bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimator-based H∞ control considering actuator time delay for active double-pantograph in high-speed railways
Authors: Lu Xiaobing , Zhang Hantao , Liu Zhigang , Duan Fuchuan , Song Yang , Wang Hongrui
Published: September 2019

When two electric multiple units are non-electrically connected together for improving the transport capacity in high-speed railways, double pantographs frequently operate simultaneously to decrease the current capacity on a single pantograph collector. In this case, the contact force between the trailing pantograph and the catenary severely fluctuates due to the wave propagation along the catenary triggered by the leading pantograph. Therefore, this paper proposes two estimator-based H ∞ control strategies for active double-pantograph to decrease the contact force fluctuation considering the actuator time delay. To obtain the pantograph states, a robust recursive state estimation method is presented, which can effectively deal with randomly missing measurements. In addition, to overcome parametric uncertainties and non-differentiable actuator time delay, two robust multi-objective H ∞ controllers involving linear matrix inequalities are introduced according to whether the time delay can be predetermined or not. The effectiveness and robustness of the control strategies are investigated through implementing a nonlinear double-pantograph-catenary system model. Simulation results show that, for both the leading pantograph and the trailing pantograph, the proposed control strategies can decrease the contact force fluctuation with high efficiency even though the actuator time delay exists.
Effect of rowing posture on body measurements and skin–sportswear interface pressure and implications on garment fit
Authors: Vasile Simona , Cools Joris , De Raeve Alexandra , Malengier Benny , Deruyck Frank
Published: September 2019

Sportswear should fit well each individual athlete while preserving its ergonomic and pressure comfort upon sport-specific movements. This study aims to quantify the effect of two rowing postures on selected body measurements and skin–sportswear interface pressure for competitive rowers of age 18–35. The results based on average body measurements of a total number of 74 male and female rowers indicate a considerable influence of the catch and finish posture on both body measurements and interface skin–sportswear pressure, regardless of the gender. Back length and across back width were the most affected by posture, and increased especially from the static to catch position by 12% (6.1 cm) and 16% (6.5 cm) for male rowers, and respectively by 11% (4.9 cm) and 13% (4.7 cm) for female rowers. In general, the posture led to the larger influence on pressure than on anthropometrics of maximum 55% versus 16% for male and up to 82% versus 13% for female rowers, respectively. The maximum interface pressure (e.g. 10 mmHg) was rather low, which suggest there was no pressure discomfort. Prototypes were developed and the fit of garments was investigated in various postures. For the considered fabrics and design, an increase of the garment pattern to accommodate the catch maximum changes led to a poor fit of the prototype MR58-CP, which was generally too large, especially in the static posture. On the contrary, prototype MR58-FP that considered some finish rowing posture-related body changes and design adjustments based on experience with the first prototype and input from the test person had the best fit.
Queer Adventures in the Forum and the Archive: Or, the Flood Made Immersion Possible
Authors: Frischherz Michaela
Published: September 2019

Inspired by the Queer Archival Immersion Seminar at the Kinsey Institute during the 2017 Rhetoric Society of America (RSA) Summer Institute, this article engages the queerness of archival research to illustrate how the productive tension between the delight of discovery and the discomfort of anxiety and inadequacy emerges from the process of research and archival immersion. Combining archival field methods and autoethnographic reflection, I ask how cohabitation and a collective dwelling in the archive compelled my body to feel both delight and anxiety. This story aims to illustrate how the relational experience of archival research contains within it the capacity to queer the processes of research and knowledge production. To animate this claim, I narrate how my body in the archive both resists and complies with the call of the objects in front of me. This is the story of being in the Kinsey with fellow archival queers and explores how that being with facilitates embodied lines of inquiry and potential moments of queer worldmaking for our objects of desire and research.
Percutaneous Transcollateral Retrograde Recanalization of Isolated Dissection of the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Authors: Hsu Yung , Cheng Hua-Ming , Wu Reng-Hong
Published: September 2019

Endovascular stent placement (ESP) for patient with spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SIDSMA) is a widely accepted treatment option. However, failed percutaneous ESP is not uncommon and is one of the leading causes for laparotomy. We report a case of 63-year-old man with SIDSMA encountered failed antegrade recanalization via conventional transfemoral approach. We achieved recanalization in a retrograde fashion through middle colic artery using rendezvous technique and successfully placed self-expandable stents inside the dissected superior mesenteric artery. The patient recovered well after percutaneous ESP. We herein describe the transcollateral retrograde approach of percutaneous ESP for SIDSMA as an alternative option when conventional antegrade recanalization fails.
Robust predictive control for anti-rolling path following of underactuated surface vessels using adaptive Kalman filter
Authors: Li Guosheng , Liu Zhilin , Zhang Jun , Zheng Linhe
Published: September 2019

