bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a Multiplex Network Theory of Interlocal Service Contracting
Authors: Shrestha Manoj K. , Feiock Richard C.
Published: December 2020

Debates about risk in interlocal service contracts treat contracts as discrete dyadic exchanges. We challenge this notion by advancing a multiplex network contacting approach, which asserts that interlocal contracting represents a multiplex network phenomenon, defined as overlapping multiple service contract networks. Simultaneous treatment of multiple networks is required to understand how local governments mitigate contract risks. We claim that local governments create multiplex network structures comprising more than one service contract networks in order to reduce service contracting risks. Multivariate exponential random graph models were fit to joint high‐risk and low or mixed‐risk contract networks involving eight local government services in Pinellas County, Florida. The results demonstrate that local governments mitigate risk by creating multiplex reciprocity and multiplex network closure in contracts that involve multiple services.
Foreign direct investment, informality and technology transfer
Authors: Elgin Ceyhun
Published: December 2020

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is generally associated with technology transfer as well as the diffusion of technology and know‐how in host countries. In this paper we first show that this is true only in countries where the informal sector is relatively small. After establishing this empirical fact, we incorporate FDI, informality, and technology transfer into a multi‐country dynamic general equilibrium model and estimate key model parameters using some cross‐country micro‐ and macro‐level evidence. We then use the calibrated model to quantify the quantitative impact of varying informal sector size on technology transfer through FDI.
Reaping Rewards, or Missing out? How Neoliberal Governance and State Growth Machines Condition the Impacts of Oil and Gas Development on Local Well‐Being
Authors: Mayer Adam , Olson Hazboun Shawn , Malin Stephanie
Published: December 2020

For decades, the governance regimes of the United States and many other nations have increasingly devolved authority from central federal governments to substantially weaker state and local governments and even private industry. This trend produces uneven results for affected spaces and modes of governance. At the same time, industries have been re‐regulated under neoliberalization to maximize corporate profitability. Conterminous to the trend of neoliberal deregulation is the global energy transition. The U.S. energy system has shifted away from coal toward natural gas and has become the world’s top producer of hydrocarbons due to the widespread deployment of drilling techniques that allow access to unconventional resources. We evaluate the ways that neoliberal governance structures can create uneven socio‐economic impacts from oil and gas development across U.S. states using a multi‐level modeling framework with random slopes and cross‐level interactions. We utilize a multi‐level state and county data set that covers 2000–2016 to examine different outcomes across scales and places. We find evidence that state political economies—reflected in the ideological composition of state legislatures as well as the political spending of the energy sector—condition the effects of oil and gas development on well‐being. These findings are discussed in reference to theories of neoliberalism, growth machine politics, energy boomtowns, and natural resource‐dependent communities.
From Biosecurity to Security Ecologies: An Analysis between Old Dairy Farming Traditions and Routines and Veterinary Recommendations in Spain
Authors: Moya Sebastián , Tirado Francisco , Diéguez F. Javier , Allepuz Alberto
Published: December 2020

Biosecurity has gained significant interest in farm animal health in recent years. However, in dairy cattle farms, there is slight, or no implementation of biosecurity practices recommended by official authorities and techno‐scientific experts. This situation might be explained by the tension between old farming traditions and routines and veterinary recommendations. We draw upon Lefebvre’s threefold model of space, which addresses spatial practices (old traditions and routines), representations of space (recommendations) and representational space (final implementation of biosecurity measures), constituting security ecologies to understand what might be happening by using an ethnographic approach on two farms in Galicia and two in Catalonia in Spain. The three biosecurity practices considered are management of dead animals, control of vectors and pests, and animal management. The results show that farms have different specific contexts, and that the reasons behind the positions of farmers and veterinarians, effective communication and common sense need to be considered. Security ecologies based on Lefebvre’s model could therefore be a positive mechanism for ensuring the implementation of biosecurity, beyond the visions of authorities or specialists.
Neuroinvasive chikungunya in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: Pimenta Eduardo Scarlatelli , Cavalcanti Marta Guimarães , Cabral‐Castro Mauro Jorge , Lima Marco Antonio , Peralta José Mauro , Santoro‐Lopes Guilherme
Published: December 2020

The influence of chronic immunosuppression on the course of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in recipients of solid organ transplantation (SOT) is still unsettled. Scarce data suggest that the course of CHIKV infection is generally benign in this population. In addition, the occurrence of severe atypical manifestations associated with CHIKV has not been well documented among SOT recipients. In this report, we describe a 64‐year‐old male liver transplant recipient who was admitted with fever, headache, arthralgia, left palpebral ptosis, mydriasis, and right hemiparesis. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any alteration suggestive of acute infection. Nevertheless, CHIKV was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a real‐time reverse transcriptase assay. Other PCR assays carried out in CSF were negative for HSV‐1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). CHIKV viremia was also detected while PCR assays for ZIKV and DENV in the blood were negative. ZIKV viruria was simultaneously present in this case. All neurologic manifestations waned within 2 weeks after the onset. This report shows that chikungunya must be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute neurologic disease in SOT recipients who live in or have recently traveled to endemic areas.
Music Education and Folk Music
Authors: Wolffenbüttel Cristina Rolim
Published: December 2020

