bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of performance feedback and academic performance on parent–family involvement and parent satisfaction in US schools
Authors: Venugopal Prabhakar G. , Swapna Bhargavi G. , Ramesh Reddy Pedakamu , Shehab Marwa 
Published: August 2023

AbstractParental and family involvement in schools has been a concern for educators and administrators. The authors set out to assess the path directions and significance of the interrelationships between Performance Feedback (PF), Academic Performance (AP) on Parent–Family Involvement (PFI), and Parent Satisfaction (PS) in schools. This study utilizes data from the PFI in Education Survey 2019 under the National Household Education Surveys program done by the US Department of Education. The sample for this research is 954 parents. Structural equation modeling was employed using AMOS. Results establish the three research propositions: influence of PFI on PS with the mediation of AP and PF, influence of AP on PS is moderated by PF, influence of AP on PFI is moderated by PF. The findings are important for school administrators and all stakeholders for ensuring greater PFI, improved PF and AP of students, and higher PS. This study is unique in assessing the interactional effects of the variables considered. The study also establishes mediating and moderating influences and offers new insights in understanding the influences on PFI and PS and some bidirectional effects.
Hispidin‐enriched Sanghuangporus sanghuang mycelia SS‐MN4 ameliorate disuse atrophy while improving muscle endurance
Authors: Li I‐Chen , Lu Ting‐Yu , Lin Ting‐Wei , Chen Andy Y. , Chu Hsin‐Tung , Chen Yen‐Lien , Li Tsung‐Ju , Chen Chin‐Chu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundDisuse atrophy is a frequent cause of muscle atrophy, which can occur in individuals of any age who have been inactive for a prolonged period or immobilization. Additionally, acute diseases such as COVID‐19 can cause frequent sequelae and exacerbate muscle wasting, leading to additional fatigue symptoms. It is necessary to investigate potent functional nutrients for muscle reinforcement in both disuse atrophy and fatigue to ensure better physical performance.MethodsThe effects of Sanghuangporus sanghuang SS‐MN4 mycelia were tested on two groups of 6‐week‐old male mice—one with disuse atrophy and the other with fatigue. The disuse atrophy group was divided into three sub‐groups: a control group, a group that underwent hind limb casting for 7 days and then recovered for 7 days and a group that was administered with SS‐MN4 orally for 14 days, underwent hind limb casting for 7 days and then recovered for 7 days. The fatigue group was divided into two sub‐groups: a control group that received no SS‐MN4 intervention and an experimental group that was administered with SS‐MN4 orally for 39 days and tested for exhaustive swimming and running on Day 31 and Day 33, respectively. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and western blot analysis were conducted on C2C12 cell lines to identify the therapeutic effects of SS‐MN4 treatment.ResultsIn a disuse atrophy model induced by hind limb casting, supplementing with 250 mg/kg of SS‐MN4 for 14 days led to 111.2% gastrocnemius muscle mass recovery and an 89.1% improvement in motor function on a treadmill (P < 0.05). In a fatigue animal model, equivalent SS‐MN4 dosage improved swimming (178.7%) and running (162.4%) activities (P < 0.05) and reduced blood urea nitrogen levels by 18% (P < 0.05). SS‐MN4 treatment also increased liver and muscle glycogen storage by 34.36% and 55.6%, respectively, suggesting a higher energy reserve for exercise. RNA‐seq and western blot studies from the C2C12 myotube showed that SS‐MN4 extract upregulates Myh4 and helps sustain myotube integrity against dexamethasone damage.ConclusionsSupplementation of SS‐MN4 (250‐mg/kg body weight) with hispidin as active compound revealed a potential usage as a muscle nutritional supplement enhancing muscle recovery, fast‐twitch fibre regrowth and fatigue resistance.
