bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant lattice softening at a Lifshitz transition in Sr
2
RuO
4
Authors: Noad H. M. L. , Ishida K. , Li Y.-S. , Gati E. , Stangier V. , Kikugawa N. , Sokolov D. A. , Nicklas M. , Kim B. , Mazin I. I. , Garst M. , Schmalian J. , Mackenzie A. P. , Hicks C. W.
Published: October 2023

The interplay of electronic and structural degrees of freedom in solids is a topic of intense research. More than 60 years ago, Lifshitz discussed a counterintuitive possibility: lattice softening driven by conduction electrons at topological Fermi surface transitions. The effect that he predicted, however, was small and has not been convincingly observed. Using a piezo-based uniaxial pressure cell to tune the ultraclean metal strontium ruthenate while measuring the stress-strain relationship, we reveal a huge softening of the Young’s modulus at a Lifshitz transition of a two-dimensional Fermi surface and show that it is indeed driven entirely by the conduction electrons of the relevant energy band.
Trivalent rare earth metal cofactors confer rapid NP-DNA polymerase activity
Authors: Lelyveld Victor S. , Fang Ziyuan , Szostak Jack W.
Published: October 2023

A DNA polymerase with a single mutation and a divalent calcium cofactor catalyzes the synthesis of unnatural N3′→P5′ phosphoramidate (NP) bonds to form NP-DNA. However, this template-directed phosphoryl transfer activity remains orders of magnitude slower than native phosphodiester synthesis. Here, we used time-resolved x-ray crystallography to show that NP-DNA synthesis proceeds with a single detectable calcium ion in the active site. Using insights from isotopic and elemental effects, we propose that one-metal-ion electrophilic substrate activation is inferior to the native two-metal-ion mechanism. We found that this deficiency in divalent activation could be ameliorated by trivalent rare earth and post–transition metal cations, substantially enhancing NP-DNA synthesis. Scandium(III), in particular, confers highly specific NP activity with kinetics enhanced by more than 100-fold over calcium(II), yielding NP-DNA strands up to 100 nucleotides in length.
The lost scientists
Mischievous Creatures: The Forgotten Sisters Who Transformed Early American Science
Catherine McNeur
Basic Books, 2023. 432 pp.
Authors: Boon Sarah
Published: October 2023

A tale of two 19th-century researchers reveals how professionalization led to women’s exclusion from science
Writing without words
Symbols: An Evolutionary History from the Stone Age to the Future
Richard Sproat
Springer Cham, 2023. 235 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: October 2023

A computational linguist probes the relationship between graphical symbol systems and language
First things first
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: October 2023

Although trustees and administrators at universities in the United States are acutely aware of the mental health crisis on their campuses and consistently rate it as one of the most pressing challenges, it usually only gets attention when a tragedy strikes a member of the student body. Those moments illuminate the lack of adequate mental health care for undergraduate and graduate students, but are hastily followed up with meetings admonishing administrators to hire more counselors. Despite the constant drumbeat of these episodes, hardly any universities have prioritized mental health in a comprehensive and proactive way. The newly appointed president of Dartmouth College, Sian Beilock, has taken a refreshing approach in naming campus mental health as the first priority in her inaugural address. It’s long past time.
DOE picks lab to manage coming data tsunami
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: October 2023

Billions of gigabytes from accelerators and x-ray sources could swamp national labs
‘Why can’t you make a coral out of an anemone?’
Authors: Wilcox Christie
Published: October 2023

By adding coral genes to a nonmineralizing relative, team aims to show how reefs are built
Billions boost next-generation weapons against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2023

U.S. government project bets big on intranasal vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, but omits more ambitious approaches
Israel-Hamas war shakes scientific community
Authors: Chabin Michele
Published: October 2023

Attacks have left many research laboratories without staff or in ruins
Leveraging stewardship to promote ceftriaxone use in severe infections with low- and no-risk AmpC Enterobacterales
Authors: Hardy Megan E. , Kenney Rachel M. , Tibbetts Robert J. , Shallal Anita B. , Veve Michael P.
Published: October 2023

AmpC β-lactamases are associated with development of ceftriaxone resistance despite initial
in vitro
susceptibility, but the risk of AmpC derepression is not equal among Enterobacterales. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an AmpC stewardship intervention on the definitive treatment of low- and no-risk Enterobacterales. This was an IRB-approved, single pre-test, post-test quasi-experiment at a 5-hospital system. An AmpC stewardship intervention was implemented in July 2022 and included prescriber education, the removal of microbiology comments indicating potential for ceftriaxone resistance on therapy, and the modification of a blood PCR comment for
Serratia marcescens
to recommend ceftriaxone. Adults ≥18 years pre-intervention (July 2021 to December 2021) and post-intervention (July 2022 to December 2022) who received ≥72 hours of inpatient definitive therapy and had non-urine cultures growing low- and no-risk organisms (
S. marcescens
,
Providencia
spp.,
Citrobacter koseri
,
Citrobacter amalonaticus
, or
Morganella morganii
) were included. The primary endpoint was definitive treatment with ceftriaxone. A total of 224 patients were included; 115 (51%) in pre-intervention and 109 (49%) in post-intervention. Definitive ceftriaxone therapy was prescribed more frequently after intervention [6 (5%) vs 72 (66%),
P
< 0.001]. After adjustment for critical illness, patients in the post-group were more likely to receive definitive ceftriaxone (adjOR, 34.7; 95% CI, 13.9–86.6). The proportion of patients requiring retreatment was 18 (15%) and 11 (10%) for pre- and post-intervention patients (
P
= 0.22), and ceftriaxone resistance within 30 days occurred in 5 (4%) and 2 (2%) patients in the pre- and post-group (
P
= 0.45). An antimicrobial stewardship intervention was associated with increased ceftriaxone prescribing and similar patient outcomes for low- and no-risk AmpC Enterobacterales.
Gallionellaceae pangenomic analysis reveals insight into phylogeny, metabolic flexibility, and iron oxidation mechanisms
Authors: Hoover Rene L. , Keffer Jessica L. , Polson Shawn W. , Chan Clara S.
Published: October 2023

