bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nesprin1 Deficiency Is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma and Resistance to Sunitinib Treatment
Authors: Fukushima Takafumi , Kobatake Kohei , Miura Kento , Takemoto Kenshiro , Yamanaka Ryoken , Tasaka Ryo , Kohada Yuki , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Sekino Yohei , Kitano Hiroyuki , Goto Keisuke , Ikeda Kenichiro , Goriki Akihiro , Hieda Keisuke , Kaminuma Osamu , Hinata Nobuyuki
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Nuclear envelope spectrin repeat protein (Nesprin) 1 encoded by SYNE1, crucially regulates the morphology and functions of the cell. Mutations in the SYNE1 gene are associated with various diseases; however, their significance in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unknown. In this study, we have investigated the association of SYNE1/Nesprin1 with the progression and prognosis of clear cell RCC (ccRCC). Methods: In silico analyses of publicly available datasets of patients with RCC were performed. Based on the cohort data, Nesprin1 expression in nephrectomized tissue samples acquired from patients with ccRCC was analyzed using immunohistochemical staining. The invasion, migration, and proliferation of the SYNE1-knockdown human RCC cell lines were analyzed in vitro; moreover, RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis were conducted to study the molecular mechanism underlying the association of SYNE1/Nesprin1 with prognosis of RCC. Results: Patients with RCC-associated SYNE1 gene mutations exhibited significantly worse overall and progression-free survivals. Patients with Nesprin1-negative ccRCC tumors exhibit significantly poorer overall, cancer-specific, and recurrence-free survival rates than those recorded in the Nesprin1-positive group. SYNE1 knockdown enhanced the invasion and migration of RCC cells; however, it did not influence the proliferation of cells. RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that SYNE1 knockdown significantly altered the expression of genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation. Consistently, patients with RCC exhibiting low SYNE1 expression, who were treated with the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor sunitinib, had worse progression-free survival. Conclusions: The results indicate that the expression of SYNE1/Nesprin1 and SYNE1 mutations in patients with RCC are closely linked to their prognosis and responsiveness to sunitinib treatment.
Christ’s Cosmetic Hydrotherapy: Blemishes, Wrinkles, and Transformational Waters in Ephesians 5:26–27
Authors: Soon Isaac T.
Published: March 2024

This article argues that the washing that removes blemishes and wrinkles in Eph 5:26–27 is intelligible against wider ancient Graeco-Roman and early Christian conceptions of transformational waters. Ancient Mediterranean traditions tell of special waters that change human skin complexion, prolong life, and remove impairment. Ancient Graceo-Roman medicine indicates that for many women in the Mediterranean, blemishes such as freckles and wrinkles were non-ideal epidermal conditions that women tried to cover up and/or remove through various topical substances and applications. In light of this context, Christ’s washing of the church can be viewed as a cosmetic hydrotherapy designed to remove undesirable blemishes and wrinkles and conform the body to an ideal youthful female complexion, which the author equates with holiness. Christ is the church’s cosmetological kyrios, transforming his household into the ideal physique by washing them. The wider Mediterranean culture concerning women and transformative waters is not only background material that makes intelligible the bathing in Eph 5:26–27 but it shows the household code’s participation in what Margaret MacDonald calls “ideologies of masculinities.” Whatever cultural modifications or progressive advancements might be found in the household code, the Ephesian author’s use of the metaphor of Christ washing the bride fundamentally enshrines the control a husband has over his wife’s body. While the author of Ephesians portrays Christ’s cosmetic hydrotherapy as dealing primarily with sin, because it is embedded within a wider discourse about gender, it is also a transformative water that reinforces and bends the gender of early Christian believers.
The Matter of Violence
Authors: Dawson Cindy
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes violence against the body of Woman Jerusalem in Ezek. 16 and 23 from a New Materialist perspective. As a methodology, New Materialism forges new paths when considering the female body and agency: namely, literal and literary bodies possess the ability to transform their literal and literary worlds, even when—especially when—these bodies become entangled in violent acts. This article therefore considers Woman Jerusalem’s violated body from two perspectives. The first is the perspective of Ezekiel-the-exiled-priest and the centrality of Woman Jerusalem’s body in his theological project of identity building. The second is the perspective of Ezekiel-the-iconoclast and the ability of Woman Jerusalem’s body to survive his acts of violence and reemerge as an intercessor. Such continuity has profound significance for the evolving Zion tradition, which follows the body of Woman Jerusalem to the other side of exile and there reconsiders the relationship between Yahweh, Jerusalem, and her human inhabitants.
The Holistic Effects of Mystical Union with Christ in the Soteriology of Dhanjibhai Fakirbhai
Authors: Burbank Ray
Published: March 2024

