bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capturing the subject-specific quality of mathematics instruction: How do expert judgments relate to students’ assessments of the quality of their own learning and understanding?
Authors: Pauli Christine , Lipowsky Frank , Reusser Kurt 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBased on an opportunity-use model of instructional quality, this study investigates the extent to which subject-specific instructional quality rated by experts is reflected in students’ assessments of their own learning and understanding, and how students’ perceptions predict their achievement. The analyses used data from a German-Swiss sample of 36 classes with around 900 lower secondary students, obtained as part of the so-called “Pythagoras study” in the school year 2002/2003. The teachers were instructed to introduce the Pythagorean theorem in three lessons, which were videotaped. Using the videos, the experts assessed the instruction quality with respect to the goal of promoting a deep understanding of the theorem. The students completed the questionnaires assessing their understanding of the content, their learning process, and the general comprehension orientation of the teacher. The results showed significant and moderate correlations on the class level between expert-rated subject-specific teaching quality and students’ perceptions of their own learning and understanding, as well as of the teacher’s general comprehension orientation. Multilevel models revealed that subject-specific expert ratings are reflected in individual students’ perceptions of their own learning and understanding. Student perceptions were also associated with achievement gains. The results suggest that the assessment of quality by students and experts is more closely linked if a distinction is made between the quality of the learning opportunities offered and their use and if subject-specific criteria are used instead of generic criteria. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the validity of student perspective in assessing instructional quality.
Effect of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms on the lipid profile of children being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ioannidou Maria , Avgeros Chrysostomos , Georgiou Elisavet , Papadimitriou-Tsantarliotou Aliki , Dimitriadis Dimitrios , Tragiannidis Athanasios , Panagopoulou Paraskevi , Papakonstantinou Evgenia , Galli-Tsinopoulou Assimina , Makedou Kali , Hatzipantelis Emmanuel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Medications used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), such as l-asparaginase, can cause blood lipid disturbances. These can also be associated with polymorphisms of the lipoprotein lipase (LpL) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genes.

Procedure
We aimed to investigate the association between lipid profile, certain LpL and APOE gene polymorphisms (rs268, rs328, rs1801177 and rs7412, rs429358 respectively) as well as the risk subgroup in 30 pediatric patients being treated for ALL, compared with 30 pediatric ALL survivors and 30 healthy controls.

Results
The only APOE gene polymorphism with significant allelic and genotypic heterogeneity was rs429358. Further analysis of this polymorphism showed that genotype (CC, CT, or TT) was significantly associated with (1) changes in the lipid profile at the end of consolidation (total cholesterol, LDL, apo-B100, and lipoprotein a) and during re-induction (total cholesterol and apo-B100), and (2) classification in the high risk-ALL subgroup (for CC genotype/C allele presence).

Conclusions
Lipid abnormalities in children being treated for ALL may be associated with the APOE genotype, which is also possibly associated with risk stratification. Further research is needed to confirm the potential prognostic value of these findings.
Phenology, population trends and natural enemy complex of Illinoia liriodendri in Spain
Authors: Meseguer Roberto , Madeira Filipe , Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Pons Xavier 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIllinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an Eastern North American native aphid species that infests ornamental tulip trees, Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae), in many localities of Spain and southern Europe. This is a comprehensive three-year study on the biology and ecology of the aphid, where its life cycle, phenology, population dynamic trends, comfort damages, natural enemy complex and its potential to control aphid populations have been investigated for the first time in Europe. The monoecic-holocyclic annual cycle of I. liriodendri has been demonstrated. The highest infestation levels were recorded in May and June, but infestation severity varied among localities. No clear trend regarding the effect of planting site (pit vs. ground) on aphid abundance was observed. A strong positive relationship between the aphid infestation severity and the honeydew dripping was recorded. There was a wide complex of natural enemies associated with the aphid. Coccinellidae were the most abundant predators (< 95%) and showed a positive numerical response to the aphid infestation. Several parasitoid species (mainly Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae and Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were found parasitizing I. liriodendri in Spain. The role of natural enemies as agents for controlling the aphid populations is discussed.
