bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus variants with oclacitinib: Seven cases
Authors: Harvey Richard G. , Olivrī Alla , Lima Tatiana , Olivry Thierry
Published: October 2022

Background

The treatment of canine chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) variants generally requires immunosuppression, which often results in potentially severe adverse effects. Janus kinase inhibitors, like oclacitinib, might be a valuable treatment option due to their rapid inhibition of the action of interferons known to be relevant in the pathogenesis of CCLE.

Objectives

To report the efficacy and safety of oral oclacitinib for the treatment of canine CCLE variants.

Animals

Seven dogs were diagnosed with CCLE based on clinical signs and compatible histopathological findings.

Materials and methods

Oclacitinib was administered at the induction dosage of 0.45 mg/kg twice daily to 1.8 mg/kg once daily. The response to treatment was graded as ‘good’ when there was ≥50% lesion reduction, or as ‘complete remission’ if all active lesions had resolved. Complete blood counts were performed at variable intervals.

Results

A complete remission of all lesions was obtained in the dog with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, both dogs with mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus and three of four dogs with facial discoid lupus erythematosus (FDLE); a good response was seen in the remaining dog with FDLE. The first visible improvement of signs was seen within 2‐to‐3 weeks, while the time to complete remission was around 2 months. Clinical adverse effects were not seen, and haematological parameters remained within the reference range.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Oclacitinib may be considered an effective treatment option for different variants of canine CCLE.
Subpalpebral lavage placement for remote topical administration of ocular medications in 12 dogs: A retrospective review and assessment of owner perception
Authors: Parker Josie , Ioannides Joy , Kumaratunga Vim , Preston Juliette , Hartley Claudia , Donaldson David
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the placement of subpalpebral lavage (SPL) systems in 12 dogs (15 eyes) intolerant of topical ocular medications to assess the suitability, complications encountered and owner perception of use.

Animals Studied

Retrospective review of dogs that underwent SPL placement for treatment of ocular disease at the Ophthalmology Department, University of Bristol Small Animal Hospital between 2017 and 2021.

Procedure(s)

Data recorded included signalment, history, diagnosis, treatment, reason for SPL placement, uni‐ or bilateral placement, duration of placement, complications, and outcome. Owner perception was assessed using an online questionnaire. Statistical analysis included McNemar and Wilcoxon signed‐ranks tests.

Results

Twelve dogs (15 eyes) underwent SPL placement. Eleven owners completed the online questionnaire. Corneal ulceration was the most common disease requiring SPL placement (n = 13/15 eyes, 86.7%). Most cases received multimodal topical therapy (n = 9/15 eyes, 60.0%) via SPL. Owners administered medication 6.63 times daily via SPL (range 1–16 applications/day). All dogs requiring ongoing topical medication (n = 8/12, 66.7%) were trained to accept direct administration during SPL treatment. Statistically significant improvements in medication compliance, ease of application, and reduced perceived risk of iatrogenic ocular injury were reported by owners (p‐value = .001, .004, and .031 respectively). Minor complications were infrequently reported but an excellent outcome was achieved for all eyes.

Conclusion

Subpalpebral lavage placement provides a practical and safe solution for the provision of frequent multimodal ocular medication when treating patients with a challenging temperament.
Effects of mobile technology-based interventions in promoting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing among young people in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Rai Devika , Bhattacharjee Shuvarthi , Dhakal Rabina , Chattopadhyay Kaushik , Neupane Dinesh
Published: October 2022

Objective:

This review will aim to examine the effectiveness of mobile-based technologies among young people (10 to 24 years) in low- and middle-income countries in order to promote their mental health and psychosocial well-being. Such promotional interventions may be in the form of mobile technology–based education, information, or psychosocial counseling.

Introduction:

Young people in low- and middle-income countries have limited access to mental health services. Mobile-based technologies, such as remote consultations, telehealth, and smartphone applications, can offer improved access to mental health services; however, to the best of our knowledge, there are no systematic reviews of effectiveness on this topic.

Inclusion criteria:

Evidence sources from low- and middle-income countries involving mobile-based technologies for mental health and psychosocial support interventions for young people will be included. All experimental and observational studies published in English from 2010 to 2022 will be included.

