bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A parametric windtunnel test on rotorcraft aerodynamics and aeroacoustics (Helishape) — test procedures and representative results
Authors: Schultz K.-J. , Splettstoesser W. , Junker B. , Wagner W. , Schoell E. , Mercker E. , Pengel K. , Arnaud G. , Fertis D.
Published: February 2023

Within the framework of a major European co-operative research project on rotorcraft aerodynamics and acoustics (Helishape), a parametric model rotor test was conducted in the open test section of the DNW using DLR's MWM test rig, and a highly instrumented model of a fully articulated ECF rotor equipped with blades of advanced design with two exchangeable blade tips. One set of blade tips (7A) was rectangular, while the other (7AD1) was a swept-back parabolic-anhedral shape. The objectives of this experimental research were to evaluate noise reduction techniques (conceptionally by variation of rotor speed, dedicated tip shapes and advanced aerofoils, as well as operationally, by identifying low noise, BVI-minimising, descent procedures) and to validate the partners’ aerodynamic and aeroacoustic codes. A comprehensive set of simultaneous acoustic and aerodynamic blade surface pressure data and blade dynamic and performance data was measured. In addition, valuable information on the tip-vortex geometry and blade-vortex miss distance was obtained by LLS flow visualisation. The experimental equipment, the test procedures, and the test matrix are briefly described. A survey of the main results is presented and the trends of the most important parameter variations for both rotors are discussed.
Effects of delta planform tip sails on the performance of a blunt edged rectangular wing
Authors: Traub L. W.
Published: February 2023

A windtunnel study was undertaken to determine the effects of delta planform tip sails (DPTS) on the aerodynamic characteristics of a planar blunt edged wing. In the investigation, the sail incidence and chordwise attachment position were varied. The results indicate that significant performance improvements can be obtained with DPTS. For all DPTS variations, increases of lift curve slope, maximum lift coefficient and Oswald efficiency factor were recorded and compared to the basic wing.
A problem of minimal induced resistance in unsteady motion
Authors: Losilevskii G.
Published: February 2023

Energy considerations are used to find the spanwise circulatory lift distribution yielding minimal induced resistance for a harmonically oscillating planar wing in a steady incompressible flow. Under the restriction that the time-averaged and oscillatory constituents of the wing's circulatory lift are known, the optimal distribution is such that its time-averaged constituent is elliptical, but the oscillatory one is generally not. The latter varies from elliptical to rectangular as the frequency of the oscillations increases. When the oscillatory part of the lift is not prescribed, present results infer that its reduction — as, for example, by an elastic twist — will typically reduce the drag, even if the twist yields a non-optimal (for that lift) lift distribution.
The reduction of numerical entropy generated by unsteady Shockwaves
Authors: Allen C. B.
Published: February 2023

The computation of slowly moving Shockwaves is considered. A numerical error is introduced into the solution during an explicit computation, which results in the generation of spurious entropy. The generation of this spurious entropy and its effect on the pressure wave in Euler flows is examined, in one dimension by considering a moving shock in a constant area duct, and in two dimensions by considering an unsteady aerofoil flow. An efficient temporal discretisation is presented, whose advantages over the explicit scheme are two-fold. First, the numerical entropy generation due to shock motion is eliminated, and second, the CPU requirements for a two-dimensional unsteady computation are reduced by a factor of five from that required for the explicit scheme, for no loss of accuracy.
Effect of sandpaper roughness and stream turbulence on the laminar layer and its transition
Authors: Gibbings J. C. , Al-Shukri S. M.
Published: February 2023

The work reported here was an experimental study of the combined influence of a sandpaper rough surface and a stream turbulence upon laminar and transitional boundary layers. Data correlations were obtained using the previously determined parameter of an equivalent Nikuradse size of roughness. These correlations are derived for the development of the laminar layer in thickness and profile shape factor, for the onset and the length of transition and for the distribution of intermittency through transition. Further fundamental differences in flow behaviour from those in a rough pipe have been found to add to those already reported.
A facility for simultaneous particle image velocimetry and high resolution unsteady pressure measurement
Authors: Hurst D. , Galbraith R. A. McD. , Coton F. N. , Grant I.
Published: February 2023

This paper describes a facility for the acquisition of simultaneous high quality particle image velocimetry (PIV) and unsteady surface pressures with high spatial and temporal resolution. The facility, developed through a long-standing collaboration between the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Glasgow University and the Fluid Loading and Instrumentation Centre at Heriot-Watt University, is currently being used in collaborative projects and has the potential to provide a level of detail previously unattainable for CFD validation.

