bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gamma‐ray irradiation effect on microstructure and physical performances of porous silica
Authors: Feng Qingyi , Deng Hongxiang , Wang Biyi , li Bo , Xiang Xia , Li Li , Zhong Bo , Li Sean , Zu Xiaotao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the gamma irradiation effect on the microstructure and physical performances of porous silica, including mechanical, thermal, and optical performances, are systematically investigated by using molecular dynamics and density‐functional theory‐based methods. The study of bond angle distribution, pair distribution function, coordination number distribution, and average ring size distribution show that, after gamma‐ray irradiation, the microstructure of porous silica is obviously modified. The tight packing of SiO2 tetrahedrons in the porous silica network is broken by gamma‐ray irradiation. Defects of three‐coordinated Si and non‐bridging oxygen are induced by gamma‐ray irradiation. Moreover, we find that the defects concentrations rapidly grow as gamma‐ray dose increases. The mechanical, thermal, and optical performances of porous silica are all seriously degenerated by gamma‐ray irradiation. Our results show that, for mechanical performance, Young's modulus, Bulk modulus, and Shear modulus first decrease and then keep stable as gamma‐ray dose increases, but the change of Poisson's ratio is slight. For thermal performance, the thermal conductivity decreases exponentially as gamma‐ray dose increases. For optical performance, light absorption coefficients increase exponentially and light transmittance drops as gamma‐ray dose increases in the working range (photon energy range around 3.5 eV) of inertial confinement fusion. Present work is expected to be valuable for studying the degradation mechanism of silicate materials under gamma radiation and developing gamma‐ray irradiation protection technology.
Anchoring or Undermining Democracy: The European People's Party and Democratic Backsliding in Serbia
Authors: Stojić Marko 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article considers how the European People's Party (EPP) responded to democratic backsliding in Serbia that unfolded under the leadership of its affiliate, the Serbian Progressive Party. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of the European Parliament resolutions and the responses of EPP legislators, the article demonstrates that the EPP has systematically ignored increasingly non‐democratic practices in Serbia. Seeking a wider pan‐European sway, the EPP strove to protect its Serbian member driven by strategic concerns and the logic of partisan allegiance. While there was a high level of intra‐party cohesion, a few EPP members consistently dissented and did not toe the party line. Their positions were fundamentally informed by contrasting normative commitments to liberal democratic principles and ideological proximity to the Serbian Progressive Party.
Clinical and genetic determinants of severe acute pancreatitis: A genetic association study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Chou Wing Kiu , Lam Stephen , Kumar Bhaskar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimThe clinical severity of acute pancreatitis is unpredictable, ranging from self‐limiting disease to life‐threatening inflammation. The determinants of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) are unclear. We aim to identify clinical variables and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with SAP.MethodsWe used UK Biobank data to conduct a case–control clinical and genetic association study. Pancreatitis patients were identified through national hospital and mortality records across the United Kingdom. Clinical covariates and SAP were analyzed for associations. Genotyped data that included 35 SNPs were assessed for independent associations with SAP and SNP to SNP interaction.ResultsA total of 665 patients with SAP and 3304 non‐SAP patients were identified. Male sex and older age increased odds of developing SAP (odds ratio [OR] 1.48; 95% confiden interval [CI] 1.24–1.78, P < 0.0001) and (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.17–1.29), P < 0.0001), respectively. SAP was associated with diabetes (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.15–1.86, P = 0.002), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.26–2.42, P = 0.001), and cardiovascular disease (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.54–2.61, P = 0.0001). A significant association was established between IL‐10 rs3024498 and SAP (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.09–1.41, P = 0.0014). Epistasis analysis revealed that the odds of SAP was greater by an interaction between TLR 5 rs5744174 and Factor V rs6025 (ORinteraction 7.53; P = 6.64 × 10−5).ConclusionThis study reports clinical risk factors for SAP. We also show evidence for an interaction between rs5744174 and rs6025 as determinants for SAP in addition to rs3024498 independently altering the severity of acute pancreatitis.
