bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metatranscriptomic investigation of singleIxodes pacificusticks reveals diverse microbes, viruses, and novel mRNA-like endogenous viral elements
Authors: Martyn Calla , Hayes Beth M. , Lauko Domokos , Midthun Edward , Castaneda Gloria , Bosco-Lauth Angela , Salkeld Daniel J. , Kistler Amy , Pollard Katherine S. , Chou Seemay
Published: May 2024

Ticks are increasingly important vectors of human and agricultural diseases. While many studies have focused on tick-borne bacteria, far less is known about tick-associated viruses and their roles in public health or tick physiology. To address this, we investigated patterns of bacterial and viral communities across two field populations of western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus). Through metatranscriptomic analysis of 100 individual ticks, we quantified taxon prevalence, abundance, and co-occurrence with other members of the tick microbiome. In addition to commonly found tick-associated microbes, we assembled 11 novel RNA virus genomes fromRhabdoviridae,Chuviridae,Picornaviridae,Phenuiviridae,Reoviridae,Solemovidiae,Narnaviridaeand two highly divergent RNA virus genomes lacking sequence similarity to any known viral families. We experimentally verified the presence of these inI. pacificusticks across several life stages. We also unexpectedly identified numerous virus-like transcripts that are likely encoded by tick genomic DNA, and which are distinct from known endogenous viral element-mediated immunity pathways in invertebrates. Taken together, our work reveals thatI. pacificusticks carry a greater diversity of viruses than previously appreciated, in some cases resulting in evolutionarily acquired virus-like transcripts. Our findings highlight how pervasive and intimate tick–virus interactions are, with major implications for both the fundamental biology and vectorial capacity ofI. pacificusticks.

IMPORTANCE

Ticks are increasingly important vectors of disease, particularly in the United States where expanding tick ranges and intrusion into previously wild areas has resulted in increasing human exposure to ticks. Emerging human pathogens have been identified in ticks at an increasing rate, and yet little is known about the full community of microbes circulating in various tick species, a crucial first step to understanding how they interact with each and their tick host, as well as their ability to cause disease in humans. We investigated the bacterial and viral communities of the Western blacklegged tick in California and found 11 previously uncharacterized viruses circulating in this population.
Assessing the geometry of the Main Himalayan thrust in central Nepal: A thermokinematic approach
Authors: Ghoshal S. , McQuarrie N. , Robinson D.M. , Ehlers T.A.
Published: May 2024

Since the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, the relationship between the geometry of megathrusts and the control it exerts over the nucleation and propagation of major earthquakes has become an important topic of debate. In this study, we integrate new geologic mapping, a newly interpreted cross section from the Daraundi valley of central Nepal, two published cross sections from the neighboring Marsyangdi and Budhi Gandaki valleys, and a suite of 270 thermochronometric ages to create an integrated and validated three-dimensional kinematic model for the central Nepal Himalaya. We use this model to investigate the assertion that the westward propagation of the Gorkha rupture was restricted by deep-seated structures in the Main Himalayan thrust. The integrated kinematic model based on these cross sections indicates that the ~30 km southward step in the Main Central thrust system mapped in the Daraundi valley, along with the corresponding step in the distribution of reset muscovite (Ar-Ar) ages, is not the result of a lateral structure in the modern Main Himalayan thrust. Instead, the step in the surface geology is the result of a considerably shorter Trishuli thrust sheet in the Daraundi transect (~30 km compared to between 105 and 120 km in the other transects). The corresponding southward step in the distribution of reset muscovite Ar-Ar ages is the result of the Lesser Himalayan duplex being completely translated over the Main Himalayan thrust ramp, elevating and exposing rocks heated to >400 °C farther south in the Daraundi transect. Our integrated model also highlights the 10–15 km of out-of-sequence thrusting that occurs on the Main Central thrust system across central Nepal. Importantly, these out-of-sequence thrusts sole directly into the modern Main Himalayan thrust ramp, and, together with the distribution of reset zircon (U-Th)/He and apatite fission track ages, show that the modern ramp is distinctly linear from east to west, with no support for a lateral structure at the ramp or to the south.
Analysis of Skin Neoplasms’ Raman Spectra Using the Lorentz Approximation Method: Pilot Studies
Authors: Saraeva I. N. , Rimskaya E. N. , Timurzieva A. B. , Gorevoy A. V. , Sheligyna S. N. , Popadyuk V. I. , Perevedentseva E. V. , Kudryashov S. I.
Published: May 2024

