bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative osteopenia is associated with prognosis in patients after resection of esophageal cancer
Authors: Kagaya Takehiro , Miki Atsushi , Watanabe Jun , Kanamaru Rihito , Matsumoto Shiro , Kurashina Kentaro , Saito Shin , Teratani Takumi , Hosoya Yoshinori , Sakuma Yasunaru , Kitayama Joji , Sata Naohiro
Published: June 2024

Background

Osteopenia reflects frailty and has been shown to be associated with outcomes in cancer patients. This study was undertaken to examine whether osteopenia is an independent prognostic factor in patients with esophageal cancer after resection.

Methods

A total of 214 patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the 11th thoracic vertebra was measured by computed tomography scan, and patients classified into osteopenia and normal BMD groups with BMD <160 Hounsfield units as the cutoff. Clinicopathological data and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

The 5‐year survival rate was 55.4% for the osteopenia group and 74.7% for the normal BMD group with a significantly worse prognosis in the osteopenia group (p = 0.0080). In multivariable analysis, osteopenia was a significant independent risk factor associated with overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–3.34, and p = 0.0151) along with R1/2 resection (HR 3.02, 95% CI 1.71–5.18, and p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

In patients with esophageal cancer undergoing resection, osteopenia may be a surrogate marker for frailty and an independent predictor of prognosis.
Stakeholder perceptions of solutions for sustainable management of the African elephant, Loxodonta africana
Authors: Tickle Lara , Jacob Tavaziva Varwi , Thulin Carl‐Gustaf
Published: June 2024

Sustainable coexistence with wildlife is essential for life on earth but is challenging particularly when dealing with large mammals. The numbers of African elephants, Loxodonta africana, in the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe have exceeded the management goal of 5–10 000 to current estimates of 45 000. As a result, elephants leave the park in search of food, causing interactions with the local community such as damages to crops, traffic incidents and mutual aggression. We suggest management options that could support sustainable coexistence between people and elephants as well as other species by assessing the opinions among stakeholders in and around the Hwange National Park. The objective is to ensure the long‐term survival of elephants while balancing other interests. The thematic analysis of interviews and questionnaires highlighted 1) stakeholder insights into different management methods, 2) desire for increased CITES export quotas, 3) increased rights for local communities to derive benefits such as meat and tourist exploits. Both culling and hunting along with derived benefits should be considered to establish a sustainable elephant management strategy in Zimbabwe, and for large wildlife species in general.
Biomonitoring of urban industrial pollution using total reflection X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Schmeling M. , Gende M. , Tovar A.
Published: June 2024

Environmental pollution as a result of industrial activity is widespread in many urban areas including Chicago. In an effort to evaluate the heavy metal fraction originating from industrial activities, plant samples of Daucus Carota or wild carrot were collected at or adjacent to six sites located in two of Chicago's designated industrial corridors. Plants, especially herbaceous species, have been deemed suitable as environmental pollution monitors as they are able to provide information about the heavy metal fraction accessible to biota. The leaves of Daucus Carota were acid digested and analyzed with total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry TXRF. The results showed elevated heavy metal mass fractions for at least one collection site which is close to an operational railyard. Other studies investigating heavy metals in proximity to railroad operations found elevated mass fractions for several elements, but specifically manganese as well. This suggests that abrasion from shunting and breaking releases certain pollutants into the local environment. The data were compared with studies executed in Rome, Italy, and Pakistan, which used Daucus Carota to evaluate heavy metal pollution. It was found that the heavy metal mass fractions obtained for Chicago were higher for some elements indicating an increased pollutant burden for these elements. The same samples were also analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry GFAAS for the elements copper and lead and the data compared. Those two elements were chosen as they were present at each location and GFAAS has proven to be highly sensitive for them. It was found that the two methods provided comparable results for copper, whereas for lead, TXRF overestimated the mass fractions most likely due to limitations of the spectra evaluation software. The analysis of a certified reference material ‘BCR 679 white cabbage’ showed that most data obtained by TXRF were in good agreement with the certified values, with the exception of lead, which was not certified. However, since GFAAS has high sensitivity toward lead and is considered reference method for that element by regulatory agencies, a comparison between GFAAS and TXRF data for lead in the same sample can serve as good indicator for TXRF performance.
Practicality and Compatibility of Cd(II) Coordination Polymer as Luminescent Sensor in Selective and Sensitive Detection of 3‐Nitrotyrosine Biomarker
Authors: Yang Jingyao , Lu Feiyu , Li Wencui , Zhang Lu , Yin Jingrui , Muddassir Mohd. , Fan Liming
Published: June 2024

