bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the CMP Process of Silica Substrate using Ceria Abrasive: Insights obtained from Molecular Dynamics Simulation utilizing Neural Network Potential
Authors: Ota Fukiko , HIRAKAWA Teruo , Antoku Nanami , Iikura Daisuke , Orita Akihiro , Okuno Yoshishige , Nomura Satoyuki
Published: September 2023

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is used in semiconductor device manufacturing to achieve surface planarization by utilizing chemical and mechanical forces. For the development of aqueous CMP slurries that provide high polishing rates, excellent planarity, and superior processability, a comprehensive understanding of tribochemical phenomena at the interface is crucial. Although atomic-scale simulations based on ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) are powerful tools, they can be demanding regarding computational cost. In this study, we have balanced computational accuracy and efficiency by performing MD simulations of the ceria abrasive/silica substrate interface using the constructed neural network potential. Consequently, we were able to observe polishing phenomena at the atomic scale, including the formation of Ce-O-Si bonds between ceria abrasive and silica substrate, the hydrolysis reaction of the Si-O bonds, and the subsequent detachment of Si(OH)4 from the substrate.
Effects of BCG‐PSN on the Levels of Inflammatory Factors and Th1/Th2 Differentiation in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Fu Qiang , Huang Fu-Jun , Zhou Zi-Wenyan , Tang Lei , Zheng Qi , Zhang Miao , Zhou Xun
Published: September 2023

Background. Bacillus Calmette–Guerin polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG‐PSN), as an immune modulator, can effectively regulate the immune function of the body, control the release of histamine inflammatory substances, and achieve allergic effects against chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BCG‐PSN on the levels of inflammatory factors and Th1/Th2 differentiation in CSU. Methods. A systemic literature search of BCG‐PSN treatment of CSU was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, and other databases. A quantitative meta‐analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook. Review manager software 5.4 was used for meta‐analysis. Results. Twenty‐seven studies pertaining to 2840 patients were included. The duration of treatment was 4 to 12 weeks. BCG‐PSN can increase CD3+T levels (MD = 6.06; 95% CI: 5.30 to 6.82; p < 0.00001; I2 = 31%), CD4+T levels (MD = 5.41; 95% CI: 4.82 to 6.01; p < 0.00001; I2 = 40%), and CD4+/CD8+(MD = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.38; p < 0.00001; I2 = 15%); at the same time, BCG‐PSN can downregulate CD8+T levels (MD = −3.28; 95% CI: −3.82 to −2.74; p < 0.00001; I2 = 32%). Furthermore, BCG‐PSN could downregulate IL‐4 levels (MD = −4.06, 95% CI: −5.15 to −2.97, p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%), TNF‐α levels (MD = −2.34; 95% CI: −3.01 to −1.66; p < 0.00001; I2 = 26%) and upregulate IL‐10 levels (MD = 25.59, 95% CI: 23.50 to 27.69, p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and INF‐γ levels (MD = 4.62, 95% CI: 3.79 to 5.45, p < 0.00001; I2 = 5%). Conclusions. BCG‐PSN can regulate the levels of inflammatory factors and Th1/Th2 differentiation in CSU. However, the long‐term effectiveness and more objective experimental indicators of BCG‐PSN remain to be further studied. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with PROSPERO ID: CRD42022332475.
In Vitro Cercaricidal Activity, Acute Toxicity, and GC/MS Analysis of Some Selected Ghanaian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Osei-Mensah Bright , Boakye Yaw Duah , Anyan William Kofi , Agana Theresa Appiah , Aboagye Eugene Agyei , Bentil Ivy , Lomotey Elvis Suatey , Adu Francis , Agyare Christian
Published: September 2023

Schistosomiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by the Schistosoma species and is recognised in public health as second to malaria in terms of its socioeconomic impact on humans. Four local plants native to many tribes in Ghana and known for their medicinal properties against some diseases were assessed for their cercaricidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. The plants, namely, Newbouldia laevis stem bark (NLSB), Spathodea campanulata stem bark (SCSB), Momordica charantia leaves (MCL), and Ocimum viride leaves (OVL), were extracted for their active metabolites using methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out on all plant extracts and powdered samples. The crude extracts were tested against S. mansoni cercariae in vitro using Balanites aegyptiaca as the positive control. The percentage of mortalities for each extract was recorded. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was conducted on all the plant extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in almost all the extracts. GC/MS analysis showed the presence of medicinally important active volatile compounds in each extract such as thymol, n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, and maltol. All four plants showed relatively different levels of activity against S. mansoni cercariae at different times and concentrations. The LC50 values of the plant extracts were determined at the end of the assay. At 240 min, NLSB, SCSB, MCL, and OVL extracts had LC50 values of 487.564, 429.898, 197.696, and 0.129 μg/mL, respectively. Hence, this study revealed the potency of Ocimum viride leaves, Momordica charantia leaves, Spathodea campanulata stem bark, and Newbouldia laevis stem bark against S. mansoni. These plants could therefore be exploited as possible candidates for curbing schistosomiasis.
Homogeneity Test of Response Rate Functions in Bilateral Correlated Data under Dallal’s Model
Authors: Zhao Hengyi , Wang Xiaojuan , Bian Jingwen , Chen Shenglong , Li Zhiming
Published: September 2023