This article addresses the relationship between eschatological and present issues in Christian soteriological debates of the mid-twentieth century, particularly in post- colonial India. It focuses on the writings of Dhanjibhai Fakirbhai. As mystical views of Christian salvation can be criticized for their irrelevancy to secular society, Dhanjibhai presents a contrast to this in a type of mystical soteriology that breaks such critiques and complicates the usual categories of South Asian understandings. According to Dhanjibhai, “salvation” means to be in union with Jesus Christ, a spiritual faith-based relationship that extends into eternity but is also practically experienced in the world today. This article proceeds according to four key features of Dhanjibhai’s writings that demonstrate the holistic effects of union with Christ in his soteriology. I argue that Dhanjibhai alleviates the perceived problems of mystical approaches by presenting a soteriology that envelopes personal, social, and even ecological ramifications of salvation within a contextual evangelical framework.
What Made the Jesus Movement Tick?
Authors: Crossley James , Myles Robert J.
Published: March 2024

This article offers a rejoinder to the five critical reviews appearing in jshj of the book by James Crossley and Robert J. Myles, Jesus: A Life in Class Conflict (Zer0 Books, 2023).
Prophetic Mediums
Authors: Crace Benjamin D.
Published: March 2024

This article seeks to develop an accommodationist theology of prophetic mediumship that critically incorporates ancestral presences. It argues that ancestral presence in the practice of prophecy can be supported by non-Western and non-Protestant theologies, scriptural evidence, experience, and the ecumenical church tradition. It suggests that mediumship is a helpful way of thinking about the prophetic while also maintaining a pluralistic pneumatology informed by intercultural theology. Such a theology, it is argued, can underwrite practice in which the experiential presence of holy spirits intensifies the evangelical proclamation of Christ’s victory over death and sin.
Inaugurated Eschatology within South African Pentecostalism
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo Solomon , Chigorimbo Joshua
Published: March 2024

Pentecostal eschatology differs from one sub-tradition of Pentecostalism to the other in a South African context. Sub-traditions such as classical Pentecostalism and the New Prophetic Churches (npc s) have been engaged in more than one form of eschatology. The differences are explored here to understand their implications for Pentecostal eschatology. The Pentecostal prophets in npc s do not exclusively focus on a futuristic eschatological approach as opposed to classical Pentecostalism. Pentecostal prophets in npc s embrace a realised eschatology of the kingdom in the here and the now. The challenge is that this approach presents some form of abuse in these churches. How do we address these abuses emanating from an overemphasised realised eschatology? How do we deal with the tensions between realised eschatology and futuristic eschatology? What could be the relevant eschatology that balances both extremes of a futuristic eschatology and realised eschatology? These questions are addressed here through an inaugurated eschatology.
Plotinus on the Parthood and Agency of Individual Souls
Authors: Kovács Dániel Attila
Published: March 2024

Plotinus criticizes the view that individual human souls are parts of the world-soul arguing that they would lack individual agency since their alleged actions would have to be attributed to the whole they are parts of (iii.1.4). He nevertheless holds that individual souls are parts of a larger whole, the so-called hypostasis soul, a soul that does not ensoul any body but encompasses and produces all individual souls including the world-soul (iv.3.4.14–21; iv.8.36–12; iv.9.5). In this paper, I ask whether Plotinus, in the face of his own arguments, can consistently attribute agency to individual souls and hold that they are parts of the hypostasis soul. I argue that Plotinus’ model of intelligible mereology (vi.2.20) allows individual souls to depend on the hypostasis soul as parts in a way that grounds their agency by providing them with the capacity for rational thought.
A Functionalist Account of Epicurus’ Minima
Authors: Martini Chiara
Published: March 2024

Epicurus’ original version of atomism takes atoms to be physically indivisible but not completely unanalysable: each atom contains a finite number of minima. This paper explores the nature of the minima by focusing on a specific question: in which sense are the minima minimal? I do so by investigating the notions of parthood and divisibility into parts that are at play in paragraphs 56–59 of the Letter to Herodotus, where the theory of minima is introduced. By focusing on the analogy (noticed by Francesco Verde) between Epicurean minima and Aristotelian limits, I argue that the minima should be understood as the minimal realiser of the atom’s physical functions. This allows me to keep together two very plausible but apparently incompatible claims: (i) the minima are supposed to block the paradoxes of theoretical divisibility, but (ii) their existence and their indivisibility can only be justified in physical (rather than geometrical) terms.
Garra hexagonarostris, a new labeonine fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Chindwin basin, Manipur, Northeast India, and a critical review on the taxonomic status of G. minimus, G. alticaputus, G. nigricauda, G. kimini, and G. tyao
Authors: NEBESHWAR KONGBRAILATPAM , RAMESHORI YUMNAM , PRABINA SALAM
Published: March 2024

