bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 as a probiotic in preterm infants: An updated systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Ang Ju Li , Athalye‐Jape Gayatri , Rao Shripada , Bulsara Max , Patole Sanjay
Published: September 2023

Background

Our previous strain‐specific systematic review (SR) showed that Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) DSM 17938 reduces necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), late‐onset sepsis (LOS), and time to full feeds (TFF) in preterm infants. Considering progress in the field over the past 6 years, we aimed to update our SR.

Methods

SR of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐RCTs was conducted. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Cochrane CENTRAL, and gray literature were searched in June 2023. Primary outcomes were TFF, NEC stage ≥II, LOS, and all‐cause mortality. Meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects model. Certainty of evidence (CoE) was summarized using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was applied for outcome of NEC in RCTs.

Results

Twelve RCTs (n = 2284) and four non‐RCTs (n = 1616) were included. Six RCTs and three non‐RCTs were new. Meta‐analysis of RCTs showed LR significantly reduced TFF (mean difference, −2.70 [95% CI, −4.90 to −1.31] days; P = 0.0001), NEC stage ≥II (risk ratio [RR], 0.57 [95% CI, 0.37–0.87]; P = 0.009; eight RCTs), and LOS (RR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.54–0.97]; P = 0.03); but not mortality (RR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.54–1.06]; P = 0.10). TSA showed diversity‐adjusted required information size (DARIS) as 3624 for NEC. Overall CoE was “very low.” Meta‐analysis of non‐RCTs showed LR reduced NEC (odds ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.15–0.77]; P = 0.01) but not LOS. LR had no adverse effects.

Conclusions

Very low CoE suggests that LR DSM 17938 may reduce NEC and LOS and shorten TFF in preterm infants. Additional RCTs are required to confirm our findings.
Dry‐fractionated protein concentrate as egg replacer in sponge cake: how the rheological properties of the batters affect the physical and structural quality of the products
Authors: De Angelis Davide , Latrofa Vittoria , Squeo Giacomo , Pasqualone Antonella , Summo Carmine
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Egg replacement is a notable food trend for academics and industry. Dry‐fractionated protein concentrates (DFp) are minimally processed and sustainable ingredients. DFp from chickpea, red lentil and mung bean, prepared as aqueous dispersions at 20–40% (w/w), were used to replace egg in sponge cakes. To understand the effect of DFp on the physicochemical features of sponge cakes, the batter rheological properties (i.e., flow behavior, frequency‐dependent and temperature‐dependent behaviors) were investigated.

RESULTS

Frequency sweep revealed a higher storage modulus (G′) than loss modulus (G″), indicating predominantly elastic‐like behavior, dependent on the frequency. Increasing DFp content, especially at 40%, resulted in firmer batters, indicated by elevated apparent viscosity. During temperature sweep, G′ increased starting from 80 °C in all DFp‐based batters, indicating protein and starch conformational changes. Higher DFp content better simulated the egg behavior, affecting specific volume and thickness variation after baking but resulting in harder cakes. Crumb structure was similar to the control, highlighting that DFp can emulate the egg behavior in cake preparation. Protein content in cakes containing 30% DFp was similar to the control. However, the addition of DFp caused an increase in phytic acid. Sensory analysis of sponge cakes revealed differences in crust color, sweetness and legume flavor, with minimal effect on astringency. Chickpea and lentil DFp are suggested as preferred alternatives because of their to milder sensory impact.

CONCLUSION

Overall, eggs in cake formulation can be substituted by plant‐based protein produced by dry fractionation. However, further research is essential to evaluate the nutritional characteristics. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Tackling the Root Cause of Surface‐Induced Coagulation: Inhibition of FXII Activation to Mitigate Coagulation Propagation and Prevent Clotting
Authors: Witzdam Lena , Vosberg Berlind , Große‐Berkenbusch Katharina , Stoppelkamp Sandra , Wendel Hans Peter , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar
Published: September 2023

Factor XII (FXII) is a zymogen present in blood that tends to adsorb onto the surfaces of blood‐contacting medical devices. Once adsorbed, it becomes activated, initiating a cascade of enzymatic reactions that lead to surface‐induced coagulation. This process is characterized by multiple redundancies, making it extremely challenging to prevent clot formation and preserve the properties of the surface. In this study, a novel modulatory coating system based on C1‐esterase inhibitor (C1INH) functionalized polymer brushes, which effectively regulates the activation of FXII is proposed. Using surface plasmon resonance it is demonstrated that this coating system effectively repels blood plasma proteins, including FXII, while exhibiting high activity against activated FXII and plasma kallikrein under physiological conditions. This unique property enables the modulation of FXII activation without interfering with the overall hemostasis process. Furthermore, through dynamic Chandler loop studies, it is shown that this coating significantly improves the hemocompatibility of polymeric surfaces commonly used in medical devices. By addressing the root cause of contact activation, the synergistic interplay between the antifouling polymer brushes and the modulatory C1INH is expected to lay the foundation to enhance the hemocompatibility of medical device surfaces.
Diamond detectors for dose and instantaneous dose‐rate measurements for ultra‐high dose‐rate scanned helium ion beams
Authors: Tessonnier Thomas , Verona‐Rinati Gianluca , Rank Luisa , Kranzer Rafael , Mairani Andrea , Marinelli Marco
Published: September 2023

Background

The possible emergence of the FLASH effect—the sparing of normal tissue while maintaining tumor control—after irradiations at dose‐rates exceeding several tens of Gy per second, has recently spurred a surge of studies attempting to characterize and rationalize the phenomenon. Investigating and reporting the dose and instantaneous dose‐rate of ultra‐high dose‐rate (UHDR) particle radiotherapy beams is crucial for understanding and assessing the FLASH effect, towards pre‐clinical application and quality assurance programs.

