bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A peste (da servidão) no índio fraco. O colapso demográfico do México em pareceres médico-filosóficos de facções clericais (século XVI)
Authors: Varella Alexandre C.
Published: January 2023

Em peculiar filosofia natural e saber médico de expressão e difusão clerical, as pestes e mortandades foram vinculadas ao regime de trabalho forçado de um índio delicado e debilitado. Se essa condição física surgiu pelas circunstâncias da dominação estrangeira, também se pensava numa natureza frágil ancestral. A alegoria de Motolinia das dez pragas da Nova Espanha, um tratado filosófico de Las Casas, e o ambiente acadêmico mexicano constituíram bases literárias e conceituais para os pareceres do terceiro concílio mexicano, do Consejo de Indias e da crônica de Mendieta. Concluo com algumas respostas dos indígenas ao ditame de sua fraqueza fatal. No campo da história das ideias e conhecimentos, reavalio sentidos da queda do índio por autores como Anthony Pagden e Jorge Cañizares Esguerra, bem como reviso a trama do ameríndio indefeso perante a conquista colonial e biológica.
DETERMINANTS OF FEMALE LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN TR22 SUB-REGION
Authors: ŞAHİN KUTLU Şeyma
Published: January 2023

Although there have been significant developments in the female labor force participation rate in Turkey in recent years, this rate is below the OECD average. There are various social and economic reasons behind this situation. This study, female labor force participation in the Türkiye TR22 Sub-region, investigates with a logit model, taking into account the variables of age, relationship to the head of the household, marital status, education level, and household size. The micro data set of the TURKSTAT Labor Force Survey of 2021 was used in the study. The findings obtained from the analysis show that female labor force participation in the region examined in Turkey is affected by the variables of age, education level, and marital status. The results highlight that female labor force participation can be increased through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. The results highlight that female labor force participation can be increased through education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and the necessity of creating a new perspective on sharing responsibility within the family.
Generative Logics and Conceptual Clicks: A Case Study of the Method for Design Materialization
Authors: Khaled Rilla , Barr Pippin
Published: January 2023

Game design research is caught between epistemologies and disciplines, leading to a lack of grounded methodologies. Without such methodological approaches, we cannot support evidence-based claims about game design. The Method for Design Materialization (MDM) is a methodological approach to capturing game design via software version control. By embracing a time-sliced representation of a game throughout its development and pairing it with explicit materializations of design thinking through reflective writing, we believe significant progress can be made in understanding and extrapolating from the design process.
Volume Subtraction Method Using Dual Reconstruction and Additive Technique for Pulmonary Artery/Vein 3DCT Angiography
Authors: Tanabe Yoshinori , Tanaka Yuka , Nagata Hironori , Murayama Reina , Ishida Takayuki
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to develop a method for pulmonary artery and vein (PA/PV) separation in three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT), using a dual reconstruction technique and the addition of CT images. The physical image properties of multiple reconstruction kernels (FC13; FC13 3D-Q03;
FC30 3D-Q03; FC83; FC13 twofold addition; FC13 threefold addition; FC13 fourfold addition; FC13 [3D-Q03] twofold addition; FC13+FC30 (3D-Q03); FC13+FC83) were evaluated based on spatial resolution using a modulation transfer function. The lung kernel CT image (FC 83) had a high spatial resolution
with a 10% modulation transfer function (0.847). The noise power spectrum of the additive CT images was measured, and the CT values for the PA/PV with and without addition were compared. The addition of CT images increased the CT values difference between the PA/PV. The PA/PV 3DCT angiography
(PA/PV 3DCTA), even with a small difference in CT values, could be effectively separated using high spatial resolution kernel CT and the addition of CT images dedicated to subtraction. This novel, simple method could create PA/PV 3DCTA using a general CT scanner and 3D workstation that can
be easily performed at any facility.
Researching high-skilled migrants between social stratification and methodological nationalism
Authors: Schäfer Gregor
Published: January 2023

Methodological nationalism as a critique of container-based and nation-state-focused theory and empirical research is currently strongly anchored within migration studies, where it was initially developed. While this has led to extensive literature and critical engagement with methodological nationalism, and ways to circumvent the national trap in many (sub-)disciplines, it has not much penetrated theories of social stratification. This conceptual paper will address this gap by discussing the social positioning of high-skilled migrants in contemporary stratified societies. This exemplary discussion will bring together a critical perspective of methodological nationalism on class and milieu theory. It will also confront the critique of methodological nationalism with the question of the origin of social power and dominance, which are the foundation of stratification theories. This article will specifically draw on Pierre Bourdieu's concept of social space and its derivative. Emphasis will also be given to Michael Vester's development of social milieu to highlight blind spots according to the critique of methodological nationalism. This paper shows that these theories have not grasped high-skilled migration thoroughly. It also outlines that migrant theories and their critique of methodological nationalism inadequately address the source of symbolic hierarchy and the formation of social stratification. Thus, both theoretical strands would benefit from a deeper conversation with each other.
Mindset as a potential link between family background and high-school achievement
Authors: Svensen Elin
Published: January 2023