Results from both measurement techniques will be presented to demonstrate the range and potential of the two systems. In addition, the value of combining the two techniques will be demonstrated by results from a blade-vortex interaction experiment in which both methods were applied. Finally, future applications of the combined system will be discussed.
Vortical flow structures at a helicopter rotor model measured by LDV and PIV
Authors: Raffel M. , Seelhorstt U. , Willert C.
Published: February 2023

Flowfield measurements of the blade tip vortices from a rotating helicopter rotor model were performed by three component laser-Doppler velocimetry (3D-LDV) and conventional (two component) particle image velocimetry (PIV). In general, the results are in good correspondence, but also illustrate the different properties of both techniques: LDV offers the capability of three-component measurements, whereas PIV captures the unsteadyness of the flowfield.
EPS Sensitivity and Mergers
Authors: Dasgupta Sudipto , Harford Jarrad , Ma Fangyuan
Published: February 2023

Announcements of mergers very often discuss the immediate impact of the deal on the acquirer’s earnings per share (EPS). We argue that the focus on EPS reflects the difficulty of evaluating and communicating deal synergy in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice and provide supporting evidence. We show that the acquirer’s EPS focus affects how deals are structured, the premium that is paid, and the types of deals that are done. EPS-driven M&A decisions are also associated with costly distortions in the acquirer’s financial and investment policies.
Broad learning control of a two-link flexible manipulator with prescribed performance and actuator faults
Authors: Niu Wenkai , Kong Linghuan , Wu Yifan , Huang Haifeng , He Wei
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we present a broad learning control method for a two-link flexible manipulator with prescribed performance (PP) and actuator faults. The trajectory tracking errors are processed through two consecutive error transformations to achieve the constraints in terms of the overshoot, transient error, and steady-state error. And the barrier Lyapunov function is employed to implement constraints on the transition state variable. Then, the improved radial basis function neural networks combined with broad learning theory are constructed to approximate the unknown model dynamics of flexible robotic manipulator. The proposed fault-tolerant PP control cannot only ensure tracking errors converge into a small region near zero within the preset finite time but also address the problem caused by actuator faults. All the closed-loop error signals are uniformly ultimately bounded via the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed control is verified by the simulation results.
Prolonged duration of post-traumatic amnesia: A sensitive classification for predicting cognitive outcomes in children recovering from traumatic brain injury
Authors: Segev Shira , Silberg Tamar , Bar Orly , Erez Neta , Ahonniska-Assa Jaana , Brezner Amichai , Landa Jana
Published: February 2023

Objective:

A paucity of data exists regarding the duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) as a predictor of cognitive functioning among children after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aimed to assess the relationship between PTA duration and areas of neurocognitive function among the pediatric population in the sub-acute phase of recovery and rehabilitation.

Methods:

Data were collected from medical files on 103 children aged 5.5–16.5 hospitalized at a pediatric rehabilitation department with a diagnosis of moderate–severe TBI (msTBI) between the years 2004–2019. The Children Orientation and Amnesia Test was used to evaluate PTA duration. Measures of high-order cognitive abilities of attention and executive function were collected using the Test of Everyday Attention–Child version (TEA-Ch).

Results:

Three PTA duration groups were assembled out of a cluster analysis: “Long PTA” (M = 21 days), “Very Long PTA” (M = 47 days), and “Extremely Long PTA” (M = 94 days). Analyses revealed that the “Long PTA” group preformed significantly better than the “Very Long PTA” and “Extremely Long PTA” groups on all TEA-Ch measures, that is, Selective Attention, Attentional Control Switching, and Sustained Attention.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to demonstrate that PTA duration is a useful predictor of high-order cognitive functions among children with msTBI in the sub-acute phase of recovery and rehabilitation. The findings emphasize the importance of using a more sensitive classification of prolonged PTA durations to improve outcome prediction and allocation of resources to those who can benefit most after severe brain injuries.
Greater subjective cognitive decline severity is associated with worse memory performance and lower entorhinal cerebral blood flow in healthy older adults
Authors: Nakhla Marina Z. , Bangen Katherine J. , Schiehser Dawn M. , Roesch Scott , Zlatar Zvinka Z.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a potential early risk marker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but its utility may vary across individuals. We investigated the relationship of SCD severity with memory function and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in areas of the middle temporal lobe (MTL) in a cognitively normal and overall healthy sample of older adults. Exploratory analyses examined if the association of SCD severity with memory and MTL CBF was different in those with lower and higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk status.

Methods:

Fifty-two community-dwelling older adults underwent magnetic resonance imaging, neuropsychological testing, and were administered the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog) to measure SCD. Regression models investigated whether ECog scores were associated with memory performance and MTL CBF, followed by similar exploratory regressions stratified by CVD risk status (i.e., lower vs higher stroke risk).

Results:

Higher ECog scores were associated with lower objective memory performance and lower entorhinal cortex CBF after adjusting for demographics and mood. In exploratory stratified analyses, these associations remained significant in the higher stroke risk group only.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary findings suggest that SCD severity is associated with cognition and brain markers of preclinical AD in otherwise healthy older adults with overall low CVD burden and that this relationship may be stronger for individuals with higher stroke risk, although larger studies with more diverse samples are needed to confirm these findings. Our results shed light on individual characteristics that may increase the utility of SCD as an early risk marker of cognitive decline.
Disrupting future discounting: a commentary on an underutilised psychological approach for improving adherence to diet and physical activity interventions
Authors: Kakoschke Naomi , Cox David N , Ryan Jillian , Gwilt Ian , Davis Aaron , Jansons Paul , de Courten Barbora , Brinkworth Grant
Published: February 2023

