bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalysis driven by an amyloid–substrate complex
Authors: Sawazaki Taka , Sasaki Daisuke , Sohma Youhei
Published: May 2024

Amine modification through nucleophilic attack of the amine functionality is a very common chemical transformation. Under biorelevant conditions using acidic-to-neutral pH buffer, however, the nucleophilic reaction of alkyl amines (pKa ≈ 10) is not facile due to the generation of ammonium ions lacking nucleophilicity. Here, we disclose a unique molecular transformation system,
c
atalysis driven by
a
myloid–
s
ubstrate comp
l
ex (CASL), that promotes amine modifications in acidic buffer. Ammonium ions attached to molecules with amyloid-binding capability were activated through deprotonation due to the close proximity to the amyloid catalyst formed by Ac-Asn-Phe-Gly-Ala-Ile-Leu-NH
2
(
NL6
), derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Under the CASL conditions, alkyl amines underwent various modifications, i.e., acylation, arylation, cyclization, and alkylation, in acidic buffer. Crystallographic analysis and chemical modification studies of the amyloid catalysts suggested that the carbonyl oxygen of the Phe–Gly amide bond of
NL6
plays a key role in activating the substrate amine by forming a hydrogen bond. Using CASL, selective conversion of substrates possessing equivalently reactive amine functionalities was achieved in catalytic reactions using amyloids. CASL provides a unique method for applying nucleophilic conversion reactions of amines in diverse fields of chemistry and biology.
Sum rule comparison of narrowband and broadband sum frequency generation spectra and comparison with theory
Authors: Niu Kai , Wang Hong-fei , Marcus Rudolph A.
Published: May 2024

Earlier sum frequency generation (SFG) experiments involve one infrared and one visible laser, and a measurement of the intensity of the response, yielding data on the surface sensitive properties of the sample. Recently, both the real and imaginary components of the susceptibility were measured in two different sets of experiments. In one set, a broadband infrared laser was used, permitting observations at very short times, while in another set the infrared laser was narrowband, permitting higher spectral resolution. The differences in the spectrum obtained by the two will be most evident in studying narrow absorption bands, e.g., the band due to dangling OH bonds at a water interface. The direct comparisons in the integrated amplitude (sum rule) of the imaginary part of the dangling OH bond region differ by a factor of 3. Due to variations in experimental setup and data processing, corrections were made for the quartz reference, Fresnel factors, and the incident visible laser wavelength. After the corrections, the agreement differs now by the factors of 1.1 within broadband and narrowband groups and the two groups now differ by a factor of 1.5. The 1.5 factor may arise from the extra heating of the more powerful broadband laser system on the water surface. The convolution from the narrowband SFG spectrum to the broadband SFG spectrum is also investigated and it does not affect the sum rule. Theory and narrowband experiments are compared using the sum rule and agree to a factor of 1.3 with no adjustable parameters.
Discovering optimal kinetic pathways for self-assembly using automatic differentiation
Authors: Jhaveri Adip , Loggia Spencer , Qian Yian , Johnson Margaret E.
Published: May 2024

Macromolecular complexes are often composed of diverse subunits. The self-assembly of these subunits is inherently nonequilibrium and must avoid kinetic traps to achieve high yield over feasible timescales. We show how the kinetics of self-assembly benefits from diversity in subunits because it generates an expansive parameter space that naturally improves the “expressivity” of self-assembly, much like a deeper neural network. By using automatic differentiation algorithms commonly used in deep learning, we searched the parameter spaces of mass-action kinetic models to identify classes of kinetic protocols that mimic biological solutions for productive self-assembly. Our results reveal how high-yield complexes that easily become kinetically trapped in incomplete intermediates can instead be steered by internal design of rate-constants or external and active control of subunits to efficiently assemble. Internal design of a hierarchy of subunit binding rates generates self-assembly that can robustly avoid kinetic traps for all concentrations and energetics, but it places strict constraints on selection of relative rates. External control via subunit titration is more versatile, avoiding kinetic traps for any system without requiring molecular engineering of binding rates, albeit less efficiently and robustly. We derive theoretical expressions for the timescales of kinetic traps, and we demonstrate our optimization method applies not just for design but inference, extracting intersubunit binding rates from observations of yield-vs.-time for a heterotetramer. Overall, we identify optimal kinetic protocols for self-assembly as a powerful mechanism to achieve efficient and high-yield assembly in synthetic systems whether robustness or ease of “designability” is preferred.
Investigating change from a perspective of continuity
Authors: Hendriks Jennifer
Published: May 2024

