bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro caries‐preventive effect of a mineralization‐promoting peptide combined with fluoride gel on sound primary teeth
Authors: Yaşar Merve , Bal Cenkhan , Aksoy Merve , Güngörmüş Mustafa , Orhan Kaan
Published: October 2023

Background

Mineralization‐promoting peptide‐3 (MPP3) is a new biomimetic remineralization agent.

Aim

To assess the remineralization efficiency of MPP3, either alone or in combination with fluoride gel.

Design

The samples were divided into four groups: control, 1.23% fluoride gel, 10% MPP3 gel, and 1.23% fluoride gel + 10% MPP3. Following the application of remineralization agents (4 min), the samples remained in a pH‐cycling model (37°C, 4 weeks). Microhardness, microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) analysis were conducted. RM‐ANOVA, one‐way ANOVA, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for statistical analysis, and a significance level of p < .05 was employed.

Results

Mineralization‐promoting peptide 3 and fluoride gel + MPP3 increased the microhardness of the enamel compared with initial values in each group (p < .05). Mineralization‐promoting peptide 3 successfully maintained the mineral density of enamel, although the cariogenic pH‐cycling and PLM results indicated that the lesion depth (μm) was significantly lower in the fluoride gel + MPP3 group (27.0336 ± 12.53650) than in the control group (37.3907 ± 12.76002, p < .05).

Conclusion

The combined use of MPP3 with fluoride gel enhanced the caries‐protective and mineralization‐promoting effects of fluoride. Mineralization‐promoting peptide 3 may be a potential agent that can be employed to improve the physical properties of enamel.
Drivers of gender differentiated self‐employment in developing countries: The instances of finance and information and communication technology
Authors: Uche Emmanuel , Ngepah Nicholas , Odionye Joseph C. , Effiom Lionel
Published: October 2023

This study unveils new insights into how financial inclusion and information and communication technology (ICT) influence self‐employment (aggregate and gender‐specific) in developing countries. The dearth of information in this perspective, particularly in the context of Africa, compels this fresh evaluation. Thus, on account of the annual panel series for 52 African countries from 2005 to 2019, the system‐generalized method‐of‐moments (sysGMM) and the novel method‐of‐moments quantile regression (MM‐QR), the following empirical narratives emerged. First, the estimates of both procedures demonstrate that self‐employment in Africa is self‐exacerbating. Second, the sysGMM demonstrates that financial inclusions could not influence self‐employment substantially; however, the estimates of the MM‐QR demonstrate varying significant positive relationships mostly at the upper quantiles for all categories of self‐employment. Third, the sysGMM reveals that ICT produced marginal positive effects on all categories except women's self‐employment. Fourth, the MM‐QR rectified a significant positive influence of ICT at the lower and middle quantiles for the aggregate, only at the lower quantiles (q10–q25) for men, and at the upper quantiles (q75–q90) for women. Lastly, it was revealed that although unemployment, GDP and inflation rates are not sufficient drivers of self‐employment, energy poverty constitutes a drag for self‐employment in the continent. Overall, the study is of immense relevance to policymakers, practicing and prospective entrepreneurs particularly in developing countries. More policy options have been provided within the study.
A hybrid adaptive iterated local search heuristic for the maximal covering location problem
Authors: Máximo Vinícius R. , Cordeau Jean‐François , Nascimento Mariá C. V.
Published: October 2023

Adaptive iterated local search (AILS) is a recently proposed metaheuristic paradigm that focuses on adapting the diversity control of iterated local search by online learning mechanisms. It has been successfully applied to the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) and the heterogeneous vehicle routing problem. Hybridizing it with path relinking (PR) has further improved the intensification of the method for the CVRP, providing outstanding results. However, the potential of this metaheuristic has not yet been investigated on other combinatorial optimization problems, such as location problems. In this paper, we develop a version of AILS for the maximal covering location problem (MCLP). This problem consists of locating a number of facilities to maximize the covered customer demand, where a given facility location can meet the demand of customers located within a coverage radius. Experiments on large‐scale instances of the MCLP indicate that AILS hybridized with PR, called AILS‐PR, outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art metaheuristic.
Localization of Passerine Seeet and Mobbing Calls by Goshawks and Pygmy Owls
Authors: Shalter Michael D.
Published: October 2023

