bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape metric sensitivity to grain size in rural Japan
Authors: Kato Sadahisa , Motobe Akari 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of landscape metrics to varying grain sizes in a rural, forested landscape in Japan, contributing to a broader understanding of landscape metric behavior across different scales. We analyzed six class-level and two landscape-level metrics on a land use map at grain sizes of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, and 100 m. Our results indicate that the effect of increasing grain size on landscape metrics varies depending on the specific metric and land use type. Key metrics, such as the percentage of land use types in a landscape, and two landscape-level metrics showed minimal change across the range of grain sizes. Conversely, patch density and cohesion decreased, whereas Euclidean nearest neighbor distance increased. In addition, the patch area and radius of gyration showed variable responses across different land use types, influenced by their characteristic dimensions. This study highlights the limitations of using coarse-resolution data for detailed landscape analysis, as it may not fully capture landscape change or the relationship between landscape patterns and ecological processes. We propose an optimal grain size of 5–50 m for analyzing rural forested landscapes in Japan, which effectively captures fine-scale elements critical for biodiversity conservation. This range allows accurate comparisons between different regions and land use plans, especially in satoyama landscapes. This research highlights the importance of selecting appropriate grain size in landscape analysis and interpretation of landscape metrics as well as urges researchers and policymakers to ensure accurate ecological assessments and informed decision-making.
Scalable Bayesian p-generalized probit and logistic regression
Authors: Ding Zeyu , Omlor Simon , Ickstadt Katja , Munteanu Alexander 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe logit and probit link functions are arguably the two most common choices for binary regression models. Many studies have extended the choice of link functions to avoid possible misspecification and to improve the model fit to the data. We introduce the p-generalized Gaussian distribution (p-GGD) to binary regression in a Bayesian framework. The p-GGD has received considerable attention due to its flexibility in modeling the tails, while generalizing, for instance, over the standard normal distribution where $$p=2$$

p
=
2

or the Laplace distribution where $$p=1$$

p
=
1

. Here, we extend from maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to Bayesian posterior estimation using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling for the model parameters $$\beta$$
β
and the link function parameter p. We use simulated and real-world data to verify the effect of different parameters p on the estimation results, and how logistic regression and probit regression can be incorporated into a broader framework. To make our Bayesian methods scalable in the case of large data, we also incorporate coresets to reduce the data before running the complex and time-consuming MCMC analysis. This allows us to perform very efficient calculations while retaining the original posterior parameter distributions up to little distortions both, in practice, and with theoretical guarantees.
Patients with atrial fibrillation and common exclusion criteria from clinical trials are at high risk of clinical events: the Murcia AF Project II (MAFP-II) cohort study
Authors: Soler-Espejo Eva , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Bru-Cánovas José Daniel , Esteve-Pastor María Asunción , Lip Gregory Yoke Hong , Marín Francisco , Roldán Vanessa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Some clinical characteristics and comorbidities in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are exclusion criteria in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating oral anticoagulants (OAC). However, these conditions are present also in everyday clinical practice patients. We compared the risk of adverse clinical outcomes between patients with and without RCT exclusion criteria.

Methods
The Murcia AF Project II was an observational cohort study including AF outpatients starting vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) from July 2016 to June 2018. For the selection of the exclusion criteria, the four pivotal RCTs of direct-acting OAC (DOACs) were used as reference. During 2 years, all ischemic strokes/transient ischemic attacks, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), major bleeds, and all-cause deaths were recorded.

Results
1050 patients (51.5% female, median age 77 years) were included, of whom 368 (35%) met at least one exclusion criterion for RCTs. During follow-up, the incidence rate ratios for major bleeding, MACE and all-cause mortality were higher among patients with exclusion criteria (all p < 0.001). Patients fulfilling at least one exclusion criterion had increased risks of major bleeding (aHR 1.48; 95% CI 1.22–1.81; p < 0.001), MACE (aHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.10–2.09, p = 0.012), and mortality (aHR 3.22, 95% CI 2.32–4.48, p < 0.001), as well as a lower event-free survival (all log-rank p < 0.001).