A systematic review of automated segmentation of 3D computed‐tomography scans for volumetric body composition analysis
Authors: Mai Dinh Van Chi , Drami Ioanna , Pring Edward T. , Gould Laura E. , Lung Phillip , Popuri Karteek , Chow Vincent , Beg Mirza F. , Athanasiou Thanos , Jenkins John T. ,   the BiCyCLE Research Group
Published: August 2023

AbstractAutomated computed tomography (CT) scan segmentation (labelling of pixels according to tissue type) is now possible. This technique is being adapted to achieve three‐dimensional (3D) segmentation of CT scans, opposed to single L3‐slice alone. This systematic review evaluates feasibility and accuracy of automated segmentation of 3D CT scans for volumetric body composition (BC) analysis, as well as current limitations and pitfalls clinicians and researchers should be aware of. OVID Medline, Embase and grey literature databases up to October 2021 were searched. Original studies investigating automated skeletal muscle, visceral and subcutaneous AT segmentation from CT were included. Seven of the 92 studies met inclusion criteria. Variation existed in expertise and numbers of humans performing ground‐truth segmentations used to train algorithms. There was heterogeneity in patient characteristics, pathology and CT phases that segmentation algorithms were developed upon. Reporting of anatomical CT coverage varied, with confusing terminology. Six studies covered volumetric regional slabs rather than the whole body. One study stated the use of whole‐body CT, but it was not clear whether this truly meant head‐to‐fingertip‐to‐toe. Two studies used conventional computer algorithms. The latter five used deep learning (DL), an artificial intelligence technique where algorithms are similarly organized to brain neuronal pathways. Six of seven reported excellent segmentation performance (Dice similarity coefficients > 0.9 per tissue). Internal testing on unseen scans was performed for only four of seven algorithms, whilst only three were tested externally. Trained DL algorithms achieved full CT segmentation in 12 to 75 s versus 25 min for non‐DL techniques. DL enables opportunistic, rapid and automated volumetric BC analysis of CT performed for clinical indications. However, most CT scans do not cover head‐to‐fingertip‐to‐toe; further research must validate using common CT regions to estimate true whole‐body BC, with direct comparison to single lumbar slice. Due to successes of DL, we expect progressive numbers of algorithms to materialize in addition to the seven discussed in this paper. Researchers and clinicians in the field of BC must therefore be aware of pitfalls. High Dice similarity coefficients do not inform the degree to which BC tissues may be under‐ or overestimated and nor does it inform on algorithm precision. Consensus is needed to define accuracy and precision standards for ground‐truth labelling. Creation of a large international, multicentre common CT dataset with BC ground‐truth labels from multiple experts could be a robust solution.
The role of neurotransmitters in glioblastoma multiforme‐associated seizures
Authors: Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Bakhtiarzadeh Fatemeh , Dehghan Samaneh , Ketabforoush Arsh Haj Mohamad Ebrahim , Golab Fereshteh , Zarbakhsh Sam , Ahmadirad Nooshin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGBM, or glioblastoma multiforme, is a brain tumor that poses a great threat to both children and adults, being the primary cause of death related to brain tumors. GBM is often associated with epilepsy, which can be debilitating. Seizures and the development of epilepsy are the primary symptoms that have a severe impact on the quality of life for GBM patients. It is increasingly apparent that the nervous system plays an essential role in the tumor microenvironment for all cancer types, including GBM. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of how neurotransmitters control the progression of gliomas. Evidence suggests that neurotransmitters and neuromodulators found in the tumor microenvironment play crucial roles in the excitability, proliferation, quiescence, and differentiation of neurons, glial cells, and neural stem cells. The involvement of neurotransmitters appears to play a significant role in various stages of GBM. In this review, the focus is on presenting updated knowledge and emerging ideas regarding the interplay between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as glutamate, GABA, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, adenosine, and their relationship with GBM and the seizures induced by this condition. The review aims to explore the current understanding and provide new insights into the complex interactions between these neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the context of GBM‐related seizures.