Goshawks and pygmy owls responded to recordings of passerine alarm calls by correctly orienting to their source. The seeet, or “aerial predator” alarm call which is generally assumed to be “non‐localizable”, while it elicited fewer responses than did mobbing calls, was nevertheless accurately localized by all birds that did respond. The evolution of alarm calls is discussed in terms of efficient prey communication, following Darwin's “antithesis principle”, rather than predator selection for non‐localizability.
A Follow‐up Study of 53 Suicides Known to a Suicide Prevention Center
Authors: Sawyer John B. , Sudak Howard S. , Hall S. Richard
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The operation of the Cleveland Suicide Prevention Center is reviewed, and 53 known suicides during the Center's first four years of operation are discussed. A suicide rate of 288 per 100,000 suggests that persons contacting the Center represented a high suicide risk group. Of the suicides, 57 percent were women. This high proportion of females was statistically significant when compared to the smaller percentage of female suicides for Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Of the persons who committed suicide, 26 percent initiated direct contact with the Center themselves, and none recontacted the Center just prior to death. The question is raised whether contact initiated by another may in itself be suggestive of greater suicidal risk. Some of the practical problems in evaluation and referral are discussed.
Can a Young Person Write His Own Obituary?
Authors: Shneidman Edwin S.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A definition of an obituary—what it is and what it is not—is given. The criteria for a New York Times obituary are reported. From a sample of over 100 obituaries elicited from college students at Harvard in 1969 some typical examples and reactions are cited. In general, it is concluded that young people have difficulty objectifying themselves or seeing themselves as dead. “Only the young are immortal” is the main theme of this brief paper.
Worker and Caller Variety in Three Crisis Centers*
Authors: Powell Evan R.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT:Worker and caller behaviors are studied and compared in an available sample of 100 suicidal calls to three crisis intervention centers. Caller‐Worker Interaction Program results were compared among the three centers. Worker and caller differences across centers were significant in 32 of 41 categories (p< .05); using four discriminant functions, 2 of 18 hit percentages exceededp< .01. The verbal behaviors of workers and callers at the three centers are substantially different, leading to the conclusion that crisis intervention is dissimilarly practiced between centers but similar within them.
Suicidal Behavior as a Form of Communication in Married Couples
Authors: Bonnar Joan W. , McGee Richard K.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Suicidal behavior, specifically threats of suicide and acts of self‐injury and self‐poisoning, are interpreted by suicidologists as acts of communication directed to some person important in the social life of the potential victim. Four groups of married couples were studied using a measure of their marital communication habits and an intensive personal interview. These groups included wives who (a) were volunteer workers in a suicide prevention center, (b) were experiencing marital problems but were not actively suicidal, (c) had called the suicide prevention center and made a verbal threat of suicide, and (d) had actually committed acts of self‐injury or self‐poisoning for which they received emergency room or hospital treatment. Analysis of the data revealed that the quality of interpersonal communication between spouses significantly deteriorated across the groups as the degree of suicidal behavior increased. Descriptive data are discussed for their relevance to clinicians who, if they correctly interpret the meaning of the “suicide attempt,” may be in a position to facilitate its being a successful one.
Suicide Related to the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
Authors: Biller Owen A.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: In complicated ways depression is related to suicide. If the national climate could be made depressive by mass media coverage of a depressing event (for example, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy), the suicide rate theoretically ought to increase, unless depression were not related to suicide during time of great national focus. This hypothesis was investigated by using a questionnaire survey requesting information concerning suicide rate for the period November 22–30 for the 17 years 1956–1972. Sixty‐one cities were randomly selected and contacted; 29 responded. A total of 74 suicides—48 males and 26 females—were reported during the 17 years studied. The hypothesis that more suicides should have occurred during 1963 was not supported. No suicides occurred during November 22–30 in 1963, the year of the Kennedy assassination. The results were significant at the .01 level. The finding that during a time of focused national crisis fewer suicides occur coincides with the findings of Durkheim (1897/1951).
Suicide Bereavement and Recovery Patterns Compared with Nonsuicide Bereavement Patterns
Authors: Barrett Terence W. , Scott Thomas B.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study compared bereavement experiences of suicide survivors with those of other survivors. The primary focus of investigation was upon grief reactions suggested to be unique to suicide bereavement and upon quality of grief resolution 2–4 years after death. Fifty‐seven women and men, between the ages of 24 and 48, who had experienced the death of a marital partner were interviewed. Subjects were assigned to one of four groups by mode of death (suicide, accident, unanticipated natural, and expected natural).

Analyses of variance and Scheffe procedures indicated no significant differences among survivors on frequencies of grief reactions considered common to all bereavements. The suicide survivors were significantly different from all others on certain grief measures, including rejection and unique grief reactions. On various other grief measures, significant differences were indicated among the groups of survivors.

Four primary conclusions, implications of the findings, and limitations of the study are discussed.
Use of Case Vignettes in Suicide Risk Assessment
Authors: Stelmachers Zigfrids T. , Sherman Robert E.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Thirty‐three brief case histories of suicidal patients were given to 19 experienced crisis workers for 7‐point ratings of short‐ and long‐term suicide risk. The ratings revealed considerable variability, raising questions about the reliability of such global assessments of suicidality. The most consistently rated cases were selected to operationally define “mild,” “moderate,” and “high” risk. Thus, each level was “anchored” by several vignettes. It was hoped that these anchor points would lead to more uniform future ratings among crisis workers.

The correlation between short‐ and long‐term risk ranged from near zero for some vignettes to as high as .82 (median = .46), demonstrating the need to rate both separately. Long‐term risk was more difficult to rate, as demonstrated by a larger number of cases judged to be unrateable because of “insufficient information” (94 vs. 53 rater–case combinations).