Conclusions
In this AF cohort taking VKAs, more than one-third had at least one RCT exclusion criteria, which translates into higher risk of major bleeding, MACE, and death. These observations should be considered when translating RCTs results to AF patients for a proper and a more patient-centered management.
On the Expansion of Resolvents and the Integrated Density of States for Poisson Distributed Schrödinger Operators
Authors: Hasler David , Koberstein Jannis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe consider a Schrödinger operator with random potential distributed according to a Poisson process. We show that under a uniform moment bound expectations of matrix elements of the resolvent as well as the integrated density of states can be approximated to arbitrary precision in powers of the coupling constant. The expansion coefficients are given in terms of expectations obtained by Neumann expanding the potential around the free Laplacian. Our results are valid for arbitrary strength of the disorder parameter, including the small disorder regime.
Task potential in relation to teaching quality and teacher competence in secondary mathematics classrooms
Authors: Glegola Ann-Kristin , Jentsch Armin , Ross Natalie , König Johannes , Kaiser Gabriele 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe potential of tasks to foster mathematical learning and understanding is an important aspect of instruction and their implementation in teaching is thus often viewed to be positively related to the quality of instruction. Both the selection of tasks as well as their implementation in the classroom depend on many factors, with teachers’ knowledge and skills as one of the most important ones. The present study aims to analyze the relations between different aspects of task potential, the quality of instruction, and teachers’ competence in order to investigate whether task potential can be seen as an indicator for teaching quality, for teacher competence, or as an independent construct in models of educational effectiveness. To this end, we draw on data from the TEDS-Validate study, namely tests of mathematics teachers’ competence (n = 31) observations in their classrooms (n = 60), and an in-depth analysis of all tasks used in the respective lessons (n = 2490). Multiple regression analysis suggests that while some facets of task potential are related to either teaching quality or teacher competence, the potential of tasks emerges as an independent construct with some characteristics predicting the teaching quality of the respective lessons. Implications of these results for the role of tasks in educational effectiveness research are discussed.
Epistemological justification
Authors: Harel Guershon 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEpistemological justification is a way of thinking that manifests itself through perturbation-resolution cycles revolving around the question why and how was a piece of mathematical knowledge conceived? The paper offers a conceptual framework for constituent elements of epistemological justification. The framework provides: (a) a theoretical basis for epistemological justification, (b) criteria for its occurrence, and (c) analysis of its relation to mathematical explanation. The criteria are illustrated by a series of learning-teaching events taken from teaching experiments aimed at investigating the learning and teaching in linear algebra. The contribution of the proposed framework is three-fold: (a) it addresses a critical aspect of proof understanding not explicitly addressed in the literature; (b) it goes beyond the traditional treatment of mathematical understanding and production into questions about learners’ conceptualization of the origins of mathematical knowledge; and (c) it theorizes instructional approaches that can advance this conceptualization among students.
The Anti-candidal and Absorbtion Performance of PVA/PVP-Based Jania rubens Hydrogel on Candida tropicalis and Some Physicochemical Properties of the Hydrogel