Paid summer undergraduate internships are one strategy to increase diversity in genetic counseling
Authors: Kessler Lisa Jay , Conway Laura J. , Love Rosaria , Valverde Kathleen D. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe genetic counseling profession has attempted to enhance the diversity of its workforce since its inception but does not yet reflect the demographics of the United States. One barrier to entry into genetic counseling programs may be the ability to gain exposure to the profession prior to applying for entry. Many applicants participate in unpaid shadowing experiences, which could be a limitation to students from underrepresented backgrounds who may be less familiar with the field or who cannot forgo a salary. To address this concern, the University of Pennsylvania Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program developed a six‐week, paid summer internship designed for undergraduates interested in genetic counseling and from underrepresented backgrounds in the field. Students were recruited via social media and word of mouth. Three undergraduates participated in the first year and four in the second year. Participants received lectures on basic topics in genetics and medical genetics, engaged in workshops and panel discussions, attended rounds and case conferences, interacted with genetic counseling mentors, and were able to shadow genetic counselors in the clinic. Benefits to the interns included enhanced appreciation for the field, development of connections with practicing genetic counselors, and development of connections with each other. The program received positive and constructive feedback and has been continued for future summers.
Identification and target of action of cholecystokinin‐releasing peptides from simulated digestion hydrolysate of wheat protein
Authors: Song Hongdong , Wang Qingyu , Shao Zhuwei , Wang Xinyue , Cao Hongwei , Huang Kai , Guan Xiao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDWheat protein intake leads to improved appetite control. However, the active components causing appetite in wheat have not been fully clarified. Gut cholecystokinin (CCK) plays a vital role in appetite control. This study aimed to investigate the ability of wheat protein digest (WPD) to stimulate CCK secretion and clarify the active components and target of action.RESULTSWPD was prepared by a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. WPD treatment with a concentration of 5 mg mL−1 significantly stimulated CCK secretion in enteroendocrine STC‐1 cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, oral gavage with WPD in mice significantly increased plasma CCK level at 60 min (P < 0.01). Preparative C18 column separation was used to isolate peptide fractions associated with CCK secretion and peptide sequences were identified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A new CCK‐releasing peptide, RYIVPL, that potently stimulated CCK secretion was successfully identified. After pretreatment with a specific calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonist, NPS 2143, CCK secretion induced by WPD or RYIVPL was greatly suppressed, suggesting that CaSR was involved in WPD‐ or RYIVPL‐induced CCK secretion.CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrated that WPD has an ability to stimulate CCK secretion in vitro and in vivo, and determined that peptide RYIVPL in WPD could stimulate CCK secretion through CaSR. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Revitalizing Cytokine‐Based Cancer Immunotherapy through Advanced Delivery Systems
Authors: Chen Pengwen , Paraiso West Kristian Dizon , Cabral Horacio 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCytokines can coordinate robust immune responses, holding great promise as therapeutics against infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. In cancer treatment, numerous pro‐inflammatory cytokines have displayed promising efficacy in preclinical studies. However, their clinical application is hindered by poor pharmacokinetics, significant toxicity and unsatisfactory anticancer efficacy. Thus, while IFN‐α and IL‐2 are approved for specific cancer treatments, other cytokines still remain subject of intense investigation. To accelerate the application of cytokines as cancer immunotherapeutics, strategies need to be directed to improve their safety and anticancer performance. In this regard, delivery systems could be used to generate innovative therapies by targeting the cytokines or nucleic acids, such as DNA and mRNA, encoding the cytokines to tumor tissues. This review centers on these innovative delivery strategies for cytokines, summarizing key approaches, such as gene delivery and protein delivery, and critically examining their potential and challenges for clinical translation.
