bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 symptoms are reduced by targeted hydration of the nose, larynx and trachea
Authors: George Carolin Elizabeth , Scheuch Gerhard , Seifart Ulf , Inbaraj Leeberk Raja , Chandrasingh Sindhulina , Nair Indu K. , Hickey Anthony J. , Barer Michael R. , Fletcher Eve , Field Rachel D. , Salzman Jonathan , Moelis Nathan , Ausiello Dennis , Edwards David A.
Published: March 2022

Dehydration of the upper airways increases risks of respiratory diseases from COVID-19 to asthma and COPD. We find in human volunteer studies involving 464 human subjects in Germany, the US, and India that respiratory droplet generation increases by up to 4 orders of magnitude in dehydration-associated states of advanced age (n = 357), elevated BMI-age (n = 148), strenuous exercise (n = 20) and SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 87), and falls with hydration of the nose, larynx and trachea by calcium-rich hypertonic salts. We also find in a protocol of exercise-induced airway dehydration that hydration of the airways by calcium-rich salts increases oxygenation relative to a non-treatment control (P < 0.05). In a random control study of COVID-19 positive subjects (n = 40), thrice-a-day delivery of the calcium-rich hypertonic salts (active) suppressed respiratory droplet generation by 51% ± 11% and increased oxygen saturation over three days of treatment by 48.08% ± 9.61% (P < 0.001), while no changes were observed in the nasal-saline control group. Self-reported symptoms significantly declined in the active group and did not decline in the control group. Hydration of the upper airways appears promising as a non-drug approach for reducing risks of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.
Exhaled volatile organic compounds for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sukaram Thanikan , Tansawat Rossarin , Apiparakoon Terapap , Tiyarattanachai Thodsawit , Marukatat Sanparith , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee
Published: March 2022

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile for diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well studied. We determined VOCs profile in exhaled breath of 97 HCC patients and 111 controls using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and Support Vector Machine algorithm. The combination of acetone, 1,4-pentadiene, methylene chloride, benzene, phenol and allyl methyl sulfide provided the highest accuracy of 79.6%, with 76.5% sensitivity and 82.7% specificity in the training set; and 55.4% accuracy, 44.0% sensitivity, and 75.0% specificity in the test set. This combination was correlated with the HCC stages demonstrating by the increased distance from the classification boundary when the stage advanced. For early HCC detection, d-limonene provided a 62.8% sensitivity, 51.8% specificity and 54.9% accuracy. The levels of acetone, butane and dimethyl sulfide were significantly altered after treatment. Patients with complete response had a greater decreased acetone level than those with remaining tumor post-treatment (73.38 ± 56.76 vs. 17.11 ± 58.86 (× 106 AU, p = 0.006). Using a cutoff of 35.9 × 106 AU, the reduction in acetone level predicted treatment response with 77.3% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, 79.4%, accuracy, and AUC of 0.784. This study demonstrates the feasibility of exhaled VOCs as a non-invasive tool for diagnosis, monitoring of HCC progression and treatment response.
Genetic characterization of populations in the Marquesas Archipelago in the context of the Austronesian expansion
Authors: Tätte Kai , Metspalu Ene , Post Helen , Palencia-Madrid Leire , Luis Javier Rodríguez , Reidla Maere , Tamm Erika , Ilumäe Anne-Mai , de Pancorbo Marian M. , Garcia-Bertrand Ralph , Metspalu Mait , Herrera Rene J.
Published: March 2022

