bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pumping Loss of Shrouded Meshed Spur Gears
Authors: Hurrell Michael J. , Sawicki Jerzy T.
Published: September 2020

High speed rotorcraft transmissions are subject to load-independent power losses consisting of drag loss and pumping loss. Tightly conforming shrouds enclosing the transmission gears are often incorporated to reduce the drag component of the total load-independent losses. However, tightly conforming axial shrouds can result in an increase in the pumping loss component. Quantifying the pumping loss of shrouded gear transmissions has been the subject of many studies. This study presents a new approach for estimating pumping loss based on the concept of swept volume and examines the applicability of the approach to various shroud configurations. The drag loss and pumping loss of a shrouded spur gear pair have been determined through testing using the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) Gear Windage Test Facility. The results from this testing have been compared to theoretical results using the formulations presented in this study. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has been conducted for the various shroud configurations tested at NASA GRC. The results from the CFD analysis confirm the theoretical and empirical results and provide insight into the applicability of the swept volume approach for estimating pumping power loss of shrouded gear transmissions.
Model-Free Controller Designs for a Magnetic Micromanipulator
Authors: Ablay Günyaz
Published: September 2020

An optimal model-free controller and a linear controller are designed and applied to a horizontal magnetic micromanipulator for controlling microparticles in a liquid environment. An input–output relation based model for the magnetic micromanipulator is obtained, verified, and used in the analysis of controllers. A model-free linear controller is designed using the offset current approach. An optimal nonlinear controller based on Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions is designed and then modified to produce smooth control signals. Experimental results are provided to show the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed controllers. The model-free controllers yield short settling time and zero steady-state error in the control of magnetic microparticles.
Generalizing thermal resistance and a general thermal engine
Authors: Roll Mark F.
Published: September 2020

This article outlines a generalization of the thermal resistance concept used to model and quantify the rates of spontaneous heat transfer. This leads to the natural corollary that a Carnot cycle possesses zero thermal resistance and provides restatements of the Clausius and Kelvin statements of the second law of thermodynamics. Subsequently, basic aspects of a general thermal engine are modeled by the series combination of two non-zero thermal resistances with a Carnot cycle. With constant thermal resistances, the efficiency at maximum power is found to be in agreement with previous literature also concluding that engine power is zero at the Carnot efficiency. An explicit form limiting maximum power output to system thermal resistance and reservoir temperatures is given. Minimizing the thermal resistance maximizes power output, congruent with maximizing heat flow and entropy production. Implications of this model towards practical power generation are presented.
Estimation of acoustic absorption in porous materials based on visco-thermal boundary layers modeled as boundary conditions
Authors: Cops Mark J. , McDaniel J. Gregory , Magliula Elizabeth A. , Bamford David J. , Berggren Martin
Published: September 2020

A method for estimating acoustic absorption in porous materials is presented in which the thermal and viscous boundary layers are modeled through boundary conditions to the Helmholtz equation for the acoustic pressure. The method is proposed for rigid-framed porous materials in which vibration of the frame is negligible compared to pressure fluctuations in air. The method reduces computation times by 2 orders of magnitude compared to a full thermoviscous acoustic solver. Furthermore, the method is shown to be highly accurate over geometrical features and frequencies of interest as long as thermal and viscous boundary layers do not overlap and the effects of the sharp changes in curvature are negligible. The method is demonstrated for a periodic sound absorber from the literature as well as a sound absorber with a randomly graded microstructure.
Classification of biosonar target echoes based on coarse and fine spectral features in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Accomando Alyssa W. , Mulsow Jason , Houser Dorian S. , Finneran James J.
Published: September 2020

Previous bottlenose dolphin studies suggest that the coarse envelope of an echo spectrum (“macrostructure”) has hierarchical dominance over finer-scale spectral features (“microstructure”) during synthetic echo discrimination tasks. In this study, two dolphins listened to and discriminated between underwater sound stimuli consisting of pairs of clicks with different micro- and macrostructures. After conditioning dolphins to reliably discriminate between two “anchor” stimuli with different micro- and macrostructures, probe stimuli, which contained a macrostructure identical to one of the anchor stimuli and the microstructure of the alternate anchor, were infrequently presented. Dolphins responded to probes in a manner consistent with macrostructure primacy.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: Key to Selective Intracellular Delivery
Authors: Rosenkranz A. A. , Slastnikova T. A.
Published: September 2020

