bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational cross‐species views of the hippocampal formation
Authors: Zhu Seren L. , Lakshminarasimhan Kaushik J. , Angelaki Dora E.
Published: April 2023

The discovery of place cells and head direction cells in the hippocampal formation of freely foraging rodents has led to an emphasis of its role in encoding allocentric spatial relationships. In contrast, studies in head‐fixed primates have additionally found representations of spatial views. We review recent experiments in freely moving monkeys that expand upon these findings and show that postural variables such as eye/head movements strongly influence neural activity in the hippocampal formation, suggesting that the function of the hippocampus depends on where the animal looks. We interpret these results in the light of recent studies in humans performing challenging navigation tasks which suggest that depending on the context, eye/head movements serve one of two roles—gathering information about the structure of the environment (active sensing) or externalizing the contents of internal beliefs/deliberation (embodied cognition). These findings prompt future experimental investigations into the information carried by signals flowing between the hippocampal formation and the brain regions controlling postural variables, and constitute a basis for updating computational theories of the hippocampal system to accommodate the influence of eye/head movements.
Promotion of physical activity by health professionals in a sample of six public hospitals: A cross sectional study
Authors: Purcell Kate , Taylor Jennifer , West Kerry , Haynes Abby , Hassett Leanne , Sherrington Cathie
Published: April 2023

Issue Addressed

Despite strong evidence of physical and mental health benefits from physical activity, participation is low. Physical activity promotion by health professionals can effectively increase physical activity participation. This study aimed to explore the frequency of physical activity promotion by health professionals in public hospitals with a focus on community‐based structured exercise; and facilitators and barriers to such promotion.

Methods

We surveyed health professionals (n = 100) from physiotherapy, rheumatology and rehabilitation departments at six public hospitals in Sydney, Australia.

Results

Most common respondent characteristics were physiotherapist (84%), female (68%), aged 25–34 years (45%) and treating older adults (45%). Almost all health professionals (94%) considered themselves physical activity role‐models. Half (53%) reported promoting physical activity frequently/often to their clients. Those working with children with a physical disability (23%) were more likely to promote physical activity (Relative Risk 1.69, 95% CI 1.13–2.51, p = .03), than those working with adults or older adults.

Half the physiotherapists (52%) reported providing tailored advice about increasing physical activity frequently/often, but only 20% provided advice about structured physical activity. Barriers reported by physiotherapists were lack of time (51%) and client's access to transport (61%).

Conclusion

Only half the health professionals surveyed offered tailored physical activity advice to clients, and advice on structured physical activity was less common.

So What?

Some promotion of physical activity by health professionals is occurring in hospital settings but more work is needed to embed this within clinical care.
Reach, acceptability and impact of an online parent healthy lifestyle intervention during the COVID‐19 lockdown: A pilot study
Authors: Cranney Leonie , Nguyen Binh , Clare Philip , Maitland Nicola , Wrigley Jessica , Moorhouse Lisa
Published: April 2023

Issue addressed

There is growing evidence that online parent‐focused child healthy lifestyle interventions can improve healthy eating practices and food environments in the home. Greater understanding of whether and how parents engage with these online interventions is needed. This study evaluated the reach, acceptability and impacts of an online parent healthy lifestyle intervention.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted in New South Wales during the COVID‐19 pandemic when stay‐at‐home public health orders were in place (July–August 2021). A concurrent mixed methods design was adopted. Data collection measures were: an online participant survey at baseline, post‐intervention and 3‐month follow‐up; two online post‐intervention focus groups; and web metrics at post‐intervention and 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

There were 181 intervention participants, primarily mothers with high education levels and living in advantaged areas: 43 (24%) completed surveys post‐intervention; and of these, 35 (81%; 19% of participants) completed surveys at follow‐up. Sixteen mothers participated in focus groups. Parents' knowledge, self efficacy, role modelling and behaviours improved, but there were no significant differences detected over time. Metrics and survey data indicated webinar recordings, particularly the topics of ‘Fussy Eating’ and ‘Screen time and sleep’, had the greatest engagement and most perceived them as useful (93% and 96%, respectively).

Conclusions

An online healthy lifestyle intervention to support parents in providing opportunities for their children to engage in healthier lifestyle behaviours was appealing and acceptable to mothers and has the potential to improve families' healthy lifestyle behaviours. Enhancing intervention reach amongst fathers and priority populations, as well as incorporating design elements to enhance engagement will be important.

So what?

