bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From emissions to resources: mitigating the critical raw material supply chain vulnerability of renewable energy technologies
Authors: Mertens Jan , Dewulf Jo , Breyer Christian , Belmans Ronnie , Gendron Corinne , Geoffron Patrice , Goossens Luc , Fischer Carolyn , Du Fornel Elodie , Hayhoe Katharine , Hirose Katsu , Le Cadre-Loret Elodie , Lester Richard , Maigné Fanny , Maitournam Habibou , de Miranda Paulo Emilio Valadão , Verwee Peter , Sala Olivier , Webber Michael , Debackere Koenraad
Published: February 2024

The massive deployment of clean energy technologies plays a vital role in the strategy to attain carbon neutrality by 2050 and allow subsequent negative CO2 emissions in order to achieve our climate goals. An emerging challenge, known as ‘From Emissions to Resources,’ highlights the significant increase in demand for critical raw materials (CRMs) in clean energy technologies. Despite the presence of ample geological reserves, ensuring sustainable access to these materials is crucial for the successful transition to clean energy, taking into account the environmental and social impacts. The commentary centers on four renewable energy technologies namely solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, Li-ion batteries, and water electrolysers. Four pathways for mitigation are quantitatively examined to assess their potential in reducing the vulnerability of the CRM supply chain for these four clean energy technologies: (i) Enhancing material efficiency, (ii) employing substitutivity strategies, (iii) exploring recycling prospects, and (iv) promoting relocalisation initiatives. It is important to note that no single mitigation lever can completely eliminate the risk of CRM supply, rather the accelerated adoption of all four levers is necessary to minimize the CRM supply risk to its absolute minimum. Hence, the study underscores the significance of increased research, innovation, and regulatory initiatives, along with raising social awareness, in effectively addressing the challenges faced by the CRM supply chain and contributing to a sustainable energy transition.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Multi-purpose Forest Management Practices on the Breeding Success of Forest Birds
Authors: Cordeiro Pereira João M. , Mikusiński Grzegorz , Storch Ilse
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

We aimed to summarize the evidence linking multi-purpose forest management (MPF) to bird nesting and fledging success in temperate and boreal forests and to identify outstanding research gaps. Forest birds are in decline worldwide, but an ongoing move from production-oriented management towards MPF, integrating biodiversity conservation with other uses, may help counteracting these trends. The effects of MPF on bird diversity and abundance are well-studied, but less is known about effects on bird demographics.

Recent Findings

We retrieved 101 studies, reporting 342 outcomes of MPF for nesting and fledging success. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, we opted for a systematic mapping approach, accompanied by vote-counting and narrative review. Studies covered 11 types of MPF and 151 bird species. The most frequently studied interventions were overstorey retention and prescribed burning, but research was markedly biased towards temperate North America. Most outcomes (79.5%) were non-significant, and studies often found that breeding success was driven by ecological processes at both broader and finer scales than management interventions. Thus, managing for breeding success likely requires complementary management actions at various scales. Nonetheless, significant positive and negative outcomes of MPF were also found, inclusively affecting species of conservation concern, highlighting the variability and context-dependence of MPF effects.

In order to foster effectiveness of MPF for forest birds, future research should focus on a set of under-researched interventions and regions, as well as on ecosystem-wide experiments accounting for functional links between bird abundance, demographics, nest predation, and food supply.
Turbulence modelling in neutron star merger simulations
Authors: Radice David , Hawke Ian
Published: February 2024

Observations of neutron star mergers have the potential to unveil detailed physics of matter and gravity in regimes inaccessible by other experiments. Quantitative comparisons to theory and parameter estimation require nonlinear numerical simulations. However, the detailed physics of energy and momentum transfer between different scales, and the formation and interaction of small scale structures, which can be probed by detectors, are not captured by current simulations. This is where turbulence enters neutron star modelling. This review will outline the theory and current status of turbulence modelling for relativistic neutron star merger simulations.
Does the Australian school system and curriculum support young people to become active and informed citizens?
Authors: Doecke Esther , Huo Shuyan
Published: February 2024

Does the Australian school system and curriculum support students to become active and informed’ members of the community, which is a key aspiration of the Australian school system set out in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration? We address this question by drawing on the Australian National Assessment Program (NAP) civics and citizenship data. The NAP data measures Year 6 and Year 10 students’ awareness of civics and citizenship content as well as their participation in civics and citizenship-related activities at school. The data suggests that students are being informed about social, political and economic issues, but there are differences between students with respect to their active engagement in civics and citizenship related activities at school deriving from their parents’ educational level and age group. But the curriculum is also at issue here. The prescriptive Australian Curriculum framework has a heavy emphasis on academic learning particularly during the secondary years, which sidelines active participation in civics and citizenship education. Furthermore, the Australian Curriculum constrains teachers in their ability to enact a truly negotiated curriculum that is meaningful to students and may enhance their sense of being part of the community and citizens of a democratic society.
Hypernorm on hypervector spaces over a hyperfield
Authors: Pallavi P. , Kuncham S. P. , Tapatee S. , Vadiraja B. , Harikrishnan P. K.
Published: February 2024

