bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contribution of Meckel’s Cartilage-Derived Type II Collagen-Positive Cells to the Jawbone Development and Repair
Authors: Chen Hongli , Ding Yunpeng , Wang Yu , Sun Yao
Published: June 2024

Jawbones and long bones, despite their shared skeletal lineage, frequently exhibit distinct origins and developmental pathways. Identifying specific progenitor subsets for mandibular osteogenesis remains challenging. Type II collagen is conventionally associated with cartilaginous structures, yet our investigation has identified the presence of type II collagen positive (Col2+) cells within the jawbone development and regeneration. The role of Col2+ cells in jawbone morphogenesis and repair has remained enigmatic. In this study, we analyze single-cell RNA sequencing data from mice jawbone at embryonic day 10.5. Through fate-mapping experiments, we have elucidated that Col2+ cells and their progeny are instrumental in mandibular osteogenesis across both fetal and postnatal stages. Furthermore, lineage tracing with a tamoxifen-inducible CreER system has established the pivotal role of Col2+ cells, marked by Col2-CreER and originating from the primordial Meckel’s cartilage, in jawbone formation. Moreover, our research explored models simulating jawbone defects and tooth extraction, which underscored the osteogenic differentiation capabilities of postnatal Col2+ cells during repair. This finding not only highlights the regenerative potential of Col2+ cells but also suggests their versatility in contributing to skeletal healing and regeneration. In conclusion, our findings position Col2+ cells as essential in orchestrating osteogenesis throughout the continuum of mandibular development and repair.
Determinants of aggregate anthropometric failure among children under-five years in Ethiopia: Application of multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regression modeling
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam , Mwanri Lillian
Published: June 2024

Undernutrition significantly contributes to failure to thrive in children under five, with those experiencing multiple forms of malnutrition facing the highest risks of morbidity and mortality. Conventional markers such as stunting, wasting, and underweight have received much attention but are insufficient to identify multiple types of malnutrition, prompting the development of the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) and the Composite Index of Severe Anthropometric Failure (CISAF) as an aggregate indicators. This study aimed to identify factors associated with CIAF and CISAF among Ethiopian children aged 0–59 months using data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. The study included a weighted sample of 5,259 children and used multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regression modeling to identify determinants of CIAF and CISAF. The result showed higher incidence-rate ratio (IRR) of CIAF in male children (adjusted IRR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.13–1.42), children aged 12–24 months (aIRR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.63–2.48), and 24–59 months (aIRR = 2.36, 95%CI: 1.91–2.92), those from households with multiple under-five children (aIRR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.01–1.33), poorer households (aIRR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.02–2.15), and those who lived in houses with an earthen floor (aIRR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.03–1.82). Similarly, the factors positively associated with CISAF among children aged 0–59 months were male children (aIRR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.21–1.79), age group 6–11 months (aIRR = 2.30, 95%CI: 1.40–3.78), age group 12–24 months (aIRR = 3.76, 95%CI: 2.40–5.88), age group 25–59 months (aIRR = 4.23, 95%CI: 2.79–6.39), children from households living with two and more under-five children (aIRR = 1.27, 95%CI:1.01–1.59), and children from poorer households (aIRR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.02–3.67). Children were more likely to suffer from multiple anthropometric failures if they were: aged 6–23 months, aged 24–59 months, male sex, living in households with multiple under-five children, and living in households with poor environments. These findings underscore the need to employ a wide range of strategies to effectively intervene in multiple anthropometric failures in under-five children.
Game-theoretic agent-based modelling of micro-level conflict: Evidence from the ISIS-Kurdish war
Authors: Macmillan-Scott Olivia , Ünver Akin , Musolesi Mirco
Published: June 2024

This article delves into the dynamics of a dyadic political violence case study in Rojava, Northern Syria, focusing on the conflict between Kurdish rebels and ISIS from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. We employ agent-based modelling and a formalisation of the conflict as an Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma game. The study provides a nuanced understanding of conflict dynamics in a highly volatile region, focusing on microdynamics of an intense dyadic strategic interaction between two near-equally- powered actors. The choice of using a model based on the Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma, though a classical approach, offers substantial insights due to its ability to model dyadic, equally-matched strategic interactions in conflict scenarios effectively. The investigation primarily reveals that shifts in territorial control are more critical than geographical or temporal factors in determining the conflict’s course. Further, the study observes that the conflict is characterised by periods of predominantly one-sided violence. This pattern underscores that the distribution of attacks, and target choices are a more telling indicator of the conflict nature than specific behavioural patterns of the actors involved. Such a conclusion aligns with the strategic implications of the underlying model, which emphasises the outcome of interactions based on differing aggression levels. This research not only sheds light on the conflict in Rojava but also reaffirms the relevance of this type of game-theoretical approach in contemporary conflict analysis.
Updated fiducial distribution of parameters in the associated delta-lognormal population
Authors: Wang Yufan , Xu Xingzhong
Published: June 2024

