bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power of a Snapshot Observation: Using iNaturalist To Teach Undergraduates about Ethograms in Animal Behavior
Authors: Unger Shem
Published: December 2022

Engaging undergraduate biology majors may present challenges for educators disseminating science concepts utilizing standard lecture classroom formats. Moreover, animal behavior courses teaching ethology may often require the use of live animals, field excursions, or students having to develop projects which can be both time-consuming or require financial investment, or that may not be well-suited to the flexibility of being taught online.
Increased Proportion of Fiber-Degrading Microbes and Enhanced Cecum Development Jointly Promote Host To Digest Appropriate High-Fiber Diets
Authors: Pu Guang , Hou Liming , Du Taoran , Zhou Wuduo , Liu Chenxi , Niu Peipei , Wu Chengwu , Bao Wenbin , Huang Ruihua , Li Pinghua
Published: December 2022

Although studies about the effects of dietary fiber on fiber digestion and intestinal microbiota of pigs were widely in progress, few studies have been conducted on the dynamic response of intestinal microbiota to dietary fiber levels, and the characteristics of intestinal microbiota and intestinal epithelial development adapted to high-fiber diet s were still unclear. Appropriate high fiber promoted the thickness of large intestine wall, increased the density of cecal goblet cells, and promoted the renewal of cecal epithelial cells.
Multiple Receptors Contribute to the Attractive Response of Caenorhabditis elegans to Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Cheng Wanli , Xue Hua , Yang Xue , Huang Dian , Cai Minmin , Huang Feng , Zheng Longyu , Peng Donghai , Thomashow Linda S. , Weller David M. , Yu Ziniu , Zhang Jibin
Published: December 2022

Nematodes feed on nontoxic bacteria as a food resource and avoid toxic bacteria; they distinguish them through their volatile metabolites. However, the mechanism of how nematodes recognize bacteria by volatile metabolites is not fully understood.
Novel Affibody Molecules Specifically Bind to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Efficiently Neutralize Delta and Omicron Variants
Authors: Du Wangqi , Jiang Peipei , Li Qingfeng , Wen He , Zheng Maolin , Zhang Jing , Guo Yanru , Yang Jia , Feng Weixu , Ye Sisi , Kamara Saidu , Jiang Pengfei , Chen Jun , Li Wenshu , Zhu Shanli , Zhang Lifang
Published: December 2022

SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are threatening the whole world. Although a full dose of vaccine injection showed great preventive effects and monoclonal antibody reagents have also been used for a specific treatment, the global pandemic persists.
Adherence of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae to Cells and Substrates of the Airway Is Differentially Regulated by Individual ModA Phasevarions
Authors: Garai Preeti , Atack John M. , Wills Brandon M. , Jennings Michael P. , Bakaletz Lauren O. , Brockman Kenneth L.
Published: December 2022

Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) is a predominant pathogen of the human airway that causes respiratory infections such as otitis media (OM) and exacerbations in the lungs of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to the lack of a licensed vaccine against NTHi and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, it is extremely challenging to target NTHi for treatment.
Charge-orbital Ordering, Magnetic State, and Exchange Couplings in Quasi-One-Dimensional Vanadate V6O13
Authors: Leonov I. V.
Published: December 2022

Charge and orbital ordering, magnetic state, and exchange couplings in quasi-one-dimensional vanadate V6O13, a potential cathode material for Li-ion batteries, are investigated using the density functional theory with Coulomb interaction correction method (DFT + U). While the difference between $${{t}_{{2g}}}$$ orbital occupancies of V4+ (with a nominal $$3{{d}^{1}}$$ electronic configuration) and V5+ ions is large and gives direct evidence for charge and orbital ordering, the screening is so effective that the total $$3d$$ charge disproportionation is rather small. Our results show that the occupied $${{t}_{{2g}}}$$ states of V4+ ions in the single V–V layer form a spin-singlet molecular orbital, while the rest half of V4+ ions in the structurally distinct double V–V layers order antiferromagnetically in the low-temperature insulating phase of V6O13. We conclude that the metal-insulator transition and low-temperature magnetic properties of V6O13 involve the spin-Peierls transition assisted by orbital ordering and concomitant distortions of the crystal structure.
Topological Josephson Junction in Transverse Magnetic Field
Authors: Backens S. , Shnirman A. , Makhlin Yu.
Published: December 2022

We consider Majorana zero modes in a Josephson junction on top of a topological insulator in transverse magnetic field. Majorana zero modes reside at periodically located nodes of Josephson vortices. We find that hybridization of these modes is prohibited by symmetries of the problem at vanishing chemical potential, which ensures better protection of zero modes and yields methods to control the tunnel coupling between Majorana modes for quantum information processing applications.
Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis mimicking herpetic encephalomyelitis in a liver transplant patient with anti-GQ1b antibodies
Authors: Bhatia Sehajdev Singh , Canepa Carlo , Notarianni Asha
Published: December 2022