With the strong time-varying disturbances in wave fields, the large sway motion of underactuated surface vessels can be caused leading to the control performance reduction and large range of roll angle, such that a novel path following control with roll constraints is proposed. Firstly, the affine switching system model is constructed with coupled surge, sway, roll, and yaw. Then, with augmented state adaptive Kalman filter, the estimations of system state and disturbance can be obtained for the feedforward compensation. Considering the existing estimation error between real and estimated states, the state estimation has been adopted directly in the controller design for the performance improvements. With the convex optimization of linear matrix inequalities, the invariant ellipsoid constraint ensures the close-loop system uniformly bounded and stable. Lastly, the simulation results have verified the effectiveness of the designed control approach.
Visual context constrains language-mediated anticipatory eye movements
Authors: Hintz Florian , Meyer Antje S , Huettig Falk
Published: September 2019

Contemporary accounts of anticipatory language processing assume that individuals predict upcoming information at multiple levels of representation. Research investigating language-mediated anticipatory eye gaze typically assumes that linguistic input restricts the domain of subsequent reference (visual target objects). Here, we explored the converse case: Can visual input restrict the dynamics of anticipatory language processing? To this end, we recorded participants’ eye movements as they listened to sentences in which an object was predictable based on the verb’s selectional restrictions (“The man peels a banana”). While listening, participants looked at different types of displays: the target object (banana) was either present or it was absent. On target-absent trials, the displays featured objects that had a similar visual shape as the target object (canoe) or objects that were semantically related to the concepts invoked by the target (monkey). Each trial was presented in a long preview version, where participants saw the displays for approximately 1.78 s before the verb was heard (pre-verb condition), and a short preview version, where participants saw the display approximately 1 s after the verb had been heard (post-verb condition), 750 ms prior to the spoken target onset. Participants anticipated the target objects in both conditions. Importantly, robust evidence for predictive looks to objects related to the (absent) target objects in visual shape and semantics was found in the post-verb but not in the pre-verb condition. These results suggest that visual information can restrict language-mediated anticipatory gaze and delineate theoretical accounts of predictive processing in the visual world.
Folfirinox versus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: a comparative propensity score study
Authors: Williet Nicolas , Saint Angélique , Pointet Anne-Laure , Tougeron David , Pernot Simon , Pozet Astrid , Bechade Dominique , Trouilloud Isabelle , Lourenco Nelson , Hautefeuille Vincent , Locher Christophe , Desrame Jérome , Artru Pascal , Thirot Bidault Anne , Le Roy Bertrand , Pezet Denis , Phelip Jean-Marc , Taieb Julien
Published: September 2019

Background:

Folfirinox (FFX) and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GN) are both standard first-line treatments in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). However, data comparing these two chemotherapeutic regimens and their sequential use remain scarce.

Methods:

Data from two independent cohorts enrolling patients treated with FFX ( n = 107) or GN ( n = 109) were retrospectively pooled. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the secondary endpoint. A propensity score based on age, gender, performance status (PS), and presence of liver metastases was used to make groups comparable.

Results:

In the whole study population, OS was significantly higher in FFX (14 months; 95% CI: 10–21) than in GN groups (9 months; 95% CI: 8–12) before ( p = 0.008) and after ( p = 0.021) adjusting for age, number of metastatic sites, liver metastases, peritoneal carcinomatosis and CA19.9 level at baseline. PFS tends to be higher in FFX (6 months) than GN groups (5 months; p = 0.053). After matching ( n = 49/group), patients were comparable for all baseline characteristics including PS. In the matched population, there was a trend toward greater OS in patients treated with FFX (HR = 0.67; p = 0.097). However, survival in each group was not solely a result of the first-line regimen. The proportion of patients who were fit for GN after FFX failure (FFX–GN sequence) was higher (46.9%) than the reverse sequence (20.4%; p = 0.01), which suggests a higher feasibility for the FFX–GN sequence. Corresponding median OS were 19 months versus 9.5 months, respectively ( p = 0.094).

Conclusion:

This study shows greater OS with FFX than with GN in patients with mPC. GN after FFX failure appears more feasible than the reverse sequence.
Incidence and prevalence of common respiratory pathogens before and after implementation of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Infection Prevention and Control Guideline
Authors: Kim Christy , delaRiva-Velasco Elizabeth , Budhram Arvind , Farri Folashade , Krich Daniel , Nolan Sheila S , Gjonaj Suzette , Paul Lisa , Dozor Allen J , Welter John J
Published: September 2019

Background:

The 2013 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Infection Prevention and Control Guideline (CFF IP&C) was developed to reduce the risk of acquisition and transmission of respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objective:

We hypothesised that the incidence of common CF respiratory pathogens would decrease at our centre after implementation of the guideline.

Methods:

All patients with CF seen at our centre from August 2012 through August 2017 who had respiratory cultures were included. Patients were excluded from incidence analysis if they did not have at least one culture per year. Quarterly data were collected for one year before and three years after implementation of the guidelines to determine the incidence and prevalence of seven organisms commonly found in respiratory cultures of patients with CF.

