bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Treatment to Correct Class III Relations with or without Face Masks
Authors: Godt Arnim , Zeyher Claudia , Schatz-Maier Dorothee , Göz Gernot
Published: August 2007

Objective: To determine what therapeutic effects can be expected in the case of early treatment of Class III relations with removable appliances with or without face masks.

Materials and Methods: Records available at the university clinic of Tübingen for 41 patients who had undergone early treatment because of prognathic abnormalities were retrospectively evaluated. Lateral cephalograms taken and casts obtained at baseline and at the end of early treatment were included in the analysis. Two treatment strategies were compared. The first group included removable functional orthopedic appliances only (FOA group), while the second group was treated with removable appliances and with face masks mounted on a cemented maxillary expansion appliance (face mask group).

Results: Positive changes were achieved in both groups for overjet (FOA group: +1.3 mm; face mask group: +2.2 mm) and Wits values (FOA group: +0.4 mm; face mask group: 1.7 mm). Moreover, a change in mean ANB values was achieved in the face mask group (+0.9°). The FOA group exhibited a reduction in mandibular angles. Changes in maxillary inclination with reduced inclination angles led to increases in overjet and overbite. The face mask group showed dorsal rotation of the mandible with reduced SNB values (−0.8°).

Conclusion: Early treatment of prognathism is a meaningful option, as demonstrated by the dentoskeletal (and hence functional) improvements observed in the present study.
Effect of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride and Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Application on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Keçik Defne , Çehreli Sevi Burçak , Şar Çağla , Ünver Bahtiyar
Published: August 2007

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a recently introduced prophylactic agent, casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), on shear bond strength of brackets and compare it with the effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF).

Materials and Methods: Forty-eight freshly extracted mandibular bovine incisors were used. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12) as follows: group 1 served as control, and no pretreatment was performed on the enamel; group 2, enamel was treated with 1.23% APF and CPP-ACP, respectively; group 3, enamel was treated with CPP-ACP; and group 4, enamel was treated with 1.23% APF for 4 minutes. In all groups, brackets were bonded using a conventional acid-etch and bond system (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). Bonded specimens were first stored in deionized water at 37°C for 24 hours, subjected to thermal cycling for 1000 cycles, and further stored in distilled water for 6 weeks before debonding procedures. After debonding, teeth and brackets were examined under a stereomicroscope at 10× magnification for any adhesive remaining, in accordance with the modified adhesive remnant index.

Results: The shear bond strengths of all experimental groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (P < .01). There was no significant difference between the shear bond strengths of the experimental groups (P > .05).

Conclusion: The use of CPP-ACP either alone or combined with APF could be considered as an alternative prophylactic application in orthodontic practice since it did not compromise bracket bond strength.
Efficacy of temozolomide or dacarbazine in combination with an anthracycline for rescue chemotherapy in dogs with lymphoma
Authors: Dervisis Nikolaos G. , Dominguez Pedro A. , Sarbu Luminita , Newman Rebecca G. , Cadile Casey D. , Swanson Christine N. , Kitchell Barbara E.
Published: August 2007

Objective—To compare results of treatment with temozolomide or dacarbazine, in combination with an anthracycline, in dogs with relapsed or refractory lymphoma.

Design—Nonrandomized, controlled clinical trial.

Animals—63 dogs with relapsed or refractory lymphoma.

Procedures—Chemotherapy was administered in 21-day cycles. A combination of temozolomide and an anthracycline (doxorubicin or dactinomycin) was administered to 21 dogs and a combination of dacarbazine and an anthracycline was administered to 42 dogs. Efficacy and toxicoses were assessed.

Results—Thirteen of the 18 (72%) dogs treated with the temozolomide-anthracycline combination and 25 of the 35 (71%) dogs treated with the dacarbazine-anthracycline combination had a complete or partial response. Median duration of response to rescue chemotherapy was 40 days (range, 0 to 217 days) for dogs in the temozolomide group and 50 days (range, 0 to 587 days) for dogs in the dacarbazine group. The incidence of high-grade hematologic toxicoses was significantly higher among dogs in the dacarbazine group than among dogs in the temozolomide group, but the incidence of gastrointestinal tract toxicoses was not significantly different between groups. There were no significant differences between groups in regard to proportion of dogs with a complete or partial response, duration of response to rescue chemotherapy, survival time following rescue chemotherapy, or overall survival time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Both combinations had promise in the treatment of dogs with relapsed or refractory lymphoma, although administration of temozolomide was more convenient than administration of dacarbazine and caused fewer hematologic toxicoses.
Conditional Item-Exposure Control in Adaptive Testing Using Item-Ineligibility Probabilities
Authors: van der Linden Wim J. , Veldkamp Bernard P.
Published: August 2007

Two conditional versions of the exposure-control method with item-ineligibility constraints for adaptive testing in van der Linden and Veldkamp (2004 ) are presented. The first version is for unconstrained item selection, the second for item selection with content constraints imposed by the shadow-test approach. In both versions, the exposure rates of the items are controlled using probabilities of item ineligibility given θ that adapt the exposure rates automatically to a goal value for the items in the pool. In an extensive empirical study with an adaptive version of the Law School Admission Test, the authors show how the method can be used to drive conditional exposure rates below goal values as low as 0.025. Obviously, the price to be paid for minimal exposure rates is a decrease in the accuracy of the ability estimates. This trend is illustrated with empirical data.
Using Response Times for Item Selection in Adaptive Testing
Authors: van der Linden Wim J.
Published: August 2007

