bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of intelligent stereo garage system
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhou Ke , Geerdes Dominik
Published: September 2019

With the rapid development of the city, the car has entered thousands of households, and the difficulty of parking in the city will bring inconvenience to the citizens. This paper takes a roadway-type stereoscopic garage (warehouse-type stereo garage) as the research object, with PLC and servo control technology as the core, supplemented by contactless card reader and mobile client technology, and develops design of Urban stereo garage system based on Internet+. Through the network communication between the stereo garage system and the mobile phone client, the remote garage information inquiry is realized, and the PLC is connected with the touch screen to perform, and data reading and writing data can be performed and the visual management of the stereo garage can be realized.
Pre-calibration method for concrete distributor based on laser sensor
Authors: Li Dong , Li Yang , Zhang Ke , Zhou Peng , Yu Wenda , Guo Jingjing
Published: September 2019

The initial positioning of concrete distributor in the distributor area is the primary issue that restricts the realization of automatic distribution, in the automation production of precast concrete components. Therefore, the automatic pre-calibration method of concrete distributor based on laser sensor is proposed. The method realizes the locating of the concrete distributor in the moving area by adding encoders on the driving motors of the distribution-big-cart and the distribution-small-cart. The side-mold on the bottom-mold-tray could be positioned through adding a laser sensor and combining the encoders information. Pre-calibration point of concrete distributor is determined by synthesizing the information of sensors. By the designed automatic pre-calibration method, the workload of the operator could be reduced, the automation level of the distributor could be improved, and the foundation for the realization of the subsequent automatic function is laid.
The research on intelligent RGV dynamic scheduling based on hybrid genetic algorithm
Authors: Wang Likang , Mu Yaya , Gao Hongmei , Men Rui
Published: September 2019

With the rapid development of automation, mechatronics, information technology and other fields, production and processing systems are constantly moving towards unmanned and intelligent development. The RGV rail-guided vehicle system integrates various high-new technologies and is widely used in modern processing systems. Compared with the circular RGV orbit system, the linear reciprocating RGV system adopts a linear orbit, which is not easy to be blocked during operation, but its scheduling response mechanism is not perfect enough, which makes the operation efficiency of the whole system low. Therefore, how to improve the response mechanism and the operational efficiency of the RGV intelligent processing system has become an important factor in prompting the rapid development of the modern intelligent processing industry.

In this paper, aiming at the intelligent linear reciprocating scheduling problem, the main influencing factors are analyzed according to the shortest distance priority response and the shortest completion time. Mathematical analysis and mathematical modeling are carried out and a rule-based genetic algorithm is designed to solve the problem. The algorithm of replacing the fixed parameters in the traditional genetic algorithm with the adaptive cross mutation probability, and improves the genetic algorithm’s tendency to fall into the local optimal solution.
The status and results from ProtoDUNE Single Phase
Authors: Spanu Maura
Published: September 2019

DUNE is a leading-edge, international experiment for neutrino science and proton decay. Its ambitious physics program requires a careful prototyping of the engineering solutions envisaged for the scale-up of the LArTPC technology, as well as a careful control of the systematics through the acquisition of a deep knowledge of the detector response and performances. ProtoDUNE is an an extensive prototype program developed at the European Research Center (CERN) Neutrino Platform facility with the aim to answer to all the open questions about DUNE design. The Single Phase prototype (ProtoDUNE SP) has been assembled between 2017 and 2018 and it successfully took its first beam data from a dedicated SPS tertiary line from September to November 2018.
Development of gas sensitivity model of nanocomposites based on the tin dioxide - silicon dioxide system
Authors: Averin I A , Pronin I A , Karmanov A A , Yakushova N D , Moshnikov V A , Antropova N V
Published: September 2019

A model of gas sensitivity of nanocomposites based on tin dioxide - silicon dioxide system is developed. The mechanisms of conductivity and chemoresistive response of composites are investigated. The parameters corresponding to the maximum sensitivity of SiO2-SnO2 films are determined as well.
Applications of vacuum rectification for energy optimization of the fractional facility of benzene and toluene
Authors: Kabirov V R , Gorlenkov D V , Feshchenko R Yu , Kochetkova E A , Silivanov M O
Published: September 2019

The article represents the possibility of the energy optimization of rectification facility of separation of benzene and toluene by using columns with circled energy flows. The modeling was conducted in Hysys environment using NRTL thermodynamic package. The modernization requires the vacuum in the benzene column to lower the temperature and increase the temperature difference between the top of the toluene and the bottom of the benzene column. The proposed technological configuration allows to significantly reduce the energy consumption in the form of heating steam and achieve a significant economic effect.
Formation of non-vertical mesa structures on 4H-SiC RIE method using silicone-organic mask coating
Authors: Serkov A V , Ilyin V A
Published: September 2019

