bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grasslands of cleared woodlands have lower invertebrate diversity and different assemblages to remnant woodlands in grazed landscapes of eastern Australia
Authors: Houston Wayne A. , Black Robert L. , Wormington Kevin R. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Clearing of woodlands is used by graziers to promote pasture production, even though understanding of impacts of clearing on native fauna is lacking. We evaluate impacts of clearing on biodiversity by comparing invertebrates associated with ground-layer vegetation of cleared woodlands (grasslands) to that of nearby uncleared woodlands. Two replicates of grasslands consisting of pastures dominated by introduced grasses were compared with two woodlands at each of four locations. The adjacent riparian forest to each grassland and woodland site allowed evaluation of the effect of woodland clearing on the adjacent riparian zone. All habitats were grazed. Invertebrates of ground-layer vegetation were sampled using three suction subsamples of 1m2 at each site. Grasslands had significantly lower order richness and abundance of herbivores, pollinators and macroinvertebrates (food for birds) than the woodlands, whereas the riparian forests closely resembled each other in all metrics. Invertebrate assemblages of grasslands also differed significantly from those of the woodlands. BEST analysis showed that groundcover and leaf-litter percentage cover correlated strongest with invertebrate composition. This study has demonstrated that grazing management relying on clearing of fertile grassy woodlands of the rangelands of Central Queensland alters invertebrate diversity and assemblage. Thus, tree clearing not only leads to biodiversity losses in the canopy layer, but also in the ground-layer vegetation.

Implications for insect conservation
Pastoralists have the capacity to improve outcomes for invertebrate biodiversity by maintaining groundcover (ground-layer vegetation and litter cover) above 80%, by encouraging native pastures over introduced species such as Buffel Grass and by retaining native woodlands.
Design and analysis of quad-band polarization-insensitive infrared perfect metamaterial absorber with a wide-incident angle
Authors: Abouelez Ahmed Elsayed , Abdulaleem Mohamed Nady 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThere is a pressing demand to design simple absorber structures that support optimal absorption in multi-band to meet different applications. In this work, a novel quad-band infrared perfect metamaterial absorber (QPMA) is proposed and numerically investigated. The structure of the QPMA is composed of coaxial multi-layer dielectric (SiO2) disks of circular shape with different diameters where each disk is surrounded by a gold ring. All disks are placed on a SiO2 dielectric spacer and an impermeable gold ground layer. Simulation results reveal that the proposed absorber has four absorption peaks around wavelengths of 1064 nm, 1550 nm, 2080 nm, and 3000 nm. Since these wavelengths correspond to commercially available laser sources, the structure under investigation can be used in different applications such as laser stealth, infrared photodetection, and medical applications. Additionally, the QPMA structure enjoys a good absorption performance for a wide range of incident angles for both TE and TM waves. It achieves absorption greater than 85% at incident angles up to 40° at 1064 nm, and absorption greater than 90% for the other bands at incident angles up to 50°. Moreover, due to the symmetrical shape of the structure, the absorption is insensitive to wave polarization changes.
The Effects of Centering Prayer on Well-Being in a Sample of Undergraduate Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Eros Alejandro , Plante Thomas G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractContemplative practices have likely been used for self-awareness, concentration, creativity, and well-being since the dawn of time. While practices such as yoga and Buddhist meditation have been extensively studied in recent decades, Christian contemplative practices have received less attention in empirical research. This study aims to investigate the effects of centering prayer, a Christian contemplative practice, on mental health and well-being. The research focuses on college students enrolled in a religious studies course that incorporates centering prayer into the curriculum. It is a pilot study because it is the first to explore centering prayer in an undergraduate setting. Using a comparison group from another religious studies course, the study examines whether practicing centering prayer regularly for seven weeks can lead to changes in anxiety, stress, depression, mindfulness, satisfaction with life, hope, and compassion as assessed by multiple questionnaires. Additionally, the study explores whether religiosity influences the impact of centering prayer on these variables. Participants were recruited through their course enrollment, and data was collected through online surveys administered at three time points during the study. Multivariate analyses of covariance indicated trends suggesting that centering prayer may contribute to decreased anxiety and increased hope and compassion. However, no significant changes in these outcomes were observed (p > .05). The study highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of centering prayer and the need for further research on Christian contemplative practices.
Regulator of G protein signaling-1 regulates immune infiltration and macrophage polarization in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Kun , Xia Dian , Bian Hege , Peng Longfei , Dai Shuxin , Liu Chang , Jiang Chao , Wang Yi , Jin Juan , Bi Liangkuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
To better understand how to clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) is affected by the regulator of G protein signaling-1 (RGS1), its effect on immune infiltration, macrophage polarization, tumor proliferation migration, and to explore whether RGS1 may serve as a marker and therapeutic target for ccRCC.