Response times on items can be used to improve item selection in adaptive testing provided that a probabilistic model for their distribution is available. In this research, the author used a hierarchical modeling framework with separate first-level models for the responses and response times and a second-level model for the distribution of the ability and speed parameters in the population of test takers. The framework allows the author to retrofit an empirical prior distribution for the ability parameter on each occurrence of a new response time. In an example with an adaptive version of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the author shows how this additional update of the posterior distribution of the ability leads to a substantial improvement of the ability estimator. Two ways of applying the procedure in real-world adaptive testing are discussed.
Political Theory and Political Science
Authors: Ball Terence
Published: August 2007

The too-often unhappy 'marriage' of political theory and political science has long been a source of anguish for both partners. Should this troubled partnership be dissolved? Or might this marriage yet be saved? Ball answers the former question negatively and the latter affirmatively. Playing the part of therapist instead of theorist, he selectively recounts a number of episodes which estranged the partners and strained the marriage. And yet, he concludes that the conflicts were in hindsight more constructive than destructive, benefiting both partners in heretofore unexpected ways and perhaps paving a path toward reconciliation and rapprochement.
Does Character Matter?
Authors: Giddy Patrick
Published: August 2007

Standards of excellence in the sphere of work are often taken to be at odds with our ethical obligations in general. In an age of commerce little attention is paid to how the manner in which things are done impacts on the agent's character. Jane Jacobs' phenomenology of our moral intuitions about the public world of work reveal two frameworks, the 'commercial moral syndrome' stressing fairness, and the 'guardian moral syndrome' emphasizing loyalty. In the latter set of values we have a way of countering the bias of contemporary culture. This is best understood as a modified Aristotelian approach. The example of adversarial advocacy in the legal profession is taken as an illustration.
Pacifying the Planet
Authors: Deacon Roger
Published: August 2007

Globalization presages an important new stage in the centuries-old 'civilizing process,' which Norbert Elias analyzed with such clarity and in such depth. At the root of the fundamental transformations of our world of nation-states are combined integrating and disintegrating tendencies, or centralization and individualization, which manifest themselves in a steady monopolization of the means of violence and taxation, an interventionist human rights discourse, and war as a means of democratizing and pacifying the planet. Elias' 'historical social psychological' approach offers new categories of analysis with which to both explain the effects of globalization and indicate how international interdependence fosters both control and resistance, both democratization and radicalization, and both integration and disintegration.
Online identification of Hammerstein systems with B‐spline networks
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Liu Yiting , Chen Jiehao , Tang Shihua , Deng Muqing
Published: March 2024

Nonlinear systems widely exist in real‐word applications and the research for these systems has enjoyed a long and fruitful history, including the system identification community. However, the modeling for nonlinear systems is often quite challenging and still remains many unresolved questions. This article considers the online identification issue of Hammerstein systems, whose nonlinear static function is modeled by a B‐spline network. First, the identification model of the studied system is constructed using the bilinear parameter decomposition model. Second, the online recursive algorithms are proposed to find the estimates using the moving data window and the particle swarm optimization procedure, and show that these estimates converge to their true values with a low computational burden. Numerical examples are also given to test the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Recent Advance of Single‐Atom Metal@Support Catalysts and Their Applications in Artificial Electrocatalytic N2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Han Zhiya , Lan Xianhao , Xu Yang , Kang Yue , Liu Yixin , Zhou Chunxia , Tong Liping , Lu Binfeng , Liu Xiyang , Wang Quan , Yang Miaosen , Li Wenda , Ke Shanzhe , Huang Lingyan , Liu Shaohua
Published: March 2024

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is the fundamental solution to the high pollution and emissions associated with the industrial synthesis of ammonia (NH3). However, nowadays ENRR still faces some great challenges, such as low NH3 yield rates and low Faradaic efficiency (FE), etc. In this context, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with high catalytic activity and selectivity have emerged as shining stars in ENRR. Adjusting the support of SAC to leverage strong metal‐support interactions can address the activity limitations of the SAC itself and significantly enhance the activity of ENRR. Therefore, the review covers a range of topics including characterization techniques of single atoms, the mechanism of ENRR, in situ techniques in ENRR, synthesis methods of SACs, design principles of SACs in ENRR, and the application of SACs loaded with different supports in ENRR. Finally, the review offers a prospective outlook on the application of SACs in ENRR.
Anti‐Selective Carbosilylation: Nickel‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction of Solid Me3SiZnI
Authors: Chandrasekaran Revathi , Selvam Keerthika , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Chinnusamy Tamilselvi , Maron Laurent , Rasappan Ramesh
Published: March 2024