Hypernorm is a generalization of the notion of a norm on a vector space over a field. In this paper, we consider a hypervector space $$(\mathbb {V}, +)$$

(
V
,
+
)

over a hyperfield, where $$+$$
+
is a hyperoperation, and prove that the hypernorm is continuous. We show that the natural linear transformation from $$\mathbb {V}$$
V
to $$\dfrac{\mathbb {V}}{Z}$$

V
Z

is continuous and open for all closed subhyperspaces Z of $$\mathbb {V}$$
V
. We prove $$BL(\mathbb {V},\mathbb {W}),$$

B
L
(
V
,
W
)
,

the set of all bounded linear transformations from $$\mathbb {V}$$
V
to $$\mathbb {W}$$
W
is a hyper-Banach space whenever $$\mathbb {W}$$
W
is complete. Furthermore, we obtain that in a hyper-Banach space $$\mathbb {V}$$
V
if $$\lbrace \mu _n \rbrace$$

{

μ
n

}

is a sequence of continuous linear transformations with $$\lbrace /\mu _n(u)/ \rbrace$$

{
/

μ
n

(
u
)

/
}

is bounded for every $$u \in \mathbb {V},$$

u
∈
V
,

then $$\lbrace \Vert \mu _n\Vert \rbrace$$

{
‖

μ
n

‖
}

is bounded. In the sequel, we prove several properties of hypernorm and linear transformations on hypernormed spaces.
Temperature Control and Data Exchange in Food Supply Chains: Current Situation and the Applicability of a Digitalized System of Time–Temperature-Indicators to Optimize Temperature Monitoring in Different Cold Chains
Authors: Waldhans Claudia , Albrecht Antonia , Ibald Rolf , Wollenweber Dirk , Sy Su-Jen , Kreyenschmidt Judith
Published: February 2024

The current situation of temperature monitoring in perishable food supply chains and the optimization of temperature control was studied by combining two approaches. First, a survey among German companies (production, processing, logistics, wholesale, retail) was conducted to analyze the current temperature monitoring and data management conditions as well as the use of novel monitoring systems, such as Time–Temperature-Indicators (TTIs). Second, the temperature conditions in three different supply chains (B2C for raw pork sausage, B2B for fish, B2C e-commerce for mixed products) were investigated to analyze the applicability of TTIs with an app-based read-out system to identify weak points and to optimize cold chain management under practical conditions. The results of the survey showed that mainly static conditions are tested along the supply chain. Thus, the actors rely mostly on visual inspection or best-before date labeling while TTIs are not widely used. Currently, temperature data are barely exchanged by stakeholders. In the B2C chain, mean temperatures on different pallet levels were comparable, also reflected by TTIs and the app-based read-out system, respectively. In the B2B chain, temperature interruptions during the unloading process were detected, revealing main challenges in perishable supply chains. Temperature monitoring by TTIs on a box level was possible by positioning the label close to the product. Results in the e-commerce sector showed heterogeneous conditions in different boxes depending on initial product temperatures and loading. TTIs and the app-based read-out system showed reliable results based on different temperature scenarios, when TTIs are positioned close to the most sensitive product.
Reduced sulfur compounds and carboxylic acid groups in dissolved PFRs of iron-biochar enhance Cr(VI) reduction in anaerobic conditions
Authors: Hu Shujie , Liu Chengshuai , Bu Hongling , Chen Manjia , Tang Jiao , Jiang Bin , Ran Yong
Published: February 2024

In addition to the adsorption and immobilization capacities of iron-modified biochars, these materials produce persistent free radicals (PFRs) that can carry out metal [i.e., Cr(VI)] redox transformations, but the primary forms and active species of PFRs involved are not well understood. Here, we investigated the key species of PFRs of α-Fe2O3-modified biochar (MBC) and their influence on Cr(VI) reduction under anaerobic conditions simulating paddy soil environments. MBC produced bulk phenoxyl PFRs that promoted Cr(VI) reduction due to the catalytic effect of the transition metal Fe. In addition, MBC was more efficient in reducing Cr(VI) under anaerobic conditions than under aerobic conditions due to the more active and accessible dissolved PFRs present in the dissolved organic matter (DOM). The electron transfer capacity of DOM was demonstrated by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectrophotometry combined with parallel factor analysis, which showed that the protein-like and humic-like components of DOM were involved in Cr(VI) reduction. Furthermore, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) analysis indicated that reduced-S compounds (O/S < 4) and carboxylic acid (–COO) groups in the unsaturated aliphatic and lignin-like compounds are potentially the main active species accelerating Cr(VI) reduction under anaerobic conditions. Our results provide new insights into the role of dissolved PFRs from iron-modified biochar in promoting Cr(VI) reduction under anaerobic conditions such as flooded soils.