Word order variation in Dutch two-verb clusters continues to attract the attention of linguists from a
variety of perspectives. Most accounts have a contemporary focus and diachronic developments therefore remain poorly
understood. Rather than simply marshalling more evidence from more historical sources, I argue for an approach which
considers biases in the historical record and how common methodological practices of text selection and data
aggregation exacerbate them. Van Coetsem’s (1988; 2000) psycholinguistic model of contact offers a principled way to establish whether the
linguistic data represents a perspective of continuity or one of change. When combined with a rigorous understanding
of the sociohistorical context, the biases in both the historical and linguistic record can be assessed and this
understanding applied to the compilation and analysis of new sources of evidence. I demonstrate the utility of this
approach using a 35,000-word research corpus of unpublished archival manuscripts from sixteenth-century Antwerp to
examine word order variation in Dutch two-verb clusters and use these findings to suggest directions for future
corpus-based research.
Local systems and Suzuki groups
Authors: Alpöge Levent , Katz Nicholas , Navarro Gabriel , O’Brien E. , Tiep Pham
Published: May 2024

We study geometric monodromy groups

G

g
e
o
m

,

F

q

G_{{\mathrm {geom}},\mathcal {F}_q}

of the local systems

F

q

\mathcal {F}_q

on the affine line over

F

2

\mathbb {F}_2

of rank

D
=

q

/

2

(
q
−
1
)

D=\sqrt {q/2}(q-1)

,

q
=

2

2
n
+
1

q=2^{2n+1}

, constructed in N. Katz [Exponential sums, Ree groups and Suzuki groups: conjectures, Exp. Math. 28 (2019), 49-56.]. The main result of the paper shows that

G

g
e
o
m

,

F

q

G_{{\mathrm {geom}},\mathcal {F}_q}

is either the Suzuki simple group

2

B
2

(
q
)

{}^2 \! B_2(q)

, or the special linear group

S
L

D

\mathrm {SL}_D

. We also show that

F

8

\mathcal {F}_8

has geometric monodromy group

2

B
2

(
8
)

{}^2 \!B_2(8)

, and arithmetic monodromy group

A
u
t

(

2

B
2

(
8
)
)

\mathrm {Aut}({}^2 \! B_2(8))

over

F

2

\mathbb {F}_2

, thus establishing Katz’s Conjecture 2.2 in the above cited paper in the case

q
=
8

q=8

.
Representations of the quantum double of quasitriangular Hopf algebras
Authors: Cohen Miriam , Westreich Sara
Published: May 2024

Conjugacy classes for groups were generalized in previous works of the authors to semisimple Hopf algebras over algebraically closed fields of characteristic zero. An essential property of the set of conjugacy classes

{

C

j

}

\{\mathfrak {C}_j\}

is that they are irreducible representations of the quantum double

D
(
H
)

D(H)

of 

H
.

H.

We show that more is true. When

(
H
,
R
)

(H,R)

is quasitriangular, then any irreducible representations of

D
(
H
)

D(H)

is a direct summand of a tensor product of the form of

C

j

⊗

V
i

,

\mathfrak {C}_j\otimes V_i,

where

V
i

V_i

is an irreducible representation of 

H
.

H.

The proof follows by applying a partition defined in our 2011 paper on the indices of the irreducible characters of

D
(
H
)

D(H)

and identifying the partition with the equivalence classes obtained from Nichols-Richmond equivalence relations on the set of the simple subcoalgebra of

D
(
H

)
∗

.

D(H)^*.

For any block of this partition, there is a unique

C

j

\mathfrak {C}_j

whose character as a

D
(
H
)

D(H)

-representation belongs to it.

When

V
V

is a

1
1

-dimensional representation of

H
H

then

C

j

⊗
V

\mathfrak {C}_j\otimes V

is an irreducible representation of

D
(
H
)
,

D(H),

isomorphic to

C

j

\mathfrak {C}_j

as a vector space endowed with a twisted action of

D
(
H
)
.

D(H).

We apply the above results to

H
=
k
G
,

H=kG,

where

G
G

are the groups

S
3

S_3

and

D
4

,

D_4,

and decompose all

C

j

⊗

V
i

\mathfrak {C}_j\otimes V_i

into their irreducible components.
Minimal quadratic forms for the function field of a conic in characteristic 2
Authors: Chapman Adam , Quéguiner-Mathieu Anne
Published: May 2024

In this note, we construct explicit examples of

F
Q

F_Q

-minimal quadratic forms of dimension

5
5

and

7
7

, where

F
Q

F_Q

is the function field of a conic over a field

F
F

of characteristic

2
2

. The construction uses the fact that any set of

n
n

cyclic

p
p

algebras over a field of characteristic

p
p

can be described using only

n
+
1

n+1

elements of the base field. It also uses a general result that provides an upper bound on the Witt index of an orthogonal sum of two regular anisotropic quadratic forms over a henselian valued field.
On the symbol length of symbols
Authors: Matzri Eliyahu
Published: May 2024

Fix a prime

p
p

and let

F
F

be a field with characteristic not

p
p

. Let

G
F

G_F

be the absolute Galois group of

F
F

, and let

μ

p
s

\mu _{p^s}

be the

G
F

G_F

-module of roots of unity of order dividing

p
s

p^s

in a fixed algebraic closure of

F
F

. Let

α
∈

H
n

(
F
,

μ

p
s

⊗
n

)