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as CVD and type 2 diabetes mellitus are major contributors to the burden of disease. NCD are largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors including poor diet and insufficient physical activity, and consequently, prevention is a public health priority. Although diet and physical activity levels can be improved via lifestyle interventions, long-term adherence to such interventions remains low, which limits their effectiveness. Thus, it is critical to identify the underlying mechanisms that challenge uptake and adherence to such interventions. The current commentary discusses an important, but underexplored, psychological driver of poor adherence to lifestyle interventions, namely, future discounting, which describes the tendency to prefer smaller, short-term rewards over larger, long-term rewards. For example, in the nutrition domain, future discounting refers to valuing the immediate reward of excessive intake of energy-dense, nutrient-poor, discretionary foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat, and insufficient intake of low-energy, nutrient-dense, whole foods such as vegetables. Prominent theoretical models propose that excessive future discounting is a major contributor to the development of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. Furthermore, a vast body of evidence suggests that future discounting plays a key role in risk of NCD. Thus, the evidence to date supports the idea that future discounting is an important multi-behaviour target for supporting lifestyle behaviour change; however, this approach has been largely neglected in preventive health efforts. Furthermore, this commentary discusses promising techniques (e.g. Episodic Future Thinking) for disrupting future discounting to promote improved adherence to lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing NCD risk.
Duration of the constitution-making process as an indicator of post-constitutional political uncertainty: The insurance theory revisited
Authors: Aydin-Cakir Aylin
Published: February 2023

Criticizing the insurance theory, this article asserts that to measure post-constitutional political uncertainty, one should consider not only the power distribution among the ‘political’ actors but the power distribution among all actors involved in the constitution-making process, including the public and civil society. Comparing the constitution-making processes of the constitutions of Egypt (2012) and Tunisia (2014), this study presents the duration of the constitution-making process as an alternative measure of power distribution among all actors. The theoretical framework asserts that the long constitution-making process increases the possibility of deliberation at the public level. That will help to develop trust among polarized political actors and improve political actors’ perception of the public as a credible control and constraint mechanism. This will ensure that the incoming government will respect the newly established institutions and lead to the establishment of an independent and powerful judiciary. In the second part of the article, to test this argument, I use a large dataset that covers information on the content and design processes of 140 countries’ most recent constitutions adopted between 1945 and 2018. The empirical results indicate that as the duration of the constitution-making increases, the number of constitutional guarantees for judicial independence also increases.
The rise in acceptance of mental health professionals: help-seeking recommendations of the German public 1990–2020
Authors: Angermeyer M. C. , Schindler S. , Matschinger H. , Baumann E. , Schomerus G.
Published: February 2023

Aims

We will first examine whether seeking help for depression and schizophrenia from mental health professionals is nowadays more accepted among the German public than it used to be 30 years ago. Next, we will explore whether changes in help-seeking preferences between 1990 and 2020 are specific to mental health professions or are part of changes in attitudes to professional help-seeking in general. Finally, we will study whether a temporal relationship does exist between the advent of awareness-raising and anti-stigma campaigns after the turn of the millennium and changes in the acceptance of mental health care.

Methods

In 1990 (n = 2044), 2001 (n = 4005), 2011 (n = 1984) and 2020 (n = 2449) methodologically identical population-based surveys were conducted in Germany. After presentation of an unlabelled case vignette depicting someone with either schizophrenia or depression, we asked about help-seeking recommendations for the person described.

Results

The German public's readiness to recommend seeking help from mental health professionals has markedly grown over the past 30 years. In contrast, in the eyes of the public, turning to a general practitioner has become only slightly more, consulting a priest even less advisable than it used to be three decades ago. Seeing a naturopath is seen with markedly less disapproval today compared to 1990, but explicit recommendation of this helping source has not increased correspondingly in. The most pronounced increase in the German public's propensity to recommend seeking help from mental health professionals occurred already in the 1990s, i.e. before efforts to heighten public awareness had started.

Conclusions

Today, the German public is more in favour of mental health professionals than it used to be three decades ago. This seems to be a specific trend, and not to reflecting an increasing propensity towards professional help-seeking in general. Our findings counter the narrative that mental health communication efforts and initiatives have created more favourable attitudes towards mental health care among the public, since the observed changes in attitudes have preceded any campaigns. Instead, we tend to interpret the rise of the popularity of mental health professionals as a reflection of general cultural changes that have taken place over the past decades in Germany, as in other western countries.
Germination responses of vipergrass (Dinebra retroflexa) to environmental factors and herbicide options for its control
Authors: Dhanda Sachin , Sharma Kartik , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: February 2023