Confocal Raman microspectroscopy provides the ability to diagnose cancer by quantitatively analyzing spectral features and identifying underlying biochemical changes. The differentiation of malignant skin neoplasms (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma), benign skin neoplasms (papilloma) and healthy skin was carried out by obtaining Raman spectra in vitro with excitation wavelengths of 532 and 785 nm. We present a new method for analyzing the parameters of spectral bands, based on the calculation of the second derivative and Lorentz approximation of the spectra. Using this method on a small selection of skin tumors, we have demonstrated that processes in skin tumors can cause deformation of the proteins’ secondary structure, leading to degradation and shift of the corresponding bands (972, 1655 cm–1) to the lower frequency. Bands corresponding to lipids in skin neoplasms either broaden and increase or split into two peaks (bands 1061, 1127, 1297, 1439, 1745 cm–1). The disruption of lipid structure, also indicated in several bands as a shift to lower wavenumbers, is possibly due to increased cell membrane fluidity in tumors. The results of the study may be useful for the development of optical biopsy methods for early diagnosis of tumors.
A Delphi study to assess the effect of changes in language between the first and second editions of the WHO’s Joint External Evaluation
Authors: Gigger Danique R , Mosoff Jonna Messina , Pinto Meredith , Mapatano Dawn , Mahar Michael , Minnick Anja
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Countries use the WHO Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool—part of the WHO International Health Regulations (2005) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework—for voluntary evaluation of global health security (GHS) capacities. After releasing the JEE first edition (E1) in 2016, WHO released the JEE second edition (E2) in 2018 with language changes to multiple indicators and associated capacity levels. To understand the effect of language changes on countries’ ability to meet requirements in each edition, we conducted a Delphi study—a method where a panel of experts reach consensus on a topic through iterative, anonymous surveys—to solicit feedback from 40+ GHS experts with expertise in one or more of the 19 JEE technical areas.

Methods

We asked experts first to compare the language changes for each capacity level within each indicator and identify how these changes affected the indicator overall; then to assess the ability of a country to achieve the same capacity level using E2 as compared with E1 using a Likert-style score (1–5), where ‘1’ was ‘significantly easier’ and ‘5’ was ‘significantly harder’; and last to provide a qualitative justification for score selections. We analysed the medians and IQR of responses to determine where experts reached consensus.

Results

Results demonstrate that 14 indicators and 49 capacity levels would be harder to achieve in E2.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the importance of considering how language alterations impact how the JEE measures GHS capacity and the feasibility of using the JEE to monitor changes in capacity over time.
Human milk oligosaccharide 2’-fucosyllactose protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity by changing intestinal mucus production, composition and degradation linked to changes in gut microbiota and faecal proteome profiles in mice
Authors: Paone Paola , Latousakis Dimitris , Terrasi Romano , Vertommen Didier , Jian Ching , Borlandelli Valentina , Suriano Francesco , Johansson Malin E V , Puel Anthony , Bouzin Caroline , Delzenne Nathalie M , Salonen Anne , Juge Nathalie , Florea Bogdan I , Muccioli Giulio G , Overkleeft Herman , Van Hul Matthias , Cani Patrice D
Published: May 2024

Objective

To decipher the mechanisms by which the major human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), can affect body weight and fat mass gain on high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in mice. We wanted to elucidate whether 2’FL metabolic effects are linked with changes in intestinal mucus production and secretion, mucin glycosylation and degradation, as well as with the modulation of the gut microbiota, faecal proteome and endocannabinoid (eCB) system.

Results

2’FL supplementation reduced HFD-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. These effects were accompanied by several changes in the intestinal mucus layer, including mucus production and composition, and gene expression of secreted and transmembrane mucins, glycosyltransferases and genes involved in mucus secretion. In addition, 2’FL increased bacterial glycosyl hydrolases involved in mucin glycan degradation. These changes were linked to a significant increase and predominance of bacterial generaAkkermansiaandBacteroides, different faecal proteome profile (with an upregulation of proteins involved in carbon, amino acids and fat metabolism and a downregulation of proteins involved in protein digestion and absorption) and, finally, to changes in the eCB system. We also investigated faecal proteomes from lean and obese humans and found similar changes observed comparing lean and obese mice.

Conclusion

Our results show that the HMO 2’FL influences host metabolism by modulating the mucus layer, gut microbiota and eCB system and propose the mucus layer as a new potential target for the prevention of obesity and related disorders.
Impact of previous treatment history and B-cell depletion treatment duration on infection risk in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Virtanen Suvi , Piehl Fredrik , Frisell Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background

B-cell depletion displays striking effectiveness in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but is also associated with increased infection risk. To what degree previous treatment history, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) switching pattern and time on treatment modulate this risk is unknown. The objective here was to evaluate previous DMT use and treatment duration as predictors of infection risk with B-cell depletion.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide RRMS cohort study leveraging data from the Swedish MS registry and national demographic and health registries recording all outpatient-treated and inpatient-treated infections and antibiotics prescriptions from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2021. The risk of infection during treatment was compared by DMT, treatment duration, number and type of prior treatment and adjusted for a number of covariates.

Results

Among 4694 patients with RRMS on B-cell depletion (rituximab), 6049 on other DMTs and 20 308 age-sex matched population controls, we found higher incidence rates of inpatient-treated infections with DMTs other than rituximab used in first line (10.4; 95% CI 8.1 to 12.9, per 1000 person-years), being further increased with rituximab (22.7; 95% CI 18.5 to 27.5), compared with population controls (6.6; 95% CI 6.0 to 7.2). Similar patterns were seen for outpatient infections and antibiotics prescriptions. Infection rates on rituximab did not vary between first versus later line treatment, type of DMT before switch or exposure time.