The iron-oxidizing Gallionellaceae drive a wide variety of biogeochemical cycles through their metabolisms and biominerals. To better understand the environmental impacts of Gallionellaceae, we need to improve our knowledge of their diversity and metabolisms, especially any novel iron oxidation mechanisms. Here, we used a pangenomic analysis of 103 genomes to resolve Gallionellaceae phylogeny and explore their genomic potential. Using a concatenated ribosomal protein tree and key gene patterns, we determined Gallionellaceae has four genera, divided into two groups: iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB)
Gallionella
,
Sideroxydans
, and
Ferriphaselus
with iron oxidation genes (
cyc2
,
mtoA
) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB)
Candidatus
Nitrotoga with the nitrite oxidase gene
nxr
. The FeOB and NOB have similar electron transport chains, including genes for reverse electron transport and carbon fixation. Auxiliary energy metabolisms, including S oxidation, denitrification, and organotrophy, were scattered throughout the FeOB. Within FeOB, we found genes that may represent adaptations for iron oxidation, including a variety of extracellular electron uptake mechanisms. FeOB genomes encoded more predicted
c
-type cytochromes than NOB genomes, notably more multiheme
c
-type cytochromes (MHCs) with >10 CXXCH motifs. These include homologs of several predicted outer membrane porin-MHC complexes, including MtoAB and Uet. MHCs efficiently conduct electrons across longer distances and function across a wide range of redox potentials that overlap with mineral redox potentials, which can expand the range of usable iron substrates. Overall, the results of pangenome analyses suggest that the Gallionellaceae genera
Gallionella
,
Sideroxydans
, and
Ferriphaselus
have acquired a range of adaptations to succeed in various environments but are primarily iron oxidizers.

IMPORTANCE

Neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) produce copious iron (oxyhydr)oxides that can profoundly influence biogeochemical cycles, notably the fate of carbon and many metals. To fully understand environmental microbial iron oxidation, we need a thorough accounting of iron oxidation mechanisms. In this study, we show the Gallionellaceae FeOB genomes encode both characterized iron oxidases as well as uncharacterized multiheme cytochromes (MHCs). MHCs are predicted to transfer electrons from extracellular substrates and likely confer metabolic capabilities that help Gallionellaceae occupy a range of different iron- and mineral-rich niches. Gallionellaceae appear to specialize in iron oxidation, so it would be advantageous for them to have multiple mechanisms to oxidize various forms of iron, given the many iron minerals on Earth, as well as the physiological and kinetic challenges faced by FeOB. The multiple iron/mineral oxidation mechanisms may help drive the widespread ecological success of Gallionellaceae.
Strains of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
from horses in Ohio are related to isolates from humans in the northeastern USA
Authors: Chien Rory C. , Mingqun Lin , Yan Qi , Randolph Nina , Huang Weiyan , Wellman Maxey , Toribio Ramiro , Rikihisa Yasuko
Published: October 2023

The tick-borne obligatory intracellular bacterium
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
infects granulocytes of humans as well as domesticated and wild animals, causing a febrile disease collectively called granulocytic anaplasmosis. The host species specificity and zoonotic potential of
A. phagocytophilum
strains remain unclear. In the USA, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is primarily reported in Wisconsin and Minnesota, the northeastern coastal states, and northern California. In horses,
A. phagocytophilum
causes equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA). Although EGA has been reported in the same US regions as HGA, horses with a definitive diagnosis of EGA have not been reported in Ohio, where the incidence of HGA is low. In this study, samples from archived blood smears or whole blood from three horses from three different counties in Ohio that presented in 2018, 2020, and 2021 with clinical signs and laboratory findings consistent with EGA were evaluated by PCR and sequencing. Sequences of
ankA
(encoding ankyrin A) of the three
A. phagocytophilum
strains were identical and related to strains isolated from humans in the northeastern USA yet distinct from those in California or Europe based on phylogenetic analysis. Each Ohio strain contains unique
A. phagocytophilum p44
genes encoding the immunodominant major outer membrane proteins, underscoring the antigenic diversity of
A. phagocytophilum
strains that cause EGA in Ohio. From 2018 to 2023, 14 additional cases of EGA were identified by serodiagnosis in Ohio and nearby locations in Pennsylvania, pointing to a heretofore unrecognized prevalence of EGA and the risk of transmission of anaplasmosis to humans and animals in this region.