The link between students’ family background and their school achievement is well documented. The recent literature has also investigated how social and emotional skills and mindsets relate to educational outcomes. Here I examine how mindset—that is, whether students believe more in that intellectual abilities are fixed or capable of growth—is related to family background and school achievement in Norway. I find that students with higher-educated parents have lower levels of a fixed mindset on entering high school. I also estimate heterogeneity in this association using multilevel modeling. The predicted level of students’ fixed mindset is low for higher-performing middle-school students, irrespective of parents’ education. Furthermore, low middle-school performance predicts higher levels of a fixed mindset, particularly for students with lower-educated parents. A higher level of fixed mindset on entering high school is related to lower achievement after the first year. The results suggest that students’ belief in “natural talent” is a mechanism worthy of further investigation as it is more malleable than the mechanisms traditionally used to explain differences in academic performance according to family background.
Special low protein foods for phenylketonuria in Turkey: An examination of their nutritional composition compared to regular food
Authors: Arslan Ezgi , Gokcay Gulden Fatma
Published: January 2023

Background: Special low protein foods (SLPF) that are phenylalanine (Phe)-free or have a low Phe content are an integral part of PKU diet therapy. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the nutritional profiles of SLPFs used in Turkey and to compare their contents with equivalent products in the “regular” category, in order to evaluate nutritional and metabolic risks. Methods: Between February and March 2022, the information concerning the nutritional contents of “special low protein products” recommended for PKU and available in Turkey were obtained from the websites of producers/suppliers. Results: A total of 148 SLPFs were identified in Turkey. Compared to regular products, SLPFs were determined to contain less sugar and high carbohydrate content in the Turkish market (p < 0.001). Overall, SLPF products had higher dietary fiber compared to products with regular protein content (p < 0.001). In SLPF subgroups, meat substitutes, rice and pasta, and soup products had significantly less total fat than regular products; low protein bread, sweet snacks, and salted crackers were found to contain less saturated fat (p < 0.05). Moreover, all SLPFs contained significantly more salt than regular products, especially the salt content of subgroups of low protein bread, flour, pasta, and rice was significantly higher than regular products (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Including detailed nutritional information on the Turkish SLPFs’ food labels will be effective for patients with PKU to follow themselves on their own.
Some further reflections on the effect of employment on attendance
Authors: Strong James
Published: January 2023

I offer some further reflections on the relationship between student employment and classroom engagement, in response to Hanretty’s discussion of my original article on the topic. First, I note that the data we’d ideally need to study this relationship properly doesn’t exist. Second, I suggest that Hanretty and I are pursuing subtly differing goals – he seeks the best estimate of a statistical relationship, while I am trying to make practical policy recommendations at the level of an academic department. Third, I gently push back against Hanretty’s injunction against the use of a post-treatment variable in my original paper, noting that there are good theoretical reasons for thinking my original argument – that not all hours of employment affect attendance equally – should work. Finally, I conclude that while it is true that students who work more hours are less likely to engage well with their studies, this relationship is conditional in part on factors that academic departments might realistically be able to influence.
Bioactive Decellularized Tendon-Derived Stem Cell Sheet for Promoting Graft Healing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Yao Shiyi , Liang Zuru , Lee Yuk Wa , Yung Patrick Shu Hang , Lui Pauline Po Yee
Published: January 2023

Background:

Stem cell sheets provide a scaffold-free option for the promotion of graft healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, cell viability, stability, and potential uncontrolled actions create challenges for clinical translation. The decellularization of cell sheets may overcome these problems as studies have shown that the natural extracellular matrix of stem cells is bioactive and can promote tissue repair.

Hypothesis:

The decellularized tendon-derived stem cell (dTDSC) sheet can promote graft healing after ACLR.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

An optimized decellularization protocol was developed to decellularize the TDSC sheets. A total of 64 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ACLR with or without the dTDSC sheet wrapping the tendon graft (n = 32/group). At 2 and 6 weeks after surgery, graft healing was assessed by micro–computed tomography, histology, and biomechanical testing. The accumulation of iNOS+ and CD206+ cells and the expression of metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1 (TIMP-1) were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results:

The decellularization was successful, with the removal of 98.4% nucleic acid while preserving the collagenous proteins and bioactive factors. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and VEGF in the dTDSC sheet was comparable with the TDSC sheet ( P > .05). Micro–computed tomography showed significantly more tunnel bone formation in the dTDSC sheet group. The dTDSC sheet group demonstrated better graft osteointegration and higher integrity of graft midsubstance with significantly higher ultimate failure load (16.58 ± 7.24 vs 8.93 ± 2.45 N; P = .002) and stiffness (11.97 ± 5.21 vs 6.73 ± 2.20 N/mm; P = .027). Significantly fewer iNOS+ cells but more CD206+ cells, as well as lower MMP-1 and MMP-13 but higher TIMP-1 expression, were detected at the tendon-bone interface and graft midsubstance in the dTDSC sheet group.

