and 4- and 12-month follow-up, and (2) post/post design examining obesity practice behaviors 12 months after intervention in attendees and non-attendees.

Setting
Single medical center service area within Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Participants
All HCPs (n = 472) from the target service area were eligible to attend. Analyses were done with 218 HCPs who attended and 89 who did not.

Methods and Analysis
The intervention contained theory-based elements of changing attributions of responsibility of obesity, increasing empathy, creating self-awareness of weight bias, and creating a bias-free culture. For pre/post analyses, the primary outcome was self-reported weight bias. For comparative analyses of CME attendees and non-attendees, the outcomes were electronic medical record–confirmed rates of obesity diagnosis and referrals to evidence-based obesity treatments in the 12 months following the CME intervention.

Results
Self-reported negative obesity stereotypes were significantly reduced compared to baseline while self-reported empathy and confidence in caring for patients with obesity were significantly increased immediately post intervention and were maintained at 4- and 12-month follow-up. After adjusting for years in practice, race/ethnicity, gender, profession type, practice type, and panel size, HCPs who attended the CME intervention had significantly increased odds (range 60–212%) of diagnosis and obesity-related referrals in the 12 months following the CME intervention when compared to HCPs who did not attend.

Conclusion and relevance
This intervention has promise to be a scalable program that goes beyond impacting HCP’s self-reported weight bias and also changes HCPs’ clinical practice behaviors related to obesity treatment.
Laboratory-Based Micro-X-ray Computed Tomography of Energy Materials at Idaho National Laboratory
Authors: Chuirazzi William , Kancharla Rahul Reddy , Morankar Swapnil 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has implemented laboratory-based micro-X-ray computed tomography in a laboratory equipped for the examination of highly radioactive samples. This capability provides nondestructive three-dimensional volumetric information on samples to inform subsequent traditional destructive examinations as well as real-world inputs for high-fidelity scientific modeling. Samples can be imaged with spatial resolutions ranging from several hundred nm/voxel up to ~ 100 µm/voxel. The best usable spatial resolution achieved to date is 384 nm/voxel with this instrument, while the highest radiological dose rate of a sample imaged is ~ 60 R/h β/γ on contact. Advanced data analysis, including custom tomographic reconstruction and segmentation methods, have also been developed to support this capability. In addition to traditional digital X-ray radiography and tomography, this instrument is also able to visualize in situ tensile and compression testing as well as perform diffraction contrast tomography. This work describes the X-ray computed tomography post-irradiation examination capabilities at INL, as well as detailing a variety of applications this instrument has examined.
Does FDG PETCT have a predictive value for neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in nonmetastatic breast cancer?
Authors: Dogan Ender , Disli Safak Yildirim , Asik Esra , Karacavus Seyhan , Ozdemir Feyyaz 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
A pathological complete response (pCR) rate after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is important for the prognosis of early-stage breast cancer. The prediction of an NAC response plays a key role in managing neoadjuvant treatment.

Aims
The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of the baseline PETCT FDG (F-18 fluoro-deoxy-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography) SUVmax (the maximum standardized uptake value) for pCR after NAC in early-stage breast cancer.

Methods
The patients who performed PETCT before NAC were included in this retrospective study. The basal PETCT SUVmax values were divided into two categories based on the cutoff points of ≥ 8.77 or < 8.77, namely the low SUV max group and the high SUV max group. These two groups were compared according to the general characteristics. The impact of the PETCT SUVmax values on pCR was determined with logistic regression analyses.

Results
One hundred forty-eight patients who performed PETCT before NAC were included in this retrospective study. Eighty-one patients were in the low SUV max group and 67 patients were in the high SUVmax group. The pCR trended toward a higher rate in the high SUVmax group than in low SUVmax group but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.052). The baseline PETCT SUVmax value was an independent predictive factor for pCR. (p = 0.025).

