bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiographic changes after alveolar ridge preservation using autogenous raw tooth particles versus xenograft: A prospective controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mahardawi Basel , Damrongsirirat Napat , Dhanesuan Kanit , Subbalekha Keskanya , Mattheos Nikos , Pimkhaokham Atiphan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe use of extracted teeth has been introduced as an option for bone grafting. However, the current method requires special machines and solutions, posing significant time and cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of autogenous raw tooth particles (RTP), a grafting material made from a ground tooth using basic equipment, for alveolar ridge preservation.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐three patients (12 study/11 control), having 14 and 13 sites were included for the study and control groups (commercially available xenograft), respectively. Radiographic measurements were taken at the baseline and the 4‐month follow‐up appointment. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey concerning the general preference of the type of graft to receive (if needed), before and after knowing the price, was distributed at the completion of the procedure for patients to answer.ResultsAlveolar ridge width change was −1.03 ± 0.64 and −0.84 ± 0.35 for the study and the control groups, respectively. Regarding the height, the study group showed a buccal and lingual change of −0.66 ± 0.48 and −0.78 ± 0.81, respectively, while this was −0.78 ± 0.56 and −0.9 ± 0.41 for the xenograft group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Patients preferred the raw tooth particles over other grafting materials (p = .01).ConclusionNo core biopsies were taken to evaluate bone formation, which should be done in future studies. Within its limitations, the current study demonstrated that RTP graft could be an alternative graft for bone augmentation, offering a new cost‐effective option for clinicians when available.
Endoscopic ultrasonography for microvascular imaging without contrast enhancement in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions
Authors: Yamashita Yasunobu , Yamazaki Hirofumi , Nakahata Akiya , Shimokawa Toshio , Tamura Takaaki , Kawaji Yuki , Tamura Takashi , Hatamaru Keiichi , Itonaga Masahiro , Ashida Reiko , Kitano Masayuki 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesDetective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI‐EUS) is a recent imaging modality developed for detecting fine vessels without the need for ultrasound contrast agents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility of DFI‐EUS for solid pancreatic lesions and to compare the diagnostic ability for pancreatic cancer (PC) between DFI‐EUS, directional power Doppler (eFLOW) EUS, and contrast‐enhanced harmonic (CH)‐EUS.MethodsPatients with a pancreatic lesion who underwent DFI‐EUS, eFLOW‐EUS, and CH‐EUS between March 2019 and November 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. Final diagnoses were confirmed by pathologic examination of EUS‐guided tissue acquisition and/or resected specimens. Lesions were categorized into the three patterns of poor, mild, and rich vascularity on DFI‐EUS and eFLOW‐EUS, and hypo‐, iso‐, and hypervascular on CH‐EUS. PC was defined as a poor pattern on DFI‐EUS and eFLOW‐EUS, and a hypovascular pattern on CH‐EUS.ResultsThe final diagnoses of 90 examined tumors were PC (n = 57), inflammatory mass (n = 6), autoimmune pancreatitis (n = 13), neuroendocrine tumor (n = 9), and others (n = 5). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosis of PC were 93%, 82%, and 88%, respectively, on DFI‐EUS, 97%, 42%, and 77% on eFLOW‐EUS, and 95%, 89%, and 92% on CH‐EUS. The accuracy of DFI‐EUS was significantly superior to eFLOW‐EUS (P = 0.005), but no significant difference was found between DFI‐EUS and CH‐EUS.ConclusionDFI‐EUS is more sensitive for depicting vasculature than eFLOW‐EUS, and has higher diagnostic sensitivity for PC. Evaluation of vascularity on DFI‐EUS is useful for the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions without the need for intravenous contrast agent.
