bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group imagery imagery rescripting via telehealth decreases dysfunctional personality beliefs and the meta-emotional problem but does not increase positive self-compassion
Authors: Tenore Katia , Granziol Umberto , Luppino Olga Ines , Mancini Francesco , Mancini Alessandra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractImagery rescripting (ImR) has shown to reduce negative belief about the self, negative emotions and emotional dysregulation. However, the mechanisms through which this improvement in emotion regulation takes place is currently the object of investigation. An untested hypothesis is that ImR reduces the negative emotional response to primary emotions (i.e. the Meta-emotional problem) associated to difficulties in emotional regulation. In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the impact of group ImR delivered via telehealth on dysfunctional personality beliefs, the Meta-emotional problem, difficulties in emotional regulation, and self-compassion in a non-clinical sample of participants. A total of 45 community sample participants received three sessions of group ImR delivered via telehealth. Personality dysfunctional beliefs, meta-emotions, self-compassion and emotional dysregulation were measured before ImR and in three follow-up sessions. Dysfunctional personality beliefs, specifically those associated with the dependent, obsessive–compulsive, antisocial, and histrionic personality disorders, were significantly reduced after the ImR intervention. Additionally, the Meta-emotional problem and difficulties in emotional regulation were also reduced. Moreover, negative self-compassion showed a significant decrease after ImR, but positive self-compassion remained unchanged. These findings suggest that group ImR delivered via telehealth can effectively reduce negative beliefs about oneself, negative emotions, and emotional dysregulation. However, it seems that this intervention does not increase a more benevolent attitude towards oneself, possibly due to the less direct intervention of the therapist in the group telehealth setting. The researchers discuss the implications of these findings for clinical practice in a group telehealth context.
Toda and Laguerre–Freud equations and tau functions for hypergeometric discrete multiple orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Fernández-Irisarri Itsaso , Mañas Manuel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the authors investigate the case of discrete multiple orthogonal polynomials with two weights on the step line, which satisfy Pearson equations. The discrete multiple orthogonal polynomials in question are expressed in terms of $$\tau $$
τ
-functions, which are double Wronskians of generalized hypergeometric series. The shifts in the spectral parameter for type II and type I multiple orthogonal polynomials are described using banded matrices. It is demonstrated that these polynomials offer solutions to multicomponent integrable extensions of the nonlinear Toda equations. Additionally, the paper characterizes extensions of the Nijhoff–Capel totally discrete Toda equations. The hypergeometric $$\tau $$
τ
-functions are shown to provide solutions to these integrable nonlinear equations. Furthermore, the authors explore Laguerre–Freud equations, nonlinear equations for the recursion coefficients, with a particular focus on the multiple Charlier, generalized multiple Charlier, multiple Meixner II, and generalized multiple Meixner II cases.
Changing the structure of PFOA and PFOS: a chemical industry strategy or a solution to avoid thyroid-disrupting effects?
Authors: Coperchini F. , Greco A. , Rotondi M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The family of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) raised concern for their proven bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment and animals as well as for their hazardous health effects. As a result, new congeners of PFAS have rapidly replaced the so-called “old long-chain PFAS” (mainly PFOA and PFOS), currently out-of-law and banned by most countries. These compounds derive from the original structure of “old long-chain PFAS”, by cutting or making little conformational changes to their structure, thus obtaining new molecules with similar industrial applications. The new congeners were designed to obtain "safer" compounds. Indeed, old-long-chain PFAS were reported to exert thyroid disruptive effects in vitro, and in vivo in animals and humans. However, shreds of evidence accumulated so far indicate that the “restyling” of the old PFAS leads to the production of compounds, not only functionally similar to the previous ones but also potentially not free of adverse health effects and bioaccumulation. Studies aimed at characterizing the effects of new-PFAS congeners on thyroid function indicate that some of these new-PFAS congeners showed similar effects.

Purpose
The present review is aimed at providing an overview of recent data regarding the effects of novel PFAS alternatives on thyroid function.

Results and conclusions
An extensive review of current legislation and of the shreds of evidence obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the effects of the exposure to novel PFOA and PFOS alternatives, as well as of PFAS mixture on thyroid function will be provided.