IMPORTANCE

The tick-borne obligatory intracellular bacterium
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
infects humans as well as domesticated and wild animals, causing a febrile disease collectively called granulocytic anaplasmosis. The epidemiology and the host species specificity and zoonotic potential of
A. phagocytophilum
strains remain unclear. In this study,
ankA
(encoding ankyrin A) and
p44
gene sequences of
A. phagocytophilum
were determined in clinical specimens from horses in Ohio and compared with those found in
A. phagocytophilum
strains from various hosts and geographic regions. With increasing numbers of seropositive horses, the study points out the unrecognized prevalence and uncharacterized strains of
A. phagocytophilum
infection in horses and the importance of
A. phagocytophilum
molecular testing for the prevention of equine and human granulocytic anaplasmosis.
Transcriptomic profile of the most successful
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain in Aragon, the MtZ strain, during exponential and stationary growth phases
Authors: Comín Jessica , Campos Elena , Gonzalo-Asensio Jesús , Samper Sofía
Published: October 2023

The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Zaragoza
(MtZ) strain has produced the largest outbreak in Aragon Community, Spain, as it started in the 90s and continues today, contributing with more than 240 cases of tuberculosis, around 10% of the TB cases. Previous studies were carried out to identify the reasons for its successful spread capacity among the population. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes considered as virulence factors were found, as well as an oversecretion of PE_PGRS factors. Different copies of IS
6110
have been localized, and a transcriptomic study was carried out to study how the different IS
6110
copies could affect the adjacent gene expression. In this work, we analyzed the transcriptomic profile of the MtZ, strain trying to delve into the mechanisms behind its success. We found that ESX-1 system is upregulated during both exponential and stationary growth phases
in vitro
, as well as the virulence pathways of cholesterol degradation and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. In addition, MtZ has the iron uptake genes downregulated in exponential growth phase (mycobactin biosynthesis and IrtAB transporters), while the iron storage could be upregulated. The
desA3
gene transcription was interrupted by the insertion of an IS
6110
copy. This gene codes for a stearoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) Δ9 desaturase involved in the production of oleic acid, which is necessary for the metabolism of the bacteria. In spite of this, although MtZ strain has an initial long lag phase growing in liquid media, it is capable of achieving normal growth, suggesting the existence of an alternative route for obtaining oleic acid.

IMPORTANCE

Aragon Community suffered, during the first years of the beginning of this century, a large outbreak caused by the MtZ strain, producing more than 240 cases to date. MtZ strain and the outbreak have been previously studied from an epidemiological and molecular point of view. In this work, we analyzed the transcriptomic profile of the strain for better understanding of its success among our population. We have discovered that MtZ has some upregulated virulence pathways, such as the ESX-1 system, the cholesterol degradation pathway or the peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Interestingly, MtZ has downregulated the uptake of iron. Another special feature of MtZ strain is the interruption of
desA3
gene, essential for producing oleic acid. Although the strain takes a long time to grow in the initial culture media, eventually it is able to reach normal optical densities, suggestive of the presence of another route for obtaining oleic acid in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
Supplemental Material: Is Geology Accreditation Needed? It Is Already Here!
Authors: Anderson Laurie C. , Gierke John S. , Connelly Jeffrey
Published: October 2023

  

In the 2000s, geoscience program accreditation was a regular topic in journal articles, opinion pieces, meeting sessions, and committee reports (e.g., Corbett and Corbett, 2001; GSA Ad Hoc Committee on Accreditation, 2008). Geoscience accreditation discussions subsequently subsided for apparent lack of proactive, interactive interest and with no consensus achieved (GSA Ad Hoc Committee on Accreditation, 2008; Bralower et al., 2008). Simultaneously, an increasing emphasis on continuous improvement in higher education has led to regular, formal assessment of student outcome achievement, efforts to align program outcomes to workforce needs, and expansion of competency-based learning. As a result, calls have been made for professional societies to develop certification, accreditation, or badging programs (Wikle, 2018; Mosher and Keane, 2021; Klyce and Ryker, 2022)
Atomistic Insight into the Role of Porous Structure in Accommodating the Volume Expansion of Silicon Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Untarabut Panupol , Banlusan Kiettipong
Published: October 2023

Despite possessing high theoretical gravimetric capacity, the practical utilization of silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries is still challenging because of poor capacity retention caused by massive volume expansion upon lithium insertion. The use of porosity to tackle this issue has widely been scrutinized, and porous silicon materials have been experimentally shown to have improved cycling stability. To provide a fundamental understanding of the structural and chemical evolution, here, we investigate the atomistic behaviors of porous silicon nanowires during lithiation and delithiation by means of a reactive molecular dynamics method. The simulations show that although the porous nanomaterials undergo a large intrinsic volume expansion similar to the non-porous ones, the hollow space available inside the materials can be exploited for lowering the external expansion via the local structure relaxation in the vicinity of the pore. Due to such relaxation, a small pore undergoes structural collapse during the first charge, suggesting that a relatively large pore diameter and a thin wall thickness are required to maintain the porous structural integrity. The simulations also unveil the evolution of the local stresses generated during lithium migration into and out of the materials, which emphasizes the role of porosity in alleviating the induced stresses.
Effect of Feed Material Properties on Microencapsulation by Spray Drying with a Three-Fluid Nozzle: Soybean Oil Encapsulated in Maltodextrin and Sugar Beet Pectin
Authors: Cai Jingwen , Lopez Ricardo , Lee Youngsoo
Published: October 2023