Methods:

The review will follow JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (ProQuest), AMED (Ovid), HMIC (Ovid) MEDLINE (PubMed), and Web of Science will be searched. Gray literature will be identified through Directory of Open Access Journals, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, EThOs, Asia eHealth Information Network, Google Scholar, and Grey Literature Report. Retrieved articles will be screened against the inclusion criteria, followed by an assessment by 2 independent reviewers for methodological quality using standardized JBI appraisal tools. Data extraction will be done using standardized JBI data extraction tools. Narrative synthesis will be preferred if meta-analysis is not feasible and certainty of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE approach.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42022338749
Online Robust Model Predictive Control Based Emergency Maneuvering System for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Bithar Vivek , Tulpule Punit , Midlam-Mohler Shawn
Published: October 2022

Nonlinear robust model predictive control (RMPC) provides a promising solution to the problem of automatic emergency maneuvering and it is capable of handling multiple, possibly conflicting objectives of robustness and performance. Even though RMPC gives a sub-optimal solution, the critical challenge in its real-time implementation is the high computational demand. This paper presents a real-time capable, robust tube MPC-based framework for steering control during emergency obstacle avoidance maneuvers. The novelty of this framework lies in the robust integration of path planning and path-following tasks of autonomous vehicles. A simulation study showcases the robust performance improvements of the proposed strategy over a non-robust MPC in different extreme maneuvering scenarios.
Modification of a force field for molecular dynamics simulations of silicon etching by chlorine atoms
Authors: Vella Joseph R. , Graves David B.
Published: October 2022

A modified classical molecular dynamics (MD) force field is presented for the interaction between silicon (Si) and chlorine (Cl). The original version of the force field is shown to significantly overestimate the probability of Si etching by thermal Cl atoms. However, the modified force field corrects this problem and results in generally good agreement with experimental data. Further, it is shown that while the modification of the force field improves the prediction of Si spontaneous etching with Cl atoms, it does not degrade predictions of atomic-layer etching of Si with Cl2 molecules.
Wrist-Worn Accelerometry, Aging, and Gait Speed in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Wanigatunga Amal A. , Liu Fangyu , Urbanek Jacek K. , Wang Hang , Di Junrui , Zipunnikov Vadim , Cai Yurun , Dougherty Ryan J. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Schrack Jennifer A.
Published: October 2022

Wrist-worn accelerometry metrics are not well defined in older adults. Accelerometry data from 720 participants (mean age 70 years, 55% women) were summarized into (a) total activity counts per day, (b) active minutes per day, (c) active bouts per day, and (d) activity fragmentation (the reciprocal of the mean active bout length). Linear regression and mixed-effects models were utilized to estimate associations between age and gait speed with wrist accelerometry. Activity counts per day, daily active minutes per day, and active bouts per day were negatively associated with age among all participants, while positive associations with activity fragmentation were only observed among those ≥65 years. More activity counts, more daily active minutes, and lower activity fragmentation were associated with faster gait speed. There were baseline age interactions with annual changes in total activity counts per day, active minutes per day, and activity fragmentation (Baseline age × Time, p < .01 for all). These results help define and characterize changes in wrist-based physical activity patterns among older adults.
Machine learning on syngeneic mouse tumor profiles to model clinical immunotherapy response
Authors: Zeng Zexian , Gu Shengqing Stan , Wong Cheryl J. , Yang Lin , Ouardaoui Nofal , Li Dian , Zhang Wubing , Brown Myles , Liu X. Shirley
Published: October 2022

Most patients with cancer are refractory to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, and proper patient stratification remains an open question. Primary patient data suffer from high heterogeneity, low accessibility, and lack of proper controls. In contrast, syngeneic mouse tumor models enable controlled experiments with ICB treatments. Using transcriptomic and experimental variables from >700 ICB-treated/control syngeneic mouse tumors, we developed a machine learning framework to model tumor immunity and identify factors influencing ICB response. Projected on human immunotherapy trial data, we found that the model can predict clinical ICB response. We further applied the model to predicting ICB-responsive/resistant cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas, which agreed well with existing clinical reports. Last, feature analysis implicated factors associated with ICB response. In summary, our computational framework based on mouse tumor data reliably stratified patients regarding ICB response, informed resistance mechanisms, and has the potential for wide applications in disease treatment studies.
Ensemble-function relationships to dissect mechanisms of enzyme catalysis
Authors: Yabukarski Filip , Doukov Tzanko , Pinney Margaux M. , Biel Justin T. , Fraser James S. , Herschlag Daniel
Published: October 2022

Decades of structure-function studies have established our current extensive understanding of enzymes. However, traditional structural models are snapshots of broader conformational ensembles of interchanging states. We demonstrate the need for conformational ensembles to understand function, using the enzyme ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) as an example. Comparison of prior KSI cryogenic x-ray structures suggested deleterious mutational effects from a misaligned oxyanion hole catalytic residue. However, ensemble information from room-temperature x-ray crystallography, combined with functional studies, excluded this model. Ensemble-function analyses can deconvolute effects from altering the probability of occupying a state (
P
-effects) and changing the reactivity of each state (
k
-effects); our ensemble-function analyses revealed functional effects arising from weakened oxyanion hole hydrogen bonding and substrate repositioning within the active site. Ensemble-function studies will have an integral role in understanding enzymes and in meeting the future goals of a predictive understanding of enzyme catalysis and engineering new enzymes.
Dipole moment background measurement and suppression for levitated charge sensors
Authors: Priel Nadav , Fieguth Alexander , Blakemore Charles P. , Hough Emmett , Kawasaki Akio , Martin Denzal , Venugopalan Gautam , Gratta Giorgio
Published: October 2022