An online healthy lifestyle intervention reached and engaged parents, despite being faced with additional parenting challenges arising from COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders.
Solid waste management in the context of the waste hierarchy and circular economy frameworks: An international critical review
Authors: Awino Florence Barbara , Apitz Sabine E.
Published: April 2023

Growing populations and consumption drive the challenges of solid waste management (SWM); globalization of transport, food production, and trade, including waste trading, distributes risks worldwide. Using waste hierarchy (WH; reduce, reuse, and recycle) and circular economy (CE) concepts, we updated a conceptual waste framework used by international organizations to evaluate SWM practices. We identified the key steps and the important factors, as well as stakeholders, which are essential features for effective SWM. Within this updated conceptual framework, we qualitatively evaluated global SWM strategies and practices, identifying opportunities, barriers, and best practices. We find that, although a few exceptional countries exhibit zero-waste compliance, most fare poorly, as exhibited by the high waste generation, incineration, and disposal (open dumping, landfilling) volumes. In the Global North, SWM strategies and practices rely heavily on technologies, economic tools, regulatory frameworks, education, and social engagement to raise stakeholder awareness and enhance inclusion and participation; in the Global South, however, many governments take sole legal responsibility for SWM, seeking to eliminate waste as a public “nuisance.” Separation and recycling in the Global South are implemented mainly by “informal” economies in which subsistence needs drive recyclable material retrieval. Imported, regionally inappropriate tools, economic constraints, weak policies and governance, waste trading, noninclusive stakeholder participation, data limitations, and limited public awareness continue to pose major waste and environmental management challenges across nations. In the context of the framework, we conclude that best practices from around the world can be used to guide decision-making, globally. Despite variations in drivers and needs across regions, nations in both the Global North and South need to improve WH and CE compliance, and enhance stakeholder partnership, awareness, and participation throughout the SWM process. Partnerships between the Global North and South could better manage traded wastes, reduce adverse impacts, and enhance global environmental sustainability and equity, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:9–35. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Chemotherapy for Stage 4 Melanoma: A Three‐Year Experience With Cisplatin, DTIC, BCNU, and Tamoxifen
Authors: Reintgen Douglas , Saba Hussain
Published: April 2023

The management of metastatic melanoma has been frustrating from a clinician's point of view because of the relative unresponsiveness of the tumor to chemotherapy and the infrequency of clinically useful objective responses. Although no single agent can be recommended at this time, old standard drugs used in new combinations, immunomodulators, and systematic approaches to dose intensification have created more interest in the chemotherapy of melanoma. Forty‐seven consecutive patients with Stage 4 melanoma with measurable disease were treated with combination chemotherapy, consisting of DTIC, BCNU, cisplatin, and tamoxifen. The cycle was repeated every 4 weeks and a total of 6 cycles were delivered. Patients were then restaged to assess the response. Nine patients who were registered during the same time period with Stage 4 disease and elected not to be treated served as the control population. Seventeen patients (46%) achieved a clinical response with six patients (12.7%) undergoing a complete response. The overall survival of all Stage 4 patients in the series was 18% at 3 years. There were significant differences noted in those patients who were treated and the no treatment controls (p = 0.004) and for those patients that received an objective response vs those that progressed on the protocol (p < 0.0001). It is recommended that all patients with Stage 4 melanoma be treated on protocol and results of other trials of systemic therapy for metastatic melanoma be compared to this cisplatin‐based regimen instead of a no‐treatment arm. Where protocol treatment is not possible, it seems reasonable to recommend a 2–3‐month trial of cisplatin, DTIC, BCNU, and tamoxifen in the hope of a clinical response, with the continued treatment of the responsive patients.
Possibilities of Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy for Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Crowley Nancy J. , Seigler Hilliard F.
Published: April 2023

Over the last decade, both immunotherapy and gene therapy have emerged as exciting new modalities in the treatment of malignant melanoma. The fact that many melanoma patients mount cellular and humoral responses against their tumors, and that melanomas express both HLA antigens and tumor‐associated antigens (TAA), has led to an increased interest in the treatment of melanoma by manipulation of the immune system. Advances have occurred in several areas, including a) the use of monoclonal antibodies, alone or in combination with cytokines, b) tumor vaccines, using whole cell preparations or cloned melanoma antigens, c) adoptive immunotherapy, with tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and d) gene therapy, designed to increase the immunogenicity of the tumor, increase the effectiveness of the TILs, or alter the basic mechanisms of tumor cell growth and regulation. Some of the advances in these areas are discussed.
Mean Arterial Pressure and Cerebral Hemodynamics Across The Lifespan: A Cross‐Sectional Study From Human Connectome Project‐Aging
Authors: Yetim Ezgi , Jacoby John , Damestani Nikou L. , Lovely Allison E. , Salat David H. , Juttukonda Meher R.
Published: April 2023

Background

Cerebral perfusion is directly affected by systemic blood pressure, which has been shown to be negatively correlated with cerebral blood flow (CBF). The impact of aging on these effects is not fully understood.

Purpose

To determine whether the relationship between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebral hemodynamics persists throughout the lifespan.

Study Type

Retrospective, cross‐sectional study.

Population

Six hundred and sixty‐nine participants from the Human Connectome Project‐Aging ranging between 36 and 100+ years and without a major neurological disorder.

Field Strength/Sequence

Imaging data was acquired at 3.0 Tesla using a 32‐channel head coil. CBF and arterial transit time (ATT) were measured by multi‐delay pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling.

Assessment

The relationships between cerebral hemodynamic parameters and MAP were evaluated globally in gray and white matter and regionally using surface‐based analysis in the whole group, separately within different age groups (young: <60 years; younger‐old: 60–79 years; oldest‐old: ≥80 years).

