bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rejection sensitivity and problematic internet use among medical students: A moderated mediation model involving loneliness and self-control
Authors: Xu Cheng , Qiu Meichai , Jiang xuan , Liao Meiling , Li Lei , Liu Liping , Lu Yu , Hong Youjuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The internet has evolved into an integral facet of the life and educational experience of college students. However, the driving force behind problematic internet use in medical students remains largely unexplored. Based on the cognitive-behavioral model and the affect regulation model of vulnerability, the present study seeks to investigate the underlying mechanism of the association between rejection sensitivity and problematic internet use among medical students.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical university from March to June, 2023. A total of 435 medical-undergraduate students were investigated using The Tendency to Expect Rejection Scale, Loneliness Scale, Self-control Scale, Problematic Internet Test. Pearson’s correlation analysis was utilized to explore the interrelationships among the variables, additionally, a moderated mediation model was analyzed using Hayes's PROCESS macro.
Results
After controlling for gender, age, and rejection sensitivity could positively predict loneliness (r = 0.36, p < 0.01) and problematic internet use (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), while self-control was negatively correlated with problematic internet use (r = -0.55, p < 0.01). Mediation analyses revealed that loneliness served as a mediator in the link between rejection sensitivity and problematic internet use, with the mediation effect explaining 18.18% of the variance.[SE = 0.02, 95% CI = (0.02, 0.10)]. Moderated mediation analysis indicated that self-control moderated the second stage of the indirect effects in the relationship between rejection sensitivity and problematic internet use.
Conclusion
Loneliness plays a mediating role between rejection sensitivity and problematic internet use, and self-control plays an important moderating role in the effect of loneliness on problematic internet use.
Autoinhibition and Activation Mechanisms for MICAL Monooxygenases in F-actin Disassembly
Authors: Wei Zhiyi , Lin Leishu , Dong Jiayuan , Xu Shun , Xiao Jinman , Niu Fengfeng , Yu Cong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

MICAL (Molecule Interacting with CasL) proteins represent a unique family of actin regulators crucial for synapse development, membrane trafficking, and cytokinesis. Unlike classical actin regulators, MICAL proteins possess enzymatic activity, catalyzing the oxidation of specific residues within actin filaments to induce robust filament severing. The potent activity of MICAL proteins requires tight control to prevent extensive damage to the actin cytoskeleton. Due to limited structural information on full-length MICAL proteins, the molecular mechanisms governing MICAL autoinhibition and activation remain elusive. Here, we reported the cryo-EM structure of full-length MICAL1, unveiling a head-to-tail interaction that allosterically blocks enzymatic activity through the binding of the C-terminal Rab-binding domain (RBD) to the N-terminal monooxygenase domain. The structure also reveals the assembly of C-terminal domains via a tripartite interdomain interaction, stabilizing the inhibitory conformation of the RBD. Our structural, biochemical, and cellular analyses elucidate the transition from the autoinhibited to activated conformation of MICAL1 in response to Rab8-subfamily GTPase. Dual Rab-binding to the RBD induces the conformation rearrangement of the RBD and synergistically promotes the autoinhibition-to-activation transition, revealing intricate activity regulation mechanisms for MICAL proteins. Furthermore, our mutagenesis study of MICAL3 suggests a conserved autoinhibition and activation mechanism among MICAL proteins.
Investigations on the Biosorption of Nickel Using Tea Leaves and Tea Fibre (Camellia Sinensis) as Adsorbents: Thermodynamics, Isotherms and Kinetics
Authors: Etim Emmanuel E. , Yakubu Shedrach , Terhembe Aniho , Moses Liberty Joshua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The adsorption behavior of tea leaves and tea fibre (Camellia sinensis) as low-cost adsorbent with respect to nickel was investigated to justify its usage in waste water treatment. A good number of adsorption constrains were investigated which provides information about the effect of pH value, temperature, dose of the prepared adsorbent, time of contact as well as the starting concentration of the simulated system on the sorption process itself.From the result of these studies, these constrains aforementioned, shows increases steadily with increase in the parameters until desorption set in thereby influenced the adsorption process while temperature decreases with increase in temperature. The kinetics was best described by the pseudo second-order which gave the most convincing fit. The Langmuir isotherm give R2 values of 0.990 and 0.985 for tea leaves and tea fibre and Freundlich isotherm gives 0.985 and 0.980 values for tea leaves and tea fibre correspondingly with the Langmuir isotherm having higher R2 values considered the most suitable. In the long run, these process was considered to be endothermic, spontaneous and of cause thermodynamically feasible hence, the adsorbent was considered fit for waste water treatment.
