bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trans-Global Biogeochemistry of Soil to Grain Transport of Arsenic and Cadmium
Authors: Perera A. J. D. , Li Litian , Carey Manus , Moreno-Jiménez Eduardo , Flagmeier Maren , Marwa Ernest , De Silva P. Mangala C. S. , Nguyen Minh N. , Meharg Andrew A. , Meharg Caroline 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that arsenic and cadmium can accumulate in rice grain to levels that cause health concerns. Furthermore, geographical survey has shown that there is considerable variation (~ 100-fold) in accumulation of these carcinogens in rice grain. This variance must be due to heterogeneity in soil biogeochemistry and contrasting rice management regimens. Here we present the first systematic global study to investigate the impact of soil biogeochemistry on accumulation of these elements in rice grain. Matched grain, shoot, root and soil samples were collected across a latitudinal gradient from East Africa to Europe and soil, shoot, grain chemistry and soil microbial community (prokaryotes and fungi) assessed within the context of arsenic and cadmium biogeochemistry. European and Vietnamese grain sum of arsenic species (inorganic arsenic plus dimethylarsonic acid) concentration medians, ~ 0.1 mg/kg, were found to be around ten-fold higher compared to those in East Africa and Sri Lanka. Arsenic concentrations were linked to higher levels of soil arsenic, and to higher abundance of soil sulphur-oxidising and sulphate reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea. For cadmium, Sri Lanka showed highest (median 0.0156 mg/kg) and Europe lowest (median of 0.001 mg/kg) levels in grain, with the other regions showing intermediate values. Interestingly, grain cadmium was unrelated to soil cadmium concentrations, with Europe having the highest levels of cadmium in soil. Instead, grain cadmium correlated with higher oxidation/reduction potential, lower -log[hydrogen ion], lower soil calcium, and to a higher abundance of aerobic bacteria and fungi (lowest abundance of these organisms in European soils).
The role of unidentified bright objects in the neurocognitive profile of neurofibromatosis type 1 children: a volumetric MRI analysis
Authors: Di Stasi Martina , Cocozza Sirio , Buccino Sara , Paolella Chiara , Di Napoli Linda , D’Amico Alessandra , Melis Daniela , Ugga Lorenzo , Villano Gianmichele , Ruocco Manuel , Scala Iris , Brunetti Arturo , Elefante Andrea 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Cognitive impairment is described in 80% of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. Brain focal areas of T2w increased signal intensity on MRI, the so-called Unidentified Bright Objects (UBOs) have been hypothesized to be related to cognitive dysfunction, although conflicting results are available in literature. Here, we investigated the possible relation between UBOs’ volume, cognitive impairment, and language disability in NF1 patients.

Material and methods
In this retrospective study, clinical and MRI data of 21 NF1 patients (M/F = 12/9; mean age 10.1 ± 4.5) were evaluated. Brain intellectual functioning and language abilities were assessed with specific scales, while the analyzed MRI sequences included axial 2D-T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences. These images were used independently for UBOs segmentation with a semiautomatic approach and obtained volumes were normalized for biparietal diameters to take into account for brain volume. Possible differences in terms of normalized UBOs volumes were probed between cognitively affected and preserved patients, as well as between subjects with or without language impairment.

Results
Patients cognitively affected were not different in terms of UBOs volume compared to those preserved (p = 0.35 and p = 0.30, for T2-weighted and FLAIR images, respectively). Similarly, no differences were found between patients with and without language impairment (p = 0.47 and p = 0.40, for the two sequences).

Conclusions
The relation between UBOs and cognition in children with NF1 has been already investigated in literature, although leading to conflicting results. Our study expands the current knowledge, showing a lack of correlation between UBOs volume and both cognitive impairment and language disability in NF1 patients.
Force and position coordination for delayed bilateral teleoperation of a manipulator robot
Authors: Santiago Diego D. , Slawiñski Emanuel , Salinas Lucio R. , Mut Vicente A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper focuses on the design and analysis of a P+d+f (Proportional, Derivative, and Force) variable control strategy aimed at delayed bilateral teleoperation of a manipulator robot, the ultimate goal of which is to obtain simultaneous coordination of force and position between the haptic device and the robot. The proposed controller changes the damping based on both the time delay and feedback power signal measured online. Unlike other P+d+f strategies, this proposal avoids terms with discontinuities in the controller, cancellation of human and environment forces and also prevents the explicit use of environment parameters. The proposal uses variable damping dependent on a feedback power signal, which reduces kinetic energy to ensure bounded control errors. Simulations are performed to verify that dual coordination is achieved without using explicit nonlinear damping in the controller or needing the parametric knowledge of the environment model, which is useful to apply the controller to most commercial manipulator robots.
Diagnostic Performances of ADC Value in Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging for Differential Diagnosis of Breast Lesions in 1.5 T: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Dkhar Winniecia , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Sukumar Suresh , Pradhan Abhimanyu , Sharath S 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Medical technology has gone a long way in diagnosis and characterization of breast tumors. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is the state of the art for breast screening and diagnosing. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the diagnostic performances of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in characterization of breast lesions with different b value in 1.5 T MRI.