Slope aspect of a mountainous grassland landscape shapes the structure of an encroaching shrub (Euryops floribundus N.E. Br): insights from communal grazing sites located at varying distances from rural homesteads
Authors: Gxasheka Masibonge , Dlamini Phesheya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMountainous grassland landscapes are severely threatened by the proliferation of shrub encroachment. So far, it remains unclear though how slope aspect coupled with land disturbances linked to the proximity of homesteads to communal grazing sites affects the distribution, density and structure of the encroaching shrubs in these grassland ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the role that slope aspect plays in determining the density and structure of an encroaching shrub species Euryops floribundus N.E. Br in three communal grazing sites located at varying distances from rural homesteads in a semi-arid mountainous grassland in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Three sites were strategically chosen in Cala communal grazing lands in an encroached mountainous grassland landscape that depicted north and south-facing slope aspects. The selected sites were Tsengiwe; a site located in close proximity to homesteads at a distance of less than 100 m, Upper Mnxe situated at an intermediate distance ranging from 200 to 800 m away from homesteads and Manzimdaka, which was located furthest from homesteads at a distance greater than 1600 m. In each site and corresponding slope aspect, the density and structure of the shrub E. floribundus were evaluated on 36 randomly distributed plots, yielding a total of 108 plots across all sites. We found that shrub density was significantly higher (50%) on the north-facing slope compared to the south-facing slope in Tsengiwe, the site located near homesteads. Shrub height was significantly higher (53 and 17%) on the north-facing slope compared to the south-facing slope at Upper Mnxe and Manzimdaka, which were located at intermediate and furthest distances from the homesteads. Notably, shrub height was significantly lower (37%) in the north-facing slope compared to the south-facing slope in Tsengiwe. Following a similar pattern to shrub height, total stem number was significantly higher (20 and 85%) in the north-facing slope compared to the south-facing slope at Upper Mnxe and Tsengiwe, respectively. Shrub crown area was higher (33 and 11%) in the north-facing slope compared to the south-facing slope at Upper Mnxe and Manzimdaka, respectively. A strong positive relationship was established between the height of shrubs and their longest crown diameter, shortest crown diameter and shrub crown area across all sites, suggesting that the investigated shrub species E. floribundus employs its structural characteristics to survive, and thrive and this was more evident in the north-facing slope. The results highlight the importance of considering the proximity of homesteads into account in ecological studies, and puts emphasis on improved understanding of the vegetation patterns shaped by shrub encroachment in mountainous grasslands, which is crucial in the development of effective land management strategies.
Operational performance and metal droplet formation in pulsed-shielded metal arc underwater welding
Authors: Moreno-Uribe Andrés M. , Vaccari Leandro , Bracarense Alexandre Q. , Maier Hans J. , Hassel Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderwater Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is highly affected by the welding depth. The arc and molten metal in contact with the surrounding environment cause operational and metallurgical challenges regarding arc stability, metal transfer, gas formation, high-cooling rates, and diffusible hydrogen uptake. The hydrostatic pressure causes losses in consumable fusion efficiency, constricts the arc, increases the number of short-circuit events, and consequently decreases the welded joint’s process quality. In the present study, the novel approach of pulsed welding current is applied to wet shielded metal arc welding and is operational characteristics are evaluated in detail. Automated welding using an arc-voltage control system was used to obtain reproducible results. For the pulse conditions, two values of pulse current combinations, taking 140 A as the mean value, were set (ΔI of 40 A and 80 A). The same pulse and base duration were chosen, giving pulsing frequencies of 2.5 Hz and 25 Hz. The voltage and current signals were acquired and the short-circuit numbers and melting rates were calculated by processing the data stability factors. As a result, it was possible to weld with lower average welding currents through pulsed-current technology. This new approach can improve the stability of the wet SMAW process and contribute to obtaining better-quality welds without any changes for the underwater welder.
Disarming Apartheid
Authors: Möser Robin E. 
Published: March 2024

South Africa remains the only state that developed a nuclear weapons capability, but ultimately decided to dismantle existing weapons and abandon the programme. Disarming Apartheid reconstructs the South African decision-making and diplomatic negotiations over the country's nuclear weapons programme and its international status, drawing on new and extensive archival material and interviews. This deeply researched study brings to light a unique disarmament experience. It traces the country's previously neglected path towards accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Rather than relying primarily on US government archives, the book joins the burgeoning field of national nuclear histories based on unprecedented access to policymakers and documents in the country studied. Robin E. Möser, in addition to providing access to important new documents, offers original interpretations that enrich the study of nuclear politics for historians and political scientists.
United States house dust Pb concentrations are influenced by soil, paint, and house age: insights from a national survey
Authors: Sowers Tyler D. , Nelson Clay M. , Blackmon Matthew D. , Li Kevin , Jerden Marissa L. , Kirby Alicia M. , Kovalcik Kasey , Cox David , Dewalt Gary , Friedman Warren , Pinzer Eugene A. , Ashley Peter J. , Bradham Karen D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Lead (Pb) in house dust contributes significantly to blood lead levels (BLLs) in children which may result in dire health consequences. Assessment of house dust Pb in the United States, relationships with Pb in soil and paint, and residential factors influencing Pb concentrations are essential to probing drivers of house dust Pb exposure.