Authors: Boran Meltem , Eliuz Elif Erdogan , Ayas Deniz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study was aimed to create a bioactive hydrogel form with PVA/PVP (polyvinyl alcohol/poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) polymer using acetone and ethanol extractions of Janiarubens red algae and investigate some pharmaceutical properties. The anti-candidal activity and some inhibition performance of J. rubens/PVA/PVP hydrogel were investigated on Candida tropicalis which is one of the important causes of bloodstream infections. The physicochemical properties of J. rubens/PVA/PVP hydrogel were revealed using FTIR and swelling-absorption tests. The volatile compounds of J. rubens extracts were examined by GCMS. By mixing the extracts in equal proportions, PVA/PVP-based hydrogel was prepared. According to the results, Cumulative Drug Release was stable at 25 °C for the first 5 h. The IZ (inhibition zone) and MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of J. rubens/PVA/PVP hydrogel were 9.01 mm and 80.20 mg/mL, respectively. It was found that logarithmic reduction and percent reduction were seen as 1.5 CFU/mL and 97.5%, respectively, on C. tropicalis exposed to J. rubens/PVA/PVP hydrogel in the first 5 min of the incubation. After exposure of C. tropicalis to J. rubens/PVA/PVP, the number of viable cells transferred from the gel to water was between 76.1 and 73.1% in high glucose medium, while it was between 92.2 and 80.8% for the PVA/PVP hydrogel under the same conditions. As a result, PVA/PVP hydrogel was made bioactive with J. rubens extracts for the first time in this study, and its potential for use as a functional anticandidal hydrogel on C.tropicalis has been demonstrated.
Evaluation of Boric Acid Treatment on microRNA‐127‐5p and Metastasis Genes Orchestration of Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Semerci Sevimli Tuğba , Ghorbani Aynaz , Gakhiyeva Fidan , Ebrahimi Aliakbar , Ghorbanpoor Hamed , Altuğ Burcugül , Ergen Fulya Buge , Ahmadova Zarifa , Soykan Merve Nur , Tufekcioglu Emre 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCoregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) is very important in carcinogenesis. miR-127-5p is known to be downregulated in breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate how boric acid (BA), known for its previously unstudied anti-cancer properties, would affect the expression of miR127-5p and genes responsible for breast cancer stem cells (BC-SCs) metastasis. BC-SCs were isolated from human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) by immunomagnetic cell separation and characterized with flow cytometry and sphere formation. The viability of BC-SCs and the determination of its IC50 value in response to boric acid (BA) were assessed via the MTT assay. Boric acid exhibited dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell viability in cells. The IC50 doses of boric acid in MCF-7 cells and BC-SCs were 45.69 mM and 41.27 mM, respectively. The impact of BA on the expression of metastatic genes and miR127-5p was elucidated through RT-qPCR analysis. While the expression of the COL1A1 (p < 0.05) and VIM (p < 0.01) was downregulated, the expression of the miR-127-5p, ZEB1 (p < 0.01), CDH1 (p < 0.05), ITGB1 (p < 0.05), ITGA5 (p < 0.05), LAMA5 (p < 0.01), and SNAIL (p < 0.05), was up-regulated in dose-treated BC-SCs (p < 0.001) to the RT-qPCR results. Our findings suggest that boric acid could induce miR-127-5p expression. However, it cannot be said that it improves the metastasis properties of breast cancer stem cells.
Graphical Abstract
C-Peptide and BMi predict anti-hyperglycemic treatment lines in breast cancer patients treated with Alpelisib
Authors: Carrillo-Lopez Elena , Sebastian-Valles Fernando , Sager La Ganga Carolina , Ballesteros Anabel , Navas-Moreno Victor , Bañón Dulce , López Martí María Pilar , Marazuela Mónica , Arranz Martín José Alfonso 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Alpelisib is a PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-kinases) inhibitor used for breast cancer which develops hyperglycemia based on its action on glucose metabolism regulation. This study aims to identify potential risk factors predicting hyperglycemia development and the need for multiple treatments for hyperglycemia in patients receiving Alpelisib.

