bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the social construction of old age
Authors: Gilleard Chris
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to review the social constructionist view of age and ageing that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It begins with a general consideration of social constructionism as an epistemological framing of the world, before turning to its use in social gerontology. It considers two distinct social constructionist approaches treating later life as a social reality: (a) as a structural consequence of the rise of the modern state and its organisation of the labour market and (b) as a consequence of shifting cultural and social representations. Arguing that the earlier more structuralist accounts have gradually become overshadowed by concerns over age as identity, socially constructivist approaches now place as much emphasis upon the social representation of age as on its social-structural organisation. The paper then reviews the costs and benefits of social constructionism in general and its becoming a key part in the study of ageing. Its benefits arise from drawing attention to the salience of the cultural and the social in fashioning age and ageing and thereby advancing the sociology of later life. At the same time, social constructionist approaches to old age risk neglecting an other personal and social reality arising from corporeal decline and fear of the body-to-come. The paper concludes by noting how, whether approaching ageing and old age as natural kinds or as human kinds, adopting biological or sociological methodologies, all such methods privilege the externality of age – whether as a social or a biological fact. What is not captured by either is the problematic internality of age. What might be called the subjectivity of age will remain a topic for cultural representation, beyond the methods of both biological and social science.
Some torsion-free solvable groups with few subquotients
Authors: LE BOUDEC ADRIEN , MATTE BON NICOLÁS
Published: October 2023

We construct finitely generated torsion-free solvable groups G that have infinite rank, but such that all finitely generated torsion-free metabelian subquotients of G are virtually abelian. In particular all finitely generated metabelian subgroups of G are virtually abelian. The existence of such groups shows that there is no “torsion-free version” of P. Kropholler’s theorem, which characterises solvable groups of infinite rank via their metabelian subquotients.
Grammatical and lexical sources of allomorphy in Amuzgo inflectional tone
Authors: Kim Yuni
Published: October 2023

Amuzgo (Otomanguean: Mexico) has a large inventory of lexically arbitrary tonal inflection classes in person/number paradigms, where inflectional tones overwrite the root's lexical tone. In causatives, however, inflectional tones are predictable from phonological properties of the root, primarily lexical tone. The inertness of root inflection classes in causatives is argued to follow from cyclicity: once the causative Voice head triggers spell-out, lexical inflection-class specifications are no longer visible, and only phonological information can condition allomorphy in the outer domain of person/number agreement. The grammatical behaviour of inflectional tone thus reflects its structural morphosyntactic position, as distinct from its linear phonological one. I distinguish between several possible analyses of phonologically conditioned tonal-overwriting allomorphy, and propose that the Amuzgo case involves constraint-mediated competition among a priority-ranked list of allomorphs in the input, rather than creation of tonal allomorph candidates purely within the phonology or subcategorisation frames in the lexical representations of allomorphs.
Normalization by evaluation for modal dependent type theory
Authors: HU JASON Z. S. , JANG JUNYOUNG , PIENTKA BRIGITTE
Published: October 2023

We present the Kripke-style modal type theory, Mint, which combines dependent types and the necessity modality. It extends the Kripke-style modal lambda-calculus by Pfenning and Davies to the full Martin-Löf type theory. As such it encompasses dependently typed variants of system K, T, K4, and S4. Further, Mint seamlessly supports a full universe hierarchy, usual inductive types, and large eliminations. In this paper, we give a modular sound and complete normalization-by-evaluation (NbE) proof for Mint based on an untyped domain model, which applies to all four aforementioned modal systems without modification. This NbE proof yields a normalization algorithm for Mint, which can be directly implemented. To further strengthen our results, our models and the NbE proof are fully mechanized in Agda and we extract a Haskell implementation of our NbE algorithm from it.
Intersecting families without unique shadow
Authors: Frankl Peter , Wang Jian
Published: October 2023

Let
$\mathcal{F}$
be an intersecting family. A
$(k-1)$
-set
$E$
is called a unique shadow if it is contained in exactly one member of
$\mathcal{F}$
. Let
${\mathcal{A}}=\{A\in \binom{[n]}{k}\colon |A\cap \{1,2,3\}|\geq 2\}$
. In the present paper, we show that for
$n\geq 28k$
,
$\mathcal{A}$
is the unique family attaining the maximum size among all intersecting families without unique shadow. Several other results of a similar flavour are established as well.
The Vulnerable (M)other and the Autonomous Legal Subject: Rethinking Vulnerability in Criminal Law
Authors: Singh Sarah
Published: October 2023

In this article I apply Fineman’s vulnerability thesis to explore the ways in which vulnerability is constructed and mobilised in a criminal law context. Using a ‘failure-to-protect’ offence as a case study reveals contemporary constructs of vulnerability as both a problem to be solved and gendered. Constructing women as pathologically vulnerable allows the state and its institutions to downplay the situational vulnerability of women, evading responsibility for tackling VAWG. Responsibilising women to manage risks to children posed by male violence requires that women undertake ‘safety work’, rendering them vulnerable to both moral and legal sanction if not performed adequately. Replacing the autonomous subject with the relationally vulnerable subject generates new understandings of the ways entwining femininity and vulnerability shores up the (male-coded) autonomous legal subject. Moreover, reconceiving vulnerability as universal reveals the potential of the vulnerable subject for a more inclusive criminal subject who is both embedded and embodied.
Global Compilation of Deep Mantle Anisotropy Observations and Possible Correlation With Low Velocity Provinces
Authors: Wolf Jonathan , Long Maureen D. , Li Mingming , Garnero Edward
Published: October 2023