This essay deals with aspects related to folk music and its insertion in music education, considering the possibilities that the pedagogical-musical work, in dialogue with the teaching of music can bring. It also presents some suggestions for activities, both in Basic Education and in a more specific work with music teaching, as in schools specialized in this teaching. Focusing on folklore and its importance in people's lives and teaching, the essay proposes the use of various folk music genres, weaving historical and musicological explanations, in order to support the planning of possible pedagogical-musical activities.
Phenylbutyrate, a branched‐chain amino acid keto dehydrogenase activator, promotes branched‐chain amino acid metabolism and induces muscle catabolism in C2C12 cells
Authors: Crossland Hannah , Smith Kenneth , Idris Iskandar , Phillips Bethan E. , Atherton Philip J , Wilkinson Daniel J
Published: December 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The compound sodium phenylbutyrate (PB) has been shown to promote branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, and as such has been proposed as a treatment for disorders with enhanced BCAA levels: does PB induce muscle protein catabolism by forcing BCAA degradation away from muscle protein synthesis and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Accelerated BCAA catabolism using PB resulted in adverse effects related to mTOR signalling and muscle protein metabolism in skeletal muscle cells, which may limit its application in conditions where muscle wasting is a risk.

The compound sodium phenylbutyrate (PB) has been used for reducing ammonia in patients with urea cycle disorders and proposed as a treatment for disorders with enhanced branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) levels, due to its effects on promoting BCAA catabolism. In skeletal muscle cells, we hypothesised that PB would induce muscle protein catabolism due to forcing BCAA degradation away from muscle protein synthesis and downregulating mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). PB reduced medium BCAA and branched‐chain keto acid (BCKA) concentrations, while total cell protein (−21%; P < 0.001 vs. control) and muscle protein synthesis (−25%; P < 0.001 vs. control; assessed by measurement of puromycin incorporation into polypeptides) were decreased with PB. The regulator of anabolic pathways mTOR and its downstream components were impaired with PB treatment. The present results indicate that accelerated BCAA catabolism using PB resulted in adverse effects related to mTOR signalling and muscle protein metabolism, which may limit its application in settings where muscle wasting is a risk.
ATP‐sensitive K+ channels control the spontaneous firing of a glycinergic interneuron in the auditory brainstem
Authors: Strazza Paulo S. , de Siqueira Daniela V. F. , Leão Ricardo M.
Published: December 2020

Key points

Cartwheel neurons provide potent inhibition to fusiform neurons in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN).

Most cartwheel neurons fire action potentials spontaneously, but the ion channels responsible for this intrinsic activity are unknown.

We investigated the ion channels responsible for the intrinsic firing of cartwheel neurons and the stable resting membrane potential found in a fraction of these neurons (quiet neurons).

Among the ion channels controlling membrane potential of cartwheel neurons, the presence of open ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (KATP) is responsible for the existence of quiet neurons.

Our results pinpoint KATP channel modulation as a critical factor controlling the firing of cartwheel neurons. Hence, it is a crucial channel influencing the balance of excitation and inhibition in the DCN.

Cartwheel neurons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) are glycinergic interneurons and the primary source of inhibition on the fusiform neurons, the DCN's principal excitatory neuron. Most cartwheel neurons present spontaneous firing (active neurons), producing a steady inhibitory tone on fusiform neurons. In contrast, a small fraction of these neurons do not fire spontaneously (quiet neurons). Hyperactivity of fusiform neurons is seen in animals with behavioural evidence of tinnitus. Because of its relevance in controlling the excitability of fusiform neurons, we investigated the ion channels responsible for the spontaneous firing of cartwheel neurons in DCN slices from rats. We found that quiet neurons presented an outward conductance not seen in active neurons, which generates a stable resting potential. This current was sensitive to tolbutamide, an ATP‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP) antagonist. After inhibition with tolbutamide, quiet neurons start to fire spontaneously, while the active neurons were not affected. On the other hand, in active neurons, KATP agonist diazoxide activated a conductance similar to quiet neurons’ KATP conductance and stopped spontaneous firing. According to the effect of KATP channels on cartwheel neuron firing, glycinergic neurotransmission in DCN was increased by tolbutamide and decreased by diazoxide. Our results reveal a role of KATP channels in controlling the spontaneous firing of neurons not involved in fuel homeostasis.
Annular Frictional Pressure Losses for Drilling Fluids
Authors: Saasen Arild , Ytrehus Jan David , Lund Bjørnar
Published: December 2020

