bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-Line Spatial Reflection Method for Measuring Wood Grain Direction
Authors: Pan Qi (Patrick) , Schajer Gary S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Wood grain direction is a three-dimensional quantity that is defined by its angles within and into the plane of the measured surface. These are respectively called the surface and dive angles. An interesting method to measure these angles involves measuring the spatial reflection from the wood surface when illuminated by concentrated light. The cellular shape of the wood microstructure causes the light reflection to be greatest perpendicular to the wood grain. This effect allows the surface and dive angles to be determined by analyzing the spatial variation of the reflected light. The conventional method for doing this involves sampling the reflection intensities around a circle above the wood surface. However, this method is effective only for small dive angles. A new method is described here where light reflection intensity variation is measured along two parallel lines on either side of the illuminated area. It is able to measure the ranges of surface and dive angles of interest in strength grading applications. A laboratory device for making the required spatial reflection measurements is described and experimental results are presented.
Effects of Different Drying Methods on Bamboo's Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lv Huangfei , Chen Meiling , Ma Xinxin , Li Jinghao , Zhang Bo , Fang Changhua , Fei Benhua 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this work, a comparative study on microwave–vacuum-drying (MVD) and hot-air-drying (HAD) of bamboo culms was conducted. Related physical and mechanical properties of bamboo culms were investigated. MVD results showed no drying defects of bamboo culms. Compared with that of the HAD method, the drying time of MVD was reduced. The shrinkage of both bamboo culm diameter and wall thickness increased with drying time. The crystallinity was changed with drying time between MVD and HAD. The CIELAB color system (L*, a*, b*) was used for analyzing bamboo color changes. All the values of L*, a*, and b* were increased after MVD, which caused the bamboo culms to become golden yellow. However, after HAD, L*, a*, and b* decreased and samples became brown. The mechanical properties of samples were improved after MVD, and did not show any significant changes after HAD. The pore structure after MVD showed higher adsorption capacity, higher specific surface area, and greater volume compared with HAD. Therefore, taking into consideration the dried product quality and short drying time, MVD provides a potential method for drying bamboo.
Associations of e-cigarette advertising exposure with curiosity and susceptibility among U.S. adolescents: National Youth Tobacco Surveys, 2014-2020
Authors: Ma Haijing , Noar Seth M. , Ribisl Kurt M. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction
Despite an evolving e-cigarette environment, few studies have looked at adolescent exposure to e-cigarette advertising over time and its associations with curiosity about and susceptibility to using e-cigarettes. We examined e-cigarette advertising exposure and its associations with curiosity and susceptibility across multiple years among adolescents who have never used e-cigarettes.

Methods
We obtained data from the National Youth Tobacco Surveys (NYTSs), 2014-2020 (N = 97,496). The NYTS identified e-cigarette advertising exposure from four channels: Internet, newspapers and magazines, convenience stores, and TV. Logistic regressions explored e-cigarette advertising exposure over time and the associations between exposure from the four channels and both curiosity and susceptibility to using e-cigarettes.

Results
Youth exposure to e-cigarette advertising on the Internet and in convenience stores formed an increase-decrease-increase pattern from 2014 to 2020, whereas exposure in newspapers and magazines and on TV generally decreased over this period. Exposure on the Internet and in convenience stores was consistently associated with curiosity and susceptibility; but exposure in newspapers and magazines and on TV was sporadically associated with the outcomes.

Conclusions
Despite a changing e-cigarette marketplace, youth were consistently exposed to e-cigarette advertising, especially on the Internet and in convenience stores. This pattern is worrisome, as it may increase youth curiosity and susceptibility to using e-cigarettes. Comprehensive tobacco prevention efforts to prevent e-cigarette use in adolescents should continue to restrict e-cigarette advertising and marketing, thereby reducing exposure and discouraging e-cigarette use. Regular efforts should also be made to educate adolescents about the risks of using e-cigarettes to counteract the impact of high e-cigarette advertising exposure.
Evaluation of a modified quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for genus Schistosoma detection using stool and urine samples from schistosomiasis endemic areas in Kenya
Authors: Kanyi Henry , Kihoro Richelle W. , Chieng Benard , Araka Sylvie , Emisiko Henry , Ramos Thierry , Nogaro Sarah , Njenga Sammy M. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction
The microscopy-based Kato-Katz and urine filtration techniques have traditionally faced challenges in the detection of schistosomiasis in areas with low infection levels. A modified singleplex Schistosoma genus-specific quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was therefore evaluated as a sensitive and confirmatory schistosomiasis diagnostic test.