Results:

Quarterly and annual incidence and prevalence rates of common organisms did not change during the study period.

Discussion:

There were no significant differences in the incidence or prevalence of common respiratory organisms in the first three years after implementation of the CF IP&C guideline. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine if changes occur over time.
An integrated model of the gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes and pretreatment plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA predicts survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy era: a big-data intelligence platform-based analysis
Authors: Li Jun-Yan , Huang Cheng-Long , Luo Wei-Jie , Zhang Yuan , Tang Ling-Long , Peng Hao , Sun Ying , Chen Yu-Pei , Ma Jun
Published: September 2019

Background:

Few studies have evaluated the prognostic value of the integrated model consisting of gross tumor volume of lymph nodes (GTVnd) and pretreatment plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA (pre-EBV DNA) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Methods:

A well-established big-data intelligence platform with 10,126 NPC patients was used for a retrospective review. A total of 1500 cases with cervical nodal metastases but without distant metastases were randomly assigned to a training ( n = 503) or test condition ( n = 997) for analyses. The cut-off point for the GTVnd derived from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was combined with the published cut-off point for pre-EBV DNA to develop an integrated model by which patients were classified into four groups.

Results:

Both GTVnd and pre-EBV DNA were independent prognostic factors. Regardless of whether patients received induction chemotherapy (IC), the 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (69.5%) and overall survival (OS) (68.4%) were significantly worse in those with both a GTVnd >20 ml and pre-EBV DNA >2000 copies/ml (all p-values < 0.001). In patients with IC, all others had better 5-year DMFS and OS; in patients without IC, those with either a GTVnd >20 ml or pre-EBV DNA >2000 copies/ml had the medium 5-year DMFS and OS, while patients with neither of them had the best.

Conclusions:

The integrated GTVnd and pre-EBV DNA model not only predicted DMFS and OS in NPC patients effectively, but was an indicator of timely adjustment of therapeutic strategies for NPC patients, especially those completing IC.
Sharing Your Message: Every Student Counts!
Authors: Johnson Kathleen
Published: September 2019

“People listen to stories, but they act on data.” This comment from a 2008 NASN Conference attendee sums up the importance of strong messages. School nurses collect data every day on their student needs. We have countless stories of what our students need to be healthy and successful at school. Combining these with a winning strategy for communicating the message can increase the influence of school nurses in advocating for their students in their schools. This article discusses ways to build a compelling message and how to successfully broadcast the message.
Cognitive bias modification for interpretation training via smartphones for social anxiety in Chinese undergraduates
Authors: Sun Xiran , Yang Ranming , Zhang Qin , Xiao Jing , Li Chieh , Cui Lixia
Published: September 2019

To address the unmet need for treatment of social anxiety disorder in China, it is timely and relevant to identify more effective, accessible, economic, and easily disseminated interventions. The present study examined the effect of an eight-session program for cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I). Smartphones were used in the training of reducing interpretation bias and social anxiety of Chinese undergraduates with high social anxiety. In total, 38 participants were randomly assigned to either a CBM-I training group ( n = 19) or a control group ( n = 19). As a result, the CBM-I training group provided more positive interpretations in ambiguous situations and less social anxiety than the control group. Results indicate that CBM-I training via smartphones can effectively promote positive interpretations of ambiguous situations and relieve social anxiety. CBM-I via smartphones may have clinical utility when applied as a multisession intervention of social anxiety for Chinese undergraduates.
Cannabis-based product use in a multiple sclerosis cohort
Authors: Schabas AJ , Vukojevic V , Taylor C , Thu Z , Badyal A , Chan JK , Devonshire V , Traboulsee A , Sayao AL , Carruthers R
Published: September 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to characterize the use of cannabis-based products (CBPs) by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who attend the University of British Columbia Hospital (UBCH) MS clinic.

Methods

All patients attending the UBCH MS clinic from January to March 2018 were invited to participate in an anonymous survey that included: patient demographics (sex, age and employment status), self-reported MS-specific data (subtype, disease duration, previous and current disease modifying therapies, symptomatic medications) and CBP use (formulation, frequency, perceived benefits/side-effects). A second cohort of retrospective patient data (CBP use, sex, age, disease subtype and Expanded Disability Status Scale) was extracted from the UBCH MS clinic electronic medical record (EMR).

Results

Of 600 surveys distributed, 188 were returned with completed CBP usage. CBP use was daily for 19% ( n = 37), weekly for 6% ( n = 11), monthly for 4% ( n = 7), rarely for 21% ( n = 39) and 50% ( n = 94) never used. Of the CBP users (daily, weekly and monthly), CBP use included: oral ( n = 43/55), smoked/vaporized ( n = 42/55), topical ( n = 14/55) and mucosal ( n = 5/55). EMR data was available for 561 MS patients where cannabis use/non-use was documented. CBP users represented 19% (107/561).

