bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the Bio-corona Fingerprinting of Potential Anticancer Carbon Nanotubes Coupled with d-Amino Acid Oxidase
Authors: Boreggio Marta , Rosini Elena , Gambarotti Cristian , Pollegioni Loredano , Fasoli Elisa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe oxidation therapy, based on the controlled production of Reactive Oxygen Species directly into the tumor site, was introduced as alternative antitumor approach. For this purpose, d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) from the yeast Rhodotorula gracilis, an enzyme able to efficiently catalyze the production of hydrogen peroxide from d-amino acids, was adsorbed onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), previously functionalized with polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) at different degrees to reduce their toxicity, to be targeted directly into the tumor. In vitro activity and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that DAAO-functionalized nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) produced H2O2 and induced toxic effects to selected tumor cell lines. After incubation in human plasma, the protein corona was investigated by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry analysis. The enzyme nanocarriers generally seemed to favor their biocompatibility, promoting the interaction with dysopsonins. Despite this, PLGA or high degree of PEGylation promoted the adsorption of immunoglobulins with a possible activation of immune response and this effect was probably due to PLGA hydrophobicity and dimensions and to the production of specific antibodies against PEG. In conclusion, the PEGylated MWCNTs at low degree seemed the most biocompatible nanocarrier for adsorbed DAAO, preserving its anticancer activity and forming a bio-corona able to reduce both defensive responses and blood clearance.
Expression, Purification, Structural and Functional Characterization of Recombinant Human Parvulin 17
Authors: Monti Alessandra , Ronca Raffaele , Campiani Giuseppe , Ruvo Menotti , Doti Nunzianna 
Published: April 2022

AbstractParvulins, peptidyl-prolyl isomerase enzymes (PPIase), catalyze the cis–trans isomerization of prolyl bonds in polypeptides, contributing to folding and function regulation of many proteins. Among Parvulins, Par17, exclusively expressed in hominids, is the least examined in terms of structure, catalytic function and cellular activity. Setting the conditions for the preparation of recombinant active Par17 may therefore significantly foster future studies. Here, we comparatively evaluated the impact of several parameters, including host strains, culture media, isopropyl ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside concentration, post-induction incubation time and temperature, on the overexpression of Par17 in E. coli cells. A similar approach was also comparatively adopted for the preparation of the recombinant full-length Pin1 protein, the most representative Parvulin, and the catalytic domains of both enzymes. Proteins were efficiently expressed and purified to homogeneity and were subjected to a structural characterization by Size Exclusion Chromatography and Circular Dichroism. Moreover, a single-step homogeneous protease-based fluorimetric assay, potentially scalable in HTS format, has been developed for determining the peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase activity of recombinant Parvulins. Results obtained show that proteins are folded and active. These new data mark an important milestone for progressing the investigation of Parvulins.
The role of emotion regulation and intolerance to uncertainty on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and distress
Authors: Gullo Salvatore , Gelo Omar Carlo Gioacchino , Bassi Giulia , Lo Coco Gianluca , Lagetto Gloria , Esposito Giovanna , Pazzagli Chiara , Salcuni Silvia , Freda Maria Francesca , Mazzeschi Claudia , Giordano Cecilia , Di Blasi Maria 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic is increasing negative consequences on mental health around the globe. To date, research on what psychological factors could influence individuals’ distress is still scarce. The current study aims to test a multiple mediation model to examine the role of Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) and emotional regulation (i.e., expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal) as joint factors, which can increase understanding of psychological distress due to the COVID-19 outbreak. An online survey measuring fear of COVID-19, IU, emotional regulation, and psychological distress was administered to 3863 Italian adults (females 73.3%; Mage = 36.44; SD = 14.74) during lockdown. Results showed that IU partially mediated the effect of fear of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety and stress. Moreover, individuals with difficulties in managing the uncertainties due to their fear of COVID-19 may be at risk for heightened use of expressive suppression and depression. However, individuals with both higher IU and expressive suppression showed lower level of stress. High cognitive reappraisal has a mediational effect on the relationship between fear of COVID-19, IU, and lower psychological distress. Findings suggest that IU and emotional regulation should be targeted for informing the development of tailored treatments to reduce the negative consequences of the outbreak.
(In)effective realism?
Authors: Saatsi Juha 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMatthias Egg (2021) argues that scientific realism can be reconciled with quantum mechanics and its foundational underdetermination by focusing realist commitments on ‘effective’ ontology. I argue in general terms that Egg’s effective realism is ontologically overly promiscuous. I illustrate the issue in relation to both Newtonian mechanics and quantum mechanics.
Geochemical evaluation of groundwater and suitability of groundwater quality for irrigation purpose in an agricultural region of South India
Authors: Gugulothu Sakram , Subbarao N. , Das Rashmirekha , Dhakate Ratnakar 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the geochemical processes controlling the groundwater chemistry and also to assess the groundwater quality suitability criteria for irrigation purposes. An agricultural region of Telangana, South India, was selected for the present study. A total of 100 groundwater samples were collected and estimated for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate ($${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

