bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of follicular thymic hyperplasia associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ohe Rintaro , Yang Suran , Yamashita Daisuke , Ichikawa Chihiro , Saito Akihisa , Kabasawa Takanobu , Utsunomiya Aya , Aung Naing Ye , Urano Yuka , Kitaoka Takumi , Suzuki Kazushi , Takahara Daiichiro , Sasaki Akiko , Takakubo Yuya , Takagi Michiaki , Yamakawa Mitsunori , Futakuchi Mitsuru
Published: February 2022

Lymphoproliferative disorders may occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are treated with methotrexate. However, follicular thymic hyperplasia (FTH) associated with RA (FTH‐RA) is generally not considered a lymphoproliferative disorder. To investigate the pathogenesis of FTH‐RA, we examined 12 cases of FTH involving thymic enlargement, four of FTH involving RA and eight of FTH involving myasthenia gravis (MG). Increased numbers and larger germinal center (GC) size were observed in FTH‐RA group. The percentage of distorted GCs was 13.3% in FTH‐RA group and 3.25% in FTH associated with MG (FTH‐MG) group. A greater meshwork of follicular dendritic cells was observed in the GCs of FTH‐RA group. Positive indices of CD27+ cells and PD‐1+ cells per GC in FTH‐RA group were significantly higher than those in FTH‐MG group, though positive indices of CD68+ cells and CD163+ cells were similar. Myoid cell proliferation, as evaluated by α‐SMA, tenascin‐C, and l‐caldesmon expression, was significantly increased in the FTH‐RA group compared with the FTH‐MG group. These results suggest that FTH should be considered in patients with RA treated with methotrexate. The pathogenesis of FTH‐RA includes GC expansion and increased numbers of memory B cells, follicular helper T cells, and myoid cells, indicating humoral immunity activation.
Nonperiodic grassland restoration management can promote native woody shrub encroachment
Authors: Luong Justin C.
Published: February 2022

Woody species encroachment is increasingly displacing grasslands, negatively impacting regional plant richness and reducing economic productivity from grazing. Although intermediate disturbance has been found to reduce woody species encroachment and maximize species diversity, ecological restoration can often lead to many small, infrequent disturbances. These small disturbances may not be strong enough to limit woody encroachment, and instead may promote invasion. Drought may slow encroachment, but adjustments in key functional traits may allow for persistent woody invasion.Baccharis pilularisis a woody shrub native to western North America, but has been shown to have higher recruitment following nonperiodic disturbances and be invasive in native grasslands. To address the extent of woody invasion following limited restoration actions, I quantified naturalB. pilularisrecruitment and cover at an invaded coastal California grassland in plots after experimental restoration (singular planting and nonnative species control efforts) and extreme drought conditions (60% rain exclusion) 6 years posttreatment. For traits, I measuredB. pilularisspecific leaf area, major vein length per unit area, leaf thickness, and lobedness 4 years posttreatment and stem diameter 5 years posttreatment. Native shrub encroachment byB. pilulariswas higher in restored plots compared to nonrestored plots, which had zero recruitment. Drought reducedB. pilularisrecruitment but not cover and resulted in adjustments in leaf thickness and major vein length per area. Results suggest that planting and other singular restoration activities (i.e. invasive species control) in coastal grasslands can cause small, infrequent disturbances that promote native woody shrub encroachment.
Deep incorporation of corn straw benefits soil organic carbon and microbial community composition in a black soil of Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Fangni , Lin Xinxin , Guan Song , Dou Sen
Published: February 2022

‘Deep incorporation of corn straw’ (CSDI) is to concentrate the burial of corn straw into the subsurface soil layer (20–40 cm) and to break the plough pan, thereby creating a loosened plough layer (0–20 cm) and a fertile subsurface soil layer. However, its impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) and the microbial community remain poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of 1‐year CSDI (CD1), 3‐year CSDI (CD3) and 5‐year CSDI (CD5) on soil aggregates and aggregate‐associated SOC, as well as bacterial and fungal community characteristics (examined by the high‐throughput gene sequencing method). The results demonstrated that SOC and soil fungal diversity were decreased by CD1, but increased by CD3 and CD5. Compared with the control, CD5 promoted 2–0.25 mm soil macroaggregation, significantly increased SOC by 8.94% and aggregate‐associated SOC by 5.96%–8.84%, consequently improving the physical protection of SOC by soil aggregates. CD3 and CD5 enhanced the richness and diversity of soil bacteria and fungi, and altered community composition. For soil bacteria, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi was increased, while that of Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, Sphingomonas and Bacillus was decreased. For soil fungi, the relative abundance of Ascomycota, Zygomycota, Mortierella and Fusarium was greatly improved, but that of Basidiomycota was reduced. These obvious variations in microbial community structure were beneficial to straw degradation and SOC accumulation. Overall, the optimization of microbial community with CSDI plays a positive role in promoting soil organic matter, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, and thus improving soil fertility.
Accuracy of acute‐phase proteins in identifying lethargic and anorectic cats with increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity
Authors: Krasztel Magdalena Maria , Czopowicz Michał , Szaluś‐Jordanow Olga , Moroz Agata , Mickiewicz Marcin , Kaba Jarosław
Published: February 2022