Based on the mixed ligands of 1,4‐bis(2,4,6‐tricarboxylpyrid‐5‐yl)benzene (H6BTPB) and 1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (bib), a new cadmium(II) coordination polymer with the molecular formula of {[Cd(bib)(μ2‐H2O)(H2O)2](H4BTPB)0.5(bib)0.5}n (CdCP) was constructed under solvothermal condition, and displayed a 3D supramolecular structure expanded by the hydrogen bonds between the 1D [Cd(bib)(μ2‐H2O)(H2O)2]n ladder chain and the guests. Profiting from its superior stability and inherent luminescence, the prepared CdCP dispalyed great potential as a highly sensitive and selective luminescent sensor in trace detection of 3‐NT biomarker in both water and real bodily fluids through the luminescence quenching effects, with the Ksv and LODs being 2.408×105 M−1 and 30.3 nM in water, 2.230×105 M−1 and 44.7 nM in diluted urine, 2.249×105 M−1 and 43.9 nM in diluted serum, respectively. Subsequent mechanism studies indicated the synergistic effect of internal filtering effect, photo‐induced electron transfer, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer determining the luminescence quenching response of CdCP towards 3‐NT biomarker.
Crisis, Uncertainty and Scandal (1980–1994)
Authors: McIvor Charlotte , Walsh Ian R.
Published: June 2024

Economic instability in the 1980s halted the societal change of the previous decades ushering in political uncertainty, renewed Catholic conservatism and moral hypocrisy while the death of political prisoners on hunger strike escalated the violence in the North. Despite these conditions this chapter demonstrates how theatrical activity flourished with new companies formed who embraced collaborative modes of theatremaking, confronted global issues and made sure women’s voices were heard. Playwrights looked to the past to understand the present conflict in the North and confronted systemic abuse in Catholic institutions. Revivals of O’Casey proved popular and controversial. With the end of the 1980s the early 1990s saw the authority of the Catholic Church collapsed by scandals, the decriminalisation of homosexuality and movements towards peace in Northern Ireland.
Examining the Relative Importance of History Teachers’ Epistemological Beliefs in Shaping Their Instructional Practices
Authors: Wilke Marjolein , Van Nieuwenhuyse Karel
Published: June 2024

Departing from concrete teacher cases, the authors of this chapter reflect on the importance of epistemological beliefs in (research on) teachers’ instructional practices. Drawing on their own and others’ research, they demonstrate that there is often an inconsistency between teachers’ epistemological beliefs about history and how teachers present how historical knowledge is constructed in their concrete teaching practices. The authors elaborate upon two reasons for this inconsistency that relate, first, to the complexity of epistemological beliefs and, second, to how these beliefs function within a complex belief system. Methodological difficulties associated with accurately capturing teachers’ epistemological beliefs are also discussed. The authors provide concrete recommendations for how to include these beliefs meaningfully in both future studies on teachers’ instructional practices and in teaching practices.
Adaption of the Maggioni’s BHQ into Turkish Culture and the Testing of Its Validity and Reliability
Authors: Dinç Erkan , Üztemur Servet
Published: June 2024

In this chapter Dinc and Uztemur aim to adapt the Beliefs About History Questionnaire (BHQ) developed by Maggioni into Turkish culture and test its validity and reliability. The study group consists of 264 student social studies teachers selected by simple random sampling method. To determine the construct validity of the 22-item scale, explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed respectively. Although the results revealed that the three-dimensional structure was supported in Turkish culture, it was seen that the five items in the original scale were not included in the Turkish version. Although the Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficients for the sub-dimensions are not high, they are at an acceptable level. Considering that there is not any study assessing epistemic beliefs in the field of history in the Turkish context, it is recommended that further research be conducted by expanding the results of this adaptation study.
Epistemic Fluency and the Pedagogical Challenge of Fake News, Historical Denial, and Rival Histories
Authors: Parkes Robert J.
Published: June 2024

Epistemic wobbling is an identified problem among history teachers who today steward their students through critical engagement with fake news, historical denial, and rival histories. This chapter explores epistemic wobbling from the perspective that history teachers are simultaneously members of mnemonic communities because of their ethnic upbringing, and epistemic communities by virtue of their academic education within historiographic and pedagogical traditions, and professional life inside school subject departments. The chapter proposes a research agenda that explores the influence of each of these communities upon teachers’ formal (historical) and practical (didaktik) epistemologies. It theorizes that fostering epistemic fluency, a special form of epistemic reflexivity, or historical consciousness, has the potential to encourage transparency around the epistemic stance and methodological tools being adopted and deployed, arguably critical when dealing with controversial pasts.
“I Never Thought About History This Way”: The Development of Elementary Teachers’ Beliefs About History and How a Professional Learning Community Can Influence These
Authors: Potjer Yolande , Dobber Marjolein , van Boxtel Carla
Published: June 2024