HCO

3

-

), chloride (Cl−), sulfate ($${\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$

SO

4

2
-

), nitrate ($${\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

NO

3

-

), and fluoride (F−). The groundwater was characterized by mostly alkaline conditions with a dominance of Na+ and $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

HCO

3

-

ions, indicating the prevailing conditions of weathering and dissolution of silicate minerals. The various geochemical signatures such as Na+ vs Cl−, Ca2+  + Mg2+ vs $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

HCO

3

-

, Ca2+  + Mg2+ vs $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

HCO

3

-

+ $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$

SO

4

2
-

, $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

HCO

3

-

vs Cl− + $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$

SO

4

2
-

, Ca2+  + Mg2+ vs total cations, and Ca2+  + Mg2+ vs Na+  + K+ and the saturation indices with respect to calcite, halite, and gypsum suggest obviously the dominant conditions of carbonate weathering associated with the reverse ion exchange and evaporation processes as the geogenic factors. The linear trend of TDS vs $${\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

NO

3

-

+ Cl−/$${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$

HCO

3

-

clearly specifies the influence of non-geogenic sources on the aquifer system. These are the important contributors to the variation in the groundwater chemistry. However, the impact of the geogenic source is masking the influence of the anthropogenic source in some areas of the present study region. According to the salinity vs sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium ratio, and Kelly ratio, 99.9%, 7.06%, 63.07%, and 51.27% of the total study region come under the unsuitable categories for irrigation purposes, respectively. Therefore, the findings of this study recommended some site-specific appropriate management strategies for the safe supply of groundwater for proper crop growth and consequently for sustainable development of the rural environment.
Supporting senior high-school students’ measurement and geometry performance: Does spatial training transfer to mathematics achievement?
Authors: Adams Jonathan , Resnick Ilyse , Lowrie Tom 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIt is well established that spatial reasoning skills (i) support mathematics achievement, (ii) are malleable, and (iii) can be improved through training. More recently, there has been interest in using spatial training to causally support corresponding improvements in mathematics achievement; however, findings so far appear to be mixed. The current study explores the effect of a spatial reasoning intervention on Year 11 students’ spatial reasoning skills and mathematics achievement and considers the role of a pedagogical framework and the multidimensional nature of mathematics and spatial reasoning in the design of the intervention. The Experience-Language-Pictorial-Symbolic-Application (ELPSA) pedagogical framework was used to modify an existing spatial intervention program for delivery by high-school educators to Year 11 students (an important but understudied population). The spatial intervention involved training a range of spatial skills over an extended timeframe. Students were randomly assigned to the intervention condition or to a business-as-usual control (n = 73). Using a pre-/post-test design, we found the intervention was successful in improving participants’ spatial reasoning skills and performance on measurement and geometry items compared to the control condition but not on number and algebra items. These findings demonstrate that spatial training can support mathematics achievement in certain contexts, highlighting the importance of identifying how individual spatial skills support specific mathematics tasks. Consideration was given for how to use strong pedagogical techniques to scaffold transfer, finding utility in the ELPSA framework. Implications for how to embed spatial training within real mathematics classrooms, as done in the current study, are discussed.
A hybrid multi-objective bi-level interactive fuzzy programming method for solving ECM-DWTA problem
Authors: Zhao Luda , An Zongxu , Wang Bin , Zhang Yanqiu , Hu Yihua 
Published: April 2022