Statistical Tests

Chi‐squared, Kruskal‐Wallis, ANOVA, Spearman rank correlation and linear regression models. The general linear model setup in FreeSurfer was used for surface‐based analyses. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Globally, there was a significant negative correlation between MAP and CBF in both gray (ρ = −0.275) and white matter (ρ = −0.117). This association was most prominent in the younger‐old [gray matter CBF (β = −0.271); white matter CBF (β = −0.241)]. In surface‐based analyses, CBF exhibited a widespread significant negative association with MAP throughout the brain, whereas a limited number of regions showed significant prolongation in ATT with higher MAP. The associations between regional CBF and MAP in the younger‐old showed a different topographic pattern in comparison to young subjects.

Data Conclusion

These observations further emphasize the importance of cardiovascular health in mid‐to‐late adulthood for healthy brain aging. The differences in the topographic pattern with aging indicate a spatially heterogeneous relationship between high blood pressure and CBF.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Effect of reclamation years on soil physical, chemical, bacterial, and fungal community compositions in an open‐pit coal mine dump in grassland area of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Qi Le , Sun Siyuan , Gao Kairu , Ren Weibo , Liu Yalin , Chen Zhe , Yuan Xiaowen
Published: April 2023

Understanding the process of changes in substrate physical, chemical, and biological properties is critical for vegetation ecosystem reconstruction of open‐pit coal mining dumps. However, the relationships of soil chemical, biological, bacterial, and fungal characteristics in open‐pit coal mining dumps in grassland area are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to understand the changes and relationships of soil physic‐chemical, bacterial, and fungal properties under the reclamation time series of open‐pit coal mining dumps. Soil samples were collected from the waste dump reclaimed after 2, 5, 10, and 15 years in Shengli West No. 2 open pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia, China, and the surrounding natural grassland was set as a control at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), nutrient properties, bacterial, and fungal community structures were measured in the waste dump reclaimed after 2, 5, 10, and 15 years. The results showed that soil pH was decreased at 0–20 cm in the waste dump while SOM was increased by 1.2 times in 0–10 cm reclaimed after 15 years than that after 2 years. Soil EC was decreased by 55.5% and 58.3%, respectively, in 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, respectively, after 10 years than that after 2 years. Soil available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were 97.8%, 13.2%, and 60.9% lower after 15 years' reclamation than those in control. The acid phosphatase in 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm was increased by 2.2 and 2.1 times, respectively, after 15 years compared with that after 2 years. Alkaline phosphatase was decreased by 16.8% reclaimed after 15 years than that after 2 years in 10–20 cm soil. The Shannon diversity index of fungi was increased by 42.0% and 43.8%, respectively, in 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, in the waste dump reclaimed after 15 years than that after 2 years. Soil organic matter was positively correlated with soil urease activity. Soil pH, EC, and texture had different effects on bacterial and fungal communities. Therefore, appropriate measurements should be applied to the reclamation dumps to help the soil properties of reclamation areas to recover to the natural grassland.
On fractional semidiscrete Dirac operators of Lévy–Leblond type
Authors: Faustino Nelson
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we introduce a wide class of space‐fractional and time‐fractional semidiscrete Dirac operators of Lévy–Leblond type on the semidiscrete space‐time lattice (), resembling to fractional semidiscrete counterparts of the so‐called parabolic Dirac operators. The methods adopted here are fairly operational, relying mostly on the algebraic manipulations involving Clifford algebras, discrete Fourier analysis techniques as well as standard properties of the analytic fractional semidiscrete semigroup , carrying the parameter constraints and . The results obtained involve the study of Cauchy problems on .
Impact of the Dopamine System on Long‐Term Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson Disease: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Weintraub Daniel , Picillo Marina , Cho Hyunkeun Ryan , Caspell‐Garcia Chelsea , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Brown Ethan G. , Chahine Lana M. , Coffey Christopher S. , Dobkin Roseanne D. , Foroud Tatiana , Galasko Doug , Kieburtz Karl , Marek Kenneth , Merchant Kalpana , Mollenhauer Brit , Poston Kathleen L. , Simuni Tanya , Siderowf Andrew , Singleton Andrew , Seibyl John , Tanner Caroline M. ,   the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative
Published: April 2023

Background

Little is known about the impact of the dopamine system on development of cognitive impairment (CI) in Parkinson disease (PD).

Objectives

We used data from a multi‐site, international, prospective cohort study to explore the impact of dopamine system‐related biomarkers on CI in PD.

Methods

PD participants were assessed annually from disease onset out to 7 years, and CI determined by applying cut‐offs to four measures: (1) Montreal Cognitive Assessment; (2) detailed neuropsychological test battery; (3) Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) cognition score; and (4) site investigator diagnosis of CI (mild cognitive impairment or dementia). The dopamine system was assessed by serial Iodine‐123 Ioflupane dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging, genotyping, and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) recorded at each assessment. Multivariate longitudinal analyses, with adjustment for multiple comparisons, determined the association between dopamine system‐related biomarkers and CI, including persistent impairment.

Results

Demographic and clinical variables associated with CI were higher age, male sex, lower education, non‐White race, higher depression and anxiety scores and higher MDS‐UPDRS motor score. For the dopamine system, lower baseline mean striatum dopamine transporter values (P range 0.003–0.005) and higher LEDD over time (P range <0.001–0.01) were significantly associated with increased risk for CI.

