bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in cigarette brand preference among Mexican smokers: the rise of Pall Mall
Authors: Gutiérrez-Torres Daniela Sarahí , Saenz de Miera Juarez Belen , Reynales-Shigematsu Luz Myriam , Zavala-Arciniega Luis , Thrasher James
Published: May 2020

Objective

To analyse trends in cigarette brand preference among Mexican smokers during the implementation period of key WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control recommendations.

Methods

Data came from two nationally representative, comparable surveys, namely the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009 and 2015 and the National Survey on Addictions 2011 and 2016. Logistic models were used to estimate the adjusted prevalence of each brand purchased, as well as individual correlates of purchasing the single brand with a large growth over the study period. Multiple linear regressions were also employed to analyse cigarette prices across brands.

Results

Six brand families accounted for about 90% of the cigarette market, with Marlboro clearly dominating all brands at 54%–61%. Only the share of Pall Mall brand, however, registered a rapid increase over the period—from 1% in 2009 to 14% in 2016. Women and younger smokers (15–24 years) were more likely to prefer Pall Mall over other brands. While the typical price segmentation between international (premium) brands and national (discount) brands was observed, the price of Pall Mall is within the range of the latter. Importantly, most varieties of this brand include flavour capsule varieties (FCVs).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the strong campaign of brand migration, the pricing strategy and the aggressive introduction of FCVs expanded Pall Mall in the Mexican cigarette market. Therefore, better control policies of cigarette contents and taxes that reduce price differentials across brands should be encouraged to promote public health.
Soil moisture strongly limits Douglas-fir seedling establishment near its upper elevational limit in the southern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Foster Alison C. , Martin Patrick H. , Redmond Miranda D.
Published: May 2020

Climate change is causing significant shifts in tree species distributions to higher elevations and latitudes. Seed germination and seedling establishment are particularly important steps in tree range expansion under warmer conditions, yet seedling establishment is influenced by a range of factors beyond temperature, including herbivory, microenvironment, and the timing and amount of precipitation. We conducted an experiment to assess how augmented precipitation regimes, wildlife herbivory, and microclimate influence germination and first-season survival of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) near the upper elevational limit of its range in the southern Rocky Mountains. Germination was strongly influenced by moisture, with over three times higher germination in watered treatments. Seedling survival was similar across watered treatments but was negatively associated with microenvironments with higher maximum temperatures. These results indicate that soil moisture effects on germination and the negative impact of hot growing-season temperatures on seedling survival limit initial seedling establishment in Douglas-fir, even at the cooler and wetter end of its range, suggesting that the planting of this species will be most successful in cooler and wetter microsites. Taken together, this study suggests that continued warming and projected increases in droughts may strongly limit Douglas-fir regeneration and thus its ability to shift upwards with climate change.
Schwarzschild-like black holes: Light-like trajectories and massless scalar absorption
Authors: Magalhães Renan B. , Leite Luiz C. S. , Crispino Luís C. B.
Published: May 2020

Black holes are among the most intriguing objects in nature. They are believed to be fully described by General Relativity (GR), and the astrophysical black holes are expected to belong to the Kerr family, obeying the no-hair theorems. Alternative theories of gravity or parameterized deviations of GR allow black hole solutions, which have additional parameters other than mass and angular momentum. We analyze a Schwarzschild-like metric, proposed by Johannsen and Psaltis, characterized by its mass and a deformation parameter. We compute the absorption cross section of massless scalar waves for different values of this deformation parameter and compare it with the corresponding scalar absorption cross section of the Schwarzschild black hole. We also present analytical approximations for the absorption cross section in the high-frequency regime. We check the consistence of our results comparing the numerical and analytical approaches, finding excellent agreement.
Markovian Multiple Change-Point Modeling for Software Reliability Assessment
Authors: Inoue Shinji , Yamada Shigeru
Published: May 2020

We discuss software reliability modeling reflecting actual situation in a testing phase based on a Markovian software reliability modeling framework. Concretely, we discuss Markovian imperfect debugging modeling for software reliability assessment with multiple changes of testing environment. Testing-time changing the testing environment is called change-point. Taking into account the effect of change-point in software reliability growth modeling is expected to improve the accuracy of software reliability assessment because it is often observed that the stochastic characteristic of software failure-occurrence or fault-detection phenomenon is changed in an actual testing phase. Numerical examples for software reliability assessment based on our proposed approach are also shown by using actual software failure-occurrence time data. Further, we discuss the usefulness of considering the effect of the imperfect debugging and the multiple change-point into software reliability modeling by comparing the estimated behavior of the mean time between software failures based on our model and the existing related models.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRUCTURAL AND CLINICAL CHANGES IN SEATED COMBINED EXTENSION-COMPRESSION AND TRANSVERSE LOAD (ECTL) TRACTION IN INCREASING CERVICAL LORDOSIS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Pooke Tamara G. , Mahmud Rozi , Yap Poh Sin , Saini Suraini Binti Mohamad , Ahmad Roohi Syed , Singh Harwant
Published: May 2020