Conclusion:

An optimized decellularization protocol for producing bioactive dTDSC sheets was developed. Wrapping tendon graft with a dTDSC sheet promoted graft healing after ACLR, likely via enhancing bone formation and angiogenesis by BMP-2 and VEGF, modulating macrophage polarization and MMP/TIMP expression, and physically protecting the tendon graft.

Clinical Relevance:

dTDSC sheets alleviate the quality control and safety concerns of cell transplantation and can be used as a cell-free alternative for the promotion of graft healing in ACLR.
Characterization of Medication Discrepancies and Interventions Resulting From Pharmacy-Led Medication Reconciliation in the Critical Care Setting
Authors: Magrum BrookeAnne , Smetana Keaton S. , Thompson Molly , Elefritz Jessica L. , Phelps Megan , Trolli Elizabeth , Murphy Claire V.
Published: January 2023

Background: Medication reconciliation has been shown to reduce medication-related errors in hospitalized patients, but the impact of pharmacy-led medication reconciliation in the intensive care unit (ICU) has not been extensively studied. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients with a pharmacy-led medication reconciliation on admission to an ICU between January 1st and March 31st, 2018. Pharmacy-led medication reconciliations were completed by pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and pharmacy students. The objective of this study was to describe medication discrepancies identified by pharmacy-led medication reconciliation and to evaluate the interventions following. Results: A total of 288 patients were screened and 247 met inclusion criteria. There were 1148 medication discrepancies identified resulting in an average of 4.65 discrepancies per patient. Medication addition (54.25%) and medication deletion (45.75%) were most common. Within 24 hours of medication reconciliation, 214 interventions were made to active orders. No differences were observed between discrepancies identified and type of pharmacy staff completing the medication reconciliation. Conclusions: This study identified a high rate of medication discrepancies on admission to the ICU. Furthermore, it describes the types of pharmacist interventions following pharmacy-led medication reconciliation. This process may be impactful to incorporate as a standard practice in ICUs and warrants further investigation into value, cost, and pharmacist workflow.
Kinematic parameters calibration of industrial robot based on RWS-PSO algorithm
Authors: Li Hang , Hu Xiaobing , Zhang Xuejian , Wei Shangyun , Luo Qingyi
Published: January 2023

The positioning accuracy of an industrial robot has a significant impact on its application in precision manufacturing, and it is necessary to calibrate robot kinematic parameters. Previous studies have established numerous nonlinear equations to solve the kinematic parameters, which are complicated and time consuming. A standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is limited by long running time and low solution efficiency. Therefore, in this study, a dynamic particle swarm optimization algorithm based on roulette wheel selection (RWS-PSO) is proposed to realize the kinematic parameters calibration. First, a kinematics model is constructed using the standard Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) method, and the theoretical and actual values of the spatial position of the robot endpoint are obtained via forward kinematics and a Laser Tracker, respectively. Next, the kinematic parameters calibration problem is transformed into a solution of a high-dimensional nonlinear equation using the proposed RWS-PSO algorithm. In the proposed RWS-PSO algorithm, the inertia factor is considered as linearly decreasing and the number of particles is selected by the roulette wheel selection (RWS) to improve its computational efficiency. The proposed RWS-PSO and standard PSO algorithms are compared based on various indices by simulation. The results reveal that the time cost of the RWS-PSO algorithm is much lower than that of the standard PSO algorithm on the basis of high precision and a reduced running time of approximately 53%. Finally, the kinematic parameter errors obtained by the two algorithms are compensated. According to the experimental results, the positioning accuracy of the robot in three ( x-, y-, and z-) directions is improved by 78%, 46%, and 67%, respectively, compared to that of before compensation, which proves that the RWS-PSO algorithm is effective and practical for kinematic parameters calibration.
Modeling of the pure kinematic error for harmonic drive gears with considering multiple meshing teeth
Authors: Zheng Yuansong , Lou Zhifeng , Wang Xiaodong , Yu Zhenjiang
Published: January 2023

Kinematic error is an important indicator for evaluating the performance of harmonic drive gears. Previous methods for calculating the kinematic error only considered a single meshing tooth, the effect of other meshing teeth was compensated by the error homogenization coefficient. Because of the complex contact state of harmonic drive gears, the results of these methods are always inconsistent with experimental results. This paper proposes a mathematical model considering all meshing teeth to predict the pure kinematic error of harmonic drive gears. First, the contact points on each meshing tooth are determined, and the contact states of the flexspline and circular spline teeth are investigated. Then, the contact forces on the meshing teeth are obtained, and the pure kinematic error is calculated based on the relationship between the torque caused by the contact force on the left and the right tooth profiles. Finally, the mathematical model is validated by simulation and experimental methods. The study in this paper can not only be used to accurately predict the pure kinematic error but also is valuable in the selective assembly of higher precision harmonic drive gears.
Impact response analysis of vibration system with inerter
Authors: Son Lovely , Farid Muhammad , Bur Mulyadi , Darmawan
Published: January 2023