Patients and methods
In this study, a total of 20 surgical specimens of patients with pathological diagnosis of ccRCC admitted to the Department of Urology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from November 2021 to June 2022 were selected for pathological and protein testing, while the expression of RGS1 in tumors, immune infiltration, and macrophage polarization, particularly M2 macrophage linked to the development of tumor microenvironment (TME), were combined with TGCA database and GO analysis. We also further explored and studied the expression and function of RGS1 in TME, investigated how RGS1 affected tumor growth, migration, apoptosis, and other traits, and initially explored the signaling pathways and mechanisms that RGS1 may affect.

Results
RGS1 was found to be expressed at higher quantities in ccRCC than in normal cells or tissues, according to bioinformatics analysis and preliminary experimental data from this work. Using the TCGA database and GO analysis to describe the expression of RGS1 in a range of tumors, it was found that ccRCC had a much higher level of RGS1 expression than other tumor types. The results of gene enrichment analysis indicated that overexpression of RGS1 may be associated with immune infiltration. The outcomes of in vitro tests revealed that RGS1 overexpression in ccRCC did not significantly alter the proliferation and migration ability of ccRCC, but RGS1 overexpression promoted apoptosis in ccRCC. By in vitro co-culture experiments, RGS1 overexpression inhibited M2 macrophage polarization and also suppressed the Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway.

Conclusions
RGS1 is highly expressed in ccRCC, while overexpression of RGS1 may increase immune infiltration in the TME and reduce the polarization of M2 macrophages while promoting apoptosis in ccRCC.
Memory in energy transitions: individual agency through historical narratives in the energy transition to gas and electricity in the Dutch household
Authors: ten Berge Gijs 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAuthors adopting socio-technical frameworks to study energy transitions argue that individual behavioural change and the uptake of social and technological innovations on higher-level scales are both imperative for sustainability transitions to come about. However, the way individuals are embedded in the larger system has remained largely unclear. To better understand individual embedment in energy transitions, this paper enriches sustainability transition research with the insights of memory studies. During energy transitions, social actors that enact these transitions change their identity. A core premise of memory studies is that individual and collective remembering cannot do without each other in the constitution of identity. To illustrate the role of memory in energy transitions, this paper conducts a historical case study of the role of housewives in the energy transition to gas and electricity in the Dutch household. By adopting a narrative approach, the historical narratives across the Monthly Magazine of the Dutch Association for Housewives (NVvH), published between 1913 and 1942, are explored. The results show how the master narrative prescribed the guiding principles of the historical narratives that emerged in the energy discourse. However, as part of the flexible nature of memory, a varied ‘menu of stories’ came forward that enabled individuals to identify with different historical narratives, incorporating differing energy sources and drawing on the transformative nature of memory by imagining different energy futures. It is concluded that individual agency in energy transitions moves beyond choices of use and consumption. It rests in the individuals’ ability to identify with a historical narrative that adheres to the way the individual makes sense of the world.
Influence of Gamma-irradiation on the Structural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of β-H2Pc Nanocrystalline Films: Implications for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: El-Saady A. A. , Roushdy N. , Farag A. A. M. , Ashour A. H. , El-Nahass M. M. , Abdel Basset Dalia M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, the effects of gamma radiation with doses ranging from 0 KGy to 100 KGy on the structural and optical properties of the Beta Metal-free Phthalocyanine (β-H2Pc) powder and films were investigated. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope were used to examine the crystalline and morphological structures of the thin films. While Fourier transform infrared and absorption spectra were utilized to study the changes in molecular structure and energy absorption, respectively. The results showed that while γ-irradiation induced changes in the surface morphology and optical properties of β-H2Pc, the molecular structure remained stable except for the disappearance of the hydroxyl (OH) functional group peak. The irradiation dose was found to affect the dielectric constants, dispersion characteristics, and nonlinear optical susceptibility of the material. The β-H2Pc thin films exhibited high absorption coefficients and refractive index values, making them promising candidates for optoelectronic devices such as solar cells. However, careful consideration of the effects of gamma irradiation on other properties of β-H2Pc such as stability, toxicity, and cost-effectiveness is necessary.

Graphical Abstract
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Management of Diabetic Feet
Authors: Clayton Elizabeth O. , Njoku-Austin Confidence , Scott Devon M. , Cain Jarrett D. , Hogan MaCalus V. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition affecting many individuals worldwide and leads to billions of dollars spent within the healthcare system for its treatment and complications. Complications from diabetes include diabetic foot conditions that can have a devasting impact on quality of life. Diabetic foot ulcers and amputations occur in minority individuals at an increased rate compared to White individuals. This review provides an update examining the racial and ethnic disparities in the management of diabetic foot conditions and the differences in rates of amputation.