Hydrolyzed conchiolin protein inhibits melanogenesis through PKA/CREB and MEK/ERK signalling pathways
Authors: Zhang Yaqi , Wang Sisi , Yang Anquan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveHydrolyzed conchiolin protein (HCP) derived from pearl and nacre extracts exerts skin‐lightening effects; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the effect of HCP on melanogenesis and the signalling pathways involved.MethodsB16F10 cells and PIG cells were treated with HCP to verify its ability to inhibit melanin. Western Blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry methods were performed to investigate the effect of HCP on melanogenesis signalling pathway proteins. The inhibitors were used to further validate the effect of HCP on PKA/CREB and MEK/ERK signalling pathways. To further evaluate the whitening ability of HCP, changes in melanin were detected using 3D melanin skin model and zebrafish model.ResultsHCP was found to significantly inhibit melanin synthesis and decrease the expression of melanogenesis‐related proteins, such as microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, and tyrosinase‐related protein‐2, in a dose‐dependent manner. Additionally, we revealed that HCP suppresses melanogenesis via the regulation of the PKA/cAMP response element‐binding (CREB) and MEK/extracellular signalling‐regulated kinase (ERK) signalling pathways. Using 3D melanin skin models, we demonstrated that HCP can achieve skin‐lightening effects by improving apparent chroma, increasing apparent brightness, and inhibiting melanin synthesis. Furthermore, HCP exhibits skin‐whitening effects in a zebrafish model.ConclusionThese results suggest that HCP suppresses the melanogenesis signalling cascade by inhibiting the PKA/CREB, MEK/ERK signalling pathway and downregulating MITF and its downstream signalling pathways, resulting in decreased melanin synthesis. In summary, HCP is a potential anti‐pigmentation agent with promising applications in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
The role of β‐glucanase in modifying dough characteristics, texture and in vitro starch digestibility of highland barley‐enriched bread
Authors: Yang Mei , Zhang Shuo , Wang Qian , Tong Litao , Wang Lili , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong , Liu Liya 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThis study aims to evaluate how β‐glucanase impacts dough characteristics, and the in vitro starch digestibility and quality of breads from mixed wheat and highland barley flour at different wheat/highland barley flour weight ratios (70/30 and 50/50). The results showed that β‐glucanase reduced the dough's viscoelasticity and enhanced its extensibility, softness, α‐helix (2.52%–16.12%), β‐sheet (11.10%–31.66%) and free sulfhydryl content (22.70%–34.49%). This helped to mitigate the negative effects of a high β‐glucan content on the wheat/highland barley dough (P < 0.05). Moreover, β‐glucanase improved the specific volume (44.67%–56.56%) and springiness (5.56%–40.41%) as well as reduced the hardness of wheat/highland barley bread (7.50%–71.32%). Furthermore, as the higher content of slowly digestible starch (20.81%–30.84%) reduced the enzymatic rate (k value), β‐glucanase‐treated wheat/highland barley bread exhibited lower starch digestibility (66.17%–71.16%) than white bread (75.37%). Therefore, this study indicated that β‐glucanase played an offsetting role on highland barley bread while maintaining relatively low starch digestibility.
Cross‐cultural comparison of low back pain in the nursing workforce: A pilot study
Authors: Gilchrist Andrea , Macková Denisa , Pokorná Andrea 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to analyse cross‐cultural differences in the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and other back pain of general nurses in direct inpatient care in the Czech Republic (CZ) and Great Britain (GB).MethodsThe survey was used using an extended standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and self‐created additional questions. The data were analysed with Stata 15 using a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe data analysis was based on 1043 questionnaires. We identified statistically significant differences in the LBP prevalence between the respondents (CZ 93% and GB 85%) over a period of 12 months. Nurses in both countries stated a higher prevalence of LBP compared to pain in the neck, shoulders or upper back. LBP increases in relation to age, length of work experience, body mass index (BMI) and university education (BSc). Age, length of work experience, BMI and education (nursing college and master's degree) were confirmed as significant risks contributing to the increased prevalence of other back pain as well. Respondents reported a reduction in work performance, leisure activities and the need to change profession in relation to LBP.ConclusionThe results of the study confirm that LBP is a frequent occupational health issue in the general nurses working in direct inpatient care in both countries.