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an integral surface protein mediating cellular response to a number of growth factors. Its overexpression and increased activation due to mutations is one of the most common traits of many types of cancer. Development and clinical use of the agents, which block EGFR activation, became a prime example of the personalized targeted medicine. However, despite the obvious success in this area, cancer cure remains unattainable in most cases. Because of that, as well as the result of the search for possible ways to overcome the difficulties of treatment, a huge number of new treatment methods relying on the use of EGFR overexpression and its changes to destroy cancer cells. Modern data on the structure, functioning, and intracellular transport of EGFR, its natural ligands, as well as signaling cascades triggered by the EGFR activation, peculiarities of the EGFR expression and activation in oncological disorders, as well as applied therapeutic approaches aimed at blocking EGFR signaling pathway are summarized and analyzed in this review. Approaches to the targeted delivery of various chemotherapeutic agents, radionuclides, immunotoxins, photosensitizers, as well as the prospects for gene therapy aimed at cancer cells with EGFR overexpression are reviewed in detail. It should be noted that increasing attention is being paid nowadays to the development of multifunctional systems, either carrying several different active agents, or possessing several environment-dependent transport functions. Potentials of the systems based on receptor-mediated endocytosis of EGFR and their possible advantages and limitations are discussed.
Amyloid and Amyloid-Like Aggregates: Diversity and the Term Crisis
Authors: Matiiv A. B. , Trubitsina N. P. , Matveenko A. G. , Barbitoff Y. A. , Zhouravleva G. A. , Bondarev S. A.
Published: September 2020

Active accumulation of the data on new amyloids continuing nowadays dissolves boundaries of the term “amyloid”. Currently, it is most often used to designate aggregates with cross-β structure. At the same time, amyloids also exhibit a number of other unusual properties, such as: detergent and protease resistance, interaction with specific dyes, and ability to induce transition of some proteins from a soluble form to an aggregated one. The same features have been also demonstrated for the aggregates lacking cross-β structure, which are commonly called “amyloid-like” and combined into one group, although they are very diverse. We have collected and systematized information on the properties of more than two hundred known amyloids and amyloid-like proteins with emphasis on conflicting examples. In particular, a number of proteins in membraneless organelles form aggregates with cross-β structure that are morphologically indistinguishable from the other amyloids, but they can be dissolved in the presence of detergents, which is not typical for amyloids. Such paradoxes signify the need to clarify the existing definition of the term amyloid. On the other hand, the demonstrated structural diversity of the amyloid-like aggregates shows the necessity of their classification.
Teaching clinicians shared decision making and risk communication online: an evaluation study
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy C , Del Mar Chris , Santhirapala Ramai , Freeman Alexandra
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To describe the development and initial evaluation of a brief e-learning course as a means of teaching shared decision making and risk communication skills to clinicians of all specialties.

Design

Comparison pre-course and post-course of scores in subjective confidence and objective knowledge about shared decision making and risk communication.

Setting

Online and open to all specialties and levels of clinical experience, including students.

Participants

The course is freely available online and all who started the course from September 2018 to May 2020 were invited to participate in the evaluation study.

Intervention

The self-guided e-learning course is made up of four modules and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It is hosted on the website of the Winton Centre for Risk Communication and the UK’s National Health Service e-learning platform.

Main outcome measures

Pre-course and post-course confidence in performing shared decision making (as measured by a 10-item scale adapted from the OPTION tool; total score range 10–50), and objective knowledge about basic principles of shared decision making and risk communication, as measured by performance on four knowledge questions and three calculations. At course commencement, a single item from the Berlin Numeracy Test, and the eight-item Subjective Numeracy Test were also asked.

Results

Of 366 unique participants who consented and commenced the course, 210 completed all modules and the final post-course test. Participants’ mean age was 38.1 years, 69% were in current clinical practice and had a mean of 10.5 years of clinical practice. Numeracy was relatively low, with 50.7% correctly answering the Berlin Numeracy Test item pre-course. Participants who completed the course showed a significant improvement in their confidence by a mean summed score of 3.7 units (95% CI 2.9 to 4.6, p<0.0001) from a mean pre-course of 37.4 (SD 6.1) to post-course of 41.1 (SD 6.9). There was an increase in the proportion of correct answers for most knowledge questions (p<0.0001, p=0.013 for two directly compared), although no improvement in most skill questions that involved numbers (eg, calculating relative risks). Participants with higher numeracy appeared to show higher skill and confidence on most questions.

