bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Training in the use of the water jet and cold atmospheric plasma jet for the decontamination of dental implants
Authors: Matthes Rutger , Jablonowski Lukasz , Pitchika Vinay , Holtfreter Birte , Eberhard Christian , Gerling Torsten , Wagner Juliane , Flörke Christian , Eisenbeiß Anne-Katrin , Cosgarea Raluca , Jepsen Karin , Bunke Jennifer , Ramanauskaite Ausra , Begić Amira , Obreja Karina , Mksoud Maria , Kocher Thomas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Clinical trials testing new devices require prior training on dummies to minimize the "learning curve" for patients. Dentists were trained using a novel water jet device for mechanical cleaning of dental implants and with a novel cold plasma device for surface functionalisation during a simulated open flap peri-implantitis therapy. The hypothesis was that there would be a learning curve for both devices.

Materials and methods
11 dentists instrumented 44 implants in a dummy-fixed jaw model. The effect of the water jet treatment was assessed as stain removal and the effect of cold plasma treatment as surface wettability. Both results were analysed using photographs. To improve treatment skills, each dentist treated four implants and checked the results immediately after the treatment as feedback.

Results
Water jet treatment significantly improved from the first to the second implant from 62.7% to 75.3% stain removal, with no further improvement up to the fourth implant. The wettability with cold plasma application reached immediately a high level at the first implant and was unchanged to the 4th implant (mean scores 2.7 out of 3).

Conclusion
A moderate learning curve was found for handling of the water jet but none for handling of the cold plasma.

Clinical relevance
Scientific rational for study: Two new devices were developed for peri-implantitis treatment (Dental water jet, cold plasma). Dentists were trained in the use of these devices prior to the trial to minimize learning effects.
Principal findings: Experienced dentists learn the handling of the water jet very rapidly and for cold plasma they do not need much training.
Practical implications: A clinical study is in process. When the planned clinical study will be finished, we will find out, if this dummy head exercise really minimised the learning curve for these devices.
A unified framework for symmetry handling
Authors: van Doornmalen Jasper , Hojny Christopher 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHandling symmetries in optimization problems is essential for devising efficient solution methods. In this article, we present a general framework that captures many of the already existing symmetry handling methods. While these methods are mostly discussed independently from each other, our framework allows to apply different methods simultaneously and thus outperforming their individual effect. Moreover, most existing symmetry handling methods only apply to binary variables. Our framework allows to easily generalize these methods to general variable types. Numerical experiments confirm that our novel framework is superior to the state-of-the-art symmetry handling methods as implemented in the solver on a broad set of instances.
Final analyses of the prospective controlled trial on the efficacy of uracil and tegafur/leucovorin as an adjuvant treatment for stage II colon cancer with risk factors for recurrence using propensity score-based methods (JFMC46-1201)
Authors: Ogata Yutaka , Sadahiro Sotaro , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Tsuchiya Takashi , Takahashi Takao , Ohge Hiroki , Sato Toshihiko , Kondo Ken , Baba Hideo , Itabashi Michio , Ikeda Masataka , Hamada Madoka , Maeda Kiyoshi , Masuko Hiroyuki , Takahashi Keiichi , Kusano Mitsuo , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Sakamoto Junichi , Taguri Masataka , Morita Satoshi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk stage II colon cancer (CC) has not been well established. Using propensity score matching, we previously reported that the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was significantly higher in patients treated with uracil and tegafur plus leucovorin (UFT/LV) against surgery alone. We report the final results, including updated 5-year overall survival (OS) rates and risk factor analysis outcomes.

Methods
In total, 1902 high-risk stage II CC patients with T4, perforation/penetration, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma/mucinous carcinoma, and/or < 12 dissected lymph nodes were enrolled in this prospective, non-randomized controlled study based on their self-selected treatment. Oral UFT/LV therapy was administered for six months after surgery.

Results
Of the 1880 eligible patients, 402 in Group A (surgery alone) and 804 in Group B (UFT/LV) were propensity score-matched. The 5-year DFS rate was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (P = 0.0008). The 5-year OS rates were not significantly different between groups. The inverse probability of treatment weighting revealed significantly higher 5-year DFS (P = 0.0006) and 5-year OS (P = 0.0122) rates in group B than in group A. Multivariate analyses revealed that male sex, age ≥ 70 years, T4, < 12 dissected lymph nodes, and no adjuvant chemotherapy were significant risk factors for DFS and/or OS.

Conclusion
The follow-up data from our prospective non-randomized controlled study revealed a considerable survival advantage in DFS offered by adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT/LV administered for six months over surgery alone in individuals with high-risk stage II CC.

