bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia microti in Canada
Authors: O'Brien Sheila F. , Drews Steven J. , Yi Qi‐Long , Bloch Evan M. , Ogden Nicholas H. , Koffi Jules K. , Lindsay Leslie Robbin , Gregoire Yves , Delage Gilles 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundBabesia microti has gained a foothold in Canada as tick vectors become established in broader geographic areas. B. microti infection is associated with mild or no symptoms in healthy individuals but is transfusion‐transmissible and can be fatal in immunocompromised individuals. This is the first estimate of clinically significant transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis (TTB) risk in Canada.Study design and methodsThe proportion of B. microti‐antibody (AB)/nucleic acid amplification test (NAT)‐positive whole blood donations was estimated at 5.5% of the proportion of the general population with reported Lyme Disease (also tick‐borne) based on US data. Monte Carlo simulation estimated the number and proportion of infectious red cell units for three scenarios: base, localized incidence (risk in Manitoba only), and donor study informed (prevalence from donor data). The model simulated 1,029,800 donations repeated 100,000 times for each.ResultsIn the base scenario 0.5 (0.01, 1.75), B. microti‐NAT‐positive donations would be expected per year, with 0.08 (0, 0.38) recipients suffering clinically significant TTB (1 every 12.5 years). In the localized incidence scenario, there were 0.21(0, 0.7) B. microti‐NAT‐positive donations, with 0.04 (0, 0.14) recipient infections (about 1 every 25 years). In the donor study informed scenario, there were 4.6 (0.3, 15.8) B. microti‐NAT‐positive donations expected, and 0.81 (0.05, 3.14) clinically significant TTB cases per year.DiscussionThe likelihood of clinically relevant TTB is low. Testing would have very little utility in Canada at this time. Ongoing pathogen surveillance in tick vectors is important as B. microti prevalence appears to be slowly increasing in Canada.
Hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery (NOTES) to perform bilateral ovariectomy in mares
Authors: Velloso Alvarez A. , Boone Lindsey , Horzmann Katharine , Hanson R. Reid 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo combine laparoscopic techniques with natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (hybrid NOTES) to minimize number and enlargement of paralumbar laparoscopic portals for bilateral ovariectomy in standing, sedated mares.Study designCase series.AnimalsSix horses.Materials and MethodsSix mares with palpably normal ovaries were restrained in stocks, sedated, and had caudal epidural anesthesia performed. A 7.5 MHz ultrasound probe was used transvaginally to select placement of vaginotomy. An attempt was made to remove both ovaries with 70 cm esophageal forceps through the vaginotomy, while visualized and transected via ipsilateral paralumbar fossa laparoscopic portals. Surgical time, intraoperative, and postoperative complications were recorded. Vaginoscopy was performed at days 0, 3, 7, and 14 postoperatively. After 14 days, mares were euthanized and necropsied.ResultsHybrid NOTES allowed successful bilateral ovariectomy in all six mares, with a mean surgical time of 70 ± 25 min. In two mares, one ovary was dislodged from the forceps during vaginotomy extraction. Abdominal retrieval of the ovary was successful with reapplication of forceps or a surgeon's hand via vaginotomy. At necropsy, five mares had no adhesions within the abdominal cavity or at the vaginotomy site. One mare in which hand retrieval of the ovary was necessary, developed an adhesion between the bladder and the vaginotomy.ConclusionsThis technique appears to offer a safe alternative for bilateral ovariectomy with minimal postoperative complications.Clinical SignificanceDecreased number and size of paralumbar laparoscopic incisions could decrease complications associated with exteriorization of ovaries through the flank.
Multiple Bifurcations and Complex Responses of Nonlinear Time-Delay Oscillators
Authors: Mao Xiaochen , Lei Fuchen , Li Xingyong , Ding Weijie , Shi Tiantian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the dynamical properties of multiple van der Pol-Duffing oscillators with time delays are studied. The amplitude death and bifurcation curves in the parameter plane are determined by using the space decomposition method. Different patterns of bifurcated solutions are given on the basis of the symmetric bifurcation theory. The properties of bifurcated solutions are shown by using the norm forms on the center manifold. The interactions of bifurcations are discussed and their dynamical behaviors are shown. An electronic circuit platform is implemented by means of nonlinear circuit and time delay circuit. The revealed behaviors of the circuit reach an agreement with the obtained results. It is shown that the nonlinearity and time delays have great effects on the system performance and can induce interesting and abundant dynamic features.
