bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis: A Study of Clinicopathologic Features, Biomarkers, and Associated Malignancies in Indian Patients
Authors: Mehrotra Parul , Tirumalae Rajalakshmi , Ballal Sumedha 
Published: July 2023

Background:Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EDV) is a rare cutaneous manifestation of human papilloma virus infection, which has a potential for malignant transformation. The characteristic histologic features of EDV may not always be present and may often be overlooked. The use of a panel of novel biomarkers may aid in differentiating EDV from their clinical and pathologic mimics.Material and methods:We reviewed 20 cases histologically diagnosed as EDV from 2013 to 2022. Sections were reviewed for histopathologic features, and immunohistochemistry for p16 and Ki67 was performed.Results:There were 20 cases, ranging in age from 6 to 52 years with a male predominance. Four patients were immunosuppressed, and 4 patients had a positive family history. The most common presentation was hypopigmented papules and macules. In all the cases, epidermal keratinocytes showed dysmaturation, enlargement, and a blue-gray cytoplasm. These changes were very focal and superficial in 15 cases (75%). Associated malignancies included carcinoma in situ (1), trichilemmoma (2), and trichilemmal carcinoma (1). The trichilemmal tumors were seen in 2 siblings. p16 was expressed in the parabasal and basal layers in 7 of 17 cases (41%), in keratinocytes with and without inclusions. Ki67 was increased and localized to suprabasal and parabasal keratinocytes in 15 of 17 cases (88%).Conclusion:Although striking and characteristic, the keratinocyte changes are often focal and superficial, requiring multiple step-sections. Association of EDV with familial trichilemmal neoplasms is a novel finding requiring further genetic testing. In cases of clinically suspected EDV with negative histopathologic findings, p16 and Ki67 seem useful as adjunct biomarkers and could serve as cost-effective alternatives to genotyping.
Early Identification and Management of Cervical Impairments in Pediatric Patients With Concussion May Reduce Risk of Delayed Recovery
Authors: McPherson Jacob I. , Kaur Gurleen , Darling Scott R. , Surace Anthony , Willer Barry S. , Leddy John J. , Haider Mohammad N. 
Published: July 2023

Objective:
Previous research, including high-quality systematic reviews, has found that cervical injury, which often accompanies concussive head injury, can delay recovery from concussion. One pilot randomized controlled trial found that focused cervical assessment and appropriate intervention in children and young adults with persisting postconcussive symptoms (PPCS) improved recovery outcomes. Our sports medicine clinics adopted this approach early (within 2 weeks) in children (aged 10-18 years) after concussion. This study describes our clinical management protocol and compares the recovery trajectories in children after concussion with and without a concomitant cervical injury.

Design:
Prospective cohort study.

Setting:
Three university-affiliated outpatient sports medicine clinics from September 2016 to December 2019.

Patients:
One-hundred thirty-four concussed children with cervical impairment (mean age 14.9 years, 65% male, and 6.2 days since concussion) were compared with 130 concussed children without cervical impairment (mean age 14.9 years, 57% male, and 6.0 days since concussion).

Independent Variables:
Examination findings related to the cervical spine (range of motion, cervical spasm, and cervical tenderness).

Main Outcome Measures:
Recovery time (measured in days), concussion symptom burden (Postconcussion Symptom Scale), and incidence of PPCS.

Results:
Children with cervical impairment reported a higher initial symptom burden; however, there were no differences in recovery time (33.65 [28.20-39.09] days vs 35.98 [27.50-44.45] days, P = 0.651) or incidence of PPCS (40.0% vs 34.3%, P = 0.340).