In this paper we consider a special kind of semicontinous distribution. We try to concern with the situation where the probability of zero observation is associated with the location and scale parameters in lognormal distribution. We first propose a goodness-of-fit test to ensure that the data can be fit by the associated delta-lognormal distribution. Then we define the updated fiducial distributions of the parameters and establish the results that the confidence interval has asymtotically correct level while the significance level of the hypothesis testing is also asymtotically correct. We propose an exact sampling method to sample from the updated fiducial distribution. It can be seen in our simulation study that the inference on the parameters is largely improved. A real data example is also used to illustrate our method.
Predictive value of ultrasound doppler parameters in neoadjuvant chemotherapy response of breast cancer: Prospective comparison with magnetic resonance and mammography
Authors: Conz Livia , Jales Rodrigo Menezes , Dória Maira Teixeira , Melloni Isabelle , Cres Lyrio Carla Andries , Menossi Carlos , Derchain Sophie , Sarian Luís Otávio
Published: June 2024

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is a treatment option for breast cancer patients that allows for the assessment of tumor response during treatment. This information can be used to adjust treatment and improve outcomes. However, the optimal imaging modalities and parameters for assessing tumor response to NACT are not well established.

Methods

This study included 173 breast cancer patients who underwent NACT. Patients were imaged with ultrasound (US), mammography (MMG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline, after two cycles of NACT, and before breast surgery. US parameters included lesion morphology, Doppler variables, and elastography measurements. MMG and MRI were evaluated for the presence of nodules and tumor dimensions. The pathological response to NACT was determined using the residual cancer burden (RCB) classification.

Results

The US parameter with the highest power for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) was shear wave elastography (SWE) maximum speed inside the tumor at baseline. For nonluminal tumors, the end diastolic velocity measured by US after two cycles of NACT showed the highest predictive value for pCR. Similarly, SWE maximum speed after two cycles of NACT had the highest discriminating power for predicting RCB-III in luminal tumors, while the same parameter measured at baseline was most predictive for nonluminal tumors.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that mid-treatment Doppler US and other imaging modalities can be used to predict the response to NACT in breast cancer patients. Functional parameters, such as blood flow velocities and SWE measurements, demonstrated superior predictive value for pCR, while morphological parameters had limited value. These findings have implications for personalized treatment strategies and may contribute to improved outcomes in the management of breast cancer.
Cellular pharmacokinetic of methotrexate and its modulation by folylpolyglutamate synthetase and γ-glutamyl hydrolase in tumor cells
Authors: Tang Fang , Zou Le , Chen Jingyao , Meng Fanqi
Published: June 2024

Background and purpose

Clinical studies showed that prolonged infusion of methotrexate (MTX) leads to more severe adverse reactions than short infusion of MTX at the same dose. We hypothesized that it is the saturation of folate polyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) at high MTX concentration that limits the intracellular synthesis rate of methotrexate polyglutamate (MTX-PG). Due to a similar accumulation rate, a longer infusion duration may increase the concentration of MTX-PG and, result in more serious adverse reactions. In this study, we validated this hypothesis.

Experimental approach

A549, BEL-7402 and MHCC97H cell lines were treated with MTX at gradient concentrations. Liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to quantify the intracellular concentration of MTX-PG and the abundance of FPGS and γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH). High quality data were used to fit the cell pharmacokinetic model.

Key results

Both cell growth inhibition rate and intracellular MTX-PG concentration showed a nonlinear relationship with MTX concentration. The parameter Vmax in the model, which represents the synthesis rate of MTX-PG, showed a strong correlation with the abundance of intracellular FPGS.

Conclusion and implications

According to the model fitting results, it was confirmed that the abundance of FPGS is a decisive factor limiting the synthesis rate of MTX-PG. The proposed hypothesis was verified in this study. In addition, based on the intracellular metabolism, a reasonable explanation was provided for the correlation between the severity of adverse reactions of MTX and infusion time. This study provides a new strategy for the individualized treatment and prediction of efficacy/side effects of MTX.
Disrupted hemodynamic response within dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during cognitive tasks among people with multiple sclerosis-related fatigue
Authors: Baldasso Bruna D. , Raza Syed Z. , Islam Sadman S. , Burry Isabella B. , Newell Caitlin J. , Hillier Sydney R. , Ploughman Michelle
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Mental fatigue is an early and enduring symptom in persons with autoimmune disease particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). Neuromodulation has emerged as a potential treatment although optimal cortical targets have yet to be determined. We aimed to examine cortical hemodynamic responses within bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and frontopolar areas during single and dual cognitive tasks in persons with MS-related fatigue compared to matched controls.

Methods

We recruited persons (15 MS and 12 age- and sex-matched controls) who did not have physical or cognitive impairment and were free from depressive symptoms. Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) registered hemodynamic responses during the tasks. We calculated oxyhemoglobin peak, time-to-peak, coherence between channels (a potential marker of neurovascular coupling) and functional connectivity (z-score).

Results

In MS, dlPFC demonstrated disrupted hemodynamic coherence during both single and dual tasks, as evidenced by non-significant and negative correlations between fNIRS channels. In MS, reduced coherence occurred in left dorsolateral PFC during the single task but occurred bilaterally as the task became more challenging. Functional connectivity was lower during dual compared to single tasks in the right dorsolateral PFC in both groups. Lower z-score was related to greater feelings of fatigue. Peak and time-to-peak hemodynamic response did not differ between groups or tasks.

