bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using citation-based indicators to compare bilateral research collaborations
Authors: Pohl Hans
Published: July 2024

A standard approach to compare research collaborations between pairs of countries is to look at the citations accrued by all publications with authors from both countries. This approach is often misleading, as aspects only marginally related to the collaboration between the country pairs may bias the result considerably. Among them, the main aspect is the number of co-authors. Publications with many co-authors have on average higher citation impact. If the mix of co-publications between two countries has a high share of such publications, the citation impact will likely be high. Moreover, publications with many co-authors tend to include many countries and are thus only to a limited extent characterising the actual collaboration between the selected pair of countries. The purpose of this study is to develop methods for comparisons of country pairs useful for policy makers, who use SciVal or similar tools. Five methods to compare international collaboration are developed and tested. It is noted that the standard approach for comparisons deviates the most. Fractional methods to calculate the citation impact are recommended, as they allow for the use of citations to all co-publications with a higher weight on the citations to publications in which the country pair dominates. As fractionalisation is laborious to carry out based on SciVal data, a more convenient option is also suggested, which is to use co-publications with maximum 10 co-authors. Elsevier should introduce better methods for comparisons of international collaborations and, until this has been made, help its users understand the limitations of the standard approach featured in SciVal. A by-product of the study is that international co-publications deliver a higher citation impact also when publications with the same number of co-authors are compared.
Analysis of scientific cooperation at the international and intercontinental level
Authors: Krawczyk Malgorzata J. , Libirt Mateusz , Malarz Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

The studies of international scientific cooperation have been present in the literature since the early 1990s. However, much less is known about this cooperation at the intercontinental level. Very recently Krawczyk and Malarz (Chaos 33(11):111102, 2023), showed that the rank-based probability distribution of the sequences of ‘continents (number of countries)’ in the authors’ affiliations shows a clear power law with an exponent close to 1.9. In this paper, we focus on the analysis of almost 14 million papers. Based on the affiliations of their authors, we created lists of sequences ‘continent (number of countries)’—at the intercontinental level—and ‘country (number of authors)’ sequences—at the international level—and analysed them in terms of their frequency. In contrast to the intercontinental level, the rank-based probability distribution of the ‘country (number of authors)’ sequences in the authors’ affiliations reveals a broken power law distribution.
Social Exclusion Among Older Adults: A Multilevel Analysis for 10 European Countries
Authors: Juma Fernanda , Fernández-Sainz Ana
Published: July 2024

Demographic ageing has influenced the well-being of the population. Issues that need to be addressed in terms of generating vulnerability in older adults (aged 60+) include social exclusion. Using the longitudinal Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this study proposes a measure of social exclusion among older adults represented by five underlying dimensions: exclusion from material resources, from social relationships, from basic services, from participation in civic activities and from neighbourhoods. This measure is then associated with individual and collective factors using a multilevel linear regression model, which captures differences between countries and individuals over three years. The main results indicate that being female, having a high level of education, and living in an urban area are significant factors in the risk of social exclusion. Additionally, trust in government has a negative association while the Gini coefficient variable and belonging to Southern and Eastern European countries have positive associations. These regions are characterised by a more family-based, dependent culture, but exclusion in old age is also reflected in different political, historical, and socio-cultural contexts over time, which makes older people less likely to be socially excluded today.
Determinants of academic achievement from the middle to secondary school education: A systematic review
Authors: Costa Ana , Moreira Diana , Casanova Joana , Azevedo Ângela , Gonçalves Armanda , Oliveira Íris , Azevedo Raquel , Dias Paulo C.
Published: July 2024

Because it is crucial for psychosocial adjustment and lifelong learning, education is the most relevant tool for ensuring inclusion and reducing inequalities. Due to its relationship with positive outcomes, such as life satisfaction, mental health, job performance or SES, academic achievement is a significant phenomenon that impacts students, families, and educational institutions. The present study sought to contribute to the field by reviewing the literature on the determinants that influence the objective achievements of a typical population of middle- to high-school students. Based on the PRISMA statement, a search for related studies was performed in the WoS, EBSCO, and PubMed databases, and 771 studies published between 1930 and 2022 were identified. After screening based on the analysis of abstracts, 35 studies met the selection criteria. The Bronfenbrenner ecological model served as the theoretical rationale for organizing the studies’ findings. The results of this review highlight the following determinants of school achievement: (i) Personal factors—gender, personality traits, cognitive abilities and academic background, motivation and self-constructs, stress and problem-solving strategies, and substance use; (ii) Contextual microsystem factors—(a) Family—parental educational background; parenting practices and interactions; parental involvement and support; (b) School—school location; school conditions, responsiveness, and practices; (c) Peers—peer-group disagreement management. This systematic review updates the existing empirical evidence on this topic and highlights the complexity of the phenomenon of academic achievement.
On the Selection of Catalysts’ Support with High Oxygen Delivery Capacity for DRM Application: Interest of Praseodymium as Dopant of Ceria
Authors: Herráez-Santos L. , Goma-Jiménez D. , Yeste-Sigüenza M. P. , Cauqui-López M. A. , García-García A.
Published: July 2024