Our exploration of the genetic constitution of Nuku Hiva (n = 51), Hiva Oa (n = 28) and Tahuata (n = 8) of the Marquesas Archipelago based on the analyses of genome-wide autosomal markers as well as high-resolution genotyping of paternal and maternal lineages provides us with information on the origins and settlement of these islands at the fringe of the Austronesian expansion. One widespread theme that emerges from this study is the genetic uniformity and relative isolation exhibited by the Marquesas and Society populations. This genetic homogeneity within East Polynesia groups is reflected in their limited average heterozygosity, uniformity of constituents in the Structure analyses, reiteration of complete mtDNA sequences, marked separation from Asian and other Oceanic populations in the PC analyses, limited differentiation in the PCAs and large number of IBD segments in common. Both the f3 and the Outgroup f3 results provide indications of intra-East Polynesian gene flow that may have promoted the observed intra-East Polynesia genetic homogeneity while ALDER analyses indicate that East Polynesia experienced two gene flow episodes, one relatively recent from Europe that coincides roughly with the European incursion into the region and an early one that may represent the original settlement of the islands by Austronesians. Median Network analysis based on high-resolution Y-STR loci under C2a-M208 generates a star-like topology with East Polynesian groups (especially from the Society Archipelago) in central stem positions and individuals from the different populations radiating out one mutational step away while several Samoan and outlier individuals occupy peripheral positions. This arrangement of populations is congruent with dispersals of C2a-M208 Y chromosomes from East Polynesia as a migration hub signaling dispersals in various directions. The equivalent ages of the C2a-M208 lineage of the populations in the Network corroborate an east to west flow of the most abundant Polynesian Y chromosome.
Directional emission of white light via selective amplification of photon recycling and Bayesian optimization of multi-layer thin films
Authors: Wankerl Heribert , Wiesmann Christopher , Kreiner Laura , Butendeich Rainer , Luce Alexander , Sobczyk Sandra , Stern Maike Lorena , Lang Elmar Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Over the last decades, light-emitting diodes (LED) have replaced common light bulbs in almost every application, from flashlights in smartphones to automotive headlights. Illuminating nightly streets requires LEDs to emit a light spectrum that is perceived as pure white by the human eye. The power associated with such a white light spectrum is not only distributed over the contributing wavelengths but also over the angles of vision. For many applications, the usable light rays are required to exit the LED in forward direction, namely under small angles to the perpendicular. In this work, we demonstrate that a specifically designed multi-layer thin film on top of a white LED increases the power of pure white light emitted in forward direction. Therefore, the deduced multi-objective optimization problem is reformulated via a real-valued physics-guided objective function that represents the hierarchical structure of our engineering problem. Variants of Bayesian optimization are employed to maximize this non-deterministic objective function based on ray tracing simulations. Eventually, the investigation of optical properties of suitable multi-layer thin films allowed to identify the mechanism behind the increased directionality of white light: angle and wavelength selective filtering causes the multi-layer thin film to play ping pong with rays of light.
Repellency and insecticidal activity of seven Mugwort (Artemisia argyi) essential oils against the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis
Authors: Luo De-Yue , Yan Zhen-Tian , Che Lin-Rong , Zhu Junwei Jerry , Chen Bin
Published: March 2022

Anopheles sinensis is the main vector of malaria with a wide distribution in China and its adjacent countries. The smoke from burning dried mugwort leaves has been commonly used to repel and kill mosquito adults especially in southern Chinese provinces. In this study, the essential oils of mugwort leaves collected from seven provinces in China were extracted by steam distillation and their chemical compositions were analyzed. Among a total of 56–87 chemical constituents confirmed by GC–MS analyses, four compounds, eucalyptol, β-caryophyllene, phytol and caryophyllene oxide, were identified with appearances from all seven distilled essential oils. The effectiveness varied in larvicidal, fumigant and repellent activities against An. sinensis from these seven essential oils with different geographic origins. The essential oil from Hubei province showed the highest larvicidal activity against the 4th instar larvae of An. sinensis, with a median lethal concentration at 40.23 µg/mL. For fumigation toxicity, essential oils from 4 provinces (Gansu, Shandong, Sichuan and Henan) were observed with less than 10 min in knockdown time. The essential oil distilled from Gansu province displayed the highest repellent activity against Anopheles mosquitoes and provided similar level of protection as observed from DEET. Eucalyptol was the most toxic fumigant compound and phytol showed the strongest larvicidal activity among all tested mugwort essential oil constituents.
Trend of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in South Korea
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae
Published: March 2022

We examined and compared the clinical characteristics of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients who received and did not receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The national health insurance database of South Korea was used to obtain real-world data. All adult patients admitted to intensive care units for ARDS treatment between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019 were included in this study. Of the 10,173 patients with ARDS included in the analysis, 740 (7.3%) received ECMO support for a mean duration of 1.6 days (standard deviation [SD]: 2.8 days) and were assigned to the ECMO group. The ECMO group had a significantly lower mean age at 57.0 years (SD: 15.7 years) than the non-ECMO group (71.8 Â years [SD: 15.1 Â years], P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression, a 1-year increase in age was associated with a 5% lower prevalence of ECMO support. The annual case volume was classified into four groups by quartile ratio (Q1 [lowest], Q2, Q3, and Q4 [highest]), and Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups showed a higher prevalence of ECMO support than the Q1 group. ECMO support was also performed more frequently in high case volume centers than in low case volume centers for ARDS patients.
Demographics and histopathological characteristics of enucleated microphthalmic globes
Authors: Alkatan Hind M. , Bedaiwi Khalid M. , Al-Faky Yasser H. , Maktabi Azza M. Y.
Published: March 2022

