Neurodiversity, Networks, and Narratives: Exploring Intimacy and Expressive Freedom in the Time of Covid-19.

The Narratives of Neurodiversity Network (NNN) is a neurodivergent academic, creative, and educator collective that came together with allies during the Covid-19 pandemic to create a network centred around emerging narratives about neurodiversity and exploring new ways of learning and socialising. The network focuses on exploring the roles of written, spoken, and visual narratives across cultural locations about neuro-atypical experiences in generating improved agency and self-advocacy for those who have been subject to pathologization through neuro-normativity and intersecting oppression. During the last year, widening access to digital platforms has provided a space to explore these issues outside of traditional academic spaces. We run a monthly "Salon," our mixed-media "reading, listening, and watching" group, in an effort to find positive representation within contemporary culture. Discussions have moved beyond mimesis and into a consideration of how narrative and storyworlds can question the supposed naturalness of certain ways of being in and perceiving the world. This article interrogates the network's core principles of nonhierarchical co-production, including the roles of creativity, community, identity, and emancipatory research which were animated by the new techno-social context. We consider the cultural lives of neurodiversity in the West and beyond, including ethical and aesthetic dimensions. We share a faith in the power of storytelling to inform new social identities for neurodivergent people and to inform scientific understandings of atypical cognition. In exploring this, we speak through a porous first-person plural narrator, to unsettle the idea that there is a hegemonic "we" speaking on behalf of all neurodivergent people.

First Evidence of Axial Shape Asymmetry and Configuration Coexistence in

The excited states of N=44 ^{74}Zn were investigated via γ-ray spectroscopy following ^{74}Cu ß decay. By exploiting γ-γ angular correlation analysis, the 2_{2}^{+}, 3_{1}^{+}, 0_{2}^{+}, and 2_{3}^{+} states in ^{74}Zn were firmly established. The γ-ray branching and E2/M1 mixing ratios for transitions deexciting the 2_{2}^{+}, 3_{1}^{+}, and 2_{3}^{+} states were measured, allowing for the extraction of relative B(E2) values. In particular, the 2_{3}^{+}→0_{2}^{+} and 2_{3}^{+}→4_{1}^{+} transitions were observed for the first time. The results show excellent agreement with new microscopic large-scale shell-model calculations, and are discussed in terms of underlying shapes, as well as the role of neutron excitations across the N=40 gap. Enhanced axial shape asymmetry (triaxiality) is suggested to characterize ^{74}Zn in its ground state. Furthermore, an excited K=0 band with a significantly larger softness in its shape is identified. A shore of the N=40 "island of inversion" appears to manifest above Z=26, previously thought as its northern limit in the chart of the nuclides.

ß-Delayed One and Two Neutron Emission Probabilities Southeast of

The ß-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities (P_{1n} and P_{2n}) of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with N≥82 have been measured at the RIBF facility of the RIKEN Nishina Center. P_{1n} of ^{130,131}Ag, ^{133,134}Cd, ^{135,136}In, and ^{138,139}Sn were determined for the first time, and stringent upper limits were placed on P_{2n} for nearly all cases. ß-delayed two-neutron emission (ß2n) was unambiguously identified in ^{133}Cd and ^{135,136}In, and their P_{2n} were measured. Weak ß2n was also detected from ^{137,138}Sn. Our results highlight the effect of the N=82 and Z=50 shell closures on ß-delayed neutron emission probability and provide stringent benchmarks for newly developed macroscopic-microscopic and self-consistent global models with the inclusion of a statistical treatment of neutron and γ emission. The impact of our measurements on r-process nucleosynthesis was studied in a neutron star merger scenario. Our P_{1n} and P_{2n} have a direct impact on the odd-even staggering of the final abundance, improving the agreement between calculated and observed Solar System abundances. The odd isotope fraction of Ba in r-process-enhanced (r-II) stars is also better reproduced using our new data.