Purpose

The purpose of the present work is to investigate a novel diamond‐based detector system for dose and instantaneous dose‐rate measurements in UHDR particle beams.

Methods

Two types of diamond detectors, a microDiamond (PTW 60019) and a diamond detector prototype specifically designed for operation in UHDR beams (flashDiamond), and two different readout electronic chains, were investigated for absorbed dose and instantaneous dose‐rate measurements. The detectors were irradiated with a helium beam of 145.7 MeV/u under conventional and UHDR delivery. Dose‐rate delivery records by the monitoring ionization chamber and diamond detectors were studied for single spot irradiations. Dose linearity at 5 cm depth and in‐depth dose response from 2 to 16 cm were investigated for both measurement chains and both detectors in a water tank. Measurements with cylindrical and plane‐parallel ionization chambers as well as Monte‐Carlo simulations were performed for comparisons.

Results

Diamond detectors allowed for recording the temporal structure of the beam, in good agreement with the one obtained by the monitoring ionization chamber. A better time resolution of the order of few μs was observed as compared to the approximately 50 μs of the monitoring ionization chamber. Both diamonds detectors show an excellent linearity response in both delivery modalities. Dose values derived by integrating the measured instantaneous dose‐rates are in very good agreement with the ones obtained by the standard electrometer readings. Bragg peak curves confirmed the consistency of the charge measurements by the two systems.

Conclusions

The proposed novel dosimetric system allows for a detailed investigation of the temporal evolution of UHDR beams. As a result, reliable and accurate determinations of dose and instantaneous dose‐rate are possible, both required for a comprehensive characterization of UHDR beams and relevant for FLASH effect assessment in clinical treatments.
Computation of spectral parameters from time‐domain induced polarization data for mineral identification
Authors: Kumar Indresh , Ramesh Babu V. , Kumar B. V. L. , Dash J. K. , Chaturvedi A. K.
Published: September 2023

Induced polarization (IP) effect is widely used in the search of disseminated minerals all over the world. Spectral parameters computed from time‐domain IP data play a significant role in characterizing the sources, but mineral identification still remains a challenge. In this paper, the Levenberg–Marquardt method of inversion is adopted in estimating the spectral parameters from time‐domain IP data to identify the polarizable sources. The algorithm is tested on synthetic time‐domain IP data for its robustness to variable noise levels. Model sensitivity analyses on synthetic data were also studied with respect to acquisition time and each individual model parameter. Error analyses on extracted parameters indicated that these are well resolved and correlated if the relaxation time is within the range of acquisition time. The parameters remain poorly resolved/unresolved for smaller values of chargeability and frequency dependence. The algorithm has also been tested over known case histories of time‐domain IP data and compared the estimated spectral parameters with those of published results. The inferences drawn from computed spectral parameters on field‐observed IP transients are in good correlation with other data sets and borehole information. The methodology has successfully shown its usefulness in identifying large polarizable sources occurring at shallow levels from time‐domain IP data.
Evaluation of the stress relaxation behavior of poly (L‐lactic acid) self‐expanding braided stents
Authors: Cheng Jie , Zhao Taotao , Li Junjie , Liu Qingwei , Hu Xue , Wang Bin , Wu Gensheng , Ni Zhonghua , Zhao Gutian
Published: September 2023

Stress relaxation of poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) braided stents generated after crimping will significantly influence the radial properties of the stents, due to the viscoelasticity of PLLA. In particular, the environmental temperature and duration in the relaxation process are two vital effects on these radial performances. Thereby, a serious of crimping temperatures and holding durations were adopted in this study to investigate their influence on the radial properties of stents. The radial properties of the stent, including peak compression force, chronic outward force and energy loss, were characterized by radial mechanical tests. Results showed that the stress relaxation rates of PLLA braided stents increased with the increase of the crimp‐holding temperature and time. Specifically, the stress relaxation rates at 25, 37 and 42°C were 22.81%, 28.41% and 36.10% at hold time of 300 s. Moreover, the increase of stress relaxation can reduce chronic outward force of stents, which will furtherly cause complications such as insufficient supporting and the shift of stent and so on. Therefore, decreasing the crimp‐holding temperature and duration of stents is an effective method to reduce the stent stress relaxation. This work provides experimental references for the comprehensive evaluation of mechanical properties of PLLA braided stent in clinical application.
Superconductivity in the bcc‐Type High‐Entropy Alloy TiHfNbTaMo
Authors: Zeng Lingyong , Zhan Jie , Boubeche Mebrouka , Li Kuan , Li Longfu , Yu Peifeng , Wang Kangwang , Zhang Chao , Jin Kui , Sun Yan , Luo Huixia
Published: September 2023