Purpose: The aim was to assess for any relationships in changes between improved cervical lordosis and clinical outcomes of neck pain and disability. Methods: Single center, randomized controlled trial in Malaysia, to compare seated combined extension-compression and transverse load (ECTL) traction combined with exercises, to the same exercises. Participants with a reduced lordosis of less than [Formula: see text] were randomly assigned into groups, and underwent 40 treatments over 14 weeks. Pre and post lateral radiographs were reviewed by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist for changes in cervical lordosis. VAS and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were used to assess clinical outcomes. Correlations between changes in curve and changes in pain and disability were assessed. Non-parametric analyses were performed on all who completed ([Formula: see text]). Results: No significant correlations between changes in lordosis and pain and disability were seen, with rho less than 0.33 and 0.24, respectively. Pain scores improved significantly in both treatment and control groups ([Formula: see text]). Disability scores also showed significant decrease in both treatment ([Formula: see text]) and control ([Formula: see text]) groups, despite a non-significant reduction in lordosis. Conclusions: Improvement in neck pain and disability did not require an improvement in lordosis. Abnormal sagittal cervical alignment therefore, is perhaps not the sole underlying cause for clinical outcomes, and a number of other psychosocial factors when considering management options.
DOES PEEK DENTAL IMPLANT HAVE THERMAL ADVANTAGE OVER ZIRCONIA OR TITANIUM IMPLANTS?
Authors: ARSHAD SOMAYYE RABBANI , HASHEMI ATA , OSKUI IMAN ZOLJANAHI
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the thermal performance of PEEK dental implant and compare it with its conventional counterparts, i.e., titanium (Ti) and zirconia ([Formula: see text]). Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model of the dental implant and the surrounding bone was developed to simulate thermal analysis of the implant with three different materials, i.e., Ti, ZrO2 and PEEK for two types of heat load. Zirconia artificial crown was utilized in all three different implant materials. Results: In loading type I, the maximum temperature of the mandible bone at the cervical implant/bone interface was almost the same (37.7∘C) in all models, but the time to reach this temperature was 18[Formula: see text]s for Ti, 30[Formula: see text]s for ZrO2 and 65.7[Formula: see text]s for PEEK implant. The maximum temperature in loading type II was 41.8∘C, 41.6∘C and 41.3∘C, respectively, in ZrO2, Ti and PEEK models. Ti implant showed the fastest rising and recovery time. Conclusions: Under the considered heat loads, the maximum temperatures in the bone were below the bone necrosis temperature in all three cases. In addition the temperature change along the implant body in [Formula: see text] and PEEK implants are smaller than that in Ti. Moreover, PEEK was found to be a thermally viable option for dental implants.
Fabrication of Ag/carbon nitride photocatalysts and their enhanced photocatalytic performance for tetracycline degradation
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Jiquan , Gong Jie , Wang Kai , Li Yuan , Wu Xiaoyong , Zhang Gaoke
Published: May 2020

In this study, we synthesized graphic carbon nitride nanosheets (labeled as CNs) by solid-phase grinding strategy coupled calcination method and then prepared Ag nanoparticles (NPs) loaded CNs composites by photodeposition. The as-prepared Ag/CNs composites presented remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance and the degradation rate of tetracycline (TC) by Ag/CNs (3[Formula: see text]wt.%) composite is above two times higher than that by pristine CNs under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity originated from the close contact between Ag and CNs, and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Ag. Moreover, the results of radical trapping experiments illustrated that [Formula: see text] plays a dominant role in photocatalytic degradation of TC. This work provides a new way for design novel noble metal modified graphic CN photocatalysts.
The Restorative Effect of the Natural Environment on University Students’ Psychological Health
Authors: Payne Emma A. , Loi Natasha M. , Thorsteinsson Einar B.
Published: May 2020

The present study evaluated the effect of a three-week intervention aimed at improving psychological health in university students. Participants included 200 Australian students randomly assigned to an experimental or waitlist control group, with 42 adhering to intervention instructions. Participants in the experimental group read a story about someone who used the natural environment to decrease stress and burnout levels and to increase their perceived satisfaction with life. They were then instructed to spend 20 minutes each week, for three weeks, in any chosen natural environment. Waitlist control participants received intervention instructions three weeks later. Restorativeness was positively associated with life satisfaction and negatively related to stress and burnout. Experimental participants, compared to waitlist control participants, experienced a significant decrease in stress; however, the intervention had no effect on life satisfaction or burnout. More research is still needed to determine the practical significance of nature exposure on university students’ psychological health.
Complex Behaviors of Epidemic Model with Nonlinear Rewiring Rate
Authors: Fang Ding , Zhang Yongxin , Wang Wendi
Published: May 2020

An SIS propagation model with the nonlinear rewiring rate on an adaptive network is considered. It is found by bifurcation analysis that the model has the complex behaviors which include the transcritical bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. Especially, a bifurcation curve with “S” shape emerges due to the nonlinear rewiring rate, which leads to multiple equilibria and twice saddle-node bifurcations. Numerical simulations show that the model admits a homoclinic bifurcation and a saddle-node bifurcation of the limit cycle.
Effect of Ketamine/Propofol Admixture on Peri-Induction Hemodynamics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Smischney Nathan J. , Seisa Mohamed O. , Morrow Allison S. , Ponce Oscar J. , Wang Zhen , Alzuabi Muayad , Heise Katherine J. , Murad Mohammad H.
Published: May 2020