Vipergrass [Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panzer] is an annual weed of the Poaceae family distributed in several parts of Australia, Asia, and Europe. Very limited information is available on its germination response to different environmental conditions. Knowledge of its seed ecology and biology could help in formulating better weed management decisions. Experiments were conducted to study the effect of alternating temperatures, light conditions, salt stress, water stress, seed burial depths, and wheat residue amounts on the germination or emergence of D. retroflexa. Also, different pre- and postemergence herbicides were evaluated to control D. retroflexa. The highest germination (98%) was recorded at 30/20 C followed by 35/25 C (95%). Light was required for the germination of D. retroflexa. Germination decreased with an increase in sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations. Even at 80 mM NaCl, 81% of seeds germinated, indicating D. retroflexa’s high salt tolerance. Seed germination gradually decreased with an increase in water stress, and no germination was recorded at −0.8 MPa osmotic potential. The emergence of D. retroflexa decreased with an increase in seed burial depths. The highest germination (83%) was recorded for surface-sown seeds, and emergence was reduced to 0 at a burial depth of 2 cm. Seedling emergence decreased from 82% to 2% when the crop residue load was increased from 0 to 800 kg ha−1. Applications of preemergence herbicides (at field rates), such as diuron, isoxaflutole, pendimethalin, pyroxasulfone, S-metolachlor, terbuthylazine, and triallate, and postemergence herbicides, such as clethodim, haloxyfop-methyl, glufosinate, glyphosate, imazamox plus imazapyr (a commercial mixture), and paraquat, resulted in complete control (100%) of D. retroflexa. Knowledge gained from this study will help us to understand the potential spread of D. retroflexa to other areas and to formulate integrated weed management strategies for its effective control.
Pure Inertial Waves Radiating From Low‐Frequency Flows Over Large‐Scale Topography
Authors: Xie Xiaohui , Liu Xiaohui , Chen Zhiwu , Wang Yan , Chen Dake , Li Wei , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: February 2023

Mooring data collected at a flat‐topped seamount suggest the generation of pure inertial waves (PIWs; waves with a dominant frequency equal to the local inertial frequency f) by low‐frequency flows over large‐scale topography. Energetic PIWs were observed within a narrow depth range (∼100 m) near the seafloor at the edge of the summit. These waves could be associated with low‐frequency flows. A two‐dimensional nonhydrostatic model was used to show that the observed PIWs are most likely internal wave beams generated by low‐frequency flows over the seamount. Two types of PIWs were identified via observation and model. The first is a PIW that can only travel horizontally. The other propagates upward, with super‐inertial intrinsic frequency that is Doppler‐shifted by the flows to f. Nonlinear triadic interactions among waves with the frequencies [0, f, f] may transfer energy from mean flows to PIWs, promoting energy decay of geostrophic flows over large‐scale topography.
A New Focal Mechanism Calculation Algorithm (REFOC) Using Inter‐Event Relative Radiation Patterns: Application to the Earthquakes in the Parkfield Area
Authors: Cheng Yifang , Allen Richard M. , Taira Taka'aki
Published: February 2023

Accurate earthquake focal mechanisms are essential for solving fault zone structure, estimating stress variations, and assessing seismic hazards. Small earthquakes' focal mechanisms are usually solved using P‐wave first‐motion polarities and/or S‐/P‐wave amplitude ratios, which are limited due to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio of small‐earthquake waveforms and a limited number of three‐component seismograms. To increase the number of high‐quality focal mechanisms, we develop a method that utilizes the inter‐event relative radiation patterns to perform a joint focal mechanism inversion of numerous clustered events (called REFOC). The method first uses P‐wave polarities and S‐/P‐wave amplitude ratios to constrain the initial solutions and then combines these solutions and the inter‐event P‐/P‐wave and S‐/S‐wave amplitude ratios to refine solutions. For example, we apply the method to 38,413 earthquakes in the Parkfield region, California. The REFOC outperforms traditional methods with 57% more solutions with <55° uncertainties (>70% of the catalog events) and 126% more solutions with <25° uncertainties (>40% of the catalog events), illuminating unprecedented fine‐scale rupture processes. Instead of rupturing along the main fault, many M < 2 focal mechanisms show >45° angular differences from the 2004 Mw 6.0 Parkfield earthquake. The variation of focal mechanism properties is spatially related to the variation of fault strength and geometry, and temporally correlated with the shear stress variations before, during, and after the 2004 Mw 6.0 earthquake. The observations highlight the potential of applying REFOC to monitor unprecedented details of fault zone structure and stress field, providing new insights into fault rupture physics, seismotectonic processes, and seismic hazards.
The Mw 6.0–6.8 Quasi‐Repeating Earthquakes Off Miyagi, Japan, With Variable Moment Release Patterns Due To a Hidden Adjacent Slip Patch
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke
Published: February 2023