The relationship between the properties of wall material and spray-dried microcapsules was investigated. Soybean oil was encapsulated with various concentrations of maltodextrin (10 and 20%

w
/
w

) and sugar beet pectin (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4%

w
/
w

) solution via spray drying with a three-fluid nozzle (3FN). The rheological properties of the wall material solution were characterized using a controlled strain rheometer before spray drying and were found to fit the power-law model. The rheological properties of a wall material within the range of the samples tested had a limited impact on the morphology of the microcapsules. Most spray-dried samples had a wrinkled surface with some microcapsules having a spherical shape with a hollow core. As the consistency index of the wall material solution increased, the particle size distribution of microcapsules became wider. The surface oil content of the microcapsules was between 1.3 and 3.4%, generally increasing as the consistency index of the wall material solution increased. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was between 74.7 and 91.2%. When compared with the sample produced with a two-fluid nozzle (2FN), 3FN microcapsules were larger and had higher effective EE and higher oil loading than 2FN microcapsules. This study revealed that oil could be encapsulated by wall materials, without the preparation of an emulsion, with a 3FN, which will save time and energy for the encapsulation process.
Students’ Satisfaction of Blended Problem-Based Learning: An Academic Experience at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Authors: Okyere Gabriel A. , Saah Albert A. , Oduro William , Achamfour James B. , Amoako Samuel
Published: October 2023

Implementation of problem-based learning has been a challenge in most African institutions of higher learning including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) due to deficiencies in the secondary education system. This article seeks to investigate the effect of blended problem-based learning (BPBL) practices on students’ satisfaction at KNUST during the Enhancing Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in Higher Education in Africa (EEISHEA) 2019–2022 project. In line with this objective, a survey instrument was prepared and validated and a multistage sampling technique with an effective sample size of 1,304 students (621 female and 883 males), 71 lecturers, and 16 technicians across the six colleges of KNUST were obtained. The generalized linear models, simple and multiple logistic regression, were estimated from the data to compare effect of teacher-centered and BPBL paradigms on students’ satisfaction. To prevent overfitting, a cross-validation was performed on the fitted models. Receiver operating curve and area under curve were employed to ascertain the predictive power of the models. Results indicate about 67.35% of students posited that lecturers have incorporated some problem-based learning (PBL) elements into their course delivery. About 72.13% of respondents submitted that the integration of the PBL ignited their self-directed and collaborative learning and improved learner’s problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the fitted models suggest that BPBL, gender, level of program, and college influence students’ satisfaction. The odds of satisfaction of an individual in the BPBL group is 7.4 times higher than respondents in the traditional group with a confidence interval for the odds ratio (OR), (OR 7.4, 95% CI: 4.31–13.16).
Mathematical-Based CFD Modelling and Simulation of Mushroom Drying in Tray Dryer
Authors: Nadew Talbachew Tadesse , Tegenaw Petros Demissie , Tedila Tsegaye Sissay
Published: October 2023

In this study, CFD simulations that incorporate the inherent coupling between the moisture content of the mushroom and hot air flow in the tray dryer were performed. Conservation principles were applied to the fundamental quantities of mass, momentum, and heat. The source terms due to the moisture evaporation, the viscous and inertial resistance, and continuous evaporative cooling were determined through experimental results. Experiments were conducted to study and select the drying kinetics model at the optimum drying conditions and moisture sorption isotherm model at 30, 40, and 50°C temperatures. The best model describing the drying kinetics of mushrooms and moisture sorption isotherm model was chosen based on the lowest RMSE values and the highest

R

2

value. Midilli et al.’s drying kinetics model and the modified Henderson sorption isotherm model were adopted in CFD modelling. The CFD software ANSYS Fluent was used for the 3D modelling of mushroom drying in a tray dryer. The mass and energy source term equations were added to the ANSYS Fluent software using a user-defined function (UDF). The parameter permeability of medium (

α

) and pressure-jump coefficient (

C

2

) appearing in the momentum source term were directly introduced in the Fluent setup as cell zone conditions. The simulation results of the moisture removal and drying temperatures were validated against experimental data. Both results are in good agreement with the experimental data, with