The article discusses the possibility of using silicone lacquer as a masking coating when creating micro-dimensional mesa structures on the 4H-SiC surface using the reactive ion-plasma etching method. The etching process was carried out on a setup with an ICP plasma source. The experiments were performed with the aim of determining the dependence of the angle of inclination of the wall of the mesa structure on the parameters of the etching process. The etching results were recorded with a Helius nanolab instrument complex and a Quanta Inspec raster electron microscope.
Method for improving the quality of focusing in optical spectrometers used for the diagnosis of plasma spectra
Authors: Uhov A A , Gerasimov V A , Kostrin D K , Selivanov L M , Simon V A
Published: September 2019

As a recording element in spectrometers with an optical scheme built on the Rowland circle, as a rule, a multi-element photodetector is used. Such a receiver has a flat surface and therefore the best focusing can be achieved at no more than two points. As a result of the research it was proposed to overcome this drawback by mounting a fiber-optic plate of a special design on the surface of a multi-element photodetector, which allows to obtain the best focus on the entire field of radiation detection, or to eliminate dead zones in multi-channel spectrometers.
Vacuum-semiconductor hybrid photoelectric device for near IR-region
Authors: Zubkov V I , Mironov D E , Solomonov A V
Published: September 2019

Results of the development of a hybrid vacuum semiconductor photodetector for the near IR-range are presented. The device is based on InP/In0.53Ga0.47As/InP photocathode and electron-sensitive CCD matrix with the number of elements 768×580. In order for the minority charge carriers generated within 0.5 μm from the surface to reach the recording cells, the CCD matrix was thinned to about 30 μm. In addition, in the reverse side of the matrix the phosphorus impurity was implanted. This technique creates the necessary gradient of the electric field, which provides high efficient transport of minority charge carriers to the potential pits of the CCD matrix. At room temperature and continuous irradiation the measured threshold irradiance was registered at the level of 5·10−8 W/cm2 for the wavelength range λ = 1–1.5 μm.
Invited Commentary: The Disillusionment of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Epidemiology
Authors: Gilman Stephen E , Hornig Mady
Published: September 2019

The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) model promises a greater understanding of early development but has left unresolved the balance of risks and benefits to offspring of medication use during pregnancy. Masarwa et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(8):1817–1827) conducted a meta-analysis of the association between in utero acetaminophen exposure and risks of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A challenge of meta-analyzing results from observational studies is that summary measures of risk do not correspond to well-defined interventions when the individual studies adjusted for different covariate sets, which was the case here. This challenge limits the usefulness of observational meta-analyses for inferences about etiology and treatment planning. With that limitation understood, Masarwa et al. reported a 20%–30% higher risk of ADHD and ASD following prenatal acetaminophen exposure. Surprisingly, most of the original studies did not report diagnoses of ADHD or ASD. As a result, their summary estimates of risk are not informative about children’s likelihood of ADHD and ASD diagnoses. The long-term promise of DOHaD remains hopeful, but more effort is needed in the short-term to critically evaluate observational studies suggesting risks associated with medications used to treat conditions during pregnancy that might have adverse consequences for a developing fetus.
Biogenesis mechanisms of circular RNA can be categorized through feature extraction of a machine learning model
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Liu Yu-Chen , Huang Hsien-Da , Wang Wei
Published: September 2019

Motivation

In recent years, multiple circular RNAs (circRNA) biogenesis mechanisms have been discovered. Although each reported mechanism has been experimentally verified in different circRNAs, no single biogenesis mechanism has been proposed that can universally explain the biogenesis of all tens of thousands of discovered circRNAs. Under the hypothesis that human circRNAs can be categorized according to different biogenesis mechanisms, we designed a contextual regression model trained to predict the formation of circular RNA from a random genomic locus on human genome, with potential biogenesis factors of circular RNA as the features of the training data.

Results

After achieving high prediction accuracy, we found through the feature extraction technique that the examined human circRNAs can be categorized into seven subgroups, according to the presence of the following sequence features: RNA editing sites, simple repeat sequences, self-chains, RNA binding protein binding sites and CpG islands within the flanking regions of the circular RNA back-spliced junction sites. These results support all of the previously reported biogenesis mechanisms of circRNA and solidify the idea that multiple biogenesis mechanisms co-exist for different subset of human circRNAs. Furthermore, we uncover a potential new links between circRNA biogenesis and flanking CpG island. We have also identified RNA binding proteins putatively correlated with circRNA biogenesis.

Availability and implementation

Scripts and tutorial are available at http://wanglab.ucsd.edu/star/circRNA. This program is under GNU General Public License v3.0.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Impact of the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine on Hospital Admissions for Diarrhea Among Children in Kenya: A Controlled Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Otieno Grieven P , Bottomley Christian , Khagayi Sammy , Adetifa Ifedayo , Ngama Mwanajuma , Omore Richard , Ogwel Billy , Owor Betty E , Bigogo Godfrey , Ochieng John B , Onyango Clayton , Juma Jane , Mwenda Jason , Tabu Collins , Tate Jacqueline E , Addo Yaw , Britton Tuck , Parashar Umesh D , Breiman Robert F , Verani Jennifer R , Nokes D James
Published: September 2019

Background

Monovalent rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline), was introduced in Kenya in July 2014 and is recommended to infants as oral doses at ages 6 and 10 weeks. A multisite study was established in 2 population-based surveillance sites to evaluate vaccine impact on the incidence of rotavirus-associated hospitalizations (RVHs).

