bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O3C.2 A 30-year impact analysis of best practices for silica dust exposure reduction in construction: costs, benefits and hrql
Authors: Tompa Emile , Mofidi Amirabbas , Jung Young , Song Chaojie , Jardine Kate , Arrandale Victoria , Tenkate Thomas , Davies Hugh , Demers Paul
Published: May 2020

Crystalline silica dust exposure is common in the construction sector. In fact, it is the industry with the largest number of people exposed in Canada. Inhalation of silica dust is known to cause lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and tuberculosis. The hierarchy of controls provide a range of prevention options for reducing or eliminating exposure. In this study we undertake an impact analysis of the implementation of two exposure reduction approaches—use of personal protective equipment by all exposed individuals and use of engineering controls wherever and whenever feasible.

We estimated the intervention costs over a 30 year time period (2020–2050) of each exposure reduction approach implemented across the entire sector in Ontario, Canada, and considered equipment, maintenance, training, and productivity costs of each approach over the time period. The economic impacts from lung cancer cases averted due to exposure reduction included three broad categories of impacts—direct, indirect and intangible. We took a societal-level perspective in the analysis. All costs and benefits were discounted to the beginning of the exposure reduction period. Various sensitivity analyses were undertaken with key parameters.

Findings suggest the net benefit is positive from 2055 onward for both reduction approaches, i.e., there is a positive return on investment at the societal level. The largest component of benefits is from health-related quality of life gains, with productivity/output gains accounting for the second largest component. Healthcare savings is the smallest component, primarily because cancer cases incur relatively modest health costs due to their short life-expectancy following diagnosis.

Promoting the use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls across the construction sector can substantially reduce exposures to silica dust and give rise to net benefits at the societal level in terms of improvements in health-related quality of life, increased productivity/output, and reduce healthcare costs.
O3C.4 Increases the risk of sarcoidosis by silica exposure? A case-control study
Authors: Vihlborg Per , Graf Pål , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease with unknown etiology that involves the formation of granulomas, mainly in the lungs and/or intrathoracic lymph nodes. Hypothesis about the etiology of sarcoidosis are combination of genetic and environmental factors. Previous studies have linked exposure to silica dust with increased risk of sarcoidosis.

Object

A case-control study to investigate the silica exposure among Swedish sarcoidosis cases.

Methods

The data was collected from the National non-primary outpatient care register kept by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. All cases between the age of 20 and 65 with the diagnosis Sarkoidos-D86 according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) was included in the study (11 772 cases). The information was matched towards the register for cause of death and the register for emigration.

For each case two controls were included matched for age, sex, was resident in the same county, should not be first degree relatives to cases and not have been diagnosed with the investigated disease using the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB) multigeneration register. Cases and controls was matched against SCBs occupational registry for work profession. The levels of silica dust exposure were estimated using NOCCA-JEM (Nordic Occupational Cancer study job-exposure matrix) a modified version of the Finnish Information System on Occupational Exposure job-exposure matrix (FINJEM) which is a well-established method of estimating exposure.

Result

Cases of sarcoidosis have an increased exposure to silica before diagnosis (1.19; 95%  CI 1.1 to 1.30).

Conclusion

The increased exposure to silica among sarcoidosis cases suggest that silica can be an environmental factor that contribute to development of sarcoidosis.
Comparative effectiveness of antitumour necrosis factor agents, biologics with an alternative mode of action and tofacitinib in an observational cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Switzerland
Authors: Finckh A , Tellenbach C , Herzog L , Scherer A , Moeller B , Ciurea A , von Muehlenen I , Gabay C , Kyburz D , Brulhart L , Müller R , Hasler P , Zufferey P
Published: May 2020

Background

Multiple biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) are approved for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including TNF inhibitors (TNFi), bDMARDs with other modes of action (bDMARD-OMA) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). Combination of b/tsDMARDs with conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) is recommended, yet monotherapy is common in practice.

Objective

To compare drug maintenance and clinical effectiveness of three alternative treatment options for RA management.

Methods

This observational cohort study was nested within the Swiss RA Registry. TNFi, bDMARD-OMA (abatacept or anti-IL6 agents) or the JAKi tofacitinib (Tofa) initiated in adult RA patients were included. The primary outcome was overall drug retention. We further analysed secondary effectiveness outcomes and whether concomitant csDMARDs modified effectiveness, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results

4023 treatment courses of 2600 patients were included, 1862 on TNFi, 1355 on bDMARD-OMA and 806 on Tofa. TNFi was more frequently used as a first b/tsDMARDs, at a younger age and with shorter disease duration. Overall drug maintenance was significantly lower with TNFi compared with Tofa [HR 1.29 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.47)], but similar between bDMARD-OMA and Tofa [HR 1.09 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.24)]. TNFi maintenance was decreased when prescribed without concomitant csDMARDs [HR: 1.27 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.49)], while no difference was observed for bDMARD-OMA or Tofa maintenance with respect to concomitant csDMARDs.