Conclusion

These findings underscore an important safety concern with B-cell depletion in RRMS, being evident also in individuals with shorter disease duration and no previous DMT exposure, in turn motivating the application of risk mitigation strategies.
Oral corticosteroid dosage and taper duration at onset in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease influences time to first relapse
Authors: Trewin Benjamin P , Dale Russell C , Qiu Jessica , Chu Melissa , Jeyakumar Niroshan , Dela Cruz Fionna , Andersen Jane , Siriratnam Pakeeran , Ma Kit Kwan M , Hardy Todd A , van der Walt Anneke , Lechner-Scott Jeanette , Butzkueven Helmut , Broadley Simon A , Barnett Michael H , Reddel Stephen W , Brilot Fabienne , Kalincik Tomas , Ramanathan Sudarshini
Published: May 2024

Background

We sought to identify an optimal oral corticosteroid regimen at the onset of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), which would delay time to first relapse while minimising cumulative corticosteroid exposure.

Methods

In a retrospective multicentre cohort study, Cox proportional hazards models examined the relationship between corticosteroid course as a time-varying covariate and time to first relapse. Simon-Makuch and Kaplan-Meier plots identified an optimal dosing strategy.

Results

We evaluated 109 patients (62 female, 57%; 41 paediatric, 38%; median age at onset 26 years, (IQR 8–38); median follow-up 6.2 years (IQR 2.6–9.6)). 76/109 (70%) experienced a relapse (median time to first relapse 13.7 months; 95% CI 8.2 to 37.9). In a multivariable model, higher doses of oral prednisone delayed time to first relapse with an effect estimate of 3.7% (95% CI 0.8% to 6.6%; p=0.014) reduced hazard of relapse for every 1 mg/day dose increment. There was evidence of reduced hazard of relapse for patients dosed ≥12.5 mg/day (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.6; p=0.0036), corresponding to a 79% reduction in relapse risk. There was evidence of reduced hazard of relapse for those dosed ≥12.5 mg/day for at least 3 months (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.44; p=0.0012), corresponding to an 88% reduction in relapse risk compared with those never treated in this range. No patient with this recommended dosing at onset experienced a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade >3 adverse effect.

Conclusions

The optimal dose of 12.5 mg of prednisone daily in adults (0.16 mg/kg/day for children) for a minimum of 3 months at the onset of MOGAD delays time to first relapse.
Relationship of pain relief with catastrophizing following interventional pain procedures for low back pain
Authors: Rajput Kanishka , Howie Benjamin A , Danesh Julius Araash , Zhao Xiwen , Lin Hung-Mo , Yanez David , Chow Robert
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Catastrophizing is associated with worse pain outcomes after various procedures suggesting its utility in predicting response. However, the stability of pain catastrophizing as a static predictor has been challenged. We assess, among patients undergoing steroid injections for chronic low back pain (cLBP), whether catastrophizing changes with the clinical response to pain interventions.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled patients undergoing fluoroscopic-guided injections for cLBP. Patients filled out Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) at baseline and 1-month follow-up. We assessed the change in PCS scores from pre-injection to post-injection and examined its predictors. We also examined the correlation of various domains of BPI, such as pain severity and effect on Relationships, Enjoyment, and Mood (REM), with PCS scores at baseline and follow-up.

Results

128 patients were enrolled. Mean (SD) PCS and pain severity scores at baseline were 22.38 (±13.58) and 5.56 (±1.82), respectively. Follow-up PCS and pain severity scores were 19.76 (±15.25) and 4.42 (±2.38), respectively. The change in PCS pre-injection to post-injection was not significant (p=0.12). Multiple regression models revealed baseline PCS and REM domain of BPI as the most important predictors of change in PCS after injection. Pain severity, activity-related pain, age, sex, insurance status, depression, prior surgery, opioid use, or prior interventions did not predict change in PCS score. In correlation analysis, change in PCS was moderately correlated with change in pain (r=0.38), but weakly correlated with baseline pain in all pain domains.

Conclusions

PCS showed non-significant improvement following steroid injections; the study was not powered for this outcome. Follow-up PCS scores were predicted by the REM domain of BPI, rather than pain severity. Larger studies are needed to evaluate a statistically significant and clinically meaningful change in catastrophizing scores following pain interventions.
Characteristics and rates of infection by HIV in people receiving non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) against HIV
Authors: Carrillo Irene , López de las Heras Marta , Martínez Silvia Calpena , Prieto-Pérez Laura , Álvarez Álvarez Beatriz , Waleed Al-Hayani Aws , Suarez-Inclan José Izuzquiza , Fernandez Sara Lumbreras , Luengo Patricia Quesada , Diaz María Elia Asensi , Bernal Palacios Marina , Mathews Paula Asensio , Bonafont Barbara Soler , Bravo Ruiz Raquel , Hernández-Segurado Marta , Górgolas Miguel , Cabello Alfonso
Published: May 2024

Introduction/objectives

The use of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) emerges as a strategic intervention to reduce HIV infection risk following sexual encounters in our setting. Notwithstanding, there is a scarcity of contemporary data regarding adherence to this treatment, its effectiveness and tolerance. Our study aims to delve into these factors among individuals who have resorted to nPEP after high-risk sexual encounters.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of cases administered nPEP for HIV from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid. The study included all adults over 18 years who sought care at the emergency department of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital following a risky sexual encounter and were subsequently recommended HIV nPEP treatment.