This research investigates using an inerter system to control the impact-induced vibration response of a single degree of freedom(SDOF) and two degrees of freedom(TDOF) vibration system. An analytic model of the SDOF system with an inerter is first derived, and simulation is performed to compare the inerter performance in suppressing the maximum acceleration response under shock load. Next, a more complex TDOF vibration model with an inerter is derived, and the effectiveness of the inerter in reducing the large acceleration amplitude is evaluated. The energy analysis is conducted to investigate the energy transfer mechanism during impact. The simulation study shows that one can significantly decrease the maximum acceleration response with an appropriate selection of the inerter parameters. For the SDOF vibration system with an inerter, response reduction is greatly influenced by the system’s natural frequency. In the TDOF vibration system, the maximum acceleration response attenuation is caused by two factors. For a large inerter radius, the acceleration response reduction is mainly influenced by energy transfer between unsprung and inerter mass. However, for a big inerter mass, attenuation of the acceleration response is caused by decreasing the system’s natural frequency. It is observed from the simulation that the maximum acceleration response can be reduced up to 35% by adjusting the inerter radius of gyration. Furthermore, the optimum condition for reducing the acceleration response occurs when the inerter mass is half the unsprung mass ( m i = 0.5 m u). An experimental study is conducted to validate the simulation results.
Making it internally persuasive: Analysis of the conspiratorial discourse on COVID-19
Authors: Hashmi Umair Munir , Almekhlafy Sultan Saleh Ahmed , Hashem Mohamed Elarabawy , Shahzad Muhammad , Hashmi Hassam Ahmad , Munir Rabia , Asghar Bibi Hajira Ali
Published: January 2023

This study attempts to generate new insights into the wide spread online and offline conspiratorial discourse on COVID-19. Twofold analytical lens consisted of narrative interrelations framework and content analysis showed how the linguistic resources and conversational such as popular socio-religious discourses, hypothetical narratives, personal narratives, personal mental archives, and interpolated arguments are integrated in the interpretation of intertextual Bases such as Bill Gates’ TED talk 2015 (26%); Nematullah Wali’s predictions (32%); ‘End of Days’ book by Sylvia Browne (14.9%); and ‘The Eyes of Darkness’ novel by Dean Koontz (22%) by which the conspiracists in Pakistan construct an internally persuasive discourse promoting conspiracy theories on COVID-19. Several linguistic resources such as mood, modality, topicalization, insinuation, and intertextuality emerged as the main tools of making the conspiracy theories internally persuasive.
The asymmetric impact of public–private partnership investment in energy on CO2 emissions in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Minhaj , Hashmi Shujahat Haider , Habib Yasir , Kirikkaleli Dervis
Published: January 2023

The present study investigates the effect of public–private partnership investment in energy and renewable energy consumption on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, taking into account the critical role of economic growth and trade openness in Pakistan from 1992 to 2019. The linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag models are employed to check the co-integration link between dependent and independent variables, further estimate short-run and long-run associations, and examine the symmetric and asymmetric effects of public–private partnership investment in energy on CO2 emissions in Pakistan. The empirical findings show that public–private partnership investment in energy reduces environmental quality by increasing CO2 emissions. Similarly, economic development and trade openness harms the atmosphere by raising CO2 emissions. On the other hand, renewable energy consumption significantly negatively affects CO2 emissions. In addition, the findings also authenticate the asymmetric link between public–private partnership investment in energy and the environment, as CO2 emissions are caused mainly by positive shocks in public–private partnership investment in energy in the short and long run. This study proposes financing renewable energy projects through public–private partnership is needed for an environmentally friendly future.
Comparing the effectiveness of L-carnitine and paraffin oil in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning using predictive biomarkers and scores: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Abdelhamid Walaa G , Sakr Mahmoud L , Mostafa Olfat E , Zaafar Dalia , Abdelwahab Hanan M
Published: January 2023

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is a serious medical emergency with a high mortality rate. The absence of an exact antidote for AlP poisoning necessitates the quest for alternative treatment options. The study sought to assess the efficacy of adding L-carnitine or medicated paraffin oil to the conventional approach of treatment employed in cases of acute AlP poisoning. We conducted a 1 year, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, single-blind clinical study. 96 individuals with acute AlP poisoning were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The standard AlP therapy was administered to all groups according to the Poison Control Center guidelines at the Ain-Shams University hospitals. All patients underwent a medical history review, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. The outcomes were assessed. The participants in the study groups had mean ages ranging from 25.6 to 26.3 years. The cases analyzed were evenly distributed between genders, with the majority originating from rural areas. The average delay time varied from 2.9 to 4.2 h. All patients in the study reported ingesting AlP during suicide attempts. 12 hours after admission, many clinical and biochemical data improved in both intervention groups including cytochrome c oxidase, caspase-3, caspase-9, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. The intervention groups required significantly less mechanical ventilation and had a lower mortality rate than the control group. Decontamination with paraffin oil could be advantageous for reducing the severity of AlP poisoning, improving prognosis, and lowering the mortality rate.
Surgical Patients’ Attitudes, Norms, and Behaviors Regarding Pain
Authors: Ayaz Nur Pinar , Sherman Deborah Witt
Published: January 2023