Conclusions

Our results provide preliminary evidence that alterations in the dopamine system predict development of clinically‐relevant, cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. If replicated and determined to be causative, they demonstrate that the dopamine system is instrumental to cognitive health status throughout the disease course.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01141023).
Gas‐to‐ionic liquid partition: QSPR modeling and mechanistic interpretation
Authors: Chang Jia‐Xi , Zou Jian‐Wei , Lou Chao‐Yuan , Ye Jia‐Xin , Feng Rui , Li Zi‐Yuan , Hu Gui‐Xiang
Published: April 2023

The present work was devoted to explore the quantitative structure‐property relationships for gas‐to‐ionic liquid partition coefficients (log KILA). A series of linear models were first established for the representative dataset (IL01). The optimal model was a four‐parameter equation (1Ed) consisting of two electrostatic potential‐based descriptors (
and Vs,max), one 2D matrix‐based descriptor (J_D/Dt) and dipole moment (μ). All of the four descriptors introduced in the model can find the corresponding parameters, directly or indirectly, from Abraham's linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) or its theoretical alternatives, which endows the model good interpretability. Gaussian process was utilized to build the nonlinear model. Systematical validations, including 5‐fold cross‐validation for the training set, the validation for test set, as well as a more rigorous Monte Carlo cross‐validation were performed to verify the reliability of the constructed models. Applicability domain of the model was evaluated, and the Williams plot revealed that the model can be used to predict the log KILA values of structurally diverse solutes. The other 13 datasets were also processed in the same way, and all of the linear models with expressions similar to equation 1Ed were obtained. These models, whether linear of nonlinear, represent satisfactory statistical results, which confirms the universality of the method adopted in this study in QSPR modeling of gas‐to‐IL partition.
Using a Metabotype Framework to Deliver Personalized Nutrition Improves Dietary Quality and Metabolic Health Parameters: A 12‐Week Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hillesheim Elaine , Yin Xiaofei , Sundaramoorthy Geetha Priya , Brennan Lorraine
Published: April 2023

Scope

Effective strategies for tailoring dietary advice to individuals are urgently needed. The effectiveness of personalized nutrition advice delivered using a metabotype framework in improving dietary quality and metabolic health biomarkers compared to population‐level advice is investigated.

Materials and results

A 12‐week parallel randomized controlled trial is performed with 107 healthy adults. Individuals in the personalized group are classified into metabotypes using four markers (triacylglycerol, high‐density lipoprotein [HDL]‐cholesterol, total cholesterol [TC], and glucose) and received dietary advice from decision tree algorithms containing metabotypes characteristics and individual traits. Individuals in the control group received generic dietary advice based on national guidelines. The personalized approach results in higher dietary quality assessed by the Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (effect size [95% confidence interval, CI], 0.77 [0.07, 1.48], 12% versus 3% increase) and significantly lower concentrations of triacylglycerol (−0.17 [−0.28, −0.06] log10 mmol L−1), TC (−0.42 [−0.74, −0.10] mmol L−1), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol (−0.34, [−0.60, −0.09] mmol L−1), and lower triacylglycerol‐glucose index (−0.40, [−0.67, −0.13]). Sixteen phosphatidylcholines and six lysophosphatidylcholines, predominately with chain lengths of 30–36 carbons, are lower in the personalized group.

Conclusions

Personalized nutrition advice delivered using the metabotype framework is effective to improve dietary quality, which could result in reduced CVD risk, and metabolic heath biomarkers.
Synthesis of multitask star‐shaped oligoaniline: Introducing a novel, efficient epoxy hardener
Authors: Shahkarami F. , Moini N. , Kabiri K. , Piri F. , Jahandideh A.
Published: April 2023

Multitask star‐shaped oligoaniline (S‐TAH) was synthesized using microwave irradiation in three steps: preparation of phthalic acid‐ capped tetra‐aniline (as the arm), synthesis of a tetrafunctional biobased core, and subsequently, coupling arms to the core, using a divergent approach. A biobased core was synthesized through a direct condensation reaction of pentaerythritol, with l‐lactic acid. The chemical structures were extensively characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The performance of S‐TAH, as a multitask hardener for bisphenol A‐based epoxy resin (EP), was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, dynamic thermomechanical analyses (DMTA), and four‐prob conductometry. Peaks of cure exotherms for S‐TAH/EP (1:1) systems appear at 135°C with a tail‐like peak around 175°C. Compared to conventional amine‐cured EP, the thermal stability of the S‐TAH/EP cured was significantly higher, that is, ~ 40°C enhancement in half weight loss temperature (T50). A three‐fold improvement in char yield was observed. From DMTA, the material cured with S‐TAH displays representative storage moduli in glassy (9.4 GPa) and rubbery (5.2 GPa) states reflecting a uniform network and viscoelastic behavior. The electrical conductivities (σ) of the pure S‐TAH and the epoxy systems cured with S‐TAH/EP are 4.3 × 10−4, and 2.65 × 10−4, respectively. T star‐shaped oligoaniline is a promising multitask hardener—functioning as hardener, thermal stabilizer, electrically conductive and toughening agents—which can be versatilely applied in thermal resistance anticorrosive coatings and conductive adhesives.
When mothers are more negative while fathers are less positive: Offspring's temporary feelings of depression affect parental work engagement via the asymmetric effects of emotions transmission
Authors: Lu Li , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