When the anchor vignettes were provided as a guide to the same sample of crisis workers, their ratings of suicide risk, as expected, showed significantly improved consistency.
Medical Examiners and Manner of Death
Authors: Jarvis George K. , Boldt Menno , Butt John
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: An experimental study of medical examiners in Alberta, Canada, produced manner of death determinations from simulated cases (vignettes) in order to examine interexaminer variation in certification judgments. Characteristics of medical examiners such as experience, residence, and religious background were investigated. The influence of victim characteristics was also examined, including race, age, gender, marital status, cause of death, and the presence of alcohol. Experience, residence, and religion of examiner were found to be related to judgments as were gender, medical cause of death, and the presence of alcohol.
Young Suicide Attempters Compared with a Control Group: Psychological, Affective, and Attitudinal Variables
Authors: Simonds John F. , McMahon Terry , Armstrong Duane
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT:Suicide attempters admitted to a general hospital psychiatric ward completed questionnaires to elicit information following their suicide attempt. Compared to normal controls who had never attempted suicide, suicide attempters were significantly more hopeless, depressed, and hostile. The suicide attempts seemed to occur in response to stress. A crisis intervention model was suggested as the most appropriate way of managing these patients.
The Study of Suicidal Lives
Authors: Lester David
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Thirty suicides about whom book‐length biographies have been written were examined in the framework of the ten statements formulated by Leenaars for each of his ten theories of suicide. Suicides who fit well with particular theories were identified, and the theories compared both for their success in describing the suicides and for their similarity with one another.
Use of the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) with Adolescents
Authors: Tatman Sandi M. , Greene A. L. , Karr Louise C.
Published: October 2023

This study examined the utility of the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) by comparing results obtained with a sample of 217 normal adolescents (M = 16.2 years) to the findings obtained in Cull and Gill's (1988) standardization effort. The present sample scored significantly higher than Cull and Gill's normative sample in SPS item, subscale, and total scores. In addition, the SPS generally failed to discriminate between the present, adolescent sample and Cull and Gill's inpatient psychiatric sample. Moreover, item‐subscale correlations obtained for the present sample often differed from those reported by Cull and Gill, and factor analysis of SPS item scores failed to replicate Cull and Gill's four‐factor solution. Findings suggest the need for caution when using the SPS to assess adolescent suicide potential and underscore the need for additional research regarding the instrument's efficacy in distinguishing between normal and suicidal adolescents.
The Relationship between Coping Strategies and Perceived Stress in Telephone Intervention Volunteers at a Suicide Prevention Center
Authors: Mishara Brian L. , Giroux Guy
Published: October 2023

This study examines stress perceived by telephone intervention volunteers at a suicide prevention center before their shift, during the most high‐urgency call, and after the shift. Eighty of the 82 active volunteers completed questionnaires concerning stress, coping strategies, motivations for volunteer work, and experiences with suicide. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that only one variable, the amount of experience in telephone intervention with suicidal persons, predicted stress level before the shift; volunteers with more experience tended to be less stressed. Stress during the most urgent call was related first to the level of urgency of the call, then to the total length of all calls received, followed by the coping mechanisms of magical thinking, detachment, and feeling personally responsible. Stress after the shift was related first to the total amount of time spent on calls, then to the number of other persons present during the shift. Stress after the shift was also negatively related to amount of education and having realistic expectations about interventions. Magical thinking was positively related to stress, and the mechanism of positive thinking was negatively related. A high proportion of volunteers had attempted suicide, had previous thoughts about suicide, and had known persons who attempted or died by suicide. These findings are discussed as to their implications for the selection and training of volunteers in suicide prevention.
Suicide of a Patient: Gender Differences in Bereavement Reactions of Therapists
Authors: Grad Onja T. , Zavasnik Anka , Groleger Urban
Published: October 2023

Emotional reactions of therapists who experienced the death by suicide of one or more of their patients were investigated. Data were collected by a questionnaire containing both objective and open‐ended items from 27 men and 36 women, psychiatrists and psychologists, working in psychiatric hospitals in Slovenia. The most frequently reported reactions by the therapists were of increased caution in the treatment of their patients and an increase in conferring with colleagues, partners, and supervisors. About two thirds reported experiencing strong guilt feelings along with other commonly reported survivor feelings of grief, depression, and loss. Gender differences were apparent (women more often felt shame and guilt, sought consolation, or doubted their professional knowledge). No significant differences appeared between disciplines and years of work experience. Agreement was general that support was important both professionally and personally. Suggestions are offered to help the therapist work through the trauma of a patient's suicide.
A Demographic Analysis of Suicide among U.S. Navy Personnel
Authors: Hourani Laurel L. , Warrack Giles , Coben Patricia A.
Published: October 2023