Conclusions

Hemodynamic responses were inconsistent and disrupted in people with MS experiencing mental fatigue, which worsened as the task became more challenging. Our findings point to dlPFC, but not frontopolar areas, as a potential target for neuromodulation to treat cognitive fatigue.
Federated learning inspired Antlion based orchestration for Edge computing environment
Authors: H. S. Madhusudhan , Gupta Punit
Published: June 2024

Edge computing is a scalable, modern, and distributed computing architecture that brings computational workloads closer to smart gateways or Edge devices. This computing model delivers IoT (Internet of Things) computations and processes the IoT requests from the Edge of the network. In a diverse and independent environment like Fog-Edge, resource management is a critical issue. Hence, scheduling is a vital process to enhance efficiency and allocation of resources properly to the tasks. The manuscript proposes an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) inspired Antlion algorithm for task orchestration Edge environments. Its aim is to enhance resource utilization and reduce energy consumption. Comparative analysis with different algorithms shows that the proposed algorithm balances the load on the Edge layer, which results in lower load on the cloud, improves power consumption, CPU utilization, network utilization, and reduces average waiting time for requests. The proposed model is tested for healthcare application in Edge computing environment. The evaluation shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing fuzzy logic algorithms. The performance of the ANN inspired Antlion based orchestration approach is evaluated using performance metrics, power consumption, CPU utilization, network utilization, and average waiting time for requests respectively. It outperforms the existing fuzzy logic, round robin algorithm. The proposed technique achieves an average cloud energy consumption improvement of 95.94%, and average Edge energy consumption improvement of 16.79%, 19.85% in average CPU utilization in Edge computing environment, 10.64% in average CPU utilization in cloud environment, and 23.33% in average network utilization, and the average waiting time decreases by 96% compared to fuzzy logic and 1.4% compared to round-robin respectively.
Use of malaria rapid diagnostic test and anti-malarial drug prescription practices among primary healthcare workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: An analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Omale Ugwu I. , Azuogu Benedict N. , Agu Adaoha P. , Ossai Edmund N.
Published: June 2024

Background

The recommendation of universal diagnostic testing before malaria treatment aimed to address the problem of over-treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy and the heightened risk of selection pressure and drug resistance and the use of malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT) was a key strategy, particularly among primary healthcare (PHC) workers whose access to and use of other forms of diagnostic testing were virtually absent. However, the use of MRDT can only remedy over-treatment when health workers respond appropriately to negative MRDT results by not prescribing anti-malarial drugs. This study assessed the use of MRDT and anti-malarial drug prescription practices, and the predictors, among PHC workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Methods

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional questionnaire survey, among consenting PHC workers involved in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria, from January 15, 2020 to February 5, 2020. Data was collected via structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations.

Results

Of the 490 participants surveyed: 81.4% usually/routinely used MRDT for malaria diagnosis and 18.6% usually used only clinical symptoms; 78.0% used MRDT for malaria diagnosis for all/most of their patients suspected of having malaria in the preceding month while 22.0% used MRDT for none/few/some; 74.9% had good anti-malarial drug prescription practice; and 68.0% reported appropriate response to negative MRDT results (never/rarely prescribed anti-malarial drugs for the patients) while 32.0% reported inappropriate response (sometimes/often/always prescribed anti-malarial drugs). The identified predictor(s): of the use of MRDT was working in health facilities supported by the United States’ President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI-supported health facilities); of good anti-malarial drug prescription practice were having good opinion about MRDT, having good knowledge about malaria diagnosis and MRDT, being a health attendant, working in PMI-supported health facilities, and increase in age; and of appropriate response to negative MRDT results was having good opinion about MRDT.

Conclusions

The evidence indicate the need for, and highlight factors to be considered by, further policy actions and interventions for optimal use of MRDT and anti-malarial drug prescription practices among the PHC workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, and similar settings.
Day 3 parasitemia and Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 mutations among uncomplicated malaria patients treated with artemether-lumefantrine in Adjumani district, Uganda
Authors: Angwe Martin Kamilo , Mwebaza Norah , Nsobya Sam Lubwama , Vudriko Patrick , Dralabu Saviour , Omali Denis , Tumwebaze Maria Agnes , Ocan Moses
Published: June 2024