Workforce Characteristics for Psychological Care in Public Treatment Centers for Hiv in Mexico
Authors: Marín-Navarrete Rodrigo , Sánchez-Domínguez Ricardo , Morales-Carcaño Anette , Ponce-Ramos Marisol , Magis-Rodríguez Carlos , Saracco-Álvarez Ricardo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction. The participation of psychologists in the therapeutic care of people living with HIV (PLWHA) is not clear, since their functions are only focused on accompaniment and not on pharmacological and therapeutic adherence, and care is only provided in case the patient requires it and is not part of the treatment scheme for HIV control.
Objectives. To describe the professional characteristics of psychologists who provide services to PLWHA in specialized public treatment centers, and to determine which variables are linked to professional backgrounds that are associated with good clinical practice.
Methods. Through an exploratory, cross-sectional, and descriptive study, an online survey was applied to inquire about the professional profile, current practices and clinical activities performed.
Results. Most psychologists have several years of experience working with PLWHA, however, almost half of the psychology staff do not have any formal certification, nor have they received training in either psychopathology or HIV issues in the last year. Having clinical certification and training in substance use and mental health was identified as increasing the likelihood of performing most activities related to best practices.
Discussion and Conclusions. The staff has experience in HIV, in addition to continuing education courses, although there is a need for an ongoing training and certification plan to homogenize the practices of the entire staff of psychologists.
Ecological and health risk assessment of potential toxic elements in surface sediments: Gediz River, Türkiye
Authors: Culha Saniye Turk , Ergen Şeyda Fikirdeşici , Sömek Haşim 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The Gediz River, which flows through many cities and connects to the Aegean Sea, has an important economic potential for the Aegean Region. Given this importance, a detailed assessment of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in the river sediment is required. 18 PTEs (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Fe, Al, Se, Mo, Sr, Mg, Ag, Pb, Zn, As, Hg and Cd) were collected from 13 stations along the Gediz River covering three basins to determine the level of pollution and ecological risk. For pollution assessment in sediments, contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geographical accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) were analyzed. Potential impacts of PTEs in the sediment matrix of the Gediz River on human health (Potentatial Ecological risk factor (Eir), Potentatial ecological risk index (PERI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), lifetime cancer risk (LCR) were investigated in detail. The mean concentrations of the majority of the PTEs exceeded the corresponding background values, indicating that the highest pollution load was in the downstream basin. Based on the PTEs spatial distributions and pollution indices, the Gediz River was found to have high accumulation of As, Cu, Cr, Ni and Zn in the sediments. In addition, HQing and HI values were greater than 1 for As, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb in all three basins. It was determined that As and Cr had a high effect in terms of LCR value. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis were also applied to explain the main sources of PTEs formation.
The impact of individualized design of cervical LEEP surgery on endocervical margin status and disease prognosis
Authors: Liu Tingyan , Wang Weijia , Liao Huiming , Zhao Yun , Mai Bi , Hu Guiying , Luo Xiping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim
This study aimed to explore the relationship between individualized design of cervical loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP ) and endocervical margin status as well as prognosis of cervical lesions.
Methods
A total of 151 outpatients dignosed with cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL)in Guangdong Women and Children Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were included in this study. From the perspective of a patient's fertility requirments, the colposcopist conducted individualized LEEP with them. The pathologic features of the endocervical margins, presence of cervical stenosis or adhesion, and HPV test results within 2 years after the surgery were documented.
Results
1.Endocervical margin positive rate of LEEP is13.25%(20/151). There were significant differences observed in design of LEEP between the patients with different reproductive requirements, although no statistically difference was detected in endocervical margin positivity rates (P = 0.979)with them.2.Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that cervical cytology (P = 0.040), the number of quadrants involved by acetowhite epithelium (P = 0.032), and lesion grade of biopsy (P = 0.028) were significantly associated with endocervical margin .Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that quadrants involved by acetowhite epithelium (P = 0.034) and the grade of biopsy(P = 0.020)were independent risk factors for positive endocervical margin. 3.HPV clearance rate is 84.77% in 2 years after surgery.There are no significant differences with different endocervical margin status and HPV recheck results (≤ 6 months, 7–12 months, and 12-24months) (P = 1.000, 0.984, 0.382);4.Approximately 58.9%, 80.1%, and 86.8% of lesions can be removed with cone lengths ≤ 1cm,≤1.5cm, and ≤ 2.0cm, respectively.
Conclusion
Individualized LEEP surgical design is feasible and effective in clinical practice.Women with fertility requirements will benefit even more.