We compile and make publicly available a global digital database of body wave observations of seismic anisotropy in the D′′ layer, grouped using the method used to analyze deep mantle anisotropy. Using this database, we examine the global distribution of seismic anisotropy in the D′′ layer, evaluating the question of whether seismic anisotropy is more likely to be located at the edges of the two large‐low velocity provinces (LLVPs) in Earth's mantle than elsewhere. We show that this hypothesis lacks statistical justification if we consider previously observed lowermost mantle anisotropy, although there are multiple factors that are difficult to account for quantitatively. One such factor is the global lowermost mantle ray coverage for different phases that are commonly used to detect deep mantle anisotropy in shear wave splitting studies. We find that the global ray coverage of the relevant seismic phases is highly uneven, with LLVP edges and their interiors less well‐sampled than the global average.
Crotonylated BEX2 interacts with NDP52 and enhances mitophagy to modulate chemotherapeutic agent-induced apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Mu Ning , Wang Yu , Li Xiaopeng , Du Zhiyuan , Wu Yingdi , Su Min , Wang Yingying , Sun Xiaoyang , Su Ling , Liu Xiangguo
Published: September 2023

Brain expressed X-linked gene 2 (BEX2) encoded protein was originally identified to promote transcription by interacting with several transcription factors in the DNA–binding complexes. Recently, BEX2 was found to be localized in cytosol and/or mitochondria and regulate apoptosis in cancer cells and tumor growth. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its roles in cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we report that crotonylated BEX2 plays an important role in inhibiting chemotherapeutic agent-induced apoptosis via enhancing mitophagy in human lung cancer cells. BEX2 promotes mitophagy by facilitating interaction between NDP52 and LC3B. Moreover, BEX2 crotonylation at K59 is critical in the BEX2-mediated mitophagy in lung cancer cells. The K59R mutation of BEX2 inhibits mitophagy by affecting the interaction of NDP52 and LC3B. BEX2 expression is elevated after anticancer drug treatment, and its overexpression inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. In addition, inhibition of BEX2-regulated mitophagy sensitizes tumor cells to apoptosis. Furthermore, BEX2 promotes tumor growth and inhibits apoptosis by regulating mitophagy in vivo. We also confirm that BEX2 is overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis in lymph node metastasis-free cancer. Therefore, combination treatment with pharmaceutical approaches targeting BEX2-induced mitophagy and anticancer drugs may represent a potential strategy for NSCLC therapy.
Neural mechanisms for the localization of unexpected external motion
Authors: Chinta Suma , Pluta Scott R.
Published: September 2023

To localize objects during active sensing, animals must differentiate stimuli caused by volitional movement from real-world object motion. To determine a neural basis for this ability, we examined the mouse superior colliculus (SC), which contains multiple egocentric maps of sensorimotor space. By placing mice in a whisker-guided virtual reality, we discovered a rapidly adapting tactile response that transiently emerged during externally generated gains in whisker contact. Responses to self-generated touch that matched self-generated history were significantly attenuated, revealing that transient response magnitude is controlled by sensorimotor predictions. The magnitude of the transient response gradually decreased with repetitions in external motion, revealing a slow habituation based on external history. The direction of external motion was accurately encoded in the firing rates of transiently responsive neurons. These data reveal that whisker-specific adaptation and sensorimotor predictions in SC neurons enhance the localization of unexpected, externally generated changes in tactile space.
Ballistic transport spectroscopy of spin-orbit-coupled bands in monolayer graphene on WSe2
Authors: Rao Qing , Kang Wun-Hao , Xue Hongxia , Ye Ziqing , Feng Xuemeng , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Wang Ning , Liu Ming-Hao , Ki Dong-Keun
Published: September 2023

Van der Waals interactions with transition metal dichalcogenides were shown to induce strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in graphene, offering great promises to combine large experimental flexibility of graphene with unique tuning capabilities of the SOC. Here, we probe SOC-driven band splitting and electron dynamics in graphene on WSe2 by measuring ballistic transverse magnetic focusing. We found a clear splitting in the first focusing peak whose evolution in charge density and magnetic field is well reproduced by calculations using the SOC strength of ~ 13 meV, and no splitting in the second peak that indicates stronger Rashba SOC. Possible suppression of electron-electron scatterings was found in temperature dependence measurement. Further, we found that Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations exhibit a weaker band splitting, suggesting that it probes different electron dynamics, calling for a new theory. Our study demonstrates an interesting possibility to exploit ballistic electron motion pronounced in graphene for emerging spin-orbitronics.
Multi-heme cytochrome-mediated extracellular electron transfer by the anaerobic methanotroph ‘Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens’
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Joyce Georgina H. , Leu Andy O. , Zhao Jing , Rabiee Hesamoddin , Virdis Bernardino , Tyson Gene W. , Yuan Zhiguo , McIlroy Simon J. , Hu Shihu
Published: September 2023

Anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) carry out anaerobic oxidation of methane, thus playing a crucial role in the methane cycle. Previous genomic evidence indicates that multi-heme c-type cytochromes (MHCs) may facilitate the extracellular electron transfer (EET) from ANME to different electron sinks. Here, we provide experimental evidence supporting cytochrome-mediated EET for the reduction of metals and electrodes by ‘Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens’, an ANME acclimated to nitrate reduction. Ferrous iron-targeted fluorescent assays, metatranscriptomics, and single-cell imaging suggest that ‘Ca. M. nitroreducens’ uses surface-localized redox-active cytochromes for metal reduction. Electrochemical and Raman spectroscopic analyses also support the involvement of c-type cytochrome-mediated EET for electrode reduction. Furthermore, several genes encoding menaquinone cytochrome type-c oxidoreductases and extracellular MHCs are differentially expressed when different electron acceptors are used.
Inhibition of defect-induced α-to-δ phase transition for efficient and stable formamidinium perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Tian , Xie Jiangsheng , Wen Bin , Yin Qixin , Lin Ruohao , Zhu Shengcai , Gao Pingqi
Published: September 2023

Defects passivation is widely devoted to improving the performance of formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite solar cells; however, the effect of various defects on the α-phase stability is still unclear. Here, using density functional theory, we first reveal the degradation pathway of the formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite from α to δ phase and investigate the effect of various defects on the energy barrier of phase transition. The simulation results predict that iodine vacancies are most likely to trigger the degradation, since they obviously reduce the energy barrier of α-to-δ phase transition and have the lowest formation energies at the perovskite surface. A water-insoluble lead oxalate compact layer is introduced on the perovskite surface to largely suppress the α-phase collapse through hindering the iodine migration and volatilization. Furthermore, this strategy largely reduces the interfacial nonradiative recombination and boosts the efficiency of the solar cells to 25.39% (certified 24.92%). Unpackaged device can maintain 92% of its initial efficiency after operation at maximum power point under simulated air mass 1.5 G irradiation for 550 h.
Programmable nanocomposites of cellulose nanocrystals and zwitterionic hydrogels for soft robotics
Authors: Nasseri Rasool , Bouzari Negin , Huang Junting , Golzar Hossein , Jankhani Sarah , Tang Xiaowu , Mekonnen Tizazu H. , Aghakhani Amirreza , Shahsavan Hamed
Published: September 2023

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have garnered significant attention as a versatile class of soft actuators. Introducing anisotropic properties, and shape-change programmability to responsive hydrogels promises a host of opportunities in the development of soft robots. Herein we report the synthesis of pH-responsive hydrogel nanocomposites with predetermined microstructural anisotropy, shape-transformation, and self-healing. Our hydrogel nanocomposites are largely composed of zwitterionic monomers and asymmetric cellulose nanocrystals. While the zwitterionic nature of the network imparts both self-healing and cytocompatibility to our hydrogel nanocomposites, the shear-induced alignment of cellulose nanocrystals renders their anisotropic swelling and mechanical properties. Thanks to the self-healing properties, we utilized a cut-and-paste approach to program reversible, and complex deformation into our hydrogels. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the transport of light cargo using tethered and untethered soft robots made from our hydrogels. We believe the proposed material system introduce a powerful toolbox for the development of future generations of biomedical soft robots.
Genomic insights into Bacillus subtilis MBB3B9 mediated aluminium stress mitigation for enhanced rice growth
Authors: Hazarika Dibya Jyoti , Bora Sudipta Sankar , Naorem Romen Singh , Sharma Darshana , Boro Robin Chandra , Barooah Madhumita
Published: September 2023

Aluminium (Al) toxicity in acid soil ecosystems is a major impediment to crop production as it drastically affects plant root growth, thereby acquisition of nutrients from the soil. Plant growth-promoting bacteria offers an interesting avenue for promoting plant growth under an Al-phytotoxic environment. Here, we report the plant growth-promoting activities of an acid-tolerant isolate of Bacillus subtilis that could ameliorate acid-induced Al-stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The whole genome sequence data identified the major genes and genetic pathways in B. subtilis MBB3B9, which contribute to the plant growth promotion in acidic pH. Genetic pathways for organic acid production, denitrification, urea metabolism, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and cytokinin biosynthesis were identified as major genetic machinery for plant growth promotion and mitigation of Al-stress in plants. The in-vitro analyses revealed the production of siderophores and organic acid production as primary mechanisms for mitigation of Al-toxicity. Other plant growth-promoting properties such as phosphate solubilization, zinc solubilization, and IAA production were also detected in significant levels. Pot experiments involving rice under acidic pH and elevated concentrations of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) suggested that soil treatment with bacterial isolate MBB3B9 could enhance plant growth and productivity compared to untreated plants. A significant increase in plant growth and productivity was recorded in terms of plant height, chlorophyll content, tiller number, panicle number, grain yield, root growth, and root biomass production.
Field- and concentration-dependent relaxation of magnetic nanoparticles and optimality conditions for magnetic fluid hyperthermia
Authors: Ilg Patrick , Kröger Martin
Published: October 2023