The stereodefined and highly substituted vinylsilanes are essential building blocks for constructing complex organic molecules. Transition metal‐mediated silylmetalation of alkynes was developed to overcome the limitations of conventional hydrosilylations; however, a very limited study was carried out to utilize transient vinylmetal species in cross‐coupling reactions. Moreover, they produce syn‐adduct, and the anti‐selective cross‐coupling is still unknown and highly desired. Silylzinc reagents are highly functional group tolerant, however, their synthesis from pyrophoric silyllithium and dissolved lithium salts hampers cross‐coupling reactions. Our novel solid silylzinc reagents circumvent these constraints are employed in the anti‐selective synthesis of vinylsilanes via a multi‐component reaction involving Me3SiZnI, terminal alkynes, and activated alkyl halides. An intensive computational and experimental investigation of the mechanism reveals an equilibrium between the intermediate syn‐ and anti‐adducts; the greater barrier at the single electron reduction of alkyl halides and the thermodynamic stability of the Ni(III) adduct determine the anti‐selectivity.
Tunning of catalytic performance in coupling, reduction and oxidation of hydrothermal assisted mixed metal oxides of Pd and Cu loaded over mesoporous nanostructure titania coated N‐doped silica using rice husk
Authors: Kouser Mobina , Sharma Neha , Gupta Monika
Published: March 2024

Silica–titania‐based mesoporous nanomaterials due to their widespread availability and inexpensive cost have been employed in an extensive range of applications, including heterogeneous catalysis. This research article discusses the hydrothermal synthesis of highly efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst, that is, mixed metal oxides of Pd and Cu immobilized over silica–titania mesoporous nanostructure and its application in coupling, reduction and oxidation reactions. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD), field emission gun–scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X‐ray resonance fluorescence (XRF), photoluminescence (PL) and inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) studies to assemble information regarding various structural features. XPS analysis successfully confirmed the presence of mixed oxidation state of Pd and Cu, that is, Pd(0), Pd(II), Cu(0), Cu(I) and Cu(II) over the nanocatalytic support. TEM images showed that the PdCu alloy had spherical shape with average size between 3 and 4 nm. BET analysis indicated that the catalyst has specific surface area of 57.296 m2 g−1 with average pore diameter of 1.84 nm. The results of TGA and DTA analysis demonstrated that the maximum temperature up to which PC‐TNS can catalysed organic reactions was 170°C. The average crystallite size of PC‐TNS was came around 16.08 nm calculated using Scherrer's equation. Moreover, synthesized heterogeneous nanocatalyst was highly recyclable and FEG‐SEM, P‐XRD and XPS findings confirmed the structural disruption after sixth or seventh catalytic run resulted in decrease in yield of products. In general, nanocatalysts can be convincingly more superior to other heterogeneous nanocatalyst due to their unique features such as high specific surface area, high reusability, high reactivity, high product yield and environmentally friendly.
Study on fire resistance and mechanical properties of modified recycled waste oyster powder in asphalt binder
Authors: Ren Denghui , Deng Shilin , L.V. Yanying , Li Cao , Yang Qingzhao , Lai Fang , Li Jing
Published: March 2024

In this study, an eco‐friendly approach is presented for the innovative use of waste oyster shell (OS) powder modified with zinc stannate, aliphatic alcohols, and silane coupling agents blended with styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) modified asphalt to make a flame‐retardant binder (modified oyster shell [MOS]/styrene‐butadiene‐styrene [SBS]/MA), which is rendered flame retardant and smoke suppressive. Compared with the original SBS/MA, MOS/SBS/MA with a 2% addition rate showed a 35.44% increase in ultimate oxygen index, a 30.62% reduction in peak exotherm, a 10.87% reduction in smoke density, and a 75% reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. It also has excellent mechanical properties, with increases in composite modulus, elastic modulus, and storage modulus of 68.58%, 97.29%, and 59.59%, respectively, at 46°C. The thermal stability of MOS/SBS/MA is also improved, with a decomposition temperature 26°C higher than that of SBS/MA. Pavement performance tests show that the water‐soaked Marshall's split strength has increased by 3.87% and the coefficient of rutting by 3.51%. Increased by 3.51%, this method effectively utilizes the waste OS, improves the fire‐retardant properties of asphalt while retaining the mechanical properties of the modified asphalt binder, and provides a model for developing sustainable fire‐retardant asphalt in coastal areas.
Targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase MerTK shows therapeutic value in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wirsik Naita Maren , Chen Mingyi , He Liping , Yasar Uraz , Gaukel Justus , Quaas Alexander , Nienhüser Henrik , Leugner Ella , Yuan Shuai , Schleussner Nikolai , Jung Jin‐On , Plücker Jadie Sue , Schneider Martin , Schmidt Thomas
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite multiple therapeutic modalities, the overall survival of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma remains poor, especially for advanced tumor stages. Although the tyrosine kinase MerTK has shown therapeutic relevance in several tumor entities, its potential effects in gastric adenocarcinoma have not yet been sufficiently characterized.

Methods

MerTK expression and its influence on patient survival were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 140 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and siRNA knockdown of MerTK in the gastric cancer cell lines SNU1, SNU5, and MKN45 was used to analyze protein expression, growth, migration, and invasion properties in vitro and in a murine xenograft model. MerTK was pharmacologically targeted with the small molecule inhibitor UNC2025 in vitro and in vivo.