In clinical studies, paired binary metadata are often encountered during collecting information from paired organs or parts. The risk difference, relative risk ratio, and odds ratios of response rates are widely used to measure cured effects for such data. Under Dallal’s model, the paper extends these measures to the general case in

g

groups. We propose eight test statistics for various functions when the dependency measures

γ

i

i
=
1
,
…
,
g

are equal or not. Simulation results show that the Score and Rosner-type tests can produce robust empirical type I error rates, while Wald-type and likelihood ratio tests have better power in testing the risk difference, relative risk ratio, and odds ratios. Finally, two real examples illustrate our proposed method’s practicability.
Indoor Pollutant Reduction Performance of Different Mechanical Ventilation Filters in Apartment Buildings
Authors: Kim Seong Eun , Park Jin Chul , Song Yong Woo
Published: September 2023

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and charcoal filters have been applied to ventilation systems to save energy and reduce pollutants. However, such filters only work for specific types of pollutants, and their performance is not always sustainable. This study compares the pollutant reduction performance of TiO2 photocatalytic filters with HEPA and charcoal filters in mock-up experiments with toluene as the pollutant, changing air volume, and varying ventilation frequencies. The results show that the HEPA filter was ineffective at reducing toluene, and the charcoal filter was found to have the fastest reduction rate until 180 min after the start of the experiment. However, after 180 min when the charcoal filter was saturated, its pollutant reduction performance rapidly declined, resulting in low persistence. Conversely, the TiO2 photocatalytic filter had a lower reduction rate than that of the charcoal filter but had a continuous pollutant reduction performance during 720 min. Comparing the pollutant reduction effect of the TiO2 photocatalyst filter and the charcoal filter with a reduced amount based on the experimental time, the TiO2 photocatalyst filter has a maximum pollutant reduction effect of about seven times and at least about two times. This study confirms that HEPA and charcoal filters reduce gas pollutants, and it was found that combining TiO2 photocatalysts with ventilation devices can improve indoor air quality in apartment buildings.
Use of Micronization and Complex Coacervation to Preserve Antioxidant Properties of Flavonoids
Authors: Fatkullin Rinat , Kalinina Irina , Naumenko Natalya , Naumenko Ekaterina
Published: September 2023

The plant flavonoids taxifolin and rutin are among the best known and best studied antioxidants. In addition to their antioxidant properties, other pharmacobiological properties have been established for these substances. At the same time, taxifolin and rutin are chemically labile. They are prone to oxidative degradation and have poor water solubility. Under conditions of their real consumption, all this can lead to a significant reduction or complete loss of bioactivity of these flavonoids. Flavonoid modification and encapsulation techniques can be used to overcome these barrier factors. The use of micronization process for taxifolin and rutin allows changing the lipophilicity values of antioxidants. For micronized taxifolin, the

log
 
P

value is 1.3 (1.12 for the control forms), and for rutin, it was 0.15 (-0.64 for the control forms). The antioxidant activity of micronized flavonoids has increased about 1.16 times compared to control forms. The present study evaluates the possibility of using encapsulation of premyconized flavonoids by complex coacervation, in order to preserve their antioxidant properties. The results of an in vitro digestion study show that the encapsulated forms of antioxidants retain their bioactivity and bioavailability better than their original forms. The bioavailability indices for the encapsulated forms of flavonoids are more than 1.6 times higher than for their original forms. The digested fractions of the encapsulated properties reveal better antioxidant properties than their original forms in in vitro tests evaluating the antioxidant properties on cultures of the protozoan Paramecium caudatum and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Encapsulated rutin indicates the highest activity, 0.64 relative to PMA. Thus, the studies represent the feasibility of using encapsulation to protect flavonoids during digestion and ensure the preservation of their antioxidant properties.
Abstract PO-016: SSTR2 use and molecular profile in EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A single institution experience
Authors: Whaley Juan J. Juarez-Vignon , Afkhami Michelle , Onyshchenko Mykola , Gernon Thomas , Kang Robert , Maghami Ellie , Sampath Sagus , Amini Arya , Bell Diana , Villaflor Victoria M.
Published: September 2023