The study purpose was to examine the attitudes, norms, and behaviors of surgical patients of different ethnic/cultural backgrounds regarding pain and pain management. The study was a descriptive qualitative study guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviors and the Theory of Transcultural Nursing. The sample consisted of 12 postoperative patients on a surgical observation unit within 48 hours of surgery. The results indicated the majority of patients expected to feel pain after surgery and wanted pain to be treated completely. However, overall, pain indicates that something is wrong. Patients expect nurses to assess their pain frequently, view the pain site, and to act promptly to relieve pain, otherwise they feel ignored. Patients had limited knowledge about the pharmacological treatments, and prefer to combine medications with non-pharmacologic and complementary therapies. The clinical implications indicate the expectation of a comprehensive postoperative pain assessment, and education regarding pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and complementary pain treatments.
Spectrum of Histopathological, Immunohistochemical, Molecular and Radiological Features in 12 Cases of BCOR::CCNB3-positive Sarcomas With Literature Review
Authors: Rekhi Bharat , Kosemehmetoglu Kemal , Ergen Fatma Bilge , Vengurlekar Vaibhavi , Rumde Rachna , Shetty Omshree , Guler Gaye
Published: January 2023

Introduction BCOR::CCNB3-positive undifferentiated sarcomas are rare. Herein, we present clinicopathological features including immunohistochemical and molecular data, along with the radiological profile of 12 such tumors. Methods Tumors were tested for BCOR::CCNB3 fusion by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Eight tumors were tested for EWSR1 and three for SS18 gene rearrangements by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and two for SS18::SSX fusion by fragment analysis. Results Ten of 12 patients were male with ages ranging between 4 and 17 years (median = 13, average = 14.4). Nine tumors occurred in bones and three in soft tissues (median size = 8 cm). Four of five tumors within the appendicular bones were metadiaphyseal and appeared as permeative lesions, invariably associated with cortical thickening. Three tumors displayed mineralization. Histopathologically, the tumors comprised round to epithelioid cells with round to oval to spindle-shaped nuclei, mostly diffusely arranged in a myxoid stroma with intervening thin-walled vessels. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for BCOR (10/11), SATB2 (8/9), TLE1 (5/6), cyclinD1 (4/4), and EMA (3/8). All tumors revealed BCOR::CCNB3 fusion transcript. Nine patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including five who underwent surgical resection, with two patients, who received adjuvant radiation therapy. A single patient, each, underwent palliative chemotherapy and palliative radiotherapy, respectively. Four patients developed pulmonary metastasis and three developed local recurrences. Four patients were alive-with-disease and two were free-of-disease. Conclusions It is crucial to identify BCOR::CCNB3 fusion-positive sarcomas, given significant treatment-associated implications. Certain clinicoradiological, histopathological features, absent EWSR1 rearrangement and BCOR, SATB2, and TLE1 immunoexpression are useful for triaging these tumors for molecular testing. A review of the literature on these ultra-rare tumors, including their diagnostic mimics is presented.
SS18-SSX Expression in a Contemporary Cohort of Primary Renal Synovial Sarcoma: A Multi-Institutional Experience of Fourteen Patients
Authors: Challa Bindu , Mohanty Sambit K. , Jha Shilpy , Sampat Nakul Y. , Sardana Ruhani , Lobo Anandi , Sharma Shivani , Arora Samriti , Rath Debadarshi , Munjal Gauri , Pattnaik Niharika , Jain Deepika , Jain Ekta , Dewan Aditi , Dixit Mallika , Malik Vipra , Shinde Sayali , Balzer Bonnie L. , Parwani Anil
Published: January 2023

Primary renal synovial sarcoma is a rare aggressive mesenchymal neoplasm of the kidney that accounts for less than 1% of renal sarcomas. Herein, we describe the clinicopathologic and molecular findings of 14 renal synovial sarcoma patients in one of the largest case series to date and to our knowledge, the only renal synovial sarcoma series to use novel SS18-SSX IHC. Clinicopathologic, IHC, molecular, management, and follow-up data were reviewed and analyzed. Macroscopically, the tumors had either homogeneous, tan-white, and solid ( n = 10), variegated and solid ( n = 3), or variegated and solid-cystic ( n = 1) cut surfaces. Spindle cell ( n = 10), round cell ( n = 3), and round to epithelioid morphologies ( n = 1) were observed. SS18-SSX IHC was positive in all 14 tumors (diffuse, n = 10; multifocal, n = 2; focal, n = 2). All the tumors harbored SS18::SSX1/2 gene rearrangement. Metastases to the liver, brain, and lung ( n = 1); liver and bone ( n = 1); liver and diaphragm ( n = 1) were identified. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 11/12 patients. Follow-up was available for 10 patients (time period range: 5 to 24 months). Four patients died of disease, and six patients are alive with no recurrence or metastasis. As SS18-SSX IHC showed an excellent concordance with the FISH results, this may reliably be used in the IHC panel of spindle/round cell sarcomas of the kidney and as a molecular surrogate for renal synovial sarcoma, particularly in a resource-limited setting. Also, the tumors with focal SS18-SSX expression had lower break apart signals in the FISH assay (19% and 23% in two tumors with focal SS18-SSX IHC positivity).
Development, Factor Structure, and Psychometric Validation of the Impostor Phenomenon Assessment: A Novel Assessment of Impostor Phenomenon
Authors: Walker Deanna L. , Saklofske Donald H.
Published: January 2023