In the paper, it is demonstrated how a Herschel–Bulkley fluid model, where the parameters are selected from relevant shear rate range of the flow and are parametrically independent, can be used for pressure loss calculations. The model is found to provide adequate pressure loss predictions for axial flow in an annulus where the inner cylinder does not rotate. It is described how one can simplify a slot model approximation of the annulus pressure loss using the Herschel–Bulkley fluid model (Founargiotakis model). This simplified model gives approximately the same accuracy as does the full Founargiotakis model. It is shown that the use of such a parallel plate model gives reasonably good fit to measured data on laminar flow of oil-based drilling fluids if the viscous data are measured at relevant shear rates for the flow. Laboratory measurements indicate that the use of the simplified pressure loss model is also valid for turbulent flow. However, the predictions should be adjusted for the surface roughness in the well.
Research on Influencing Factors About Temperature of Short Circuit Area in Lithium-Ion Power Battery
Authors: Wenwei Wang , Fenghao Zuo , Yiding Li
Published: December 2020

As the main power source for electric vehicles, lithium-ion power batteries have always been the focus of public safety. Lithium-ion batteries may occur thermal runaway after internal short circuit caused by mechanical abuse. It is extremely important to study the influencing factors of thermal runaway. In this article, the quasi-static battery extrusion test is used to study the changes of load, voltage, and temperature during the short circuit process of lithium-ion batteries and to observe the influencing factors that may cause thermal runaway. The electrochemical–electrical–thermal multi-physics coupling model was established by comsol multi-physics simulation software to simulate the thermal behavior of the battery after short circuit. The effects of short circuit cases, state of charge (SOC), and voltage maintenance time after short circuit on the thermal runaway of the battery are studied. By comparing the experimental results, the short circuit case of the battery caused by mechanical abuse is judged. The research results have played a certain reference role in the future research on battery mechanical abuse and internal short circuit.
A Novel Method of Blade-Inclined Ultrasonic Cutting Nomex Honeycomb Core With Straight Blade
Authors: Wang Yidan , Kang Renke , Dong Zhigang , Wang Xuanping , Huo Dehong , Zhang Xun
Published: December 2020

Ultrasonic cutting with a straight blade is an advanced method for cutting Nomex honeycomb cores. However, crushing has generally been observed on the machining surface of the honeycomb core during ultrasonic cutting (UC). In this paper, to avoid crushing, a new blade-inclined ultrasonic cutting (BIUC) method is proposed to decrease the geometric interference between the cutting tool and the honeycomb cores. The cutting geometry systems of UC and BIUC with a straight blade are systematically established to study the effect of the cutting geometry on the machining quality. The crushing degrees caused by the major flank under different tool orientations in UC and BIUC are analyzed. The causes of crushing during the machining of the honeycomb core were revealed from the aspects of machining quality, cutting force, and geometric interference between the major flank and the material. Experiments involving the quantitative analysis of the crushing and cutting forces verify that the BIUC method is able to avoid crushing by controlling the cutting angle. This paper provides a new method for solving the crushing problem in machining honeycomb core with a straight blade.
Evolution of Strain State of a Rolled Aluminum Sheet in Multi-Pass Conventional Spinning
Authors: Gondo Shiori , Arai Hirohiko , Kajino Satoshi , Nakano Shizuka
Published: December 2020

This study clarified the strain state evolution of a cylindrical cup spun from a rolled aluminum sheet in 13 passes. Measurements of radial (ɛr), circumferential (ɛθ), and thickness (ɛt) directional strains as well as forming forces revealed that the strain state evolved as follows: the cup-wall exhibits ɛr < 0 and small |ɛθ| and |ɛt| in early passes and ɛr > 0, ɛθ < 0, and ɛt < 0 in later passes; meanwhile, the cup-edge exhibits ɛr > 0 and small |ɛθ| and |ɛt| in early passes and ɛr > 0, ɛθ < 0, and ɛt > 0 in later passes. The relationship between the strain states and the forming force is interpreted as follows. The normal direction forming force, which pushes into the workpiece in the thickness direction, primarily deforms the workpieces. The radial direction forming force, toward the edge along the workpiece configuration, facilitates elongation in the radial direction of the cup-wall and results in ɛr > 0 during spinning. By contrast, a small radial direction forming force or a forming force whose direction is inverse against the roller movement direction restrains to elongate the material in the radial direction and facilitates shrinkage, thereby resulting in ɛr < 0 in the cup-edge in early passes. Furthermore, the small or inverse directional force facilitates the accumulation of the material to the edge and results in ɛt > 0 in latter passes.
Modeling of Active Gap Capacitance Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Wang Xiangzhi , Guo Hun , Tu Jiyuan , Ding Songlin
Published: December 2020