The field-dependent relaxation dynamics of suspended magnetic nanoparticles continues to present a fascinating topic of basic science that at the same time is highly relevant for several technological and biomedical applications. Renewed interest in the intriguing behavior of magnetic nanoparticles in response to external fields has at least in parts be driven by rapid advances in magnetic fluid hyperthermia research. Although a wealth of experimental, theoretical, and simulation studies have been performed in this field in recent years, several contradictory findings have so far prevented the emergence of a consistent picture. Here, we present a dynamic mean-field theory together with comprehensive computer simulations of a microscopic model system to systematically discuss the influence of several key parameters on the relaxation dynamics, such as steric and dipolar interactions, the external magnetic field strength and frequency, as well as the ratio of Brownian and Néel relaxation time. We also discuss the specific and intrinsic loss power as measures of the efficiency of magnetic fluid heating and discuss optimality conditions in terms of fluid and field parameters. Our results are helpful to reconcile contradictory findings in the literature and provide an important step towards a more consistent understanding. In addition, our findings also help to select experimental conditions that optimize magnetic fluid heating applications.
Effect of body position on peak expiratory flow during mechanical insufflation–exsufflation in people with cervical spinal cord injury: a pilot study
Authors: Hyun Sung Eun , Hwang Wonjae , Ji Hye Min , Shin Hyung-Ik
Published: October 2023

This prospective pilot study investigated the influence of body position on peak cough flow (PCF) during mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) treatment in people with tetraplegia. Fifteen participants with cervical spinal cord injury (C-SCI) were randomized into two groups, which differed in the starting position, that is, the patients were either supine or reclined. Four sessions of MI-E in alternating positions with each session comprising three different maneuvers: five voluntary coughs, five MI-E-assisted coughs, and five MI-E-assisted with manual thrusts were performed with continuous airflow measurement reporting PCF from every cough. PCF was associated with the application maneuvers, total insufflation volume (TIV), and interaction between position and maneuvers but not with the application position. The estimated mean PCF was 1.808, 3.529, and 3.925 L/s when supine and 1.672, 3.598, and 3.909 L/s when reclined from voluntary cough, MI-E, and MI-E with manual thrust, respectively. The estimated PCF change compared to voluntary cough was 1.721 (95% CI, 1.603–1.838) L/s from the combined MI-E and 2.116 (95% CI, 2.005–2.228) L/s from the MI-E with manual thrust, calculated from the linear mixed-model analysis. PCF moderately correlated with TIV (R2 = 0.64). Therefore, either position can be used for C-SCI patients as long as MI-E can be performed with manual thrust and sufficient TIV is provided.
Specific peptide conjugation to a therapeutic antibody leads to enhanced therapeutic potency and thermal stability by reduced Fc dynamics
Authors: Kiyoshi Masato , Nakakido Makoto , Rafique Abdur , Tada Minoru , Aoyama Michihiko , Terao Yosuke , Nagatoishi Satoru , Shibata Hiroko , Ide Teruhiko , Tsumoto Kouhei , Ito Yuji , Ishii-Watabe Akiko
Published: October 2023

Antibody–drug conjugates are powerful tools for combatting a wide array of cancers. Drug conjugation to a therapeutic antibody often alters molecular characteristics, such as hydrophobicity and effector function, resulting in quality deterioration. To develop a drug conjugation methodology that maintains the molecular characteristics of the antibody, we engineered a specific peptide for conjugation to the Fc region. We used trastuzumab and the chelator (DOTA) as model antibody and payload, respectively. Interestingly, peptide/DOTA-conjugated trastuzumab exhibited enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and increased thermal stability. Detailed structural and thermodynamic analysis clarified that the conjugated peptide blocks the Fc dynamics like a “wedge.” We revealed that (1) decreased molecular entropy results in enhanced ADCC, and (2) blockade of Fc denaturation results in increased thermal stability. Thus, we believe that our methodology is superior not only for drug conjugation but also as for reinforcing therapeutic antibodies to enhance ADCC and thermal stability.
Triglyceride glucose index as a predictor of mortality in middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes in the US
Authors: Zhao Mengjie , Xiao Mengli , Tan Qin , Lu Fang
Published: September 2023

Despite a wealth of research linking the triglyceride glucose index (TyG index) to metabolic diseases. However, little evidence links the TyG index to all-cause or CVD mortality in middle-aged and elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study analyzed data from 2998 patients with T2D who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. The TyG index and mortality in middle-aged and elderly T2D patients were investigated using Cox regression models. The nonlinear association between the TyG index and mortality can be understood with the help of a restricted cubic spline (RCS). During a median follow-up period of 82 months, 883 fatalities were observed from all causes and 265 from CVD. The TyG index was found to have a U-shaped relationship with all-cause and CVD mortality in T2D, with cutoffs of 8.95 and 9, respectively, according to the RCS. After controlling for other factors, an increase of 1 unit in the TyG index was related to an increase of 33% in all-cause mortality and 50% in CVD mortality when TyG was ≥ 8.95 and 9. When TyG < 8.95 and 9, with the change in the TyG index, the change in all-cause and CVD death was insignificant. Patients with T2D who are middle-aged or older, especially elderly patients, have higher TyG levels associated with increased mortality. In middle-aged and elderly patients with T2D, the TyG index may predict the probability of death from any cause and death from CVD.
Melatonin loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles reduce inflammation, inhibit apoptosis and protect rat’s liver from the hazardous effects of CCL4
Authors: Farid Alyaa , Michael Valina , Safwat Gehan
Published: September 2023