Graphical Abstract
A new graph theoretic analytical method for nonlinear distributed order fractional ordinary differential equations by clique polynomial of cocktail party graph
Authors: Nirmala A. N. , Kumbinarasaiah S.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we presented a new analytical method for one of the rapidly emerging branches of fractional calculus, the distributed order fractional differential equations (DFDE). Due to its significant applications in modeling complex physical systems, researchers have shown profound interest in developing various analytical and numerical methods to study DFDEs. With this motivation, we proposed an easy computational technique with the help of graph theoretic polynomials from algebraic graph theory for nonlinear distributed order fractional ordinary differential equations (NDFODE). In the method, we used clique polynomials of the cocktail party graph as an approximation solution. With operational integration and fractional differentiation in the Caputo sense, the NDFODEs transformed into a system of algebraic equations and then solved by Newton–Raphson's method to determine the unknowns in the Clique polynomial approximation. The proficiency of the proposed Clique polynomial collocation method (CCM) is illustrated with four numerical examples. The convergence and error analysis are discussed in tabular and graphical depictions by comparing the CCM results with the results of existing numerical methods.
Spectrophotometric quantification of amitriptyline hydrochloride in pharmaceutical tablets: method development and validation
Authors: Abdulrahman Sameer A. M. , Al-khawlani Abdullah R.
Published: February 2024

The development and validation of two uncomplicated, selective, and non-extraction-based visible spectrophotometric methods was carried out for the quantification of a tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline hydrochloride as pharmaceutical tablets as well as in its pure form. The methods rely on the formation of ion pair complexes between amitriptyline base and two acidic dyes, bromothymol blue and bromocresol purple, which were subsequently measured at 410 and 400 nm, respectively. The developed methods included numerous reaction variables that were examined and improved. Beer's law is applicable under optimal conditions for the bromothymol blue and bromocresol purple methods, respectively, over concentrations from 0.5 to 12.5 μg mL−1 and from 0.5 to 10.0 μg mL−1 amitriptyline hydrochloride. The computed values of molar absorptivity were 1.79 × 104 and 2.32 × 104 L.mol−1.cm−1 for bromothymol blue and bromocresol purple methods, respectively, with Sandell’s sensitivity values of 0.0155 and 0.0119 μg cm−2. Both detection limits and quantification limits were computed and determined to be 0.55 and 1.67 μg mL−1 for bromothymol blue method, and 0.49 and 1.49 μg mL−1 for bromocresol purple method, respectively. The developed methods were successfully applied to estimate the concentration of amitriptyline hydrochloride in bulk form and commercial pills. Therefore, these methods demonstrate promising potential for testing this drug in labs for quality control.

Graphical abstract

Spectrophotometric quantification of amitriptyline hydrochloride in pharmaceutical tablets: method development and validation
The role of the type VI secretion system in the stress resistance of plant-associated bacteria
Authors: Yin Rui , Cheng Juanli , Lin Jinshui
Published: February 2024

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a powerful bacterial molecular weapon that can inject effector proteins into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, thereby participating in the competition between bacteria and improving bacterial environmental adaptability. Although most current studies of the T6SS have focused on animal bacteria, this system is also significant for the adaptation of plant-associated bacteria. This paper briefly introduces the structure and biological functions of the T6SS. We summarize the role of plant-associated bacterial T6SS in adaptability to host plants and the external environment, including resistance to biotic stresses such as host defenses and competition from other bacteria. We review the role of the T6SS in response to abiotic factors such as acid stress, oxidation stress, and osmotic stress. This review provides an important reference for exploring the functions of the T6SS in plant-associated bacteria. In addition, characterizing these anti-stress functions of the T6SS may provide new pathways toward eliminating plant pathogens and controlling agricultural losses.
Spatial Variation in Excess Mortality Across Europe: A Cross-Sectional Study of 561 Regions in 21 Countries
Authors: Bonnet Florian , Grigoriev Pavel , Sauerberg Markus , Alliger Ina , Mühlichen Michael , Camarda Carlo-Giovanni
Published: February 2024

Objective

To measure the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 at the subnational level by estimating excess mortality, defined as the increase in all-cause mortality relative to an expected baseline mortality level.

Methods

Statistical and demographic analyses of regional all-cause mortality data provided by the vital statistics systems of 21 European countries for 561 regions in Central and Western Europe. Life expectancy losses at ages 0 and 60 for males and females were estimated.

Results

We found evidence of a loss in life expectancy in 391 regions, whilst only three regions exhibit notable gains in life expectancy in 2020. For 12 regions, losses of life expectancy amounted to more than 2 years and three regions showed losses greater than 3 years. We highlight geographical clusters of high mortality in Northern Italy, Spain and Poland, whilst clusters of low mortality were found in Western France, Germany/Denmark and Norway/Sweden.