Methods
Fourteen women diagnosed with metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer carrying PI3K mutations who initiated treatment with Alpelisib were monitored through consultations in the Oncology and Endocrinology departments. Non-parametric ROC curves were generated to assess the need for three or more antidiabetic medications to achieve glycemic control.

Results
The study population had a median age of 64 years (range:48–69) with a median body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 kg/m2 (range: 22.9–29.4). Overweight was observed in 35.7% of the participants and obesity in 21.4%. Fifty percent of the participants had prediabetes, and 85.7% developed hyperglycemia requiring pharmacological treatment, although none of them needed to discontinue treatment for this reason. Baseline C-peptide levels and BMI were associated with the number of antidiabetic drugs used (Spearman’s Rho 0.553, p = 0.040; Spearman’s Rho 0.581, p = 0.030, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.819 for the variable risk profile (defined as baseline C-peptide >10.5 ng/ml and BMI > 27 kg/m2), whereas AUC values were 0.556 and 0.514 for HbA1c and baseline glucose, respectively, (p = 0.012).

Conclusion
A joint follow-up by an Oncology department and a Diabetes Unit can prevent treatment discontinuation in patients under Alpelisib therapy. Baseline BMI and plasma C-peptide levels can predict an increased need for anti-hyperglycemic treatment.
Contribution of methamphetamine and insulin to the death of a woman suffering from type I diabetes – which played the greater role?
Authors: Handlosová Klára , Šištík Pavel , Uvíra Matěj , Andelova Kateřina , Handlos Petr , Stejskal David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis report presents a fatal case of a young female Type I diabetic patient who developed convulsions and loss of consciousness after taking methamphetamine and spending some time in a dance club. During the convulsions, she was given sugar and when no response occurred, her boyfriend who was not experienced in the use of insulin administered a dose of insulin to her. The woman lost consciousness and died despite the efforts of the emergency service. A biochemical analysis revealed a high level of insulin (196.67 mU/L) and low levels of glucose (2.96 mmol/L) and C-peptide (26 pmol/L). Toxicological analysis revealed a methamphetamine concentration of 389 ng/mL and an amphetamine concentration of 19 ng/mL. The forensic perspective of the difficult determination of the contribution of each of the factors to the death, i.e., the pre-existing medical condition (Type I diabetes), the use of methamphetamine, the physical exertion at the dance club, and, finally, the non-indicated administration of insulin, is discussed. The ruling of the court is also reported.
Stability and numerical solutions for second-order ordinary differential equations with application in mechanical systems
Authors: Turab Ali , Montoyo Andrés , Nescolarde-Selva Josué-Antonio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of second-order Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) to examine animal avoidance behaviors, specifically emphasizing analytical and computational aspects. By using the Picard–Lindelöf and fixed-point theorems, we prove the existence of unique solutions and examine their stability according to the Ulam-Hyers criterion. We also investigate the effect of external forces and the system’s sensitivity to initial conditions. This investigation applies Euler and Runge–Kutta fourth-order (RK4) methods to a mass-spring-damper system for numerical approximation. A detailed analysis of the numerical approaches, including a rigorous evaluation of both absolute and relative errors, demonstrates the efficacy of these techniques compared to the exact solutions. This robust examination enhances the theoretical foundations and practical use of such ODEs in understanding complex behavioral patterns, showcasing the connection between theoretical understanding and real-world applications.
Cellular Traction Force Holds the Potential as a Drug Testing Readout for In Vitro Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Liew Hui Yan , Liew Xiao Hui , Lin Wei Xuan , Lee Yee Zhen , Ong Yong Sze , Ogawa Satoshi , Chong Lor Huai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Metastasis is responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, the potential inhibitory effects of metastasis by various anticancer drugs have been left largely unexplored. Existing preclinical models primarily focus on antiproliferative agents on the primary tumor to halt the cancer growth but not in metastasis. Unlike primary tumors, metastasis requires cancer cells to exert sufficient cellular traction force through the actomyosin machinery to migrate away from the primary tumor site. Therefore, we seek to explore the potential of cellular traction force as a novel readout for screening drugs that target cancer metastasis.

Methods
In vitro models of invasive and non-invasive breast cancer were first established using MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. Cellular morphology was characterized, revealing spindle-like morphology in MDA-MB-231 and spherical morphology in MCF-7 cells. The baseline cellular traction force was quantified using the Traction force Microscopy technique. Cisplatin, a paradigm antimetastatic drug, and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), a non-antimetastatic drug, were selected to evaluate the potential of cellular traction force as a drug testing readout for the in vitro cancer metastasis.

Results
MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited significantly higher baseline cellular traction force compared to MCF-7 cells. Treatment with Cisplatin, an antimetastatic drug, and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), a non-antimetastatic drug, demonstrated distinct effects on cellular traction force in MDA-MB-231 but not in MCF-7 cells. These findings correlate with the invasive potential observed in the two models.