Trial registration
Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCTs031180155 (date of registration: 25/02/2019), UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000007783 (date of registration: 18/04/2012).
Carleman estimates for third order operators of KdV and non KdV-type and applications
Authors: Federico Serena 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper we study a class of variable coefficient third order partial differential operators on $${\mathbb {R}}^{n+1}$$

R

n
+
1

, containing, as a subclass, some variable coefficient operators of KdV-type in any space dimension. For such a class, as well as for the adjoint class, we obtain a Carleman estimate and the local solvability at any point of $${\mathbb {R}}^{n+1}$$

R

n
+
1

. A discussion of possible applications in the context of dispersive equations is provided.
Simultaneously learning intentions and preferences during physical human-robot cooperation
Authors: van der Spaa Linda , Kober Jens , Gienger Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe advent of collaborative robots allows humans and robots to cooperate in a direct and physical way. While this leads to amazing new opportunities to create novel robotics applications, it is challenging to make the collaboration intuitive for the human. From a system’s perspective, understanding the human intentions seems to be one promising way to get there. However, human behavior exhibits large variations between individuals, such as for instance preferences or physical abilities. This paper presents a novel concept for simultaneously learning a model of the human intentions and preferences incrementally during collaboration with a robot. Starting out with a nominal model, the system acquires collaborative skills step-by-step within only very few trials. The concept is based on a combination of model-based reinforcement learning and inverse reinforcement learning, adapted to fit collaborations in which human and robot think and act independently. We test the method and compare it to two baselines: one that imitates the human and one that uses plain maximum entropy inverse reinforcement learning, both in simulation and in a user study with a Franka Emika Panda robot arm.
Efficiency analysis of discontinuous Galerkin approaches for the application onto quantum Liouville-type equations
Authors: Ganiu Valmir , Schulz Dirk 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe simulation of nanodevices is computationally inefficient with current algorithms. The discontinuous Galerkin approach has been demonstrated in the field of computational fluid dynamics to deliver high order accuracy and efficiency due to its reliance on matrix–vector multiplications. Previously, the discontinuous Galerkin approach was successfully used in conjunction with the finite volume technique to solve the Liouville–von Neumann equation in center-mass coordinates and thus simulate nanodevices. To exploit its full potential regarding high-performance computing, this work aims to substitute the aforementioned finite volume technique with the discontinuous Galerkin method. To arrive at the said formalism, a finite element method is implemented as an intermediate step.
Photosensitive iron–aluminum oxide gas sensor
Authors: Turgut Erdal 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, the structural, topographic, and optical properties of iron–aluminum oxide (AlxFe2−xO3, 1 > x > 0) thin film grown by co-sputtering method were investigated. Firstly, AlxFe2−xO3 films grown by magnetron RF–DC co-sputtering method were annealed at 540 °C and then XRD analyses were performed. The absorption measurement, Raman shift, XPS, gas sensor measurements, and SEM images were taken, respectively. The band gap energy of the AlxFe2−xO3 samples was obtained and measured as approximately 2.41 eV, and different peaks at various intensities were seen in the XRD analysis. According to the XRD analysis of the AlxFe2−xO3 semiconductor, the peaks occurred at 33.42°, 41.16°, and 54.43° and the XRD analysis results show that the structure is polycrystalline. As seen in the measurement of the AlxFe2−xO3 gas sensors, acoustic gas sensorsgas sensor, the current value increased with the flow of hydrogen gas. This means that the oxygen that hydrogen detached from the thin film surface contributes to the conductivity of the remaining electrons in the structure, which means that the thin film was an n-type semiconductor. It was seen that the AlxFe2−xO3 gas sensor was very sensitive to light. During the feature measurement, it was seen that the current value measured under the light increases considerably.
