bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of an intervention for fear of progression in childhood cancer patients and their parents: results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Herrmann Jessy , Kern Laura , Santel Anja , Kulisch Leonard Konstantin , Hoffmann Rahel , Engelhardt-Lohrke Christa , Herzog Kristina , Chen-Santel Christiane , Christiansen Holger , Schepper Florian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: For pediatric oncology patients and their parents, Fear of Progression (FoP) is a main psychosocial burden. While promising programs for adult patients exist, the specific needs in pediatrics have not been addressed yet. We developed an intervention and examined its effectiveness in a small sample.
Methods: 29 families with a child with cancer in acute treatment or follow-up care and elevated FoP-levels participated. The intervention consists of psychoeducation, anxiety confrontation, and resource activation and is proofed in a randomized control study (RCT) with a wait list group who received treatment as usual (tau). All participants completed questionnaires on FoP and secondary outcomes (depression, quality of life, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms) at different time points. We calculated Mann-Whitney-U-tests for between and within group comparisons as well as multiple regression to explore differential effectiveness.
Results: There was a significant difference in FoP after intervention/tau between the two groups (W=62, p=.023) with high effect size (g=-0.855, 95% CI [-1.596;-0.115]). The pre-post and follow-up comparison showed that parental (W=462.5, p≤.001, g=0.855; 95% CI[0.517;1.193]) but not child´s (W=15, p=.438) FoP decreased significantly after intervention, and vice versa after follow-up (parents: W=251.5, p=.953; children: W=21, p=.034, g=0.244; 95% CI [0.039;0.449]). Time since diagnosis may influence the intervention effect (β=-0.447; p≥.004).
Discussion: The intervention can significantly reduce parental FoP and seems promising for children. However, a major limitation of our study is the small sample size.
Conclusion: The intervention represents an initial approach to treat elevated FoP in pediatric oncology.
The Požáry section in the Prague Synform – a possible candidate auxiliary section for the basal Emsian GSSP redefinition
Authors: Slavík Ladislav , Weinerová Hedvika , Weiner Tomáš , Hladil Jindřich 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The global correlation of the basal Emsian boundary is the most problematic issue within the Devonian System and still remains among the most problematic issues in the global Palaeozoic stratigraphy. The Požár 3 section in the Prague Synform, Czech Republic presented herein has many similarities with the published proposal for candidate section for the prospective basal GSSP redefinition – the Mramorka section, from the same area. It has strikingly similar lithology with the typical varied development of the Praha Formation which contains the Bohemian Graptolite Event (BGE), i.e. a prominent lithological marker in the NW part of the Prague Synform. The data from complex multiproxy studies including biostratigraphy, sedimentology, gamma-ray spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility, multi-element geochemistry (INAA, EDXRF), and stable isotopes (δ18O, δ13C) were integrated. These mostly show the same trends as in the Mramorka section and can also be interpreted accordingly. The gracilis Event, an alternative marker approximating the traditional boundary between the Pragian and Emsian stages has been confirmed in the Požár 3 section. The conodont index Latericriodus bilatericrescens gracilis Bultynck, 1985 enters, however, higher than in the Mramorka section, but still below the BGE. This confirms the Mramorka section as the best candidate for the basal Emsian GSSP relocation, whereas the Požár 3 section presented here has a great potential to be prospectively selected as Standard Auxiliary Boundary Stratotype (SABS).
The cerebellum computes frequency dynamics for motions with numerical precision and cross-individual uniformity
Authors: Pan Ming-Kai , Liu Chia-Wei , Chen Shun-Ying , Wang Yi-Mei , Lu Liang-Yin , Chen Peng , Liang Ting-Yu , Liu Wen-Chuan , Kumar Ami , Kuo Sheng-Han , Lee Jye-Chang , Lo Chung-Chuan , Wu Shun-Chi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cross-individual variability is considered the essence of biology, preventing precise mathematical descriptions of biological motion like the physics law of motion. Here we report that the cerebellum shapes motor kinematics by encoding dynamic motor frequencies with remarkable numerical precision and cross-individual uniformity. Using in-vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics in mice, we confirmed that deep cerebellar neurons encoded frequencies via populational tuning of neuronal firing probabilities, creating cerebellar oscillations and motions with matched frequencies. The mechanism was consistently presented in self-generated rhythmic and non-rhythmic motions triggered by a vibrational platform, or skilled tongue movements of licking in all tested mice with cross-individual uniformity. The precision and uniformity allowed us to engineer complex motor kinematics with designed frequencies. We further validated the frequency-coding function of the human cerebellum using cerebellar electroencephalography recordings and alternating-current stimulation during voluntary tapping tasks. Our findings reveal a cerebellar algorithm for motor kinematics with precision and uniformity, the mathematical foundation for brain-computer interface for motor control.