Results

878 individuals received nPEP for HIV and underwent initial serological tests. Of these, 621 had comprehensive follow-ups. The prescribed regimen for all was raltegravir (RAL) 1200 mg combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) 245/200 mg daily for 28 days. The study revealed a 1.1% rate (n=10) of previously undetected infection and a 0.16% (n=1) failure rate of nPEP. Regarding regimen tolerability, 5.6% (n=35) experienced symptoms linked to the treatment, yet none necessitated discontinuation of the regimen. On the contrary, six per cent (n=53) reported symptoms consistent with an STI during one of the medical visits; specifically, 4.4% had urethritis, and 1.6% had proctitis.

Conclusion

nPEP with RAL/TDF/FTC demonstrates high efficacy and safety, contingent on proper adherence. There is an observed increase in STI prevalence in this cohort, with nearly half of the participants not engaging in appropriate follow-up after initiating nPEP.
Effect of health messages about “Light” and “Ultra Light” cigarettes on beliefs and quitting intent
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Pillitteri Janine L , Burton Steven L , Rohay Jeffrey M , Gitchell Joe G
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE

To test the impact of three health messages focusing on vent holes, sensory effects of Light and Ultra Light cigarettes, or health consequences of smoking, respectively, on beliefs and quitting intentions.

DESIGN

In the course of a random digit dialed telephone survey, subjects were randomised to hear one of three messages. To test the effects of the messages, beliefs and quitting intentions were assessed both pre- and post-message.

PARTICIPANTS

Daily smokers (n = 2120) of Regular (46%), Light (39%), and Ultra Light (15%) cigarettes in the USA. The sample was weighted to match the US smoker population on age, sex, and ethnicity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Beliefs were summarised on three dimensions: Safety (reduced health risk), Delivery (lower tar and nicotine delivery), and Sensation (less harsh). Quitting interest was captured by the “quit index”, an aggregate measure of quitting interest and intent.

RESULTS

The message focusing on smokers' sensory perceptions of Light and Ultra Light cigarettes resulted in the most positive change in beliefs about safety, delivery, and intent to quit, and was particularly effective among those who believed that these cigarettes were less harsh. The effect was most pronounced among young adults, and among smokers of Light and Ultra Light brands who most endorsed their sensory benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing smokers' sensory experience that Light and Ultra Light cigarettes feel less harsh may be a promising strategy for changing their misconceptions about these cigarettes and enhancing their interest in quitting. Media counter-advertising on Lights and Ultra Lights, focusing on sensory aspects of these cigarettes, may be an important part of tobacco control efforts.
Test of “Light” cigarette counter-advertising using a standard test of advertising effectiveness
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Burton Steven L , Pillitteri Janine L , Gitchell Joe G , Di Marino Michael E , Sweeney Christine T , Wardle Paul A , Koehler Gary L
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate systematically the effectiveness of six advertising strategies (two message strategies presented in three different contexts) designed to promote smoking cessation by addressing smokers' misperceptions about Light cigarettes.

DESIGN

Smokers viewed one of six, 30 second test television concept advertisements, which varied by message (one emphasising how the sensory effects of Lights can be deceptive, the other describing the effects of vent blocking) and by ad context (non-commercial public service announcement (PSA), promotion of unbranded nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), or promotion of branded NRT). The effectiveness of each advertisement was determined using a validated advertising testing system in which ads were viewed in the context of reviewing a pilot television programme. Response to ads is assessed through shifts in subject choices of products offered as prizes before and after viewing the test advertisements. Included among the possible prizes were cigarettes and various pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation.

SUBJECTS

Daily smokers (n = 1890) of Regular (34%), Light (47%), and Ultra Light (19%) cigarettes recruited from eight US cities.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The primary outcome of interest was the shift away from cigarettes as the selected prize following exposure to the test advertisements. Secondary outcomes of interest included movement away from Light cigarettes and movement towards assisted quitting products.

RESULTS

Smokers who saw the advertisement emphasising the sensory characteristics of Light cigarettes were more likely than subjects who saw the advertisement emphasising the effect of vent blocking to move away from cigarettes (OR = 1.97, 95% confidence interval CI 1.25 to 3.09; χ2(1) = 8.69, p = 0.003). Similarly, subjects who saw the advertisement framed as a PSA, rather than as a promotion for either a branded or unbranded NRT product, were also somewhat more likely to move away from cigarettes (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 0.94 to 2.40; χ2(1) = 2.97, p = 0.085). The effect was observed regardless of sex, age, or type of cigarette smoked.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing smokers' sensory perceptions of Light cigarettes and presenting this information in an impartial way is likely to be an effective communication strategy for counter-marketing Light cigarettes.
Decreased youth tobacco use in Massachusetts 1996 to 1999: evidence of tobacco control effectiveness
Authors: Soldz S , Clark T W , Stewart E , Celebucki C , Walker D Klein
Published: May 2024

Objective:To evaluate tobacco control in Massachusetts through examining trends in youth tobacco use from 1996 to 1999.

