bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of myosin II force generation: insights from novel experimental techniques and approaches
Authors: Rassier Dilson E. , Månsson Alf
Published: March 2024

Myosin II is a molecular motor that converts chemical energy derived from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work. Myosin II isoforms are responsible for muscle contraction and a range of cell functions relying on the development of force and motion. When the motor attaches to actin, ATP is hydrolyzed and inorganic phosphate (Pi) and ADP are released from its active site. These reactions are coordinated with changes in the structure of myosin, promoting the so-called “power stroke” that causes the sliding of actin filaments. The general features of the myosin-actin interactions are well accepted, but there are critical issues that remain poorly understood, mostly due to technological limitations. In recent years, there has been a significant advance in structural, biochemical, and mechanical methods that have advanced the field considerably. New modeling approaches have also allowed researchers to understand actomyosin interactions at different levels of analysis. This paper reviews recent studies looking into the interaction between myosin II and actin filaments, which leads to power stroke and force generation. It reviews studies conducted with single myosin molecules, myosins working in filaments, muscle sarcomeres, myofibrils, and fibers. It also reviews the mathematical models that have been used to understand the mechanics of myosin II in approaches focusing on single molecules to ensembles. Finally, it includes brief sections on translational aspects, how changes in the myosin motor by mutations and/or posttranslational modifications may cause detrimental effects in diseases and aging, among other conditions, and how myosin II has become an emerging drug target.
The ion channels of endomembranes
Authors: Hu Meiqin , Feng Xinghua , Liu Qiang , Liu Siyu , Huang Fangqian , Xu Haoxing
Published: March 2024

The endomembrane system consists of organellar membranes in the biosynthetic pathway [endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, and secretory vesicles] as well as those in the degradative pathway (early endosomes, macropinosomes, phagosomes, autophagosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes). These endomembrane organelles/vesicles work together to synthesize, modify, package, transport, and degrade proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, regulating the balance between cellular anabolism and catabolism. Large ion concentration gradients exist across endomembranes: Ca2+ gradients for most endomembrane organelles and H+ gradients for the acidic compartments. Ion (Na+, K+, H+, Ca2+, and Cl−) channels on the organellar membranes control ion flux in response to cellular cues, allowing rapid informational exchange between the cytosol and organelle lumen. Recent advances in organelle proteomics, organellar electrophysiology, and luminal and juxtaorganellar ion imaging have led to molecular identification and functional characterization of about two dozen endomembrane ion channels. For example, whereas IP3R1–3 channels mediate Ca2+ release from the ER in response to neurotransmitter and hormone stimulation, TRPML1–3 and TMEM175 channels mediate lysosomal Ca2+ and H+ release, respectively, in response to nutritional and trafficking cues. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of these endomembrane channels, with a focus on their subcellular localizations, ion permeation properties, gating mechanisms, cell biological functions, and disease relevance.
Reservoir Quality, Lithotype Assessment, and Geochemical Source Rock Analysis: Insights from Well Logs and Pyrolysis Data, Karama Field, North-Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Mamdouh Mahmoud , Reda Mohamed , Raef Abdelmoneam , El Din M. Y. Zein , Abdelhafeez Tharwat H. , Al-Hashim Mansour H.
Published: March 2024

Reservoir characteristics and source rock geochemistry are essential for petroleum system investigation as they reveal reservoir quality and hydrocarbon generation capability, respectively. The primary Karama oil field reservoir of Abu El Gharadig Basin is the limestone-sand-shale Abu Roash G (AR/G) Member. This study examines AR/G, analyzes source rocks for maturity and organic elements, and defines the main reservoir lithotypes and evaluates reservoir properties. Five well log datasets and an AR/F pyrolysis analysis on another well were used in this study to characterize the AR/G’s 168-foot effective thickness and assess the AR/F source-rock maturation. The effective porosity is up to 30%. The highest shale concentration was 24% in central and western parts of the field. Therefore, drilling development wells in this area, especially east and north, demands caution. The composition and vertical and lateral lithofacies variations of the defined reservoir in the Karama field region are a significant control of its petrophysical properties. The pyrolysis of AR/F revealed 1.32–5.84% content of organic matter. That content qualifies AR/F as a hydrocarbon source if thermal maturity is reached. Type I and type II kerogen in the Abu Roash F Member suggests oil production. The Abu Roash G Member and Upper Bahariya (UB) formation produce oil and gas due to their own type II and III kerogen. GC biomarker data suggests that the research area is predominantly maritime, with most samples showing environmental degradation. The area under consideration has one reservoir, AR/G, and three members of source rocks in AR/F&G and UB. AR/G electrofacies revealed various lithotypes and flow units.
Role of RUNX2 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC): A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: AL-Hamad Khalid A.
Published: March 2024