Disparities of Depression among Older Adults with Chronic Conditions within Different Age Groups: Evidence from a Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Hao Zhichao , Yang Tingzhang , Pan Xiaofu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Suffering chronic conditions greatly contribute to mental health problems like depression among older adults. Although an array of literature has focused on this field of study, little research has examined how depression among older adults changes over time or differs from each age group from a developmental and comprehensive view. This longitudinal study provides a holistic understanding of risk and protective factors associated with depression to tailor and provide supportive services for older adults according to their changing needs.
Methods
Utilizing rounds 5–9 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), 3,541 older adults were studied. The Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping (TTSC) model was utilized to select predictors. Descriptive analysis was conducted for all predictors, and a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) was applied to explore and identify the risk and protective factors.
Results
Age, race and ethnicity, self-rated health, number of chronic conditions, cognitive capacity, frequency of negative feelings, self-realization, self-efficacy and resilience, activity participation, and technology use were significantly associated with depression. Furthermore, depression may decrease over time but only happens in a relatively short time, and the extent of decline slows down gradually.
Conclusions
The findings highlight the need to provide support and link resources to caregivers and call for efficient chronic condition management to provide early screening, assessment, and diagnosis. Recommendations from healthcare providers, proper education of healthy lifestyle and the dissemination of related information, and prompting older adults to engage in more physical activities can also make a difference in helping older adults gain better physical and mental health to prevent them from suffering depression.
Estimating lung cancer risk from e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products based on biomarkers of exposure and of potential harm (a) Methodology and examples
Authors: Lee Peter N. , Coombs Katharine J. , Fry John S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) have been available for some years, but there is little epidemiological data on their lung cancer risk.
Aim
To estimate their lung cancer risk from their levels of biomarkers of exposure (BOEs) and potential harm (BOPHs).
Methods
For 28 BOE groups and 82 BOPH groups we sought North American and European studies providing data on biomarker levels for cigarette smokers and users of cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco and/or snus/snuff. We also used lung cancer relative risk (RR) estimates vs. non-users for each product from recent meta-analyses of epidemiological studies in North America and Europe. The data were then used to derive a formula predicting the lung cancer RR for any given biomarker level. Combining the predictions for biomarkers with adequate model fit then allowed estimation of the RR for e-cigarettes and HTPs.
Results
Twenty studies of BOEs provided data for 57 biomarkers in 21 of the 28 groups considered. Twenty-five studies of BOPHs provided data for 54 biomarkers in 29 of the 81 groups considered. We derived estimates for each biomarker of the slope of the relationship of level to risk. Although the fitted regression slope was significant (p < 0.01) for 22 BOEs and six BOPHs with data available, the predicted RR for non-users significantly (p < 0.01) differed from 1.0 for 13 of these BOEs and three of these BOPHs. Using the remaining biomarkers with significant (p < 0.01) slope, and data from three studies reporting BOE data for e-cigarettes and HTPs, we estimated a lung cancer RR of 0.43 (95% CI 0.16–1.20) for e­cigarettes and 1.44 (0.41–5.08) for HTPs, much lower than the 13.86 (11.32–16.96) for cigarette smokers. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the low risk for e-cigarettes and HTPs.
Conclusions
Though having limitations, the methodology seems useful for estimating disease risk for tobacco products with limited epidemiological data, and is applicable to other diseases than lung cancer. Applying it to biomarker data from three studies suggests that lung cancer risk from e­cigarettes and HTPs is much lower than from cigarettes, a conclusion we will check in our follow-up paper involving more biomarker data for these products.
Production and characterization of novel/chimeric sophorose-rhamnose biosurfactants by introducing heterologous rhamnosyltransferase genes into Starmerella bombicola
Authors: Liu Mingxin , Tu Tianshuang , Li Hui , Song Xin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Glycolipid biosurfactant, sophorolipids (SLs) and rhamnolipids (RLs) can be widely used in agriculture, food and chemical industries. The different physicochemical properties of SLs and RLs, such as hydrophilic lipophilic value (HLB) and critical micelle concentration (CMC), determine they have different application focus. Researchers are still hoping to obtain new glycolipid surfactants with unique surface activities. In this study, we successfully transformed two rhamnosyltransferase genes rhlA and rhlB from Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the sophorolipid-producing Starmerella bombicola CGMGG 1576 to obtain a recombinant strain was SbrhlAB. Two novel components with molecular weight of 554 (C26H50O12) and 536 (C26H48O11) were identified with the ASB C18 column from the fermentation broth of SbrhlAB, the former was a non-acetylated acidic C14:0 glycolipid containing one glucose and one rhamnose, and the latter was an acidic C14:1 glycolipid containing two rhamnoses. With the Venusil MP C18 column, one new glycolipid component was identified as an acidic C18:3 glycolipid with one rhamnose (C24H40O7), which has not been reported before. Our present study demonstrated that novel glycolipids can be synthesized in vivo by reasonable genetic engineering. The results will be helpful to engineer sophorolipid-producing yeast to produce some specific SLs or their derivatives in more rational and controllable way.