Age‐, sex‐, race‐, and employment‐adjusted standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for sailors committing suicide between 1990 and 1996 and compared with adjusted SMRs for civilians. Cluster analyses were conducted on annual rates from 1983 through 1995 to examine differences between comparison groups across time and location. Results showed fewer than expected suicides for Caucasian and African American males and a somewhat higher than expected suicide rate among other ethnic group males and among Caucasian women. The suicide rate showed an increase during the study period, with some evidence toward a clustering effect in time and space.
Holistic approach to ascertain genetic variability and responsive trait selection for different heat regimes of central India via field screening of wheat recombinant inbred lines
Authors: Khare Vikrant , Shukla Rama Shankar , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Pandey Suneeta
Published: October 2023

High temperature affects wheat yield severely. This study aimed to explore the variation and recognition of heat responsive traits, to enhance wheat productivity in high temperature stress condition. The recombinant inbred lines were developed by crossing of released wheat variety MACS2496 (heat sensitive) and WH730 (heat tolerant). The experiments were conducted into 2 years at three locations of two planting conditions (heat and terminal heat stress). Combined analysis of variance shows significant variations among all the studied traits at individual location, year and planting conditions. The phenological and yield component traits were highly influenced by environment under terminal heat stress condition. Days to heading and thousand kernel weight coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance per cent of mean in heat and terminal heat stress environments. In heat and terminal heat stress planting conditions, tiller number per plant, kernels per spike, kernel weight per spike and thousand kernel weight confirm positive relationship with grain yield per plant by correlation and principal component analysis. Path and multiple regression analysis accomplish that tiller number per plant, kernel weight per spike, kernel per spike and thousand kernel weight were identified as the key contributor towards grain yield per plant in heat and terminal heat stress environment. Thus, all‐inclusive approaches demonstrated that the promising traits deliver a framework to develop heat tolerant cultivars in future.
Viscosity and heat capacity of As2Se3 connected via Adam–Gibbs model
Authors: Koštál Petr , Včeláková Michaela , Málek Jiří
Published: October 2023

The viscosity data measured by penetration and parallel‐plate methods for As2Se3 glass and undercooled melt were compared with literature data. The MYEGA equation (log η0 = −4.67 ± 0.12, m = 43.2 ± 0.4, and T12 = 441.7 ± 0.3 K) was used for the description of the selected viscosity data, including melt region (15 orders of magnitude). The heat capacity data for As2Se3 glass, undercooled melt, and melt, as well as for crystalline As2Se3 were determined for low and medium‐range temperature intervals. These data were compared with previously reported data. Equations that describe the heat capacity of As2Se3 in a broad temperature interval were formulated. The values of the standard molar enthalpy, Δ0THm0, and entropy, Δ0TSm0, at T = 298.15 K are 26.202 kJ·mol−1 and 193.8 J·mol−1·K−1, respectively. The heat capacity data determined from very low temperatures were used for the calculation of crystal, glass, and melt entropies. These heat capacity temperature dependencies were used both for the estimation of the Kauzmann temperature (TK = 292.5 K) and the glass entropy at 0 K (S0 = 25.96 J·mol−1·K−1), and for the determination of the excess entropy. The proportionality between the viscosity of the As2Se3 melt and the excess entropy clearly indicates the applicability of the Adam–Gibbs (AG) model.
Facilitated reversible domain switching at multiphase boundary in periodically orthogonal poled KNN‐based ceramics: Strain versus non‐180o domain
Authors: Wu Bo , Tao Hong , Ma Jian , Zhao Lin , Ergu Daji , Luo Li , Wu Wenjuan , Yao Yali
Published: October 2023

Although many approaches have been implemented to tailor the strain in potassium sodium niobate (KNN)‐based ferroelectrics, they still suffer from poor strain compared to shape memory alloys and giant magnetostrictive materials. Herein, a strategy of periodic orthogonal poling is implemented in KNN‐based ceramics with multiphase boundaries, and the correlation between the amount of non‐180° domain and strain is established, revealing that the mechanisms of interfacial stresses facilitate reversible domain switching during the periodic orthogonal poling. Owing to the self‐generated interfacial stresses between the adjacent regions with different poling directions, an enhanced strain benefits from non‐180° domain switching, which is reversible during periodic orthogonal poling. The enhancement in strain decreases from O‐T to R‐O‐T to the R‐T phase boundary, which corresponds to the different quantity of the non‐180° domain, indicating that a large amount of non‐180° domains can further boost high strain under periodic orthogonal poling. Notably, a slight frequency‐dependent strain was observed across the frequency range of 1‒50 Hz. Therefore, an ideal strain can be further induced by enhancing the amount of reversible non‐180° domain switching in the multiphase boundary during periodic orthogonal poling, which can serve as a guide for the design of high‐performance KNN materials.
Israeli social workers' recommendations on residential settings for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Werner Shirli , Holler Roni
Published: October 2023

Background

People with intellectual disabilities have the right to live in the community. As social workers have an important role in decisions regarding residential settings, this study examined their recommendations regarding residential living arrangements of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Method

Using a factorial survey approach 174 social workers were presented with true‐to‐life vignettes and asked to provide their recommendations regarding housing in community apartments, hostels (large group homes) and meonot (large institutions).

