bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nd:Yag Laser to obtain Irregularities on the Inner Surface of Porcelain
Authors: Tonetto Mateus Rodrigues , de Campos Edson Alves , Bandéca Matheus Coelho , Porto Betina Grehs , Porto Thiago Soares , Bhandi Shilpa H , da Silva Monica Barros , de Toledo Porto-Neto Sizenando , Dinelli Welingtom
Published: October 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inner surface of two ceramic systems: IPS Empress II (Ivoclar Vivadent, Germany) and In-Ceram Alumina (Vita Zahnfabrick, Germany) submitted to surface treatments, especially by Nd:YAG laser.

Materials and methods

Fifty samples were prepared in pellet form for each ceramic system according to manufacturers’ specifications. The samples were stored at room temperature and then be subjected to surface treatment: without treatment (T0) (control), hydrofluoric acid-etched (T1), hydrofluoric acidetched associated with the airborne particle-abraded (T2); CoJet system (T3), Nd:YAG laser (T4). The data were performed the statistical analysis by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.001).

Results

The group control (T0) of the ceramics, the analysis showed the lowest roughness values; for the System Alumina In-Ceram, treatment with hydrofluoric acid (T1), associated with hydrofluoric acid and airborne particle-abraded (T2) and Nd:YAG laser (T4), had no statistically significant difference, whereas for the IPS Empress System II treatment with hydrofluoric acid (T1) and hydrofluoric acid associated with airborne particle-abraded (T2), had no statistically significant difference between the system and also CoJet (T3) and hydrofluoric acid associated with the airborne particle-abraded (T2). Photomicrographs of scanning electron microscopy showed different characteristics to the treatments for each ceramic system.

Conclusion

The IPS Empress II had the appearance of favoring the retention when treated with hydrofluoric acid, as well as its association with the airborne particle-abraded. Uncertainty in Alumina, treatment with hydrofluoric acid associated with the airborne particle-abraded and CoJet system and provided a surface with irregularities. With respect to the laser further studies should be performed for parameters that are ideal for your application.

Clinical relevance

The ceramic restorations are attractive due of their excellent esthetics and the ability to stay for long periods. However, the retention of ceramic requires further study.

How to cite this article

Porto TS, Porto BG, de Campos EA, de Toledo Porto-Neto S, da Silva MB, Bhandi SH, Tonetto MR, Dinelli W, Bandeca MC. Nd:Yag Laser to obtain Irregularities on the Inner Surface of Porcelain. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(6):451-457.
Evaluation of Microvascularity by CD34 Expression in Esophagus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sadri Donia , Shahsavari Fatemeh , Farhadi Sareh , Sedehi Marzieh
Published: October 2015

Aim

The present study was scheduled to evaluate microvascularity by CD34 expression in esophagus and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Materials and methods

This study was scheduled using 40 paraffin blocked samples including 20 of oral SCC and 20 of esophagus ones and Immunohistochemical staining was conducted using CD34 monoclonal antibody. Exact fisher test was used to evaluate frequency of expression between two studied groups.

Results

There was significant correlation between age and tumor size with CD34 expression in oral SCC samples (p < 0.05) and no significant correlation between sex and tumor differentiation level (grading) (p > 0.05). Also, there was no significant correlation between age, sex, tumor size and tumor differentiation level (grading) with CD34 expression in esophagus SCC samples (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference of CD34 expression frequency in oral and esophagus SCC (p = 0/583). Finally, CD34 expression was reported ‘high’ for major cases of esophagus and oral SCCs.

Conclusion

It seems, other angiogenetic or nonangiogenetic factors except CD34 may play more important role and explain the different clinical behavior of SCC at recent different locations.

Clinical significance

Other factors would be considered along with CD34 expression to interpret different clinical behavior of SCC at recent different locations.

How to cite this article

Shahsavari F, Farhadi S, Sadri D, Sedehi M, Evaluation of Microvascularity by CD34 Expression in Esophagus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(6):458-462.
Pulpotomy Medicaments used in Deciduous Dentition: An Update
Authors: Al-Dlaigan Yousef H
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper was to review the history and the scientific literature published on pulpotomy medicaments and to present the findings of these studies. The review showed that pulpotomy of primary teeth has been treated with many different techniques and medicaments, that some of these approaches are controversial and that their results have presented variables of success rates in term of clinical, radiographic and histologic observation. It is important that all clinicians, particularly for pediatric dentists, be up to date with the recent trends in this area of dental treatment for children.