\alpha \in H^n(F,\mu _{p^s}^{\otimes n})

be a symbol (i.e.,

α
=

a
1

∪
⋯
∪

a
n

\alpha =a_1\cup \dots \cup a_n

where

a
i

∈

H
1

(
F
,

μ

p
s

)

a_i\in H^1(F, \mu _{p^s})

) with effective exponent dividing

p

s
−
1

p^{s-1}

(that is

p

s
−
1

α
=
0
∈

H
n

(

G
F

,

μ
p

⊗
n

)

p^{s-1}\alpha =0\in H^n(G_F,\mu _p^{\otimes n})

. In this work, we show how to write

α
\alpha

as a sum of symbols coming from

H
n

(
F
,

μ

p

s
−
1

⊗
n

)

H^n(F,\mu _{p^{s-1}}^{\otimes n})

, that is, symbols of the form

p
γ

p\gamma

for

γ
∈

H
n

(
F
,

μ

p
s

⊗
n

)

\gamma \in H^n(F,\mu _{p^s}^{\otimes n})

. If

n
>
3

n>3

and

p
≠
2

p\neq 2

, we assume

F
F

is prime to

p
p

closed and of characteristic zero. In the case

p
=
2

p=2

, we also bound the symbol length of a sum of two symbols with effective exponent dividing

p

s
−
1

p^{s-1}

.
MPH: fast REML for large-scale genome partitioning of quantitative genetic variation
Authors: Jiang Jicai
Published: May 2024

Motivation

Genome partitioning of quantitative genetic variation is useful for dissecting the genetic architecture of complex traits. However, existing methods, such as Haseman–Elston regression and linkage disequilibrium score regression, often face limitations when handling extensive farm animal datasets, as demonstrated in this study.

Results

To overcome this challenge, we present MPH, a novel software tool designed for efficient genome partitioning analyses using restricted maximum likelihood. The computational efficiency of MPH primarily stems from two key factors: the utilization of stochastic trace estimators and the comprehensive implementation of parallel computation. Evaluations with simulated and real datasets demonstrate that MPH achieves comparable accuracy and significantly enhances convergence, speed, and memory efficiency compared to widely used tools like GCTA and LDAK. These advancements facilitate large-scale, comprehensive analyses of complex genetic architectures in farm animals.

Availability and implementation

The MPH software is available at https://jiang18.github.io/mph/.
Flat minima generalize for low-rank matrix recovery
Authors: Ding Lijun , Drusvyatskiy Dmitriy , Fazel Maryam , Harchaoui Zaid
Published: May 2024

Empirical evidence suggests that for a variety of overparameterized nonlinear models, most notably in neural network training, the growth of the loss around a minimizer strongly impacts its performance. Flat minima—those around which the loss grows slowly—appear to generalize well. This work takes a step towards understanding this phenomenon by focusing on the simplest class of overparameterized nonlinear models: those arising in low-rank matrix recovery. We analyse overparameterized matrix and bilinear sensing, robust principal component analysis, covariance matrix estimation and single hidden layer neural networks with quadratic activation functions. In all cases, we show that flat minima, measured by the trace of the Hessian, exactly recover the ground truth under standard statistical assumptions. For matrix completion, we establish weak recovery, although empirical evidence suggests exact recovery holds here as well. We complete the paper with synthetic experiments that illustrate our findings.
Spiral to Surveillance: The Effect of INGOs on Levels of Peacekeeper Misconduct
Authors: Barney Morgan , Borror Kellan
Published: May 2024

Abstracts

Over the last twenty years, the international relations literature has sought to understand the conditions in which peacekeeping operations (PKOs) occur and the efficacy of their presence. Much work has focused on PKOs’ relationship to civilians in civil conflict, but less is understood about the influences on peacekeeping missions’ quality. If PKOs commit human rights abuses, how might other actors deter exploitive PKO behavior in the domestic context? We argue international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) provide a monitoring and socializing effect on PKOs. Using the Peacekeeper Attributes (PKAT) and Transnational Social Movements (TSMO) datasets, we analyze peacekeeping missions from 2007 to 2013. Through zero-inflated negative binomial regression, we found that the presence of general INGOs decreases rates of misconduct, and human rights INGOs decrease rates of misconduct. However, we find that the presence of women’s rights-focused INGOs does not decrease rates of sexual misconduct among PKO troops.
Gender-specific features in contemporary Japanese names
Authors: Barešová Ivona , Nakaya Tereza , Matlach Vladimír
Published: May 2024

Contemporary Japanese given names exhibit great variety and have minimal formal restrictions in their formation. It is often possible, however, to determine the gender of the name's bearer from its phonological and/or graphic form. In this article, various features, including name length, syllables, and characters at particular positions within a name and the choice of script, are statistically analyzed to determine whether they are significantly associated with male or female names and which of them contribute the most to the expression of gender. The findings of this study verify the empirical knowledge of the gender-markedness of some of the features and establish a solid foundation for future feature-based gender prediction algorithms. The expression of gender in currently bestowed names is discussed in the context of major changes in naming practices and name choices toward the end of the 20th century.
Trends of Medicare Reimbursement Rates for Gender-Affirming Surgery Procedures
Authors: Cordero Justin J. , Alaniz Leonardo , Kalavacherla Sandhya , Tholpady Sunil S. , Chu Michael W.
Published: May 2024

Background

Awareness of Medicare reimbursement is important for gender-affirming surgeons who treat transgender patients with Medicare. In 2014, Medicare began to provide coverage for medically necessary transition-related surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for gender-affirming surgery procedures from 2014 to 2022.

