bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid structural assessment of buildings – experience after the 26th November 2019 Earthquake in Albania
Authors: Blagov D , Georgiev Tz , Kisliakov D , Pavlov P , Petrov B , Traykova M
Published: November 2020

The authors represent a team who visited the areas affected by the strong earthquake of 26th November 2019 as part of the Bulgarian state support to Albania. The task of the Bulgarian experts comprised a rapid visual assessment of buildings in Tirana, as members of small international groups of structural engineers, local engineers and representatives of municipal authorities. The visit further aimed at gaining organisational and professional experience regarding ensuing operations and at assessing damaged buildings in the epicentral area of the city of Durrës. This summary report presents an overview of the assessed structural systems of the visited buildings in Tirana and the most frequent structural and non-structural damages there. Additional information is presented on certain characteristic damages of buildings in Durrës, and a brief analysis is provided of the reasons for building collapse or structural and non-structural damages. Finally, conclusions are drawn, and tasks for future expert, engineering and management activities towards strong earthquake pre- and post-disaster preparedness for Bulgaria are formulated.
Analysis of accidents with tower cranes on construction sites and recommendations for their prevention
Authors: Radlov K , Ivanov G
Published: November 2020

Analyzing and investigating accidents with tower cranes on construction sites is a particularly important preventative measure to ensure their accident-free work and reduce the number of occupational accidents at the construction site. The urgency of this problem is increasing very much in view of the relatively long operational life of the tower cranes on construction sites. This article presents various types of results from researches related to the analysis of accidents with tower cranes on construction sites worldwide. In addition, an approach for analysis of the absolute probability of a major tower crane accident caused by failures of mechanical components is considered, as well as analysis of possible sequences of failures of mechanical components leading to a tower crane accident, which are analyzed based on Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). An adequate statistical approach is proposed to establish the most significant organizational and technical causes, mainly related to the organization of the construction site and the activities for maintenance of the machine park, which cause accidents with tower cranes. An approach is proposed to calculate the conditional probability (weighting factor) of a specific organizational and technical cause to lead to a serious accident with the tower crane using Bayesian formulas, as well as an approach to determine the total assessment for each organizational and technical cause regarding its potential for causing accidents. Finally, proposals and recommendations are made related to the identification of key technical and organizational measures, the adequate and timely implementation of which could lead to a reduction in the number of occupational accidents with tower cranes on construction sites.
Effects of process parameters on structure and corrosion behavior of PEO coated A356 alloy
Authors: Rahimi Sina , Yarmand Benyamin , Kolahi Alireza
Published: November 2020

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings were formed on cast A356 aluminum alloy by applying various process parameters (current density, duty cycle and processing time) in silicate based electrolyte. The phase composition of coatings was analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), surface and cross section morphology and microstructure of coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Results of x-ray diffraction showed that all coatings are composed of gamma alumina. Coating produced in higher current density, duty cycle and time was more compact with fewer amounts of defects. Thickness and roughness of coatings surfaces were measured by Eddy current gauge and surface roughness tester, respectively. The thickness of the Coatings was in the range of 3–7 μm and it increased by increasing current density and time, but duty cycle did not have a noticeable effect on it. Corrosion resistance of bare and coated samples was evaluated by polarization test in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Sample S176 showed the best corrosion resistance with corrosion current density of 4.17 × 10−8 A.cm−2 and polarization resistance of 6.31 × 105 Ω.cm2 that attributed to its more dense structure.
Mathematical approach to the validation of form removal surface texture software
Authors: Todhunter Luke , Leach Richard , Blateyron François
Published: November 2020

A new approach to the validation of surface texture form removal methods is introduced. A linear algebra technique is presented that obtains total least squares (TLS) model fits for a continuous mathematical surface definition. This model is applicable to both profile and areal form removal, and can be used for a range of form removal models including polynomial and spherical fits. The continuous TLS method enables the creation of mathematically traceable reference pairs suitable for the assessment of form removal algorithms in surface texture analysis software. Multiple example reference pairs are presented and used to assess the performance of four tested surface texture analysis software packages. The results of each software are compared against the mathematical reference, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Emerging members of two-dimensional materials: bismuth-based ternary compounds
Authors: Zhao Ailun , Zhang Luhong , Guo Yujie , Li Hui , Ruan Shuangchen , Zeng Yu-Jia
Published: November 2020