X‐ray powder diffraction, electrical resistivity, magnetization, and thermodynamic measurements are conducted to investigate the structure and superconducting properties of TiHfNbTaMo, a novel high‐entropy alloy possessing a valence electron count (VEC) of 4.8. The TiHfNbTaMo HEA is discovered to have a body‐centered cubic structure (space group ) with lattice parameters a = 3.445 (1) Å and a microscopically homogeneous distribution of the constituent elements. This material shows type‐II superconductivity with Tc = 3.42 K, lower critical field µ0Hc1(0) = 22.8 mT, and upper critical field µ0Hc2(0) = 3.95 T. Low‐temperature specific heat measurements show that the alloy is a conventional s‐wave type with a moderately coupled superconductor. First‐principles calculations show that the density of states (DOS) of the TiHfNbTaMo alloy is dominated by hybrid d orbitals of these five metal elements. Additionally, the TiHfNbTaMo HEA exhibits three van Hove singularities. Furthermore, the VEC and the composition of the elements (especially the Nb elemental content) affect the Tc of the bcc‐type HEA.
Morphology Control for Efficient Nonfused Acceptor‐Based Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Xiao Yang , Yao Huifeng , Chen Zhihao , Yang Ni , Song Chang Eun , Wang Jingwen , Li Zi , Yu Yue , Ryu Du Hyeon , Shin Won Suk , Hao Xiaotao , Hou Jianhui
Published: September 2023

Non‐fused electron acceptors have huge advantages in fabricating low‐cost organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. However, morphology control is a challenge as non‐fused C─C single bonds bring more molecular conformations. Here, by selecting two typical polymer donors, PBDB‐TF and PBQx‐TF, the blend morphologies and its impacts on the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of non‐fused acceptor‐based OPV cells are studied. A selenium‐containing non‐fused acceptor named ASe‐5 is designed. The results suggest that PBQx‐TF has a lower miscibility with ASe‐5 when compared with PBDB‐TF. Additionally, the polymer networks may form earlier in the PBQx‐TF:ASe‐5 blend film due to stronger preaggregation performance, leading to a more obvious phase separation. The PBQx‐TF:ASe‐5 blend film shows faster charge transfer and suppressed charge recombination. As a result, the PBQx‐TF:ASe‐5‐based device records a good PCE of 14.7% with a higher fill factor (FF) of 0.744, while the PBDB‐TF:ASe‐5‐based device only obtains a moderate PCE of 12.3% with a relatively low FF of 0.662. The work demonstrates that the selection of donors plays a crucial role in controlling the blend morphology and thus improving the PCEs of non‐fused acceptor‐based OPV cells.
TAM‐Hijacked Immunoreaction Rescued by Hypoxia‐Pathway‐Intervened Strategy for Enhanced Metastatic Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Jiang Tianze , Wang Bingjie , Wang Teng , Zhang Lianxiao , Chen Xiangyan , Zhao Xia
Published: September 2023

Immunotherapy is regarded as a prospective strategy against metastatic cancer. However, tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), which accumulate in hypoxic tumor microenvironment, reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy by blocking or “hijacking” the initiation of the immune response. Here, a novel tumor‐targeted nanoplatform loaded with hypoxia‐pathway‐intervened docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and chemotherapeutic drug carfilzomib (CFZ) is developed, which realizes the rescue of TAM‐hijacked immune response and effective metastatic cancer immunotherapy. DHA is conjugated to fucoidan (Fuc) via a reduction cleavable selenylsulfide bond (SSe) for micelle preparation, and CFZ is encapsulated in the hydrophobic cores of micelles. The functionalized nanoplatforms (Fuc─SSe─DHA (FSSeD)–CFZs) induce immunogenic cell death, inhibit hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α expression, and improve immunosuppression by TAM suppression. FSSeD–CFZs enhance immune response against primary tumor development and metastasis formation. In brief, the novel rescue strategy for TAM‐hijacked immunoreaction by inhibiting hypoxia pathway has the potential and clinically translational significance for enhanced metastatic cancer immunotherapy.
Nonparanormal graph quilting with applications to calcium imaging
Authors: Chang Andersen , Zheng Lili , Dasarathy Gautam , Allen Genevera I.
Published: September 2023

Probabilistic graphical models have become an important unsupervised learning tool for detecting network structures for a variety of problems, including the estimation of functional neuronal connectivity from two‐photon calcium imaging data. However, in the context of calcium imaging, technological limitations only allow for partially overlapping layers of neurons in a brain region of interest to be jointly recorded. In this case, graph estimation for the full data requires inference for edge selection when many pairs of neurons have no simultaneous observations. This leads to the graph quilting problem, which seeks to estimate a graph in the presence of block‐missingness in the empirical covariance matrix. Solutions for the graph quilting problem have previously been studied for Gaussian graphical models; however, neural activity data from calcium imaging are often non‐Gaussian, thereby requiring a more flexible modelling approach. Thus, in our work, we study two approaches for nonparanormal graph quilting based on the Gaussian copula graphical model, namely, a maximum likelihood procedure and a low rank‐based framework. We provide theoretical guarantees on edge recovery for the former approach under similar conditions to those previously developed for the Gaussian setting, and we investigate the empirical performance of both methods using simulations as well as real data calcium imaging data. Our approaches yield more scientifically meaningful functional connectivity estimates compared to existing Gaussian graph quilting methods for this calcium imaging data set.
Bypassing Sulfonyl Halides: Synthesis of Sulfonamides from Other Sulfur‐Containing Building Blocks
Authors: Sosunovych Bohdan , Vashchenko Bohdan V. , Andriashvili Vladyslav A. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: September 2023