Garra hexagonarostris, a new member of the ‘proboscis species group’, is described from the Chakpi River of Chindwin basin in Manipur, India. The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: a prominent hexagon-shaped unilobed proboscis with five large-sized conical tubercles on anterior margin, and three or four medium-sized conical tubercles on anteroventral region; transverse lobe with 13−35 small- to medium-sized conical tubercles; lateral surface of snout swollen with 8−18 small- to medium-sized conical tubercles; 31−32 lateral-line scales including three pored scales on caudal fin; and a large arch-shaped black spot on each side of opercle, immediately anterior to upper angle of gill opening. The taxonomic status of several species of Garra from Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, is reviewed and accordingly Garra minimus is considered as a junior synonym of G. quadratirostris; G. nigricauda as a junior synonym of G. arunachalensis; G. alticaputus and G. kimini as junior synonyms of G. birostris; and G. tyao as a junior synonym of G. rakhinica.
A Country of Shepherds
Authors: Myers Kathleen Ann
Published: March 2024

This book draws on the life stories told by shepherds, farmers, and their families in the Andalusian region in Spain to sketch out the landscapes, actions, and challenges of people who work in pastoralism. Their narratives highlight how local practices interact with regional and European communities and policies, and they help us see a broader role for extensive grazing practices and sustainability.

A Country of Shepherds is timely, reflecting the growing interest in ecological farming methods as well as the Spanish government’s recent work with UNESCO to recognise the seasonal movement of herd animals in the Iberian Peninsula as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Demonstrating the critical role of tradition, cultural geographies, and sustainability in the Mediterranean, this book will appeal to academicians but also to general readers who seek to understand, in very human terms, the impact of the world-wide environmental crisis we are now experiencing.
6. The Scaffolding for the Future of Pastoralism
Authors: Myers Kathleen Ann
Published: March 2024

This chapter includes brief samples of interviews with dozens of people who work in predominantly Andalusia-based organizations and initiatives, in three general areas: collective associations, university- or government- sponsored professional programs, and direct shepherd-training programs. These areas often overlap, bringing together traditional shepherds, university-trained specialists, and activists working for pastoralism and environmental sustainability. Unlike previous chapters, this chapter offers thumbnail sketches of some of the many actors involved in ensuring the success – and even the survival – of sustainable pastoralism.
How Much Does Land–Atmosphere Coupling Influence Summertime Temperature Variability in the Western United States?
Authors: Zeppetello Lucas R. Vargas , Zhang Lily N. , Battisti David S. , Laguë Marysa M.
Published: March 2024

Interannual fluctuations in average summertime temperatures across the western United States are captured by a leading empirical orthogonal function that explains over 50% of the total observed variance. In this paper, we explain the origins of this pattern of interannual temperature variability by examining soil moisture–temperature coupling that acts across seasons in observations and climate models. We find that a characteristic pattern of coupled temperature–soil moisture climate variability accounts for 34% of the total observed variance in summertime temperature across the region. This pattern is reproduced in state-of-the-art global climate models, where experiments that eliminate soil moisture variability reduce summertime average temperature variance by a factor of 3 on average. We use an idealized model of the coupled atmospheric boundary layer and underlying land surface to demonstrate that feedbacks between soil moisture, boundary layer relative humidity, and precipitation can explain the observed relations between springtime soil moisture and summertime temperature. Our results suggest that antecedent soil moisture conditions and subsequent land–atmosphere interactions play an important role in interannual summertime temperature variability in the western United States; soil moisture variations cause distal temperature anomalies and impart predictability at time scales longer than one season. Our results indicate that 40% of the observed warming trend across the western United States since 1981 has been driven by wintertime precipitation trends in the U.S. southwest.

Significance Statement

Year-to-year fluctuations in summertime temperatures have a large impact on drought, wildfire, and extreme heat across the Western United States. We find strong evidence that soil moisture deficits in the preceding spring may be the primary driver of higher-than-average summer temperatures in this region. Our results suggest that memory in the water cycle may lead to greater predictability in the climate system from season to season and that trends in southwest precipitation have exerted a considerable influence on observed warming over the past 40 years.
Predicting Silicate Glass Geochemistry Using Raman Spectroscopy and Supervised Machine Learning: Partial Least Square Applications to Amorphous Raman Spectra
Authors: LaDouceur Blake O. , McCanta Molly , Sharma Bhavya , Sarabia Grace , Dunn Natalie E. , Darby Dyar M.
Published: March 2024