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy endemic in Southeast Asia. EBV infection is recognized as a major risk factor playing important roles in oncogenic pathways. Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is a marker used in neuroendocrine tumors and appears to demonstrate high prevalence in EBV+ NPCs. Methods: We identified a total of 16 patients with biopsy-proven WHO type 3 EBV+ (via EBER) NPC in which SSTR2 expression via immunohistochemistry (IHC) was analyzed in either primary or metastatic lesions. Additionally, risk factors (smoking or alcohol), P16 via IHC, PD-L1 via IHC, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), genomic alterations via Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and time to progression (TTP) in months were reported. Results: Mean age of diagnosis was 60 years old, 14 were male, 13 were locally advanced and 37.5% former or heavy smokers. Ten patients were Asian with the rest being Latino (4), European (1) and unknown (1). Fourteen out of sixteen patients (87.5%) had SSTR2 expression either in primary lesions or metastatic lesions. P16 was measured in seven cases, all of them being negative. PDL1 was measured in 11 cases, 9 had high expression (≥ 20 CPS), 2 had expression (1-19 CPS) and 5 was not measured. In 10 cases TMB was evaluated, seven had low TMB and three intermediate TMB. From the TMB intermediate cases, all of them were MSI stable and two high PDL1 expression. From the 10 patients with MSI status all of them were stable. Out of the 16 patients, 11 patients had NGS performed from which 9 patients had clinically significant alterations. 4 out of 9 patients (44.4%) had an 11q13.2-13.3 amplification followed by 33.3% having a 9p21 loss and 22.2% TP53 mutation. Survival, median survival was not reached and median TTP was 23 months with the most common site being the liver. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of SSTR2 in EBV+ NPCs (87.5%) in our cohort, SSTR2 via IHC may be a good screening tool for EBV + NPCs with potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. 11q amplifications being present in 44.4% of our cohort might also be of diagnostic significance in NPC. Prognostic and clinical implications warrant further investigation.

Citation Format: Juan J. Juarez-Vignon Whaley, Michelle Afkhami, Mykola Onyshchenko, Thomas Gernon, Robert Kang, Ellie Maghami, Sagus Sampath, Arya Amini, Diana Bell, Victoria M. Villaflor. SSTR2 use and molecular profile in EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A single institution experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Innovating through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2023 Jul 7-8; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2023;29(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-016.
Abstract PO-061: Utilizing T cell receptor-based therapy to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Hung Shao-Hsi , Henderson Ying , Pan Ke , Chiu Yulun , Singh Shailbala , Chen Yunyun , Lai Stephen , Yee Cassian
Published: September 2023

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is considered to be among the most aggressive solid tumors in thyroid tissue, with a 6-month medium overall survival. The effectiveness of conventional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, in extending the survival of patients is limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel systemic therapeutic interventions that can induce long-lasting responses. Adoptive cell therapy has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy by successfully treating B-cell malignancies through chimeric antigen receptor-based approaches. For solid tumors, there is a need to identify a broader spectrum of tumor target antigens, and the field has now shifted towards leveraging T cell receptors (TCRs) which can recognize both intracellular and extracellular antigen-derived epitopes displayed by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Our team has established an immunogenic epitope discovery pipeline, followed by a specialized protocol for empiric validation of candidate epitopes. We characterized immunogenic epitopes by coupling tandem mass spectrometry of MHC-eluted peptides with tumor proteome and MHC-peptide binding prediction databases. By integrating multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, and immunopeptidomics) from both in-house and publicly available ATC databases, we find that ATC exhibits significant upregulation of pathways associated with microtubule-based movement, chromosome segregation, kinetochore complex components, and mitotic cytokinesis. We have identified several HLA-A2- and A24-restricted immunogenic peptides representing these pathway-associated proteins that covered more than 60% of the patient population. NDC80 kinetochore complex components (NDC80) and PDZ binding kinase (PBK) have been selected as top candidates. Peptides derived from NDC80 and PBK were subsequently utilized to isolate antigen-specific T cells from peripheral blood and identify cognate TCR. These peptide-specific T lymphocytes elicit cytotoxicity toward multiple HLA-matched ATC cell lines and tumor samples in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, understanding the role of these genes in ATC tumorigenesis may identify novel combination strategies with adoptive cell therapy to yield synergistic effects. In conclusion, our studies contribute to the development of a new treatment paradigm for treating ATC, with the prospect of improving survival and outcome in this rare cancer patient population.