After the 2011 M9 Tohoku earthquake, several interplate earthquakes of Mw 6 occurred in close proximity in the area off the northern Miyagi prefecture in Japan, including the 2015 Mw 6.8 earthquake. To advance our understanding of the similarity and diversity in earthquake ruptures at the same asperity, this study compares the source processes of six Mw 6.0–6.8 earthquakes in this region. The results of hypocenter relocation and source process inversion show that these Mw 6.0–6.8 events repeatedly ruptured the same patch west of their hypocenters; the rupture always began in this patch and tended to propagate westward. Moment releases for this patch are similar, approximately Nm (Mw 6.3) before and after the Tohoku earthquake. However, the Mw 6.0 event that occurred 20 days after the Tohoku earthquake had only half this moment release, likely reflecting less than usual healing of frictional strength. Moreover, the fourth earthquake after the Tohoku earthquake, which is the 2015 Mw 6.8 earthquake, released a much larger moment of Nm (Mw 6.5) in the same patch and caused a subsequent large slip in a second patch to the east. The presence of the eastern hidden patch likely affected the slip amount of the western patch that typically causes Mw 6.3 events. An examination of MJMA 2.0–5.3 repeating earthquake activity suggests that this eastern patch also affected the preparation period for the 2015 event. The present observation suggests that even locations with well‐predetermined rupture areas and slips can produce much larger slips than usual under the presence of adjacent hidden slip patches.
Early prediction of severe retinopathy of prematurity requiring laser treatment using physiological data
Authors: Poppe Jarinda A. , Fitzgibbon Sean P. , Taal H. Rob , Loudon Sjoukje E. , Tjiam Angela M. , Roehr Charles C. , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Simons Sinno H. P. , Hartley Caroline
Published: February 2023

Background

Early risk stratification for developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is essential for tailoring screening strategies and preventing abnormal retinal development. This study aims to examine the ability of physiological data during the first postnatal month to distinguish preterm infants with and without ROP requiring laser treatment.

Methods

In this cohort study, preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1500 g, who were screened for ROP were included. Differences in the physiological data between the laser and non-laser group were identified, and tree-based classification models were trained and independently tested to predict ROP requiring laser treatment.

Results

In total, 208 preterm infants were included in the analysis of whom 30 infants (14%) required laser treatment. Significant differences were identified in the level of hypoxia and hyperoxia, oxygen requirement, and skewness of heart rate. The best model had a balanced accuracy of 0.81 (0.72–0.87), a sensitivity of 0.73 (0.64–0.81), and a specificity of 0.88 (0.80–0.93) and included the SpO2/FiO2 ratio and baseline demographics (including gestational age and birth weight).

Conclusions

Routinely monitored physiological data from preterm infants in the first postnatal month are already predictive of later development of ROP requiring laser treatment, although validation is required in larger cohorts.

Impact

Routinely monitored physiological data from the first postnatal month are predictive of later development of ROP requiring laser treatment, although model performance was not significantly better than baseline characteristics (gestational age, birth weight, sex, multiple birth, prenatal glucocorticosteroids, route of delivery, and Apgar scores) alone.

A balanced accuracy of 0.81 (0.72–0.87), a sensitivity of 0.73 (0.64–0.81), and a specificity of 0.88 (0.80–0.93) was achieved with a model including the SpO2/FiO2 ratio and baseline characteristics.

Physiological data have potential to play a significant role for future ROP prediction and provide opportunities for early interventions to protect infants from abnormal retinal development.
Growth and neuro-developmental outcomes of probiotic supplemented preterm infants—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Panchal Harshad , Athalye-Jape Gayatri , Rao Shripada , Patole Sanjay
Published: February 2023

Gut dysbiosis is associated with sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants, which can adversely affect long-term growth and neurodevelopment. We aimed to synthesise evidence for the effect of probiotic supplementation on growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and grey literature were searched in February 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects model. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD), mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Risk of Bias (ROB) was assessed using the ROB-2 tool. Certainty of Evidence (CoE) was summarized using GRADE guidelines. Thirty RCTs (n = 4817) were included. Meta-analysis showed that probiotic supplementation was associated with better short-term weight gain [SMD 0.24 (95%CI 0.04, 0.44); 22 RCTs (n = 3721);p = 0.02;I2 = 88%; CoE: low]. However, length [SMD 0.12 (95%CI −0.13, 0.36); 7 RCTs, (n = 899);p = 0.35;I2 = 69%; CoE: low] and head circumference [SMD 0.09 (95%CI −0.15, 0.34); 8 RCTs (n = 1132);p = 0.46;I2 = 76%; CoE: low] were similar between the probiotic and placebo groups. Probiotic supplementation had no effect on neurodevelopmental impairment [RR 0.91 (95%CI 0.76, 1.08); 5 RCTs (n = 1556);p = 0.27;I2 = 0%; CoE: low]. Probiotic supplementation was associated with better short-term weight gain, but did not affect length, head circumference, long-term growth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants. Adequately powered RCTs are needed in this area. Prospero Registration: CRD42020064992.
Geographical variability of bacterial communities of cryoconite holes of Andean glaciers
Authors: Pittino F. , Ambrosini R. , Seeger M. , Azzoni R. S. , Diolaiuti G. , Alviz Gazitua P. , Franzetti A.
Published: February 2023