The mainstay of laboratory diagnostics of feline pancreatitis (FP) is measuring serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). Thus far, several studies have investigated the relationship between acute‐phase proteins (APPs) and the presence and severity of FP. Although changes in serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration have been linked with FP, its diagnostic accuracy remains unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of selected APPs in identifying cats with a high risk of FP based on increased fPLI. Serum fPLI was measured in cats (n = 52) that were presented to veterinary clinics with signs of lethargy and anorexia. The cats were divided into two groups (fPLI ≤3.5 μg/L; n = 27 and fPLI >3.5 μg/L, n = 25), corresponding to low and high risks of FP. Serum albumin, globulin, haptoglobin (Hp), and SAA concentrations, as well as the albumin‐to‐globulin ratio (A/G) and SAA‐to‐albumin (SAA/A) ratios, were determined and compared between groups. The accuracy of these measurements was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. SAA concentrations and SAA/A ratios were significantly (P = .026 and P = .022) higher in cats with increased fPLI, with the area under ROC curve (AUROC) of 68.1% (CI 95%: 53.4%, 82.9%) and 68.6% (CI 95%: 54.0%, 83.2%), respectively. The logistic regression model combining SAA and A/G had AUROC of 75.2% (CI 95%: 62.0%, 88.4%) for identifying cats with increased fPLI. SAA as a sole analyte or combined with A/G had low to moderate accuracy in identifying anorexic, lethargic cats with increased fPLI. Serum albumin, globulin, and Hp concentrations had no discriminatory potential in these cats.
Application of Superposition Principle for Solving a Nonlinear Energy Equation
Authors: Boay Zhen Jie , Heng Shye Yunn , Asako Yutaka , Tan Lit Ken , Che Sidik Nor Azwadi bin
Published: February 2022

A new procedure to solve a nonlinear energy equation using the superposition principle is proposed. As an example of the utilization of this procedure, forced convection in a tube with temperature-dependent fluid properties was considered. The tube wall was maintained at uniform wall heat flux axially that varies with time, and the average fluid temperature at the outlet was calculated. This problem simulates convection heat transfer inside a solar collector tube. In the proposed procedure, the average fluid temperature at the outlet for a single heat pulse was determined for fluid properties evaluated at 15 different temperatures by solving the energy equation numerically assuming constant fluid properties and subsequently applying the superposition principle. The choice of the temperature at which fluid properties were evaluated as an important parameter in the simulation. This temperature was determined by using the inlet and outlet average fluid temperatures at the previous time-step multiplied by a weighting function. The average fluid temperature at the outlet obtained by this procedure was compared with the temperature obtained by solving the nonlinear energy equation using variable properties to determine the predictive accuracy of this procedure. The results for one-day operation of a sunny day with fluid velocity of 0.6 m/s, showed the highest root-mean-square (RMS) error of 0.25 K, and the highest mean absolute deviation (MAD) error of 0.16 K which agreed well with the result obtained by the numerical simulation of the nonlinear problem using variable properties.
Singularity Analysis and Dimensional Synthesis of a 2R1T 3-UPU Parallel Mechanism Based on Performance Atlas
Authors: Song Jingke , Zhao Chen , Zhao Kun , Yan Wenjiang , Chen Ziming
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a symmetric 3-UPU (U and P represent universal and prismatic joints, individually) parallel mechanism and its variant mechanism under different geometric and assembly conditions are analyzed. Both have two rotational and one translational (2R1T) DOFs and do not involve any parasitic motion. First, the kinematic performance of the mechanisms is discussed based on the motion/force transmission index and constraint index. Then, the singularity of the mechanism is analyzed systematically based on the local performance atlases, performance curves, and the screw theory. Finally, the global design indices are determined in accordance with the local performance indices in consideration of the motion/force transmissibility and constrainability to achieve the dimensional optimization of the 2R1T 3-UPU parallel mechanism.
On the Modeling of Gas and Liquid Leaks Through Packed Glands
Authors: Aweimer Ali Salah Omar , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim
Published: February 2022

The prediction of gas and liquid leak rates through packed glands is overlooked and the very few studies available in the literature focus on the packing axial stress distribution. For better prediction of leakage, the change of porosity with length due to this nonuniform axial stress must be accounted for. Our previous theoretical model on leakage predictions are based on uniform capillaries. In this paper, a new model that accounts for the change of the capillary diameter with the axial stress for gaseous leak and a straight capillary model for liquid leaks are developed. The first slip flow condition is used to predict gas and liquid flow considering straight capillary model and a nonuniform capillary model the area of which dependents on the axial stress in the packing rings. An approach that uses an analytical-computational methodology based on the number and the size of pores obtained experimentally is adopted to predict gas and liquid leak rates in both the uniform and nonuniform compressed packed gland models. The Navier–Stokes equations associated with slip boundary condition at the wall are used to predict leakage. Experimental tests with helium, argon, nitrogen, and air for gazes and water and kerosene for liquids are used to validate the models. The porosity parameters characterization is conducted experimentally with a reference gas, namely, helium at different gland stresses and pressures.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Volumetric Absorption Solar Collector-Driven Direct Contact Membrane Distillation System
Authors: Garg Kapil , Rathore Akshay , Yadav Rahul , Das Sarit K. , Tyagi Himanshu
Published: February 2022