How to cite this article

Al-Dlaigan YH. Pulpotomy Medicaments used in Deciduous Dentition: An Update. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(6):486-503.
How skillfully can we simulate drivers of aerosol direct climate forcing at the regional scale?
Authors: Crippa P. , Sullivan R. C. , Thota A. , Pryor S. C.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Assessing the ability of global and regional models to describe aerosol optical properties is essential to reducing uncertainty in aerosol direct radiative forcing in the contemporary climate and to improving confidence in future projections. Here we evaluate the skill of high-resolution simulations conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with coupled chemistry (WRF-Chem) in capturing spatio-temporal variability of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent (AE) by comparison with ground- and space- based remotely sensed observations. WRF-Chem is run over eastern North America at a resolution of 12 km for a representative year (2008). A small systematic positive bias in simulated AOD relative to observations is found (annual MFB = 0.17 and 0.50 when comparing with MODIS and AERONET respectively), whereas the spatial variability is well captured during most months. The spatial correlation of AOD shows a clear seasonal cycle with highest correlation during summer months (r = 0.5–0.7) when the aerosol loading is large and more observations are available. AE is retrieved with higher uncertainty from the remote sensing observations. The model is biased towards simulation of coarse mode aerosols (annual MFB for AE = −0.10 relative to MODIS and −0.59 for AERONET), but the spatial correlation for AE with observations is 0.3–0.5 during most months. WRF-Chem also exhibits high skill in identifying areas of extreme and non-extreme aerosol loading, and its ability to correctly simulate the location and relative intensity of an extreme aerosol event (i.e. AOD > 75th percentile) varies between 30 and 70 % during winter and summer months respectively.
A solution to the cosmic ray anisotropy problem
Authors: Mertsch P. , Funk S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Observations of the cosmic ray (CR) anisotropy are widely advertised as a means of finding nearby sources. This idea has recently gained currency after the discovery of a rise in the positron fraction and is the goal of current experimental efforts, e.g., with AMS-02 on the International Space Station. Yet, even the anisotropy observed for hadronic CRs is not understood, in the sense that isotropic diffusion models overpredict the dipole anisotropy in the TeV–PeV range by almost two orders of magnitude. Here, we consider two additional effects normally not considered in isotropic diffusion models: anisotropic diffusion due to the presence of a background magnetic field and intermittency effects of the turbulent magnetic fields. We numerically explore these effect by tracking test-particles through individual realisations of the turbulent field. We conclude that a large misalignment between the CR gradient and the background field can explain the observed low level of anisotropy.
A novel paleo-bleaching proxy using boron isotopes and high-resolution laser ablation to reconstruct coral bleaching events
Authors: Dishon G. , Fisch J. , Horn I. , Kaczmarek K. , Bijma J. , Gruber D. F. , Nir O. , Popovich Y. , Tchernov D.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Coral reefs occupy only ~ 0.1 percent of the ocean's habitat, but are the most biologically diverse marine ecosystem. In recent decades, coral reefs have experienced a significant global decline due to a variety of causes, one of the major causes being widespread coral bleaching events. During bleaching, the coral expels its symbiotic algae, thereby losing its main source of nutrition generally obtained through photosynthesis. While recent coral bleaching events have been extensively investigated, there is no scientific data on historical coral bleaching prior to 1979. In this study, we employ high-resolution femtosecond Laser Ablation Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) to demonstrate a distinct biologically induced decline of boron (B) isotopic composition (δ11B) as a result of coral bleaching. These findings and methodology offer a new use for a previously developed isotopic proxy to reconstruct paleo-coral bleaching events. Based on a literature review of published δ11B data and our recorded vital effect of coral bleaching on the δ11B signal, we also describe at least two possible coral bleaching events since the Last Glacial Maximum. The implementation of this bleaching proxy holds the potential of identifying occurrences of coral bleaching throughout the geological record. A deeper temporal view of coral bleaching will enable scientists to determine if it occurred in the past during times of environmental change and what outcome it may have had on coral population structure. Understanding the frequency of bleaching events is also critical for determining the relationship between natural and anthropogenic causes of these events.