Conclusions

CBP use is common based on volunteer reporting, with approximately one out of four patients who attend the UBCH MS clinic using CBPs.
The child sensorium as privileged biopolitical resource: Sensory care and the burden of emotional control in middle class North American childhood
Authors: Davidson Elsa
Published: September 2019

This article draws on ethnographic and archival material to examine a contemporary, neuroscience informed politics of care focused on the child sensorium (understood as an embodied neurobiological endowment and material and political resource). I frame care-taking practices focused on children’s sensory endowment, responsivity, and difference as a form of biopolitical regulation in which children, parents, therapists, and educators are implicated. As such, I examine how such care intersects with political, economic, and educational forces and circumstances that differentiate North American childhoods and reconfigure expectations of children and parents. In the process, I relate medicalized sensory difference to shifting skill demands for children that emphasize emotional control in public and educational contexts. Moreover, I highlight how privileged parental engagements with scientific knowledge and practices of therapeutic care focused on children’s sensory endowments and difference articulate with these new skill demands but also deploy embodied sensorial–neurological difference/neurodiversity as a means to transform dynamics of stigma and control within children’s and families’ lives and educational contexts. At the same time, I show how attempts to cultivate sensory capacities and engagements with medicalized sensory difference are implicated in broader biopolitical dynamic of exclusion that unevenly recognizes difference/disability.
Comparison between the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/Rif assay and culture for pleural tuberculosis using tissue biopsy
Authors: Akhter Nousheen , Sumalani Kamran Khan , Chawla Dimple , Ahmed Rizvi Nadeem
Published: September 2019

Background

Early diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis is difficult as it is a paucibacillary disease and a combination of tests is required to diagnose it, which have varied diagnostic accuracy and increase the cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/Rif assay on thoracoscopic pleural biopsy specimens.

Methods

A total of 201 patients with exudative pleural effusion and normal lung parenchyma were included in the study. All patients underwent thoracoscopic pleural biopsy under local anaesthesia. Biopsy samples were sent for Xpert MTB/Rif assay and culture, along with histopathology. Chronic granulomatous inflammation on histopathology and response to antituberculous treatment was taken as the reference standard for diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.

Results

Of the 198 patients included in the final analysis, 134 had pleural tuberculosis. The sensitivity of the Xpert assay was 52.2% and specificity was 100%, and that of pleural biopsy cultures were 41% and 100% respectively.

Conclusion

The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/Rif assay scores were high, hence escalating the speed of diagnosis and imparting marked impact on patient outcomes. The Xpert MTB/Rif assay is a potential game changer in diagnosing pleural tuberculosis.
Divergent neuronal DNA methylation patterns across human cortical development reveal critical periods and a unique role of CpH methylation
Authors: Price Amanda J. , Collado-Torres Leonardo , Ivanov Nikolay A. , Xia Wei , Burke Emily E. , Shin Joo Heon , Tao Ran , Ma Liang , Jia Yankai , Hyde Thomas M. , Kleinman Joel E. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Jaffe Andrew E.
Published: September 2019

Background

DNA methylation (DNAm) is a critical regulator of both development and cellular identity and shows unique patterns in neurons. To better characterize maturational changes in DNAm patterns in these cells, we profile the DNAm landscape at single-base resolution across the first two decades of human neocortical development in NeuN+ neurons using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and compare them to non-neurons (primarily glia) and prenatal homogenate cortex.

Results

We show that DNAm changes more dramatically during the first 5 years of postnatal life than during the entire remaining period. We further refine global patterns of increasingly divergent neuronal CpG and CpH methylation (mCpG and mCpH) into six developmental trajectories and find that in contrast to genome-wide patterns, neighboring mCpG and mCpH levels within these regions are highly correlated. We integrate paired RNA-seq data and identify putative regulation of hundreds of transcripts and their splicing events exclusively by mCpH levels, independently from mCpG levels, across this period. We finally explore the relationship between DNAm patterns and development of brain-related phenotypes and find enriched heritability for many phenotypes within identified DNAm features.

Conclusions

By profiling DNAm changes in NeuN-sorted neurons over the span of human cortical development, we identify novel, dynamic regions of DNAm that would be masked in homogenate DNAm data; expand on the relationship between CpG methylation, CpH methylation, and gene expression; and find enrichment particularly for neuropsychiatric diseases in genomic regions with cell type-specific, developmentally dynamic DNAm patterns.
Thwarting Repair: Gutter, Stutter, Are You My Mother?
Authors: Gregory Chase
Published: September 2019

Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama (2012) presents an interesting challenge to literary critics: as an object that extensively theorizes itself, it leaves little room for interpretation beyond its surface-level claims. This article reads against the grain of Are You My Mother? ’s own analysis in order to make room for readings that resist taking the text at its word. Although Are You My Mother? proclaims loyalty to the psychoanalytic theories of Donald Winnicott, Bechdel employs the metaphor of the mirror and the formal qualities of comics to complicate the reductive assertions of her avatar’s own narration. Ultimately, despite all its surface-level attachments to Winnicott’s version of mental and emotional health, Are You My Mother? ’s formal strategies end up revealing Bechdel’s deep ambivalence toward concepts like reparation, authenticity, and psychic wholeness.
Mother, Politician, and Guerilla: The Emergence of a New Political Imagination in Kurdistan through Women’s Bodies and Speech
Authors: Üstündağ Nazan
Published: September 2019

This article addresses the question of what epistemic spaces women can occupy to produce truths other than that at the limit between life and death occupied by Antigone, a figure of truth widely celebrated in feminism and beyond. It reflects in particular on the mother, the woman politician, and the woman guerilla, figures who have emerged during the Kurdish struggle against repression and colonization by the Turkish state. The article argues that while the figure of the mother occupies the limit between the sacred and sacrilege, the woman politician occupies the limit between the legal and illegal, and the woman guerilla, the limit between the past and future. The truths of these figures reveal the impossibilities of living under colonial, patriarchal, and repressive conditions and unleash a force that challenges the boundaries instituted on speech, law, and politics by liberal democracies and state sovereignties. The Turkish state, this article argues, wages a war against these truths by attacking women and destroying the limits that they have carved for themselves during their struggle.
Epigenetic control of transcriptional regulation in pluripotency and early differentiation
Authors: Gökbuget Deniz , Blelloch Robert
Published: September 2019

Pluripotent stem cells give rise to all cells of the adult organism, making them an invaluable tool in regenerative medicine. In response to differentiation cues, they can activate markedly distinct lineage-specific gene networks while turning off or rewiring pluripotency networks. Recent innovations in chromatin and nuclear structure analyses combined with classical genetics have led to novel insights into the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms underlying these networks. Here, we review these findings in relation to their impact on the maintenance of and exit from pluripotency and highlight the many factors that drive these processes, including histone modifying enzymes, DNA methylation and demethylation, nucleosome remodeling complexes and transcription factor-mediated enhancer switching.
The effect of triple antibiotic paste as an intracanal medication with an anti-inflammatory drug on post-operative pain of asymptomatic uniradicular necrotic teeth: a double blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Omaia Mohamed , Negm Maged , Nashaat Yousra , Nabil Nehal , Othman Amal
Published: September 2019

Background:Flare-ups may occur after root canal treatment which consist of acute exacerbation of asymptomatic pulpal and/or periradicular pathologic condition. The causative factors of interappointment pain include mechanical, chemical or microbial irritation to the pulp or periradicular tissues. The potential role of microorganisms in interappointment pain is why the success of endodontic treatment depends on complete eradication of microorganisms capable of causing an intraradicular or extraradicular infection. This can be achieved by mechanical cleaning and shaping, in conjunction with irrigation and antibacterial agents. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of triple antibiotic paste with the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac potassium versus calcium hydroxide used as an intra-canal medication in reducing post-operative pain.

Methods:84 patients with asymptomatic uniradicular necrotic teeth were randomly assigned into two groups according to the intra-canal medication used: calcium hydroxide group (CH) and triple antibiotic paste with diclofenac potassium group (TAPC). In the first treatment session, intracoronal cavity preparation was performed after rubber dam isolation followed by chemo-mechanical preparation using rotary Protaper Universal files with saline irrigation followed by intra-canal medication placement then postoperative pain was assessed at 24, 48 and 72 hours postoperatively using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In the second treatment session, intracanal medications were removed by irrigation using saline followed by obturation.

Results:Both intracanal medicaments resulted in a statistically significant decrease in mean pain value from 24 to 48 and 72 hours postoperatively. While when comparing both groups, TAPC intracanal medication showed less post-operative pain compared to that of the CH group at 24, 48 and 72 hours with a statistically significant difference at 48 hours only.

Conclusion:Both intracanal medicaments were efficient in reducing post-operative pain in asymptomatic uniradicular necrotic teeth.

Trial registration:Clinicaltrial.govNCT02907489, 20/09/2016.
Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC): an investigator-led, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial protocol
Authors: McCrann Saoirse , Flitcroft Ian , Strang Niall C. , Saunders Kathryn J. , Logan Nicola S. , Lee Samantha Szeyee , Mackey David A. , Butler John S. , Loughman James
Published: September 2019

Background: The Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC) aims to explore the efficacy, safety, acceptability and mechanisms of action of 0.01% unpreserved atropine for myopia control in a European population.

Methods: MOSAIC is an investigator-led, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial (RCT) investigating the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine for managing progression of myopia. During Phase 1 of the trial, 250 children aged 6-16 years with progressive myopia instil eye drops once nightly in both eyes from randomisation to month 24. From month 24 to 36  participants are re-randomised in Phase 2 of the trial, into continued 0.01% atropine, and washout, at 1:1 ratio for those participants initially randomised to the intervention arm (n=167), during which any potential rebound effects on cessation of treatment will be monitored. All participants initially assigned to the placebo (n=83) crossover to the intervention arm of the study for Phase 2, and from month 24 to 36, instil 0.01% atropine eye drops in both eyes once nightly. Further treatment and monitoring beyond 36 months is planned (Phase 3) and will be designed dependent on the outcomes of Phase 1.