In the present work, a series of supports with varying compositions (ranging from pure CeO2 to pure PrO2-y) was designed to investigate their ability to release oxygen (with the concomitant formation of oxygen vacancies) under diverse reducing atmospheres: hydrogen (H2), helium (He), and in the presence of a carbonaceous substance that mimics eventual carbon deposits formed under practical reaction conditions (DRM). Oxygen vacancies were generated effectively in all three atmospheres (following the order He < H2 < carbon material). With regard to the influence of the composition, the capability to generate oxygen vacancies clearly increased with the Pr content, for whatever the conditions tested. Notably, the non-stoichiometry obtained with the support of pure praseodymia in both inert and reducing atmospheres is very remarkable, as it approaches the maximum non-stoichiometry value of the well-established theoretical Bevan cluster. This leads to consider this formulation as a very promising support for applications in catalysis and other fields where oxygen vacancies play a crucial role. Dry Reforming of Methane requires catalytic supports that possess highly mobile oxygen, enabling it to actively participate in the reactions step involved or potentially gasify undesirable carbon deposits generated during parallel reactions. Consequently, designing and elucidating the behavior of ceria-praseodymium-based supports with high reducibility and generation of oxygen vacancies (oxygen storage and release capacity) holds particular relevance in this context. Actually, the very preliminary results comparing two counterpart formulations (5%Ni/PrO2-y versus 5%Ni/Al2O3) already confirm the suitability of the choice of pure praseodymia in terms of activity, stability and very high selectivity towards H2 and CO, reaching a very close value to the ideal H2/CO ratio of 1.
Reliability Theory for Measurements with Variable Test Length, Illustrated with ERN and Pe Collected in the Flanker Task
Authors: Ellis Jules L. , Sijtsma Klaas , de Groot Kristel , Groenen Patrick J. F.
Published: July 2024

In psychophysiology, an interesting question is how to estimate the reliability of event-related potentials collected by means of the Eriksen Flanker Task or similar tests. A special problem presents itself if the data represent neurological reactions that are associated with some responses (in case of the Flanker Task, responding incorrectly on a trial) but not others (like when providing a correct response), inherently resulting in unequal numbers of observations per subject. The general trend in reliability research here is to use generalizability theory and Bayesian estimation. We show that a new approach based on classical test theory and frequentist estimation can do the job as well and in a simpler way, and even provides additional insight to matters that were unsolved in the generalizability method approach. One of our contributions is the definition of a single, overall reliability coefficient for an entire group of subjects with unequal numbers of observations. Both methods have slightly different objectives. We argue in favor of the classical approach but without rejecting the generalizability approach.
Surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort from a high-volume center
Authors: Paiella Salvatore , Landoni Luca , De Pastena Matteo , Elio Giovanni , Casciani Fabio , Cingarlini Sara , D’Onofrio Mirko , Maistri Giulia , Ciatti Ivan , Tuveri Massimiliano , Davì Maria Vittoria , Luchini Claudio , Donadello Katia , Manzini Gessica , Malleo Giuseppe , Salvia Roberto
Published: July 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pancreatic surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) with surgical indications was postponed or canceled. Patients with PNET patients who underwent pancreatic surgery during the COVID-19 restriction period (3 years) were compared with a similar cohort of patients who underwent surgery in the previous 3 years. Data on patients’ characteristics, waiting time, and surgical and pathology outcomes were evaluated. During the study period, 370 patients received surgery for PNETs, 205 (55%) during the first period, and 165 (45%) during the pandemic. A lengthening of the waiting list (182 [IQR 100–357] vs. 60 [40–88] days, p < 0.001) and increased use of anti-tumor medical treatments (any therapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and somatostatin analogs; all p < 0.001) was found. During the pandemic, surgery occurred after a median of 381 days [IQR 200–610] from diagnosis (vs. 103 [IQR 52–192] of the pre-COVID-19 period, p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in tumor size and grading distribution were found between the two periods (both p > 0.05), yet only a modest increase of the median Ki67 values in cases operated during the pandemic (4% vs. 3%, p = 0.03). Lastly, these latter patients experienced less major postoperative complications (13% vs. 24%, p = 0.007). During COVID-19, the surgical waiting list of PNET patients was drastically extended, and bridge therapies were preferred. This did not result in more advanced cases at final pathology. PRRT and SSA are valid alternative therapies for PNETs when surgery is not feasible.
Adolescent Social Media Use and Emotional Intelligence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Piccerillo Lidia , Digennaro Simone
Published: July 2024

Emotional intelligence, which encompasses the ability to perceive, understand, express, and regulate emotions, is recognized as critical to the socioemotional development of adolescents. Despite its significance, the relationship between emotional intelligence and social media use among adolescents remains largely unexplored in the literature. This work aimed to provide a review that examines the association between adolescents’ emotional intelligence, including its dimensions (self-esteem, emotion regulation, empathy), and social media use. An online search of two electronic databases identified 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results suggest that lower levels of emotional intelligence are associated with increased problematic social media use among adolescents, with social media use showing a negative correlation with adolescents’ self-esteem. In addition, difficulties in emotion regulation were associated with problematic social media use, while social media use was positively correlated with empathy. These findings underscore the importance of considering emotional intelligence as a key factor in understanding the relationship between adolescents and problematic social media use.
Adsorptive desulfurization of diesel with modified pig dung: experimental design with optimization, kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics studies
Authors: Agarry Samuel Enahoro , Salam Kazeem Kolapo , Alade Abass Olanrewaju , Oyelakin Micheal Adetayo
Published: July 2024

