bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arsenic contamination in rice consumption in Bandung city - West Java
Authors: Koesmawati T A , Fitria N , Pitoi Mariska M , Yusiasih R , Tanuwidjaja S , Pinarsih I , Gunawan A A , Rohman O , Syamsudin M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Arsenic contamination in rice is of concern due to the potential health risks associated with various health problems, including certain types of bladder and lung cancers and skin lesions. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in soil and water and its contamination in rice is possible. Meanwhile, rice is a staple food in Indonesia and its consumption is widespread across the country. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Indonesia is the world’s fifteenth-largest rice consumption with 128.6 kg per capita per year thus arsenic in rice is a concern. This study was conducted to measure the arsenic contamination in rice consumed by people in Bandung. Bandung was preferably selected due to its high population. As the capital city of West Java, its population hits more than 2.5 million and places it as the 5th most populated area in Indonesia. Ten rice samples were collected from a traditional market in Bandung, West Java. The sample was prepared using the Indonesian Regulation Standard (SNI) method and measured by ICP-MS. The arsenic concentration in rice was found varies between 0.0775-0.2550 mg/kg. The maximum allowable arsenic content for consumption based on the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) is 0.4 mg/kg, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is 0.3 mg/kg, and according to the European Commission Standard for parboiled milled rice, the maximum level is 0.15 mg/kg. The HQAs value was higher than 1 (HQAs > 1), the rice in Bandung Market have potential for non-carcinogenic risk in long-term. ILCRAs result in this study between ILCR > 10−3 and >10−4 indicates threshold cancer risk for rice consumption. By calculating the ILCR, scientists and policymakers can prioritize interventions, implement regulatory measures, and develop strategies to reduce exposure levels, ultimately mitigating the potential cancer risks within a given population. It is important to note that the study should be continued over the next few years, to monitor the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated rice.
Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Tribulus terrestris: characterization and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial efficacy against wound isolates
Authors: Choudary Maganti Raghav Prasad , Surya Muthuvel , Saravanan Muthupandian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Multi-drug resistance (MDR) infections are a significant global challenge, necessitating innovative and eco-friendly approaches for developing effective antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The CeO2 NPs were synthesized using a Tribulus terrestris aqueous extract through an environmentally friendly process. Characterization techniques included UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis. The UV–vis spectroscopy shows the presence of peak at 320 nm which confirms the formation of CeO2 NPs. The FT-IR analysis of the CeO2 NPs revealed several distinct functional groups, with peak values at 3287, 2920, 2340, 1640, 1538, 1066, 714, and 574 cm−1. These peaks correspond to specific functional groups, including C-H stretching in alkynes and alkanes, C=C=O, C=C, alkanes, C-O-C, C-Cl, and C-Br, indicating the presence of diverse chemical bonds within the CeO2 NPs. XRD revealed that the nanoparticles were highly crystalline with a face-centered cubic structure, and SEM images showed irregularly shaped, agglomerated particles ranging from 100–150 nm. In terms of biological activity, the synthesized CeO2 NPs demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The nanoparticles exhibited 82.54% antioxidant activity at 100 μg ml−1, closely matching the 83.1% activity of ascorbic acid. Additionally, the CeO2 NPs showed 65.2% anti-inflammatory activity at the same concentration, compared to 70.1% for a standard drug. Antibacterial testing revealed that the CeO2 NPs were particularly effective against multi-drug resistant strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and MRSA, with moderate activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. These findings suggest that CeO2 NPs synthesized via T. terrestris have strong potential as antimicrobial agents in addressing MDR infections.
CDHu40: a novel marker gene set of neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Sheng , Nam Hye Seung , Zeng Ziyu , Deng Xuehong , Pashaei Elnaz , Zang Yong , Yang Lei , Li Chenglong , Huang Jiaoti , Wendt Michael K , Lu Xin , Huang Rong , Wan Jun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cancer affecting American men. Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) can emerge during hormone therapy for PCa, manifesting with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels, continued disease progression, and/or metastasis to the new sites, resulting in a poor prognosis. A subset of CRPC patients shows a neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype, signifying reduced or no reliance on androgen receptor signaling and a particularly unfavorable prognosis. In this study, we incorporated computational approaches based on both gene expression profiles and protein–protein interaction networks. We identified 500 potential marker genes, which are significantly enriched in cell cycle and neuronal processes. The top 40 candidates, collectively named CDHu40, demonstrated superior performance in distinguishing NE PCa (NEPC) and non-NEPC samples based on gene expression profiles. CDHu40 outperformed most of the other published marker sets, excelling particularly at the prognostic level. Notably, some marker genes in CDHu40, absent in the other marker sets, have been reported to be associated with NEPC in the literature, such as DDC, FOLH1, BEX1, MAST1, and CACNA1A. Importantly, elevated CDHu40 scores derived from our predictive model showed a robust correlation with unfavorable survival outcomes in patients, indicating the potential of the CDHu40 score as a promising indicator for predicting the survival prognosis of those patients with the NE phenotype. Motif enrichment analysis on the top candidates suggests that REST and E2F6 may serve as key regulators in the NEPC progression.
The Pocosin's Lesson: Translating respect for Indigenous knowledge systems in environmental research
Authors: Emanuel Ryan E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Indigenous peoples living in what is now coastal North Carolina gave the name pocosin to a unique type of nonriparian wetland endemic to the region. Their Algonquian dialects are poorly documented in colonial records and have been dormant for centuries; not even contemporary Indigenous peoples in the region speak these particular languages. But for decades, environmental researchers and practitioners have asserted in publications, classrooms, and public-facing materials that pocosin literally translates to “swamp on a hill.” Despite widespread assertions, no evidence exists to support the claim. This article debunks the widely circulated translation and explains, more generally, how even well-intentioned efforts to acknowledge Indigenous peoples and their knowledge systems within Western scientific frameworks may cause harm by undermining those Indigenous peoples’ stewardship of traditional ecological knowledge or by reinforcing other aspects of colonialism. The lessons apply broadly to researchers, practitioners, and institutions that engage with Indigenous peoples and their knowledge systems.
Patient, tumour, and dosimetric factors influencing survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy
Authors: Padden-Modi Minal , Spivak Yevhen , Gleeson Ian , Robinson Andrew , Thippu Jayaprakash Kamalram 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We aimed to analyse clinical outcomes of peripheral, early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR), and evaluate potential patient, tumour, and dosimetric variables influencing survival.