Objective
Pb concentrations in vacuum-collected house dust are characterized across 346 homes participating in the American Health Homes Survey II (AHHS II), a US survey (2018–2019) evaluating residential Pb hazards. Connections between house dust Pb and soil Pb, paint Pb, and other residential factors are evaluated, and dust Pb concentration data are compared to paired loading data to understand Pb hazard standard implications.

Results
Mean and median vacuum dust Pb concentrations were 124 µg Pb g−1 and 34 µg Pb g−1, respectively. Vacuum-collected dust concentrations and dust wipe Pb loading rates were significantly correlated within homes (α < 0.001; r ≥ 0.4). At least one wipe sample exceeded current house dust Pb loading hazard standards (10 µg ft−2 or 100 µg Pb ft−2 for floors and windowsills, respectively) in 75 of 346 homes (22%). House dust Pb concentrations were correlated with soil Pb (r = 0.64) and Pb paint (r = 0.57). Soil Pb and paint Pb were also correlated (r = 0.6).

Impact
The AHHS II provides a window into the current state of Pb in and around residences. We evaluated the relationship between house dust Pb concentrations and two common residential Pb sources: soil and Pb-based paint. Here, we identify relationships between Pb concentrations from vacuum-collected dust and paired Pb wipe loading data, enabling dust Pb concentrations to be evaluated in the context of hazard standards. This relationship, along with direct ties to Pb in soil and interior/exterior paint, provides a comprehensive assessment of dust Pb for US homes, crucial for formulating effective strategies to mitigate Pb exposure risks in households.
BM-BronchoLC - A rich bronchoscopy dataset for anatomical landmarks and lung cancer lesion recognition
Authors: Vu Van Giap , Hoang Anh Duc , Phan Thu Phuong , Nguyen Ngoc Du , Nguyen Thanh Thuy , Nguyen Duc Nghia , Dao Ngoc Phu , Doan Thi Phuong Lan , Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen , Trinh Thi Huong , Pham Thi Le Quyen , Le Thi Thu Trang , Thi Hanh Phan , Pham Van Tuyen , Tran Van Chuong , Vu Dang Luu , Tran Van Luong , Nguyen Thi Thu Thao , Pham Cam Phuong , Pham Gia Linh , Luong Son Ba , Pham Trung-Dung , Nguyen Duy-Phuc , Truong Thi Kieu Anh , Nguyen Quang Minh , Tran Truong-Thuy , Dang Tran Binh , Ta Viet-Cuong , Tran Quoc Long , Le Duc-Trong , Vinh Le Sy 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFlexible bronchoscopy has revolutionized respiratory disease diagnosis. It offers direct visualization and detection of airway abnormalities, including lung cancer lesions. Accurate identification of airway lesions during flexible bronchoscopy plays an important role in the lung cancer diagnosis. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) aims to support physicians in recognizing anatomical landmarks and lung cancer lesions within bronchoscopic imagery. This work described the development of BM-BronchoLC, a rich bronchoscopy dataset encompassing 106 lung cancer and 102 non-lung cancer patients. The dataset incorporates detailed localization and categorical annotations for both anatomical landmarks and lesions, meticulously conducted by senior doctors at Bach Mai Hospital, Vietnam. To assess the dataset’s quality, we evaluate two prevalent AI backbone models, namely UNet++ and ESFPNet, on the image segmentation and classification tasks with single-task and multi-task learning paradigms. We present BM-BronchoLC as a reference dataset in developing AI models to assist diagnostic accuracy for anatomical landmarks and lung cancer lesions in bronchoscopy data.
Using novel micropore technology combined with artificial intelligence to differentiate Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Morimura Ayumi , Taniguchi Masateru , Takei Hiroyasu , Sakamoto Osamu , Naono Norihiko , Akeda Yukihiro , Onozuka Daisuke , Yoshimura Jumpei , Tomono Kazunori , Kutsuna Satoshi , Hamaguchi Shigeto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMethods for identifying bacterial pathogens are broadly categorised into conventional culture-based microbiology, nucleic acid-based tests, and mass spectrometry. The conventional method requires several days to isolate and identify bacteria. Nucleic acid-based tests and mass spectrometry are relatively rapid and reliable, but they require trained technicians. Moreover, mass spectrometry requires expensive equipment. The development of a novel, inexpensive, and simple technique for identifying bacterial pathogens is needed. Through combining micropore technology and assembly machine learning, we developed a novel classifier whose receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.94, which rapidly differentiated between Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in this proof-of-concept study. Morphologically similar bacteria belonging to an identical genus can be distinguished using our method, which requires no specific training, and may facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with bacterial infections in remote areas and in developing countries.