Holocene Asian monsoon evolution revealed by a pollen record from an alpine lake on the southeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang E. , Wang Y. , Sun W. , Shen J.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. We present the results of pollen analyses from a 1105-cm-long sediment core from Wuxu Lake in southwestern China, which depict the variations of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) during the last 12.3 ka. During the period of 12.3 to 11.3 cal ka BP, the dominance of Betula forest and open alpine shrub and meadow around Wuxu Lake indicates a climate with relatively cold winters and dry summers, corresponding to the Younger Dryas event. Between 11.3 and 10.4 cal ka BP, further expansion of Betula forest and the retreat of alpine shrubs and meadows reflect a greater seasonality with cold winters and gradually increasing summer precipitation. From 10.4 to 4.9 cal ka BP, the dense forest understory, together with the gradual decrease in Betula forest and increase in Tsuga forest, suggest that the winters became warmer and summer precipitation was at a maximum, corresponding to the Holocene climatic optimum. Between 4.9 and 2.6 cal ka BP, Tsuga forest and alpine shrubs and meadows expanded significantly, reflecting relatively warm winters and decreased summer precipitation. Since 2.6 cal ka BP, reforestation around Wuxu Lake indicates a renewed strengthening of the ISM in the late Holocene; however, the vegetation in the catchment may also have been affected by grazing activity during this period. The results of our study are generally consistent with previous findings; however, the timing and duration of the Holocene climatic optimum from different records are inconsistent, reflecting real contrast in local rainfall response to the ISM. Overall, the EAWM is broadly in-phase with the ISM on the orbital timescale, and both monsoons exhibit a trend of decreasing strength from the early to late Holocene, reflecting the interplay of solar insolation receipt between the winter and summer seasons and El Niño Southern Oscillation strength in the tropical Pacific.
Power and space in the drone age: a literature review and politico-geographical research agenda
Authors: Klauser F. , Pedrozo S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Camera-fitted drones are now easily affordable to the public. The resulting proliferation of the aerial gaze raises a series of critical issues, ranging from the changing regimes of visibility across urban and rural space to the novel risks and dynamics of control implied by current drone developments. The paper argues that a distinct "spatial curiosity" and "power sensitivity" are required if we are to grasp and explore these issues. On this basis, and grounded in an extensive literature review, the paper outlines a politico-geographical research agenda for the investigation of the making, functioning and implications of drone systems. Such an agenda, it is claimed, could afford deepened insight into the driving forces that are behind current drone developments, would show how drones work in different institutional contexts, and could highlight how drones impact on the envisioned reality. This in turn would provide a deepened understanding of the "politics of visibility", "politics of the air" and "politics of the ground" conveyed by drones, and open up a wider conceptual reflection on the role of the aerial dimension in the projection of power across and within space.
The infrastructure MESSy submodels GRID (v1.0) and IMPORT (v1.0)
Authors: Kerkweg A. , Jöckel P.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The coupling of Earth system model components, which work on different grids, into an Earth System Model (ESM) provokes the necessity to transfer data from one grid to another. Additionally, each of these model components might require data import onto its specific grid. Usually, one of two approaches is used: Either all input data is preprocessed to the employed grid, or the imported data is interpolated on-line, i.e. during model integration to the required grid. For the former, each change in the model resolution requires the re-preprocessing of all data. The latter option implies that in each model integration computing time is required for the grid mapping. If all components of an ESM use only one single point of import and the same mapping software, only one software package needs to be changed for code optimisation, inclusion of additional interpolation methods or the implementation of new data formats. As the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) is mainly used for research purposes which require frequent changes of the model setup including the model resolution or the application of different sets of input data (e.g., different emission scenarios), the idea of a common procedure for data import was implemented in MESSy in form of the infrastructure submodel IMPORT. Currently, IMPORT consists of two submodels: IMPORT_TS for reading and processing abstract time series data and IMPORT_GRID, utilising the infrastructure submodel GRID which provides procedures for grid transformations using the remapping software packages NREGRID (Jöckel, 2006) and SCRIP (Jones, 1999). Grid information is stored in a standardised structure as geo-hybrid grids. Based on this unified definition a standardised interface for the grid transformations is provided, thus simplifying the implemention of grid transformations in the model code. This article describes the main functionalities of the two MESSy infrastructure submodels GRID and IMPORT. The Supplement of this article contains stand-alone tools of both IMPORT subsubmodels, IMPORT_TS and IMPORT_GRID. Their handling is explained in detail in the IMPORT User Manual which is also part of the Supplement.
Nosies srities verukozinės plokščialąstelinės karcinomos klinikinis atvejis
Authors: Dagienė Rasa , Plieskienė Aista
Published: October 2015