In this chapter, Potjer et al. describe how elementary teachers participating in a professional development program “Historical reasoning in inquiry-based history lessons” develop more nuanced beliefs about the nature of history. Participants’ beliefs about teaching historical inquiry in grades 3–6 develop accordingly. The teachers identify inquiry activities they worked on during the meetings, group discussions, modeling by the facilitator, searching for historical sources, and designing and teaching inquiry-based lessons as important sources of their professional growth. Besides implications for research and future PD programs, the authors describe ramifications for elementary teacher education.
Cornering gravitational entropy
Authors: Kastikainen Jani , Svesko Andrew
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We present a new derivation of gravitational entropy functionals in higher-curvature theories of gravity using corner terms that are needed to ensure well-posedness of the variational principle in the presence of corners. This is accomplished by cutting open a manifold with a conical singularity into a wedge with boundaries intersecting at a corner. Notably, our observation provides a rigorous definition of the action of a conical singularity that does not require regularization. For Einstein gravity, we compute the Rényi entropy of gravitational states with either fixed-periodicity or fixed-area boundary conditions. The entropy functional for fixed-area states is equal to the corner term, whose extremization follows from the variation of the Einstein action of the wedge under transverse diffeomorphisms. For general Lovelock gravity the entropy functional of fixed-periodicity states is equal to the Jacobson-Myers (JM) functional, while fixed-area states generalize to fixed-JM-functional states, having a flat spectrum. Extremization of the JM functional is shown to coincide with the variation of the Lovelock action of the wedge. For arbitrary F(Riemann) gravity, under special periodic boundary conditions, we recover the Dong-Lewkowycz entropy for fixed-periodicity states. Since the variational problem in the presence of corners is not well-posed, we conjecture the generalization of fixed-area states does not exist for such theories without additional boundary conditions. Thus, our work suggests the existence of entropy functionals is tied to the existence of corner terms which make the Dirichlet variational problem well-posed.
A new subtraction scheme at NLO exploiting the privilege of kT-factorization
Authors: Giachino Alessandro , van Hameren Andreas , Ziarko Grzegorz
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We present a subtraction method for the calculation of real-radiation integrals at NLO in hybrid kT-factorization. The main difference with existing methods for collinear factorization is that we subtract the momentum recoil, occurring due to the mapping from an (n + 1)-particle phase space to an n-particle phase space, from the initial-state momenta, instead of distributing it over the final-state momenta.
Subacute Degeneration of Fibers After Vertical Parasagittal Hemispherotomy
Authors: Hittinger Markus , Hartlieb Till , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Heiland Pamela , Pieper Tom , Staudt Martin , Berlis Ansgar , Kudernatsch Manfred , Mader Irina
Published: June 2024

Purpose

After vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy a restricted diffusion is often seen ipsilaterally and even distant from the adjacent resection margin. This retrospective cohort study analyses the anatomic site and the time course of the diffusion restriction after vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy.

Methods

Fifty-nine patients were included into this study, all of them having had one pre-operative and at least one post-operative MRI, including diffusion imaging at b‑values of 0 and 1000 s/mm2 with a calculated ADC.

Results

Diffusion restriction occurred exclusively on the operated site in all patients. In the basal ganglia, diffusion restriction was present in 37 of 38 patients at the first postoperative day with a duration of 38 days. In the midbrain, the posterior limb of the internal capsule and the thalamus, a restricted diffusion became postoperatively prominent at day 9 in all three localizations, with a duration of 36, 34 and 36 days, respectively. The incidence of thalamic lesions was lower if a preoperative damage had occurred.

Conclusion

The restricted diffusion in the basal ganglia resembles direct effects of the operation at its edges, whereas the later appearing diffusion restriction in the midbrain and the posterior limb of the internal capsule rather belong to a degeneration of the descending fibers being transected by the hemispherotomy in the sense of a Wallerian degeneration. The presence of preoperative hemispheric lesions influences the development of diffusion restriction at subacute fiber degeneration.
Bnip3 expression is strongly associated with reelin-positive entorhinal cortex layer II neurons
Authors: Omholt Stig W. , Lejneva Raissa , Donate Maria Jose Lagartos , Caponio Domenica , Fang Evandro Fei , Kobro-Flatmoen Asgeir
Published: June 2024

In layer II of the entorhinal cortex, the principal neurons that project to the dentate gyrus and the CA3/2 hippocampal fields markedly express the large glycoprotein reelin (Re + ECLII neurons). In rodents, neurons located at the dorsal extreme of the EC, which border the rhinal fissure, express the highest levels, and the expression gradually decreases at levels successively further away from the rhinal fissure. Here, we test two predictions deducible from the hypothesis that reelin expression is strongly correlated with neuronal metabolic rate. Since the mitochondrial turnover rate serves as a proxy for energy expenditure, the mitophagy rate arguably also qualifies as such. Because messenger RNA of the canonical promitophagic BCL2 and adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (Bnip3) is known to be highly expressed in the EC, we predicted that Bnip3 would be upregulated in Re + ECLII neurons, and that the degree of upregulation would strongly correlate with the expression level of reelin in these neurons. We confirm both predictions, supporting that the energy requirement of Re + ECLII neurons is generally high and that there is a systematic increase in metabolic rate as one moves successively closer to the rhinal fissure. Intriguingly, the systematic variation in energy requirement of the neurons that manifest the observed reelin gradient appears to be consonant with the level of spatial and temporal detail by which they encode information about the external environment.
TREM1+ tumor-associated macrophages secrete CCL7 to promote hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Huang Simin , He Longguang , Zhao Yufei , Wei Yuxuan , Wang Qiwen , Gao Yi , Jiang Xiaofeng
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and metastasis. Systematic investigation of the cross-talk between TAMs and HCC may help in searching for the critical target to guard against HCC metastasis.