AbstractElectronic countermeasure (ECM) has become one of the most significant factors in modern warfare, in the course of combat, the electronic jamming allocation tasks need to be flexibly adjusted with the change of combat stage, which puts forward higher requirements for the modeling and solution method of this kind of problems. To solve the ECM dynamic weapon target assignment (ECM-DWTA) problem, a hybrid multi-target bi-level programming model is established. The upper level takes the sum of the electronic jamming effects in the whole combat stage as an optimization objective, and locally optimizes the ECM weapon (ECM-WP) assignment scheme in each stage. The lower level takes the importance expectation value of the target subjected to interference and combat consumption as double optimization objectives to globally optimize the ECM-WP assignment scheme. Focus on solving this complex model, a hybrid multi-objective bi-level interactive fuzzy programming algorithm (HMOBIF) is proposed, in this method, exponential membership function is used to describe the satisfaction degree of each level. When solving the multi-objective optimization problem composed of membership functions in the upper and lower levels, we use the MOEA/D algorithm to obtain the Pareto Front (PF) solution set, and then each solution in PF is evaluated and selected by the TOPSIS multi-criteria evaluation method. This local and global interactive optimization process of bi-level model is actually the process of executing observation-orientation-decision-action loop in practical combat. According to the current example, we conduct numerical simulation on the parameters in the model and obtain the parameter values suitable for the model solution. The computational experiments on different scale ECM-DWTA problems show that HMOBIF method is superior to four bi-level programming algorithms in terms of performance index, and can better solve ECM-DWTA problems.
Elements of academic integrity in a cross-cultural middle eastern educational system: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan case study
Authors: Farahat Ashraf 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Academic integrity is the expectation that members of the academic community, including researchers, teachers, and students, to act with accuracy, honesty, fairness, responsibility, and respect. Academic integrity is an issue of critical importance to academic institutions and has been gaining increasing interest among scholars in the last few years. While contravening academic integrity is known as academic misconduct, cheating is one type of academic misconduct and is generally defined as “any action that dishonestly or unfairly violates rules of research or education.

Case study
The case study presented in this paper describes the elements of academic misconduct in three Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan). Four categories of factors were analyzed, namely personal, cultural traits, contextual, and institutional. Moreover, a comparison of factors of misconduct is conducted in the three countries in order to examine how different learning environments and cultures can affect academic cheating. The study also investigates the role of teachers and administration system in enforcing integrity policy in educational institutes.

Discussion and evaluation
An evaluation of the main causes of cheating and plagiarism among students in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan is conducted by analyzing students’ response to a 20 questions survey. The nonparametric Dunn’s statistical analysis is performed to compare the variance and frequency of factors that may affect academic integrity. The significant results are reported in terms of the Krushal F statistic and p-value < 0.05. The evaluation was a useful process that demonstrated the main factors affecting academic integrity in the three countries.

Conclusion
Survey results show that the role of individual social-demographic and culture factors are significant for predicting misconduct in Saudi Arabia and Egypt but not in Jordan. Most students blamed their misconduct on laziness and willingness to achieve higher education performance. Students are more likely to cheat and plagiarize because they lack the ability or information to tackle assignments. Results illustrate that the cultural impact can be a significant factor in academic misconduct. Integrity policies and the level, at which they have been applied, have a large impact on student attitudes towards cheating and their academic misconduct.
Resistin Modulates Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Uptake in Human Placental Explants via PCSK9
Authors: Nava-Salazar Sonia , Flores-Pliego Arturo , Pérez-Martínez Giovanni , Parra-Hernández Sandra , Vanoye-Carlo America , Ibarguengoitia-Ochoa Francisco , Perichart-Perera Otilia , Reyes-Muñoz Enrique , Solis-Paredes Juan Mario , Espino y Sosa Salvador , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Maternal metabolic status influences pregnancy and, consequently, the perinatal outcome. Resistin is a pro-inflammatory adipokine predominantly expressed and secreted by mononuclear cells, adipose tissue, and placental trophoblastic cells during pregnancy. Recently, we reported an inverse association between maternal resistin levels and fetal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Then, in this work, we used a human placental explant model and the trophoblast cell line JEG-3 to evaluate whether resistin affects placental LDL-C uptake. Resistin exposure induced the transcription factor SREBP-2, LDLR, and PCSK9 mRNA expression, and changes at the protein level were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. However, for LDLR, the changes were not consistent between mRNA and protein levels. Using a labeled LDL-cholesterol (BODIPY FL LDL), uptake assay demonstrated that the LDL-C was significantly decreased in placental explants exposed to a high dose of resistin and a lesser extent in JEG-3 cells. In summary, resistin induces PCSK9 expression in placental explants and JEG-3 cells, which could be related to negative regulation of the LDLR by lysosomal degradation. These findings suggest that resistin may significantly regulate the LDL-C uptake and transport from the maternal circulation to the fetus, affecting its growth and lipid profile.
Importance of Tuberculosis Screening of Resident Visa Applicants in Low TB Incidence Settings: Experience from Oman
Authors: Singh Jeffrey , Al-Abri Seif , Petersen Eskild , Al Yaqoubi Fatma , Al Rahbi Khoula , Al Balushi Lamya , Al Fahdi Fatma , Al Balushi Asma , Jawad Farah Mahmmoud M. , Kurup Padmamohan J. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
For Oman, a country targeting tuberculosis (TB) elimination, TB among expatriates is a major challenge. Thus, screening for active TB using chest X-ray was made mandatory for expatriates’ residency renewals.

Objective
To estimate the incidence of bacteriologically confirmed TB and assess impact of chest X-ray based TB screening among expatriates in Muscat Governorate.

