bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Masseter muscle thickness before and after the correction of unilateral functional posterior crossbite in growing individuals: a prospective controlled clinical trial
Authors: Beltrami Fara , Kiliaridis Stavros , Antonarakis Gregory S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate whether unilateral functional posterior crossbite in growing children creates an asymmetry in masseter muscle thickness and whether this asymmetry is normalized after crossbite correction.

Materials and methods
Two groups of growing individuals were studied prospectively: (i) a treatment group: children with unilateral functional posterior crossbite, undergoing crossbite correction with maxillary expansion; and (ii) a control group: children without transversal malocclusions and orthodontic treatment. The thickness of the masseter muscles was measured bilaterally using ultrasonographic recordings at three time points: pre-treatment (T0); 9 months after (T1); and 30 months after posterior crossbite correction (T2); and at equivalent time points in the control group. Differences within and between the groups were evaluated using paired and unpaired t-tests respectively.

Results
It was found that the thickness of the masseter muscles in patients with unilateral functional posterior crossbite was significantly thinner on the crossbite side (P = .013) by 0.5 mm. At T1, the masseter muscle of the treated crossbite side was thicker than that of the previous normal side (0.3 mm difference; P = .046) while this difference disappeared at T2 (P &gt; .05).

Limitations
The lack of the inclusion of an untreated posterior crossbite group, and the heterogeneity in appliances used are the principal limitations of this study.

Conclusions
The masseter muscles in untreated individuals with unilateral functional posterior crossbite are thinner in the crossbite side than in the contralateral non-crossbite side. This muscular asymmetry however is eliminated some time after successful treatment of this malocclusion, possibly due to the bilateral symmetrization of the activity of the elevator masticatory muscles.
Structural analysis of gravity and magnetic data: implication for groundwater study in the Ziway, Abijata and Langano lakes corridor and surroundings, central main Ethiopian rift
Authors: Moges Getnet , Alemu Abera , Ejepu Jude 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY
The study area that constitutes the Ziway–Abijata and Langano lakes corridor and its surroundings is located in the central part of the main Ethiopian rift. This region is characterized by active tectonics, volcanic activities, varied geological and structural history, geothermal activity and dotted lakes on the lower lands of the rift floor. The residual gravity and DRTP (differential reduction to pole) magnetic anomalies were employed in this study. This integrated approach included modern data enhancement techniques, including tilt derivative combined with horizontal gradient analysis and curvature analysis of the horizontal gradient to identify suburface lineaments influencing groundwater flow in the study area. Moreover, the gravity and magnetic techniques are employed to determine anomalous depth sources through spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution tecniques that are thought to provide vital information for groundwater studies.
Interpretation of the residual gravity and DRTP magnetic anomalies revealed distinict patterns linked to subsurface physical properties (density and susceptibility) showing positive correlations with the existing surface geology.
Depth ranges deep ($\approx\!2\,\,{\rm{km}})$, intermediate ($\approx\! 0.93\,\,{\rm{km}})$ and shallow ($\approx$0.3 km) were estimated using spectral depth analysis and Euler deconvolution from the compiled residual gravity and DRTP magnetic anomalies. These estimated depth ranges have been considered to investigate various subsurface geological features from the surface down to about 2 km, where tertiary ignimbrite reserviors (identified in this study and previous studies by drilling) have been encountered.
Curvature analysis of horizontal gradient, a combined approch involving horizontal gradient and tilt derivative for both gravity and magnetics data, were used to identify subsurface lineaments.
The study has identified NNE–SSW, NE–SW and N–S trends possibly linked to Quaternary faults, and NNW–SSE and NW–SE trends related to the pre-existing Mesozoic structures. Moreover, the E–W to NW–SE trends identified in this study are thought to correspond to the oblique-slip faults intersecting the major rift faults.
The findings of this study are believed to contribute to the overall attempt for the assessment of the groundwater resources of the study area and its surrounding regions.
Are current follow-up intervals justified in patients with non-emergent aortic surgeries?
Authors: Kletzer Joseph , Berger Tim , Kondov Stoyan , Bleile Thomas , Dimov Aleksandar , Werdecker Victoria , Czerny Martin , Rylski Bartosz , Kreibich Maximilian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Evidence for different surveillance protocols following aortic treatment is still lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical relevance of a first follow-up visit after 6 months.

METHODS
Between January 2018 and December 2019, 464 patients treated for non-emergent aortic pathologies were retrospectively analysed. The incidence of aortic events during follow-up (ie, death, reintervention, endoleaks, anastomotic/new aneurysms and diameter progression over time) was investigated. A discrete-time non-homogeneous Markov Chain Model was used to analyse the data and to arrive at the number of skipped 6-month follow-up visits needed to harm a patient.