Cryoconite holes, ponds full of melting water with sediment on the bottom, are hotspots of biodiversity on glacier surfaces and host dynamic micro-ecosystems. They have been extensively investigated in different areas of the world (e.g., the Arctic, Antarctic, Alps, and Himalaya), but so far no study has described the bacterial communities of the glaciers in the Andes, the world’s longest mountain range. In this study, we describe the bacterial communities of three small (< 2 km2) high-elevation (< 4200 m a.s.l.) glaciers of the Central Andes (Iver, East Iver and Morado glaciers) and two large (> 85 km2) glaciers of the Patagonian Andes (Exploradores and Perito Moreno glaciers) whose ablation tongues reach low altitude (< 300 m a.s.l.). Results show that the bacterial communities were generally similar to those observed in the cryoconite holes of other continents, but with few cyanobacteria (0.5% of sequences). The most abundant orders were Betaproteobacteriales, Cytophagales, Chitinophagales, Acetobacterales, Frankiales, Armatimonadales, Sphingobacteriales, Rhizobiales, Bacteroidales, Sphingomonadales, and Micrococcales. The bacterial communities differed between glaciers and both water pH and O2 concentration appeared to influence the bacterial community composition. This work thus provides the first description of the bacterial communities in cryoconite holes of South American glaciers.
Maternal blood parameters and risk of neonatal pathological jaundice: a retrospective study
Authors: Jiang Nan , Qian Lu , Lin Guankai , Zhang Yuxin , Hong Sumiao , Sun Baochang , Wang Hexing , Huang Min , Wang Jiwei , Jiang Qingwu
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the association between maternal blood parameters and the risk of neonatal pathological jaundice. A retrospective case–control study of 1309 newborns and their mothers from 2019 to 2020 in a single-center tertiary hospital. All mothers received a complete routine blood test prior to delivery, and outcome was neonatal pathological jaundice. We performed stepwise logistic regression modeling to identify maternal blood factors associated with neonatal pathological jaundice. 258 neonates (19.71%) were diagnosed with pathological jaundice. Logistic regression results showed that the odds ratio for pathological jaundice in neonates of mothers with high white blood cell (WBC) count was 1.512 (95% CI 1.145–1.998; P = 0.004). Besides, neonates whose mothers had a high mean corpuscular volume (MCV) during pregnancy doubled the odds of developing pathological jaundice (OR = 1.967; 95% CI 1.043–3.711; P = 0.037). Among neonates, those whose mothers had high levels of WBC count and MCV were at increased risk of pathological jaundice. Regular obstetric examinations and routine blood tests are essential to initiate adapted care.
Seismic performance analysis of shallow-buried large-scale three-box-section segment-connected pipeline structure under multiple actions
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Zhen , Ma Shujiang , Li Xiaoke , Liu Shiming , Zhao Shunbo
Published: February 2023

To ensure the safety operation of inter-basin water transfer project, it is important to understand the seismic performance of shallow-buried large-scale segment-connected pipeline structure under earthquake and other multiple actions. In this paper, a 3D FE model is built in details for the seismic assessment of large-scale prestressed concrete inverted-siphon shallow-buried under riverbed, and a method is proposed to realize multiple interactions of the viscoelastic boundary elements to finite elements, the compressible fluid to structure and the sealed joints made of rubber belt between adjacent segments. The inverted-siphon is longitudinally composited by 58 segments in total length of 858.64 m, and transversally consisits of three rectanguler-section boxes with net dimension of each box of 6.5 m width and 6.6 m height. The main influencing factors are set as the thickness of overburden soil, the flow condition and the engineering geological condition. The time-history analysis is carried out on the 3D FE model under Elcentro seismic wave excitation. The numerical analyses figures out the main vibration modes and vibrational frequency of this inverted-siphon, reveals the regions of peak tensile stress appeared on the concrete surface and the risk sealed joints with extremum relative displacement. This provides a scientific reference to take specific prevention measures of anti-earthquake, based on a deep understanding to the seismic cracking of concrete and the tearing broken of sealed joints for this kind of segment-connected pipeline structure.
LAMP3 transfer via extracellular particles induces apoptosis in Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Tanaka Tsutomu , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Tran Duy T. , Warner Blake M. , Wang Yan , Atsumi Tatsuya , Noguchi Masayuki , Chiorini John A.
Published: February 2023

Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is an autoimmune disease that affects exocrine tissues and is characterized by increased apoptosis in salivary and lacrimal glands. Although the pathogenic mechanism triggering SjD is not well understood, overexpression of lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3) is associated with the disease in a subset of SjD patients and the development of SjD-like phenotype in mice. In this study, histological analysis of minor salivary glands of SjD patients suggested that LAMP3-containing material is being ejected from cells. Follow-on in vitro experiments with cells exposed to extracellular particles (EPs) derived from LAMP3-overexpressing cells showed increased apoptosis. Proteomics identified LAMP3 as a major component of EPs derived from LAMP3-overexpressing cells. Live-cell imaging visualized release and uptake of LAMP3-containing EPs from LAMP3-overexpressing cells to naïve cells. Furthermore, experiments with recombinant LAMP3 protein alone or complexed with Xfect protein transfection reagent demonstrated that internalization of LAMP3 was required for apoptosis in a caspase-dependent pathway. Taken together, we identified a new role for extracellular LAMP3 in cell-to-cell communication via EPs, which provides further support for targeting LAMP3 as a therapeutic approach in SjD.
Engineering of an electrically charged hydrogel implanted into a traumatic brain injury model for stepwise neuronal tissue reconstruction
Authors: Tanikawa Satoshi , Ebisu Yuki , Sedlačík Tomáš , Semba Shingo , Nonoyama Takayuki , Kurokawa Takayuki , Hirota Akira , Takahashi Taiga , Yamaguchi Kazushi , Imajo Masamichi , Kato Hinako , Nishimura Takuya , Tanei Zen-ichi , Tsuda Masumi , Nemoto Tomomi , Gong Jian Ping , Tanaka Shinya
Published: February 2023