There is a sharp rise in depressive moods from childhood to adolescence. Since moods can cross over from a child to a parent and spill over from family to work, offspring's temporary feelings of depression represent potential risks for parents' occupational health and well‐being. In the current study, the authors investigate the impacts of offspring's temporary feelings of depression on mothers' work engagement via the transfer of negative moods, and on fathers' work engagement via the transfer of positive moods. Participants were 265 full‐time employees and their adolescent offspring. The results confirmed our hypotheses. Offspring's temporary feelings of depression were associated with less maternal work engagement via increased maternal negative moods and endangered paternal work engagement via decreased paternal positive moods. The finding implies that negative emotions may be related to the occupational health of working mothers, while positive emotions may be related to the occupational health of working fathers.
Red Squirrel Tests: Air Products' ammonia field experiments
Authors: Dharmavaram S. , Carroll M. J. , Lutostansky E. M. , McCormack D. , Chester A. , Allason D.
Published: April 2023

The Red Squirrel ammonia field experiments were conducted at the DNV Spadeadam site in the UK in 2022. Field test data currently exists for high‐pressure (ambient temperature) two‐phase releases of ammonia from Desert Tortoise (1983) and FLADIS (1996) experiments. No field tests have ever been done for cold (refrigerated) ammonia liquid spills on dry land or into water. The handling of liquified ammonia, during storage/processing and transportation, in a cold (refrigerated) state is inherently safer than in a high‐pressure (ambient temperature) liquified state. The main objective of the Air Products’ Red Squirrel Tests was to determine the source term and dispersion characteristics for high‐pressure (ambient temperature) liquified ammonia and low‐pressure (cold/refrigerated) liquified ammonia in form of two‐phase releases and liquid spills, respectively. Liquid spills on concrete and water were studied, along with the process conditions that led to the transition from liquid spills to two‐phase flow regimes based on discharge pressures for cold liquified ammonia. Details on the equipment, instrumentation, secondary containment, and ammonia sensors and their layout are presented. An initial analysis of the source terms and dispersion behavior for two‐phase releases and contained liquid spills over a range of weather conditions is also provided.
Dual action anti‐inflammatory/antiviral isoquinoline alkaloids as potent naturally occurring anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents: A combined pharmacological and medicinal chemistry perspective
Authors: Valipour Mehdi , Hosseini Asieh , Di Sotto Antonella , Irannejad Hamid
Published: April 2023

In the search for compounds that inhibit the SARS‐CoV‐2 after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, isoquinoline‐containing alkaloids have been identified as compounds with high potential to fight the disease. In addition to having strong antiviral activities, most of these alkaloids have significant anti‐inflammatory effects which are often manifested through the inhibition of a promising host‐based anti‐COVID‐19 target, the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In the present review, our pharmacological and medicinal chemistry evaluation resulted in highlighting the potential of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 isoquinoline‐based alkaloids for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients. Considering critical parameters of the antiviral and anti‐inflammatory activities, mechanism of action, as well as toxicity/safety profile, we introduce the alkaloids emetine, cephaeline, and papaverine as high‐potential therapeutic agents for use in the treatment of COVID‐19. Although preclinical studies confirm that some isoquinoline‐based alkaloids reviewed in this study have a high potential to inhibit the SARS‐CoV‐2, their entry into drug regimens of COVID‐19 patients requires further clinical trial studies and toxicity evaluation.
Sufficient conditions on finite‐time input‐to‐state stability of nonlinear stochastic impulsive time‐varying systems
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhu Quanxin
Published: April 2023

The finite‐time input‐to‐state stability () of stochastic impulsive time‐varying nonlinear systems is investigated in this paper. Different from the previous works concerning , we allow the coefficients of the estimated upper bound for the diffusion operator of a Lyapunov function to be time‐varying. Moreover, a relaxed relation between the impulsive frequency is provided. Leveraging the Lyapunov method along with Lambert function and average impulsive interval () method, the input‐to‐state () property is obtained within finite time. Furthermore, two examples are provided to verify the validity of the conclusion.
Sustainability as a strategy base in Spanish firms: Sustainability reports and performance on the sustainable development goals
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Ponce Herenia
Published: April 2023

This article examines corporate sustainability reports, the standards they use, and their connection to performance on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) from firms in the main Spanish stock index. The investigation was performed through an exploratory, descriptive, analytic study as well as examination of the disclosure and performance on the SDGs after Law 11/2018 went into effect in Spain. The study methods used include parametric correlations that explain the associations between the global reporting initiative (GRI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and the level of performance on SDGs/ESG in the sustainability reports. We found that all firms present their verified sustainability reports, that the level of ESG information is above 75%, and that the GRI is the sustainability standard used. Further, all firms contribute on average a 75% level of information on all goals and on each of the 17 goals for the 2030 Agenda. We obtain significant analogies in level of disclosure of GRI‐ESG information and level of performance on the SDGs/ESG. In addition, the higher the level of information on environmental GRI standards, the better the firm's position in the environmental SDG ranking.
UK‐based multicentre cross‐sectional study assessing advice requests veterinary dermatologists received from general practitioners
Authors: Lau‐Gillard Peri , Walker Charlie , Robinson Victoria , Paterson Susan , Patel Anita , Littlewood Janet , Hardy Jon , Debellis Filippo , Barnard Natalie , Neuber‐Watts Ariane , Hendricks Anke , Varjonen Katarina , Hill Peter B.
Published: April 2023

Background

There is little currently little information available regarding the nature of the advice requests veterinary dermatologists receive from general practitioners. Collation of such data could direct continuing veterinary development in the future.