Methods and results

Herein, we found that TREM1 highly expressed in HCC tissue by analyzing the data obtain from GEO database. Interestingly, the results indicated that TREM1 was primarily expressed by monocytes. Immune infiltration studies further validated that TREM1 expression was positively related with increased infiltration of macrophages in HCC tissues. In vitro, we observed that TREM1 knockdown significantly abrogated the effect of TAMs in promoting the metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Additionally, cytokine array detection identified CCL7 as the main responsive cytokine following with TREM1 knockdown in TAMs.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings strongly suggested that high expression of TREM1 was positively associated with metastasis and poor prognosis of HCC. Furthermore, TAMs expressing TREM1 contribute to EMT-based metastasis through secreting CCL7. These results provide a novel insight into the potential development of targeting the TREM1/CCL7 pathway for preventing metastatic HCC.
Angiosarcoma: clinical outcomes and prognostic factors, a single-center analysis
Authors: Roohani Siyer , Rotermund Titus , Ehret Felix , Dziodzio Tomasz , Jarosch Armin , Schäfer Frederik Maximilian , Flörcken Anne , Wittenberg Silvan , Zips Daniel , Kaul David
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study sought to investigate oncological outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with angiosarcomas (AS).

Methods

This single-center, retrospective cohort study, analyzed histopathologically confirmed AS cases. Primarily diagnosed, locally recurrent and metastatic AS were included. Overall survival (OS), local control (LC) and local progression-free survival (LPFS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier estimator. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to detect factors associated with OS and LPFS.

Results

In total, 118 patients with a median follow-up of 6.6 months were included. The majority presented with localized disease (62.7%), followed by metastatic (31.4%) and locally recurrent (5.9%) disease. Seventy-four patients (62.7%) received surgery, of which 29 (39.2%) were treated with surgery only, 38 (51.4%) with surgery and perioperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and 7 (9.4%) with surgery, perioperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Multivariable Cox regression of OS showed a significant association with age per year (hazard ratio (HR): 1.03, p = 0.044) and metastatic disease at presentation (hazard ratio: 3.24, p = 0.015). For LPFS, age per year (HR: 1.04, p = 0.008), locally recurrent disease at presentation (HR: 5.32, p = 0.013), and metastatic disease at presentation (HR: 4.06, p = 0.009) had significant associations. Tumor size, epithelioid components, margin status, and perioperative RT and/or CTX were not significantly associated with OS or LPFS.

Conclusion

Older age and metastatic disease at initial presentation status were negatively associated with OS and LPFS. Innovative and collaborative effort is warranted to overcome the epidemiologic challenges of AS by collecting multi-institutional datasets, characterizing AS molecularly and identifying new perioperative therapies to improve patient outcomes.
The definitions, assessment, and dimensions of cancer-related fatigue: A scoping review
Authors: Keane Kayla F. , Wickstrom Jordan , Livinski Alicia A. , Blumhorst Catherine , Wang Tzu-fang , Saligan Leorey N.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is challenging to diagnose and manage due to a lack of consensus on its definition and assessment. The objective of this scoping review is to summarize how CRF has been defined and assessed in adult patients with cancer worldwide.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycNet) were searched to identify eligible original research articles published in English over a 10-year span (2010–2020); CRF was required to be a primary outcome and described as a dimensional construct. Each review phase was piloted: title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction. Then, two independent reviewers participated in each review phase, and discrepancies were resolved by a third party.

Results

2923 articles were screened, and 150 were included. Only 68% of articles provided a definition for CRF, of which 90% described CRF as a multidimensional construct, and 41% were identical to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network definition. Studies were primarily conducted in the United States (19%) and the majority employed longitudinal (67%), quantitative (93%), and observational (57%) study designs with sample sizes ≥ 100 people (57%). Participant age and race were often not reported (31% and 82%, respectively). The most common cancer diagnosis and treatment were breast cancer (79%) and chemotherapy (80%; n = 86), respectively. CRF measures were predominantly multidimensional (97%, n = 139), with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) (26%) as the most common CRF measure and “Physical” (76%) as the most common CRF dimension.