A woman in her late 70s with a history of liver transplant presented with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, areflexia, positive Babinski’s sign and reduced consciousness. This followed an antecedent illness in the form of a herpes zoster infection. MRI of the brain/spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid analysis with viral PCR and routine blood tests were normal, and tacrolimus neurotoxicity was ruled out. Serum anti-GQ1b antibodies were positive. A diagnosis of Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis was made, forming part of the continuum that involves Miller-Fisher syndrome, entitled the ‘anti-GQ1b syndrome’. Complete recovery ensued without intravenous immunoglobulins or plasma exchange. The role of monitoring anti-ganglioside pattern change to predict or confirm disease recurrence and disease severity is further discussed.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy 10 years following transplant: 5HT receptor antagonism as an adjunct to immune reconstitution
Authors: Chandler Shaun , Isbel Nicole
Published: December 2022

We report a case of a patient presenting with subacute neurological symptoms 10 years postkidney transplant. Cognitive deficits included acalculia and left upper limb dysesthesia, progressing to hemiplegic upper motor neuron weakness. Investigations included an MRI with multiple FLAIR hyperintensities, while a lumbar puncture was sterile with negative flow cytometry. Ultimately, PCR testing for John Cunningham virus was positive on cerebrospinal fluid. The diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was confirmed on the basis of the above.

Initially, the patient was managed with withdrawal of immunosuppressants and close observation. Mirtazapine was commenced based on case reports of successful use in non-transplant patients; the patient’s recovery was temporally related to withdrawal of immunosuppression and increasing mirtazapine dosage. The patient is currently maintained on prednisolone and mirtazapine with stable graft function and improved mobility and cognitive function.
Concussion increases within-player injury risk in male professional rugby union
Authors: Moore Isabel S , Bitchell Charlotte Leah , Vicary Danielle , Rafferty James , Robson Ben Charles , Mathema Prabhat
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To assess within-player change in injury risk and between-player subsequent injury risk associated with concussive and common non-concussive injuries in professional rugby union.

Methods

This prospective cohort study in Welsh professional male rugby union analysed within-player and between-player injury risk for five common injuries: concussion, thigh haematoma, hamstring muscle strain, lateral ankle sprain and acromioclavicular joint sprain. Survival models quantified within-player injury risk by comparing precommon (before) injury risk to postcommon (after) injury risk, whereas between-player subsequent injury risk was quantified by comparing players who had sustained one of the common injuries against those who had not sustained the common injury. HRs and 95% CIs were calculated. Specific body area and tissue type were also determined for new injuries.

Results

Concussion increased the within-player overall injury risk (HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.42)), elevating head/neck (HR 1.47 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.83)), pelvic region (HR 2.32 (95% CI 1.18 to 4.54)) and neurological (HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.76)) injury risk. Lateral ankle sprains decreased within-player injury risk (HR 0.77 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.97)), reducing head/neck (HR 0.60 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.91)), upper leg and knee (HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.81)), joint and ligament (HR 0.72 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.99)) and neurological (HR 0.55 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.91)) injury risk. Concussion (HR 1.24 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.40)), thigh haematomas (HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.34)) and hamstring muscle strains (HR 1.14 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.29)) increased between-player subsequent injury risk.

Conclusion

Elevated within-player injury risk was only evident following concussive injuries, while lateral ankle sprains reduced the risk. Both concussion and ankle injuries altered head/neck and neurological injury risk, but in opposing directions. Understanding why management of ankle sprains might be effective, while current concussion management is not at reducing such risks may help inform concussion return to play protocols.
Metformin modulates the gut microbiome in a mice model of high-fat diet-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder
Authors: Wu Haoran , Wang Xinmiao , Fang Xinyi , Lian Fengmei , Li Min , Liao Jiangquan , Dai Dan , Tian Jiaxing
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Metformin (MET) can regulate glucose and lipid levels, and the gut microbiota may be involved in the control of metabolism. We hypothesized that MET alleviates glucolipid metabolism disorder by modulating gut microbiota and microbial metabolites.

Research design and methods

A total of 24 male C57BL/6 J mice were equally divided into three groups (normal control, model control (MC), and MET-treated groups). Model mice were established by feeding a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. The MET-treated group was administered MET solution (2.5 g/100 mL, 250 mg/kg). Fecal samples were collected to characterize the microbiota system using metagenomic shotgun sequencing and gas chromatography–time of flight–mass spectrometry analysis. Phenotypic and biochemical indices were obtained for further correlation analysis.

Results

Compared with the MC group, MET reduced the levels of weight, glucose, areas under the glucose curve in the glucose tolerance test, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC). A decreasing abundance of bacteria, includingParabacteroides distasonis, and an increasing abundance of bacteria, includingBacteroides vulgatus, were observed in the MET-treated group. The 2-deoxytetronic acid declined after MET intervention and was positively correlated with species over-represented in the MC group and negatively correlated with species enriched in the MET-treated group. Additionally, species enriched in the MET-treated group negatively correlated with glucose, areas under the glucose curve in the glucose tolerance test, and TGs. Further, the correlation between the differential metabolites, which decreased after MET intervention, and the phenotypic indices was positive.