Nosies srities veido odos verukozinė plokščialąstelinė carcinoma diagnozuojama retai. Didžiausią įtaką naviko išsivystymui turi ultravioletinė spinduliuotė. Pagrindiniai radikalaus gydymo metodai yra operacija arba spindulinė terapija. Straipsnyje aprašomas į giliuosius odos sluoksnius išplitusios invazyvios verukozinės plokščialąstelinės nosies srities karcinomos atvejis. Kliniškai liga pasireiškė verukozinio tipo navikiniu išopėjimu ir audinių nekroze bei šlapiavimu. Patohistologinis tyrimas patvirtino gerai diferencijuotos plokščialąstelinės verukozinės karcinomos diagnozę.
Valgymo sutrikimais sergančiųjų nuomonė apie slaugyto¬jo veiklą formuojant valgymo įgūdžius
Authors: Samuščenkovienė Snieguolė , Šakienė Lina
Published: October 2015

Valgymo sutrikimai nors yra aktuali tema, bet kartu pakankamai uždara tema. Kai kalbama apie valgymo sutrikimus, dažniausiai kalbama apie nervinę anoreksiją ir nervinę bulimiją. Anoreksija yra mažiau paplitusi, ja serga apie 1 proc. populiacijos, nervinė bulimija yra daug labiau paplitusi – ja serga apie 5-7 proc. populiacijos. Slaugytojo, kaip sveikatos mokytojo ir ugdytojo, darbo kokybę nusako jo veikla siekiant prisidėti prie valgymo sutrikimais sergančiojo gerovės, stiprinant jų sveikatą, formuojant teisingą nuomonę apie mitybos ypatumus, sveikatą, kūną, fizinį aktyvumą, sprendžiant su sveikata susijusias problemas. Tyrimo problemai išryškinti keliami klausimai: su kokiomis problemomis susiduria valgymo sutrikimų turintys pacientai? Kokią įtaką valgymo sutrikimai turi jų sveikatai pacientų požiūriu? Kaip pacientai vertina slaugytojų veiklą, teikiant žinias ir formuojant jų valgymo įgūdžius? Tyrimo tikslas – išanalizuoti valgymo sutrikimais sergančiųjų nuomonę apie slaugytojo veiklą formuojant valgymo įgūdžius. Tyrimo metodika. Atliktas kiekybinis tyrimas naudojant anketinę pacientų apklausą raštu. Apklausta n=100 pacientų, besigydančių Lietuvos apskrities valgymo sutrikimų centre. Rezultatams skaičiuoti naudotas matematinis statitistikos metodas – statistinė duomenų analizė ‘‘Microsoft Office Excel 2013‘‘ kompiuterine skaičiuokle. Tyrimo rezultatai. Valgymo sutrikimais sergantys pacientai išskyrė šiuos dažniausius valgymo įpročius: jaučia, kad mityba valdo gyvenimą; su siaubu galvoja, kad gali turėti antsvorį suvalgius saldumynų; nuolat galvoja apie maistą; po valgio maistą išvemia; nuolat galvoja, kaip tapti lieknesniam ar kad yra per stambus; pasitaiko persivalgymo priepuolių; stengiasi nevalgyti, nors yra alkanas; po valgymo jaučiasi labai nusikaltęs; valgydamas dalina maistą į mažus gabalėlius; dažnai laikosi įvairių dietų svorio mažinimo tikslais, vartoja vidurius laisvinančius vaistus, dietines tabletes arba diuretikus, siekdami kontroliuoti savo svorį. Išvada. Dažniausios sveikatos problemos, su kuriomis susiduria pacientai: nuolatinis vėmimas, nemiga, nervingumas, nuolatinis alkio jausmas, nuolatinis svėrimasis, nuolatinis domėjimasis laisvinamaisiais preparatais. Pacientų nuomone, slaugytojai jiems nepakankamai teikia žinių apie valgymo sutrikimus ir jų veiklą šioje srityje įvertino tik 6 balais (patenkinamai).
DIRECTIONAL CONSTITUTIVE LAWS FOR RUBBERS
Authors: Diani Julie
Published: October 2015

Directional laws, also called micro-sphere laws, are based on the rubber elasticity theory and are designed to fit rubber mechanical stress–strain responses at large strain. Because they depend on material directions, directional changes may be introduced accounting for anisotropic damage or residual stretch such as resulting from Mullins softening or accounting for anisotropic strain hardening such as induced by crystallization. Directional laws provide a relevant alternative to strain invariants laws when the material isotropy evolves or when its anisotropy is difficult to guess a priori. In the current contribution, the building process involved when defining directional laws is presented. The major assumptions resulting from this process are reviewed. Finally, recent directional laws from the literature are discussed, highlighting the interest and potential of such a constitutive framework.
The Pronunciation Problems Faced by Saudi EFL Learners at Secondary Schools
Authors: Elmahdi Omer Elsheikh Hago , Khan Waquar Ahmad
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the difficulties of English pronunciation encountered by Saudi secondary school learners when pronouncing English consonants. It also aims to shed light on the area of English consonant clusters system. The instruments used for collecting data and information included were questionnaires, classroom observations and document collections. The results show that the participants had difficulties to pronounce eleven consonant sounds. The results also demonstrate that a great number of the participants, unintentionally insert a vowel sound in English syllable to break up consonant clusters. This study provides some useful pedagogical implications to prevent and cure English pronunciation problems.
The Doctoral Challenge: Select Women Students’ Experiences in a Higher Educational Leadership Doctoral Program
Authors: Gonzales Vanessa , Sampson Markisha Venzant , Valle Rachel , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J
Published: October 2015

There is scant research on the topic of challenges and coping mechanisms necessary to the
success of women doctoral students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess
qualitatively the experiences of 3 women doctoral students enrolled at a 4-year university in
southeast Texas in an attempt to explore the challenges that evolve while they are enrolled in
a doctoral program. Specifically, we examined the lives of these women doctoral students
outside of the program and their progression to the completion of their degrees. We attempted
to provide insight surrounding the doctoral process, attrition, and completion. A collective
case study research design was utilized in this study that was driven by a critical dialectical
pluralistic philosophical stance (Onwuegbuzie & Frels, 2013). Specifically, these 3 students
were interviewed individually to examine their lived experiences as doctoral students. The
verbal interview responses then were subjected to an ethnographic analysis (i.e., domain
analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis; Spradley, 1979), whereas their
nonverbal responses were subjected to a classical content analysis. The ethnographic analysis
of the verbal data revealed the following 2 themes: program perceptions and role inequity.
The classical content analysis of the nonverbal data revealed 2 major categories that
represented both explicit and inferred forms of communication: types of challenges and
survival strategies. Implications of the findings are discussed.
The Effectiveness of the Continuation Task on Second Language Learning of English Articles
Authors: Jiang Lin
Published: October 2015

This article aims to uncover how alignment in the continuation task affects second language (L2) learning of English articles. Two classes of 47 Chinese students participated in the study which employed a pretest-treatment-posttest research design and lasted for a period of 20 weeks. One class received the continuation task treatment, during which learners first read a provided text and then continued it to make a complete story. The other class received the traditional topic-writing task treatment, during which learners were required to write a composition on a given topic. An error correction test and a picture description test were used to assess learners' L2 learning of English articles. Results showed that the continuation task was superior to the topic-writing task in facilitating L2 learning of articles, suggesting that the intimate coupling of production with comprehension in the continuation task triggers interaction between learners and the text, thus motivating learners to use the linguistic forms immediately available in the preceding text to make the content and language of their continuations in line with the text. This process can no doubt enhance the likelihood of L2 learning, especially in terms of article use.
Competencias y prácticas científicas en el laboratorio de química: participación del alumnado de secundaria en la indagación
Authors: Crujeiras Pérez Beatriz
Published: October 2015