Conclusions:
We conclude that within this pediatric population, early identification and management of cervical injuries concomitant with concussion may reduce the risk of delayed recovery.
Modeling whole brain Electroencephalogram (EEG) in a spatially organized oscillatory neural network
Authors: Ghosh Sayan , Biswas Dipayan , Vijayan Sujith , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTIn this study, we model high-dimensional Electroencephalogram signals in sleep stages, using a general trainable network of Hopf oscillators. The proposed architecture has two components: a layer of oscillators with lateral connections, and a complex valued feedforward network with and without a hidden layer. The output of the Hopf oscillators, whose dynamics is described in the complex domain, is fed as input to the feedforward network and the output predicts the EEG signals. The proposed network is trained in two stages: in the 1st stage, intrinsic frequencies of the oscillators and the lateral connections are trained whereas, in the 2nd stage, the complex-valued feed-forward network is trained. Reconstruction error obtained when there is a hidden layer in the feedforward network is an order of magnitude smaller than that obtained without a hidden layer. Also, it has been shown that during testing our model is able to generate EEG signals, whose spectral properties accurately describe the corresponding target signals. In the first, the oscillators do not have any spatial localization, whereas in the second the oscillators are spatially distributed in a spherical shell geometry. The model described can be interpreted as a stepping stone towards a large-scale model of brain dynamics.
Urban space maintainability factors based on life cycle approach
Authors: Rathnasiri Nimali Erandathi , De Silva Nayanthara , Wijesundara Janaka 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The maintainability of urban spaces has become critical with rapid urbanization to create an effective and safe environment for the increasing population. The absence of scientific studies exploring the factors that affect urban space maintainability (USM) has hindered the incorporation of maintainability aspects during the urban space planning and designing stages. This paper aims to establish critical factors for USM.

Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative content analysis is performed under an abductive approach to developing USM factors. A bibliometric search is conducted using databases including Scopus Elsevier, Emerald Insight, Science Direct, IEEE XPLORE and the American Society of Civil Engineers. The selected primary data set comprises journal papers on USM published after 2000. Seventy-three journal articles are selected through a comprehensive screening procedure and subjected to further analysis. The literature findings are processed via a software-assisted systematic coding and visualizing of the key data using NVivo 12 software. The coded USM factors are validated based on experts’ consensus statements by conducting an expert focus group discussion.

Findings
Twelve critical factors are established for USM; they include six design stage-related factors, one construction stage-related factor and five operational stage-related factors.

Research limitations/implications
Established USM factors give an insight into the main focus areas when incorporating maintainability into urban spaces.

Originality/value
The authors establish a set of maintainability factors for urban spaces based on the life cycle stages. USM factors such as vegetation management, interdepartmental coordination and work zone safety draw attention to context-specific aspects of USM.
Factors associated with the intention to use information technology in audit in Iraq
Authors: Allami Karrar Khalaf Jabbar , Almaqtari Faozi A. , Al-Hattami Hamood Mohammed , Sapra Ritu 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the factors associated with the intention to use information technology in audit (ITIA) in Iraq.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a quantitative approach based on a questionnaire survey of 186 respondents. The study population includes respondents who are board members, senior executives, internal auditors and information technology (IT) assistants in various Iraqi organizations from different sectors. Structural equation modeling has been used to estimate the results.FindingsThe findings exhibit that most auditors in Iraq use basic IT software. However, among several specialized and advanced IT audit software packages, only generalized audit software is used by about 20%. The results also indicate that social factors significantly and positively impact auditors’ and practitioners’ perceptions of ITIA use. Moreover, the results reveal that companies and auditors who use or audit complex accounting systems perceive higher benefits and intent to adopt ITIA. However, the results report that organizational support, professional support, competency and IT education have an insignificant effect on ITIA adoption.Originality/valueThe originality of the present research lies in several aspects. First, the research study focuses specifically on Iraq, which is an emerging and less developed country influenced by social and economic. This research context provides a unique perspective and contributes to the understanding of ITIA adoption in less developed countries. The study investigates how external factors, including social and external pressure and the support of government professional bodies, affect the adoption of ITIA. Further, it assesses the influence of firms’ specific factors such as management support, level of competency and complexity of accounting information systems. Second, the study uses a quantitative approach with a questionnaire survey from various Iraqi organizations and sectors. The specific sample composition adds originality by capturing insights from different levels of organizational hierarchy and diverse professional backgrounds. Third, the findings shed light on the current IT usage in auditing practices in Iraq, highlighting that most auditors use basic IT software and the limited adoption of specialized IT audit software packages. Finally, the study’s originality is also reflected in its contribution to expanding knowledge on the perceived benefits and challenges associated with ITIA adoption in less developed countries. By emphasizing the need for broader awareness of emerging technology-enabled auditing software and considering the unique characteristics of less developed countries, the research provides valuable insights and implications for practitioners, policymakers and researchers.
Can microbial‐based insecticides replace chemical pesticides in agricultural production?
Authors: Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario 
Published: July 2023