Design:Data are from the 1996 and 1999 Massachusetts Prevalence Study survey of public school students in the state.

Participants:Participants consisted of 6800 (1996) and 6980 (1999) students in Massachusetts public school grades 6–12 (approximate ages 11–18 years).

Main outcome measures:Outcomes are changes in lifetime and current (past month) cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco.

Results:In grades 7–12, there were significant decreases in lifetime (48.3% to 41.9%) and current (30.7% to 23.7%) cigarette use, smokeless tobacco use (lifetime 16.5% to 9.9%; current 4.55 to 2.6%), and current cigar use (12.2% to 8.6%). Decreases occurred for both male and female 7–8th graders. In grades 9–12 decreases were somewhat greater for females than males. Trends for grades 8, 10, and 12 were compared to those seen nationally and in the northeast region in the Monitoring the Future study. For the pooled grades the decreases for cigarettes were greater than those seen nationally or in the northeast region.

Conclusions:Results support the effectiveness of the comprehensive Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program. The increasing tobacco rates in the first half of the 1990s have been dramatically reversed. These results suggest that programme efforts should be supported or even expanded in order to decrease further the state's rates of youth tobacco use. The findings suggest that other states may learn useful lessons from Massachusetts' successes.
Tobacco use among adults with disabilities in Massachusetts
Authors: Brawarsky P , Brooks D R , Wilber N , Gertz R E , Klein Walker D
Published: May 2024

Objectives:To examine the characteristics of smoking among adults with disabilities in Massachusetts.

Design:Data were obtained from the 1996–1999 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a random digit dial telephone survey. Respondents reporting use of special equipment or a limitation caused by impairment or health problem were classified as having a disability. Adults with disabilities were further classified by level, based on need for assistance, and type of disability. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between disability status and smoking.

Setting and participants:Random sample of non-institutionalised Massachusetts adults, 18 and older, with disabilities (n = 2985) and without disabilities (n = 14 395).

Main outcome measures:Smoking status, intensity, and factors related to quitting.

Results:Compared to those without disabilities, adults with disabilities were more likely to have ever smoked (odds ratio (OR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25 to 1.61) and to be current smokers (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.76). Smoking rates varied by type of disability. Among current smokers, adults with disabilities smoked more cigarettes per day (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.16), sooner after waking (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.99), and were more likely to be advised by a doctor to quit (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.69). Adults with disabilities who needed assistance were more likely to be planning to quit (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.26).

Conclusions:There are disparities in smoking rates between adults with and without disabilities. Smoking cessation programmes targeted to the disabled community are needed.
Tobacco availability and point of sale marketing in demographically contrasting districts of Massachusetts: Table 1
Authors: Laws M B , Whitman J , Bowser D M , Krech L
Published: May 2024

Objective:To assess the prevalence and characteristics of tobacco sales and point-of-sale promotions and advertising in predominantly Latino business districts, and in comparison districts; and the economic importance of tobacco sales and marketing to Latino owned small businesses.

Design:Observational surveys of retail establishments and interviews with store managers.

Setting:Demographically contrasting business districts of eastern Massachusetts.

Main outcome measures:Percentage of businesses selling tobacco, numbers and characteristics of exterior and interior tobacco advertisements per store, merchant reports of promotional allowances received from tobacco distributors.

Results:The proportion of businesses selling tobacco, and hence having storefront tobacco advertising, is strongly negatively correlated with per capita income in the census tracts where businesses are located (Spearman's ρ = −0.794, p = 0.006). Mentholated brands are marketed disproportionately in low income, urban communities. Latino merchants are highly dependent on tobacco sales, but would require relatively modest compensation to forego tobacco promotional allowances.

Conclusions:Storefront tobacco advertising is far more prevalent in predominantly minority, low income communities than in non-minority, higher income communities, principally because of the differing mix of kinds of businesses in the two types of communities, and the greater prevalence of tobacco vendors in lower income neighbourhoods. Tobacco companies obtain this advertising at little cost.
Experimental comparison of foam flow and gas flow in municipal solid waste
Authors: Hu Jie , Xu Xiaobing , Meng Meng , Xu Wenjie
Published: May 2024

Foam is found to be a special fluid (i.e., gas divided by liquid film) that exists in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. As a disconnected phase, the unsaturated flow behavior of foam is significantly different from that of gas in connected phase. In this study, the difference between foam flow and gas flow was characterized through displacement tests in the MSW columns. Resistance factor, which is defined as the ratio of steady pressure drop between foam displacement and gas displacement, is employed to characterize this difference. The effects of foam quality, void ratio, and particle size on resistance factor were studied. The unsaturated permeability curves of foams generated by leachate samples at different depths were measured. The leachate at the middle layer has low surface tension to produce strong foam, while the leachate at the top and bottom layers has high surface tension to produce weak foam. The unsaturated permeabilities of weak foam and strong foam were about 1 and 2 orders of magnitude smaller than that of gas, respectively. The reduction in waste void ratio decreased the resistance factor as the excessive shearing effect in small pores would cause the foam to collapse.
First-principles study of solvent polarity effects in the Menshutkin reaction
Authors: Susanti Etika D. , Rusydi Febdian , Su’ait Mohd S. , Ahmad Azizan , Mark-Lee Wun F. , Puspitasari Ira
Published: May 2024

Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) have been used as antimicrobial agents, surfactants, and ionic liquids in electrical double-layer capacitors, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and dye-sensitized solar cells. It is well known that solvents and reactants strongly affect the Menshutkin reaction. However, QASs are potentially harmful to humans and the environment. To address these issues, we report the effects of solvent polarity on the thermochemistry of two selected Menshutkin reactions, (1) trimethylamine and 1-iodopropane yielded propyltrimethylammonium, and (2) methylacetamide and 1-iodopropane yielded acetylpropylmethylammonium. We systematically constructed possible QAS unique conformers within the first-principles framework in solvents that have three various polarities: toluene, acetonitrile, and water. The polar solvent shifted both reactions toward exergonic and decreased the Gibbs free activation energy. In addition, the polar solvent changed the favorable reaction for the acetylpropylmethylammonium formation only due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Therefore, we suggest that selecting high solvent polarity should be considered to address the potential health and environmental effect.
Understanding microchromosomal organization and evolution in four representative woodpeckers (Picidae, Piciformes) through BAC-FISH analysis
Authors: Alves Barcellos Suziane , Kretschmer Rafael , Santos de Souza Marcelo , Tura Victoria , Pozzobon Luciano Cesar , Ochotorena de Freitas Thales Renato , Griffin Darren K. , O'Connor Rebecca , Gunski Ricardo José , del Valle Garnero Analía
Published: May 2024

The genome organization of woodpeckers has several distinctive features e.g., an uncommon accumulation of repetitive sequences, enlarged Z chromosomes, and atypical diploid numbers. Despite the large diversity of species, there is a paucity of detailed cytogenomic studies for this group and we thus aimed to rectify this. Genome organization patterns and hence evolutionary change in the microchromosome formation of four species ( Colaptes campestris, Veniliornis spilogaster, Melanerpes candidus, and Picumnus nebulosus) was established through fluorescence in situ hybridization using bacterial artificial chromosomes originally derived from Gallus gallus and Taeniopygia guttata. Findings suggest that P. nebulosus (2 n = 110), which was described for the first time, had the most basal karyotype among species of Picidae studied here, and probably arose as a result of fissions of avian ancestral macrochromosomes. We defined a new chromosomal number for V. spilogaster (2 n = 88) and demonstrated microchromosomal rearrangements involving C. campestris plus a single, unique hitherto undescribed rearrangement in V. spilogaster. This comprised an inversion after a fusion involving the ancestral microchromosome 12 (homologous to chicken microchromosome 12). We also determined that the low diploid number of M. candidus is related to microchromosome fusions. Woodpeckers thus exhibit significantly rearranged karyotypes compared to the putative ancestral karyotype.
Chaos near to the critical point: butterfly effect and pole-skipping
Authors: Amrahi B. , Asadi M. , Taghinavaz F.
Published: May 2024

We study the butterfly effect and pole-skipping phenomenon for the 1RCBH model which enjoys a critical point in its phase diagram. Using the holographic idea, we compute the butterfly velocity and interestingly find that this velocity can probe the critical behavior of this model. We calculate the dynamical exponent of this quantity near the critical point and find a perfect agreement with the value of the other quantity’s dynamical exponent near this critical point. We also find that at special points, namely the$$(\omega _\star = i \lambda _L, \, k_\star = i\lambda _L/v_B),$$(ω⋆=iλL,k⋆=iλL/vB),where$$\lambda _L$$λLand$$v_B$$vBare Lyapunov exponent and butterfly velocity respectively, the phenomenon of pole-skipping appears which is a sign of a multivalued retarded Green’s function. Furthermore, we observe that$$v_B^2 \ge c_s^2$$vB2≥cs2at each point of parameter space of the 1RCBH model where$$c_s$$csis the speed of sound wave propagation.
Evolving wormhole geometry from dark matter energy density
Authors: Rahaman Farook , Choudhury Bikramarka S.
Published: May 2024

We analyse traversable wormholes defined by the dynamic line elements that asymptotically approach Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe. These dynamical wormholes is supported by the galactic dark matter as well as perfect isotropic fluid. We will discuss several evolving Lorentzian wormholes comprising with different perfect isotropic fluids in addition to various scale factors. We will speculate the various significance, features and throat energy conditions for these evolving traversable Lorentzian wormholes.
PACMMOD Volume 2 Issue 2: Editorial
Authors: Geerts Floris , Martens Wim , Niewerth Matthias
Published: May 2024