This study converted pig dung (PD) with garlic (Allium sativum) peel extract (GPE) to adsorbents (dried pig dung (DPD), activated carbon DPD (ACDPD) and GPE impregnated DPD (EDPD) and GPE impregnated ACDPD (EACDPD)), applied in the removal of Dibenzothiophene (DBT) from diesel. The four adsorbent samples (DPD, EDPD, ACDPD and EACDPD) were used for the removal of Dibenzothiophene (DBT) through batch desulfurization process at different experimental condition (dosage: 100 to 500 mg; time: 30 to 120 min and temperature: 25 to 50 °C) and appropriately characterized. EACDPD proved to be an adsorbent that can be employed for the desulfurization of diesel. The optimum equilibrium condition was achieved at 90 min for the removal of 67.76% of DBT applying a dosage of 178 mg, temperature of 45 °C and agitation of 260 rpm for the desulfurization process. The kinetic of the desulfurization process was best described by pseudo second order rate expression while the best isotherm model that best fitted the desulfurization data was Temkin model. The removal of DBT from diesel and its adsorption on EACDPD was an endothermic reaction with estimated change in enthalpy and entropy of 34.41 kJ/mol and 68.69 J/mol K respectively. Characterization showed transformation to the surface of the modified adsorbent (EACDPD) after chemical, thermal and impregnation from amorphous to plat like with improvement in micropore and mesopore of the adsorbent (EACDPD) while it was deduced that the presence of Mg and Zn in EACDPD enhance removal of DBT from diesel. This research is applicable in sustainable development goals (SDG) 7 and 11 respectively.
Empirische Evidenz zum Wissenstransfer zwischen jüngeren und älteren Mitarbeitenden
Authors: Rinker Laura , Fasbender Ulrike
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Wissenstransfer zwischen jüngeren und älteren Mitarbeitenden ist wichtig, da er zum langfristigen Erfolg von Unternehmen beiträgt und ein Standbein für die persönliche und berufliche Entwicklung von Mitarbeitenden darstellt. Ziel dieses Überblicksartikels ist es, die aktuelle empirische Forschung zum Thema darzustellen. Dabei wollen wir einerseits zentrale Theorien herausarbeiten, andererseits aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse in einem Input-Prozess-Output-(IPO–)‌Modell einordnen, wodurch Forschungsfoci und -lücken offengelegt werden sollen. Zu diesem Zweck haben wir eine systematische Literaturrecherche durchgeführt, durch die wir N = 30 relevante Studien identifizieren konnten. Als vier dominante theoretische Perspektiven konnten wir die Theorie der sozialen Identität, die Theorie des Intergruppenkontakts, das Socialization-Externalization-Combination-Internalization-Modell sowie Entwicklungstheorien der Lebensspanne identifizieren. Wir finden, dass die bisherige Literatur einen klaren Fokus auf die Inputfaktoren gelegt hat, während die Outputs im Vergleich weniger erforscht sind. Auch wurden noch nicht alle möglichen Verhaltensweisen im Wissenstransfer empirisch untersucht. Neben den IPO-Faktoren berichten wir auch die in der Forschung ausgewiesenen Rahmenbedingungen des Wissenstransfers zwischen jüngeren und älteren Mitarbeitenden. Der Übersichtsartikel schließt mit einer Diskussion über bisherige Forschungsschwerpunkte und einen Ausblick für zukünftige Forschung ab.
Site‐Specific Multiple Stressor Assessments Based on High Frequency Surface Observations and an Earth System Model
Authors: Olson Elise M. B. , John Jasmin G. , Dunne John P. , Stock Charles , Drenkard Elizabeth J. , Sutton Adrienne J.
Published: July 2024

Global Earth system models are often enlisted to assess the impacts of climate variability and change on marine ecosystems. In this study, we compare high frequency (daily) outputs of potential ecosystem stressors, such as sea surface temperature and surface pH, and associated variables from an Earth system model (GFDL ESM4.1) with high frequency time series from a global network of moorings to directly assess the capacity of the model to resolve local biogeochemical variability on time scales from daily to interannual. Our analysis indicates variability in surface temperature is most consistent between ESM4.1 and observations, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.93 and bias of 0.40°C, followed by variability in surface salinity. Physical variability is reproduced with greater accuracy than biogeochemical variability, and variability on seasonal and longer time scales is more consistent between the model and observations than higher frequency variability. At the same time, the well‐resolved seasonal and longer timescale variability is a reasonably good predictor, in many cases, of the likelihood of extreme events. Despite limited model representation of high frequency variability, model and observation‐based assessments of the fraction of days experiencing surface T‐pH and T‐Ωarag multistressor conditions show reasonable agreement, depending on the stressor combination and threshold definition. We also identify circumstances in which some errors could be reduced by accounting for model biases.
Unveiling Soil Microbiome Adaptation and Survival Strategy Under Vanadium Stress in Nationwide Mining Environments
Authors: Zhang Han , Jiao Shuo , Xing Yi , Jiang Bo , Zhou Shungui , Zhang Baogang
Published: July 2024