Methods

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was used, and the Current Procedural Terminology codes for 43 gender-affirming surgery services were obtained. Monetary units, conversion factors, relative value units (RVUs) for work, facility, and malpractice costs for 30 transmasculine and 13 transfeminine procedures were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were performed to account for inflation and to determine the relative differences between 2014 and 2022.

Results

For all gender-affirming surgery procedures covered by Medicare, the average relative difference of monetary units decreased by 2.99% between 2014 and 2022. On average, there was a 3.97% decrease of work-based RVU charges for transmasculine procedures and a 1.73% decrease of work-based RVU charges for transfeminine procedures. After adjusting for inflation, the average relative difference of monetary units for all gender-affirming surgery procedures decreased by 23.42% between 2014 and 2022.

Conclusions

Reimbursement rates for gender-affirming surgery procedures covered under Medicare have decreased over the observed period, and trends in reimbursement rates have not kept up with consumer price index inflation. Gender-affirming surgeons should be conscious of these changes in reimbursement rates and advocate for fairer compensation to promote medical care among an underserved population.
The Utility of Prevena Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Groin Incisions for Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Yin Raymond , Gursky Alexis , Falade Israel , Knox Jacquelyn , Gomez-Sanchez Clara , Soroudi Daniel , Piper Merisa , Hoffman William , Hansen Scott L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) is an adjunctive treatment that uses constant negative pressure suction to facilitate healing. The utility of this treatment modality on vascular operations for critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) has yet to be elucidated. This study compares the incidence of postoperative wound complications between the Prevena Incision Management System, a type of iNPWT, and standard wound dressings for vascular patients who also underwent plastic surgery closure of groin incisions for CLTI.

Method

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 40 patients with CLTI who underwent 53 open vascular surgeries with subsequent sartorius muscle flap closure. Patient demographics, intraoperative details, and wound complications were measured from 2015 to 2018 at the University of California San Francisco. Two cohorts were generated based on the modality of postoperative wound management and compared on wound healing outcomes.

Results

Of the 53 groin incisions, 29 were managed with standard dressings, and 24 received iNPWT. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Patients who received iNPWT had a significantly lower rate of infection (8.33% vs 31.0%, P = 0.04) and dehiscence (0% vs 41.3%, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the iNPWT group had a significantly lower rate of reoperation (0% vs 17.2%, P = 0.03) for wound complications within 30 days compared with the control group and a moderately reduced rate of readmission (4.17% vs 20.7%, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Rates of infection, reoperation, and dehiscence were significantly reduced in patients whose groin incisions were managed with iNPWT compared with standard wound care. Readmission rates were also decreased, but this difference was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that implementing iNPWT for the management of groin incisions, particularly in patients undergoing vascular operations for CLTI, may significantly improve clinical outcomes.
Soft Tissue Reconstruction After Sacral Neoplasm Resection
Authors: Falade Israel O. , Knox Jacquelyn A. , Piper Merisa L. , Hoffman William Y. , Hansen Scott L.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Resection of sacral neoplasms such as chordoma and chondrosarcoma with subsequent reconstruction of large soft tissue defects is a complex multidisciplinary process. Radiotherapy and prior abdominal surgery play a role in reconstructive planning; however, there is no consensus on how to maximize outcomes. In this study, we present our institution's experience with the reconstructive surgical management of this unique patient population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent reconstruction after resection of primary or recurrent pelvic chordoma or chondrosarcoma between 2002 and 2019. Surgical details, hospital stay, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Patients were divided into 3 groups for comparison based on reconstruction technique: gluteal-based flaps, vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps, and locoregional fasciocutaneous flaps.

Results

Twenty-eight patients (17 males, 11 females), with mean age of 62 years (range, 34–86 years), were reviewed. Twenty-two patients (78.6%) received gluteal-based flaps, 3 patients (10.7%) received VRAM flaps, and 3 patients (10.7%) were reconstructed with locoregional fasciocutaneous flaps. Patients in the VRAM group were significantly more likely to have undergone total sacrectomy (P < 0.01) in a 2-stage operation (P < 0.01) compared with patients in the other 2 groups. Patients in the VRAM group also had a significantly greater average number of reoperations (2 ± 3.5, P = 0.04) and length of stay (29.7 ± 20.4 days, P = 0.01) compared with the 2 other groups. The overall minor and major wound complication rates were 17.9% and 42.9%, respectively, with 17.9% of patients experiencing at least 1 infection or seroma. There was no association between prior abdominal surgery, surgical stages, or radiation therapy and an increased risk of wound complications.

