bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Afghan Peace Process: Domestic Fault Lines
Authors: Verma Raj
Published: December 2021

The intra‐Afghan dialogue stalled despite hectic diplomatic efforts by the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Russia, and other countries to revitalize the dialogue and reach a political settlement before Western troops left Afghanistan. This article argues that there were three main reasons for disagreement between the Afghan government and the Taliban, and these issues remained a major stumbling block in the peace process and will prevent lasting peace. First, the Taliban were unwilling to reduce violence or declare a “permanent and comprehensive ceasefire,” as stated in the US‐Taliban peace deal. Second, the Taliban would not accept Afghanistan's democratic political system and insisted on establishing an “Islamic Emirate.” The group also showed its reluctance to respect women's rights and advances made with respect to their social position. Third, the Taliban consistently refused to respect ethnic and religious tolerance of minorities, especially the Shia Hazara. The Hazara have declared that they will take up arms to protect themselves against the Taliban's return to power in Kabul, which does not bode well for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Two new species, Aspidistra liliiflora and A. sessilistigma (Asparagaceae, Convallariaceae s. str.) from Vietnam
Authors: Averyanov Leonid V. , Wynn‐Jones Bleddyn , Nguyen Tuan Hoang , Nguyen Khang Sinh , Tillich Hans‐Juergen , Nguyen Van Du , Maisak Tatiana V. , Chu Canh Xuan
Published: December 2021

This paper continues the publication of Aspidistra species newly discovered in the flora of Vietnam. It includes illustrated diagnosis of two species new to science, A. liliiflora and A. sessilistigma found in northern and central parts of the country. Detailed analytical color illustrations, data on morphology, ecology, phenology, tentative relationships and distribution are provided for both discovered species.
A Genome‐wide association study of premolar agenesis in a chinese population
Authors: Fan Liwen , Ma Lan , Zhu Guirong , Yao Siyue , Li Xiaofeng , Yu Xin , Pan Yongchu , Wang Lin
Published: December 2021

Objective

Premolar agenesis is a common subtype of tooth agenesis. Although a genome‐wide study (GWAS) has identified some variants involved in tooth agenesis in Europeans, the genetic mutation related to premolar agenesis in the Chinese population remains unclear.

Materials and methods

We present a GWAS in 218 premolar agenesis cases and 1,222 controls using the Illumina Infinium® Global Screening Array. 5,585,618 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for tests of associations with premolar agenesis.

Results

Four independent SNPs on chromosome 2 were identified as susceptibility loci, including rs147680216, rs79743039, rs60540881, and rs6738629. The genome‐wide significant SNP rs147680216 (p = 6.09 × 10−9) was predicted to change the structure of the WNT10A protein and interact with hedgehog signaling pathway components. Meta‐analysis showed that the rs147680216 A allele significantly increased the risk of tooth agenesis (p = 0.000). The other three SNPs with nominal significance are novel susceptibility loci. Of them, rs6738629 (p = 5.40 × 10−6) acts as a potential transcriptional regulator of GCC2, a gene playing a putative role in dental and craniofacial development.

Conclusion

Our GWAS indicates that rs147680216 and additional three novel susceptibility loci on chromosome 2 are associated with the risk of premolar agenesis in the Chinese population.
Electrogram analysis to detect cathodal and anodal capture in left ventricular cardiac resynchronization pacing leads
Authors: Pfeffer Cameron , Fryer Michael , Quah Jing Xian , Dayananda Naresh , Tung Matthew
Published: December 2021

Aims

Our study analyzed cardiac electrograms (EGMs) to identify characteristics for detecting cathodal, anodal, or cathodal‐anodal (simultaneous) capture in left ventricular (LV) quadripolar pacing leads of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients. The relationship between these EGM characteristics and the electrocardiogram (ECG) was also examined.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 54 bipolar pacing configurations across nine patients with implanted CRT devices and quadripolar leads who had undergone a 12 lead ECG optimization. Three pacing tests (cathode unipolar, anode unipolar, and bipolar) per bipolar pair were performed, examining ECG and EGM morphology changes accompanying each test and any transitions of morphology or amplitude during voltage stepdown.

Results

During the cathode and anode unipolar pacing tests, the EGM was biphasic (negative/positive) or monophasic (positive) in 52/53 (98%), and biphasic (positive/negative) or monophasic (negative) in 50/51 (98%), respectively. During bipolar LV capture threshold testing, 30 bipolar pairs displayed a sudden increase in EGM amplitude (median 9.4 mV, interquartile range [7–14 mV]) when transitioning from cathodal‐anodal capture to cathodal or anodal capture. Ninety percent of these EGM transitions had a corresponding simultaneous change in ECG, while 10% had no ECG changes. Two patients demonstrated “quad‐site” capture on their quadripolar lead with multipoint pacing enabled and cathodal‐anodal capture from each stimulus.

