bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Storage differentially impacts alloimmunization to distinct red cell antigens following transfusion in mice
Authors: Maier Cheryl L. , Jajosky Ryan P. , Patel Seema R. , Verkerke Hans P. , Fuller Megan D. , Allen Jerry William , Zerra Patricia E. , Fasano Ross M. , Chonat Satheesh , Josephson Cassandra D. , Gibb David R. , Eisenbarth Stephanie C. , Luckey C. John , Hudson Krystalyn E. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Arthur Connie M. , Stowell Sean R.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The impact of blood storage on red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization remains controversial, with some studies suggesting enhancement of RBC‐induced alloantibody production and others failing to observe any impact of storage on alloantibody formation. Since evaluation of storage on RBC alloimmunization in patients has examined antibody formation against a broad range of alloantigens, it remains possible that different clinical outcomes reflect a variable impact of storage on alloimmunization to specific antigens.

Methods

RBCs expressing two distinct model antigens, HEL‐OVA‐Duffy (HOD) and KEL, separately or together (HOD × KEL), were stored for 0, 8, or 14 days, followed by detection of antigen levels prior to transfusion. Transfused donor RBC survival was assessed within 24 h of transfusion, while IgM and IgG antibody production were assessed 5 and 14 days after transfusion.

Results

Stored HOD or KEL RBCs retained similar HEL or KEL antigen levels, respectively, as fresh RBCs, but did exhibit enhanced RBC clearance with increased storage age. Storage enhanced IgG antibody formation against HOD, while the oppositive outcome occurred following transfusion of stored KEL RBCs. The distinct impact of storage on HOD or KEL alloimmunization did not appear to reflect intrinsic differences between HOD or KEL RBCs, as transfusion of stored HOD × KEL RBCs resulted in increased IgG anti‐HOD antibody development and reduced IgG anti‐KEL antibody formation.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate a dichotomous impact of storage on immunization to distinct RBC antigens, offering a possible explanation for inconsistent clinical experience and the need for additional studies on the relationship between RBC storage and alloimmunization.
Mitigation of therapeutic anti‐CD38 antibody interference with fab fragments: How well does it perform?
Authors: Habicht Cora P. , Ridders Michael , Grueger Daniela , Adolph Svenja , Immenschuh Stephan , Schneeweiss Clemens
Published: January 2023

Background

Administration of anti‐CD38 antibodies is a state‐of‐the‐art therapy for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). However, this treatment frequently leads to pan‐agglutination of red blood cells (RBCs) in patients' serological testing making accurate blood typing and timely transfusion of compatible blood a challenging effort. The antigen masking indirect antiglobulin test (AMIAT) is an approach to address this diagnostic challenge.

Study Design and Methods

A new reagent, called DaraEx plus, uses anti‐CD38 Fab fragments to mitigate the anti‐CD38 antibody interference in serological assays by masking CD38 on the cell surface. Its performance is extensively examined with commercial sera as well as with patient samples, and compared to the current standard method using dithiothreitol (DTT), which denatures the CD38 antigens on test panel erythrocytes.

Results

In the Bio‐Rad ID System, DaraEx plus effectively mitigated the interference caused by anti‐CD38 antibodies in 86% of patient samples tested while DTT was successful in only 68%. Moreover, there was no negative influence on DTT‐sensitive blood group systems such as KEL upon DaraEx plus treatment. The agglutination reactions of all tested anti‐CD38 antibodies (Daratumumab, Felzartamab, and Isatuximab) were inhibited by DaraEx plus. The treatment was successful only if DaraEx plus was added to the test cells before the sample. Some of the other gel card systems tested showed background reactions with DaraEx plus‐treated cells.

Conclusion

DaraEx plus treatment is straightforward and quick to perform. In the Bio‐Rad ID System, it is superior to DTT treatment in the prevention of anti‐CD38 antibody interference.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN INCLINED SHEAR REINFORCEMENT AND LOOP SHEAR REINFORCEMENT ON RC BEAM: FINITE ELEMENT APPROACH
Authors: Anik Md.Fazla Rabbi , Nur Towsif Mahdi , Zubaer Abdur Razzak , Ahmed Imtiaz Uddin , Zahura Fatema-Tuz-
Published: January 2023

In this present study, a numerical analysis has been performed to compare the shear resisting capacities between beams with conventional loop stirrup and inclined stirrup. Resisting the shear force is one of the key features of stirrups. A rarely used and uncommon inclined stirrup setup is analyzed in this study and new findings are compared with the results of loop stirrup. Two sets of beams (150x300x1960mm) are analyzed to determine the ultimate shear force resisting capacities, displacement, and stress resistance capacities. It was observed that the beam with an inclined stirrup showed ultimate shear resistance up to 187.24 KN compared to the beam with a loop stirrup setup which was 114.24 KN.  Displacement of the inclined stirrup setup and the loop stirrup setup was 2.38 mm and 4.21 mm. Stress resistance and distribution pattern was also improved upon using inclined stirrup. Flexural and Shear Crack patterns of the beams at the ultimate load are also predicted from numerical analysis. Numerical study has been carried out by using Finite Element Software ABAQUS. Finally, these results were also compared with the theoretical formula available in the literature to justify the numerical analysis.
MALAYSIA CIVIL ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A PERSPECTIVE AND THE PROPOSAL FOR A NEW MODEL
Authors: Mohd Yassin Airil Yasreen
Published: January 2023