RESULTS
After 6 months, 2 (1.77%) patients had died, 15 (15.31%) patients suffered from aortic events and a total of 4 (3.67%) patients had undergone reintervention after endovascular surgery, compared to 0 deaths, 2 (0.59%) patients with aortic events and 5 (1.48%) reinterventions after open surgery. In our Markov Chain Model, after 6 months, 4.75% of patients showed aortic events, received a reintervention or died. Sixty patients would need to skip their 6-month follow-up visit for one indication for reintervention to go unnoticed. Only 24 would need to skip it for one complication to go by unnoticed. This number is 55 after open surgery and 9 after endovascular surgery.

CONCLUSIONS
After elective endovascular or open aortic surgery without immediate in-hospital postoperative aortic events, the first follow-up visit after 6 months is important. Extending the first interval to longer time periods might lead to a considerable increase in missed aortic events. The cost and radiation exposure of frequent follow-ups must be balanced against the benefits of early preventative aortic interventions, warranting further research.
The Guardians’ Guards: Catholic Environmentalism in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Turina Isacco 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical Laudato si’ has been hailed as a historic milestone in the greening of the Catholic Church. However, little empirical research has explored the implementation of the pope’s ambitious environmental program. This sociological study examines the progress and limits of Catholic ecological commitment in the Brazilian Amazon. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork conducted in 2023 in the state of Amazonas, the article aims to show how historical, organizational, cultural, and political dimensions complicate achievement of the pope’s “ecological dream” as expressed in his exhortation Querida Amazonia. It also points out differences between notions of ecologically appropriate initiatives typical of the Global North (rubbish collection, solar energy) and the less technical challenges in the Global South, where environmental struggles are embedded in a fundamental economic and power asymmetry and where activists must cope with everyday violence.
Biochemical characterization and mutational analysis of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases of Escherichia coli highlighting their involvement in the generation of membrane phospholipid diversity
Authors: Suwanawat Nittikarn , Ogawa Takuya , Toyotake Yosuke , Kawamoto Jun , Kurihara Tatsuo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) is an enzyme responsible for the second acylation step of phospholipid biosynthesis and transforms lysophosphatidic acid to phosphatidic acid, a universal precursor of various phospholipids. In addition to the well-studied plsC-encoded LPAAT (EcPlsC), we previously found that Escherichia coli has another LPAAT that is encoded by yihG (EcYihG). EcPlsC and EcYihG are integral membrane proteins and have never been solubilized and purified in their active form. To better understand the difference in their enzymatic functions and how the two paralogs differently contribute to lipid diversity, we established a method to purify both enzymes in their active form and comparatively analysed their biochemical characteristics. Our findings illustrate that EcPlsC possesses the highest activity at pH 8.0 and 37°C with selectivity for unsaturated fatty acyl-CoAs (e.g. palmitoleoyl-CoA), whereas EcYihG works optimally at pH 7.5 and 30°C and prefers saturated fatty acyl-CoAs (e.g. myristoyl-CoA). In addition, we performed a mutational analysis based on AlphaFold2 models and revealed that one residue, which is located at the putative acyl-donor-selectivity tunnel entrance, plays a pivotal role in selecting acyl donor substrates. This provides new insights into how LPAATs recognize specific fatty acyl groups and incorporate them into membrane phospholipids.
Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are associated with poor mental well-being in specific age and occupation groups
Authors: Yang Hang-Ju , Cheng Yawen , Liu Yen-Ling , Cheng Wan-Ju 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Innovative technology at work can lead to stress and has been linked with adverse work and health consequences. This study aimed to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being in different age and occupational groups.

Methods
We used a nationally representative survey of the working population and restricted our analyses to 2814 employees who reported being engaged with new technology. Techno-insecurity and techno-strain were evaluated by a single question each. Mental health status was assessed by a 5-item scale, and burnout status was assessed by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being, adjusting for job control, psychological demands, job insecurity, and workplace violence. We further stratified study participants by age and occupational group and examined the association in each group.

Results
One-fifth of the study participants reported having techno-insecurity and techno-strain. Techno-insecurity was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of poor mental health and high burnout, whereas techno-strain was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of having poor mental health and high burnout. The associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and poor mental health were most profound among middle-aged workers. Among all occupational groups, the associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and burnout were most profound among manual workers.