COVID‐19 and support for basic income in Korea
Authors: Kim Hansung , Huh Soo Yeon , Lee Sun Young 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe research questions addressed in this study are: “Who supports basic income (BI) in Korea?” and “What type of BI do supporters endorse?” To understand the support for BI in detail two key factors were considered: job insecurity and the receipt of no‐strings cash benefits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The types of BI were categorized based on regularity, individuality, and adequacy. A series of logistic regression analyses was conducted using nationally representative survey data from 2020. The results revealed that job insecurity and the receipt of no‐strings cash benefits during the pandemic were significantly associated with the support for BI. Additionally, the study explored significant correlates of the support for each feature of BI. Job insecurity and the receipt of no‐strings cash benefits were significantly associated with the regularity of BI but not with its individuality and adequacy. Interestingly, among the participants who supported universal BI, only 9% believed that BI should be regular, individual, and sufficient to cover the minimum cost of living.
Expanding the transgene expression toolbox of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Southworth Joshua , Gonzalez Estela , Nevard Katherine , Larrosa‐Godall Mireia , Alphey Luke , Anderson Michelle A. E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Diptera: culicidae) is a competent vector of Plasmodium falciparum (Haemosporida: plasmodiidae) malaria, and its expansion in the African continent is of concern due to its viability in urban settings and resistance to insecticides. To enhance its genetic tractability, we determined the utility of a ~2 kb An. stephensi lipophorin (lp) promoter fragment in driving transgene expression. Lipophorin genes are involved in lipid transport in insects, and an orthologous promoter in An. gambiae (AGAP001826) was previously demonstrated to successfully express a transgene. In the present study, we qualitatively characterised the expression of a ZsYellow fluorescent marker protein, expressed by An. stephensi lp promoter fragment. Our study indicated that the lp promoter fragment was effective, generating a distinct expression pattern in comparison to the commonly utilised 3xP3 promoter. The lp:ZsYellow fluorescence was largely visible in early instar larvae and appeared more intense in later instar larvae, pupae and adults, becoming especially conspicuous in adult females after a blood meal. Different isolines showed some variation in expression pattern and intensity. Aside from general transgene expression, as the lp promoter produces a suitable fluorescent protein marker expression pattern, it may facilitate genotypic screening and aid the development of more complex genetic biocontrol systems, such as multi‐component gene drives. This study represents an expansion of the An. stephensi genetic toolbox, an important endeavour to increase the speed of An. stephensi research and reach public health milestones in combating malaria.
Six‐principal‐component high‐entropy carbonitride aerogel thermal insulator: Theoretical and experimental studies
Authors: Han Lei , Chen Yu , Wang Huifang , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Shaowei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA combined theoretical and experimental approach was used to investigate high‐entropy carbonitride. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the [N]/([C]+[N]) ratio in (Ti1/6Cr1/6V1/6Mo1/6Nb1/6Ta1/6)(C1−xNx) affects its lattice thermal conductivity which could be decreased by 89% by increasing the ratio from 0 to 1/2. Moreover, a robust, flame‐retardant and high‐temperature resistant (Ti1/6Cr1/6V1/6Mo1/6Nb1/6Ta1/6)(C0.64N0.36) high‐entropy carbonitride aerogel (6‐HECNA) was synthesized. It exhibited a porosity of 94.3%, a compressive strength of 0.9 MPa, and a good high‐temperature stability up to 1673 K. These properties, along with its outstanding fire‐retardancy, and low thermal conductivity (0.122 W·m−1·K−1 at 298 K), make it a promising candidate material for thermal insulation applications under harsh conditions.