Clinical and financial outcome impacts of comprehensive geriatric assessment in a level 1 geriatric emergency department
Authors: Haynesworth Austin , Gilmer Todd P. , Brennan Jesse J. , Weaver Emily H. , Tolia Vaishal M. , Chan Theodore C. , Killeen James P. , Castillo Edward M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aging population has led to an increase in emergency department (ED) visits by older adults who have complex medical conditions and high social needs. The purpose of this study was to assess if comprehensive geriatric evaluation and management impacted service utilization and cost by older adults admitted to the ED.MethodsThis is a retrospective matched case–control study at a level 1 geriatric ED (GED) from January 1, 2018–March 31, 2020. Geriatric nurse specialists (GENIEs) provided comprehensive evaluations and management for GED patients. Propensity score matching was used to match patients receiving GENIE consultations to ED patients who did not receive a GENIE consult. Regression was used to assess the impact of the GENIE services on inpatient admissions, ED revisits and cost of inpatient and ED care from the payor perspective.ResultsGENIE consults were associated with a 13.0% reduction in absolute risk of admission through the ED at index (95% confidence interval [CI] −17.0%, −9.0%, p < 0.001) and a reduction in risk for total admissions at 30 and 90‐days post discharge (−11.3%, 95% CI −15.6%, −7.1%, p‐value < 0.001; and −10.0, 95% CI −13.8%, −6.0%; p < 0.001 respectively), both driven by reduced risk of admission at the index visit. GENIE consults were associated with a 4% increase in absolute risk of revisits to the ED within 30 days (95% CI 0.6%, 7.3%; p = 0.001). GENIE consults were associated with a decrease in cost of inpatient and ED care, with savings of $2344 within 30 days (95% CI $2247, $2441, p < 0.001) and savings of $2004 USD within 90 days (95% CI $1895, $2114, p < 0.001), driven by reduced costs at the index visit.ConclusionsGENIE consults were associated with decreased inpatient admissions through the ED, modestly increased ED revisits, and decreased cost of inpatient and ED care. The results of this study can be useful for EDs considering approaches to better serve older adults. They can also be of interest to payers as an area of potential cost savings.
Effect of chromosomal polymorphisms on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer
Authors: Liang Lixia , Zhang Xiuping , Zhang Zhiping , Xu Suming , Wu Yuanxia , Zhang Xueluo , Wu Xueqing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurposeThe incidence of chromosomal polymorphisms (CP) is increased in infertile couples, but its impact on reproduction is uncertain, especially undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect ofCPon the outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI‐ET) treatmentMethodsA total of 1331 infertile couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment were involved in this retrospective case–control study. The participants were divided into 4 groups according to CP variations: (i) normal chromosomes (NC) group; (ii) CP group; (iii) both chromosomal polymorphisms (BCP) group; and (iv) double chromosomal polymorphisms (DCP) group. The CP group was further divided into five subgroups: qh+, D/G, inv(9), Yqh+ and Yqh−. The outcomes of IVF/ICSI‐ET treatment were compared among the groups.ResultsThere were no differences observed between the eight groups in terms of number of oocytes retrieved, MII rate, fertilization rate, cleaved embryo rate, and quality embryo rate for both females and males (p > 0.05). In both male and female, some of the CP subgroups experienced more oocyte retrieval operations and more embryo transfer operations to achieve pregnancy than the NC groups (p < 0.05). The rates of live births were significantly lower in some of the CP subgroups compared to the NC group (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, the pregnancy outcomes of ET were affected byCP. It was speculated that this may be associated with the effect of chromosome polymorphism on embryo quality, although this could not be observed or determined by morphological evaluation.
From the historical Roman road network to modern infrastructure in Italy
Authors: De Benedictis Luca , Licio Vania , Pinna Anna Maria 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe road system built during the Roman Empire continues to have a significant impact on modern infrastructure in Italy. This paper examines the historical influence of Roman roads on the development of Italy's motorways and railways. The empirical analysis demonstrates how modern Italian transport infrastructure largely follows the path of the consular trajectories established by the network of Roman roads. These ancient roads, being paved and connecting the extremes of the Italian peninsula, have endured over time, serving as the foundational physical capital for the development of the current transport network. Overall, this research highlights the enduring legacy of the Roman road system and the robustness of Roman roads as an instrument in determining the causal effect of modern infrastructure.
Normative data for odor identification performance using the U‐sniff test from Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Qiu Yi‐qi , Zhou Han , Ma Qian‐wen , Schriever Valentin A. , Hummel Thomas , Zou Lai‐quan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe sense of smell is essential in daily life. Children with olfactory dysfunction face a series of problems, so assessing olfactory function during early‐life period is very important. The Universal Sniff (U‐Sniff) test is a widely used measurement of odor identification ability in children and adolescents, although there is a lack of normative data in China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish normative data for the U‐Sniff test in a large sample of healthy Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 922 healthy children and adolescents (441 boys, 481 girls) aged 6–17 years from China were involved in this study. Odor identification performance was assessed using the U‐Sniff test. The U‐Sniff test mean score across all participants was 10.50 ± 1.73 points (range 1–12). U‐Sniff test scores increased with age, and no effects of sex or an interaction between age group and sex were recorded in this population.Practical ApplicationsThere is currently no published data reporting normative data of the U‐Sniff test among Chinese children and adolescents. From the present research, normative data for olfactory identification using the U‐Sniff test have been established for Chinese population aged 6–17 years. This study provides routine measurements to support future examinations at hospitals, school check‐ups and so on, which can help patients with reduced olfactory function receive appropriate therapy as early as possible.