Uncertainty Quantification of Differential Algebraic Equations Using Polynomial Chaos
Authors: Saha Premjit , Singh Tarunraj , Dargush Gary 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The focus of this paper is on the use of polynomial chaos (PC) for developing surrogate models for differential algebraic equations (DAEs) with time-invariant uncertainties. Intrusive and nonintrusive approaches to synthesize PC surrogate models are presented including the use of Lagrange interpolation polynomials as basis functions. Unlike ordinary differential equations (ODEs), if the algebraic constraints are a function of the stochastic variable, some initial conditions of the DAEs are also random. A benchmark RLC circuit which is used as a benchmark for linear models is used to illustrate the development of a PC-based surrogate model. A nonlinear example of a simple pendulum also serves as a benchmark to illustrate the potential of the proposed approach. Statistics of the results of the PC models are validated using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in addition to estimating the evolving probably density functions (PDFs) of the states of the pendulum.
An Advanced Antislip Control Algorithm for Locomotives Under Complex Friction Conditions
Authors: Yang Yunfan , Ling Liang , Zhang Tao , Wang Kaiyun , Zhai Wanming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The locomotive wheelsets configured with high-power AC traction motors are very prone to slip under poor friction conditions, which usually impair traction/braking efficiency. To avoid the adverse consequence caused by the conspicuous slipping behaviors of wheels, the antislip control modules are consequently equipped on high-power locomotives. This paper presents an advanced antislip control algorithm for heavy-haul locomotives traveling by complex wheel/rail friction conditions. The proposed antislip control model is implemented in a three-dimensional (3D) heavy-haul train-track coupled dynamics model, in which the real-time estimation of wheel/rail adhesion conditions and relevant optimization adjustment of control threshold values are considered. The wheel/rail dynamic interactions of the heavy-haul locomotive under traction/braking conditions and multifarious friction conditions are investigated. The control effects of the antislip controllers with changeable and constant threshold values are compared. It is shown that the traction/braking loads and friction conditions have a significant effect on wheel/rail interactions. The optimal traction/braking efficiency can be realized by adopting the antislip controller with alterable threshold values.
Implicit Co-Simulation and Solver-Coupling: Efficient Calculation of Interface-Jacobian and Coupling Sensitivities/Gradients
Authors: Kraft J. , Klimmek S. , Meyer T. , Schweizer B. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We consider implicit co-simulation and solver-coupling methods, where different subsystems are coupled in time domain in a weak sense. Within such weak coupling approaches, a macro-time grid (communication-time grid) is introduced. Between the macro-time points, the subsystems are integrated independently. The subsystems only exchange information at the macro-time points. To describe the connection between the subsystems, coupling variables have to be defined. For many implicit co-simulation and solver-coupling approaches, an interface-Jacobian (i.e., coupling sensitivities, coupling gradients) is required. The interface-Jacobian describes how certain subsystem state variables at the interface depend on the coupling variables. Concretely, the interface-Jacobian contains partial derivatives of the state variables of the coupling bodies with respect to the coupling variables. Usually, these partial derivatives are calculated numerically by means of a finite difference approach. A calculation of the coupling gradients based on finite differences may entail problems with respect to the proper choice of the perturbation parameters and may therefore cause problems due to ill-conditioning. A second drawback is that additional subsystem integrations with perturbed coupling variables have to be carried out. In this paper, analytical approximation formulas for the interface-Jacobian are derived, which may be used alternatively to numerically calculated gradients based on finite differences. Applying these approximation formulas, numerical problems with ill-conditioning can be circumvented. Moreover, efficiency of the implementation may be increased, since parallel simulations with perturbed coupling variables can be omitted. The derived approximation formulas converge to the exact gradients for small macro-step sizes.
Partners of patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome: effect of CPAP treatment on sleep quality and quality of life
Authors: McArdle N , Kingshott R , Engleman H M , Mackay T W , Douglas N J 
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDThe sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) causes snoring, apnoeas, and restlessness during sleep which partners frequently complain about. A study was undertaken to determine the impact on partners of SAHS and of treatment of the patient with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).METHODSForty nine partners and patients with SAHS booked for CPAP treatment completed in house and validated questionnaires (Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Short Form 36 self-reported health status) before the patient started treatment. Twenty three couples in whom the index SAHS patient had no driving problems were recruited to a randomised crossover trial with 1 month limbs of CPAP and placebo capsule. At the end of each limb the partners' sleep was monitored by home polysomnography (PSG) and questionnaires were completed.RESULTSBefore treatment partners frequently reported moderate to severe disturbance from patient snoring/apnoeas/restlessness and had poor sleep quality and self-reported health status. In the crossover study (22 completed) the partners' objective sleep quality did not differ between CPAP and placebo, but they reported benefit from treatment of the patients with CPAP in subjective sleep quality (p=0.05) and disturbance to sleep (p=0.03). The reported change in partners' sleep quality between pre-study and following CPAP treatment correlated positively with CPAP use (r=0.5, p=0.01).CONCLUSIONSPartners of patients with SAHS have poor sleep quality and self-reported health status but only subjective sleep quality benefits from treatment of the patient with CPAP.