Conclusion
PETCT SUVmax may be a factor for the predicting complete response to neoadjuvant treatment in early-stage breast cancer.
The Causes and Consequences of the Academic Reformation, 2025–2060
Authors: Brint Steven 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAmerican research universities experienced fragmentation and decline following the populist uprising of the mid-2020s. This article examines the causes and consequences of the academic reformation, analogizing the weaknesses of research universities in the 2020s to the weaknesses of the Roman Catholic Church of the sixteenth century. The article highlights several ruinous trends dating from the 2010s. These included high costs, the rise of just-in-time learning, and socio-political initiatives that alienated large segments of the public. The article discusses the benefits and costs of the academic reformation and what changes could have been put in place to prevent the decline of American research universities during the period.
Deciphering the Role of Shank3 in Dendritic Morphology and Synaptic Function Across Postnatal Developmental Stages in the Shank3B KO Mouse
Authors: Yang Jing , Ma Guaiguai , Du Xiaohui , Xie Jinyi , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Wenting , Guo Baolin , Wu Shengxi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by early-onset neurodevelopmental anomalies, yet the temporal dynamics of genetic contributions to these processes remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Shank3 gene, known to be associated with monogenic causes of autism, in early developmental processes to inform the timing and mechanisms for potential interventions for ASD. Utilizing the Shank3B knockout (KO) mouse model, we examined Shank3 expression and its impact on neuronal maturation through Golgi staining for dendritic morphology and electrophysiological recordings to measure synaptic function in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) across different postnatal stages. Our longitudinal analysis revealed that, while Shank3B KO mice displayed normal neuronal morphology at one week postnatal, significant impairments in dendritic growth and synaptic activity emerged by two to three weeks. These findings highlight the critical developmental window during which Shank3 is essential for neuronal and synaptic maturation in the ACC.
Prognostic impact of tumor‑associated stroma in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Kakumoto Akinari , Jamiyan Tsengelmaa , Koyanagi Ai , Kuroda Hajime , Yamaguchi Rin , Tsuda Hitoshi , Hirano Akira , Shiozawa Shunichi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aim
To establish the histological categorization of tumor‑associated stroma (TAS) that reflects the biological behavior of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods and results
One-hundred-and-twenty surgically resected cases of TNBC were examined. We histologically categorized the TAS in the invasive frontal region into two groups: mature stroma (MS) and immature stroma (IS). The designation of IS was applied for tumors in which the largest myxoid stroma filled a high-power magnification field. When there were no myxoid stroma that meet the criteria for IS, TAS was categorized as MS. The tumors with type MS were observed in 103 (85.8%) of patients, whereas 17 (14.2%) of patients had tumors with IS. In total, 72 out of 120 patients with TNBC exhibited high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) representing 60% of the cohort. The incidences of high TILs were 66% (68 out of 103) in the MS group but only 23.5% (4 of 17) in the IS group (p = 0.001). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were different between IS and MS groups (p < 0.001 each), and Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that IS was an independent indicator for lower PFS and OS rates (p < 0.001; p = 0.008).

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that TAS characteristics, particularly the distinction between IS and MS, play a significant role in the prognosis of TNBC. The presence of IS, associated with poor prognosis and low TILs, contrasts with the favorable outcomes observed in cases with MS. Understanding these TAS dynamics could aid in identifying patients with varying prognostic outcomes in TNBC, necessitating further research into the mechanisms behind these observations.
Hydrogel models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to study cell mechanosensing
Authors: Walker M , Morton JP 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the predominant form of pancreatic cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with an extremely poor prognosis after diagnosis. High mortality from PDAC arises partly due to late diagnosis resulting from a lack of early-stage biomarkers and due to chemotherapeutic drug resistance, which arises from a highly fibrotic stromal response known as desmoplasia. Desmoplasia alters tissue mechanics, which triggers changes in cell mechanosensing and leads to dysregulated transcriptional activity and disease phenotypes. Hydrogels are effective in vitro models to mimic mechanical changes in tissue mechanics during PDAC progression and to study the influence of these changes on mechanosensitive cell responses. Despite the complex biophysical changes that occur within the PDAC microenvironment, carefully designed hydrogels can very closely recapitulate these properties during PDAC progression. Hydrogels are relatively inexpensive, highly reproducible and can be designed in a humanised manner to increase their relevance for human PDAC studies. In vivo models have some limitations, including species-species differences, high variability, expense and legal/ethical considerations, which make hydrogel models a promising alternative. Here, we comprehensively review recent advancements in hydrogel bioengineering for developing our fundamental understanding of mechanobiology in PDAC, which is critical for informing advanced therapeutics.
Diversity and Bioactivities of Ulleung Island-Derived Marine Actinomycetes
Authors: Lee Jeonghee , Shin Hyeongsub , Kim Ho Sung , Park Jeong Woo , Akinniyi Ganiyu , Kang Soojin , Moon Ki Hwan , Yang Inho 
Published: December 2024