Bismuth-based binary compounds, including Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3, have attracted increasing attention as well-known topological insulators. On the other hand, bismuth-based ternary compounds exhibit diverse properties, such as, ultrahigh carrier mobility, and strong Rashba spin splitting. Moreover, they boast of superior photocatalytic properties, implying great potential to be used in a wide range of applications. The unique structure and properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, especially the extraordinary electronic and optical properties of 2D Bi2O2Se, have given rise to significant research interests for the exploration of 2D bismuth-based ternary compounds. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the properties of three important families of bismuth-based ternary compounds, including Bi2O2X (X = S, Se, Te), BiTeX (X = Cl, Br, I), and BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I). In particular, we have placed emphasis on the latest progress in their 2D forms, including their novel properties and applications. This review would aid in understanding the superior performance of bismuth-based ternary compounds and offer a perspective for future research on these emerging 2D materials.
Photoresist-enabled assembly of BN/graphene/BN heterostructure and fabrication of one-dimensional contact electrode
Authors: Cai Anjiang , Yu Wang , Zhang Guodong , Zhao Yulong , Sun Jing , Liu Yuan , Zhang Dongpeng
Published: November 2020

A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate is easily soluble in acetone and cannot withstand high temperatures, thereby restricting the application of graphene or boron nitride (BN) on it. Furthermore, the assembly mechanism of a BN/graphene/BN heterostructure directly determines the performance of a device. In this paper, we report the single-spin photoresist stacking transfer assembly (SPSTA) of a BN/graphene/BN heterostructure on a PMMA substrate using a photoresist as a support layer. The photoresist served as a protective layer for the retained BN/graphene/BN heterostructure. The excess BN/graphene/BN heterostructure was etched away by oxygen plasma, following which a metal was evaporated on the photoresist surface. As metal is impervious to light, the excellent light transmittance of the PMMA substrate could be utilized. After the photoresist was denatured by ultraviolet light exposure on the back of the substrate, it was dissolved by a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, and a one-dimensional contact of the BN/graphene/BN heterostructure and metal was achieved. Finally, through different testing methods, we found that the SPSTA of the BN/graphene/BN heterostructure yields a smooth morphology and high electrical conductivity with a uniform sheet resistance. We examined the air failure of the BN/graphene/BN heterostructure and found that its SPSTA was stable. Our study realized the transfer of two-dimensional (2D) materials on PMMA substrates for the first time, overcame the membrane surface pollution caused by the traditional BN/graphene/BN heterostructure assembly process, realized the fabrication of BN/graphene/BN heterostructure devices on PMMA substrates for the first time, and offers important insights for the application of graphene and BN or other 2D materials on PMMA substrates.
Analysis and research on solution method of metal layer stress in fiber metal laminates
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Meng Weiying , Zhang Tian , Huang Xiao , Hou Shuai
Published: November 2020

As a new type composite material, fiber metal laminates (FMLs) have been widely applied in the aerospace field. To further develop and apply this new composite material, a stress prediction method for the metal layer in the laminates was examined. Based on the laminate theory, the stress characteristic of each layer material was analyzed under an external load. By studying the classical laminate theory, it was found that the calculation method of the global stiffness matrix fails to satisfy the actual situation of the laminates. The concept of the equivalent stiffness matrix was therefore introduced to modify the solution of stiffness matrix and accurately predict the metal layer stress. The equivalent stiffness matrix was then obtained using the sub-laminate stiffness theory and the energy method. The sub-laminate stiffness method was improved to apply to the orthotropic FMLs, and the energy method was expanded to apply to FMLs from a three-dimensional perspective. Taking 2/1 and 3/2 laminates of FMLs as examples, the metal layer stress was determined using the optical strain method and was predicted by employing the classical laminate theory along with the two correction methods. The effectiveness and advancement of the modified model were confirmed by comparative analysis.
Composite of bentonite/CoFe2O4/hydroxyapatite for adsorption of Pb (II)
Authors: Desalegn Yiene M , Andoshe Dinsefa M , Desissa Temesgen D
Published: November 2020

In this contribution, a composite from bentonite (B), CoFe2O4 (CF), and hydroxyapatite (HAP) was developed by chemical synthesis route for adsorption of a lead ion, Pb (II) from wastewater. Initially, a composite of B/CF was synthesized by varying the weight ratio of CF, i.e., (1–x)B/(x)CF (x = 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.50), followed by ternary composite synthesis, which was formulated from the sample of (0.85B/0.15CF) and different weight ratios of HAP, i.e., (1–y)[(0.85B/0.15CF)]/yHAP where y = 0.25, 0.35 and 0.45 weight ratios of HAP. The sample of 0.85B/0.15CF was found to be optimal in its adsorption capacity of about 20 mg g−1 from the binary composite samples, while among the ternary composites, a sample with a composition of 0.65[(0.85B/0.15CF)]/0.35HAP revealed an optimum adsorption capacity of about 36 mg g−1, which was then selected for further studies. The adsorption kinetics of Pb (II) by the optimum 0.65[(0.85B/0.15CF)]/0.35HAP sample was studied at different contact times from 30–120 min, where the equilibrium was reached at around 90 min of contact time and the kinetic behavior adopted Pseudo-second order adsorption mechanism. The initial concentration of Pb (II) was also varied from 50–200 mg l−1 to study the adsorption isotherm, which resulted that adsorption capacity of 0.65[(0.85B/0.15CF)]/0.35HAP towards Pb (II) was increased to about 66 mg g−1 and the adsorption isotherm data best fitted with Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Therefore, the result of this study pinpoints that the present composite material is a potential candidate for the adsorption of Pb (II) ion.
Effect of Ag loading content on morphology and photocatalytic activity of Ag-TiO2 nanoparticulate films prepared via simultaneous plasma-enhanced chemical and physical vapor deposition
Authors: Jiang Dianping , Kusdianto K , Kubo Masaru , Shimada Manabu
Published: November 2020