Methods
Data were collected retrospectively from patients treated between September 2012 and December 2016 and followed up until January 2021. Patient demographics, tumour characteristics, SABR dosimetric parameters, and survival data were collected from electronic patient medical records. Descriptive statistics were performed, and SPSS software was used for survival analysis.

Results
Eighty-nine patients were included of whom 49.5% were male and 50.5% female. Median age was 74 years. 98.8% of patients had T1-2 tumours and 89.9% underwent 55 Gy in 5 fractions. Median overall survival time was 58.7 months. On uni- and multi-variate analysis, neither patient nor tumour variables showed association with overall survival. However, planning target volume (PTV) and minimum dose to PTV correlated with overall survival. There was a signal for association between mean lung dose and overall survival on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
Our long-term results show SABR is an effective treatment for peripheral, early-stage NSCLC with excellent overall survival, comparable to other series. Our study found only the PTV and minimum dose to PTV had an impact on overall survival, which demonstrates the importance of generating optimal SABR plans.

Advances in knowledge
Our work identified lung SABR dosimetric parameters that correlate with survival, which illustrates the importance of producing optimal lung SABR plans.
Local organization of spatial and shape information in the primate prefrontal cortex
Authors: Sun Yunyi , Dang Wenhao , Jaffe Rye G , Constantinidis Christos 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The current understanding of sensory and motor cortical areas has been defined by the existence of topographical maps across the brain surface, however, higher cortical areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, seem to lack an equivalent organization, and only limited evidence of functional clustering of neurons with similar stimulus properties is evident in them. We thus sought to examine whether neurons that represent similar spatial and object information are clustered in the monkey prefrontal cortex and whether such an organization only emerges as a result of training. To this end, we analyzed neurophysiological recordings from male macaque monkeys before and after training in spatial and shape working memory tasks. Neurons with similar spatial or shape selectivity were more likely than chance to be encountered at short distances from each other. Some aspects of organization were present even in naïve animals, however other changes appeared after cognitive training. Our results reveal that prefrontal microstructure automatically supports orderly representations of spatial and object information.
Partisan Politics in Greece from 1974 to the Economic Crisis and Beyond
Authors: Economides George , Kammas Pantelis , Konstantinou Panagiotis , Sarantides Vassilis 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This paper presents the main features of the Greek political landscape during the period 1974–2008 and examines whether the governing ideology of the country’s main political parties is correlated with specific fiscal and monetary policy patterns. The descriptive analysis reveals two key findings. First, the data indicates ideological differences in fiscal policy during the pre-1993 period, with PASOK governments exhibiting higher public spending and deficits, while the conservative New Democracy (ND) demonstrated greater fiscal restraint. Monetary policy during this period also appears to follow ideological differences. Second, in the post-1993 period, two trends emerged that do not seem to be ideologically driven. From 1994 to 2001, both major political parties in Greece focused on joining the Economic and Monetary Union, aligning their policies with the Maastricht Treaty. This resulted in a decrease in government expenditure and an increase in total revenue, even under the left-wing PASOK government that was in office during that period. However, after Greece joined the eurozone, external constraints such as the Stability and Growth Pact did not effectively enforce fiscal discipline. From 2001 onward, there was an increase in expansionary fiscal policies, even under the right-wing ND government, suggesting that government ideology had minimal influence on fiscal variables during this period. Greece provides an intriguing example of how partisan politics can intersect with international institutional and policy constraints. (JEL codes: H2 and H1)