Artemisinin resistance threatens malaria control and elimination efforts globally. Recent studies have reported the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites tolerant to artemisinin agents in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. The current study assessed the day 3 parasite clearance and its correlation with P. falciparum K13 propeller gene (pfkelch13) mutations in P. falciparum parasites isolated from patients with uncomplicated malaria under artemether-lumefantrine (AL) treatment. This study enrolled 100 P. falciparum-positive patients to whom AL was prescribed between 09/September/2022 and 06/November/2022. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes before treatment initiation (day 0) and on day 3. Parasitemia was assessed by microscopy from blood smears and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from the DNA extracted. The day 0 parasite K13 gene was sequenced using Sanger sequencing. Sequence data were analysed using MEGA version 11 software. The data were analysed using STATA version 15, and the Mann‒Whitney U test was used to compare PCR parasite clearance on day 3 using the comparative CT value method and pfkelch13 mutations. The prevalence of day 3 parasitaemia was 24% (24/100) by microscopy and 63% (63/100) by qPCR from the AL-treated patients. P. falciparum K13-propeller gene polymorphism was detected in 18.8% (15/80) of the day 0 DNA samples. The K13 mutations found were C469Y, 12.5% (10/80); A675V, 2.5% (2/80); A569S, 1.25%, (1/80), A578S, 1.25%, (1/80) and; F491S, 1.25%, (1/80) a new allele not reported anywhere. The C469Y mutation, compared to the wild-type, was associated with delayed parasite clearance p = 0.0278, Hodges-Lehmann estimation 3.2108 on the log scale, (95%CI 1.7076, 4.4730). There was a high prevalence of day 3 P. falciparum among malaria patients treated using artemether-lumefantrine. We conclude the presence of the K13 mutation associated with artemisinin resistance by P. falciparum in Adjumani district, Uganda, necessitates regular surveillance of the effectiveness and efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the country.
Digital and traditional political participation of high school students just before the 2023 presidential election in Turkey
Authors: Kuş Zafer , Elvan Özlem , Ozan Hüseyin
Published: June 2024

The youth population rate in Turkey is quite high compared to other European countries. According to official figures, there are 13 million people between the ages of 15 and 24 in Turkey. In the presidential election on 14 May 2023, 5 million young people will vote for the first time. This is a high number considering the total number of voters. In this article, we focus on political participation of high school students. This study has two main aims. First, it aims to determine the digital and traditional political participation of high school students ahead of the presidential elections in May 2023. Secondly, it aims to examine the relationship between digital and political participation. Exploratory sequential design, one of the mixed-method designs, was used in the study. Quantitative data were collected from 682 young people aged between 16 and 20 using the ‘Digital and Traditional Political Participation (DTPP)’ scale. In order to better understand the quantitative results, face-to-face interviews were conducted with fifteen young people. Multiple regression and correlation analysis techniques were used to analyse the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, according to classification of political participation theoretical framework. The results of the research show that young people’s political participation is low and at the level of spectator activities. Students mostly prefer to follow politics in digital environments through social media and young people do not prefer to participate in political transitional and gladiatorial activities, either traditionally or digitally.
The educational predicament of migrant children: Understanding it from the concept of citizenship
Authors: Peng Danyu
Published: June 2024

In China, the restrictions on population mobility imposed by the hukou (‘household registration’) system are in contradiction with the demand for increased population mobility in the context of economic production. The phenomenon of migrant children arises out of this contradiction, as they move between the place of household registration and the place of residence, unable to enjoy full citizenship rights and facing multiple dilemmas. Therefore, using the concept of citizenship, this article attempts to explore the interaction between the awakening of citizenship, government laws and responses and citizenship rights in terms of the right to education, so as to provide a foundational perspective for the study of the educational dilemmas of migrant children. Citizenship in China is influenced by a combination of China’s historical background, Confucian culture and the socialist ideology of the Communist Party of China, and it is firmly linked to the hukou system, possessing differentiated characteristics. The special meaning of citizenship in Chinese society and the differentiated stratification caused by the urban–rural dichotomy are the root causes of the inequality in education for migrant children, and the differentiated stratification and the awakening of civic consciousness further promote population mobility.
Entre a Loucura e o Desvio: casos da Psiquiatria Forense Portuguesa (1884-1926)
Authors: Cruz Inês Pinto da
Published: June 2024

Este livro compreende duas partes. A primeira integra um breve enquadramento da História europeia da Psiquiatria Forense no século XIX e do contexto criminalista da época, apurando, posteriormente, a receção do pensamento médico-forense em Portugal e seus protagonistas.
Na segunda parte são apresentados dez casos do primeiro quartel do século XX, cujos criminosos foram levados a Conselho Médico-legal, para que, através do respetivo exame mental, fosse determinado se existiria irresponsabilidade criminal por anomalia psíquica.
Fundo público
Authors: Claudino Guimaraes Karoline
Published: June 2024

O trabalho apresentado objetiva dissertar, a partir de uma abordagem marxista, sobre a apropriação privada do fundo público em detrimento de sua destinação para políticas sociais, assim como bens e serviços promovidos pelo Estado. Entende-se o fundo público como um compósito coletivo, financiado pela classe trabalhadora e pela classe dominante, sendo esse um alvo de intensa disputa. Estando, porém, especialmente na contemporaneidade, a classe trabalhadora em extrema desvantagem na correlação de forças. Considera-se que isso tem grande impacto no contexto atual de subtração de direitos e precarização das políticas sociais ante ao ascenso de ultra acirramento do neoliberalismo.
Research to Simulate the Ship’s Vibration Regeneration System using a 6-Degree Freedom Gough-Stewart Parallel Robot
Authors: Nguyen Duc Anh , Quang Vinh Nguyen
Published: June 2024