Conclusions

MET-induced restoration of intestinal homeostasis correlates with the amelioration of host glucolipid metabolism.
External validation of the risk prediction model for early diabetic kidney disease in Taiwan population: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Zhenzhen , Wang Kun , Miller Joshua D , Yuan Xiaodan , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Lou Qingqing
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aims to independently and externally validate the Risk Prediction Model for Diabetic Kidney Disease (RPM-DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient clinics at Lee’s United Clinics, Taiwan, China.

Participants

A total of 2504 patients (average age 55.44 years, SD, 7.49 years) and 4455 patients (average age 57.88 years, SD, 8.80 years) were included for analysis in the DKD prediction and progression prediction cohorts, respectively.

Exposure

The predicted risk for DKD and DKD progression for each patient were all calculated using the RPM-DKD.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was overall incidence of DKD. Secondary outcomes included DKD progression. The discrimination, calibration and precision of the RPM-DKD score were assessed.

Results

The DKD prediction cohort and progression prediction cohort consisted of patients with 2504 and 4455 T2DM, respectively. The RPM-DKD examined in this study showed moderately discriminative ability with area under the curve ranged from 0.636 to 0.681 for the occurrence of DKD and 0.620 to 0.654 for the progression of DKD. The Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2test indicted the RPM-DKD was not well calibrated for predicting the occurrence of DKD and overestimated the progression of DKD. The precision for predicting the occurrence and progression of DKD were 43.2% and 42.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

On external validation, the RPM-DKD cannot accurately predict the risk of DKD occurrence and progression in patients with T2DM.
Factors influencing the information behaviour of doctors and nurses in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Northern Cape provinces: a survey study protocol
Authors: Chitha Nombulelo , Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A , Essel Vivien , Funani Itumeleng , Godlimpi Lizo , Swartbooi Buyiswa , Mnyaka Onke , Thabede Jahman , Tshabalala Ruth , Chitha Wezile
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Information is a prerequisite for quality healthcare service. Health professionals play a key role in the health system as they jointly have the responsibility of looking after patients everyday. Failure to use evidence in medicine may lead to medical errors such as incorrect diagnosis and/or mismanagement. Health professionals with access to quality health information can improve health services. This study focuses on the information behaviour of doctors and nurses whose role involves direct patient care.

Methods and analysis

This study will employ a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design. Simple random sampling will be used to identify the provinces and hospitals. Stratified random sampling will be used to select doctors and nurses to whom a validated questionnaire will be administered. The study will use a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data collection will be carried out at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Witbank Hospital, Pietersburg Hospital and Robert Mangaliso Hospital, respectively. Questionnaires are distributed to health professionals in one of two ways. First, by emailing an editable Microsoft word document (questionnaire) to the health professionals to complete and send back. Second, by sharing with the health professionals through WhatsApp or email, an online version of the questionnaire that has been created on Google Forms. Data collection process is scheduled to commence on 14 March 2022 and is expected to end on the 15 September 2022.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (reference: M211013) and Walter Sisulu University Human Research Ethics and Biosafety Committee (reference: 099/2021). Permission to access the health facilities was approved by the Provincial Health Research Committees of the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape. Finally, results will be shared with all key stakeholders, including hospital management, clinical staff, through public presentation and direct engagements with stakeholders.
Relationship between Tai Chi and clinical outcomes in elderly patients with COVID-19: a protocol for systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jinfeng , Wang Yang , He Sheng , Peng Xiao , Wang Chun , Li Na , Liao Yuanpeng
Published: December 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 has posed a serious threat to people worldwide, especially the older adults, since its discovery. Tai Chi as a traditional Chinese exercisethat belongs to traditional Chinese medicine has proven its effectiveness against COVID-19. However, no high-quality evidence is found on the dose–response relationships between Tai Chi and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. This study will evaluate and determine the clinical evidence of Tai Chi as a treatment in elderly patients with COVID-19.

Methods and analysis

The following electronic bibliographical databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database and Wanfang Database will be screened from their inception date to 30 June 2022. All eligible randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials related to Tai Chi for elderly patients with COVID-19 will be included. The primary outcomes are forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio (FEV1%). The secondary outcomes are the time of main symptoms disappearance, length of hospital stay, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1b and tumour necrosis factor-α, and adverse event rate. Two independent reviewers will select the studies, extract the data, and analyse them on EndNote V.X9.0 and Stata V.12.1. The robust error meta-regression model will be used to establish the dose–response relationships between Tai Chi and clinical outcomes. The heterogeneity and variability will be analysed by I2and τ2statistics. Risk of bias, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. The quality of evidence will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, and the risk of bias will be evaluated by using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will review published data; thus, obtaining ethical approval and consent is unnecessary. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022327694.
Changes in signalling from faecal neuroactive metabolites following dietary modulation of IBS pain
Authors: Tuck Caroline J , Abu Omar Amal , De Palma Giada , Osman Samira , Jiménez-Vargas Nestor N , Yu Yang , Bennet Sean MP , Lopez-Lopez Cintya , Jaramillo-Polanco Josue O , Baker Corey C , Bennett Aidan SW , Guzman-Rodriguez Mabel , Tsang Quentin , Alward Taylor , Rolland Sebastien , Morissette Celine , Verdu Elena F , Bercik Premysl , Vanner Stephen J , Lomax Alan E , Reed David E
Published: December 2022

Objective

Dietary therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have received increasing interest but predicting which patients will benefit remains a challenge due to a lack of mechanistic insight. We recently found evidence of a role for the microbiota in dietary modulation of pain signalling in a humanised mouse model of IBS. This randomised cross-over study aimed to test the hypothesis that pain relief following reduced consumption of fermentable carbohydrates is the result of changes in luminal neuroactive metabolites.