Optically levitated macroscopic objects are a powerful tool in the field of force sensing, owing to high sensitivity, absolute force calibration, environmental isolation, and the advanced degree of control over their dynamics that have been achieved. However, limitations arise from the spurious forces caused by electrical polarization effects that, even for nominally neutral objects, affect the force sensing because of the interaction of dipole moments with gradients of external electric fields. Here, we introduce a technique to measure, model, and eliminate dipole moment interactions, limiting the performance of sensors using levitated objects. This process leads to a noise-limited measurement with a sensitivity of 3.3 × 10
−5
e
. As a demonstration, this is applied to the search for unknown charges of a magnitude much below that of an electron or for exceedingly small unbalances between electron and proton charges.
Depletion of exhausted alloreactive T cells enables targeting of stem-like memory T cells to generate tumor-specific immunity
Authors: Minnie Simone A. , Waltner Olivia G. , Ensbey Kathleen S. , Nemychenkov Nicole S. , Schmidt Christine R. , Bhise Shruti S. , Legg Samuel R. W. , Campoy Gabriela , Samson Luke D. , Kuns Rachel D. , Zhou Ting , Huck John D. , Vuckovic Slavica , Zamora Danniel , Yeh Albert , Spencer Andrew , Koyama Motoko , Markey Kate A. , Lane Steven W. , Boeckh Michael , Ring Aaron M. , Furlan Scott N. , Hill Geoffrey R.
Published: October 2022

Some hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma are inherently resistant to immune-mediated antitumor responses, the cause of which remains unknown. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT) is the only curative immunotherapy for hematological malignancies due to profound graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effects, but relapse remains the major cause of death. We developed murine models of alloBMT where the hematological malignancy is either sensitive [acute myeloid leukemia (AML)] or resistant (myeloma) to GVT effects. We found that CD8
+
T cell exhaustion in bone marrow was primarily alloantigen-driven, with expression of inhibitory ligands present on myeloma but not AML. Because of this tumor-independent exhaustion signature, immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in myeloma exacerbated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) without promoting GVT effects. Administration of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) depleted donor T cells with an exhausted phenotype and spared T cells displaying a stem-like memory phenotype with chromatin accessibility present in cytokine signaling genes, including the interleukin-18 (IL-18) receptor. Whereas ICI with anti–PD-1 or anti–TIM-3 remained ineffective after PT-Cy, administration of a decoy-resistant IL-18 (DR-18) strongly enhanced GVT effects in both myeloma and leukemia models, without exacerbation of GVHD. We thus defined mechanisms of resistance to T cell–mediated antitumor effects after alloBMT and described an immunotherapy approach targeting stem-like memory T cells to enhance antitumor immunity.
Novel age constraints for the onset of the Steptoean Positive Isotopic Carbon Excursion (SPICE) and the late Cambrian time scale using high-precision U-Pb detrital zircon ages
Authors: Cothren Hannah R. , Farrell Thomas P. , Sundberg Frederick A. , Dehler Carol M. , Schmitz Mark D.
Published: October 2022

The Steptoean Positive Isotopic Carbon Excursion (SPICE) is a prominent +4–5‰ shift in the Cambrian δ13C record used for global chronostratigraphic correlation. The onset of this excursion is traditionally placed at the base of the Pterocephaliid trilobite biomere (base of the Furongian Series). Recent studies have documented local controls on the expression of the SPICE and emphasize the need for chronostratigraphic standards for these complex biogeochemical signals. We build upon prior work in western Laurentia by integrating δ13C and biostratigraphy with high-precision isotope dilution U-Pb detrital zircon maximum depositional ages that are coincident with the onset, peak, and falling limb of the SPICE. Our study provides the first useful numerical age constraint for the onset of the SPICE and the Laurentian trilobite biozones and requires revision of the late Cambrian geologic time scale boundaries by several million years.
Learning from healthcare workers’ experiences with personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa/New Zealand: a thematic analysis and framework for future practice
Authors: Wild Cervantée E K , Wells Hailey , Coetzee Nicolene , Grant Cameron C , Sullivan Trudy A , Derraik José G B , Anderson Yvonne C
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Safety and welfare are critical as pandemic-related demands on the healthcare workforce continue. Access to personal protective equipment (PPE) has been a central concern of healthcare workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Against the backdrop of an already strained healthcare system, our study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare workers with PPE during the first COVID-19 surge (February–June 2020) in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). We also aimed to use these findings to present a strengths-based framework for supporting healthcare workers moving forward.