Results

Higher likelihood of recommending housing in a community apartment was associated with mild intellectual disability, lack of daily support needs, no sexual abuse history, and stated preference for a community apartment. Social workers' experience in working in a specific residential setting was associated with recommending it.

Conclusions

Ongoing training on rights‐based ethics and the importance of community inclusion should be provided to social workers. Further, community alternatives should be made available to all individuals with disabilities.
Functional diversity does not explain the co‐occurrence of non‐native species within a flow‐modified African river system
Authors: Mpopetsi Pule P. , Kadye Wilbert T.
Published: October 2023

Globally, there is growing concern on the occurrence of multiple non‐native species within invaded habitats. Proliferation of multiple non‐native species together with anthropogenic‐driven habitat modifications raise questions on the mechanisms facilitating the co‐occurrence of these species and their potential impact within the recipient systems. Using the Great Fish River system (South Africa) which is anthropogenically‐modified by inter‐basin water transfer (IBWT), as a case study, this research employed trait‐based approaches to explore patterns associated with the co‐occurrence of multiple non‐native fish species. This was achieved by investigating the role of functional diversity of non‐native and native fishes in relation to their composition, distribution and environmental relationships. Nineteen functional traits that defined two broad ecological attributes (habitat use and feeding) were determined for 13 fish species that comprised eight native and five non‐native fishes. We used these data to, firstly, evaluate functional diversity patterns and to compare functional traits of native and non‐native fishes in the Great Fish River system. Secondly, we employed multivariate ordination analyses (factor analysis, RLQ and fourth‐corner analyses) to investigate interspecific trait variations and potential species‐trait‐environmental relationships. From a functional diversity perspective, there were no significant differences in most functional diversity indices between native and non‐native species. Despite interspecific variation in body morphology‐related traits, we also found no clear separation between native and non‐native species based on the ordination analysis of the functional traits. Furthermore, while RLQ ordination showed broad spatial patterns, the fourth‐corner analyses revealed no significant relationships among species distribution, functional traits and environmental variables. The weak species‐trait‐environment relationship observed in this study suggests that environmental filtering was likely a poor determinant of functional trait structure within the Great Fish River. Modification of the natural flow regime may have weakened the relationship between species traits and the environment as has been shown in other systems.
Long‐term outcomes of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after negative capsule endoscopy
Authors: Hirata Issei , Tsuboi Akiyoshi , Matsubara Yuka , Sumioka Akihiko , Takasago Takeshi , Tanaka Hidenori , Yamashita Ken , Takigawa Hidehiko , Kotachi Takahiro , Yuge Ryo , Urabe Yuji , Oka Shiro
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Although small‐bowel capsule endoscopy (CE) is widely used for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), long‐term outcomes for OGIB patients after negative CE remain unclear. Herein, we defined negative CE as P0 (no bleeding potential) or P1 (less likely to bleed), based on the P classification using CE. We aimed to clarify long‐term outcomes of patients with OGIB after negative CE.

Methods

This single‐center observational study enrolled 461 consecutive patients with OGIB who underwent CE from March 2014 to October 2021 and were followed up for >1 year. We examined rebleeding rates and predictive factors.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐four (49%) patients had P0, and 237 (51%) had P1 findings. Rebleeding occurred in 9% and 16% of patients in the P0 and P1 groups, respectively. Two patients in the P0 group and 15 in the P1 group showed rebleeding from the small bowel. The rate of small‐bowel rebleeding was significantly lower in the P0 group than that in the P1 group (1% vs 6%, P = 0.002), as was the cumulative rebleeding rate (P = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, history of endoscopic hemostasis (hazard ratio [HR] = 15.958, 95% confidence interval [CI]:4.950–51.447, P < 0.001) and P1 CE findings (HR = 9.989, 95% CI: 2.077–48.030, P = 0.004) were independently predicted small‐bowel rebleeding.

Conclusions

OGIB with P0 CE findings rarely showed rebleeding from the small bowel. Rebleeding may occur in patients with OGIB. Patients with history of endoscopic hemostasis for small‐bowel lesions or P1 CE findings should be followed up intensively.
Diploid species phylogeny and evolutionary reticulation indicate early radiation of Ephedra in the Tethys coast
Authors: Yu Qiong , Yang Fu‐Sheng , Chen Ya‐Xing , Wu Hui , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. , Wang Xiao‐Quan
Published: October 2023

Reconstructing a robust species phylogeny and disentangling the evolutionary and biogeographic history of the gymnosperm genus Ephedra, which has a large genome and rich polyploids, remain a big challenge. Here we reconstructed a transcriptome‐based phylogeny of 19 diploid Ephedra species, and explored evolutionary reticulations in this genus represented by 50 diploid and polyploid species, using four low‐copy nuclear and nine plastid genes. The diploid species phylogeny indicates that the Mediterranean species diverged first, and the remaining species split into three clades, including the American species (Clade A), E. rhytidosperma, and all other Asian species (Clade B). The single‐gene trees placed E. rhytidosperma sister to Clade A, Clade B, or Clades A + B in similar proportions, suggesting that radiation and gene flow likely occurred in the early evolution of Ephedra. In addition, reticulate evolution occurred not only among the deep nodes, but also in the recently evolved South American species, which further caused difficulty in phylogenetic reconstruction. Moreover, we found that allopolyploid speciation was pervasive in Ephedra. Our study also suggests that Ephedra very likely originated in the Tethys coast during the late Cretaceous, and the South American Ephedra species have a single origin by dispersal from Mexico or North America.
Tlx1 regulates acinar and duct development in mouse salivary glands
Authors: Hand Arthur R. , Abramson Cailyn X. G. , Dressler Keith A.
Published: October 2023