Methods

Hospital-based surveillance was conducted from January 2010 to June 2017 for acute diarrhea hospitalizations among children aged <5 years in 2 health facilities in Kenya. A controlled interrupted time-series analysis was undertaken to compare RVH pre– and post–vaccine introduction using rotavirus-negative cases as a control series. The change in incidence post–vaccine introduction was estimated from a negative binomial model that adjusted for secular trend, seasonality, and multiple health worker industrial actions (strikes).

Results

Between January 2010 and June 2017 there were 1513 and 1652 diarrhea hospitalizations in Kilifi and Siaya; among those tested for rotavirus, 28% (315/1142) and 23% (197/877) were positive, respectively. There was a 57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8–80%) reduction in RVHs observed in the first year post–vaccine introduction in Kilifi and a 59% (95% CI, 20–79%) reduction in Siaya. In the second year, RVHs decreased further at both sites, 80% (95% CI, 46–93%) reduction in Kilifi and 82% reduction in Siaya (95% CI. 61–92%); this reduction was sustained at both sites into the third year.

Conclusions

A substantial reduction in RVHs and all-cause diarrhea was observed in 2 demographic surveillance sites in Kenya within 3 years of vaccine introduction.
Intensive blood pressure lowering in different age categories: insights from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial
Authors: Byrne Christina , Pareek Manan , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Qamar Arman , Pandey Ambarish , Olesen Thomas Bastholm , Olsen Michael Hecht , Bhatt Deepak L
Published: September 2019

Aims

The 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines for hypertension recommend differential management of patients who are <65, 65–79, and ≥80 years of age. However, it is unclear whether intensive blood pressure lowering is well-tolerated and modifies risk uniformly across the age spectrum.

Methods and results

SPRINT randomized 9361 high-risk adults without diabetes and age ≥50 years with systolic blood pressure 130–180 mmHg to either intensive or standard antihypertensive treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the composite of acute coronary syndromes, stroke, heart failure, or death from cardiovascular causes. The primary safety endpoint was composite serious adverse events. We assessed whether age modified the efficacy and safety of intensive vs. standard blood pressure lowering using Cox proportional-hazards regression and restricted cubic splines. In all, 3805 (41%), 4390 (47%), and 1166 (12%) were <65, 65–79, and ≥80 years. Mean age was similar between the two study groups (intensive group 67.9 ± 9.4 years vs. standard group 67.9 ± 9.5 years; P = 0.94). Median follow-up was 3.3 years. In multivariable models, age was linearly associated with the risk of stroke (P < 0.001) and non-linearly associated with the risk of primary efficacy events, death from cardiovascular causes, death from any cause, heart failure, and serious adverse events (P < 0.001). The safety and efficacy of intensive blood pressure lowering were not modified by age, whether tested continuously or categorically (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In SPRINT, the benefits and risks of intensive blood pressure lowering did not differ according to the age categories proposed by the ESC/ESH guidelines for hypertension.

Trial Registration

SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial); ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01206062, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01206062.
Incubation Period of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Awofisayo-Okuyelu Adedoyin , Brainard Julii , Hall Ian , McCarthy Noel
Published: September 2019

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli are pathogenic bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Severe infections could lead to life-threatening complications, especially in young children and the elderly. Understanding the distribution of the incubation period, which is currently inconsistent and ambiguous, can help in controlling the burden of disease. We conducted a systematic review of outbreak investigation reports, extracted individual incubation data and summary estimates, tested for heterogeneity, classified studies into subgroups with limited heterogeneity, and undertook a meta-analysis to identify factors that may contribute to the distribution of the pathogen’s incubation period. Twenty-eight studies were identified for inclusion in the review (1 of which included information on 2 outbreaks), and the resulting I2 value was 77%, indicating high heterogeneity. Studies were classified into 5 subgroups, with the mean incubation period ranging from 3.5 to 8.1 days. The length of the incubation period increased with patient age and decreased by 7.2 hours with every 10% increase in attack rate.
Mortality after use of paclitaxel-based devices in peripheral arteries: a real-world safety analysis
Authors: Freisinger Eva , Koeppe Jeanette , Gerss Joachim , Goerlich Dennis , Malyar Nasser M , Marschall Ursula , Faldum Andreas , Reinecke Holger
Published: September 2019

Aims

Drug-eluting devices (DED) represent a well-established therapy being widely used for endovascular revascularization (EVR) of peripheral vessels. Recent data indicate a two-fold increased long-term mortality in patients treated with paclitaxel-based DED. The subsequent safety concerns affected international regulatory authorities to enunciate several alerts for further application of DED.