Evaluation of mAb 2C5-modified dendrimer-based micelles for the co-delivery of siRNA and chemotherapeutic drug in xenograft mice model
Authors: Yalamarty Satya Siva Kishan , Filipczak Nina , Pathrikar Tanvi , Cotter Colin , Ataide Janaína Artem , Luther Ed , Paranjape Swarali , Torchilin Vladimir 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCombination therapy with small interfering RNA (siRNA) and chemotherapeutic drug is proven to be effective in downregulating cancer resistance proteins, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). These proteins are involved in multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumors. A targeted formulation capable of delivering siRNA and chemotherapeutic drug will not only downregulate P-gp but also increase the concentration of the chemotherapeutic drug at the site of tumor thereby increasing the therapeutic effect and lowering the systemic exposure. In this study, monoclonal antibody 2C5-modified dendrimer-based micelles were used to co-deliver siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX) to the tumor site in both male and female xenograft mouse model. The nucleosome-specific 2C5 antibody recognizes the cancer cells via the cell-surface bound nucleosomes. The ability of ability of the 2C5-modified formulation to affect the metastasis of highly aggressive triple negative breast cancer cell migration in (MDA-MB-231) was assessed by a wound healing. Further, the therapeutic efficacy of the formulation was assessed by measuring the tumor volume progression in which the 2C5-modified nanoparticle group had a similar tumor volume to the free drug group at the end of the study, although a 50% increase in DOX concentrations in blood was observed after the last dose of nanoparticle. The free drug group on the other hand showed body weight reduction as well as the visible irritation around the injection spot. The treatment group with 2C5-modified micelles has shown to be safe at the current dose of DOX and siRNA. Furthermore, the siRNA mediated P-gp downregualtion was studied using western blotting assay. We observed a 29% reduction of P-gp levels in both males and females with respect to the control (BHG). We also conclude that the dose of DOX and siRNA should be further optimized to have a better efficacy in a metastatic tumor model, which will be the subject of our future studies.
Graphical abstract
Production and Mechanical Characterization of Steel/Al-B4C Layered Circular Hybrid Composite Materials
Authors: Göçer Abdullah , Karamis Mehmet Baki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to develop a layered circular metal composite that would combine high strength, low density, and developable surface properties. The outer part of this composite material called the sheath was made of AISI 4140 steel, and the inner part, as the core, was composed of Al/B4C (boron carbide) mixed metal matrix composite. Al/B4C powder mixing ratios were determined by volume rate as 5, 15, and 25% B4C. Al2024 powder with an average particle size of 40 µm and B4C with particle sizes of 5, 17, and 58 µm were used. Composite materials were produced by forming the pre-products obtained by compressing Al/B4C powder mixtures into steel tubes using the drawing method. The drawing process was carried out at room temperature, 250 °C, and 400 °C, and with three different deformation extents (16, 30, and 37%). In the composite materials produced under all temperature conditions, increasing of the deformation extent increased the compression strength of the materials. Compression strength also increased with B4C reinforcement at all temperature conditions, but it decreased when the ratio of reinforcement passed over 15%. The gas nitriding process was applied to the produced composites to improve their surface properties. Strength values showed improvement after the nitriding process, and a thicker nitride layer was obtained on the steel sheath in highly deformed materials. As a result, the study presented the production of a composite with different sheath-core materials by rod drawing method and the effect of production variables on the material's mechanical properties. In addition, it was shown that the desired surface quality can be obtained by the gas nitriding process at low temperatures.
It takes two to tango: the second session of negotiations (INC-2) for a global treaty to end plastic pollution
Authors: Cowan Emily , Holmberg Karl , Nøklebye Emmy , Rognerud Idun , Tiller Rachel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) has completed its second round of negotiations on a new international legally binding instrument to ‘end plastic pollution’. This paper examines the results of the second session of negotiations, which took place May 29–June 2, 2023, and analyses the trends, barriers, and themes shaping the emerging legally binding instrument. The paper considers the discussion surrounding the Options Paper as presented by the INC Secretariat and United Nations Environmental Program based upon written submissions received by UN member states prior to the second session of negotiations. These include potential elements the future treaty text may include—namely objectives, core obligations, and implementation and monitoring measures. At the second session of negotiations, progress towards consensus on these items was severely lacking. We draw on close observations via event ethnography of participants during the negotiations and document analysis. We conclude by looking towards the third round of negotiations by discussing the ongoing ‘dance’ of sorts as submissions are being asked of member states and like-minded groups to contribute to the zero draft treaty text.
Gastrodinol derivatives and prenylated flavones from the flower branch of Gastrodia elata
Authors: Qin Shi-Hui , Li Zhi-Lan , Yang Liu , Hu Jiang-Miao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBased on the research progress and traditional usage with whole herbal of the TCM "Tianma", chemical studies herein on the flower branch of Gastrodiaelata were carried out in-depth and got 13 compounds including the gastrodinols (1–4), the flavonoid morins (5–8, 11–12), together with the specialist mulberrofurans (9, 13) and gastrodiamide (10) for the first time from the species. The antibacterial and cholinesterase inhibitory activities were then evaluated and the results showed that compounds 5, 11, 12, 13 have good activity against anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus, and compounds 9, 13 had good acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. All these results provide new chemical composition for better understanding the traditional application of "Tianma" and for exploring new pharmacological ingredients.