Conclusion

Tofa drug maintenance was comparable with bDMARDs-OMA and somewhat higher than TNFi. Concomitant csDMARDs appear to be required for optimal effectiveness of TNFi, but not for bDMARD-OMA or Tofa.
Empirical analysis on the illicit trade of cigarettes in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hien Thi Thu , Giang Long Thanh , Pham Toan Ngoc
Published: May 2020

Background

This paper examined how a higher tax on tobacco would affect illicit trade in Vietnam.

Methodology and data

This paper used the gap method to estimate the gap between cigarette domestically tax-paid sales and domestic consumption. Data were from the tax-paid sales by the Vietnam Steering Committee on Smoking and Health (VINACOSH), the Vietnam Tobacco Association, the General Tax Department, as well as two rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2010 and 2015.

Key results

The results indicated that Vietnam had a negative volume of illicit trade, either a result of under-reporting of tobacco use or due to net smuggling of tax-paid cigarettes out of the country. Furthermore, the trend showed an increased negative volume over time, which indicated that increases in tobacco taxes in the interleading years did not result in an increase in illicit trade in tobaccos in Vietnam.

Conclusions

Vietnam’s low prices on domestic cigarettes created favourable conditions for cigarette smugglers and provided easy access to illicit cigarettes for the Vietnamese people, but the absence of a relationship between tax changes and smuggling suggested that potential increases in the excise tax should not be discouraged by the threat of an increase in illicit trade. The government should increase taxes on cigarettes to raise domestic cigarette prices and take strong policy measures to create a more transparent social environment, therefore effectively reducing the prevalence of illicit cigarettes in Vietnam.
Undrained triaxial tests on water-saturated methane hydrate–bearing clayey-silty sediments of the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Lei , Sun Xiang , Shen Shi , Wu Peng , Liu Tao , Liu Weiguo , Zhao Jiafei , Li Yanghui
Published: May 2020

Approximately 90% of gas hydrates are buried in fine-grained sediments, especially in the South China Sea. The potential instability of fine-grained sediments induced by hydrate dissociation requires investigation of the shear strength and pore pressure response of sediments during hydrate recovery. To date, most studies have focused on the undrained mechanical behavior of gas hydrate–bearing sand or gas hydrate–free clay — few studies have examined gas hydrate–bearing fine-grained sediments. Because of the low-permeability and water-saturated characteristics of the sediments in the South China Sea, a series of undrained triaxial shear tests were performed on water-saturated methane hydrate-bearing clayey–silty sediments in this area. The experimental results show that the failure strength of methane hydrate–bearing sediments (MHBSs) increases with the increase in hydrate saturation and initial effective mean stress. The excess pore-water pressure of MHBSs remains positive during shear. Cohesion in the Mohr–Coulomb model increases with the increase in hydrate saturation, while the internal friction angle in the Mohr–Coulomb model has little dependence on the hydrate saturation.
Asymptotic freedom for $$\lambda \phi ^4_{\star }$$ QFT in Snyder–de Sitter space
Authors: Franchino-Viñas S. A. , Mignemi S.
Published: May 2020

We analyze the model of a self-interacting $$\phi ^4_{\star }$$ϕ⋆4 scalar field theory in Snyder–de Sitter space. After analytically computing the one-loop beta functions in the small noncommutativity and curvature limit, we solve numerically the corresponding system of differential equations, showing that in this limit the model possesses at least one regime in which the theory is asymptotically free. Moreover, in a given region of the parameter space we also observe a peculiar running of the parameter associated to the curvature, which changes its sign and therefore can be interpreted as a transition from an IR de-Sitter space to and UV anti-de Sitter one.
The tensorial connections
Authors: Fabbri Luca
Published: May 2020

In a series of recent papers, we have introduced an object that was constructed on the connection but which was proven to be a tensor: this object, thus called tensorial connection, has been defined and some of its properties have been given. In the present paper, we intend to present all the results found so far, complementing them with some new ones, in a systematic and organic manner.
Background evaluations for the chiral magnetic effect with normalized correlators using a multiphase transport model
Authors: Choudhury Subikash , Wang Gang , He Wanbing , Hu Yu , Huang Huan Zhong
Published: May 2020

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) induces an electric charge separation in a chiral medium along the magnetic field that is mostly produced by spectator protons in heavy-ion collisions. The experimental searches for the CME, based on the charge-dependent angular correlations ($$\gamma $$γ), however, have remained inconclusive, because the non-CME background contributions are not well understood. Experimentally, the$$\gamma $$γcorrelators have been measured with respect to the second-order ($$\Psi _{2}$$Ψ2) and the third-order ($$\Psi _{3}$$Ψ3) symmetry planes, defined as$$\gamma _{112}$$γ112and$$\gamma _{123}$$γ123, respectively. The expectation was that with a proper normalization,$$\gamma _{123}$$γ123would provide a data-driven estimate for the background contributions in$$\gamma _{112}$$γ112. In this work, we calculate different harmonics of the$$\gamma $$γcorrelators using a charge-conserving version of a multiphase transport (AMPT) model to examine the validity of the said assumption. We find that the pure-background AMPT simulations do not yield an equality in the normalized$$\gamma _{112}$$γ112and$$\gamma _{123}$$γ123, quantified by$$\kappa _{112}$$κ112and$$\kappa _{123}$$κ123, respectively. Furthermore, we test another correlator,$$\gamma _{132}$$γ132, within AMPT, and discuss the relation between different$$\gamma $$γcorrelators.
Signatures of the two $$K_1(1270)$$ poles in $$D^+\rightarrow \nu e^+ V P$$ decay
Authors: Wang Guan-Ying , Roca Luis , Wang En , Liang Wei-Hong , Oset Eulogio
Published: May 2020