Conclusions

Regional differences of loss of life expectancy are impressive, ranging from a loss of more than 4 years to a gain of 8 months. These findings provide a strong rationale for regional analysis, as national estimates hide significant regional disparities.
Impacts of Inflammatory Cytokines Variants on Systemic Inflammatory Profile and COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Deng XueJun , Tang Kai , Wang Zhiqiang , He Suyu , Luo Zhi
Published: February 2024

Background

Cytokine storm is known to impact the prognosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), since pro-inflammatory cytokine variants are associated with cytokine storm. It is tempting to speculate that pro-inflammatory cytokines variants may impact COVID-19 outcomes by modulating cytokine storm. Here, we verified this hypothesis via a comprehensive analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Central, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until December 15, 2023. Case–control or cohort studies that investigated the impacts of rs1800795 or rs1800629 on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, mortality, IL-6, TNF-α, or CRP levels were included after an anonymous review by two independent reviewers and consultations of disagreement by a third independent reviewer.

Results

47 studies (8305 COVID-19 individuals and 17,846 non-COVID-19 individuals) were analyzed. The rs1800629 A allele (adenine at the −308 position of the promoter was encoded by the A allele) was associated with higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). In contrast, the rs1800795 C allele (cytosine at the −174 position of the promoter was encoded by the C allele) was linked to higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CRP. In addition, the A allele of rs1800629 increased the severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, the C allele of rs1800795 only increased COVID-19 susceptibility.

Conclusions

rs1800629 and rs1800795 variants of pro-inflammatory cytokines have significant impacts on systemic inflammatory profile and COVID-19 clinical outcomes. rs1800629 may serve as a genetic marker for severe COVID-19.
Graphene nanoribbons: current status, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Lou Shuo , Lyu Bosai , Zhou Xianliang , Shen Peiyue , Chen Jiajun , Shi Zhiwen
Published: February 2024

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are narrow strips of graphene with widths ranging from a few nanometers to a few tens of nanometers. GNRs possess most of the excellent properties of graphene, while also exhibiting unique physical characteristics not found in graphene, such as an adjustable band gap and spin-polarized edge states. These properties make GNRs an appealing candidate for carbon-based electronics. In this review, we begin by introducing the edge geometry and electronic bands of GNRs. We then discuss various methods for fabricating GNRs and analyze the characteristics of each method. Subsequently, the performance of GNR field-effect transistor devices obtained from a few representative GNR fabrication methods is discussed and compared. We also investigate the use of GNRs as quantum dots and spintronic devices. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of GNRs as a quantum material for next-generation electronics and spintronics are explored and proposed.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services: The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on pre-hospital services
Authors: Çavuş Kadir , Akbulut Meryem , Kaya Afşin A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak started in China and went on to affect the entire world. Healthcare providers were among the communities that faced severe challenges during the pandemic, and this was especially true of Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services (PHEMS) providers.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on service requests submitted to PHEMS providers via calls made to emergency hotlines.

Methods:

Data were obtained on calls made to 112 (the emergency hotline) during March – August 2020 (i.e., during the pandemic) and the same period the previous year (i.e., the pre-pandemic period). These 2 data sets were analyzed and compared using the SPSS 26 software package (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA).

Results:

The results of the analysis indicated that the total number of emergency calls received during the pandemic period (11 745) increased compared to the pre-pandemic period (10 747), whereas there was a decrease in the proportion of trauma-related emergency calls during the pandemic period (5.3%) compared to the pre-pandemic period (6.8%). Furthermore, there was a higher proportion of extended service times among ambulances serving in PHEMS during the pandemic period (ambulance movements longer than 90 seconds: 15.6%) compared to the pre-pandemic period (ambulance movements longer than 90 seconds: 8.6%). Non-emergency ambulance usage rate was 44.90% in the pre-pandemic period and 38.90% in the pandemic period.

Conclusions:

As the study’s results show that there was an increase in the number of calls to PHEMS during the pandemic period, especially given that a significant portion of these calls consisted of non-emergency calls, it is recommended that measures be taken to reduce the excessive load on PHEMS during a pandemic.
Prevalence of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions among dental visits, 2019
Authors: Murphy Ashlee M. , Patel Ursula C. , Wilson Geneva M. , Suda Katie J.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The US National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria established a goal to decrease unnecessary outpatient antibiotic use by 50%. However, data to inform this goal have been limited to medical settings and have not included dental prescribing. Thus, we sought to identify the proportion of antibiotics prescribed inappropriately by dentists to inform outpatient stewardship efforts.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis of 2019 Veterans’ Affairs (VA) national electronic health record data. Antibiotics prescribed by dentists were evaluated for appropriateness based on 2 definitions: one derived from current guidelines (consensus-based recommendations) and the other based on relevant clinical literature (nonconsensus). A clustered binomial logistic regression model determined factors associated with discordant prescribing.