Citation Format: Shao-Hsi Hung, Ying Henderson, Ke Pan, Yulun Chiu, Shailbala Singh, Yunyun Chen, Stephen Lai, Cassian Yee. Utilizing T cell receptor-based therapy to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Innovating through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2023 Jul 7-8; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2023;29(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-061.
Quality of Life at a 10-Year Follow-Up of Children Born Preterm with Post-Hemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation: A Cohort Study
Authors: Rela Ayeesha , Jary Sally , Williams Cathy , Blair Pete , Hollingworth William , Pople Ian , Whitelaw Andrew , Luyt Karen , Odd David Edward
Published: September 2023

Background: Post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) is commonly seen in extremely preterm babies, carries significant morbidity, and may cause neonatal mortality. There is a lack of literature on the subsequent health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in childhood. The aim of this work was to assess the quality of life of preterm babies after PHVD at 10 years of age using two validated questionnaires. Methods: Children with PHVD were assessed as part of the 10-year follow-up of the drainage, irrigation, and fibrinolytic therapy trial. The HRQoL outcome was measured using parent-reported EQ-5D-5L and HUI-3 questionnaires. Both questionnaires produce a summary score anchored at 1 (best health) and 0 (equivalent to death). Results: Median scores at follow-up were 0.65 (IQR 0.36–0.84; n = 44) for the EQ-5D-5L and 0.52 (IQR 0.22–0.87; n = 51) for the HUI-3. Similar proportions had a score below 0.2 (HRQoL [20%], HUI-3 [21%]), while 20% had a HRQoL score above 0.80 compared to 34% using HUI-3. The most severe problems from the EQ-5D-5L were reported in the self-care, mobility, and activity domains, while the HUI-3 reported worse problems in ambulation, cognition, and dexterity domains. Infants with worse (grade 4) intraventricular haemorrhage had poorer HRQoL than those with grade 3 bleeds. Conclusion: Children who survive to 10 years of age after PHVD have on average lower HRQoL than their peers. However, the reported range is wide, with a quarter of the children having scores above 0.87 (similar to population norms), while a fifth have very low HRQol scores. Impact was not uniform across domains, with mobility/ambulation a concern across both measures.
Association of Baseline Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Longitudinal Development of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in the Basal Ganglia
Authors: Libecap T.J. , Bauer Christopher E. , Zachariou Valentinos , Pappas Colleen A. , Raslau Flavius D. , Liu Peiying , Lu Hanzhang , Gold Brian T.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Increasing evidence suggests that enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS) are associated with cognitive dysfunction in aging. However, the pathogenesis of ePVS remains unknown. Here, we tested the possibility that baseline cerebrovascular dysfunction, as measured by a magnetic resonance imaging measure of cerebrovascular reactivity, contributes to the later development of ePVS.

METHODS:

Fifty cognitively unimpaired, older adults (31 women; age range, 60–84 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning at baseline and follow-up separated by ≈2.5 years. ePVS were counted in the basal ganglia, centrum semiovale, midbrain, and hippocampus. Cerebrovascular reactivity, an index of the vasodilatory capacity of cerebral small vessels, was assessed using carbon dioxide inhalation while acquiring blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance images.

RESULTS:

Low baseline cerebrovascular reactivity values in the basal ganglia were associated with increased follow-up ePVS counts in the basal ganglia after controlling for age, sex, and baseline ePVS values (estimate [SE]=−3.18 [0.96];
P
=0.002; [95% CI, −5.11 to −1.24]). This effect remained significant after accounting for self-reported risk factors of cerebral small vessel disease (estimate [SE]=−3.10 [1.00];
P
=0.003; [CI, −5.11 to −1.09]) and neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (estimate [SE]=−2.72 [0.99];
P
=0.009; [CI, −4.71 to −0.73]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results demonstrate that low baseline cerebrovascular reactivity is a risk factor for later development of ePVS.
The “Bounties of Our New Servant”: Isotopes, Industry, and Economy before and after Atoms for Peace
Authors: Herran Néstor
Published: September 2023

Produced and distributed at subsidized prices by national nuclear establishments, radioisotopes provided the earliest non-military application of nuclear energy. Starting in the late 1940s, thanks to their multiple uses in medicine and research, they were ubiquitous in conceptions for peaceful nuclear programs. In the 1950s, Atoms for Peace initiatives encouraged nuclear establishments to develop industrial applications of radioisotopes, stressing the economic benefits of their use. However, the spread of radioisotopes in industry turned out to be more problematic than envisaged, as it had to confront an increasing awareness of radiation risks. In this sense, the main effect of Atoms for Peace seems to have been the establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the major actor in dealing with isotopes and their commercial distribution.
Do We Prepare for What We Predict? How Target Expectations Affect Preparatory Attentional Templates and Target Selection in Visual Search
Authors: Grubert Anna , Eimer Martin
Published: September 2023

Visual search is guided by representations of target-defining features (attentional templates) that are activated in a preparatory fashion. Here, we investigated whether these template activation processes are modulated by probabilistic expectations about upcoming search targets. We tracked template activation while observers prepared to search for one or two possible color-defined targets by measuring N2pc components (markers of attentional capture) to task-irrelevant color probes flashed every 200 msec during the interval between search displays. These probes elicit N2pcs only if the corresponding color template is active at the time when the probe appears. Probe N2pcs emerged from about 600 msec before search display onset. They did not differ between one-color and two-color search, indicating that two color templates can be activated concurrently. Critically, probe N2pcs measured during two-color search were identical for probes matching an expected or unexpected color (target color probability: 80% vs. 20%), or one of two equally likely colors. This strongly suggests that probabilistic target color expectations had no impact on search preparation. In marked contrast, subsequent target selection processes were strongly affected by these expectations. We discuss possible explanations for this clear dissociation in the effects of expectations on preparatory search template activation and search target selection, respectively.
Neural Mechanisms Underlying Trust to Friends, Community Members, and Unknown Peers in Adolescence
Authors: Sweijen Sophie W. , van de Groep Suzanne , te Brinke Lysanne W. , Fuligni Andrew J. , Crone Eveline A.
Published: September 2023