Conclusion

EGM characteristics during LV pacing tests can reliably detect cathodal, anodal, or cathodal‐anodal capture, with greater sensitivity than 12 lead ECG changes. Integration of EGM analysis into routine CRT device follow up can be performed easily and may have implications for CRT efficacy.
Automated Discovery Systems, part 2: New developments, current issues, and philosophical lessons in machine learning and data science
Authors: Giza Piotr
Published: December 2021

Automated scientific discovery is a discipline which lies at the boarder of artificial intelligence, natural sciences and philosophy of science, and deals with the application of artificial intelligence methods to scientific discovery. Historically, its origins go back to the 1960s and there have been at least three major research programs in the field, each of them having different objectives, concerns, and methodology: machine learning systems in the Turing tradition, normative theory of scientific discovery formulated by Herbert Simon's group, and the programs called HHNT, proposed by J. Holland, K. Holyoak, R. Nisbett, and P. Thagard. In the paper I briefly describe new developments in the field, recent issues in machine learning and data science applications to scientific discovery, and explore lessons for the philosophy of science that can be drawn.
The introduction of electronic consent for the school aged immunization program
Authors: Footer Rebecca , Foster Owen
Published: December 2021

Historically, consent for treatment in the United Kingdom's National Health Service has been collected using traditional paper forms. For public health services, such as immunizations, this process involved significant time, space, paper, and staff resources. In a bid to provide a more modern, secure, cost‐effective and paperless service, an electronic consent (eConsent) form for the routine school aged immunization program was designed and successfully piloted for the HPV 1 vaccine in 25 schools during the summer of 2019, with an average of 80% return rate. This was not only significantly higher than paper consent returns, there was also a significantly quicker return rate. These factors resulted in the clinical record being updated more quickly than ever before which reduced clinical risk. Following the pilot, the program was launched countywide for all school aged immunizations in September 2020. Since its launch some minor issues have been identified but resolved quickly and efficiently. Although still in its early days it is felt that the eConsent system has promoted a more informed and easier collaboration across sectors and has reduced operating costs. Although the use of electronic consent needs to be used more widely, it is felt that this new practice is a success.
Preface: Nonlinear waves in honor of Harvey Segur on the occasion of his 80th birthday
Authors: Carter John D. , Deconinck Bernard
Published: December 2021

This special issue of Studies in Applied Mathematics is dedicated to Professor Harvey Segur on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Harvey is a world‐renowned applied mathematician who has had a great impact on the field of nonlinear waves as a researcher and on the next generation of applied mathematicians as an acclaimed teacher.
Superhuman cell death detection with biomarker-optimized neural networks
Authors: Linsley Jeremy W. , Linsley Drew A. , Lamstein Josh , Ryan Gennadi , Shah Kevan , Castello Nicholas A. , Oza Viral , Kalra Jaslin , Wang Shijie , Tokuno Zachary , Javaherian Ashkan , Serre Thomas , Finkbeiner Steven
Published: December 2021

High-throughput microscopy has outpaced analysis; biomarker-optimized CNNs are a generalizable, fast, and interpretable solution.
High-resolution fluorescence-guided transcranial ultrasound mapping in the live mouse brain
Authors: Estrada Hector , Robin Justine , Özbek Ali , Chen Zhenyue , Marowsky Anne , Zhou Quanyu , Beck Daniel , le Roy Beau , Arand Michael , Shoham Shy , Razansky Daniel
Published: December 2021

Precision targeting and monitoring of preclinical focused ultrasound enabled by fluorescence-guided transcranial ultrasound.
Advanced PLGA hybrid scaffold with a bioactive PDRN/BMP2 nanocomplex for angiogenesis and bone regeneration using human fetal MSCs
Authors: Kim Da-Seul , Lee Jun-Kyu , Kim Jun Hyuk , Lee Jaemin , Kim Dong Seon , An Sanghyun , Park Sung-Bin , Kim Tae-Hyung , Rim Jong Seop , Lee Soonchul , Han Dong Keun
Published: December 2021

Nanocomplex immobilized scaffold effects on anti-inflammation, antibacterial activity, angiogenesis, and bone regeneration.
Identification of MicroRNAs That Stabilize p53 in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cancer Cells
Authors: Martínez-Noël Gustavo , Szajner Patricia , Kramer Rebecca E. , Boyland Kathleen A. , Sheikh Asma , Smith Jennifer A. , Howley Peter M.
Published: December 2021

Human papillomaviruses cause approximately 5% of all cancers worldwide and encode genes that contribute to both the initiation and maintenance of these cancers. The viral oncoprotein E6 is expressed in all HPV-positive cancers and functions by targeting the degradation of p53 through the engagement of the cellular ubiquitin ligase E6AP.
The Mouse Cytomegalovirus G Protein-Coupled Receptor Homolog, M33, Coordinates Key Features of
In Vivo
Infection via Distinct Components of Its Signaling Repertoire
Authors: Ma Jiawei , Bruce Kimberley , Davis-Poynter Nicholas , Stevenson Philip G. , Farrell Helen E.
Published: December 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as cell surface molecular “switches” that regulate the cellular response to environmental stimuli. All cytomegalovirus (CMV) genomes analyzed to date possess GPCR homologs with phylogenetic evidence for independent gene capture events, signifying important
in vivo
roles.
Comprehensive Analysis of Protein Acetylation and Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Brains Infected with Rabies Virus
Authors: Pei Jie , Yuan Yueming , Tian Dayong , Huang Fei , Zhang Chengguang , Wang Caiqian , Zhou Ming , Chen Huanchun , Fu Zhenfang , Zhao Ling
Published: December 2021