In‐situ fabrication of high‐strength SiC joints utilizing a novel CoCrFeNiTiMo high‐entropy alloy filler
Authors: Huang Changcong , Chen Jian , Zhang Huihui , Liao Shengjun , Gao Chenxi , Peng Lan , Liu Xuejian , Huang Zhengren 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study utilized an innovative unalloyed CoCrFeNiTiMo hybrid powder as a joining filler to fabricate high‐strength SiC/HEA/SiC joints via in‐situ reaction. The investigation systematically examines the effects of joining parameters on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. The filler exhibits high reactivity with SiC, addressing carbon enrichment and low‐strength issues. The resulting joining layer comprises HEA‐rich Si, Mo1.5Cr1.5Si, MoTiC2, and TiC phases. Increasing the temperature facilitates carbon diffusion, transforming TiC into MoTiC2 and forming a MoTiC2‐wrapped TiC structure. At 1400°C for 60 min, the joints attain peak flexural and shear strengths of 312 ± 16 and 137 ± 10 MPa, respectively. Additionally, the joints demonstrate excellent oxidation resistance, with a residual strength of 270 ± 7 MPa after 20 h at 900°C, and favorable high‐temperature mechanical strength, retaining 155 ± 14 MPa at 1000°C. A detailed analysis of the joint formation mechanism is conducted based on experimental results and first‐principles calculations.
Mechanisms of ice crystal growth in nanoconfined spaces of cementitious composites at low temperatures: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Zhou Yuxin , Feng Yuan , Zhang Junjie , Yu Rui , Yu Zechuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the dynamics of ice crystal growth and stress distribution in nanoconfined spaces using molecular dynamics simulations. First, the interaction between the pore wall and coarse‐grained water is modified, leading to the development of pore models with varying wettability. Subsequently, the process of ice crystal growth within pores of 10 nm diameter is examined under different temperatures and hydrophobicity conditions. Results unveil that ice crystal growth induces substantial energy and enthalpy alterations within the system. Hydrophobic nanopores demonstrate a protective function by limiting ice crystal growth and water transport, thereby mitigating freezing damage. However, hydrophobic nanopores exhibit increased stress levels when saturated with water. The study employs the Zener pinning theory and mass transfer rates to qualitatively scrutinize the thermodynamic and kinetic interplay between the ice crystal interface and the degree of supercooling. These findings offer insights into the mechanisms of ice formation and stress evolution in nanoconfined environments.
The European Union as a Target: When Do Democratic Backsliders Rhetorically Challenge the EU?
Authors: Waters Kari , Call Samantha 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPopulist actors who conduct democratic backsliding incrementally eat away at institutional checks on power. Whilst they largely focus on domestic institutions, European Union (EU) member states have an international democratic institution to consider as well. In this article, we present and test a theory explaining changes in backslider rhetoric towards the EU. Whilst they often claim a position of Euroscepticism, their interactions with the EU are complicated. We argue that anti‐democratic actors consider the public perception of the EU and the likelihood of enforcement and sanctions from the EU when deciding what type of rhetoric to use. Using speeches from Orbán in Hungary and Duda in Poland, we find that the effect of public opinion on speech sentiment varies between leaders. We also find evidence of position blurring in response to increases in EU threat levels.
Advancing the treatment of anxiety disorders in transition‐age youth: a review of the therapeutic effects of unconscious exposure
Authors: Siegel Paul , Peterson Bradley S. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe real‐world effectiveness of exposure‐based therapies for youth depends on the willingness and ability of young people to tolerate confronting their fears, which can be experienced as highly aversive and create problems with treatment engagement and acceptance. Recently, neuroscientific research on the nonconscious basis of fear has been translated into novel exposure interventions that bypass conscious processing of feared stimuli and that thus do not cause phobic youth to experience distress. We present a review of these unconscious exposure interventions.MethodsA PRISMA‐based search yielded 20 controlled experiments based on three paradigms that tested if fear‐related responses could be reduced without conscious awareness in highly phobic, transition‐age youth: 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 5 fMRI studies (1 was also an RCT), 4 psychophysiological studies (3 were also RCTs), and 1 ERP study. We conducted meta‐analyses of outcomes where feasible.ResultsUnconscious exposure interventions significantly (1) reduced avoidance behavior (range of Cohen's d = 0.51–0.95) and self‐reported fear (d = 0.45–1.25) during in vivo exposure to the feared situation; (2) reduced neurobiological indicators of fear (d = 0.54–0.62) and concomitant physiological arousal (d = 0.55–0.64); (3) activated neural systems supporting fear regulation more strongly than visible exposure to the same stimuli (d = 1.2–1.5); (4) activated regions supporting fear regulation that mediated the reduction of avoidance behavior (d = 0.70); (5) evoked ERPs suggesting encoding of extinction memories (d = 2.13); and (6) had these effects without inducing autonomic arousal or subjective fear.ConclusionsUnconscious exposure interventions significantly reduce a variety of symptomatic behaviors with mostly moderate effect sizes in transition‐age youth with specific phobias. fMRI and physiological findings establish a neurophysiological basis for this efficacy, and suggest it occurs through extinction learning. Unconscious exposure was well tolerated, entirely unassociated with drop out, and is highly scalable for clinical practice. However, a number of limitations must be addressed to assess potential clinical impacts, including combining unconscious exposure with exposure therapy to boost treatment acceptance and efficacy.