Here, Raman spectroscopy is used to develop a univariate partial least squares (PLS) calibration capable of quantifying geochemistry in synthetic and natural silicate glass samples. The calibration yields eight oxide-specific models that allow predictions of silicon dioxide (SiO2), sodium oxide (Na2O), potassium oxide (K2O), calcium oxide (CaO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), ferrous oxide (FeOT), and magnesium oxide (MgO) (wt%) in glasses spanning a wide range of compositions, while also providing correlation-coefficient matrices that highlight the importance of specific Raman channels in the regression of a particular oxide. The PLS suite is trained on 48 of the 69 total glasses, and tested against 21 validation samples (i.e., held out of training). Trends in root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) model accuracy metrics are investigated to uncover the efficacy of utilizing multivariate analysis for such Raman data and are contextualized against recently produced strategies. The technique yields an average root mean of calibration (∼2.4 wt%), cross-validation (∼ 2.9 wt%), prediction (∼ 2.6 wt%), and normalized variance (∼ 28%). Raman band positional shifts are also mapped against underlying chemical variations; with major influences arising primarily as a function of overall oxidation state and silica concentration: via ferric cation (Fe3+)/ferrous cation (Fe2+) ratios and SiO2 (wt%). The algorithm is further validated preliminarily against a separate external set of 11 natural basaltic glasses to unravel the limitations of the synthetic models on natural samples, and to determine the suitability of “universal” Raman-model applications in scenarios where prior chemical contextualization of the target sample is possible. This study represents the first time Raman spectra of amorphous silicates have been paired with PLS, offering a foundation for future improvements utilizing these systems.
Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Injection
Authors: Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: March 2024

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433.
Big problems require big solutions
Authors: Nathan Linda F. , Cochrane Lydia , Hoda Ayesha
Published: March 2024

School leaders Lydia Cochrane and Ayesha Hoda have struggled to meet the increasingly complex needs of the students in their schools. As students’ needs increase, schools are asked to do more and more, while continuing to have strong academic results. Cochrane and Hoda believe the current system is untenable and needs to change. With Linda Nathan, they share a possible model schedule that could allow schools to meet more of students’ needs and describe schools that have experimented with alternate structures.
Under The Law: Recent developments in the quest for racial diversity in K-12 schools
Authors: Kim Robert
Published: March 2024

In June 2023, the Supreme Court held that the admissions systems at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Harvard University were racially discriminatory, effectively ending affirmative action. Are race-neutral admissions policies at selective K-12 schools next? Bob Kim considers two circuit court cases — Coalition for TJ v. Fairfax County School Board and Boston Parent Coalition for Academic Excellence v. City of Boston — in which plaintiffs alleged that schools’ race-neutral admissions policies were discriminatory against Asian American students. In both cases, courts found that the cases were not discriminatory. Although how the Supreme Court might rule if it hears these cases is unclear, the bar for finding policies discriminatory is high, requiring not only a desire to increase diversity but also an intent to harm a particular racial group.
Collaboration to Increase Cultural Relevance for African American English Speakers With Disabilities
Authors: Kelley Mya H. , Evans Imani , Chow Jason C.
Published: March 2024

Students with disabilities who are speakers of African American English (AAE) can face barriers and challenges in the classroom. There is the potential for negative perceptions of AAE and a lack of understanding of dialectal differences to impact student expectations and outcomes. School leadership must prepare educators to implement strategies to support students with these intersecting identities, yet research indicates that educators often need more preparation. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are one special education discipline with specialized training and skills to meet student needs at the intersection of disability and linguistic diversity. Today, policymakers and school leaders call on educators to be CR practitioners. This article presents a CR framework and provides recommendations for educators collaborating with SLPs within the five framework themes. By leveraging partnerships with SLPs, educators can increase their cultural relevance and more effectively support educational outcomes for students with disabilities who are speakers of AAE.
Investigating the Implications of Sexual Assaults with Ride-Sharing: A Call for Research
Authors: Tillewein Heather , Cox Destiny
Published: March 2024

Sexual assault rates are increasing with ride-shares. Sexual violence data are often underestimated due to sexual violence cases going unreported and can lead to negative health outcomes. There is no research on the phenomenon of sexual assaults among ride-share users. This manuscript investigates sexual assaults from two ride-share companies and the policies/procedures in place to prevent sexual assaults. The data from two ride-share companies’ previous Safety Reports were compared to see an increase in sexual assaults. The researchers looked at policies and regulations that ride-share companies have to prevent sexual assault. There is a call for research to investigate more in-depth the sexual assaults that have occurred including demographic data, geographic location, global positioning system failure, and the effectiveness of the criminal background checks.
A synthesis method for epicyclic chains based on new topological model and similarity
Authors: Ye Zhizheng , Huang Xuewen , Sun Liang , Wu Chuanyu , Cui Rongjiang
Published: March 2024