Both viral replication and the host immune response are highly energy dependent. It is important to understand how the rabies virus affects energy metabolism in the brain.
Evaluation of the ImmuView RSV Test for Rapid Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Adult Patients with Influenza-Like Symptoms
Authors: Larsson E. , Johansson S. , Frøbert O. , Nordenskjöld A. , Athlin S.
Published: December 2021

By timely RSV diagnosis among patients with influenza-like symptoms, especially when influenza diagnostics turn negative, it is possible to prevent unnecessary antibiotic usage as well as reduce diagnostic testing, nosocomial transmission, and hospital stay. Previous rapid RSV tests have demonstrated poor sensitivity in adults, and we could demonstrate that the novel ImmuView RSV test similarly showed limited value for diagnosing RSV infection in adult patients.
Pathotyping of Newcastle Disease Virus: a Novel Single BsaHI Digestion Method of Detection and Differentiation of Avirulent Strains (Lentogenic and Mesogenic Vaccine Strains) from Virulent Virus
Authors: Desingu Perumal Arumugam , Singh Shambhu Dayal , Dhama Kuldeep , Vinodhkumar Obli Rajendran , Nagarajan K. , Singh Rajendra , Malik Yashpal Singh , Singh Raj Kumar
Published: December 2021

The extensive use of the NDV vaccine strain and the existence of avirulent NDV strains in wild birds makes it difficult to diagnose Newcastle Disease virus (NDV). The intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) and/or sequencing-based identification, which are required to determine virulent NDV, are time-consuming, costly, difficult, and cruel techniques.
Supplemental Material: Emergence of wet conditions in the Mono Basin of the Western USA coincident with inception of the Last Glaciation
Authors: Ali Guleed A.H. , al. et
Published: December 2021

Assessment of Ash 19 age data; Figure S1: Measured section at the Tufa Site of Lower Wilson Creek (38.02986°N, 119.12459°W; ~1987 m); Figure S2: Our measured section of IV D of Bridgeport Creek (38.08968°N, 119.04885°W; ~2006 m); Figure S3: Measured section at the Between Site of Bridgeport Creek (38.09056°N, 119.04985°W; ~2010 m).
Continuous positive airway pressure for children in resource-limited settings, effect on mortality and adverse events: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sessions Kristen L , Smith Andrew G , Holmberg Peter J , Wahl Brian , Mvalo Tisungane , Chisti Mohammod J , Carroll Ryan W , McCollum Eric D
Published: December 2021

Objective

Determine non-invasive ventilation with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) outcomes for paediatric respiratory distress in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting

LMIC hospitals.

Patients

One month to 15 year olds with respiratory distress.

Interventions

We searched Medline, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science and Scopus on 7 April 2020. Included studies assessed CPAP safety, efficacy or effectiveness. All study types were included; neonatal only studies were excluded. Data were extracted by two reviewers and bias was assessed. Certainty of evidence was evaluated, and risk ratios (RR) were produced for meta-analyses. (PROSPERO protocol CRD42018084278).

Results

2174 papers were screened, 20 were included in the systematic review and 3 were included in two separate meta-analyses of mortality and adverse events. Studies suitable for meta-analysis were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from Bangladesh, Ghana and Malawi. For meta-analyses comparing death or adverse events between CPAP and low-flow oxygen recipients, we found no clear CPAP effect on mortality (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.72) or adverse events (RR 1.52, CI 0.71 to 3.26). We downgraded the certainty of evidence for both death and adverse events outcomes to ‘low’ due to design issues and results discrepancies across RCTs.

Conclusions

Evidence for CPAP efficacy against mortality and adverse events has low certainty and is context dependent. Hospitals introducing CPAP need to have mechanisms in place to optimise safety in the context it is being used; this includes the location (a high dependency or intensive care area), adequate numbers of staff trained in CPAP use, close monitoring and mechanisms for escalation, daily direct physician supervision, equipment that is age appropriate and user-friendly and continuous monitoring of outcomes and quality of care.
Rupture of a de novo dural AV fistula following adult cerebral AVM resection
Authors: Luther Evan M , Chagani Fatima , King Hunter , Starke Robert
Published: December 2021

Acquired unruptured dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) have been described; however, ruptured de novo DAVFs remain exceedingly rare. We describe the case of a man in his 40s who presented with a recurrent intraparenchymal haemorrhage several years after angiographic cure of an intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Repeat angiography identified a new Cognard type IV DAVF anterior to the prior craniotomy. He underwent preoperative embolisation followed by craniotomy to completely obliterate the fistulous point. This case illustrates the need for close monitoring of AVM patients, even after complete obliteration, as local recrudescence of arteriovenous shunting can occur even in adulthood.
Worldwide outcomes of nasal transposition of the split lateral rectus muscle for strabismus associated with 3rd-nerve palsy
Authors: Shah Ankoor S , Dodd Mary-Magdalene Ugo , Gokyigit Birsen , Lorenz Birgit , Laurent Erick , Sadiq Mohammad Ali Ayaz , Tsai Chong-Bin , Gravier Nicolas , Goberville Mitra , Basiakos Sotirios , Zurakowski David , Dagi Linda R
Published: December 2021

Background/aims

To determine success rate and complications associated with nasal transposition of the split lateral rectus muscle (NTSLR) for treating strabismus from 3rd-nerve palsy.