This review disclosed synthetic approaches to sulfonyl amides from non‐sulfonyl halogenated precursors. Known methods were systematized into groups and subgroups according to the type of starting organosulfur compound. Thiols, disulfides, and sulfonamides form a group of S(II)‐containing precursors, which are used in oxidative amination reactions. An important and versatile group for oxidative amination is represented with S(IV)‐containing compounds, i. e., sufinates, sulfinamides, DMSO, N‐sulfinyl‐O‐(tert‐butyl)hydroxylamine, etc. A series of S(VI)‐containing precursors for amination reactions (except sulfonyl halides) include sulfonic acids, sulfonyl azides, thiosulfonates, and sulfones. All approaches are represented with the most prominent examples of the resulting sulfonamides, which could be obtained in high yields mostly via short reaction sequences. Promising electrochemical methods for the preparation of sulfonamides from thiols, disulfides, sulfonamides, sulfinic acid derivatives, and dimethyl sulfoxide under mild and green conditions are also highlighted.
Spatio‐temporal investigation of reported cases of animal rabies in Ghana from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Turkson Paa Kobina
Published: September 2023

Background

Rabies is a zoonotic disease transmitted mainly by animals, especially dogs.

Objective

The aim of the article was to examine reported cases of animal rabies in Ghana for trends to provide information that could be helpful to control the disease.

Method

Retrospective analyses of reported cases of rabies in Ghana from 2010 to 2017.

Results

In all, 328 rabies cases were recorded in animals in the period under review. The predominant species involved were dogs (299; 91.2%) and cats (12; 3.7%). Other species included pigs (4; 1.2%), goats (4; 1.2%), monkeys (4; 1.2%), sheep (2; 0.6%), bats (2; 0.6%) and cattle (1; 0.3%). The numbers of reported cases in animals were markedly higher than those in humans except in 2013 and 2017. There was a positive but weak correlation between cases in animals and humans which could be due to lack of reporting collaboration between institutions responsible for these. Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions were identified as hotspots in the period under review, while January and August were the months with the highest peaks for cases reported. Cases reported in rainy season were significantly higher than those in dry season. Poisson regression for spatio‐temporal analyses showed no statistical significance in predicting number of rabies cases (response variable) from year, month, season, region and affected species (predictor variables).

Conclusion

Rabies remained endemic in Ghana during 2010–2017 with cases reported in nearly every month of the year during this period. There was a significant seasonal pattern with higher proportion of cases reported in the rainy/wet season compared to the dry season.
Subchondral bone remodeling patterns in larger animal models of meniscal injuries inducing knee osteoarthritis – a systematic review
Authors: Oláh Tamás , Cucchiarini Magali , Madry Henning
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Elucidating subchondral bone remodeling in preclinical models of traumatic meniscus injury may address clinically relevant questions about determinants of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Studies on subchondral bone remodeling in larger animal models applying meniscal injuries as standardizing entity were systematically analyzed. Of the identified 5367 papers reporting total or partial meniscectomy, meniscal transection or destabilization, 0.4% (in guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, minipigs, sheep) remained eligible.

Results

Only early or mid‐term time points were available. Larger joint sizes allow reporting higher topographical details. The most frequently reported parameters were BV/TV (61%), BMD (41%), osteophytes (41%) and subchondral bone plate thickness (39%). Subchondral bone plate microstructure is not comprehensively, subarticular spongiosa microstructure is well characterized. The subarticular spongiosa is altered shortly before the subchondral bone plate. These early changes involve degradation of subarticular trabecular elements, reduction of their number, loss of bone volume and reduced mineralization. Soon thereafter, the previously normal subchondral bone plate becomes thicker. Its porosity first increases, then decreases.

Conclusion

The specific human topographical pattern of a thinner subchondral bone plate in the region below both menisci is present solely in the larger species (partly in rabbits), but absent in rodents, an important fact to consider when designing animal studies examining subchondral consequences of meniscus damage. Large animal models are capable of providing high topographical detail, suggesting that they may represent suitable study systems reflecting the clinical complexities. For advanced OA, significant gaps of knowledge exist. Future investigations assessing the subchondral bone in a standardized fashion are warranted.
Thermoregulation in the wild boar (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Ruf Thomas , Vetter Sebastian G. , Painer-Gigler Johanna , Stalder Gabrielle , Bieber Claudia
Published: September 2023