Design

Web-based, anonymous survey including qualitative open-text questions. Questions were both closed and open text, and recruitment was multimodal. We undertook inductive thematic analysis of the dataset as a whole to explore prominent values related to healthcare workers’ experiences.

Setting

October–November 2020 in New Zealand.

Participants

1411 healthcare workers who used PPE during surge one of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

We identified four interactive values as central to healthcare workers’ experiences: transparency, trust, safety and respect. When healthcare workers cited positive experiences, trust and safety were perceived as present, with a sense of inclusion in the process of stock allocation and effective communication with managers. When trust was low, with concerns over personal safety, poor communication and lack of transparency resulted in perceived lack of respect and distress among respondents. Our proposed framework presents key recommendations to support the health workforce in terms of communication relating to PPE supply and distribution built on those four values.

Conclusions

Healthcare worker experiences with PPE access has been likened to ‘the canary in the coalmine’ for existing health system challenges that have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The four key values identified could be used to improve healthcare worker experience in the future.
Service discharges among US Army personnel with selected musculoskeletal and skin conditions: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nelson D Alan , Kaplan Robert M , Weisman Michael H , Kurina Lianne M
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To determine the probability of discharge from military service among soldiers following an incident diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis or systemic lupus erythematous.

Methods

All soldiers on active duty in the US Army between January 2014 and June 2017 were included in a retrospective cohort analysis. Termination from service was ascertained using personnel records. Diagnostic codes were used to identify incident cases of the four musculoskeletal and skin diseases and, for comparison, diabetes mellitus (DM). Time to discharge was modelled using sex stratified multivariate survival analysis.

Results

The analysis included 657 417 individuals with a total of 1.2 million person-years of observation. An elevated risk of discharge was observed in association with each of the five chronic conditions studied. The increase in adjusted risk of discharge was highest among soldiers with AS (men, HR=2.5, 95% CI 2.1 to 3.0; women, HR=2.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.2) and with DM (men, HR=2.4, 95% CI 2.2 to 2.7; women, HR=2.2, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.5), followed by those with RA (men, HR=1.8, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.2; women, HR=1.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.4).

Conclusions

Military discharges are consequential for the service and the service member. The doubling in risk of discharge for those with AS or RA was comparable to that for personnel with DM. Conditions that affect the spine and peripheral joints may often be incompatible with military readiness. Nevertheless, a substantial fraction of service members with these diagnoses continued in service.
Protocol for the Endometriosis Research Queensland Study (ERQS): an integrated cohort study approach to improve diagnosis and stratify treatment
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Gilroy Deborah , Subramaniam Sugarniya , Lakshmi Preethi , Bhadravathi Lokeshappa Madhura , Wallace Leanne M , Atluri Sharat , Schmidt Bart , Ganter Peter , Baartz David , Smith Matthew , Mortlock Sally , Henders Anjali , Khalil Akram , Montgomery Grant , McKinnon Brett , Amoako Akwasi
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disease associated with pelvic pain and subfertility. There are no non-invasive diagnostic tests, medical management requires suppression of oestrogens and surgical removal is associated with risk. Endometriosis is a complex genetic disease with variants in at least 27 genetic regions associated with susceptibility. Previous research has implicated a variety of biological mechanisms in multiple cell types. Endometrial and endometriotic epithelial cells acquire somatic mutations at frequency higher than expected in normal tissue. Stromal cells have altered adhesive capacity and immune cells show altered cytotoxicity. Understanding the functional consequences of these genetic variants on each cell type requires the collection of patient symptoms, clinical and genetic data and disease-relevant tissue in an integrated program.

Methods and analysis

The aims of this study are to collect tissue associated with endometriosis, chart the genetic architecture related to endometriosis in this tissue, isolate and propagate patient-specific cellular models, understand the functional consequence of these genetic variants and how they interact with environmental factors in pathogenesis and treatment response.

We will collect patient information from online questionnaires prior to surgery and at 6 and 12 months postsurgery. Treating physicians will document detailed surgical data. During surgery, we will collect blood, peritoneal fluid, endometrium and endometriotic tissue. Tissue will be used to isolate and propagate in vitro models of individual cells. Genome wide genotyping and gene expression data will be generated. Somatic mutations will be identified via whole genome sequencing.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved and will be monitored by the Metro North Human Research Ethics committee (HREC) and research activities at the University of Queensland (UQ) will be overseen by the UQ HREC with annual reports submitted. Research results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences were appropriate. This study involves human participants and was approved by RBWH Human Research Ethics Committee; HREC/2019/QRBW/56763.The University of Queensland; 2017002744. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.
Preferences of people with mild cognitive impairment for physical activity interventions in China: protocol for a discrete choice experiment study
Authors: Liu Chang , Yang Hong , Jiao Yuchen , Liu Yunyue , Chang Jing , Ji Yan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Exercise interventions are important non-pharmacological interventions for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but patients with MCI have poor compliance and there is no consistent strategy for exercise interventions. Understanding the needs and preferences of MCI patients allows for the development of effective and acceptable exercise intervention programmes that achieve the goals of patient-centred care. This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to measure and quantify MCI patients’ preferences for exercise interventions, and aims at (1) identifying and exploring which elements of exercise intervention programmes are essential for MCI patients; (2) measuring MCI patients’ preferences for exercise interventions and summarising relevant characteristics that may influence preference choices and (3) determining whether these preferences vary by participant characteristics and classifying the population types based on the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants.