The structural design is a prerequisite for the creation of mechanical equipment. This study focuses on the structural synthesis of epicyclic chains (ECs), and proposes a new topological model and synthesis method of ECs to address the existing research problems (i.e. synthesis dependence on multiple graphic transformations and the generation of pseudo-isomorphism). First, the structural characteristics of ECs are analyzed to explore the relation between their axles, gears, and planet carriers, and the corresponding topological model and the adjacency matrix expression of ECs are provided. Then, the topological elements corresponding to the axles, gears, and gear pairs are added sequentially to the topological graph corresponding to the planet carriers, and the constraints are established based on similarity to inhibit the generation of isomorphism. Finally, all the databases of feasible ECs are obtained through gear loop discrimination. All processes are carried out with computer assistance. The synthesis results of the ECs with 1–3 degrees of freedom and up to 10 components are presented. The logic of this paper is to simplify (or optimize) the synthesis process to improve efficiency of structural synthesis, which will break through the threshold of computing power and provide more possibilities for the design of mechanical equipment.
Using the Indonesian Computer-Based Game Prototype as a Computer-Based Game Inventory for Executive Function in Children and Adolescents: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Concurrent Validity Study
Authors: Wiguna Tjhin , Minayati Kusuma , Kaligis Fransiska , Teh Sylvia Dominic , Krishnandita Maria , Meriem Annisa Fitri Nabella , Ismail Raden Irawati , Fasha Adilla Hastika , Steven  , Bahana Raymond
Published: March 2024

Executive function influences children’s learning abilities and organizes their cognitive processes, behaviors, and emotions. This cross-sectional study examined whether an Indonesian Computer-Based Game (ICbG) prototype could be used as a Computer-Based Game Inventory for Executive Function (CGIEF) in children and adolescents. The study was conducted with 200 children, adolescents, and their parents. The parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) questionnaire, and the children and adolescents completed the CGIEF. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed using LISREL Version 8.80. The construct of CGIEF was valid/fit with normal theory-weighted least squares = 15.75 ( p > .05). SEM analysis showed that the theoretical construct of the CGIEF was a valid predictor of executive function. The critical t value of the pathway was 2.45, and normal theory-weighted least squares was 5.74 ( p > .05). The construct reliability (CR) for CGIEF was 0.91. Concurrent validity was assessed using the Bland–Altman plot, and the coefficient of repeatability (bias/mean) was nearly zero between the t scores of total executive functions of the CGIEF and BRIEF. This preliminary study showed that the CGIEF can be useful as a screening tool for executive dysfunction, metacognitive deficits, and behavioral regulation problems among children and adolescents in clinical samples.
Do immigrants support environmentalism? – Immigrants’ environmental socialization in the United States
Authors: Sun Skylar Biyang , Zhao Xiaohang
Published: March 2024

As globalisation continues, heated debates over immigrants’ environmental behaviours in the U.S. have been prominent in recent years. While research has generally focused on the association between political affiliation and pro-environmental values, only a few studies have specifically explored immigrants’ pro-environmental values in the U.S. Utilizing a pooled dataset spanning 3 years (2017, 2020, and 2022) from the Cooperative Election Study and employing a multilevel model, we empirically tested three hypotheses regarding immigrants’ pro-environmental attitudes: the globalization hypothesis, the prosperity hypothesis, and the political socialization hypothesis. Our results supported all three hypotheses. On average, immigrants exhibited higher environmental scores than the native-born population. In addition, we identified generational differences, with the 1st generation immigrants showing the highest environmental scores, while the 2nd generation immigrants fell between the 1st generation and the native-born. Compared to the native-born population, party affiliation played a smaller role in immigrants’ formation of pro-environmental values. Democratic immigrants tended to be less pro-environment than democratic locals, while Republican immigrants were more pro-environment than Republican locals.
Intermediaries as infrastructure: Interrogating the phatic labor of state-building
Authors: Singh Ranjit
Published: March 2024