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) originates from warm islands but now inhabits large areas of the world, with Antarctica as the only continent not inhabited by this species. One might be tempted to think that its wide distribution results from increasing environmental temperatures. However, any effect of temperature is only indirect: Abundant availability of critical food resources can fully compensate the negative effects of cold winters on population growth. Here, we asked if temperature as a habitat factor is unimportant compared with other habitat indices, simply because wild boars are excellent thermoregulators. We found that the thermoneutral zone in summer was approximately 6–24 °C. In winter, the thermoneutral zone was lowered to 0–7 °C. The estimated increase in the heart rate and energy expenditure in the cold was less than 30% per 10 °C temperature decline. This relatively small increase of energy expenditure during cold exposure places the wild boar in the realm of arctic animals, such as the polar bear, whereas tropical mammals raise their energy expenditure several fold. The response of wild boars to high Tawas weak across all seasons. In the heat, wild boars avoid close contact to conspecifics and particularly use wallowing in mud or other wet substrates to cool and prevent hyperthermia. Wild boars also rely on daily cycles, especially of rhythms in subcutaneous temperature that enables them to cheaply build large core–shell gradients, which serve to lower heat loss. We argue it is predominantly this ability which allowed wild boars to inhabit most climatically diverse areas in the world.
Spectroscopically Orthogonal Labelling to Disentangle Site-Specific Nitroxide Label Distributions
Authors: Vitali Valentina , Ackermann Katrin , Hagelueken Gregor , Bode Bela E.
Published: September 2023

Biomolecular applications of pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) are becoming increasingly valuable in structural biology. Site-directed spin labelling of proteins is routinely performed using nitroxides, with paramagnetic metal ions and other organic radicals gaining popularity as alternative spin centres. Spectroscopically orthogonal spin labelling using different types of labels potentially increases the information content available from a single sample. When analysing experimental distance distributions between two nitroxide spin labels, the site-specific rotamer information has been projected into the distance and is not readily available, and the contributions of individual labelling sites to the width of the distance distribution are not obvious from the PDS data. Here, we exploit the exquisite precision of labelling double-histidine (dHis) motifs with CuII chelate complexes. The contribution of this label to the distance distribution widths in model protein GB1 has been shown to be negligible. By combining a dHis CuII labelling site with cysteine-specific nitroxide labelling, we gather insights on the label rotamers at two distinct sites, comparing their contributions to distance distributions based on different in silico modelling approaches and structural models. From this study, it seems advisable to consider discrepancies between different in silico modelling approaches when selecting labelling sites for PDS studies.
Do renewable energy and total factor productivity eliminate CO2 emissions in Turkey?
Authors: Mukhtarov Shahriyar
Published: September 2023

This paper analyzes the impact of renewable energy consumption, total factor productivity (TFP), income, imports, and exports on consumption-based CO2 emissions in Turkey from 1990 to 2019, utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lagged (ARDL) method. The findings indicated that the use of renewable energy, total factor productivity and exports negatively influence CO2 emissions. On the other hand, the positive impact of income and imports on CO2 emissions was found. The negative impact of renewable energy consumption and total factor productivity highlights the importance of implementing environmentally friendly measures in the energy sector (particularly raising the proportion of renewable energy in overall energy consumption) and technological innovation.
Online Assessment of Social Cognition in a Population of Gamers and Gamblers: Results of the eSMILE Study
Authors: Hurel Elodie , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Challet-Bouju Gaëlle
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the eSMILE study was to explore social cognition (SC) in the two behavioural addictions (BAs) included in international classifications: gaming disorder and gambling disorder. In these disorders, cognitive functioning is involved in the development and maintenance of addiction. Nevertheless, SC have received less attention than other cognitive functions. The eSMILE study was conducted online and included 105 participants (gamers and gamblers). This study included: the Penn emotion recognition task, the Condensed and Revised Multifaced Empathy Test, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Chicken Game, social metacognition questions, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. We analysed the relationships among SC measures, addiction levels, and behaviour frequency. For gamers, we showed that the higher their level of addiction was, the lower their self-confidence following the identification of basic emotions, although the more frequently they played, the better their performance on this task. Additionally, we found lower performance on the identification of more complex emotions by gamblers, which seems to be the result of their levels of addiction rather than the frequency of their gambling behaviour. This study contributes to our understanding of the cognitive processes underlying BAs. Additionally, working on SC abilities may be an additional management mode for BAs that could be added to existing treatments.
Guideline adherence for cardiometabolic monitoring of patients prescribed antipsychotic medications in primary care: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Ali Ruba Azfr , Jalal Zahraa , Johal Jaspal , Paudyal Vibhu
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite their known effectiveness, antipsychotics possess significant cardiometabolic adverse event profiles. Guidelines emphasise routine monitoring, however, practices are known to be suboptimal.

Aim

To investigate the level of cardiometabolic monitoring among people prescribed antipsychotic therapy in primary care, and patient-related factors that may influence monitoring patterns.

Method

Data were collected for patients with mental disorders and prescribed antipsychotics at two general practices in England (February 2016–February 2021). The main outcome measures were the proportion of patients with evidence of monitoring for cardiometabolic parameters (body composition, anthropometrics, lipids, glucose outcomes). Regression analysis was used to explore factors predicting monitoring practices.