Conclusions

Vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flaps are a more suitable option for patients with larger defects after total sacrectomy via 2-staged anteroposterior resections, whereas gluteal myocutaneous flaps are effective options for posterior-only resections. For patients with small- to moderate-sized defects, local fasciocutaneous flaps are a less invasive and effective option. Paraspinous flaps may be used in combination with other techniques to provide additional bulk and coverage for especially long postresection wounds. Furthermore, mesh is a useful adjunct for any reconstruction aimed at protecting against intra-abdominal complications.
Surgical Treatment of Breast Lymphedema: A Distinct Pathology With Unique Challenges
Authors: Szymanski Kathryn , Chun Fat Shelby , Brazio Philip S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Supermicrosurgical advances such as lymphovenous bypass (LVB) have enabled effective physiologic treatment of lymphedema affecting the extremities. Reports of surgical treatment for breast lymphedema (BL) are sparse, consisting of case reports and almost exclusively LVB. We report our experience with BL, including a case of mastectomy and breast reconstruction with abdominal free flap and inguinal vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) for BL. We compare our series with the surgical literature to discern unique characteristics and treatment limitations inherent to this disease.

Methods

A database was prospectively maintained from September 2020 to May 2023 including all patients diagnosed with BL who were referred to our institution. Breast lymphedema was diagnosed using clinical criteria, and relevant patient data were recorded. Patients interested in surgical management underwent indocyanine green lymphography to determine candidacy for LVB or other interventions. All patients, including those surgically managed, were treated with complex decongestive therapy.

Results

Nine patients with BL were included. Eight had undergone breast-conserving therapy for breast cancer with whole breast irradiation. One patient was treated for Hodgkin lymphoma with axillary lymphadenectomy and axillary radiation. Indocyanine green lymphography was performed in 6 patients, of which 4 patients had diffuse dermal backflow. Two patients had lymphatic targets suitable for LVB, including the patient without breast irradiation. Three patients were managed surgically. One patient without bypass targets underwent breast reduction with partial symptomatic relief, later followed by a mastectomy with abdominal free flap reconstruction and VLNT. Two patients with suitable bypass targets underwent LVB, with resolution of breast swelling and subjective symptoms.

Conclusions

The diffuse lymphatic obliteration due to radiation field effect in BL results in a distinct pathophysiology compared with extremity lymphedema. Although published reports of surgical BL treatment almost exclusively describe LVB, other surgical options may be more frequently required. Ablative strategies such as mastectomy and regenerative techniques such as VLNT should be considered potential first-line treatment options for these patients.
An Analysis of the Characteristics and Trends in Practicing Plastic Surgeons in California
Authors: Aref Youssef , Engel Priya Vedula , Miao Xinfei , Givant Madeleine , Seify Hisham
Published: May 2024

Background

Studies suggest an increasing trend of plastic surgeons choosing private practice after training, with up to 90% pursuing private practice without future fellowships.1 Previous data showed that 66.7% of graduates from plastic surgery residency programs chose to pursue private practice without future fellowship, while more recent studies estimate this statistic has risen close to 90%.1,2 The literature has yet to characterize the current plastic surgery workforce and changes in its composition over time. This study aims to analyze the characteristics and training of plastic surgeons in California through a comparative study with general surgeons.

Methods

Surgeon demographics were extracted from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services open database. Urban/rural classification and academic affiliation were crosslinked from the Inpatient Prospective System database and sole proprietorship status was cross-linked from the NPI Registry. Summary statistics and logistic regressions with chi-squared analysis were analyzed using STATA/MP17.

Results

Our analysis consisted of 3871 plastic and general surgeons in California. Compared to general surgeons, plastic surgeons were less likely to be females (P < 0.000), and more likely to be sole proprietors (P < 0.000), and affiliated with a teaching hospital (P < 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of rural-practicing plastic and general surgeons (P = 0.590). More recent plastic surgery graduates were more likely to be affiliated with an academic hospital (P < 0.0000). The composition of females significantly increased from the older graduated cohort to the most recent one. There was no significant difference in sole proprietorship and rural practice status between the oldest and youngest graduating cohorts.

Conclusions

Although the California plastic surgery workforce is gaining female plastic surgeons and shifting to academic institutions, significant progress in serving rural communities is yet to be made. Our study suggests that there may be a shift in the trend of plastic surgeons opting for private practice, possibly driven by a desire for more stable positions in academia. Continued improvement in diversity and training of future plastic surgeons is needed to alleviate the rural care gap.
Clinical Approach to Dental Root Canal Filler-Induced Maxillary Sinus Fungal Mass Using Transnasal Endoscopy
Authors: Nakamura Masahiro , Anzai Takashi , Ishimizu Erina , Kubo Satoko , Inoshita Ayako , Takata Yusuke , Hayashi Takuo , Matsumoto Fumihiko
Published: May 2024