Results:

In total, 92,224 antibiotic prescriptions (63% amoxicillin; mean supply, 8.0 days) were associated with 88,539 dental visits. Prophylaxis for complications in medically compromised patients was associated with the most (30.9%) antibiotic prescriptions, followed by prevention of postsurgical complications (20.1%) and infective endocarditis (18.0%). At the visit level, 15,476 (17.5%) met the consensus-based definition for appropriate antibiotic usage and 56,946 (64.3%) met the nonconsensus definition.

Conclusions:

More than half of antibiotics prescribed by dentists do not have guidelines supporting their use. Regardless of definition applied, antibiotics prescribed by dentists were commonly unnecessary. Improving prescribing by dentists is critical to reach the national goal to decrease unnecessary antibiotic use.
Corporate Social Irresponsibility in Business: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Agenda
Authors: Tan Xiaoxia , Wu Xiaojie , Zhong Xi
Published: February 2024

Despite increased interest in corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) among business scholars, the current research is still fragmented, its findings lacking a nuanced understanding. We conduct a systematic literature review of 173 journal articles on CSI published in the field of business and synthesize insights regarding the antecedents, consequences, and mechanisms of CSI. We begin by providing a clear definition, distinct types, and the measurement methods of CSI. Then, we provide a comprehensive research framework that demonstrates the three key components of CSI research: antecedent, consequence, and moderating. Building on this, we identify additional specific research methods for each component and apply them to assess and analyze the existing research findings and research gaps concerning CSI. We suggest that scholars pay more attention to (a) the impact of stakeholders on CSI behavior, (b) the different impacts of CSI on firm performance, (c) the relationship among CSI, corporate social responsibility, and firm performance, (d) CSI in the context of emerging economies, and (e) measuring CSI.
Oscillation-free point-to-point motions of planar differentially flat under-actuated robots: a Laplace transform method
Authors: Tonan Michele , Doria Alberto , Bottin Matteo , Rosati Giulio
Published: February 2024

Differentially flat under-actuated robots are characterized by more degrees of freedom (DOF) than actuators: this makes possible the design of lightweight cheap robots with high dexterity. The main issue of such robots is the control of the passive joint, which requires accurate dynamic modeling of the robot.

Friction is usually discarded to simplify the models, especially in the case of low-speed trajectories. However, this simplification leads to oscillations of the end-effector about the final position, which are incompatible with fast and accurate motions.

This paper focuses on planar$n$-DOF serial robotic arms with$n-1$actuated rotational joints plus one final passive rotational joint with stiffness and friction properties. These robots, if properly balanced, are differentially flat. When the non-actuated joint can be considered frictionless, differentially flat robots can be controlled in open loop, calculating the motor torques demanded by point-to-point motions. This paper extends the open-loop control to robots with a passive joint with viscous friction adopting a Laplace transform method. This method can be adopted by exploiting the particular structure of the equations of motion of differentially flat under-actuated robots in which the last equations are linear. Analytical expressions of the motor torques are obtained. The work is enriched by an experimental validation of a$2$-DOF under-actuated robot and by numerical simulations of the$2$- and$4$-DOF robots showing the suppression of unwanted oscillations.
Inter-industry trade and business cycle dynamics
Authors: Lechthaler Wolfgang , Mileva Mariya
Published: February 2024

Motivated by the increased importance of trade between industrialized and less-developed countries, we build a two-sector dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model featuring inter-industry trade as well as intra-industry trade to analyze the business cycle dynamics of industrialized countries. We find that import-competing sectors are more sensitive to domestic productivity shocks than exporting sectors, due to their stronger reliance on domestic demand. This generates pressure to adjust relative prices and to reallocate factors of production. It also propagates the international spillover effects of productivity shocks leading to stronger business cycle comovement across countries, relative to a traditional business cycle model that does not feature inter-industry trade.
The Effects of Australia’s First Residential Peer-Support Suicide Prevention and Recovery Centre (SPARC)
Authors: Oostermeijer Sanne , Morgan Amy , Cheesmond Natalie , Green Rachel , Reavley Nicola
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Aim: This paper reports preliminary evidence of the impacts of Australia’s first residential peer-support service for people at risk of suicide. Methods: Psychological distress was measured preintervention, postintervention, and after 3 months and analyzed using paired t tests. Interviews were held postintervention and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Psychological distress significantly improved from preintervention to postintervention ( n = 16, d = 1.77) and at follow-up ( n = 5, d = 1.12). Interviews ( n = 10) indicated that participants experienced improvements in mental well-being and feelings of connectedness, respite, and confidence to engage with other services. The peer-support workers were key. Some participants felt that the location was too remote, too little information was given, and a longer stay would have been preferable. Limitations: The study did not include a control group, the sample was relatively small, and participants may have been subject to socially desirable answers. Conclusions: These findings indicate that residential peer-support services potentially offer a valuable alternative to conventional inpatient treatment for people at risk of suicide.
Physics‐Informed Deep Operator Learning Based on Reduced‐Order Modeling for Retrieving the Ocean Interior Density From the Surface
Authors: Chen Yuanhong , Liu Li , Yuan Chunxin , Sun Xiang , Chen Xueen , Wei Zhiqiang , Gao Zhen
Published: February 2024

