bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel improved fractional operators and their scientific applications
Authors: Hyder Abd-Allah , Barakat M. A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe motivation of this research is to introduce some new fractional operators called “the improved fractional (IF) operators”. The originality of these fractional operators comes from the fact that they repeat the method on general forms of conformable integration and differentiation rather than on the traditional ones. Hence the convolution kernels correlating with the IF operators are served in conformable abstract forms. This extends the scientific application scope of their fractional calculus. Also, some results are acquired to guarantee that the IF operators have advantages analogous to the familiar fractional integral and differential operators. To unveil the inverse and composition properties of the IF operators, certain function spaces with their characterizations are presented and analyzed. Moreover, it is remarkable that the IF operators generalize some fractional and conformable operators proposed in abundant preceding works. As scientific applications, the resistor–capacitor electrical circuits are analyzed under some IF operators. In the case of constant and periodic sources, this results in novel voltage forms. In addition, the overall influence of the IF operators on voltage behavior is graphically simulated for certain selected fractional and conformable parameter values. From the standpoint of computation, the usage of new IF operators is not limited to electrical circuits; they could also be useful in solving scientific or engineering problems.
Experimental colitis promotes sustained, sex-dependent, T-cell-associated neuroinflammation and parkinsonian neuropathology
Authors: Houser Madelyn C. , Caudle W. Michael , Chang Jianjun , Kannarkat George T. , Yang Yuan , Kelly Sean D. , Oliver Danielle , Joers Valerie , Shannon Kathleen M. , Keshavarzian Ali , Tansey Malú Gámez 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe etiology of sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains uncertain, but genetic, epidemiological, and physiological overlap between PD and inflammatory bowel disease suggests that gut inflammation could promote dysfunction of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Mechanisms behind this pathological gut-brain effect and their interactions with sex and with environmental factors are not well understood but may represent targets for therapeutic intervention.MethodsWe sought to identify active inflammatory mechanisms which could potentially contribute to neuroinflammation and neurological disease in colon biopsies and peripheral blood immune cells from PD patients. Then, in mouse models, we assessed whether dextran sodium sulfate-mediated colitis could exert lingering effects on dopaminergic pathways in the brain and whether colitis increased vulnerability to a subsequent exposure to the dopaminergic neurotoxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We assessed the involvement of inflammatory mechanisms identified in the PD patients in colitis-related neurological dysfunction in male and female mice, utilizing mice lacking the Regulator of G-Protein Signaling 10 (RGS10)—an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB)—to model enhanced NFκB activity, and mice in which CD8+T-cells were depleted.ResultsHigh levels of inflammatory markers includingCD8Band NFκB p65 were found in colon biopsies from PD patients, and reduced levels of RGS10 were found in immune cells in the blood. Male mice that experienced colitis exhibited sustained reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase but not in dopamine as well as sustained CD8+T-cell infiltration and elevatedIfngexpression in the brain. CD8+T-cell depletion prevented colitis-associated reductions in dopaminergic markers in males. In both sexes, colitis potentiated the effects of MPTP. RGS10 deficiency increased baseline intestinal inflammation, colitis severity, and neuropathology.ConclusionsThis study identifies peripheral inflammatory mechanisms in PD patients and explores their potential to impact central dopaminergic pathways in mice. Our findings implicate a sex-specific interaction between gastrointestinal inflammation and neurologic vulnerability that could contribute to PD pathogenesis, and they establish the importance of CD8+T-cells in this process in male mice.Graphical abstract
Provenance of Zhou Dynasty bronze vessels unearthed from Zongyang County, Anhui Province, China: determined by lead isotopes and trace elements
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Wei Guofeng , Li Qiang , Zheng Xiaoping , Wang Danchun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Thirteen Zhou Dynasty bronze vessels and two slags from Zongyang County along the north bank of the Yangtze River in Anhui were analyzed by LA-MC-ICP-MS and EDXRF. The results of lead isotope analysis showed that there were two kinds of lead materials in the Zongyang bronzes. Vessels in Class I, thought to have originated from the Wannan region were primarily used during the Western Zhou and the following Spring and Autumn period; while those in Class II, possibly from the local mines in Zongyang County, were mainly present during the Warring States period. Such a shift in the ore material sources is also revealed by the trace element analysis of the Zongyang bronzes. With reference to the relevant historical documents, we suggest that the transformation of the bronze material sources might have been associated with the changes of the political situation during the Zhou Dynasty.
Adsorption of Cr(VI) onto cross-linked chitosan-almond shell biochars: equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Altun Türkan , Ecevit Hüseyin , Kar Yakup , Çiftçi Birsen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this study, to remove Cr(VI) from the solution environment by adsorption, the almond shell was pyrolyzed at 400 and 500 °C and turned into biochar (ASC400 and ASC500) and composite adsorbents were obtained by coating these biochars with chitosan (Ch-ASC400 and Ch-ASC500). The resulting biochars and composite adsorbents were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area; scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX); and the point of zero charge pH (pHpzc) analyses. The parameters affecting the adsorption were examined with batch adsorption experiments and the optimum parameters for the efficient adsorption of Cr(VI) in 55 mg L−1 solution were determined as follows; adsorbent dosages: 5 g L−1 for biochars, 1.5 g L−1 for composite adsorbents, contact time: 120 min, pH: 1.5. It was seen that the temperature did not affect the adsorption much. Under optimum conditions, Cr(VI) adsorption capacities of ASC400, ASC500, Ch-ASC400, and Ch-ASC500 adsorbents are 11.33, 11.58, 37.48, and 36.65 mg g−1, respectively, and their adsorption percentages are 95.2%, 97.5%, 94.3%, and 94.0%, respectively. Adsorption data were applied to Langmuir, Freundlich, Scatchard, Dubinin-Radushkevic, and Temkin isotherms and pseudo-first-order kinetic model, pseudo-second-order kinetic model, intra-particle diffusion model, and film diffusion model. The adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. From these results, it was determined that chemical adsorption is the dominant mechanism. Also, both intra-particle diffusion and film diffusion is effective in the adsorption rate. For all adsorbents, the Langmuir isotherm proved to be the most appropriate model for adsorption. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities calculated from this model are 24.15 mg g−1, 27.38 mg g−1, 54.95 mg g−1, and 87.86 mg g−1 for ASC400, ASC500, Ch-ASC400, and Ch-ASC500, respectively. The enthalpy change, entropy change, and free energy changes during the adsorption process were calculated and the adsorption was also examined thermodynamically. As a result, adsorption occurs spontaneously for all adsorbents.
Design, methodology, and baseline of whole city-million scale children and adolescents myopia survey (CAMS) in Wenzhou, China
Authors: Xu Liangde , Zhuang Youyuan , Zhang Guosi , Ma Yunlong , Yuan Jian , Tu Changseng , Li MiaoMiao , Wang Wencan , Zhang Yaru , Lu Xiaoyan , Li Jing , Liu Xinting , Xue Zhengbo , Zhou Meng , Sun Jie , Bao Jinhua , Li Ming , Lu Fan , Wang Hong , Su Jianzhong , Qu Jia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Myopia is the most common visual impairment in children and adolescents worldwide. This study described an economical and effective population-based screening pipeline and performed the project of a million scale children and adolescents myopia survey (CAMS), which will shed light on the further study of myopia from the level of epidemiology and precision medicine.