Conclusions

This online, free e-learning course was successful in increasing participants’ confidence in, and some aspects of knowledge about, shared decision making and risk communication. It also highlighted the need for improvements in clinicians’ numerical skills as a vital part of training. We suggest that the course is used in combination with practical face-to-face experience and more intensive numerical skills training.
Regulation of the K
ATP
-JNK gap junction signaling pathway by immunomodulator astragaloside IV attenuates neuropathic pain
Authors: Dai Wen-Ling , Zhang Li , Han Liu , Yang Xing , Hu Liang , Miao Chen , Song Ling , Xiao Hang , Liu Ji-Hua , Liu Wen-Tao
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

Gap junctions play a pivotal role in contributing to the formation of astroglial networks and in chronic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying the dysfunction of astroglial gap junctions in chronic pain have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve was used to establish rat neuropathic pain model. C6 cells were used to perform experiments in vitro. Von Frey hairs and Hargreave’s method were used to determine the withdrawal threshold of rats. Protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and western blotting.

Results

Astragaloside IV (AST IV) significantly attenuated neuropathic pain and suppressed the excitation of spinal astrocytes in rats with CCI. The antinociceptive effect of AST IV was reversed by the gap junction decoupler carbenoxolone (CBX). AST IV inhibited the high expression of phosphorylated connexin 43 (p-Cx43) and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) in spinal cord of rats with CCI. JNK inhibitor alleviated neuropathic pain, which was reversed by CBX. JNK inhibitor decreased the high expression of p-Cx43 in both rats with CCI and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-treated C6 cells. Additionally, the analgesic effect of AST IV was reversed by the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K
ATP
) channel blocker, glibenclamide (Glib). Glib abolished the inhibitory effects of AST IV on p-JNK and p-Cx43 both in vivo and in vitro. K
ATP
channel opener (KCO) mimicked the inhibitory effects of AST IV on p-JNK and p-Cx43 in TNF-α-treated C6 cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the sciatic nerve CCI induces the dysfunction of gap junctions in the spinal cord by activating K
ATP
/JNK signaling to contribute to neuropathic pain. AST IV attenuates neuropathic pain via regulating the K
ATP
-JNK gap junction axis.
Suspected venous air embolism during thoracic limb amputation in a dog
Authors: Bautista Díaz‐Delgado Oscar , Campagna Ivo
Published: September 2020

A six‐year‐old dog was anaesthetised for the amputation of her left forequarter. Preoperative haematology, biochemistry and physical examination were unremarkable. Twenty minutes into surgery, a sudden decrease in end tidal carbon dioxide (50–14 mm Hg) and arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation (95–87 per cent) was noted. After briefly excluding some differentials, an iatrogenic venous air embolism (VAE) was suspected secondary to the dissection of the axillary vein. The vein was clamped and mechanical ventilation initiated delivering 100 per cent oxygen. The surgery was completed, the dog was recovered and closely monitored. The animal was discharged three days after the event. This article discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, different treatments and outcome of a suspected VAE. This case emphasises the importance of an early recognition of this complication during procedures such as limb amputations.
Population structure of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) from Northern California to Alaska using single nucleotide polymorphisms from direct amplicon sequencing
Authors: Sutherland Ben J.G. , Candy John , Mohns Kayla , Cornies Olivia , Jonsen Kim , Le Khai , Gustafson Richard G. , Nichols Krista M. , Beacham Terry D.
Published: September 2020

Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), a culturally and ecologically important anadromous smelt (Family Osmeridae), ranges from Northern California to the southeast Bering Sea. In recent decades, some populations have experienced declines. Here we use a contig-level genome assembly combined with previously published restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq)-derived markers to construct an amplicon panel for eulachon. Using this panel, we develop a filtered genetic baseline of 521 variant loci genotyped in 1989 individuals from 14 populations ranging from Northern California through central Alaska. Consistent with prior genetic studies, the strongest separation occurs among three main regions: from Northern California up to and including the Fraser River; north of the Fraser River to southeast Alaska; and within the Gulf of Alaska. Separating the Fraser River from southern US populations and refining additional substructure within the central coast may be possible in mixed-stock analysis; this will be addressed in future work. The amplicon panel outperformed the previous microsatellite panel and thus will be used in future mixed-stock analyses of eulachon to provide new insights for management and conservation of eulachon.
GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND ECONOMIC GROWTH RELATIONSHIP: CAN A BETTER INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY FIX THE OUTCOMES?
Authors: KHAN MUHAMMAD , RAZA SAQLAIN , VO XUAN VINH
Published: September 2020

Empirical growth literature finds conflicting results on the relationship between public spending and long-run economic growth. This paper shows that the nature of relationship between the two variables depends upon the institutional quality of a country. Our empirical investigation relies upon OLS, fixed-effects and system-GMM estimators for a large panel of 113 developed and developing economies during the period 1981–2015. The main findings confirm that the adverse impact of public size on output growth holds only for countries with poor institutional quality. By contrast, when the institutional quality exceeds certain thresholds, the growth inhibiting effects of government size become insignificant. From the fiscal policy viewpoint, these outcomes imply that the productivity of public spending is more important than an excessively large public size of the country.
Coarse-graining of the Einstein–Hilbert action rewritten by the Fisher information metric
Authors: Takeuchi Shingo
Published: September 2020