Results

Data from 497 patients were included. The proportion of patients receiving cardiometabolic monitoring at least once yearly varied across different parameters. Patients were mostly monitored for BP (92.0%), body weight (BMI > 85.0%) and HDL (72.0%), but to a lesser extent for other lipid parameters (non-HDL < 2.0%) and blood glucose (< 2.0%). Ageing (OR:2.0–7.0, p < 0.001) and chronic conditions (e.g., CVD and Type 2 DM, p < 0.05) were associated with frequent cardiometabolic monitoring. Conversely, antipsychotics with high metabolic risks (olanzapine), patients prescribed antipsychotic polypharmacy (≥ 2 antipsychotics) and cardiometabolic dysregulations (e.g., dyslipidaemias) did not improve monitoring frequencies.

Conclusion

Cardiometabolic health monitoring was generally infrequent, irregular, and did not change in response to abnormal test results or antipsychotic treatment with high cardiometabolic risks, suggesting more efforts need to be made to ensure the guidelines for cardiometabolic monitoring are followed. Future studies should investigate practices by using a large UK primary care database.
Heat of Mixing of the Liquid Silver–Indium and Silver–Gallium–Indium Alloys
Authors: Jendrzejczyk-Handzlik Dominika , Handzlik Piotr
Published: September 2023

Experimental studies of the multicomponent systems are necessary in the development of new materials which can be used in various industries. The literature review showed, that the liquid phase in the silver–gallium–indium system has not been studied yet. In the present work the heat of mixing of the liquid silver–indium and silver–gallium–indium alloys was studied using Calvet type MHTC96 calorimeter. Calorimetric measurements were carried out at the temperatures: 973 K, 1123 K and 1273 K for Ag–In alloys, and at 923 K, 1123 K and 1273 K along two cross-sections XAg/XGa = 1:1 and XGa/XIn = 1:1 for Ag–Ga–In alloys. Next, the Redlich–Kister–Muggianu formalism was applied in the mathematical description of the heat of mixing of the liquid silver–gallium–indium alloys. Experimental results obtained in this work are first, which provided information about the thermodynamic properties of the liquid phase in this ternary system.
Progress in infrared transparencies under opto electro thermo and mechanical environments
Authors: Xu Liangge , Guo Shuai , Ralchenko Victor , Gao Gang , Zhang Sam , Zhu Jiaqi
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing interest and research focus on infrared optical thin films as essential components in infrared optical systems. In practical applications, extreme environmental factors such as aerodynamic heating and mechanical stresses, electromagnetic interferences, laser interferences, sand erosions, and rain erosions all lead to issues including cracking, wrinkling, and delaminations of infrared thin films. Extreme application environment imposes stringent requirements on functional films, necessitating high surface hardness, stability, and adhesion. Additionally, for multispectral optical transmissions, infrared optical thin films are expected to exhibit high transmittance in the visible and far-infrared wavelength bands while possessing tunability and optical anti-reflection properties in specific wavelength ranges. Electromagnetic shielding requires superior electrical performance, while resisting laser interference demands rapid phase change capabilities. This paper focuses on current research progresses in infrared optical thin films under extreme conditions such as opto, electro, thermos and mechanical environments. Table of Contents Graphic gives detailed outline. Future opportunities and challenges are also highlighted.

Graphical Abstract
Rethinking the utility of the Five Domains model
Authors: Hampton Jordan O , Hemsworth Lauren M , Hemsworth Paul H , Hyndman Timothy H , Sandøe Peter
Published: September 2023

The Five Domains model is influential in contemporary studies of animal welfare. It was originally presented as a conceptual model to understand the types of impact that procedures may impose on experimental animals. Its application has since broadened to cover a wide range of animal species and forms of animal use. However, it has also increasingly been applied as an animal welfare assessment tool, which is the focus of this paper. Several critical limitations associated with this approach have not been widely acknowledged, including that: (1) it relies upon expert or stakeholder opinion, with little transparency around the selection of these individuals; (2) quantitative scoring is typically attempted despite the absence of clear principles for aggregation of welfare measures and few attempts to account for uncertainty; (3) there have been few efforts to measure the repeatability of findings; and (4) it does not consider indirect and unintentional impacts such as those imposed on non-target animals. These deficiencies lead to concerns surrounding testability, repeatability and the potential for manipulation. We provide suggestions for refinement of how the Five Domains model is applied to partially address these limitations. We argue that the Five Domains model is useful for systematic consideration of all sources of possible welfare compromise and enhancement, but is not, in its current state, fit-for-purpose as an assessment tool. We argue for wider acknowledgment of the operational limits of using the model as an assessment tool, prioritisation of the studies needed for its validation, and encourage improvements to this approach.
How vortex dynamics affects the structural load in step cylinder flow
Authors: Tian Cai , Zhu Jianxun , Holmedal Lars Erik , Andersson Helge I. , Jiang Fengjian , Pettersen Bjørnar
Published: September 2023

The vortex dynamics and the structural load in a step cylinder (consisting of a small, d, and a large, D, cylinder) flow are investigated numerically at Reynolds number (