Liver is an important organ that carries out major important functions including the detoxification of harmful chemicals. Numerous studies have lately focused on the impact of various substances, such as chemical pollutants and pharmaceutical drugs, on the liver. Melatonin (Mel) has been reported for the protection against liver injury. In order to enhance Mel therapeutic benefits and prevent any potential negative effects, Mel has to be delivered to the injured liver. Therefore, the goal of the current investigation was to create Mel-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (Mel-PLGA NPs) to alleviate carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver damage in male Sprague Dawley rats. The prepared Mel-PLGA NPs were physically characterized to determine its size and charge. Moreover, Mel-PLGA NPs were examined, in vitro, to determine its antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity effects before being used in vivo. The effect of NPs on liver injury was evaluated through biochemical, immunological, histopathological examination and flow cytometry technique. Mel-PLGA NPs were smooth and spherical with no signs of aggregation and have in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. NPs varied in size from 87 to 96 nm in transmission electron microscope images, while their hydrodynamic diameter was 41 nm and their zeta potential was −6 mV. Mel-PLGA NPs had encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and drug loading (DL%) of 59.9 and 12.5%, respectively. Treatment with Mel-PLGA NPs ameliorated all histopathological changes, in liver sections, that resulted from CCL4 administration; where, liver sections of treated groups were similar to those of healthy control GI. NPs administration were superior to free Mel and reversed the elevated levels of liver function enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases to their normal levels. Moreover, liver sections of groups treated with NPs showed negative immunostaining for nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and C-reactive protein indicating their anti-inflammatory behavior. Mel-PLGA NPs significantly protected liver from the toxicity of CCL4. The effective dose of NPs was 5 mg/kg indicating a reduction in the required Mel dose and its associated adverse effects.
Teeth and prostheses detection in dental panoramic X-rays using CNN-based object detector and a priori knowledge-based algorithm
Authors: Ali Md. Anas , Fujita Daisuke , Kobashi Syoji
Published: October 2023

Deep learning techniques for automatically detecting teeth in dental X-rays have gained popularity, providing valuable assistance to healthcare professionals. However, teeth detection in X-ray images is often hindered by alterations in tooth appearance caused by dental prostheses. To address this challenge, our paper proposes a novel method for teeth detection and numbering in dental panoramic X-rays, leveraging two separate CNN-based object detectors, namely YOLOv7, for detecting teeth and prostheses, alongside an optimization algorithm to refine the outcomes. The study utilizes a dataset of 3138 radiographs, of which 2553 images contain prostheses, to build a robust model. The tooth and prosthesis detection algorithms perform excellently, achieving mean average precisions of 0.982 and 0.983, respectively. Additionally, the trained tooth detection model is verified using an external dataset, and six-fold cross-validation is conducted to demonstrate the proposed method’s feasibility and robustness. Moreover, the investigation of performance improvement resulting from the inclusion of prosthesis information in the teeth detection process reveals a marginal increase in the average F1-score, rising from 0.985 to 0.987 compared to the sole teeth detection method. The proposed method is unique in its approach to numbering teeth as it incorporates prosthesis information and considers complete restorations such as dental implants and dentures of fixed bridges during the teeth enumeration process, which follows the universal tooth numbering system. These advancements hold promise for automating dental charting processes.
A retrospective study on application of fibula/iliac flap surgical techniques to mandibular defects
Authors: Gao Ning , Fu Kun , Cai Jinghua , He Wei
Published: October 2023

This study group consists of a total of 61 patients who underwent fibula flap and iliac flap surgeries to repair mandibular defects. Patients’ Quality Of life (QOL) at 6 and 24 months after surgery is investigated and compared by the EORTC-QLQ-H&N and OHIP-14. The base data of the two groups of patients are collected and analysed by the SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Independent sample t test was conducted for EORTC-QLQ-H&N and OHIP-14 scores at two time points in each group. The 61 cases of free flap all survived and the difference in the location of the primary tumor between the two groups is statistically significant. The EORTC-QLQ-H&N showed that the score of speech, diet, social contact, and teeth all went up at 6 months after surgery, but went down dramatically at 24 months after surgery. The OHIP-14 showed that there was significant reduction in functional limitation at 24 months after surgery, with statistical significance (p < 0.05) between the groups of iliac flap (19.16 ± 5.33) and fibula flap (33.77 ± 7.71). Therefore, it is suggested that patients suffering from mandibular defects receive surgery utilizing the iliac flap, while those with a larger range of defects or lesions involving the condyle and chin should receive corrective surgery utilizing the fibular flap.
Genetic diversity of Actinidia spp. shapes the oomycete pattern associated with Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome (KVDS)
Authors: Mian Giovanni , Cipriani Guido , Firrao Giuseppe , Martini Marta , Ermacora Paolo
Published: September 2023

Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome (KVDS) is an important soil-borne disease for the Italian kiwifruit industry, causing €300,000 in economic losses in 2020 alone. So far, the organisms recognized as involved in the aetiology of KVDS mainly belong to the Oomycota. As no effective management strategies exist, a promising approach to overcoming KVDS is the use of resistant species as rootstocks or for inclusion in breeding programs. Several Actinidia genotypes showing different level of resistance to KVDS were grown in disease-promoting soils. A metabarcoding approach was set up to identify KVDS-associated oomycetes and investigate whether the main species involved may vary according to plant genotype. Our results clearly showed significant differences between the genotypes in terms of oomycetes present in both plant rhizosphere and endosphere, which were strongly correlated with the symptoms displayed. We found out that the resistance of Actinidia macrosperma to KVDS is related to its ability to shape the pathobiome, particularly as far as the endosphere is concerned. In our conditions, Phytophthora sp. was predominantly found in sensitive genotypes, whilst Globisporangium intermedium was mainly detected in asymptomatic plants, suggesting that the latter species could compete with the recruitment of Phytophthora sp. in plants with different levels of resistance, consequently, explaining the onset of symptoms and the resistance condition.
Legumes and nuts intake in relation to metabolic health status, serum brain derived neurotrophic factor and adropin levels in adults
Authors: Assi Mohammad Javad , Poursalehi Donya , Tirani Shahnaz Amani , Shahdadian Farnaz , Hajhashemy Zahra , Mokhtari Elahe , Mohammadi Sobhan , Saneei Parvane
Published: September 2023

There is controversial evidence about the relationship between consumption of legumes and nuts with metabolic disturbances. The present study was undertaken to explore the association of legumes and nuts intake with metabolic health status among Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 527 adults (45.7% female, aged 20–65 years) chosen through a multistage cluster random-sampling approach. Dietary intakes of individuals were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were gathered to evaluate biochemical parameters. Metabolic health status of subjects was determined according to the criteria defined by Wildman. Data of covariates were collected using pre-tested procedures. The overall prevalence of metabolic unhealthy (MU) phenotype was 42.5%. After controlling all confounders, participants with highest intake of legumes and nuts had lower odds of MU status, compared with the lowest intake (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.18–0.71). This association was stronger in normal-weight rather than overweight/obese adults and also in women rather than men. Higher consumption of legumes and nuts was additionally related to decreased odds of hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. A marginally inverse association was observed between legumes and nuts intake with low brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, in fully-adjusted model (ORT3 vs. T1 0.50; 95% CI 0.25–1.01). Each tertile increase in legumes and nuts intake was marginally related to higher adropin levels ($$\beta$$
β
= 4.06; P = 0.07). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that higher intake of legumes and nuts is associated with lower chance of MU both in normal weight and overweight/obese adults. The association may be facilitated through serum BDNF and adropin.
Recycling and sustainable applications of waste printed circuit board in concrete application and validation using response surface methodology
Authors: Priyan M. Vishnu , Annadurai R. , Onyelowe Kennedy C. , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu , Giri Nimay Chandra
Published: October 2023

The present investigation aims to examine the mechanical and durability properties of concrete that has been reinforced with a waste printed circuit board (WPCB) towards a low-carbon built environment. It assessed the fresh and hardened characteristics of the low-carbon concrete reinforced with WPCB fibres, after a curing period of 7 and 28 days. The evaluation was done by quantifying slump, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, sorptivity, rapid, and acid tests. It further analysed eleven discrete concrete mixes with WPCB fibres at a weight percentage ranging from 1 to 5% in the cement mixture. The results indicate that incorporating WPCB fibre into concrete improves its mechanical strength. The results revealed that incorporating 5% WPCB fibre yielded the most favourable outcomes. The properties of WPCB fibre-reinforced concrete have been theoretically validated through Response Surface Methodology (RSM), which employs various statistical and mathematical tools to analyse the experimental data. The results derived from RSM were compared with the experimental results. It was found that the RSM model demonstrated a high level of accuracy (R2≥ 0.98) in validating the mechanical properties of WPCB fibre concrete. The statistical model exhibited no indication of prediction bias and demonstrated a statistically significant outcome, with a p-value below 0.5.
Employing a chiroptical sensor for the absolute stereochemical determination of α-amino and α-hydroxyphosphonates
Authors: Chakraborty Debarshi , Zheng Li , Dai Yijing , Gwasdacus Jeff , McTighe James E. , Wulff William D. , Borhan Babak
Published: October 2023

The absolute stereochemistry of the α-amino and α-hydroxyphosphonates is determined using a chiroptical sensor.
Development of a whole-cell biosensor for β-lactamase inhibitor discovery
Authors: Jeffs Mitchell A. , Gray Rachel A. V. , Sheth Prameet M. , Lohans Christopher T.
Published: October 2023

We developed a whole-cell biosensor that quantifies β-lactamase inhibition in a cellular context. This assay accounts for factors such as membrane permeability and can be used to identify novel β-lactamase inhibitors.
Dynamical and electronic properties of anion-pillared metal–organic frameworks for natural gas separation
Authors: Grigoletto Sabrina , dos Santos Arthur Gomes , de Lima Guilherme Ferreira , De Abreu Heitor Avelino
Published: October 2023