We analyze theoretically the $$D^+\rightarrow \nu e^+ \rho \bar{K}$$

D
+

→
ν

e
+

ρ

K

¯

and $$D^+\rightarrow \nu e^+ \bar{K}^* \pi $$

D
+

→
ν

e
+

K

¯

∗

π

decays to see the feasibility to check the double pole nature of the axial-vector resonance $$K_1(1270)$$

K
1

(
1270
)

predicted by the unitary extensions of chiral perturbation theory (UChPT). Indeed, within UChPT the $$K_1(1270)$$

K
1

(
1270
)

is dynamically generated from the interaction of a vector and a pseudoscalar meson, and two poles are obtained for the quantum numbers of this resonance. The lower mass pole couples dominantly to $$K^*\pi $$

K
∗

π

and the higher mass pole to $$\rho K$$

ρ
K

, therefore we can expect that different reactions weighing differently these channels in the production mechanisms enhance one or the other pole. We show that the different final VP channels in $$D^+\rightarrow \nu e^+ V P$$

D
+

→
ν

e
+

V
P

weigh differently both poles, and this is reflected in the shape of the final vector-pseudoscalar invariant mass distributions. Therefore, we conclude that these decays are suitable to distinguish experimentally the predicted double pole of the $$K_1(1270)$$

K
1

(
1270
)

resonance.
Can we fit nuclear PDFs with the high-x CLAS data?
Authors: Paukkunen Hannu , Zurita Pia
Published: May 2020

Nuclear parton distribution functions (nuclear PDFs) are non-perturbative objects that encode the partonic behaviour of bound nucleons. To avoid potential higher-twist contributions, the data probing the high-x end of nuclear PDFs are sometimes left out from the global extractions despite their potential to constrain the fit parameters. In the present work we focus on the kinematic corner covered by the new high-x data measured by the CLAS/JLab collaboration. By using the Hessian re-weighting technique, we are able to quantitatively test the compatibility of these data with globally analyzed nuclear PDFs and explore the expected impact on the valence-quark distributions at high x. We find that the data are in a good agreement with the EPPS16 and nCTEQ15 nuclear PDFs whereas they disagree with TuJu19. The implications on flavour separation, higher-twist contributions and models of EMC effect are discussed.
Global Dynamics of a Lotka–Volterra Competition Diffusion System with Nonlocal Effects
Authors: Han Bang-Sheng , Yang Yinghui , Bo Wei-Jian , Tang Huiling
Published: May 2020

This paper is concerned with the global dynamics of a Lotka–Volterra competition diffusion system having nonlocal intraspecies terms. Based on the reconstructed comparison principle and monotone iteration, the existence and uniqueness of the solution for the corresponding Cauchy problem are established. In addition, the spreading speed of the system with compactly supported initial data is considered, which admits uniform upper and lower bounds. Finally, some sufficient conditions for guaranteeing the existence and nonexistence of Turing bifurcation are given, which depend on the intensity of nonlocality. Comparing with the classical Lotka–Volterra competition diffusion system, our results indicate that a nonconstant periodic solution may exist if the nonlocality is strong enough, which are also illustrated numerically.
Global Analysis of Stochastic Systems by the Digraph Cell Mapping Method Based on Short-Time Gaussian Approximation
Authors: Han Qun , Xu Wei , Hao Huibing , Yue Xiaole
Published: May 2020

The digraph cell mapping method is popular in the global analysis of stochastic systems. Traditionally, the Monte Carlo simulation is used in finding the image cells of one-step mapping, and it is notably costly in the computation time. In this paper, a novel short-time Gaussian approximation (STGA) scheme is incorporated into the digraph cell mapping method to study the global analysis of nonlinear dynamical systems under Gaussian white noise excitations. In order to find out all the active image cells in one-step cell mapping quickly, the STGA scheme together with a probability truncation method is introduced for systems without periodic excitation, and then in the case with periodic excitation. The global structures, such as the stochastic attractors, stochastic basins of attraction and stochastic saddles, are calculated by the digraph analysis algorithm. The proposed methodology has been applied to three typical stochastic dynamical systems. For each system, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed STGA scheme are verified by checking the image cells of one-step mapping and comparing with the results of Monte Carlo simulation. It is found in the global analysis that the change of the amplitude of periodic excitation induces stochastic bifurcations in the stochastic Duffing system. Moreover, a stochastic bifurcation occurs in the stochastic Lorenz system with the increase of noise intensities.
Canard Phenomenon in an SIRS Epidemic Model with Nonlinear Incidence Rate
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Zhou Yicang , Tang Biao
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we propose an SIRS epidemic model with a new complex nonlinear incidence rate, which describes the psychological effect of some diseases on the community as the number of infective individuals increases, including linear and nonlinear hazards of infection. The canard phenomenon for the model is analyzed, and its epidemiological meaning is discussed. By using geometrical singular perturbation theory and blow up technique, we investigate the relaxation oscillation of the model with the special fold point [Formula: see text]. The unique existence of the limit cycle is proved. We verify the existence of the canard cycle without head by using singular perturbation theory and analyze the cyclicity of the limit cycle. The detailed formula for slow divergence integral of the model is presented. We also discuss and prove the existence of the canard cycle with head. Numerical simulations are done to demonstrate our theoretical results.
COMPARING METHODS FOR 3D INVERSE DYNAMICS ANALYSIS OF SQUAT LIFTING USING A FULL BODY LINKED SEGMENT MODEL
Authors: VAHDAT IMAN , PARNIANPOUR MOHAMAD , GHOMSHEH FARHAD TABATABAI , TOOSIZADEH NIMA , TANBAKOOSAZ ALI
Published: May 2020