Trust plays an important role during adolescence for developing social relations. Although prior developmental studies give us insight into adolescents' development of differentiation between close (e.g., friends) and unknown (e.g., unknown peers) targets in trust choices, less is known about the development of trust to societal targets (e.g., members of a community organization) and its underlying neural mechanisms. Using a modified version of the Trust Game, our preregistered fMRI study examined the underlying neural mechanisms of trust to close (friend), societal (community member), and unknown others (unknown peer) during adolescence in 106 participants (aged 12–23 years). Adolescents showed most trust to friends, less trust to community members, and the least trust to unknown peers. Neural results show that target differentiation in adolescents' trust behavior is associated with activity in social brain regions implicated during mentalizing, reward processing, and cognitive control. Recruitment of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and OFC was higher for closer targets (i.e., friend and community member). For the mPFC, this effect was most pronounced during no trust choices. Trust to friends was additionally associated with increased activity in the precuneus and bilateral temporal parietal junction. In contrast, bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex were most active for trust to unknown peers. The mPFC showed increased activity with age and consistent relations with individual differences in feeling needed/useful.
A Role for Bottom–Up Alpha Oscillations in Temporal Integration
Authors: Karvat Golan , Landau Ayelet N.
Published: September 2023

Neural oscillations in the 8–12 Hz alpha band are thought to represent top–down inhibitory control and to influence temporal resolution: Individuals with faster peak frequencies segregate stimuli appearing closer in time. Recently, this theory has been challenged. Here, we investigate a special case in which alpha does not correlate with temporal resolution: when stimuli are presented amidst strong visual drive. Based on findings regarding alpha rhythmogenesis and wave spatial propagation, we suggest that stimulus-induced, bottom–up alpha oscillations play a role in temporal integration. We propose a theoretical model, informed by visual persistence, lateral inhibition, and network refractory periods, and simulate physiologically plausible scenarios of the interaction between bottom–up alpha and the temporal segregation. Our simulations reveal that different features of oscillations, including frequency, phase, and power, can influence temporal perception and provide a theoretically informed starting point for future empirical studies.
Adverse Childhood Experiences in Mexico: Prevalence and Association with Sociodemographic Variables and Health Status
Authors: Sánchez-Jáuregui Teresa , Téllez Arnoldo , Almaraz Diana , Valdez Arturo , Hinojosa-Fernández Rogelio , García-Balvaneda Hugo , Juárez-García Dehisy Marisol
Published: September 2023

Background. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to a semantic field of negative childhood events that, in conjunction with insufficient personal, family, or contextual coping resources, have the potential of becoming traumatic. Objective. To assess the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their association with sociodemographic variables and physical and mental illnesses in a Mexican sample. Design. A cross-sectional design was used. The sample included 917 Mexican adults who responded to the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Most of the participants were female (79.3%) with an average age of 37 years, a monthly income between 500 and 2,500 USD (59.2%), had completed university education (45.6%) and were married or in a common-law marriage (53.1%). Data was collected through Google Forms, and the link to the form was shared through electronic social networks. Results. A total of 48.3% of the participants presented seven to nine types of ACEs. Among their responses, the most prevalent categories were emotional neglect (95.1%), family violence (83.3%), and emotional abuse (78.6%). A significant association was found between the number of ACEs and the mental illness diagnosis (x2(20) = 15.16; p < .001). Women were found to report more experiences of sexual abuse (z = -6.62, p < .001), whereas men reported more experiences of community violence (z = -4.27, p < .001) and collective violence (z = -3.94, p < .001). Conclusions. The prevalence of ACEs in the Mexican population is high. However, men and women reported differences in certain types of ACEs. It was found that people with a diagnosis and family history of mental illnesses presented a higher number of ACE categories.
The Septuagint within the History of Greek: An Introduction
Authors: Aitken† James K. , Dhont Marieke
Published: September 2023