To evaluate the effectiveness of an admixture of ketamine and propofol on peri-induction hemodynamics during airway manipulation, we searched electronic databases of randomized controlled trials from January 1, 2000, to October 17, 2018. Trial screening, selection, and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers with outcomes pooled across included trials using the random-effects model. We included 10 randomized trials (722 patients, mean age of 53.99 years, 39.96% female). American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status was reported in 9 trials with classes I and II representing the majority. Ketamine/propofol admixture was associated with a nonsignificant increase in heart rate (weighted mean difference, 3.36 beats per minute (95% CI, −0.88, 7.60), I2 = 88.6%), a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference, 9.67 mmHg (95% CI, 1.48, 17.86), I2 = 87.2%), a nonsignificant increase in diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference, 2.18 mmHg (95% CI, −2.82, 7.19), I2 = 73.1%), and a nonsignificant increase in mean arterial pressure (weighted mean difference, 3.28 mmHg (95% CI, −0.94, 7.49), I2 = 69.9%) compared to other agents. The risk of bias was high and the certainty of evidence was low. In conclusion, among patients undergoing airway manipulation and needing sedation, the use of a ketamine/propofol admixture may be associated with better hemodynamics compared to nonketamine/propofol sedation. This trial is registered with CRD42019125725.
Chromatin Regulator CHD1 Remodels the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in PTEN-Deficient Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhao Di , Cai Li , Lu Xin , Liang Xin , Li Jiexi , Chen Peiwen , Ittmann Michael , Shang Xiaoying , Jiang Shan , Li Haoyan , Meng Chenling , Flores Ivonne , Song Jian H. , Horner James W. , Lan Zhengdao , Wu Chang-Jiun , Li Jun , Chang Qing , Chen Ko-Chien , Wang Guocan , Deng Pingna , Spring Denise J. , Wang Y. Alan , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: May 2020

Genetic inactivation of PTEN is common in prostate cancer and correlates with poorer prognosis. We previously identified CHD1 as an essential gene in PTEN-deficient cancer cells. Here, we sought definitive in vivo genetic evidence for, and mechanistic understanding of, the essential role of CHD1 in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer. In Pten and Pten/Smad4 genetically engineered mouse models, prostate-specific deletion of Chd1 resulted in markedly delayed tumor progression and prolonged survival. Chd1 deletion was associated with profound tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling characterized by reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and increased CD8+ T cells. Further analysis identified IL6 as a key transcriptional target of CHD1, which plays a major role in recruitment of immunosuppressive MDSCs. Given the prominent role of MDSCs in suppressing responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), our genetic and tumor biological findings support combined testing of anti-IL6 and ICI therapies, specifically in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer.

Significance:

We demonstrate a critical role of CHD1 in MDSC recruitment and discover CHD1/IL6 as a major regulator of the immunosuppressive TME of PTEN-deficient prostate cancer. Pharmacologic inhibition of IL6 in combination with immune checkpoint blockade elicits robust antitumor responses in prostate cancer.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1241
Effectiveness and Safety of Omalizumab in Patients with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Complicated by Chronic Bacterial Infection in the Airways
Authors: Tomomatsu Katsuyoshi , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Baba Tomohisa , Toyoshima Mikio , Komase Yuko , Taniguchi Masami , Asano Koichiro ,   and the Japan ABPM Research Program
Published: May 2020

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) develops in the presence of predisposing conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Even ABPA accompanied by asthma is often complicated by chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa or nontuberculous mycobacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract, rendering treatment with corticosteroids difficult. There have been several reports on the effectiveness of omalizumab, an anti-IgE antibody, in patients with ABPA. We analyzed the effectiveness and adverse effects of omalizumab in ABPA patients with chronic respiratory infections. Methods: Using our nationwide survey database and published case reports, we identified patients with severe asthma and ABPA who fulfilled the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology criteria and who had been treated with omalizumab. Exacerbation rates, control of symptoms, doses of oral corticosteroids, and pulmonary function were evaluated. Results: Among 25 patients with ABPA treated with omalizumab (median age 62 years, range 33–83 years), 12 patients had a chronic bacterial infection of the lower airways attributable to P. aeruginosa (n = 6) or nontuberculous mycobacteria (n = 6) at the initiation of omaliz­umab. Treatment with omalizumab reduced the frequency of exacerbations and systemic corticosteroid doses and improved pulmonary function. There were no significant adverse events or worsening of infection during treatment with omalizumab, except for injection-site reactions. Conclusions: Treatment with omalizumab was effective and safe in patients with ABPA, regardless of comorbid chronic respiratory tract infections.
Editorial
Authors: Castro Filho Cláudio Marcondes de
Published: May 2020

Editorial do v. 10, n. 2, p. 1-2, set. 2019/fev. 2020.
A vida íntima das sombras
Authors: Mata Diogo Xavier da , Saldanha Gustavo Silva
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: As fontes de informação biobibliográficas, artefatos socialmente produzidos, possibilitam a reunião de informações acerca de sujeitos que disputam poder no mesmo campo. O objetivo do estudo é desenvolver a problematização conceitual da noção de discurso biobibliográfico, com base na reflexão advinda da experiência teórico-metodológica em Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação (BCI), atravessando um percurso que vai dos dicionários biográficos aos currículos na web. 