Methods and results

In 9.2 million insurants of the German BARMER Health Insurance, data on the application of paclitaxel-based drug-eluting stents (DES) and drug-coated balloons (DCB) were retrieved from their introduction on the market in 2007 until present. All patients with first EVR between 2007 and 2015 were indexed and followed until 31 December 2017. Each subsequently applied DES, DCB, bare-metal stent, and uncoated balloon was included in further analyses. Multivariable Cox regression analysis considered potential non-linear time-dependent hazard ratios (HRs) of DES and DCB over 11 years. We identified 64 771 patients who underwent 107 112 EVR procedures using 23 137 DED. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed paclitaxel-based DES not to be associated with increased long-term mortality for over 11 years past application (all P > 0.057). DCB was associated with decreased long-term mortality for the first year past application (HR 0.92; P < 0.001), and indifferent correlation in the years thereafter (all P > 0.202).

Conclusion

Our real-world analysis showed no evidence for increased mortality associated with paclitaxel-based DED for over 11 years.
Common and unique Arabidopsis proteins involved in stomatal susceptibility to Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Rodrigues Oblessuc Paula , Vaz Bisneta Mariana , Melotto Maeli
Published: September 2019

Salmonella enterica is one of the most common pathogens associated with produce outbreaks worldwide; nonetheless, the mechanisms uncovering their interaction with plants are elusive. Previous reports demonstrate that S. enterica ser. Typhimurium (STm), similar to the phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000, triggers a transient stomatal closure suggesting its ability to overcome this plant defense and colonize the leaf apoplast. In order to discover new molecular players that function in the stomatal reopening by STm and Pst DC3000, we performed an Arabidopsis mutant screening using thermal imaging. Further stomatal bioassay confirmed that the mutant plants exo70h4-3, sce1-3, bbe8, stp1, and lsu2 have smaller stomatal aperture widths than the wild type Col-0 in response to STm 14028s. The mutants bbe8, stp1 and lsu2 have impaired stomatal movement in response to Pst DC3000. These findings indicate that EXO70H4 and SCE1 are involved in bacterial-specific responses, while BBE8, STP1, and LSU2 may be required for stomatal response to a broad range of bacteria. The identification of new molecular components of the guard cell movement induced by bacteria will enable a better understanding of the initial stages of plant colonization and facilitate targeted prevention of leaf contamination with harmful pathogens.
Characterization of six recombinant human RNase H2 bearing Aicardi-Goutiéres syndrome causing mutations
Authors: Nishimura Takuto , Baba Misato , Ogawa Saori , Kojima Kenji , Takita Teisuke , Crouch Robert J , Yasukawa Kiyoshi
Published: September 2019

Mammalian RNase H2 is a heterotrimeric enzyme consisting of one catalytic subunit (A) and two accessory subunits (B and C). RNase H2 is involved in the removal of a single ribonucleotide embedded in genomic DNA and removal of RNA of RNA/DNA hybrids. In humans, mutation of the RNase H2 gene causes a severe neuroinflammatory disorder Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS). Here, we examined the activity and stability of six recombinant human RNase H2 variants bearing one AGS-causing mutation, A-G37S (Gly37 in the A subunit is replaced with Ser), A-N212I, A-R291H, B-A177T, B-V185G, or C-R69W. The activity of A-G37S was 0.3–1% of that of the wild-type RNase H2 (WT), while those of other five variants were 51–120%. In circular dichroism measurement, the melting temperatures of variants were 50–53°C, lower than that of WT (56°C). These results suggested that A-G37S had decreased activity and stability than WT, while other five variants had decreased stability but retained activity. In gel filtration chromatography of the purified enzyme preparation, WT migrated as a heterotrimer, while A-R291H eluted in two separate peaks containing either the heterotrimer or only the A subunit, suggesting that some AGS-causing mutations affect the heterotrimer-forming stability of RNase H2.
No evidence for Wolbachia infection (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales) in the threatened freshwater crustacean AeglaLeach, 1820 (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae)
Authors: Puli Gislaine , Maria Andrielli P , Zimmermann Bianca L , Santos Sandro , Bartholomei-Santos Marlise L
Published: September 2019

Wolbachia bacteria (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales) are worldwide endosymbionts infecting arthropods and nematodes, which, among other effects, interfere with reproduction and the mitochondrial DNA polymorphism of their hosts. Among crustaceans, the bacteria have been mainly found in isopods, but its complete range of hosts is still unknown. We investigated the presence of Wolbachia in 10 species of AeglaLeach, 1820, a freshwater anomuran endemic to southern South America. We found no evidence for the presence of the bacteria, ensuring the reliability of studies employing mitochondrial DNA as molecular markers in aeglids.
Scientific Education and Innovation: From Technical Diplomas to University Stem Degrees
Authors: Bianchi Nicola , Giorcelli Michela
Published: September 2019