Decreased bronchodilating effect of salbutamol in relieving methacholine induced moderate to severe bronchoconstriction during high dose treatment with long acting β2agonists
Authors: van der Woude H J , Winter T H , Aalbers R 
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDIn vitro the long acting β2agonist salmeterol can, in contrast to formoterol, behave as a partial agonist and become a partial antagonist to other β2agonists. To study this in vivo, the bronchodilating effect of salbutamol was measured during methacholine induced moderate to severe bronchoconstriction in patients receiving maintenance treatment with high dose long acting β2agonists.METHODSA randomised double blind crossover study was performed in 19 asthmatic patients with mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of 88.4% predicted and median concentration of methacholine provoking a fall in FEV1of 20% or more (PC20) of 0.62 mg/ml at entry. One hour after the last dose of 2 weeks of treatment with formoterol (24 μg twice daily by Turbuhaler), salmeterol (100 μg twice daily by Diskhaler), or placebo a methacholine provocation test was performed and continued until there was at least a 30% decrease in FEV1. Salbutamol (50 μg) was administered immediately thereafter, followed by ipratropium bromide (40 μg) after a further 30 minutes. Lung function was monitored for 1 hour after provocation.RESULTSThere was a significant bronchodilating and bronchoprotective effect after 2 weeks of active treatment. The dose of methacholine needed to provoke a fall in FEV1of ⩾30% was higher after pretreatment with formoterol (2.48 mg) than with salmeterol (1.58 mg) or placebo (0.74 mg). The difference between formoterol and salmeterol was statistically significant: 0.7 doubling dose steps (95% CI 0.1 to 1.2, p=0.016). The immediate bronchodilating effect of subsequently administered salbutamol was significantly impaired after pretreatment with both drugs (p<0.0003 for both). Three minutes after inhaling salbutamol the increase in FEV1relative to the pre-methacholine baseline was 15.8%, 7.3%, and 5.5% for placebo, formoterol and salmeterol, respectively (equivalent to increases of 26%, 14%, and 12%, respectively, from the lowest FEV1after methacholine). At 30 minutes significant differences remained, but 1 hour after completing the methacholine challenge FEV1had returned to baseline values in all three treatment groups.CONCLUSIONFormoterol has a greater intrinsic activity than salmeterol as a bronchoprotective agent, indicating that salmeterol is a partial agonist compared with formoterol in contracted human airways in vivo. Irrespective of this, prior long term treatment with both long acting β2agonists reduced the bronchodilating effect of an additional single dose of salbutamol equally, indicating that the development of tolerance or high receptor occupancy overshadowed any possible partial antagonistic activity of salmeterol. Patients on regular treatment with long acting β2agonists should be made aware that an additional single dose of a short acting β2agonist may become less effective.
Effect of gas cooking on lung function in adolescents: modifying role of sex and immunoglobulin E
Authors: Corbo G M , Forastiere F , Agabiti N , Dell'Orco V , Pistelli R , Aebischer M L , Valente S , Perucci C A 
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDA study was undertaken to investigate the effect of gas cooking on the lung function of adolescents while considering serum IgE level as a possible effect modifier.METHODThe cross sectional study was performed in 702 subjects aged 11–13 years from primary and secondary schools in Civitavecchia and Viterbo ( Latium region in Central Italy), categorised according to how often they were in the kitchen while the mother cooked (never, sometimes, often). Data were collected by questionnaire and lung function was measured by spirometric tests. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was evaluated by the methacholine test, atopic status by a skin prick test, and a blood sample was collected to determine serum IgE levels. The results were analysed separately for boys and girls. Multiple regression analysis was performed, taking functional parameters (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75, FEF50, FEF75) as the dependent variables and age, height, parental smoking, and father's education as independent variables.RESULTSThere was no association between time spent in the kitchen and lung function level in boys, but a reduction in lung function was detected in girls which was statistically significant for FEF75(sometimes –10.3%, often –11.1%). After stratifying boys and girls into four groups on the basis of the IgE serum level (below and above the median value of IgE), the reduction in lung function was significant in girls with a high IgE value whereas no significant deleterious effects were evident in girls with a low IgE value or in boys with either a low or high IgE. The results remained substantially unchanged after excluding girls with a response to methacholine below the concentration of 4 mg/ml, asthmatic patients, and those with positive skin prick tests.CONCLUSIONGas cooking has a harmful effect on the lung function of girls with a high serum level of IgE. We do not know whether serum IgE, a marker of allergic susceptibility, is a simple indicator that an inflammatory process is in progress or whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of injury leading to bronchial obstruction.