Graphical Abstract
An improved iterative approach with a comprehensive friction model for identifying dynamic parameters of collaborative robots
Authors: Li Zeyu , Wei Hongxing , Liu Chengguo , He Ye , Liu Gang , Zhang Haochen , Li Weiming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCollaborative robots are becoming intelligent assistants of human in industrial settings and daily lives. Dynamic model identification is an active topic for collaborative robots because it can provide effective ways to achieve precise control, fast collision detection and smooth lead-through programming. In this research, an improved iterative approach with a comprehensive friction model for dynamic model identification is proposed for collaborative robots when the joint velocity, temperature and load torque effects are considered. Experiments are conducted on the AUBO I5 collaborative robots. Two other existing identification algorithms are adopted to make comparison with the proposed approach. It is verified that the average error of the proposed I-IRLS algorithm is reduced by over 14% than that of the classical IRLS algorithm. The proposed I-IRLS method can be widely used in various application scenarios of collaborative robots.
Protecting the cultural property of religious communities during war: The Church of Sweden and total defense planning
Authors: Legnér Mattias 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEven though places of worship are protected by the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, they often become targets. To safeguard the cultural property of religious communities, it is necessary to plan for wartime protection under peaceful conditions, but studies of how this planning was conducted after 1945 are largely missing. This Article compares how the cultural property of the Church of Sweden (Lutheran) has been planned for protection up until 2023. Cultural property protection was first introduced in World War II, but the Church had to plan and carry out most protective measures without state support. During the Cold War, a system for protecting movable property was developed that lasted until it was replaced in the 1980s by cultural protection plans that employed a more holistic approach to risk mitigation in peace as well as in war. Finally, the recent development and future challenges are discussed in relation to the 1954 Hague Convention and the reconstruction of a Swedish total defense due to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The impact of meteorological factors on tuberculosis incidence in Spain: a spatiotemporal analysis
Authors: Díez Galán María del Mar , Redondo-Bravo Lidia , Gómez-Barroso Diana , Herrera Laura , Amillategui Rocio , Gómez-Castellá Javier , Herrador Zaida ,   Spanish Working Group on Tuberculosis
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global leading cause of death, necessitating an investigation into its unequal distribution. Sun exposure, linked to vitamin D (VD) synthesis, has been proposed as a protective factor. This study aimed to analyse TB rates in Spain over time and space and explore their relationship with sunlight exposure. An ecological study examined the associations between rainfall, sunshine hours, and TB incidence in Spain. Data from the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE in Spanish) and the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET in Spanish) from 2012 to 2020 were utilized. Correlation and spatial regression analyses were conducted. Between 2012 and 2020, 43,419 non-imported TB cases were reported. A geographic pattern (north–south) and distinct seasonality (spring peaks and autumn troughs) were observed. Sunshine hours and rainfall displayed a strong negative correlation. Spatial regression and seasonal models identified a negative correlation between TB incidence and sunshine hours, with a four-month lag. A clear spatiotemporal association between TB incidence and sunshine hours emerged in Spain from 2012 to 2020. VD levels likely mediate this relationship, being influenced by sunlight exposure and TB development. Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal pathway and inform public health strategies for improved TB control.
A next-generation protective emblem: Cross-frequency protective options for non-combatants in the context of (fully) autonomous warfare
Authors: Hinck Daniel C. , Schöttler Jonas J. , Krantz Maria , Widulle Niklas , Isleif Katharina-Sophie , Niggemann Oliver 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe protection of non-combatants in times of autonomous warfare raises the question of the timeliness of the international protective emblem. (Fully) Autonomous weapon systems are often launched from a great distance, and there may be no possibility for the operators to notice protective emblems at the point of impact; therefore, such weapon systems will need to have a way to detect protective emblems and react accordingly. In this regard, the present contribution suggests a cross-frequency protective emblem. Technical deployment is considered, as well as interpretation by methods of machine learning. Approaches are explored as to how software can recognize protective emblems under the influence of various boundary conditions. Since a new protective emblem could also be misused, methods of distribution are considered, including encryption and authentication of the received signal. Finally, ethical aspects are examined.
Prediction of Atmospheric Profiles With Machine Learning Using the Signature Method
Authors: Fujita M. , Sugiura N. , Kouketsu S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn array of atmospheric profile observations consists of three‐dimensional vectors representing pressure, temperature, and humidity, with each profile forming a continuous curve in this three‐dimensional space. In this paper, the Signature method, which can quantify a profile's curve, was adopted for the atmospheric profiles, and the accuracy of profile representations was investigated. The description of profiles by the signature was confirmed with adequate accuracy. The machine‐learning‐based model, developed using the signature, exhibited a high level of annual accuracy with minimal absolute mean differences in temperature and water vapor mixing ratio (<2.0 K or g kg−1). Notably, the model successfully captured the vertical structure and atmospheric instability, encompassing drastic variations in water vapor and temperature, even during intense rainfall. These results indicate the Signature method can comprehensively describe the vertical profile with information on how ordered values are correlated. This concept would potentially improve the representation of the atmospheric vertical structure.