Methodology
The qPCR assay utilized primers and probe targeting internal transcribed spacer– 2 (ITS2) sequence of S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. intercalatum. A plasmid (pDMD801, 100pg/ul) was used as an internal amplification control and its qPCR assays were run in parallel to the Schistosoma assays. This assay utilized samples collected from 774 participants and microscopically examined for three consecutive days. A total of 699 day-one samples (urine and stools) from two schistosomiasis endemic sites were analyzed. Similarly, 75 persons from a non-endemic control site provided both urine and stool samples that were also analyzed.

Results
Using microscopy, the proportion of positives in the two endemic regions altogether was 289/699 (41.3%). Using qPCR, 50.4% of the samples (352/699) were found to be positive for schistosome infection. The percentage of positive samples was slightly higher at 57.8% (203/351) in the S. mansoni endemic site compared with the S. haematobium site at 42.8% (149/348). Majority of the microscopy results were light infections at 26.8% (n = 94) and 26.1% (n = 91) while qPCR majority of the infections were high at 41.6% (n = 146) and 31.3% (n = 109) for the S. mansoni and S. haematobium sites, respectively. There were no positives detected by either microscopy or qPCR in the non-endemic site. Using Bayesian Latent Class Model, which does not use any technique as a gold standard, qPCR showed higher sensitivity (86.4% (PCI: 82.1–90.3)) compared to microscopy (75.6% (PCI: 71.1–80.0)).

Conclusions
This study documents a single day-one sample modified Schistosoma qPCR assay as a powerful improved molecular assay for the detection of schistosomiasis infection that utilize either stool or urine samples. The assay is therefore recommended for monitoring in areas with low infection levels to enable accurate determination of the disease’s control endpoint.
Exploring angiogenic pathways in breast cancer: Clinicopathologic correlations and prognostic implications based on gene expression profiles from a large-scale genomic dataset
Authors: Ayoub Nehad M. , Sardiah Salam , Al-Share Qusai Y. , Alkader Mohammad S. 
Published: September 2024

Background
Angiogenesis inhibitors targeting VEGF, or its receptors have consistently produced disappointing clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore alternative angiogenic pathways in breast cancer. This study aimed to describe the gene expression of pivotal pro-angiogenic genes in breast cancer and to further analyze the associations with the clinicopathologic tumor features, prognostic factors, and overall survival. Such findings would expand the understanding of the role of different angiogenic pathways in breast cancer pathogenesis and identify patients at risk of more aggressive disease who could be eligible for intense treatment regimens. Additionally, exploring angiogenic pathways helps identify new potential drug targets for breast cancer.

Methods
The mRNA expression levels for eight pro-angiogenic genes [VEGFA, HGF, FGF1, FGF2, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, PDGFA, and PDGFB] were obtained from the METABRIC (Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium) dataset available at cBioPortal public domain. Pertinent demographic and tumor information were retrieved.