Conclusion

This review confirms the need for a universally agreed-upon definition and standardized assessment battery for CRF.
Age is a predictor of elbow stiffness after type III or IV supracondylar humerus fractures
Authors: Gupta Kavish , Erdman Mary Kate , Siddiqui Ali , Schur Mathew , Meisel Erin , Goldstein Rachel Y.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures account for approximately 30% of injuries for those younger than 7 years of age (Cheng et al. in J Pediatr Orthop 19:344–350, 1999). Recent studies examining the association of patient age and SCH fracture outcomes have provided conflicting findings. The purpose of this study is to investigate SCH fracture outcomes in children at different ages of skeletal development.

Methods

Retrospective review of a Level I pediatric trauma center between 2010 and 2014 was conducted. 190 patients with SCH fractures, age < 14 years, fracture type Gartland III or IV (AO/OTA 13-M 3.1 III and IV) were included. Patients were sorted into age groups: < 2 years, 4–6 years, and > 8 years. Patients were treated with either a closed or open reduction with percutaneous fixation. Clinical outcomes including postoperative elbow range of motion, nerve palsy, compartment syndrome, infection, and cubitus varus were assessed.

Results

Patients in younger age groups were more likely to obtain postoperative full elbow flexion (< 2 years = 77%; 4–6 years = 66%; > 8 years = 43%) and full elbow extension (< 2 years = 96%; 4–6 years = 88%; > 8 years = 64%). Age was a significant predictor of nerve palsy on admission, mean operative time (< 2 years = 21.8 min; 4–6 years = 43.0 min; > 8 years = 80.7 min), and mean fluoroscopy time (< 2 years = 22.9 s; 4–6 years = 59.5 s; > 8 years = 171.9 s). There were no differences in rates of open reduction, compartment syndrome, pin tract infection, cubitus varus, or reoperation among groups.

Conclusion

Increasing age is associated with increased elbow stiffness after percutaneous fixation of Gartland Type III and Type IV SCH fractures. Older patients with SCH fractures may benefit from formal rehabilitation.

Level of evidence

III.
The why and how of the SynNerGe criteria of Parkinson´s disease
Authors: Höglinger Günter U. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: June 2024

In pursuit of early therapeutic interventions for Parkinson’s disease, the proposed SynNeurGe classification system integrates α-synuclein pathology (S), neurodegeneration evidence (N), and pathogenic gene variants (G). This approach aims to address the disease’s complexity and biological diversity. It suggests categorizing patients based on the presence or absence of α-synuclein pathology in tissues or cerebrospinal fluid, neurodegeneration indicators from specific imaging techniques, and identification of pathogenic gene variants associated with Parkinson’s disease. The proposed system emphasizes the future need for precision medicine and aims to facilitate both basic and clinical research toward disease-modifying therapies. However, the authors stress that initial implementation should be confined to research settings, considering ethical implications and current limitations. Prospective validation of these criteria is deemed necessary to ensure their efficacy and ethical application in clinical practice.
Observations and positioning quality of low-cost GNSS receivers: a review
Authors: Hamza Veton , Stopar Bojan , Sterle Oskar , Pavlovčič-Prešeren Polona
Published: June 2024

Over the past two decades, low-cost single-frequency Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers have been used in numerous engineering fields and applications due to their affordability and practicality. However, their main drawback has been the inability to track satellite signals in multiple frequencies, limiting their usage to short baselines only. In recent years, low-cost dual-frequency GNSS receivers equipped with Real-Time-Kinematic (RTK) engines entered the mass market, addressing many of the limitations of single-frequency GNSS receivers. This review article aimed to analyze the observations and positioning quality of low-cost GNSS receivers in different positioning methods. To provide answers to defined research questions, relevant studies on the topic were selected and investigated. From the analyzed studies, it was found that GNSS observations obtained from low-cost GNSS receivers have lower quality compared to geodetic counterparts, however, they can still provide positioning solutions with comparable accuracy in static and kinematic positioning modes, particularly for short baselines. Challenges persist in achieving high positioning accuracy over longer baselines and in adverse conditions, even with dual-frequency GNSS receivers. In the upcoming years, low-cost GNSS technology is expected to become increasingly accessible and widely utilized, effectively meeting the growing demand for positioning and navigation.
Effects of (de)motivating supervision styles on junior doctors’ intrinsic motivation through basic psychological need frustration and satisfaction: an experimental vignette study
Authors: van der Goot Wieke E. , Van Yperen Nico W. , Albers Casper J. , Jaarsma A. Debbie C. , Duvivier Robbert J.
Published: June 2024