A scoping review of studies examining mental health literacy among Arabs worldwide
Authors: Abo‐Rass Fareeda , Nakash Ora , Abu‐Kaf Sarah 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing interest in Mental health literacy (MHL) worldwide, given its important role in overcoming barriers to service use and reducing mental health disparities. However, little is known about MHL among Arabs.AimWe conducted a scoping review to examine MHL levels and correlates among Arabs in both Arab and non‐Arab countries, based on Jorm's MHL framework.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, using six electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Soc Index, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data were summarized and synthesized.ResultsNine studies examining MHL among Arabs met our inclusion criteria. Seven of them used a quantitative cross‐sectional design. Four studies were conducted in Arab, and five were in non‐Arab countries. Five studies were conducted among university students. The studies included indicate moderate to high levels of MHL. Higher MHL was associated with female gender, personal experience of mental health illness, and with help‐seeking behaviours.ConclusionsOur review shows a significant lack of empirical studies on Arabs' MHL. These findings should be considered as a call for action for public health researchers, mental health workers, and policymakers to prioritize research in this field.
The effects of dietary microbial 6‐phytase on growth parameters, intestinal morphometric properties and selected intestinal genes expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1876)
Authors: Kaiza Victor E. , Yildiz Mustafa , Eldem Vahap , Golzaradabi Shahram , Ofori‐Mensah Samuel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of dietary 6‐phytase, produced by a genetically modified Komagataella phaffii, on growth performance, feed utilisation, flesh quality, villus morphometric properties, and intestinal mRNA expression in rainbow trout. Six iso‐nitrogenous, iso‐lipidic, and iso‐caloric diets were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of juvenile rainbow trout weighing 32.57 ± 0.36 g (mean ± SD) for 90 days. The dietary treatments included two positive controls (PC), one formulated with 400 g/kg of fish meal named T1, and the other formulated with 170 g/kg of fish meal plus 1% avP derived from monocalcium phosphate named T2. The remaining dietary treatments consisted of a negative control (NC) formulated with 170 g/kg of fish meal (T3), NC+ 750, NC+ 1500, and NC+ 3000 OTU/kg levels of phytase designated as T4, T5, and T6 diets respectively. Compared to T1, weight gain (WG) increased by 16.29, 13.71 and 11.66% in T4, T5 and T6, respectively (p < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowered by 3.2 and 0.8% in T4 and T5 compared to T1 (p < 0.05). WG, feed intake (FI), FCR, final body length, bone ash, bone ash P, and intestinal morphometry were negatively affected in T3 fed fish (p < 0.05). Whole‐body fish nutrient, bone ash, bone ash phosphorus (P) compositions and mucosal villus morphometric properties improved in rainbow trout fed diets supplemented with phytase dose ranging from 750–3000 OTU. Bone ash increased by 6.12% in T5 compared to T1 (p < 0.05). Phytase inclusion enhanced the profitability of feeding juvenile rainbow trout such diets as it reduced the feed price and economic conversion rate. Dietary inclusion of phytase down‐regulated mRNA expression of genes responsible for fatty acid synthesis and lipogenesis in juvenile rainbow trout. Dietary phytase up‐regulated the mRNA expression of genes (SLC4A11 and ATP1A3A) responsible for nutrient uptake and down‐regulated intestinal expression of MUCIN 5AC—like genes (mucus secreting genes) in juvenile rainbow trout. Along with improving performance parameters, the inclusion of phytase in rainbow trout diet containing plant‐based protein sources, can preserve intestinal morphology by regulating the mRNA expression of genes responsible for fatty acid synthesis, lipogenesis and nutrient uptake and transport.