Recent Findings
Current research continues to show a disparity as it relates to diabetic foot management. There are novel treatment options for diabetic foot ulcers that are currently being explored. However, there continues to be a lack in racial diversity in new treatment studies conducted in the USA.

Summary
Individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups have diabetes at higher rates compared to White individuals, and are also more likely to develop diabetic foot ulcers and receive amputations. Over the last few years, more efforts have been made to improve health disparities. However, there needs to be an improvement in increasing racial diversity when investigating new therapies for diabetic foot ulcers.
Medical grade polyamide 12 silver nanoparticle filaments fabricated with in-situ reactive reduction melt-extrusion: rheological, thermomechanical, and bactericidal performance in MEX 3D printing
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Michailidis Nikolaos , Mountakis Nikolaos , Papadakis Vassilis , Argyros Apostolos , Charou Chrysa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe development of bioactive, multi-functional, and cost-effective nanocomposite filaments for additive manufacturing (AM) is pivotal for the evolution of biomedical and healthcare sectors. Herein, an industrially scalable process is reported, to produce medical grade PA12/AgNP nanocomposites, through in-situ reactive melt-mixing, occurring within the filament extruder. Bactericidal elemental nanoparticles (Ag0) were formed by silver ions (Ag+) reducing from the Silver Nitrate (Ag2NO3) precursor, which was suitably added to the polymer melt. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) was deployed in the compound melt, as a reducing macromolecular agent. The produced nanocomposite filaments were utilized to fabricate samples with Material Extrusion (MEX) AM. A total of sixteen (16) different tests were conducted on filaments and 3D-printed samples to assess their mechanical, rheological, thermal, and antibacterial characteristics, in accordance with international standards. The nanocomposites exhibited a significant mechanical reinforcement of up to 50% compared to PA12. Additionally, the Ag-based nanocomposites demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial behavior in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) microbes.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Some Benzoquinoline-Based Heterocycles Derived from 2-((3-Chlorobenzo[f]quinolin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide
Authors: Asran Mahmoud , El-Helw Eman A. E. , Azab Mohammad E. , Ramadan Sayed K. , Helal Maher H. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA new series of benzoquinoline-based heterocycles was synthesized utilizing the building block synthon, 2-((3-chlorobenzo[f]quinolin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide via the condensation of 3-chlorobenzo[f]quinoline-2-carbaldehyde with thiosemicarbazide. The titled thiosemicarbazone scaffold was conducted with some carbon-centered electrophilic reagents such as acetic anhydride, chloroacetyl chloride, chloroacetic acid, 2-bromo-1-(3-nitrophenyl)ethan-1-one, 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide, and dimethyl but-2-ynedioate to achieve triazolethione, imidazolone, thiazolidinone, and thiazole derivatives. In turn, the hydrazinolysis of this substrate did not proceed as expected but it afforded the azine derivative. The antioxidant activity screening of the produced compounds revealed that thiazole and triazolethione derivatives were the most potent.
Adsorption of bisphenol A by granular activated carbon prepared with different silicates as binders
Authors: Mourão P. , Cassavela C. , Cansado I. , Castanheiro J. , Ribeiro L. , Pagnanelli F. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNowadays, the emerging pollutants, such as bisphenol A, are object of increased attention by the citizens and the sectors of industry and academia, as a result of the problems they cause, particularly at the health level. In this study, a set of granulated samples was prepared from a commercial powdered activated carbon, aiming its application in the removal of bisphenol A via the adsorption process. The granulation allowed to obtain granulated adsorbents with higher adsorption capacity (37.0–54.8 mg/g) than the original activated carbon (32.2 mg/g). The samples were structurally and chemically characterised using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, point of zero charge and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. The bisphenol A adsorption tests are carried out in kinetic and equilibrium modes, involving variables such as mass, pH and temperature. The results show that, using different commercial silica binders, it was possible to prepare mechanical, dimensional, chemical and structurally stable granulated adsorbents with a good capacity for bisphenol A adsorption, widening the potential and range of application for these materials.
Eilenberg–Maclane spaces and stabilisation in homotopy type theory
Authors: Wärn David 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this note, we study the delooping of spaces and maps in homotopy type theory. We show that in some cases, spaces have a unique delooping, and give a simple description of the delooping in these cases. We explain why some maps, such as group homomorphisms, have a unique delooping. We discuss some applications to Eilenberg–MacLane spaces and cohomology.
Dynamics and control of mpox disease using two modelling approaches
Authors: Collins Obiora Cornelius , Duffy Kevin Jan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMonkeypox (Mpox) is a serious illness that affects both humans and animals. Two modelling approaches are considered here to understand the transmission dynamics of mpox. A deterministic model that incorporates the major factors that influence mpox is developed and analysed. However, as more than one group can be infected by mpox, humans and animals, the results of a deterministic model do not always hold when at the outset the number of people infected is small. Thus, a stochastic model based on the assumptions of the deterministic model is also developed and analysed. By fitting the deterministic model to data on the 2022 mpox outbreak in Nigeria, essential parameters related to the mpox dynamics are estimated. Using these parameters the basic reproduction number is calculated as $$\mathcal {R}_0 = 1.7$$