2L-LSH: A Locality-Sensitive Hash Function-Based Method For Rapid Point Cloud Indexing
Authors: Wang Shurui , Zhang Yuhe , Guo Ruizhe , Zhang Yaning , Xie Yifei , Zhou Xinyu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The development of 3D scanning technology has enabled the acquisition of massive point cloud models with diverse structures and large scales, thereby presenting significant challenges in point cloud processing. Fast neighboring points search is one of the most common problems, which is frequently used in model reconstruction, classification, retrieval and feature visualization. Hash function is well known for its high-speed and accurate performance in searching high-dimensional data, which is also the core of the proposed 2L-LSH. Specifically, the 2L-LSH algorithm adopts a two-step hash function strategy, in which the popular step divides the bounding box of the point cloud model and the second step constructs a generalized table-based data structure. The proposed 2L-LSH offers a highly efficient and accurate solution for fast neighboring points search in large-scale 3D point cloud models, making it a promising technique for various applications in the field. The proposed algorithm is compared with the well-known methods including Kd-tree and Octree; the obtained results demonstrated that the proposed method outperforms Kd-tree and Octree in terms of speed, i.e. the time consumption of kNN search can be 51.111% and 94.159% lower than Kd-tree and Octree, respectively. And the RN search time can be 54.519% and 41.840% lower than Kd-tree and Octree, respectively.
The impact of cone beam CT on outcomes associated with endodontic access cavity preparation: a controlled human analogue study using 3D-printed first maxillary molars
Authors: McGuigan Margarete B , Duncan Henry F , Krastl Gabriel , Ludwig Julia , Honari Bahman , Horner Keith 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To identify if supplemental preoperative cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging could improve outcomes related to endodontic access cavity preparation, using 3D-printed maxillary first molars (M1Ms) in a rigorously simulated, controlled human analogue study.

Methods
Eighteen operators with 3 experience-levels took part in 2 simulated clinical sessions, 1 with and 1 without the availability of CBCT imaging, in a randomized order and with an intervening 8-week washout period. Operators attempted the location of all 4 root canals in each of 3 custom-made M1Ms (2 non-complex and 1 complex mesiobuccal [MB] canal anatomy). The primary outcome was tooth volume removed. Secondary outcomes were linear cavity dimensions, canals located, and procedural time. Operator confidence and “helpfulness” of available imaging were recorded. Statistical analysis of data included: paired t-tests, Fisher’s exact test, linear mixed-effect modelling, and Mann-Whitney U test, with an alpha level of .05 for all.

Results
When supplemental preoperative CBCT was available, there were significant reductions in volume of the access cavity and procedural times, with significantly increased MB2 canal location, but only for teeth with non-complex anatomies and for more experienced operators. Linear mixed-effect modelling identified image type and operator experience as significant predictors of tooth volume removed and procedural time. There was significantly lower confidence in canal location and perceived “helpfulness” (all Experience Groups) when conventional imaging only was used compared with when CBCT was available.

Conclusions
Supplemental preoperative CBCT had several beneficial impacts on access cavity preparation, although this only applied to teeth with non-complex anatomy and for more experienced operators.
Right ventriculography to guide left bundle branch pacing in pacing-induced cardiomyopathy: a novel case report
Authors: Dulay Mansimran Singh , Ahmed Raheel , Child Nick , Arnold Ahran , Tanner Mark 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
There is emerging evidence for the potential utility of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), as an alternative to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The utility of right ventriculography by way of power injector to facilitate lead placement has not yet been reported in the literature.