RUNX2, known as the core-binding factor subunit alpha-1 (Cbfa1), is a protein-coding gene recognized and responsible for its involvement in bone development and osteoblast differentiation. However, its dysregulation and aberrant expression have been linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This review highlights the significance of the RUNX2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Objectives. To review the contribution of the RUNX2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its implication on clinical diagnosis and treatments. Materials and Methods. A systematic scoping review was conducted to elucidate the role of RUNX2 in OSCC. A framework of five stages for scoping reviews outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) was adopted for the current study. Results. The review showed that RUNX2 plays a role in the development and progression of OSCC, a common form of head and neck cancer. Conclusion. RUNX2 is an essential player in the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and its dysregulation promotes tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, making it a potential target therapy for future research aimed at developing novel therapies for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical Relevance. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which RUNX2 contributes to OSCC pathogenesis can lead to target treatment for this challenging form of cancer.
Online Bridge Structural Condition Assessment Based on the Gaussian Process: A Representative Data Selection and Performance Warning Strategy
Authors: Zhu Yi-Chen , Zheng Yun-Wen , Xiong Wen , Li Jiang-Xin , Cai C. S. , Jiang Chao
Published: March 2024

Data‐driven methods have now been widely used in structural health monitoring of civil infrastructures thanks to the rapid development of sensor technologies with massive structural and operational condition data. One main issue of data‐driven methods is that the computational time increases with the number of monitoring data used, which limits their applications for online structural condition assessment. Focusing on bridge structural health monitoring, this paper proposes a representative data selection strategy for online performance assessment based on Gaussian process models. The proposed method can effectively reduce the required monitoring data size for training, allowing the bridge performance assessment to be conducted in a real‐time manner. The method is developed in a probabilistic manner, allowing associated uncertainty of bridge monitoring data to be rigorously considered. A probabilistic warning index is proposed for bridge condition assessment and anomaly detection. The proposed method is validated using synthetic data and applied to structural condition assessment of two full‐scale bridges, illustrating the feasibility for real implementations.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Enables Reliable Annotation of the Cancer-Specific Transcriptome and Molecular Subtype
Authors: Bahrambeigi Vahid , Lee Jaewon J. , Branchi Vittorio , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Xu Zhichao , Kui Naishu , Henry Jason T. , Kun Wang , Stephens Bret M. , Dhebat Sarah , Hurd Mark W. , Sun Ryan , Yang Peng , Ruppin Eytan , Wang Wenyi , Kopetz Scott , Maitra Anirban , Guerrero Paola A.
Published: March 2024

Longitudinal monitoring of patients with advanced cancers is crucial to evaluate both disease burden and treatment response. Current liquid biopsy approaches mostly rely on the detection of DNA-based biomarkers. However, plasma RNA analysis can unleash tremendous opportunities for tumor state interrogation and molecular subtyping. Through the application of deep learning algorithms to the deconvolved transcriptomes of RNA within plasma extracellular vesicles (evRNA), we successfully predicted consensus molecular subtypes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Analysis of plasma evRNA also enabled monitoring of changes in transcriptomic subtype under treatment selection pressure and identification of molecular pathways associated with recurrence. This approach also revealed expressed gene fusions and neoepitopes from evRNA. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using transcriptomic-based liquid biopsy platforms for precision oncology approaches, spanning from the longitudinal monitoring of tumor subtype changes to the identification of expressed fusions and neoantigens as cancer-specific therapeutic targets, sans the need for tissue-based sampling.

Significance:

The development of an approach to interrogate molecular subtypes, cancer-associated pathways, and differentially expressed genes through RNA sequencing of plasma extracellular vesicles lays the foundation for liquid biopsy–based longitudinal monitoring of patient tumor transcriptomes.
Therapeutic Targeting of TIM-4-L with Engineered T Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Cieniewicz Brandon , Oliveira Edson , Saxton Mike , Torabi Damoun , Bhatta Ankit , Kukutla Phanidhar , Arballo Alexander , Yang Zhuo , Yu Bi , Fate Maria , Ning Hongxiu , Corey Lawrence , Maiti Abhishek , Corey Daniel
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Disruption of lipid bilayer asymmetry is a common feature observed in cancer cells and offers novel routes for therapeutic targeting. We used the natural immune receptor TIM-4 to interrogate for loss of plasma membrane phospholipid polarity in primary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) samples and evaluated the anti-leukemic activity of TIM-4-L–directed T-cell therapy in preclinical AML models.

Experimental Design:

We performed FACS analysis on 33 primary AML bone marrow specimens and correlated TIM-4-L expression frequency and intensity with molecular disease characteristics. Using Kasumi-1 and MV-4–11 AML cell lines, we further tested the anti-leukemic effects of TIM-4-L–directed engineered T cells in vitro and in vivo.