Methods
We developed a novel population-based screening pattern, an intelligent screening process and internet-based information transmission and analysis system to carry out the survey consisting of school children in Wenzhou, China. The examination items include unaided distance visual acuity, presenting distance visual acuity, and non-cycloplegic autorefraction. Myopia and high myopia were defined as spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ − 1.00 diopters (D) and SE ≤ − 6.00 D, respectively. Next, the reports of the vision checking were automatically sent to parents and the related departments. The CAMS project will be done two to four times annually with the support of the government. An online eyesight status information management system (OESIMS) was developed to construct comprehensive and efficient electronic vision health records (EVHRs) for myopia information inquiry, risk pre-warning, and further study.

Results
The CAMS completed the first-round of screening within 30 days for 99.41% of Wenzhou students from districts and counties, in June 2019. A total of 1,060,925 participants were eligible for CAMS and 1,054,251 (99.37% participation rate) were selected through data quality control, which comprised 1305 schools, and 580,609, 251,050 and 170,967 elementary, middle, and high school students. The mean age of participants was 12.21 ± 3.32 years (6–20 years), the female-to-male ratio was 0.82. The prevalence of myopia in elementary, middle, and high school students was 38.16%, 77.52%, and 84.00%, respectively, and the high myopia incidence was 0.95%, 6.90%, and 12.98%.