Exploring methods to reconstruct the ocean interior from surface data is a crucial focus in the study of ocean processes and phenomena due to the shortage of subsurface and deep‐sea data. Nonetheless, the existing methods predominantly concentrate on either data‐driven or dynamical methodologies, with limited exploration of integrating the strengths of both approaches. To combine the advantages of these two methods for reconstructing the subsurface density field from surface data, a novel dynamics‐constrained deep operator learning network based on reduced‐order model is proposed. Encoding the mean‐squared residuals of the reduced‐order equation along with the mean‐squared error between the network outputs and targets into the loss function effectively merges the dynamical and data constraints during the training process. This integration makes the network outputs and inputs approximately satisfy a specific form of the equation, allowing for interpretability, and once the network is well‐trained, rapid reconstruction evaluation can be performed. The reduced‐order equation is established by the Galerkin projection of quasi‐geostrophic equation onto the low‐dimensional subspace identified via reduced‐basis, which explains the vertical variation of ocean density. The developed model can tackle the challenge of directly measuring subsurface potential vorticity and predicting subsurface density. Evaluation is conducted using simulation data from the Max‐Planck‐Institute ocean model, indicating that it can offer precise estimations, outperforms the purely data‐driven algorithm presented in the paper and the interior plus surface quasi‐geostrophic method, and enables model sharing across different regions.
Empirical Dynamic Modeling Reveals Complexity of Methane Fluxes in a Temperate Salt Marsh
Authors: Hill Andrew C. , Schäfer Karina V. R. , Forbrich Inke , Vargas Rodrigo
Published: February 2024

Methane dynamics within salt marshes are complex because vegetation types, temperature, oscillating water levels, and changes in salinity and redox conditions influence CH4 production, consumption, oxidation, and emissions. These non‐linear and complex interactions among variables affect the traditionally expected functional relationships and present challenges for interpreting and developing process‐based models. We employed empirical dynamic modeling (EDM) and convergent cross mapping (CCM) as a novel approach for characterizing seasonal/multiday and diurnal CH4 dynamics by inferring causal variables, lags, and interconnections among multiple biophysical variables within a temperate salt marsh using 5 years of eddy covariance data. EDM/CCM is a nonparametric approach capable of quantifying the coupling between variables while determining time scales where variable interactions are the most relevant. We found that gross primary productivity, tidal creek dissolved oxygen, and temperature were important for seasonal/multiday dynamics (rho = 0.73–0.80), while water level was most important for diurnal dynamics during both the growing and dormancy phenoperiods (rho = 0.72 and 0.56, respectively). Lags for the top‐ranked variables (i.e., gross primary productivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, water level) occurred between 1 and 5 weeks at the seasonal scale and 1–24 hr at the diurnal scale. The EDM had high prediction capabilities for intra‐/inter‐seasonal patterns and annual CH4 sums but had limitations in representing large, infrequent fluxes. Results highlight the importance of non‐linearity, drivers, lag times, and interconnections among multiple biophysical variables that regulate CH4 fluxes in tidal wetlands. This research introduces a novel approach to examining CH4 fluxes, which will aid in evaluating current paradigms in wetlands and other ecosystems.
Multifactorial prevention program for cardiovascular disease in primary care: hypertension status and effect on mortality
Authors: Kuneinen Susanna M. , Kautiainen Hannu , Ekblad Mikael O. , Korhonen Päivi E.
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate if mortality during a 13-year follow-up varied between normotensive subjects, screen-detected hypertensive subjects, and subjects with antihypertensive medication at baseline. A population-based screening and intervention program identified 2659 apparently healthy, middle-aged cardiovascular-risk persons in southwestern Finland. Screen-detected hypertension was verified by home blood pressure measurements. Lifestyle counseling was provided for all participants and preventive medications were started or intensified if needed. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality were obtained from the official statistics. Screen-detected hypertension was diagnosed in 17% of the participants, 51% were normotensive and 32% had antihypertensive medication at baseline. The screen-detected hypertensives had higher mean blood pressure and cholesterol levels than the two other groups. Altogether 289 subjects died during the follow-up, 83 (29%) from cardiovascular disease. Those with screen-detected hypertension had decreased cardiovascular mortality risk compared to the medicated hypertensives [sHR 0.40 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.88, p = 0.023)], and comparable with that of the normotensives [sHR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.24 to 1.15)]. Newly diagnosed diabetes at baseline was a powerful predictor of cardiovascular mortality [sHR 2.71 (95% CI: 1.57 to 4.69)]. Early detection of hypertension and timely multifactorial intervention seem to be important in preventing hypertension-related mortality.
Right frontal cingulate cortex mediates the effect of prenatal complications on youth internalizing behaviors
Authors: Maggioni Eleonora , Pigoni Alessandro , Fontana Elisa , Delvecchio Giuseppe , Bonivento Carolina , Bianchi Valentina , Mauri Maddalena , Bellina Monica , Girometti Rossano , Agarwal Nivedita , Nobile Maria , Brambilla Paolo
Published: February 2024