Active gap capacitance electrical discharge machining (AGC-EDM) is a high-speed EDM method for machining polycrystalline diamond tools utilizing the active capacitive effect and powder mixing effect formed by the kerosene dielectric added with graphene particles. The capacitive effect increases the discharge energy and explosive force, which in turn influences the material removal efficiency; the powder-mixed effect changes the states of dielectric and forms a non-fixed gap discharge process. Take into account these two aspects, a new discharge mechanism of AGC-EDM is proposed to describe the discharge process. Capacitance characteristics and chain stacking process of graphene-kerosene dielectrics are verified by experimental results. The material removal rate, relative electrode wear, and surface roughness are discussed with the pulse duration, peak current, and graphene concentration to study the theories of the new EDM process.
Damage Mechanisms of Material in Single-Cone Scratching
Authors: Peng Linfa , Xu Zhutian , Mao Mengyun , Lai Xinmin , Fu Ming Wang
Published: December 2020

The scratching test has been a key method to characterize the basic mechanics of material in vast scenarios. Although attentions have been paid to this field for decades, a comprehensive analytical framework, which includes material flow, fracture initiation, and crack propagation, is still missing. The wide application of scratching test and the accurate description of material behaviors in friction is thus limited. To address the problem, an analytical frame model was established in this study. The strain distribution and pileup ratio in the symmetry section of the front ridge was calculated. Furthermore, the ductile fracture law was also included to predict the mechanism and the initiation location of fracture in the scratching process. The predictive results were further validated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the scratched grooves. The effects of cone angle and material properties on the damage mechanisms of material in the scratching process were studied. It was revealed that the damage mechanism changes from shear failure to tensile failure, and further to plastic deformation with the increase of cone angle and the ratio of yielding stress to Young’s modulus. Finally, a map of the damage mechanism of material in the scratching process was obtained by utilizing the developed model. The presented works are meaningful to the understanding of material behavior in ploughing and helpful in predicting and controlling the surface quality of those parts subject to different machining and forming processes.
Painful lesion in the forearm of a child traveller
Authors: Farah Dahir Ali , Yusuf Abdulkani
Published: December 2020

In this article, we intend to discuss a case of cutaneous myiasis in a British child traveller who recently travelled to Somaliland. ACordylobia anthropophagalarva was identified as the species that caused the disease. The case report, which contains a video illustration of the causative agent, proved a diagnostic challenge at presentation.
Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy by administration of rifaximin and lactulose in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): a multicentre randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial (PEARL trial)
Authors: de Wit K , Schaapman J J , Nevens F , Verbeek J , Coenen S , Cuperus F J C , Kramer M , Tjwa E T T L , Mostafavi N , Dijkgraaf M G W , van Delden O M , Beuers U H W , Coenraad M J , Takkenberg R B
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension can suffer from variceal bleeding or refractory ascites and can benefit from a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common (20%–54%) and often severe complication. A prophylactic strategy is lacking.

Methods and analysis

The Prevention of hepatic Encephalopathy by Administration of Rifaximin and Lactulose in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing placement of a TIPS (PEARL) trial, is a multicentre randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Patients undergoing covered TIPS placement are prescribed either rifaximin 550 mg two times per day and lactulose 25 mL two times per day (starting dose) or placebo 550 mg two times per day and lactulose 25 mL two times per day from 72 hours before and until 3 months after TIPS placement. Primary endpoint is the development of overt HE (OHE) within 3 months (according to West Haven criteria). Secondary endpoints include 90-day mortality; development of a second episode of OHE; time to development of episode(s) of OHE; development of minimal HE; molecular changes in peripheral and portal blood samples; quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The total sample size is 238 patients and recruitment period is 3 years in six hospitals in the Netherlands and one in Belgium.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol was approved in the Netherlands by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam (2018-332), in Belgium by the Ethics Committee Research UZ/KU Leuven (S62577) and competent authorities. This study will be conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Study results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration numbers

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04073290) and EudraCT database (2018-004323-37).
Clinical outcomes and cost–utility of rotator cuff repair surgery by open and arthroscopic techniques: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Pierami Rafael , Antonioli Eliane , Oliveira Isadora , Castro Isabela Queirós , Manente Felipe , Fairbanks Paula , Carrera Eduardo da Frota , Matsumura Bruno Akio , Lenza Mario
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Rotator cuff injuries account for up to 70% of pain in the shoulder. However, there remains no consensus on the best surgical treatment for patients with rotator cuff injuries, in terms of the cost-effectiveness and cost–utility of open and arthroscopic methods for rotator cuff repair. The objective of this trial is to compare the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and cost–utility of open and arthroscopic procedures for rotator cuff repair.