In this study, considering the Fisher information metric (Fisher metric) given by a specific form, which is the form of weights in statistics, we rewrite the Einstein–Hilbert (EH) action. Then, determining the transformation rules of the Fisher metric, etc under the coarse-graining, we perform the coarse-graining toward that rewritten EH action. We finally show an existence of a trivial fixed-point. Here, the existence of a trivial fixed-point is not trivial for us because we consider the metric given by the Fisher metric, which is not the normal metric and has to satisfy some constraint in the formalism of the Fisher metric. We use the path-integral in our analysis. At this time we have to accept that a fundamental constraint in the formalism of the Fisher metric is broken at the quantum level. However we consider we can accept this with the thought that some constraints and causal relations held at the classical level usually get broken at the quantum level. We finds some problems of the Fisher metric. The space–time we consider in this study is two-dimensional.
Rational nonlinear electrodynamics causes the inflation of the universe
Authors: Kruglov S. I.
Published: September 2020

The source of the universe inflation is electromagnetic fields obeying rational nonlinear electrodynamics proposed earlier. Within this model the singularities of the electric field at the center of charges, the Ricci scalar, the Ricci tensor squared and the Kretschmann scalar are absent. We consider the universe which is filled by stochastic magnetic fields. It is demonstrated that the inflation lasts approximately [Formula: see text] s with the reasonable [Formula: see text]-folding number [Formula: see text]. The inflation starts from de Sitter space–time and after the universe inflation end it decelerates approaching the radiation era.
OCEAN: A Non-Conventional Parameter Free Clustering Algorithm Using Relative Densities of Categories
Authors: Gheyas Iffat , Parkinson Simon , Khan Saad
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we propose a fully autonomous density-based clustering algorithm named ‘Ocean’, which is inspired by the oceanic landscape and phenomena that occur in it. Ocean is an improvement over conventional algorithms regarding both distance metric and the clustering mechanism. Ocean defines the distance between two categories as the difference in the relative densities of categories. Unlike existing approaches, Ocean neither assigns the same distance to all pairs of categories, nor assigns arbitrary weights to matches and mismatches between categories that can lead to clustering errors. Ocean uses density ratios of adjacent regions in multidimensional space to detect the edges of the clusters. Ocean is robust against clusters of identical patterns. Unlike conventional approaches, Ocean neither makes any assumption regarding the data distribution within clusters, nor requires tuning of free parameters. Empirical evaluations demonstrate improved performance of Ocean over existing approaches.
KCC Analysis of a One-Dimensional System During Catastrophic Shift of the Hill Function: Douglas Tensor in the Nonequilibrium Region
Authors: Yamasaki Kazuhito , Yajima Takahiro
Published: September 2020

This paper considers the stability of a one-dimensional system during a catastrophic shift described by the Hill function. Because the shifting process goes through a nonequilibrium region, we applied the theory of Kosambi, Cartan, and Chern (KCC) to analyze the stability of this region based on the differential geometrical invariants of the system. Our results show that the Douglas tensor, one of the invariants in the KCC theory, affects the robustness of the trajectory during a catastrophic shift. In this analysis, the forward and backward shifts can have different Jacobi stability structures in the nonequilibrium region. Moreover, the bifurcation curve of the catastrophic shift can be interpreted geometrically, as the solution curve where the nonlinear connection and the deviation curvature become zero. KCC analysis also shows that even if the catastrophic pattern itself is similar, the stability structure in the nonequilibrium region is different in some cases, from the viewpoint of the Douglas tensor.
A Calculation Method on Bifurcation and State Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of Piecewise Mechanical Systems
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Xian-Feng , Leung Andrew Y. T.
Published: September 2020