In silico assessment of biocompatibility and toxicity: molecular docking and dynamics simulation of PMMA-based dental materials for interim prosthetic restorations
Authors: Saini Ravinder S. , Binduhayyim Rayan Ibrahim H. , Gurumurthy Vishwanath , Alshadidi Abdulkhaliq Ali F. , Bavabeedu Shashit Shetty , Vyas Rajesh , Dermawan Doni , Naseef Punnoth Poonkuzhi , Mosaddad Seyed Ali , Heboyan Artak 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAim: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the biocompatibility and toxicity profiles of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and its monomeric unit, methyl methacrylate (MMA), crucial components in dental materials for interim prosthetic restorations. Methodology: Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding affinities, energetics, and steric features of MMA and PMMA with selected receptors involved in bone metabolism and tissue development, including RANKL, Fibronectin, BMP9, NOTCH2, and other related receptors. The HADDOCK standalone version was utilized for docking calculations, employing a Lamarckian genetic algorithm to explore the conformational space of ligand-receptor interactions. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over 100 nanoseconds were conducted using the GROMACS package to evaluate dynamic actions and structural stability. The LigandScout was utilized for pharmacophore modeling, which employs a shape-based screening approach to identify potential ligand binding sites on protein targets. Results: The molecular docking studies elucidated promising interactions between PMMA and MMA with key biomolecular targets relevant to dental applications. MD simulation results provided strong evidence supporting the structural stability of PMMA complexes over time. Pharmacophore modeling highlighted the significance of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups as pharmacophoric features, indicating compounds with favorable biocompatibility profiles. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of PMMA in dental applications, emphasizing its structural stability, molecular interactions, and safety considerations. These findings lay a foundation for future advancements in dental biomaterials, guiding the design and optimization of materials for enhanced biocompatibility. Future directions include experimental validation of computational findings and the development of PMMA-based dental materials with improved biocompatibility and clinical performance.
Graphical Abstract
A survey of isatin hybrids and their biological properties
Authors: Shu Vanessa Asoh , Eni Donatus Bekindaka , Ntie-Kang Fidele 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe emergence of diverse infections worldwide, which is a serious global threat to human existence, necessitates the urgent development of novel therapeutic candidates that can combat these diseases with efficacy. Molecular hybridization has been established as an efficient technique in designing bioactive molecules capable of fighting infections. Isatin, a core nucleus of an array of compounds with diverse biological properties can be modified at different positions leading to the creation of novel drug targets, is an active area of medicinal chemistry. This review containing published articles from 2005 to 2022 highlights isatin hybrids which have been synthesized and reported in the literature alongside a discussion on their biological properties. The enriched structure–activity relationship studies discussed provides insights for the rational design of novel isatin hybrids with tailored biological properties as effective therapeutic candidates inspired by nature.
Tree root-mediated soil metabolome in agroforestry enhancing the growth and quality of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Wang Cuiying , Mao Guomin , Li Yingbin , Zi Wenjing , Wang Qingying , Huang Huichuan , Yang Min , Du Fei , Mei Xinyue , Deng Weiping , Lu Jian , Zhu Shusheng , Ye Chen , Liu Yixiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The ecological cultivation of Panax notoginseng under a forest canopy relies on the coupling of the P. notoginseng growth environment and the forest ecosystem