Methods and analysis

A DCE will be conducted to explore MCI patients’ preferences for exercise interventions. We conducted a systematic literature review and extensive qualitative work to select the best attributes to develop the design of DCE. A partial factorial survey design was generated through an orthogonal experimental design. We will conduct a questionnaire survey in one city each in the eastern (Nanjing), western (Xining), southern (Zhuhai) and northern (Beijing) parts of China and reach the planned sample size (n=278). Final data will be analysed using a mixed logit model and a latent class model.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing Medical University (2021-666). All participants will be required to provide informed consent. Our findings will be disseminated and shared with interested patient groups and the general public through online blogs, policy briefs, national and international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
Measuring psychological safety and local learning to enable high reliability organisational change
Authors: Cartland Jenifer , Green Michaeleen , Kamm Desty , Halfer Diana , Brisk Mary Alida , Wheeler Derek
Published: October 2022

The ability to measure the extent to which an organisation is highly reliable, or the extent to which reliability may change over time, has not kept up with the development of theory. The paper examines aspects of workplace culture, employee motivation and leadership behaviours that support continuous learning and improvement in an effort to measure the transition to high reliability.

To evaluate the effectiveness of its high reliability initiative, one children’s hospital sought to build measures that would provide an assessment of progressive movement towards a ‘culture of safety’, and track the success over time. This paper reports on the development of two scales (trust in team members and trust in leadership) that are intended to measure two cultural conditions fostered by the five high reliability principles and a composite measure on local learning activities. The two scales are strongly associated with local learning activities in employees’ work areas and with employees’ willingness to participate in extra role activities. We suggest that they are foundational to creating a psychologically safe environment and thus to becoming a high reliability organisation.
Predictive models for musculoskeletal injury risk: why statistical approach makes all the difference
Authors: Rhon Daniel I , Teyhen Deydre S , Collins Gary S , Bullock Garrett S
Published: October 2022

Objective

Compare performance between an injury prediction model categorising predictors and one that did not and compare a selection of predictors based on univariate significance versus assessing non-linear relationships.

Methods

Validation and replication of a previously developed injury prediction model in a cohort of 1466 service members followed for 1 year after physical performance, medical history and sociodemographic variables were collected. The original model dichotomised 11 predictors. The second model (M2) kept predictors continuous but assumed linearity and the third model (M3) conducted non-linear transformations. The fourth model (M4) chose predictors the proper way (clinical reasoning and supporting evidence). Model performance was assessed with R2, calibration in the large, calibration slope and discrimination. Decision curve analyses were performed with risk thresholds from 0.25 to 0.50.

Results

478 personnel sustained an injury. The original model demonstrated poorer R2(original:0.07; M2:0.63; M3:0.64; M4:0.08), calibration in the large (original:−0.11 (95% CI −0.22 to 0.00); M2: −0.02 (95% CI −0.17 to 0.13); M3:0.03 (95% CI −0.13 to 0.19); M4: −0.13 (95% CI −0.25 to –0.01)), calibration slope (original:0.84 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.07); M2:0.97 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.08); M3:0.90 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.05); M4: 081 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.03) and discrimination (original:0.63 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.66); M2:0.90 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.92); M3:0.90 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.92); M4: 0.63 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.66)). At 0.25 injury risk, M2 and M3 demonstrated a 0.43 net benefit improvement. At 0.50 injury risk, M2 and M3 demonstrated a 0.33 net benefit improvement compared with the original model.

Conclusion

Model performance was substantially worse in the models with dichotomised variables. This highlights the need to follow established recommendations when developing prediction models.
Identification of bacterial lipopeptides as key players in IBS
Authors: Petitfils Camille , Maurel Sarah , Payros Gaelle , Hueber Amandine , Agaiz Bahija , Gazzo Géraldine , Marrocco Rémi , Auvray Frédéric , Langevin Geoffrey , Motta Jean-Paul , Floch Pauline , Tremblay-Franco Marie , Galano Jean-Marie , Guy Alexandre , Durand Thierry , Lachambre Simon , Durbec Anaëlle , Hussein Hind , Decraecker Lisse , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Saoudi Abdelhadi , Oswald Eric , Poisbeau Pierrick , Dietrich Gilles , Melchior Chloe , Boeckxstaens Guy , Serino Matteo , Le Faouder Pauline , Cenac Nicolas
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Clinical studies revealed that early-life adverse events contribute to the development of IBS in adulthood. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between prenatal stress (PS), gut microbiota and visceral hypersensitivity with a focus on bacterial lipopeptides containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Design