Recent events have inspired me to put on record the thoughts I have regarding civil engineering education. It revolves around the observations I made for the past two decades and how civil engineering education in Malaysia might need a new perspective and framework. The keyword for the new framework is commonality. In System and Process, commonality can be defined as "the common elements of a process that facilitate the definition of a family of processes through reuse". But I will use the term in the context of civil engineering education the way I perceived it. However, my writing is not based on exhaustive scientific data or survey but as mentioned, mainly derived from my observations, thus a hypothesis, at best. After I set the scene, I then propose and detail the new framework for civil engineering education which I believe suits the 21st-century aim of producing resilient, and holistic civil engineers.
APPLICATION OF HYDE SEISMIC PROTECTION SYSTEM IN MEDIUM RISE RC BUILDINGS WITH SOFT STOREY IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Wahid Chowdhury Mohammad Shams , Dorka Uwe. E , Alam Md. Jahir , Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: January 2023

Bangladesh has a long history of earthquakes and the largest one that occurred here is of 8.7 magnitudes Great Indian Earthquake. Several international researchers showed the possibility of large earthquake to occur in this area in near future, which will cause damages of infrastructures resulting in loss of human lives. It has been observed that most of the existing medium rise reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in the urban areas of Bangladesh have soft ground floor which have been designed without following proper seismic design code, hence do not full fill the demand strength required against an earthquake. These existing medium rise RC buildings with soft ground floor need to be retrofitted with a suitable technique. In this study the performance of Hysteretic Device (HYDE) system in a medium rise RC building selected from an urban area of Bangladesh is checked by SAP 2000v15 software. HYDE is a passive control system especially developed for soft storey seismic control of medium rise building structure. A nonlinear time history analysis is performed using three earthquake data developed from normalized acceleration response spectra to check the performance of HYDE. From the analysis, design HYDE force is achieved as 6300 kN. It has been observed from the generated HYDE curve that, the overall horizontal displacement against the seismic force is reduced from 0.176 m. to 0.035 m. Which means, by the application of HYDE system, 80% of displacement can be reduced.
Stability tests and solution estimates for non-linear differential equations
Authors: Tunç Osman
Published: January 2023

This article deals with certain systems of delay differential equations (DDEs) and a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Here, five new theorems are proved on the fundamental properties of solutions of these systems. The results on the properties of solutions consist of sufficient conditions and they dealt with uniformly asymptotically stability (UAS), instability and integrability of solutions of unperturbed systems of DDEs, boundedness of solutions of a perturbed system of DDEs at infinity and exponentially stability (ES) of solutions of a system of nonlinear ODEs. Here, the techniques of proofs depend upon the Lyapunov- Krasovski? functional (LKF) method and Lyapunov function (LF) method. For illustrations, in particular cases, four examples are constructed as applications. Some results of this paper are given at first time in the literature, and the other results generalize and improve some related ones in the literature.
Mixture Distribution in Spark Ignited Port Fuel Injection Engines: A Review
Authors: Nayek Soumyanil , Mittal Mayank
Published: January 2023