This paper studies the effects of university STEM education on innovation and labor market outcomes by exploiting a change in enrollment requirements in Italian STEM majors. University-level scientific education had two direct effects on the development of patents by students who had acquired a STEM degree. First, the policy changed the direction of their innovation. Second, it allowed these individuals to reach top positions within firms and be more involved in the innovation process. STEM degrees, however, also changed occupational sorting. Some higher-achieving individuals used STEM degrees to enter jobs that required university-level education, but did not focus on patenting.
Survival in Early Phase Immuno-Oncology Trials: Development and Validation of a Prognostic Index
Authors: Day Daphne , Guo Christina , Kanjanapan Yada , Tran Ben , Spreafico Anna , Joshua Anthony M , Wang Lisa , Abdul Razak Albiruni R , Leighl Natasha B , Hansen Aaron R , Butler Marcus O , Siu Lillian L , Desai Jayesh , Bedard Philippe L
Published: September 2019

Background

Immuno-oncology (IO) is rapidly evolving in early drug development. We aimed to develop and prospectively validate a prognostic index for patients treated in IO phase I trials to assist with patient selection.

Methods

The development cohort included 192 advanced solid tumor patients treated in 13 IO phase I trials, targeting immune checkpoint and/or co-stimulatory molecules. A prognostic scoring system was developed from multivariate survival analysis of 10 clinical factors, and subsequently validated in two independent validation cohorts (n = 152 and n = 80).

Results

In the development cohort, median age was 57.5 years (range = 20.4–84.8 years). Median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 13.4 and 73.6 weeks, respectively, 90-day mortality was 16%, and overall response rate was 20%. In multivariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status greater than or equal to 1 (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8 to 5.7; P < .001), number of metastatic sites greater than 2 (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.1; P = .003), and albumin less than the lower limit of normal (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2 to 2.7; P = .007) were independent prognostic factors; comprising the Princess Margaret Immuno-oncology Prognostic Index (PM-IPI). Patients with a score of 2–3 compared with patients with a score of 0–1 had shorter OS (HR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.9 to 6.1; P < .001), progression-free survival (HR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.7 to 3.2; P < .001), higher 90-day mortality (odds ratio = 8.1, 95% CI = 3.0 to 35.4; P < .001), and lower overall response rate (odds ratio = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2 to 0.8; P = .019). The PM-IPI retained prognostic ability in both validation cohorts and performed better than previously published phase I prognostic scores for predicting OS in all three cohorts.

Conclusions

The PM-IPI is a validated prognostic score for patients treated in phase I IO trials and may aid in improving patient selection.
Errant Boys and Accidental Falls: Ontological Exegesis in Dickinson’s Old Testament Poems
Authors: Freedman Linda
Published: September 2019

This article reads several of Dickinson’s Old Testament poems in a way that suggests her exegesis was not just concerned with epistemic limit, as scholarship to date has emphasised, but also with the ontological effects of biblical narrative and interpretation: the extent to which hermeneutics both shape and reflect a way of being in the world. It discusses the ways in which Dickinson tests the reach of revisionary, poetic, exegesis, situates Dickinson in relation to a 19th-century shift from Providence to circumstance and asks whether narratives of chance function that differently to the received narrative of Providence.
Eigenfunctions of Galactic phase space spirals from dynamic mode decomposition
Authors: Darling Keir , Widrow Lawrence M
Published: September 2019

We investigate the spatiotemporal structure of simulations of the homogeneous slab and isothermal plane models for the vertical motion in the Galactic disc. We use dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) to compute eigenfunctions of the simulated distribution functions for both models, referred to as DMD modes. In the case of the homogeneous slab, we compare the DMD modes to the analytic normal modes of the system to evaluate the feasibility of DMD in collisionless self-gravitating systems. This is followed by the isothermal plane model, where we focus on the effect of self-gravity on phase mixing. We compute DMD modes of the system for varying relative dominance of mutual interaction and external potential, so as to study the corresponding variance in mode structure and lifetime. We find that there is a regime of relative dominance, at approximately 4 : 1 external potential to mutual interaction where the DMD modes are spirals in the (z, vz) plane, and are nearly un-damped. This leads to the proposition that a system undergoing phase mixing in the presence of weak-to-moderate self-gravity can have persisting spiral structure in the form of such modes. We then conclude with the conjecture that such a mechanism may be at work in the phase space spirals observed in Gaia Data Release 2, and that studying more complex simulations with DMD may aid in understanding both the timing and form of the perturbation that lead to the observed spirals.
Trends in Social Norms Towards Smoking Between 2002 and 2015 Among Daily Smokers: Findings From the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (ITC 4C)
Authors: East Katherine A , Hitchman Sara C , McNeill Ann , Ferguson Stuart G , Yong Hua-Hie , Cummings K Michael , Fong Geoffrey T , Borland Ron
Published: September 2019

Objective

To assess trends in daily smokers' social norms and opinions of smoking between 2002 and 2015 in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Method

Data were from wave 1 (2002) to wave 9 (2013–2015) of the longitudinal International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia), involving 23 831 adult daily smokers. Generalized estimating equation logistic regression models, adjusted for demographics and survey design effects, assessed associations of wave and country with outcomes: (A) over half of five closest friends smoke, (B) agreeing that people important to you believe you should not smoke, (C) agreeing that society disapproves of smoking, and (D) negative opinion of smoking.