Microphthalmia is a rare ocular anomaly with a poorly understood etiology that is most likely related to heritable and/or environmental factors. Many papers have been published pertaining to the clinical manifestations and management of this condition; however, few reports have reported detailed histopathological findings, which are the focus of this study, in addition to highlighting the basic demographics in these cases. This was a retrospective, observational study of all consecutive enucleated microphthalmic globes (with or without cysts) at 2 tertiary eye hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Globes were classified into 2 groups: severe microphthalmos (axial length or mean diameter less than 10 mm in infancy or 12 mm after age 1 year) and mild microphthalmos based on larger measurements. Clinical and demographic data collected included sex, age at enucleation, eye involvement, nationality/region, consanguinity, family history of eye anomaly, pregnancy, systemic disease, or syndromes. For histopathological data, a descriptive analysis was mostly performed. For correlations of some of our qualitative data, Fisher’s exact test was used. Eleven cases (6 mild and 5 severe microphthalmos) were initially identified with a female to male ratio of 4:7. Ten patients were Saudis, 7 of whom were from the central region. Consanguinity was found in 36% (4/11), and 3 of them had other ocular or systemic abnormalities (duodenal atresia, microcephaly, kidney agenesis, cryptophthalmos, and dysmorphic facial features). Histopathological data were available for 10 cases, half of which showed a coloboma and/or anterior segment anomaly. There was no significant correlation among gender, severity of microphthalmos or the presence of coloboma, although severe microphthalmic globes had a higher median of abnormal intraocular structures (9-interquartile range = 2 compared to 6-interquartile range = 1 in the mild group). Aphakia was found in half of the globes with associated anterior segment dysgenesis. We have concluded that microphthalmos is a visually disabling congenital anomaly that can be isolated or associated with other periocular or systemic anomalies, possibly in relation to consanguinity in our cases. Congenital aphakia was found in half of these cases and was mostly associated with absent Descemet’s membrane and agenesis of anterior chamber angle structures, supporting previously suggested embryological concepts. These findings necessitate further wider genetic testing and proper premarital counseling in Saudi Arabia.
Dynamical shapes of droplets of cyclodextrin-surfactant solutions
Authors: Romero-Arias J. Roberto , Luviano Alberto S. , Costas Miguel , Hernandez-Machado Aurora , Barrio Rafael A.
Published: March 2022

We present a series of experiments with droplets of aqueous cyclodextrin-surfactant solutions, in which the volume is reduced after the equilibrium spherical shape is reached. The final shape of the drop after this perturbation is found to be dependent on the concentration of inclusion complexes in the bulk of the solution. These inclusion complexes are formed by two cyclodextrin molecules and one surfactat molecule. We propose a model to describe these dynamical processes. Dipole–dipole interactions on the surface of the drop trigger a competition between water surface tension and dipole–dipole interaction energies. The results of the model reproduce the spherical and rod-like shapes found in the experiments.
Rapid tryptic peptide mapping of human serum albumin using DI-MS/MSALL
Authors: Zhang Ke , Gong Xingcheng , Wang Qian , Tu Pengfei , Li Jun , Song Yuelin
Published: March 2022

DI-MS/MSALL records MS2 spectrum at each 1 Da mass window through gas phase ion fractionation theory, and is eligible to act as an alternative analytical tool for LC-MS/MS towards the peptide mapping of proteinic drugs.
Differences in chemoselectivity in olefin oxidation by a series of non-porphyrin manganese(iv)-oxo complexes
Authors: Singh Priya , Denler Melissa C. , Mayfield Jaycee R. , Jackson Timothy A.
Published: March 2022

High valent metal-oxo intermediates are versatile oxidants known to facilitate both oxygen atom transfer (OAT) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions in nature.
Application of a conversion electrode based on decomposition derivatives of Ag4[Fe(CN)6] for aqueous electrolyte batteries
Authors: Malchik Fyodor , Maldybayev Kaiyrgali , Kan Tatyana , Kokhmetova Saule , Kurbatov Andrey , Galeyeva Alina , Tubul Nufar , Shpigel Netanel , Djenizian Thierry
Published: March 2022

The lack of stable electrode materials for water-based electrolytes based on intercalation and conversion reaction mechanisms encourage scientists to design new or renovate existing materials with better cyclability, capacity, and cost-effectiveness.
Lyα irradiation of solid-state formamide
Authors: Suhasaria T. , Mennella V.
Published: March 2022

Context. Formamide (NH2CHO) has been proposed as a potential prebiotic precursor in the scientific discourse on the origin of life. It has been observed in different environments in space, including protostellar regions and comets. The abundance and stability of NH2CHO in the early stages of star formation can be better understood by incorporating the formation and destruction data in astrochemical models.

Aims. We carried out an experimental investigation to study the destruction of pure NH2CHO ice at 12 K as a result of the interaction with Lyα (121.6 nm) photons.

Methods. We studied UV photo destruction of NH2CHO using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Results. After UV processing, the intensity of NH2CHO IR bands decreased and new bands corresponding to HCN, CO, NH4+ OCN−, HNCO, and CO2 appeared in the spectrum. We then derived the destruction and cumulative product formation cross-sections.