Neural regeneration is extremely difficult to achieve. In traumatic brain injuries, the loss of brain parenchyma volume hinders neural regeneration. In this study, neuronal tissue engineering was performed by using electrically charged hydrogels composed of cationic and anionic monomers in a 1:1 ratio (C1A1 hydrogel), which served as an effective scaffold for the attachment of neural stem cells (NSCs). In the 3D environment of porous C1A1 hydrogels engineered by the cryogelation technique, NSCs differentiated into neuroglial cells. The C1A1 porous hydrogel was implanted into brain defects in a mouse traumatic damage model. The VEGF-immersed C1A1 porous hydrogel promoted host-derived vascular network formation together with the infiltration of macrophages/microglia and astrocytes into the gel. Furthermore, the stepwise transplantation of GFP-labeled NSCs supported differentiation towards glial and neuronal cells. Therefore, this two-step method for neural regeneration may become a new approach for therapeutic brain tissue reconstruction after brain damage in the future.
Activity patterns are associated with fractional lifespan, memory, and gait speed in aged dogs
Authors: Mondino Alejandra , Khan Michael , Case Beth , Giovagnoli Sara , Thomson Andrea , Lascelles B. Duncan X. , Gruen Margaret , Olby Natasha
Published: February 2023

Maintaining an active lifestyle is considered a hallmark of successful aging. Physical activity significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in humans. However, pain and lack of motivation are important barriers to exercise. Dogs are a remarkable model for translational studies in aging and cognition as they are prone to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction syndrome, which has many similarities with Alzheimer’s disease. According to owner reports, changes in activity levels are characteristic of this syndrome, with decreased daytime activity, but also excessive pacing, especially at sleep time. We used physical activity monitors to record the activity of 27 senior dogs and evaluated the association between activity level and age, fractional lifespan, cognitive status measured by an owner questionnaire and cognitive tests. We also assessed the relationship between activity and joint/spinal pain, and the off/on leash gait speed ratio (a potential marker of gait speed reserve and motivation). We found that activity patterns in dogs are associated with fractional lifespan and working memory. Additionally, dogs with higher on/off leash gait speed are more active in the afternoon of weekdays. These results encourage future studies evaluating how physical activity can improve or delay cognitive impairment in senior dogs.
Standoff detection of bacterial spores by field deployable coherent Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Coluccelli Nicola , Galzerano Gianluca , Laporta Paolo , Curtis Kelly , Lonsdale Claire L. , Padgen Debbie , Howle Christopher R. , Cerullo Giulio
Published: February 2023

Vibrational spectroscopies offer great potential for standoff detection of chemical and biological warfare agents, avoiding contamination to the operator and equipment. Among them, particularly promising is Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy, using synchronized pump/Stokes laser pulses to set up a vibrational coherence of target molecules at a laser focus, which is read by further interaction with a probe pulse, resulting in the emission of a coherent beam detectable at a distance. CARS has previously demonstrated the capability to detect bacterial spores based on the Raman spectrum of the characteristic molecule calcium dipicolinate (CaDPA); however, a complex and bulky laser technology, which is only suitable for a laboratory environment, was employed. Here we develop a broadband CARS setup based on a compact, industrial grade ytterbium laser system. We demonstrate high signal-to-noise ratio detection ofBacillus atrophaeusspores at a concentration of 105cfu/mm2, at a standoff distance of 1 m, and an acquisition time of 1 s. Our system, which combines chemical specificity and sensitivity along with improved ruggedness and portability, paves the way to a new generation of instruments for real-world standoff detection of chemical and biological threats.
A small-dataset-trained deep learning framework for identifying atoms on transmission electron microscopy images
Authors: Chen Yuan , Liu Shangpeng , Tong Peiran , Huang Ying , Tian He , Lin Fang
Published: February 2023

To accurately identify atoms on noisy transmission electron microscope images, a deep learning (DL) approach is employed to estimate the map of probabilities at each pixel for being an atom with element discernment. Thanks to a delicately-designed loss function and the ability to extract features, the proposed DL networks can be trained by a small dataset created from approximately 30 experimental images, each with a size of 256 × 256 pixels2. The accuracy and robustness of the network were verified by resolving the structural defects of graphene and polar structures in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 multilayers from both the general TEM images and their imitated images on which intensities of some pixels lost randomly. Such a network has the potential to identify atoms from very few images of beam-sensitive material and explosive images recorded in a dynamical atomic process. The idea of using a small-dataset-trained DL framework to resolve a specific problem may prove instructive for practical DL applications in various fields.
Imaginary pills and open-label placebos can reduce test anxiety by means of placebo mechanisms
Authors: Buergler Sarah , Sezer Dilan , Bagge Niels , Kirsch Irving , Locher Cosima , Carvalho Claudia , Gaab Jens
Published: February 2023