Despite growing attention surrounding impostor phenomenon (also known as “imposter syndrome”), recent reviews have suggested that current measures may be inadequate in capturing the complex and multifaceted nature of this construct. The objective of the current studies was to clarify the theoretical conceptualization of impostor phenomenon based on experiences in an achievement-oriented setting. We conducted a review of the literature and developed an item pool for a novel impostor phenomenon assessment (IPA) (Study 1). Exploratory factor analyses (Study 1) and confirmatory factor analyses (Study 2) assessed this initial item pool to determine the factor structure and initial psychometric properties of the preliminary IPA (Studies 2 and 3). Our findings offer preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of the IPA as a novel measure of impostor phenomenon.
Shear rate dependent static friction between a wet granular layer and hard surface
Authors: Soni Pawan Kumar , Singh Arun K. , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar
Published: January 2023

Prediction of static friction at sliding surfaces is having both fundamental and practical importance. In this article, a friction model was used to predict the static friction of wet granular material on hard surface. The model is based on the fact that granular particulates form capillary bridges to adhere with substrate, and rupture of these bridges results in friction. The model also considers the frictional strength of bridges, which develop during the application of shear velocity on sliding mass. The friction model is, in turn, validated with the experimental data of static friction vs. shear velocity of wet granular layers on a smooth rock surface. Scaling laws of frictional properties are also developed using regression analysis to justify the friction model.
Longitudinal relations between autistic-like features and functional somatic symptoms in adolescence
Authors: Hogendoorn Elske , Hartman Catharina A , Burke Sarah M , van Dijk Marijn W G , Rosmalen Judith G M
Published: January 2023

Autistic-like features and functional somatic symptoms (FSS) frequently co-occur. It remains unknown how autistic-like features and FSS affect each other and develop throughout adolescence. This study examined reciprocal relations between autistic-like features and FSS in adolescence. Participants were 2772 adolescents (52.5% male) from the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey population and clinical cohort. Data from four waves were included, covering the ages between 11 and 19 years. Autistic-like features were measured using the Children’s Social Behavior Questionnaire. FSS were assessed using the Youth Self Report and Adult Self Report, respectively. Using the random intercept cross-lagged panel model, a stable positive, moderately strong between-persons association was found between autistic-like features and FSS. No within-persons reciprocal effects from wave to wave were observed. Secondary analyses revealed a consistent relation with FSS for three different domains of autistic-like features (social and communication behaviors, repetitive behaviors, and self-regulatory behaviors), and highly similar interrelations in a subsample of adolescents with a clinical autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. In conclusion, the co-occurrence between autistic-like features and FSS is stable throughout adolescence. Clinicians working with adolescents with autistic-like features should be alert to the presence FSS, and vice versa.

Lay abstract

Adolescents with autistic-like features frequently experience unexplained somatic symptoms too, and vice versa. We followed 2772 adolescents for 8 years, starting at 11 and ending at 19 years of age. At four different moments during this time, we asked these adolescents how often they suffered from unexplained somatic symptoms, such as stomachache and dizziness. We asked their parents to what extent the adolescents showed autistic-like features at those four moments too. Then, we assessed whether the relation between autistic-like features and unexplained somatic symptoms stayed the same between 11 and 19 years old. We also looked at whether there was a reciprocal influence. So far, most studies only looked into the relation between autistic-like features and unexplained somatic symptoms at a specific moment in time. It is important to study how this relation develops over time in adolescence, so we can improve treatment for burdening co-occurring symptoms. In our sample, adolescents who experienced many autistic symptoms also experienced many unexplained somatic symptoms. This relation stayed the same over time. There was no reciprocal influence, so higher autistic-like features did not contribute to higher unexplained somatic symptoms, or the other way around. The findings of this work tell us that in adolescents with autistic-like features it is important to be alert to the presence of unexplained somatic symptoms, and vice versa.
An experimental study of the influence of environmental wind on the smoke flow behaviour and temperature distribution in room-corridor fire
Authors: Cao Bei , Huang Yubiao , Ye Kai , Yang Lizhong
Published: January 2023