In the soils of vanadium (V) smelters, a diverse array of microorganisms relies on metabolic activities for survival amid stress. However, the characteristics and functions of soil microbiomes in V mining environments remain unexplored on a continental scale. This study thoroughly investigates the microbial diversity, community assembly, and functional potential of soil microbiome across 90 V smelters in China. Alpha diversity decreases significantly along the V gradient, with V emerging as the primary factor influencing community structure, followed by other environmental, climatic, and geographic factors. The null model reveals that V induces homogeneous selection, shaping co‐occurrence patterns and leading to increased number of positive associations, particularly with keystone genera such as f_Gemmatimonadaceae, Nocardioides, Micromonospora, and Rubrobacter under higher V concentrations (>559.6 mg/kg). Moreover, a metagenomic analysis yields 67 metagenome‐assembled genomes, unraveling the potential metabolic pathways of keystone taxa and their likely involvement in the V(V) reduction process. Nitrate and nitrite reductase (nirK, narG), and mtrABC are found to be taxonomically affiliated with Micromonospora. sp, FEN‐1250. sp, Nocardioides. sp, etc. Additionally, the reverse citric acid cycle (rTCA) likely serves as the primary carbon fixation pathway, synthesizing alternative energy for putative V reducers, highlighting a potentially synergistic relationship between autotrophic and heterotrophic processes that supports microbial survival. Our findings comprehensively uncover the driving forces behind soil community variation under V stress, revealing robust strategies possibly employed by indigenous microorganisms to mitigate the impact of V. These insights hold potential for applications in bioremediation.
Machine Learning Driven Sensitivity Analysis of E3SM Land Model Parameters for Wetland Methane Emissions
Authors: Chinta Sandeep , Gao Xiang , Zhu Qing
Published: July 2024

Methane (CH4) is globally the second most critical greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, contributing to 16%–25% of the observed atmospheric warming. Wetlands are the primary natural source of methane emissions globally. However, wetland methane emission estimates from biogeochemistry models contain considerable uncertainty. One of the main sources of this uncertainty arises from the numerous uncertain model parameters within various physical, biological, and chemical processes that influence methane production, oxidation, and transport. Sensitivity Analysis (SA) can help identify critical parameters for methane emission and achieve reduced biases and uncertainties in future projections. This study performs SA for 19 selected parameters responsible for critical biogeochemical processes in the methane module of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) land model (ELM). The impact of these parameters on various CH4 fluxes is examined at 14 FLUXNET‐ CH4 sites with diverse vegetation types. Given the extensive number of model simulations needed for global variance‐based SA, we employ a machine learning (ML) algorithm to emulate the complex behavior of ELM methane biogeochemistry. We found that parameters linked to CH4 production and diffusion generally present the highest sensitivities despite apparent seasonal variation. Comparing simulated emissions from perturbed parameter sets against FLUXNET‐CH4 observations revealed that better performances can be achieved at each site compared to the default parameter values. This presents a scope for further improving simulated emissions using parameter calibration with advanced optimization techniques.
Post‐Fire Sediment Yield From a Central California Watershed: Field Measurements and Validation of the WEPP Model
Authors: East Amy E. , Logan Joshua B. , Dow Helen W. , Smith Douglas P. , Iampietro Pat , Warrick Jonathan A. , Lorenson Thomas D. , Hallas Leticia , Kozlowicz Benjamin
Published: July 2024

In a warming climate, an intensifying fire regime and higher likelihood of extreme rain are expected to increase watershed sediment yield in many regions. Understanding regional variability in landscape response to fire and post‐fire rainfall is essential for managing water resources and infrastructure. We measured sediment yield resulting from sequential wildfire and extreme rain and flooding in the upper Carmel River watershed (116 km2), on the central California coast, USA, using changes in sediment volume mapped in a reservoir. We determined that the sediment yield after fire and post‐fire flooding was 854–1,100 t/km2/yr, a factor of 3.5–4.6 greater than the long‐term yield from this watershed and more than an order of magnitude greater than during severe drought conditions. In this first large‐scale field validation test of the WEPPcloud/wepppy framework for the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model on a burned landscape, WEPP predicted 81%–106% of the measured sediment yield. These findings will facilitate assessing and predicting future fire effects in steep watersheds with a Mediterranean climate and indicate that the increasingly widespread use of WEPP is appropriate for evaluating post‐fire hillslope erosion even across 100‐km2 scales under conditions without debris flows.
Saving the Planet with Radar Astronomy
Authors: Francis Matthew
Published: July 2024

Once the largest telescope in the world, Arecibo kept watch for dangerous asteroids using radar. With it gone, the world is preparing the next generation of radar observatories.
On the Origin of the Hawaiian Swell: Lithosphere and Asthenosphere Seismic Structure From Rayleigh Wave Dispersion
Authors: Chen Kai‐Xun , Forsyth Donald W.
Published: July 2024