AbstractExtensive use of chemical insecticides to control insect pests in agriculture has improved yields and production of high‐quality food products. However, chemical insecticides have been shown to be harmful also to beneficial insects and many other organisms like vertebrates. Thus, there is a need to replace those chemical insecticides by other control methods in order to protect the environment. Insect pest pathogens, like bacteria, viruses or fungi, are interesting alternatives for production of microbial‐based insecticides to replace the use of chemical products in agriculture. Organic farming, which does not use chemical pesticides for pest control, relies on integrated pest management techniques and in the use of microbial‐based insecticides for pest control. Microbial‐based insecticides require precise formulation and extensive monitoring of insect pests, since they are highly specific for certain insect pests and in general are more effective for larval young instars. Here, we analyse the possibility of using microbial‐based insecticides to replace chemical pesticides in agricultural production.
Functional characterization of a rare pathogenic variant c.875G > A, p.(Cys292Tyr) in COMP
Authors: Yin Lan , Zhu Yingchuan , Jiang Wenhao , Song Yue , Lu Yilu , Tao Dachang , Liu Yunqiang , Ma Yongxin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe protein encoded by the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) gene is a noncollagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that is important for chondrocyte formation and growth. Variations in the COMP gene cause pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), which is mainly characterized by short‐limbed dwarfing in the clinic.AimsTo characterize the function of a rare pathogenic variant in the COMP gene (c.875G > A, p.Cys292Tyr).Materials & MethodsWe performed 3D structural analysis, in vitro expression analysis, and immunofluorescence to characterize the effects of the variant on protein structure, expression, and cellular localization respectively.ResultsVariation modeling showed that the interactions between amino acids were changed after the variation, and there were 31 changes in the secondary structure of mutant COMP (MT‐COMP). Western blot showed that the intracellular quantity of MT‐COMP was higher than the wild‐type COMP (WT‐COMP). Cellular immunofluorescence results showed that WT‐COMP was less abundant and homogenously distributed in cells, while the MT‐COMP accumulated in the cytoplasm.DiscussionHerein, we report a variant of COMP in a Chinese family with PSACH. We have shown that the rare missense variant, COMP c.875G > A, previously reported in ClinVar and identified in our patient, results in excessive accumulation of mutant protein in the cytoplasm, and is therefore pathogenic.ConclusionThrough in silico and experimental analyses, we provide evidence that COMP c.875G > A is the likely cause of PSACH in a Chinese family.
Patterns in longitudinal distribution of American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) population characteristics in rivers of Puerto Rico
Authors: Torres‐Molinari A. , Engman A. C. , Pacifici K. , Dolloff C. A. , Myers B. J. E. , Kwak T. J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAmerican Eel (Anguilla rostrata) population characteristics and distribution remain drastically understudied in the Caribbean region. We conducted the first island‐wide study to evaluate the distribution of density, length, and sex in relation to distance from the mouth of 23 stream reaches in five rivers in Puerto Rico. We found 287 American Eel at a mean density of 156.7 fish/ha. Sex ratios favored females (52:3) but most of the eel sampled were undifferentiated or undetermined. Generalized linear modeling indicated that upstream habitats with low eel density were optimal environments for production of large and female eel. Our findings indicate that Puerto Rico could significantly contribute to the spawning population and strengthen knowledge of American Eel in the Caribbean. Our findings could be used to guide local and range‐wide conservation efforts to ensure stream connectivity and access to optimal upstream habitat for survival of the population.
Power and inequality in global value chains: Advancing the research agenda