Design

IBS (Rome IV) participants underwent four trial periods: two non-intervention periods, followed by a diet low (LFD) and high in fermentable carbohydrates for 3 weeks each. At the end of each period, participants completed questionnaires and provided stool. The effects of faecal supernatants (FS) collected before (IBS FS) and after a LFD (LFD FS) on nociceptive afferent neurons were assessed in mice using patch-clamp and ex vivo colonic afferent nerve recording techniques.

Results

Total IBS symptom severity score and abdominal pain were reduced by the LFD (N=25; p<0.01). Excitability of neurons was increased in response to IBS FS, but this effect was reduced (p<0.01) with LFD FS from pain-responders. IBS FS from pain-responders increased mechanosensitivity of nociceptive afferent nerve axons (p<0.001), an effect lost following LFD FS administration (p=NS) or when IBS FS was administered in the presence of antagonists of histamine receptors or protease inhibitors.

Conclusions

In a subset of IBS patients with improvement in abdominal pain following a LFD, there is a decrease in pronociceptive signalling from FS, suggesting that changes in luminal mediators may contribute to symptom response.
Time to steroids impacts visual outcome of optic neuritis in MOGAD
Authors: Rode Julie , Pique Julie , Maarouf Adil , Ayrignac Xavier , Bourre Bertrand , Ciron Jonathan , Cohen Mikael , Collongues Nicolas , Deschamps Romain , Maillart Elisabeth , Montcuquet Alexis , Papeix Caroline , Ruet Aurelie , Wiertlewski Sandrine , Zephir Helene , Marignier Romain , Audoin Bertrand
Published: December 2022

Background

To characterise the response to treatment of inaugural optic neuritis (ON) in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).

Methods

We searched the French MOGAD database for adults with inaugural ON with a detailed report of acute treatment modalities and measures of high-contrast best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at nadir and after 3 months. Predictors of visual outcomes were assessed by multivariable analysis.

Results

Among 245 patients with at least one episode of ON, 82 fulfilled all criteria, and data on the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) were available for 44. All patients received methylprednisolone (MP), combined with plasma exchange in 18. After 3 months, 75 of 82 (91%) patients retained full BCVA recovery, and median (range) pRNFL of the affected eye was 72 µm (40–102). Failure to regain 0.0 logarithmic minimum angle of resolution vision (Snellen 20/20) at 3 months was associated with time to first MP treatment ≥10 days (OR 16, 95% CI 1.14 to 213, p=0.01). pRNFL thickness after 3 months was related to better BCVA at nadir and time to first MP treatment <10 days (r2=19%, p=0.004 and r2=11%, p=0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

Time to MP affects functional but also structural visual outcomes of ON in MOGAD.
Postdischarge prognostic significance of periprocedural myocardial injury after percutaneous intervention of chronic total occlusion
Authors: Poels Ella , Vanhaverbeke Maarten , van den Buijs Deborah , Cottens Daan , Ameloot Koen , Lesizza Pierluigi , McCutcheon Keir , Bennet Johan , Dens Joseph
Published: December 2022

Background

The postdischarge prognostic implication of periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) remains scarcely studied.

Aims

The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic value of periprocedural myocardial injury, defined by increased high-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) levels according to updated guidelines, after CTO PCI.

Methods

Between September 2011 and April 2020, 726 patients undergoing CTO PCI at 2 Belgian referral centres were prospectively included and divided into 4 groups based on postprocedural hs-TnT levels (unelevated; ≥5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN); ≥35 times the ULN; ≥70 times the ULN). Postprocedural hs-TnT levels were subsequently related to patient and procedural characteristics, 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; excluding in-hospital MACCE) as well as 1-year mortality.

Results

At 1 year follow-up (FU), elevated hs-TnT≥5 times and ≥35 times the ULN were associated with higher MACCE rates (p=0.001; p=0.007, respectively). In addition, they also resulted in a higher 1-year mortality rate (p=0.009;p=0.021, respectively). Patients with increased hs-TnT≥5 times the ULN (35% of patients) more frequently had signs of more advanced atherosclerotic disease (previous CABG p<0.001; stroke p≤0.001 and peripheral vascular disease p<0.001) and had higher procedural complexity (Japanese CTO Score p=<0.001, stent length>48 mm p<0.001, procedure time p<0.001). Antegrade wire escalation did not result in lower event rate of postdischarge MACCE compared with the other CTO crossing techniques combined (p=0.158).