Methods

An international, multicentre, registry of patients with unilateral 3rd-nerve palsy treated with NTSLR was created. Patients with concurrent surgery on the contralateral eye were excluded. Primary outcome was horizontal alignment within 15 prism dioptres (PD) of orthotropia. Incidence of technical difficulties and vision-threatening complications by 6 months post-procedure were reported.

Results

Ninety-eight patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 33.5 years (IQR 10.75–46). Aetiologies included congenital (31%), neoplastic (16%) and traumatic (15%). Twenty-five per cent of patients had prior ipsilateral strabismus surgery. Median exotropia decreased from 70PD preoperatively (IQR 50–90) to 1PD postoperatively (IQR 0–15.5), with a success rate of 69%. Performing concurrent superior oblique muscle tenotomy (SOT) was independently associated with success (p=0.001). Technical challenges occurred in 30% of cases, independently associated with a history of ipsilateral strabismus surgery (p=0.01). Eleven per cent of patients had vision-threatening complications, independently associated with more posterior placement of the split lateral rectus (LR) muscle (p<0.001), and most commonly transient serous choroidal effusion. Surgical placement of the split LR muscle within 4.25 mm of the medial rectus (MR) muscle insertionreducedthis risk.

Conclusion

NTSLR significantly improved primary position alignment altered by 3rd-nerve palsy. Concurrent SOT and placement of the split LR muscle ≤4.25 mm posterior to the MR muscle insertion optimised outcomes. NTSLR proved technically challenging when prior ipsilateral strabismus surgery had been performed.
Venous tortuosity as a novel biomarker of rupture risk in arteriovenous malformations: ARI score
Authors: Mosteiro Alejandra , Pedrosa Leire , Torne Ramón , Rodríguez-Hernández Ana , Amaro Sergi , Reyes Luis A , Hoyos Jhon A , San Roman Luis , de Riva Nicolás , Domínguez Carlos J , Enseñat Joaquim
Published: December 2021

Background

Risk of rupture in arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) varies considerably among series. Hemodynamic factors, especially within the venous side of the circuit, seem to be responsible but are not yet well defined. We analyzed tortuosity in the draining vein as a potential new marker of rupture in AVMs, and propose a simple index to predict AVM bleeding.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the venous angioarchitecture of brain AVMs was carried out at our center from 2013 to 2021, with special attention to venous tortuosity. After univariate analysis, the features of interest were combined to construct several predictive models using multivariate logistic regression. The best model proposed was the new AVM rupture index (ARI), which was then validated in an independent cohort.

Results

68 AVMs were included in the first step and 32 in the validation cohort. Venous tortuosity, expressed as at least one curve >180°, was a significant predictor of rupture (p=0.023). The proposed bleeding index consisted of: venous tortuosity (any curve of >180°), single draining vein, and paraventricular/infratentorial location. It seems to be a robust evaluation tool, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.806 (95% CI 0.714 to 0.899), consistently replicated in the independent sample (AUROC 0.759 (95% CI 0.607 to 0.911)), and with an inter-rater kappa coefficient of 0.81 .

Conclusions

Venous tortuosity may serve as a predictor of bleeding in AVMs that warrants further investigation. This likely new marker was one of the three elements of the proposed ARI. ARI outperformed the predictive accuracy of previous scores, and remained consistent in an independent cohort.
Coal mine dust lung disease in miners killed in the Upper Big Branch disaster: a review of lung pathology and contemporary respirable dust levels in underground US coal mines
Authors: Go Leonard H T , Green Francis H Y , Abraham Jerrold L , Churg Andrew , Petsonk Edward L , Cohen Robert A
Published: December 2021

Objectives

In 2010, 29 coal miners died due to an explosion at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine in West Virginia, USA. Autopsy examinations of 24 individuals with evaluable lung tissue identified 17 considered to have coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). The objectives of this study were to characterise histopathological findings of lung tissue from a sample of UBB fatalities and better understand the respirable dust concentrations experienced by these miners at UBB relative to other US coal mines.

Methods

Occupational pulmonary pathologists evaluated lung tissue specimens from UBB fatalities for the presence of features of pneumoconiosis. Respirable dust and quartz samples submitted for regulatory compliance from all US underground coal mines prior to the disaster were analysed.

Results

Families of seven UBB fatalities provided consent for the study. Histopathologic evidence of CWP was found in all seven cases. For the USA, central Appalachia and UBB, compliance dust samples showed the geometric mean for respirable dust was 0.468, 0.420 and 0.518 mg/m3, respectively, and respirable quartz concentrations were 0.030, 0.038 and 0.061 mg/m3. After adjusting for quartz concentrations, UBB exceeded the US permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable dust in 28% of samples.

Conclusions

Although higher than average respirable dust and quartz levels were observed at UBB, over 200 US underground coal mines had higher dust concentrations than UBB and over 100 exceeded the PEL more frequently. Together with lung histopathological findings among UBB fatalities, these data suggest exposures leading to CWP in the USA are more prevalent than previously understood.
Cohort study of the APACHE II score and mortality for different types of intensive care unit patients
Authors: Sungono Veli , Hariyanto Hori , Soesilo Tri Edhi Budhi , Adisasmita Asri C , Syarif Syahrizal , Lukito Antonia Anna , Widysanto Allen , Puspitasari Vivien , Tampubolon Oloan Eduard , Sutrisna Bambang , Sudaryo Mondastri Korib
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Find the discriminant and calibration of APACHE II (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation) score to predict mortality for different type of intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

This is a cohort retrospective study using secondary data of ICU patients admitted to Siloam Hospital of Lippo Village from 2014 to 2018 with minimum age ≥17 years. The analysis uses the receiver operating characteristic curve, student t-test and logistic regression to find significant variables needed to predict mortality.