Results
VEGFA and ANGPT2 genes had the highest expression levels with average mRNA log intensities of 7.18±0.7 and 7.11±0.53, respectively. VEGFA expression was not correlated with the expression of other pro-angiogenic genes, the clinicopathologic tumor features, and the overall survival of patients. FGF1, ANGPT1, and PDGFA mRNA levels were negatively correlated with the age of patients at diagnosis. The expression of FGF1 and FGF2 correlated inversely with tumor size and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002, respectively). Expression of HGF was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage (p<0.05). Expression of ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 was associated with hormone receptor-negative status and the non-luminal subtypes. PDGFB expression was significantly higher in patients with high-grade disease and HER2-positive status. Patients with high expression status of ANGPT2 and PDGFB had significantly reduced overall survival compared to those with low expression levels of these genes (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions
In this dataset of patients with breast cancer, the expression levels of 8 different pro-angiogenic genes revealed remarkable differences in terms of their association with clinicopathologic tumor characteristics and prognosis. The expression of ANGPTs and PDGFs was associated with adverse tumor features, worse prognosis, and reduced survival in patients. Targeting ANGPTs and PDGF pathways could provide new insights for effective anti-angiogenic drugs in breast cancer.
Factors predicting participation in organised sports during adolescence: A two-year longitudinal perspective
Authors: Spruijtenburg Gwennyth E. , van Abswoude Femke , Bekhuis Hidde , Steenbergen Bert 
Published: September 2024

Background
Participation in youth sports is a major determinant of current and future health, yet participation rates are declining. It is of great importance to examine the factors that potentially influence adolescents’ levels of participation in organised sports.

Aim
First, we examined change in participation over two years from the start of secondary education. Second, we examined whether a combination of factors (i.e. motives, barriers, perceived competence, encouragement and motor skills) based on the Youth Physical Activity Promotion model was associated with participation after one year. Third, we examined whether the associations between each of the factors and participation in organised sports changed over time.

Methods
Data were collected on three occasions between October 2020 and November 2022 using questionnaires, motor skill test items and anthropometric measurements. We analysed data from 204 Dutch adolescents (11 to 14 years) using dependent t tests, Cochran’s Q test and multilevel linear fixed effects regression models.

Results
First, participation in organised sports was stable during the first years of secondary education. Second, adolescents who reported higher motives, higher perceptions of competence and more encouragement spent more time in organised sports one year later. Barriers and motor skills did not predict participation. Third, relationships of each of the six factors with participation remained stable over time.

Conclusion
Although participation in organised sports is often considered to decline during the first years of secondary education, it can be stable for a significant portion of the population. Motives, perceived competence, and encouragement seem crucial to stimulate adolescents’ participation in organised sports.
Clinical characteristics, management, and survival of retinoblastoma patients: a five-year study at an Indonesian tertiary eye hospital
Authors: Putri Aliya Numasari , Kuntorini Maya Sari Wahyu , Amiruddin Primawita Oktarima 
Published: September 2024

Background Studies on the clinical characteristics of retinoblastoma in Indonesia have been limited, even though retinoblastoma is the most common pediatric ocular malignancy worldwide and the second-most common pediatric malignancy in Indonesia. The estimated patient survival rate in lower-middle-income countries is 77%, and survival is highly dependent on early diagnosis and therapy.
Objective To identify the clinical characteristics of retinoblastoma in patients at the Cicendo National Eye Hospital, as an Indonesian tertiary eye hospital.
Methods This retrospective, observational study included pediatric patients <18 years of age diagnosed with retinoblastoma at the Cicendo National Eye Hospital, Bandung, West Java, between January 2018 and December 2022. We collected patients’ medical record data on age, gender, laterality, chief complaints, stage of disease, grouping, histopathologic features, therapy, and survival.
Results Of 247 retinoblastoma patients (328 eyes) enrolled, 53.85% presented at 1-2 years of age and 50.61% were males. Patients mostly presented with unilateral (67.21%) retinoblastoma, leukocoria (51.82%) as the chief complaint, and classified as International Retinoblastoma Staging System (IRSS) stage III (33.20%). Tumors were mostly intraocular (58.84%), particularly group E (39.02%). Most tumors showed undifferentiated (45.43%) and high-risk features (54.27%). Most eyes were treated with combination therapy (74.09%), particularly local and systemic therapy (59.45%). Survival was noted at 18.62% of patients, but 62.75% of patients were lost to follow-up.
Conclusion Most patients present with advanced retinoblastoma. Most histopathological results shows undifferentiated and high-risk features of the tumor. Delays in diagnosis and therapy may occur due to a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding clinical manifestations of retinoblastoma, which leads to worse prognosis.
Existence and concentration of solutions for a fractional Schrödinger–Poisson system with discontinuous nonlinearity
Authors: Mu Changyang , Yang Zhipeng , Zhang Wei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we study the following fractional Schrödinger–Poisson system with discontinuous nonlinearity:

ε

2
s

(

−
Δ

)

s

u
+
V

(

x

)

u
+
ϕ
u
=
H

(

u
−
β

)

f

(

u

)

,

in

R

3

,

ε

2
s

(

−
Δ

)

s

ϕ
=

u

2

,

in

R

3

,

u
>
0
,

in

R

3

,

$$\begin{cases}^{2s}{\left(-{\Delta}\right)}^{s}u+V\left(x\right)u+\phi u=H\left(u-\beta \right)f\left(u\right),\quad \hfill & \text{in} {\mathbb{R}}^{3},\hfill \\ {\varepsilon }^{2s}{\left(-{\Delta}\right)}^{s}\phi ={u}^{2},\quad \hfill & \text{in} {\mathbb{R}}^{3},\hfill \\ u{ >}0,\quad \hfill & \text{in} {\mathbb{R}}^{3},\hfill \end{cases}$$

where ɛ > 0 is a small parameter,

s
∈

(

3

4

,
1

)

$s\in \left(\frac{3}{4},1\right)$

, β > 0, H is the Heaviside function, (−Δ)
s

u is the fractional Laplacian operator,

V

:

R

3

→
R

$V :{\mathbb{R}}^{3}\to \mathbb{R}$

is a continuous potential and

f

:
R
→
R

$f :\mathbb{R}\to \mathbb{R}$

is superlinear continuous nonlinearity with subcritical growth at infinity. By using nonsmooth analysis, we investigate the existence and concentration of solutions for the above problem. Moreover, we obtain some properties of these solutions, such as convergence and decay estimate.
The Unholy Grail of cancer screening: or is it just about the Benjamins?
Authors: Chatanaka Miyo K. , Yousef George M. , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The biotechnology company Grail developed a non-invasive blood test (Galleri test) which is claimed to detect 50 types of cancer at early and potentially curable stages. The initially promising results from prospective studies, and the anticipated financial success of Grail led the sequencing giant Illumina to purchase Grail for $8 billion (2021). Following this event, Grail collaborated with the UK National Health System to further clarify the test’s capability, in a 3-year prospective trial, along with the standard of care. The UK-NHS announced that the trial will provide a clearer understanding of the efficacy of the Galleri test within the NHS framework. If the test does not perform as expected, valuable insights will still be gained to guide future research aimed at enhancing cancer screening. We previously expressed concerns about the sensitivity and specificity of the Galleri test. In this opinion paper, we revisit the hyped technology, and we provide new suggestions on the use of this test.
Simultaneous spectral illumination of microplates for high-throughput optogenetics and photobiology
Authors: Vogt Arend , Paulat Raik , Parthier Daniel , Just Verena , Szczepek Michal , Scheerer Patrick , Xu Qianzhao , Möglich Andreas , Schmitz Dietmar , Rost Benjamin R. , Wenger Nikolaus 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The biophysical characterization and engineering of optogenetic tools and photobiological systems has been hampered by the lack of efficient methods for spectral illumination of microplates for high-throughput analysis of action spectra. Current methods to determine action spectra only allow the sequential spectral illumination of individual wells. Here we present the open-source RainbowCap-system, which combines LEDs and optical filters in a standard 96-well microplate format for simultaneous and spectrally defined illumination. The RainbowCap provides equal photon flux for each wavelength, with the output of the LEDs narrowed by optical bandpass filters. We validated the RainbowCap for photoactivatable G protein-coupled receptors (opto-GPCRs) and enzymes for the control of intracellular downstream signaling. The simultaneous, spectrally defined illumination provides minimal interruption during time-series measurements, while resolving 10 nm differences in the action spectra of optogenetic proteins under identical experimental conditions. The RainbowCap is also suitable for studying the spectral dependence of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria, which requires illumination over several hours. In summary, the RainbowCap provides high-throughput spectral illumination of microplates, while its modular, customizable design allows easy adaptation to a wide range of optogenetic and photobiological applications.
Protein persulfidation in plants: mechanisms and functions beyond a simple stress response
Authors: Moseler Anna , Wagner Stephan , Meyer Andreas J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) can modulate the activity, localization and interactions of proteins and (re)define their biological function. Understanding how changing environments can alter cellular processes thus requires detailed knowledge about the dynamics of PTMs in time and space. A PTM that gained increasing attention in the last decades is protein persulfidation, where a cysteine thiol (-SH) is covalently bound to sulfane sulfur to form a persulfide (-SSH). The precise cellular mechanisms underlying the presumed persulfide signaling in plants are, however, only beginning to emerge. In the mitochondrial matrix, strict regulation of persulfidation and H2S homeostasis is of prime importance for maintaining mitochondrial bioenergetic processes because H2S is a highly potent poison for cytochrome c oxidase. This review summarizes the current knowledge about protein persulfidation and corresponding processes in mitochondria of the model plant Arabidopsis. These processes will be compared to the respective processes in non-plant models to underpin similarities or highlight apparent differences. We provide an overview of mitochondrial pathways that contribute to H2S and protein persulfide generation and mechanisms for H2S fixation and de-persulfidation. Based on current proteomic data, we compile a plant mitochondrial persulfidome and discuss how persulfidation may regulate protein function.
THE POTENTIAL OF SMART TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE YOUTH MIGRATION IN THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC REGIONS
Authors: ДЕТТЕР Г.Ф. , ЛЁВКИН В.Е. , АНДРИАНОВ К.В. , ЛЁВКИНА А.О. 
Published: September 2024