Ag loading is known to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO2; however, the correlation between Ag and the resulting changes in TiO2 morphology and particle size is not well understood. A plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) were used to prepare Ag-TiO2 nanoparticulate thin films; the prepared films were annealed at 500 °C under N2 atmosphere. The Ag content was adjusted by the furnace temperature of the PVD system. Well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles were observed and analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology, particle size, and photocatalytic activity of the films were evidently affected by the Ag content. TEM images showed that the TiO2 nanoparticle size increased with increasing Ag content. Evaluation of the photocatalytic activity based on the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation demonstrated that an Ag content of 2.2 wt% yielded the highest photocatalytic activity (5.5 times higher than that seen in a pristine TiO2 film). This fabrication method has advantages because it adds Ag in a more controlled manner compared to the liquid-phase methods. Furthermore, our fabrication method can provide a way to vary the Ag content while considering the relationship between the photocatalytic performance and the Ag content.
Anisotropic quantum critical point in the Ce3Al system with a large magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Vrtnik S , Krnel M , Koželj P , Jagličić Z , Kelhar L , Meden A , de Weerd M-C , Boulet P , Ledieu J , Fournée V , Dubois J-M , Dolinšek J
Published: November 2020

A magnetic field driven quantum critical point (QCP) is studied experimentally in the Ce3Al magnetically anisotropic intermetallic compound, which shows both antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering and heavy–fermion behavior. Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility, the magnetoresistance and the specific heat on a Ce3Al monocrystalline sample performed down to 0.35 K in magnetic fields up to 9 T demonstrate that the QCP is anisotropic regarding the orientation of the magnetic field relative to the magnetically easy direction. External magnetic field drives the AFM transition continuously toward zero temperature when applied in the (a, b) easy plane, reaching the QCP at the critical field

B

c

a
,
b

=

4.6 ± 0.4 T, where a quantum phase transition from the AFM to the paramagnetic state takes place. The magnetoresistance experiments below 1 K indicate that intermediate magnetic states may have formed near the QCP. For the field applied along the c hard direction, the QCP has not been observed within our experimental range of the magnetic field. The anisotropic, magnetic field driven QCP in the Ce3Al results from competition of the exchange interaction with the Zeeman interaction in the presence of a large magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The anisotropy of the QCP is a consequence of the fact that the magnetic anisotropy locks the magnetization into the easy plane and cannot be pulled out of the plane by the available laboratory field. Consequently, only the component of the magnetic field vector that lies in the easy plane participates in the QCP formation. In AFM systems with a large magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic field driven QCP is a continuous variable of the magnetic field vector orientation relative to the easy direction.
Racial Disparities in Health Among College-Educated African Americans: Can Attendance at Historically Black Colleges or Universities Reduce the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Midlife?
Authors: Colen Cynthia G , Pinchak Nicolo P , Barnett Kierra S
Published: November 2020

We expand on existing understandings of health disparities among middle-class African Americans by examining how the postsecondary educational context gives rise to the unequal distribution of health. We used panel data (1994–2009) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to estimate whether the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by midlife significantly differs for African Americans who attended Historically Black College or Universities (HBCUs) versus predominantly White institutions. We found that HBCU enrollment was associated with a 35% reduction in the odds of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HBCU attendees who grew up in more segregated environments experienced the greatest reductions in the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome. Our results underscore the important role that HBCUs play in the lives of African Americans and suggest their impacts go far beyond traditional benchmarks of socioeconomic achievement to include key health outcomes.
HRIBO: high-throughput analysis of bacterial ribosome profiling data
Authors: Gelhausen Rick , Svensson Sarah L , Froschauer Kathrin , Heyl Florian , Hadjeras Lydia , Sharma Cynthia M , Eggenhofer Florian , Backofen Rolf
Published: November 2020

Motivation

Ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) is a powerful approach based on deep sequencing of cDNA libraries generated from ribosome-protected RNA fragments to explore the translatome of a cell, and is especially useful for the detection of small proteins (50–100 amino acids) that are recalcitrant to many standard biochemical and in silico approaches. While pipelines are available to analyze Ribo-seq data, none are designed explicitly for the automatic processing and analysis of data from bacteria, nor are they focused on the discovery of unannotated open reading frames (ORFs).