In this study, we revisit the shear‐wave velocity structure of the lithosphere and asthenosphere surrounding the Hawaiian hotspot and Hawaiian swell using Rayleigh wave data spanning periods of 20–125 s from the PLUME project. A primary goal of this investigation is to probe the origin of the Hawaiian swell and the mechanism that elevates the topography, providing insights into mantle dynamics beneath hotspot swells. In the shear velocity model, the 30–70 km depth range is largely featureless with weak and local anomalies, indicating that the elevation of the Hawaiian swell cannot be attributed to upper lithospheric reheating or replacement. In contrast, at 80–150 km depth, a pronounced region of anomalously low velocities is well‐resolved, with the lowest velocities found beneath the Hawaii‐Maui‐Molokai part of the island chain. Minimum shear velocities are approximately 4.0 km/s at 100–120 km depth, which is an ∼8%‐10% velocity decrease relative to the surrounding velocities away from the swell. This pattern suggests that hot, buoyant mantle from deeper plume sources laterally spread out near the top of the normal oceanic asthenosphere. We find that the low‐velocity pattern in the asthenosphere exhibits a strong correlation with the overall shape of the Hawaiian swell topography. Assuming that density anomalies are proportional to shear velocity anomalies, we demonstrate that the anomalous elevation of the swell can be explained by the uplift of a 30‐km‐thick elastic plate loaded from below by this buoyant, low‐seismic‐velocity layer in the asthenosphere.
Enteral plasma feeding improves gut function and immunity in piglets after birth asphyxia
Authors: Nordsten Mads Jacob Bagi , Winther Christina L. , Haugaard Maria Mathilde , Skovgaard Kerstin , Thymann Thomas , Sangild Per T.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Birth asphyxia may negatively affect gut function and immunity in newborns. Conversely, immunomodulatory milk diets may protect the gut and immune system against damage caused by asphyxia. Using caesarean-derived pigs as models, we hypothesised that enteral feeding with plasma improves gut and immune functions in asphyxiated newborns.

Methods

Near-term pig fetuses (98% gestation,) were delivered by caesarean section after 8 min umbilical cord occlusion, leading to transient birth asphyxia (ASP, n = 75) and compared with non-occluded controls (CON, n = 69). Piglets were further randomised to supplementation with/without porcine plasma (plasma, PLA/vehicle, VEH), into bovine colostrum (first 24 h) or formula (until 72 h).

Results

Compared with CON, ASP piglets took longer to achieve stable respiration and showed reduced blood pH, weight gain and survival. Independent of asphyxia, plasma supplementation reduced gut haemorrhagic lesions, permeability and inflammatory cytokines together with improved villous morphology and brush-border enzyme activities. Asphyxia reduced blood cytokine responses to ex vivo bacterial stimulation, whereas plasma supplementation ameliorated this effect.

Conclusion

Dietary plasma supplementation improves survival, gut functions and immunity in both normal and asphyxiated newborns. The components in plasma that mediate gut-protective effects in piglets remain to be identified, but may benefit also birth-compromised newborn infants.

Impact

Complicated deliveries leading to birth asphyxia, may negatively affect gut, liver and immune adaptation in the first days after birth.

Using a model of birth asphyxia in caesarean-derived piglets, we show that enteral feeding with maternal plasma exerts gut maturational and immunomodulatory effects in both control and asphyxiated animals in the first days of life.

The mechanisms behind the gut-protective effects of plasma are unknown, but plasma components hold potential for new oral therapies for compromised newborn infants as well as piglets.
Exploring the impact of oral health on the quality of life in older patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Shammary Nawaf H.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the significant impact of oral health on the quality of life of older individuals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, across various socioeconomic and demographic contexts.

Methods

A cross- sectional study was conducted, involving the distribution of a translated online questionnaire based on the OHQoL-UK® tool to evaluate oral health-related quality of life OHRQoL. This included utilizing the Oral Health Quality of Life Scale to assess overall quality of life.

Results

A total of 586 participants were involved in the study, with the majority being over 60 years old (77.1%). The mean score of OHRQoL was 3.79. The Social Dental Scale SDS had a mean score of 0.71. The General Oral Health Assessment GOHS scored 3.51 on average. The mean score of Dental Impact Profile DIP was 3.12. The Subjective Oral Health Status Indicators SOHSIs had a mean score of 3.82. The mean score of Oral Health Benefit of Life Inventory OHBLI averaged at 4.04, and Dental Impact on Daily Living DIDL scored an average of 4.05. The mean scores of OHRQoL and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance OIDP were 3.90 and 3.89 respectively. Cronbach’s Alpha values ranged from 0.854 to 0.939, with an overall questionnaire reliability of 0.977, indicating a good reliability of the study’s tool.

Conclusion

Older adults exhibited lower OHRQoL compared to younger adults, particularly influenced by factors such as health insurance coverage, monthly income, and educational level. It is essential to develop health programs specifically tailored for senior adults to safeguard their overall health and quality of life. Making health and medical insurance obligatory and accessible to all individuals is crucial for enhancing their QoL and reducing the diseases.
High temperature sensitivity of Arctic isoprene emissions explained by sedges
Authors: Wang Hui , Welch Allison M. , Nagalingam Sanjeevi , Leong Christopher , Czimczik Claudia I. , Tang Jing , Seco Roger , Rinnan Riikka , Vettikkat Lejish , Schobesberger Siegfried , Holst Thomas , Brijesh Shobhit , Sheesley Rebecca J. , Barsanti Kelley C. , Guenther Alex B.
Published: July 2024