Conclusion

Periprocedural myocardial injury was associated with a significantly higher rate of MACCE and all-cause mortality after 12 months of FU.
Episodic breathlessness in patients with cancer: definition, terminology, clinical features – integrative systematic review
Authors: Julià-Torras Joaquim , Moreno-Alonso Deborah , Porta-Sales Josep , Monforte-Royo Cristina
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Breatlessness flares directly impair quality of life of patients with cancer. The aim of this review was to analyse and synthesise the available information related to its terminology, definition and clinical features in patients with cancer.

Methods

Integrative systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE PubMed, CINAHLPlus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register Controlled Trials CENTRAL, Scopus and OpenAire.

Results

Data from 1065 patients with cancer included in 12 studies were analysed. The preferred term for breathlessness flares was episodic dyspnoea (ED). The reported frequency of ED was 20.4% (70.9% in patients reporting background dyspnoea (BD)). ED intensity was moderate to severe with short duration (<10 min) in >80% of patients. The most common trigger was exertion (>90%) followed by emotional or environmental factors. ED management consisted mainly of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures.

Conclusions

This systematic review shows that ED is common in patients with cancer, especially in those with BD. Further studies are urgently needed to better understand this condition and to develop specific therapeutic management.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019126708.
Impact of waterpipe tobacco taxation on consumption, government revenue and premature deaths averted in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine: a simulation study
Authors: Jawad Mohammed , Awawda Sameera , Abla Ruba , Chalak Ali , Khader Yousef S , Nakkash Rima T , Mostafa Aya , Salloum Ramzi G , Abu-Rmeileh Niveen M E
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Despite the high prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking in the Eastern Mediterranean region, evidence supporting its fiscal measures is limited. We modelled the impact of waterpipe tobacco-specific excise taxes on consumption, government revenue and premature deaths averted in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.

Methods

We developed a simulation model using country-specific and market share-specific price, consumption and price elasticity data from WHO, UN Comtrade and nationally representative surveys. We modelled increases to specific excise taxes to meet a 35.9% tax burden on 20 g of waterpipe tobacco in Lebanon and Jordan, in line with the global average, and to double government revenues from excise duties in Palestine, which has surpassed this average.

Results

Specific excise tax was raised by $1.14 ($0.18–$1.32) in Jordan, $2.41 ($0.03–$2.44) in Lebanon (alongside removal ofad valoremtaxes) and $2.39 ($1.72–$4.11) in Palestine per 20 g of waterpipe tobacco. Government revenue increased by $126.3 million in Jordan, $53.8 million in Lebanon and $162.4 million in Palestine while waterpipes smoked decreased by 32.4% in Jordan, 71.0% in Lebanon and 16.3% in Palestine. The corresponding numbers of premature deaths averted annually were approximately 162 000; 1 000 000; and 52 000.

Discussion

Increases in waterpipe tobacco-specific excise taxes substantially reduce smoking and increase government revenue and averted premature deaths in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. This has positive implications for both public health and financing and should be considered a policy priority.
Prototaxites reinterpreted as mega-rhizomorphs, facilitating nutrient transport in early terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Vajda Vivi , Cavalcante Larissa , Palmgren Kristoffer , Krüger Ashley , Ivarsson Magnus
Published: December 2022

The enigmatic fossil Prototaxites found in successions ranging from the Middle Ordovician to the Upper Devonian was originally described as having conifer affinity. The current debate, however, suggests that they probably represent gigantic algal–fungal symbioses. Our re-investigation of permineralized Prototaxites specimens from two localities, the Heider quarry in Germany and the Bordeaux quarry in Canada, reveals striking anatomical similarities with modern fungal rhizomorphs Armillaria mellea. We analysed extant fungal rhizomorphs and fossil Prototaxites through light microscopy of their anatomy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Based on these comparisons, we interpret the Prototaxites as fungi. The detailed preservation of cell walls and possible organelles seen in transverse sections of Prototaxites reveal that fossilization initiated while the organism was alive, inhibiting the collapse of delicate cellular structures. Prototaxites has been interpreted to grow vertically by many previous workers. Here we propose an alternative view that Prototaxites represents a complex hyphal aggregation (rhizomorph) that may have grown horizontally similar to modern complex aggregated mycelial growth forms, such as cords and rhizomorphs. Their main function was possibly to redistribute water and nutrition from nutrient-rich to nutrient-poor areas facilitating the expansion for early land plant communities.
Effects of Lorentz symmetry breaking environment on generalized relativistic quantum oscillator field
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we study the generalized Klein–Gordon oscillator under the effects of the violation of Lorentz symmetry defined by a tensor field ( KF) μναβ out of the standard model extension. We consider a possible scenario of Lorentz-violating with a Cornell-type potential form electric field and a linear magnetic field that contributes a harmonic-type central potential effects in the quantum motions of oscillator fields. The bound-state solutions of the wave equation using the parametric Nikiforov–Uvarov method by considering Coulomb- and Cornell-type potential form functions are obtained. We see that the eigenvalue solutions get modified by the Lorentz symmetry breaking effects in comparison to the Landau levels (without Lorentz-violation effects in flat space).
The Coverage Problem by Aligned Disks
Authors: Nakano Shin-ichi
Published: December 2022

Given a set [Formula: see text] of points and a horizontal line [Formula: see text] in the plane and a set [Formula: see text] of points on [Formula: see text], we want to find a set of disks such that (1) each disk has the center at a point in [Formula: see text] (but with arbitrary radius), (2) each point in [Formula: see text] is covered by at least one disk, and (3) the cost of the set of disks is minimized. Here the (transmission) cost of a disk with radius [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a positive constant depending on the power consumption model, and the cost of a set of disk is the sum of the cost of disks in the set.