Tlx1 encodes a transcription factor expressed in several craniofacial structures of developing mice. The role of Tlx1 in salivary gland development was examined using morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of Tlx1 null mice. Tlx1 is expressed in submandibular and sublingual glands but not parotid glands of neonatal and adult male and female C57Bl/6J (Tlx1+/+) mice. TLX1 protein was localized to the nuclei of terminal tubule cells, developing duct cells and mesenchymal cells in neonatal submandibular and sublingual glands, and to nuclei of duct cells and connective tissue cells in adult glands. Occasionally, TLX1 was observed in nuclei of epithelial cells in or adjacent to the acini. Submandibular glands were smaller and sublingual glands were larger in size in mutant mice (Tlx1−/−) compared to wild‐type mice. Differentiation of terminal tubule and proacinar cells of neonatal Tlx1−/− submandibular glands was abnormal; expression of their characteristic products, submandibular gland protein C and parotid secretory protein, respectively, was reduced. At 3 weeks postnatally, terminal tubule cells at the acinar‐intercalated duct junction were poorly developed or absent in Tlx1−/− mice. Granular convoluted ducts in adult mutant mice were decreased, and epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor expression were reduced. Along with normal acinar cell proteins, adult acinar cells of Tlx1−/− mice continued to express neonatal proteins and expressed parotid proteins not normally present in submandibular glands. Sublingual gland mucous acinar and serous demilune cell differentiation were altered. Tlx1 is necessary for proper differentiation of submandibular and sublingual gland acinar cells, and granular convoluted ducts. The mechanism(s) underlying Tlx1 regulation of salivary gland development and differentiation remains unknown.
Analysis of trends in retinopathy of prematurity over 5 years in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Thu Pyae Pyae , Tauro Joseph , Russell Heather , Kirpalani Aditi
Published: October 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to look at the incidence and trend of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) between 2017 and 2021 in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Australia and to compare potential modifiable risk factors of ROP between preterm infants who required treatment for ROP and who did not need treatment.

Methods

This retrospective study used the data of newborn infants who were <31 weeks gestational age (GA) or birth weight (BW) of <1250 g born between 2017 and 2021 at a tertiary NICU in Australia (n = 261). Univariate analysis using t test for continuous data, Fischer exact test for categorical data and multiple logistic regression analysis were undertaken to identify any significant differences between two groups.

Results

A total number of 261 infants were studied. 55.9% of infants developed any type of ROP (146 infants out of 261 infants), type 1 ROP was 5.4% (14 out of 261) and aggressive ROP (AROP) was 3% (8 out of 261). Out of 146 infants who were diagnosed with ROP, 22 (15%) of them required treatment. Mean GA for those who underwent ROP treatment was 25.6 (±1.47) weeks and for those who did not require treatment was 27.6 (±1.95) weeks. The mean BWs for those who needed treatment was 764 (±189.32) g and for those who did not need treatment was 1039 (±306.06) g. The mean duration of invasive ventilation for infants with ROP requiring treatment and those who did not require treatment were 23.95 (±22.41) days and 9.89 (±17.2) days. The total duration of oxygen requirement was 235.54 (±160.5) days and 121.11 (±117.34) days for those who needed treatment and those who did not need treatment respectively. Among infants who required treatment for ROP, 68.18% required blood transfusion whereas among those who did not need treatment, 24.19% required blood transfusion.

Conclusion

Lower GA, lower BW, longer duration of invasive ventilation, longer total duration of oxygen requirement and blood transfusion in first 2 weeks of life were significant in preterm infants who required treatment for ROP compared with those who did not.
Spatial distribution and association of biophysical factors with chickpea chlorotic stunt and pea seed‐borne mosaic viruses affecting legume crops in Ethiopia
Authors: Ademe Anteneh , Kumari Safaa G. , Alemu Tesfaye , Abraham Adane , Aynewa Yetsedaw , Moukahel Abdulrahman , Guadie Demsachew , Ahmed Seid
Published: October 2023