Results

In patients, high MerTK expression was associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and lymph node metastasis especially in patients without neoadjuvant therapy (p < 0.05). Knockout and knockdown of MerTK reduced cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo. UNC2025, a small‐molecule inhibitor of MerTK, exhibited a significant therapeutic response in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, MerTK expression attenuated the response to neoadjuvant treatment, and its inhibition sensitized tumor cells to 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐based chemotherapy in vitro.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the potential value of MerTK as a prognostic biomarker for gastric adenocarcinoma. Targeting MerTK may become a new treatment option, especially for patients with advanced tumors, and may overcome resistance to established chemotherapies.
Overburden of rare ALMS1 deleterious variants in Chinese early‐onset type 2 diabetes with severe insulin resistance
Authors: Zhang Simin , Gong Siqian , Li Meng , Cai Xiaoling , Liu Wei , Lou Yingying , Ma Yumin , Zhang Xiuying , Ren Qian , Zhu Yu , Wu Jing , Zhou Lingli , Li Yufeng , Zhou Xianghai , Han Xueyao , Ji Linong
Published: March 2024

Aims

Alström syndrome (AS) is a rare recessive disorder characterised by diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and visual and hearing impairments. Mutations in the ALMS1 gene have been identified as the causative agents of AS. This study aimed to explore the relationship between rare ALMS1 variants and clinical features in Chinese patients with early‐onset type 2 diabetes (age at diagnosis ≤40 years; EOD).

Materials and Methods

ALMS1 gene sequencing was performed in 611 Chinese individuals with EOD, 36 with postprandial hyperinsulinemia, and 47 with pre‐diabetes and fasting IR. In‐silico prediction algorithm and the American College of Medical Genetics Guidelines (ACMG) were used to evaluate the deleteriousness and pathogenicity of the variants.

Results

Sixty‐two rare ALMS1 variants (frequency <0.005) were identified in 82 patients with EOD. Nineteen variants were predicted to be deleterious (pD). Patients with EOD carrying pD variants had higher fasting C‐peptide, postprandial C‐peptide, and HOMA2‐IR levels than those without variants. The frequency of ALMS1 pD variants in the subgroup with more insulin‐resistant EOD was higher than that in other EOD subgroups. Two patients with EOD, obesity, and IR who carried one heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic rare variant of ALMS1 according to ACMG were identified. Moreover, rare heterozygous pD variants of ALMS1 were found in participants from cohorts of postprandial hyperinsulinemia as well as in pre‐diabetes with fasting IR.

Conclusions

ALMS1 rare pD variants are enriched in the populations with significant IR, which is a major hallmark of diabetes pathogenesis. Accordingly, our exploratory study provides insights and hypotheses for further studies of gene function.
Oxygen and HIF1α‐dependent SDF1 expression in primary astrocytes
Authors: Pietrucha Andreas , Serdar Meray , Bendix Ivo , Endesfelder Stefanie , Brinke Elena auf dem , Urkola Ane , Bührer Christoph , Schmitz Thomas , Scheuer Till
Published: March 2024

In the naturally hypoxic in utero fetal environment of preterm infants, oxygen and oxygen‐sensitive signaling pathways play an important role in brain development, with hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF1α) being an important regulator. Early exposure to nonphysiological high oxygen concentrations by birth in room can induce HIF1α degradation and may affect neuronal and glial development. This involves the dysregulation of astroglial maturation and function, which in turn might contribute to oxygen‐induced brain injury. In this study, we investigated the effects of early high oxygen exposure on astroglial maturation and, specifically, on astroglial stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF1) expression in vivo and in vitro. In our neonatal mouse model of hyperoxia preterm birth brain injury in vivo, high oxygen exposure affected astroglial development and cortical SDF1 expression. These results were further supported by reduced Sdf1 expression, impaired proliferation, decreased total cell number, and altered expression of astroglial markers in astrocytes in primary cultures grown under high oxygen conditions. Moreover, to mimic the naturally hypoxic in utero fetal environment, astroglial Sdf1 expression was increased after low oxygen exposure in vitro, which appears to be regulated by HIF1α activity. Additionally, the knockdown of Hif1α revealed HIF1α‐dependent Sdf1 expression in vitro. Our results indicate HIF1α and oxygen‐dependent chemokine expression in primary astrocytes and highlight the importance of oxygen conditions for brain development.
Improving early neonatal survival in puppies and kittens: resuscitation and beyond
Authors: Reid Aoife , Donnelly Emma
Published: March 2024

Background: Neonatology is an area of increasing interest in veterinary medicine from an animal welfare and economic perspective. In dogs and cats, the first week of life has the highest mortality with average neonatal mortality in puppies varying between 5 and 35 per cent.