This article presents research results on building a model to reproduce ship vibrations based on a Parallel robot with 6 degrees of freedom Gough – Stewart form. Vibration data at the ship’s center of gravity calculated by simulation software will be the input to the model. The regenerative control system uses a simple PID controller to control input trajectory tracking. Simulation results on Matlab/Simulink software have demonstrated the reproduction of ship vibrations within the allowable error.
Predicción del logro académico en clases espejo: análisis sociodemográfico y pedagógico con minería de datos
Authors: Pérez-Montero Eilen-Lorena , Quimbayo-Castro Julián-Andrés
Published: June 2024

El objetivo de este estudio fue generar modelos predictivos del logro académico en clases espejo en diferentes niveles utilizando el perfil sociodemográfico y pedagógico de 103 estudiantes y algoritmos de minería de datos. Se siguió un enfoque cuantitativo a partir del modelo CRISP-DM (cross-industry standard process for data mining), abordando fases como la definición de problema; la adquisición, la comprensión y el análisis de los datos; la extracción de características; el modelado; la evaluación del modelo; y el despliegue. Los resultados muestran que el mejor modelo corresponde al algoritmo support vector classifier (SVC), con una precisión del 62 %, una mayor robustez a los cambios y un 0.89 de precisión a la hora de clasificar el logro, lo que representa una reducción de 0.30 con respecto al modelo de regresión logística multinomial (RLOG) y el algoritmo linear discriminant analysis (LDA). La métrica F1 score presenta un balance de 0.64. Se identificaron atributos predictores importantes para determinar el logro académico respecto a la variable demográfica, como la edad, el género, el semestre y si el estudiante vive con sus padres. Asimismo, en la variable pedagógica se destacaron aspectos como los estímulos a la participación, la puntualidad, el trabajo colaborativo, la claridad de las actividades y su retroalimentación, la facilidad de expresión del docente, los recursos para apoyar el aprendizaje y los medios tecnológicos de comunicación. Este estudio propone herramientas informáticas para que las universidades diseñen estrategias de mejora y prevención respecto al desempeño académico, con base en la implementación de la estrategia de internacionalización denominada clase espejo en estudiantes de ingeniería de sistemas de una universidad privada del Huila (Colombia).
Towards Dissecting Molecular Routes of Intercellular Communication in the Tumour Microenvironment: Phenotypic Plasticity of Stem Cell-Associated Markers in Co-culture (Carcinoma Cell/Fibroblast) Systems
Authors: Fík Z. , Dvořánková B. , Kodet O. , Bouček J. , Betka J. A. , Betka J. , André S. , Gabius H.-J. , Šnajdr P. , Smetana K. , Chovanec Martin
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence attributes tumour fates to a small population of cells (cancer stem cells) capable of surviving therapeutic interventions. Investigation of their characteristics, especially in cross-talk with other cell types of the tumour microenvironment, can pave the way to innovative therapeutic concepts. The central issue of this study was to evaluate the impact of stroma on tumour cells with stem cell-like features in a squamous cell carcinoma model (FaDu). Six different types of experimental conditions were tested using distinct compositions of the culture system, and both morphologic and molecular features of the tumour cells were analysed. In detail, FaDu cells alone were used as a control, compared to tumour cells from co-culture, with squamous cell cancer-derived stromal fibroblasts or normal skin human fibroblasts, both in the direct and indirect (insert) systems, adding analysis of side population cells of FaDu culture. Measurements were taken on days 2, 7 and 9 of culture and immediately after preparation in the case of the side population. A panel of antibodies against keratins 8, 10, 19, stem cell markers CD29, CD44, CD133, as well as biotinylated adhesion/growth-regulatory galectin 1 served as a toolbox for phenotypic characterization. Co-culture with fibroblasts prepared from tumour stroma and with dermal fibroblasts affected marker presentation, maintaining an undifferentiated stage phenotypically related to stem cells. Side-population cells showed close relationship to cancer stem cells in these characteristics. In conclusion, normal and tumour stromal fibroblasts are capable of shifting the marker expression profile of FaDu cells to a stemcell-like phenotypic pattern in co-culture.
Outcome-based analytical performance specifications: current status and future challenges
Authors: Horvath Andrea Rita , Bell Katy J.L. , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Jones Graham R.D. , Loh Tze Ping , Lord Sally , Sandberg Sverre
Published: June 2024

Analytical performance specifications (APS) based on outcomes refer to how ‘good’ the analytical performance of a test needs to be to do more good than harm to the patient. Analytical performance of a measurand affects its clinical performance. Without first setting clinical performance requirements, it is difficult to define how good analytically the test needs to be to meet medical needs. As testing is indirectly linked to health outcomes through clinical decisions on patient management, often simulation-based studies are used to assess the impact of analytical performance on the probability of clinical outcomes which is then translated to Model 1b APS according to the Milan consensus. This paper discusses the related key definitions, concepts and considerations that should assist in finding the most appropriate methods for deriving Model 1b APS. We review the advantages and limitations of published methods and discuss the criteria for transferability of Model 1b APS to different settings. We consider that the definition of the clinically acceptable misclassification rate is central to Model 1b APS. We provide some examples and guidance on a more systematic approach for first defining the clinical performance requirements for tests and we also highlight a few ideas to tackle the future challenges associated with providing outcome-based APS for laboratory testing.
Existence and regularity of solutions for non-autonomous integrodifferential evolution equations involving nonlocal conditions
Authors: Zhu Jianbo , Yan Dongxue
Published: June 2024