The paper proposes a novel calculation method on the sensitivity analysis of bifurcation parameters and states in a single-degree-of-freedom (SDoF) impacting system. It presents the causes to (non-) smooth bifurcations in virtue of parameter sensitivity analysis. The derivation of the system’s Poincaré mappings is used to integrate the Floquet matrix. It performs the identifications of the main and the most sensitive bifurcation parameters by disturbing the eigenvalues of Floquet matrix. Moreover, the ones that have appreciable effect on the dynamic characteristics of the system can be effectively identified from entire bifurcation parameters and states. The coexistence of distinct attractors is demonstrated with the parameter sensitivity analysis on the Floquet matrix associated with bifurcation parameters and states. It also considers the cooperating dynamic performance on the two-dimensional parameter space by varying different pairs of bifurcation parameters.
Coexisting Multi-Dynamics of a Physical SBT Memristor-Based Chaotic Circuit
Authors: Dou Gang , Yang Hai , Gao Zhenhao , Li Peng , Dou Minglong , Yang Wenyan , Guo Mei , Li Yuxia
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a new physical [Formula: see text] (SBT) memristor-based chaotic circuit. The equilibrium point and the stability of the chaotic circuit are analyzed theoretically. This circuit system exhibits multiple dynamics such as stable point, periodic cycle and chaos by means of Lyapunov exponents spectra, bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré maps and phase portraits, when the initial state or the circuit parameter changes. Specially, the circuit system exhibits coexisting multi-dynamics. This study provides insightful guidance for the design and analysis of physical memristor-based circuits.
Dynamics of Wild and Sterile Mosquito Population Models with Delayed Releasing
Authors: Cai Li-Ming
Published: September 2020

To reduce the global burden of mosquito-borne diseases, e.g. dengue, malaria, the need to develop new control methods is to be highlighted. The sterile insect technique (SIT) and various genetic modification strategies, have a potential to contribute to a reversal of the current alarming disease trends. In our previous work, the ordinary differential equation (ODE) models with different releasing sterile mosquito strategies are investigated. However, in reality, implementing SIT and the releasing processes of sterile mosquitos are very complex. In particular, the delay phenomena always occur. To achieve suppression of wild mosquito populations, in this paper, we reassess the effect of the delayed releasing of sterile mosquitos on the suppression of interactive mosquito populations. We extend the previous ODE models to the delayed releasing models in two different ways of releasing sterile mosquitos, where both constant and exponentially distributed delays are considered, respectively. By applying the theory and methods of delay differential equations, the effect of time delays on the stability of equilibria in the system is rigorously analyzed. Some sustained oscillation phenomena via Hopf bifurcations in the system are observed. Numerical examples demonstrate rich dynamical features of the proposed models. Based on the obtained results, we also suggest some new releasing strategies for sterile mosquito populations.
Chaos Predictability in a Chemical Reactor
Authors: Berezowski Marek
Published: September 2020

The dynamics of the tubular chemical reactor with mass recycle was examined. In such a system, temperature and concentrations may oscillate chaotically. This means that state variable values are then unpredictable. In this paper, it has been shown that despite the chaos, the behavior of such a reactor can be predictable. It has been shown that this phenomenon can occur in two cases. The first case concerns intermittent chaos. It has been shown that intermittent outbursts can occur at regular intervals. The second case concerns transient chaos, i.e. a situation when chaos occurs only for a certain period of time, e.g. only during start-up. This phenomenon makes it impossible to predict what will occur in the reactor in the nearest time, but, makes it possible to precisely determine the values of the variables even in the distant future. Both of these phenomena were tested by numerical simulation of the mathematical model of the reactor.
Influence of Different Dosage Forms on Pharmacokinetics of 6 Alkaloids in Raw Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix (Caowu) and Chebulae Fructus‐ (Hezi‐) Processed Caowu by UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Zhi Meiru , Liu Kaiyang , Han Shu , Xu Jinkai , Li Weifei , Li Feng , Han Xitao , Tang Yanan , Liu Ziqin , Wang Hongyue , Du Hong
Published: September 2020

Purpose. To study the pharmacokinetics of the 6 alkaloids (aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, benzoylaconine, benzoylmesaconine, and benzoylhypaconine) in raw Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix (Caowu) (RC) and Chebulae Fructus‐ (Hezi‐) processed Caowu (HC) in the rats being, respectively, administrated with RC and HC in the dosage forms of powder and decoction and to demonstrate the mechanism of detoxification of HC. Methods. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and, respectively, given RC powder, HC powder, RC decoction, and HC decoction by intragastric administration. The contents of the 6 alkaloids in the plasma of the rats were detected at different time points by the UPLC‐MS/MS method, and DAS 3.2.7 software was used to calculate, compare, and analyze the detected pharmacokinetic parameters. Results. Compared with those of the RC powder, the values of AUC0‐t and Cmax of the HC powder were all reduced, whereas the values of t1/2z and Tmax were mostly increased. Compared with those of the RC powder, the values of AUC0‐t, Cmax, and t1/2z of the RC decoction were decreased and the value of Tmax of the RC decoction was increased. Compared with those of the RC decoction, the values of AUC0‐t, t1/2z, and Cmax of the diester diterpenoid alkaloids of the HC decoction were all increased. However, there was no marked difference between the pharmacokinetic parameters of the HC powder and the HC decoction. Conclusions. A decrease in the level of absorption and in the rate of elimination of the alkaloids can be detected when HC is administrated in the dosage form of the powder, explaining that in traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM), the purpose of using HC in the dosage forms of pills and powder is for decreasing the toxicity and prolonging the efficacy duration of HC. Decocting can greatly decrease the plasma concentration of the diester diterpenoid alkaloids in RC and increase their rate of elimination. The influence of decocting on RC is greater than that on HC, explaining the rationality of the steaming and boiling methods for processing Caowu and the rationality of boiling Caowu for a longer time beforehand in preparing an herb decoction containing Caowu in TCM.
Initial Rotational Instability of the Tapered Wedge-Shaped Type Cementless Stem
Authors: Iwamoto Yosuke , Kijima Hiroaki , Tazawa Hiroshi , Konishi Natsuo , Kubota Hitoshi , Yamada Shin , Tani Takayuki , Kamo Keiji , Suzuki Norio , Okudera Yoshihiko , Fujii Masashi , Sasaki Ken , Kawano Tetsuya , Nagahata Itsuki , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Shimada Yoichi
Published: September 2020