Placebos have been shown to be beneficial for various conditions even if administered with full transparency. Hence, so-called open-label placebos (OLPs) offer a new way to harness placebo effects ethically. To take this concept one step further, this study aimed at evaluating placebo effects without the use of a physical placebo, i.e., by imagining taking a pill. Healthy students (N = 173) with self-reported test anxiety were either randomized to an imaginary pill (IP; n = 55), an OLP (n = 59) or a control group (CG; n = 59). Both intervention groups were instructed to take two pills daily for three weeks. Primary outcome was test anxiety, secondary outcomes were sleep quality, general well-being and test performance. Groups test anxiety differed at study-endpoint, F(2,169) = 11.50, p < .001. Test anxiety was lower in the intervention groups compared to the CG, t(169) = − 4.44, p < .001, d = − 0.71. The interventions did not differ significantly, i.e., both were similarly efficacious, t(169) = 0.61, p = .540, d = 0.11. The interaction between group and time in explaining test anxiety was significant, F(5,407.93) = 6.13, p < .001. OLPs and IPs reduced test anxiety in healthy participants compared to the CG. This finding opens the door for a novel and ethical method to harness placebo effects.
A multi-cation responsive Ni(ii)-supramolecular metallogel mimics a molecular keypad lockviareversible fluorescence switching
Authors: Singh Vaishali , Kala Shubhra , Rom Tanmay , Paul Avijit Kumar , Pandey Rampal
Published: February 2023

Schiff base HL forms stable Ni(ii)-gel MG (differ from Ni(ii)-complex 1) with triethylamine that serves as reversible ON–OFF–ON fluorescent probe for Zn2+/Cu2+/Hg2+ and as sequence dependent molecular keypad lock to protect secret information.
Probing single-chain conformation and its impact on the optoelectronic properties of donor–accepter conjugated polymers
Authors: Cao Zhiqiang , Li Zhaofan , Tolba Sara A. , Mason Gage T. , Xiong Miao , Ocheje Michael U. , Alesadi Amirhadi , Do Changwoo , Hong Kunlun , Lei Ting , Rondeau-Gagné Simon , Xia Wenjie , Gu Xiaodan
Published: February 2023

The optoelectronic properties of a given conjugated polymer depend on the chain rigidity and more importantly local chain planarity. The local backbone planarity determines the conjugation length as large twists result in break of conjugation.
Interfacial defect passivation by using diethyl phosphate salts for high-efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Sha Xuan , Sheng Jiang , Yang Weichuang , Sun Jingsong , Shou Chunhui , Zhang Luyan , Zhang Ningjun , Ying Zhiqin , Yang Xi , Zhao Hongbin , Ye Jichun
Published: February 2023

1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate (EMIM DEP) is used to passivate interface defects of SnO2/perovskite and enhance the interface quality. The EMIM DEP-based device shows higher efficiency and stability, compared to pristine SnO2.
A hydrophilic fully conjugated covalent organic framework for photocatalytic CO2reduction to CO nearly 100% using pure water
Authors: Yu Xiaoxiao , Gong Ke , Tian Shuyao , Gao Guangpeng , Xie Jing , Jin Xu-Hui
Published: February 2023

The incorporation of hydrophilic groups onto a fully conjugated covalent organic framework (COF) has been observed to enhance the adsorption of H2O and CO2, while enabling efficient CO2photocatalytic reductionviaH2O oxidation.
In situ encapsulation of V2O5@ZIF-8 nanocomposites as electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors with long term cycling stability
Authors: Siva V. , Murugan A. , Shameem A. , Thangarasu S. , Kannan S. , Bahadur S. Asath
Published: February 2023

The development of hierarchical MOFs consisting of interconnected nanostructures is of great attention in biosensors, energy storage, health care and catalysis as a consequence of efficient mass transfer kinetics by means of mesopores.
Polaron-assisted electronic transport in ZnP2 nanowires
Authors: de Oliveira F. M. , Cabral L. , Villegas-Lelovsky L. , Lima Matheus P. , Aragón F. F. H. , Marques G. E. , Chiquito A. J. , Teodoro M. D.
Published: February 2023

In this work, carrier transport in a gold-seeded zinc diphosphide nanowire fabricated by vapor–liquid–solid and photolithography techniques is investigated in detail.
Catalytic I2-moist DMSO-mediated synthesis of valuable α-amidohydroxyketones and unsymmetrical gem-bisamides from benzimidates
Authors: Aich Shobhon , Nandi Rajesh , Chatterjee Nirbhik , Gayen Krishnanka S. , Pal Subhasis , Maiti Dilip K.
Published: February 2023

We report a method of coupling of benzimidates and acetophenones mediated by catalytic I2 and moist DMSO to furnish α-amidohydroxyketones as well as symmetrical and unsymmetrical bisamides. Promising recognition properties of α-amidohydroxyketones were established.
Capillary instability in screen-printed micropatterns
Authors: Bae Jung Gun , Kim Ji Hoon , Shin Kyusoon , Lee Won Bo
Published: February 2023

Capillary instability and broadening effect in screen-printed micropatterns.