Conclusions. A comparison of destruction rates derived from the cross-section in a cold and dense molecular cloud for different energetic processing agents reveals that UV photons induce NH2CHO destruction at a level that is one order of magnitude greater than that affected by cosmic rays; however, it is three orders of magnitude lower than that of H atoms.
Conduction and Inertia Correction for Transient Thermocouple Measurements. Part II: Experimental Validation and Application
Authors: Krille Tobias , Poser Rico , Diel Markus , von Wolfersdorf Jens
Published: March 2022

Thermocouples are often used for temperature measurements. Under transient conditions, measurement errors can occur due to capacitive inertia and heat conduction along the stem of the thermocouples. To correct such errors, a method is presented in Part I [1] of this paper, which uses a simplified analytical approach and a numerical solution. In the present work, this method is applied to temperature measurements. Several experiments with different thermocouple designs were performed to investigate different conditions such as installation depth, thermocouple type and transient temperature rises. In all cases, two thermocouples were placed so that they are exposed to the same fluid temperature. They are installed with short or long immersion length, respectively. It is shown that only the short thermocouple experiences a thermal conduction error, but both are subject to thermal inertia. The importance of compensating for these effects is shown by quantifying the errors in a typical heat transfer experiment when they are neglected. It is shown, which parameters are necessary for a re-calculation of fluid temperatures when two thermocouples are present at the same measuring position. Furthermore, a simplified method is described, which can be applied if the instrumentation of only one thermocouple is possible.
Experimental investigation of geometry effects and performance of five-hole probe in measuring jets in crossflow
Authors: Magkoutas Konstantinos , Efstathiadis Theofilos , Kalfas Anestis
Published: March 2022

Vortical and shear flows are common in turbomachinery. Multi-hole pressure probes are used in turbomachinery flows in order to provide robust and accurate measurements of both pressure and velocity components. In this study, two different miniature five-hole probes are designed and fabricated, both with a cobra shape. The probe tip was 1.45 mm and it was maintained in that size for the length of the cobra shape formation, providing very close proximity to the solid boundaries and reduced flow blockage. The difference among the probes corresponded to the head geometry, as the one probe was formed with a pyramid tip shape, while the other was maintained with a flat shape. The calibration process was carried out in an open-circuit suction wind tunnel for the range of ±32⁰ in yaw and pitch direction. The results showed that the pyramid probe exhibits a high flow angle spatial sensitivity and a reliable measurement range of ±28⁰ in yaw and pitch direction. The flat probe provided unexpected well angle sensitivity and reliable measurements data despite the fact that it is of a very simple form. The pyramid probe showed superior performance. In particular, the pyramid probe offers 12.5% wider operating range. In order to prove the effectiveness of the pyramid probe, measurements were obtained in a jet in cross flow. In order to evaluate the performance of the probe, further, a surface fit model was employed to produce ideal calibration coefficients. These were used to redefine the magnitude of the velocities in the measured flow domain. The accuracy in measurements was assessed, comparing the velocities produced by the two variants of pressure coefficients. The results indicate that the pyramid probe operates reliably in a very large range of constantly changing velocity vector, which occurs in jet in cross flow.
Accuracy improvement of the transient heater foil technique for heat transfer tests: preliminary results
Authors: Schmid Julian , Gaffuri Michele , Terzis Alexandros , Ott Peter , von Wolfersdorf Jens
Published: March 2022

Experimental heat transfer measurements are used in a wide range of fields, for example to validate new cooling concepts in turbomachinery, to assess the performances of heat exchangers, and to provide data for numerical simulations. A particular challenge is posed by complex geometries, where the heat transfer coefficients cannot be determined with the usual transient heater mesh method. One way to address these complex systems is the transient heater foil method, which generates a constant heat flux in the metal foil, which is attached at the surface to be measured. However, the accuracy of the measurement remains an open issue compared to the heater mesh method. Here we show a modification of the heater foil method, which uses a linearly increasing heat flux in the foil to improve the measurement accuracy, especially in low heat transfer regions. The new method is presented using a single impingement cooling setup; results demonstrate good agreement with the baseline method (heater foil with step heating) and the literature, while the accuracy is improved.
Effect of heating on the stability of the three-dimensional boundary layer flow over a rotating disk
Authors: Wiesche Stefan aus der , Helcig Christian
Published: March 2022

The effect of heating on the stability of the laminar three-dimensional boundary layer flow over a rotating disk was experimentally investigated. Local convective heat transfer coefficients were obtained at different running speeds and heating rates by means of an electrically heated disk apparatus placed in a large water tank. The accuracy of the method was assessed by comparison with predictions of the analytical self-similarity solution for laminar flow, and an excellent agreement was found. By means of local heat transfer measurements, the critical Reynolds number corresponding to the onset of vortices was determined as a function of the wall temperature difference and Prandtl number. A substantial increase of the critical Reynolds number with higher wall temperature difference was observed for the three-dimensional flow. The observed stabilizing effect due to heating of three-dimensional water flows was comparable with the predictions of perturbation analyses conducted for two-dimensional flows.
Assessment of quantitative and semi-quantitative biological test methods of artesunatein vitro
Authors: Kouakou Yobouet Ines , Omorou Roukayatou , Said Ibrahim Bin , Lavoignat Adeline , Bonnot Guillaume , Bienvenu Anne-Lise , Picot Stéphane
Published: March 2022

