Gingival Displacement in the Vertical and Horizontal Dimension under the Condition of Mild Gingivitis—A Randomized Clinical Study

This randomized clinical study aimed at quantifying the gingival displacement performance in the vertical and horizontal directions of the 3M™ Astringent Retraction Paste (3M Oral Care, Seefeld, Germany) in comparison with the double-cord technique with aluminum chloride as an astringent. Afterward, any soft-tissue changes were assessed for 12 months. After inducing mild gingivitis, 18 probands received the intervention ‘cord’ and 22 probands received the intervention ‘paste’ at the palatal half of upper premolars prior to conventional impression making. The resulting plaster casts were digitized and analyzed for the vertical and horizontal gingival displacement, applying a newly developed computer-assisted methodology. The entire palatal half of the tooth was evaluated instead of only single sites. Under the condition of mild gingivitis, the gingival displacement performance was comparable for both techniques in the horizontal direction (width) and only somewhat better for the cord technique in the vertical direction (depth). The magnitude of displacement was in a similar range in both directions, with somewhat higher values in the vertical direction. The marginal gingiva height changes were of such low extent during the follow-up period of 12 months with only minimally higher values for the paste that they cannot be considered as clinically relevant recessions.

Comparison of Convolutional Neural Networks Based Method and LCmodel on the Quantification of in Vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Quantification of metabolites concentrations in institutional unit (IU) for between subject and long-term comparison is considered important strategy in the applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The aim of this study is to investigate if metabolite concentrations quantified by convolutional neuronal network (CNN) based method associated with a proposed scaling procedure can reflect variations of the metabolite concentrations in institution unit (IU) at different brain regions with different signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and linewidth (LW). An error index based on standard error (SE) is proposed to indicate the confidence levels on the prediction for metabolites. In vivo MRS spectra were collected at 3 brain regions from 44 subjects at 3T system. Metabolite concentrations in IU quantified by LCModel and CNN from 44 subjects were compared. For in vivo spectra characterized under different spectral quality in terms of SNR and LW, line narrowing and noise free spectra were successfully exported by CNN. Concentrations of five metabolites quantified by CNN and LCModel are in similar range with statistically significant Pearson’s correlation coefficients (0.28~0.70). SE of the metabolites show positive correlation with Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) (r=0.60) and with absolute CRLB (r=0.84). In conclusion, the CNN based method with the proposed scaling procedures can be used to quantify in vivo MRS spectra. The concentrations of five major metabolites were reported in IU, which are in the same range as those quantified using a routine MRS quantification procedures by LCModel. The SE can be used as error index indicating predicted uncertainties for metabolites with the information similar to the absolute CRLB.

Selected Properties of Cement Bound Spruce and Larch Bark Bio-Aggregates

The aim of this study is to investigate the suitability of spruce and larch bark for the production of cement-bonded composites. At the beginning of this research, the curing behaviour of the admixtures was quantified with temperature profiles when testing spruce, larch, pine and poplar bark, to determine the compatibility between the components of the bio-aggregates, to analyse the cement curing and to establish which bark species should be successfully included in cement bonded composites. Considering the results, it was observed that the average densities of 600–700 kg/m3 of bio-aggregates are 40–55% lower than that of established products on the market, although spruce and larch bark are in a similar range. The situation is different for the compressive strength, as larch bark showed up to 30% higher values than spruce bark. This study revealed also different hardening characteristics of the two cement types used as binders for spruce and larch bark. The results of this study demonstrated that tree bark of Picea abies and Larix decidua Mill. can be successfully utilized for the production of a cement-bonded composite material.

Structural Features of Glands in the Sphincter Zones of the Large Intestine of an Adult

The aim is to study macro- and microscopic structure, as well as the cellular composition of the glands of the sphincter zones of large intestine of adults of different age groups.Material and methods. On autopsy material obtained from 30 people, without signs of pathology of the digestive tract of three age groups: 20–29 years, 50–59 years, 90–99 years, the structure of the glandular apparatus of the sphincter zones was studied. The areas of the Gerlach flap, Girsch sphincters, Payr–Strauss, Bally, O'bern–Pirogov–Moutier were considered. Quantitative morphometry was performed on histological preparations stained with methylene blue, followed by fixation in a saturated solution of ammonium molybdenum (picric acid), hematoxylin-eosin, picrofuchsin according to Van Gieson. Methods of parametric statistics based on the Statistica 6.0 program were used for statistical data processing.Results. The analysis of the number, size and cellular composition of the glands of the sphincter zones of the large intestine revealed an increase in both the number of glands and their size in all age groups compared to the proximally adjacent areas of the intestine, on average by 1.3–1.5 times. In a similar range, individual indicators of the number of epithelial cells in the glands of the sphincter zones of the colon increased. At the same time, the cellular composition of the glands of the sphincter zones and adjacent areas of the intestinal wall was similar to neighboring areas, with predominant goblet-shaped epithelial cells (52.9–54.2% of cells on the longitudinal section of the gland) and the presence of absorption cells (29.9–31.2%), undifferentiated – 11.9–13.2% and argyrophilic endocrinocytes – 1.4–5.3%.Conclusion. Against the background of narrowing of the lumen of the large intestine in the area of the sphincters and changes in the nature of the mucous membrane, there is an increase in the size and density of the localization of glands in all age groups. This confirms the thesis about the formation of a protective barrier that provides a local adaptive potential of this area of the intestinal wall, against the background of increased mechanical effects of intestinal masses.