Conclusions
Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are emerging occupational mental health threats, particularly among middle-aged and manual workers. To promote mental health, resources provided by the organization are needed to help employees cope and work with technology.
Utilization and regional disparities of radiotherapy in cancer treatment in Japan: a longitudinal study using NDB open data
Authors: Takeda Kazuya , Umezawa Rei , Yamamoto Takaya , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Onishi Hiroshi , Jingu Keiichi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) is a database that stores anonymized information on medical receipts and health checkups in Japan. The NDB Open Data is a publicly accessible summary table of the NDB database. To reveal annual trends and regional disparities in radiotherapy utilization in Japan, we analyzed the NDB Open Data tables for a 9-year period from 2014 to 2022. We extracted medical cost codes for radiotherapy management fees and specific types of radiotherapy, such as stereotactic irradiation (STI) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), to analyze nationwide changes over time. To investigate regional disparities, we counted the three subitems representing 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), IMRT, and STI for each prefecture per year. The utilization of advanced radiotherapy techniques, such as IMRT (199% increase), increased, while the use of simpler forms of irradiation, such as 1 or 2-opposite fields irradiation (40% decrease), decreased in the period from 2014 to 2022. Regarding regional disparities, the coefficients of variation in 47 prefectures for 3D-CRT remained relatively stable at 0.17 in 2014 and 0.18 in 2022, while the coefficients of variation for IMRT and STI decreased from 0.64 and 0.39 in 2014 to 0.31 and 0.36 in 2022, respectively. The popularization of IMRT was correlated with the number of certified radiation oncologists in the prefecture. In conclusion, although the utilization of high-precision radiotherapy in Japan has been increasing and regional differences have been diminishing, there are still persistent disparities.
Spinal cord epidural stimulation for male sexual function in spinal cord injured rats
Authors: Wilkins Natasha Lorraine , Beasley Kyle , Vazquez Betsy Perez De Corcho , Medina-Aguinaga Daniel , Hubscher Charles H 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
95% of men with spinal cord injuries exhibit difficulties with sexual function, including erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, poor ejaculatory force, and poor sperm quality.

Aim
The primary goal is to determine if well-established interventions, such as spinal cord epidural stimulation, are a feasible treatment for sexual dysfunction and if locomotor recovery training can be used to improve ejaculatory function in a rodent model of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods
Male Wistar rats underwent thoracic laminectomies (shams), spinal cord transections, or moderate spinal cord contusion injuries. In urethane-anesthetized rodents, terminal spinal cord epidural stimulation was performed to target the mid-lumbar level spinal generator for ejaculation (SGE) in animals with transection spinal cord injuries at 3-, 14-, or 70-days post-injury and in animals with sham surgeries and spinal cord contusions at 70 days post-injury. The impact of locomotor training frequency was examined in two groups of rats with spinal cord contusion, which underwent 1-hr of assisted plantar stepping on a treadmill, training two or five times weekly for 6 weeks. Terminal experiments in all groups were followed by measures of sperm concentration and post-mortem testicular weight and morphology.

Outcomes
Spinal cord epidural stimulation consistently induced the expulsion phase of ejaculation, and occasionally the emission phase of ejaculation in rats with chronic SCI.

Results
All animals were most responsive to spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with manual stimulation to induce ejaculation, with chronic injury resulting in the most consistent responses. Locomotor training improved response rates to spinal cord epidural stimulation, with intermittent training resulting in the most consistent induction of both the emission and expulsion phases of ejaculation. Sperm concentration was impacted by injury completeness and time-post injury, which was lowest in the chronic complete transection group of rats. Locomotor training resulted in an overall increase in sperm concentration, with 2 days per week of training resulting in a significant improvement of sperm motility.

Clinical implications
Spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with locomotor training is a feasible intervention for individuals with SCI who seek to regain sexual function.

Strengths and limitations
Although we have anecdotal reports of non-targeted L3 spinal cord epidural stimulation inducing ejaculation in humans having spinal cord injuries, the current outcomes may be underestimated as stimulation was carried out in anesthetized animals.