Results

A total of 2181 ICU patients: men (55.52%) and women (44.48%) with an average age of 53.8 years old and length of stay 3.92 days were included in this study. Patients were admitted from medical emergency (30.5%), neurosurgical (52.1%) and surgical (17.4%) departments, with 10% of mortality proportion. Patients admitted from the medical emergency had the highest average APACHE score, 23.14±8.5, compared with patients admitted from neurosurgery 15.3±6.6 and surgical 15.8±6.8. The mortality rate of patients from medical emergency (24.5%) was higher than patients from neurosurgery (3.5%) or surgical (5.3%) departments. Area under curve of APACHE II score showed 0.8536 (95% CI 0.827 to 0.879). The goodness of fit Hosmer-Lemeshow show p=0.000 with all ICU patients’ mortality; p=0.641 with medical emergency, p=0.0001 with neurosurgical and p=0.000 with surgical patients.

Conclusion

APACHE II has a good discriminant for predicting mortality among ICU patients in Siloam Hospital but poor calibration score. However, it demonstrates poor calibration in neurosurgical and surgical patients while demonstrating adequate calibration in medical emergency patients.
Multicenter study evaluating factors associated with treatment outcome for low back pain injections
Authors: Cohen Steven P , Doshi Tina L , Kurihara Connie , Reece David , Dolomisiewicz Edward , Phillips Christopher R , Dawson Timothy , Jamison David , Young Ryan , Pasquina Paul F
Published: December 2021

Background

There has been a worldwide surge in interventional procedures for low back pain (LBP), with studies yielding mixed results. These data support the need for identifying outcome predictors based on unique characteristics in a pragmatic setting.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated the association between over two dozen demographic, clinical and technical factors on treatment outcomes for three procedures: epidural steroid injections (ESIs) for sciatica, and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injections and facet interventions for axial LBP. The primary outcome was change in patient-reported average pain intensity on a numerical rating scale (average NRS-PI) using linear regression. For SIJ injections and facet radiofrequency ablation, this was average LBP score at 1 and 3 months postprocedure, respectively. For ESI, it was average leg pain 1- month postinjection. Secondary outcomes included a binary indicator of treatment response (success).

Results

346 patients were enrolled at seven hospitals. All groups experienced a decrease in average NRS-PI (p<0.0001; mean 1.8±2.6). There were no differences in change in average NRS-PI among procedural groups (p=0.50). Lower baseline pain score (adjusted coefficient −0.32, 95% CI −0.48 to −0.16, p<0.0001), depressive symptomatology (adjusted coefficient 0.076, 95% CI 0.039 to 0.113, p<0.0001) and obesity (adjusted coefficient 0.62, 95% CI 0.038 to 1.21, p=0.037) were associated with smaller pain reductions. For procedural outcome, depression (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91, 0.97, p<0.0001) and poorer baseline function (adjusted OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36, 0.96, p=0.034) were associated with failure. Smoking, sleep dysfunction and non-organic signs were associated with negative outcomes in univariate but not multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Identifying treatment responders is a critical endeavor for the viability of procedures in LBP. Patients with greater disease burden, depression and obesity are more likely to fail interventions. Steps to address these should be considered before or concurrent with procedures as considerations dictate.

Trial registration number

NCT02329951.
Effects of different planting configurations and clones on biomass and carbon storage of a 12-year-old poplar ecosystem in southern China
Authors: Qian Zhuangzhuang , Ge Xiaomin , Bai Yunxia , Tian Ye , Zhuang Shunyao , Fang Shengzuo , Tang Luozhong
Published: December 2021

The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of two densities (278 stems·ha−1 with two spacings of 6 m × 6 m or 4.5 m × 8 m, 400 stems·ha−1 with two spacings of 5 m × 5 m or 3 m × 8 m) and three poplar clones (NL95, NL895, and NL797) on productivity and carbon (C) sequestration of poplar ecosystems. The results showed that planting density significantly affected the biomass of a single tree. The mean tree biomass of clone NL95 was higher in all spacings than that of the other clones, with a significant difference for the 6 m × 6 m spacing. The biomass of poplar trees ranged from 78.9 to 110.3 Mg·ha−1, with the highest tree biomass observed in the square configuration. Soil C concentration (0–100 cm) increased after 12 years of management. Soil C storage ranged from 138.1 to 164.3 Mg C·ha−1, and the highest soil C storage was in the NL797 poplar plantation with 6 m × 6 m spacing. Our results suggested that clones NL95 and NL797 should be chosen for planting, with a planting density of 278 stems·ha−1 and spacing of 6 m × 6 m.
A Comparison between Term-Independence Retrieval Models for Ad Hoc Retrieval
Authors: Dang Edward Kai Fung , Luk Robert Wing Pong , Allan James
Published: December 2021