Background. Because the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem has a small anteroposterior width and a low occupation rate in the medullary space, postoperative rotational instability and stem subsidence due to inadequate proximal fixation are concerns. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the rotational instability of the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem and femoral canal shape. Methods. A total of 61 primary total hip arthroplasties with the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem Accolade® TMZF (11 males, 50 females; mean age 60 years) from January 2012 to June 2015 who underwent computed tomography before surgery and within 4 weeks and 1 year after surgery were evaluated. The preoperative femoral neck anteversion angle, preoperative femoral canal flair index, the degree of postoperative stem subsidence within 1 year after operation, and the degree of rotational change in the stem setting angle within 1 year after operation were investigated. Results. The mean preoperative femoral neck anteversion angle was 32.2° ± 17.8° (0°–69°), and the mean preoperative canal flair index was 3.68 ± 0.58 (2.44–5.55). There were no stem subsidence cases within 1 year after operation. The mean degree of rotational change in the stem from immediately to 1 year after surgery was −0.4° ± 1.7° (−3°–3°). There was no significant correlation between the canal flair index and the rotational change in the stem. In addition, the mean difference between the preoperative femoral neck anteversion angle and the stem rotational angle immediately after surgery was only 1.3° ± 5.3° (−29°–15°). Conclusions. In all cases, including stove-pipe cases, the degree of rotational change in the Accolade® TMZF stem from immediately to 1 year after surgery was within 3°. In other words, regardless of femoral canal shape, the tapered wedge-shaped type cementless stem has little initial rotational instability.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) Expression Is an Independent Prognostic Marker in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Loeser Heike , Kraemer Max , Gebauer Florian , Bruns Christiane , Schröder Wolfgang , Zander Thomas , Alakus Hakan , Hoelscher Arnulf , Buettner Reinhard , Lohneis Philipp , Quaas Alexander
Published: September 2020

Background. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an interferon-inducible immune checkpoint expressed on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). IDO is known as a poor prognostic marker in esophageal squamous cell cancer, while a positive effect was shown for breast cancer. A comprehensive analysis of IDO expression in a well-defined cohort of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is missing. Methods. We analyzed 551 patients with EAC using single-protein and multiplex immunohistochemistry as well as mRNA in situ technology for the expression and distribution of IDO on subtypes of TILs (INF-γ mRNA and CD4- and CD8-positive T lymphocytes). Results. IDO expression on TILs was seen in up to 59.6% of tumors, and expression on tumor cells was seen in 9.2%. We found a strong positive correlation of IDO-positive TILs, CD3-positive T lymphocytes, and INF-γ mRNA-producing TILs in the tumor microenvironment of EACs showing significantly better overall survival (47.7 vs. 22.7 months, p<0.001) with emphasis on early tumor stages (pT1/2: 142.1 vs. 37.1 months, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, IDO is identified as an independent prognostic marker. Conclusions. Our study emphasizes the importance of immunomodulation in EAC marking IDO as a potential biomarker. Beyond this, IDO might indicate a subgroup of EAC with an explicit survival benefit.
Liquorice Intoxication Can Lead to Cardiac Arrest!
Authors: Attou Rachid , Redant Sébastien , Honore Patrick M. , Preseau Thierry , Hantson Philippe , De Bels David
Published: September 2020