As buildings are always in a windy environment, in many cases the influence of the environmental wind cannot be neglected. Therefore, this work conducted an experimental study of the influence of environmental wind on the smoke flow behaviour and temperature distribution in the typical room-corridor fire. In the experiments, different wind velocity and HRR (heat release rate) were tested. Experimental results indicated that the environmental wind would exhibit an obvious influence on the spilled smoke flow in the corridor. When the wind velocity is relatively small, the environmental wind has a positive effect on the spilled smoke flow, and the smoke distribution would show a symmetrical and high temperature region, which would become larger with the wind velocity. With the continuous increase in the velocity, the smoke would be blown downstream of the corridor, causing an obvious decrease in the maximum ceiling temperature. To characterize the temperature distribution along the corridor ceiling, a one-phase exponential correlation is proposed to predict the ceiling temperature distribution in both the upstream and downstream directions of the corridor. The research findings may benefit the design and management of the smoke control system and provide guidance in improving the fire safety level of the commonly existing room-corridor structures.
Type IIIb Endoleak: The Great “Masquerader” - Risks of Liquid Agent Dislocation During Sac Embolization Techniques
Authors: Lioupis Christos , Francoeur Luc
Published: January 2023

The diagnosis of late type III endoleaks may be very challenging on non-invasive imaging studies, and it is not unusual for type IIIb endoleaks to be misdiagnosed as type I endoleaks. The present report illustrates a type III endoleak that was misdiagnosed and treated as Type Ia endoleak. Embolization of the endoleak using a liquid embolic agent (Squid) was complicated by intraluminal graft dislodgement of the liquid agent. This unusual complication was recognised and treated successfully. Type IIIb endoleaks should always be considered in patients with persistent aneurysm sac perfusion treated with embolization using liquid embolic agents.
Repurposing MS immunotherapies for CIDP and other autoimmune neuropathies: unfulfilled promise or efficient strategy?
Authors: Kohle Felix , Dalakas Marinos C. , Lehmann Helmar C.
Published: January 2023

Despite advances in the treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and other common autoimmune neuropathies (AN), still-many patients with these diseases do not respond satisfactorily to the available treatments. Repurposing of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) from other autoimmune conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), is a promising strategy that may accelerate the establishment of novel treatment choices for AN. This approach appears attractive due to homologies in the pathogenesis of these diseases and the extensive post-marketing experience that has been gathered from treating MS and NMOSD patients. The idea is also strengthened by a number of studies that explored the efficacy of DMTs in animal models of AN but also in some CIDP patients. We here review the available preclinical and clinical data of approved MS therapeutics in terms of their applicability to AN, especially CIDP. Promising therapeutic approaches appear to be B cell–directed and complement-targeting strategies, such as anti-CD20/anti-CD19 agents, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-C5 agents, as they exert their effects in the periphery. This is a major advantage because, in contrast to MS, their action in the periphery is sufficient to exert significant immunomodulation.
New Noncoding Base Pair Mutation at the Identical Locus as the Original NCMD/MCDR1 in a Mexican Family, Suggesting a Mutational Hotspot
Authors: Small Kent W. , Van de Sompele Stijn , Avetisjan Jessica , Udar Nitin , Agemy Steven , De Baere Elfride , Shaya Fadi S.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To clinically and molecularly study a newly found family with North Carolina macular dystrophy (NCMD/MCDR1) from Mexico.

Methods:

This retrospective study comprised 6 members of a 3-generation Mexican family with NCMD. Clinical ophthalmic examinations, including fundus imaging, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, electroretinography, and electrooculography, were performed. Genotyping with polymorphic markers in the MCDR1 region was performed to determine haplotypes. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed followed by variant filtering and copy number variant analysis.

Results:

Four subjects from 3 generations were found to have macular abnormalities. The proband presented with lifelong bilateral vision impairment with bilaterally symmetric vitelliform Best disease-like appearing macular lesions. Her 2 children had bilateral large macular coloboma-like malformations, consistent with autosomal dominant NCMD. The 80-year-old mother of the proband had drusen-like lesions consistent with grade 1 NCMD. WGS and subsequent Sanger sequencing found a point mutation at chr6:99593030G>C (hg38) in the noncoding region of the DNase I site thought to be a regulatory element of the retinal transcription factor gene PRDM13. This mutation is the identical site/nucleotide as in the original NCMD family (#765) but is a guanine to cytosine change rather than a guanine to thymine mutation, as found in the original NCMD family.

Conclusions:

We report a new noncoding mutation at the same locus (chr6:99593030G>C) involving the same DNase I site regulating the retinal transcription factor gene PRDM13. This suggests that this site, chr6:99593030, is a mutational hotspot.
Determinants of substrate specificity in a catalytically diverse family of acyl-ACP thioesterases from plants
Authors: Kalinger Rebecca S. , Rowland Owen
Published: January 2023

Background

ACYL-LIPID THIOESTERASES (ALTs) are a subclass of plastid-localized, fatty acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase enzymes from plants. They belong to the single hot dog-fold protein family. ALT enzymes generate medium-chain (C6-C14) and C16 fatty acids, methylketone precursors (β-keto fatty acids), and 3-hydroxy fatty acids when expressed heterologously in E. coli. The diverse substrate chain-length and oxidation state preferences of ALTs set them apart from other plant acyl-ACP thioesterases, and ALTs show promise as metabolic engineering tools to produce high-value medium-chain fatty acids and methylketones in bacterial or plant systems. Here, we used a targeted motif-swapping approach to explore connections between ALT protein sequence and substrate specificity. Guided by comparative motif searches and computational modelling, we exchanged regions of amino acid sequence between ALT-type thioesterases from Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula, and Zea mays to create chimeric ALT proteins.