The language of the Septuagint is not only a linguistic question: evaluations of the language have been intertwined with presuppositions on the social context of Jews in antiquity, in particular their linguistic competency, educational background, and position within the Graeco-Roman society. Recent work has rehabilitated the position of Jews in ancient society and with it came a renewed quest for understanding the social locus of the language of the Septuagint and related Jewish-Greek writings. In order to appreciate the language of the Septuagint, we need to contextualize it appropriately within the history of Greek, diachronically and synchronically. The dedication of a special issue to the present topic by Journal for the Study of Judaism signals the recognition of the importance of the Septuagint for the wider discipline. In this introduction, the editors lay out recent trends in the field and discuss its challenges.
Mapping Existential Loneliness: A Scoping Review on Existential Loneliness/Isolation Conceptualizations and Operationalizations
Authors: Gil Álvarez Mar , Haugan Gørill , Larsson Helena , Saarelainen Suvi-Maria , Duppen Daan , Dezutter Jessie
Published: September 2023

In the last decade, there has been a renewed interdisciplinary interest in the study of existential loneliness (EL) or existential isolation (EI). However, to date, there is still no consensus in the literature on what exactly EL/EI is and how should be measured, resulting in a wide variety of definitions and operationalizations of the experience. Therefore, this scoping review provides an overview of the available terminology, definitions, and operationalizations of EL/EI. As part of the review corpus, a total of 121 reports out of 12 databases were included. In the text, first, an examination of the terms and conceptualizations commonly used to discuss EL/EI is provided. Second, key components of the available definitions in the literature are listed. Third, most common operationalizations of EL/EI are described. Taking this into account, this scoping review sheds light on how the variety of conceptualizations of EL/EI leads to significant differences in the operationalization of the experience, fostering the development of academic niches and the fragmentation of EL/EI scientific knowledge. Thus, this review is an attempt to map commonalities in the EL/EI literature that may enable the reader to understand what exactly it means to explore the existential dimension of loneliness.
A Case of Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Neck Lymph Nodes Without Primary Tumor in Thyroid Gland
Authors: Jung Sung Ha , Park Joo Hyun , Kim Junyoung , Choi Nayeon
Published: September 2023

Metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma in the lymph nodes without a primary tumor in the thyroid gland is rarely reported. We report the case of a 63-year-old male who had a left neck level II palpable mass. A left cervical mass had previously undergone 2 central needle biopsies, but only atypical cells had been identified. His prior medical history included surgical treatment for prostate cancer 11 years ago. There was no suspicious primary tumor in the endoscopic examination. After the excisional biopsy, the pathologic finding was metastatic papillary carcinoma from the thyroid, and there were no aberrant findings in the thyroid sonography. The patient underwent a complete thyroidectomy, bilateral central neck dissection (CND), and left level IV dissection, along with postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. No thyroid lesion and no more positive lymph nodes were found in the final pathology report. Three months later, a radioiodine nuclear scan was performed, although it revealed no abnormal iodine uptake.
Lonely, impulsive, and seeking attention: Predictors of narcissistic adolescents’ antisocial and prosocial behaviors on social media
Authors: Wang Ying , Hawk Skyler T. , Wong Natalie , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2023

Narcissistic youth use social media to engage in a variety of self-promotional behaviors, which have either antisocial or prosocial characteristics. Differing views exist to explain the processes underlying narcissistic self-promotion, either characterizing these actions as intentional, or as impulsive. This study compared intentional attention-seeking and impulsivity as potential mediators of relations between narcissism and both aggressive (i.e., cyberbullying) and prosocial online behavior, and examined whether youth’s loneliness might strengthen these associations. Among Chinese early adolescents ( N = 213, Mage = 13.26), narcissism positively predicted youth-reported cyberbullying offending and online prosocial behavior. Loneliness moderated the link between narcissism and attention-seeking, but not impulsivity. Among adolescents higher in loneliness, narcissism indirectly predicted cyberbullying and online prosocial behaviors via attention-seeking. These results highlight narcissism, loneliness, and their interplay as potential predictors of youth’s social media behaviors. Links with attention-seeking, in particular, suggest that educators and practitioners might target youth’s conscious expectations for social rewards when counseling narcissistic adolescents about self-promotional social media use.
Societal Institutions and Contradictions in the Workplace: A comparative analysis of lean management systems in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Benassi Chiara
Published: September 2023

This article combines insights from the organizational institutionalist (OI) literature on the complexity of transnational institutional streams and the power-based approach of the comparative employment relations (CER) literature to better explain diversity in human resource (HR) practices across organizations embedded in different societal contexts. Building on the insights from both literature strands, the article argues that societal institutions, by providing power resources to labour vis-a-vis management, influence the settlement of contradictions in HR practices in the workplace, with implications for the internal consistency of HR systems. The findings are based on the comparative case study of three metal companies in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom that implemented lean management systems. They suggest that labour-supporting institutions at the sectoral and organizational levels in the German metal company contribute to a more ‘balanced’ settlement of the tensions between the (ideo)logics of empowerment, cost-cutting and Taylorism, which characterize lean management systems, compared to the Italian and British companies. The article contributes to cross-fertilization between the OI and CER literature because it demonstrates the value of integrating the power resource perspective in (comparative) OI studies, and of taking into greater consideration the role of transnational (ideo)logics in CER research.
Performance as theater: Expert pianists’ awareness of sight and sound in the concert
Authors: Urbaniak Olivia , Mitchell Helen F
Published: September 2023