Results: The primary outcome measure is cycloplegic spherical equivalent refractive error progression at 24 months. Secondary outcome measures include axial length change as well as the rebound, safety and acceptability profile of 0.01% atropine. Additional analyses will include the mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine for myopia control.

Conclusions: The generalisability of results from previous clinical trials investigating atropine for myopia control is limited by the predominantly Asian ethnicity of previous study populations. MOSAIC is the first RCT to explore the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of unpreserved 0.01% atropine in a predominantly White population.
Foreign environmental law: U.S. environmental law
Authors: Брославский Лазарь , Broslavskiy Lazar
Published: September 2019

The manual is devoted to the analysis of the current environmental legislation of the United States and the practice of its application in order to better study the environmental problems of the modern world and improve the system of legal regulation of the Russian Federation in the field of environmental protection.
Prepared on the basis of previously published by the author of monographs on comparative legal analysis of environmental law in Russia, the United States and the European Union, which can be accessed for a more detailed study of the legal protection of the environment.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
It is recommended in addition to the basic course "Environmental law", and can also be used as a textbook for bachelors and undergraduates in special courses and special seminars "Foreign environmental law".
For students, postgraduates and teaching staff of law universities and environmental faculties of universities and other educational institutions; workers of industry and other sectors of the economy, including those studying at institutes and training courses, judges, employees of the system of state bodies of natural resources and environmental protection, control and supervision and law enforcement agencies, environmental and other public organizations; and also for a wide range of readers interested in environmental issues and wishing to take an active part in the social environmental movement.
Development of Principles for System Approach to Information Support of Occupational Health and Safety Management
Authors: Утюганова В. , Utyuganova V. , Сердюк В. , Serdyuk V.
Published: September 2019

The urgency analysis of development and implementation of effective information support for occupational health and safety management at the enterprise has been performed. Application of system approach to occupational health and safety management information support has been justified. Definition for information support of an occupational health and safety management system is offered. The main directions for development of system for occupational health and safety management information support have been defined, and principles for system approach to development of information systems have been revealed. Principles for system approach to occupational health and safety management information support based on synthesis of requirements to development of occupational health and safety management systems, systems of information support, systems of enterprise management have been developed. The suggested approach to development of occupational health and safety management information support has a practical significance for occupational health and safety management system integration into organization management system.
Conjuring unseen forces: Rainmaking in Australia with John Henry Pepper
Authors: Kent Lynne
Published: September 2019

The climatic history of Australia records long periods of drought, with the late 1880s being particularly harsh, and the dry, hot conditions throughout the whole country led to drastic measures being taken. Those who believed in divine intervention looked to the heavens and prayed for rain while others considered scientific solutions. Purportedly scientific demonstrations of rainmaking in Australia during the late 1880s, accompanied by all the trappings of fairground entertainment, were attended by large crowds. Merry go-rounds, donkey rides and Punch and Judy puppet shows were enjoyed alongside ‘gigantic electrical experiments’ and other optical illusions. These experiments capitalized on the Victorian fascination for science, enjoyment of stage magic and the enduring desire to triumph over nature. This article discusses rainmaking, or pluviculture, as an entertainment in Australia in the late nineteenth century that walked the delicate line between magic and science. Whether through the use of new technologies or by evoking the powers of belief, conjuring the unseen forces of nature remains a powerful performative act that continues to resonate with audiences today.
A Computational Model for High Current Density Arc Plasmas
Authors: Alija M. , Kurrat M.
Published: September 2019

A computational model for high current density arc plasmas is developed. Under the assumption of thermodynamic equilibrium the arc plasma is described as a compressible laminar fluid based on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations and the transport and thermodynamic properties of air. The arc plasma is studied in time and space on macroscopic values such as the temperature and the pressure. The simulation results are discussed and future research work is identified addressing the scientific domain of high current density arc plasmas.
Radiative Properties and Numerical Modeling of C4F7N-CO2-O2 Thermal Plasma
Authors: Gnybida M. , Ruempler Ch. , Narayanan V. R. T.
Published: September 2019

C4F7N and C4F7N-CO2 mixtures are considered as alternatives to SF6 for use in medium voltage gas insulated switchgear applications (GIS), due to the low global warming potential and good dielectric properties of C4F7N. Current work is focused on the calculation of radiative properties (absorption coefficients) of C4F7N-CO2 thermal plasma and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of free burning C4F7N-CO2 arcs that are stabilized by natural convection. Absorption coefficients of C4F7N-CO2 plasma used in the CFD model are derived from spectral absorption coefficients by Planck averaging. An optimization procedure has been applied to find the optimal number of spectral bands as well as spectral band interval boundaries. Radiation and flow model results for C4F7N-CO2 in comparison to SF6 and air are provided and discussed.
Post-Arc Characteristics of High-Current Arcs in Vacuum Circuit-Breakers
Authors: Wenzel N. , Haas W.
Published: September 2019