94 ß-Decay Half-Lives of Neutron-Rich _{55}Cs to _{67}Ho: Experimental Feedback and Evaluation of the r-Process Rare-Earth Peak Formation.

The ß-decay half-lives of 94 neutron-rich nuclei ^{144-151}Cs, ^{146-154}Ba, ^{148-156}La, ^{150-158}Ce, ^{153-160}Pr, ^{156-162}Nd, ^{159-163}Pm, ^{160-166}Sm, ^{161-168}Eu, ^{165-170}Gd, ^{166-172}Tb, ^{169-173}Dy, ^{172-175}Ho, and two isomeric states ^{174m}Er, ^{172m}Dy were measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory, providing a new experimental basis to test theoretical models. Strikingly large drops of ß-decay half-lives are observed at neutron-number N=97 for _{58}Ce, _{59}Pr, _{60}Nd, and _{62}Sm, and N=105 for _{63}Eu, _{64}Gd, _{65}Tb, and _{66}Dy. Features in the data mirror the interplay between pairing effects and microscopic structure. r-process network calculations performed for a range of mass models and astrophysical conditions show that the 57 half-lives measured for the first time play an important role in shaping the abundance pattern of rare-earth elements in the solar system.

Effect of fluoridated sucrose on rat caries.

The present study was designed to test the effect of frequent pulses of low fluoride levels on rat caries when supplied in a standardized cariogenic rat diet containing 67% sucrose (MIT-200). The test diets were variants of Diet MIT-200 in which the sucrose component had been fluoridated with NaF solution resulting in total concentrations of 0 (control), 2, 3, 5, 10, or 20 ppm fluoride in the final diets. Rats received one of the test lots 17 times daily in a programmed feeding machine beginning at age 22 days, and were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans at age 23, 24, and 25 days. After 5 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and their mandibular molars scored for number and severity of sulcal, buccolingual, and proximal caries. Frequent daily pulses of as little as 2 ppm fluoride in dietary sucrose were effective in significantly (p less than 0.01) reducing buccolingual rat caries.

An electron microscopic study on the aetiopathogenesis of recurrent aphthous ulcers of the oral mucosa. The fine structure of mucosal lymphocytes, reticular or reticuloid cells, macrophages and basal epithelial cells.

The present report is concerned with the immunopathogenesis of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU). Lymphocytes in various stages of sensitization are described and their interaction with macrophages, each other and epithelial cells. Typical macrophages were seen in the lamina propria but not in affected epithelium. The phagocytic cells seen between epithelial cells and in the juxtabasal part of the lamina propria was identified as a reticuloid cell because of close connections with each other, numerous microvesicles and electron-lucent (euchromatic) nuclei. It is thought that it replaces the macrophage seen in Behçet's syndrome and oral lichen planus and is responsible for the localized nature of RAU.

The treatment of some disorders of the maxillo-mandibular apparatus. III. the maxillo-septal facies, ipsilateral deficiency of facial mesenchyme (mesectoderm) and condylar displacement.

The results of treatment of 67 patients with septo-maxillary syndrome and associated temporomandibular joint dysfunction are reported. Five case histories are described in detail. The features of the syndrome emphasized are the maxillo-septal facies, ipsilateral deficiency of facial mesenchyme (mesectoderm) and condylar displacement. Associated with condylar displacement was early osteo-arthritis of the temporomandibular joint complex. It is suggested that Costen's syndrome needs restatement.

The ultrastructure of T and B lymphocytes in recurrent apthous ulceration of the buccal mucosa.

The purpose of the present study was to classify lymphocytes in the buccal mucosa of patients affected with recurrent apthous ulceration. Two lymphocytes were identified. The B lymphocyte was characterized by an extensive Golgi complex, an extensive tubular rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, and an extensive canalicular system. Usually the nucleus was electron lucent except for perinuclear condensation of chromatin. The T lymphocyte had a moderately developed Golgi complex, absent or poorly developed rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and considerably more heterochromatin (perinuclear) than the B lymphocyte. Uropods were associated with the T lymphocyte and exerted cytotoxic effects on basal and suprabasal cells.