Food legumes are key commodities produced in sole and mixed cropping system in Ethiopia. Their productivity has been affected recently by virus infections. Field surveys were conducted from 2018/19 to 2021/22 cropping seasons in the highlands of Ethiopia to identify major viruses and determine how biophysical factors affect disease incidence. A total of 2797 samples of chickpea (755), lentil (1683), fenugreek (111) and grass pea (248) were collected from 194 farmers' fields in Amhara (North Shewa, South Wollo and East Gojjam zones) and Oromia (East Shewa, West Shewa and North Shewa zones) regions. Laboratory testing using Tissue blot immunoassay showed that chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV, genus Polerovirus, family Solemoviridae) and pea seed‐borne mosaic virus (PSbMV, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) were the major viruses affecting legume crops in Ethiopia. The highest relative virus incidence of CpCSV (90.6%) and PSbMV (11.5%) was recorded in samples of chickpea and lentil crops, respectively. Except for crop conditions, all the independent variables significantly affected PSbMV incidence, whereas all independent variables showed a highly significant association (p < .0001) with CpCSV Incidence. A CpCSV incidence of ≥30% had a high probability of association with chickpea and fenugreek crops, the presence of aphid vectors and the 2018/19 cropping season. Similarly, PSbMV with an incidence ≥7% was highly associated with the 2018/19 cropping season. Both viruses can be managed by the combined application of cultural practices, insecticide's application, healthy seeds and resistance breeding.
Arithmetic in the Bilingual Brain: Language of Learning and Language Experience Effects on Simple Arithmetic in Children and Adults
Authors: Cerda Vanessa R. , Wicha Nicole Y.
Published: October 2023

In 2020, 21.5% of US preschoolers spoke a language other than English at home. These children transition into English‐speaking classrooms in different ways, often handling foundational concepts in two languages. Critically, some knowledge may be dependent on the language of learning. For instance, both bilingual children and adults typically prefer, and exhibit higher performance on arithmetic in the language in which they learned math (LA+) compared with their other language (LA−). The typical interpretation is that arithmetic facts are accessed from memory more efficiently or solely in LA+. However, recent research suggests that bilingual arithmetic is not restricted to one language in memory, and that language experience plays an important role in performance. Moreover, evidence suggests children and adults process arithmetic fundamentally differently. Thus, bilingual arithmetic memory may manifest differently across the life span. This review outlines evidence to date at the intersection between the brain basis of bilingualism, arithmetic processing, and development.
The functions of triple gene block proteins and coat protein of apple stem pitting virus in viral cell‐to‐cell movement
Authors: Li Liu , Wang Guoping , Zhang Yue , Wang Wenjun , Zhu Yiting , Lyu Yuzhuo , Wang Yanxiang , Zhang Yongle , Hong Ni
Published: October 2023

Apple stem pitting virus is a species in the genus Foveavirus in the family Betaflexiviridae. Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV) commonly infects apple and pear plants grown worldwide. In this study, by integrating bimolecular fluorescence complementation, split‐ubiquitin‐based membrane yeast two‐hybrid, and Agrobacterium‐mediated expression assays, the interaction relationships and the subcellular locations of ASPV proteins TGBp1–3 and CP in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells were determined. Proteins CP, TGBp1, TGBp2, and TGBp3 were self‐interactable, and TGBp2 played a role in the formation of perinuclear viroplasm and enhanced the colocalization of TGBp3 with CP and TGBp1. We found that the plant microfilament and endoplasmic reticulum structures were involved in the production of TGBp3 and TGBp2 vesicles, and their disruption decreased the virus accumulation level in the systemic leaves. The TGBp3 motile vesicles functioned in delivering the viral ribonucleoprotein complexes to the plasma membrane. Two cysteine residues at sites 35 and 49 of the TGBp3 sorting signal were necessary for the diffusion of TGBp3‐marked vesicles. Furthermore, our results revealed that TGBp1, TGBp2, and CP could increase plasmodesmal permeability and move to the adjacent cells. This study demonstrates an interaction network and a subcellular location map of four ASPV proteins and for the first time provides insight into the functions of these proteins in the movement of a foveavirus.
Non‐parametric Estimator for Conditional Mode with Parametric Features*
Authors: Wang Tao
Published: October 2023

We in this paper propose a new approach for estimating conditional mode non‐parametrically to capture the ‘most likely’ effect built on local linear approximation, in which a parametric pilot modal regression is locally adjusted through a kernel smoothing fit to potentially reduce the bias asymptotically without affecting the variance of the estimator. Specifically, we first estimate a parametric modal regression utilizing prior information from initial studies or economic analysis, and then estimate the non‐parametric modal function based on the additive correction by eliminating the parametric feature. We derive the asymptotic normal distribution of the proposed modal estimator for both fixed and estimated parametric feature cases, and demonstrate that there is substantial room for bias reduction under certain regularity conditions. We numerically estimate the suggested modal regression model with the use of a modified modal‐expectation‐maximization (MEM) algorithm. Monte Carlo simulations and one empirical analysis are presented to illustrate the finite sample performance of the developed modal estimator. Several extensions, including multiplicative correction, generalized guidance, modal‐based robust regression and the incorporation of categorical covariates, are also discussed for the sake of completeness.
Type 2 diabetes aggravates periodontitis‐induced pathological changes in the dental pulp
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhou Bowen , Shan Zhaochen , Hu Liang
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The inner mechanism of how diabetes affects dental pulp of patients with periodontitis has seldom been reported. We collected clinical samples and explored the influence of diabetes and periodontitis on the pathological change of dental pulp.