Artesunate is the current most potent antimalarial drug widely used for the treatment of malaria. Considering the emergence of artemisinin resistance, several situations may require a simple method for artesunate quantification. We thus developed a quantitative and a semi-quantitative biological method for the determination of artesunate in liquid samples. The tests are based on the measurement of samples’ antimalarial activity onPlasmodium falciparum3D7 using a modified SYBR Green I drug susceptibility test. For the quantitative test, we established a standard curve that resulted from a dose–response curve and evaluated its performances using controls samples. Whereas the linear regression analysis between artesunate concentration and antimalarial activity showed promising results (linearity range 1.5–24.6 ng/mL,r2= 0.9373), we found that artesunate content of the controls was significantly overestimated (p= 0.0313). For the semi-quantitative test, we compared the antimalarial activities of samples collected during permeation studies of artesunate to that of a reference (artesunate IC50) by statistical analysis. We demonstrated that antimalarial activities of samples from permeation tests using a powder formulation of artesunate were greater than those of samples from tests using a solution formulation. Bioassays can be simple techniques to assess artesunate in liquid samples, particularly in resource-limited settings. Comparison with reference methods is still recommended when accurate drug quantification is required.
Environmental conditions erode turbine blades, decrease power output
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: March 2022

Numerical model maps the effects of blade delamination on wind turbine efficiency
Robust observable control of open and closed quantum systems
Authors: Bhutoria Vaibhav , Koswara Andrew , Chakrabarti Raj
Published: March 2022

In recent work, we introduced the asymptotic theory of quantum robust control, which enables control of moments of quantum observables and gates in the presence of Hamiltonian uncertainty or field noise. In this paper, we extend this theory of quantum robust control to encompass two of the most important generalizations: robust control of arbitrary quantum observables and robust control of quantum systems sustaining environmental decoherence. In addition, we present deterministic Pareto optimization algorithms that can be applied in conjunction with either asymptotic or leading order measures of robustness. This enables robust control of any observable in quantum systems with any initial density matrix, and for which the entropy can change arbitrarily during the time evolution. Methods for robust optimal control of open quantum systems are presented that maximize the expected value of a quantum control objective while minimizing the expected environmentally induced decoherence.
Building production management competencies for building students: academia and construction industry perspectives
Authors: Obaju B.N. , Fagbenle O.I. , Amusan L.M.
Published: March 2022

The study examined the competencies required by building students for building production management and the barriers to their competency in the practice of building production management in the construction industry. Using a quantitative research method, a total of 302 construction professionals and 35 building programme lecturers completed a set of questionnaires survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean score and Mann Whitney test. Study findings identified setting out of different building types, interpretation of architectural drawings and specifications, tendering and contract processes, and construction of various components and effective communication on construction sites as the most significant competencies for building production management practice in the construction industry. However, the study discovered a significant difference in the competencies for building production management practice between construction professionals and building lecturers. Also, the study identified poor institutional and industry collaboration, underfunding of institutions, insufficient equipment and infrastructure for training, and theoretical training rather than practical training as the major barriers to the competency of building production management practice in the construction industry. The study suggested a more vital collaboration between the construction industry with tertiary institutions in needs assessment, funding, provision of infrastructures and involvement in the practical training of students
Mathematical and numerical modelling of copper transport in yeast
Authors: Wilkins Aaron F , Ponce Maria Laura Sosa , Zaremberg Vanina , Wieser Michael , Karchewski Brandon
Published: March 2022

The transport and regulation of metals in eukaryotic cells is a complex process, dependent on protein transporters that respond to cell needs. The application of dynamic mathematical models can provide valuable insights into these transport mechanisms. Mathematical simulations of transport processes may not directly predict transport mechanisms but can guide experimental design or identify inconsistencies between observation and hypotheses. Copper is an essential metal in eukaryotic cells as a catalytic co-factor in metallochaperone proteins and is therefore tightly regulated in living systems, making it valuable for quantifying biological transport mechanisms. In order to test our modeling system, a culture of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was grown, copper concentrations were obtained from the cells and growth media, and a mathematical model was developed to investigate transport mechanisms between the growth media and the cells. A model based on conservation of mass was presented as a system of equations upon which to develop. This system of equations was developed to include an active transport term that describes a homeostatic concentration that cells actively maintain through negative feedback, and with a delayed activation, the model was more accurate at predicting the experimental data. The hypothesis and dynamic model derived in this work provide a novel framework that may be applied to additional metals or used to describe other transport mechanisms in biological systems.
Empire on the Edge
Authors: Dolbee Samuel
Published: March 2022