Fair Repetitive Interval Scheduling
Authors: Heeger Klaus , Hermelin Danny , Itzhaki Yuval , Molter Hendrik , Shabtay Dvir 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Fair resource allocation is undoubtedly a crucial factor in customer satisfaction in several scheduling scenarios. This is especially apparent in repetitive scheduling models where the same set of clients repeatedly submits jobs on a daily basis. In this paper, we aim to analyze a repetitive scheduling system involving a set of $n$ clients and a set of $m$ days. On every day, each client submits a request to process a job exactly within a specific time interval, which may vary from day to day, modeling the scenario where the scheduling is done Just-In-Time (JIT). The daily schedule is executed on a single machine that can process a single job at a time, therefore it is not possible to schedule jobs with intersecting time intervals. Accordingly, a feasible solution corresponds to sets of jobs with disjoint time intervals, one set per day. We define the quality of service (QoS) that a client receives as the number of executed jobs over the $m$ days period. Our objective is to provide a feasible solution where each client has at least $k$ days where his jobs are processed. We prove that this problem is NP-hard even under various natural restrictions such as identical processing times and day-independent due dates. We also provide efficient algorithms for several special cases and analyze the parameterized tractability of the problem with respect to several parameters, providing both parameterized hardness and tractability results.
Reoperation and radiotherapy improve overall survival in patients with epithelioid glioblastoma : A multi-institutional experience
Authors: Sun Meng-nan , Li Shao-qun , Guo Yao , Zhou Jiang-fen , Fu Dan-dan , Hua Xiao-yu , Yu Xiao-jun , Lai Ming-yao , Cai Lin-bo , Shi Chang-zheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Epithelioid glioblastoma (Ep-GBM) is a rare variant of glioblastoma characterized by a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Currently, there is no established standard treatment for Ep-GBM. Therefore, we identified 58 epithelioid glioblastoma cases to investigate these characteristics and identify the possible prognostic factors of survival. The study encompassed 58 patients with a mean age of 37.6±16.3 years. Gross total resection(GTR) was found to be associated with a longer median PFS compared to partial resection (PR) (P=0.017). Univariate analysis demonstrated that individuals who received more than six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) had a longer median PFS (P=0.009, hazard ratio [HR]=0.404, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.204-0.799) or OS (P=0.020, HR=0.408, 95% CI, 0.192-0.868) than those who received fewer cycles. GTR remained significantly associated with PFS (P=0.021, HR=0.430, 95% CI, 0.210-0.878). Additionally, patients who received radiotherapy had a significantly higher median OS than those who did not (P < 0.001, HR=0.200, 95% CI, 0.081-0.495). In the multivariate analysis, radiotherapy remained significantly associated with improved survival (P=0.001, HR=0.181, 95% CI, 0.065-0.502). Patients who underwent reoperation had significantly longer survival than those who did not (P=0.003, HR=0.268, 95% CI, 0.113-0.633). Multivariate analysis confirmed an association between reoperation and prolonged survival (P=0.009, HR=0.286, 95% CI, 0.110-0.747). In conclusion, gross total resection, radiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy using TMZ enhanced PFS or OS, reoperation and simultaneous chemoradiotherapy show promise in extending the survival duration of patients with recurrent Ep-GBM.
Imitation of object manipulation underlying shape exploration - A graph theory analysis of finger gaiting as studied by fMRI
Authors: Krammer Werner , Missimer John H. , Vallesi Vanessa , Pastore-Wapp Manuela , Kägi Georg , Wiest Roland , Weder Bruno J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study seeks to establish a reference for monitoring sensori-motor rehabilitation from hand paresis. The reference task utilizes finger gaiting in the context of within hand prehensile object manipulation. A video guided the 26 healthy, right-handed volunteers through the three phases of the task: (1) fixation of a hand holding a cuboid, (2) observation of the sensori-motor manipulation, (3) imitation of that motor action. fMRI recorded the task; graph analysis of the acquisitions revealed the associated functional cerebral connectivity patterns. Inferred from four 60 ROI, weighted graphs, the functional connectivities are consistent with a motor plan for observation and manipulation in the left hemisphere and with a network in the right hemisphere involving the inferior frontal gyrus, the site of intentional control of imitation. The networks exhibit (1) rich clubs which include sensori-motor hand, dorsal attention, cingulo-opercular and dorsal attention communities for observation and motor execution in both hemispheres, and (2) diversity clubs, significant only for manipulation and observation of the left hand, which include the dorsal visual association cortex, suggesting enhanced visual perception required for guiding the movement-limited left fingers. Short pathway analyses are consistent with these findings, confirming preferential involvement of ventral premotor cortices in the mirror network.