Prenatal and perinatal complications represent well-known risk factors for the future development of psychiatric disorders. Such influence might become manifested during childhood and adolescence, as key periods for brain and behavioral changes. Internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence have been associated with the risk of psychiatric onset later in life. Both brain morphology and behavior seem to be affected by obstetric complications, but a clear link among these three aspects is missing. Here, we aimed at analyzing the association between prenatal and perinatal complications, behavioral issues, and brain volumes in a group of children and adolescents. Eighty-two children and adolescents with emotional-behavioral problems underwent clinical and 3 T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments. The former included information on behavior, through the Child Behavior Checklist/6-18 (CBCL/6-18), and on the occurrence of obstetric complications. The relationships between clinical and gray matter volume (GMV) measures were investigated through multiple generalized linear models and mediation models. We found a mutual link between prenatal complications, GMV alterations in the frontal gyrus, and withdrawn problems. Specifically, complications during pregnancy were associated with higher CBCL/6-18 withdrawn scores and GMV reductions in the right superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex. Finally, a mediation effect of these GMV measures on the association between prenatal complications and the withdrawn dimension was identified. Our findings suggest a key role of obstetric complications in affecting brain structure and behavior. For the first time, a mediator role of frontal GMV in the relationship between prenatal complications and internalizing symptoms was suggested. Once replicated on independent cohorts, this evidence will have relevant implications for planning preventive interventions.
Effect of chemically synthesized psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on molecular and metabolic profiles in mouse brain
Authors: Shahar Orr , Botvinnik Alexander , Shwartz Amit , Lerer Elad , Golding Peretz , Buko Alex , Hamid Ethan , Kahn Dani , Guralnick Miles , Blakolmer Karin , Wolf Gilly , Lotan Amit , Lerer Leonard , Lerer Bernard , Lifschytz Tzuri
Published: February 2024

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring, tryptamine alkaloid prodrug, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders. Preclinical reports suggest that the biological effects of psilocybin-containing mushroom extract or “full spectrum” (psychedelic) mushroom extract (PME), may differ from those of chemically synthesized psilocybin (PSIL). We compared the effects of PME to those of PSIL on the head twitch response (HTR), neuroplasticity-related synaptic proteins and frontal cortex metabolomic profiles in male C57Bl/6j mice. HTR measurement showed similar effects of PSIL and PME over 20 min. Brain specimens (frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, striatum) were assayed for the synaptic proteins, GAP43, PSD95, synaptophysin and SV2A, using western blots. These proteins may serve as indicators of synaptic plasticity. Three days after treatment, there was minimal increase in synaptic proteins. After 11 days, PSIL and PME significantly increased GAP43 in the frontal cortex (p = 0.019; p = 0.039 respectively) and hippocampus (p = 0.015; p = 0.027) and synaptophysin in the hippocampus (p = 0.041; p = 0.05) and amygdala (p = 0.035; p = 0.004). PSIL increased SV2A in the amygdala (p = 0.036) and PME did so in the hippocampus (p = 0.014). In the striatum, synaptophysin was increased by PME only (p = 0.023). There were no significant effects of PSIL or PME on PSD95 in any brain area when these were analyzed separately. Nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant increase in each of the 4 proteins over all brain areas for PME versus vehicle control, while significant PSIL effects were observed only in the hippocampus and amygdala and were limited to PSD95 and SV2A. Metabolomic analyses of the pre-frontal cortex were performed by untargeted polar metabolomics utilizing capillary electrophoresis – Fourier transform mass spectrometry (CE-FTMS) and showed a differential metabolic separation between PME and vehicle groups. The purines guanosine, hypoxanthine and inosine, associated with oxidative stress and energy production pathways, showed a progressive decline from VEH to PSIL to PME. In conclusion, our synaptic protein findings suggest that PME has a more potent and prolonged effect on synaptic plasticity than PSIL. Our metabolomics data support a gradient of effects from inert vehicle via chemical psilocybin to PME further supporting differential effects. Further studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings and to identify the molecules that may be responsible for the enhanced effects of PME as compared to psilocybin alone.
IP3R2-mediated Ca2+ release promotes LPS-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis via the activation of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway
Authors: Wu Qing-Rui , Yang Hui , Zhang Hui-Dan , Cai Yong-Jiang , Zheng Yan-Xiang , Fang Heng , Wang Zi-Fan , Kuang Su-Juan , Rao Fang , Huang Huan-Lei , Deng Chun-Yu , Chen Chun-Bo
Published: February 2024