R

2

values of 0.9906 for moisture contents and 0.926 for drying temperature. Thus, simulation can be an option to study the drying mechanisms and alleviate some drawbacks of doing experiments.
Clinical Significance of MicroRNA-330-3p in Plasma Level for Acute Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Jian Huiru , Wang Fei , Wang Ying , Dou Liping
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The present study was to investigate the clinical role of miR-330-3p in acute cerebral infarction (ACI), including its diagnostic and prognostic potential. Preliminary exploration of its target genes was archived by bioinformatics analysis. Methods: miR-330-3p in plasma of the patients with ACI and controls were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The 1-month prognosis of the ACI patients was evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The correlation between the plasma levels of miR-330-3p and the GOS scores was tested by Pearson correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established based on the expression level of miR-330-3p in different groups. The miR-330-3p-targeting genes were analyzed using Venn diagram, protein-protein interaction network, and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. Results: miR-330-3p was significantly increased in the plasma of ACI patients compared with that in healthy controls, and ROC curve revealed its diagnostic value for ACI. miR-330-3p was significantly increased in the plasma of patients with poor 1-month prognosis compared with those with good 1-month prognosis. miR-330-3p expression was negatively correlated with GOS score, suggesting its potential to predict the 1-month prognosis for ACI. One-year survival analysis revealed surviving patients had lower levels of miR-330-3p than the deceased. miR-330-3p was proven to predict the death of patients with ACI. The miR-330-3p-targeting genes were associated with synapse-related Gene Ontology terms. Conclusion: miR-330-3p was upregulated in the plasma of patients with ACI, making it a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker for patients with ACI. miR-330-3p could facilitate synaptic plasticity following cerebral infarction.
Structure and Morphology of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Sonochemical Method
Authors: Maddu Akhiruddin , Zetria Zikri  , Irzaman Irzaman
Published: October 2023

Ultrasonic wave has been utilized to synthesize the ZnO nanoparticle. ZnO is formed from a mixture of zinc acetate (ZnAc) and Natrium Hydroxide (NaOH) with various concentrations of ZnAc 0.5 M (ZnO 1:1) and 1.5 M (ZnO 3:1) and the concentration of NaOH remained at a concentration of 0.5 M. The Structure and crystal size were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while its morphology was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results show that ZnO 1:1 has a higher (stronger) diffraction intensity than the ZnO 3:1. The crystallite size of ZnO 1:1 averaged 30.57 ± 4.31 nm while the ZnO 3:1 had an average crystallite size of 20.25 ± 7.12 nm. From the size of the crystallites ZnO particles that are formed include nanoparticles. ZnO 1:1 SEM image shows the shape of microrods in the 1:1 ZnO sample while in the 3:1 ZnO sample no microrods are formed. Based on the morphology, the 1:1 ZnO sample has an average size of 230 nm and is larger than the 3:1 ZnO sample which has an average size of 50 nm.
Sumber Energi Listrik Menggunakan Pikohidro Generator Dengan Aliran Air Tandon
Authors: Farhan Alif  , Kun Fayakun  , Rosalina Rosalina , Emilia Roza  , Ramza Harry
Published: October 2023

Energi listrik memegang peranan yang sangat dibutuhkan dalam kehidupan masyarakat dan perkembangan ekonomi. Kebutuhan energi listrik meningkat seiring dengan pertumbuhan penduduk dan perkembangan teknologi. Saat ini kita telah merasakan krisis energi sehingga kita harus memanfaatkan energi listrik dengan baik. Potensi Energi alternatif khususnya energi air merupakan solusi untuk memanfaatkan sebagai sumber energi. Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Piko Hidro merupakan suatu alat atau media yang menggunakan air. Pada saat ini dikembangkangkan sistem pembangkit tenaga air yang menhasilkan energi listrik, salah satunya menggunakan piko hidro generator di mana laju aliran air dapat berubah menjadi energi listrik. Pada sistem perpipaan air dirumah dimanfaatkan sebagai sumber daya penghasil listrik, yaitu di mana tandon air sebagai penampung air bersih dengan kondisi air yang dipengaruhi laju aliran air dapat menggerakan turbin piko hidro generator. Pada penelitian ini dihasilkan dengan proses pengambilan data dengan proses pengambilan 2 menit sekali selama 40 menit didapatkan rata-rata debit air 8,75 L/s dengan luas penampang 0,0531 maka piko hidro generator dapat menghasilkan rata-rata tegangan 8,88 Volt di mana hasil output di step up untuk pengechargeran baterai dan rata-rata daya 10,60 watt pada baterai dengan menggunakan 3 beban dan penelitian ini dapat digunakan untuk penerangan rumah.
Intervenções em terapia ocupacional com idosos com transtorno neurocognitivo leve: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Fücher Renata , Batista Marina Picazzio Perez , Almeida Maria Helena Morgani de
Published: October 2023

Introdução: O Terapeuta Ocupacional (TO) é um profissional capacitado para avaliar e intervir junto a idosos com transtorno neurocognitivo leve (TNL) com objetivo de promover a manutenção ou melhora no desempenho cognitivo e funcional, diminuindo o impacto do declínio cognitivo nas atividades cotidianas e participação social Objetivos: Conhecer intervenções em TO junto a idosos com TNL. Método: Revisão bibliográfica integrativa nas bases de dados: PubMed,  Scielo, AgeLine, Cinahl, Scopus e Web of Science e em revistas da TO não indexadas nessas bases, no período de janeiro de 2016 a junho de 2021, nos idiomas inglês e português, utilizando os descritores: occupational therapy, aged e mild cognitive impairment combinados com o operador boleano AND. Resultados: 10 artigos foram selecionados, a maioria publicado em 2020, apenas 1 nacional, metade configurava-se como quase-experimental. Os instrumentos para avaliação de intervenções tinham ênfase no desempenho cognitivo,  funcionalidade e sintomas depressivos. Na maioria dos estudos realizou-se abordagem grupal e focada em estimulação cognitiva. A minoria voltou-se para orientações sobre estratégias funcionais focadas nas atividades de vida diária, vivências artísticas e atividade física. Conclusão: Notou-se que a intervenção terapêutica ocupacional gera benefícios para os idosos. Necessita-se de mais estudos, principalmente nacionais para fomentar esta prática.
Entrevista: Samuel Kerr. Quem espanta seus males, canta
Authors: Castro Marcos Câmara de , Marcondes Moira L'Abbate
Published: October 2023