Methods and analysis

The trial is a two-group, parallel-design, randomised controlled trial. A total of 100 patients with symptomatic rotator cuff lesions will be allocated in either open or arthroscopic technique in a 1:1 ratio, considering smoking (yes or no), lesion size (≤3 cm or >3 cm) and diabetes (present or absent) as stratification factors. All patients will be included in the same rehabilitation programme after the intervention. The primary outcome measure will be the Constant-Murley Score and the EuroQol-5D-3L score at 48 weeks postsurgery. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, cost–utility, pain, complications and clinical analysis, using the Simple Shoulder Test, Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS), integrity of the repair evaluated through MRI, and complications and failures of the proposed methods. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, we will use the VAS and the Constant-Murley Score as measures of effectiveness. For the cost–utility analysis, we will use the EuroQol-5D-3L as a measure of utility in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-years.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the local research ethics committee of both institutions: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and Hospital Alvorada Moema/Hospital Pró-Cardíaco. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

Trial registration number

NCT04146987.
Rapid quality improvement in a preterm birth clinic care pathway during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zarasvand Sara , Bayar Erna , Adan Malko , Mountain Katherine , Lewis Holly , Joash Karen , Teoh TG , Bennett Phillip R , Das Sabrina , Sykes Lynne
Published: December 2020

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) occurs in 8% of births in the UK. At Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, our PTB prevention clinic manages the care of approximately 1000 women/year. Women referred to the clinic are seen from 12 weeks of pregnancy with subsequent appointments every 2–4 weeks to measure cervical length (CL) using transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Women with a history of cervical weakness or short cervix on TVUS are offered a cervical cerclage.

Local problem

During the COVID-19 outbreak, pregnant women were strongly advised to avoid social mixing and public transport. The National Health Service had to rapidly adopt remote consultation and redesign clinical pathways in order to reduce transmission, exposure and spread among women at high risk of PTB.

Methods

We focused on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound aims and used a driver diagram to visualise our changes. We used a series of Plan Do Study Act cycles to evaluate and adapt change ideas through the UK’s national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic between 23 March and 29 May 2020.

Results

We reduced the number of face-to-face appointments by 54%. This was achieved by increasing remote telephone consultations from 0% to 64%, and by reducing the intensity of surveillance. The rate of regional anaesthetic was increased from 53% to 95% for cerclage placement in order to minimise the number of aerosol-generating procedures. Patient and staff satisfaction responses to these changes were used to tailor practices. No women tested positive for COVID-19 during the study period.

Conclusions

By using quality improvement methodology, we were able to safely and rapidly implement a new care pathway for women at high risk of PTB which was acceptable to patients and staff, and effective in reducing exposure of COVID-19.
A Quantum Kalman Filter-Based PID Controller
Authors: Gough John E.
Published: December 2020

We give a concrete description of a controlled quantum stochastic dynamical model corresponding to a quantum system (a cavity mode) undergoing continual quadrature measurements, with a PID controller acting on the filtered estimate for the mode operator. The control has three feedback paths: P (proportional), I (integral) and D (derivative) of the error signal. Central use is made of the input and output pictures when constructing the model: these unitarily equivalent pictures are presented in the paper, and used to transfer concepts relating to the controlled internal dynamics to those relating to measurement output, and vice versa. The approach shows the general principle for investigating mathematically and physically consistent models in which standard control theoretic methods are to be extended to the quantum setting.
The oxygen cascade in patients treated with hemodialysis and native high-altitude dwellers: lessons from extreme physiology to benefit patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Kooman Jeroen P. , Stenvinkel Peter , Shiels Paul G. , Feelisch Martin , Canaud Bernard , Kotanko Peter
Published: December 2020

Patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) repeatedly undergo intradialytic low arterial oxygen saturation and low central venous oxygen saturation, reflecting an imbalance between upper body systemic oxygen supply and demand, which are associated with increased mortality. Abnormalities along the entire oxygen cascade, with impaired diffusive and convective oxygen transport, contribute to the reduced tissue oxygen supply. HD treatment impairs pulmonary gas exchange and reduces ventilatory drive, whereas ultrafiltration can reduce tissue perfusion due to a decline in cardiac output. In addition to these factors, capillary rarefaction and reduced mitochondrial efficacy can further affect the balance between cellular oxygen supply and demand. Whereas it has been convincingly demonstrated that a reduced perfusion of heart and brain during HD contributes to organ damage, the significance of systemic hypoxia remains uncertain, although it may contribute to oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and accelerated senescence. These abnormalities along the oxygen cascade of patients treated with HD appear to be diametrically opposite to the situation in Tibetan highlanders and Sherpa, whose physiology adapted to the inescapable hypobaric hypoxia of their living environment over many generations. Their adaptation includes pulmonary, vascular, and metabolic alterations with enhanced capillary density, nitric oxide production, and mitochondrial efficacy without oxidative stress. Improving the tissue oxygen supply in patients treated with HD depends primarily on preventing hemodynamic instability by increasing dialysis time/frequency or prescribing cool dialysis. Whether dietary or pharmacological interventions, such as the administration of L-arginine, fermented food, nitrate, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 agonists, or prolyl hydroxylase 2 inhibitors, improve clinical outcome in patients treated with HD warrants future research.
A Crowd Density Detection Algorithm for Tourist Attractions Based on Monitoring Video Dynamic Information Analysis
Authors: Li Lina
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we analyze and calculate the crowd density in a tourist area utilizing video surveillance dynamic information analysis and divide the crowd counting and density estimation task into three stages. In this paper, novel scale perception module and inverse scale perception module are designed to further facilitate the mining of multiscale information by the counting model; the main function of the third stage is to generate the population distribution density map, which mainly consists of three columns of void convolution with different void rates and generates the final population distribution density map using the feature maps of different branch regressions. Also, the algorithm uses jump connections between the top convolution and the bottom void convolution layers to reduce the risk of network gradient disappearance and gradient explosion and optimizes the network parameters using an intermediate supervision strategy. The hierarchical density estimator uses a hierarchical strategy to mine semantic features and multiscale information in a coarse-to-fine manner, and this is used to solve the problem of scale variation and perspective distortion. Also, considering that the background noise affects the quality of the generated density map, the soft attention mechanism is integrated into the model to stretch the distance between the foreground and background to further improve the quality of the density map. Also, inspired by multitask learning, this paper embeds an auxiliary count classifier in the count model to perform the count classification auxiliary task and to increase the model’s ability to express semantic information. Numerous experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed algorithm in solving the problems of scale variation and perspective distortion.
Higher-Order Uniformly Convergent Numerical Scheme for Singularly Perturbed Differential Difference Equations with Mixed Small Shifts
Authors: Woldaregay Mesfin Mekuria , Duressa Gemechis File
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with numerical treatment of singularly perturbed differential difference equations involving mixed small shifts on the reaction terms. The highest-order derivative term in the equation is multiplied by a small perturbation parameter

ε

taking arbitrary values in the interval

0,1

. For small values of

ε

, the solution of the problem exhibits exponential boundary layer on the left or right side of the domain and the derivatives of the solution behave boundlessly large. The terms having the shifts are treated using Taylor’s series approximation. The resulting singularly perturbed boundary value problem is solved using exponentially fitted operator FDM. Uniform stability of the scheme is investigated and analysed using comparison principle and solution bound. The formulated scheme converges uniformly with linear order before Richardson extrapolation and quadratic order after Richardson extrapolation. The theoretical analysis of the scheme is validated using numerical test examples for different values of

ε

and mesh number

N

.
EGFR‐AS1 Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression by Upregulating EGFR
Authors: Wang Anbang , Jiang Aimin , Gan Xinxin , Wang Zheng , Huang Jinming , Dong Kai , Liu Bing , Wang Linhui , Chen Ming
Published: December 2020

Long noncoding RNAs play an essential role in bladder cancer progression. The role of long noncoding RNA EGFR‐AS1 in bladder cancer needs further study. We used clinical specimens to analyze the relationship between EGFR‐AS1 and bladder cancer patients’ characteristics. The functional experiments and mechanism studies were performed using qRT‐PCR, transwell assay, survival analysis, and correlation analysis. We found that high expression of EGFR‐AS1 was nearly related to aggressive bladder cancer and indicated poor prognosis for patients. The functional experiments in vivo and in vitro suggested that EGFR‐AS1 promoted the proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells. Mechanically, EGFR‐AS1 promoted the expression of EGFR by inhibiting the degradation of EGFR mRNA, thereby promoting the metastasis of bladder cancer. In addition, EGFR‐AS1/EGFR may be involved in the immune‐related pathways of bladder cancer. These studies indicate that the EGFR‐AS1/EGFR pathway may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for bladder cancer.
Endoscopic Treatment of Symptomatic Foot and Ankle Bone Cyst with 3D Printing Application
Authors: Zhang Changgui , Cao Jin , Zhu Hongli , Fan Huaquan , Yang Liu , Duan Xiaojun
Published: December 2020

Objective. To study the efficacy of arthroscopy for treating symptomatic bone cysts of the foot and ankle through the follow‐up of patients and to further explore the application value of 3D printing technology in this treatment. Methods. Twenty‐one patients with symptomatic bone cysts in the foot and ankle who underwent arthroscopic surgery in our Center from March 2010 to December 2018 were enrolled, including 11 in the experimental group and 10 in the control group. For the control group, C‐arm fluoroscopy was used intraoperatively to confirm the positioning of the cysts; for the experimental group, a 3D model of the lesion tissue and the 3D‐printed individualized guides were prepared to assist the positioning of the cysts. Debridement of the lesion tissues was conducted under an arthroscope. Regular follow‐ups were conducted. The time of establishing arthroscopic approaches and the times of intraoperative fluoroscopy between the two groups were compared. Significance was determined as P < 0.05. Results. The postoperative pathology of the patients confirmed the diagnosis. No significant perioperative complications were observed in either group, and no recurrence of bone cysts was seen at the last follow‐up. The VAS scores and AOFAS scores of the two groups at the last follow‐up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative data, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. All surgeries were performed by the same senior surgeon. The time taken to establish the arthroscopic approaches between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and the times of intraoperative fluoroscopy required to establish the approach were also statistically significant (P < 0.001). The intraoperative bleeding between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was 1 case in each group whose postoperative CT showed insufficient bone grafting, but no increase in cavity volume was observed during the follow‐up. Conclusion. With the assistance of the 3D printing technology for treating symptomatic bone cysts of the ankle and foot, the surgeon can design the operation preoperatively and perform the rehearsal, which would make it easier to establish the arthroscopic approach, better understand the anatomy, and make the operation smoother. This trial is registered with http://www.clinicaltrials.govNCT03152916.
A Critically Ill Child with Gangrenous Appendicitis Masquerading as Hollow Viscous Perforation
Authors: Shrestha Ashish Lal , Maharjan Santosh , Pant Anil Dev , Nepali Pankaj Bahadur
Published: December 2020