Modern gasoline engines have to meet increased stringent emission requirements along with the demand of a better fuel economy. This has led to a transition from carburetor to port fuel injection (PFI) mode in developing world for engines comprising mostly of two- and three-wheeler segments and small-scale power generation sets. Therefore, a thorough understanding on mixture formation and combustion phenomenon is needed to further enhance PFI engines. Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) has proved to be a successful optical diagnostic technique that can provide very high spatial resolution images of fuel distribution in the region of interest. This has led to a direct visualization of fuel distribution with evaluation of both spatial and temporal variations. It has furthered understanding of various engines parameters that affect mixture formation process. Various exciting concepts about fuel stratification have been proposed over the years for enhanced engine operations at lean equivalence ratios. These have been verified and optimized by information gathered from PLIF. In this review article, the authors explain mixture formation process right from the point of fuel injection in intake manifold, the subsequent formation of fuel films and its impact on engine operation. Several PLIF studies on fuel distribution, its spatial and cycle-to-cycle inhomogeneities, effects of injection timing, flow field, equivalence ratio and engine speed on mixture formation have been discussed in separate subsections. Furthermore, studies involving concepts of fuel stratification have also been briefly discussed.
High-Intensity Interval Training, Performance, and Oxygen Uptake Kinetics in Highly Trained Traditional Rowers
Authors: Mujika Iñigo , Bourdillon Nicolas , González De Txabarri Rafa , Millet Gregoire P.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2kinetics) is a measure of an athlete’s capacity to respond to variations in energy demands. Faster VO2kinetics is associated with better performance in endurance sports, but optimal training methods to improve VO2kinetics remain unclear. This study compared the effects of 2 high-intensity interval-training (HIIT) programs on traditional rowing performance and VO2kinetics. Methods: Twelve highly trained rowers performed one of two 6-week HIIT protocols: either 3-minute repetitions at 90% (HIIT90; n = 5) of peak aerobic power (PAP) or 90-second repetitions at 100% (HIIT100; n = 7) of PAP. Before (PRE) and after (POST) the training intervention, they performed an incremental test to exhaustion to determine the individual lactate threshold, onset of blood lactate accumulation and PAP, and two 6-minute rest-to-exercise transitions to determine VO2kinetics. Results: No significant changes (P > .05) were observed for rowing ergometer power output at individual lactate threshold (HIIT90 PRE 255 [12], POST 264 [13]; HIIT100 247 [24], 266 [28] W), onset of blood lactate accumulation (279 [12], 291 [16]; 269 [23], 284 [32] W), or PAP (359 [13], 381 [15]; 351 [21], 363 [29] W) or for any parameters of VO2kinetics. No differences were observed between HIIT interventions. Conclusion: The HIIT interventions did not induce significant performance or VO2kinetics improvements, although mean power output at individual lactate threshold, onset of blood lactate accumulation, and PAP increased by 5.7%, 5.0%, and 4.5%, respectively. This suggests that the exact intensity and duration of HIIT sessions performed in the same intensity domain may be of lesser importance than other well-established influential factors (eg, training volume progression, training intensity distribution, altitude training) to develop aerobic qualities in endurance athletes.
Change in Views of Aging, Physical Activity, and Physical Health Over 8 Weeks: Results From a Randomized Study
Authors: Nehrkorn-Bailey Abigail M. , Rodriguez Diana , Forsyth Garrett , Braun Barry , Burke Kimberly , Diehl Manfred
Published: January 2023

The AgingPLUS program targets motivational barriers, including negative views of aging, as mechanisms to increase adult physical activity. A pilot study was conducted to test the efficacy of this new program against a generic successful aging program. Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned to the AgingPLUS group, and 60 participants were assigned to the active control group. Repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance assessed changes in views of aging, physical activity, blood pressure, and hand-grip strength from pretest (Week 0) to delayed posttest (Week 8). The Condition × Occasion interactions were nonsignificant; however, significant main effects for condition and occasion were found. Follow-up tests showed that views of aging were more positive, and physical activity had significantly increased at Week 8 for all participants. In addition, in the treatment group, elevated blood pressure had significantly decreased and hand-grip strength had significantly increased at Week 8. Despite the nonsignificant multivariate findings, the main effect findings provided partial support for the efficacy of the AgingPLUS program.
The Path to Translating Focus of Attention Research Into Canadian Physiotherapy, Part 1: Physiotherapists’ Self-Reported Focus of Attention Use Via a Study-Specific Questionnaire
Authors: Hussien Julia , Ste-Marie Diane
Published: January 2023

The focus of attention literature has shown robust findings for the benefits of providing statements that focus on the movement effect or outcome (external focus of attention [EFOA]) as opposed to focusing on the movement kinematics (internal focus of attention). Observational studies, however, have revealed that physiotherapists use fewer EFOA statements than internal focus of attention statements in their practice. Most evidence in this regard has been from non-Canadian physiotherapists working in stroke rehabilitation; consequently, we sought to examine whether Canadian physiotherapists working with various rehabilitation populations also use EFOA statements to a lesser extent than internal focus of attention statements. The “Therapists’ Perceptions of Motor Learning Principles Questionnaire (TPMLPQ)” was thus designed and data from 121 Canadian physiotherapists showed low relative frequencies of EFOA use (31.3% ± 14%) averaged across six hypothetical scenarios. A higher EFOA was reported, however, for two of the six scenarios: a functional reaching scenario (55.5% ± 37.0%) and pelvic floor task (65.6% ±32.9%). This data suggest that the findings of EFOA benefits have not been widely translated into Canadian physiotherapy settings; furthermore, the findings of the scenario-dependency warrant future investigation into factors, such as task characteristics, that may influence physiotherapists’ FOA use.
Evolution of scalar field resonances in a braneworld
Authors: Tan Qin , Zhang Yu-Peng , Guo Wen-Di , Chen Jing , Zhu Chun-Chun , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: January 2023

In this work, we investigate the numerical evolution of massive Kaluza–Klein (KK) modes of a scalar field in a thick brane. We derive the Klein–Gordon equation in five-dimensional spacetime, and obtain the evolution equation and the Schrödinger-like equation. With the resonances of the scalar KK modes as the initial data, the scalar field is evolved with the maximally dissipative boundary condition. The results show that there are scalar KK resonant particles with long life on the brane, which indicates that these resonances might be regarded as a candidate for dark matter.
QNMs of slowly rotating Einstein–Bumblebee black hole
Authors: Liu Wentao , Fang Xiongjun , Jing Jiliang , Wang Jieci
Published: January 2023