It has been widely reported that isoprene emissions from the Arctic ecosystem have a strong temperature response. Here we identify sedges (Carex spp. and Eriophorum spp.) as key contributors to this high sensitivity using plant chamber experiments. We observe that sedges exhibit a markedly stronger temperature response compared to that of other isoprene emitters and predictions by the widely accepted isoprene emission model, the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN). MEGAN is able to reproduce eddy-covariance flux observations at three high-latitude sites by integrating our findings. Furthermore, the omission of the strong temperature responses of Arctic isoprene emitters causes a 20% underestimation of isoprene emissions for the high-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere during 2000-2009 in the Community Land Model with the MEGAN scheme. We also find that the existing model had underestimated the long-term trend of isoprene emissions from 1960 to 2009 by 55% for the high-latitude regions.
The genetic evolution of acral melanoma
Authors: Wang Meng , Fukushima Satoshi , Sheen Yi-Shuan , Ramelyte Egle , Cruz-Pacheco Noel , Shi Chenxu , Liu Shanshan , Banik Ishani , Aquino Jamie D. , Sangueza Acosta Martin , Levesque Mitchell , Dummer Reinhard , Liau Jau-Yu , Chu Chia-Yu , Shain A. Hunter , Yeh Iwei , Bastian Boris C.
Published: July 2024

Acral melanoma is an aggressive type of melanoma with unknown origins. It is the most common type of melanoma in individuals with dark skin and is notoriously challenging to treat. We examine exome sequencing data of 139 tissue samples, spanning different progression stages, from 37 patients. We find that 78.4% of the melanomas display clustered copy number transitions with focal amplifications, recurring predominantly on chromosomes 5, 11, 12, and 22. These complex genomic aberrations are typically shared across all progression stages of individual patients. TERT activating alterations also arise early, whereas MAP-kinase pathway mutations appear later, an inverted order compared to the canonical evolution. The punctuated formation of complex aberrations and early TERT activation suggest a unique mutational mechanism that initiates acral melanoma. The marked intratumoral heterogeneity, especially concerning MAP-kinase pathway mutations, may partly explain the limited success of therapies for this melanoma subtype.
Coherence-controlled chaotic soliton bunch
Authors: Zhang Ze-Xian , Luo Min , Liu Jia-Hao , Yang Yi-Tao , Li Ti-Jian , Liu Meng , Luo Ai-Ping , Xu Wen-Cheng , Luo Zhi-Chao
Published: July 2024

Controlling the coherence of chaotic soliton bunch holds the promise to explore novel light-matter interactions and manipulate dynamic events such as rogue waves. However, the coherence control of chaotic soliton bunch remains challenging, as there is a lack of dynamic equilibrium mechanism for stochastic soliton interactions. Here, we develop a strategy to effectively control the coherence of chaotic soliton bunch in a laser. We show that by introducing a lumped fourth-order-dispersion (FOD), the soliton oscillating tails can be formed and generate the potential barriers among the chaotic solitons. The repulsive force between neighboring solitons enabled by the potential barriers gives rise to an alleviation of the soliton fusion/annihilation from stochastic interactions, endowing the capability to control the coherence in chaotic soliton bunch. We envision that this result provides a promising test-bed for a variety of dynamical complexity science and brings new insights into the nonlinear behavior of chaotic laser sources.
Host cell CRISPR genomics and modelling reveal shared metabolic vulnerabilities in the intracellular development of Plasmodium falciparum and related hemoparasites
Authors: Maurizio Marina , Masid Maria , Woods Kerry , Caldelari Reto , Doench John G. , Naguleswaran Arunasalam , Joly Denis , González-Fernández Martín , Zemp Jonas , Borteele Mélanie , Hatzimanikatis Vassily , Heussler Volker , Rottenberg Sven , Olias Philipp
Published: July 2024

Parasitic diseases, particularly malaria (caused by Plasmodium falciparum) and theileriosis (caused by Theileria spp.), profoundly impact global health and the socioeconomic well-being of lower-income countries. Despite recent advances, identifying host metabolic proteins essential for these auxotrophic pathogens remains challenging. Here, we generate a novel metabolic model of human hepatocytes infected with P. falciparum and integrate it with a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen targeting Theileria-infected cells to pinpoint shared vulnerabilities. We identify key host metabolic enzymes critical for the intracellular survival of both of these lethal hemoparasites. Remarkably, among the metabolic proteins identified by our synergistic approach, we find that host purine and heme biosynthetic enzymes are essential for the intracellular survival of P. falciparum and Theileria, while other host enzymes are only essential under certain metabolic conditions, highlighting P. falciparum’s adaptability and ability to scavenge nutrients selectively. Unexpectedly, host porphyrins emerge as being essential for both parasites. The shared vulnerabilities open new avenues for developing more effective therapies against these debilitating diseases, with the potential for broader applicability in combating apicomplexan infections.
Multi-domain interaction mediated strength-building in human α-actinin dimers unveiled by direct single-molecule quantification
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Du Jingyi , Liu Xian , Shang Fei , Deng Yunxin , Ye Jiaqing , Wang Yukai , Yan Jie , Chen Hu , Yu Miao , Le Shimin
Published: July 2024