Solar-powered membrane distillation (SP-MD) technology has proven to be an ideal solution for providing fresh water in remote and off-grid locations. In this study, a novel solar energy-driven direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) cycle is proposed in which a nanofluid-based volumetric absorption solar collector (VASC) is used to drive the DCMD process. The present work focuses on the use of volumetric collector instead of commercially available surface absorption-based solar collector in case of two-loop indirect SP-MD systems, which are installed to control the scaling and corrosion issues in solar collectors. The thermodynamic performance of this two-loop indirect solar-powered DCMD (SP-DCMD) system has been evaluated with the help of a mathematical model prepared in matlab. For modeling the DCMD unit, the ɛ-number of transfer unit (NTU) method used for designing heat exchangers has been employed. The performance of the overall system is evaluated by gained output ratio (GOR), thermal efficiency (η) of the membrane distillation, and water flux (Jw), and effects of various operating parameters related to both DCMD and VASC systems have been understood on the overall system performance. Finally, it has been shown that VASC-driven DCMD system has been approximately 4–15% higher gained output ratio compared to surface absorption-based solar collector (SASC)-driven DCMD system under similar operating conditions.
Numerical Calibration and Investigation of the Influence of Reynolds Number on Measurements With Five-Hole Probes in Compressible Flows
Authors: Schäffer Christian , Speck Konstantin , Gümmer Volker
Published: February 2022

This paper presents an investigation into the numerical and experimental calibration of a five-hole probe and effects of Reynolds number variations on the characteristics of the probe. The test object is a cone-type drilled elbow probe with a head diameter of 1.59 mm and a cone angle of 60 deg. The experimental calibration maps of four different probes of the same type and nominal geometry are compared. A significant variation of the curves can be observed especially at high yaw angles. This led to a visual inspection of the probes with a 3D measurement system. The actual geometry of the three used probes and the surface and radii in particular varied significantly from that of the unused spare probe. Furthermore, a numerical calibration map of the ideal probe was generated for a Mach number of Ma = 0.3. A comparison between the experimental and numerical calibration coefficients revealed that total pressure, yaw and pitch angle were reproduced reasonably well. The dynamic pressure coefficient, however, has a considerable offset. Finally, a parameter study of the effect of varying the Reynolds number over different yaw angles was conducted. The calibration Reynolds number is of the order of Re = 1 · 104 and was varied between 0.5 · 104 < Re < 6 · 104. While the results suggest that only minor measurement errors occur for yaw angle, total pressure and static pressure, a relatively large error was observed for pitch angle measurements.
Forced Response Due to Vane Stagger Angle Variation in an Axial Compressor
Authors: Maroldt Niklas , Amer Mona , Seume Joerg R.
Published: February 2022

Recent developments in turbomachinery design require an improved prediction accuracy of blade vibrations to maintain safe operations. This article aims to investigate the accuracy of numerical aeroelastic approaches for the calculation of blade vibrations. For validation, extensive aerodynamic and forced response measurements in an 1.5-stage axial compressor with a blade integrated disk (Blisk) are presented. The excitation intensity of the vibration is controlled by varying the stagger angle of the inlet guide vane (IGV). In addition, a second engine order is imposed by a nonsymmetric circumferential vane angle distribution to simulate a multistage behavior. Experimental validated Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations in both the frequency and the time domain are compared to assess the prediction accuracy of the numerical approaches. The numerical results agree with the experiments for low and intermediate vane angles. However, at high IGV stagger angles and when exciting multiple engine orders, the inaccuracy in the prediction of flow separation by the RANS simulations leads to an overprediction of vibration amplitudes. This exaggeration becomes even more pronounced in the frequency domain simulations. Time domain methods with a time lag formulation tend to be efficient and more accurate approaches for large separated flow regimes.
An Optical Micro-Fluidic Viscometer
Authors: Galambos Paul , Forster Fred
Published: February 2022

A new method for measuring viscosity relative to a reference fluid and applicable to a continuous process micro-fluidic device is presented. The measurement is based on the volume flow rate ratio and interface location between two co-flowing streams in a micro-fabricated T-channel and utilizes the inversion of a closed-form solution for the velocity distribution in a rectangular channel. Neither absolute flow rates or pressure differences are required. Since optical detection is the basis for the measurement, the method lends itself to the measurement of intrinsic viscosity, which requires measurement of both absolute viscosity and concentration. Experimental verification of the method yielded measurements of absolute viscosity within two percent of standard methods for dilute aqueous dextran suspensions.
Crack Growth in Polysilicon MEMS
Authors: Van Arsdell William W. , Brown Stuart B.
Published: February 2022