Results

We present HRIBO (High-throughput annotation by Ribo-seq), a workflow to enable reproducible and high-throughput analysis of bacterial Ribo-seq data. The workflow performs all required pre-processing and quality control steps. Importantly, HRIBO outputs annotation-independent ORF predictions based on two complementary bacteria-focused tools, and integrates them with additional feature information and expression values. This facilitates the rapid and high-confidence discovery of novel ORFs and their prioritization for functional characterization.

Availability and implementation

HRIBO is a free and open source project available under the GPL-3 license at: https://github.com/RickGelhausen/HRIBO.
Signal metrics analysis of oscillatory patterns in bacterial multi-omic networks
Authors: Bardozzo Francesco , Lió Pietro , Tagliaferri Roberto
Published: November 2020

Motivation

One of the branches of Systems Biology is focused on a deep understanding of underlying regulatory networks through the analysis of the biomolecules oscillations and their interplay. Synthetic Biology exploits gene or/and protein regulatory networks towards the design of oscillatory networks for producing useful compounds. Therefore, at different levels of application and for different purposes, the study of biomolecular oscillations can lead to different clues about the mechanisms underlying living cells. It is known that network-level interactions involve more than one type of biomolecule as well as biological processes operating at multiple omic levels. Combining network/pathway-level information with genetic information it is possible to describe well-understood or unknown bacterial mechanisms and organism-specific dynamics.

Results

Following the methodologies used in signal processing and communication engineering, a methodology is introduced to identify and quantify the extent of multi-omic oscillations. These are due to the process of multi-omic integration and depend on the gene positions on the chromosome. Ad hoc signal metrics are designed to allow further biotechnological explanations and provide important clues about the oscillatory nature of the pathways and their regulatory circuits. Our algorithms designed for the analysis of multi-omic signals are tested and validated on 11 different bacteria for thousands of multi-omic signals perturbed at the network level by different experimental conditions. Information on the order of genes, codon usage, gene expression and protein molecular weight is integrated at three different functional levels. Oscillations show interesting evidence that network-level multi-omic signals present a synchronized response to perturbations and evolutionary relations along taxa.

Availability and implementation

The algorithms, the code (in language R), the tool, the pipeline and the whole dataset of multi-omic signal metrics are available at: https://github.com/lodeguns/Multi-omicSignals.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Lost in Translation or a Work in Progress? Developing Desistance-Informed Youth Justice Practice in the Welsh Context
Authors: Deering John , Evans Jonathan
Published: November 2020

This article draws upon empirical research conducted within a Welsh Youth Offending Service (YOS) in 2017–2018. It captured staff responses to the introduction of AssetPlus, an assessment tool intended to complement a corresponding move to desistance-informed practice. Given that YOSs are now expected to develop practice underpinned by desistance theories, the article focuses on how desistance theories were interpreted and translated into one YOS. It was concluded that the introduction of the new practice model suffered from inadequate planning and AssetPlus assessment did little to enhance this shift. In an exercise in Utopianism, the views of practitioners and managers were sought on what constituted ‘ideal’ practice with children in conflict with the law. The researchers found some evidence of support for holistic child-centred social work practice that addressed contextual factors. The study was conducted with a small sample of practitioners and operational managers, involving seven semi-structured interviews, two focus groups (a total of eighteen respondents), case file analysis, document reading and observation. Given the size of the sample, the findings are not regarded as generalisable, but rather as raising important issues and pointers for further research.
Two decades of valve-sparing root reimplantation in tricuspid aortic valve: impact of aortic regurgitation and cusp repair
Authors: Tamer Saadallah , Mastrobuoni Stefano , Lemaire Guillaume , Jahanyar Jama , Navarra Emiliano , Poncelet Alain , Astarci Parla , El Khoury Gebrine , de Kerchove Laurent
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to analyse the influence of preoperative aortic regurgitation (AR) on the necessity of cusp repair during valve-sparing reimplantation (VSR). We focused on patients with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) and evaluated the impact of AR and cusp repair on long-term outcomes.

METHODS

From March 1998 to December 2018, a total of 512 consecutive patients underwent VSR at our institution; of these, 303 had a TAV. The mean age was 53 ± 15 years, and the median follow-up was 6.12 years. The rate and type of cusp repair were analysed based on preoperative AR. Time-to-event analysis was performed, as well as risk of death, reoperation and AR recurrence.