Authors: Ponte Stefano , Bair Jennifer , Dallas Mark 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPower is a central, but largely undertheorized, concept for scholars of global value chains (GVCs). In this introduction to a special issue on power and inequality in GVCs, the authors summarize the key insights from the articles gathered here and explain how the collection advances our understanding of the types and forms of power operating in GVCs and their effect on different dimensions of inequality.
Lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas endodontalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis promote angiogenesis via Toll‐like‐receptors 2 and 4 pathways in vitro
Authors: Fernández Alejandra , Herrera Daniela , Hoare Anilei , Hernández Marcela , Torres Vicente A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimAngiogenesis contributes to the development of apical periodontitis, periodontitis, and other oral pathologies; however, it remains unclear how this process is triggered. The aim was to evaluate whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas endodontalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis induced angiogenesis‐related effects in vitro via TLR2 and TLR4.MethodologyPorphyromonas endodontalis LPS (ATCC 35406 and clinical isolate) was purified with TRIzol, whereas P. gingivalis LPS was obtained commercially. The effects of the different LPS (24 h) in endothelial cell migration were analysed by Transwell assays, following quantification in an optical microscope (40×). The effects of LPS on FAK Y397 phosphorylation were assessed by Western blotting. Angiogenesis in vitro was determined in an endothelial tube formation assay (14 h) in Matrigel in the absence or presence of either LPS. IL‐6 and VEGF‐A levels were determined in cell supernatants, following 24 h treatment with LPS, and measured in multiplex bead immunoassay. The involvement of TLR2 and TLR4 was assessed with blocking antibodies. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12® (StataCorp LP).ResultsThe results revealed that P. endodontalis LPS, but not P. gingivalis LPS, stimulated endothelial cell migration. Pre‐treatment with anti‐TLR2 and anti‐TLR4 antibodies prevented P. endodontalis LPS‐induced cell migration. P. endodontalis LPS promoted FAK phosphorylation on Y397, as observed by an increased p‐FAK/FAK ratio. Both P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis LPS (ATCC 35406) induced endothelial tube formation in a TLR‐2 and ‐4‐dependent manner, as shown by using blocking antibodies, however, only TLR2 blocking decreased tube formation induced by P. endodontalis (clinical isolate). Moreover, all LPS induced IL‐6 and VEGF‐A synthesis in endothelial cells. TLR2 and TLR4 were required for IL‐6 induction by P. endodontalis LPS (ATCC 35406), while only TLR4 was involved in IL‐6 secretion by the other LPS. Finally, VEGF‐A synthesis did not require TLR signalling.ConclusionPorphyromonas endodontalis and P. gingivalis LPS induced angiogenesis via TLR2 and TLR4. Collectively, these data contribute to understanding the role of LPS from Porphyromonas spp. in angiogenesis and TLR involvement.
Recent progress and technical improvement strategies for mitigating ceramic membrane bottlenecks in water purification processes: A review
Authors: Omar Najib Meftah Almukhtar , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Tai Zhong Sheng , Milad Muhend , Sokri Mohd Nazri Mohd , Puteh Mohd Hafiz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCeramic membranes offer considerable promise for future industrial applications due to their superior chemical, mechanical, and thermal stabilities, resistance to harsh operating conditions, and long‐term operating processes. However, several bottlenecks still limit their commercial scale‐up in filtration and separation applications, including brittleness, the high costs of conventional ceramic materials, and fouling. Despite several articles in the literature on ceramic membranes, this review focuses on recent progress, technical strategies, and methods to mitigate these limitations that significantly impact their separation and filtration performance. The use of alternative naturally occurring ceramic materials to mitigate the high costs of conventional ceramic materials is discussed, as well as strategies to improve the mechanical strength of brittle ceramic membranes by increasing sintering temperatures and using support materials. Additionally, advanced techniques to mitigate fouling accumulation and wetting in the pores and on the ceramic membrane surface, such as increasing membrane hydrophilicity and surface modification, are addressed. Despite progress in technical solutions for mitigating the bottlenecks of ceramic membranes, these limitations persist. Therefore, the present limitations and future research directions are highlighted.