Esta investigación pretende contribuir al estudio de la participación del alumnado en las prácticas de la comunidad científica, en particular en las relacionadas con el diseño y puesta en práctica de investigaciones e interpretación de datos y establecimiento de conclusiones, así como al estudio de las operaciones epistémicas que el alumnado lleva a cabo en cada práctica. El estudio se enmarca en una perspectiva que considera el aprendizaje de las ciencias como un proceso de socialización dentro de la cultura científica (Driver, Newton & Osborne, 2010) e implica la participación de los estudiantes en las prácticas características de la comunidad científica. La participación del alumnado en las prácticas científicas (NGSS, 2013) implica construir el conocimiento científico y comprender por qué este se construye, examina y evalúa de una forma determinada (Reiser, Berland & Kenyon, 2012). El enfoque del aprendizaje basado en las prácticas guarda relación con el desarrollo de las competencias científicas, ya que ambas implican el desarrollo de operaciones similares.
Wild food plants and fungi used by Ukrainians in the western part of the Maramureş region in Romania
Authors: Łuczaj Łukasz , Stawarczyk Kinga , Kosiek Tomasz , Pietras Marcin , Kujawa Anna
Published: October 2015

Wild food and fungi use in the countryside has always been an important part of human-nature relationships. Due to social changes in most rural areas of Europe this part of traditional ecological knowledge is shrinking. The aim of our study was to record the use of wild foods and plants among the Ukrainian (Carpatho-Rusyns) minority in the western part of Romanian Maramureş. We carried out 64 interviews in two villages. Voucher specimens were collected and DNA barcoding was used to identify most fungi taxa. We recorded the use of 44 taxa of plants altogether (including 8 taxa used only for herbal teas) and 24 taxa of fungi. On average 7.7 species of plants and 9.7 species of fungi were listed per interview. Edible fungi are thus an important part of local cuisine and they are eagerly gathered by everyone. The use of a few woodland bracket fungi is worth pointing out. No signs of degeneration of this knowledge were observed. Wild fruits are less collected now and wild greens are rarely collected nowadays. This pattern is typical of many places in Central Europe.
Strong potential for endozoochory by waterfowl in a rare, ephemeral wetland plant species, Astragalus contortuplicatus (Fabaceae)
Authors: Lovas-Kiss Ádám , Sonkoly Judit , Vincze Orsolya , Green Andy J. , Takács Attila , Molnár V. Attila
Published: October 2015

It was proposed previously that passive dispersal by migratory aquatic birds explain the widespread distribution of many wetland organisms. Several experimental studies have shown that many widespread wetland plant species can be readily dispersed within the guts of Anatidae. However, it is unclear whether plants with a more restricted distribution are able to disperse via waterbirds. This paper addresses the dispersal ability and germination ecology of the little-known Hungarian milkvetch Astragalus contortuplicatus, which occurs on banks of continental rivers and has a limited and unpredictable distribution. To test whether limited capacity for endozoochory by waterfowl could explain the sporadic appearance of this species, we force-fed ten captive mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) with 100 milkvetch seeds each. Droppings were collected for up to 45 h after feeding. Intact and viable seeds were found in the droppings of each mallard, and altogether 24.7% of seeds fed were recovered intact. The proportion of retrieved seeds that germinated (27.0%) was significantly higher than that of untreated control seeds (0.5%), but significantly lower than that of mechanically scarified seeds (96.0%). Retrieved seeds that germinated developed into healthy mature plants. Given the average flight velocity of mallards, seeds of A. contortuplicatus may travel up to 1600 km inside the digestive tract of migrating individuals. Our results suggest that avian vectors may be more important for the dispersal of rare higher plants (especially those with a hard seed-coat) than hitherto considered. Moreover, they suggest that rarity does not necessarily indicate limited dispersal ability, and may instead be explained by specific habitat requirements.
A simple way to overcome the recalcitrance of the water fern Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. to cryopreservation
Authors: Makowski Damian , Rybczyński Jan J. , Mikuła Anna
Published: October 2015

Ceratopteris thalictroides is a water fern very sensitive to both dehydration and low temperature. This study focuses on the cryopreservation of this species by encapsulation-dehydration technique, in particular on the effects of pre-culture step, alginate bead size and the physical conditions of culture on the cryopreservation efficiency. Encapsulated and non-pre-cultured gametophytes did not survive cooling with liquid nitrogen. When cryopreservation was preceded by a 2-week period of pre-culture, regrowth reached 42.1%. Reduction in the size of the alginate bead, and culture in total darkness resulted in improved gametophyte regrowth capacity (75.5% or 81.7%, respectively). The best results (91.3%) were obtained when all factors tested occurred simultaneously. The gametophytes recovered very quickly and sporophytes were formed within 4 weeks after rewarming. These simple improvements can be used, not only for the cryopreservation of gametophytes in cryptogams but also for some recalcitrant species of seed plants.
When Will I Ever Use This?
Authors: Christie Andrea
Published: October 2015