Results:

We found that 86% of untreated AML blasts displayed upregulation of cell surface TIM-4-L. These observations were agnostic to AML genetic classification, as samples with mutations in TP53, ASXL1, and RUNX1 displayed TIM-4-L upregulation similar to that seen in favorable and intermediate subtypes. TIM-4-L dysregulation was also stably present in AML cell lines. To evaluate the potential of targeting upregulated TIM-4-L with adoptive T-cell therapy, we constructed TIM-4-L–directed engineered T cells, which demonstrated potent anti-leukemic effects, effectively eliminating AML cell lines with a range of endogenous TIM-4-L expression levels both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

These results highlight TIM-4-L as a highly prevalent target on AML across a range of genetic classifications and novel target for T-cell–based therapy in AML. Further investigations into the role of TIM-4-L in AML pathogenesis and its potential as an anti-leukemic target for clinical development are warranted.
Status and Future Directions for Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease With and Without Pulmonary Hypertension: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Aggarwal Vikas , Giri Jay , Visovatti Scott H. , Mahmud Ehtisham , Matsubara Hiromi , Madani Michael , Rogers Frances , Gopalan Deepa , Rosenfield Kenneth , McLaughlin Vallerie V. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease; Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing
Published: March 2024

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty continues to gain traction as a treatment option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease with and without pulmonary hypertension. Recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines on pulmonary hypertension now give balloon pulmonary angioplasty a Class 1 recommendation for inoperable and residual chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Not surprisingly, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension centers are rapidly initiating balloon pulmonary angioplasty programs. However, we need a comprehensive, expert consensus document outlining critical concepts, including identifying necessary personnel and expertise, criteria for patient selection, and a standardized approach to preprocedural planning and establishing criteria for evaluating procedural efficacy and safety. Given this lack of standards, the balloon pulmonary angioplasty skill set is learned through peer-to-peer contact and training. This document is a state-of-the-art, comprehensive statement from key thought leaders to address this gap in the current clinical practice of balloon pulmonary angioplasty. We summarize the current status of the procedure and provide a consensus opinion on the role of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in the overall care of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease with and without pulmonary hypertension. We also identify knowledge gaps, provide guidance for new centers interested in initiating balloon pulmonary angioplasty programs, and highlight future directions and research needs for this emerging therapy.
Talmy’s Typology Revisited: A Spanning Approach
Authors: Acedo-Matellán Víctor , Kwapiszewski Arkadiusz
Published: March 2024

We challenge Folli and Harley’s (2020) account of Talmy’s (2000) typology, as it does not derive the unavailability of satellite-framed constructions in verb-framed languages, and it fails to predict the existence of weak satellite-framed languages like Latin and Slavic (Acedo-Matellán 2016). We propose an alternative approach based on Spanning (Svenonius 2016). Variation stems from the distribution of PF-interpretable features on the resultative head Res. Depending on the language, this head may or may not bear features triggering lexical access (w) and linearization (@). Conforming with Minimalist desiderata, our account captures a wider range of Talmyan patterns and produces some novel successful predictions.
Still in the ‘Waiting Room’
Authors: Jayawardena Pavithra
Published: March 2024

Voting is predominantly understood through resident citizens’ viewpoints. Many resident citizens are nervous about the perceived consequences of voting by resident noncitizens. Although New Zealand is the only Western democratic host country that currently allows noncitizens to vote in national elections, citizens have concerns about how noncitizens use this right. This study investigates noncitizen voting from noncitizens’ viewpoints, by exploring the journeys and experiences of Sri Lankan immigrants in New Zealand. Based on 26 interviews with Sri Lankans in Auckland and Wellington, the study found two dimensions—temporal and transnational—that shape immigrants’ views in a different way from those of resident citizen voters. Building on Bridget Anderson’s methodological de-nationalism, the study suggests that we need to recognise the differences between resident citizens and resident noncitizens in order not to homogenise groups and wrongly assume that they share motives and behavioural and decision-making patterns.
Turkstroi: Soviet-Turkish Industrial Cooperation and the Dialectics of Divergence and Convergence in Interwar Statism, 1931–1941
Authors: O’Sullivan Michael
Published: March 2024

Turkstroi was a Soviet trust that, in partnership with Turkey’s state-owned Sümerbank, constructed several industrial enterprises in the Turkish Republic in the 1930s. By situating the trust in the context of Soviet, Turkish, and multilateral economic development, this article argues that the trust was an expression of patterns of both convergence and divergence in Soviet and Turkish interwar statism. As one of the few transnational industrial enterprises to materialize during the first two Soviet Five-Year Plans, Turkstroi was an impressive feat. But the volume of industrial plant and expertise that the trust was able to send to Turkey was largely predetermined by the dynamics of Soviet hard-currency restraints, and the trust’s managerial staff was later annihilated during the Stalinist Purges. Still, Turkstroi necessitated the formulation of a transnational wing to the Soviet planned economy and showcased Soviet technical expertise outside the union. In comparison with their respective trading links with Western industrial powers, Soviet-Turkish industrial collaboration was of limited in scope. Nonetheless, to a degree disproportionate with its actual economic contribution, Turkstroi generated intellectual debate within Turkey about the character of Turkish development, Soviet boasts about the international dimensions of its industrial prowess, and a host of new Turkish state-owned and bilateral (Ankara-Moscow) institutions to ensure the running of the trust’s subsidiary operations.
From Western India to Eastern Africa—the Rise of the Parsis in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Authors: Yazdani Kaveh
Published: March 2024