Results

Between 2002 and 2015, adjusting for covariates, (A) over half of five closest friends smoke did not change (56% vs. 55%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.95 [95% Confidence Interval = 0.85–1.07]), (B) agreeing that people important to you believe you should not smoke generally decreased (89% vs. 82%; AOR = 0.54 [0.46–0.64]) despite an increase around 2006–2007, (C) agreeing that society disapproves of smoking increased between 2002 and 2006–2007 (83% vs. 87%; AOR = 1.38 [1.24–1.54]) then decreased until 2013–2015 (78%; AOR = 0.74 [0.63–0.88]), and (D) negative opinion of smoking decreased between 2002 and 2010–2011 (54% vs. 49%; AOR = 0.83 [0.75–0.91]) despite an increase around 2005–2006 and at the final wave (2013–2015). Except friend smoking, Canada had the greatest, and the United Kingdom the lowest, antismoking social norms and opinions.

Conclusions

Except friend smoking and opinion of smoking, daily smokers' social norms became less antismoking between 2002 and 2015 despite increases around 2006–2007. Several potential explanations are discussed yet remain undetermined.

Implications

Increasingly comprehensive tobacco control policies alongside decreasing smoking prevalence in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have led to the assumption that smoking has become denormalized in these countries. Absent from the literature is any formal assessment of social norms towards smoking over time. Contrary to our hypotheses, this study found that the injunctive social norms of daily smokers became less antismoking between 2002 and 2015, despite increases around 2006–2007. There was no change over time in the proportion of daily smokers who report that over half of their five closest friends smoke.
Youth Access to Cigarettes Across Seven European Countries: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Nuyts Paulien A W , Hewer Rebecca M F , Kuipers Mirte A G , Lorant Vincent , Grard Adeline ,   SILNE-R Consortium, Kunst Anton E , Schreuders Michael , Clancy Luke , Breslin Elisabeth , Kinnunen Jaana M , Alves Joana , Leao Teresa , Mlinaric Martina , Hoffmann Laura , Kunst Anton E , Schreuders Michael , Clancy Luke , Breslin Elisabeth , Kinnunen Jaana M , Alves Joana , Leao Teresa , Mlinaric Martina , Hoffmann Laura , Hill Sarah , Amos Amanda
Published: September 2019

Background

Despite widespread age-of-sale restrictions on tobacco, adolescents continue to obtain cigarettes and experiment with smoking. This mixed-methods study aimed to understand how European adolescents access cigarettes and how the policy context may influence this process, using a realist evaluation approach. This is the first study to assess access to cigarettes across various European contexts.

Methods

A survey of 4104 students was combined with qualitative data from focus groups among 319 adolescents aged 14–19 across seven European countries. Data were synthesized to explore mechanisms via which young people obtain cigarettes despite age-of-sale restrictions.

Results

While purchasing cigarettes from supermarkets was widely regarded as difficult, many participants purchased cigarettes from noncompliant retailers (often in smaller shops or cafes). Other contra-mechanisms included circumventing age checks, proxy purchases, and/or social sources. Dominant forms of access differed across the seven contexts, with direct purchases more common where perceived enforcement was low (eg, Belgium) and proxy purchases more important where perceived enforcement of age-of-sale laws was high (eg, Finland). The effectiveness of age-of-sale restrictions in reducing youth access appears to be influenced by a range of contextual factors including retailer compliance, the availability of vending machines, and the specific minimum age-of-sale.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate the relevance of programme theory in understanding the contra-mechanisms that undermine the effectiveness of age-of-sale laws in discouraging youth smoking. Young people’s access to cigarettes could be further limited by addressing these contra-mechanisms, including an increase in the legal sales age (particularly in Belgium), banning vending machines, and strengthening enforcement.

Implications

Despite widespread implementation of age-of-sale laws, a substantial proportion of minors continue to access cigarettes. Young people use a number of contra-mechanisms to circumvent age-of-sale restrictions. These include accessing cigarettes via social sources, proxy sales or by circumventing age checks. Our findings show that in contexts where perceived enforcement of age-of-sale restrictions is high, young people are more reliant on irregular forms of access such as proxy sales. Young people’s access to cigarettes may be further reduced by policy interventions that address these contra-mechanisms—for example, banning vending machines, strengthening enforcement of age-of-sale laws, and increasing the minimum age-of-sale.
Inflation Expectations and Firm Decisions: New Causal Evidence*
Authors: Coibion Olivier , Gorodnichenko Yuriy , Ropele Tiziano
Published: September 2019