In this paper we first give an algorithm based on dynamic programming method to solve the problem in [Formula: see text] metric. A naive dynamic programming algorithm runs in [Formula: see text] time. We design an algorithm which runs in [Formula: see text] time.

Then we design another algorithm to solve the problem in [Formula: see text] metric based on a reduction to a shortest path problem in a directed acyclic graph. The running time of the algorithm is [Formula: see text].
Web page prediction using adaptive deer hunting with chicken swarm optimization based neural network model
Authors: Gangurde Roshan Anant
Published: December 2022

The world wide web acts as the dominant tool for data transmission due to access such as data retrieving and data transactions. The retrieval of data from the web is a complex procedure due to the large volume of web domain. The basic uses of the websites are described through web usage mining, which mines the weblog records to identify the pattern of accessing the web pages through the user. The web page prediction assists the web users in finding the plot and obtains the information as to their requirements. Several effective algorithms have been developed to mine association rules that make the predictive model more appropriate for web prediction. They can be commonly revised to ensure the changing feature of web access patterns. The Apriori algorithm involves extracting the recurrent itemset and interrelation rule that learns the relational data is commonly utilized for web page prediction. The Apriori algorithm remains the standard model for deriving the patterns and rules from the datasets in co-operative rule extraction. The Apriori algorithm thus generates large mines associated rules for web page prediction. Hence, to select the best rule, the proposed deer hunting rooster-based chicken swarm optimization algorithm is used by integrating the cockerel search agents’ dominating social search creatures’ hunting habits and their traits of looking for food. Further, the neural network (NN) is employed in this research for the prediction of web pages with minimum error. The trained NN is a technique of unsupervised learning that analyzes a dataset of input to produce the desired result, in which the effectiveness of the NN is enhanced by optimal tuning of weight by the adaptive deer hunting rooster-based chicken swarm optimization algorithm. The experimental analysis illustrates that the proposed adaptive deer hunting rooster-based chicken swarm optimization frameworks inherit lower error measures such as mean deviation = 139.89 and symmetric mean absolute percentage error[Formula: see text]0.45579 for the FIFA dataset. The proposed web page prediction models’ L2 norm and infinity norm are 58.017 and 14, respectively, for the MSNBC_SPMF dataset.
The value of integrated core–CT–BHI data in characterizing aeolian dune geometries and effects of cross-cutting deformation bands: implications for permeability architecture
Authors: James Andrea , Bertouche Meriem , Foote Nicolas , Hern Caroline Y.
Published: December 2022

Three-dimensional circumferential CT-scans have transformed how core is described and calibrated with borehole image (BHI) datasets to refine reservoir rock typing and facies description.

This paper focuses on the value of circumferential CT-scans in the assessment of plug and bed-scale heterogeneities. It shows how careful re-orientation and calibration with borehole images can help unravel sandbody geometries and orientation, and the potential effects of cross-cutting deformation bands on permeability architecture and sweep efficiency. This is demonstrated using aeolian-dominated core examples, supported with circumferential CT-scans, minipermeability data, conventional logs and BHI data, taken from the Jurassic Norphlet Formation from producing fields in the Gulf of Mexico. The formation overlies Early Jurassic Louann Salt, and syn-depositional halokinesis significantly influenced depositional accommodation space, facies distribution, and preservation potential. Furthermore, deposition during active salt tectonics has resulted in complex deformation band networks within these clean sandstones.

CT-scan density contrasts highlight stratification types and deformation bands not always visible on slabbed core. Furthermore, BHI re-orientated CT-scans provide high-resolution dip/azimuth data and aid aeolian bedset bounding surface definition, which is important for determining dune geometry and stacking patterns. Hence, an integrated approach using core, circumferential CT-scan and calibrated BHI has been essential for deciphering the complexity of these deposits.
HybridCISave
: A Combined Build and Test Selection Approach in Continuous Integration
Authors: Jin Xianhao , Servant Francisco
Published: December 2022