Determinants of riverine migration success by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts from rivers across the UK and Ireland
Authors: Rodger Jessica R. , Guthrie Jemma , Honkanen Hannele M. , Lothian Angus J. , Lilly Jessie , Walters Marcus , Miller Richie , Hawkins Lorraine , Reeve Al , Ribbens Jamie , Henderson Jim , Parke Debbie , Green Amy , Shields Brian A. , Ramsden Philip , Fletcher Melanie , Kettle‐White Alan , Shaw Brian , Burns Stephen , Laughton Robert , Conroy Chris , Daphne Chris , Williams Keith , Robertson Sean , Bean Colin W. , del Villar Diego , Waters Catherine , Rosell Robert , Cotter Deirdre , Smith Melanie , Maoiléidigh Niall Ó. , Kennedy Richard , Adams Colin E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThere is some evidence that the river migration success of Atlantic salmon smolts, on their first migration to sea, varies both spatially and temporally. However, we have only a poor understanding of what may be driving this variation. In this study, we used acoustic telemetry to quantify the spatial and temporal variations in river migration success in Atlantic salmon smolts on their first migration to sea. In total 4120 Atlantic salmon smolts migrating through 22 rivers in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Northern Ireland over multiple years were included in the study. Individuals were defined as successful migrants if detected leaving the river to enter marine waters. The results show significant temporal (up to 4 years) and spatial (river) variations in migration success, with overall between‐river migration success varying from 3.4% to 97.0% and between years from 3.4% and 61.0%. Temporal variation in migration success was river specific, with some rivers being more temporally stable (exhibiting little variation between years) than others. Across all rivers and years, individual migration success was predicted positively by body condition and negatively by tag burden. The rate of migration success for a population (migration success standardized to a common river distance [proportion km−1]) was predicted by a number of environmental factors. The proportion of river catchment that comprised wetland and woodland positively predicted migration success, whereas the proportion of grassland and peatland in a catchment negatively predicted the rate of migration success. Although the mechanisms through which these effects may be operating were not directly examined in this study, we discuss some potential routes through which they may occur.
Analyzing network flows of used EEE and e‐waste with platform data: Adding reuse into the EPR system for WEEE recycling in China
Authors: Wang Tao , Tong Xin , Li Jinling , Wang Xuejun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractChina has established a nationwide formal e‐waste disassembly system based on the extended producer responsibility principle. However, the system mainly focuses on material recycling while excluding the reuse of used electrical and electronic equipment (used EEE) due to the complexity of flows and transactions during the reuse stage. Recently, emerging online platforms have played an increasingly crucial role in the value chain of reuse and recycling, significantly improving the visibility of flows in these activities. This paper aims to depict the spatial structure of the used EEE and e‐waste flow networks using a multi‐scale analysis framework. Using spatial analysis tools in complex network analysis, we characterize cross‐city reuse flows in China. A clear regional pattern of a hierarchical reuse network of notable regional hubs in certain regions in China is revealed in this analysis. The role of regulation is demonstrated in the comparison of the spatial flows in reuse and recycling. In conclusion, it is proposed that reuse should be included and emphasized in the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment in China to maximize the value of circularity.