Share news about happenings in the field of elementary school mathematics education, views on matters pertaining to teaching and learning mathematics in the early childhood or elementary school years, and reactions to previously published opinion pieces or articles.
Fired up about Math
Authors: Lilienthal Kimberly M.
Published: October 2015

Collections of short activities, Math by the Month articles aim for an inquiry or problem-solving orientation focused on a unifying theme and include four activities each for grade levels K–2, 3–4, and 5–6. In anticipation of October's Fire Prevention Week, September's problems involve firefighters and real-life math applications.
Enriching Number Knowledge
Authors: Mack Nancy K.
Published: October 2015

Exploring number systems of other cultures helps students deepen mental computation fluency, knowledge of place value, and equivalent representations for numbers.
The estimation calculator
Authors: Malcolm Peter T. , Berry Robert Q.
Published: October 2015

Technology from the Classroom is the venue for sharing articles that illustrate the effective use of technology in pre-K—grade 6 mathematics classrooms.
Forensic application of Y-chromosomal STR analysis in Lithuanian population
Authors: Ruzgaitė Giedrė , Čaplinskienė Marija , Baranovienė Rima , Jankauskienė Jūratė , Kukienė Jolanta , Savanevskytė Kristina , Bunokienė Daiva
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a comprehensive Y-chromosomal STR haplotype analysis in the Lithuanian population in order to evaluate Lithuanians’ Y chromosome diversity, to infer genetic relations between Lithuanian and other European neighbouring populations and to introduce population reference data for generation of reliable Y-STR haplotype frequency estimates to be used in the quantitative assessment of Y-STR haplotype match in the forensic casework. Data were collected from the peripheral blood samples of 194 unrelated males throughout various regions of Lithuania. The amplification of 17 Y-STRs was carried out in one multiplex PCR using an  AmpFlSTR® YfilerTM PCR Amplication Kit according to the supplier’s protocol. The results indicated that the Y-chromosomal haplotype diversity in the Lithuanian population rises as the  number of the  analyzed Y-STRs is increased. However, all additional Y-STR loci are not hypervariable and only their whole makes a large diversity of Y-STR haplotypes in Lithuanian males. The  analysis of molecular variance revealed low but significant interpopulation differences except the pair of Lithuanian and Latvian populations. The  phylogenetic analysis showed that the  clustered Y chromosome gene pool of Lithuanians and Latvians has a closer phylogenetic relation to Russian and Estonian populations and is less genetically related to other neighbouring populations of Belarus and Poland. Yet Y-STRs alleles and haplotypes differentiate effectively inside the  Lithuanian population and between Lithuanians and its geographical neighbours excluding the  Latvian population. Comparison of the Y-STR data suggests that Lithuanian and Latvian populations are closely related not only by geography and language but also by the Y chromosome gene pool represented by forensic Y-STR markers. Consequently, more forensic Y-STR markers should be included in the Y-STR haplotype in order to achieve a resolution between the  Y chromosomes of Lithuanian and Latvian males. Lithuanian Y-STR haplotype data were submitted to the 34th release of the Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database 3.0 for match probability calculations in the forensic casework.
The effect of fly ash on vegetative growth and photosynthetic pigment concentrations of rice and maize
Authors: Panda S. S. , Mishra L. P. , Muduli S. D. , Nayak B. D. , Dhal N. K.
Published: October 2015

Fly ash generated from coal based thermal power plants creates environmental problems due to improper utilization and disposal. The present study was conducted to study the effects of various concentrations of FA (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) on the growth and photosynthetic activity of Oryza sativum (rice) and Zea mays (maize). Plant growth was mostly enhanced in the treatments with 20–40% fly ash, being optimal at 60%. From 80% onwards, the  measured parameters tended to reduce. The  most economic level of fly ash incorporation was 60%, which improved the growth of maize and rice. Hence fly ash can be utilized as a substrate or as a soil ameliorating material for the growth of plants, leading to the sustainable utilization of solid waste material.
Increasing Mortality Rates in the US, but Not From COVID-19
Authors: Woolf Steven H.
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint explores increasing mortality rates in the US due to a variety of causes unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Costs of Inhaler Devices in the US
Authors: Tirumalasetty Jyothi , Miller Shelie A. , Prescott Hallie C. , DeTata Serena , Arroyo Anna Chen , Wilkinson Alexander J. K. , Rabin Alexander S.
Published: August 2024

This study assesses mean emissions and costs and estimated total yearly emissions and costs for US-branded inhalers prescribed to Medicare Part D and Medicaid beneficiaries.
Social Risk and Clinical Outcomes Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Walker Rebekah J. , Williams Joni S. , Linde Sebastian , Egede Leonard E.
Published: August 2024

Importance

No clear process exists for categorizing social risks in a way that informs effective social risk screening and intervention development.