We are excited to announce the first issue dedicated to the PODS research track of the Proceedings of the ACM on Management of Data, or PACMMOD, journal. In its current form, this new journal hosts a SIGMOD and a PODS research track. The PODS research track aims to provide a solid scientific basis for methods, techniques, and solutions for the data management challenges that continually arise in our data-driven society. Articles for the PODS track of PACMMOD present principled contributions to modeling, application, system building, and both theoretical and experimental validation in the context of data management. Such articles might be based, among others, on establishing theoretical results, developing new concepts and frameworks that deserve further exploration, providing experimental work that sheds light on the scientific foundations of the discipline, or a rigorous analysis of both widely used and recently developed industry artifacts. At a time when computer science is increasingly data centric, it is essential to promote an active exchange of tools and techniques between principles of database systems and other communities focused on data management. The PODS track thus pays special attention to those papers that help in the urgent process of integrating data management techniques within broader computer science. Articles published in this track will be invited for presentation to the ACM Symposium on Principles of Database Systems (PODS), which is held jointly with SIGMOD each year.
Containment of Graph Queries Modulo Schema
Authors: Gutiérrez-Basulto Víctor , Gutowski Albert , Ibáñez-García Yazmin A. , Murlak Filip
Published: May 2024

With multiple graph database systems on the market and a new Graph Query Language standard on the horizon, it is time to revisit some classic static analysis problems. Query containment, arguably the workhorse of static analysis, has already received a lot of attention in the context of graph databases, but not so in the presence of schemas. We aim to change this. Because there is no universal agreement yet on what graph schemas should be, we rely on an abstract formalism borrowed from the knowledge representation community: we assume that schemas are expressed in a description logic (DL). We identify a suitable DL that capture both basic constraints on the labels of incident nodes and edges, and more refined schema features such as participation, cardinality, and unary key constraints. Basing upon, and extending, the rich body of work on DLs, we solve the containment modulo schema problem for unions of conjunctive regular path queries (UCRPQs) and schemas whose descriptions do not mix inverses and counting. For two-way UCRPQs (UC2RPQs) we solve the problem under additional assumptions that tend to hold in practice: we restrict the use of concatenation in queries and participation constraints in schemas.
From Shapley Value to Model Counting and Back
Authors: Kara Ahmet , Olteanu Dan , Suciu Dan
Published: May 2024

In this paper we investigate the problem of quantifying the contribution of each variable to the satisfying assignments of a Boolean function based on the Shapley value. Our main result is a polynomial-time equivalence between computing Shapley values and model counting for any class of Boolean functions that are closed under substitutions of variables with disjunctions of fresh variables. This result settles an open problem raised in prior work, which sought to connect the Shapley value computation to probabilistic query evaluation.

We show two applications of our result. First, the Shapley values can be computed in polynomial time over deterministic and decomposable circuits, since they are closed under OR-substitutions. Second, there is a polynomial-time equivalence between computing the Shapley value for the tuples contributing to the answer of a Boolean conjunctive query and counting the models in the lineage of the query. This equivalence allows us to immediately recover the dichotomy for Shapley value computation in case of self-join-free Boolean conjunctive queries; in particular, the hardness for non-hierarchical queries can now be shown using a simple reduction from the \#P-hard problem of model counting for lineage in positive bipartite disjunctive normal form.
The Moments Method for Approximate Data Cube Queries
Authors: Lindner Peter , Basil John Sachin , Koch Christoph , Suciu Dan
Published: May 2024

We investigate an approximation algorithm for various aggregate queries on partially materialized data cubes. Data cubes are interpreted as probability distributions, and cuboids from a partial materialization populate the terms of a series expansion of the target query distribution. Unknown terms in the expansion are just assumed to be 0 in order to recover an approximate query result. We identify this method as a variant of related approaches from other fields of science, that is, the Bahadur representation and, more generally, (biased) Fourier expansions of Boolean functions. Existing literature indicates a rich but intricate theoretical landscape. Focusing on the data cube application, we start by investigating worst-case error bounds. We build upon prior work to obtain provably optimal materialization strategies with respect to query workloads. In addition, we propose a new heuristic method governing materialization decisions. Finally, we show that well-approximated queries are guaranteed to have well-approximated roll-ups.
Evaluating Datalog over Semirings: A Grounding-based Approach
Authors: Zhao Hangdong , Deep Shaleen , Koutris Paraschos , Roy Sudeepa , Tannen Val
Published: May 2024

Datalog is a powerful yet elegant language that allows expressing recursive computation. Although Datalog evaluation has been extensively studied in the literature, so far, only loose upper bounds are known on how fast a Datalog program can be evaluated. In this work, we ask the following question: given a Datalog program over a naturally-ordered semiring σ, what is the tightest possible runtime? To this end, our main contribution is a general two-phase framework for analyzing the data complexity of Datalog over σ: first ground the program into an equivalent system of polynomial equations (i.e. grounding) and then find the least fixpoint of the grounding over σ. We present algorithms that use structure-aware query evaluation techniques to obtain the smallest possible groundings. Next, efficient algorithms for fixpoint evaluation are introduced over two classes of semirings: (1) finite-rank semirings and (2) absorptive semirings of total order. Combining both phases, we obtain state-of-the-art and new algorithmic results. Finally, we complement our results with a matching fine-grained lower bound.
Chase Termination Beyond Polynomial Time
Authors: Hanisch Philipp , Krötzsch Markus
Published: May 2024