Reconstituting Low‐Density Lipoprotein with NIR‐Absorbing Organic Photothermal Agents for Targeted Killing of Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Tian Liang , Wu Kaiyu , Wang Chao , Zhu Chunlei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPhotothermal therapy (PTT) systems typically do not possess intrinsic tumor‐targeting capability, resulting in indiscriminate thermal damage to both cancer and normal cells. Herein, a low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐based nanosystem (denoted as MTTQ@LDL) is reported for targeted photothermal killing of cancer cells. Such a nanosystem is fabricated by reconstituting the lipophilic core of LDL with an organic photothermal agent MTTQ. The reconstitution process improves the supramolecular photothermal effects of MTTQ assemblies, which contributes to the significantly enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (41.3% vs. 16.2%). MTTQ@LDL can actively target LDL receptor‐overexpressed cancer cells via receptor‐mediated endocytosis, enabling the selective killing of cancer cells over normal cells (98% vs. 7%) post‐NIR irradiation. Reconstituted LDL can serve as a promising platform for targeted delivery of functional materials, holding great promise in tumor eradication in vivo.
Study of Antimony‐Doped Silicene Nanoribbons in the Electric Field
Authors: Van Ngoc Hoang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSilicene is a structure made of silicon atoms with a honeycomb hexagonal configuration. Silicene is not a flat structure like graphene, it has buckling. Silicene nanoribbons (SiNRs) are low‐dimensional structures built from silicene with chemically modified edges. The electronic properties of SiNRs also depend on the modification elements at the two edges. The antimony element will be doped in the SiNRs, and the electric field acting on the system is a constant electric field 0.3 V Å‐1. The configurations are stable after optimization by density function theory (DFT), and the energies of formation of the systems will also be calculated. The energy bands, states of the configurations will be plotted, analyzed, and compared. The structures after doping are all semi‐metallic, the band gap has disappeared. The partial states are also investigated, which depends on the density of particles per unit cell.
Participation of apoptotic markers in the process of maturation and elimination of spermatozoa in the epididymis of the Corynorhinus mexicanus bat
Authors: Samano‐Barbosa Gihovani Ademir , López‐Trinidad Blanca Patrícia , Rodríguez‐Tobón Ahiezer , Chávez‐Zamora Julio Cesar , Cortés‐Barberena Edith , León‐Galván Miguel Angel , Rodríguez‐Tobón Ernesto , Arenas‐Ríos Edith 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Corynorhinus mexicanus bat is characterized by a specific form of reproductive asynchrony between males and females. After mating, some sperm remain in the male's epididymis, the organ where the sperm had matured. It has not yet been determined if apoptotic markers participate in the process of the maturation and/or elimination of these cells, so studying this topic is essential for our understanding of this species. Male bats were collected during three stages: Before mating; during the Mating phase; After mating and the final phase, which we call, Storage. Their epididymides were removed, weighed and measured. Sperm were extracted and the following sperm parameters were evaluated: active caspases, phosphatidylserine externalization, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm from the testes enter the epididymis during Before mating, causing the organ to grow. During Mating phase, spermatozoa present a large amount of active caspases with externalization of phosphatidyl serine, even while still alive. This suggests that these two markers could participate in maturation and elimination, respectively.
Impact of store brand competition on retailer's strategic inventory in decentralized supply chains
Authors: Balasubramanian Ganesh , Ponnachiyur Maruthasalam Arulanantha Prabu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRetailers often sell their own store brands that compete with the national brands. Store brand competition induces the supplier to quote lower wholesale prices for national brands. In multi‐period selling environments, retailers may complement this wholesale price reduction by carrying strategic inventories. Hence, store brand carrying retailers face the following dilemma. On the one hand, strong store brand competition might be sufficient to lower the national brand's wholesale price substantially. In this case, the retailer need not carry any strategic inventory. On the other hand, the wholesale price reduction induced solely by store brand competition might not be substantial. In this case, the retailer might want to carry either national brand or store brand strategic inventory to complement the wholesale price reduction. We address the above dilemma by investigating the effect of store brand competition on the strategic inventory decision using a two‐period game‐theoretic framework. We enhance the current understanding of the retailer's strategic inventory by incorporating the impact of store brand competition. Our analysis reveals that it is never optimal for the retailer to carry store brand as strategic inventory even when the store brand and the national brand are close substitutes. We also find that a store brand selling retailer may become worse off when being endowed with the option of carrying strategic inventory. However, when the holding cost is sufficiently low, we show that the strategic inventory and store brand competition complement each other and benefit the retailer.