Method
An extensive search on Scopus, Embase, and PubMed databases were performed on studies published between January 2000 and 2020. The systematic seek initially yielded 2467 studies, out of which 27 research were covered on this meta-evaluation. The included studies for meta-analysis utilized different b value and noted that the ADC value was highly influenced by the b value, for differential diagnosis of breast tumors.

Results
The current meta-analysis has shown the ADC values was lower for malignant breast lesions as compared with benign lesions. The recommended mean threshold ADC was 1.25 ± 0.17 × 10–3 mm2/s range from 0.93 to 1.60 × 10–3 mm2/s for differential diagnosis of breast tumors. Sub-group analysis on the bases of b value showed statistically significant differences in the ADC value of benign and malignant breast tumors.

Conclusion
In conclusion, we noted that b value has a significant effect in calculating the ADC value of the breast lesions as well as ADC threshold value but lacks standardization. The ADC value measurement has a potential for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions.
Industrial-scale composting process as a successful method for inactivation of potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp. Skarbilovich) and sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt)
Authors: Schumann Lisa , Berger Beatrice , Daub Matthias , Böhlke Tanja , König Stephan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCyst producing nematodes are persistent soil-borne organisms causing severe damage to cultivated plants. Persistence of the economically relevant cyst nematode species Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis and Heterodera schachtii was investigated at different stages during a large-scale industrial composting process to evaluate its efficiency to prevent spread of these nematodes into natural and agricultural habitats. Using reference cyst nematodes incorporated into organic waste from households and the processing industry, the effect of anaerobic fermentation and aerobic composting processes were investigated. Treated cysts were analysed for viability and reproductive potential by performing hatching tests and bioassays on susceptible host plants. The investigated composting plant showed temperatures between 40 and 72 °C at aerobic composting conditions depending on the sample position (bottom, middle, top) within the pile. We found no viable juveniles or reproductive potential of Globodera spp. (Loof and Bakker 1992) and less than 5 per cent reproduction of H. schachtii. Additionally to temperature conditions, we presume that competition of the microbial community and their released biodigestants like fatty acids also play a major role in successful treatment of these severe pest organisms.
The Role of English in Language Maintenance in Taiwan: a Threat or an Opportunity?
Authors: Yang Chia-Ying 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study explores localized language education—Daighi—in the plurilingual context of Taiwan focusing on the potential role that English might play in Daighi education, through a pluriliteracies lens. Research suggests that English is perceived as a threat to local languages like Daighi (Hong, 2002; Yang, 2020). However, this study proposes rethinking English as a resource that not only helps the maintenance of Daighi but also provides a potential opportunity to develop literacies across both languages. Twenty primary school Daighi teachers were interviewed with classroom observations as supplementary data. The research questions explore the role of English in Daighi classrooms: how it is perceived by Daighi teachers and used in practice. The findings indicate that English is seen as an important language that links to internationalization; in terms of English use in practice, it was observed that Daighi teachers draw on English as a resource to communicate, teach grammar, spelling, and pronunciation. English can therefore be (re)conceptualized as an important resource in Daighi learning and teaching. This calls for further research to explore the potential that a pluriliteracies approach may bring in order to benefit both languages and bridge threatened language learning and teaching through English, specifically in a plurilingual community such as Taiwan.
Which month to give a birth? The analysis on birth seasonality of China
Authors: Zhang Cuiling , Wang Danyin , Zhang Xuying 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA series of medical and biological studies have identified a strong link between the season during which a child is born and early childhood development and adult health. While providing an explanation for the seasonal determinants of birth remains one of the key challenges for demographers, understanding seasonal birth peaks and troughs can inform both public health planning and efforts to prevent childhood diseases. The seasonality of births varies across and within countries. Nonetheless, there has been scant research into the seasonality of births in China. This study takes an in depth look at the seasonal fluctuations in China’s births since 1960 and investigates the effects on seasonality of several key factors such as parity, residence (urban or rural area), and changes to fertility policies. Traditionally, winter has been the peak season of births in China, while spring and summer have been lean seasons, a pattern which is quite different than patterns in Europe and the United States. After 1990, the sweeping implementation of one-child policy and the wider use of modern contraceptives among Chinese women prompted a fundamental shift in the seasonality of births, with the deviation of births from month to month gradually diminishing over time. People's self-control may serve as a key determinant accounting for such seasonal changes. First births exhibit pronounced and steady seasonality, while second and subsequent births follow a vague seasonal pattern, suggesting that later births are more likely affected by self-choice and self-intervention. The analysis also reveals that the monthly distribution pattern of second births experienced a dramatic change following the roll-out of the selective-two-child policy and the Universal Two-child Policy in 2014 and 2016, changes that reflects the adjustments people made to achieve their fertility plans under the new policy.
Ultradifferentiable classes of entire functions
Authors: Nenning David Nicolas , Schindl Gerhard 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe study classes of ultradifferentiable functions defined in terms of small weight sequences violating standard growth and regularity requirements. First, we show that such classes can be viewed as weighted spaces of entire functions for which the crucial weight is given by the associated weight function of the so-called conjugate weight sequence. Moreover, we generalize results from M. Markin from the so-called small Gevrey setting to arbitrary convenient families of (small) sequences and show how the corresponding ultradifferentiable function classes can be used to detect boundedness of normal linear operators on Hilbert spaces (associated with an evolution equation problem). Finally, we study the connection between small sequences and the recent notion of dual sequences introduced in the Ph.D. thesis of J. Jiménez-Garrido.
Alpha-lipoic acid, apocynin or probiotics influence glutathione status and selected inflammatory parameters in C57/BL6 mice when combined with a low-fat diet
Authors: Kleniewska Paulina , Pawliczak Rafał 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The aim of the study was to determine the potential of a low-fat diet (LFD) to protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in the course of asthma and obesity when combined with antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid–ALA, apocynin–APO) or a probiotic (P) (Lactobacillus casei).