We developed a model of PS in mice and evaluated, in adult offspring, visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension (CRD), colon inflammation, barrier function and gut microbiota taxonomy. We quantified the production of lipopeptides containing GABA by mass spectrometry in a specific strain of bacteria decreased in PS, in PS mouse colons, and in faeces of patients with IBS and healthy volunteers (HVs). Finally, we assessed their effect on PS-induced visceral hypersensitivity.

Results

Prenatally stressed mice of both sexes presented visceral hypersensitivity, no overt colon inflammation or barrier dysfunction but a gut microbiota dysbiosis. The dysbiosis was distinguished by a decreased abundance ofLigilactobacillus murinus, in both sexes, inversely correlated with visceral hypersensitivity to CRD in mice. An isolate from this bacterial species produced several lipopeptides containing GABA including C14AsnGABA. Interestingly, intracolonic treatment with C14AsnGABA decreased the visceral sensitivity of PS mice to CRD. The concentration of C16LeuGABA, a lipopeptide which inhibited sensory neurons activation, was decreased in faeces of patients with IBS compared with HVs.

Conclusion

PS impacts the gut microbiota composition and metabolic function in adulthood. The reduced capacity of the gut microbiota to produce GABA lipopeptides could be one of the mechanisms linking PS and visceral hypersensitivity in adulthood.
Modeling concrete pavements for bending stresses considering nonlinear thermal gradient and aged CTE
Authors: Sabih Gauhar , Tarefder Rafiqul A. , Iqbal Muhammad Jawed
Published: October 2022

Temperature gradient through the thickness of the concrete pavement slab results in slab curling and induces longitudinal bending stresses in the slab. Historically, temperature distribution or gradient has been considered linear, though it can be nonlinear in many cases. In this study, numerical modeling is conducted to compare the bending stresses due to nonlinear temperature with those due to the linear temperature distribution. It became evident from the results that the nonlinear temperature results in higher stress levels. In addition, this study also evaluates the effects of aged coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) on the magnitude of bending stresses. Numerical modeling is conducted and it is found that aged CTE results in increased stresses up to 12.5% in the top and bottom fibers of the pavement slab. These increased stress levels may result in higher pavement distresses during the design service life and the pavement may not perform through its designed life.
Twisted strings in three-dimensional black holes
Authors: Ashok Sujay K. , Troost Jan
Published: October 2022

We revisit the classical dynamics of fundamental strings in BTZ black holes with NSNS flux. We analyze probe strings in the black hole background and determine their classical energy using a Nambu–Goto action. Three-dimensional gravity has a non-local effect on the metric surrounding a massive object which can be measured by winding strings. We also study the behaviour of short and long strings in the Wess–Zumino–Witten orbifold and show that their energy matches the long string probe analysis. In the process, we fix subtleties in the Lorentzian choice of NSNS flux. In Euclidean signature, we analyze the one-loop fundamental string partition function on the BTZ black hole and interpret the off-shell degrees of freedom as those of a coset orbifold. Finally, we speculate on how to identify the quantum Lorentzian string spectrum from the Euclidean orbifold partition function.
The external photoevaporation of planet-forming discs
Authors: Winter Andrew J. , Haworth Thomas J.
Published: October 2022

Planet-forming disc evolution is not independent of the star formation and feedback process in giant molecular clouds. In particular, OB stars emit UV radiation that heats and disperses discs in a process called ‘external photoevaporation’. This process is understood to be the dominant environmental influence acting on planet-forming discs in typical star-forming regions. Our best studied discs are nearby, in sparse stellar groups where external photoevaporation is less effective. However, the majority of discs are expected to reside in much stronger UV environments. Understanding external photoevaporation is therefore key to understanding how most discs evolve, and hence, how most planets form. Here, we review our theoretical and observational understanding of external photoevaporation. We also lay out key developments for the future to address existing unknowns and establish the full role of external photoevaporation in the disc evolution and planet formation process.
Statistical properties of the international seed trade networks for rice and maize
Authors: Liu Hao-Ran , Sun Li-Jie , Zhou Wei-Xing
Published: October 2022