2019/2020 Learning Centre Practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Report

Data on the services and staffing in tertiary learning centres are necessary for providing professional support for tertiary learning advisors (TLAs). Full scale surveys of Aotearoa New Zealand centres were conducted in 2008 and 2013. In 2019, a third survey was conducted to explore whether the identified trends were continuing and whether there were any changes. This survey was sent to managers and team leaders at 26 tertiary learning institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand. Four topics were investigated: 1) the professional status of TLAs; 2) learning centre organisation; 3) the services provided by TLAs; 4) trends and changes since 2013. In 2020, when the lockdown resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic meant all centres had to cease operating face-to-face services for an extended period, some follow-up questions about the impact of Covid-19 were sent to the respondents of the 2019 survey. This report presents the five main findings of the 2019/2020 surveys, and provides comparisons with the previous surveys. First, more TLAs had postgraduate qualifications, and more TLAs were given general/professional contracts than academic contracts. Second, fewer learning centres were part of libraries or teaching and learning development units. Third, centres provided a similar range of services, with an increase in pastoral and wellbeing support. Fourth, services were more embedded, and more were delivered in online/blended modes, particularly since Covid-19. Lastly, changes in learning centres’ structures and service delivery were due to institutional financial pressure and student needs. We make some recommendations, including changing some questions in future surveys, updating the ATLAANZ professional practice document regularly, and implementing a TLA accreditation scheme in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Site-Specific Glycosylation Patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Derived From Recombinant Protein and Viral WA1 and D614G Strains

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is heavily glycosylated, having 22 predicted N-glycosylation sites per monomer. It is also O-glycosylated, although the number of O-glycosites is less defined. Recent studies show that spike protein glycans play critical roles in viral entry and infection. The spike monomer has two subdomains, S1 and S2, and a receptor-binding domain (RBD) within the S1 domain. In this study, we have characterized the site-specific glycosylation patterns of the HEK293 recombinant spike RBD and S1 domains as well as the intact spike derived from the whole virus produced in Vero cells. The Vero cell-derived spike from the WA1 strain and a D614G variant was analyzed. All spike proteins, S1, and RBDs were analyzed using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and LC-MS/MS on an Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometer. N-glycans identified in HEK293-derived S1 were structurally diverse. Those found in the HEK293-derived RBD were highly similar to those in HEK293 S1 where N-glycosites were shared. Comparison of the whole cell-derived WA1 and D614G spike proteins revealed that N-glycosites local to the mutation site appeared to be more readily detected, hinting that these sites are more exposed to glycosylation machinery. Moreover, recombinant HEK293-derived S1 was occupied almost completely with complex glycan, while both WA1 and D614G derived from the Vero E6 cell whole virus were predominantly high-mannose glycans. This stands in stark contrast to glycosylation patterns seen in both CHO- and HEK cell-derived recombinant S1, S2, and the whole spike previously reported. Concerning O-glycosylation, our analyses revealed that HEK293 recombinant proteins possessed a range of O-glycosites with compositions consistent with Core type 1 and 2 glycans. The O-glycosites shared between the S1 and RBD constructs, sites T323 and T523, were occupied by a similar range of Core 1 and 2 type O-glycans. Overall, this study reveals that the sample nature and cell substrate used for production of these proteins can have a dramatic impact on the glycosylation profile. SARS-CoV-2 spike glycans are associated with host ACE2 receptor interaction efficiency. Therefore, understanding such differences will serve to better understand these host–pathogen interactions and inform the choice of cell substrates to suite downstream investigations.

Magnetar Models of Superluminous Supernovae from the Dark Energy Survey: Exploring Redshift Evolution

Superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are luminous transients that can be detected to high redshifts with upcoming optical time-domain surveys such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time. An interesting open question is whether the properties of SLSNe evolve through cosmic time. To address this question, in this paper we model the multicolor light curves of all 21 Type I SLSNe from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) with a magnetar spin-down engine, implemented in the Modular Open-Source Fitter for Transients (MOSFiT). With redshifts up to z ≈ 2, this sample includes some of the highest-redshift SLSNe. We find that the DES SLSNe span a similar range of ejecta and magnetar engine parameters as previous samples of mostly lower-redshift SLSNe (spin period P ≈ 0.79–13.61 ms, magnetic field B ≈ (0.03–7.33) × 1014 G, ejecta mass M ej ≈ 1.54–30.32 M ⊙, and ejecta velocity v ej ≈ (0.55–1.45) × 104 km s−1). The DES SLSN sample by itself exhibits the previously found negative correlation between M ej and P, with a pronounced absence of SLSNe with low ejecta mass and rapid spin. Combining our results for the DES SLSNe with 60 previous SLSNe modeled in the same way, we find no evidence for redshift evolution in any of the key physical parameters.