Entrevista publicada originalmente no Jornal Coral da União, órgão de divulgação das atividades do Coral da União Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos, Ano I, números 6 e 7, 1994, com edição de João Luís Rosa. A entrevista foi realizada por Marcos Câmara de Castro e Moira Labbate, no Teatro Municipal de São Paulo. Sempre rodeado de gente, e dando sonoras gargalhadas, o maestro Kerr oferece um cafezinho, em sua sala, antes de a entrevista começar.
Restorations of Class II Cavities Evaluated for Marginal Leakage When Restored with Composites or a Giomer Using Different Bonding Agents
Authors: Gupta Natasha , Singh Neelam
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the marginal leakage of three different types of bonding agents used with two posterior composites and a giomer, available commercially. Material and Methods: Class II box-only cavities were prepared on 90 mandibular first molars with margins extending 1 mm beyond the cementoenamel junction. The samples were divided into nine groups based on three different bonding agents, two different composites, and a giomer. Cavities were restored per the manufacturer’s description. Teeth were subjected to a thermocycling procedure (500×, 5°C to 55°C) and dye penetration by immersing in a 2% methylene blue solution (Merck Specialties) for 24 hours. The marginal adaptation was evaluated as a continuous margin at the gingival level under a stereomicroscope. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The results of the groups with the total-etch technique showed no statistical difference between the nanohybrid Filtek Z250 XT (3M ESPE) and fine hybrid SwissTEC composite (Coltène\Whaledent AG). The groups with the self-etch technique showed no statistical difference when used with either of the two composites. The acid-etch technique showed better marginal adaptation than the self-etch technique. When the giomer (Beautifil II, Shofu) was used with the total-etch technique, it showed better adaptation than when used with the self-etch technique but overall showed more marginal leakage than the composites. Conclusion: The total-etch technique provided better marginal adaptation for the composites and giomer compared to the self-etch technique. Clinical Significance: The demand for esthetic restorations continues to increase, and composite restorations are now considered the material of choice for Class II cavities. There are various concerns with composite restorations, one of them being good marginal adaptation to increase the life of the restoration. This study evaluated marginal leakage with the nanohybrid composite Filtek Z250 XT, fine hybrid composite SwissTEC, and a giomer when used with the total-etch technique and self-etch technique and reported satisfactory adaptation with the total-etch technique.
Rapid Establishment and Validation of an Experimental Model of Osteoporosis for Implant-Bone Analysis
Authors: Wang Wenxue , Xu Hao , Zhao Baodong , Li Xin
Published: October 2023

Osteoporosis is an increasingly prevalent disease. The development of an osteoporosis-like experimental animal model is of great importance for the study of peri-implant osteogenesis in osteoporosis. The present authors aimed to establish a rapid modeling method of osteoporotic rabbits for implant-bone analysis and validate whether the models can affect the implant osseointegration. The present study included 29 female New Zealand rabbits (age: 5 to 6 months). Two rabbits were lost during anesthetization. Of the remaining 27 rabbits, 18 received an ovariectomy, with 9 receiving dexamethasone injections for 8 weeks (OVX+D group) and 9 receiving equivalent-volume saline injections (OVX group). As a control group, the remaining 9 rabbits were sham-operated and received an equivalent volume of normal saline (SHAM group). Then, serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism were detected and densitometric measurements were performed. Implants were then placed in the tibias of each rabbit. Bone samples (including implants) were obtained after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of healing and were subjected to histologic and histomorphometric analyses. The results showed that the OVX+D group experienced a 32% reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline. The BMD of the OVX+D group was significantly lower than that of the SHAM and OVX groups. Moreover, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) blood concentrations of in the OVX+D group were increased significantly. The osteoporotic rabbits exhibited marked decreases in osseointegration, characterized by slowed bone formation and decreased bone-to-implant contact (BIC). The combination of an ovariectomy and dexamethasone injections could experimentally induce osteoporosis in rabbits in the short term, which can be used as an appropriate animal model to study the osseointegration of implants under osteoporosis.
Evaluation of the Effect of Surgical Experience Level on the Success of the Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) Technique
Authors: Ozcan Mustafa , Dulgar Gizem Ada , Turer Onur Ucak , Alkaya Bahar , Haytac Mehmet Cenk
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effects of experience level on the clinical and esthetic results of coronally advanced flap (CAF) surgery. Material and Methods: A postgraduate student’s first 40 CAF operations in the periodontology residency program were followed. The Miller Class I gingival recessions were divided into four chronologic groups (n: 10 in each). Clinical and esthetic evaluations were performed at baseline and after 6 months. The results of chronologic intervals were statistically compared. Results: While the overall mean root coverage (RC) percentage was 73.6% and the complete RC was 60%, the mean RC percentages of the groups, respectively, were 45%, 55%, 86%, and 95%, showing that the mean and complete RC percentage increased as the experience level increased (P < .05). Similarly, as the experience level increased, closure of the gingival recession depth and width and esthetic scores increased, while the surgical time decreased significantly (P < .05). Complications were observed in three patients during the first interval and in two patients during the second interval, while no complications were observed in the other groups. Conclusions: This study showed that experience level can significantly affect the clinical and esthetic outcomes, operative time, and complication rates of CAF surgery. All education programs should determine how many of each surgical procedure residents must perform before they are considered experienced or expert surgeons who can work independently and predictably achieve safe, acceptable outcomes.
On the occurrence of Audouinella chalybea (Roth) Bory, 1823, a rare freshwater red algae (Florideophyceae: Acrochaetiales: Audouinellaceae) from eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Keshri Jai Prakash , Mal Jay
Published: October 2023