Aim of the article: This article describes strategies to increase neonatal survival through managing or removing factors that contribute to neonatal mortality. Where possible, an evidence‐based approach is taken; however, where there is an absence of evidence, both general consensus and personal experience may be drawn upon. Definitions within neonatology can vary, but this article describes puppies and kittens as ‘newborns’ from birth to a few hours old and ‘neonates’ up to two weeks of age.
Diagnosing neuromuscular diseases of calves and young cattle
Authors: Millar Michael , Otter Arthur
Published: March 2024

Background: There is a wide range of neuromuscular disorders recognised in cattle. Some of these conditions are fetopathic, others are clinically evident at or soon after the birth, and some are not apparent until the animals are older. The advancement of genotyping techniques has enabled the identification of animals that are carriers of many of these hereditary conditions, and breeders can make informed choices when selecting sires and dams to avoid high‐risk matings.

Aim of the article: This article considers the principal conditions which may occur in calves and young cattle and the methods for establishing definitive diagnoses.
Working with small‐scale pig keepers. Part 2: encouraging antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Scott Claire , Nevel Mandy , Reyher Kristen
Published: March 2024

Background: With much effort from both vets and producers, antibiotic use in the pig sector has been reduced by 74 per cent since 2015, as reported by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (2023). That being said, there is still room for improvement and efforts must now be aligned to tackling areas of inappropriate antibiotic use rather than simply reductions in use. Previous research has identified significant differences in antibiotic use across different systems and so strategies to decrease use or improve antibitoic stewardship in the commercial sector may not be suitable for keepers of small numbers of pigs; contributing factors to inappropriate use across all systems must be understood and addressed.

Aim of the article: In this article, the second in a two‐part series on working with small‐scale pig keepers, we discuss steps that supervising vets may take to encourage antibiotic stewardship on small‐scale pig holdings, from pet pigs to small‐scale producers. Part one of this series, published in last month's In Practice, provided advice and information regarding UK pig‐specific legislation.
Effects of the Fasting‐Postprandial State on Arterial Spin Labeling MRI‐Based Cerebral Perfusion Quantification in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Li Runzhi , Zhuo Zhizheng , Hong Yin , Yao Zeshan , Li Zhaohui , Wang Yanli , Jiang Jiwei , Wang Linlin , Jia Ziyan , Sun Mengfan , Zhang Yuan , Li Wenyi , Ren Qiwei , Zhang Yanling , Duan Yunyun , Liu Yi , Wei Hongen , Zhang Yechuan , Chappell Michael , Shi Hanping , Liu Yaou , Xu Jun
Published: March 2024

Background

The fasting‐postprandial state remains an underrecognized confounding factor for quantifying cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the cognitive assessment and differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Purpose

To investigate the effects of fasting‐postprandial state on arterial spin labeling (ASL)‐based CBF in AD patients.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Ninety‐two subjects (mean age = 62.5 ± 6.4 years; females 29.3%), including 30 with AD, 32 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 30 healthy controls (HCs). Differential diagnostic models were developed with a 4:1 training to testing set ratio.

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, T1‐weighted imaging using gradient echo and pseudocontinuous ASL imaging using turbo spin echo.

Assessment

Two ASL scans were acquired to quantify fasting state and postprandial state regional CBFs based on an automated anatomical labeling atlas. Two‐way ANOVA was used to assess the effects of fasting/postprandial state and disease state (AD, MCI, and HC) on regional CBF. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted between regional CBF and cognitive scores (Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]). The diagnostic performances of the fasting state, postprandial state, and mixed state (random mixing of the fasting and postprandial state CBF) in differential diagnosis of AD were conducted using support vector machine and logistic regression models.

Statistical Tests

Two‐way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and area under the curve (AUC) of diagnostic model were performed. P values <0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

Fasting‐state CBF was correlated with cognitive scores in more brain regions (17 vs. 4 [MMSE] and 15 vs. 9 [MoCA]) and had higher absolute correlation coefficients than postprandial‐state CBF. In the differential diagnosis of AD patients from MCI patients and HCs, fasting‐state CBF outperformed mixed‐state CBF, which itself outperformed postprandial‐state CBF.

Data Conclusion

Compared with postprandial CBF, fasting‐state CBF performed better in terms of cognitive score correlations and in differentiating AD patients from MCI patients and HCs.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Sustainable ZIF‐67/Mo‐MXene‐Derived Nanoarchitecture Synthesis: An Enhanced Durable Performance of Lithium–Selenium Batteries
Authors: Vallem Sowjanya , Song Seunghyun , Oh Yoonju , Bae Joonho
Published: March 2024