AbstractActinomycetes are key producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, sediment samples were collected using a grab sampler from the coast of Ulleung Island and inoculated on various agar media by stamping to isolate Actinomycetes. As a result, 69 Actinomycete strains were isolated and laboratory-cultured from the sediment samples. The isolates were assigned to the genera Streptomyces (44 strains), Nocardia (6 strains), Rhodococcus (6 strains), Mycobacterium (6 strains), Micromonospora (3 strains), Nocardioides (2 strains), Marmoricola (1 strain), and Oerskovia (1 strain) based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The antibacterial activity and potential toxicity of the culture broth extracts were tested for all isolates. Extracts from some strains exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii 04 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, some extracts were toxic to brine shrimp. This study confirms that marine Actinomycetes from Ulleung Island encompass unique and diverse taxonomic groups and are a good source of bioactive natural products.
Mental Health and Well-Being of LGBTQ+ Refugees in Comparison to LGBTQ+ Host Country Population
Authors: Bleckmann Clara , Golembe Jasmine , Kaiser Till , Leyendecker Birgit , Busch Julian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Introduction
LGBTQ+ refugees are likely to experience heightened mental health burdens and lower levels of well-being when compared to LGBTQ+ individuals without refugee experience. Still, the distinctive psychological mechanisms explaining their heightened levels of distress remain understudied. We examined the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ refugees in comparison to LGBTQ+ host country individuals in Germany and explored whether disparities are potentially mediated by proximal and distal minority stress.

Methods
In 2019, LGBTQ+ refugees (n1 = 139) and LGBTQ+ Germans (n2 = 262) participated in a cross-sectional online survey. Using path analysis, we compared mental health burdens (symptoms of depression/anxiety, post-traumatic stress) and well-being (life satisfaction, self-esteem) to understand how these variables are mediated by proximal (internalized homophobia, heightened vigilance) and distal minority stress (experiences of discrimination).

Results
LGBTQ+ refugees reported higher mental health burdens and lower life satisfaction yet no differences in self-esteem. Distal minority stress (discrimination) mediated the link between LGBTQ+ refugee status and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Proximal minority stress mediated both heightened symptoms of depression/anxiety and lower well-being for LGBTQ+ refugees.

Conclusions
Linked to experiences of minority stress, LGBTQ+ refugees in Germany might be at a heightened risk for increased mental health burdens and lower well-being. Compared to host-country LGBTQ+ communities, LGBTQ+ refugees might experience different profiles of minority stress, including more distal minority stress.