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of bottom-up solution for three-dimensional (3D) inverse dynamics analysis of squat lifting using a 3D full body linked segment model. Least squares solution was used in this study as reference for assessment of the accuracy of bottom-up solution. Findings of this study may clarify how much the bottom-up solution can be reliable for calculating the joint kinetics in 3D inverse dynamics problems. Methods: Ten healthy males volunteered to perform squat lifting of a box with a load of one-tenth of their body weights. The joint moments were calculated using 110 reflective passive markers (46 anatomical markers and 64 tracking markers) and a 3D full body linked segment model. Ground reaction forces and kinematics data were recorded using a Vicon system with two parallel Kistler force plates. Three-dimensional Newton–Euler equations of motion with bottom-up and least squares solutions were applied to calculate joint moments. The peak and mean values of the joint moments were determined to check the quantitative differences as well as the time-to-peak value of the moment curves was determined to check the temporal differences between the two inverse dynamics solutions. Results: Significant differences (all [Formula: see text]-values [Formula: see text]) between the two inverse dynamics solutions were detected for the peak values of the hip (right and left sides) and L5–S1 joint moments in the lateral anatomical direction as well significant differences (all [Formula: see text]-values [Formula: see text]) were detected for the peak and mean values of the L5–S1 joint moment in all anatomical directions. Moreover, small differences (all RMSEs [Formula: see text]%) were detected between the two inverse dynamic solutions for the calculated lower body joint moments. Conclusions: The findings of this study clarified the disadvantages of the straightforward solutions and demonstrated that the bottom-up solution may not be accurate for more distal measures from the force plate (for hip and S1–L5) but it may be accurate for more proximal joints (ankle and knee) in 3D inverse dynamics analysis.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL SETTINGS DURING ISO 7206-4 ENDURANCE AND PERFORMACE TESTS: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: PIANIGIANI SILVIA , ALEMANI FABIO
Published: May 2020

ISO 7206-4:2010 is used to determine the endurance properties and performance of stemmed femoral components of hip prosthesis. Experimental set-ups are allowed for tolerances with respect to the desired settings. The effects of the acceptable accuracies are not known nowadays. For this reason, this study aims at evaluating how and how much the precision of the experimental settings can affect the outputs under ISO 7206-4:2010 boundaries. Thus, a finite element model was first defined and verified against experimental test. Then, a sensitivity analysis involving accepted variations for potting level, angle in the frontal plane, angle in the lateral plane and material in use for the cement block, was performed. The results of sensitivity analysis show that both stress and deformation outputs were affected up to 100[Formula: see text]MPa and 0.5[Formula: see text]mm, respectively, for varus configurations. The material properties of the cement block had a main effect on the displacement of the head. The collected information through the performed sensitivity analysis on the verified model against experimental test has a double benefit. It supports the understanding of the potential effects during the experimental set-ups and it is also helpful in case of determining ranges for verification of developed numerical models.
STROKE CHARACTERISTICS IN SPRINT KAYAKING — HOW DOES SEAT ORDER INFLUENCE SYNCHRONIZATION IN A K2 CREW BOAT?
Authors: TAY CHERYL SIHUI , KONG PUI WAH
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the how seat order in a two-seater (K2) crew boat could influence the performance time and stroke synchronization during high intensity sprint kayaking. Sixteen national team sprint kayakers formed eight K2 crews based on preference. Each crew performed two 200[Formula: see text]m segments at high intensity in their preferred order (e.g., Paddler A in front, Paddler B behind), and then the reversed order (i.e., Paddler B in front, Paddler A behind). Video analysis identified stroke synchronization based on a four-position model. Magnitude-based inferences were used for statistical analysis. The preferred seat order was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s faster than the reversed seat order but the effect was possibly trivial. As four crews were faster in the reversed seat order, data were also rearranged to compare between the slower and faster trials. The faster trials were [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s quicker than the slower trials, which was a very likely effect. There was no clear effect of seat order on stroke synchronization between the two paddlers. Since faster timing does not always correspond with the preferred sear order, sprint kayak athletes are recommended to try both possible seat orders in a K2 crew boat rather than relying on preference alone.
Dynamics of a nonlinear time-dependent two two-level atoms in a two-mode cavity
Authors: Korashy S. T. , El-Shahat T. M. , Habiballah N. , El-Sheikh H. , Abdel-Aty M.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present some properties through two two-level atoms interacting with a two-mode quantized cavity field. We study this system in the presence of detuning parameter, Kerr nonlinearity, Stark shift, relative phase and intensity-dependent atoms-field coupling. Also, the coupling parameter is modulated to be time dependent. The exact solution of this model is given by using the Schrődinger equation when the atoms and the field are initially prepared in superposition states and coherent states, respectively. We employed the results to calculate some aspects such as linear entropy, total atomic inversion and cross-correlation function.
Postfire Safety Investigation on Prestressed RPC Beams after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Kai Yan , Yao Zhang , Hao Cai , Lili Fan , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2020