International seed trade networks (iSTNs) are complex networks formed by the trade of seeds between economies. We investigate the statistical properties of the international trade networks for maize seeds and rice seeds from the viewpoint of temporal directed and weighted networks. We find that most properties, including node and edge numbers, average in- and out-degrees, total and average trade values, network density and clustering coefficient, showed an increasing trend, which indicates that the increasing globalization of seed trade has led to more and more complete and dense trade networks. We also find that links with larger trade values have greater stability. In addition, we observe positive correlations between in-degree and out-degree, link reciprocity and in- and out-degrees, link reciprocity and in- and out-strengths and clustering coefficient and in- and out-degrees. In contrast, there are negative correlations between clustering coefficient and in- and out-strengths. Furthermore, we find that both networks are assortatively mixed in most years, which indicates that large exporters and importers are more likely to trade with other large exporters and importers. The structural properties of the two iSTNs of maize and rice share many qualitative similarities, but exhibit quantitative differences.
Modeling and analytical analysis of dual diffusive Williamson nanoliquid considering generalized heat-mass concepts
Authors: Nasir Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad , Zamri Nurnadiah , Guedri Kamel , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: October 2022

The primary objective of this investigation is to explore the Cattaneo–Christov flux models impact on Williamson nanofluid over a stretching surface. Buongiorno’s model featuring diffusions (Brownian and thermophoretic) is opted for nonlinear analysis. Buoyancy-driven nonlinear convection flow in stagnation region is modeled. Surface is permeable and transpiration effects are considered. Energy expression captures heat source/sink aspects. The nondimensional differential systems are tackled analytically via homotopy analysis method (HAM). The profiles of dimensionless temperature, concentration and skin friction are examined graphically for the attributes of multiple physical parameters. It is revealed that the heat transfer elevates with the increment of thermophoresis, heat source and Brownian motion parameters while it dwindles with the improvement of thermal relaxation parameter. The mass transfer strengthens with the enlargement of thermophoresis parameter while diminishing with the enhancement of solutal relaxation and Brownian motion parameters. The skin friction is elevated for higher values of material variable against nonlinear mixed convection parameter.
Vision and Audio-based Methods for First Impression Recognition Using Machine Learning Algorithms: A Review
Authors: Mushtaq Sumiya , Kumar Neerendra , Singh Yashwant , Singh Pradeep Kumar
Published: October 2022

Personality is a psychological construct that embodies the unique characteristics of an individual. Automatic personality computing enables the assessment of personality elements with the help of machines. Over the last few decades, a lot of researchers have focussed on computing aspects of personality, emotions, and behavior with the help of machine learning. Efficient personality recognition using machine learning can provide inroads to almost every field of human advancement. However, we found out there are not enough good surveys to consolidate the progress of the growing field. In our effort, we have taken a sub-field of personality computation known as apparent personality perception or First Impressions. In addition to providing an exhaustive compilation of available First Impression research, we have classified the existing literature according to the data modalities and machine learning techniques they have utilized. Our work also lists various limitations and gaps within the existing literary works with possible measures to address them. The paper concludes with our comments on the future work in the field of first impressions.
An Information Extraction and Thorough Understanding Method for Test-question Graph of Junior High School Physical Mechanical Motion
Authors: Zhao Gang , Chu Jie , Jiang Shufan , He Hui
Published: October 2022

Intelligent problem-solving technology is a typical application of artificial intelligence in the educational field. The purpose of intelligent problem-solving is to enable machine to solve problems like human beings and help people to find useful and accurate information in the test-questions. Correct understanding of test-questions is one of the key techniques of intelligent problem-solving. The existing methods are mainly to extract simple relations from text and graphs of test-questions. In the absence of text, deep understanding of graph elements and complex relationships are difficult, which is a challenge for machines. However, the information contained in motion test-question graphs is more abundant than that in the text, which is more beneficial for machine to solve problems. To solve this problem, based on the graph classification and characteristics analysis on test-questions, a novel automatic and weak text-dependent information extraction and thorough understanding method for test-question graph of junior high school physical mechanical motion is proposed (TQGIEU). It can extract information and understand regarding to test-question graphs based on several image preprocessing techniques and neural network topologies combined with the characteristics of test-question graphs, without relying on text processing. It will generate a readable mechanical motion solution at last. It fills the blank of automatic information extraction and thorough understanding for the test-question research of physical mechanical motion. The experimental results show that the accuracy of graph classification and line segmentation model are 99.60% and 90.87% respectively. The average accuracy of TQGIEU on test dataset is 83.08%, and the total F1 score of TQGIEU is 0.859, indicating that TQGIEU can provide a good information extraction and thorough understanding service for test-question graphs of junior high school physical mechanical motion with high performance.
FIRM SIZE, RADICAL AND INCREMENTAL INNOVATION: A META-ANALYSIS BASED ON THE AWARENESS-MOTIVATION-CAPABILITY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: OUYANG XI , LIU ZHIQIANG , ZHANG YUCHENG
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the firm size-innovation puzzle through distinguishing radical from incremental innovation, and examining the country-level context (i.e., university–industry collaboration in R&D and competition intensity) that the firm size-innovation relationship is contingent on. The meta-analysis including 162 studies with 112,639 firms reveals that firm size can simultaneously benefit for radical and incremental innovations, while the measurement of firm size using the non-personnel indices can result in significant difference between the firm size-radical innovation and firm size-incremental innovation. Additionally, it is found that the positive relationship between firm size and radical innovation increases when university–industry collaboration in R&D and competition intensity is stronger. This study quantitatively summarises the relationship between firm size and radical/incremental innovation and updates the correlations reported in established literatures. Drawing on awareness-motivation-capability perspective, it takes an essential and frontier step in testing the country-level context that can influence the effect of firm size on innovation.
Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Record of the Ordovician System in Poland: a Review
Authors: Trela Wiesław
Published: October 2022