In Information Retrieval, numerous retrieval models or document ranking functions have been developed in the quest for better retrieval effectiveness. Apart from some formal retrieval models formulated on a theoretical basis, various recent works have applied heuristic constraints to guide the derivation of document ranking functions. While many recent methods are shown to improve over established and successful models, comparison among these new methods under a common environment is often missing. To address this issue, we perform an extensive and up-to-date comparison of leading term-independence retrieval models implemented in our own retrieval system. Our study focuses on the following questions: (RQ1) Is there a retrieval model that consistently outperforms all other models across multiple collections; (RQ2) What are the important features of an effective document ranking function? Our retrieval experiments performed on several TREC test collections of a wide range of sizes (up to the terabyte-sized Clueweb09 Category B) enable us to answer these research questions. This work also serves as a reproducibility study for leading retrieval models. While our experiments show that no single retrieval model outperforms all others across all tested collections, some recent retrieval models, such as MATF and MVD, consistently perform better than the common baselines.
Analysis of the Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Factors Influencing the Freight Network in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Huang Shumin , Huang Yin , Zhang Xiaofan , Sheng Sishi , Mao Lisha , Huang Xiangni , Liu Runda , Huang Biao
Published: December 2021

The study uses python software to crawl O-D big data on the freight information platform and construct a frequency matrix based on freight connections between cities, then forming a freight network. There are 31 cities in the middle reaches of the Yangtze river that form the subject of the research. The study adopts the methods of the node degree, community analysis, network motif analysis, and multielement regression analysis to assess the differences of the spatio-temporal evolution and factors influencing the freight network in 2014 and 2018. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1) the freight network has experienced a change in pattern from “island” to “radial,” and the tightness of the freight network is strengthened. (2) The circulation accumulation of elements causes the change of node degree to have a high tendency of agglomeration of capital and central cities. (3) The phenomenon of “enclave freight” and “freight union” exists in the inner-city group, but the “freight alliance” formed by the “enclave” is relatively loose. (4) With the increase in the scale of the freight network, the module characteristics are gradually simplified. (5) Science and technology run through the entire process of the formation and development of the urban freight network.
Constitutive Model of N15 Propellant considering the Confining Pressure Effect
Authors: Li Tianpeng , Han Junli , Wang Shixin , He Yong , Chen Xiong , Lu Bang
Published: December 2021

To describe the effect of confining pressure on the mechanical responses of N15 propellant, a constitutive model considering the confining pressure effect was first established for N15 propellant based on the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle. Then, the mechanical properties of N15 solid propellant under different confining pressures were obtained using confining pressure test system, and the obtained results indicate that the initial modulus of propellant did not change with confining pressure, but the maximum tensile strength, rupture strength, the maximum elongation, and elongation at break increased with increasing confining pressure. In conjunction with propellants’ mesoscopic structure and cross-section analysis, the mechanical mechanism of confining pressure effect on propellant was initially disclosed. Due to confining pressure, the particle dewetting inside the propellant was reduced, the hole propagation was delayed, and crack extension inhibited germination, proving that confining pressure has a strengthening impact on the propellant. Finally, assuming that the model parameters were dependent on pressure, the model parameters acquisition and validation were conducted. The results demonstrated that constitutive model can describe confining pressure influence on the mechanical properties of N15 propellant accurately.
Research on the New Model of Aerobics Physical Education under the Background of Artificial Intelligence Era
Authors: Liu Yi
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate and analyze the use of a new model of teaching physical education in higher learning institutions. Most traditional methods entail the instructor-based approach, which might not be appropriate to derive all the benefits and restore sanity in college and university students’ health status. A new model is thus imminent that will be able to place the student at the center of the entire activity. Self-motivation is the most critical intrapersonal skill needed to ensure continual improvement. Developing a model that will oversee the development of self-motivation is thus essential. In this study, future research was conducted based on the previous literature on the best model for PE. The acquired data were then presented graphically, discussions were derived, and conclusions were ensued.
Mutagenesis and Identification of Sugarcane Mutants Using Survival on Polyethylene Glycol and Leaf Damage under Managed Water Stress
Authors: Weksanthia Napa , Chaisan Tanapon , Wannarat Wannasiri , Chotchutima Songyos , Jompuk Peeranuch
Published: December 2021

Drought causes severe damage to sugarcane, reducing its product yield. Given Thailand’s weather conditions and topography, a breeding program to develop new sugarcane genotypes with a high tolerance for water stress is important to the sugarcane industry. This study created new water stress tolerant sugarcane genotypes using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis in the sugarcane cultivar Khon Kaen 3. Using 16 mM of EMS for 4 h induced callus mutagenesis (survival rate, 57.5%). The survival rates of calli treated with 10 mM of EMS for 2 and 4 h in selective media with 15% PEG were higher than that of non-EMS-treated calli. The selected calli survived and grew on selective media with 20% PEG, while non-EMS-treated calli did not grow. The mutant plantlets developed from EMS-treated calli on selective media with 20% PEG for 4 weeks had varying survival rates: 72.25% (10 mM of EMS for 2 h), 75.85% (10 mM of EMS for 4 h), and 60.61% (16 mM of EMS for 4 h). Both healthy mutant sugarcane plants (2,086) and non-mutant plants (234) were cultured on the media with 20% PEG for 16 weeks. Of these, 462 mutant sugarcane plantlets survived and developed on the media, but all the non-mutant sugarcane plantlets died during the selection process. Mutagenesis induced using treatment 4 produced the highest frequency of mutant sugarcane plantlets with water-stress tolerance (45.5%). In total, 136 selected mutant sugarcane plants were transplanted to a greenhouse for evaluation under managed water stress. Fourteen mutant sugarcane plants stayed green after the third cycle of water stress, but the KK3 sugarcane cultivar showed damage on 50% of the leaves. Thus, EMS mutagenesis and evaluation using in vitro and greenhouse methods were successful in developing new sugarcane clones with high water-stress tolerance, which is important for sugarcane breeding programs.
Overweight and Obesity, Body Fat, Waist Circumference, and Anemia in Peruvian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Quiliche Castañeda Ruth B. , Turpo-Chaparro Josué , Torres Jesús Hanco , Saintila Jacksaint , Ruiz Mamani Percy G.
Published: December 2021