This article focuses on the environment and politics in the Ottoman Empire between 1864 and 1890. Specifically, it traces attempts in the region of the Jazira to match provincial borders with both the desert and the motion of people within it. These efforts culminated in the 1871 formation of the special administrative district of Zor (also known as Deir ez-Zor) and a revolt against the administrative arrangement by the Arabic-speaking nomadic group known as the Shammar. The article explains how the Shammar subsequently became attached to different provincial administrations. But the interplay among borders, desert, and motion also continued to incubate ambiguity about what places should be considered part of one province or another. The history of an empire on the edge thus offers a sense of how people thought about and used the environment and borders alike, topics often overshadowed by the post-Ottoman colonial borders imposed on the region. Moreover, it speaks to environmental histories of borderlands, which often foreground absurd borders transecting coherent environments. The article reveals, instead, how even an effort to draw borders around an allegedly coherent environment proved challenging. Finally, the article offers insight into the legacies of “natural” and “artificial” borders in the present.
Buddhist Rules About Rules: Procedure and Process in the (Theravāda) Buddhist Legal System
Authors: Schonthal Benjamin
Published: March 2022

This Article examines rules of procedure and process that structure the Buddhist legal system in the Theravāda tradition, the dominant tradition of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia. Drawing on important Buddhist texts written in Pāli as well as evidence from monastic legal practices in contemporary Sri Lanka, it argues that one can find within the Theravāda tradition a robust body of what H.L.A. Hart would call “secondary rules,” which determine how monks ought to apply prohibitions, manage disputes, and administer sanctions. These include detailed guidelines for making accusations, classifying legal cases, conducting hearings, settling disputes, examining litigants, evaluating evidence and witness testimony, appealing cases, prescribing penalties, and rehabilitating offenders. While these rules share similarities with other systems of state and religious law, Buddhist “rules about rules” not only ensure that disputes are settled properly but that the process of legal action itself both reflects and engenders favorable moral dispositions among monks. Underscoring both the similarities and differences between Buddhist law and other legal systems, this Article invites non-specialists to look (again) at the importance of Buddhist law—one of the oldest and most wide-spread systems of nonstate law—for the broader field of comparative legal studies, from which it has been largely absent.
The role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in identifying and monitoring pulmonary veno-oclusive disease: a case report
Authors: Segura de la Cal Teresa , Pérez-Olivares Carmen , Cristo Ropero María José , Luna López Raquel , Escribano-Subías Pilar
Published: March 2022

Background

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a subgroup of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) where vascular remodelling affects mainly the post-capillary vessels. It is characterized by a particularly worse prognosis and by the risk of developing life-threatening pulmonary oedema, especially after PAH-targeted therapy. Therefore, suspicion of PVOD is crucial to guide the patient’s management. In the absence of specific genetic or histological findings, diagnosis has traditionally relied on the recognition of non-invasive indicators associated with a high likelihood of PVOD. The cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) arises as a promising additional tool both to identify these patients and to guide their management.

Case summary

We report the case of a young female patient with dyspnoea and clinical suspicion of PVOD. The diagnostic workup is thoroughly described stressing the valuable and readily accessible information that CPET can provide, in addition to the data of radiological and lung function tests. Once diagnosed, she was started on PAH-targeted therapy with subsequent improvement. The patient underwent a complete reassessment with satisfactory findings, including those of the CPET.

Discussion

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease diagnosis is still one of the most difficult tasks that pulmonary hypertension physicians have to deal with. An accurate and timely PVOD diagnosis can be challenging, as it is to decide the most appropriate timing of referal to the lung transplant team, and CPET may serve these purposes. Through this case, we would like to review one of the typical clinical courses that PVOD may present and how to analyse the information provided by the diagnostic tests.
Pathological nationalism? The legacy of crowd psychology in international theory
Authors: Lerner Adam B
Published: March 2022

This article investigates the intellectual history of nationalism in International Relations theory, asking how early generations of scholars understood the phenomenon and its relationship to chauvinism and violence. Despite substantial disagreements and varied intellectual influences, I argue that both interwar liberals and postwar realists shared several problematic assumptions about nationalism's pathological character that limited their imagination of its varied potential impacts. I trace these common assumptions back to the bigoted interdisciplinary field of crowd psychology, most prominently evangelized by Gustave le Bon. Le Bon's 1895 The crowd became a touchstone for subsequent generations of social and political theorists and spread ideas about nationalism that infused incipient international theory. Even as his popularity faded, his uniquely pessimistic, racist and sexist ideas about mass politics lingered in mainstream IR's narrow engagement with the phenomenon. By excavating this history, this article exposes a problematic thread that has been woven into the IR discipline, as well as a potential path to excising this bigoted thinking and nuancing discussions of the rise of nationalism in the twenty-first century.
Application of Different UV Spectrophotometric Methods for Quantitative Analysis of Acotiamide and Esomeprazole
Authors: Abdelazim Ahmed H , Ramzy Sherif , Shahin Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Background

Acotiamide and esomeprazole are co-administrated and prescribed for gastrointestinal disorder diseases.