Deterministic and Probabilistic Short-Distance Teleportation of an Arbitrary Three-Qubit State
Authors: Mandal Manoj Kumar , Choudhury Binayak S. , Saha Plaban 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Teleportation across short distances has become relevant in view of some recent developments in quantum technology. The advantage here is that certain auxiliary qubits can be accessed and utilized by both the sender and the receiver. Such act reduces the requirement of the number of qubits in the entangled quantum channel which would have been otherwise necessary. In this paper we present a short-distance teleportation protocol by which an arbitrary three-qubit state can be transferred with the help of auxiliary qubits and a maximally entangled Bell-State. In the second part of the paper we introduce a probabilistic short-distance protocol for the same arbitrary three-qubit state by using a non-maximally entangled Bell-state. The success probability of the protocol is calculated and its relation with the first protocol is discussed. We presented a circuit diagram for the first protocol and execute it in the IBM-QE platform.
iGLOX: An Optical Sensing Device for EpilepsyRe-occurrence Prediction using Glucose and Spo2 monitoring
Authors: Shukla Urvashi P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Recurrent epileptic seizures are a neurological condition known as epilepsy thatcan be unpredictable and significantly affect a person’s day-to-day life. Despitevarious anti-epileptic medicines, approximately one out of every three individuals has regular seizures. The paper presents an optical sensing device iGLOX,an intelligent glucoximeter for continuous blood glucose and SpO2 monitoring.An Near Infra-Red (NIR) optical sensor of 940 nm wavelength with a higherglucose absorption peak and two wavelengths, 660 nm and 880 nm, for SpO2detection are used to predict recurrent seizure episodes. Blood glucose levelsare calculated using the variation in NIR light intensity that the photodetectorreceives after it penetrates the finger. The blood with oxygen is significantly moreabsorbent of light at NIR wavelengths compared to blood without oxygen. Oxygenated haemoglobin absorbs more infra-red light and transmits less red light.More red light is absorbed by deoxygenated haemoglobin, but less infra-red lightcan pass through. The computing device then determines the ratio between themeasurements of red and infra-red light (which corresponds to the ratio betweenoxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin), which helps to find SpO2 values.The combination of glucose value and oxygen value can be an important factorwhich helps for the early epilepsy seizures detection. The proposed device hasexcellent accuracy with only 9% error in glucose prediction and only 2% in Sp02estimation.
Lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tubers as potential probiotic candidates
Authors: Iraporda Carolina , Rubel Irene A. , Manrique Guillermo D. , Abraham Analía G. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The search for probiotic candidates is an area that accompanies the world trend of development of novel probiotic strains and new products. In recent years, unconventional sources of potential probiotic bacteria have been studied. Furthermore, nowadays there has been a growing interest in non-dairy probiotic products and fermented plant-based foods, which has led to the development of probiotic foods currently being presented as a research priority for the food industry. The aim of this work was to evaluate the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tubers. The results proved that the selected isolated LAB strains exhibited a high survival rate in the simulated gastrointestinal treatment, with non-hemolytic nor DNAse activity and antibiotic sensitivity. The isolated strains also showed antimicrobial activity against pathogen microorganisms, due to their acidification capacity. The molecular identification of the bacilli strains showed a high similarity with the genus Lentilactobacillus and, within this genus, with the species kosonis and curieae. Hence, these strains revealed potential probiotic in vitro characteristics that position them to be used in plant-based functional food.
Efficient and Realistic Stochastic Simulation of the Dynamics of Epidemic Processes on Complex Networks
Authors: Kuryliak Yulian , Emmerich Michael , Dosyn Dmytro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article investigates the impact of the structure of the contact network on the dynamics of epidemic outbreaks, particularly focusing on the peak count of infected nodes (PCIN). The height of the PCIN is crucial in determining the maximum operational capacity of intensive care units (ICUs). Postponing the peak infection count is vital to ensure the preparedness of the ICUs.
To facilitate this objective, we have developed an open-source Python-based analytical dashboard. This dashboard uses a continuous-time Markov chain model (CTMC model) that provides a realistic prediction of the dynamic behavior of the epidemic process given the structure of the contact network and infection rates.To make stochastic simulations scalable, we introduce a fast simulation technique. Our method is based on an adaptation of Gillespie's Stochastic Simulation Algorithm, and it is specifically exploiting the sparseness of the state-transition matrix. This approach effectively counters the exponential increase in population-based state spaces, which typically arises from a conventional implementation of Gillespie's algorithm, especially as the number of nodes escalates. Additionally, the dashboard is capable of simulating stochastic trajectories of an epidemic across various network topologies and identifying, as well as graphically illustrating, prevalent infection pathways of the virus propagation.
Employing the dashboard simulations, we conduct an analysis of how network topology influences outbreak dynamics and the PCIN. This analysis is performed using random graph models that represent various complex network topologies. These include Erdős-Rényi, Watts-Strogatz, Barabási-Albert and complete graph (clique) models, with node counts ranging from 500 to 10,000. We graphically represent infection pathways and scrutinize interpretable graph characteristics, such as average path length and clustering coefficient. These features help to systematically understand the influence of network topology on the PCIN. The findings of this study offer valuable information and could guide the development of precise intervention strategies for effective outbreak management.