R
0

=
1.7

and, as this is greater than unity, implies that without control mpox is likely to remain endemic in Nigeria. Consideration of the basic reproduction number for the different transmission routes and parameter sensitivity analyses indicate the importance of animals in the overall prevalence of the disease. Also, numerical simulations are used and show that controls of disease transmission from animals to humans and animals to animals are the most effective. The results of the stochastic model, where the initial number of infections is small, show that the disease can be eradicated in some situations where $$\mathcal {R}_0 > 1$$

R
0

>
1

. However, the probabilities of this occurring for the Nigerian epidemic are low. Overall, our model formulations could be useful for making decisions on the effective management of mpox outbreaks in any endemic area.
Wertigkeit von Ultraschall und Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) bei der Erstdiagnose von Hodentumoren
Authors: Deininger Susanne , Lusuardi Lukas , Törzsök Peter 
Published: September 2023

ZusammenfassungIn der Primärdiagnostik von Hodentumoren ist der konventionelle Ultraschall weiterhin Standard. Dieser zeigte in der Indikation eine gute Sensitivität und Spezifität und ist außerdem universell verfügbar und günstig in der Anwendung. Durch Hinzunahme von Ultraschallkontrastmittel oder Elastographie kann die Genauigkeit noch verbessert werden. Insbesondere kleine Läsionen sind mittels Ultraschall zumeist nicht endgültig einzuschätzen. Die Bedeutung der MRT in der Diagnostik von unklaren Hodenläsionen ist weiterhin unklar. Durch die Anwendung von Kontrastmittel und verschiedenen Phasen erwartet man sich einen Zugewinn an diagnostischen Informationen. Normales Hodengewebe, benigne und maligne Hodenläsionen weisen in der MRT unterschiedliches Kontrastmittelenhancement auf. Durch diffusionsgewichtete Sequenzen (DWI) kann die Korrektheit der MRT weiter gesteigert werden. Jedoch fehlen evidenzbasierte standardisierte MRT-Protokolle zur Untersuchung von unklaren Hodenläsionen. Eine eigene retrospektive multizentrische Studie [1] zeigte eine Sensitivität von 85,7 % bei einer Spezifität von 72,8 % für die MRT in der Diagnostik unklarer Hodenläsionen. Es zeigte sich jedoch, dass sich der/die Radiologe/In in bis zu 20 % nicht auf einen Befund festlegen konnte. Dann bleiben weiterhin nur die operative Freilegung und histologische Sicherung. Daneben zeigte sich, dass benigne Läsionen signifikant kleiner sind als maligne. Auch aus der Literatur ist bekannt, dass tastbare Läsionen zumeist maligne sind, während zufällig entdeckte, kleinere Läsionen eher benigner Natur sind. Sowohl MRT als auch Ultraschall sind gut in der Lage, die Größe von malignen Tumoren einzuschätzen, dies kann die Planung einer hodenerhaltenden Operation erleichtern.
Biochar reduces colloidal phosphorus in leachate by regulating phoD- and phoC-harboring microbial communities during drying/rewetting cycles
Authors: Wang Xiaochun , Ge Hongnuo , Fang Yunying , Liu Chunlong , Eltohamy Kamel M. , Wang Zekai , Liang Xinqiang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDrying and rewetting (DRW) events cause the release of colloidal phosphorus (Pcoll, 1–1000 nm) in leachate, and biochar is considered an effective inhibitor; however, the microbial mechanism remains elusive. In this study, three successive DRW cycles were performed on the soil columns to assess the effect of biochar addition on Pcoll content and its possible associates, including phosphatase-producing microbial populations (phoD- and phoC-harboring microbial communities) and alkaline/acid phosphatase (ALP/ACP) activities. Results showed that the biochar addition significantly decreased the Pcoll by 15.5–32.1% during three DRW cycles. The structural equation model (SEM) confirmed that biochar addition increased phoD- and phoC-harboring microbial communities and ALP/ACP activities, which reduces the release of Pcoll into leachate. In addition, the manure biochar was more effective than the straw biochar in promoting competition and cooperation in the co-occurrence network (2–5% nodes increased on average), and the key taxa Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were identified as the dominant species of potential ALP/ACP activities and Pcoll content. Our findings provide a novel understanding of biochar reducing Pcoll loss from the phosphatase perspective by regulating the phoD- and phoC-harboring communities during DRW events.
Graphical abstract