Objective

Development of the first UV spectrophotometric methods for the quantitative analysis of acotiamide and esomeprazole in their mixture.

Methods

The UV absorption spectra of acotiamide and esomeprazole showed severe overlapping. To solve the spectral overlapping and quantify the studied drugs in their mixture, simultaneous equation and ratio difference methods were developed. For simultaneous equation method, the absorbance and absorptivity values at 279 and 302 nm were used to construct two mathematical equations applied for the spectrophotometric assay of the cited drugs. Ratio difference spectra manipulated method was developed and enabled successful quantitative determination of acotiamide and esomeprazole. The differences in the amplitude values between 280 and 260 nm enabled estimation of acotiamide, and the differences in the amplitude values between 303 and 282 nm enabled estimation of esomeprazole.

Results

The proposed methods succeeded to quantify acotiamide and esomeprazole in the synthetic mixtures and in their pharmaceutical tablets without any interference from each other or from tablet additives.

Conclusions

The applied methods demonstrated good linearity in the concentration range of 2–30 µg/mL and 2–20 µg/mL for acotiamide and esomeprazole, respectively, with acceptable accuracy and precision. The methods were found to be sensitive with LOD values of 0.336 µg/mL and 0.332 µg/mL for acotiamide and esomeprazole, respectively, in simultaneous equation method and of 0.410 µg/mL and 0.333 µg/mL for acotiamide and esomeprazole, respectively, in ratio difference method.

Highlights

Simple and validated UV spectrophotometric methods were described for selective quantification of the acotiamide and esomeprazole in their mixture.
The Fundamental Flaws of the CNBSS Trials: A Scientific Review
Authors: Seely Jean M , Eby Peter R , Yaffe Martin J
Published: March 2022

Although the two Canadian National Breast Screening Study (CNBSS) trials were performed 40 years ago, their negative findings continue to heavily influence screening policies around the world. These policies, based on underestimates of the mortality reduction attributable to mammography particularly for women in the 40–49-year age range, contribute to increased mortality and morbidity from breast cancer. This review summarizes principles of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and evaluates the compliance of the CNBSS1 and CNBSS2 RCTs in the context of these principles. We describe the fundamental flaws of the CNBSS trials, which failed to demonstrate mortality benefit of screening mammography and contribute to their being the only two outlier studies of eight screening mammography RCTs. The most significant flaws of the trials are (1) inadequate power to detect significant differences in breast cancer mortality; (2) very poor quality mammography with low sensitivity and cancer detection rates; (3) inclusion of women with symptoms of breast cancer; and (4) study design that allowed for violation of the randomization of the allocation process. Finally, we demonstrate that the conditions of the screening intervention in the CNBSS do not reflect the environment of modern population-based screening mammography programs.
Errors in Conduct of the CNBSS Trials of Breast Cancer Screening Observed by Research Personnel
Authors: Seely Jean M , Eby Peter R , Gordon Paula B , Appavoo Shushiela , Yaffe Martin J
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate why the Canadian National Breast Screening Study (CNBSS) did not show mortality reduction with mammography. This study explored long-standing concerns related to the validity of the randomization process, methods of recruiting women to participate in the trials, and training of the staff working in the CNBSS.

Methods

Surviving former CNBSS personnel, whose roles involved direct recruitment, enrollment, randomization, clinical examination, image interpretation, and management of patients in the CNBSS were interviewed. Individuals were contacted and consented to provide firsthand accounts of daily operations and adherence to research protocols via standardized questions. Consistency of observational data with quantitative results from the CNBSS trials was evaluated.

Results

Eleven of 28 (39.3%) staff confirmed that women with preexisting symptoms of breast cancer were systematically recruited at some centers; 57.1% (16/28) confirmed that personnel performing screening in CNBSS had very limited training and experience; 39.3% (11/28) verified that imaging equipment was often substandard; 50% (14/28) indicated that mammography image quality was generally poor; and 28.6% (8/28) corroborated that in some cases surgeons were unwilling to perform biopsies or surgeries for women with suspicious abnormalities found only on screening mammography that lacked a palpable correlate.