Audouinella chalybea (Roth) Bory has been recorded from Phamrong falls of Sikkim Himalaya. Well developed plants of the alga were found attached to the stones and pebbles in the running outlets of the falls. The plants were found anchored to the substratum by spine like base attachment cells. Such structure has not been recorded in earlier studies. Both monosporangia and tetrasporangia have been recorded in our plants. This is the first report of the species from eastern Himalaya and appears to be the second report from India.
A compendium of Aphelenchoides (Fischer, 1894) (Nematoda: Tylenchina: Aphelenchoidea) nematodes with the description of a new species from Manipur, India
Authors: Loukrakpam Bina Chanu  , Naorem Mohilal
Published: October 2023

The present compendium is based on the findings of a research work on the survey of nematodes belonging to the family Aphelenchoidea in the northeastern states of India and the literature available on this particular species, mainly from Manipur. During the study, a total of 12 Aphelenchoides spp. were found, among which six species were reported for the first time from Manipur. A new species, Aphelenchoides oryzae is also described in the present article. The present study will help in making us understand the biodiversity status of Aphelenchoides nematodes in the region. Diagnosis of the species and illustrations along with dichotomous keys are provided in the manuscript.
Echolocation call characterization of insectivorous bats from caves and karst areas in southern Luzon Island, Philippines
Authors: Duco Renz Angelo , de Guia Anna Pauline , Dimalibot Judeline , Alviola Phillip , Gonzalez Juan Carlos
Published: October 2023

Bats are excellent bioindicators and are increasingly used to assess ecosystem health and monitor changes in the environment. Due to increased awareness of the potential transmission of pathogens from bats to humans and recognizing the limitations of traditional bat sampling methods, the use of of non-invasive sampling techniques such as bat recorders were recommended for field-based monitoring studies. In the Philippines, however, bat bioacoustics is still a growing field, and the scarcity of acoustic data hinders the use of echolocation calls to conduct accurate inventories and population monitoring of echolocating bats. Here, we recorded and characterized echolocation calls of insectivorous bats from caves and karst areas located in southern Luzon Island, Philippines. In addition, we compared our results with other studies performed within and outside the country to identify possible regional and local variation in acoustic characters for some species. A total of 441 echolocation calls were recorded from six bat families: Hipposideridae (five species), Rhinolophidae (five species), Vespertilionidae (three species), Miniopteridae (two species), Megadermatidae (one species), and Emballonuridae (one species). Discriminant function analyses (DFA) with leave-one-out cross validation correctly classified bats emitting calls dominated with a constant frequency (CF) component (rhinolophids and hipposiderids) with >97% success and those producing frequency modulated (FM) calls (Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae) with 88.9% success. We report echolocation calls for Philippine population of two species (Megaderma spasma and Hipposideros lekaguli) for the first time. Moreover, we present geographical variations in call frequencies for some species by comparing previously reported acoustic data elsewhere across the species’ range. This underscores the importance of establishing a readily accessible and comprehensive local reference library of echolocation calls which would serve as a valuable resource for examining taxonomic identities of echolocating bats, particularly those whose calls exhibit biogeographic variations.
From the Arabian Peninsula to Indian shores: Crab Plover Dromas ardeola Paykull, 1805 (Aves: Charadriiformes: Dromadidae) breeding at Point Calimere, India
Authors: H. Byju  , N. Raveendran  , K.M. Aarif
Published: October 2023

Crab Plover Dromas ardeola is endemic to the subtropical and tropical coastlines of the Indian Ocean. It breeds along the easterncoasts of Africa, the Persian Gulf, and southern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula; occurs also in the western Madagascar and most islands northwards to Seychelles. It is a winter visitor to Pakistan, Gujarat, and peninsular India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, northern Sri Lanka, Maldives, and a vagrant to Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to assess the breeding records of the Crab Plover in Point Calimere. After some preliminary surveys and interactions with local birders, between June and August 2023, boat surveys and foot surveys were carried out in the Great Vedaryanam Swamp (GVS) and nearby islets to document the presence of Crab Plover and locate its nests. The presence of five nests of D. ardeola was recorded in Manaaran Theevu islet near Siruthalaikkadu of GVS. This observation marks the first documentation of breeding of Crab Plover in the Indian subcontinent. In the context of species conservation within the peninsular Indian region, there is a need for comprehensive and continuous monitoring of breeding sites.
Shear Force-Induced Platelet Clearance Is a New Mechanism of Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Rauch Antoine , Dupont Annabelle , Rosa Mickael , Desvages Maximilien , Le Tanno Christina , Abdoul Johan , Didelot Mélusine , Ung Alexandre , Ruez Richard , Jeanpierre Emmanuelle , Daniel Mélanie , Corseaux Delphine , Spillemaeker Hugues , Labreuche Julien , Pradines Bénédicte , Rousse Natacha , Lenting Peter J. , Moussa Mouhamed D. , Vincentelli André , Bordet Jean-Claude , Staels Bart , Vincent Flavien , Denis Cécile V. , Van Belle Eric , Casari Caterina , Susen Sophie
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Thrombocytopenia has been consistently described in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and associated with poor outcome. However, the prevalence and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, and a device-related role of ECMO in thrombocytopenia has been hypothesized. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying thrombocytopenia in ECMO patients.