Accidentally extruded root canal filler within the sinuses may induce maxillary sinusitis with fungal mass. The authors describe 2 cases of gutta-percha-induced fungal masses in the left maxillary sinus of 2 women. The lesions were evaluated preoperatively using both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, providing comprehensive insights into the condition. In one patient, the lesion was located such that it could be resected through the middle meatal antrostomy alone. However, the second patient presented with an anteroinferiorly situated lesion that necessitated not only a transnasal approach but also an endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy. Both patients recovered uneventfully after surgery. This case series is the first published report of 2 cases of gutta-percha-induced maxillary sinus fungal masses, with their imaging findings, successfully treated through different routes through transnasal endoscopic surgery. These reports highlight the need for a collaborative approach between dental practitioners and otolaryngologists. In addition to the patient’s wishes, surgical interventions must consider the unique characteristics of each case and the potential for collaboration across different medical specialties.
Assessment of Masseter Volume and Postoperative Stability After Orthognathic Surgery in Patients With Skeletal Class III Malocclusion With Facial Asymmetry
Authors: Zhao Qi , Chen Kai , Wang Xianzhu , Wu Guomin
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of orthognathic surgery on masseter volume in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with facial asymmetry and the effect of masseter volume on stability in orthognathic surgery.

Methods:

This research studied 16 patients with Class III malocclusion with facial asymmetry who received combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment and underwent craniofacial computed tomography (CT) before (T0), 2 weeks after (T1), and 6 months after (T2) surgery. Three-dimensional (3D) CT images were retrospectively analyzed, using 3D volume reconstruction to obtain the masseter volume and examine the impact of the masseter volume on stability in orthognathic surgery.

Results:

A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the volume of the masseter was found up to 6 months after orthognathic surgery compared with the preoperative period, and the reduction in the masticatory muscle volume on the lengthened side is greater than on the shortened side (P < 0.05). The volume of both masseters differed according to facial asymmetry, and the difference was significantly reduced after orthognathic surgery (P < 0.05). During the period time (T1–T2), cephalometric maxillary marker points were not significantly different (P > 0.05), and mandibular marker points were significantly anteriorly shifted (P < 0.05). There was an association between the masseter volume and anterior shift of point B (R > 0.5, P < 0.05), the upward and anterior shifts of the gonion point differed between the lengthened and shortened sides (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The size of the masseter becomes smaller 6 months after orthognathic surgery, and orthognathic surgery improves both bone and soft tissue symmetry. A larger sagittal relapse of mandibular setback occurred in patients with greater masseter volume. Considering these alterations may be helpful in planning orthognathic surgery.
Interactive three-dimensional atlas of the mineralized skeleton of the sand tiger shark
Carcharias taurus
Authors: Winkel Emil Alexander Byriel , Kristiansen Rune , Møller Peter Rask , Lauridsen Henrik
Published: May 2024

Non-invasive computed tomography (CT) of an adult sand tiger shark
Carcharias taurus
Rafinesque, 1810 is used to provide an interactive three-dimensional ‘general’ shark (Selachimorpha) anatomy atlas. Given its post-cranial body morphology, the sand tiger shark appeared to be a well-chosen candidate and through comparison of the sand tiger shark with several other representatives of all eight established orders of sharks, we confirm that the relatively large degree of mineralization of the endoskeleton, along with the overall size, makes the sand tiger shark an ideal candidate for skeletal segmentation and construction of a skeletal atlas using conventional CT. This atlas both increases accessibility to the internal morphological features of the sand tiger shark and provides a more generalized overview of the skeletal anatomy of sharks and can aid as a supplement to destructive fresh dissection of specimens in the future and the construction of future skeletal atlases of other less mineralized sharks.
H2O2mediated MAPK-mTOR crosstalk determines the XIAP and FLIP degradation pathways and development of resistance to Imatinib
Authors: Roy Rajdeep , Paul Tamalika , Sinha Samraj , Biswas Nabendu
Published: May 2024

Abnormal or aggregated proteins degradation is very crucial to protect the cell against proteotoxic stress. Cellular proteins are usually degraded in a ubiquitin-dependent manner by proteasomes and macro-autophagy/autophagy. Both processes use ubiquitin, binding of which target them to proteasomes via ubiquitin-like domains or to phagophores (the precursors to autophagosomes) via Atg8/LC3 binding motifs. Since both pathways use ubiquitin, the question that arises is how degradative pathway choice is achieved. Here in this paper, we have shown that mTOR pathway acts as major player in deciding which degradation pathway to choose. Here, we used Imatinib resistant (K562R) and Imatinib-sensitive (K562S) K562 cell as our previous study showed that Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is selected for degradation of two proteins XIAP and FLIP in Imatinib-resistant K562 cells. H2O2treatment in K562R cells degrades XIAP and FLIP via proteasomal pathway whereas H2O2degrades them via lysosomal pathway in K562S cells. We found H2O2mediated mTOR activation suppressed autophagy pathway in K562R cells and protein takes proteasomal degradation rout. However, proteins get degraded via autophagy when mTOR remains suppressed in K562S cells. We also found that H2O2-mediated activation of activation of ERK in turn activated mTOR in K562R cells because ROS inhibited ERK phosphorylation and thus mTOR remained inhibited in K562S cells. Moreover, we found that endogenous H2O2levels are way higher in K562R cells than in K562S cells. Finally, and most interestingly, our data clearly suggested that activation of mTOR is responsible for developing resistance to Imatinib in K562R cells. Thus, this paper delineates a very crucial role of H2O2and mTOR in both the selection of protein degradation pathway and development of drug resistant.
Bioinformatic evaluation of the potential oral-gut translocation of periodontal pathogens in patients with colorectal polyps
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Yamaguchi Marin , Sato Keisuke , Tsuzuno Takahiro , Mineo Shuhei , Nakajima Nao , Takahashi Kazuya , Sato Hiroki , Miyazawa Haruna , Aoki-Nonaka Yukari , Ito Yutaro , Taniguchi Koji , Terai Shuji , Ito Kohei , Tabeta Koichi
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the profiles of the oral and gut microbiota of patients with colorectal polyps using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic approaches.