Case summary
A 79-year-old female, with a background of poorly rate-controlled atrial fibrillation, presented with worsening dyspnoea. She had recently undergone single-chamber pacemaker insertion prior to an atrioventricular nodal (AVN) ablation, owing to failure in achieving successful CRT coronary sinus lead placement. She had clinical evidence of volume overload, and her electrocardiogram demonstrated right ventricular pacing. Echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular (LV) impairment, with an ejection fraction (EF) of 35%, and severe functional mitral regurgitation (MR). Her diagnosis was overall consistent with pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PIC). In this patient, the use of right ventriculography, using power-injector-delivered contrast, successfully facilitated placement of an LBBAP lead, with confirmation of good threshold and sensing parameters. Following an upgrade to conduction system pacing, the patient recovered well. On recent follow-up, repeat echocardiography (24 months post initial presentation) demonstrated improved LV function (EF 45% from 35%) and only mild-to-moderate MR.

Discussion
In conclusion, we demonstrate the utility of right ventriculography to facilitate placement of an LBBAP lead, successfully treating a patient who developed PIC from chronic right ventricular pacing following AVN ablation.
Sexually antagonistic coevolution can explain female display signals and male sensory adaptations
Authors: Wiberg R Axel W , Murray Rosalind L , Herridge Elizabeth , Pärssinen Varpu , Gwynne Darryl T , Bussière Luc F 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The prevalence and diversity of female ornaments pose a challenge to evolutionary theory because males should prefer mates that spend resources on offspring rather than on ornaments. Among dance flies, there is extraordinary variation in sexual dimorphism. Females of many species have conspicuous ornaments (leg scales and inflatable abdominal sacs). Meanwhile, males of some species have exaggerated regions of their eyes with larger ommatidial facets that allow for regionally elevated photosensitivity and/or acuity. Here, we conduct a comparative study of these traits using both species descriptions available from the literature, as well as quantitative measures of eyes and ornaments from wild-caught flies. We show a conspicuous covariance across species between exaggerated male dorsal eye regions and the extent of female ornaments: species with highly ornamented females have males with more exaggerated eyes. We discuss this pattern in the context of competing hypotheses for the evolution of these traits and propose a plausible role for sexually antagonistic coevolution.
Identification of Stutzerimonas stutzeri volatile organic compounds that enhance the colonization and promote tomato seedling growth
Authors: Ren Fangfang , Liu Ning , Gao Bei , Shen Hui , Li Shanshan , Li Linmei , Zheng Donghui , Shen Weishou , Gao Nan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have an important function in plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) development and plant growth. This study aimed to identify VOCs of the PGPR strain, Stutzerimonas stutzeri NRCB010, and investigate their effects on NRCB010 biofilm formation, swarming motility, colonization, and tomato seedling growth.

Methods and results
Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were performed to identify the VOCs produced during NRCB010 fermentation. A total of 28 VOCs were identified. Among them, seven (e.g. γ-valerolactone, 3-octanone, mandelic acid, 2-heptanone, methyl palmitate, S-methyl thioacetate, and 2,3-heptanedione), which smell well, are beneficial for plant, or as food additives, and without serious toxicities were selected to evaluate their effects on NRCB010 and tomato seedling growth. It was found that most of these VOCs positively influenced NRCB010 swarming motility, biofilm formation, and colonization, and the tomato seedling growth. Notably, γ-valerolactone and S-methyl thioacetate exhibited the most positive performances.

Conclusion
The seven NRCB010 VOCs, essential for PGPR and crop growth, are potential bioactive ingredients within microbial fertilizer formulations. Nevertheless, the long-term sustainability and replicability of the positive effects of these compounds across different soil and crop types, particularly under field conditions, require further investigation.
How do you solve a problem like jāhiliyya? The struggle over sayyid Quṭb’s legacy among Jordanian Muslim Brothers
Authors: Wagemakers Joas 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood ideologue Sayyid Quṭb (1906–66) is perhaps the most famous Islamist intellectual of the twentieth century, mostly because of his radical ideas. In academic literature, Quṭb’s controversial views—especially his use of the term ‘jāhiliyya’—are equally dominant and it is also because of this that Muslim scholars allied to the Egyptian state have criticized him. To deal with the Egyptian state’s repression of Islamists and its vilification of Quṭb as emblematic of the danger they supposedly represent, several Egyptian Brothers have tried to salvage Quṭb as a martyr for the cause, but have apologetically portrayed his ideas as moderate. This article analyses how Jordanian Muslim Brothers, who participate in a far more inclusive political environment, have interpreted Quṭb’s works (especially the concept of jāhiliyya), and what this tells us about Quṭb’s legacy.