The fine structure of epithelial cells in normal and pathological buccal mucosa. IV. Interactions between epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages.

In oral lichen planus two types of lymphocytes were found in the lamina propria in the basal and suprabasal layers. The T-cell is identified by the absence of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in contrast to its extensive development in the B-cell of which various types were identified including plasma cells. Interaction was noted between macrophages, lymphocytes, and epithelial cells. The variability noted in T-cells may arise from sensitization related to phagocytosis of degenerate epithelial cells by macrophages which transfer the immunological information to lymphocytes.

The fine structure of epithelial cells in normal and pathological buccal mucosa. III. Pathological changes in spinous, transitional and superficial cells in the erosive type of lichen planus.

Superficial, transitional and polygonal buccal epithelial cells from patients with the erosive type of lichen planus were compared with similar cells from non-keratinizing human buccal mucosa. Transitional cells from non-keratinizing buccal mucosa had glycogen lakes and membrane-coating granules with electron dense cores. Surface cells were not keratinized and pathological cells were less granular. In lichen planus membrane-coating granules were numerous, markedly electron dense, and some showed an internal lamellar structure. Surface cells were keratotic or parakeratotic. Processes of macrophages were associated with the pathological membrane-coating granules.

The fine structure of epithelial cells in normal and pathological buccal mucosa. II. Colloid body formation.

Seven cases of the erosive type of lichen planus, as well as normal tissue, were studied with the optical and electron microscope. The study was concerned with the distribution and formation of colloid bodies. These bodies were located at the epithelial-proprial junctions and occasionally inter-epithelially. They were seldom larger than basal epithelial cells and were macrophages which contained fragments of phagocytosed epithelial cells. They probably correspond to cytoid bodies which have a similar size and a similar distribution.

The incidence of osteo-arthritis of the temporomandibular joint in various cultures.

Three hundred and forty-eight cranial remains from Bronze and Iron Age British, Romano-British, Anglo-Saxon, Eastern Coast Australian aborigines, Medieval Christian Norse, Medieval Scarborough, 17--20th century British and German cultures, were examined for the presence of osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joints. Cultures exposed to more stringent living conditions and with well-worn teeth had about twice the incidence of osteo-arthritis as the more sophisticated cultures. In general, loss of either molar support or occlusal imbalance were potent aetiological factors in this disease.

The maxillo-septal syndrome and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

The results of twenty patients treated for the maxillo-septal syndrome and associated temporomandibular joint dysfunction are reported as well as the method of treatment. The treatment plan included rapid maxillary expansion with either a fixed or removable appliance, retention of the increased maxillary width with a Hawley retainer, simultaneous increase in mandibular width with a Crozat appliance. Finally the occlusion was equilibrated. Certain cases are discussed in detail and maxillary expansion was usually restricted to between 1 . 0 and 2 . 0 mm.

Analysis of the effects of treatment on some reflexes of human jaw elevator muscles.

Electromyographic analysis was carried out prior to occlusal equilibration for patients who had some form of TMJ dysfunction and again after treatment. The results were compared with similar analyses for patients without any symptoms of dysfunction (controls) and for patients who had been wearing some kind of occlusal appliance as treatment for dysfunction. The parameters measured were the period of minimal activity (inactive phase of jaw elevators sometimes referred to as the inactive phase), the duration of muscle contraction before tooth contact (DMC), the period of muscle activity after tooth contact (latency), the inhibitory response, and the duration of the clench phase of the temporal and masseter muscles. In general the pathological series had longer cycles, longer DMC, longer clench phases and less significant correlation coefficients than the controls. The results indicated a dominance of the closing muscles in the pathological groups over the other parameters of the cycle during metronome monitoring. Also, the controls and the POST equilibration group yielded readily to cortical command. The parameters of the cycle in the POST-equilibration group were facilitated as compared to the other groups.