Conclusion

These firsthand accounts provide new information confirming that the CNBSS did not consistently and rigorously assess the true efficacy of screening mammography. The staff accounts clarify reasons why the CNBSS results were outliers compared with the six other randomized trials of screening mammography and should not be used as credible scientific evidence to inform health policy.
Comparative efficacy analysis of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block and lumbar plexus block in hip arthroscopy: a pilot prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuan Liangjing , Xu Chengshi , Zhang Ye , Wang Geng
Published: March 2022

Controlled trials assessing quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for post-operative analgesia in hip surgery are scarce. This study aimed to compare ultrasound-guided QLB and lumbar plexus block (LPB) for clinical efficacy in hip arthroscopy. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital in January–June 2019 were randomized to the lumbar plexus (L) and quadratus lumborum (Q) groups (n = 25/group). After either ultrasound-guided block for 30 min, both groups were prepared for surgery after muscle strength measurement in the affected limbs. Opioid doses for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the resting and active states, upon leaving the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and at 2–48 h post-surgery were recorded, and post-operative complications were also recorded. Muscle strength in the affected limbs was significantly higher in the Q group compared with the L group (4.0 versus 2.0, P < 0.001). VAS scores were similar in both groups post-surgery (P > 0.05). One patient had epidural spread in the L group, with no other complications. Compared with ultrasound-guided LPB, ultrasound-guided QLB provides similar and good post-operative analgesia after hip arthroscopy, with less impact on muscle strength and fewer complications. These results should be confirmed in larger trials.
Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma presenting as lower back pain
Authors: Kordeni Kleoniki , Chardalias Leonidas , Pantiora Eirini , Massaras Dimitris , Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Primetis Elias , Kontis Elissaios , Fragulidis Georgios
Published: March 2022

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma (RGN) is a rare benign tumor that arises from the retroperitoneal sympathetic ganglia composed of mature Schwann cells, ganglion cells and nerve fibers. These tumors can occur anywhere along the paravertebral sympathetic plexus and occasionally from adrenal medulla. Although they grow in excessive size, they may cause compression to adjacent organ or structures thus giving rise to symptoms. Resecting RGN’s is a challenging endeavor, as they tend to encase neighboring vessels to their site of origin. The reported case is a 43-year-old male who presented with lumbar pain that increased progressively in intensity over the last 6 months. Preoperative investigations revealed a large tumor with encasement of the origins of the superior mesenteric artery and bilateral renal arteries. The tumor was completely resected and the final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of RGN.
A case of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome with isolated lesions of the thoracic spine
Authors: Hattori Kyosuke , Takahashi Nobunori , Suzuki Mochihito , Kojima Toshihisa , Imagama Shiro
Published: March 2022

We report a case of isolated lesions of the thoracic spine attributed to synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome. A 55-year-old woman who suffered from 6 months of back pain had vertebral osteomyelitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There were no laboratory findings suggestive of infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease. Radiography, computed tomography (CT), and MRI of the thoracic spine showed mixed lesions of sclerosis and erosion, whereas bone scintigraphy did not show accumulation at any site except the thoracic spine. No lesions in the anterior chest wall or sacroiliac joints were apparent from CT and MRI. No lesions other than at the thoracic spine were observed. As the isolated lesions of the thoracic spine were considered not to have resulted from infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease, the patient was referred to our department for differential diagnosis. Given that isolated sterile hyperostosis/osteitis among adults is included in the modified diagnostic criteria for SAPHO syndrome, we suspected that the mixed lesions of sclerosis and erosion of the thoracic spine in this case may reflect SAPHO syndrome with chronic non-bacterial osteitis (CNO) of the thoracic spine. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was initiated and led to alleviation of her back pain, although the thoracic spine lesions remained on the 6-month MRI. Based on the CNO of the thoracic spine and the rapid response to NSAIDs, the final diagnosis was SAPHO syndrome with isolated lesions of the thoracic spine.
Correlates of 90-Day Mortality Among People Who Do and Do Not Inject Drugs With Infective Endocarditis in Seattle, Washington
Authors: Corcorran Maria A , Stewart Jenell , Lan Kristine , Gupta Ayushi , Glick Sara N , Seshadri Chetan , Koomalsingh Kevin J , Gibbons Edward F , Harrington Robert D , Dhanireddy Shireesha , Kim H Nina
Published: March 2022

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains highly morbid, but few studies have evaluated factors associated with IE mortality. We examined correlates of 90-day mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) and people who do not inject drugs (non-PWID).

Methods

We queried the electronic medical record for cases of IE among adults ≥18 years of age at 2 academic medical centers in Seattle, Washington, from 1 January 2014 to 31 July 2019. Cases were reviewed to confirm a diagnosis of IE and drug use status. Deaths were confirmed through the Washington State death index. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize IE in PWID and non-PWID. Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess correlates of 90-day mortality.

Results

We identified 507 patients with IE, 213 (42%) of whom were PWID. Sixteen percent of patients died within 90 days of admission, including 14% of PWID and 17% of non-PWID (P = .50). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, injection drug use was associated with a higher mortality within the first 14 days of admission (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.33 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.16–4.65], P = .02); however, there was no association between injection drug use and mortality between 15 and 90 days of admission (aHR, 0.63 [95% CI, .31–1.30], P = .21).

Conclusions

Overall 90-day mortality did not differ between PWID and non-PWID with IE, although PWID experienced a higher risk of death within 14 days of admission. These findings suggest that early IE diagnosis and treatment among PWID is critical to improving outcomes.