The post-arc (PA) characteristics of vacuum arcs in transverse magnetic field contacts are studied for short-circuit currents of up to 123 kA peak and transient recovery voltages below 875 V. The measured PA currents are interpreted in terms of an Electric Resistance Model and the models of Andrews-Varey, Langmuir-Child, and Slepian-Schmelzle. Whereas in the late PA period, the calculations do not agree well with the measurements, the PA behavior is well described in the early period after current-zero. It is concluded that the PA discharge is amplified by ionization of metal vapor particles in the boundary sheath due to electron impact.
Arc Modeling in Industrial Applications
Authors: Ruempler Ch. , Chechare R. , Zacharias A.
Published: September 2019

Simulation methods are routinely applied in the design and development process of power distribution devices. Arcing phenomena that occur during switching operations or fault events are modeled to optimize device performance and gain deeper insights into the behavior that testing cannot easily provide. In this contribution, some applications are presented in detail. The first example describes the distribution of debris that is generated inside a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) during short-circuit interruption. A model is used to analyze the debris transport and to derive a solution to address issues caused by the debris. Second application example is a cooling device for hot plasma gases vented by circuit breakers. A model driven design process helps to define the device dimensions to achieve a safe temperature level of the exhaust gases. The third example deals with short-circuit behavior of a hollow core high voltage surge arrester, comparing model and experimental results.
Cytotoxic responses of human chondrocytes to bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine
Authors: Kaewpichit Pudkrong , Charuluxananan Somrat , Srisa-Art Monpichar , Sisawat Sarocha , Aksornkitti Vitavat , Chayudsatid Chalermsri , Sereemaspun Amornpun
Published: September 2019

Background

Intra-articular injections of local anesthetics are used commonly in articular surgery. However, chondrocyte viability and metabolism may be adversely affected by various anesthetics.

Objectives

To assess the chondrotoxic effects of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine on human chondrocytes and elucidate possible mechanisms of chondrocyte death.

Methods

Cultured human chondrocytes (CHON-001) were exposed to 0.25% or 0.5% of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine in vitro. Cell viability was determined by flow cytometry after 15, 30, 60, and 120 min of exposure. Chondrocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured every 10 min for up to 1 h using 2ʹ,7ʹ-dichlorodihydrofluorescein staining. Chondrocyte production of glycosaminoglycan was measured by capillary electrophoresis. NO production was measured using a colorimetric assay kit.

Results

We found a significant increase in chondrotoxicity dependent on exposure time and concentration of the anesthetic. At 60 min, chondrocyte viability was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased when exposed to 0.5% levobupivacaine (32.5%), or 0.25% or 0.5% bupivacaine (34.3% or 46.5%, respectively) compared with exposure to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) vehicle as a control. Cell death at 120 min was mainly necrosis. There was no difference in viability after treatment with either concentration (0.25% or 0.5%) of ropivacaine at any time compared with exposure to PBS. We found increased production of NO, while ROS decreased after exposure to any of the anesthetics tested.

Conclusions

Ropivacaine may be safer than bupivacaine or levobupivacaine as an intra-articular analgesic. Chondrotoxicity of anesthetics in vitro may be mediated via a reactive nitrogen species-dependent pathway.
Determination of the content of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn in dairy products from various regions of Poland
Authors: Sujka Monika , Pankiewicz Urszula , Kowalski Radosław , Mazurek Artur , Ślepecka Katarzyna , Góral Magorzata
Published: September 2019

The toxicity of heavy metals and their capacity for accumulation in the human organism make it necessary to conduct monitoring of their concentration in food. The objective of the study was to determine the content of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in milk and dairy products from various regions of Poland: the Lublin Region, Podlasie, Podkarpacie, and Silesia. The study showed the presence of the analysed heavy metals in most of the products. The content of lead was related to the level of industrialisation of a region. Higher levels of Pb were found in products from Silesia than in those from the other regions. The study revealed the presence of cadmium in 50% of the samples. Its content varied in range from 0.0067 to 0.0058 mg/kg. The levels of Cu and Zn concentration in the analysed products were within broad ranges, from 0.0015 to 4.94 mg/kg and from 0.01 to 56.44 mg/kg, respectively. In the case of all analysed elements an increase in their concentration was noted in cheese spreads and cottage cheeses. No relationship was found between the content of heavy metals in the analysed products, and the region of their origin.
New tent architecture roost byDermanura phaeotis(Miller, 1902) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in southeastern Mexico
Authors: García-Méndez Antonio , Santos-Moreno Antonio
Published: September 2019