Método: Como reflexão filosófico-teórica, a pesquisa parte da“ordem do discurso” de Michel Foucault, para discutir a potencialidade conceitual da ideia de discurso biobibliográfico no campo científico, debatendo sua construção enquanto categoria analítico-discursiva para o campo informacional e sua aplicabilidade crítica no plano de uma filosofia do documento, reconhecida em trabalhos como de Bernd Frohmann e Michael Buckland. Como objeto da pesquisa empírica, a centralidade da investigação é dada pelas fontes de informação biobibliográficas que se referem a sujeitos ligados a um dado campo científico. 

Resultados: A partir do reencontro com a metáfora de Píndaro, que representa o homem como sua sombra, o estudo atinge a objetivação biográfica metadocumental do ser, identificado, descrito, classificado e indexado através de suas informações dispostas bibliograficamente a partir da invenção da Modernidade. Os sujeitos e seus lastros materiais no espaço-tempo desafiam o discurso informacional substancialista, sendo documentados pelas vias de fixação e de conformação das fontes de informação biobibliográficas produzidas em consonância com um segundo discurso, este mais abrangente, que irá produzir o reflexo do sujeito.

Conclusões: As biobibliografias, reconhecidas como formações discurivas, ao serem utilizadas como forma de recenseamento, instituem ordenadamente aquilo que o sujeito deve ser ou se tornar. A ordem discurso biobibliográfico define aquilo com a qual ele deve sonhar, um rito de conformação do sujeito no campo científico. Cria-se com esse tipo de relacionamento uma forma de sujeição a estas fontes de informação.
GDF‐15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15) Is Associated With Hospitalization and Mortality in Patients With a Fontan Circulation
Authors: Meyer Sophie L. , Wolff Djoeke , Ridderbos Floris‐Jan S. , Eshuis Graziella , Hillege Hans , Willems Tineke P. , Ebels Tjark , van Melle Joost P. , Berger Rolf M. F.
Published: May 2020

Background

We investigated serial serum levels of GDF‐15 (growth differentiation factor 15) in Fontan patients and their relation to outcome.

Methods and Results

In this single‐center prospective study of consecutive Fontan patients, serial serum
GDF
‐15 measurement and clinical assessment was done at baseline (n=81) and after 2 years (n=51). The association between
GDF
‐15 and the combined end point of all‐cause mortality, heart transplant listing, and Fontan‐related hospitalization was investigated. Median age at baseline was 21 years (interquartile range: 15–28 years). Median
GDF
‐15 serum levels at baseline were 552 pg/mL (interquartile range: 453–729 pg/mL).
GDF
‐15 serum levels correlated positively with age, age at Fontan initiation, New York Heart Association class, and serum levels of
NT
‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) and ɣGT (γ‐glutamyltransferase) and negatively with exercise capacity. During a median follow‐up of 4.8 years (interquartile range: 3.3–5.5 years), the combined end point occurred in 30 patients (37%). Multivariate Cox regression showed that patients with the highest baseline
GDF
‐15 (n=20, defined as the upper quartile) had a higher risk of hospitalization or death than the lowest 3 quartiles (hazard ratio [HR], 2.76; 95%
CI
, 1.27–6.00;
P
=0.011). After 2 years of follow‐up, patients in whom serum level of
GDF
‐15 increased to >70 pg/mL (n=13) had a higher risk of hospitalization or death than the lowest 3 quartiles (HR, 2.69; 95%
CI
, 1.03–6.99;
P
=0.043).

Conclusions

In Fontan patients, elevated serum levels of
GDF
‐15 are associated with worse functional status and predict Fontan‐related events. Furthermore, serial measurements showed that an increase in
GDF
‐15 serum level was associated with increased risk for adverse outcome.
Multi‐Beat Right Ventricular‐Arterial Coupling Predicts Clinical Worsening in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hsu Steven , Simpson Catherine E. , Houston Brian A. , Wand Alison , Sato Takahiro , Kolb Todd M. , Mathai Stephen C. , Kass David A. , Hassoun Paul M. , Damico Rachel L. , Tedford Ryan J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Although right ventricular (
RV
) to pulmonary arterial (
RV
‐
PA
) coupling is considered the gold standard in assessing
RV
dysfunction, its ability to predict clinically significant outcomes is poorly understood. We assessed the ability of
RV
‐
PA
coupling, determined by the ratio of multi‐beat (
MB
) end‐systolic elastance (Ees) to effective arterial elastance (Ea), to predict clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐six subjects with
pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
underwent same‐day cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, right heart catheterization, and
RV
pressure‐volume assessment with
MB
determination of Ees/Ea.
RV
ejection fraction (
RVEF
), stroke volume/end‐systolic volume, and single beat‐estimated Ees/Ea were also determined. Patients were treated with standard therapies and followed prospectively until they met criteria of clinical worsening (
CW
), as defined by ≥10% decline in 6‐minute walk distance, worsening World Health Organization (
WHO
) functional class,
PAH
therapy escalation,
RV
failure hospitalization, or transplant/death. Subjects were 57±14 years, largely
WHO
class
III
(50%) at enrollment, with preserved average
RV
ejection fraction (
RVEF
) (47±11%). Mean follow‐up was 3.2±1.3 years. Sixteen (62%) subjects met
CW
criteria.
MB
Ees/Ea was significantly lower in
CW
subjects (0.7±0.5 versus 1.3±0.8,
P
=0.02). The optimal
MB
Ees/Ea cut‐point predictive of
CW
was 0.65, defined by
ROC
(
AUC
0.78,
P
=0.01).
MB
Ees/Ea below this cut‐point was significantly associated with time to
CW
(
hazard ratio
5.1,
P
=0.001).
MB
Ees/Ea remained predictive of outcomes following multivariate adjustment for timing of
PAH
diagnosis and
PAH
diagnosis subtype.