Induced sputum cell profiles in lung transplant recipients with or without chronic rejection: correlation with lung function
Authors: Beeh K M , Kornmann O , Lill J , Buhl R 
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDSputum induction is a non-invasive procedure for measuring inflammatory processes of the lower respiratory tract. The aim of this study was to establish sputum cell counts and differentials in patients after lung transplantation (LTx), with or without chronic transplant rejection.METHODSSputum induction was performed in 41 LTx patients (25 single LTx (sLTx), 16 double LTx (dLTx) and 15 healthy non-smoking volunteers. Sputum was processed according to standard protocols. Total cell count was calculated as mean (SE) cells × 106/ml sputum and cell differential (%) was evaluated after staining. Cellular profiles were correlated with lung function.RESULTSTotal sputum cell counts were increased in sLTx (9 (1.9) cells × 106/ml, p=0.01) and dLTx patients (7.2 (1.5) × 106/ml, p=0.01) compared with healthy controls (2.6 (0.6) × 106/ml). There was also a marked sputum neutrophilia in both patient groups (59 (6)% and 62 (6)%, respectively, p<0.001vcontrols). Moreover, in both sLTx and dLTx patients with chronic transplant rejection there was an increased number of sputum neutrophils compared with patients with normal graft function (p<0.05 both comparisons), and neutrophils were inversely correlated with lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted): sLTx,r=–0.61, p=0.001; dLTx,r=–0.75, p=0.001, respectively). Sputum lymphocytes and eosinophils were similar in both groups. No relevant side effects occurred during sputum induction.CONCLUSIONSSputum induction is a safe and non-invasive tool for monitoring lower respiratory tract inflammation in LTx patients. Both sLTx and dLTx patients with chronic rejection had increased sputum neutrophils compared with patients with normal transplant function. These data support findings of other authors highlighting a possible role for neutrophils in the pathogenesis of chronic transplant rejection.
Cardiovascular side effects of inhaled salbutamol in hypoxic asthmatic patients
Authors: Burggraaf J , Westendorp R G J , Veen J C C M in‘t , Schoemaker R C , Sterk P J , Cohen A F , Blauw G J 
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDBeta-2 adrenoceptor agonists have been associated with sudden death in asthma patients but the cause and underlying mechanism are unclear. Animal experiments indicate that the combination of hypoxia and β2 agonists may result in detrimental cardiovascular effects. A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of hypoxia on the systemic vascular effects of salbutamol in patients with asthma who are hypoxic by assessing forearm blood flow (FBF) as a measure of peripheral vasodilatation.METHODSEight men with mild asthma underwent the following treatments: normoxia + placebo (NP), normoxia + salbutamol (NS), hypoxia + placebo (HP), and hypoxia + salbutamol (HS). The period of mask breathing started at t=0 minutes, lasted for 60 minutes, and at 30 minutes 800 μg salbutamol was inhaled. The experiment was completed 30 minutes after the inhalation (t=60 minutes). For the hypoxia treatment the Spo2 level was 82%. Differences between treatments were sought using factorial ANOVA on percentage change from the pretreatment value.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in blood pressure and potassium levels between the treatments. After 60 minutes the increase in FBF was 13% (95% CI –12 to 39) more for HP treatment than for NP, 21% (95% CI –5 to 46) more for NS than for NP, and 32% (95% CI 7 to 58) more for HS than for HP (p=0.016). The inhalation of salbutamol during hypoxia resulted in a significant increase in FBF of 45% (95% CI 20 to 71) compared with NP (p=0.001).CONCLUSIONPatients with asthma who are hypoxic and inhale β2 agonists have serious systemic vascular side effects which may be an additional explanation for the association between asthma treatment and sudden death.
Spectroscopic analysis of the gaseous argon scintillation with a wavelength sensitive particle detector
Authors: Santorelli R. , Garcia E. Sanchez , Abia P. Garcia , González-Díaz D. , Manzano R. Lopez , Morales J. J. Martinez , Pesudo V. , Romero L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe performed a time-resolved spectroscopic study of the VUV/UV scintillation of gaseous argon as a function of pressure and electric field, by means of a wavelength sensitive detector operated with different radioactive sources. Our work conveys new evidence of distinctive features of the argon light which are in contrast with the general assumption that, for particle detection purposes, the scintillation can be considered to be largely monochromatic at 128 nm (second continuum). The wavelength and time-resolved analysis of the photon emission reveal that the dominant component of the argon scintillation during the first tens of ns is in the range [160, 325] nm. This light is consistent with the third continuum emission from highly charged argon ions/molecules. This component of the scintillation is field-independent up to 25 V/cm/bar and shows a very mild dependence with pressure in the range [1, 16] bar. The dynamics of the second continuum emission is dominated by the excimer formation time, whose variation as a function of pressure has been measured. Additionally, the time and pressure-dependent features of electron-ion recombination, in the second continuum band, have been measured. This study opens new paths toward a novel particle identification technique based on the spectral information of the noble-elements scintillation light.