α-Actinins play crucial roles in cytoskeletal mechanobiology by acting as force-bearing structural modules that orchestrate and sustain the cytoskeletal framework, serving as pivotal hubs for diverse mechanosensing proteins. The mechanical stability of α-actinin dimer, a determinant of its functional state, remains largely unexplored. Here, we directly quantify the force-dependent lifetimes of homo- and hetero-dimers of human α-actinins, revealing an ultra-high mechanical stability of the dimers associated with > 100 seconds lifetime within 40 pN forces under shear-stretching geometry. Intriguingly, we uncover that the strong dimer stability is arisen from much weaker sub-domain pair interactions, suggesting the existence of distinct dimerized functional states of the dimer, spanning a spectrum of mechanical stability, with the spectrin repeats (SRs) in folded or unfolded conformation. In essence, our study supports a potent mechanism for building strength in biomolecular dimers through weak, multiple sub-domain interactions, and illuminates multifaceted roles of α-actinin dimers in cytoskeletal mechanics and mechanotransduction.
Glutathione synthesis in the mouse liver supports lipid abundance through NRF2 repression
Authors: Asantewaa Gloria , Tuttle Emily T. , Ward Nathan P. , Kang Yun Pyo , Kim Yumi , Kavanagh Madeline E. , Girnius Nomeda , Chen Ying , Rodriguez Katherine , Hecht Fabio , Zocchi Marco , Smorodintsev-Schiller Leonid , Scales TashJaé Q. , Taylor Kira , Alimohammadi Fatemeh , Duncan Renae P. , Sechrist Zachary R. , Agostini-Vulaj Diana , Schafer Xenia L. , Chang Hayley , Smith Zachary R. , O’Connor Thomas N. , Whelan Sarah , Selfors Laura M. , Crowdis Jett , Gray G. Kenneth , Bronson Roderick T. , Brenner Dirk , Rufini Alessandro , Dirksen Robert T. , Hezel Aram F. , Huber Aaron R. , Munger Joshua , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Vasiliou Vasilis , Cole Calvin L. , DeNicola Gina M. , Harris Isaac S.
Published: July 2024

Cells rely on antioxidants to survive. The most abundant antioxidant is glutathione (GSH). The synthesis of GSH is non-redundantly controlled by the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). GSH imbalance is implicated in many diseases, but the requirement for GSH in adult tissues is unclear. To interrogate this, we have developed a series of in vivo models to induce Gclc deletion in adult animals. We find that GSH is essential to lipid abundance in vivo. GSH levels are highest in liver tissue, which is also a hub for lipid production. While the loss of GSH does not cause liver failure, it decreases lipogenic enzyme expression, circulating triglyceride levels, and fat stores. Mechanistically, we find that GSH promotes lipid abundance by repressing NRF2, a transcription factor induced by oxidative stress. These studies identify GSH as a fulcrum in the liver’s balance of redox buffering and triglyceride production.
Ultra-low power carbon nanotube/porphyrin synaptic arrays for persistent photoconductivity and neuromorphic computing
Authors: Yao Jian , Wang Qinan , Zhang Yong , Teng Yu , Li Jing , Zhao Pin , Zhao Chun , Hu Ziyi , Shen Zongjie , Liu Liwei , Tian Dan , Qiu Song , Wang Zhongrui , Kang Lixing , Li Qingwen
Published: July 2024

Developing devices with a wide-temperature range persistent photoconductivity (PPC) and ultra-low power consumption remains a significant challenge for optical synaptic devices used in neuromorphic computing. By harnessing the PPC properties in materials, it can achieve optical storage and neuromorphic computing, surpassing the von Neuman architecture-based systems. However, previous research implemented PPC required additional gate voltages and low temperatures, which need additional energy consumption and PPC cannot be achieved across a wide temperature range. Here, we fabricated a simple heterojunctions using zinc(II)-meso-tetraphenyl porphyrin (ZnTPP) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). By leveraging the strong binding energy at the heterojunction interface and the unique band structure, the heterojunction achieved PPC over an exceptionally wide temperature range (77 K-400 K). Remarkably, it demonstrated nonvolatile storage for up to 2×104 s, without additional gate voltage. The minimum energy consumption for each synaptic event is as low as 6.5 aJ. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the feasibility to manufacture a flexible wafer-scale array utilizing this heterojunction. We applied it to autonomous driving under extreme temperatures and achieved as a high impressive accuracy rate as 94.5%. This tunable and stable wide-temperature PPC capability holds promise for ultra-low-power neuromorphic computing.
The AKT2/SIRT5/TFEB pathway as a potential therapeutic target in non-neovascular AMD
Authors: Ghosh Sayan , Sharma Ruchi , Bammidi Sridhar , Koontz Victoria , Nemani Mihir , Yazdankhah Meysam , Kedziora Katarzyna M. , Stolz Donna Beer , Wallace Callen T. , Yu-Wei Cheng , Franks Jonathan , Bose Devika , Shang Peng , Ambrosino Helena M. , Dutton James R. , Geng Zhaohui , Montford Jair , Ryu Jiwon , Rajasundaram Dhivyaa , Hose Stacey , Sahel José-Alain , Puertollano Rosa , Finkel Toren , Zigler J. Samuel , Sergeev Yuri , Watkins Simon C. , Goetzman Eric S. , Ferrington Deborah A. , Flores-Bellver Miguel , Kaarniranta Kai , Sodhi Akrit , Bharti Kapil , Handa James T. , Sinha Debasish
Published: July 2024