The chase is a widely implemented approach to reason with tuple-generating dependencies (tgds), used in data exchange, data integration, and ontology-based query answering. However, it is merely a semi-decision procedure, which may fail to terminate. Many decidable conditions have been proposed for tgds to ensure chase termination, typically by forbidding some kind of "cycle'' in the chase process. We propose a new criterion that explicitly allows some such cycles, and yet ensures termination of the standard chase under reasonable conditions. This leads to new decidable fragments of tgds that are not only syntactically more general but also strictly more expressive than the fragments defined by prior acyclicity conditions. Indeed, while known terminating fragments are restricted to PTime data complexity, our conditions yield decidable languages for any k- ExpTime. We further refine our syntactic conditions to obtain fragments of tgds for which an optimised chase procedure decides query entailment in PSpace or k- ExpSpace, respectively.
Bag Semantics Conjunctive Query Containment. Four Small Steps Towards Undecidability.
Authors: Marcinkowski Jerzy , Orda Mateusz
Published: May 2024

Query Containment Problem (QCP) is one of the most fundamental decision problems in database query processing and optimization.

Complexity of QCP for conjunctive queries has been fully understood since 1970s. But, as Chaudhuri and Vardi noticed in their classical 1993 paper this understanding is based on the assumption that query answers are sets of tuples, and it does not transfer to the situation when multi-set (bag) semantics is considered.

Now, 30 years later, decidability of QCP for bag semantics remains an open question, one of the most intriguing open questions in database theory.

In this paper we show a series of undecidability results for some generalizations of this problem. We show, for example, that the problem whether, for given two boolean conjunctive queries φ
s
and φ
b
, and a linear function F, the inequality F(φ
s
(D)) =< φ
b
(D) holds for each database instance D, is undecidable.
TypeQL: A Type-Theoretic & Polymorphic Query Language
Authors: Dorn Christoph , Pribadi Haikal
Published: May 2024

Relational data modeling can often be restrictive as it provides no direct facility for modeling polymorphic types, reified relations, multi-valued attributes, and other common high-level structures in data. This creates many challenges in data modeling and engineering tasks, and has led to the rise of more flexible NoSQL databases, such as graph and document databases. In the absence of structured schemas, however, we can neither express nor validate the intention of data models, making long-term maintenance of databases substantially more difficult. To resolve this dilemma, we argue that, parallel to the role of classical predicate logic for relational algebra, contemporary foundations of mathematics rooted in type theory can guide us in the development of powerful new high-level data models and query languages. To this end, we introduce a new polymorphic entity-relation-attribute (PERA) data model, grounded in type-theoretic principles and accessible through classical conceptual modeling, with a near-natural query language: TypeQL. We illustrate the syntax of TypeQL as well as its denotation in the PERA model, formalize our model as an algebraic theory with dependent types, and describe its stratified semantics.
Counting Answers to Unions of Conjunctive Queries: Natural Tractability Criteria and Meta-Complexity
Authors: Focke Jacob , Goldberg Leslie Ann , Roth Marc , Zivný Stanislav
Published: May 2024

We study the problem of counting answers to unions of conjunctive queries (UCQs) under structural restrictions on the input query. Concretely, given a class C of UCQs, the problem #UCQ (C) provides as input a UCQ Ψ ∈ C and a database D and the problem is to compute the number of answers of Ψ in D.

Chen and Mengel [PODS'16] have shown that for any recursively enumerable class C, the problem #UCQ (C) is either fixed-parameter tractable or hard for one of the parameterised complexity classes W[1] or #W[1]. However, their tractability criterion is unwieldy in the sense that, given any concrete class C of UCQs, it is not easy to determine how hard it is to count answers to queries in C. Moreover, given a single specific UCQ Ψ, it is not easy to determine how hard it is to count answers to Ψ.

In this work, we address the question of finding a natural tractability criterion: The combined conjunctive query of a UCQ Ψ=φ
1
∨ ... ∨ φ
l
is the conjunctive query ^ Ψ = φ_1 ∧ ... ∧ φ
l
. We show that under natural closure properties of C, the problem #UCQ (C) is fixed-parameter tractable if and only if the combined conjunctive queries of UCQs in C, and their contracts, have bounded treewidth. A contract of a conjunctive query is an augmented structure, taking into account how the quantified variables are connected to the free variables --- if all variables are free, then a conjunctive query is equal to its contract; in this special case the criterion for fixed-parameter tractability of #UCQ (C) thus simplifies to the combined queries having bounded treewidth.

Finally, we give evidence that a closure property on C is necessary for obtaining a natural tractability criterion: We show that even for a single UCQ Ψ, the meta problem of deciding whether #UCQ (Ψ) can be solved in time O(|D|
d
) is NP-hard for any fixed d ≥ 1. Moreover, we prove that a known exponential-time algorithm for solving the meta problem is optimal under assumptions from fine-grained complexity theory. As a corollary of our reduction, we also establish that approximating the Weisfeiler-Leman-Dimension of a UCQ is NP-hard.