RESULTS

Cusp repair was necessary in 168 (55.4%) patients; the rate rose significantly as AR grade increased (P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 1% (n = 3). At 5 and 10 years, overall survival was 92 ± 2% and 75 ± 5%, respectively. Freedom from valve reoperation was 95 ± 2% and 90 ± 3%. Freedom from AR >2+ and AR >1+ at 10 years was 88 ± 4% and 70.4 ± 4.6%, respectively. Independent predictors of death included age, New York Heart Association functional class and type-A aortic dissection. Predictors of AR greater than mild included previous cardiac surgery and severe preoperative AR.

CONCLUSION

In patients with TAV receiving VSR, the necessity of cusp repair increased with the degree of preoperative AR. Preoperative AR and cusp repair do not impact long-term survival and aortic valve reoperation, but severe preoperative AR and multiple cusp repair increase the risk of recurrent moderate-to-severe AR. Overall, cusp repair seems to attenuate the negative impact of preoperative AR for at least 1 decade in a majority of patients.
Aortic valve replacement with biological prosthesis in patients aged 50–69 years
Authors: Malvindi Pietro Giorgio , Luthra Suvitesh , Olevano Carlo , Salem Hamdy , Kowalewski Mariusz , Ohri Sunil
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

There is no consensus regarding the use of biological or mechanical prostheses in patients 50–69 years of age. Previous studies have reported a survival advantage with mechanical valves. Our goal was to compare the long-term survival of patients in the intermediate age groups of 50–59 and 60–69 years receiving mechanical or biological aortic valve prostheses.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients in the age groups 50–59 years (n = 329) and 60–69 years (n = 648) who had a first-time isolated aortic valve replacement between 2000 and 2019. Kaplan–Meier and competing risk analyses were performed to compare survival, incidence of aortic valve reoperation, haemorrhagic complications and thromboembolic events for mechanical versus biological prostheses.

RESULTS

Patients aged 50–59 years with a biological prosthesis had a higher probability of aortic valve reintervention (26.3%, biological vs 2.6% mechanical; P < 0.001 at 15 years). The incidence of haemorrhagic complications or thromboembolic events was similar in the 2 groups. Patients aged 60–69 years with a mechanical prosthesis had a higher risk of haemorrhagic complications (6.9%, biological vs 16.2%, mechanical; P = 0.001 at 15 years). Biological prostheses had a higher overall probability of reintervention for valve dysfunction (20.9%, biological vs 4.8%, mechanical; P = 0.024). In both age groups, there was no difference in long-term survival between patients receiving a biological or a mechanical prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in long-term survival between mechanical and biological prostheses for both age groups. Mechanical prostheses had a higher risk of bleeding in the 60–69-year group whereas biological valves had higher overall reintervention probability without an impact on long-term survival. It may be safe to use biological valves based on lifestyle choices for patients in the 50–69-year age group.
Pronunciation in course books: English as a lingua franca perspective
Authors: Kiczkowiak Marek
Published: November 2020

In recent decades there has been a growing interest in the use of English as a lingua franca (ELF), for example identifying the lingua franca core (LFC), or pronunciation features important for intelligibility in ELF contexts. While some analyses of course books (CBs) have shown ELF research findings are not yet reflected in these materials, few studies have focused specifically on pronunciation in CBs, and none from an ELF perspective. Consequently, this study analysed to what extent pronunciation syllabi of six globally published CBs follow the LFC, and what beliefs informed the CB authors’ choice of pronunciation features. The results show that LFC features represent only between 5 and 33 per cent of the pronunciation syllabi. While most authors were aware of the LFC and eager to focus on intelligibility, they either did not think it was important to follow the LFC or could not do so due to publisher’s demands.
Economic Outcomes of Immigrants with Different Migration Motives: The Role of Labour Market Policies
Authors: Kanas Agnieszka , Steinmetz Stephanie
Published: November 2020

This paper studies the role of labour market policies for economic outcomes of immigrants with different migration motives. Using two recent European Union Labour Force Surveys ad hoc modules and applying country fixed-effects models, we examine if labour market policies can alleviate the economic disadvantage of family reunification and refugee immigrants in comparison to economic immigrants. In line with previous studies, we find that even after controlling for differences in human capital and socio-demographic characteristics, family reunification, and particularly refugee immigrants have considerably lower labour force participation and employment rates, and when employed, work fewer hours and have a lower occupational status than economic immigrants. However, we also find that the economic disadvantage of family reunification and refugee immigrants is significantly smaller in countries with more extensive labour market policies. These findings hold for the overall labour market mobility index as well as its specific sub-dimensions: general and targeted support and workers’ rights.
Validity of self-reported mammography uptake in the Belgian health interview survey: selection and reporting bias
Authors: Berete Finaba , Heyden Johan Van der , Demarest Stefaan , Charafeddine Rana , Tafforeau Jean , Oyen Herman Van , Bruyère Olivier , Renard Françoise
Published: November 2020

Background

The validity of self-reported mammography uptake is often questioned. We assessed the related selection and reporting biases among women aged 50–69 years in the Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS) using reimbursement data for mammography stemming from the Belgian Compulsory Health Insurance organizations (BCHI).