The increasing demand for natural gas as a clean energy source has emphasized the need for efficient gas separation technologies.
Combing experimental methods and molecular simulations to study self-healing behaviors of polyurethane elastomers containing multiple hydrogen bond networks and flexible blocks
Authors: Wen Jianlong , Xu Guangwei , Liang Zhaopeng , Li Sumin , Wang Yinmao , Yang Juan , Nie Yijing
Published: October 2023

The microscopic mechanisms of polymer self-healing process were investigated by combing experimental methods and molecular simulations.
Tunable particle-agglomeration and magnetic coupling in bi-magnetic nanocomposites
Authors: Maltoni Pierfrancesco , Baričić Miran , Barucca Gianni , Spadaro Maria Chiara , Arbiol Jordi , Yaacoub Nader , Peddis Davide , Mathieu Roland
Published: October 2023

We propose an efficient way to synthesize strongly magnetically coupled nanocomposites, where the final extrinsic properties could be tuned by controlling the agglomeration of Co–Zn-ferrite nanoparticles in the Sr ferrite matrix and their elemental doping.
Coupling of Nd doping and oxygen-rich vacancy in CoMoO4@NiMoO4 nanoflowers toward advanced supercapacitors and photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Gang , Wang Shen , Hao Tingting , Hao Jian
Published: October 2023

A novel strategy that utilizes rare earth element doping and structure-directing agents was employed to synthesize oxygen-deficient 0.8% Nd–CoMoO4@NiMoO4 nanoflowers. The product has excellent electrochemical and photocatalytic properties.
Microstructure optimization strategy of ZnIn2S4/rGO composites toward enhanced and tunable electromagnetic wave absorption properties
Authors: Xu Ran , He Man , Feng Shuangjiang , Liu Yanmei , Mao Chunfeng , Wang Yongjuan , Bu Xiaohai , Zhang Meiyun , Zhou Yuming
Published: September 2023

ZnIn2S4/rGO-1 and ZnIn2S4/rGO-2 composites with flower-like and cloud-like morphologies were fabricated via a convenient hydrothermal method, displaying excellent microwave attenuation performance and tunable absorption bands.
The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on cognitive function outcomes in the elderly depends on the baseline omega-3 index
Authors: He Xin , Yu Hongzhuan , Fang Jiacheng , Qi Zhongshi , Pei Shengjie , Yan Bei , Liu Run , Wang Qiuzhen , Szeto Ignatius Man-Yau , Liu Biao , Chen Lei , Li Duo
Published: September 2023

Preclinical studies have shown the benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on dementia and cognitive impairment, yet the results of clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed to date are conflicting.
Photocatalytic degradation of different antibiotics using TiO2–carbon composites: a case study of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin
Authors: Tian Chengyue , Huang Wenyu , Wei Zishen , Liang Chen , Dong Yiwu , Shi Ji , Zhang Xinyun , Nong Guoyou , Wang Shuangfei , Xu Jing
Published: October 2023

Preparation of H2/T-BC, a green and efficient photocatalyst, and the mechanism of differences in the degradation of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin using H2/T-BC.
Facile synthesis of V4+-doped and graphene-decorated V2O5/biomass carbon nanocomposite using graphene quantum dots for supercapacitors with wide voltage window and high energy density
Authors: Yang Chen , Li Ruiyi , Li Zaijun , Cai Tongxiang , Yang Yongqiang , Liu Xiaohao
Published: October 2023

This study reports a strategy for synthesis of V4+-doped and graphene-decorated V2O2/biomass carbon nanocomposite using graphene quantum dot. The introduction of graphene quantum dots and cotton significantly improves the supercapacitor performance.
Quantum chemical calculations for reaction prediction in the development of synthetic methodologies
Authors: Hayashi Hiroki , Maeda Satoshi , Mita Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2023

This perspective showcases how quantum chemical calculations drive predictive strategies to explore unknown reactions, catalysts, and synthetic routes toward complex molecules in synthetic methodology development.
Coordinating activation strategy enables 1,2-alkylamidation of alkynes
Authors: Ren Jing , Xu Junhua , Kong Xiangxiang , Li Jinlong , Li Kaizhi
Published: September 2023

The radical 1,2-difunctional alkylamidation of alkynes has been developed with the help of a bidentate coordinating group for the synthesis of β-alkylated enamides.
Perceptions of the Scope of Practice of Audiology
Authors: Criter Robin E. , Sheperd Melanie , Northrup Danielle , Shuster Linda
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this study was to determine which scope of practice roles and responsibilities are attributed to the profession of audiology (AUD) relative to other health care disciplines by a group of health and human services faculty and students.

Method:

An online survey inquiring about participant knowledge of different health professions' scopes of practice, and experience with and attitude toward the profession of AUD, was sent to faculty and students in the Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services. Students also completed two subscales of the Interprofessional Attitudes Scale. Descriptive statistics and chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis analyses evaluating response differences between groups are presented.