We have developed an experimental protocol for studying slow crack growth in MEMS materials, and we have used this protocol to show that polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) MEMS are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. Using a model of the nonlinear dynamics of the specimen, we were able to estimate crack length and crack closure from the frequency response of the specimen. The procedure can resolve 1 nm crack extensions and crack growth rates below 10−13m/s. Crack closure, which has a pronounced effect on the dynamics of this nonlinear system, is possibly associated with the native oxide which grows on the faces of the crack. The data show that subcritical crack growth in polysilicon MEMS is driven by the synergistic effects of water and stress. In contrast to macroscale stress corrosion cracking behavior, we have not found a clear relationship between crack growth rate, stress intensity, and humidity.
Magnetic transition behavior in epitaxial Fe47Rh47Pd6 films
Authors: Sato Hideo , Pachauri Neha , Keshavarz Sahar , Joshi Chhatra R. , Lee Hwachol , Mankey Gary J. , LeClair Patrick
Published: February 2022

The properties of Fe–Rh–Pd epitaxial thin films grown on MgO(001) were studied as a function of growth temperature. Films grown above 400°C exhibit a first-order antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic magnetic phase transition with a transition temperature that decreases as the growth temperature is increased. The chemical order parameter computed from the ratio of intensities of the (001) and (002) diffraction peaks is nearly independent of the growth temperature, while the lattice constants change slightly. A comparison of our structural, magnetic, and electrical transport results with first-principle-based calculations as well as literature results indicates that the transition temperature of Fe–Rh-based alloy films depends sensitively on the lattice parameters and is of electronic origin. The transition temperature and its width can be tuned over a wide range by controlling the crystal structure via growth conditions or postdeposition annealing.
Mechanical evolution of bubble structure and interactive migration behaviors of two particles in flowing wet foam
Authors: Jing Zefeng , Feng Chenchen , Ma Xurui , Xu Donghai , Wang Shuzhong
Published: February 2022

Multiparticle migration in a wet foam fluid is increasingly found in relevant engineering applications. The microscopic reciprocal influence between the flowing foam and the settling multiparticle has not been fully understood. In this study, we mainly analyze the rheological and mechanical behaviors of this multiphase transport system based on the microscopic structural morphology. The settling behaviors of two particles, as well as the mechanical variation of bubbles influenced by the particles, are mainly explored. We find that the entrance of a bubble into the distance between the two particles positioned vertically causes significantly different bubble pressure components of the drag force for the two particles. In the process of bubble entering the distance, the bubble pressure, as well as the maximum principal stress of the bubble, rises; as the bubble leaves the distance, its pressure and the maximum principal stress decrease. For the two particles positioned horizontally, we mainly analyze the bubble pressure component of the lift force, as well as the pressure evolution of bubbles when the bubble–bubble separation and contact occur in the distance between the particles. This study assists in understanding the microscopic structural and mechanical evolution of wet foam in this multiphase transport system.
Social Cognitive and Ecological Factors Influence Physical Activity Among Thai Adolescents
Authors: Sriramatr Sonthaya , Maphong Raweewan
Published: February 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the intrapersonal, social, and physical environmental factors associated with physical activity (PA) practice in Thai adolescents. Methods: A total of 5536 adolescents aged 14–17 years participated in the survey. Confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling were conducted to determine associations between intrapersonal, social, and physical environmental factors with PA. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.50 (1.12) years. Community environment had an overall effect on PA (β = 0.08). Perceived family support had direct (β = −0.14) and indirect (β = 0.17) effects on PA through perceived barriers (β = 0.14). Perceived barriers were directly related to PA (β = −0.23) and indirectly (β = −0.16) related to PA through self-efficacy (β = −0.14) and through perceived benefits and self-efficacy (β = −0.02). Perceived usefulness was indirectly related to PA through self-efficacy (β = 0.07). Self-efficacy was directly related to PA (β = 0.43). Girls were more likely to report more perceived barriers (βtotal = 0.13). The model explained 45% of the variance in PA. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and perceived barriers are important intrapersonal factors, whereas perceived family support is an important interpersonal factor for PA among Thai adolescents.
SLAMF7 engagement superactivates macrophages in acute and chronic inflammation
Authors: Simmons Daimon P. , Nguyen Hung N. , Gomez-Rivas Emma , Jeong Yunju , Jonsson A. Helena , Chen Antonia F. , Lange Jeffrey K. , Dyer George S. , Blazar Philip , Earp Brandon E. , Coblyn Jonathan S. , Massarotti Elena M. , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Todd Derrick J. ,   Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) RA/SLE Network, Rao Deepak A. , Kim Edy Y. , Brenner Michael B.
Published: February 2022