Methods
The experiments were carried out on ten groups of male C57/BL6 mice that were fed standard fat (SFD), low-fat (LFD), or high-fat (HFD) diets. Ovalbumin (OVA, administered subcutaneously and by inhalation) was used to sensitize the animals. IL-1α, IL-10, eotaxin-1, leptin, and TNF-α concentrations were examined in blood, while total glutathione (GSHt), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and –SH groups were measured in lung homogenates.

Results
LFD in combination with the analyzed compounds (APO, P, ALA) significantly decreased the concentration of IL-1α compared to the OVA + HFD group (p < 0.01; p = 0.025; p = 0.002, respectively). Similarly, the treated mice demonstrated lower eotaxin-1 concentrations compared to the HFD group (p < 0.001). Moreover, supplementation of LFD with probiotics significantly increased the concentration of IL-10 vs. controls (p < 0.001) and vs. untreated OVA-sensitized and challenged/obese mice (p < 0.001). Animals administered APO/ALA with LFD displayed a significant decrease in TNF-α concentration compared to OVA + HFD mice (p = 0.013; p = 0.002 respectively). Those treated with ALA displayed significantly improved GSH levels (p = 0.035) compared to OVA + HFD mice.

Conclusions
Supplementation of the tested compounds with LFD appears to have a positive influence on the glutathione redox status of pulmonary tissues and selected inflammatory parameters in mouse blood.
Multi-strategy Improved Seagull Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Li Yancang , Li Weizhi , Yuan Qiuyu , Shi Huawang , Han Muxuan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAiming at the shortcomings of seagull optimization algorithm in the process of searching for optimization, such as slow convergence speed, low precision, easy falling into local optimal, and performance dependent on the selection of parameters, this paper proposes an improved gull optimization algorithm based on multi-strategy fusion based on the analysis of gull population characteristics. Firstly, L–C cascade chaotic mapping is used to initialize the population so that seagulls are more evenly distributed in the initial solution space. Secondly, to improve the algorithm’s global exploration ability in the early stage, the nonlinear convergence factor is incorporated to adjust the position of seagulls in the migration stage. At the same time, the group learning strategy was introduced after the population position update to improve the population quality and optimization accuracy further. Finally, in the late stage of the algorithm, the golden sine strategy of the Levy flight guidance mechanism is used to update the population position to improve the population’s diversity and enhance the local development ability of the algorithm in the late stage. To verify the optimization performance of the improved algorithm, CEC2017 and CEC2022 test suites are selected for simulation experiments, and box graphs are drawn. The test results show that the proposed algorithm has apparent convergence speed, accuracy, and stability advantages. The engineering case results demonstrate the proposed algorithm’s advantages in solving complex problems with unknown search spaces.
Indeterminism belief protects against uncertainty: first empirical findings
Authors: Grüning David J. , Krueger Joachim I. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe empirically explore whether perceptions of (in)determinism are related to the willingness to tolerate uncertainty. We argue that the belief in indeterminism supports a sense of personal autonomy and independence from external influence, a stance that provides protection from perceived uncertainties. Our preliminary study (N = 61) suggests that the belief in an indeterminate world is positively associated with uncertainty tolerance, whereas beliefs in free will and metaphysical dualism are not. We extend these findings by examining proxies of indeterminism belief in a cross-national dataset (N = 31 countries). We find that greater political and personal freedom is associated with higher tolerance for uncertainty, whereas religious belief, which posits a world determined by divine powers, is negatively associated with uncertainty tolerance. With these theoretical ideas and empirical findings, we hope to stimulate research to further advance our understanding of the association between belief in indeterminism and tolerating uncertainty.
Efficacy of sleep interventions on postoperative delirium: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tang Xuemiao , Li Jia , Yang Bo , Lei Chong , Dong Hailong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSleep disturbances are risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD), and sleep interventions have been proposed as potential preventive measures. However, the effectiveness of sleep interventions in preventing POD is uncertain. We performed a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception until December 24, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials on sleep interventions and POD in adult surgery patients. The screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts was performed independently by two reviewers. Another two reviewers independently performed the