We have studied the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of a slowly rotating black hole with Lorentz-violating parameter in Einstein–Bumblebee gravity. We analyse the slow rotation approximation of the rotating black hole in the Einstein–Bumblebee gravity, and obtain the master equations for scalar perturbation, vector perturbation and axial gravitational perturbation, respectively. Using the matrix method and the continuous fraction method, we numerically calculate the QNM frequencies. In particular, for scalar field, it shows that the QNMs up to the second order of rotation parameter have higher accuracy. The numerical results show that, for both scalar and vector fields, the Lorentz-violating parameter has a significant effect on the imaginary part of the QNM frequencies, while having a relatively smaller impact on the real part of the QNM frequencies. But for axial gravitational perturbation, the effect of increasing the Lorentz-violating parameter $$\ell $$
ℓ
is similar to that of increasing the rotation parameter $${\tilde{a}}$$

a
~

.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activities, and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), Sage (Salvia officinalis L.), and Thyme–Sage Mixture Extracts
Authors: Mokhtari Raziyeh , Kazemi Fard Mohammad , Rezaei Mansour , Moftakharzadeh Seyed Adel , Mohseni Amir
Published: January 2023

The antioxidant properties of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and their mixtures were examined using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging activity and ferric-reducing activity of plasma (FRAP) methods. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella typhomorium) was determined using the agar well diffusion method. Results showed the highest overall rate of increase in total phenolic (13.67 mg·GAE/g·DW), and flavonoid (6.75 mg·QUE/g·DW) contents in the thyme–sage mixture extract compared with the thyme and sage extracts. As found by GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts, thymol, apigenin, rosmarinic acid, and carvacrol were the most abundant phenolic compounds in the thyme–sage extract. The lowest EC50 (DPPH•, 55.51 μg·ml−1) and the highest FRAP value (95.51 mM Fe (II) mg−1 extract) were recorded in the extract of the thyme–sage mixture compared with sage and thyme extracts, and butylated hydroxytoluene solution (BHT). The highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, and S. typhomorium was observed in the thyme–sage mixture with the inhibition zone diameters of 22.13, 28.67, 31.25, and 23.65 mm, respectively. It is concluded that the extract obtained from the thyme–sage mixture has more potential to be used in the pharmaceutical and food industry as a natural antibacterial and antioxidant agent.
Investigate the Relationship between the Vehicle Roll Angle and Other Factors When Steering
Authors: Nguyen Duc Ngoc , Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: January 2023

Rollover is a dangerous phenomenon. It is closely related to the vehicle roll angle. The greater the roll angle, the greater the risk of rollover. The vehicle roll angle when steering depends on many factors, such as the size of the vehicle, speed of movement, steering angle, etc. In this paper, the author has simulated the oscillation of a car when steering using MATLAB® software with three specific cases. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the dependence of the roll angle on other factors. Each case handles two scenarios: vehicle speed change (fixed height) and vehicle height change (fixed speed). The model of a complex dynamic, a combination of many nonlinear components, is used to simulate vehicle oscillations. According to the study’s results, the roll angle will increase if the speed or the distance from the center of gravity (CG) to roll axis (RA) increases, respectively. Once the roll angle’s value rises, the roll index also increases, which causes the dynamic force at the wheel to decrease. If the vertical force at the wheel approaches zero, a rollover may occur. The rollover phenomenon occurred in the second case, corresponding to speeds

v
=
80

(km/h) and

v
=
85

(km/h). The peak values of the roll angle are 7.77° and 7.63°, respectively. This result helps to identify the factors affecting the rollover phenomenon more clearly.
Synthesis, Thermal Adsorption, and Energy Storage Calibration of Polysulfone Nanocomposite Developed with GNP/CNT Nanofillers
Authors: Prabhu L. , Saravanan R. , Anderson A. , Senthilkumar A. , Aneesh V. N. , Malladi Avinash , Krishnan A. Mohana , Majora Manaye
Published: January 2023

The growth of polymer-based materials is becoming requisite in various industrial applications like energy storage, automobile, membrane, and orthopaedics, due to advantages over conventional metallic metal, such as less weight, superior corrosion resistance, ease of the process, and good chemical stability. The current research work is to synthesize the polysulfone (PSU) nanocomposite consisting of 2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt% of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 7 wt% of carbon nanotube (CNT) nanofillers via cast solution technique. The synthesized composite microstructural, heat storage, and thermal adsorption characteristics are studied. The scanning electron microscopic examination for both PSU/GNP and PSU/CNT composites illustrates good interfacial bonded PSU structure with the uniform distribution of GNP and CNT nanofillers. Due to the effect of percolation, the thermal adsorption characteristics and heat storage of PSU nanocomposite were increased progressively with the additions of GNP/CNT. The PSU composite contained 6 wt% GNP and 7 wt% CNT nanofillers, which showed effective thermal conductivity of 1.23 W/m.K and 1.52 W/m.K, which is 1.7 times larger than the unreinforced polysulfone. Interestingly, the increased temperature of the glass transition decreased the thermal expansion of the nanocomposite.
TREM2 as a Potential Immune-Related Biomarker of Prognosis in Patients with Skin Cutaneous Melanoma Microenvironment
Authors: Zhu Xinlin , Zeng Zhaoxiang , Chen Min , Chen Xianzhen , Hu Dongying , Jiang Weiwei , Du Mingwei , Chen Tianyang , Chen Tiancheng , Liao Wanqing , Zhang Chao , Qu Ying , Pan Weihua
Published: January 2023