Macrophages regulate protective immune responses to infectious microbes, but aberrant macrophage activation frequently drives pathological inflammation. To identify regulators of vigorous macrophage activation, we analyzed RNA-seq data from synovial macrophages and identified SLAMF7 as a receptor associated with a superactivated macrophage state in rheumatoid arthritis. We implicated IFN-γ as a key regulator of SLAMF7 expression and engaging SLAMF7 drove a strong wave of inflammatory cytokine expression. Induction of TNF-α after SLAMF7 engagement amplified inflammation through an autocrine signaling loop. We observed SLAMF7-induced gene programs not only in macrophages from rheumatoid arthritis patients but also in gut macrophages from patients with active Crohn’s disease and in lung macrophages from patients with severe COVID-19. This suggests a central role for SLAMF7 in macrophage superactivation with broad implications in human disease pathology.
Final inversion of the Midcontinent Rift during the Rigolet Phase of the Grenvillian Orogeny
Authors: Hodgin Eben B. , Swanson-Hysell Nicholas L. , DeGraff James M. , Kylander-Clark Andrew R.C. , Schmitz Mark D. , Turner Andrew C. , Zhang Yiming , Stolper Daniel A.
Published: February 2022

Despite being a prominent continental-scale feature, the late Mesoproterozoic North American Midcontinent Rift did not result in the break-up of Laurentia, and subsequently underwent structural inversion. The timing of inversion is critical for constraining far-field effects of orogenesis and processes associated with the rift's failure. The Keweenaw fault in northern Michigan (USA) is a major thrust structure associated with rift inversion; it places ca. 1093 Ma rift volcanic rocks atop the post-rift Jacobsville Formation, which is folded in its footwall. Previous detrital zircon (DZ) U-Pb geochronology conducted by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) assigned a ca. 950 Ma maximum age to the Jacobsville Formation and led researchers to interpret its deposition and deformation as postdating the ca. 1090–980 Ma Grenvillian Orogeny. In this study, we reproduced similar DZ dates using LA-ICP-MS and then dated 19 of the youngest DZ grains using high-precision chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS). The youngest DZ dated by CA-ID-TIMS at 992.51 ± 0.64 Ma (2σ) redefines the maximum depositional age of the Jacobsville Formation and overlaps with a U-Pb LA-ICP-MS date of 985.5 ± 35.8 Ma (2σ) for late-kinematic calcite veins within the brecciated Keweenaw fault zone. Collectively, these data are interpreted to constrain deposition of the Jacobsville Formation and final rift inversion to have occurred during the 1010–980 Ma Rigolet Phase of the Grenvillian Orogeny, following an earlier phase of Ottawan inversion. Far-field deformation propagated >500 km into the continental interior during the Ottawan and Rigolet phases of the Grenvillian Orogeny.
Reconciling persistent sub-zero temperatures in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, with Neogene dynamic marine ice-sheet fluctuations
Authors: Halberstadt Anna Ruth W. , Kowalewski Douglas E. , DeConto Robert M.
Published: February 2022

In the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica, periodic large-scale marine ice-sheet fluctuations since the mid-Miocene are recorded by drill core and seismic data, revealing a dynamic ice-sheet response to past increases in temperature and atmospheric CO2. In the adjacent, predominantly ice-free McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs), preserved terrestrial landscapes reflect persistent cold conditions and have been interpreted as indicators of a stable polar ice sheet, implying that the Antarctic Ice Sheet was largely insensitive during past warm periods. These disparate data-based perspectives highlight a long-standing debate around the past stability of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, with direct implications for the future ice-sheet response to ongoing climate warming. We reconcile marine records of dynamic ice-sheet behavior and episodic open-marine conditions with nearby ancient terrestrial landscapes recording consistent cold-polar conditions. Coupled ice-sheet and regional climate models nested at a high resolution are used to investigate surface temperatures in the MDVs during past warm periods. We find that high-elevation regions of the MDVs remain below freezing even when ice-free conditions prevail in the nearby Ross Sea. We compare observed landscapes with the spatial extent of modeled persistent cold conditions required for preservation of these ancient features, demonstrating that frozen MDVs landscapes could have coexisted with receded or collapsed ice sheets during past warm periods.
Seven-year tobacco tax plan in Ukraine: a case study of the actors, tactics and factors motivating policy passage
Authors: Weiger Caitlin , Hoe Connie , Cohen Joanna E
Published: February 2022

Objective

In December 2017, the Ukrainian Rada passed legislation that would increase tobacco taxes for the next 7 years to meet requirements of the European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement (EU-UAA). We analysed factors motivating passage of Ukraine’s 7-year tobacco tax plan as well as tactics used by both opponents and proponents to describe how the plan was passed.

Design

A case study approach was used. Data were gathered from semistructured interviews (n=12) and document review (n=24) and analysed using inductive and deductive coding.

Results

The European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement, a significant budget deficit and a history of tobacco tax success were all contextual factors contributing to policy passage. Proponents of high tobacco taxes capitalised on this opportunity, using media advocacy, generating scientific evidence and collaborating effectively across multiple sectors to support the passage of the plan. Opponents used media advocacy and lobbied to water down several features of the plan, resulting in smaller increases that might not meet EU-UAA requirements.