data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. Pooled-effect estimates were calculated with a random effect model. Our primary outcome was POD, which was assessed with the confusion assessment method (CAM), CAM for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU), or other delirium assessment tools. We used trial sequential analysis to control for type I and II statistical errors. We also conducted prespecified subgroup analyses, according to the type of intervention, efficacy of the intervention on postoperative sleep, sample size, participant age, delirium assessment tool used, and the type of surgery. Data were obtained from 25 trials, including 4799 participants. Sleep interventions had a statistically significant difference in the incidence of POD (relative risk (RR) = 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46–0.77; I2 = 58%). Stratified analyses indicated that the beneficial effects of sleep interventions were evident in trials where the interventions promoted postoperative sleep (RR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.36–0.71) as compared to trials that did not (RR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.77–1.31) (p-value for interaction between subgroups = 0.004). Our primary analysis demonstrated that in adult patients following elective surgery, interventions that improved postoperative sleep, as compared to the standard care or placebo groups, were associated with a lower risk of POD. However, such evidences are limited by the heterogeneity among trials and the small sample sizes of some trials.
Graphical Abstract
Tower Gaps in Multicolour Ramsey Numbers
Authors: Dubroff Quentin , Girão António , Hurley Eoin , Yap Corrine 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Resolving a problem of Conlon, Fox and Rödl, we construct a family of hypergraphs with arbitrarily large tower height separation between their

$2$

-colour and q-colour Ramsey numbers. The main lemma underlying this construction is a new variant of the Erdős–Hajnal stepping-up lemma for a generalized Ramsey number

$r_k(t;q,p)$

, which we define as the smallest integer n such that every q-colouring of the k-sets on n vertices contains a set of t vertices spanning fewer than p colours. Our results provide the first tower-type lower bounds on these numbers.
Getting our piece of the “national cake”: the Islamists' attitude toward Yudhoyono's and Jokowi's China policies
Authors: Yeremia Ardhitya Eduard , Raditio Klaus Heinrich 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStudies on Indonesia–China relations have emphasized the central role of Indonesia's domestic politics in shaping its foreign policy toward China. However, there has been little discussion on the context in which and the extent to which internal struggles for power have contributed to shape Indonesia's China policy. Contributing to such a discussion, this article specifically focuses on the roles of Indonesian Islamist groups in affecting Jakarta–Beijing ties. It examines their political maneuvers in responses to the attitudes and policies of two governments, the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2004–2014) administration and that of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (2014–), on China-related foreign policy issues. Both Yudhoyono's and Jokowi's governments display the same friendly attitude toward China. On the South China Sea issues, nevertheless, Jokowi's government adopts tougher measures against China's maneuvers. Despite Jokowi's implementation of such policy, the Islamists put up considerable resistance to his China policy, even compared to his predecessor. This article finds that the extent of power sharing between the Islamists and the regime in power determines the former's responses toward the latter's China policy. This suggests that in the management of bilateral relations, the Islamists are not a hindrance per se in Indonesia–China relations.
The Response of Ionospheric Currents to External Drivers Investigated Using a Neural Network‐Based Model
Authors: Cao Xin , Chu Xiangning , Bortnik Jacob , Weygand James M. , Li Jinxing , Aryan Homayon , Ma Donglai 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA predictive model for the variation of ionospheric currents is of great scientific and practical importance to our modern industrial society. To study the response of ionospheric currents to external drivers including geomagnetic indices and solar radiation, we developed a feedforward neural network model trained on the Equivalent Ionospheric Current (EIC) data from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2019. Due to the highly imbalanced nature of the ionospheric currents data, which means that the data of extreme events are much less than those of quiet times, we utilized different loss functions to improve the model performance. Our model demonstrates the potential to predict the active events of ionospheric currents reasonably well (e.g., EICs during substorms) within a timescale of a few minutes. Although the data used for training are measurements over the North American and Greenland sectors, our model is not only able to predict EICs within this region, but is also able to provide a promising out‐of‐sample prediction on a global scale.