Background. The skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a devastating form of skin cancer triggered by genetic and environmental factors, and the incidence of SKCM has rapidly increased in recent years. Immune infiltration of the tumor microenvironment is positively associated with overall survival in many tumors. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a transmembrane receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily and a crucial signaling hub for multiple pathological pathways that mediate immunity. Although numerous evidences suggest a crucial role for TREM2 in tumorigenesis of some tumors, no systematic SKCM analysis of TREM2 is available. Mehods. The relationship between TREM2 expression and diagnostic and prognostic value of SKCM patients via using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. The expression level of TREM2 and clinical characteristic correlation in SKCM patients were assessed by the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The cox regression methods, Kaplan-Meier (KM), and log-rank test were used to assess the impact of TREM2 expression on the overall survival (OS). Furthermore, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and TIMER were performed to evaluate the enrichment pathways and potential functions and quantify the immune cell infiltration level for TREM2 expression. Results. The TREM2 in SKCM sample expression levels was significantly higher than in normal tissues. Moreover, this expression level of TREM2 was also associated with the BMI of SKCM patients. KM overall survival analysis and OS curve displayed that a high-level TREM2 expression was significantly correlated with a better SKCM prognosis of patients as compared with a low level of TREM2 expression. The GSEA analysis also revealed that TREM2 was associated with immune functions, such as neutrophil activation. Conclusion. TREM2 played a crucial role in SKCM, which might be a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infifiltrates in SKCM patients.
Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells MDA-MB-231 via G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor- (GPER-) Dependent Signaling Pathway
Authors: He Yueshuang , Yang Ke , Liu Jiao , Shi Danning , Zhang Zeye , Yang Jiadi , Chen Meng , Zhao Piwen
Published: January 2023

Due to the lack of classic estrogen receptors, there has been a shortage of targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), resulting in a poor prognosis. However, the newly discovered G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been found to be expressed in TNBC cells. Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is an essential Chinese medicine for gynecological disorders, and its component tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) exerts an anticancer effect. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate whether GPER is involved in the inhibitory effect of Tan IIA on TNBC. We applied various databases and GO pathway analysis to predict the possible mechanism of Tan IIA. We identified 39 overlapping targets, including c-Jun, c-Fos, and caspase-3, and enriched cell cycle-related pathways. Next, we demonstrated the strong binding ability of Tan IIA to GPER by molecular docking assay. In the subsequent validation tests, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay showed that Tan IIA inhibited proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells time and dose dependently without affecting normal cells. Using Transwell plate, flow cytometry, and Western blot assays, we showed that Tan IIA inhibited migration and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 dose dependently. Importantly, protein expressions of GPER, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), c-Fos, and c-Jun were all decreased by Tan IIA dose dependently. Administration of GPER inhibitor partly abolished these effects. Furthermore, nuclear translocation of c-Fos and c-Jun as well as cell cycle-related proteins was downregulated by Tan IIA dose dependently. In summary, Tan IIA could inhibit the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells and induce apoptosis, and the possible mechanism may be the regulation of GPER-mediated pathways, suggesting that GPER could be a therapeutic target for TNBC.
Broadening the Reign of God in Every Sphere: Understanding Christian Action between Church and State in Schleiermacher’s Philosophical and Christian Ethics
Authors: Law Easten
Published: January 2023

This article investigates Schleiermacher’s ethics in relation to two important questions in public theology: how should a Christian negotiate their religious and civic identities in between church and state and how should this relationship direct Christian life and action? In his Philosophical Ethics, the spheres of the state and church carry distinct roles and responsibilities toward attaining the highest good. In his Christian Ethics, the conception of broadening action in the outer sphere prescribes how Christians ought to expand the reign of God. Integrating insights from both sources shows Schleiermacher’s commitment to the church as the central medium of communication for expanding the redemptive work of Christ through a collective embodiment of God-consciousness. This work can come alongside the state’s work for national unity but it is never beholden to it because Christians are ultimately called to a greater mission to expand God’s reign in all spheres of human community.
Jesus as a Socially (Ir)responsible Innovator: Seeking the Common Good in a Dialogue between Wisdom Christologies and Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Woods Christine , Taylor Steve
Published: January 2023