Conclusions

RV
‐
PA
coupling as measured by
MB
Ees/Ea has prognostic significance in human
PAH
, even in a cohort with preserved
RVEF
.
“Who Is My Neighbor?” Ethnic Boundaries and the Samaritan Other in Luke 10:25-37
Authors: Keddie G. Anthony
Published: May 2020

The story about the “Good Samaritan” in the gospel of Luke appears in the midst of a halakhic discussion between Jesus and a Judaean “lawyer” over who constitutes a “neighbor” (Luke 10:25-37). While scholars have often interpreted this pericope as a call for social inclusivity, the ways that Luke relies on and perpetuates prejudicial Judaean stereotypes about Samaritans have seldom been analyzed. This study draws on social-scientific and critical theory on ethnicity and the plethora of recent scholarship on Samaritan-Judaean interactions in order to explore the ways in which Luke’s text conveys prevalent ethnic stereotypes about Samaritans. It argues that Luke, like earlier and contemporaneous Judaean sources, appropriates an ethnographic representation of Samaritans as “proximate others” as part of a process of identity formation.
Population dynamics of Scutylenchus rugosus under cultivation of maize and wheat and survival in dry fallow conditions
Authors: Hashemi Kobra , Karegar Akbar , Hamzehzarghani Habibalah
Published: May 2020

The ectoparasitic nematode, Scutylenchus rugosus, is common in Europe and Asia, feeding on several plant species and limiting productivity. Its seasonal population fluctuation was monitored on maize and wheat crops, in glasshouse and open field conditions, respectively. Its survival in the absence of a host plant was also investigated in a microplot field trial. The population of S. rugosus increased gradually during 4 months of maize growth in glasshouse conditions, and more than 50% increase occurred during the second month after sowing. Under wheat growth, in open field conditions, the lowest population was observed during July, 1 month after wheat harvesting, and the highest in August, after the first post-harvest irrigation. About 50% of the nematode population survived after a 5-month period of drought in the absence of a host and the percentage of surviving nematodes was greater under a dry soil regime than under a dry-wet regime. Most of the inactive S. rugosus were adults. After 24 h of soil wetting, most inactive nematodes resumed their activity and the optimum temperature for activation was 25°C.
Assessment of plant defence induction and biocontrol potential of Bacillus megaterium wr101 against Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Sahebani Navazollah , Omranzade Fahime
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate biological control ability and induction of plant defence by Bacillus megaterium wr101, isolated from wheat rhizosphere, on disease severity induced by Meloidogyne javanica on cucumber. In addition, changes in some plant defence compounds (such as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and accumulation of total phenolic compounds) induced by B. megaterium wr101 and M. javanica were also evaluated. Results showed that application of B. megaterium wr101 reduced nematode disease indices compared to non-treated controls. Inoculation of cucumber roots with B. megaterium wr101 increased peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities in root tissue from the first day after inoculation (DAI), with maximum levels of these enzymes recorded 4 DAI and then reduced gradually. Catalase activity and H2O2 accumulation showed two peaks on 1 and 5 DAI, respectively, but the presence of nematodes in the plant significantly increased the activity level of catalase enzyme even in the presence of the bacterium. Bacillus megaterium wr101 also stimulated the accumulation of total phenolic compounds in cucumber roots.
The Political Thinker as a Civil Physician: Some Thoughts on Marsilius of Padua and Machiavelli beyond Leo Strauss’ al-Fârâbî
Authors: Mulieri Alessandro
Published: May 2020

While scholars have widely acknowledged a reliance on medical language in the political theories of Marsilius of Padua and Niccolò Machiavelli, they have rarely investigated the epistemological status of this appropriation. Questioning Leo Strauss’ claim that Jewish-Arabic Platonic ideas on the philosopher-king could have been a possible model for Marsilius and Machiavelli, this paper aims to show that the use of medical language by Marsilius of Padua and Machiavelli entails a form of political knowledge that is decidedly at odds with any kind of Platonic philosophical politics. This article makes the claim that, in their political theories, Marsilius and Machiavelli break with two key assumptions of Platonism: first, that philosophy as “absolute self-knowledge” is needed to rule; and, second, that philosophers must be lawgivers or legislators.
Interjections in Biblical Aramaic: A Radial Model
Authors: Andrason Alexander , Hutchison D. Allen
Published: May 2020