Non-neovascular or dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multi-factorial disease with degeneration of the aging retinal-pigmented epithelium (RPE). Lysosomes play a crucial role in RPE health via phagocytosis and autophagy, which are regulated by transcription factor EB/E3 (TFEB/E3). Here, we find that increased AKT2 inhibits PGC-1α to downregulate SIRT5, which we identify as an AKT2 binding partner. Crosstalk between SIRT5 and AKT2 facilitates TFEB-dependent lysosomal function in the RPE. AKT2/SIRT5/TFEB pathway inhibition in the RPE induced lysosome/autophagy signaling abnormalities, disrupted mitochondrial function and induced release of debris contributing to drusen. Accordingly, AKT2 overexpression in the RPE caused a dry AMD-like phenotype in aging Akt2 KI mice, as evident from decline in retinal function. Importantly, we show that induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE encoding the major risk variant associated with AMD (complement factor H; CFH Y402H) express increased AKT2, impairing TFEB/TFE3-dependent lysosomal function. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting the AKT2/SIRT5/TFEB pathway may be an effective therapy to delay the progression of dry AMD.
ER calcium depletion as a key driver for impaired ER-to-mitochondria calcium transfer and mitochondrial dysfunction in Wolfram syndrome
Authors: Liiv Mailis , Vaarmann Annika , Safiulina Dzhamilja , Choubey Vinay , Gupta Ruby , Kuum Malle , Janickova Lucia , Hodurova Zuzana , Cagalinec Michal , Zeb Akbar , Hickey Miriam A. , Huang Yi-Long , Gogichaishvili Nana , Mandel Merle , Plaas Mario , Vasar Eero , Loncke Jens , Vervliet Tim , Tsai Ting-Fen , Bultynck Geert , Veksler Vladimir , Kaasik Allen
Published: July 2024

Wolfram syndrome is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the WFS1 or CISD2 gene. A primary defect in Wolfram syndrome involves poor ER Ca2+ handling, but how this disturbance leads to the disease is not known. The current study, performed in primary neurons, the most affected and disease-relevant cells, involving both Wolfram syndrome genes, explains how the disturbed ER Ca2+ handling compromises mitochondrial function and affects neuronal health. Loss of ER Ca2+ content and impaired ER-mitochondrial contact sites in the WFS1- or CISD2-deficient neurons is associated with lower IP3R-mediated Ca2+ transfer from ER to mitochondria and decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. In turn, reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ content inhibits mitochondrial ATP production leading to an increased NADH/NAD+ ratio. The resulting bioenergetic deficit and reductive stress compromise the health of the neurons. Our work also identifies pharmacological targets and compounds that restore Ca2+ homeostasis, enhance mitochondrial function and improve neuronal health.
Systemic delivery of full-length dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhang Chen , Xiao Weidong , Herzog Roland W. , Han Renzhi
Published: July 2024

Current gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) utilizes adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver micro-dystrophin (µDys), which does not provide full protection for striated muscles as it lacks many important functional domains of full-length (FL) dystrophin. Here we develop a triple vector system to deliver FL-dystrophin into skeletal and cardiac muscles. We split FL-dystrophin into three fragments linked to two orthogonal pairs of split intein, allowing efficient assembly of FL-dystrophin. The three fragments packaged in myotropic AAV (MyoAAV4A) restore FL-dystrophin expression in both skeletal and cardiac muscles in male mdx4cv mice. Dystrophin-glycoprotein complex components are also restored at the sarcolemma of dystrophic muscles. MyoAAV4A-delivered FL-dystrophin significantly improves muscle histopathology, contractility, and overall strength comparable to µDys, but unlike µDys, it also restores defective cavin 4 localization and associated signaling in mdx4cv heart. Therefore, our data support the feasibility of a mutation-independent FL-dystrophin gene therapy for DMD, warranting further clinical development.
Selective atomic sieving across metal/oxide interface for super-oxidation resistance
Authors: Li Shuang , Yang Li , Christudasjustus Jijo , Overman Nicole R. , Wirth Brian D. , Sushko Maria L. , Simonnin Pauline , Schreiber Daniel K. , Gao Fei , Wang Chongmin
Published: July 2024

Surface passivation, a desirable natural consequence during initial oxidation of alloys, is the foundation for functioning of corrosion and oxidation resistant alloys ranging from industrial stainless steel to kitchen utensils. This initial oxidation has been long perceived to vary with crystal facet, however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, using in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy, we gain atomic details on crystal facet dependent initial oxidation behavior in a model Ni-5Cr alloy. We find the (001) surface shows higher initial oxidation resistance as compared to the (111) surface. We reveal the crystal facet dependent oxidation is related to an interfacial atomic sieving effect, wherein the oxide/metal interface selectively promotes diffusion of certain atomic species. Density functional theory calculations rationalize the oxygen diffusion across Ni(111)/NiO(111) interface, as contrasted with Ni(001)/NiO(111), is enhanced. We unveil that crystal facet with initial fast oxidation rate could conversely switch to a slow steady state oxidation.