Methods
Applicants for residency and renewals were mandated for chest X-ray-based TB screening in 2018. We collected data of screened subjects with radiological suspicion of TB who were subjected to further bacteriological evaluation.

Results
Of 501,290 applicants screened during the study period, 436 (0.09%) had X-ray findings suggestive of TB. Among the 436, TB was confirmed in 53 (12.2%; 95% CI 9.2–15.6), giving an overall prevalence of 10.6 (95% CI 8–13.9) per 100,000 applicants (number needed to be screened 9458). Among renewals, the point prevalence of TB was 10.5 per 100,000 expatriates screened (95% CI 6.9–14.04 per 100,000), with a mean follow-up period of 11.8 years.

Conclusion
Our findings are consistent with the recommendation for utilization of chest X-ray as a preferred tool for active case finding in the setting of expatriate screening. Our findings are also suggestive of the need for latent TB screening and ruling out TB prior to latent TB treatment.
A Proposed Inventory to Assess Changes in Orgasm Function of Transgender Patients Following Gender Affirming Treatments: Pilot Study
Authors: Zaliznyak Michael , Lauzon Marie , Stelmar Jenna , Yuan Nance , Smith Shannon M. , Garcia Maurice M. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Introduction
While providers generally counsel patients about possible effects of gender affirming treatments, such as gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender affirming surgery (GAS), on sexual function – the effects of these treatments on orgasm function and quality are not well understood.

Aim
To develop a gender transition orgasm quality inventory based on orgasm function domains transgender patients communicated were important to them.

Methods
We conducted a series of interviews in which we asked transgender patients to describe which factors related to orgasm (ie, orgasm quality and orgasm-related sexual function) were most important to them. This work generated a list of 6 domains which we incorporated into a survey instrument. The 6 domains that our work generated are: (1) Lead-time to reach orgasm, (2) Duration of orgasm, (3) Body location of orgasm sensation; (4) Description of orgasm as either a single or multiple-peak event, (5) Duration of postorgasm refractory period, and (6) Overall satisfaction with orgasm quality. Using this new questionnaire, we queried potential changes in orgasm function before and after commencing GAHT (minimum 1 year) among 130 consecutive transgender women (TW) and 33 transgender men (TM) as a pilot study.

Results
Within groups by gender, TW and TM cohorts reported similar responses to our inventory before starting GAHT. After commencing GAHT, TW reported notable changes in orgasm function: increase in lead-time necessary to reach orgasm, orgasm duration, and overall orgasm satisfaction; and decrease in post-orgasm refractory period. Similarly, TM reported an increase in duration of orgasm and increased overall satisfaction with orgasm quality; and a decrease in post-orgasm refractory period. Over half of the TW reported experiencing orgasms in new/additional body locations. Additionally, prior to commencing GAHT, the majority of TM and TW patients reported their orgasms as a short, single-peak event but following GAHT these same patients reported longer and protracted multiple-peak orgasms.

Conclusion
We have developed a novel questionnaire with the purpose of assessing patient self-reported changes in orgasm function following gender affirming treatments. Findings from our pilot study shows that GAHT has the potential to positively improve sexual function and orgasm quality for transgender patients undergoing gender transition. We encourage future studies to utilize our novel questionnaire to assess potential changes in orgasm function related to various gender affirming procedures.
Biodiesel feedstock and crude oil price relationships – The effects of policy and shale oil expansion
Authors: Schaefer K. Aleks , Myers Robert J. , Johnson Stanley R. , Helmar Michael D. , Radich Tony 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe disentangle the effects of biodiesel incentives and shale oil expansion on the long-run equilibrium price relationships among biodiesel feedstocks and crude oil in the United States (US) and European Union (EU). We find that the 2005 Energy Policy Act in the US substantially increased the responsiveness of soy oil, canola oil, and corn oil prices to crude oil price movements. However, in recent years, expansion in the global supply of crude oil from shale oil extraction has offset the effects of US biodiesel incentives and blending mandates. In the EU, the Indirect Land Use Change Directive of 2015 substantially reduced the responsiveness of biodiesel feedstock prices to crude oil price movements.
Reliabilism Defended
Authors: Tolly Jeffrey 
Published: April 2022

AbstractReliabilism about knowledge states that a belief-forming process generates knowledge only if its likelihood of generating true belief exceeds 50 percent. Despite the prominence of reliabilism today, there are very few if any explicit arguments for reliabilism in the literature. In this essay, I address this lacuna by formulating a new independent argument for reliabilism. As I explain, reliabilism can be derived from certain key knowledge-closure principles. Furthermore, I show how this argument can withstand John Turri’s two recent objections to reliabilism: the argument from explanatory inference and the argument from achievements.