METHODS:

In a prospective cohort of 107 ECMO patients, we investigated platelet count, functions, and glycoprotein shedding. In an ex vivo mock circulatory ECMO loop, we assessed platelet responses and VWF (von Willebrand factor)–GP Ibα (glycoprotein Ibα) interactions at low- and high-flow rates, in the presence or absence of red blood cells. The clearance of human platelets subjected or not to ex vivo perfusion was studied using an in vivo transfusion model in NOD/SCID (nonobese diabetic/severe combined Immunodeficient) mice.

RESULTS:

In ECMO patients, we observed a time-dependent decrease in platelet count starting 1 hour after device onset, with a mean drop of 7%, 35%, and 41% at 1, 24, and 48 hours post-ECMO initiation (
P
=0.00013,
P
<0.0001, and
P
<0.0001, respectively), regardless of the type of ECMO. This drop in platelet count was associated with a decrease in platelet GP Ibα expression (before: 47.8±9.1 versus 24 hours post-ECMO: 42.3±8.9 mean fluorescence intensity;
P
=0.002) and an increase in soluble GP Ibα plasma levels (before: 5.6±3.3 versus 24 hours post-ECMO: 10.8±4.1 µg/mL;
P
<0.0001). GP Ibα shedding was also observed ex vivo and was unaffected by (1) red blood cells, (2) the coagulation potential, (3) an antibody blocking VWF–GP Ibα interaction, (4) an antibody limiting VWF degradation, and (5) supraphysiological VWF plasma concentrations. In contrast, GP Ibα shedding was dependent on rheological conditions, with a 2.8-fold increase at high- versus low-flow rates. Platelets perfused at high-flow rates before being transfused to immunodeficient mice were eliminated faster in vivo with an accelerated clearance of GP Ibα–negative versus GP Ibα–positive platelets.

CONCLUSIONS:

ECMO-associated shear forces induce GP Ibα shedding and thrombocytopenia due to faster clearance of GP Ibα–negative platelets. Inhibiting GP Ibα shedding could represent an approach to reduce thrombocytopenia during ECMO.
Rituals in Weather Lands
Authors: Bergmann Sigurd
Published: October 2023

Do rituals have a place in modern life? Are they ultimately pointless, or rather essential for social life? Can rituals themselves become specific places where meaning and belonging can emerge? Might they offer social skills to “make-oneself-at-home” in a world of constant homelessness and displacement? In the beginning two examples of the power and political significance of rituals are given: marathon runs in metropolitan surroundings, and the Swedish Public Health Agency’s press conferences in the pandemic emergency. Departing from our being-bodily-alive in unforeseeable “weather worlds” (Ingold 2007) the article then explores how rituals in different cultural contexts are “fabricating meaning” (Rappaport 1999) with regard to alternating weather. Examples from ritualized weather in the Fijis, Puebloan culture, and Kyrgyzstan will serve as places for perceiving atmospheres of the Sacred that can inspire a new path of making oneself at home in climate change.
Coastal State Duties in the Repair of Submarine Cables
Authors: Aw Stephany
Published: October 2023

Submarine cables, such as those used for the conveyance of data traffic and power supply, are of vital importance to the functioning of global society. Yet, at the same time, they remain vulnerable to damage. To ensure the continued operation of these cables, it is imperative that emergency repairs, where needed, are carried out expeditiously. However, in maritime zones within a coastal State’s sovereignty, sovereign rights or jurisdiction, where the freedom of users of these zones to lay and maintain cables is circumscribed to varying degrees, such repairs may be hampered by the imposition of onerous coastal State regulatory requirements. This article addresses this problem by answering the questions: (i) What is the scope of a coastal State’s duties regarding cable repairs in the territorial sea, archipelagic waters, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf? and (ii) What solutions are available to facilitate cable repairs in such maritime zones more expeditiously?
The osce and the Minsk Process for Ukraine
Authors: Pundziūtė-Gallois Emilija
Published: October 2023

The article aims to shed light on how international organisations are transformed through creative diplomatic agency. Mobilising the theoretical tools of pragmatist sociology, and taking the empirical example of the osce and its involvement in the management of the crisis in Ukraine between late 2013 and early 2022, the study shows how diplomats, international civil servants, politicians and other actors, related to the Organisation, seize the international issues, define problems, propose and negotiate solutions, and put them in practice within a dynamic process, through which the role and identity of the Organization itself is transformed. Practices understood as deliberative processes of recombining institutional resources in novel ways, underscore the change which is not necessarily strategic, nor can be placed in causal sequences, but is always creative, and unpredictable.