$Re_D$

) 150 for diameter ratios

$D/d=2.0, 2.4$

and 2.8. First, the formation mechanism of a non-uniform oblique vortex shedding (the vortex shedding frequency remains unchanged as the oblique shedding angle varies) behind the small cylinder is explained: an increase in the production rate of the vortex strength and a farther downstream movement of the vortex formation position occur simultaneously as the vicinity of the step is approached along the small cylinder. Second, the structural load (the drag and lift) along the step cylinder is investigated, where four local extremes (two local minima and two local maxima) are observed. An in-depth investigation of the vortex dislocation effects on the structural load is provided, showing that the decreased circulation in the near wake and the weakened staggered Kármán vortex shedding pattern cause a major reduction (90 %) of the sectional lift amplitude and a relatively modest reduction (5.7 %) of the sectional drag amplitude, compared with the corresponding sectional force when no vortex dislocation occurs. This new knowledge combined with the three-dimensional effect of the step cylinder wake (caused by the blending of the small and larger cylinder wakes around the step) explain the formation of the four local extremes and the distribution of the structural load between them. Finally, it is found that the increasing

$D/d$

amplifies the structural load variation along the step cylinder.
Neural activations during cognitive and affective theory of mind processing in healthy adults with a family history of alcohol use disorder
Authors: Schmid F. , Henry A. , Benzerouk F. , Barrière S. , Portefaix C. , Gondrexon J. , Obert A. , Kaladjian A. , Gierski F.
Published: September 2023

Background

Social cognition impairments are a common feature of alcohol use disorders (AUD). However, it remains unclear whether these impairments are solely the consequence of chronic alcohol consumption or whether they could be a marker of vulnerability.

Methods

The present study implemented a family history approach to address this question for a key process of social cognition: theory of mind (ToM). Thirty healthy adults with a family history of AUD (FH+) and 30 healthy adults with a negative family history of AUD (FH−), matched for age, sex, and education level, underwent an fMRI cartoon-vignette paradigm assessing cognitive and affective ToM. Participants also completed questionnaires evaluating anxiety, depressive symptoms, childhood trauma, and alexithymia.

Results

Results indicated that FH+ individuals differed from FH− individuals on affective but not cognitive ToM processing, at both the behavioral and neural levels. At the behavioral level, the FH+ group had lower response accuracy for affective ToM compared with the FH− group. At the neural level, the FH+ group had higher brain activations in the left insula and inferior frontal cortex during affective ToM processing. These activations remained significant when controlling for depressive symptoms, anxiety, and childhood trauma.

Conclusions

These findings highlight difficulties during affective ToM processing among first-degree relatives of AUD patients, supporting the idea that some of the impairments exhibited by these patients may already be present before the onset of AUD and may be considered a marker of vulnerability.
The atomic properties of stress
Authors: Koser Nate
Published: September 2023

This article posits a theory of iterative stress that separates each facet of the stress map into its constituent parts, or ‘atoms’. Through the well-defined notion of complexity provided by Formal Language Theory, it is shown that this division of the stress map results in a more restrictive characterisation of iterative stress than a single-function analysis does. While the single-function approach masks the complexity of the atomic properties present in the pattern, the compositional analysis makes it explicitly clear. It also demonstrates the degree to which, despite what appear to be significant surface differences in the patterns, the calculation of the stress function is largely the same, even between quantity-sensitive and quantity-insensitive patterns. These stress compositions are limited to one output-local function to iterate stress, and a small number of what I call edge-oriented functions to provide ‘cleanup’ when the iteration function alone fails to capture the pattern.
Multi‐Approach Analysis of Baroclinic Internal Tide Perturbation in the Ionian Sea Abyssal Layer (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Giambenedetti B. , Lo Bue N. , Kokoszka F. , Artale V. , Falcini F.
Published: September 2023

Despite being widely recognized, the importance of deep layers thermohaline and mixing processes in the ocean circulation and variability is still poorly investigated, especially in the Mediterranean Sea. This limits understanding and parametrizing deep dynamics, which result in evident biases in the global circulation representation by observations and numerical ocean simulations. Having access to hydrological datasets, collected on a whole water column, we investigated the abyssal stratification and its variability of the Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean). Applying multiple analyses, we found a tidal‐period oscillation and the resulting activation of mixing, pointing out that the combined effect of stratification, morphology, and tides has a key role in enhancing local diapycnal diffusivity in the deepest layers, being a mechanism that connects the whole water column with a compelling impact on the vertical transport of heat and tracers.
The Non‐Local Impacts of Antarctic Subglacial Runoff
Authors: Goldberg Daniel N. , Twelves Andrew G. , Holland Paul R. , Wearing Martin G.
Published: September 2023