In clinical practice, junior doctors regularly receive supervision from consultants. Drawing on Basic Psychological Needs Theory, consultants’ supervision styles are likely to affect junior doctors’ intrinsic motivation differently in terms of psychological need frustration and psychological need satisfaction. To examine the effects of (de)motivating supervision styles, we conducted two experimental vignette studies among junior doctors. In Study 1 (N = 150, 73.3% female), we used a 2 (need support: high vs. low) x 2 (directiveness: high vs. low) between-subjects design and, in Study 2, a within-subjects design with the same factors (N = 46, 71.7% female). Both studies revealed a consistent positive effect of need-supportive supervision styles on psychological need satisfaction (+), need frustration (-), and intrinsic motivation (+). Particularly in Study 2, the main effect of need-supportive styles was strengthened by supervisor’s directiveness. Moreover, in both studies, the effects of supervision styles on intrinsic motivation were explained through psychological need frustration and psychological need satisfaction. We discuss the implications of these findings for postgraduate clinical training.
The clinical signature of genetic variants and serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in Egyptian breast cancer patients
Authors: Seliem Mahmoud A. , Mohamadin Ahmed M. , El-Sayed Mohamed I. Kotb , Ismail Yahia , El-Husseiny Ahmed A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an integral cytokine for the modulation of both innate and adaptive immunity and is involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. However, conflicting findings on the relationship between MIF polymorphisms and breast cancer (BC) have been reported in earlier research. We investigated the clinical value of serum MIF levels and the association between MIF rs1049829 and rs755622 variants with their serum levels and propensity to develop BC.

Methods

A total of 133 treatment-naïve Egyptian BC females and 126 apparently healthy controls were matriculated in this case–control study. The serum MIF protein levels were quantified by ELISA, whereas the genotyping was executed utilizing the TaqMan® allelic discrimination assay.

Results

A significant increase in the serum MIF level in BC cases was observed in comparison to control subjects (P < 0.0001), with a diagnostic potential to discriminate BC with 92.5% sensitivity and 73.7% specificity at a cut-off value > 9.47 ng/mL. Besides, a significant difference in serum MIF level was observed in BC cases with progesterone receptor (PR) negativity compared to those with PR positivity (P = 0.046). Moreover, a significant association was depicted between the rs1049829 variant of MIF gene and the protective effect against BC meanwhile the rs755622 variant demonstrated no significant link with BC risk.

Conclusions

This study revealed that serum MIF levels may be regarded as a promising serum tumor marker for BC. Also, the rs1049829 variant of the MIF gene is considered a protective candidate against BC.

Graphical Abstract
Foam-laid extensible paper for improved extensibility and press-forming performance
Authors: Kouko Jarmo , Tanninen Panu , Leminen Ville , Barbier Christophe , Karlsson Christopher , Pesonen Antti , Hjelt Tuomo
Published: June 2024

This study was motivated by the recent raising interest for the sustainable plastic-free dry 3D formable materials. 3D forming processes are capable to produce large unit quantities, but the process conditions for packaging applications have been typically very demanding for cellulose-based materials. This study covers some of the key factors affecting the extensibility of cellulose fibre-based materials and presents a laboratory-scale development study of a press-formable material concept. The investigation focused on comparisons of two refining concepts for bleached softwood kraft (BSK) pulp and two sheet forming concepts, namely water-laid and foam-laid forming. Additionally, influence of thermoplastic additives on the extensibility and 3D forming performance were investigated. In-plane compaction was applied with Expanda® laboratory device. Performance of the materials was evaluated by tensile tests and depth of the 3D formed shapes. In this study, in-plane compaction at first in cross-machine direction (CD) and then in machine direction (MD) led to over 30% elongation with BSK-based laboratory sheets containing latex as a binder and foaming agent. In addition to high elongation, optimal strength was needed for the best press-forming performances. In-plane compaction was the most significant factor regarding the elongation, but it also decreased the strength of the materials. Similar press-forming performance was found with two materials with either highly anisotropic or more isotropic elongation. The elongation anisotropy was created by one-way and two-way in-plane compactions. The results indicate that a reasonable performance for BSK-based materials for 3D forming applications can be reached using the presented concept.
Genetic diversity of phytoplasmas associated with flavescence dorée at vineyard scale on the Ischia Island (Campania, Italy)
Authors: Pierro Roberto , Barra Eleonora , Griffo Raffaele , Marcone Carmine
Published: June 2024

Flavescence dorée (FD) is the most important grapevine yellows, constituting a great threat in all major viticultural areas in Europe. The FD causal agent is an incidentally cited phytoplasma species termed ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis’ (FDp), listed as a quarantine organism in Europe and mainly transmitted from vine to vine by the monophagous leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. In the present study, the genetic variability of FDp identified in symptomatic plants located in a vineyard cv. Biancolella on the Ischia Island (Campania, Italy) was investigated. Our results unveiled for the first time the presence of FDp strains belonging to the subgroup 16SrV–C with a low genetic variability within map and rp genetic markers, reflecting an homogeneous genetic lineage of phytoplasma population examined in the present study. Phylogeny and nucleotide sequence analyses can also suggest the possible involvement of other insect vectors and plant hosts in the FD epidemiology on the Island. Further investigation to ascertain the presence of putative vectors and plant hosts representing inoculum sources should be carried out to reinforce the preliminary results obtained in the present study.
Perspective on the description of viscoelastic flows via continuum elastic dumbbell models
Authors: Boyko Evgeniy , Stone Howard A.
Published: June 2024