Methods

Dermatologists completed hand‐written recording sheets during or after enquiries. Information recorded included the route of enquiry, nature of advice, material provided, practice type and location, animal signalment, presenting signs, diagnosis/differential diagnosis, treatment and referral recommendations, time taken and if charges were made.

Results

Twelve dermatology services recorded 768 advice requests over a 6‐month period. Most requests were submitted via email and related to canine dermatology (81%). An average of 9.5 minutes was spent replying to requests. Charges were made in 2% of cases. Advice regarding otitis was most commonly sought, followed by pruritus, alopecia and crusting. The most frequently discussed diagnoses included allergy, otitis, pyoderma, demodicosis, dermatophytosis and neoplasia. Antibiotics, anti‐pruritics and topical otic medications were the most commonly discussed therapeutics.

Limitations

This is an initial study and therefore there are limitations involving the depth of the data. Additional studies should be completed which identify why advice is sought, decision‐making regarding referral, and if advice should be charged similarly to other disciplines.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that veterinarians mostly frequently seek advice on management of common dermatological problems, including allergy, otitis and pyoderma.
How to paint a bouquet: MA‐XRF analysis of 17th century Netherlandish flower still lifes from the Mauritshuis
Authors: Albrecht Marya , Meloni Sabrina , Pottasch Carol , Vandivere Abbie , van Loon Annelies
Published: April 2023

The Mauritshuis (The Hague, The Netherlands) owns a large collection of 17th‐century still lifes, of which a significant portion depicts floral arrangements. As part of a still life cataloguing project, 19 of the flower still lifes have been examined using a wide range of scientific technologies, including MA‐XRF scanning. This paper will discuss how MA‐XRF analysis has significantly improved our understanding of the way artists prepared their compositions. It became apparent that there are several ways in which artists planned their painted bouquets. Early 17th‐century still life painters such as Baltahasar van der Ast used detailed underdrawings, which they followed during the painting stage. Artists from Antwerp, like Daniël Seghers started their paintings by making ‘abstract’ compositions of coloured circles and ovals. This method was picked up by Jan Davidsz, de Heem, who was working in both Antwerp and Utrecht. De Heem's pupils Abraham Mignon and Maria van Oosterwijck used a similar method, but other still life specialists such as Van Aelst and Rachel Ruysch planned their compositions differently.
The influence of aperture on the imaging quality of microfocus x‐ray source
Authors: Dong Zengya , Shi Lina , Niu Geng , Wang Wenbo , Liu Junbiao , Han Li
Published: April 2023

Electron beam (e‐beam) with a small spot size is the key to produce microfocus x‐ray source. The spot size of the e‐beam can be controlled by changing the aperture angle at the target, and the focus size of the microfocus x‐ray source is changed accordingly. At the same time, the SNR (Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio) of the image is reduced because the aperture produces secondary x‐ray, which interferes with the x‐ray imaging. In this paper, the aperture size and its position are optimized for getting the smallest spot size of the e‐beam, and the experimental results show that the resolution is 0.8 μm with the aperture size of 0.5 mm. In addition, this paper also presents that the image's SNR can be improved by coating carbon film on the back surface of the aperture.
Beyond “Dreydegger”: The Future of Anglo-American Existential Phenomenology
Authors: Londen Patrick
Published: April 2023

Although there are many philosophers responsible for introducing phenomenology to philosophy departments in the United States and United Kingdom (e.g. Charles Taylor and Richard Rorty), arguably none has been as broadly influential as Hubert Dreyfus (1929–2017). It may not be too much of an exaggeration to claim (as some have; see Kelly, 2005), that the reading of Heidegger taught in most philosophy departments in the English-speaking world is some descendent of Dreyfus’s Heidegger—or “Dreydegger” as it is sometimes called. This portmanteau is at once a term of endearment and of derision. The union of the two thinkers represents some of the best of Dreyfus’s personal contributions to philosophy: the willingness to look to philosophical texts of the past for insights that can help untangle current theoretical problems; and the boldness in appropriating and reimagining the thinking of one of the most influential thinkers of the past century. But the term also stands for a certain style of reading texts in the history of philosophy that, some argue, gives short shrift to the historical context of the thinking that went into it, the life and legacy of the philosopher who wrote it, and most starkly, the original intentions of the text itself. As Marjorie Grene, a contemporary and colleague, remarked, Dreyfus “purveys his Heidegger, not wholly uncritically, but with deep intellectual passion and undoubted pedagogical brilliance to all—hundreds a year—who come to listen, and uses that Heidegger, in turn, for his own philosophical purposes” (Grene, 1976: 33).
Banach gradient flows for various families of knot energies
Authors: Matt Hannes , Steenebrügge Daniel , von der Mosel Heiko
Published: April 2023