Methods

Individual BHIS 2013 data (n = 1040) were linked to BCHI data 2010–13 (BHIS–BCHI sample). Being reimbursed for mammography within the last 2-years was used as the gold standard. Selection bias was assessed by comparing BHIS estimates reimbursement rates in BHIS–BCHI with similar estimates from the Echantillon Permanent/Permanente Steekproef (EPS), a random sample of BCHI data, while reporting bias was investigated by comparing self-reported versus reimbursement information in the BHIS–BCHI. Reporting bias was further explored through measures of agreement and logistic regression.

Results

Mammography uptake rates based on self-reported information and reimbursement from the BHIS–BCHI were 75.5% and 69.8%, respectively. In the EPS, it was 64.1%. The validity is significantly affected by both selection bias {relative size = 8.93% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.21–14.64]} and reporting bias [relative size = 8.22% (95% CI: 0.76–15.68)]. Sensitivity was excellent (93.7%), while the specificity was fair (66.4%). The agreement was moderate (kappa = 0.63). Women born in non-EU countries (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.54–5.13), with high household income (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02–1.60) and those reporting poor perceived health (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.14–1.73) were more likely to inaccurately report their mammography uptake.

Conclusions

The validity of self-reported mammography uptake in women aged 50–69 years is affected by both selection and reporting bias. Both administrative and survey data are complementary when assessing mammography uptake.
Eosinophilic pancreatitis: a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Sun Yue , Pan Dan , Kang Kai , Sun Ming-Jun , Li Yi-Ling , Sang Li-Xuan , Chang Bing
Published: November 2020

Eosinophilic pancreatitis (EP) is an extremely rare disease caused by purely eosinophilic infiltration of the pancreas. EP is prone to being misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer, causing unnecessary economic and physical harm to the patient. We report three cases of EP that were cured by steroids without relapse from 2017 to now. The clinical data of the three patients, including clinical manifestations, serological manifestations, imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography, and MRI), pathological diagnosis and treatment, and telephone follow-up of all patients, were retrospectively analysed. In addition, a literature search was conducted on the Web of Science and PubMed databases using key terms related to EP, considering case reports with no restrictions on the date of publication or language. In conclusion, we analysed 19 cases and determined the diagnostic criteria for EP. The diagnostic algorithm for EP can be used to diagnose EP easily. We hope that our standards and algorithm can reduce the rate of misdiagnosis and contribute to clinical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we expect to evaluate more EP cases to test our diagnostic criteria and design a systematic diagnostic flow chart.
Significance of preoperative biopsy in radiological solid-dominant clinical stage I non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Huang Chien-Sheng , Chien Hung-Che , Chen Chun-Ku , Yeh Yi-Chen , Hsu Po-Kuei , Chen Hui-Shan , Hsieh Chih-Cheng , Hsu Han-Shui , Huang Biing-Shiun , Shih Chun-Che
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to clarify the association between preoperative biopsy and surgical outcomes in clinical stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with different proportions of ground-glass opacity (GGO).

METHODS

Data on patients who underwent pulmonary resection for NSCLC from 2006 to 2016 were drawn from a prospective registered database and analysed retrospectively. Patient characteristics collected included tumour size, location and staging, surgical approach, consolidation–tumour ratio, histopathology and the presence or absence of preoperative biopsy to identify the independent prognostic factors of disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival. A 1:1 propensity score matching was conducted between the preoperative biopsy and reference groups based on their baseline characteristics measured before the decision for preoperative biopsy.

RESULTS

A total of 1427 patients were collected to achieve an overall 5-year DFS as 84.5% (median follow-up: 67.3 months), stratified to be 99.5% in the GGO-dominant group (n = 430) and 78.2% in the solid-dominant group (n = 997). Only 2 patients (0.5%) in the GGO-dominant group experienced tumour recurrence. For solid-dominant tumours matched with propensity scores (279 in preoperative biopsy vs 279 in reference group), the independent predictors of DFS included preoperative biopsy, sublobar resection, pathological staging and angiolymphatic invasion. Preoperative biopsy was a predictor of cancer-specific survival in univariable analysis but was not in multivariable analysis. Significant differences were also found between matched groups in those with late-delay surgery, but not in patients receiving preoperative biopsy with early-delay surgery (≤21 days).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative biopsy may worsen surgical outcomes in patients with clinical stage I, solid-dominant NSCLC.
Citrobacter freundii Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome via the Type VI Secretion System
Authors: Liu Liyun , Song Liqiong , Deng Rong , Lan Ruiting , Jin Wenjie , Tran Van Nhieu Guy , Cao Huifang , Liu Qin , Xiao Yuchun , Li Xianping , Meng Guangxun , Ren Zhihong
Published: November 2020