Sight and sound are critical to the reception of music performance. Audiences respond to myriad nonverbal cues to appraise the performance, but little is known about Western classical performers’ approach to commanding attention and achieving performance mastery. This study aims to understand how expert performers conceptualize the audio and visual spectacle in the concert hall, and how they harness nonverbal communication and extramusical cues into performance. Nine expert pianists participated in semi-structured interviews about their approach to performance and their preparation for a hypothetical concert in an international venue. Their responses were coded, categorized, and eventually clustered into three themes. Experts were acutely aware of the audience’s gaze and viewed classical performances as theater. Sight was integral for expert performers who shared Liszt’s uncanny appreciation of showmanship. Experts choreographed performances for their audiences with dramatic stage entrance and elegant concert attire, and crafted performance through impressive memorization and amplified visual gestures. Future studies will explore how experts practice performance as theater and discover their strategies to prepare for the stage.
Addressing the ethical problem of underdiagnosis in the post-pandemic Canadian healthcare system
Authors: Camillo Cheryl A.
Published: September 2023

Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, yet in Canada health conditions are commonly underdiagnosed at all levels of the health system, meaning that they go undiagnosed or are diagnosed only after a delay. Underdiagnosis leads to inadequate treatment and potentially insufficient recovery and rehabilitation, as well as costly inefficiencies, such as repeat medical visits. Moreover, disparities in underdiagnosis in which vulnerable groups, such as women and Indigenous persons, are properly diagnosed at lower rates worsen existing inequities, which threatens the overall health of the general population. As health leaders and policy-makers seek to strengthen Canada’s strained healthcare system, it will be important to address underdiagnosis and its causes, including systematic bias. Providing timely and accurate diagnoses for all patients is an essential component of delivering high quality, efficient, ethical, and cost-effective healthcare. The Canadian College of Health Leaders’ Code of Ethics offers a framework for addressing underdiagnosis equitably. Utilizing the framework, suggestions are made for actions that can be taken at all levels of the health system to reduce underdiagnosis.
Examining the Burden of Self-Blame Attribution Among Women With Cervical Cancer
Authors: Minchew Leigh A. , Cesario Sandra K. , Richmond Misty M. , Mbango Catherine M.
Published: September 2023

Background:Self-blame for past sexual behaviors or for the personal character may be associated with the development of cervical cancer. Purpose: Aims were to understand the burden of self-blame attribution (SBA) among women with cervical cancer by (1) examining relationships between SBA, psychological distress (PD), and spiritual well-being (SWB); (2) determining differences between behavioral (BSB) and characterological self-blame (CSB) attribution; and (3) describing associations between SBA and unwanted past sexual experiences. Methods: Women attending a cancer center in the southeastern United Stats ( N = 106) completed an online survey including a demographic questionnaire and three instruments: (1) SBA for Cancer Scale; (2) Psychological Distress Subscale of the Psychological Adjustment to Cancer Scale—Self Report; and (3) Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Spiritual Well-being. Results: Women with cervical cancer, 26–64 years of age, identified moderate levels of SBA, PD, and SWB. Relationships were found between PD, BSB and CSB, and unwanted sexual experiences. Significant inverse correlations between religious faith, BSB, unwanted sexual experiences, and SWB were noted. Unwanted sexual experiences were a significant predictor of SBA. Conclusion: SBA places women at risk for increased burden. Recognizing SBA in vulnerable cancer survivors is important to providing holistic nursing care.
An experimental investigation of fracture toughness, mechanical properties and forming limit curves of Al composites
Authors: Heydari Vini Mohammad , Daneshmand Saeed
Published: September 2023

In the present study, accumulative roll bonding is used to fabricate Al base composites with the thickness of 1 mm. then, fracture toughness, mechanical properties and forming limit diagrams (FLD) of them have been investigated versus ARB parameters experimentally. Boron nitride (BN) particles are used as reinforcements and Al/BN composites have been manufactured up to 10 accumulative rolling passes at 300°C. after the 10th pass, the strength of composite samples reached to 168 MPa registering 248% improvement than the initial AA1100 sample. Also, the bonding quality among the composite layers improved by increasing the number of passes. A uniform scattering of Boron nitride particles and bonding strength and quality was improved at higher number of passes. Moreover, the fracture mode at higher passes was observed as shear ductile that had been changed from deep dimples (for low number of passes). The area under the FLDs, dropped sharply after the first pass and then improved at higher passes, as the criterion of formability. Finally, fracture toughness enhanced to the maximum value of 30 MPam1/2 for the composite samples fabricated with 10 passes.
Investigating and understanding library data services to support college student data literacy competencies: A conceptual framework
Authors: Xu Qiong
Published: September 2023