Selenium‐based electrodes have garnered attention for their high electrical conductivity, compatibility with carbonate electrolytes, and volumetric capacity comparable to sulfur electrodes. However, real‐time application is hindered by rapid capacity deterioration from the “shuttle effect” of polyselenides and volume fluctuations. To address these challenges, a hybrid Se@ZIF‐67/Mo‐MXene‐derived (Se@Co‐NC/Mo2C) nanoarchitecture is developed via an economically viable in situ electrostatic self‐assembly of ZIF‐67 and Mo2C nanosheets. The catalytic effects and porous framework of Co‐NC/Mo2C enhance electrode attributes, promoting superior adsorption and conversion of lithium polyselenides and facile ion/electron transport within the electrode, resulting in stable electrochemical performance. Lithium–selenium batteries (LSeBs) exhibit remarkable characteristics, boasting high specific capacity and exceptional durability. The Se@Co‐NC/Mo2C electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 503.5 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C with 98% capacity retention, 100% Coulombic efficiency, and exceptional cyclic durability through 8600 cycles. In sustainability tests at 10C/1C charging/discharging, the Se@Co‐NC/Mo2C electrode demonstrates an optimistic and stable capacity of ≈370.6 mAh g−1 with 93% capacity retention at the 3100th cycle in a carbonate‐based electrolyte and ≈181.3 mAh g−1 with 92% capacity retention after 5000 cycles in an ether‐based electrolyte, indicating exceptional stability for practical rechargeable batteries. This cost‐effective and efficient approach holds significant potential for high‐performance and durable LSeBs.
Influence of self‐assessment and conditional metaconceptual knowledge on students' self‐regulation of intuitive and scientific conceptions of evolution
Authors: Hartelt Tim , Martens Helge
Published: March 2024

Intuitive conceptions based on cognitive biases (teleology, anthropomorphism, and essentialism) often prove helpful in everyday life while simultaneously being problematic in scientific contexts. Nonetheless, students often have intuitive conceptions of scientific topics such as evolution. As potential approaches to enable students to self‐regulate their conceptions in the context of evolution, we investigated the effectiveness of two instructional approaches that are based on metacognition and self‐regulated learning: (a) a formative criteria‐referenced self‐assessment of one's conceptions and (b) instruction on conditional metaconceptual knowledge (metacognitive knowledge about why and in which contexts specific conceptions are appropriate or not). We conducted an experimental intervention study using a 2 × 2 factorial (plus an additional control group), pre‐post‐follow‐up‐test design in German upper secondary level biology classes (N = 730). The groups that received one or both interventions had higher conceptual knowledge (i.e., used less intuitive conceptions and/or more scientific conceptions) afterward than those whose conceptions were not addressed: The self‐assessment resulted in higher use of scientific conceptions; the instruction on conditional metaconceptual knowledge additionally resulted in lower use of intuitive conceptions based on cognitive biases, more reported thought processes relating to inhibition of cognitive biases, and a better ability to identify inappropriate phrasing based on cognitive biases. No effects were found on students' self‐reported metaconceptual awareness and regulation. However, the fact that students inhibited their intuitive conceptions in the post‐test indicates that they were indeed metaconceptually aware of and self‐regulated their conceptions. The results suggest that students can be taught to become aware of the differences between intuitive and scientific conceptions and to regulate the use of their intuitive conceptions in a scientific context.
In vitro activity of selected antimicrobials against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius of canine origin in Poland
Authors: Kizerwetter‐Świda Magdalena , Chrobak‐Chmiel Dorota , Stefańska Ilona , Kwiecień Ewelina , Rzewuska Magdalena
Published: March 2024

Background

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is an important veterinary pathogen. In general, only a few antimicrobials show in vitro activity against MRSP isolates.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro activity of selected antimicrobials, including last‐choice drugs, against clinical MRSP isolates of canine origin. The activity of 10 selected agents was evaluated against 41 clinical MRSP isolates.

Methods

The disk diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration values were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). The guidelines for staphylococci of canine or human origin were employed for the interpretation of the results.

Results

Among the examined MRSP isolates, resistance to enrofloxacin and clindamycin was the most prevalent (n = 40; 97.6%). Resistance to doxycycline and gentamicin was observed in 83.0% (n = 34) and 68.3% (n = 28) of the isolates, respectively. Single isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol (n = 5; 12.2%) and rifampicin (n = 3; 7.3%), whereas all showed susceptibility to amikacin, vancomycin, mupirocin and linezolid. Predominantly, the results of AST obtained by both methods were consistent. Some discrepancies were observed for gentamicin; however, clinical breakpoints for staphylococci of human origin were used.

Conclusions

Amikacin and chloramphenicol constitute potential treatment options in infections caused by MRSP and may be included in extended susceptibility testing in our geographical region. The determination of clinical breakpoints for some antimicrobials not incorporated in the recommendations should be a high priority in the veterinary diagnostics.
Correction to “Anosov flows, growth rates on covers and group extensions of subshifts”
Authors: Dougall Rhiannon , Sharp Richard
Published: March 2024

This note corrects an error in our paper Anosov flows, growth rates on covers and group extensions of subshifts, Invent. Math. 223:445–483, 2021. This leaves our main results, Theorem 1.1, Corollary 1.2, Theorem 1.3 and Theorem 5.1, unchanged. We also fill a gap in the arguments presented in Sect. 9; this requires a small modification to the results in this section.
Removal of the C4-domain preserves the drought tolerance enhanced by CsMYB4a and eliminates the negative impact of this transcription factor on plant growth
Authors: Li Mingzhuo , Ma Guoliang , Li Xiu , Guo Lili , Li Yanzhi , Liu Yajun , Wang Wenzhao , Jiang Xiaolan , Xie De-Yu , Gao Liping , Xia Tao
Published: March 2024