Plastomic data shed new light on the phylogeny, biogeography, and character evolution of the family Crassulaceae
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Dan‐Qing , Zhang Jian‐Qiang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCrassulaceae is a mid‐sized family of angiosperms, most species of which are herbaceous succulents, usually with 5‐merous flowers and one or two whorls of stamens. Although previous phylogenetic studies revealed seven major “clades” in Crassulaceae and greatly improved our understanding of the evolutionary history of the family, relationships among major clades are still contentious. In addition, the biogeographic origin and evolution of important morphological characters delimiting infrafamilial taxa have not been subject to formal biogeographic and character evolution analyses based on a well‐supported phylogeny backbone. In this study, we used plastomic data of 52 species, representing all major clades revealed in previous studies to reconstruct a robust phylogeny of Crassulaceae, based on which we unraveled the spatiotemporal framework of diversification of the family. We found that the family may originate in southern Africa and then dispersed to the Mediterranean, from there to eastern Asia, Macaronesia, and North America. The crown age of Crassulaceae was dated at ca. 63.93 million years ago, shortly after the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K‐Pg) boundary. We also traced the evolution of six important morphological characters previously used to delimit infrafamilial taxa and demonstrated widespread parallel and convergent evolution of both vegetative (life form and phyllotaxis) and floral characters (number of stamen whorls, petals free or fused, and flower merism). Our results provide a robust backbone phylogeny as a foundation for further investigations, and also some important new insights into biogeography and evolution of the family Crassulaceae.
The bulk mineralogy, elemental composition, and water content of the Winchcombe CM chondrite fall
Authors: Bates H. C. , King A. J. , Shirley K. S. , Bonsall E. , Schröder C. , Wombacher F. , Fockenberg T. , Curtis R. J. , Bowles N. E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOn the microscale, the Winchcombe CM carbonaceous chondrite contains a number of lithological units with a variety of degrees of aqueous alteration. However, an understanding of the average hydration state is useful when comparing to other meteorites and remote observations of airless bodies. We report correlated bulk analyses on multiple subsamples of the Winchcombe meteorite, determining an average phyllosilicate fraction petrologic type of 1.2 and an average water content of 11.9 wt%. We show the elemental composition and distribution of iron and iron oxidation state are consistent with measurements from other CM chondrites; however, Winchcombe shows a low Hg concentration of 58.1 ± 0.5 ng g−1. We demonstrate that infrared reflectance spectra of Winchcombe are consistent with its bulk modal mineralogy, and comparable to other CM chondrites with similar average petrologic types. Finally, we also evaluate whether spectral parameters can estimate H/Si ratios and water abundances, finding generally spectral parameters underestimate water abundance compared to measured values.
That's no moon, it's a Starship: Giant transposons driving fungal horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Bucknell Angus H. , McDonald Megan C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo date, most reports of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in fungi rely on genome sequence data and are therefore an indirect measure of HGT after the event has occurred. However, a novel group of class II‐like transposons known as Starships may soon alter this status quo. Starships are giant transposable elements that carry dozens of genes, some of which are host‐beneficial, and are linked to many recent HGT events in the fungal kingdom. These transposons remain active and mobile in many fungal genomes and their transposition has recently been shown to be driven by a conserved tyrosine‐recombinase called ‘Captain’. This perspective explores some of the remaining unanswered questions about how these Starship transposons move, both within a genome and between different species. We seek to outline several experimental approaches that can be used to identify the genes essential for Starship‐mediated HGT and draw links to other recently discovered giant transposons outside of the fungal kingdom.
Cooking and food skills confidence of team sport athletes in Ireland
Authors: Renard Michèle , Kelly David T. , Ní Chéilleachair Niamh , Lavelle Fiona , Ó Catháin Ciarán 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNutritional support often focuses on cooking and food skills such as food selection, recipe planning and meal preparation. Individuals with greater cooking and food skills confidence have previously displayed higher diet quality scores and lower intakes of overall calories, saturated fat and sugar. Despite this, the cooking and food skills of team sport athletes have yet to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cooking and food skills confidence and athletes' demographic characteristics. A validated measure for the assessment of cooking and food skills confidence was distributed via an online survey. Participants were required to rate their confidence on a Likert scale (1 “very poor” – 7 “very good”) for 14 items related to cooking skills and 19 items for food skills. Food engagement, general health interest and self‐reported fruit and vegetable consumption as a measure of diet quality were also measured. The survey was completed by 266 team sport athletes (male: 150, female: 116, age: 24.8 ± 6.1 years). Group differences were explored using t‐tests and ANOVA and associations were evaluated using Spearman's correlation and hierarchical multiple regressions. Athletes' total cooking and food skills confidence was 62.7 ± 17.4 (64.0 ± 17.8%) and 83.8 ± 20.1 (63.0 ± 15.1%), respectively. Females reported greater confidence in both cooking (+20.3%, p < 0.01) and food skills (+9.2%, p < 0.01). Hierarchical multiple regressions explained 48.8% of the variance in cooking skills confidence and 44% of the variance in food skills confidence with gender, previous culinary training, cooking learning stage, general health interest and food engagement all remaining significant in the cooking skills confidence model and cooking frequency, previous culinary training, general health interest and food engagement remaining significant in the food skills confidence model. Male team sport athletes may benefit the most from educational interventions designed to increase cooking and food skills confidence.