Delay of punishment highlights differential vulnerability to developing addiction-like behavior toward sweet food
Authors: Solinas Marcello , Lardeux Virginie , Leblanc Pierre-Marie , Longueville Jean-Emmanuel , Thiriet Nathalie , Vandaele Youna , Panlilio Leigh V. , Jaafari Nematollah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractResistance to punishment is commonly used to measure the difficulty in refraining from rewarding activities when negative consequences ensue, which is a hallmark of addictive behavior. We recently developed a progressive shock strength (PSS) procedure in which individual rats can titrate the amount of punishment that they are willing to tolerate to obtain food rewards. Here, we investigated the effects of a range of delays (0–12 s) on resistance to punishment measured by PSS break points. As expected from delay discounting principles, we found that delayed shock was less effective as a punisher, as revealed by higher PSS breakpoints. However, this discounting effect was not equally distributed in the population of rats, and the introduction of a delay highlighted the existence of two populations: rats that were sensitive to immediate punishment were also sensitive to delayed shock, whereas rats that were resistant to immediate punishment showed strong temporal discounting of delayed punishment. Importantly, shock-sensitive rats suppressed responding even in subsequent non-punishment sessions, and they differed from shock-resistant rats in anxiety-like behavior, but not in sensitivity to pain. These results show that manipulation of temporal contingencies of punishment in the PSS procedure provides a valuable tool to identify individuals with a double vulnerability to addiction: low sensitivity to aversion and excessive discounting of negative future consequences. Conversely, the shock-sensitive population may provide a model of humans who are vulnerable to opportunity loss due to excessive anxiety.
Improving nutritional status after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: results of phase 2 ALLONUT clinical trial
Authors: Estran Sophie , Loschi Michael , Benachour Sami , Soldati Alizée , Chiche Edmond , Sammut Rinzine , Robert Guillaume , Jacquel Arnaud , Chibois Jacques , Schneider Stephane , Cluzeau Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMalnutrition increases the risk of non-relapse mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Here are the results of the ALLONUT clinical trial designed to improve the nutritional outcome of patients receiving aHSCT. ALLONUT is a prospective open label phase 2 clinical trial assessing the efficacy of a close tailored nutritional support and management with traditional and original solutions to improve patients nutritional status following aHSCT. Nutritional status evaluation was performed before transplantation, on Day 0, 30, 100 and one year after transplantation. The study involved 70 patients treated by aHSCT. 10% of patients were moderately or severely malnutrition at baseline and 26.9 were severely malnutrition at D30. Patients’ nutritional status improved thanks to the cooking classes and the personalized outpatient nutrition program. At D100, 23% were still malnutrition, while only 10.8% were severely malnutrition one year after transplantation. The QLQ-C30 show that quality of life (QoL) decreased until D30, and improve to reach the pre-transplant level on D100 before exceeding it on D360. The study confirmed that a close, personalized nutritional program combining traditional and original measures can improve both nutritional status and QoL for patients suffering from moderate or severe malnutrition after aHCST.
Metabolic targeting of cancer associated fibroblasts overcomes T-cell exclusion and chemoresistance in soft-tissue sarcomas
Authors: Broz Marina T. , Ko Emily Y. , Ishaya Kristin , Xiao Jinfen , De Simone Marco , Hoi Xen Ping , Piras Roberta , Gala Basia , Tessaro Fernando H. G. , Karlstaedt Anja , Orsulic Sandra , Lund Amanda W. , Chan Keith Syson , Guarnerio Jlenia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractT cell-based immunotherapies have exhibited promising outcomes in tumor control; however, their efficacy is limited in immune-excluded tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and modulating immune infiltration. Despite the identification of distinct CAF subtypes using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), their functional impact on hindering T-cell infiltration remains unclear, particularly in soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) characterized by low response rates to T cell-based therapies. In this study, we characterize the STS microenvironment using murine models (in female mice) with distinct immune composition by scRNA-seq, and identify a subset of CAFs we termed glycolytic cancer-associated fibroblasts (glyCAF). GlyCAF rely on GLUT1-dependent expression of CXCL16 to impede cytotoxic T-cell infiltration into the tumor parenchyma. Targeting glycolysis decreases T-cell restrictive glyCAF accumulation at the tumor margin, thereby enhancing T-cell infiltration and augmenting the efficacy of chemotherapy. These findings highlight avenues for combinatorial therapeutic interventions in sarcomas and possibly other solid tumors. Further investigations and clinical trials are needed to validate these potential strategies and translate them into clinical practice.