Results:

Thirty-six faculty and 118 students (48 graduate and 70 undergraduate) completed the survey. AUD was the profession most often associated with all hearing-related scope of practice activities. Speech-language pathology was often associated with hearing-related scope of practice activities. Audiologists were less commonly associated with vestibular, balance, and mobility scope of practice activities. Group was significant for four scope of practice activities. About half of respondents indicated they knew nothing or a little about AUD, and a majority had no or rare interactions with audiologists in class or clinic. Only about half of participants responded they were likely or very likely to refer patients to an audiologist.

Conclusion:

Increased knowledge of the scope of practice and exposure to the profession of AUD may benefit other health care professionals and patients, possibly leading to increased interprofessional practice and an increased number of appropriate referrals.
Time Evolving Photo Ionisation Device (TEPID): A novel code for out-of-equilibrium gas ionisation
Authors: Luminari A. , Nicastro F. , Krongold Y. , Piro L. , Thakur A. L.
Published: September 2023

Context. Photoionisation is one of the main mechanisms at work in the gaseous environment of bright astrophysical sources. A great deal of information on the gas physics, chemistry and kinematics, and on the ionising source itself, can be gathered through optical to X-ray spectroscopy. While several public time equilibrium photoionisation codes are readily available and can be used to infer average gas properties at equilibrium, time-evolving photoionisation models have only very recently started to become available. They are needed when the ionising source varies faster than the typical gas equilibration timescale. Using equilibrium models to analyse spectra of non-equilibrium photoionised gas may lead to inaccurate results, and prevents a solid assessment of gas density, physics, and geometry.

Aims. Our main objective is to present and make available the Time-Evolving PhotoIonisation Device (TEPID), a new code that self-consistently solves time evolving photoionisation equations (both thermal and ionisation balance) and accurately follows the response of the gas to changes in the ionising source.

Methods. TEPID self-consistently follows the gas temperature and ionisation in time by including all the main ionisation/recombination and heating/cooling mechanisms. The code takes in input the ionising light curve and spectral energy distribution and solves the time-evolving equations as a function of gas electron density and of time. The running time is intelligently optimised by an internal algorithm that initially scans the input light curve to set a time-dependent integration frequency. The code is built in a modular way, can be applied to a variety of astrophysical scenarios and produces time-resolved gas absorption spectra to fit the data.

Results. To describe the structure and main features of the code, we present two applications of TEPID to two dramatically different astrophysical scenarios: the typical ionised absorbers observed in the X-ray spectra of active galactic nuclei (e.g. warm absorbers and ultra-fast outflows), and the circumburst environment of a gamma-ray burst. For both cases we show how the gas energy and ionisation balances vary as a function of time, gas density and distance from the ionising source. We show that time-evolving photoionisation leads to unique ionisation patterns that cannot be reproduced by stationary photoionisation codes when the gas is out of equilibrium. This demonstrates the need for codes such as TEPID in view of the unprecedented capabilities that will be offered by the upcoming high-resolution X-ray spectrometers on board missions like XRISM or Athena.
Oxygenator Volume Control by Parallel Ultrafiltration to Remove Plasma Water
Authors: Hopeck Joseph M. , Lane Ronald S. , Schroeder Jerry W.
Published: October 2023

A technique of hemoconcentration during and after cardiopulmonary bypass using parallel ultrafiltration (hemodiafiltration) is described and evaluated. Fifty-nine (59) adult patients were evaluated with thirty-five (35) being ultrafiltered intra-operatively and twenty-four (24) not being ultrafiltered. The technique of ultrafiltration is presented as a viable method of achieving significant hemoconcentration (p <.001). The ultrafiltered group demonstrated a drop in hematocrit between pre-pump and post-pump samples of 11%, whereas the group which was not ultrafiltered demonstrates a 16% drop in hematocrit between the same two samples. Operative fluid balance index is also significantly lower in the ultrafiltered group (p <.001), which had a positive index of 727 ml/m2 as compared to the non-ultrafiltered group which had a positive index of 1206 ml/m2. Comparisons of platelet counts, fibrinogen levels and plasma hemoglobin levels between the groups indicate no significant disruption of formed elements of plasma proteins associated with the use of ultrafiltration. There were no system failures during this series and no complications attributed to the use of parallel ultrafiltration.
Alle Fäden in der Hand?
Authors: Kämmer Karla
Published: October 2023

Super engagierte, hochmotivierte und hingebungsvolle Führungskräfte – hört sich gut an? Aber: Oft ist der Grat hin zum Perfektionismus schmal. Lesen Sie mehr über ein „Zuviel“ an Erwartungen, an sich und natürlich auch an andere.
Chance für deutsche Gesundheitseinrichtungen?
Authors: Sartory Yannick , Bruns Anna Christina
Published: October 2023

Magnetkliniken zeichnen sich durch exzellente Patientenversorgung und hohe Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit aus. Das dahinterliegende Konzept aus den USA basiert auf einem facettenreichen Programm, welches zwar individuell ausgestaltbar, aber dennoch äußerst umfassend ist. Auch wenn Forschungsergebnisse aus den USA nicht vollständig in das deutsche Gesundheitssystem übertragbar sind, stellt es hierzulande eine echte Chance dar.