We use a unique design feature of a survey of Italian firms to study the causal effect of inflation expectations on firms’ economic decisions. In the survey, a randomly chosen subset of firms is repeatedly treated with information about recent inflation whereas other firms are not. This information treatment generates exogenous variation in inflation expectations. We find that higher inflation expectations on the part of firms leads them to raise their prices, increase demand for credit, and reduce their employment and capital. However, when policy rates are constrained by the effective lower bound, demand effects are stronger, leading firms to raise their prices more and no longer reduce their employment.
Measuring Sovereign Bond Market Integration
Authors: Chaieb Ines , Errunza Vihang , Gibson Brandon Rajna
Published: September 2019

We find that the degree and dynamics of sovereign bond market integration across 21 developed and 18 emerging countries is significantly heterogeneous. We show that better spanning can significantly enhance market integration through dissipating local risk premiums. Integration of the sovereign bond markets increases by about 10% on average, when a country moves from the 25th to the 75th percentile as a result of higher political stability and credit quality, lower inflation and inflation risk, and lower illiquidity. The 10% increase in integration leads to, on average, a decrease in the sovereign cost of funding of about 1% per annum.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
REGEN LAB SA v ESTAR MEDICAL LTD
Authors:   PATENTS COURT
Published: September 2019

H1 Patents – European Patents – Validity – Infringement – Numerical values – Identification of the skilled team – Common general knowledge – Novelty – Prior user – Inventive step – Mosaic of documents on website – Insufficiency – Scope of claim – Normal construction – Equivalents – Single or multiple variants – Barrell jurisdiction.
DEVELOPMENT OF A JAPANESE INFANT HEAD–CHEST PHANTOM AND INVESTIGATION OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF INFANT HEAD CT EXAMINATIONS IN JAPAN
Authors: Yamauchi-Kawaura C , Fujii K , Yamauchi M , Imai K , Ikeda M , Narai K , Shimizu H
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to develop a head–chest phantom that could mimic the physique of a Japanese 0.5-year-old child and to investigate the current status of exposure dose in infant head computed tomography examinations in Japan. The phantom was produced by machine processing, and radiophotoluminescence glass dosemeters were installed in the phantom for dose measurement. Organ doses were measured for seven different head scan protocols routinely used in three hospitals. In this study, the average dose of the brain and lens within the scan region was equivalent to that measured using infant phantoms in previous studies. In contrast, the doses of both salivary glands and thyroid glands adjacent to the scan region were 1.4–1.8 times higher than those in previous studies. Expansion of the scan area accompanied by a transition of the scan mode from non-helical to helical may have resulted in the differences in organ doses.
Characterizing and Comparing Phylogenetic Trait Data from Their Normalized Laplacian Spectrum
Authors: Lewitus Eric , Aristide Leandro , Morlon Hélène
Published: September 2019

The dissection of the mode and tempo of phenotypic evolution is integral to our understanding of global biodiversity. Our ability to infer patterns of phenotypes across phylogenetic clades is essential to how we infer the macroevolutionary processes governing those patterns. Many methods are already available for fitting models of phenotypic evolution to data. However, there is currently no comprehensive nonparametric framework for characterizing and comparing patterns of phenotypic evolution. Here, we build on a recently introduced approach for using the phylogenetic spectral density profile (SDP) to compare and characterize patterns of phylogenetic diversification, in order to provide a framework for nonparametric analysis of phylogenetic trait data. We show how to construct the SDP of trait data on a phylogenetic tree from the normalized graph Laplacian. We demonstrate on simulated data the utility of the SDP to successfully cluster phylogenetic trait data into meaningful groups and to characterize the phenotypic patterning within those groups. We furthermore demonstrate how the SDP is a powerful tool for visualizing phenotypic space across traits and for assessing whether distinct trait evolution models are distinguishable on a given empirical phylogeny. We illustrate the approach in two empirical data sets: a comprehensive data set of traits involved in song, plumage, and resource-use in tanagers, and a high-dimensional data set of endocranial landmarks in New World monkeys. Considering the proliferation of morphometric and molecular data collected across the tree of life, we expect this approach will benefit big data analyses requiring a comprehensive and intuitive framework.
The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane reduces neutrophil apoptosis via Fas death domain–Fas‐associated death domain interaction
Authors: Koutsogiannaki Sophia , Hou Lifei , Babazada Hasan , Okuno Toshiaki , Blazon‐Brown Nathan , Soriano Sulpicio G. , Yokomizo Takehiko , Yuki Koichi
Published: September 2019