Some phyllostomid bats modify leaves of certain plant species in order to build tents as daytime roosts. Most tent-roosting members of theArtibeusandDermanuragenus have a widespread geographic distribution; nevertheless, there are few reports regarding roost architecture. This is the first report in Mexico of boat/apical tents built by the pygmy fruit-eating batDermanura phaeotis.
Role of nanophotonics in the birth of seismic megastructures
Authors: Brûlé Stéphane , Enoch Stefan , Guenneau Sébastien
Published: September 2019

The discovery of photonic crystals 30 years ago in conjunction with research advances in plasmonics and metamaterials, has inspired the concept of decameter scale metasurfaces, coined seismic metamaterials for an enhanced control of surface (Love and Rayleigh) and bulk (shear and pressure) elastodynamic waves. These powerful mathematical tools of coordinate transforms, effective medium and Floquet-Bloch theories which have revolutionized nanophotonics, can be translated in the language of civil engineering and geophysics. Experiments on seismic metamaterials made of buried elements in the soil demonstrate that the fore mentioned tools make a possible novel description of complex phenomena of soil-structure interaction during a seismic disturbance. But the concepts are already moving to more futuristic concepts and the same notions developed for structured soils are now used to examine the effects of buildings viewed as above surface resonators in megastructures such as metacities. But this perspective of future should not make us forget the heritage of the ancient peoples. Indeed, we finally point out the striking similarity between an invisible cloak design and the architecture of some ancient megastructures as the antique Gallo-Roman theaters and amphitheatres.
Rigorous coupled-wave analysis of absorption enhancement in vertically illuminated silicon photodiodes with photon-trapping hole arrays
Authors: Gou Jun , Cansizoglu Hilal , Bartolo-Perez Cesar , Ghandiparsi Soroush , Mayet Ahmed S. , Rabiee-Golgir Hossein , Gao Yang , Wang Jun , Yamada Toshishige , Devine Ekaterina Ponizovskaya , Elrefaie Aly F. , Wang Shih-Yuan , Islam M. Saif
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we present a rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) of absorption enhancement in all-silicon (Si) photodiodes with integrated hole arrays of different shapes and dimensions. The RCWA method is used to analyze the light propagation and trapping in the photodiodes on both Si-on-insulator (SOI) and bulk Si substrates for the datacom wavelength at about 850 nm. Our calculation and measurement results show that funnel-shaped holes with tapered sidewalls lead to low back-reflection. A beam of light undergoes a deflection subsequent to the diffraction in the hole array and generates laterally propagating waves. SOI substrates with oxide layers play an important role in reducing the transmission loss, especially for deflected light with higher-order diffraction from the hole array. Owing to laterally propagating modes and back-reflection on the SiO2 film, light is more confined in the thin Si layer on the SOI substrates compared to that on the bulk Si substrates. Experimental results based on fabricated devices support the predictions of the RCWA. Devices are designed with a 2-μm-thick intrinsic layer, which ensures ultrafast impulse response (full-width at half-maximum) of 30 ps. Measurements for integrated photodiodes with funnel-shaped holes indicate an enhanced external quantum efficiency of more than 55% on the SOI substrates. This represents more than 500% improvement compared to photodiodes without integrated phototrapping nanoholes.
Occult Hepatitis B in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Saadat Alireza , Ghorbani Gholam Ali , Hossienzadeh Yasser , Jonaidi Jafari Nematollah , Toogeh Gholamreza , Izadi Morteza
Published: September 2019

Introduction: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one health problem in Iran. Occult hepatitis B (OBI) is diagnosed by the detection of HBV DNA in the serum or liver tissue of patients for whom other serology, especially HBsAg and HBcAg, are negative. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of OBI in patients who refer for chemotherapy. Methods: All patients referring for chemotherapy to the oncology clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran, Iran from 2012 to 2013 were selected as the population of this cross-sectional study. Samples of 5 mL of blood were taken from each subject and assayed for HBsAg and HBcAb. If HBV markers were negative, a qualitative HBV DNA PCR was done to detect OBI. The data was analyzed using SPSS 17 software, and the frequency test was used to determine prevalence. Results: In this study, 251 candidates for chemotherapy were recruited. Of this number, 114 (45%) patients were women. Mean patient age was 52.6 years. A total of 149 (59%) study subjects were employed, and the others were housekeepers or self-employed. About 67 (26.6%) patients had a history of one dose and 40 (15.9%) patients had a history of complete HBV vaccination. HBsAg was positive in 6 (2.4%) and HBcAb was positive in 33 (13.1%) patients; qualatative HBV DNA PCR was positive in 2 (0.8%) patients. Conclusion: This study revealed that OBI infection has a low prevalence, but patients referring for chemotherapy are at risk for its reactivation. On the other hand, isolated HBcAb is also a risk factor; therefore, in addition to HBsAg, it is recommended that HBcAb be evaluated before chemotherapy.