We establish long-time existence of Banach gradient flows for generalised integral Menger curvatures and tangent-point energies, and for O’Hara’s self-repulsive potentials $$E^{\alpha ,p}$$

E

α
,
p

. In order to do so, we employ the theory of curves of maximal slope in slightly smaller spaces compactly embedding into the respective energy spaces associated to these functionals and add a term involving the logarithmic strain, which controls the parametrisations of the flowing (knotted) loops. As a prerequisite, we prove in addition that O’Hara’s knot energies $$E^{\alpha ,p}$$

E

α
,
p

are continuously differentiable.
Research Progress on TRPA1 in Diseases
Authors: Li Jiajing , Zhang Hongfei , Du Qian , Gu Junyu , Wu Jiangbo , Liu Qi , Li Zhuo , Zhang Ting , Xu Jingyu , Xie Rui
Published: April 2023

For a long time, the physiological activity of TRP ion channels and the response to various stimuli have been the focus of attention, and the physiological functions mediated by ion channels have subtle links with the occurrence of various diseases. Our group has been engaged in the study of ion channels. In recent years, the report rate of TRPA1, the only member of the TRPA subfamily in the newly described TRP channel, has been very high. TRPA1 channels are not only abundantly expressed in peptidergic nociceptors but are also found in many nonneuronal cell types and tissues, and through the regulation of Ca2+ influx, various neuropeptides and signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of nerves, respiration, circulation, and various diseases and inflammation throughout the body. In this review, we mainly summarize the effects of TRPA1 on various systems in the body, which not only allows us to have a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of TRPA1 but also facilitates more in-depth research on it in the future.

Graphical Abstract
Towards in vivo characterization of thyroid nodules suspicious for malignancy using multispectral optoacoustic tomography
Authors: Noltes Milou E. , Bader Maximilian , Metman Madelon J. H. , Vonk Jasper , Steinkamp Pieter J. , Kukačka Jan , Westerlaan Henriette E. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , van Hemel Bettien M. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , van Dam Gooitzen M. , Jüstel Dominik , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Kruijff Schelto
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Patient-tailored management of thyroid nodules requires improved risk of malignancy stratification by accurate preoperative nodule assessment, aiming to personalize decisions concerning diagnostics and treatment. Here, we perform an exploratory pilot study to identify possible patterns on multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) for thyroid malignancy stratification. For the first time, we directly correlate MSOT images with histopathology data on a detailed level.

Methods

We use recently enhanced data processing and image reconstruction methods for MSOT to provide next-level image quality by means of improved spatial resolution and spectral contrast. We examine optoacoustic features in thyroid nodules associated with vascular patterns and correlate these directly with reference histopathology.

Results

Our methods show the ability to resolve blood vessels with diameters of 250 μm at depths of up to 2 cm. The vessel diameters derived on MSOT showed an excellent correlation (R2-score of 0.9426) with the vessel diameters on histopathology. Subsequently, we identify features of malignancy observable in MSOT, such as intranodular microvascularity and extrathyroidal extension verified by histopathology. Despite these promising features in selected patients, we could not determine statistically relevant differences between benign and malignant thyroid nodules based on mean oxygen saturation in thyroid nodules. Thus, we illustrate general imaging artifacts of the whole field of optoacoustic imaging that reduce image fidelity and distort spectral contrast, which impedes quantification of chromophore presence based on mean concentrations.

Conclusion

We recommend examining optoacoustic features in addition to chromophore quantification to rank malignancy risk. We present optoacoustic images of thyroid nodules with the highest spatial resolution and spectral contrast to date, directly correlated to histopathology, pushing the clinical translation of MSOT.
Good rates of return-to-sport in athletes after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous patellar tendon and lateral extra-articular tenodesis: a 2-year follow-up prospective study
Authors: Borim Felipe Moreira , Jubert Nayana Joshi , Vinaixa Maria Mercedes Revertè , Portas-Torres Irene , Bueno Joan Pijoan , Mayayo Raquel Sevil , Peiró José Vicente Andrés , Feliu Enric Castellet , Monyart Joan Minguell
Published: April 2023

Background

Most athletes who undergo revision of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) aim to return to their preinjury sport at a similar level of performance while minimizing the risk for reinjury. Additional lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has recently been correlated with improved outcomes and low complication rate. Yet, there are few series evaluating return-to-sport (RTS) and clinical outcomes after revision ACLR using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and LET in athletes.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 19 eligible athletes who had undergone their first revision ACLR using BPTB and LET (modified Lemaire) between January 2019 and 2020. Patients were prospectively followed and interviewed in a sports activity survey during a 2-year follow-up.

Results

Despite all patients returning to sports after revision ACLR surgery, 52.6% resumed playing at their preinjury level. Furthermore, patient-reported functional outcomes improved significantly following revision surgery, as evidenced by improvements in IKDC [64.4 (± 12) to 87.8 (± 6)], Lysholm [71.27 (± 12) to 84.2 (± 9.7)], and SF-12 scales [Physical: 53.3 (± 3) 57 (± 1.2); Mental: 50.2 (± 3.3) to 52.7 (± 2.4)]. One case (5.3%) experienced persistent pain and underwent reoperation for a partial meniscectomy.