The university represents a critical space for students in terms of prevalence of malnutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (% BF), waist circumference (WC), and anemia in university students. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2,285 university students from Lima, Peru. The sample was selected by nonprobability convenience sampling. Anthropometric data and hemoglobin levels were measured. The Chi-square test was used. The analysis of the associated factors was done using binary logistic regression. A significance level of 5% was considered. There were no significant differences between men and women in BMI (

p
>
0.05

). The men presented significantly high and very high levels of % BF (

p
<
0.001

). The proportion of women who presented anemia and high and very high WC was significantly higher compared to men (

p
<
0.001

). Being older than 27 years (ORB = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.19–3.6), being male (ORB = 2.68; 95% CI = 2.02–3.55), studying at the engineering faculty (ORB = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.09–1.79), having excess body fat (ORB = 8.17; 95% CI = 6.13–10.87), and having an elevated WC (ORB = 35.51; 95% CI = 25.06–50.33) significantly predicted overweight/obesity. The findings of this study suggest that college students, especially males and those who are not enrolled in health sciences colleges, should be a priority in healthy lifestyle interventions, particularly nutritional education programs, to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Groundwater Potential Assessment Using Vertical Electrical Sounding and Magnetic Methods: A Case of Adilo Catchment, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional Government, Ethiopia
Authors: Markos Mulugeta , Saka Abel , Jule Leta Tesfaye , Nagaprasad N. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: December 2021

Vertical electrical sounding and magnetic methods were carried out to assess groundwater potential in Adilo catchment, Kembata Tembaro Zone, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional Government, Main Ethiopian Rift. The data were acquired from eight VES points using Schlumberger electrode arrays with maximum half current electrode spacing (

AB

/
2
=
500

) and 253 magnetic data points were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of VES data was accomplished by using curves, apparent resistivity, and pseudodepths, and the quantitative interpretations of the VES data were constructed by the VES data using IPI-Res3, IPI2Win, and surfer software and constructing geoelectric section along with profiles and lithological information from the borehole and Geosoft interpretation was used for magnetic data. The VES results of the data revealed five geoelectric layers which differ in degree of fracturing, weathering, and formation. The upward continued magnetic field map anomaly to 560 m illustrated northwestern to the southwest; areas have a low magnetic anomaly. Examining the potential aquifer of profile one’s geoelectric section, the horizons of layer four were better potential aquifers as the highly fractured and weathered ignimbrite zone of layer five of VES13 was 219 m deeper than the depths of the other VES points, and along with profile two geoelectric sections, the horizon of layer four VES23 layer five has the lowest resistivity with large thickness at a depth of 253 m. Thus, the low resistivity and the large thickness of these formations are an indication of the high yield of groundwater potential in the study area.
Use of the Human Walking Gait Cycle for Assistive Torque Generation for the Hip Joint Exoskeleton
Authors: Analia Riska , Hong Jan , Mangkey Joshua , Susanto  , Pamungkas Daniel , Soebhakti Hendawan , Sani Abdullah
Published: December 2021

The development of an assistive robot to assist human beings in walking normally is a difficult task. One of the main challenges lies in understanding the intention to walk, as an initial phase before walking commences. In this work, we classify the human gait cycle based on data from an inertial moment unit sensor and information on the angle of the hip joint and use the results as initial signals to produce a suitable assistive torque for a lower limb exoskeleton. A neural network module is used as a prediction module to identify the intention to walk based on the gait cycle. A decision tree method is implemented in our system to generate the assistive torque, and a prediction of the human gait cycle is used as a reference signal. Real-time experiments are carried out to verify the performance of the proposed method, which can differentiate between various types of walking. The results show that the proposed method is able to predict the intention to walk as an initial phase and is also able to provide an assistive torque based on the information predicted for this phase.
Pregnant Women and Malaria Preventive Measures: A Case of Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Rauf
Published: December 2021

Background. In Saharan Africa, an estimated 25 million pregnancies are all at risk of malaria every year, with substantial morbidity and death effects for both the mother and the fetus. Aim. To investigate the use of malaria preventive measures among pregnant women patronizing antenatal services of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Methodology. This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 250 participants. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Graphs and tables were used to present the study data. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square use to determine the relationships and binary logistics regression used for identification of predictor variables. Results. The mean age of the study participants was 30.0 ± 4.5 years and most of them (73.0%) were within the age group of 25–35 years. Respondents’ favorable knowledge, a favorable attitude, and favorable practice were 78.0%, 62.0%, and 57.6%, respectively. And the following variables were associated with malaria preventive practice: age of the respondent (X2 = 6.276,