Sepsis remains a significant health care burden, with high morbidities and mortalities. Patients with sepsis often require general anesthesia for procedures and imaging studies. Knowing that anesthetic drugs can pose immunomodulatory effects, it would be critical to understand the impact of anesthetics on sepsis pathophysiology. The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane is a common general anesthetic derived from ether as a prototype. Using a murine sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture surgery, we examined the impact of sevoflurane on sepsis outcome. Different from volatile anesthetic isoflurane, sevoflurane exposure significantly improved the outcome of septic mice. This was associated with less apoptosis in the spleen. Because splenic apoptosis was largely attributed to the apoptosis of neutrophils, we examined the effect of sevoflurane on FasL‐induced neutrophil apoptosis. Sevoflurane exposure significantly attenuated apoptosis. Sevoflurane did not affect the binding of FasL to the extracellular domain of Fas receptor. Instead, in silico analysis suggested that sevoflurane would bind to the interphase between Fas death domain (DD) and Fas‐associated DD (FADD). The effect of sevoflurane on Fas DD‐FADD interaction was examined using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Sevoflurane attenuated FRET efficiency, indicating that sevoflurane hindered the interaction between Fas DD and FADD. The predicted sevoflurane binding site is known to play a significant role in Fas DD‐FADD interaction, supporting our in vitro and in vivo apoptosis results.—Koutsogiannaki, S., Hou, L., Babazada, H., Okuno, T., Blazon‐Brown, N., Soriano, S. G., Yokomizo, T., Yuki, K. The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane reduces neutrophil apoptosis via Fas death domain‐Fas‐associated death domain interaction. FASEB J. 33, 12668–12679 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Effects of Reiki on Pain, Anxiety, and Blood Pressure in Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement
Authors: Baldwin Ann Linda , Vitale Anne , Brownell Elise , Kryak Elizabeth , Rand William
Published: September 2019

This blinded, controlled pilot study investigated the effects of Reiki on 46 patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Of the 3 groups, Reiki, Sham Reiki, and Standard of Care, only the Reiki group showed significant reductions in pain, blood pressure, respiration rate, and state anxiety, which provides evidence for a full-scale clinical study.
Visual Prognosis in the Better-seeing Eyes of Patients with Unilateral Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Kim Jae Hui , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Chul Gu , Lee Dong Won
Published: September 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

In patients initially diagnosed as having unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, the visual prognosis of the better-seeing eye is highly favorable. If patients are overly pessimistic regarding their vision in the future, physicians can encourage patients by informing them of the small possibility for visual deterioration in the better-seeing eye.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term changes in the visual acuity of the better-seeing eyes in patients with unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-institution study was performed with 221 patients who were diagnosed as having unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and who were treated with intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor. Only patients with an initially uninvolved eye best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better and who were followed up for at least 24 months were included. The changes in the BCVAs of the initially involved and uninvolved eyes as well as the better-seeing eyes were measured. For patients with three or more lines of uninvolved eye visual deterioration, the cause for the visual deterioration was identified.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for a mean of 43.1 ± 11.8 months after diagnosis. During the follow-up period, three or more lines of deterioration in the BCVA were noted in 61 initially involved eyes (27.6%) and 11 uninvolved eyes (4.9%). The reasons for uninvolved eye visual deterioration were neovascularization (n = 8), retinal vein occlusion (n = 2), and posterior capsule opacification (n = 1). At diagnosis, the BCVA of the better-seeing eye was 0.05 ± 0.08 (Snellen equivalents, 20/22). During the follow-up period, three or more lines of deterioration in the BCVA for the better-seeing eye were noted in eight patients (3.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Visual acuity of the better-seeing eye over time remained stable in most patients who were initially diagnosed as having unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. As a result, the visual prognosis of the better-seeing eye is highly favorable in this condition.
Limitations and Precautions in the Use of the Farnsworth-Munsell Dichotomous D-15 Test
Authors: Dain Stephen J. , Atchison David A. , Hovis Jeffery K.
Published: September 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

Clinicians who administer the Farnsworth-Munsell D-15 test need to pay attention to the quality and quantity of lighting and the time that they allow for completion of the test, and all repeat attempts need to be included in reports on compliance with color vision standards.

PURPOSE

The validity of the Farnsworth-Munsell D-15 has been questioned because practice may allow significantly color vision–deficient subjects to pass. In this article, we review the influence of practice and other factors that may affect the performance. These relate to both the design and the administration of the test.

METHODS

We review the literature and present some calculations on limitations in the colorimetric design of the test, quantity and quality of lighting, time taken, and repeat attempts.

RESULTS

In addition to the review of the literature, color differences and luminance differences under selected sources are calculated, and the increases in luminance clues under some sources and for protanopes are illustrated.

CONCLUSIONS

All these factors affect the outcome of the test and need specification and implementation if the test is to be applied consistently and equitably. We recommend the following: practitioners should never rely on a single color vision test regardless of the color vision standard; lighting should beTcp′′ 6500 K andRa> 90; illuminance levels should be between 200 and 300 lux if detection of color vision deficiency is a priority or between 300 and 1000 lux if the need is to test at the level where illuminance has minimal influence on performance; illuminance should be reported; time limits should be set between 1 and 2 minutes; repeat testing (beyond the specified test and one retest) should be carried out only with authorization; and initial and repeated results should be reported. A set of test instructions to assist in the consistent application of the test is provided in the Appendix.