Conclusion

Industry interference via lobbying continues to hamper passage of high tobacco taxes and should be addressed via legislation that aligns with Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Proponents should look for windows of opportunity caused by external events, create a multisectoral coalition, including tax experts and use media advocacy to support tax increases. Further work should continue to document what contextual factors support tobacco control policy change.
Investigating the efficacy and safety of elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, in patients with Parkinson’s disease with chronic constipation: a multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study (CONST-PD)
Authors: Hatano Taku , Oyama Genko , Shimo Yasushi , Ogaki Kotaro , Nishikawa Noriko , Fukae Jiro , Nakamura Ryota , Kurita Naohide , Tsunemi Taiji , Oji Yutaka , Saiki Shinji , Nishioka Kenya , Takeshige-Amano Haruka , Taniguchi Daisuke , Ogawa Takashi , Kamo Hikaru , Eguchi Hiroto , Fuse Atsuhito , Nakajima Asuka , Kano Masayoshi , Nakajima Sho , Yanagisawa Naotake , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Chronic constipation worsens the quality of life (QOL) of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, is a useful laxative, but its effect on chronic constipation in patients with PD remains unclear. Therefore, we designed a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind study to investigate the efficacy and safety of elobixibat in patients with PD with chronic constipation.

Methods and analysis

The study will consist of 2-week observation and 4-week treatment periods. Patients with clinically established PD will record the status of spontaneous bowel movements and use of rescue medications/concomitant medications in a Bowel Movement Diary from the start of the observation period at visit 1 (week −2). At visit 2 (week 0), patients will be assessed for final registration based on the diary records and physical examinations, and allocated to either the elobixibat or placebo group. Daily intake of the investigational drug will be recorded in the diary. Patients will undergo laboratory tests and answer constipation-related, PD-related and QOL-related questionnaires at visits 2 and 4 (week 4). Subjective symptoms and objective findings will be collected at visits 2, 3 (week 2) and 4. Since patients’ motor function might be improved by treatment of constipation, the use of dopamine preparations will also be monitored. Bowel movement data and other parameters will be compared between groups.

Safety information will be collected as adverse events, specifically focusing on those occurring in association with study conduct.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will be conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, the Clinical Trials Act of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and related laws and regulations. The study was approved by the Juntendo University Certified Review Board. The results will be disseminated through an online study registry (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials), presented at scientific conferences, and published in medical journals.

Trial registration number

JPRN-jRCTs031200172; Pre-results.
Anticipatory grief prevalence among caregivers of persons with a life-threatening illness: A meta-analysis
Authors: Kustanti Christina Yeni , Chu Hsin , Kang Xiao Linda , Pien Li-Chung , Chen Ruey , Tsai Hsiu-Ting , Chou Kuei-Ru
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Caring for a family member with a life-threatening illness may lead to increased levels of psychological morbidity. Given the lack of recognition of caregivers’ grief, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anticipatory grief disorders in caregivers of persons with a life-threatening illness for better intervention and management.

Methods

CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched up to 21 March 2021 without language and time restrictions. The quality of the included studies was assessed with Hoy’s criteria. A random-effects model was applied to calculate pooled prevalence rates, and multi-regression was performed to examine heterogeneity among studies.

Results

A total of 3278 citations were retrieved, and 18 studies met the eligibility criteria involving 5470 caregivers. The pooled prevalence of anticipatory grief was 24.78% (95% CI 19.04% to 30.99%). The prevalence rates were significantly higher in female caregivers (16.64%; 95% CI 12.24% to 21.53%) compared with male caregivers (6.11%; 95% CI 4.55% to 7.87%). The married group also had a higher risk (14.66%; 95% CI 10.66% to 19.16%) than single group (5.47%; 95% CI 4.31% to 6.76%).

Conclusions

The overall pooled prevalence is substantially higher compared with after-loss grief in the general population and supported the presumptions that preloss grief has a greater magnitude compared with after-loss grief. Bereavement support, educational programmes and relevant resources should be delivered even before the actual loss to address the burden of caregivers.
Reviving the medical lecture: practical tips for delivering effective lectures
Authors: Harbell Monica W. , O’Sullivan Patricia S.
Published: February 2022

Large group lectures, which are widely used in continuing medical education, are susceptible to pitfalls that can negatively impact their effectiveness. In this article, we describe evidence-based best practices from the educational literature that can revive the medical lecture as an effective educational tool. We provide practical tips for both developing and delivering lectures, emphasizing the key role that learning objectives can and should have in the development of lectures, the importance of organization, effective use of visuals and application of restraint in slide design. Pause techniques to authentically engage the audience are described. We also provide practical tips for promoting attention in virtual presentations.
Healthcare resource utilisation and medical costs for children with interstitial lung diseases (chILD) in Europe
Authors: Seidl Elias , Schwerk Nicolaus , Carlens Julia , Wetzke Martin , Cunningham Steve , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Kiper Nural , Lange Joanna , Krenke Katarzyna , Ullmann Nicola , Krikovszky Dora ,   the chILD-EU collaborators, Maqhuzu Phillen , Griese Charlotte A , Schwarzkopf Larissa , Griese Matthias
Published: February 2022

Background

No data on healthcare utilisation and associated costs for the many rare entities of children’s interstitial lung diseases (chILD) exist. This paper portrays healthcare utilisation structures among individuals with chILD, provides a pan-European estimate of a 3-month interval per-capita costs and delineates crucial cost drivers.