Non-Newtonian fluid mechanics and computational rheology widely exploit elastic dumbbell models such as Oldroyd-B and FENE-P for a continuum description of viscoelastic fluid flows. However, these constitutive equations fail to accurately capture some characteristics of realistic polymers, such as the steady extension in simple shear and extensional flows, thus questioning the ability of continuum-level modeling to predict the hydrodynamic behavior of viscoelastic fluids in more complex flows. Here, we present seven elastic dumbbell models, which include different microstructurally inspired terms, i.e., (i) the finite polymer extensibility, (ii) the conformation-dependent friction coefficient, and (iii) the conformation-dependent non-affine deformation. We provide the expressions for the steady dumbbell extension in shear and extensional flows and the corresponding viscosities for various elastic dumbbell models incorporating different microscopic features. We show the necessity of including these microscopic features in a constitutive equation to reproduce the experimentally observed polymer extension in shear and extensional flows, highlighting their potential significance in accurately modeling viscoelastic channel flow with mixed kinematics.
Dynamics of total and industrial energy use in Turkiye from 1991 to 2019: a case study
Authors: Rüstemoğlu Hasan
Published: June 2024

Energy use is an indicator of economic growth. However, high energy intensity has two main disadvantages. First, low energy efficiency increases a country’s dependence on other countries, especially when the country lacks energy sources. Second, if the country’s energy needs are met using traditional fossil fuels, this increases its CO2 emissions and reduces its air quality. Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy intensity are essential to reach the sustainability targets. This paper investigates the determinants of energy use in Turkiye for the period 1991–2019 by taking a dual approach. First, utilizing the Tapio decoupling factor, the decoupling factor analysis is not only being done for total energy use and real GDP, but also for industrial energy use and industrial income. Second, the factors determining the country’s total energy use are also examined, followed by an investigation of the indicators of energy use in the industry sector, which is highly energy intensive. For the industrial sector, two different decomposition analyses are performed and results are compared. The refined Laspeyres index method is adopted, and for each analysis, three main factors are considered. The empirical findings demonstrate that the income effect and population effect increased Turkiye’s total energy use, whereas the energy intensity effect decreased it. The first decomposition analysis for the industrial energy use reveals partly contrasting results with the previously published articles. For the industry sector, the second analysis show that productivity and employment increased Turkiye’s sectoral energy use; however, the sector’s energy intensity reduced it. Turkiye achieved some success in terms of reducing energy intensity at the sectoral and aggregate levels; however, as the findings of the present study demonstrate, further efforts are needed to lessen the country’s energy dependence and also to achieve future environmental sustainability targets. Trends relating to the determining factors in total and sectoral energy use are also compared in this paper, and some policy implications are presented.
Unraveling the mysteries of wormhole formation in Rastall–Rainbow gravity: a comprehensive study using the embedding approach
Authors: Errehymy Abdelghani , Banerjee Ayan , Donmez Orhan , Daoud Mohammed , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem
Published: June 2024

The present work looks for the possible existence of static and spherically symmetric wormhole geometries in Rastall–Rainbow gravity. Since, the Rastall–Rainbow gravity model has been constructed with the combination of Rastall theory and the gravity’s rainbow formalism. Taking advantage of the Karmarkar condition for embedding class one metrics, we solve the modified field equations analytically that describe wormholes for specific choice of redshift function. For specific parameter ranges, the solution represents a traversable wormhole that exhibits the violation of null energy condition and consequently the weak energy condition also. Furthermore, we focus on the wormhole stability via adiabatic sound velocity analysis. This model establishes a strong connection between two model parameters, namely, the Rastall parameters and the Rainbow functions, and how it affects the wormhole solution.
An autoethnography of internationalisation: ethical dilemmas in Japanese academe
Authors: Dalgliesh Bregham
Published: June 2024

Via an autoethnography of internationalisation, the article highlights the ethical dilemmas transnational scholars face when universities fail to denationalise their organisational culture. Section one explains the pertinence and pitfalls of autoethnography — writing oneself into existence over against a context experienced as domination — for grasping the ethical quandaries of transnational scholars in a Japanese national university (JNU). As section two shows, the persistence of ethno-national working practices in JNUs precludes both the equal treatment of transnational scholars and the recognition of their difference. Specifically, the discussion documents two mechanisms of marginalisation at the JNU in question, Tōdai (University of Tokyo): section three links the rejection of ethno-national diversity to absolutisation, viz. the generalisation of prejudice by gatekeepers in order to stigmatise transnational scholars as unfit for organisational life; and section four contends gatekeepers defend their territorialised academic culture through normalisation, which is underpinned by academic inbreeding that produces a hermitic community of sameness blind to its ethno-national prejudices. The article concludes with the ethical gymnastics of transnational scholars situated in universities that solicit their multiplicity without renovating their ethno-national culture. It also reflects upon the limited leverage of autoethnography beyond the Anglosphere, notably in a JNU organisational environment that does not recognise the strop of agency with structure. Finally, the article suggests Japan would be better off promoting a cultural form of internationalisation rather than following a commercial iteration with neo-colonial costs.
Against Common Sense: On the Utopian Aspect of Concepts
Authors: Pyyhtinen Olli
Published: June 2024