Stock assessment using Bayesian state-space surplus production models: the case of bonga shad, Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bowdich, 1825), in the Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Konoyima Komba Jossie , Mansaray Amidu , Zhu Jiangfeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Ethmalosa fimbriata is a crucial fish classified as either fully exploited or overfished, requiring closer monitoring. The Committee for Eastern Central Atlantic Fisheries (CECAF) manages shared stocks in the Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean (ECAO). CECAF’s reported CPUE (1995–2017) and archived regional catch data (1970–2021) in the FAO Fishstatj database were used in this study. The objectives were to evaluate the northern E. fimbriata stock south of ECAO and conduct convergence diagnostics of input data using Bayesian state-space surplus production models (SPMs). The applied SPMs CMSY++ (catch-only), AMSY (CPUE-only), BSM, and JABBA (comparing Schaefer, Fox, and Pella-Tomlison functions). The results may help dispel uncertainty about its state in the region. All models produced robust diagnostic results and a reasonable fit to the data, with significant improvement in posterior perceptions from prior knowledge at very low variance ratios (PPVR < 0.3). The Schaefer model in JABBA showed a better prediction effect on the data (RMSE = 16.9%, DIC = -382.7) than the Fox (RMSE = 17%, DIC = -382.4) and Pella-Tomlinson (RMSE = 17%, DIC = -382) models. All the SPMs suggested that the current fishing mortality rate of the assessed stock has either reached or exceeded the FMSY and that the biomass level has either fallen below or approached the BMSY. The Schaefer model in JABBA predicted a catch limit of 100,000 tons, effective in 2024. By implication, the assessed stock may be unsustainable, requiring catch limits. The Schaefer model proved most effective for evaluating the study species.
Pharmacological modulation of the cytosolic oscillator affects glioblastoma cell biology
Authors: Wagner Paula M , Guido Mario E 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The circadian system is a conserved time-keeping machinery that regulates a wide range of processes such as sleep/wake, feeding/fasting, and activity/rest cycles to coordinate behavior and physiology. Circadian disruption can be a contributing factor in the development of metabolic diseases, inflammatory disorders, and higher risk of cancer. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive grade 4 brain tumor that is resistant to conventional therapies and has a poor prognosis after diagnosis, with a median survival of only 12–15 months. GBM cells kept in culture were shown to contain a functional circadian oscillator. In seeking more efficient therapies with lower side effects, we evaluated the pharmacological modulation of the circadian clock by targeting the cytosolic kinases glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and casein kinase ε/δ (CK1ε/δ) with specific inhibitors (CHIR99022 and PF670462, respectively), the cryptochrome protein stabilizer (KL001), or circadian disruption after Per2 knockdown expression in GBM-derived cells. CHIR99022-treated cells had a significant effect on cell viability, clock protein expression, migration, and cell cycle distribution. Moreover, cultures exhibited higher levels of reactive oxygen species and alterations in lipid droplet content after GSK-3 inhibition compared to control cells. The combined treatment of CHIR99022 with temozolomide was found to improve the effect on cell viability compared to temozolomide therapy alone. Per2 disruption affected both GBM migration and cell cycle progression. Overall, our results suggest that pharmacological modulation or molecular clock disruption severely affects glioblastoma cell biology.
Analysis of shear creep properties of wood via modified Burger models and the off-axis compression test method
Authors: Shimazaki Kanon , Ando Kosei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this study, the Burger model combining the Maxwell and Voight–Kelvin model units as well as modified mechanical models were employed to analyze the shear creep mechanism of wood. Off-axis compression tests were conducted on Japanese cypress specimens, and a mechanical analysis of the shear creep mechanism was performed. First, the measured creep compliance curves [JTL(t)] were fitted using the Burger model, which is a typical model that explains the creep behavior of wood. Furthermore, three modified Burger models with non-Newtonian dashpots were proposed to explain the measured data more accurately: model 1 — only the dashpot in the permanent strain unit is non-Newtonian; model 2 — both dashpots are non-Newtonian; and model 3 — only the dashpot in the delayed elastic strain unit is non-Newtonian. The results showed that the average values of the coefficients of determination of the Burger model and models 1, 2, and 3 were 0.940±0.061, 0.979±0.034, 0.978±0.024, and 0.889±0.132, respectively. The number of specimens that could be fitted with a tolerance error of 0.1% was 43 out of 50 with the Burger model, 45 with model 1, 25 with model 2, and 45 with model 3. However, the Burger model exhibited large discrepancies between the theoretical and measured values, model 2 could not be used to explain several specimens, and model 3 exhibited a delayed elastic strain behavior that was inconsistent with the definition. Therefore, we conclude that model 1 is the most appropriate for studying the shear creep behavior of wood.