P
=
0.043

), religion (X2 = 6.904,

P
=
0.032

), level of education (X2 = 41.482,

P
<
0.001

), employment status (X2 = 20.533,

P
<
0.001

), monthly income (X2 = 21.838,

P
<
0.001

), and attitude level towards malaria prevention (X2 = 35.885,

P
<
0.001

). Further analysis revealed educational level and attitude level as predictors of malaria preventive practice. Conclusion. This study recorded favorable knowledge, attitude, and practice with regards to malaria prevention among more than half of the study participants.
On the Limit Cycles for a Class of Perturbed Fifth-Order Autonomous Differential Equations
Authors: Sellami Nabil , Mellal Romaissa , Cherif Bahri Belkacem , Idris Sahar Ahmed
Published: December 2021

We study the limit cycles of the fifth-order differential equation

x

⋅
⋅
⋅
⋅
⋅

−
e

x
⃜

−
d

x
⃛

−
c

x
¨

−
b

x
˙

−
a
x
=
ε
F

x
,

x
˙

,

x
¨

,

x
⋯

,

x
⃜

with

a
=
λ
μ
δ
,
b
=
−

λ
μ
+
λ
δ
+
μ
δ

,
c
=
λ
+
μ
+
δ
+
λ
μ
δ
,
d
=
−

1
+
λ
μ
+
λ
δ
+
μ
δ

,
e
=
λ
+
μ
+
δ
,

where

ε

is a small enough real parameter,

λ
,
μ

, and

δ

are real parameters, and

F
∈

C

2

is a nonlinear function. Using the averaging theory of first order, we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of limit cycles of this equation.
Eye Movement Signal Classification for Developing Human-Computer Interface Using Electrooculogram
Authors: Thilagaraj M. , Dwarakanath B. , Ramkumar S. , Karthikeyan K. , Prabhu A. , Saravanakumar Gurusamy , Rajasekaran M. Pallikonda , Arunkumar N.
Published: December 2021

Human-computer interfaces (HCI) allow people to control electronic devices, such as computers, mouses, wheelchairs, and keyboards, by bypassing the biochannel without using motor nervous system signals. These signals permit communication between people and electronic-controllable devices. This communication is due to HCI, which facilitates lives of paralyzed patients who do not have any problems with their cognitive functioning. The major plan of this study is to test out the feasibility of nine states of HCI by using modern techniques to overcome the problem faced by the paralyzed. Analog Digital Instrument T26 with a five-electrode system was used in this method. Voluntarily twenty subjects participated in this study. The extracted signals were preprocessed by applying notch filter with a range of 50 Hz to remove the external interferences; the features were extracted by applying convolution theorem. Afterwards, extracted features were classified using Elman and distributed time delay neural network. Average classification accuracy with 90.82% and 90.56% was achieved using two network models. The accuracy of the classifier was analyzed by single-trial analysis and performances of the classifier were observed using bit transfer rate (BTR) for twenty subjects to check the feasibility of designing the HCI. The achieved results showed that the ERNN model has a greater potential to classify, identify, and recognize the EOG signal compared with distributed time delay network for most of the subjects. The control signal generated by classifiers was applied as control signals to navigate the assistive devices such as mouse, keyboard, and wheelchair activities for disabled people.
Numerical Approaches of the Generalized Time-Fractional Burgers’ Equation with Time-Variable Coefficients
Authors: Vieru Dumitru , Fetecau Constantin , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: December 2021

The generalized time-fractional, one-dimensional, nonlinear Burgers equation with time-variable coefficients is numerically investigated. The classical Burgers equation is generalized by considering the generalized Atangana-Baleanu time-fractional derivative. The studied model contains as particular cases the Burgers equation with Atangana-Baleanu, Caputo-Fabrizio, and Caputo time-fractional derivatives. A numerical scheme, based on the finite-difference approximations and some integral representations of the two-parameter Mittag-Leffler functions, has been developed. Numerical solutions of a particular problem with initial and boundary values are determined by employing the proposed method. The numerical results are plotted to compare solutions corresponding to the problems with time-fractional derivatives with different kernels.
HMBI: A New Hybrid Deep Model Based on Behavior Information for Fake News Detection
Authors: Xing Jian , Wang Shupeng , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ding Yu
Published: December 2021

Fake news can cause widespread and tremendous political and social influence in the real world. The intentional misleading of fake news makes the automatic detection of fake news an important and challenging problem, which has not been well understood at present. Meanwhile, fake news can contain true evidence imitating the true news and present different degrees of falsity, which further aggravates the difficulty of detection. On the other hand, the fake news speaker himself provides rich social behavior information, which provides unprecedented opportunities for advanced fake news detection. In this study, we propose a new hybrid deep model based on behavior information (HMBI), which uses the social behavior information of the speaker to detect fake news more accurately. Specifically, we model news content and social behavior information simultaneously to detect the degrees of falsity of news. The experimental analysis on real‐world data shows that the detection accuracy of HMBI is increased by 10.41% on average, which is the highest of the existing model. The detection accuracy of fake news exceeds 50% for the first time.