Background

Previous studies have shown microbial translocation from the oral cavity to the gut, implying pathogenic impacts on gastroesophageal disease, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its details remain unclear.

Methods

Twenty patients scheduled for endoscopic colorectal polypectomy were enrolled in this study. Oral samples (saliva and subgingival dental plaque) and intestinal samples (feces and swab of intestinal mucosa) were collected during preoperative and 6-month-postoperative reassessment periods. After sequencing the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, several bioinformatic analyses (bacterial composition, diversity, core microbiome, and shared ASV) were performed on pre– and postoperative samples for each subject.

Results

The bacterial composition was dominated byBacteroides,Streptococcus,Fusobacterium,Veillonella, andPrevotella_7in all four samples. Beta diversity analysis using weighted UniFrac distance distinctly segregated the samples between oral and intestinal environments in the principal coordinate analysis plot. Core microbiome analysis revealed thatStreptococcusandPorphyromonaswere dominantly shared in intra-oral environments. Additionally, alongsideStreptococcus, periodontitis-related bacteria, such asVeillonella,Fusobacterium,Porphyromonas,Prevotella_7,Haemophilus, andPrevotella, were identified as shared genera between oral and intestinal environments. Finally, shared ASV analysis demonstrated thatStreptococcuswas shared in the oral and intestinal environments of most patients, while periodontal pathogens were shared in some patients.

Conclusions

The core microbiome and shared ASV analyses revealed that several genes are shared between oral and intestinal environments in patients with colorectal polyps, indicating the oral–gut translocation of periodontitis-related bacteria. Further large-scale studies are needed to elucidate their involvement in CRC.
A reaction-diffusion model captures the essence of liquid-liquid phase separation
Authors: Mukherjee Nayana , Wasim Abdul , Mondal Jagannath , Ghosh Pushpita
Published: May 2024

In this work we propose the formulation of a continuum model for liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) using reaction diffusion framework. We consider a well mixed liquid consisting of three phases, the dense droplet phase, the dilute phase and the remaining part to be solvent phase. As a key feature, the model includes both the spatial and temporal aspects and a free energy functional between dense and dilute phase that is physically motivated by reference molecular simulation. The exhaustive numerical simulations of model captures the dynamical formation of droplets and existence of LLPS. As the time progresses, simulation reveal that smaller droplets gradually vanish, and a single droplet undergoes continuous growth until it reaches a stable size. The model predicts that that extent of diffusivity of dense and dilute phase as well as their mutual interaction would modulate the kinetics of droplet formation. Finally we show that introduction of fluctuation in the model accelerate the phase separation process.
Persistent homology and topological statistics of hyperuniform point clouds
Authors: Salvalaglio Marco , Skinner Dominic J. , Dunkel Jörn , Voigt Axel
Published: May 2024

Hyperuniformity, the suppression of density fluctuations at large length scales, is observed across a wide variety of domains, from cosmology to condensed matter and biological systems. Although the standard definition of hyperuniformity only utilizes information at the largest scales, hyperuniform configurations have distinctive local characteristics. However, the influence of global hyperuniformity on local structure has remained largely unexplored; establishing this connection can help uncover long-range interaction mechanisms and detect hyperuniform traits in finite-size systems. Here, we study the topological properties of hyperuniform point clouds by characterizing their persistent homology and the statistics of local graph neighborhoods. We find that varying the structure factor results in configurations with systematically different topological properties. Moreover, these topological properties are conserved for subsets of hyperuniform point clouds, establishing a connection between finite-sized systems and idealized reference arrangements. Comparing distributions of local topological neighborhoods reveals that the hyperuniform arrangements lie along a primarily one-dimensional manifold reflecting an order-to-disorder transition via hyperuniform configurations. The results presented here complement existing characterizations of hyperuniform phases of matter, and they show how local topological features can be used to detect hyperuniformity in size-limited simulations and experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Isocompositional liquid-liquid transition in dilute aqueous LiCl solutions
Authors: Giebelmann Johannes , Bachler Johannes , Loerting Thomas
Published: May 2024