This article examines the lexical class of interjections in Biblical Aramaic through the framework of an interjectional prototype and its functional (semantic and pragmatic) and formal (phonetic, morphological, and syntactic) characteristics. The authors analyse eight interjectional lexemes or constructional patterns, attested in twenty-four uses, for their compliance to the canonical prototype. The evidence reveals significant variation in the interjections’ canonicity: high canonicity in primary interjections, semi-canonicity in nearly primary interjections, and low canonicity in secondary interjections.
AMS Dates and the Chronology of Great Zimbabwe
Authors: Huffman Thomas N. , Woodborne Stephan
Published: May 2020

Salvage excavations in the 1970s uncovered a sizeable commoner occupation at Great Zimbabwe, as well as evidence for the early construction of an elite stonewalled enclosure. As a result of these excavations, we can revise somewhat the chronology of Great Zimbabwe. The most important changes are the extension of Period IVa, lasting from AD 1285±10 to 1395±10, and the appearance of P, P/Q and Q-coursed walling in Period IVa. The small Nemanwa palace was built in P/Q and first dates to Period IVa, as does the Outer Perimeter Wall, and both were linked to the growth of the Zimbabwe state. Period IVb represents the floruit of Great Zimbabwe, while Period IVc encompasses the occupation after the political elite moved north to become the well-known Mutapa dynasty. After the move north, the Mutapa established a masungiro ritual centre at Great Zimbabwe, perhaps to maintain territorial rights in the face of Torwa expansion.
First record of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on maize in Viet Nam
Authors: HANG DAO THI , VAN LIEM NGUYEN , LAM PHẠM VĂN , WYCKHUYS KRIS A.G.
Published: May 2020

The neotropical fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is an important lepidopteran pest with a broad geographical distribution (Goergen et al. 2015, Early et al. 2018, Sharanabasappa et al. 2018). Larvae of S. frugiperda feed on more than 350 plant species, including several economically-important crops such as maize, sugarcane or rice (Montezano et al. 2018). Following its invasion of the African continent and of South Asia in 2016 and 2018 respectively, FAW has caused important crop losses and associated livelihood impacts (Baudron et al., 2019). During 2019, FAW rapidly spread across Southeast Asia and FAW-attributed feeding damage was recorded on maize in Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, maize is the second most important staple food crop after rice, is extensively used for livestock production and poultry feed, and thus plays a central role in sustaining rural livelihoods (Dang et al. 2004). Hence, the recent FAW invasion and the anticipated pest-induced yield losses will carry important repercussions for local maize value chains and are likely to degrade farmers’ revenue base. In this study, we conducted a morphological and molecular identification of locally-collected FAW individuals to better characterize the species’ invasion history in Viet Nam.
The Expression of miRNA-146a in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Myasthenia Gravis and Its Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Huang Pan , He Xiao-Ying , Xu Min
Published: May 2020

The study is to investigate the expression of miRNA-146a in PBMC of myasthenia Gravis (MG), and to explore the molecular regulatory network of miRNA-146a in the pathogenesis of MG by bioinformatics. 108 patients with MG were selected as the experimental group (MG group), and 50 healthy
subjects were selected as the control group. The relative expression of miRNA-146a in PBMC was detected by RT-PCR. The cross-target gene of miRNA-146a was predicted by TargetScan and CoMeTa database. miRNA-146a target gene GO enrichment and KEGG Pathway enrichment analysis was performed using
the DAVID database. Our results shows that the expression level of miRNA-146a in peripheral blood of MG patients was significantly higher than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0 05), and the nucleotide sequence was highly conserved. The potential
target genes of miRNA-146a include 88 kinds; GO analysis showed that miRNA-146a target gene function is mainly enriched in cell proliferation regulation, neuronal differentiation, etc. KEGG Pathway analysis shows that miRNA-146a is mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, neurotransmitter
regulatory signaling pathways, EB signaling pathways and other signaling pathways. In conclusion, the expression of miRNA-146a in PBMC of MG patients is up-regulated and participates in the pathogenesis of MG by acting on multiple signaling pathways.
Expression of Galectins-1 in Rat Traumatic Osteoarthritis and Its Regulation Mechanism
Authors: Wei Yaheng , Yang Zuoming , Guan Pengfei , Zhang Lifeng
Published: May 2020

Traumatic arthritis is a common orthopedic surgery disease that seriously affects the health of patients. The expression and role of Galectins in traumatic osteoarthritis remains unclear. SD rats were divided into control group and osteoarthritis model group. Real-time PCR and ELISA
were used to analyze Galectins-1 expression. Chondrocytes were isolated and cultured and divided into control group, Galectins-1 siRNA group and Galectins-1 group followed by analysis of proliferation of chondrocytes by MTT assay, cell migration by Transewell chamber, expression of RUNX2 and
ADAMTS-4/5 by Real-time PCR, and PI3K/Akt by Western blot. Galectins-1 mRNA and secretion in synovial fluid was significantly reduced in model group compared to control (P < 0.05). Transfection of Galectins-1-pcDNA3.1 plasmid into chondrocytes of osteoarthritic rats significantly increased
the expression of Galectins-1, promoted chondrocyte proliferation and cell migration, and downregulated RUNX2 and ADAMTS-4/5 (P < 0.05). Up-regulation of Galectins-1 blocked the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Transfection of Galectins-1 siRNA significantly reduced the expression
of Galectins-1, inhibited chondrocyte proliferation and cell migration, and upregulated RUNX2 and ADAMTS-4/5 (P < 0.05). Down-regulation of Galectins-1 up-regulated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Galectins-1 expression is reduced in joint tissues in rat model of traumatic osteoarthritis. Up-regulation
of Galectins-1 expression can promote chondrocyte proliferation and migration by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which may reduce chondrocyte damage in rats with traumatic osteoarthritis.
Experimental Study on the Construction of Tissue Engineered Bone by Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced by MiR-29b Composite Bionic Scaffold
Authors: Yu Peng , Li Jun , Jia Bingshen , Wang Zizhenbiao , Wang Sheng , Fu Kun
Published: May 2020