The present paper examines the socio-economic conditions for the ascendancy of the Zoroastrian community in Western India between the 18th and 19th centuries. This study reinforces the well-established thesis on the role played by the Parsis in the development of capitalism in India. What distinguishes it from other narratives is the periodization of this development and the consideration of Parsi agency in the Western Indian Ocean region and East Africa, especially Mozambique. The cooperation of the Parsis with the European trade companies and private European traders as of the mid-17th century—most notably, their links to the English East India Company, which boosted the Zoroastrian communities of northwestern India—is investigated. I try to show how the Parsis, who had been predominantly peasants, farmers and artisans from the 10th to 17th centuries, increasingly embarked upon trade, moneylending, brokerage and production. Because of their accumulated wealth, their numbers as well as their influence augmented throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
In Search of the Phoenix in Eighteenth-Century Naples
Authors: de Ceglia Francesco Paolo , Maraschi Andrea , Monno Alessandro , Tempesta Gioacchino
Published: March 2024

Raimondo di Sangro (1710–1771), Prince of Sansevero, is renowned for having made experiences on mineral palingenesis, among other things. This multidisciplinary article brings together approaches and methodologies of the history of science and of mineralogy, and presents innovative results obtained during two distinct surveys at the Museo Cappella Sansevero. It focuses on the techniques Raimondo implemented to create the blue and red pigments which he used to adorn the family chapel, as well as on his choice to use fluorite as a sculptural material. Our analyses confirm for the first time that the Prince of Sansevero was able to create artificial ultramarine. As of today, this seems to be the earliest ever recorded example of the production of this artificial pigment. Consequently, this study suggests that historical sources documenting di Sangro’s experiences should be seriously reconsidered. This article also contextualises Raimondo’s efforts within the Neapolitan networks of Freemasons, engravers and antiquarians.
How Concrete Is Confucian Liberalism?
Authors: Jiang Dongxian
Published: March 2024

This commentary evaluates whether Roy Tseng’s Confucian Liberalism provides an attractive normative political philosophy for modern East Asia, compared with existing Confucian political theories. I argue that Tseng’s Confucian-Hegelian theory operates at a highly abstract level, without outlining institutional structures and policy orientations that embody his philosophical ideals. In contrast, leading Confucian political theorists in the past two decades, be they progressive, liberal, or traditionalist, have offered multiple “Confucian-inspired regimes” for modern societies. It is therefore doubtful whether Tseng has advanced a new alternative to existing proposals, and whether the theory of Confucian liberalism is truly sensitive to the “here and now.”
Large-Scale Dust–Bioaerosol Field Observations in East Asia
Authors: Huang Zhongwei , Dong Qing , Xue Fanli , Qi Jing , Yu Xinrong , Maki Teruya , Du Pengyue , Gu Qianqing , Tang Shihan , Shi Jinsen , Bi Jianrong , Zhou Tian , Huang Jianping
Published: March 2024

The long-range transport of bioaerosols by dust events significantly impacts ecological and meteorological networks of the atmosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere. Bioaerosols not only cause significant public health risks, but also act as efficient ice nuclei for inducing cloud formation and precipitation in the hydrological cycle. To establish risk management for bioaerosol impacts on the Earth system, a large-scale investigation of bioaerosols must be performed under different environmental conditions. For this purpose, a Dust–Bioaerosol (DuBi) field campaign was conducted to investigate the distribution of bioaerosols by collecting ∼950 samples at 39 sites across East Asia from 2016 to 2021. Concentrations and community structures of bioaerosols were further analyzed using fluorescence microscopic observations and high-throughput DNA sequencing, and these factors were compared to environmental factors, such as PM10 and aridity. The results indicated that microbial concentrations at dryland sites were statistically higher than those at humid sites, while the microbe-to-total-particle ratio was statistically lower in drylands than in humid regions. Microbial cells per microgram of PM10 decreased when PM10 increased. The proportion of airborne particles at each site did not vary substantially with season. The richness and diversity of airborne bacteria were significantly higher in drylands than in semiarid regions, while the community structures were stable among all sampling sites. The DuBi field campaign improves our understanding of bioaerosol characteristic variations along the dust transport pathway in East Asia and the changes of bioaerosols under the trend of climate warming, supporting the efforts to reduce public health risks.
ChatGPT and Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Dimitriadis Fotis , Alkagiet Stelina , Tsigkriki Lamprini , Kleitsioti Panagiota , Sidiropoulos George , Efstratiou Dimitris , Askalidi Taisa , Tsaousidis Adam , Siarkos Michail , Giannakopoulou Pinelopi , Mavrogianni Angeliki-Despoina , Zarifis John , Koulaouzidis George
Published: March 2024

ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a large-scale language processing model, with possibilities for professional patient support in a patient-friendly way. The aim of the study was to examine the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT in answering questions about knowledge and management of heart failure (HF). First, we recorded 47 most frequently asked questions by patients about HF. The answers of ChatGPT to these questions were independently assessed by two researchers. ChatGPT was able to render the definition of the disease in a very simple and explanatory way. It listed a number of the most important causes of HF and the most important risk factors for its occurrence. It provided correct answers about the most important diagnostic tests and why they are recommended. In addition, it answered health and dietary questions, such as the daily fluid and the alcohol intake. ChatGPT listed the most important classes of drugs in HF and their mechanism of action. It also answered with arguments to questions about patient’s sex life, whether they could work, drive, or travel by plane. The performance of ChatGPT was described as very good as it was able to adequately answer all questions posed to it.
Contributing Factors of a Good Death for Children With Cancer From Bereaved Parents’ Perspectives in South Korea
Authors: Kim Min Ah , Min Joohong , Sang Jina , Jee Hyunkyong
Published: March 2024

Achieving a good-quality death for children with cancer is as paramount as saving their life, given its implications for both the children’s end-of-life quality and the grief journey of their parents. This study explored factors contributing to a good death for children with cancer, as perceived by bereaved parents in South Korea. A retrospective survey was conducted, involving 58 bereaved parents of a child who died of cancer. t-tests and regressions were performed to identify factors related to deceased children associated with parents’ reports of a good death for children with cancer. The results revealed significant correlations between parents’ age, income, religious affiliation, time elapsed since death, child’s age at death, and cancer recurrence with several aspects of a good death. These findings underscore the importance of assessing characteristics of both parents and their children to enhance the quality of death experienced by children with cancer in South Korea.
Realizing the Sustainability of Portfolio Assessment in Second-Language Writing
Authors: Mak Pauline , Wong Kevin M
Published: March 2024

Portfolio assessment, as an alternative writing assessment approach, has received growing attention in the past few decades. Although the benefits of portfolio assessment are well validated, there is a dearth of empirical research on how portfolio assessment can be sustained over time and the support teachers need to sustain portfolio assessment practice in their teaching contexts. To fill this significant void, the present study examines the influences that contribute to the sustainability of portfolio assessment in second-language writing. Drawing on data from interviews with the principal, English department chair and four English teachers from one elementary school in Hong Kong, as well as classroom observation and teachers’ team meeting observation, the study revealed that administrators’ role in dispersing decision-making authority to teachers, exploiting learning opportunities and providing a stimulating environment for teachers, and the sharing of common vision and goals, as well as collective flows of learning among team members, are the cornerstone of transformation and sustainability for the practice of portfolio assessment. The paper concludes with practical implications on how the innovative attempts in portfolio assessment can be sustained over time.
The effect of virtual reality glasses applied during intrauterine device insertion on pain, anxiety and satisfaction: Randomized controlled study
Authors: Öz Tuğba , Demirci Nurdan
Published: March 2024

Background and aim

This study was carried out to determine the effect of the use of “virtual reality glasses,” on anxiety, pain, and satisfaction level in order to reduce anxiety and pain during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, which is a painful and stressful procedure for women and to divert attention to increase satisfaction.

Methods

This randomized controlled study in the gynecology clinic of a state hospital with 80 women who were accepted to participate in the study. Data were collected using structured patient information form, numerical pain rating scale, state-trait anxiety inventory, patient satisfaction evaluation form, and virtual reality glasses.

Results

Post-procedural pain scores in the control group after IUD application were higher than post-procedural pain in the virtual reality group. Measurements of post-procedure anxiety in the control group were higher than measurements of post-procedural in the virtual reality group. Satisfaction levels of women with virtual reality glasses during IUD insertion were also found to be high.