We here demonstrate that small amounts of LiCl dissolved in water extend the existence window of deeply supercooled liquid water. This shift allows us to observe the isocompositional, sharp liquid-liquid transition (LLT), while this is not possible in pure water. Upon heating at ambient pressure, the hyperquenched and densified glass first turns into the high-density liquid (HDL) and then experiences the LLT to the low-density liquid (LDL) at 137–141 K and ambient pressure. At the LLT the viscosity suddenly jumps up by an order of magnitude, from ∼4.3×109Pas in HDL to ∼3.7×1010Pas in LDL for the 3.1 mol % solution based on our calorimetric analysis. That is, the LLT takes place clearly in the ultraviscous liquid domain at ambient pressure. By contrast, the viscosity of the emerging LDL at the LLT is still in the domain of the soft glass for pure water and for solutions exceeding 5 mol % LiCl that were studied in the past. This is owing to our observation that, first, the LDL's glass transition is lowered by about 8 K to 126 K in the presence of small amounts LiCl, whereas the HDL's glass transition remains at 118 K. Second, the stability of HDL at ambient pressure is increased by high-pressure annealing, shifting the LLT to higher temperatures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Stroboscopic time-of-flight neutron diffraction in long pulsed magnetic fields
Authors: Nakajima Taro , Watanabe Masao , Inamura Yasuhiro , Matsui Kazuki , Kanda Tomoki , Nomoto Tetsuya , Ohishi Kazuki , Kawamura Yukihiko , Saito Hiraku , Tamatsukuri Hiromu , Terada Noriki , Kohama Yoshimitsu
Published: May 2024

We present proof-of-principle experiments of stroboscopic time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffraction in long pulsed magnetic fields. By utilizing electric double-layer capacitors, we developed a long pulsed magnet for neutron diffraction measurements, which generates pulsed magnetic fields with the full widths at half maximum of >102 ms. The field variation is slow enough to be approximated as a steady field within the time scale of a polychromatic neutron pulse passing through a sample placed in a distance of the order of 101 m from the neutron source. This enables us to efficiently explore the reciprocal space using a wide range of neutron wavelength in high magnetic fields. We applied this technique to investigate field-induced magnetic phases in the triangular lattice antiferromagnets CuFe1−xGaxO2 (x=0,0.035).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Generation Z and Millennials’ food-sharing behaviour: a cross-generational analysis of motivations, satisfaction and behavioural intention
Authors: Poyoi Pimsuporn , Gassiot-Melian Ariadna , Coromina Lluís
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Posting and sharing about food on social media has surged in popularity amongst younger generations such as Millennials and Generation Z. This study aims to analyse and compare food-tourism sharing behaviour on social media across generations. First, this study specifically investigates the factors influencing the intention to share food experiences on social media; second, it examines the impact of sharing intention on actual behaviour and loyalty; and third, it determines whether Millennials and Generation Z differ in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out of Millennial and Generation Z travellers who shared food experiences on social media. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-group analysis were performed to examine the cause-and-effect relationship in both generations.

Findings

The findings reveal differences in motivation, satisfaction, sharing intention, sharing behaviour and loyalty between generations (Millennials and Generation Z).

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature on the antecedents of food-sharing behaviour in online communities by indicating factors that influence the sharing of culinary experiences and brand or destination loyalty across generations. Suggestions for future research include exploring online food-sharing behaviour through cross-cultural comparisons in various regions.

Practical implications

As Millennials and Generation Z will expand their market share in the coming years, the findings of this study can help improve marketing strategies for culinary tourism and generate more intense food experiences for both generations.

Originality/value

The outcome of the research provides new insights to develop a conceptual model of food-sharing behaviour and tourism on social media by drawing comparisons across generations.
Uncovering the research tapestry: bibliometric insights into BIM and LCA – exploring trends, collaborations and future directions
Authors: Al Mahmud Jobaer , Arefin Shamsul , Ahmmed Md Imtiaz
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the historical development, present state and potential future directions of the integration between building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) in the field of construction. Additionally, this paper identifies current problems while offering insight into worldwide BIM research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses text mining on unstructured abstracts, a novel approach not previously documented in BIM research. By conducting a comprehensive systematic assessment of academic literature, this work uses advanced bibliometric approaches to examine the developmental trajectory of the integration of BIM and LCA. The research incorporates co-citation and keyword co-occurrence mapping, providing a complex visual depiction of the interconnectedness of information across different periods.

Findings

The results of this analysis reveal the historical development of the integration of BIM and LCA, including its roots and the initial research that established the foundation for further investigations. The aforementioned seminal works signify the inception of the discipline, serving as a source of inspiration for current scholarly investigations. Currently, there is a complex network of interdisciplinary cooperation that can be observed, combining knowledge and perspectives from the fields of design, engineering, construction and sustainability.

Originality/value

This research contributes novelty to the scholarly discourse by offering a holistic and up-to-date panorama of the dynamic BIM and LCA research landscape. It identifies emerging trends, influential contributors and uncharted territories, thus providing a foundation for scholars to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in sustainable construction practices.