Background. Severe complications of acute appendicitis (AA) hitherto well described are less common in clinical practice nowadays. When a septic child is encountered with a short history of abdominal symptoms and disproportionate signs of peritonitis further complicated by radiological findings causing a diagnostic conundrum, management becomes exceedingly demanding. Case Presentation. A 10-year-old previously healthy boy presented to the emergency room with generalized abdominal pain associated with fever and jaundice for a day. Blood workup revealed leucopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, and elevated CRP. Initial radiological evaluation suggested hollow viscous perforation. He was diagnosed to have hollow viscous perforation peritonitis in severe sepsis. At laparotomy, generalized peritoneal contamination was found, the source of which could be traced down to the gangrenous perforated appendix. Conclusion. Complicated appendicitis, in children, can present with baffling findings. Timely identification of an ill child, adequate workup, prompt resuscitation, and source control are imperative for a successful outcome.
Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of the undivided Midnapore District, West Bengal, India: a preliminary report
Authors: Mahata Anirban , Mishra Niladri Prasad , Palita Sharat Kumar
Published: December 2020

A butterfly study in the biodiversity rich biogeography transition zone of the undivided Midnapore District of West Bengal was carried out from March 2014 to March 2017.  A total of 98 species of butterflies under five families, 19 subfamilies, and 70 genera were documented by the study.  Maximum species diversity was found in Nymphalidae family with 31 species (31.63%), followed by Lycaenidae 24 species (24.48%), Hesperiidae-17 (17.34%), Pieridae 16 (16.32%), and the least by Papilionidae 10 (10.28%).  Among the families, the highest common species (n=10) was recorded under the family Nymphalidae and maximum rare species (n=4) under the family Lycaenidae.  Highest species richness has been recorded in post-monsoon season (97 species) followed by monsoon (78 species), winter (66 species), and pre-monsoon (47 species).  During the study, five species of butterflies (Castalius rosimon, Neptis jumbah, Discophora sondaica, Lethe europa, and Papilio clytia) under Schedule-I, three species (Euchrysops cnejus, Mahathala ameria, and Cepora nerissa) under Schedule-II and three species (Baoris farri, Hyarotis adrastus, and Euploea core) under Schedule-IV were legally protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.  A good species to genera ratio (1.4: 1) along with 10 newly recorded species and their range extension provide information for better understanding of the ecology and distribution pattern of the butterfly fauna.  The information of the study will thus help to develop conservation strategies for management of the unique bio-geographical transitional zone.
Nanoscale Study of Calcium Handling Remodeling in Right Ventricular Cardiomyocytes Following Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Medvedev Roman , Sanchez-Alonso Jose L. , Alvarez-Laviada Anita , Rossi Stefano , Dries Eef , Schorn Tilo , Abdul-Salam Vahitha B. , Trayanova Natalia , Wojciak-Stothard Beata , Miragoli Michele , Faggian Giuseppe , Gorelik Julia
Published: December 2020

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex disorder characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy, leading to right heart failure. The mechanisms underlying this process are not well understood. We hypothesize that the structural remodeling occurring in the cardiomyocytes of the right ventricle affects the cytosolic Ca
2+
handling leading to arrhythmias. After 12 days of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats, epicardial mapping showed electrical remodeling in both ventricles. In myocytes isolated from the hypertensive rats, a combination of high-speed camera and confocal line-scan documented a prolongation of Ca
2+
transients along with a higher local Ca
2+
-release activity. These Ca
2+
transients were less synchronous than in controls, likely due to disorganized transverse-axial tubular system. In fact, following pulmonary hypertension, hypertrophied right ventricular myocytes showed significantly reduced number of transverse tubules and increased number of axial tubules; however, Stimulation Emission Depletion microscopy demonstrated that the colocalization of L-type Ca
2+
channels and RyR2 (ryanodine receptor 2) remained unchanged. Finally, Stimulation Emission Depletion microscopy and super-resolution scanning patch-clamp analysis uncovered a decrease in the density of active L-type Ca
2+
channels in right ventricular myocytes with an elevated open probability of the T-tubule anchored channels. This may represent a general mechanism of how nanoscale structural changes at the early stage of pulmonary hypertension impact on the development of the end stage failing phenotype in the right ventricle.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring to Predict Response to Renal Denervation
Authors: Gosse Philippe , Cremer Antoine , Kirtane Ajay J. , Lobo Melvin D. , Saxena Manish , Daemen Joost , Wang Yale , Stegbauer Johannes , Weber Michael A. , Abraham Josephine , Kario Kazuomi , Bangalore Sripal , Claude Lisa , Liu Yuyin , Azizi Michel
Published: December 2020