Little is known about Antarctic subglacial hydrology, but based on modeling, theory and indirect observations it is thought that subglacial runoff enhances submarine melt locally through buoyancy effects. However, no studies to date have examined effects of runoff on sea ice and oceanography on the continental shelf. Here we use modeled and observational estimates of runoff to force a regional model of the Amundsen Sea Embayment. We find that runoff enhances melt locally (i.e., within the ice‐shelf cavity), increasing melt at Thwaites ice shelf by up to 15 Gt/a given estimates of steady runoff, and up to 25 Gt/a if runoff is episodic as remote sensing measurements suggest. However runoff also has smaller non‐local effects on melt through freshwater influence on flow and stratification. We further find that runoff reduces summer sea‐ice volume over the continental shelf (by up to 10% with steady runoff but over 30% with episodic runoff). Furthermore runoff is much more effective at reducing sea ice than an equivalent volume of ice‐shelf meltwater—due in part to the latent heat loss associated with submarine melting. Results suggest that runoff may play an important role in continental shelf dynamics, despite runoff flux being small relative to ice‐shelf melting—and that runoff‐driven melt and circulation may be an important process missing from regional Antarctic ocean models.
Do Salinity Variations Along the East Greenland Shelf Show Imprints of Increasing Meltwater Runoff?
Authors: Schiller‐Weiss Ilana , Martin Torge , Karstensen Johannes , Biastoch Arne
Published: September 2023

Accelerated melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet is considered a tipping element in the freshwater balance of the subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA). The East Greenland Current (EGC) and Coastal Current (EGCC) are the major conduits for transporting Arctic‐sourced and Greenland glacial freshwater. Understanding freshwater changes in the EGC system and drivers thereof is crucial for connecting tipping elements in the SPNA. Using the eddy‐rich model VIKING20X (1/20°) and Copernicus GLORYS12 (1/12°), we find that from 1993 to 2019 freshwater remains close to the shelf with interannual extremes in freshwater content (FWC) attributable to the imprint of Greenland melt only in years 2010 and 2012. Runoff increased significantly from 1995 to 2005 and Arctic freshwater export after 2005. Overall, regional wind patterns, sea ice melt and increasingly glacial ice and snow meltwater runoff along with the Arctic‐sourced Polar Water set interannual FWC variations in the EGC system. We emphasize that these freshwater sources have different seasonal timing. South of 65°N sea ice melts year round and retreats to north of 65°N, where melt in summer prevails. Greenland runoff peaks in June–August with only some locations of year round discharge. Alongshore winds intensify in fall and winter where reduced onshore Ekman transport allows for freshwater to spread laterally in the EGC. We show that sea ice melt, runoff and wind can cause interannual variations of comparable magnitude. All of which makes attributing ocean freshening events to Greenland meltwater inflow at current magnitudes a major challenge.
Direct Observations of Wave‐Sea Ice Interactions in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone
Authors: Wahlgren S. , Thomson J. , Biddle L. C. , Swart S.
Published: September 2023

Wave energy propagating into the Antarctic marginal ice zone effects the quality and extent of the sea ice, and wave propagation is therefore an important factor for understanding and predicting changes in sea ice cover. Wave‐sea ice interactions are notoriously hard to model and in situ observations of wave activity in the Antarctic marginal ice zone are scarce, due to the extreme conditions of the region. Here, we provide new in situ data from two drifting Surface Wave Instrument Float with Tracking (SWIFT) buoys deployed in the Weddell Sea in the austral winter and spring of 2019. The buoy location ranges from open water to more than 200 km into the sea ice. We estimate the attenuation of swell with wave periods 8–18 s, and find an attenuation coefficient α = 4 · 10−6 to 7 · 10−5 m−1 in spring, and approximately five‐fold larger in winter. The attenuation coefficients show a power law frequency dependence, with power coefficient close to literature. The in situ data also shows a change in wave direction, where wave direction tends to be more perpendicular to the ice edge in sea ice compared to open water. A possible explanation for this might be a change in the dispersion relation caused by sea ice. These observations can help shed further light on the influence of sea ice on waves propagating into marginal ice zones, aiding development of coupled wave‐sea ice models.
A Two‐Fold Increase of Phosphorus in Alpine Ice Over the Twentieth Century: Contributions From Dust, Primary Biogenic Emissions, Coal Burning, and Pig Iron Production
Authors: Legrand Michel , McConnell Joseph R. , Bergametti Gilles , Plach Andreas , Desboeufs Karine , Chellman Nathan , Preunkert Susanne , Stohl Andreas
Published: September 2023

Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient for many organisms but its global atmospheric budget is largely unconstrained. Estimates of major emissions sources such as fossil‐fuel combustion range from ∼0.02 to 1.1 Tg yr−1, and primary biogenic emissions range from 0.16 to 1.0 Tg yr−1. Here we used detailed measurements of phosphorus in Alpine ice cores extracted from the Col du Dôme (CDD) glacier located near the Mont Blanc summit and atmospheric model simulations to evaluate changes in western European emissions from pre‐industrial (PI) to modern times. The ice‐core records show that P concentrations during the PI were about 0.9 ng g−1, of which one third was of crustal origin and two thirds the result of primary biogenic emissions. Concentrations were higher throughout the 20th century, reaching 2.5 ng g−1 in the 1980s. Analysis of source tracers measured in the same ice, commodity productions statistics, and other information suggest that the increase in P throughout the 20th century was caused by enhanced emissions from natural and anthropogenic sources. Coal burning and steel industry represented the main anthropogenic sources during the first and second half of the century, respectively. After 1950, the increase in P was also caused by enhanced dust emissions, with increased biogenic emissions caused by recent changes of use‐land also contributing. These findings provide important constraints on the atmospheric P budget at the scale of western Europe during the recent centuries.