Objective

To investigate social risk profiles and associations of those profiles with clinical outcomes in adults with diabetes using latent profile analysis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

For this cross-sectional study, a latent profile analysis was conducted using data for adults with type 2 diabetes collected at 2 primary care clinics in the Southeastern US from 2013 to 2014. Data were analyzed from November to December 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Participants completed validated questionnaires for 26 social risk factors within 5 domains of social determinants of health: socioeconomic, neighborhood, education, food, and social and community context. In addition, participants completed questions that assessed psychological risk and behavioral risk. A 3-step latent profile analysis was used to identify different subgroups within the sample. Profiles were then regressed on outcomes of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, and quality of life.

Results

A total of 615 participants (mean [SD] age, 61.3 [10.9] years; 379 men [61.6%]) were included. Five latent class profiles were identified. The lowest risk group had significantly higher mental health–related quality of life compared with a group with higher neighborhood risk (β, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.55). The second group had low economic risk but high neighborhood risk and served as the reference group. The third group had high economic and neighborhood risk and had significantly higher blood pressure (β, 8.08; 95% CI, 2.16 to 14.01) compared with the reference. The fourth group had high psychological and behavioral risks but low socioeconomic and neighborhood risks. This group had significantly higher HbA1c (β, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.92) and lower mental health–related quality of life (β, −1.83; 95% CI, −2.41 to −1.24) compared with the reference. The highest risk group indicated high risk in all domains, had significantly higher HbA1c (β, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.63), and had lower mental health–related quality of life (β, −2.15; 95% CI, −2.87 to −1.42) compared with the reference.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that social risk profiles can be identified according to social, psychological, and behavioral risk domains and the health outcome of concern among adults with diabetes. Future work should consider the use of social risk profiles in intervention development and testing.
Persistent Neighborhood Poverty and Breast Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Chen J. C. , Handley Demond , Elsaid Mohamed I. , Fisher James L. , Plascak Jesse J. , Anderson Lisa , Tsung Carolyn , Beane Joal , Pawlik Timothy M. , Obeng-Gyasi Samilia
Published: August 2024

IMPORTANCE

Patients with breast cancer residing in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities often face poorer outcomes (eg, mortality) compared with individuals living in neighborhoods without persistent poverty.

OBJECTIVE

To examine persistent neighborhood poverty and breast tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, and mortality.

DESIGN, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort analysis of women aged 18 years or older diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, and followed up until December 31, 2020, was conducted. Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, and data analysis was performed from August 2023 to March 2024.

EXPOSURE

Residence in areas affected by persistent poverty is defined as a condition where 20% or more of the population has lived below the poverty level for approximately 30 years.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

All-cause and breast cancer–specific mortality.

RESULTS

Among 312 145 patients (mean [SD] age, 61.9 [13.3] years), 20 007 (6.4%) lived in a CT with persistent poverty. Compared with individuals living in areas without persistent poverty, patients residing in persistently impoverished CTs were more likely to identify as Black (8735 of 20 007 [43.7%] vs 29 588 of 292 138 [10.1%]; P < .001) or Hispanic (2605 of 20 007 [13.0%] vs 23 792 of 292 138 [8.1%]; P < .001), and present with more-aggressive tumor characteristics, including higher grade disease, triple-negative breast cancer, and advanced stage. A higher proportion of patients residing in areas with persistent poverty underwent mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection. Living in a persistently impoverished CT was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer–specific (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.17) and all-cause (AHR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.18) mortality. As early as 3 years following diagnosis, mortality risks diverged for both breast cancer–specific (rate ratio [RR], 1.80; 95% CI, 1.68-1.92) and all-cause (RR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.56-1.70) mortality.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study of women aged 18 years or older diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer between 2010 and 2018, living in neighborhoods characterized by persistent poverty had implications on tumor characteristics, surgical management, and mortality.
Radiotherapy vs Surgery for Survival and Locoregional Control of Head and Neck Extramedullary Plasmacytoma
Authors: Vasudevan Srivatsa Surya , Sayed Sabry Babiker Hassan , Kapartiwar Pratiksha , Pang John , Asarkar Ameya A. , Olinde Lindsay , Katz Sanford , Beedupalli Kavitha , Nathan Cherie-Ann O.
Published: August 2024

Importance

There are significant gaps in the literature pertaining to the locoregional control and survival rates of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) with respect to various treatment approaches.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the differences in radiotherapy and surgical outcomes in EMP.

Data Sources

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched from their inception up to November 2023.

Study Selection

Articles reporting radiotherapy and surgical outcomes of head and neck EMP were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

A random-effects model for meta-analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates and calculate hazard ratios for survival and odds ratios for recurrence and progression of EMP.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Survival, tumor control, and progression rates to multiple myeloma (MM) between radiation therapy and surgery for EMP of the head and neck.

Results

Of 742 included patients from 12 studies, 527 (71.0%) were male, and the median (IQR) age was 59.1 (53-62) years. A total of 505 patients (68.1%) received radiotherapy only, while 237 (31.9%) underwent surgery-only treatment for EMP. All included patients had an initial diagnosis of EMP without MM. Comparable trends were observed in overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) rates at 2, 3, 5, and 10 years between patients with EMP treated with radiotherapy only and surgery only. Notably, there were no significant differences in recurrence rate (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.20-2.06) between radiotherapy-only and surgery-only treatment. However, radiotherapy-only treatment of EMP was associated with decreased odds of progression to MM compared with surgery (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9). Sensitivity analysis revealed that the radiotherapy-only population had significantly better 5-year DFS (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-0.96) compared with surgery-only treatment.