MiR-29b promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Our study aims to evaluate MiR-29b's role in composite bionic scaffold-induced BMSCs in the construction of tissue engineered bone. Rat BMSCs were isolated and transfected with NC (negative control)
and MiR-29b plasmid. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay and the expression of osteogenic genes Runx2 and OC was analyzed by Real time PCR. Healthy male SD rats were divided into fracture group; negative control group; and MiR-29b group followed by analysis of the changes of bone
mineral density, ALP activity, and expression of MiR-29b, type I collagen and Runx2 by Real time PCR. Up-regulation of MiR-29b significantly promoted BMSCs cell proliferation, inhibited Caspase 3 activity, and promoted Runx2 and OC expression compared to NC group (P < 0 05). NC group showed
significantly increased bone density, ALP activity and the expression of type I collagen and Runx2 compared with control group (P < 0 05). Transfection of BMSCs induced by MiR-29b combined with biomimetic scaffold significantly promoted the expression of MiR-29b in fractured rats, increased
bone mineral density and ALP activity, as well as upregulated type I collagen and Runx2, compared to NC group (P < 0 05). Up-regulation of MiR-29b promotes cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Implantation of BMSCs induced by MiR-29b composite bionic scaffold can
promote osteogenic differentiation and promote bone healing in bone defects.
miRNA-122a as a Biomarkers in Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Yu Chunrui , Zhang Aihua , Liu Hong
Published: May 2020

Aim: The purpose of our work was to evaluate the correlation between miRNA-122a and diagnosis and treatment of prostatic cancer. Methods : The 30 tumor and normal tissues were collected from prostatic cancer cases, evaluated miRNA-122a and Foxm1 by ISH, IHC and RT-PCR methods,
and analyzing the correlation between miRNA-122a and Foxm1. In the cell experiment, Dividing DU-145 and PC-3 as 3 groups: NC groups, BL groups and miRNA groups. Using transwell and wound healing test to evaluate cell invasion and migration abilities. Using WB test to measure the relative proteins
levels. Results: miRNA-122a and Foxm1 expressions of tumor tissues was significantly differences compared with adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.05y ). MiRNA-122a was negative correlation with Foxm1 in prostatic cancer tissues. The invasion cell number and wound healing rate of miRNA
groups were significantly down-regulation compared with NC groups in DU-145 and PC-3 (P < 0.05). The relative proteins levels of miRNA groups were significantly differences compared with NC in DU-145 and PC-3 (P < 0.05). Conclusion : miRNA-122a might be a suppressor biomarker
in the prostatic cancer.
Interleukin-15 Regulates Osteogenic/Adipogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Under Oxidative Stress by Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Danhai , Wang Kan
Published: May 2020

The oxidative stress process can affect bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) differentiation. Interleukin (IL-15) regulates fat differentiation of BMSCs. However, the role of IL-15 in osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs under oxidative stress remains unclear. Rat BMSCs
were cultured and randomly divided into control group; oxidative stress group and IL-15 treatment group followed by analysis of IL-15 secretion by ELISA, expression of osteocalcin, type I collagen, RUNX2 and OPN mRNA as well as FABP4 and PPARγ 2 by Real time PCR, ALP activity, ROS content
and SOD activity, and expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling proteins by Western blot. In oxidative stress group, IL-15 secretion was significantly decreased, osteocalcin, type I collagen, RUNX2 and OPN mRNA expression was reduced, along with deceased ALP activity and SOD activity, increased
ROS content and FABP4 and PPARγ 2 protein expression as well as decreased expression of p-AKT and mTOR in comparison of control (P < 0 05). IL-15 treatment on oxidative stress BMSCs significantly increased IL-15 secretion and the expression of osteocalcin, type I collagen, RUNX2 and
OPN mRNA, along with increased ALP activity and SOD activity, decreased FABP4 and PPAR 2 protein expression and ROS content as well as increased expression of p-AKT and mTOR (P < 0 05). IL-15 secretion was reduced in BMSCs under oxidative stress. Promoting IL-15 secretion can improve redox
balance through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Smart Vehicle Automation Using Internet of Things
Authors: Dharsini Visnu , Gireesh V. , Vimal S. , Nair Yash
Published: May 2020