Methods

Based on longitudinal healthcare resource utilisation pattern of 445 children included in the Kids Lung Register diagnosed with chILD across 10 European countries, we delineated direct medical and non-medical costs of care per 3-month interval. Country-specific utilisation patterns were assessed with a children-tailored modification of the validated FIMA questionnaire and valued by German unit costs. Costs of care and their drivers were subsequently identified via gamma-distributed generalised linear regression models.

Results

During the 3 months prior to inclusion into the registry (baseline), the rate of hospital admissions and inpatient days was high. Unadjusted direct medical per capita costs (€19 818) exceeded indirect (€1 907) and direct non-medical costs (€1 125) by far. Country-specific total costs ranged from €8 713 in Italy to €28 788 in Poland. Highest expenses were caused by the disease categories ‘diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD)-diffuse developmental disorders’ (€45 536) and ‘DPLD-unclear in the non-neonate’ (€47 011). During a follow-up time of up to 5 years, direct medical costs dropped, whereas indirect costs and non-medical costs remained stable.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective, longitudinal study analysing healthcare resource utilisation and costs for chILD across different European countries. Our results indicate that chILD is associated with high utilisation of healthcare services, placing a substantial economic burden on health systems.
Interactive effects between cover crop management and the environment modulate benefits to cash crop yields: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bourgeois Bérenger , Charles Anaïs , Van Eerd Laura L. , Tremblay Nicolas , Lynch Derek , Bourgeois Gaétan , Bastien Maxime , Bélanger Valérie , Landry Christine , Vanasse Anne
Published: February 2022

Several governmental programs have been established throughout Canada to foster agriculture sustainability. As a best management practice, cover crops (CCs) limit soil erosion and prevent nutrient losses in agroecosystems. Yet, the variable effects of CCs on cash crop productivity previously reported may limit their large-scale adoption by farmers. To address this variability, we conducted an unweighted meta-analysis including 2274 observations from 86 field studies conducted under humid temperate climate to evaluate yield response to CCs for three annual cash crops. Overall, CCs increased corn and small grain cereal yields by 13% and 22% respectively, but did not affect soybean yield. Legume CCs alone or mixed with grasses provided the highest small grain cereal and corn yield increases compared with non-legume broadleaf and grass CCs. CC benefits increased with nitrogen (N) content in CC aboveground biomass but decreased when N fertilizer inputs applied to corn exceeded 60 kg N ha−1. Greater precipitation and N fertilizer inputs reduced the negative effect of grass CCs on corn yield, while benefits of legume CCs were highly resilient to precipitation variations. CC benefits on corn yield increased through time and at low soil organic matter content, especially at low N fertilizer inputs. These results evidence the complex interplay between cash crop productivity, CC management, and environmental factors — related to N inputs from CCs, changes in soil properties (e.g., increased organic matter, improved soil structure or microbial activity), or potential competition for water under drier conditions — which provide new perspectives to promote CC inclusion in cropping systems.
Islands in Kaluza–Klein black holes
Authors: Lu Yizhou , Lin Jiong
Published: February 2022

The newly proposed island formula for entanglement entropy of Hawking radiation is applied to spherically symmetric 4-dimensional eternal Kaluza–Klein (KK) black holes. The “charge” Q of KK black holes quantifies its deviation from Schwarzschild black holes. The impact of Q on the island is studied at late times. The late-time island, whose boundary is located outside but within a Planckian distance of the horizon, is slightly extended by Q. While the no-island entropy grows linearly, the late-time entanglement entropy is given by island configuration with twice the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy. Thus we reproduce the Page curve for the eternal KK black holes. Compared with Schwarzschild results, the Page time is delayed by a factor $$(1+Q/r_h)$$

(
1
+
Q
/

r
h

)

and the scrambling time is prolonged by a factor $$(1+Q/r_h)^{1/2}$$

(
1
+
Q
/

r
h

)

1
/
2

. Moreover, the higher-dimensional generalization is presented. Skeptically, there are Planck length scales involved, in which a semi-classical description may break down.
$$(2+1)$$-dimensional black holes of Einstein’s theory with Born–Infeld type electrodynamic sources
Authors: Ali Askar , Saifullah Khalid
Published: February 2022

A new family of $$(2+1)$$

(
2
+
1
)

-dimensional black holes are investigated in the background of Born–Infeld type theories coupled to a Riemannian curved spacetime. We know that both the scale and dual invariances are violated for these nonlinear electromagnetic theories. In this set-up, first we consider a pure magnetic source in a model of exponential electrodynamics and find a magnetically charged $$(2+1)$$

(
2
+
1
)