This report provides insight into the main stratigraphic and sedimentary aspects of the Ordovician System in major tectonic units of Poland: (1) East European Craton, (2) Pomeranian Block, (3) Łysogóry Block, (4) Małopolska Block, (5) Upper Silesian Block, and (6) the Sudetes. The first studies of the Ordovician rocks in Poland were conducted as early as the second half of the nineteenth century in outcrops of the Holy Cross Mountains (SE Poland). Moreover, the Ordovician rocks are exposed in the Sudetes, where they are incorporated into the tectonostratigraphic units accreted during the Variscan orogeny. Significant progress has been made since the 1950s in the recognition of the Ordovician stratigraphic and facies architecture due to numerous drilling cores, which have been mostly made in NE Poland (East European Craton). The temporal and spatial facies pattern in the Polish part of the East European Craton indicate that in the Early and Middle Ordovician this area was a part of large, epicontinental carbonate platform replaced in the Late Ordovician by fine-grained clastics of distal shelf. The Ordovician sedimentary record in the Łysogóry and Małopolska blocks (SE Poland) reveals numerous similarities to the facies architecture in the neighbouring East European Craton, especially its marginal localities. Thus, it is possible to distinguish the same eustatic events in these units corresponding to sea-level changes reported in Baltica, although locally a regional tectonic activity masked their effects. The evolution of the sedimentary basin in NW Poland (Pomeranian Block) was influenced by the collision of Baltica with Avalonia in the Late Ordovician, which resulted in the development of the Caledonian fold-and-thrust belt.
Ordovician of the Eastern Baltic palaeobasin and the Tornquist Sea margin of Baltica
Authors: Meidla Tõnu , Ainsaar Leho , Hints Olle , Radzevičius Sigitas
Published: October 2022

This paper summarizes recent knowledge on the palaeontology, biostratigraphy, correlation, sea-level and climate history and isotopic geochemistry of the Ordovician rocks in the western and central parts of the East European Craton, in the area extending from the southern margin of the Fennoscandian Shield to the western margin of the Ukrainian Shield. The regional chronostratigraphic standard is briefly summarized and its correlation to the global standard of the Ordovician is addressed. A two-part correlation chart of 10 areas with unique local Ordovician successions is aligned with the most recent international correlation standard of the Ordovician System and presented against the regular timescale. An updated summary of the evolution of the marine assemblages is provided, the principal gaps in the existing extremely rich palaeontological database are identified and the main bioevents are discussed.
Creating ‘a Simple Conversation’: Designing a Conversational User Interface to Improve the Experience of Accessing Support for Study
Authors: Iniesto Francisco , Coughlan Tim , Lister Kate , Devine Peter , Freear Nick , Greenwood Richard , Holmes Wayne , Kenny Ian , McLeod Kevin , Tudor Ruth
Published: October 2022

Administrative processes are ubiquitous in modern life and have been identified as a particular burden to those with accessibility needs. Students who have accessibility needs often have to understand guidance, fill in complex forms, and communicate with multiple parties to disclose disabilities and access appropriate support. Conversational user interfaces (CUIs) could allow us to reimagine such processes, yet there is currently limited understanding of how to design these to be accessible, or whether such an approach would be preferred. In the ADMINS (Assistants for the Disclosure and Management of Information about Needs and Support) project, we implemented a virtual assistant (VA) which is designed to enable students to disclose disabilities and to provide guidance and suggestions about appropriate support. ADMINS explores the potential of CUIs to reduce administrative burden and improve the experience of arranging support by replacing a static form with written or spoken dialogue. This article reports the results of two trials conducted during the project. A beta trial using an early version of the VA provided understanding of accessibility challenges and issues in user experience. The beta trial sample included 22 students who had already disclosed disabilities and 3 disability support advisors. After improvements to the design, a larger main trial was conducted with 134 students who disclosed their disabilities to the university using both the VA and the existing form-based process. The results show that the VA was preferred by most participants to completing the form (64.9% vs 23.9%). Qualitative and quantitative feedback from the trials also identified accessibility and user experience barriers for improving CUI design, and an understanding of benefits and preferences that can inform further development of accessible CUIs for this design space.