Methods
In this study, six tree species, such as Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, were chosen to research the effects of species interactions on the growth, quality, and disease occurrence under intercropping with P. notoginseng, with single P. notoginseng serving as the control.

Results
Intercropping P. notoginseng with PO (Platycladus orientalis, a coniferous tree species) or with SW (Schima wallichii Choisy, a broad-leaved tree species) promoted the accumulation of P. notoginseng biomass, reduced the occurrence of root rot, improved the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in P. notoginseng, and increased the saponin concentration. Then, 43 differentially abundant metabolites were screened in the P. notoginseng-tree intercropping system by soil metabolism analysis and compared with those in the monocropped system. Indole-3-carboxaldehyde showed a significant negative relationship with the occurrence of root rot disease and inhibited Fusarium oxysporum. In addition, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid was significantly positively correlated with biomass and increased the dry weight in the underground part of P. notoginseng in the pot experiments.

Conclusions
Thus, the coniferous tree species PO and the broad-leaved tree species SW are potentially good neighbours of P. notoginseng, and soil metabolic changes may be important mechanisms for the growth and disease resistance benefits observed in the understorey of P. notoginseng.
An alternative bounded distribution: regression model and applications
Authors: Sağlam Şule , Karakaya Kadir 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a new bounded distribution is introduced and some distributional properties of the new distribution are discussed. Moreover, the new distribution is implemented in the field of engineering to the Cpc process capability index. Three unknown parameters of the distribution are estimated with several estimators, and the performances of the estimators are evaluated with a Monte Carlo simulation. A new regression model is introduced based on this new distribution as an alternative to beta and Kumaraswamy models. Furthermore, it is considered one of the first studies where regression model parameters are estimated using least squares, weighted least squares, Cramér–von Mises, and maximum product spacing estimators other than the maximum likelihood. The efficiency of the estimators for the parameters of the regression model is further assessed through a simulation. Real datasets are analyzed to demonstrate the applicability of the new distribution and regression model.
Fungi associated with ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus in Slovakia
Authors: Pastirčáková Katarína , Baková Katarína , Adamčíková Katarína , Barta Marek , Lalík Michal , Pavlík Martin , Kunca Andrej , Galko Juraj , Pastirčák Martin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe black timber bark beetle (Xylosandrus germanus) is a strongly invasive ambrosia beetle and an important forest pest in Slovakia. This pest is closely associated with symbiotic fungi used as its food source. We investigated the fungi associated with X. germanus adults in Slovakia. In this study, Beauveria bassiana, B. pseudobassiana, Clonostachys rosea, Fusarium oxysporum, Ophiostoma quercus, Phaeoacremonium scolyti, and Talaromyces amestolkiae were isolated and identified by morphological and molecular analyses. The fungus Ophiostoma quercus was most frequently isolated from living beetles, while the entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana was the most commonly isolated from dead beetles. The morphological descriptions of fungi based on isolates from the surface of X. germanus adults are provided.
Preliminary investigation of the regulatory loop of loneliness and the protective role of self-esteem – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Skoko Andrej , Kaeser Janko , Seewer Noëmi , Krieger Tobias 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs a major public health issue, chronic loneliness has been associated with increased mortality and impaired physical and mental health. The proposed model by Cacioppo and Hawkley (Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(10), 447–454, 2009) pictures the emergence and maintenance of chronic loneliness as a vicious cycle containing cognitive and behavioral aspects. As a potential source of resilience, self-esteem has been shown to have buffering effects on loneliness. This study aimed to investigate the central relationships between the components within the regulatory loop of loneliness and the potential buffering effect of self-esteem. In this study, a community sample of 436 adult participants completed measures of loneliness, interpretation bias in social situations, social avoidance behavior, self-esteem, and important covariates (including depressive and social anxiety symptoms and social network size). First, we tested bivariant correlations. Subsequently, we tested three mediation models representing the regulatory loop of loneliness. Lastly, we tested moderated mediation models with self-esteem as a moderator. Loneliness was positively associated with interpretation bias and social avoidance and negatively with self-esteem. Indirect effects in all three mediation models testing the regulatory loop were positive and strongly significant. Self-esteem was a significant moderator in the mediation models, with higher levels of self-esteem attenuating the indirect effect of loneliness on interpretation bias. These effects held even when controlled for relevant covariates, such as depressive and social anxiety symptoms. This study gives preliminary empirical support for the proposed model of chronic loneliness by Cacioppo and Hawkley (Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(10), 447–454, 2009) and the potential buffering effect of self-esteem. Hence, our results support the notion of addressing maladaptive social cognitions and maladaptive social behavior to effectively reduce chronic loneliness and strengthen self-esteem as a protective factor.
Subjective Well-Being and Bullying Victimisation: A Cross-National Study of Adolescents in 64 Countries and Economies
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis , Barrado Beatriz , McLellan Ros , Gimenez Gregorio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBullying is a recognised serious public problem affecting many students worldwide. Despite the well-established empirical evidence for the negative consequences of bullying on adolescents? mental and physical health and educational outcomes, little is known about the link between bullying victimisation and adolescents? subjective well-being. Moreover, empirical studies using comparative large-scale survey data are particularly scarce. This study explores this question using nationally-representative data from 329,015 adolescents across 64 high and middle-income countries and economies from the 2018 PISA survey. Two measures of subjective well-being were considered: overall life satisfaction and positive affect. Multilevel regressions were estimated at three levels (student, school, and country). Results showed that bullying victimisation was negatively and significantly related to overall life satisfaction and positive affect after controlling for a wide set of factors affecting subjective well-being. Moreover, this negative relationship was more pronounced for top performing students. Locally adapted intervention programmes are needed to tackle the issue of school bullying and foster positive school climate and student well-being. Practical and policy implications are discussed in detail.
Individual and regional determinants of women’s participation in the European labour market: a Labour Force Survey empirical study
Authors: Lovaglio Pietro Giorgio , Perrelli Adalgisa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn line with the existing literature, the primary focus of the present paper is on understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to unequal employment opportunities for women and the potential implications for both individuals and society. Specifically, the objective is to identify meaningful risk factors that affect the probability of being employed for women in the 20–49 age group, exploring possible demographic, educational, social, and family factors, as well as territorial context factors. The analysis is conducted on the three most populous European countries (Italy, France, and Germany) as representatives of different welfare regimes. The analysis exploits the rich information available in the micro-data of the Labour Force Survey (2021) as well as Eurostat regional statistics considering individuals nested in regions (NUTS 2). A deep analysis of empirical findings sheds light on employment determinants and motivations for not working, which appear to be essentially related to family and demographic factors. These results reveal the country-specific profiles that indicate greater risk of non-employment and also provide a basis for suggesting different policy implications.