Since the postfire safety of prestressed RPC beams after exposure to elevated temperatures needs to be studied and proved, this paper prepares eight smart prestressed RPC beams with intelligent sensors built in to monitor the internal temperature, force, and strain. The residual bearing tests after fire are carried out. The failure process of the beams under static load with different fire durations cover thickness of tendons, load ratio, bonded and unbonded tendons, and partial prestressing ratio, which are investigated. The load‐deflection curves, crack distributions and developments, and strain variations are obtained, in addition to the damage mechanism and failure mode of the beams. The results show that the load‐deflection curve of the prestressed RPC beam after fire has obviously three polylines, and the deflection points are where the cracks expand and the tendons yield. The failure procedure is the same as that of under‐reinforced beams, while the height of the crushing zone is much lower than that of the balanced‐reinforced beam at room temperature. The whole span deformation demonstrates a strong catenary effect, and the midspan deflection is approximately 1/40 of the effective span. The postfire safety of the bonded prestressed RPC beams is superior to that of unbonded prestressed RPC beams. The test results of this paper provide a basis for the safety performance evaluation and control of prestressed RPC beams after fire.
Plasmapheresis for the Treatment of Iatrogenic Antithrombin Excess as a Result of Spuriously Low Antithrombin Activity Measurements
Authors: Zarinshenas Reza , Destrampe Eric D. , Rose William Nicholas
Published: May 2020

We report an intensive care patient who was given excessive amounts of antithrombin concentrate in response to spuriously low antithrombin activity measurements and was then treated with plasmapheresis (therapeutic plasma exchange or TPE) to remove the excess.
Asymptotic Dynamics of a Stochastic SIR Epidemic System Affected by Mixed Nonlinear Incidence Rates
Authors: Han Ping , Chang Zhengbo , Meng Xinzhu
Published: May 2020

This paper considers a stochastic SIR epidemic system affected by mixed nonlinear incidence rates. Using Markov semigroup theory and the Fokker–Planck equation, we explore the asymptotic dynamics of the stochastic system. We first investigate the existence of a positive solution and its uniqueness. Furthermore, we prove that the stochastic system has an asymptotically stable stationary distribution. In addition, the sufficient conditions for disease extinction are also obtained, which imply that the white noise can suppress and control the spread of infectious diseases. Finally, in order to illustrate the analytical results, we give some numerical simulations.
Nitric Oxide Stimulates Acute Pancreatitis Pain via Activating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting the Kappa Opioid Receptor
Authors: Xue Mengwen , Han Liang , Qian Weikun , Li Jie , Qin Tao , Xiao Ying , Ma Qingyong , Ma Jiguang , Shen Xin
Published: May 2020

Pain is the most important clinical feature of acute pancreatitis (AP); however, its specific mechanism is currently unclear. In this study, we showed that AP caused an increase in nitric oxide (NO) secretion, activated the NF-κB pathway in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), and caused pain. We established an AP model in vivo and tested the expression of NO, the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), and pain factors. We showed that NO in AP was significantly elevated and increased the expression of pain factors. Next, by treating DRGs in vitro, it was found that NO activated the NF-κB pathway; conversely, NF-κB had no effect on NO. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB promoted the KOR, whereas NF-κB did not change after KOR activation. Finally, behavioral experiments showed that a NO donor increased the pain behavior of mice, while a NO scavenger, NF-κB inhibitor, or KOR agonist attenuated the pain response in mice. These results suggest that iNOS/NO/NF-κB/KOR may be a key mechanism of pain in AP, providing a theoretical basis for the use of peripheral-restricted KOR agonists for pain treatment in AP.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Nonsynchronized Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation versus Nasal CPAP after Extubation of VLBW Infants
Authors: Estay Alberto S. , Mariani Gonzalo L. , Alvarez Claudio A. , Milet Beatriz , Agost Daniel , Avila Claudia P. , Roldan Liliana , Abdala Daniel A. , Keller Rodolfo , Galletti María F. , González Alvaro ,   for the NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is a useful method of respiratory support after extubation. However, some infants fail despite CPAP use and require reintubation. Some evidence suggests that synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) may decrease extubation failure in preterm infants. Nonsynchronized NIPPV (NS-NIPPV) is being widely used in preterm infants without conclusive evidence of its benefits and side effects. Our aim was to evaluate whether NS-NIPPV decreases extubation failure compared with NCPAP in ventilated very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: Randomized controlled trial of ventilated VLBWI being extubated for the first time. Before extubation, infants were randomized to receive NCPAP or NS-NIPPV. Primary outcome was the need for reintubation within 72 h. Results: 220 infants were included. The mean ± SD birth weight was 1,027 ± 256 g and gestational age 27.8 ± 1.9 weeks. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. Extubation failure was 32.4% for NCPAP versus 32.1% for NS-NIPPV, p = 0.98. The frequency of deaths, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, air leaks, necrotizing enterocolitis and duration of respiratory support did not differ between groups. Conclusions: In this population of VLBWI, NS-NIPPV did not decrease extubation failure after RDS compared with NCPAP.
O direito à cultura e a responsabilidade sociocultural das bibliotecas
Authors: Rasteli Alessandro , Oliveira João Dutra Aguilar
Published: May 2020