Conclusions

It was determined that the use of virtual reality glasses, one of the methods of distraction during IUD insertion, was effective in reducing pain and anxiety and increasing patient satisfaction.
Gendered precarity of migrant women in the satellite city of Isparta, Türkiye
Authors: Sallan Gül Songül , Kahya Nizam Özlem , Türkmen Er Emine
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on the experiences of asylum-seeking and forced migrant women in one of the satellite cities in Türkiye and discusses how gender affects women’s precarious living and working conditions. Based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 migrant women from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria in 2019, our findings suggest that asylum-seeking women have limited access to economic and social resources available in the satellite city of Isparta due to gender inequalities. The findings of the study indicate that factors, such as (1) gendered and informal employment structure, (2) traditional gender roles, (3) crowded and patriarchal family structure, (4) loosened kinship and solidarity, (5) language incompetence, (6) restrictive migration management and (7) satellite city policies, all have a role in determining the experiences of these migrant women. These factors often prevent migrant women from accessing some basic services, social networks and employment opportunities, and push them to live precarious, impoverished and excluded lives.
Outcomes of conservative management in patients with nutcracker syndrome
Authors: Sarikaya Sabit , Altas Ozge , Ozgur Mustafa Mert , Hancer Hakan , Ozdere Betul Ayca , Ozer Tanil , Aksut Mehmet , Rabus Murat Bulent , Topcu Kamile Ozeren , Bas Tolga , Kirali Kaan
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate outcomes in nutcracker syndrome patients with tolerable symptoms and treated conservatively without invasive interventions.

Methods

This prospective study included patients treated conservatively. Promoting weight gain, the endpoint of the study was spontaneous resolution of symptoms.

Results

Sixteen patients (75% female and mean age 24.4 ± 3.5 years) underwent conservative management. Over a mean follow-up of 27.3 months [13–42, interquartile range (IQR)], the diameter ratio (5.5 [5–6.5, IQR] vs 4.3 [4.1–6], p = NS), the peak velocity ratio (6 [5–7, IQR] vs 4.8 [4.8–5.8], p = NS), beak angle (27° [24–30, IQR] vs 29° [24–32]; p = NS), and aortomesenteric angle (26° [23–29, IQR] vs 28° [24–30]; p = NS) exhibited no statistically significant changes. Complete resolution and improvement of symptoms were 28.5% and 31.4%, respectively, while 68.5% remained unchanged.

Conclusions

This study shows that a conservative approach contributes to the spontaneous improvement or complete resolution in young adult patients with mild symptoms.
A Generalizable Decision-Making Framework for Selecting Onsite versus Send-out Clinical Laboratory Testing
Authors: Schroeder Lee F. , Rebman Paul , Kasaie Parastu , Kenu Ernest , Zelner Jon , Dowdy David W.
Published: March 2024

Background

Laboratory networks provide services through onsite testing or through specimen transport to higher-tier laboratories. This decision is based on the interplay of testing characteristics, treatment characteristics, and epidemiological characteristics.

Objectives

Our objective was to develop a generalizable model using the threshold approach to medical decision making to inform test placement decisions.

Methods

We developed a decision model to compare the incremental utility of onsite versus send-out testing for clinical purposes. We then performed Monte Carlo simulations to identify the settings under which each strategy would be preferred. Tuberculosis was modeled as an exemplar.

Results

The most important determinants of the decision to test onsite versus send-out were the clinical utility lost due to send-out testing delays and the accuracy decrement with onsite testing. When the sensitivity decrements of onsite testing were minimal, onsite testing tended to be preferred when send-out delays reduced clinical utility by >20%. By contrast, when onsite testing incurred large reductions in sensitivity, onsite testing tended to be preferred when utility lost due to delays was >50%. The relative cost of onsite versus send-out testing affected these thresholds, particularly when testing costs were >10% of treatment costs.

Conclusions

Decision makers can select onsite versus send-out testing in an evidence-based fashion using estimates of the percentage of clinical utility lost due to send-out delays and the relative accuracy of onsite versus send-out testing. This model is designed to be generalizable to a wide variety of use cases.

Highlights

The design of laboratory networks, including the decision to place diagnostic instruments at the point-of-care or at higher tiers as accessed through specimen transport, can be informed using the threshold approach to medical decision making. The most important determinants of the decision to test onsite versus send-out were the clinical utility lost due to send-out testing delays and the accuracy decrement with onsite testing. The threshold approach to medical decision making can be used to compare point-of-care testing accuracy decrements with the lost utility of treatment due to send-out testing delays. The relative cost of onsite versus send-out testing affected these thresholds, particularly when testing costs were >10% of treatment costs.
A new Perspective on Jonathan – his covenant with David and his ultimate choice
Authors: Hakvoort Richard G.
Published: March 2024

Two issues concerning the relationship between Jonathan and David are discussed, one found at the beginning and the other at the end of their joint adventures as described in 1 Samuel. First, we consider how we should interpret the covenant between Jonathan and David. It is shown that this need not be interpreted positively in all respects. It is not mentioned anywhere that David inquired of Yahweh before making this covenant. It also looks like Jonathan lacked crucial information about Yahweh’s rejection of Saul. In the end, their covenant is a pact between the rejected house of Saul and the elected house of David, which appears not to have been blessed by Yahweh. Second, it is investigated whether Jonathan has actually made a choice between his father, Saul, and his friend David. The narrative seems to hint that Jonathan has in fact chosen Saul’s side. In the end, Jonathan decided not to stay with David but to return to his father’s house. As a consequence, Jonathan fought Saul’s battle and, ultimately, died with him, resulting in David’s grief.
Homelessness and Intimate Partner Violence: Women's Experiences With Accessing Formal Support Services and the Impact of Their Intersecting Identities
Authors: Rakus Marissa , Singleton-Jackson Jill
Published: March 2024