Results

Comparing the activity profiles of chimeric ALTs in E. coli to their wild-type counterparts led to the identification of interacting regions within the thioesterase domain that shape substrate specificity and enzyme activity. Notably, the presence of a 31-CQH[G/C]RH-36 motif on the central α-helix was shown to shift chain-length specificity towards 12–14 carbon chains, and to be a core determinant of substrate specificity in ALT-type thioesterases with preference for 12–14 carbon 3-hydroxyacyl- and β-ketoacyl-ACP substrates. For an ALT containing this motif to be functional, an additional 108-KXXA-111 motif and compatible sequence spanning aa77–93 of the surrounding β-sheet must also be present, demonstrating that interactions between residues in these regions of the catalytic domain are critical to thioesterase activity. The behaviour of chimeric enzymes in E. coli also indicated that aa77–93 play a significant role in dictating whether an ALT will prefer ≤10-carbon or ≥ 12-carbon acyl chain-lengths, and aa91–96 influence selectivity for substrates of fully or partially reduced oxidation states. Additionally, aa64–67 on the hot dog-fold β-sheet were shown to be important for enabling an ALT to act on 3-hydroxy fatty acyl-ACP substrates.

Conclusions

By revealing connections between thioesterase sequence and substrate specificity, this study is an advancement towards engineering recombinant ALTs with product profiles suited for specific applications.
Effect of topical fluoride applications on residual monomer release from resin-based restorative materials
Authors: Delikan Ebru , Erturk-Avunduk Ayse Tugba , Karatas Ozcan , Saçmacı Şerife
Published: January 2023

Background

The effects of topical fluoride applications on the release of monomer ingredients from resin-based dental materials by immersion in various extraction solutions are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of topical fluorides (APF and NaF) on the elution of residual monomers (Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, UDMA, and HEMA) from resin-based materials.

Methods

Ninety specimens were prepared, 30 bulk-fill composite resin, 30 nanohybrid universal composite resin, and 30 polyacid-modified composite resin (compomer). These were randomly divided into three groups based on fluoride application procedures. Each specimen was kept in 75% ethanol solution, and residual monomers released from materials were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after 10 min, 1 h, 24 h, and 30 days. The groups were compared using the Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. Measurements were analyzed using the Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results

Fluoride applications generally had no considerable effect on the amount of residual monomer released from resin-based restorative materials. The amount of monomer release after topical APF application was similar to the release in the control group and was lower than the release in the NaF group. The release of monomers from the resin-based material used in the study did not approach toxic levels at the applied time intervals. The compomer released lower amounts of monomer than other resin-based materials.

Conclusions

Fluoride applications do not increase monomer release from resin-based restorative materials. However, compomers should be employed by clinicians due to their lower monomer release compared to other resin restorative materials. The release of monomers from all the resin-based materials did not approach toxic levels at the applied time intervals.
Purification and biochemical characterization of two laccase isoenzymes isolated from Trichoderma harzianum S7113 and its application for bisphenol A degradation
Authors: Elsayed Alshaimaa M. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Abdel Karim Ghada S. A. , Abdelraof Mohamed , Othman Abdelmageed M.
Published: January 2023

Two laccase isoenzymes (LacA and LacB) were isolated from a novelTrichoderma harzianumS7113 isolate employing ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sephadex G100, and DEAE Sepharose ion exchange chromatography. The molecular weights of the purified LacA and LacB laccases were estimated to be 63 and 48 kDa, respectively. The two isoenzymes had their optimum activities at the same temperature (50 °C), but at slightly different pH values (pH 3.0 for LacA and pH 2.5 for LacB). LacA and LacB had the same thermal stability at 40 °C and pH stability at pH 9.0. The two isoenzymes also showed a high level of specific activity toward ABTS, where theKmvalues of LacA and LacB were 0.100 and 0.065 mM, whereas theirVmaxvalues were 0.603 and 0.182 µmol min−1, respectively. LacA and LacB catalytic activity was stimulated by Mg2+, Zn2+, K+, and Ni2+, whereas it was inhibited by Hg2+and Pb2+, β-mercaptoethanol, EDTA, and SDS, and completely inhibited by sodium azide. Our findings indicate that purified laccase has a promising capacity for bisphenol A (BPA) bioremediation across a broad pH range. This finding opens up new opportunities for the commercialization of this technique in a variety of biotechnology-based applications, particularly for removing endocrine chemicals from the environment.