The MYB4 transcription factor family regulates plant traits. However, their overexpression often results in undesirable side effects like growth reduction. We have reported a green tea (Camellia sinensis) MYB4 transcription factor (CsMYB4) that represses the phenylpropanoid and shikimate pathways and stunts plant growth and development. In the current study, we observed that in CsMYB4a transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants, primary metabolism was altered, including sugar and amino acid metabolism, which demonstrated a pleiotropic regulation by CsMYB4a. The CsMYB4a transgenic tobacco plants had improved drought tolerance, which correlated to alterations in carbohydrate metabolism and an increase in proline content, as revealed by metabolic profiling and transcriptomic analysis. To mitigate the undesirable repressive side effects on plant traits, including dwarfism, shrunken leaves, and shorter roots of CsMYB4a transgenic plants, we deleted the C4 domain of CsMYB4a to obtain a CsMYB4a-DC4 variant and then overexpressed it in transgenic plants (CsMYB4a-DC4). These CsMYB4a-DC4 plants displayed a normal growth and had improved drought tolerance. Metabolite analysis demonstrated that the contents of carbohydrates and proline were increased in these transgenic plants. Our findings suggest that  an approriate modification of TFs can generate novel crop traits, thus providing potential agricultural benefits and expanding its application to various crops.
Gender and Technology at Work
Authors: Balka Ellen , Wagner Ina , Weibert Anne , Wulf Volker
Published: March 2024

This book brings together the vast research literature about gender and technology to help designers understand what a gender perspective and a focus on intersectionality can contribute to designing information technology systems and artifacts, and to assist organizations as they work to develop work cultures that are supportive of women and marginalized genders and people. Drawing on empirical and analytical studies of women's work and technology in many parts of the world, the book addresses how to make invisible aspects of work visible; how to recognize women's skills without falling into the trap of gender stereotyping; how to engage in improving working conditions; and how to defend care of life situations and needs against a managerial logic. It addresses challenges for design, including many overlooked and undervalued aspects, such as the complexities involved in human–machine interactions, as well as the need to create safe spaces for research subjects.
The Theology of the Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
Authors: Timmer Daniel C.
Published: March 2024

The books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah address problems in and around ancient Judah in ways that are as incisive and critical as they are optimistic and constructive. Daniel C. Timmer's The Theology of the Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah situates these books in their social and political contexts, examining the unique theology of each as it engages thorny problems in Judah and beyond. In dialogue with recent scholarship, this study focuses on these books' analysis and evaluation of the world as it is, focusing on both human beings and their actions, and God's commitment to purify, restore, and perfect the world. Timmer also surveys these books' later theological use and cultural reception. His study brings their theology into dialogue with concerns as varied as ecology, nationalism, and widespread injustice. It highlights the enduring significance of divine justice and grace for solid hope and effective service in our world.
Gini coefficient at La Corona: The impacts of variation in analytical unit and aggregation scale
Authors: Canuto Marcello A. , Auld-Thomas Luke , Yagi Hiroaki , Barrientos Q. Tomás
Published: March 2024

Measurements of inequality, like many other analytical phenomena, are affected by the definition of analytical units (for example, buildings or residential groups) and the spatial unit within which those units are aggregated (for example, sites or polities). We begin by considering the impact of secondary or seasonal residences on the calculation of Gini scores when dealing with regional-scale settlement data, which is a common consideration in regional-scale population estimates. We then use LiDAR-derived settlement data from northwestern Guatemala to calculate Gini coefficients for two ancient Maya sites: Late Classic La Corona and Late Preclassic Achiotal. We investigate how the scale of the spatial unit of aggregation affects our interpretations of inequality using various architecture-based indices. Finally, we provide some preliminary interpretations for the differences calculated between these two centers.
Measuring inequality: The effect of units of analysis on the Gini coefficient
Authors: Thompson Amy E. , Chase Adrian S.Z. , Feinman Gary M.
Published: March 2024

To variable degrees, inequality is present in all human societies, but how archaeologists measure inequality varies greatly. In recent research, we used the same unit of analysis, house size, to evaluate residential wealth inequality among the Classic (a.d. 250/300–800) Maya of southern Belize. Using a Gini coefficient, we found that even in this peripheral region, high degrees of inequality were present. However, nuances in inequality metrics vary based on the analytical parameters or units of measurement (area versus volume) and the unit of analysis (individual residential structures, all structures within a household group, or the entire household group, including the built environment). Generally, Gini coefficients calculated from volume are greater than those from area, and the unit of analysis affects the Gini coefficient and, thus, our interpretations of the degree of inequality present. We discuss the impact of the unit of analysis for house sizes, and how it affects our interpretations of residential wealth inequality in the past in conjunction with previous archaeological research. The findings are instrumental for comparative analyses of wealth inequality through the study of house size variation in ancient and modern societies, highlighting the value of clear definitions of the unit of analysis.
„Ähm, können Sie die Frage nochmal wiederholen?“
Authors: Dittmar-Grützner Anna-Katharina , Deiters Marion
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung: In diesem Artikel erfahren die Leser_innen, warum die sprachsensible Gestaltung von Prüfungsaufgaben in der Ausbildung von Pflegefachfrauen und Pflegefachmännern zukünftig noch wichtiger sein wird als bisher, was die Abkürzung DaZ bedeutet und was unter dem Begriff der Sprachsensibilität überhaupt verstanden wird. Außerdem gibt es Impulse zur Erstellung von sprachsensibel formulierten mündlichen und schriftlichen Prüfungsaufgaben in der Pflege.
Quantifying Prescribed‐Fire Smoke Exposure Using Low‐Cost Sensors and Satellites: Springtime Burning in Eastern Kansas
Authors: Sablan Olivia , Ford Bonne , Gargulinski Emily , Hammer Melanie S. , Henery Giovanna , Kondragunta Shobha , Martin Randall V. , Rosen Zoey , Slater Kellin , van Donkelaar Aaron , Zhang Hai , Soja Amber J. , Magzamen Sheryl , Pierce Jeffrey R. , Fischer Emily V.
Published: March 2024