Continuous Integration (CI) is a popular practice in modern software engineering. Unfortunately, it is also a high-cost practice—Google and Mozilla estimate their CI systems in millions of dollars. To reduce the computational cost in CI, researchers developed approaches to selectively execute builds or tests that are likely to fail (and skip those likely to pass). In this article, we present a novel hybrid technique (
HybridCISave
) to improve on the limitations of existing techniques: to provide higher cost savings and higher safety. To provide higher cost savings,
HybridCISave
combines techniques to predict and skip executions of both full builds that are predicted to pass and partial ones (only the tests in them predicted to pass). To provide higher safety,
HybridCISave
combines the predictions of multiple techniques to obtain stronger certainty before it decides to skip a build or test. We evaluated
HybridCISave
by comparing its effectiveness with the existing build selection techniques over 100 projects and found that it provided higher cost savings at the highest safety. We also evaluated each design decision in
HybridCISave
and found that skipping both full and partial builds increased its cost savings and that combining multiple test selection techniques made it safer.
Approximating Pathwidth for Graphs of Small Treewidth
Authors: Groenland Carla , Joret Gwenaël , Nadara Wojciech , Walczak Bartosz
Published: December 2022

We describe a polynomial-time algorithm which, given a graphGwith treewidtht, approximates the pathwidth ofGto within a ratio of\(O(t\sqrt {\log t})\). This is the first algorithm to achieve anf(t)-approximation for some functionf.

Our approach builds on the following key insight: every graph with large pathwidth has large treewidth or contains a subdivision of a large complete binary tree. Specifically, we show that every graph with pathwidth at leastth+2 has treewidth at leasttor contains a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heighth+1. The boundth+2 is best possible up to a multiplicative constant. This result was motivated by, and implies (withc=2), the following conjecture of Kawarabayashi and Rossman (SODA’18): there exists a universal constantcsuch that every graph with pathwidth Ω(kc) has treewidth at leastkor contains a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heightk.

Our main technical algorithm takes a graphGand some (not necessarily optimal) tree decomposition ofGof widtht′ in the input, and it computes in polynomial time an integerh, a certificate thatGhas pathwidth at leasth, and a path decomposition ofGof width at most (t′+1)h+1. The certificate is closely related to (and implies) the existence of a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heighth. The approximation algorithm for pathwidth is then obtained by combining this algorithm with the approximation algorithm of Feige, Hajiaghayi, and Lee (STOC’05) for treewidth.
A biomechanical response of the esophagus participates in swallowing
Authors: Lang Ivan M. , Medda Bidyut K. , Kern Mark , Shaker Reza
Published: December 2022

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing includes increased circumferential tension of the cervical esophagus during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing (CTPP). The CTPP is a biomechanical response caused by elongation of the esophagus during laryngeal elevation, and is not caused by muscle contraction or mediated by the nervous system. The CTPP may assist in the distal movement of boluses before activation of the esophageal phase of swallowing, and may serve to prevent esophagopharyngeal reflux.
Integral assessment of gas exchange during veno-arterial ECMO: accuracy and precision of a modified Fick principle in a porcine model
Authors: Berger David C. , Zwicker Lena , Nettelbeck Kay , Casoni Daniela , Heinisch Paul Phillipp , Jenni Hansjörg , Haenggi Matthias , Gattinoni Luciano , Bachmann Kaspar F.
Published: December 2022

Assessment of native cardiac output during extracorporeal circulation is challenging. We assessed a modified Fick principle under conditions such as dead space and shunt in 13 anesthetized swine undergoing centrally cannulated veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO, 308 measurement periods) therapy. We assumed that the ratio of carbon dioxide elimination (V̇co2) or oxygen uptake (V̇o2) between the membrane and native lung corresponds to the ratio of respective blood flows. Unequal ventilation/perfusion (V̇/Q̇) ratios were corrected towards unity. Pulmonary blood flow was calculated and compared to an ultrasonic flow probe on the pulmonary artery with a bias of 99 mL/min (limits of agreement −542 to 741 mL/min) with blood content V̇o2 and no-shunt, no-dead space conditions, which showed good trending ability (least significant change from 82 to 129 mL). Shunt conditions led to underestimation of native pulmonary blood flow (bias −395, limits of agreement −1,290 to 500 mL/min). Bias and trending further depended on the gas (O2, CO2) and measurement approach (blood content vs. gas phase). Measurements in the gas phase increased the bias (253 [LoA −1,357 to 1,863 mL/min] for expired V̇o2 bias 482 [LoA −760 to 1,724 mL/min] for expired V̇co2) and could be improved by correction of V̇/Q̇ inequalities. Our results show that common assumptions of the Fick principle in two competing circulations give results with adequate accuracy and may offer a clinically applicable tool. Precision depends on specific conditions. This highlights the complexity of gas exchange in membrane lungs and may further deepen the understanding of V-A ECMO.
Mitoquinone mesylate attenuates pathological features of lean and obese allergic asthma in mice
Authors: Chandrasekaran Ravishankar , Bruno Sierra R. , Mark Zoe F. , Walzer Joseph , Caffry Sarah , Gold Clarissa , Kumar Amit , Chamberlain Nicolas , Butzirus Isabella M. , Morris Carolyn R. , Daphtary Nirav , Aliyeva Minara , Lam Ying-Wai , van der Vliet Albert , Janssen-Heininger Yvonne , Poynter Matthew E. , Dixon Anne E. , Anathy Vikas
Published: December 2022