By supplementing the work of Schutz, the article critically contests the methodological requirement, widely accepted within phenomenological sociology, that social scientific constructs be consistent with the constructs of common-sense experience of social reality. First, the article proposes that insofar as our everyday ways of speaking and thinking perceive the world as consisting of static and self-consistent entities, adhering to the methodological requirement makes research vulnerable to substantialist assumptions. To be able to account for how things change and involve other entities in their make-up therefore ultimately requires going against common sense along the lines of processual-relational thinking. Second, the article suggests that adhering too strictly to the methodological requirement easily renders social scientific concepts reactive and representational, trapped within the present and the actual. Against this, the article argues for a view of concepts as active and creative, stressing their utopian aspects. Social scientific thinking that gravitates towards creation emphasises potentiality and the future instead of perpetuating the actual and the present: it engages with present practices, institutions, and structures for the benefit of the future. Instead of merely describing or representing the social world as it is, its concepts present a challenge to what is, and thereby open up new ways of thinking, acting, and being and potentially “give a new event to things”.
Universal framework for assessing the environmental impact of marine non-indigenous species in different situations of data availability
Authors: Kotta Jonne , Ojaveer Henn , Kaasik Ants , Szava-Kovats Robert , Nurkse Kristiina , Outinen Okko , Einberg Heli , Zaiko Anastasija , Lehtiniemi Maiju , Orav-Kotta Helen , Barboza Francisco R.
Published: June 2024

Current methods for assessing the environmental impacts of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) are limited by insufficient data, an over-reliance on expert judgement and too coarse a spatial resolution, which hampers accurate local management. However, advances in data-driven analyses offer significant potential for developing more comprehensive and accurate frameworks for assessing the impacts of NIS in marine ecosystems. This study fills this major gap in NIS management by proposing a comprehensive and practical framework that integrates systematic reviews, meta-analyses, species distribution modelling, and expert judgement to assess NIS impacts across varying levels of information availability. The framework also recommends complementary, under-utilised data sources, and tools to reduce significantly existing information constraints. The framework presented in this study not only advances scientific understanding of NIS impacts by providing a scalable and adaptable framework for assessing NIS impacts in different ecological contexts, but also provides practical tools for environmental managers implementing legislation on NIS. We recognise that although our data-driven approach to NIS management is best handled by specialists, maximising its potential requires making the information accessible and user-friendly to a broader audience. This can be achieved through digital tools that simplify and facilitate the understanding of these assessments for environmental managers.
Research Trends in STEM Clubs: A Content Analysis
Authors: Öndeş Rabia Nur
Published: June 2024

To identify the research trends in studies related to STEM Clubs, 56 publications that met the inclusion and extraction criteria were identified from the online databases ERIC and WoS in this study. These studies were analysed by using the descriptive content analysis research method based on the Paper Classification Form (PCF), which includes publishing years, keywords, research methods, sample levels and sizes, data collection tools, data analysis methods, durations, purposes, and findings. The findings showed that, the keywords in the studies were used under six different categories: disciplines, technological concepts, academic community, learning experiences, core elements of education, and psychosocial factors (variables). Case studies were frequently employed, with middle school students serving as the main participants in sample groups ranging from 11–15, 16–20, and 201–250. Surveys, questionnaires, and observations were the primary methods of data collection, and descriptive analysis was commonly used for data analysis. STEM Clubs had sessions ranging from 2 to 16 weeks, with each session commonly lasting 60 to 120 min. The study purposes mainly focused on four themes: the impact of participation on various aspects such as attitudes towards STEM disciplines, career paths, STEM major selection, and academic achievement; the development and implementation of a sample STEM Club program, including challenges and limitations; the examination of students' experiences, perceptions, and factors influencing their involvement and choice of STEM majors; the identification of some aspects such as attitudinal effects and non-academic skills; and the comparison of STEM experiences between in-school and out-of-school settings. The study results mainly focused on three themes: the increase in various aspects such as academic achievement, STEM major choice, engagement in STEM clubs, identity, interest in STEM, collaboration-communication skills; the design of STEM Clubs, including sample implementations, design principles, challenges, and factors affecting their success and sustainability; and the identification of factors influencing participation, motivation, and barriers. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of STEM Clubs, leading the way for more targeted and informed future research endeavours.
A local approach to stability groups
Authors: Newell Martin L. , Trombetti Marco
Published: June 2024

In this short note we prove a local version of Philip Hall’s theorem on the nilpotency of the stability group of a chain of subgroups by only using elementary commutator calculus (Hall’s theorem is a direct consequence of our result). This provides a new way of dealing with stability groups.