Investments in the digital welfare state are often driven by the promise of removing intermediaries between the state and citizens, yet they continue to play a key role in the last mile delivery of state services. By intermediaries, I mean people who interface between bureaucrats and citizens. Their work, often as proxies for citizens, is not only to simplify bureaucratic procedures for them, but also help insulate them from bureaucratic apathy. Based on 18-months of ethnographic fieldwork, I describe the work of intermediaries around government offices, who (in)visibly support citizens in navigating the bureaucratic procedures of enrolling into Aadhaar, India's biometrics-based national identity number. Building on Julia Elyachar's conception of “phatic labor,” I position such intermediaries themselves as infrastructure and illustrate how their affective networks can be leveraged to orchestrate a form of distributive justice to ensure that being marginal does not preclude a citizen's access to welfare services.
Insight into the demand for digital skills at the workplaces of agricultural engineering graduates in Vietnam
Authors: Kieu Quan Thuan
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the demand for digital skills in the workplaces of agricultural graduates to shed light on the specific requirements of digital skills in their jobs. The study employed a qualitative approach and conducted a total of eight semi-structured interviews with graduates from two departments of an agricultural university in Vietnam. The obtained data, processed through thematic coding techniques, successfully revealed insights into digital skills’ demand in the jobs of selected participants. Firstly, digital skills were found to be compulsory requirements for jobs for agricultural graduates, although the specific requirements for digital skills varied from job to job. Secondly, the findings revealed that different jobs require different types and levels of digital skills. Thirdly, the performance of digital skills depends on the availability and management of workplaces’ digital technology. The study also found that graduates may have the opportunity to obtain jobs that are not directly related to their learning programmes but require digital skills associated with their speciality. The study recommends applying the findings to multiple stakeholders, including government policymakers, higher education policymakers, employers, and higher education students, to bridge the gap between the higher education supply and the market demand for digital skills.
Community-driven design: Collaborative objects, community-generated content, and the expanded role of architects
Authors: Grasser-Parger Alexander
Published: March 2024

This article explores the intersection of digital architecture, collaborative creativity, and community engagement through our conceptual framework of Collaborative Objects. By enabling a shift from user-generated content to community-generated content in architecture, this new approach promotes democratic design processes. Practical illustrations are provided through a series of public case studies—H = N Co-Doodle, H = N BLOCK, and Meta Block Linz—highlighting the versatility of the Collaborative Objects framework embedded within expanded software applications. These studies address the formal and informal consequences, opportunities, and challenges of transforming static design elements into dynamic, community driven narratives. While recognizing the challenges inherent in this paradigm shift, the article concludes by emphasizing the compelling potential for more shared, inclusive, and community-oriented design processes in the architectural field.
School leadership training transfer in Ghana: Views of successful basic school leaders
Authors: Ampah-Mensah Alfred K
Published: March 2024

Various professional development activities including training workshops are organised annually for school leaders. However, there have been questions as to whether participants in training workshops do necessarily implement lessons learnt from such workshops in their schools. This study reports lessons from school leaders who were adjudged to have been successful in implementing lessons from a British Council Connecting Classrooms training workshops for school leaders in Ghana. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological case study research approach using interviews, the study explored what school leaders perceived to be the factors that contributed to their successful implementation of lessons from the training workshops. The study found that when the focus of the workshop met participants needs, engagement of workshop participants in action planning, attending the workshop together with teachers and School Improvement Support Officers, follow-up visits by workshop trainers and organisers, creating of a platform for workshop participants to share experiences, and the organisation of a post-workshop reflective experience and successful stories sharing conference got them to commit to implementing lessons from the workshops. It is therefore recommended that organisers of training workshops for school leaders should incorporate these activities in their organisation of training workshop to achieve the intended impact.
Diagnostic Aspects of Paraquat in the Forensic Toxicology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reihani Amin , Marboutian Farangis , Aghebat–bekheir Saeed , Reyhani Arezoo , Akhgari Maryam
Published: March 2024

Background:

Paraquat (N, N-dimethyl-4,4-bipyridinium dichloride) is a nonselective, fast-acting, and contact chemical herbicide used extensively for weed control. It has high acute oral toxicity, the ability to accumulate in the lungs, and a high potential for pulmonary fibrosis after its intoxication. The present systematic review focuses on evaluating diagnostic aspects of paraquat (PQ) in forensic toxicology.

Methods:

Evaluation of the literature according to the following criteria: only human studies published from February 1971 to March 2022 which are in English on the following databases: 1) Medline/PubMed/MeSH search words: ((Methyl viologen [Title/Abstract]) OR (paraquat [MeSH Terms])) AND (forensic [Title/Abstract]); 2) Scopus Keywords related to the study aim included forensic toxicology, paraquat, Methyl viologen; 3) Web of Science. Keywords related to the study aim included forensic toxicology, paraquat, and Methyl viologen.

Results:

Thirty full-text articles were included. The results of our review indicate plasma and urine are more used for identifying PQ, and liver, lung, and gastric fluid are important in postmortem cases. Preparation methods, including liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid-phase extraction, and acetonitrile-precipitated protein, are often required for removing interfering substances. Chromatographic methods, among other analytical techniques, are more sensitive, specific, and applicable.