O pleno exercício da cidadania está vinculado às práticas culturais, estabelecidas como atividades de produção e recepção cultural, onde leitura, escrita, artes, informação e cultura se conjugam. O estudo visa destacar o direito à cultura delineado na Constituição Federal de 1988, nossa Carta Magna, onde emana todos os textos do nosso direito positivo. Ainda, discorre sobre questões relacionadas ao direito à cultura, sobre políticas culturais como a Lei Rouanet, o Plano Nacional de Leitura e Escrita e a responsabilidades socioculturais das bibliotecas, evidenciando-se a participação da comunidade em direção ao desenvolvimento pleno da cidadania. Para tanto, o desenvolvimento deste estudo apresenta uma metodologia que consiste em pesquisa qualitativa, de cunho bibliográfico e exploratório, na mediada em que resgata autores pertinentes aos assuntos abordados. Na atual conjuntura, o papel das bibliotecas assume vital relevância na medida em que pode contribuir na efetivação dos direitos culturais, atuando, essencialmente, na diminuição das desigualdades sociais, culturais e econômicas existentes na sociedade brasileira.
Lattice-Tip Focal Ablation Catheter That Toggles Between Radiofrequency and Pulsed Field Energy to Treat Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Reddy Vivek Y. , Anter Elad , Rackauskas Gediminas , Peichl Petr , Koruth Jacob S. , Petru Jan , Funasako Moritoshi , Minami Kentaro , Natale Andrea , Jais Pierre , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Marinskis Germanas , Aidietis Audrius , Kautzner Josef , Neuzil Petr
Published: May 2020

Background:

The tissue selectivity of pulsed field ablation (PFA) provides safety advantages over radiofrequency ablation in treating atrial fibrillation. One-shot PFA catheters have been shown capable of performing pulmonary vein isolation, but not flexible lesion sets such as linear lesions. A novel lattice-tip ablation catheter with a compressible 9-mm nitinol tip is able to deliver either focal radiofrequency ablation or PFA lesions, each in 2 to 5 s.

Methods:

In a 3-center, single-arm, first-in-human trial, the 7.5F lattice catheter was used with a custom mapping system to treat paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Toggling between energy sources, point-by-point pulmonary vein encirclement was performed using biphasic PFA posteriorly and either temperature-controlled irrigated radiofrequency ablation or PFA anteriorly (RF/PF or PF/PF, respectively). Linear lesions were created using either PFA or radiofrequency ablation.

Results:

The 76-patient cohort included 55 paroxysmal and 21 persistent atrial fibrillation patients undergoing either RF/PF (40 patients) or PF/PF (36 patients) ablation. The pulmonary vein isolation therapy duration time (transpiring from first to last lesion) was 22.6±8.3 min/patient, with a mean of 50.1 RF/PF lesions/patient. Linear lesions included 14 mitral (4 RF/2 RF+PF/8 PF), 34 left atrium roof (12 RF/22 PF), and 44 cavotricuspid isthmus (36 RF/8 PF) lines, with therapy duration times of 5.1±3.5, 1.8±2.3, and 2.4±2.1 min/patient, respectively. All lesion sets were acutely successful, using 4.7±3.5 minutes of fluoroscopy. There were no device-related complications, including no strokes. Postprocedure esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed minor mucosal thermal injury in 2 of 36 RF/PF and 0 of 24 PF/PF patients. Postprocedure brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffusion-weighted imaging+/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery- and diffusion-weighted imaging+/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery+ asymptomatic lesions in 5 and 3 of 51 patients, respectively.

Conclusions:

A novel lattice-tip catheter could safely and rapidly ablate atrial fibrillation using either a combined RF/PF approach (capitalizing on the safety of PFA and the years of experience with radiofrequency energy) or an entirely PF approach.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT04141007 and NCT04194307.
Congenital Heart Disease and Risk of Suicide and Self‐Harm: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Udholm Sebastian , Nyboe Camilla , Lundbye‐Christensen Søren , Nordentoft Merete , Hjortdal Vibeke E.
Published: May 2020

Background

In this nationwide study, we used the unique Danish registries to estimate the risk of suicide and deliberate self‐harm in patients with congenital heart disease (
CHD
).