Prescribed fires (fires intentionally set for mitigation purposes) produce pollutants, which have negative effects on human and animal health. One of the pollutants produced from fires is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The Flint Hills (FH) region of Kansas experiences extensive prescribed burning each spring (March‐May). Smoke from prescribed fires is often understudied due to a lack of monitoring in the rural regions where prescribed burning occurs, as well as the short duration and small size of the fires. Our goal was to attribute PM2.5 concentrations to the prescribed burning in the FH. To determine PM2.5 increases from local burning, we used low‐cost PM2.5 sensors (PurpleAir) and satellite observations. The FH were also affected by smoke transported from fires in other regions during 2022. We separated the transported smoke from smoke from fires in eastern Kansas. Based on data from the PurpleAir sensors, we found the 24‐hr median PM2.5 to increase by 3.0–5.3 μg m−3 (based on different estimates) on days impacted by smoke from fires in the eastern Kansas region compared to days unimpacted by smoke. The FH region was the most impacted by smoke PM2.5 compared to other regions of Kansas, as observed in satellite products and in situ measurements. Additionally, our study found that hourly PM2.5 estimates from a satellite‐derived product aligned with our ground‐based measurements. Satellite‐derived products are useful in rural areas like the FH, where monitors are scarce, providing important PM2.5 estimates.
Semidiurnal Non‐Migrating Tides in the Middle Thermosphere From Far Ultraviolet Observations
Authors: Krier Christopher S. , England Scott L.
Published: March 2024

Much of the longitude/local time dependence of the thermosphere is controlled by non‐migrating tides. Observations of semidiurnal (12‐hr) tides between 120 and 200 km altitude, that is, the middle thermosphere, are rare owing to the lack of systematic measurements in this region. Since late 2018, the Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) Mission has provided unique measurements of thermospheric disk temperature and the column density ratio of atomic oxygen to molecular nitrogen ratio (ΣO/N2) from geostationary orbit. In this paper, we present an approach to deduce the strongest semidiurnal non‐migrating tides in the middle thermosphere by adapting the method of Krier et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021ja029563) that deduces diurnal non‐migrating tides in simultaneous observations of temperature and ΣO/N2 made by GOLD. Testing of this approach suggests that the principal sources of uncertainties in the derived semidiurnal non‐migrating tides are the limitation on the longitudes sampled, such that uncertainties are higher for tides with longer horizontal wavelength, and contamination of the local time sums by stationary planetary waves, which causes amplitudes to be overestimated. Our approach is applied to GOLD data during solstice conditions in 2019–2021. Comparison to models yield disagreements which are likely due to uncertainties intrinsic to the method and/or misrepresentation of tidal dynamics in the models. These results are the first observations of semidiurnal non‐migrating tides in the middle thermosphere from a geostationary observational platform.
Genomic insights into anthropozoonotic tuberculosis in captive sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and an Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Cambodia
Authors: Officer Kirsty , Walker Timothy M. , Cheng Sokleaph , Heng Seiha , Hidé Mallorie , Bañuls Anne-Laure , Cracknell Jonathan , Broadis Nev , Thy Nhim , Abraham Sam , Warren Kris , Jackson Bethany
Published: March 2024

Contact between humans and wildlife presents a risk for both zoonotic and anthropozoonotic disease transmission. In this study we report the detection of human strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sun bears and an Asiatic black bear in a wildlife rescue centre in Cambodia, confirming for the first time the susceptibility of these bear species to tuberculosis when in close contact with humans. After genotyping revealed two different strains of M. tuberculosis from cases occurring between 2009 and 2019, 100 isolates from 30 sun bear cases, a single Asiatic black bear case, and a human case were subjected to whole genome sequencing. We combined single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and exploration of mixed base calls with epidemiological data to indicate the evolution of each outbreak. Our results confirmed two concurrent yet separate tuberculosis outbreaks and established a likely transmission route in one outbreak where the human case acted as an intermediatory between bear cases. In both outbreaks, we observed high rates of transmission and progression to active disease, suggesting that sun bears are highly susceptible to tuberculosis if exposed under these conditions. Overall, our findings highlight the risk of bi-directional transmission of tuberculosis between humans and captive bears in high human tuberculosis burden regions, with implied considerations for veterinary and public health. We also demonstrate the use of standard genomic approaches to better understand disease outbreaks in captive wildlife settings and to inform control and prevention measures.