This article examines the contribution of Jesus as an innovator to a public world in need of change. Jesus, as the fulfilment of God, is interpreted using the insights of Josef Schumpeter who argued for innovation as social change through creative recombination. The potential of recombination is located in the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible and then in Pauline literature, with ministry in 1 Corinthians portrayed as serving, gardening, building, resourcing, risking and parenting. These six practices are theorized as recombinations in which Paul seeks social change. Recombination is further tested through analysis of Jesus as a socially (ir)responsible innovator. An illustrative example, of an innovative Christian response to food insecurity, is provided to demonstrate a recombination that is socially (ir)responsible in challenging existing practices of consumption. Hence innovation is sourced in Jesus, as One who empowers socially (ir)responsible public formations that bear witness to God’s wisdom.
Explicitating Irony in a Cross-Cultural Perspective: Discursive Practices in Online Op-eds in French and in Hebrew
Authors: Weizman Elda
Published: January 2023

This paper sets up to show how irony and reservations are explicitated in online media discourse, comparing their realizations in French and Hebrew online op-eds in leading journals. A corpus-based qualitative and quantitative analysis relies on two sets of big corpora for each language. The pragmatic analysis distinguishes between explicitating self- and other’s presumed ironic intents, the target of irony, its locus and overall speaker’s meanings. The findings indicate that the French data-set uses the verb ironiser, which has no comparable equivalent in Hebrew. More puzzling are the similarities between the two data-sets: both in French and in Hebrew journalists choose to explicitate irony and reservations, and they do so using similar discursive patterns. Conflicting forces are at play: interpretation paths are opened by irony, and are then narrowed down by the journalist’s interpretations. The results are interpreted in terms of informativeness, accountability and commitment to speaker’s meaning.
Higher Education and the Black-White Earnings Gap
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Pan Guanghui
Published: January 2023

How does higher education shape the Black-White earnings gap? It may help close the gap if Black youth benefit more from attending and completing college than do White youth. On the other hand, Black college-goers are less likely to complete college relative to White students, and this disparity in degree completion helps reproduce racial inequality. In this study, we use a novel causal decomposition and a debiased machine learning method to isolate, quantify, and explain the equalizing and stratifying roles of college. Analyzing data from the NLSY97, we find that a bachelor’s degree has a strong equalizing effect on earnings among men (albeit not among women); yet, at the population level, this equalizing effect is partly offset by unequal likelihoods of bachelor’s completion between Black and White students. Moreover, a bachelor’s degree narrows the male Black-White earnings gap not by reducing the influence of class background and pre-college academic ability, but by lessening the “unexplained” penalty of being Black in the labor market. To illuminate the policy implications of our findings, we estimate counterfactual earnings gaps under a series of stylized educational interventions. We find that interventions that both boost rates of college attendance and bachelor’s completion and close racial disparities in these transitions can substantially reduce the Black-White earnings gap.
Impact of Infrastructure on Socio-economic Development in Rural Areas: Evidence from the State of Haryana, India
Authors: Sharma Ajai Pal , Kumar Ajay
Published: January 2023

With a background to enhance the individual’s capability and providing opportunities to rural community, rural development is unavoidable. Taking this idea of socio-economic enhancement at rural level, this paper examines the impact of rural infrastructure on the socio-economic development (SED) of rural people. Different dimensions related to rural infrastructure and SED are extracted in this paper using factor analysis. Regression analysis is employed using dimensions of rural infrastructure as independent variables and SED as dependent variables. Creation of water facilities as part of rural infrastructure was found to be the core dimension impacting the socio-economic life of the rural people followed by infrastructure maintenance and management of resources. Performance evaluation of panchayats, as a part of rural governance and execution of rural developmental activities, reveals that North Haryana leads on most of the parameters as compared to other parts of Haryana.
Inclusion, Recognition, and Inter-Group Comparisons: The Effects of Power-Sharing Institutions on Grievances
Authors: Juon Andreas
Published: January 2023

Extant evidence suggests that power-sharing reduces the participation of minorities in civil conflict by alleviating their grievances. Yet, it remains unclear how and to what degree power-sharing should be institutionalized. Moreover, direct attitudinal evidence for the grievance mechanism remains rare. Addressing these gaps, I argue that corporate power-sharing which is constitutionally-enshrined and explicitly recognizes minorities most strongly alleviates their grievances. However, it simultaneously accentuates the importance of relative inter-group comparisons. This means that minorities with a lower relative degree of corporate power-sharing than their 'peers' in the same country and transnational kin population should have higher grievances, irrespective of its absolute level. Using an extensive combination of mass survey data, I test my expectations in a series of hierarchical multi-level models. By highlighting the importance of institutional design, my results have significant implications for policy in multi-ethnic societies and for the scholarly literature on accommodation and grievances more generally.
Maslow and the Good Person
Authors: Compton William C.
Published: January 2023