-dimensional black hole solution in terms of magnetic charge q and nonlinearity parameter $$\beta $$
β
. In the second case we consider a pure electric source of gravity in the framework of arcsin electrodynamics and derive the associated $$(2+1)$$

(
2
+
1
)

-dimensional black hole solution in terms of electric charge Q and the parameter $$\beta $$
β
. The asymptotic behaviour of the solutions at infinity as well as at $$r\rightarrow 0$$

r
→
0

in both the frameworks is discussed. The asymptotic expressions of curvature invariants in the case of exponential electrodynamics shows that there exists a finite value of curvature at the origin, while in arcsin electrodynamics, the corresponding asymptotic behaviour shows that there is a true curvature singularity at the centre of the charged object. Furthermore, thermodynamics of the resulting charged black holes within the context of both the models is studied. It is shown that the thermodynamic quantities corresponding to these objects satisfy the first law of black hole thermodynamics.
Research on Monitoring Method of Mechanical Joint Rotational Friction in Bench Press Training
Authors: Yong Xie , Zhang Qingliang , Luhach Ravindra , Alshehri Muhammed
Published: February 2022

Bench press training seems to be the most common exercise for increasing upper-body strength and control among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and wellness buffs. Bench presses are usually done by lying down on the bench with the back, shoulders, and buttocks in touch. The bench press training surveillance systems with technical advancements are rarely seen in the research domain. Therefore, this paper presents a novel bench press training monitoring method (BPTMM) by evaluating mechanical joint rotational friction using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. The bench press is a common upper body strength-building and muscle-building conditioning exercise. The bench press and the squat and deadlift are the three primary lifts performed in powerlifting competitions. Artificial intelligence aids in risk prediction and suggests possible positions. There is a 96.8% accuracy rate in surveillance and categorization, according to the findings of the experiments.
Extraction Method of Tourism Sustainable Development Path under the Background of Artificial Intelligence + Smart City Construction
Authors: Qi Xianwen , Li Xiaomeng
Published: February 2022

To strengthen urban tourism sustainable development, this paper puts forward the extraction method of tourism sustainable development path under the background of artificial intelligence + smart city construction. Based on the conceptual model of influencing factors of smart city sustainable development, this paper analyzes the connotation of latent variables. And we are designing a structural analysis model to analyze the current situation of urban tourism sustainable development, analyzing the total effect of parameter factors, formulating the path of smart city tourism sustainable development corresponding to the parameters, and taking Anhui Province as an example. To guide the construction and perfection of the industrial chain of the smart city’s sustainable development of industrial tourism, this paper constructs the system model of smart city, analyses the sustainable development model of Anhui smart city, and designs the extraction method of the sustainable development path of intelligent city tourism.
SPLP: A Certifiably Globally Optimal Solution to the Relative Pose Estimation Problem Using Points and Line Pairs
Authors: Sun Lei
Published: February 2022

Estimating the relative pose between two calibrated views with 2D-to-2D correspondences is a fundamental problem in computer vision and 2D perception. In this paper, we present the first certifiably globally optimal solver that can simultaneously incorporate both points and lines as the non-minimal 2D-to-2D correspondences for this problem. Our first contribution is to derive a generalized polynomial-based objective function based on the geometric constraints of orthogonal and parallel line pairs. Built upon it, our second contribution is to reformulate the relative pose estimation problem as a constrained global optimization problem with a unified representation of both point and line pair correspondences. Our third contribution lies in relaxing this non-convex optimization problem to a convex Semi-Definite Program (SDP) using Sum of Squares (SOS) relaxations so as to solve it via Gloptipoly 3 with a reliable guarantee of global optimality. In both synthetic and real experiments, we show that adopting line pairs as supplementary correspondences can greatly improve estimation accuracy, especially in the point-sparse situations, and that our solver, named SPLP (SOS-Point-and-Line-Pair), can outperform other state-of-the-art solvers.
Framework for Enhancing the Traceability in Supply Chain Using Blockchain
Authors: Chauhan Harsha , Gupta Deepali , Gupta Sheifali , Nayak Soumya Ranjan , Shankar Achyut , Singh Prabhisek
Published: February 2022

Supply chain management is implementing the standards of Industry 4.0 in order to enhance the trust and safety level in the system with invention of the latest technologies. At the same time, the customers are now more focused towards the product quality. Supply chain management is the demand of the era. However, it is difficult to trace and maintain the track data throughout the process during the supply of a product. The traditional solutions were based on centralized third party solutions, where the data is inclined to various security attacks and high risk of tempering. In this paper, a solution for the management of supply of a product has been proposed which is based on IoT with an amalgamation of blockchain so as to increase the transparency of the flow during the supply of the product. The solution will help to enhance the trust as the data will be shared among all participating nodes of the network in blockchain. It also makes instant traceability of the product and this can be done by both the end of the chain. Moreover, this solution will help the consumer to check whether the product is from a reliable source or not. For the implementation and testing of smart contracts the authors have used Remix IDE, MetaMask and RinkeyBy.