Conclusion
Cellular traction force emerges as a promising metric for evaluating drug efficacy in inhibiting cancer metastasis using in vitro models. This approach could enhance the screening and development of novel anti-metastatic therapies, addressing a critical gap in current anticancer drug research.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning on Academic Achievement in EFL Classroom: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Orhan Ali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Problem based learning (PBL) has great potential to enhance learning outcomes and this potential has been investigated and proved in different disciplines by many meta-analysis studies. However, there are not any meta-analysis studies aiming to investigate the effectiveness of problem based learning in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms which is an important gap that needs to be filled. Therefore, this meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the overall effect size of PBL on achievement in EFL classrooms and to examine the possible moderator variables that might be effective on this overall effect size. Along with this aim, the studies investigating the effect of PBL on academic achievement in EFL classrooms are included and analyses were carried out with 41 data (extracted from 36 unique studies). Investigation of publication bias using various methods showed that there is no publication bias. This study showed that the effect size of PBL is 1.067 indicating a large effect which means that PBL is highly effective to enhance the language achievement of students in EFL classrooms. Moderator analyses showed that language skill is a real moderator on the effect size of PBL on EFL success while the study group, treatment duration, location of study, learning environment, and document type are not real moderators.
Inflammation-based scores in a large cohort of adrenocortical carcinoma and adrenocortical adenoma: role of the hormonal secretion pattern
Authors: Mangone A. , Favero V. , Prete A. , Elhassan Y. S. , Asia M. , Hardy R. , Mantovani G. , Chiodini I. , Ronchi C. L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Serum inflammation-based scores can predict clinical outcome in several cancer types, including adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). It is unclear whether the extent of inflammation-based scores alterations in ACC reflects malignancy, steroid excess, or both.

Methods
We investigated a large retrospective cohort of adrenocortical adenomas (ACA, n = 429) and ACC (n = 61) with available baseline full blood count and hormonal evaluation. We examined the relationship between different inflammation-based scores [neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI)] and both malignancy and steroid secretion patterns.

Results
All inflammation-based scores differed between ACC and ACA: patients with ACC had higher NLR, PLR, SII and lower LMR and PNI levels compared to ACA (all p values < 0.001). NLR showed a positive correlation with cortisol levels after overnight 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg-DST), both in ACC and ACA (p < 0.01). The ROC curve analysis determined NLR > 2.6 as the best cut-off to discriminate ACC from ACA [AUC = 0.846, p < 0.01]. At multivariable analysis, NLR > 2.6 was independently associated with ACC, 1 mg-DST cortisol levels and age, but not with tumour size. Considering the ACC, NLR and SII were higher and PNI was lower in patients with cortisol excess compared to those without cortisol excess (p = 0.002, p = 0.007, and p = 0.044 respectively). Finally, LMR and NLR differed between inactive-ACC (n = 10) and inactive-ACA (n = 215) (p = 0.040 and p = 0.031, respectively).

Conclusion
Inflammation-based scores are related to steroid secretion both in ACC and ACA. ACCs present a higher grade of inflammation regardless of their hormonal secretion, likely as a feature of malignancy itself.
Peer Mentoring by Medical Students for Medical Students: A Scoping Review
Authors: Preovolos Christos , Grant Abby , Rayner Morgan , Fitzgerald Kylie , Ng Louisa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMedical school transitions pose challenges for students. Mentoring programs may aid students, but evidence supporting peer/near-peer mentoring in medical school is unclear. Our review explores peer mentoring’s benefits, elements for success and challenges. Searches in major databases yielded 1676 records, resulting in 20 eligible studies involving 4591 participants. Longitudinal (n = 15) and shorter, focused programs were examined. Mentors and mentees reported psychosocial, professional and academic benefits. Essential elements included matching, orientation and clear goals, with training crucial yet balanced to avoid mentor overload. Social congruence underpinned successful peer mentoring, particularly benefiting under-represented groups. Challenges include balancing mentor load and logistics.