The field of automobile automation, though relatively new, has taken over the world by storm with the advent of driverless cars and smart vehicles. While these vehicles provide various automation features like autopilot, auto cruise control and automatic braking which enhance the driving
experience and ensure safety, there are not many provisions for further safety, driver protection and problem prevention. Keeping this in mind, we have proposed a very inexpensive model to monitor the driver’s state and the in-vehicle safety, with an automatic braking system, using various
sensors—gas (detecting highly poisonous toxic gases), IR (seatbelts), alcohol (if the driver is drunk), temperature/flame (for fire inside and temperature recording), humidity, LDR (automatic headlights) and ZIGBEE (automatic braking). A 12 V DC motor (wheel) controlled by L298N. The
vehicle status and the motor stop reason is displayed in a basic LCD display. The data collected in all these sensors is displayed in the cloud for analyses. Arduino was used for interconnection, automation and system control. NodeMCU for cloud connection. The whole system is powered by a
5 V power source.
Dynamic Dimming of Highway Lights Using Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Aravind Suraj S. , Ashwin Kumar Thachat P. , Sayam  , Dharsini Visnu
Published: May 2020

Conventional highway lights use power consuming sodium vapor lamps. Replacing Sodium vapor lamps with LEDs reduce power consumption by up to 50%. Dimming the lights when not required can further reduce power consumption. The proposed system aims at reducing power consumption by analyzing
the presence of vehicles using an ultrasonic sensor and dynamically adjusting the intensity of the highway lights through Pulse Width Modulation. The proposed module aims at reducing energy consumption without compromising on the safety of the public. It operates on a renewable energy source
making it even more energy efficient.
Noise Removal from Brain MRI Images Using Adaptive Bayesian Shrinkage
Authors: Josephine S. , Murugan S.
Published: May 2020

In MR machine, surface coils, especially phased-arrays are used extensively for acquiring MR images with high spatial resolution. The signal intensities on images acquired using these coils have a non-uniform map due to coil sensitivity profile. Although these smooth intensity variations
have little impact on visual diagnosis, they become critical issues when quantitative information is needed from the images. Sometimes, medical images are captured by low signal to noise ratio (SNR). The low SNR makes it difficult to detect anatomical structures because tissue characterization
fails on those images. Hence, denoising are essential processes before further processing or analysis will be conducted. They found that the noise in MR image is of Rician distribution. Hence, general filters cannot be used to remove these types of noises. The linear spatial filtering technique
blurs the object boundaries and degrades the sharp details. The existing works proved that Wavelet based works eliminates the noise coefficient that called wavelet thresholding. Wavelet thresholding estimates the noise level from high frequency content and estimates the threshold value by
comparing the estimated noisy wavelet coefficient with other wavelet coefficients and eliminate the noisy pixel intensity value. Bayesian Shrinkage rule is one of the widely used methods. It uses for Gaussian type of noise, the proposed method introduced some adaptive technique in Bayesian
Shrinkage method to remove Rician type of noises from MRI images. The results were verified using quantitative parameters such as Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR). The proposed Adaptive Bayesian Shrinkage Method (ABSM) outperformed existing methods.
Quick Response Based Automatic Ticket Generation, Payment and Monitoring for Suburban Trains
Authors: Dheenadhayalan B. , Nath Srijitha S. , Praveen Kumar S.
Published: May 2020

Manual booking and monitoring of tickets in suburban trains is a hectic and time consuming process for the passengers and officials. Due to improper monitoring the government suffers a revenue loss every year. Hence we propose the development of an application that generates a QR code
once the passenger logs in and is read to travel. The QR code has to be scanned at the boarding and destination station checkpoints for entry and exit access. The user’s ticket details are stored in a database for security purpose. After the scanning process at the destination, the travel
fare computed based on the boarding and destination stations shall be automatically deducted from the dedicated wallet. Thereby, streamlining the system through our application makes the process effortless, efficient and compatible. The ticket checker is also provided with a checker application
with which the user’s ticket information in the database can be verified. Thereby, streamlining the system through our application makes the process effortless, efficient and compatible.
Control and Integration of Automatic Flood Warning and Alert System Using Internet of Things
Authors: Joly M. , Kanirajan P. , Venkatasubramani M.
Published: May 2020

The information capability of an impending flash flood or release of water from the dam which is available for the people near the catchment area of the river is deficient and unsystematic. Therefore in order to make it sufficient and systematic, information gathering the opening of
dams, its capacity and its rapid increase in the level are monitored accurately. The data of the monsoonal shift and the climatic change are merged as the cloud data. The PA system along with the OPGW cables and the GSM based system which are used for making alert for the people in the catchment
area gives direction over the elevated region for their safety which in turn saves the life of the people a lot.
Energy Efficiency in Ad-Hoc On Demand Distance Vector and Dynamic Source Routing Protocols Using High Energy First Algorithm for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Vanitha M. , Rajiv A. , Sathya Priya M.
Published: May 2020

The main issue that occurs in battery powered applications in Mobile Ad Hoc networks (MANETs) is energy efficiency. Routing protocols are mainly based on energy related parameters which are used to extend the lifetime of networks. In most of the situations Shortest path routing protocols
are used in MANETs which do not consider the energy awareness. Hence power failure of the nodes affect the life time of the network. In this paper we focus on Energy efficiency in Ad-hoc On Demand Distance Vector (AODV) and Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol by using High Energy First (HEF)
algorithm to overcome the shortcomings that occur in MANETs due to increase in node density. Simulations are performed using NS-2 and we have compared the performance of AODV and DSR using HEF with the performance of existing DSR and AODV to prove the maximization of lifetime of the network.
Simulation results show that the proposed protocols with HEF are efficient than the existing protocols.