Methods

Dental pulp from healthy individuals and patients with periodontitis with or without diabetes were collected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dental pulp was morphologically observed; advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LOX1) were examined. Oxidative stress (OS), inflammatory indices, and apoptotic levels were assessed.

Results

Morphologically, fibrous structure in the dental pulp of patients with diabetic periodontitis (DP) group was sparse and disordered, and the blood vessel wall was thickened. Diabetes related indexes as AGEs and LOX1 were upregulated. Superoxide dismutase 2 expression was decreased, and OS level was increased. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 and other relevant proinflammatory cytokines levels were increased. The elevated OS and inflammation contributed to upregulation of apoptotic levels in DP group.

Conclusions

Diabetes aggravates the pathological changes in the dental pulp of periodontitis patients possibly due to upregulated AGEs and LOX1. Our results highlight the importance of early oral intervention in patients with DP.
Survey of diversity awareness and environment among members of the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan
Authors: Kishi Takayuki , Nakano Naoko , Narazaki Hidehiko , Yashiro Masato , Hashimoto Kunio , Shinoki Toshihiko , Sato Tomomi , Kinjo Noriko , Imanaka Hiroyuki , Bando Yuki , Inamo Yasuji , Yamazaki Kazuko , Okamoto Nami
Published: October 2023

Background

Diversity management has gained traction in Japan. The Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan (PRAJ) has an Advisory Committee for Diversity Promotion with a broader focus on promoting diversity. The objectives of this study were to better understand the problems faced by PRAJ members regarding the work environment, childcare and nursing care, and work‐life balance.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire was administered to members of the PRAJ and 79 responses were evaluated.

Results

Of the respondents, 73% were male and 27% were female. A total of 14% worked for more than 12 h on weekdays, and 22% worked for more than 60 h per week and 38% had fewer than 4 days off per month. Regarding childcare, 54% of the respondents were raising preschool children and 83% had taken parental leave for less than 1 year. A total of 17% of participants had family members in need of care. For both childcare and caregiving, the burden was greater for women. Only 18% of the respondents reported a well‐balanced work‐life balance, and the most common reasons for a lack of balance were not having enough time, heavy workload, and heavy housework load.

Conclusions

The working hours of the respondents were long, and female members had a greater burden of childcare and caregiving, which was considered a barrier to the career development of women. In the future, there will be a need to promote a sense of equality in diverse human resources, develop support for family life, and shorten working hours.
Estimating risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation after liver transplantation in children: PROVE‐ALT score
Authors: Mian Muhammad Umair M. , Kennedy Curtis E. , Coss‐Bu Jorge A. , Javaid Ramsha , Naeem Buria , Lam Fong Wilson , Fogarty Thomas , Arikan Ayse A. , Nguyen Trung C. , Bashir Dalia , Virk Manpreet , Harpavat Sanjiv , Galvan Nhu Thao Nguyen , Rana Abbas A. , Goss John A. , Leung Daniel H. , Desai Moreshwar S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Children at high risk for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after liver transplantation (LT) need to be identified early to optimize pulmonary support, allocate resources, and improve surgical outcomes. We aimed to develop and validate a metric that can estimate risk for Prolonged Ventilation After LT (PROVE‐ALT).

Methods

We identified preoperative risk factors for PMV by univariable analysis in a retrospective cohort of pediatric LT recipients between 2011 and 2017 (n = 205; derivation cohort). We created the PROVE‐ALT score by mapping multivariable logistic regression coefficients as integers, with cutoff values using the Youden Index. We validated the score by C‐statistic in a retrospectively collected separate cohort of pediatric LT recipients between 2018 and 2021 (n = 133, validation cohort).

Results

Among total 338 patients, 21% (n = 72) were infants; 49% (n = 167) had cirrhosis; 8% (n = 27) required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT); and 32% (n = 111) required management in hospital (MIH) before LT. Incidence of PMV post‐LT was 20% (n = 69) and 3% (n = 12) required tracheostomy. Independent risk factors (OR [95% CI]) for PMV were cirrhosis (3.8 [1–14], p = .04); age <1‐year (8.2 [2–30], p = .001); need for preoperative CRRT (6.3 [1.2–32], p = .02); and MIH before LT (12.4 [2.1–71], p = .004). PROVE‐ALT score ≥8 [Range = 0–21] accurately predicted PMV in the validation cohort with 73% sensitivity and 80% specificity (AUC: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71–0.91).

Conclusion

PROVE‐ALT can predict PMV after pediatric LT with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Once externally validated in other centers, PROVE‐ALT will empower clinicians to plan patient‐specific ventilation strategies, provide parental anticipatory guidance, and optimize hospital resources.
Visual indeterminacy
Authors: Tye Michael
Published: October 2023

An account is proposed of the nature of indeterminacy in visual experience. Along the way, alternative proposals by Block, Morrison, Munton, Prettyman, Stazicker and Nanay are considered.