A 45-year-old man was admitted to the Emergency Department with fatigue and muscular weakness. Soon after hospital admission, he developed “torsades de pointe” and was successfully resuscitated. The admission laboratory investigations had revealed a profound hypokalemia (1.65 mmol/L). The patient had a long-term use of alcohol-free “pastis” in an attempt to reduce his chronic ethanol consumption. As the beverage likely contained a significant amount of liquorice, the diagnosis of glycyrrhizin chronic intoxication was suspected. The diagnosis of liquorice-related pseudohyperaldosteronism was assessed by normal plasma aldosterone levels and low plasma renin activity. Intravenous and oral supplementation of potassium was required for 5 days, and the patient had an uneventful follow-up.
A Novel Hybrid Robust Control Design Method for F-16 Aircraft Longitudinal Dynamics
Authors: Nguyen Vi H. , Tran Thanh T.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a hybrid robust control design method for a third-order lower-triangular model of nonlinear dynamic systems in the presence of disturbance. In this paper, a novel control design is presented systematically to synthesize a robust nonlinear feedback controller, called backstepping sliding mode control (BSMC), for the proposed system by a combined approach of backstepping design and sliding mode control. In this approach, a family of the “sliding surface” is introduced in state transformations. Then, a smooth switching function of the sliding surface is introduced and enforced to include in virtual feedbacks and a real control law from the control selection phrases of the backstepping design loop. The achieved control method proves a well-tracking command with asymptotic stability, provides a robustness in the presence of uncertainties, and eliminates completely a chattering phenomenon. The application of flight-path angle control corresponding to the longitudinal dynamics of a high-performance F-16 aircraft simulation model is implemented. Under some assumptions, full nonlinear longitudinal dynamics is reformed into a lower-triangular system for a direct application to formulate a control law. A closed-loop system is achieved for in-flight simulation with different flight profiles for a comparison of the existing methods. Also, an external disturbance on different loading/unloading conditions in flight is applied to verify and validate robustness of the proposed control method.
Cucurbitacin D Induces G2/M Phase Arrest and Apoptosis via the ROS/p38 Pathway in Capan‐1 Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Kim Myeong-Sun , Lee Kangwook , Ku Jin Mo , Choi Yu-Jeong , Mok Kyungyul , Kim Doori , Cheon Chunhoo , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: September 2020

Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis with a five‐year survival rate of less than 10%. Moreover, chemotherapy is mostly rendered ineffective owing to chemotherapy resistance and cytotoxicity. Therefore, the development of effective therapeutic strategies and novel drugs against pancreatic cancer is an urgent need. Cucurbitacin D (CuD), a plant steroid derived from Trichosanthes kirilowii, is an anticancer agent effective against various cancer cell lines. However, the anticancer activity and molecular mechanism of CuD in pancreatic cancer remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the anticancer activity and molecular mechanism of CuD in the human pancreatic cancer cell line, Capan‐1. CuD induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species generation in Capan‐1 cell line. In addition, CuD induced the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway that regulates apoptosis, which was also inhibited by N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine and the p38 inhibitor SB203580. These data suggest that CuD induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the ROS/p38 pathway in Capan‐1 pancreatic cancer cell line; hence, CuD is a promising candidate that should be explored further for its effectiveness as an anticancer agent against pancreatic cancer.
Creatinine at Birth Correlates with Gestational Age and Birth Weight: Another Factor of the Imbroglio in Early Neonatal Life
Authors: Allegaert Karel , Smits Anne , Mekahli Djalila , van den Anker John N.
Published: September 2020