Precision Agriculture Advisor
Authors: Kothuri Sai Nirmal , Tanusree Mandala , Chaitanya Nimmakayala Lakshmi Satya , Chaitanya S. M.K. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

An AI-driven system revolutionizing crop selection and yield prediction in modern agriculture. By leveraging AI algorithms and IoT technologies, the system provides actionable insights to farmers for informed decision-making. Analyzing soil data from IoT sensors, including pH levels, moisture content, and nutrient composition, the system tailors crop recommendations to specific soil types, environmental conditions, and historical yield patterns. Predictive analytics accurately estimate crop yields based on diverse factors, including weather forecasts and agronomic indicators. Key components include data acquisition, preprocessing modules, and a user-friendly interface for real-time monitoring and analysis. Real-world validation demonstrates enhanced crop productivity and profitability, with broader implications for sustainable farming practices and food security.
Effects of groundwater level changes on soil characteristics and vegetation response in arid and semiarid coal mining areas
Authors: Wang Pingshun , Dong Shaogang , Zang Xuchao , Yang Xuedong , Ji Yaxin , Li Lu , Han Xuemin , Hou Fulai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Coal mining in arid and semiarid regions often leads to numerous ecological and environmental problems, such as aquifer depletion, lake shrinkage, vegetation degradation, and surface desertification. The drainage from coal mining activities is a major driving force in the evolution of the groundwater-soil-vegetation system. In this study, based on hydrogeological and ecological vegetation investigations in the Bojianghaizi watershed, used mathematical statistics, linear regression, and correlation analyses to elucidate the impact of groundwater level fluctuations on soil characteristics and the response mechanism of surface vegetation in coal mining areas. The results show that there is a significant negative correlation between groundwater table (GWT) and soil water content (SWC), soil conductivity, soil organic matter (SOM), soil available nitrogen (SAN), and soil available potassium (SAK). Mining activities lead to the destruction of soil structure, which greatly weakened its ability to retain water and nutrients. The contents of SWC, SOM, and SAN in the mining area are significantly reduced, which are at least 49.73 %, 47.56 % and 59.90 % lower than those around the mining area. As the GWT increases from less than 0.5 m to 0.5-7 m, and then to more than 7 m, the vegetation type in the study area transitions from hydrophilic and halophytic species to semi-dependent groundwater species, and finally to xerophilous species. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the sustainable development and environmental protection of similar mines in the world, but also has important significance in guiding the ecological management and rational utilization of water resources in coal mine areas.
Organizational Loneliness in Educational Institutions. A Social Network Analysis Approach
Authors: YARIM Mehmet Ali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: This study, which aims to examine the causes and consequences of organizational isolation in schools with the help of social network analysis, is included in the embedded explanatory pattern model, which is one of the mixed method models.
Methods: The research was conducted in the 2022-2023 academic year in the center of Erzurum, Turkey, on ten schools selected by purposeful sampling method.
Results: According to the results of the research, while organizational loneliness is not seen in small schools, there are individuals experiencing loneliness in large schools. The main reason for these individuals' loneliness is their social relationships and communication at school. Individuals who become lonely have a negative perception of social relations at school and isolate themselves from school activities and communication. As a result of this situation, negative consequences such as exclusion, burnout, lack of belonging, mobbing and pessimism emerge.
Conclusions: Even if the culture, climate and structure of the school are positive, individuals may experience loneliness. The reason for this is the meaning that individuals attach to social relations at school.
Roseateles cavernae sp. nov. ， a bacterium isolated from freshwater of the Old Huanglong Cave in Yunnan province, south-west China
Authors: Zhang Yu-Man , Jiang Qian , Li Mu-Yao , Miao Qing-Yu , Li Yi-Qing , Yin Min , Miao Cui-Ping , Tang Shu-Kun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, amylolytic bacterial strain, designated as YIM B04394T, was isolated from a freshwater sample collected from the Old Huanglong Cave in Kunming, Yunnan province, south-west China. The strain was found to be aerobic, oxidase-positive and weakly catalase- positive, grew at 10–40℃ (optimum, 28°C), pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and low NaCl concentration (up to 5.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM B04394T clustered with Roseateles species. The DNA-DNA and ANI relatedness values of strain YIM B04394 T with the related species R. toxinivorans DSM 16998T and R. asaccharophilus DSM 25082T were 21.50-22.9%% and 76.47-76.93%, respectively. Major fatty acids included summed feature 3 and C16:0. MK-8 was detected as the respiratory quinone and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown phospholipid. The DNA G + C content was 67.89 mol%. Based on phylogenomic and phylogenetic analyses coupled with phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterizations indicated that the strain represents a novel Roseateles species for which the name Roseateles cavernae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM B04394T (= NBRC 115775T = KCTC 92438T = CCTCC AB2021502T).