Study on large deformation of soil–rock mixed slope based on GPU accelerated material point method
Authors: Liu Bingke , Wang Wen , Liu Zhigang , Ouyang Ningpeng , Mao Kejie , Zhou Fuchuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study assesses the effect of stone content on the stability of soil–rock mixture slopes and the dynamics of ensuing large displacement landslides using a material point strength reduction method. This method evaluates structural stability by incrementally decreasing material strength parameters. The author created four distinct soil–rock mixture slope models with varying stone contents yet consistent stone size distributions through digital image processing. The initial conditions were established by linearly ramping up the gravity in fixed proportionate steps until the full value was attained. Stability was monitored until a sudden shift in displacement marked the onset of instability. Upon destabilization, the author employed the material point method to reconstruct the landslide dynamics. Due to the substantial computational requirements, the author developed a high-performance GPU-based framework for the material point method, prioritizing the parallelization of the MPM algorithm and the optimization of data structures and memory allocation to exploit GPU parallel processing capabilities. Our results demonstrate a clear positive correlation between stone content and slope stability; increasing stone content from 10 to 20% improved the safety factor from 1.9 to 2.4, and further increments to 30% and 40% ensured comprehensive stability. This study not only sheds light on slope stability and the mechanics of landslides but also underscores the effectiveness of GPU-accelerated methods in handling complex geotechnical simulations.
A survey on fractal fractional nonlinear Kawahara equation theoretical and computational analysis
Authors: Al-Essa Laila A. , ur Rahman Mati 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the use of the Caputo, Caputo-Fabrizio (CF), and Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo (ABC) fractal fractional differential operators, this study offers a theoretical and computational approach to solving the Kawahara problem by merging Laplace transform and Adomian decomposition approaches. We show the solution’s existence and uniqueness through generalized and advanced version of fixed point theorem. We present a precise and efficient method for solving nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), in particular the Kawahara problem. Through careful error analysis and comparison with precise solutions, the suggested method is validated, demonstrating its applicability in solving the nonlinear PDEs. Moreover, the comparative analysis is studied for the considered equation under the aforementioned operators.
Fe3O4@Chitosan@ZIF-8@RVG29, an anti-glioma nanoplatform guided by fixed and activated by alternating magnetic field
Authors: Savari Mohammad-Nabil 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThere is considerable interest in developing anti-glioma nanoplatforms. They make the all-in-one combination of therapies possible. Here we show how the selective Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell killing of the here-established nanoplatforms increased after each coating and how the here-established vibration-inducing Alternating magnetic field (AMF) decreased the treatment time from 72 h to 30 s. Thanks to their magnetite core, these nanoplatforms can be guided to the tumor's specific site by a Fixed magnetic field, they bypass the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) and accumulate at the tumor site thanks to the RVG29 bonding to the G-protein on the ion-gated channel receptor known as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR), which expresses on BBB cells and overexpresses on GBM cells, and thanks to the positive charge gained by both chitosan and RVG29's peptide. Both ZIF-8 and its mediate adherence, Chitosan increases the drug loading capacity that stimuli response to the tumor's acidic environment. The Zn2+ions generated from ZIF-8 sustained degradation in such an environment kill the GBM cells. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) evaluated these nanoplatform's mean size 155 nm indicating their almost optimum size for brain applications. Based on their elements' intrinsic properties, these nanoplatforms can enhance and combine other adjuvant therapies.
Evolution, types, and distribution of flight control devices on wings and elytra in bark beetles
Authors: Białkowski Jakub , Rossa Robert , Ziemiakowicz Anna , Gohli Jostein , Dymek Jakub , Goczał Jakub 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGaining the ability to fly actively was a ground-breaking moment in insect evolution, providing an unprecedented advantage over other arthropods. Nevertheless, active flight was a costly innovation, requiring the development of wings and flight muscles, the provision of sufficient energetic resources, and a complex flight control system. Although wings, flight muscles, and the energetic budget of insects have been intensively studied in the last decades, almost nothing is known regarding the flight-control devices of many crucial insect groups, especially beetles (Coleoptera). Here, we conducted a phylogenetic-informed analysis of flight-related mechanosensors in 28 species of bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae, Platypodinae), an economically and ecologically important group of insects characterized by striking differences in dispersal abilities. The results indicated that beetle flight apparatus is equipped with different functional types of mechanosensors, including strain- and flow-encoding sensilla. We found a strong effect of allometry on the number of mechanosensors, while no effect of relative wing size (a proxy of flight investment) was identified. Our study constitutes the first step to understanding the drivers and constraints of the evolution of flight-control devices in Coleoptera, including bark beetles. More research, including a quantitative neuroanatomical analysis of beetle wings, should be conducted in the future.