Conclusion:

Our review suggests that plasma, urine, and lungs should be prioritized in sampling. Solid-phase extraction has better recovery than LLE in many samples. Colorimetric methods are not used much today, and radioimmunoassay (RIA) has limited application despite its high sensitivity. Gas and liquid chromatography methods appear to offer the best approach for the analysis of PQ.
Comparison of Clinical Efficacy and Mechanical Characteristics of Two Knee Distraction Devices With Relevance for Clinical Practice
Authors: Struik T. , Jansen M.P. , Lafeber R.G.P. ,   Distraction Study Group, Lafeber F.P.J.G. , Mastbergen S.C.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Distraction treatment for severe osteoarthritis below the age of 65 successfully postpones arthroplasty. Most patients have been treated with a general external fixator or a device specifically intended for knee distraction. This study compares clinical efficacy of both devices in retrospect and their mechanical characteristics.

Design

Clinical efficacy 2 years posttreatment was compared using retrospective data from patients with severe knee osteoarthritis treated with knee distraction; 63 with the Dynamic Monotube (Stryker GmbH, Switzerland) and 65 with the KneeReviver (ArthroSave BV, the Netherlands). Changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, stiffness, and function, general well-being (SF-36), cartilage thickness by radiographic joint space widening, and adverse events during treatment were assessed. Axial stiffness of clinically feasible configurations was assessed by bench testing for the Dynamic Monotube triax system and the KneeReviver.

Results

No differences were observed in clinical efficacy, nor in mechanical characteristics and adverse events between the two devices. Although with large variation, both showed a clinically relevant improvement. In mechanical testing, contact between articular surfaces was observed for both devices at physiological loading. Stiffness of applied configurations strongly varied and primarily depended on bone pin length.

Conclusions

Patients treated with a general intended-use device or a distraction-specific device both experienced clinical and structural efficacy although with significant variation between patients. The latter may be the result of varying mechanical characteristics resulting from differences in clinical configurations of the devices and actual loading. The exact role of full/partial mechanical unloading of the joint during distraction treatment remains unclear.
A Study of Chinese Undergraduate Students’ English Language Speaking Anxiety, Expectancy-Value Beliefs and Spoken English Proficiency
Authors: Chen Zhangwei
Published: March 2024

Motivation and anxiety are two crucial factors influencing learning outcomes, yet limited empirical research on expectancy-value theory can be found within previous literature about Chinese undergraduate students studying English as a foreign language (EFL). Moreover, few studies have examined the interaction between motivation and skill-specific anxiety. Thus, the present study explored dimensions of task values of English learning, the relationship between expectancy, values and English language speaking anxiety (ELSA) among Chinese undergraduate EFL learners and their predictive power on spoken English proficiency. Two hundred twenty-three Chinese undergraduates completed a questionnaire about their spoken English proficiency, expectancy-value and ELSA items. The following results came to light: (1) task values in English learning had four facets; (2) different types of value were significantly positively correlated with each other, both expectancy and ELSA were significantly linked to cost value, and expectancy bore a significantly negative correlation with ELSA; (3) expectancy, ELSA and attainment and cost value separately predicted learning achievement, whereas only expectancy and value additively predicted learning achievement, where expectancy exerted a greater impact. These findings suggest that teachers should guide students to aim high and provide more opportunities for spoken English practice.
Surgical Management of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Glenoid via Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Extracellular Matrix Graft in an Eighteen-Year-Old College Pitcher
Authors: Tingey Mitchell T. , Glover Mark A. , St. Jeor Jeffery D. , Trasolini Nicholas A. , Albertson Benjamin S. , Fiegen Anthony P. , Waterman Brian R.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) affects the shoulder in only 0.6% of patients aged 2 to 19 years with disease most commonly in the humeral head. When the glenoid is affected, it is often in male overhead throwing athletes and treated with fixation via autologous osteochondral plugs following bone marrow aspirate.

Indications:

The primary indication for surgical management of OCD is failure of conservative management, often with imaging showing disruption of the glenoid subchondral plate. This patient is an 18-year-old male pitcher with over 2 years of chronic, deep-seated shoulder pain unresponsive to conservative management.

Technique Description:

We present a primary arthroscopic technique of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate graft for management of OCD in an 18-year-old college baseball pitcher. The patient was placed in the left lateral decubitus position with an axillary roll and standard portals were established. A loose fragmented flap with no underlying osseous material was debrided and a 3-cm central area of bony loss was identified. Bone marrow aspirate of 80 mL was taken from the anterior superior iliac crest. The aspirate was mixed with Biocartilage (Arthrex) to fill the defect flush with the surrounding tissue and sealed with fibrin glue. Ports were closed and an abduction sling was applied.