The article reviews progress made in psychology toward defining the parameters of what Maslow called the “Good Person.” The article concludes that considerable empirical support has been found for the character traits Maslow associated with self-actualization. That is, the fundamental description of the “Good Person” has not changed significantly since Maslow’s original work with two exceptions. One, there is now considerable research on self-transcendence and transpersonal states. Two, cross-cultural research has shown that Maslow’s description of self-actualizing people was more dependent on social, historical, and cultural norms that he was aware of. These lines of research significantly expand Maslow’s thinking about the parameters of the “Good Person.”
Automatic measurement of mouse visual acuity based on optomotor response: SKY optomotry
Authors: Ahn So Yeon , Jung Eun Hye , Ahn Hyunmin , Lee Jihei Sara , Bak Jeong Hyeon , Kim Eun-do , Song Ja-Hyun , Shin Hae-Sol , Jamiyansharav Munkhdelger , Seo Kyoung Yul
Published: January 2023

In the field of visual science study using rodents, several assessment methods have been developed for measuring visual function. However, methods such as electroretinograms tests, visual evoked potentials tests and maze tests have limitations in that they measure function of only a specific type of cells, are difficult to quantify or require sufficient training time. The method which uses an optokinetic reflex and optomotor response, a compensatory eye and head movement in response to changes in the visual scene, became the most widely used method. However, this method requires highly trained experimenters and is time consuming. We showed that measured visual acuity values are significantly different between beginner and expert. Here we suggest an automated optometry program, ‘SKY optomotry’, which automatically tracks rodents’ optomotor response to overcome subjectivity and the lengthy scoring procedure of the existing method. To evaluate the performance of SKY optomotry using 8–12-week-old C57BL/6 mice we compared the binomial decision of SKY optomotry with a skilled expert, and the area under the curve of SKY optomotry was 0.845. Comparing the final visual acuity, the intraclass correlation coefficient value between SKY optomotry and an expert was 0.860 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.709–0.928), whereas that between an expert and a beginner was 0.642 (95% CI 0.292–0.811). SKY optomotry showed an excellent level of performance with good inter-rater agreements based on the visual acuity measured by an expert. With the use of our application, researchers will be able to test an experimental animal's eyesight more accurately while saving time on specialized training.
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Among Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Morocco
Authors: Bouaddi Oumnia , Abdallahi Ndjoubnane Mohamed , Fadel Abdi Cheikh Mohamed , Hassouni Kenza , Jallal Manar , Benjelloun Roukaya , Belrhiti Zakaria , Nejjari Chakib , Khalis Mohamed
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an enormous psychological impact worldwide. This study aimed to assess anxiety, depression, stress, and compensatory behaviors among Moroccan healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a snowball sampling strategy. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a snowball sampling strategy. Online surveys were sent to groups of HCWs working in Casablanca and Fez cities. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was measured using the Impact of Event Scale revised (IES-R) scale, and the DASS-21 was used to measure anxiety, depression, and stress among participants. Compensatory behaviors used by HCWs to manage these symptoms were also investigated. The majority of participants (72.5%) experienced moderate to severe distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of participants (53.1%) reported symptoms of mild to extremely severe depression. Overall, nurses, female, and frontline HCWs experienced more stress, anxiety, and depression ( P < .001). Leisure activities (29%), sport (19%), and drinking tea/coffee (19%) were the most common compensatory behaviors. Our findings suggest that psychological support and interventions targeting high-risk HCWs with heavy psychological distress are needed. It is of paramount importance to improve the psychological endurance and safeguard the mental and physical well-being of HCWs, who find themselves on the frontline of health and humanitarian crises, when they are needed the most.
Black Liberation Integrative Psychology: Implications for Clinical Theory and Practice
Authors: Jones Hannah , Kallimel Grace , Stephens Rachel , Wang David
Published: January 2023

Many of the frameworks that have guided our field on how psychology and the Christian faith can be conceptually and practically integrated have been critiqued for being so cognitively and rationally focused that they miss other avenues of knowing and being. These avenues include the experiential, relational, and embodied wisdom that is central to many non-Western cultures. Thus, there stands a profound need to consider additional and alternative approaches to integration that can more readily speak to the experiences of broader, more diverse audiences. James Cone, a seminal 20th-century African American theologian, is widely respected as the primary founder of Black liberation theology (BLT). BLT is predicated on the assumption that knowledge is primarily built on lived experience, and that one’s theology (orthodoxy) can and must always remain informed by one’s lived experience in the world (orthopraxy). This framework identifies Jesus’ ministry on earth as one of aligning with the oppressed and disenfranchised in society. Furthermore, BLT posits that Christians must embrace diversity in the body of Christ, including different ways of knowing and gaining knowledge. This article aims to draw from the work of Cone and the principles of BLT to identify and explicate implications for a Black liberative approach to integration, discussing how such an approach might be applied through the frame of Relational Cultural Theory (RCT). Specific clinical contexts in which such an approach might be effectively leveraged will be explored, along with examining a program that is currently utilizing such principles. Questions for further discussion and processing are also included.
The Smart Use of Smart Technologies in Teaching and Learning: Where we are and Where we Need to be
Authors: Steehler Andrew J. , Pettitt-Schieber Brian , Alexander Patricia A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The advantages and popularity of technology among learners have vaulted it to the forefront of medical education. The current state of learning and teaching intertwined with technology in medical education and residency is described. Following these characterizations, consideration is given to changes worth exploring in the habits of mind and habits of action that medical students and residents exhibit to deepen their learning and improve their performance.