Policy Implications
Both administrators and the local LGBTQ+ community need to be aware of the particular vulnerability and needs of LGBTQ+ refugees for protection and safety (e.g., housing) and the prevention of exploitation.
Agave lechuguilla waste can be applied as biochar-adsorbent to remove arsenic from water
Authors: González García A. P. , Carlos Hernández S. , Díaz Jiménez L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFiber extraction from Agave lechuguilla generates approximately 150,000 tons of guishe, a byproduct currently lacking significant commercial value. The production of efficient and inexpensive biochar-adsorbents from guishe can potentially solve the issue of arsenic-contaminated groundwater in Mexico, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In this report, the synthesis of four iron-modified guishe biochars was presented. The adsorbents were characterized using various techniques, and their performance as an adsorbent for arsenate was assessed by examining the impact of pH, kinetics, and adsorption isotherms. The findings suggest that all biochars can effectively remove arsenic from aqueous solutions. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity of arsenic on iron-modified guishe biochar ranged from 2.67 to 21.70 mg g−1. The utilization of these adsorbents presents a potential alternative solution to the issue of arsenic-contaminated water. Moreover, synthesizing these adsorbents involves using local waste material, representing a cost-effective and sustainable approach to waste management.
Graphical abstract
Adaptive Position/Force Controller Design Using Fuzzy Neural Network and Stiffness Estimation for Robot Manipulator
Authors: Tseng Bo-Ru , Jiang Jun-Yi , Lee Ching-Hung 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes an adaptive hybrid position/force control approach using fuzzy neural networks (FNNs) for a robot manipulator with joint friction compensation. The dynamics model and system uncertainties are estimated by FNNs. For force tracking control, an adaptive impedance controller is employed with an online stiffness estimator, wherein the stiffness of the contacted environment is estimated using a gradient descent algorithm. The adaptive update laws of the FNNs and the stability of the controller are obtained using the Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, the proposed adaptive hybrid controller is implemented on the AR605, a 6-axis articulated robot manipulator manufactured by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategies are verified by the simulation and experimental results.
Den Widersprüchen einen Sinn geben: Biografisches Lernen berufstätiger Erwachsener im Kontext der Anforderung von Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Thevenot Elisa , Hof Christiane 
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung
Nachhaltigkeit ist mit einer Vielzahl von Bedeutungen verbunden, die durch konkurrierende Zukunftsvisionen hervorgerufen werden. Während Erwachsenenbildung darauf mit pluralistischen Angeboten reagieren kann, bleibt es dem Einzelnen überlassen mit Widersprüchen umzugehen. Der Beitrag arbeitet anhand von zwei empirischen Fällen (berufs-)biographische Umgangsformen mit den widersprüchlichen Anforderungen von Nachhaltigkeit heraus. Diese werden als unterschiedliche Formen des Lernens interpretiert und im Hinblick auf die Gestaltung pädagogischer Bildungsangebote reflektiert.
Soziale Ungleichheiten in der Beschäftigung mit nachhaltigkeitsbezogenen Themen im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Costa Jana , Kühn Claudia 
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag werden Daten der Erwachsenenkohorte des Nationalen Bildungspanels reanalysiert und es wird untersucht, mit welchen nachhaltigkeitsbezogenen Lernthemen sich Erwachsene informell beschäftigen und welche Rolle dabei soziale Ungleichheitskategorien spielen. Dazu wurden insgesamt 17.395 offene Angaben aus vier Erhebungswellen entlang eines zuvor entwickelten Kategoriensystems kodiert und ausgewertet (n = 6793). Die Befunde der logistischen Regressionsanalyse deuten darauf hin, dass die Chance, sich mit nachhaltigkeitsbezogenen Themen zu beschäftigen, von Geschlecht, Alter, Bildungsgrad, Einkommen sowie beruflichem Status abhängt. Darüber hinaus zeigen sich soziale Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Themen.
Transcendental Brauer–Manin obstructions on singular K3 surfaces
Authors: Alaa Tawfik Mohamed , Newton Rachel 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLet E and $$E'$$

E
′

be elliptic curves over $${{\mathbb {Q}}}$$
Q
with complex multiplication by the ring of integers of an imaginary quadratic field K and let $$Y={{\,\textrm{Kum}\,}}(E\times E')$$

Y
=

Kum

(
E
×

E
′

)

be the minimal desingularisation of the quotient of $$E\times E'$$

E
×

E
′

by the action of $$-1$$

-
1

. We study the Brauer groups of such surfaces Y and use them to furnish new examples of transcendental Brauer–Manin obstructions to weak approximation.
Leading by the nodes: a survey of film industry network analysis and datasets
Authors: Dadlani Aresh , Vo Vi , Khemka Ayushi , Harvey Sophie Talalay , Kantoro Kyzy Aigul , Jones Pete , Verhoeven Deb 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive survey of network analysis research on the film industry, aiming to evaluate its emergence as a field of study and identify potential areas for further research. Many foundational network studies made use of the abundant data from the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) to test network methodologies. This survey focuses more specifically on examining research that employs network analysis to evaluate the film industry itself, revealing the social and business relationships involved in film production, distribution, and consumption. The paper adopts a classification approach based on node type and summarises the key contributions in relation to each. The review provides insights into the structure and interconnectedness of the field, highlighting clusters of debates and shedding light on the areas in need of further theoretical and methodological development. In addition, this survey contributes to understanding film industry network analysis and informs researchers interested in network methods within the film industry and related cultural sectors.