Guided by a conceptual framework based on the baseline data literacy competencies (DLCs) mapped to the ACRL information literacy framework and the extended technology acceptance model, this study uses an online survey to investigate the factors related to student users’ potential acceptance of library data services supporting DLCs in a master’s college environment. With quantitative and qualitative data analyses, the study builds three conceptual models to demonstrate how students’ study-related data engagement and backgrounds may influence their attitudes toward multi-aspect library data services, including general data services, an institutional data repository, if available, as a data resource, and institutional data repository-based services. The study’s findings support library data services’ cross-disciplinary, multidimensional, and multilevel nature, addressing the value of institutional data repositories and repository-based data services in comprehensively promoting data literacy competencies of all groups in all disciplines. The contribution of this study, beyond being among the first to look at library data services from a holistic perspective to support college students’ DLCs, includes a call for further explorations of student data engagement practice and verifying and generalizing the current study findings by investigating more students’ data services need in more college communities.
Ovarian Hormones and Binge Eating in Adulthood: Summary of Findings and Implications for Individual Differences in Risk in Women
Authors: Klump Kelly L. , Culbert Kristen M. , Johnson Alexander W. , Sisk Cheryl L.
Published: September 2023

Ovarian hormone influences on general food intake have been studied in animals for 60+ years. Yet, extensions of these data to key eating disorder symptoms in humans (e.g., binge eating [BE]) have only recently occurred. In this article, we summarize findings from studies examining the effects of ovarian hormones on BE. Findings suggest ovarian hormones contribute to BE in animals and humans, although studies are few in number and effects are not present in all women or all animals exposed to high-risk hormonal milieus. Differences in susceptibility may be due to gene × hormone interactions that can explain why some, but not all, women develop BE in the presence of risky hormonal environments.
Tracing palimpsestic text-worlds of key moments in rewrites of King Lear - A Thousand Acres and Dunbar
Authors: Fan Yi
Published: September 2023

In recent years, Text World Theory has been extended and elaborated to explain readers’ understanding of discoursal phenomena where toggling between separate text-worlds is sustained at length, such as extended metaphor and allegory. Similarly, experiencing adaptation, that is, reading a rewrite of a source text, may also involve readers deriving cognitive effects from shifting attention between two ontologically separate sets of worlds throughout a discourse. However, Text World Theory has not been previously applied to the study of this area. This paper deploys Text World Theory to examine the stylistic manipulation of text-worlds in A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley and Dunbar by Edward St. Aubyn, novels that are both modern rewrites of Shakespeare’s King Lear. It aims to contribute on the one hand to Text World Theory by enriching and elaborating a Text World basis for explaining adaptation, and on the other to adaptation studies by demonstrating the utility of a cognitive stylistic approach for analyzing literary adaptation. Specifically, it investigates how the construction of intertextually-relevant text-world patterns serves to draw the reader’s attention to assign significance to certain narrative moments, and to allow the reader to access an additional layer of meaning. This study sheds some light on the possible contribution of special types of contextual information to the negotiation of text-worlds.
Ambulance clinicians’ understanding of older patients’ self-determination: A vignette study
Authors: Bennesved Anna , Bremer Anders , Svensson Anders , Rantala Andreas , Holmberg Mats
Published: September 2023

Background

Older patients are often vulnerable and highly dependent on healthcare professionals’ assessment in the event of acute illness. In the context of ambulance services, this poses challenges as the assessment is normally conducted with a focus on identifying life-threatening conditions. Such assessment is not fully satisfactory in a patient relationship that also aims to promote and protect patient autonomy.

Aim

To describe ambulance clinicians’ understanding of older patients’ self-determination when the patient’s decision-making ability is impaired.

Research design

A qualitative design with an inductive approach, guided by descriptive phenomenology.

Participants

In total, 30 ambulance clinicians, comprised of 25 prehospital emergency nurses, 1 nurse and 4 emergency medical technicians participated in 15 dyadic interviews.

Ethical considerations

The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and permission was granted by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority.

Findings

The findings are presented in two themes: (1) Movement between explicit and implicit will; and (2) Contradictions about the patient’s best interests. The clinicians’ interpretations are based on an understanding of the patient’s situation using substitute decision-making in emergency situations and conversations that reveal the patient’s explicit wishes. Sometimes the clinicians collaborate to validate the patient’s implicit will, while they at other times subordinate themselves to others’ opinions. The clinicians find themselves in conflict between personal values and organisational values as they try to protect the patient’s self-determination.

Conclusion

The results indicate that older patients with an impaired decision-making ability risk losing the right to self-determination in the context of ambulance services. The clinicians face challenges that significantly affect their ability to handle the older patient’s unique needs based on a holistic perspective and their ability to be autonomous.