Conclusions
The CAMS standardized myopia screening model involves automating large-scale information collection, data transmission, data analysis and early warning, thereby supporting myopia prevention and control. The entire survey reduced 90% of staff, cost, and time consumption compared with previous surveys. This will provide new insights for decision support for public health intervention.
Identification of glioblastoma immune subtypes and immune landscape based on a large cohort
Authors: Zhang Huiyuan , Chen Ying 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGlioblastomas (GBM) are the most common primary brain malignancy and also the most aggressive one. In addition, GBM have to date poor treatment options. Therefore, understanding the GBM microenvironment may help to design immunotherapy treatments and rational combination strategies. In this study, the gene expression profiles and clinical follow-up data were downloaded from TCGA-GBM, and the molecular subtypes were identified using ConsensusClusterPlus. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to evaluate the prognostic value of immune subtypes. The Graph Structure Learning method was used for dimension reduction to reveal the internal structure of the immune system. A Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify immune-related gene modules. Four immune subtypes (IS1, IS2, IS3, IS4) with significant prognosis differences were obtained. Interestingly, IS4 had the highest mutation rate. We also found significant differences in the distribution of the four subtypes at immune checkpoints, molecular markers, and immune characteristics. WGCNA identified 11 co-expressed module genes, and there were significant differences among the four subtypes. Finally, CD1A, CD1E, and IL23R genes with significant prognostic significance were selected as the final feature genes in the brown module. Overall, this study provided a conceptual framework for understanding the tumor immune microenvironment of GBM.
Increasing access to cognitive–behavioural therapy for patients with psychosis by evaluating the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of brief, targeted cognitive–behavioural therapy for distressing voices delivered by assistant psychologists: the GiVE2 trial
Authors: Hayward Mark , Berry Katherine , Bremner Stephen , Jones Anna-Marie , Robertson Sam , Cavanagh Kate , Gage Heather , Berry Clio , Neumann Suzanne , Hazell Cassie M , Fowler David , Greenwood Kathryn , Strauss Clara 
Published: August 2021

Background
Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is recommended for all patients with psychosis, but is offered to only a minority. This is attributable, in part, to the resource-intensive nature of CBT for psychosis. Responses have included the development of CBT for psychosis in brief and targeted formats, and its delivery by briefly trained therapists. This study explored a combination of these responses by investigating a brief, CBT-informed intervention targeted at distressing voices (the GiVE intervention) administered by a briefly trained workforce of assistant psychologists.

Aims
To explore the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the GiVE intervention when delivered by assistant psychologists to patients with psychosis.

Method
This was a three-arm, feasibility, randomised controlled trial comparing the GiVE intervention, a supportive counselling intervention and treatment as usual, recruiting across two sites, with 1:1:1 allocation and blind post-treatment and follow-up assessments.

Results
Feasibility outcomes were favourable with regard to the recruitment and retention of participants and the adherence of assistant psychologists to therapy and supervision protocols. For the candidate primary outcomes, estimated effects were in favour of GiVE compared with supportive counselling and treatment as usual at post-treatment. At follow-up, estimated effects were in favour of supportive counselling compared with GiVE and treatment as usual, and GiVE compared with treatment as usual.