Many women experiencing homelessness and intimate partner violence (IPV) often do not use formal support services due to barriers such as finances, inaccessibility, controlling partners, and stigma. The current literature lacks studies that examine the formal service experiences of women who have undergone both homelessness and IPV. Therefore, the current study used a qualitative-dominant design and explored the formal service needs of these women, barriers and facilitating factors associated with accessing services, and how the women's identities affected their experiences with formal services. Interviews with 10 women were conducted, and a reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using a critical feminist and intersectionality lens. The most common factors that led to homelessness were conflict and precarious circumstances leading to housing instability. Common barriers were systemic, psychological, dismissal, minimization, and financial barriers. The most common needs were health, finances, and basic necessities. The most common facilitating factors were support networks and resilience, growth, and proactivity. The social positionings most commonly affecting their experiences were class and race/ethnicity. These findings highlighted the voices of marginalized women and can be used to implement positive change in formal services that cater to this subgroup of women.
Perceived Acceptability of Child Maltreatment as a Moderator of the Association Between Experiences of Child Maltreatment and Post-Traumatic Symptoms: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Bartoli Eleonora , Wadji Dany Laure , Oe Misari , Cheng Polly , Martin-Soelch Chantal , Pfaltz Monique C. , Langevin Rachel
Published: March 2024

Despite the well-documented link between child maltreatment (CM) and mental health, evidence suggests substantial variability in the post-traumatic sequelae of CM across cultures. The perceived acceptability of CM in one’s community might moderate the association between CM and mental health, but little research has been conducted on it so far. This study examined how the perceived acceptability of CM may influence the relationship between CM experiences and post-traumatic symptoms in individuals from four different continents and if the pattern of associations is the same across countries. We recruited a sample of 478 adults from Cameroon ( n = 111), Canada ( n = 137), Japan ( n = 108), and Germany ( n = 122). We administered online questionnaires and performed multiple group moderation analyses for total CM, neglect, physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, and exposure to domestic violence (DV). A significant positive main effect of CM on post-traumatic symptoms was found in the overall sample and in Cameroon; in Germany, only neglect and emotional maltreatment were positively associated to post-traumatic symptoms. Moderation effects were identified; the perceived acceptability of neglect in Cameroon and Germany and of exposure to DV in Cameroon had a dampening effect on the relationship between CM experiences and post-traumatic symptoms. Our findings confirm that CM experiences entail long-term post-traumatic sequelae that can vary across cultures and CM subtypes and further our understanding of this issue by showing that the perceived acceptability of CM may be an understudied moderator.
Analysis and comparison on the mechanical behaviors of original bolt-column (OBC) joint and improved bolt-column (IBC) joint
Authors: Xiao Zhicheng , Peng Jingxuan , Li Chengxin , Yan Gengwang , Li Huijun
Published: March 2024

In this study, OBC joint is improved by incorporating one web, two flanges, and two additional bolts, putting forward a novel semi-rigid joint referred to as IBC joint. Finite element models of both OBC and IBC joints are established and the former is validated based on previous research. Subsequently, a total of 84 numerical models is utilized to investigate and compare the mechanical behaviors of OBC and IBC joints, taking into account different thicknesses of side plate and flange as wll as various loading conditions. The numerical results indicate that: (I) in comparison to OBC joints, the IBC joints exhibit significant enhancements in strong axis bending performance and axial tensile performance, including average enhancement ratios of 48%, 67%, 44%, and 19% in initial strong axis bending stiffness, ultimate strong axis bending moment, initial tensile stiffness and ultimate tension, respectively; (II) compared to OBC joints, the IBC joints demonstrate reduced capacity in axial torsional resistance and axial compressive performance, with mean decline ratios of 54%, 39%, 14%, and 7% in initial torsional stiffness, ultimate torque, initial compressive stiffness and ultimate compression, respectively; (III) OBC joints have better weak axis bending performance compared to IBC joints, but this gap decreases remarkably with increasing thicknesses of side plate and flange; (IV) the initial out-of-plane shear stiffness and ultimate out-of-plane shear of the IBC joint exhibit average enhancement of approximately 20% and 10%, respectively, when compared to those of the OBC joint; (V) regarding in-plane shear performance, the initial stiffness of IBC joints exceeds that of OBC joints by an average ratio of 61%, while IBC joints with flange thickness over 10 mm demonstrate significant improvement in ultimate capacity; (VI) The mechanical performance of OBC and IBC joints shows varying degrees of improvement with an increase in the thicknesses of side plate and flange.
More Than Human Altitudes: Exploring Assemblages of Bees, Flowers, and People in the Italian Alps
Authors: Zola Lia
Published: March 2024