Obesity is associated with severe, difficult-to-control asthma, and increased airway oxidative stress. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) are an important source of oxidative stress in asthma, leading us to hypothesize that targeting mROS in obese allergic asthma might be an effective treatment. Using a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic airway disease in mice fed a low- (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD), and the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQuinone (MitoQ), we investigated the effects of obesity and ROS on HDM-induced airway inflammation, remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Obese allergic mice showed increased lung tissue eotaxin, airway tissue eosinophilia, and AHR compared with lean allergic mice. MitoQ reduced airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperreactivity in both lean and obese allergic mice, and tissue eosinophilia in obese-allergic mice. Similar effects were observed with decyl triphosphonium (dTPP+), the hydrophobic cationic moiety of MitoQ lacking ubiquinone. HDM-induced oxidative sulfenylation of proteins was increased particularly in HFD mice. Although only MitoQ reduced sulfenylation of proteins involved in protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER stress was attenuated by both MitoQ and dTPP+ suggesting the anti-allergic effects of MitoQ are mediated in part by effects of its hydrophobic dTPP+ moiety reducing ER stress. In summary, oxidative signaling is an important mediator of allergic airway disease. MitoQ, likely through reducing protein oxidation and affecting the UPR pathway, might be effective for the treatment of asthma and specific features of obese asthma.
Time-Enabled and Verifiable Secure Search for Blockchain-Empowered Electronic Health Record Sharing in IoT
Authors: Nie Xueli , Zhang Aiqing , Chen Jindou , Qu Youyang , Yu Shui
Published: December 2022

The collection and sharing of electronic health records (EHRs) via the Internet of Things (IoT) can enhance the accuracy of disease diagnosis. However, it is challenging to guarantee the secure search of EHR during the sharing process. The advent of blockchain is a promising solution to address the issues, owing to its remarkable features such as immutability and anonymity. In this paper, we propose a novel blockchain-based secure sharing system over searchable encryption and hidden data structure via IoT devices. EHR ciphertexts of data owners are stored in the interplanetary file system (IPFS). A user with proper access permissions can search for the desired data with the data owner’s time-bound authorization and verify the authenticity of the search result. After that, the data user can access the relevant EHR ciphertext from IPFS using a symmetric key. The scheme jointly uses searchable encryption and smart contract to realize secure search, time control, verifiable keyword search, fast search, and forward privacy in IoT scenarios. Performance analysis and proof demonstrate that the proposed protocol can satisfy the design goals. In addition, performance evaluation shows the high scalability and feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Spatial Dynamics of a Leslie–Gower Type Predator‐Prey Model with Interval Parameters
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Guo Min , Lan Wangsen , Xu Xiaoxin
Published: December 2022

Due to various imprecisions in nature, imprecise parameters in biological modeling should be taken into account. This paper studies the spatial dynamics of an imprecise prey‐predator model of the Leslie–Gower type by presenting imprecise parameters as interval parameters. First, conditions of Turing instability are obtained via bifurcation analysis and interval‐valued functions. Then, the effects of interval parameters on pattern selection are discussed via multiple‐scale analysis. We discover that when all the parameters of the model are interval parameters, the value of the controlled parameter increases, and the range of the pattern selection domain expands as the value of the interval variable increases, i.e., both the controlled parameter and boundary of the pattern selection domain are interval numbers. Finally, under the effects of the interval parameters of diffusion and the prey’s conversion rate into biomass for the predator, the density of the prey decreases or increases, respectively, and the structure or the microstructure of the pattern of the model changes with the growing value of the interval variable. This paper provides a new perspective on the study of the spatial predator‐prey model.
The Integration of Multimodal Networks: The Generalized Modal Split and Collaborative Optimization of Transportation Hubs
Authors: Cai Yifei , Chen Jun , Lei Da , Yu Jiang
Published: December 2022

Integrated transportation is one of the most important methods to encourage the modal shift from car to public transportation (PT). However, as most cities have an existing multimodal network, it is difficult to expand the current networks by building more PT routes. Thus, integrating different modes through the optimization of hubs is a cost-efficient way to promote sustainable mobility. This paper develops a bilevel multimodal network design problem based on the collaborative optimization of urban transportation hubs. The upper-level problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear program to achieve a modal shift from congested subnetworks to underutilized subnetworks to realize a balanced use of the entire network. The decision variables are classified into location-based (hub locations) and route-based (route layouts and frequency setting) ones. The lower-level problem is a generalized modal split/traffic assignment problem (GMS/TAP), which captures the mode choices of all modes in the path set. The GMS/TAP is formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem (NLP) and is solved using a hybrid method of the successive average (MSA) algorithm. A hybrid genetic search with advanced diversity control (HGSADC) is developed to solve the bilevel model, where the exploration of the search space is expanded using the biased fitness function and diversification mechanism. The solution properties of the hybrid MSA and HGSADC are demonstrated in two modified nine-node networks. The model performance is illustrated in a real-size network in Jianye district, Nanjing. 9.2% decrease of travel time, 25.7% increase of service level, and a significant modal shift from car to PT are obtained.