Feasibility Analysis of Novel Maglev EDM by Comparing with Conventional Micro EDM

The Micro EDM is the most suitable machining process in the miniaturization of products at present era. The attainment of close precision is the primary obligation in miniaturization or micromachining. Especially in machining of hard-to-cut materials like titanium alloy. Such alloys are applied in several cutting-edge high-quit applications due to extraordinary properties. Current work presents an exploratory analysis of novel Maglev EDM while machining of commercially used pure titanium alloy (CP-TI). The work outlook is to establish the viability of novel Maglev EDM by comparing the with similar range of micro EDM. The pure DC power is employed with the conjunction of Maglev lucidity to refine the shortcomings of the conventional micro EDM. The novel technology deals with prime concerns of conventional micro EDM and cracked deficiencies like delay response of mechanical actuator and a servo mechanism. The Novel technology uses the logical arrangement of permanent and electromagnet to dealt with inadequacies like short-circuiting and arcing. The results of state of art novel technology proclaimed the improved Material removal rate (MRR), which are lying in the average range of 76.6 µgm/min, whereas the specific energy and surface roughness are observed 33.4 Joule/ microgram and 4.3 µm respectively.

Acute effects of the imidacloprid metabolite desnitro-imidacloprid on human nACh receptors relevant for neuronal signaling

Several neonicotinoids have recently been shown to activate the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) on human neurons. Moreover, imidacloprid (IMI) and other members of this pesticide family form a set of diverse metabolites within crops. Among these, desnitro-imidacloprid (DN-IMI) is of special toxicological interest, as there is evidence (i) for human dietary exposure to this metabolite, (ii) and that DN-IMI is a strong trigger of mammalian nicotinic responses. We set out here to quantify responses of human nAChRs to DN-IMI and an alternative metabolite, IMI-olefin. To evaluate toxicological hazards, these data were then compared to those of IMI and nicotine. Ca2+-imaging experiments on human neurons showed that DN-IMI exhibits an agonistic effect on nAChRs at sub-micromolar concentrations (equipotent with nicotine) while IMI-olefin activated the receptors less potently (in a similar range as IMI). Direct experimental data on the interaction with defined receptor subtypes were obtained by heterologous expression of various human nAChR subtypes in Xenopus laevis oocytes and measurement of the transmembrane currents evoked by exposure to putative ligands. DN-IMI acted on the physiologically important human nAChR subtypes α7, α3β4, and α4β2 (high-sensitivity variant) with similar potency as nicotine. IMI and IMI-olefin were confirmed as nAChR agonists, although with 2–3 orders of magnitude lower potency. Molecular docking studies, using receptor models for the α7 and α4β2 nAChR subtypes supported an activity of DN-IMI similar to that of nicotine. In summary, these data suggest that DN-IMI functionally affects human neurons similar to the well-established neurotoxicant nicotine by triggering α7 and several non-α7 nAChRs.

Measurement report: The chemical composition of and temporal variability in aerosol particles at Tuktoyaktuk, Canada, during the Year of Polar Prediction Second Special Observing Period

The chemical composition, sources, and concentrations of aerosol particles vary on a seasonal basis in the Arctic. While existing research has focused on understanding the occurrence of aerosol particles during the Arctic winter and spring, less is known of their occurrence during the Arctic summer. In this study, atmospheric aerosol particle chemical composition and concentration were determined during July–September 2018 at Tuktoyaktuk, NT, Canada (69.4∘ N, 133.0∘ W), to coincide with the Year of Polar Prediction's Second Special Observing Period in the Arctic. The chemical composition of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10–2.5) aerosol filter samples suggests the ocean, mineral and/or road dust, and combustion were sources of the sampled aerosol particles. Mass concentrations of PM2 and PM10, estimated from optical particle counter measurements, remained within a similar range during the study. However, elevated mass concentrations coincided with a festival in the community of Tuktoyaktuk, suggesting local human activity was an important source of aerosol particles. Mass concentrations of PM2, which promote negative health effects in humans, were significantly lower at Tuktoyaktuk than the national air quality standard recommended by the government of Canada. These measurements provide an important baseline to compare with future measurements associated with the assessment of aerosol chemistry and air quality in the Arctic.