Conclusion

After revision ACLR using autologous BPTB and LET, all active individuals are expected to RTS, similar to primary ACLR. The difference comes down to returning to the preinjury level, where the levels are lower depending on the sport and initial level of play. Good mid-term functional outcomes with a low complication rate can be expected in most cases.

Study design

Case series; Level of evidence IV.

Ethical Committee Approval Number

PR(ATR)79/2021 and HCB/2023/0173.
Katsarosite Zn(C2O4)·2H2O, a new humboldtine-group mineral from the Lavrion Mining District, Greece
Authors: Giester Gerald , Rieck Branko , Lengauer Christian L. , Kolitsch Uwe , Nasdala Lutz
Published: April 2023

Katsarosite, ideally Zn(C2O4)·2H2O, named for Īraklīs Katsaros, is a new mineral found at the Esperanza Mine in the Kaminiza area of the Lavrion Mining District, Greece. Katsarosite usually occurs directly on sphalerite or embedded in jarosite and/or hydrozincite, often intimately intergrown with gypsum and overgrown by goslarite and/or epsomite. Crystal aggregates are mostly fine granular to earthy, with individual crystals being usually rounded with an average diameter of 30 µm, sometimes prismatic along [001] or platy, exhibiting the indistinct forms {100}, {001}, {110}, and {101}. Katsarosite is malleable with a Mohs hardness of 1½ – 2 and exhibits a perfect cleavage on {110}; the fracture is uneven in all other directions. The colour depends on the iron (Fe2+) content, ranging from pure white in almost Fe-free samples to yellow in Fe-rich specimens. It has a resinous luster and a white streak; no luminescence has been observed under either short- or long-wave ultraviolet radiation. Katsarosite is optically biaxial (+). Refractive indices measured at a wavelength of 589 nm are nα = 1.488(2), nβ = 1.550(2), nγ = 1.684(2), with 2Vobs = 71(3)°. Chemical analysis gave on average C2O3 38.32 wt%, ZnO 38.99 wt%, FeO 1.92 wt%, and H2O 19.04 wt% (the latter was deduced based on the crystal-structure refinement), with traces of MgO and MnO. The new mineral is readily soluble in dilute acids. Katsarosite is monoclinic, space group C2/c, with unit-cell parameters a = 11.768(3), b = 5.3882(12), c = 9.804(2) Å, β = 127.045(8)°, V = 496.2(2) Å3 (Z = 4). The strongest lines in the Gandolfi X-ray powder pattern [dobs in Å, Iobs/I100, (hkl)] are: 4.6745, 100, (200); 4.7678, 94, (20$$\overline{2 }$$

2
¯

); 2.9533, 51, (40$$\overline{2 }$$

2
¯

); 4.7030, 37, (1 $$\overline{1 }\,\overline{1 }$$

1
¯

1
¯

); 3.9266, 33, (002); 3.5686, 27, (111); 2.6574, 22, (1 $$\overline{1 }\,\overline{3 }$$

1
¯

3
¯

); 3.5992, 8, (1 $$\overline{1 }\,\overline{2 }$$

1
¯

2
¯

); 2.7032, 4, (020). The crystal structure was refined based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R(F) = 0.08. The observed mass density of 2.50(2) g cm−3 compares well with the calculated value (2.508 g cm−3). Katsarosite belongs to the humboldtine group, whose crystal-structure type is well described for both isotypic minerals and synthetic compounds in the literature. The atomic arrangement in Zn(C2O4)·2H2O is characterized by chains consisting of isolated ZnO6 octahedra which are alternately linked along [010] via oxalate anions. These chains are interconnected through hydrogen bonds only, with Ow···O (with Ow denoting the O atom of the H2O molecule) donor–acceptor distances of ~ 2.8 Å.
Cutting to the chase with warm-start contextual bandits
Authors: Oetomo Bastian , Perera R. Malinga , Borovica-Gajic Renata , Rubinstein Benjamin I. P.
Published: April 2023

Multi-armed bandits achieve excellent long-term performance in practice and sublinear cumulative regret in theory. However, a real-world limitation of bandit learning is poor performance in early rounds due to the need for exploration—a phenomenon known as the cold-start problem. While this limitation may be necessary in the general classical stochastic setting, in practice where “pre-training” data or knowledge is available, it is natural to attempt to “warm-start” bandit learners. This paper provides a theoretical treatment of warm-start contextual bandit learning, adopting Linear Thompson Sampling as a principled framework for flexibly transferring domain knowledge as might be captured by bandit learning in a prior related task, a supervised pre-trained Bayesian posterior, or domain expert knowledge. Under standard conditions, we prove a general regret bound. We then apply our warm-start algorithmic technique to other common bandit learners—the $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-greedy and upper-confidence bound contextual learners. An upper regret bound is then provided for LinUCB. Our suite of warm-start learners are evaluated in experiments with both artificial and real-world datasets, including a motivating task of tuning a commercial database. A comprehensive range of experimental results are presented, highlighting the effect of different hyperparameters and quantities of pre-training data.