Pyroptosis plays a crucial role in sepsis, and the abnormal handling of myocyte calcium (Ca2+) has been associated with cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Specifically, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2 (IP3R2) is a Ca2+ release channel in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, the specific role of IP3R2 in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) has not yet been determined. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism by which IP3R2 channel-mediated Ca2+ signaling contributes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—induced cardiac pyroptosis. The SIC model was established in rats by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). Cardiac dysfunction was assessed using echocardiography, and the protein expression of relevant signaling pathways was analyzed using ELISA, RT-qPCR, and western blot. Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and an inhibitor were used to explore the role of IP3R2 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) stimulated by LPS in vitro. LPS-induced NLRP3 overexpression and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in the rats’ heart. Treatment with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 alleviated LPS-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Furthermore, LPS increased ATP-induced intracellular Ca2+ release and IP3R2 expression in NRCMs. Inhibiting IP3R activity with xestospongin C (XeC) or knocking down IP3R2 reversed LPS-induced intracellular Ca2+ release. Additionally, inhibiting IP3R2 reversed LPS-induced pyroptosis by suppressing the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway. We also found that ER stress and IP3R2-mediated Ca2+ release mutually regulated each other, contributing to cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. IP3R2 promotes NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis by regulating ER Ca2+ release, and the mutual regulation of IP3R2 and ER stress further promotes LPS-induced pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes.
What is the power of a genomic multidisciplinary team approach? A systematic review of implementation and sustainability
Authors: Ma Alan , O’Shea Rosie , Wedd Laura , Wong Claire , Jamieson Robyn V , Rankin Nicole
Published: February 2024

Due to the increasing complexity of genomic data interpretation, and need for close collaboration with clinical, laboratory, and research expertise, genomics often requires a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. This systematic review aims to establish the evidence for effectiveness of the genomic multidisciplinary team, and the implementation components of this model that can inform precision care. MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched in 2022 and 2023. We included qualitative and quantitative studies of the genomic MDT, including observational and cohort studies, for diagnosis and management, and implementation outcomes of effectiveness, adoption, efficiency, safety, and acceptability. A narrative synthesis was mapped against the Genomic Medicine Integrative Research framework. 1530 studies were screened, and 17 papers met selection criteria. All studies pointed towards the effectiveness of the genomic MDT approach, with 10-78% diagnostic yield depending on clinical context, and an increased yield of 6-25% attributed to the MDT. The genomic MDT was found to be highly efficient in interpretation of variants of uncertain significance, timeliness for a rapid result, made a significant impact on management, and was acceptable for adoption by a wide variety of subspecialists. Only one study utilized an implementation science based approach. The genomic MDT approach appears to be highly effective and efficient, facilitating higher diagnostic rates and improved patient management. However, key gaps remain in health systems readiness for this collaborative model, and there is a lack of implementation science based research especially addressing the cost, sustainability, scale up, and equity of access.
Automated analysis of surface facets: the example of cesium telluride
Authors: Saßnick Holger-Dietrich , Cocchi Caterina
Published: February 2024

High-throughput screening combined with ab initio calculations is a powerful tool to explore technologically relevant materials characterized by complex configurational spaces. Despite the impressive developments achieved in this field in the last few years, most studies still focus on bulk materials, although the relevant processes for energy conversion, production, and storage occur on surfaces. Herein, we present an automatized computational scheme that is capable of calculating surface properties in inorganic crystals from first principles in a high-throughput fashion. After introducing the method and its implementation, we showcase its applicability, focusing on four polymorphs of Cs2Te, an established photocathode material for particle accelerators, considering slabs with low Miller indices and different terminations. This analysis gives insight into how the surface composition, accessible through the proposed high-throughput screening method, impacts the electronic properties and, ultimately, the photoemission performance. The developed scheme offers new opportunities for automated computational studies beyond bulk materials.
Skeletal muscle regeneration after extensive cryoinjury of caudal myomeres in adult zebrafish
Authors: Oudhoff Hendrik , Hisler Vincent , Baumgartner Florian , Rees Lana , Grepper Dogan , Jaźwińska Anna
Published: February 2024

Skeletal muscles can regenerate after minor injuries, but severe structural damage often leads to fibrosis in mammals. Whether adult zebrafish possess the capacity to reproduce profoundly destroyed musculature remains unknown. Here, a new cryoinjury model revealed that several myomeres efficiently regenerated within one month after wounding the zebrafish caudal peduncle. Wound clearance involved accumulation of the selective autophagy receptor p62, an immune response and Collagen XII deposition. New muscle formation was associated with proliferation of Pax7 expressing muscle stem cells, which gave rise to MyoD1 positive myogenic precursors, followed by myofiber differentiation. Monitoring of slow and fast muscles revealed their coordinated replacement in the superficial and profound compartments of the myomere. However, the final boundary between the muscular components was imperfectly recapitulated, allowing myofibers of different identities to intermingle. The replacement of connective with sarcomeric tissues required TOR signaling, as rapamycin treatment impaired new muscle formation, leading to persistent fibrosis. The model of zebrafish myomere restoration may provide new medical perspectives for treatment of traumatic injuries.