Conclusion
Spinal cord epidural stimulation to target the SGE is a feasible intervention for sexual dysfunction following SCI.
‘Taking up the Mask of Humanity’: Clement of Alexandria’s Dramatic Understanding of the Two Natures of Christ
Authors: Creedy Edward 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In the ninth century, Photios of Constantinople accused Clement of Alexandria of promoting a deficient ‘docetic’ Christology in his now-fragmentary Hypotyposes. This provoked a debate that continues to dominate discussion of Clement’s theological understandings—whether his extant christological comments constitute a proto-orthodox position, or reveal the influence of docetism. This paper argues that Photios’ accusations have been something of a red herring, and the subsequent debate has obscured Clement’s actual christological position. His own thoughts are most clearly articulated in chapter 10 of his exhortatory Protrepticus, as Clement presents a christological explanation through the language and metaphor of ancient drama. Christ is described as taking up the mask of humanity and performing the drama of salvation, and Clement leans on a wider contemporary understanding of the relationship between mask (προσωπεῖον) and actor to present this complex doctrine to his readership. Through a focus on this presentation, this paper will offer a solution to a debate that has troubled scholars for over a millennium, and which has blinkered our understanding of Clement’s Christian project more broadly.
Exploring the crisis motif in contemporary German-speaking, English-speaking, and Croatian literature—a digital and interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Novak Sonja , Mandić Marijana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article presents preliminary findings of the research project UIP-2020-02-3695 Analysis of Systems in Crisis and of New Consciousness in 21st Ct. Literature that is being financially supported by the Croatian Science Foundation. At the level of scientific contribution, the research consolidates theoretical insights into the phenomenon of permanent crisis of the modern society that is being projected through literature. This article provides an insight into some preliminary findings of the project regarding an overview of explicit representations of crises of sociocultural systems in contemporary German, English, and Croatian novels and plays with the aim of proving the hypothesis that these texts portray characters whose attitude towards systems in crisis is predominantly subversive, with outcomes that in most cases do not result in positive crisis resolution. The methodology used in the research is corpus-based and mixed, comprising a combination of quantitative and qualitative as well as thematic analyses, conducted with the support of digital tools.
The many voices of Duying: revisiting the disputed essays between Lu Xun and Zhou Zuoren
Authors: Xie Xin , Li Jiangqiong , Wang Haining 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Lu Xun (鲁迅) and Zhou Zuoren (周作人) stand as two of the most influential writers in modern Chinese literature. Beyond their familial ties as brothers, they were also intimate collaborators during the nascent stages of their writing careers. This research employs quantitative methods to revisit three disputed essays pseudonymously published by the brothers in 1912. Our stylometric analysis uses an interpretable authorship attribution model to investigate the essays’ authorship and examine the brothers’ respective writing styles. Our findings suggest that ‘Looking at the Country of China’ (望华国篇) was authored by Lu Xun. Moreover, ‘People of Yue, Forget Not Your Ancestors’ Instructions’ (尔越人毋忘先民之训) seems to be either predominantly authored or extensively revised by Lu Xun given its notable stylistic similarities to ‘Looking at the Land of Yue’ (望越篇), a piece Zhou Zuoren recognized as his own, but edited by Lu Xun. The third essay, ‘Where Has the Character of the Republic Gone?’ (民国之征何在), exhibits a ‘diluted’, mixed writing style, suggesting thorough collaboration. We offer visual representations of essay features to facilitate a nuanced and intuitive understanding. We have uncovered evidence suggesting Lu Xun’s covert engagement with social issues during his purported ‘silent era’ and provided insights into the brothers’ formative intellectual trajectories.
Stylometry at the service of history of science: the Renaissance of Copernicus
Authors: Borski George 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A recent study, following a subtle but unusual for history of science argumentation method starting from the premises established by stylometry, discovered a drastic stylistic contrast between Copernicus’s early opus Commentariolus and his mature writings. The finding challenged the long-established view that Copernicus became a humanistically minded scholar early in his life and composed Commentariolus between 1509 and 1514. The present study verifies and extends this investigation by analyzing the whole extant literary oeuvre of Copernicus. The stylometric investigation for the most critical stylistic markers is followed by a detailed linguistic analysis. The results allow for convincing guesses on what motivated Copernicus to abruptly change his Latin style and establish the circumstances under which Copernicus most likely fully embraced Renaissance humanism. In addition, the subsequent historiographical analysis presents a plausible hypothesis on the precise dating of Commentariolus, the “birth certificate” of Copernicus’s geokinetic cosmology. Thus, the utility of stylometry for the history of science is demonstrated.
ProQ-associated small RNAs control motility in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Ghandour Rabea , Devlitsarov Daniel , Popp Phillip , Melamed Sahar , Huber Michaela , Siemers Malte , Krüger Thomas , Kniemeyer Olaf , Klingl Andreas , Brakhage Axel A , Erhardt Marc , Papenfort Kai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level is prevalent in all domains of life. In bacteria, ProQ-like proteins have emerged as important RNA chaperones facilitating RNA stability and RNA duplex formation. In the major human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, post-transcriptional gene regulation is key for virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance, yet the role of ProQ has not been studied. Here, we show that ProQ interacts with hundreds of transcripts in V. cholerae, including the highly abundant FlaX small RNA (sRNA). Global analyses of RNA duplex formation using RIL-Seq (RNA interaction by ligation and sequencing) revealed a vast network of ProQ-assisted interactions and identified a role for FlaX in motility regulation. Specifically, FlaX base-pairs with multiple sites on the flaB flagellin mRNA, preventing 30S ribosome binding and translation initiation. V. cholerae cells lacking flaX display impaired motility gene expression, altered flagella composition and reduced swimming in liquid environments. Our results provide a global view on ProQ-associated RNA duplex formation and pinpoint the mechanistic and phenotypic consequences associated with ProQ-associated sRNAs in V. cholerae.