Основные риски устойчивого развития Российской Арктики определяют социально-демографические факторы: низкая численность населения, миграционный отток, отставание качества жизни от общероссийского уровня, несоответствие имеющихся возможностей в области образования потребностям экономики и социальной сферы арктических регионов. Молодежь является основой для роста человеческого и интеллектуального потенциала Арктики и в то же время обладает повышенной мобильностью. Это обусловливает высокую актуальность поиска эффективных решений по сокращению миграционного оттока молодежи, в том числе за счет быстро развивающихся возможностей цифровых технологий. В статье изложены результаты пилотажного исследования, тестирующего гипотезу о возможности применения цифровых технологий для повышения качества жизни молодежи арктических регионов и сокращения ее миграционного оттока. Анализ выявил, что применение технологий онлайн-образования в целях повышения доступности и качества образования может значительно повлиять на выбор молодежью арктических территорий в качестве места для жизни, работы и развития.
The sustainable development of the Russian Arctic faces primarily socio-demographic risks: low population, migration outflow, subpar quality of life compared to the national average, and a mismatch between available educational opportunities and the needs of the Arctic economy and social sphere. Given that young peopleplay a crucial role in this area's human and intellectual potential, their increased mobility in Arctic regions highlights the urgent need to find effective solutions to reduce youth migration. This can be achieved through the utilization of rapidly advancing digital technologies and smart solutions. This article presents the findings of a pilot study that aimed to test the hypothesis regarding the possible benefits of digital technologies in improving the quality of life for Arctic youth and mitigating their migration outflow. The results revealed significant potential for digital technologies to address the issue of youth migration outflow. In particular, the use of distance technologies to enhance the accessibility and quality of education can greatly influence young people's decision to choose Arctic territories as their place of residence, work, and personal growth.
Pioniers of Microsurgery: the Touch of History
Authors: Špokevičius Saulius 
Published: September 2024

Every hand and microsurgeon worldwide is more or less familiar with the names of those who are mentioned in this article: Harry Buncke, Harold E. Kleinert, Robert Acland, Hanno Millesi and Algimantas Otonas Narakas. Who ever new or were familliar with them experienced feeling as it was “the royal touch” for those who had a scropulosis in the middle ages: the touch was healing and left the unforgettable memories – they were toutched by a queen or a king. Every contact with the giants of microsurgery left noteworthy memories of their lavish lessons and cordial advises. The author had a very close professional contacts with all of them and is eager to share some of the highlights spent with them in operating rooms, writing articles and discussing subjects during the scietific meatings.