Methods and Results

We identified all Danish citizens receiving a diagnosis of
CHD
between 1977 and 2007. As a reference cohort, we randomly selected 10 citizens for each patient, matched by sex and birth year. Using the Fine and Gray competing risk regression, we estimated the cumulative incidences of suicide and self‐harm, and Cox proportional regression analysis was used to compare the risk of suicide and deliberate self‐harm in patients with
CHD
with the reference cohort. We identified 14 433 patients with
CHD
. Mean follow‐up was 21.3 years, with a maximum follow‐up of 42 years. Since the time of diagnosis, 2659 patients had died, with a median age of death of 23 years. A total of 15 patients had died by suicide, compared with 232 suicides in the reference cohort. Patients with
CHD
had a low and similar risk of dying by suicide when compared with the reference cohort (cause‐specific hazard ratio, 0.81; 95%
CI
, 0.48–1.37; and subhazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.41–1.16). We identified 336 events of self‐harm among patients with
CHD
, and 3484 events in the reference group. The overall risk of deliberate self‐harm was not increased in patients with
CHD
when compared with the reference group (subhazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.85–1.06).

Conclusions

This is the first study to estimate the risk of suicide and deliberate self‐harm in patients with
CHD
. We found that patients with
CHD
do not have an increased risk of suicide or deliberate self‐harm when compared with a large reference cohort.
Pyrogenic carbon improves the physiological performance of a C3 species planted on a green roof
Authors: Licht Jeff , Smith Nicholas G.
Published: May 2020

Plants utilizing C3 physiology have a more difficult time establishing in rooftop environments than plants with more heat and drought adapted constitutions, such as species that employ crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM species are much less susceptible to limitations of shallow, infertile soil-less media under abiotic and biotic stress. It is thought that soil amendments might improve rooftop media in a way that allows for C3 species to prosper in rooftop environments. While compost is typically added to media to achieve this goal, we hypothesized that the addition of an anthropogenic pyrogenic carbon (PyC) supplement, instead, would enable better organic and mineral sorption and water retention, resulting in improved physiological performance of C3 species. To test this, we grew a C3 legume species, wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria L R.Br. ex), in control compost-amended media and media amended by PyC on a rooftop in Massachusetts, USA. We found PyC-amended media had greater mean organic and mineral nutrient sorption. We also found 16% greater soil water holding capacity (GWL/ψg) than control media. In addition, wild indigo photosynthetic intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) was significantly increased by 19% when grown in PyC-amended as compared to control media. We conclude that amending green roof media with PyC provides greater benefits than compost amendments for colonization of a C3 legume, wild indigo. Our results gathered over seven years suggest that PyC from converted waste stream cardboard could be used to improve the rooftop performance of other leguminous species, including agricultural crops.
Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India
Authors: TIWARI NALINI , PALIWAL R. , RASHID AZHAR , YADAV SHWETA
Published: May 2020

A checklist of earthworm species hitherto recorded from North Eastern Region (NER) of India is presented. In total, 128 species/subspecies belonging to 26 genera spread over 9 families are listed. Of these, 72 species are recognized as endemics, 18 as near endemics, 5 as native peregrines and 32 as exotics. The checklist includes literature citation to the original description, type locality, important synonyms and the state-wise distributional records for each species/subspecies.
Stress-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein 1 Protected High Glucose-Induced Islet β Cells from Apoptosis by Attenuating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Guo Shulong , Wang Shaoya , Zeng Youxiao , Hu Qiaosheng
Published: May 2020

The incidence of type II diabetes caused by islet cell injury is increasing in recent years. Endoplasmic reticulum stress is one of the crucial causes of islet β cell damage, and stress-associated endoplasmic reticulum protein 1 (SERP1) could inhibit the occurrence and development
of endoplasmic reticulum stress. But whether SERP1 could inhibit the damage of islet β cell caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress is unclear. In this study, we detected the levels of SERP1 and endoplasmic reticulum stress related proteins (p-PERK, p-Eif2 α, ATF-4 and CHOP) by western
blotting. Next the lentivirus was used to construct the islet cell line which was stable overexpressed SERP1. Then the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress related proteins and inflammatory factors was determined with western blotting. At last the apoptosis rates of islet β cells
were detected by flow cytometry. We found that high glucose medium promoted the expression of p-PERK, p-Eif2 α, ATF-4 and CHOP while downregulated the levels of SERP1 in isletβ cells. Moreover, overexpression of SERP1 induced the downregulation of levels of p-PERK, p-Eif2 α,
ATF-4, CHOP, TNF-α , IL-1β and IL-6 and alleviated the apoptosis of islet cells. At last, the overexpression of CHOP rescued the apoptosis rates and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. These results indicated SERP1 relieved the inflammation response and apoptosis
of islet β cells by inhibiting the expression of CHOP and alleviating the endoplasmic reticulum stress induced damage.
lncRNA UBE2R2-AS1 Had Anti-Tumor Effects in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Haiyun , Han Weidong , Liu Haimei , Chen Haijun
Published: May 2020