Methods

Review of literature was conducted to summarize relevant transformations in instructional practices in medical school and residency that can contribute to more effective learning environments.

Results

Learners have different approaches that will include differing uses of technology. Technology encourages multitasking, information overload, and the increasing prevalence of invalid information. Implementing bite-sized learning approaches, problem-based or case-based formats, questions, and alternative hypotheses encourages learners to channel technological innovations into their own styles of learning.

Conclusion

To build knowledge in the technological era of learning, do not take learners’ digital readiness for granted. Approach technology as a tool to be wielded when required and not as a crutch.
Factors Influencing Employment Decisions Among Immigrants Caring for a Child With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Stewart Lisa M. , Sellmaier Claudia , Shrestha Lisha , Brennan Eileen M.
Published: January 2023

Immigrant parents may struggle to secure and maintain employment if they raise children with disabilities. The current study examines data from immigrant parents responding to the 2018 National Survey of Children’s Health, including 618 raising children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and 2937 parenting children needing typical care. Parents of CSHCN had higher levels of both aggravation and resilience, but less access to a medical home than parents with typical care responsibilities. Immigrants were less likely to change jobs, but more likely to cut back work hours, or quit work, if they had CSHCNs lacking a medical home, missing more school days, and living in unsafe neighborhoods. Parents of CHSHNs also spent substantial time coordinating care and providing health care at home. Results indicate the need for service providers to connect immigrant families with CSHCNs with culturally supportive organizations that can help them handle family responsibilities while maintaining employment.
Factors associated with frequent or daily use of prescription opioids among adults with chronic pain in the United States
Authors: Kennedy Jae , Wood Elizabeth Geneva , Wu Chung-Hsuen
Published: January 2023

Objectives

We aimed to estimate utilization rates of prescription opioids among adults with chronic pain in the United States (US) and identify factors associated with the frequent or daily use of prescription opioids.

Methods

This was a case–control analysis of the 2019 National Health Interview Survey of adults.

Results

Over 50.2 million adults in the US reported chronic pain in the past 3 months, but only 10.5% of this group said they used prescription opioids frequently or daily to manage their pain. Adults with chronic pain were significantly more likely to use opioids if they had incomes below the federal poverty level (15.7%), relied on public health insurance (14.8%), had been hospitalized in the past year (17.8%), or rated their health as fair or poor (18.4%). The highest rates of opioid use were reported among adults with severe (24.4%) or moderate disability (18.9%).

Conclusions

Approximately 5.3 million adults use prescription opioids frequently or daily to manage chronic pain. These individuals should receive regular clinical assistance to manage their pain, including medication management and, when appropriate, referral to evidence-based treatment programs for opioid use disorder.
Tracheobronchial schwannoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lina Guo , Pengguo Hou , Zhihua Xiao , Jianxin Wang , Baoqin Bai , Mingyue Zhang , Junping Sun
Published: January 2023

Primary tracheobronchial schwannoma is extremely rare. A woman in her early 60 s was admitted to our department with a 2-month history of cough and expectoration. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a high-density nodule at the opening of the right main bronchus, accompanied by atelectasis in the middle and lower lobes. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed a tumor at the opening of the bronchus of the right middle lung lobe, which protruded into the main bronchus. A high-frequency electrosurgical snare, endobronchial cryosurgery, and argon plasma coagulation (APC) were used under rigid bronchoscopy. Histopathological examination diagnosed the tumor as schwannoma. The patient’s symptoms resolved after the operation. Follow-up chest CT showed that the right main bronchus was unobstructed, and the bronchus of the lower lobe was open. Bronchoscopic interventional therapy is an alternative treatment for tracheobronchial schwannoma.
Measuring social responsibility towards employees in healthcare settings in Egypt and its interrelation to their job satisfaction
Authors: Abd-Rabou Mohamed , Ashry Mona , Elweshahi Heba
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Developing a valid tool to measure perceived social responsibility (SR) practices towards employees and examining the impact of employee-centered SR considerations on the employees’ job satisfaction.

Methods

A cross sectional survey of employees at three private hospitals was conducted. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. It consists of baseline characteristics, structured SR measuring scale, job satisfaction questionnaire and Perception of Empowerment Instrument (PEI).

Results

The questionnaire developed to measure SR towards employees showed excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha is > 0.7). A considerable number of SR criteria were perceived as partially or fully met by the majority of studied employees except for rewarding, training activities, salary satisfaction and enhancement activities. Significant correlation was found between employees’ job satisfaction and all domains of SR as well as employees’ empowerment. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that significant predictors of employee’s satisfaction are fulfillment of economic and social responsibility criteria as well as the level of perceived empowerment.

Conclusions

In healthcare industry in Egypt, fulfillment of the basis for SR is one of the predictors of achieving high job satisfaction. Extra-performance rewarding and career development should be looked at while managing human resources.