Conclusions
A definitive trial of the GiVE intervention, delivered by assistant psychologists, is feasible. Adaptations to the GiVE intervention and the design of any future trials may be necessary.
Exploring factors in fear of COVID-19 and its GIS-based nationwide distribution: the case of Bangladesh
Authors: Mamun Mohammed A. 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is a public health threat of international concern, intensifying peoples’ psychological risk and vulnerability by strengthening mental health stressors such as fear, panic and uncertainty. The unexpected fear of COVID-19 has been reported to be associated with suicide occurrences, similar to prior pandemics.AimsIdentifying the factors associated with fear of COVID-19 could help us to develop better mental health strategy and practice to improve the situation here in Bangladesh. This was the first attempt to present a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based distribution of fear of COVID-19 across the country's administrative districts in a nationwide sample.MethodData for a total of 10 067 individuals were collected by an online survey during the first wave of the pandemic (1 to 10 April 2020); data for 10 052 participants were finally analysed after excluding 15 transgender individuals. The survey questionnaire included items concerning sociodemographic, behavioural and health-related variables, COVID-19-related issues, and the Bangla Fear of COVID-19 Scale.ResultsThe mean fear of COVID-19 scores was 21.30 ± 6.01 (out of a possible 35) in the present sample. Female gender, highly educated, non-smoker, non-alcohol consumer, having chronic diseases, using social media, and using social media and not using newspapers as COVID-19 information sources were associated with a higher level of fear of COVID-19. Higher levels of fear of COVID-19 were found in districts of Magura, Panchagarh, Tangail, Sunamganj and Munshiganj; by contrast, Kushtia, Pirojpur, Chapainawabganj, Jhalokathi and Naogaon districts had lower fear of COVID-19. Based on the GIS-distribution, fear of COVID-19 was significantly associated with the district as well as in respect to its gender-based and education-level-based associations. However, fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 cases were heterogeneously distributed across the districts; that is, no consistent association of higher COVID-19 cases with higher fear of COVID-19 was found.ConclusionsThis study being exploratory in nature may help to facilitate further studies, as well as directing governmental initiatives for reducing fear of COVID-19 in at-risk individuals. Providing adequate resources and mental health services in the administrative regions identified as highly vulnerable to fear of COVID-19 is recommended.
Association between air pollution exposure and mental health service use among individuals with first presentations of psychotic and mood disorders: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Newbury Joanne B. , Stewart Robert , Fisher Helen L. , Beevers Sean , Dajnak David , Broadbent Matthew , Pritchard Megan , Shiode Narushige , Heslin Margaret , Hammoud Ryan , Hotopf Matthew , Hatch Stephani L. , Mudway Ian S. , Bakolis Ioannis 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundGrowing evidence suggests that air pollution exposure may adversely affect the brain and increase risk for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. However, little is known about the potential role of air pollution in severity and relapse following illness onset.AimsTo examine the longitudinal association between residential air pollution exposure and mental health service use (an indicator of illness severity and relapse) among individuals with first presentations of psychotic and mood disorders.MethodWe identified individuals aged ≥15 years who had first contact with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for psychotic and mood disorders in 2008–2012 (n = 13 887). High-resolution (20 × 20 m) estimates of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels in ambient air were linked to residential addresses. In-patient days and community mental health service (CMHS) events were recorded over 1-year and 7-year follow-up periods.ResultsFollowing covariate adjustment, interquartile range increases in NO2, NOx and PM2.5 were associated with 18% (95% CI 5–34%), 18% (95% CI 5–34%) and 11% (95% CI 3–19%) increased risk for in-patient days after 1 year. Similarly, interquartile range increases in NO2, NOx, PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with 32% (95% CI 25–38%), 31% (95% CI 24–37%), 7% (95% CI 4–11%) and 9% (95% CI 5–14%) increased risk for CMHS events after 1 year. Associations persisted after 7 years.ConclusionsResidential air pollution exposure is associated with increased mental health service use among people recently diagnosed with psychotic and mood disorders. Assuming causality, interventions to reduce air pollution exposure could improve mental health prognoses and reduce healthcare costs.
Genomic Profiling of Combined Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Genomics Similar to Either Hepatocellular Carcinoma or Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Murugesan Karthikeyan , Sharaf Radwa , Montesion Meagan , Moore Jay A. , Pao James , Pavlick Dean C. , Frampton Garrett M. , Upadhyay Vivek A. , Alexander Brian M. , Miller Vincent A. , Javle Milind M. , Bekaii Saab Tanios S. , Albacker Lee A. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Ali Siraj M. 
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare, aggressive primary liver carcinoma, with morphologic features of both hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and liver cholangiocarcinomas (CCA). METHODS The genomic profiles of 4,975 CCA, 1,470 HCC, and 73 cHCC-CCA cases arising from comprehensive genomic profiling in the course of clinical care were reviewed for genomic alterations (GA), tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability status, genomic loss of heterozygosity, chromosomal aneuploidy, genomic ancestry, and hepatitis B virus status. RESULTS In cHCC-CCA, GA were most common in TP53 (65.8%), TERT (49.3%), and PTEN (9.6%), and 24.6% cHCC-CCA harbored potentially targetable GA. Other GA were predominantly associated with either HCC or CCA, including, but not limited to, TERT, FGFR2, IDH1, and presence of hepatitis B virus. On the basis of these features, a machine learning (ML) model was trained to classify a cHCC-CCA case as CCA-like or HCC-like. Of cHCC-CCA cases, 16% (12/73) were ML-classified as CCA-like and 58% (42/73) cHCC-CCA were ML-classified as HCC-like. The ML model classified more than 70% of cHCC-CCA as CCA-like or HCC-like on the basis of genomic profiles, without additional clinico-pathologic input. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate the use of ML for classification as based on a targeted exome panel used during routine clinical care. Classification of cHCC-CCA by genomic features alone creates insights into the biology of the disease and warrants further investigation for relevance to clinical care.
Unbiased K-L estimator for the linear regression model
Authors: Aladeitan BENEDICTA , Lukman Adewale F , Davids Esther , Oranye Ebele H , Kibria Golam B M 
Published: August 2021

Background:In the linear regression model, the ordinary least square (OLS) estimator performance drops when multicollinearity is present. According to the Gauss-Markov theorem, the estimator remains unbiased when there is multicollinearity, but the variance of its regression estimates become inflated. Estimators such as the ridge regression estimator and the K-L estimators were adopted as substitutes to the OLS estimator to overcome the problem of multicollinearity in the linear regression model. However, the estimators are biased, though they possess a smaller mean squared error when compared to the OLS estimator.Methods: In this study, we developed a new unbiased estimator using the K-L estimator and compared its performance with some existing estimators theoretically, simulation wise and by adopting real-life data.Results:Theoretically, the estimator even though unbiased also possesses a minimum variance when compared with other estimators. Results from simulation and real-life study showed that the new estimator produced smaller mean square error (MSE) and had the smallest mean square prediction error (MSPE). This further strengthened the findings of the theoretical comparison using both the MSE and the MSPE as criterion.Conclusions:By simulation and using a real-life application that focuses on modelling, the high heating values of proximate analysis was conducted to support the theoretical findings. This new method of estimation is recommended for parameter estimation with and without multicollinearity in a linear regression model.