A nonlinear programming algorithm for finite element limit analysis using feasible arc searching technique
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xiao Yao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis article presents a nonlinear programming algorithm for finite element limit analysis (FELA) based on feasible arc searching technique (FAST). The proposed algorithm has the potential to significantly reduce the iteration numbers required for convergence, making it a valuable tool for solving complex optimization problems from FELA. The algorithm also introduces several new features to the existing methods, including: (i) a novel method for determining a reasonable updating step length; (ii) the avoidance of solving an additional “phase one problem” for finding an initial feasible point; and (iii) the proposition of an empirical criterion for detecting infeasibility problems. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been demonstrated through several classic examples derived from geotechnical engineering. The initial two examples show the superior convergence speed of the novel approach compared to existing methods. Additionally, the third example highlights the efficacy of the feasibility detection criterion for problems involving both prescribed and unknown external forces.
The difference of time‐based prospective memory between Type A and Type B individuals under different time monitoring conditions
Authors: Gan Jiaqun , Ding Yi , Guo Yunfei , Wang Enguo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTime‐based prospective memory (TBPM) is affected by many factors, which include Type A and Type B personality types. Type A individuals have a strong desire to complete tasks and a strong sense of time‐urgency to complete established tasks before the deadline. Type B individuals have fewer time constraints and usually procrastinate until the deadline to complete the task. Compared with Type B individuals, Type A individuals may perform better in TBPM due to their advantages in time cognition and attitude. This study explores the differences in the TBPM ability between Type A individuals and Type B individuals under different time monitoring conditions. In Experiment 1, there was no limit to how many times participants could check the time. The results showed that the performance of TBPM between Type A individuals and Type B individuals was not different. In Experiment 2, participants could only check the time once during each TBPM task. The results showed that, compared to Type B individuals, Type A individuals performed better in TBPM, with higher time monitoring frequency and slower response speed to the ongoing tasks. These findings suggest that the performance of Type A individuals in TBPM has an advantage only under the restricted time monitoring condition. This advantage is then mainly due to the increase in the attention consumption of Type A individuals in both internal and external attention.
Mechanisms of damage and fracture of aramid fibers: Focus on the role of microfibril cooperativity in fracture toughness
Authors: Richard Clotilde , Bresson Bruno , Bès Maxime , Schittecatte Laura , Le Roux Solène , Didane Nizar , Bataille François , Joannès Sébastien , Marcellan Alba 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPushing the limits of synthetic polymers in terms of stiffness and strength, aromatic polyamide fibers–like Kevlar®–are used for demanding applications in the form of fiber assemblies as ropes. The unique mechanical performance of aramid fiber is intimately linked to its hierarchical structure and orientation, induced during the spinning process. Surprisingly, after nearly 60 years of heavy use, very little is known about damage mechanisms and rational explanation of such high resistance. We report an experimental investigation of the fiber damage mechanisms at the single fiber scale (diameter ≅ 10 μm) with the aim to establish a link with the microstructure. Damage mechanisms and crack propagation are observed in situ for the first time and unveil a widespread damage over the entire length of the fiber in the form of a network of transverse and longitudinal cracks. These observations make it possible to draw a novel scenario of fracture that mitigates the small strain failure hypothesis. To shed light on the crucial role of microfibril cooperativity in fracture toughness, a slight twist is applied to the single fiber to promote tortuosity and frictional contacts between microfibrils. Statistical fracture analysis demonstrated the beneficial impact of such torsion on early failure events, since lowest fracture stresses are shifted to higher stresses.