Renal denervation (RDN) is effective in lowering blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension. The issue remains how to best identify potential responders. Ambulatory BP monitoring may be useful. Baseline nighttime systolic BP (SBP) ≥136 mm Hg and its variability (SD) ≥12 mm Hg in DENER-HTN trial or 24-hour heart rate ≥73.5 bpm in SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Trial were shown to predict the BP response to RDN. We applied these criteria to the patients with hypertension in the sham-controlled RADIANCE-HTN SOLO trial to predict the BP response to ultrasound RDN at 2 months while patients were maintained off medications. BP responders were defined as: clinical with 24-hour SBP <130 mm Hg (RDN: 22/64 versus sham: 7/58); meaningful with 24-hour SBP reduction ≥10 mm Hg (RDN: 24/64, sham: 7/58); and extreme with 24-hour SBP reduction above mean+2 SD of the SBP decrease in the sham group, that is, ≥16.5 mm Hg (RDN: 10/64 versus sham: 2/58). The predictive criteria reported above were tested for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. The predictive value varied according to the definition of response, with the clinical definition being strongly influenced by regression to the mean. Baseline nighttime SBP and its variability, especially when combined, offered good specificity (>90% irrespective of definition) but low sensitivity (from 9.1% to 30% depending on the definition) to predict responders; the heart rate criterion had insufficient predictive value. This analysis suggests the potential role of nighttime SBP and its variability to predict BP response to RDN in patients with hypertension.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02649426.
When Defence Cooperation Meets Political Use of the Past: British-Polish Relations in Times of Brexit
Authors: Zima Amélie
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to study how an event, happening within a political community characterised by a high level of interdependence, has an impact on the defence policy of its members. To do so, the paper focuses on British-Polish defence relations after Brexit. Indeed, the United Kingdom signed a defence cooperation agreement (dca) with Poland in 2017, which is the second with an EU/nato Member State (MS) after the Lancaster House treaty signed with France. This case-study questions the thesis positing that dcas are unlikely to happen between EU/nato MS as it would lead to overlaps and decoupling. It also determines to what extent this treaty is part of a British strategy to re-create a security network in Europe after Brexit to deter Russia, which is considered as one of the main threats for both countries. Finally, this study deals with the political uses of history. The research analyses how British and Polish actors select memory mines to consolidate friendship in time of uncertainty but also as a shaming strategy.
L'essor de la pratique clinique dans les armées européennes (1750-1800)
Authors: Keel Othmar , Hudon Philippe
Published: December 2020

This article demonstrates that, before the 19th century and the Paris Clinical School, new medical practice and new clinical teaching based on pathological anatomy (of organs and of tissues) and surgical experience and therapeutic experimentation developed in the military milieu, specifically because of the "auspicious" conditions found there. Over time, this military clinical experience permeated civilian medical practice as military practitioners often moved into civilian practice and collaborated and exchanged experience with their civilian or ex-military colleagues. These conditions, in different forms and at different rhythms, in the great European powers, also favoured a rapprochement between the different groups of medical practitioners - physicians, apothecaries and surgeons - initially in the military milieu, and subsequently in civilian society as well. Finally, the article shows that the coercive disciplinary structure of the military, where sick or wounded soldiers were particularly constrained to act as subjects of experience, expérimentation, clinical teaching and anatomico-pathological research, was one of the conditions propitious to this growth of clinical practice.
Die Bedeutung kognitiver Prozesse in der Arzneimittelforschung im 19. Jahrhundert - Das Beispiel Nitroglycerin
Authors: Schüppel Reinhart
Published: December 2020

The history of the discovery and development of drugs is replete with examples where chance and serendipity have resulted in important advances of knowledge. In the case of nitroglycerin it can be shown that what appears to have been a chance discovery was actually the result of a sequence of selective perceptions by, and cognitive processes in individual researchers. The sources allow insight into various stages of the development of nitroglycerin, starting with the chemical synthesis as an explosive in 1846 and the first use in humans in 1847 to the discovery of a useful coronary drug. Homeopathic medicine contributed significantly to this process. Thus, the history of nitroglycerin is an example of an exchange of knowledge between otherwise separate realms of sectarian and orthodox medicine in the second half of the 19th century.