Background: The purpose of our work was to discuss anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of lncRNA UBE2R2-AS1 in NSCLC. Methods : lncRNA UBE2R2-AS1 gene level was measured by RT-qPCR in BEAS-2B, A549, H1975, H1650 and HCC827. Dividing A549 and H1650 cells into NC, Vector and UBE2R2-AS1.
Measuring the cell proliferation by CCK-8 assay; Using flow cytometer to evaluate cell apoptosis, using transwell and wound healing methods to evaluate invasion and migration abilities. The relative protein expressions were measured by WB assay. Results: UBE2R2-AS1 mRNA expression of
A549 and H1650 were the lowest in all cells lines. With UBE2R2-AS1 transfection, the cell proliferation rates were significantly down-regulation with cell apoptosis significantly increasing (P < 0 001). Meanwhile, the invasion cell number and wound healing rates of UBE2R2-AS1 groups were
significantly depressed (P < 0 001). Bcl-2, TLR4 and MyD88 proteins expressions were significantly down-regulation and Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 proteins levels were significantly upregulation in UBE2R2-AS1 groups (P < 0 001). Conclusion: UBE2R2-AS1 overexpression had antitumor
in NSCLC, the mechanisms might be correlation with regulation Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-8, TLR4 and MyD88 protein levels.
Bmi1 Induces Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Under Inflammatory Environment
Authors: Dong Chungang , Wei Junyu
Published: May 2020

Bmi1 is a polycomb histone that regulates stem cells, but the role and mechanism of Bmi1 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) differentiation has not been elucidated. Rat BMSCs were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into control group and inflammation group (treated
with LPS). Bmi1 and Bmi1 siRNA were transfected into inflammatory BMSCs, followed by analysis of Bmi1 expression by Real time PCR, cell proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase3 activity, ALP activity, expression of Runx2, OP and PPARγ 2 by Real time PCR, as well as secretion of TNF-α
and IL-1β by ELISA. In inflammatory environment, Bmi1 expression was significantly decreased, cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, along with increased Caspase3 activity, decreased ALP activity and the expression of Runx2 and OP, increased PPAR 2 expression and secretion of
TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0 05). Transfection of Bmi1 siRNA into inflammatory BMSCs further significantly aggravated the above changes (P < 0 05). Bmi1 plasmid transfected into inflammatory BMSCs significantly promoted Bmi1 expression and cell proliferation, decreased Caspase3
activity, increased ALP activity and expression of Runx2 and OP, decreased PPAR γ2 expression and TNF-α and IL-1β secretion (P < 0 05). Bmi1 expression is reduced in BMSCs under inflammation. Up-regulation of Bmi1 can inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors, regulate
the proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs, and promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Enhancing Customer Service Using Chatbot Application Through Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Prabu M. , Sai Tarun T. , Shereef Naina Mohamed A. , Vijay A.
Published: May 2020

In every service based or product based company customer services is considered to be an important sector to maintain customer relationship. This sector also consumes a lot of resources from the company both labor wise and money wise. In this sector the usage of resources are high due
to the demand in the sector, A good company is defined how good is their customer service, Today most of the companies lack a good customer interaction, Hence to ease this process of customer services in this paper we propose to use A.I chatbot in the customer service sector. The result will
be faster and more optimal customer service solutions.
Smart Parking System Using Batch Algorithms Cloud Computing and Internet of Things
Authors: Jagadeesan J. , Sarkar Arpan , Mishra Sanchay , Pandita Sarthak
Published: May 2020

Innovative smart parking system works on sensor based IOT technology and cloud computing data collection to direct the driver to the particular parking spot. This paper implements an agile algorithm that improves the efficiency of the present cloud-based parking system and builds a
network architecture based on the IOT technology. This paper introduces a system that helps users find a parking space at the least cost based on new efficiency constraints to calculate the user parking cost by considering the dimensions and the total number of free spaces in each car park.
This cost will be used to offer a solution of finding an available parking space upon a request by the user and a solution of suggesting a new car park if the current car park is full. The simulation results convey that the algorithm helps improve the stability of successful parking and minimizes
the user waiting time at the same time avoiding congestion. We also successfully implemented the algorithm virtually. Existing systems implement first come first serve algorithms to allocate parking space to cars which arrive to parking space, hence wasting a lot of space at the time costing
efficiency to the parking lot. The proposed algorithm first sorts the cars based on their size, hence efficiently using the space available and balancing load at the parking side. Also separating the parking space for both large and small cars can help improve the parking congestion and price
per space utility factor. The algorithm uses batch algorithms knowingly used in operating systems to arrange tasks and processes in an effective manner. It divides the cars into small and large categories alike the processes in operating systems, which helps to deal with the cars better. The
whole system is also backed by low power IOT hardware like Arduino® Uno, NodeMCU® ESP8266, ZigBee networks and cloud computing solutions like Google© Firebase® and Thing Speak®.
Sticky Ad Analysis—Linear Regression
Authors: Sathya V. , Loganathan Kiran Kumar , Natarajan Jayakrishna , Sreeram Atmakuri
Published: May 2020

People are exposed to many advertisements and marketing strategies daily. How many of them do people remember a few hours later? Business and Advertising Professionals refer to the seads as “sticky ad,” because they stick with viewers long after they’ve been exposed
to them. The process done to remove superficial attributes and keep the most influential attributes is called analysis. The objective of this project is to develop a system which will be suitable for clients and business tycoons to predict and advertise confidently. In this project we will
theorize a way to use Data Science which will identify the important parameters for analysis. In this paper, by applying exploratory, predictive and regression analysis for forecasting behavior of Sticky Ad data set, we show that our proposed method is efficient for the clients to advertise
products confidently. The analysis part of the project could also be applied to different data sets of various domains by changing the necessary variables.