My paper wishes to delve into concepts such as assemblage and sympoiesis and examine them within the framework of my ethnographic fieldwork on beekeeping in the Western chain of the Italian Alps. I believe that the implications of notions such as sympoiesis and assemblage can be seen to surface in the context of beekeeping and bee culture, as they emerge as multispecies activities where everything and everyone involved can be regarded as a social actor. In this respect, the most relevant issues I would like to tackle are referred to knowledge production and know-how among beekeepers who keep their apiaries in the plains for most part of the year and move them to mountain areas for the summer.
Modeling, identification, and high-speed compensation study of dynamic hysteresis nonlinearity for piezoelectric actuator
Authors: Zhou Minrui , Dai Zhihui , Zhou Zhenhua , Liu Xin , Cao Taishan , Li Zhanhui
Published: March 2024

Hysteresis nonlinearity widely exists in the piezoelectric actuator (PEA), and the hysteresis nonlinearity has strong dynamic characteristics that lead to deterioration of tracking performance. To decrease the positioning error caused by hysteresis nonlinearity, a generalized Bouc-Wen (GBW) hysteresis model and its compensation method are proposed in this paper. First, based on the Bouc-Wen hysteresis model, two asymmetric terms and a second-order IIR filter are applied to describe the asymmetric hysteresis and high-frequency phase lag characteristics of PEA. Then, the model parameters with strong relevance to frequency variation are modified as frequency-dependent parameters. Meanwhile, based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, a novel parameter identification algorithm is designed for identifying the parameters of GBW hysteresis model. Then, an inverse feedforward controller is constructed based on the GBW hysteresis model, and a composite compensation control algorithm combining PID controller and repetitive controller is developed to reduce the unmodeled dynamics errors and unknown external disturbances. Finally, the comparison experiment results show that the accuracy and performance of the GBW model proposed in this paper are much better than the classical Bouc-Wen (CBW) model and the enhanced Bouc-Wen (EBW) model, and the developed compensation controller has excellent control performance and robustness.
The State of Supplier Diversity Initiatives by Large Corporations: The New Sustainable Supply Chain?
Authors: Berenguer Gemma , Costas Lorenzo Natalia , Sáez de Tejada Cuenca Anna
Published: March 2024

We describe the state of supplier diversity efforts by large corporations from an international perspective. We examine data for the companies in the 2020 and 2022 Fortune Global 500 and find that corporate definitions of diversity are dynamic and vary across regions. Furthermore, while supplier diversity efforts are not yet widespread, these initiatives are increasingly common, especially in the form of references to diversity in companies’ supplier codes of conduct. Companies in North America and in certain economic sectors, such as the financial and healthcare sectors, are more likely to have such efforts in place. Based on our data, companies that report on their internal diversity and companies that have other forms of supplier sustainability initiatives are also more likely to have supplier diversity initiatives. We argue further that supplier diversity efforts will follow a trajectory similar to other supplier sustainability efforts. Finally, we suggest possible avenues for future research on supplier diversity.
Role of Angiopoietin/Tie2 System in Sepsis: A Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Chi Yawen , Yu Sihan , Yin Jia , Liu Danyan , Zhuo Mengke , Li Xu
Published: March 2024

Sepsis is a disorder of host response caused by severe infection that can lead to life-threatening organ dysfunction. There is no specific treatment for sepsis. Although there are many different pathogens that can cause sepsis, endothelial dysfunction is a frequent mechanism resulting in vascular leakage and coagulation problem. Recent studies on the regulatory pathways of vascular endothelium have shown that the disturbance of angiopoietin (Ang) /Tie2 axis can induce endothelial cell activation, which is the core pathogenesis of sepsis. In this review, we aim to discuss the regulation of Ang/Tie2 axis and the biomarkers involved in the context of sepsis. Also, we attempt to explore the prospective and feasibility of Ang/Tie2 axis as a potential target for sepsis intervention to improve clinical outcomes.
The Impact of Leadership Behaviour on Management Effectiveness in Public Construction Project Organizations
Authors: Nguyen Luong Hai
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore the less explored area of leadership behaviors within public construction project organizations. A correlational research design was adopted, with data collected through a questionnaire-based survey of 169 professionals involved in public construction projects in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares estimation was used to analyze the data. The results confirmed five behavioral dimensions, namely motivating leadership, goal setting, supportive leadership, participative leadership, and directive leadership, which can be used to assess the leading function in public construction work management. The study also revealed that supportive leadership and directive leadership have a significant impact on management effectiveness. Additionally, supportive leadership acts as a mediator for goal setting, motivating leadership, and participative leadership, while directive leadership acts as a mediator for goal setting and participative leadership.