Citrobacter freundii is a significant cause of human infections, responsible for food poisoning, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. We previously identified a highly cytotoxic and adhesive C. freundii strain CF74 expressing a type VI secretion system (T6SS). In this study, we showed that in mice-derived macrophages, C. freundii CF74 activated the Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain -Like Receptor Family, Pyrin Domain Containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasomes in a T6SS-dependent manner. The C. freundii T6SS activated the inflammasomes mainly through caspase 1 and mediated pyroptosis of macrophages by releasing the cleaved gasdermin-N domain. The CF74 T6SS was required for flagellin-induced interleukin 1β release by macrophages. We further show that the T6SS tail component and effector, hemolysin co-regulation protein-2 (Hcp-2), was necessary and sufficient to trigger NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In vivo, the T6SS played a key role in mediating interleukin 1β secretion and the survival of mice during C. freundii infection in mice. These findings provide novel insights into the role of T6SS in the pathogenesis of C. freundii.
Role of electrophilic nitrated fatty acids during development and response to abiotic stress processes in plants
Authors: Begara-Morales Juan C , Mata-Pérez Capilla , Padilla Maria N , Chaki Mounira , Valderrama Raquel , Aranda-Caño Lorena , Barroso Juan B
Published: November 2020

Nitro-fatty acids are generated from the interaction of unsaturated fatty acids and nitric oxide (NO)-derived molecules. The endogenous occurrence and modulation throughout plant development of nitro-linolenic acid (NO2-Ln) and nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA) suggest a key role for these molecules in initial development stages. In addition, NO2-Ln content increases significantly in stress situations and induces the expression of genes mainly related to abiotic stress, such as genes encoding members of the heat shock response family and antioxidant enzymes. The promoter regions of NO2-Ln-induced genes are also involved mainly in stress responses. These findings confirm that NO2-Ln is involved in plant defense processes against abiotic stress conditions via induction of the chaperone network and antioxidant systems. NO2-Ln signaling capacity lies mainly in its electrophilic nature and allows it to mediate a reversible post-translational modification called nitroalkylation, which is capable of modulating protein function. NO2-Ln is a NO donor that may be involved in NO signaling events and is able to generate S-nitrosoglutathione, the major reservoir of NO in cells and a key player in NO-mediated abiotic stress responses. This review describes the current state of the art regarding the essential role of nitro-fatty acids as signaling mediators in development and abiotic stress processes.
Preamble
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This introductory chapter discusses the Preamble of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. As in other World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and the WTO Agreement itself, the TRIPS Agreement contains a detailed Preamble where the negotiating parties expressed the objectives that they sought in adopting this component of the WTO system. While the provisions of the Preamble reflect, to some extent, the different positions that the negotiating parties brought to the negotiating table, they substantially respond to the protectionist paradigm advocated by the United States and other developed countries with regard to intellectual property. Indeed, some of developing countries’ concerns about the implications of stronger intellectual property rights (IPRs) for their economies and, in particular, for transfer of technology, received limited attention. Ultimately, the Preamble to the TRIPS Agreement contains a few elements that may be important for the interpretation of specific provisions in the Agreement.
Objectives and Principles
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter looks at the objectives and principles of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. The primary objective of the proponents of the Agreement was to secure the rights of intellectual property owners to exploit their protected assets in the jurisdiction of all parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). They emphasized the role of the protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) as incentives for innovation, and were keen to leave issues relating to the exploitation of the rights to the discretion of title-holders. In contrast, developing countries feared that a strengthened IPR protection would give too much power to title-holders and limit access to, and transfer of, technology to those countries. Article 7 of the Agreement, based on a proposal submitted by developing countries, represents a compromise between these two positions. It states that IPRs should contribute to the promotion of technological innovation and to the transfer and dissemination of technology.
Geographical Indications
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter describes how the adoption of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement represented an important step for the international recognition of geographical indications. Geographical indications have three basic functions. They provide information about the name of a product; the geographical origin of the product; and a given quality, reputation, or characteristics attributable to a geographical area. Although such indications were covered under some prior international conventions—such as the Paris Convention, the Madrid Agreement, and the Lisbon Agreement—the scope and membership of such conventions offered a protection considerably more limited than the one granted by the TRIPS Agreement. However, significant controversies still dominate the discussion of this issue at the World Trade Organization (WTO). In particular, disagreement exists about the modes of implementing the registration of geographical indications under Article 23.4 of the Agreement. Moreover, a number of developed and developing countries have proposed to expand to other products the special protection only available today for wines and spirits.
Patents
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter explores the issue of patentability. Article 27.1 of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement stipulates that ‘patents shall be available for any inventions’. As with most patent laws in the world, the Agreement does not define what an invention is. The plain wording of Article 27.1 suggests that Members have been left room to define ‘invention’ within their legal systems, in good faith, subject only to the application of the method of interpretation set out by the Vienna Convention. However, the interpretation of the obligation to patent ‘any inventions’ raises many important policy issues, such as the extent to which Members are bound to confer patents over discoveries, particularly over substances found in nature such as genes. Although Members can adopt a more expansive concept at the national level, they are not obliged to grant patents to what is not ordinarily considered an ‘invention’. Thus, they are not obliged to grant patents over genes.
Undisclosed Information
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter studies Section 7, Part II, of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which contains specific provisions on ‘undisclosed information’. This is the first international regime on undisclosed information and, in this sense, it is one of the most significant innovations brought about by the TRIPS Agreement. Article 39.1 stipulates that ‘in the course of ensuring effective protection against unfair competition as provided in Article 10 bis of the Paris Convention’, parties shall protect undisclosed information and the ‘data submitted to governments or governmental agencies’ as a condition for approving the marketing of pharmaceutical and agrochemical products. Although Article 39.1 refers to ‘undisclosed information’ and to ‘undisclosed test’ or other ‘data submitted’ to governments as two separate issues, it seems clear that in the latter case, the data also need to be ‘undisclosed’ in order to be covered under the terms of the Agreement. According to Article 1.2 of the TRIPS Agreement, undisclosed information is a category of ‘intellectual property’, like patents, trademarks, and other modalities dealt with by the Agreement.
Non-signatories
Authors: Speradino Felipe Vollbrecht
Published: November 2020