Results:

A recent review article demonstrated that athletes who underwent surgical management of OCD lesions returned to sports an average of 1.2 months sooner than those managed non-operatively, though this difference was not significant. This patient had a full return to play at 9 months. At 1-year follow-up, he made a full recovery and is currently playing professionally without shoulder pain.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Autologous bone marrow aspirate defect filling is a viable treatment of OCD, even in high-level overhead throwing athletes. It allows for arthroscopic treatment with long-term success in the treatment of pain and function.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Genome-wide analysis of plant specific YABBY transcription factor gene family in carrot (Dacus carota) and its comparison with Arabidopsis
Authors: Hussain Mujahid , Javed Muhammad Mubashar , Sami Adnan , Shafiq Muhammad , Ali Qurban , Mazhar Hafiz Sabah-Ud-Din , Tabassum Javaria , Javed Muhammad Arshad , Haider Muhammad Zeeshan , Hussain Muhammad , Sabir Irfan Ali , Ali Daoud
Published: March 2024

YABBY gene family is a plant-specific transcription factor with DNA binding domain involved in various functions i.e. regulation of style, length of flowers, and polarity development of lateral organs in flowering plants. Computational methods were utilized to identify members of the YABBY gene family, with Carrot (Daucus carota) ‘s genome as a foundational reference. The structure of genes, location of the chromosomes, protein motifs and phylogenetic investigation, syntony and transcriptomic analysis, and miRNA targets were analyzed to unmask the hidden structural and functional characteristics YABBY gene family in Carrots. In the following research, it has been concluded that 11 specific YABBY genes irregularly dispersed on all 9 chromosomes and proteins assembled into five subgroups i.e. AtINO, AtCRC, AtYAB5, AtAFO, and AtYAB2, which were created on the well-known classification of Arabidopsis. The wide ranges of YABBY genes in carrots were dispersed due to segmental duplication, which was detected as prevalent when equated to tandem duplication. Transcriptomic analysis showed that one of the DcYABBY genes was highly expressed during anthocyanin pigmentation in carrot taproots. The cis-regulatory elements (CREs) analysis unveiled elements that particularly respond to light, cell cycle regulation, drought induce ability, ABA hormone, seed, and meristem expression. Furthermore, a relative study among Carrot and Arabidopsis genes of the YABBY family indicated 5 sub-families sharing common characteristics. The comprehensive evaluation of YABBY genes in the genome provides a direction for the cloning and understanding of their functional properties in carrots. Our investigations revealed genome-wide distribution and role of YABBY genes in the carrots with best-fit comparison to Arabidopsis thaliana.
Loss of chromosome Y in regulatory T cells
Authors: Mattisson Jonas , Halvardson Jonatan , Davies Hanna , Bruhn-Olszewska Bożena , Olszewski Paweł , Danielsson Marcus , Bjurling Josefin , Lindberg Amanda , Zaghlool Ammar , Rychlicka-Buniowska Edyta , Dumanski Jan P. , Forsberg Lars A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Mosaic loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in leukocytes is the most prevalent somatic aneuploidy in aging humans. Men with LOY have increased risks of all-cause mortality and the major causes of death, including many forms of cancer. It has been suggested that the association between LOY and disease risk depends on what type of leukocyte is affected with Y loss, with prostate cancer patients showing higher levels of LOY in CD4 + T lymphocytes. In previous studies, Y loss has however been observed at relatively low levels in this cell type. This motivated us to investigate whether specific subsets of CD4 + T lymphocytes are particularly affected by LOY. Publicly available, T lymphocyte enriched, single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients with liver, lung or colorectal cancer were used to study how LOY affects different subtypes of T lymphocyte. To validate the observations from the public data, we also generated a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset comprised of 23 PBMC samples and 32 CD4 + T lymphocytes enriched samples.

Results

Regulatory T cells had significantly more LOY than any other studied T lymphocytes subtype. Furthermore, LOY in regulatory T cells increased the ratio of regulatory T cells compared with other T lymphocyte subtypes, indicating an effect of Y loss on lymphocyte differentiation. This was supported by developmental trajectory analysis of CD4 + T lymphocytes culminating in the regulatory T cells cluster most heavily affected by LOY. Finally, we identify dysregulation of 465 genes in regulatory T cells with Y loss, many involved in the immunosuppressive functions and development of regulatory T cells.

Conclusions

Here, we show that regulatory T cells are particularly affected by Y loss, resulting in an increased fraction of regulatory T cells and dysregulated immune functions. Considering that regulatory T cells plays a critical role in the process of immunosuppression; this enrichment for regulatory T cells with LOY might contribute to the increased risk for cancer observed among men with Y loss in leukocytes.