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence that patients with EMP receiving radiotherapy had significantly lower chances of progression to MM compared with surgery-only therapy. Additionally, radiotherapy had better 5-year DFS outcomes compared with surgery. Comparable outcomes in terms of overall survival rates, recurrence, and mortality rates were noted between radiotherapy-only and surgery-only EMP treatment groups.
Constructing Electronic/Ionic‐Conductive Hydrogel with Soft Compliance and High Conductivity as Flexible Strain Sensor
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Zhu Yaping , Ma Zemin , Zhou Yuru , Li Xiao , Jiang Wenjing , Xue Yanru , Wu Xiaogang , Chen Weiyi , Qin Yi‐Xian , Wang Yanqin , Li Qiang
Published: August 2024

Flexible sensors are garnering substantial interests for various promising applications, including medical electronics, environmental monitoring, and wearable devices. Developing a flexible sensor with high compliance, high sensitivity, and high reliability through the construction of a novel composite conductive hydrogel based on the synergistic enhancement effect of conductive polymers and metal ions is a remarkable achievement. Herein, an electronic/ionic‐conductive double network hydrogel (polypyrrole (PPy)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)‐Al3+/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) with soft compliance, highly conductivity, and stability is presented. Moreover, owing to the synergistic reinforcement effect of the relatively immobilized “islands” of PPy particles and large amounts of movable “bridges” of aluminum ions (Al3+) within the double network hydrogel, the as‐optimized PPy/CMC‐Al3+/PVA composite gels exhibit excellent conductivity (σ = 3.47 ± 0.25 S m−1) and mechanical properties (E = 18.53 ± 0.67 kPa). Furthermore, it has been developed as strain sensors with relatively high linear sensitivity (gauge factor = 2.58) within a broad linearity range (0–400%). It can also be served as a monitoring devices for subtle physiological signals emanating from various parts of the human body. The robust sensor has great potential to be developed as wearable electronic devices and applied in healthcare monitoring fields.
Bessel‐Beam Direct Write of the Etch Mask in a Nano‐Film of Alumina for High‐Efficiency Si Solar Cells
Authors: Katkus Tomas , Ng Soon Hock , Mu Haoran , Le Nguyen Hoai An , Stonytė Dominyka , Khajehsaeidimahabadi Zahra , Seniutinas Gediminas , Baltrukonis Justas , Ulčinas Orestas , Mikutis Mindaugas , Sabonis Vytautas , Nishijima Yoshiaki , Rienäcker Michael , Römer Udo , Krügener Jan , Peibst Robby , John Sajeev , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: August 2024

Large surface area applications such as high efficiency >26% solar cells require surface patterning with 1–10 μm periodic patterns at high fidelity over areas (before up scaling to ) to perform at, or exceed, the Lambertian (ray optics) limit of light trapping. Herein, a pathway is shown to high‐resolution sub‐1 μm etch mask patterning by ablation using direct femtosecond laser writing performed at room conditions (without the need for a vacuum‐based lithography approach). A Bessel beam is used to alleviate the required high surface tracking tolerance for ablation of 0.3–0.8 μm diameter holes in 40 nm alumina –mask at high writing speed, 7.5 cm s−1; a patterning rate 1 cm2 per 20 min. Plasma etching protocol was optimized for a zero‐mesa formation of photonic‐crystal‐trapping structures and smooth surfaces at the nanoscale level. The maximum of minority carrier recombination time of 2.9 ms was achieved after the standard wafer passivation etch; resistivity of the wafer was 3.5 Ω cm. Scaling up in area and throughput of the demonstrated approach is outlined.
Ultra‐Broadband and Reconfigurable Liquid‐Based Microwave Metasurface Absorber
Authors: Qi Dongdong , Zhang Chen , Wu Sai , Zhang Qi , Li Weibin , Wang Yuren
Published: August 2024

Liquids, with their advantages of fluidity, ease of shaping, and tunability, have exhibited promising potential in the creation of reconfigurable metamaterials (MMs). Water, being the ubiquitous liquid and cost‐effective resource on Earth, has been utilized for the construction of liquid‐based microwave metasurface absorber (MSA). However, due to the challenges associated with integrating microfluidics with MMs in both design and manufacturing, current MSs exhibit narrow frequency bands, particularly constrained at lower frequencies. Herein, a reconfigurable solid–liquid composite of liquid‐based MSs, utilizing the interbedded structure of cones, is proposed for ultra‐wideband microwave absorption. When water is used as the filling medium, the absorption rate exceeds 90% across a wide frequency range from 5.9 to 50 GHz. Upon substitution with ionic liquids, the frequency range demonstrating absorption efficiency exceeding 90% extends from 3.3 to 50 GHz. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the designed MSA demonstrates exceptional stability when subjected to oblique incidence and shows a high degree of insensitivity to polarization, highlighting its robust applicability. The low‐cost, easily manufacturable, and ultra‐wideband liquid‐based MSA holds promising potential for applications in radar countermeasures, energy harvesting, radiation protection, and other related fields.