The effect of an unplugged coding course on primary school students' improvement in their computational thinking skills
Authors: Dağ Funda , Şumuer Evren , Durdu Levent 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundToday, computational thinking (CT), which is considered to be a form of literacy, has taken its place in the ICT curriculum of many countries at the K‐12 level. Therefore, there is a need for more evidence with regards to a theoretical and practical understanding of CT skills’ development of K‐12 students.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an unplugged coding course on primary school students’ development of CT skills, differences in their CT skills in terms of socio‐demographics such as gender, computer ownership, daily computer use, and home Internet access, and the relationship between their CT and 21st century skills.MethodsThe research was based a quasi‐experimental design with one‐group pretest‐posttest with follow‐up. The CT skills of 212 third and fourth grade students at a public primary school of Turkey were measured with a CT Skills Test before, after, and about ten weeks following having attended an unplugged coding course.Results and ConclusionsThe results of the study showed that the unplugged coding course statistically significantly improved the participants’ CT skills, specifically in algorithmic design, abstraction, evaluation, decomposition, and generalization. Moreover, the findings indicated that primary school students’ CT skills were not associated with their socio‐demographics. In addition, the students’ CT skills were found to be positively and statistically significantly correlated with their collaboration and communication skills.ImplicationsThis study contributes to understanding of the effects of unplugged activities on the development of primary school students’ CT skills, which is beneficial to teaching practices for CT skills in the primary education.
Evaluation of systemic oxidative stress in patients with melasma
Authors: Rahimi Hoda , Mirnezami Mina , Yazdabadi Anousha , Hajihashemi Aazam 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe significance of oxidative stress has been assessed and proven in the etiopathogenesis of many cutaneous disorders, but there are few studies that evaluated the role of only some factors involved in oxidative stress in patients with melasma.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the role of oxidative stress in melasma and assess the relationship between systemic oxidative stress and the severity and extension of this disease.MethodsIn this study, the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), selenium (Se), vitamin E (vit E), and vitamin C (vit C) of fifty patients with melasma were compared with those of fifty controls.ResultsThe serum level of MDA was significantly higher in the melasma group (3.08 vs. 2.35 U/mL;p < 0.05), and it was positively correlated with the severity (r = 0.4;p < 0.001) and extension (r = 0.3;p < 0.05) of the disease. Furthermore, the serum level of vit C was significantly lower in melasma patients (2.16 vs. 2.57 μg/mL;p < 0.001).ConclusionSystemic oxidative stress has a key role in the etiopathogenesis of melasma. Serum concentrations of MDA and vitamin C are indicators of this impairment.
In Defense of the Standard Picture: Overcoming Death by a Thousand Cuts
Authors: Alexander Larry 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn a previous article, I defended the standard picture of law (or SP), so labeled by its foremost critic, Mark Greenberg. In that article, I addressed Greenberg's root‐and‐branch critique of the SP and, to a much lesser extent, a related critique by Scott Hershovitz. But the Greenberg and Hershovitz frontal attacks on the SP are not its only threats. Some theorists, while not attacking the SP directly, give accounts of law that the SP cannot accommodate. Those theorists will be challenged here, because if they are correct, the SP is not a tenable account of law.