In this article, we investigate the existence and regularity of solutions for non-autonomous integrodifferential evolution equations involving nonlocal conditions. Using the theory of resolvent operators, some fixed point theorems, and an estimation technique of Kuratowski measure of noncompactness, we first establish some existence results of mild solutions for the proposed equation. Subsequently, we show by applying a newly established lemma that these solutions have regularity property under some conditions. Finally, as a sample of application, the obtained results are applied to a class of non-autonomous nonlocal partial integrodifferential equations.
Investigating Fryette’s mechanics in computed tomography scans: an analysis of vertebrae spinal physiology using open-sourced datasets and three-dimensional vertebral orientation
Authors: Haughton Dillon R. , Barr Emily C. , Gupta Akhil K. , Toohey Walker C. , Kania Adrienne M.
Published: June 2024

Context

Fryette’s mechanics is taught as a simplistic model of coupled vertebral movement, fundamental in osteopathic practice. This study seeks to better understand the likelihood of Fryette’s model by calculating vertebral orientation in computed tomography (CT) scans. Given previous findings of low angular coupled movements during overall spinal motion, static calculations provide a unique perspective on the likelihood of Fryette’s mechanics.

Objectives

This analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of Fryette’s principles in predicting vertebral positioning in CT scans by comparing their 3-dimensional (3D) orientation to movements described by Fryette.

Methods

3D models of 953 thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were obtained from 82 CT scans within the VerSe`20 open-source dataset. A stepwise algorithm generated three unique symmetry planes for each vertebra, offering 3D angular orientation with respect to the vertebral level below. A total of 422 vertebrae were omitted from the analysis due to the presence of pathologies significant enough to affect their motion, inaccurate symmetry plane calculations, or absence of vertebral level below. The remaining 531 vertebra were analyzed to compare quantitative coupled positioning against expected coupled spinal movements in line with Fryette’s mechanics. One-sample proportional z-scoring was implemented for all vertebral levels with an ∝=0.05 and a null hypothesis of Fryette’s primed positioning occurring by chance of 50 %. Further analysis was performed with individual z-scoring for each individual level to see which levels were statistically significant.

Results

Data from the VerSe`20 dataset revealed that 56.9 % of successfully analyzed vertebrae demonstrated positions compatible with Fryette’s mechanics (p=0.0014, power=89 %). The 302 vertebral levels that did display coupled positioning consisted of Type I (166 vertebrae) and Type II (136 vertebrae) compatible with Fryette’s mechanics. Levels that demonstrated statistical significance consisted of T5 (p=0, power=99 %), T6 (p=0.0023, power=77 %), T7 (p=0.041, power=46 %), and T10 (p=0.017, power=60 %).

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that the static positions of vertebrae in CT scans may align with Fryette’s descriptions, although not very often. Notably, vertebral levels T5–T7 and T10 exhibit strong evidence of their static positions aligning with expected movements, warranting further investigation into the Fryette phenomenon at these levels. Future studies should explore the dynamic implications of these findings to enhance our understanding of spinal biomechanics.
Aspectual reduplication in Sign Language of the Netherlands: reconsidering phonological constraints and aspectual distinctions
Authors: van Boven Cindy
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the use of predicate reduplication to express aspectual meaning in Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT). The study focuses on three aspect types that have been found to be encoded by reduplication across sign languages – habitual, continuative, and iterative – and addresses potential phonological restrictions. Naturalistic corpus data and data elicited from six deaf NGT signers were taken into account. The results suggest that (i) predicate reduplication can express all three aspect types, but it is optional; (ii) reduplication expressing habitual and continuative aspect appears to be phonologically constrained; and (iii) such phonological constraints do not apply to iterative reduplication, whose form is different from the other two aspects, in that the reduplication cycles are separated by pauses. Since there is no formal difference between habituals and continuatives in the data, it is suggested that this semantic distinction may not be grammaticalized in the language, and that, possibly, the inflectional system of NGT instead more broadly distinguishes imperfective/perfective viewpoint. While this latter suggestion is in line with findings reported for many spoken languages, the results are different from what has previously been described for NGT as well as for other sign languages. Potential explanations for these differences can be found in both methodological and sociolinguistic factors.
Cryogenic nonlinear microscopy of high-Q metasurfaces coupled with transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Nazarenko Alena A. , Chernyak Anna M. , Musorin Alexander I. , Shorokhov Alexander S. , Ding Lu , Valuckas Vytautas , Nonahal Milad , Aharonovich Igor , Ha Son Tung , Kuznetsov Arseniy I. , Fedyanin Andrey A.
Published: June 2024

Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) demonstrate plenty of unique properties due to the band structure. Symmetry breaking brings second-order susceptibility to meaningful values resulting in the enhancement of corresponding nonlinear effects. Cooling the TMDC films to cryogenic temperatures leads to the emergence of two distinct photoluminescence peaks caused by the exciton and trion formation. These intrinsic excitations are known to enhance second harmonic generation. The nonlinear signal can be greatly increased if these material resonances are boosted by high-quality factor geometric resonance of all-dielectric metasurfaces. Here, we experimentally observe optical second harmonic generation caused by excitons of 2D semiconductor MoSe2 at room and cryogenic temperatures enhanced by spectrally overlapped high-Q resonance of TiO2 nanodisks metasurface. The enhancement reaches two orders of magnitude compared to the case when the resonances are not spectrally overlapped.
Környezettudatos fogyasztás a tömegessé válás útján: nemzetközi és hazai tapasztalatok
Authors: Jakopánecz Eszter , Neulinger Ágnes , Lányi Beatrix , Csóka László
Published: June 2024

A KUTATÁS CÉLJA
A környezettudatos fogyasztói réteg kialakulása nagyban függ az ország társadalmi és gazdasági fejlettség szintjétől, illetve az adott régióban érvényes szabályozási környezettől. Kutatásunk célja annak megválaszolása, hol tart ma a környezettudatosság a tömegessé válás útján. Ehhez áttekintjük azokat az elméleti konstrukciókat (szivárgáselméletek és upscaling), amelyek támogatják a terjedési jelenségek megértését, továbbá a szabályozási környezet hatását és a fenntartható fogyasztás terjedésére rámutató szakirodalmi tapasztalatokat. Összehasonlító elemzésünkben bemutatjuk empirikus eredményeink révén, hogy idővel miként alakult a környezettudatos attitűd és magatartás.
ALKALMAZOTT MÓDSZERTAN
Kutatássorozatunk első szakaszában, empirikus kutatásunkban online kérdőíves megkérdezést végeztünk 2023 májusában, és a PEB (Pro-Environmental Behaviour) skála alkalmazásával értelmeztük a környezettudatos viselkedés alakulását, összehasonlítva Nagy (2018) korábbi eredményeivel, hallgatói minta segítségével (N=110).
LEGFONTOSABB EREDMÉNYEK
Az eredmények alapján az újrahasznosítás, a szelektív gyűjtés és a környezethatékony termékek fogyasztása jellemző leginkább a mintánkra. A 2018-as eredményekkel történő összehasonlítás során eltérést tapasztaltunk a fogyasztáscsökkentés és lemondás, a keresletmódosítás, valamint a környezettudatos panasz és tiltakozás sorrendiségének tekintetében. Ugyanakkor az egyes magatartásminták szintjén alacsony elmozdulást mértünk.
GYAKORLATI JAVASLATOK
A környezettudatos cselekvések között leginkább jellemzőek ma már széles körben elterjedtek, azok az életmódunk részévé váltak. A legkevésbé elterjedt cselekvések terjedésében a mélyebb elköteleződés és az aktív magatartás igénye jelenthet akadályt. Ezzel együtt is tanulmányunk arra hívja fel a figyelmet, hogy a zöld mainstreaming, vagyis az upscaling elkerülhetetlen, akkor is, ha a fogyasztók nem mindenáron választják a zöld alternatívákat, vagy mondanak le igényeikről. Eredményeink azért tekinthetők előremutatónak, mert a fenntartható fogyasztói magatartás terjedésének megértése központi szerepet játszik a környezeti problémák társadalmi megközelítésében bekövetkező paradigmaváltásokban.
 
Köszönetnyilvánítás: A TKP2021-NKTA-19 számú projekt az Innovációs és Technológiai Minisztérium Nemzeti Kutatási Fejlesztési és Innovációs Alapból nyújtott támogatásával, a TKP2021-NKTA pályázati program finanszírozásában valósult meg.
‘Princely seats’ and Thessalian hillforts: pre-urban Greece and the diffusion of urbanism in Early Iron Age Europe
Authors: Rönnlund Robin
Published: June 2024

The origins of Iron Age urbanism in temperate Europe were long assumed to lie in Archaic Greece. Recent studies, however, argue for an independent development of Hallstatt mega-sites. This article focuses on developments in Western Thessaly in mainland Greece. The author characterises the Archaic settlement system of the region as one of lowland villages and fortified hilltop sites, the latter identified not as settlements but refuges. It is argued that cities were rare in Greece prior to the Hellenistic period so its settlements could not have served as the model for urban temperate Europe. Consequently, the social and political development of Greece and temperate Europe followed different trajectories.
Additive Manufacturing of Metals—Feedstock Materials—Correlation of Rotating Drum Measurement with Powder Spreadability in PBF-LB Machines
Authors:   ASTM International
Published: June 2024

Description

Granular materials and fine powders are widely used in industrial applications. To support control and optimize processing methods, these materials have to be precisely characterized. Characterization methods are related either to the properties of the grains (e.g., granulometry, morphology, chemical composition) or to the behavior of the bulk powder (e.g., flowability, density, blend stability, electrostatic properties). The complex behaviors of granular and powder materials have motivated the development of numerous techniques to obtain reproducible and interpretable results. Many industries are concerned in different fields, including additive manufacturing (AM), food processing, pharmaceuticals, and bulk material handling. This document is focused on AM processes.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder among individuals of Hispanic and Latin American ancestry: Cultural considerations for assessment and psychotherapy
Authors: Morris Olivia J. , Wiese Andrew D. , Pinciotti Caitlin M. , Pacheco Rosa , Mallen Mayra C. Martinez , Schweissing Ethan J. , Soileau Keaton J. ,   Latin American Trans-ancestry INitiative for OCD genomics (LATINO),   Brazilian Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Work Group (GTTOC), Crowley James J. , Storch Eric A.
Published: June 2024