This chapter studies situations under Brazilian law in which a non-signatory may be bound by an arbitration agreement to which it was not originally a party. It also discusses relevant principles in Brazilian Contract Law and Brazilian Arbitration Law, as well as the case law of the Brazilian Superior Tribunal of Justice (STJ). The STJ plays a vital role in the Brazilian legal system, as it (i) sets out the jurisprudence to guide the lower courts; and (ii) amends and harmonizes the decisions of the lower courts, where needed. The STJ also retains exclusive jurisdiction to recognize and enforce foreign awards in Brazil. When does Brazilian law become relevant to ascertain questions of binding a non-signatory to arbitration? The law applicable to the arbitration agreement is the relevant law for the purpose of deciding whether (and in which circumstances) a non-signatory can be bound to arbitration. In situations where the parties have agreed that the law applicable to the arbitration agreement is the law of Brazil, the issues of (i) whether a non-signatory can be compelled to arbitrate or (ii) whether a non-signatory can intervene in an arbitral procedure will, of course, be tested against this law.
The Brazilian Arbitration Institutions
Authors: Weber Ana Carolina
Published: November 2020

This chapter describes the most prominent Brazilian arbitration institutions. These include the Center of Arbitration and Mediation of the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CAM-CCBC); the Chamber of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CIESP/FIESP Chamber); the Chamber of Arbitration of the Market (CAM do Mercado); the Chamber of Mediation and Entrepreneurial Arbitration—Brazil (CAMARB); the Center of Arbitration and Mediation (AMCHAM Center); the Brazilian Center of Mediation and Arbitration (CBMA Center); and the FGV Chamber of Mediation and Arbitration (FGV Chamber). The chapter analyses the limitation of the chambers as well as the aspects that may help in the choice of one of them when executing the arbitration agreement. It also looks at the solutions that have been offered by these chambers for complex matters, such as (i) multiparty arbitration; (ii) connection between procedures; (iii) diversity in the formation of the arbitral tribunals; (iv) and disclosure of information regarding the procedure and the arbitral award. It must be mentioned that, in 2017, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), by means of its Court of Arbitration, opened an office in São Paulo to manage arbitration procedures that have minimum contact with parties or with the Brazilian headquarters.
Evidence Production and the Role of the Arbitrators
Authors: Gama Lauro
Published: November 2020

This chapter looks at evidence production in arbitration from a Brazilian arbitrator's perspective. Evidence production in arbitration is based on two fundamental principles: actio incumbit probatio and fairness (due process) and party equality. According to the first, the burden of proof rests on the party who advances a proposition affirmatively, be that party the claimant or the respondent. While the claimant bears the burden of proving the facts which support their claim, the respondent bears the burden of proving the facts supporting their defences. The second set of principles relates to procedural fairness and due process. Accordingly, evidence production is governed by fairness (due process) and party equality. The idea of procedural equality requires that both parties be treated in a manner ensuring that they have an equal opportunity to present their case. The chapter then considers the production of documentary evidence, fact witnesses, expert reports and testimonies, and legal expert reports and testimonies in Brazilian arbitration practice.