Research specific to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among individuals of Hispanic and Latin American (H/L) ancestry is limited, as are culturally relevant assessment and treatment recommendations. This article discusses the implications of underrepresentation of H/L populations in OCD research and emphasizes the need to consider issues related to assessment, treatment, and structural barriers that hinder delivery of culturally appropriate first-line psychotherapy. Recommendations for assessment and treatment are provided to aid clinicians in distinguishing culturally normative thoughts and behaviors from OCD, as well as to inform the implementation of psychotherapeutic interventions with cultural humility. This manuscript offers recommendations for future research to tackle health equity concerns with respect to assessment and treatment and structural factors limiting access to culturally appropriate psychotherapy. Wide-scale efforts are needed to comprehensively understand how H/L cultures intersect with various OCD presentations and to further disseminate treatments to populations that have historically lacked access to mental health care.
“Losers” in the Age of Democratization
Authors: Peng Liu
Published: June 2024

Studies have shown that socialization under communist rule is related to pro-authoritarian tendencies. This article argues that such tendencies are largely facilitated by “transitional legacies”—the enduring effects of life experiences following the regime change that occurred in post-communist countries. A sharp decline in socioeconomic status among the privileged class under the former regime strongly predicts anti-democratic and pro-authoritarian attitudes in the contemporary period. Conversely, those who have managed to maintain their statuses exhibit no significant opposition to democratic values. Using the data from the Life in Transition Survey (LiTS), this study demonstrates that across post-Soviet countries, the attitudes of these “losers” are remarkably consistent, irrespective of their current regime types.
Sundanese Kinship Terminology in an Old Sundanese Manuscript: Saá¹…hyaá¹… Siksakanda á¹„ KarÄ•sian (1518 AD)
Authors: Mulyanto Dede -
Published: June 2024

This article is attempted to reconstruct Sundanese kinship terminology from an Old Sundanese manuscript: Saá¹…hyaá¹… Sikakanda á¹… KarÄ•sian (The Godly Guidelines to the Righteousness, 1518 AD). In this manuscript, there are 26 kin term of references for 23 kin categories. Basically, Old Sundanese kinship terminology have strong characteristics toward lineal-Eskimo type in which terms of reference for members of nuclear family more descriptive than for other relatives outside it. Balance term distributions for collateral relatives also important in this type. Comparing with modern Sundanese, there are no structural change in Sundanese kinship terminology.
Marista Mundi
Authors: Canalli Kamylla
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo busca realizar um relato de experiência de uma prática de intercâmbio cultural entre quatro turmas de colégios Maristas no Brasil e no Chile. A ideia para o projeto surgiu do desejo de expandir fronteiras de conhecimento e promover o enriquecimento cultural. Os alunos tiveram a oportunidade de contar sobre as particularidades de suas escolas, cidades e de uma festa com características exclusivas de cada país. O projeto contou com diversas videochamadas entre os envolvidos para a construção de uma conexão efetiva e duradoura. Acredita-se que essa troca foi o primeiro passo para uma relação futura frutífera.
Employment Outlook for Newly Graduated Dentists in Colombia
Authors: Morales-Lastre Cristian C. , Castillo-Pedraza Midian C. , Wilches-Visbal Jorge H.
Published: June 2024

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Genetic Variants of MSX1, PAX9, and AXIN2 in Mayan Probands with Dental Agenesis from Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: González-Pérez Nayelli A. , Herrera-Atoche José R. , López-González Paola , Pacheco-Arjona Ramón , Rangel-Méndez Jorge A. , Canul-May Joel E. , Sosa-Escalante Javier E. , Zúñiga-Herrera Iván D. , Aguilar-Ayala Fernando J. , González-Herrera Lizbeth
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to determine the genetic variants of PAX9, MSX1, and AXIN2 in Mayan probands with non-syndromic dental agenesis (NSDA) from Yucatan, Mexico. We sequenced DNA of specific exons of the PAX9, MSX1, and AXIN2 genes by using the Sanger method in seven Mayan probands with familial NSDA attending orthodontic clinics in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. We bioinformatically analyzed four genomes of unaffected people with Mayan ancestry for comparative purposes. Two Mayan probands had oligodontia (14 or 16 missing teeth) and five had hypodontia (1-2 missing teeth). We found the following genetic variants: rs8670 in MSX1; rs12881240 and rs4904210 in PAX9; and rs1060502133, rs1060502139, rs147716924, rs1330822418, rs769741903, rs9915936, rs1133683, and rs1234437759 in AXIN2. The genetic variants in PAX9, MSX1, and AXIN2 in Mayan probands with familial NSDA were benign and have previously been reported. In conclusion, the AXIN2 gene exhibited the highest number of known variants. Because some variants were also present in the genomes of unaffected people, additional functional and epidemiological studies are required to address their clinical significance and associated phenotypes.