Background: Serum creatinine (Scr) in early neonatal life (first week of life) displays extensive variability; hence, a better understanding is needed to use Scr as a diagnostic biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI). Objective: The objective of this study was to explore Scr trends and its covariates in early neonatal life. Methods: Analysis of a rich, pooled Scr dataset (enzymatic assay) of 4,509 Scr observations in 1,181 neonates in the first week of life with birth weight, gestational age (GA), and postnatal age as covariates was conducted. Descriptive data were summarized as median and range. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to examine Scr, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the differences between the different GA (≤32, 33–36, or ≥37 weeks) categories. Results: The median Scr at delivery was 55.7 (range 28.3–194.5) µmol/L, correlating with birth weight (r = 0.088) or GA (r = 0.183) for the full dataset. At birth, the median Scr was highest in term (≥37-week) neonates. In early neonatal life (median Scr values), there was a gradual increase to attain a peak Scr by day 2–3, highest and most delayed in neonates ≤32 weeks GA. This is followed by a blunted decrease when ≤32-week neonates were compared to those of 33–36 or ≥37 weeks GA. Conclusions: The Scr pattern in early neonatal life is complex, with the highest Scr at birth in full-term neonates, while those ≤32 weeks GA displayed the highest and delayed peak Scr with a subsequent blunted decrease. Knowledge of these patterns is crucial to explore the utility of Scr as an AKI biomarker.
Endoscopic Biliary Large Balloon Dilation Lithotripsy for Giant and Impacted Stones Removal: A Western Series
Authors: Pereira Lima Júlio Carlos , Arciniegas Sanmartin Ivan David , de Quadros Onófrio Fernanda , Contin Isabela , Pereira Lima Ana Paula , Pereira Lima Guilherme , Watte Guilherme , Oliveira dos Santos Carlos Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Background: Endoscopic removal of packed, large, or impacted stones, in which a basket cannot be deployed or is unable to grasp the stone(s), is challenging and inevitably leads to repeated procedures such as stent insertion and extra- or intracorporal lithotripsy. In this study, we describe the results of an alternative stone disintegration technique in a considerable series of patients using an esophageal/pyloric balloon for stone fragmentation or making working space in the bile duct to allow the deployment of the basket, a technique we call endoscopic biliary large balloon lithotripsy. Methods: We retrieved data from 1,429 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) from 2 prospective trials performed between 2014 and 2019. Patients with difficult bile duct stones, in which a balloon dilator up to 15 mm was used to crush or increase the working space parallel to the stones in the common or hepatic duct, were included in the study. Results: From the 1,429 ERCPs, 299 had difficult stones (>1 cm, impacted or multiple stones). Large balloon lithotripsy was employed in 46 cases after endoscopic papillotomy and endoscopic biliary large balloon dilation with failed attempted balloon or basket stone(s) extraction. Failure to clear the bile duct at first ERCP occurred in 4 cases (91.3% of success). Complications were observed in 5 patients (10.8%; 1 perforation, 1 pancreatitis, and 3 bleedings), who were treated conservatively. Conclusions: Large balloon lithotripsy, in order to crush the stones or make working room for baskets or balloons in the bile duct, is an effective, safe, and low cost technique for impacted, packed, or giant bile duct stones.
An Environmental Lawyer's Fraught Quest for Legal Tools to Hold Back the Seas
Authors: Gerrard Michael B.
Published: September 2020

The law is the principal mechanism by which society resolves disputes and implements policies. For more than forty years, I have worked to use the law to address environmental problems, initially by trying to stop projects that would increase pollution and harm communities. But there are limits to what the courts can do without explicit direction from legislatures. Climate change is a prime example. Some have seen litigation as a silver bullet, but at least so far that has not been the case. Elections matter more than lawsuits. Until and unless elections bring to power a president, a Congress, and local officials who will take the necessary measures, litigation is needed to inhibit those who will try to move backwards, spur on those with good intentions, help implement the policies set by wise Congresses past, and continue the quest for redress for victims. Well-crafted laws can also lead the way to solutions.
Let Me Tell You a Story
Authors: Oposa Antonio
Published: September 2020

I've spent my time caring for the Life-sources of Land, Air, and Waters – the LAW of Life. It began by being touched by the Sea and the story of my mariner grandfather. It went on to raids to fight environmental crime syndicates in the Philippines and on to the court of law. The Court is a good venue to light a STAR: to tell a Story, put the issues on the Table for orderly discussion, spark Action, and arrive at a Resolution. I founded the SEA Camp (Sea and Earth Advocates) to train children to care for the Sea and Earth and, later, founded the School of the SEA. Twice – in 2008 and in 2013-I saw the School erased by an extraordinary typhoon, a foretaste of the climate crisis. I've realized that when you use the law and science to change the mind, it can change tomorrow. But when you change the heart, it is forever. In the midst of the ongoing climate and COVID-19 crises, I believe that we can change the story of the world if we change the storyline. “The seeds of goodness live in the soil of appreciation for goodness.”
Dhimmī-s de la Syrie rurale et institutions mameloukes: de l’utilisation de la théorie shāfiʿite à l’autonomie juridictionnelle du Patriarcat maronite d’après cinq actes d’achat inédits (IXe/XVe siècle)
Authors: Halawi Wissam H. , Voguet Élise
Published: September 2020

Cet article propose l’édition-traduction de cinq actes de vente notariés inédits, qui décrivent l’achat de terres au profit du Patriarcat maronite de Qannūbīn au IXe/XVe siècle. Ils attestent la reconnaissance de cette institution ecclésiastique par les autorités mameloukes, si bien que ses représentants pouvaient conclure des transactions pour son compte, ce devant le substitut du cadi shāfi‘ite. S’ensuit le respect et l’utilisation par le Patriarcat de la théorie juridique et notariale islamique laquelle règlemente la pratique commerciale entre dhimmī-s mais aussi entre musulmans et non-musulmans. Ces documents fournissent en sus des indications sur le statut et la nature des terres dans cette région et sur le montant du kharāj. L’acte V, établi par une autorité notariale chrétienne, reflète l’autonomie des institutions dhimmī-s sous les Mamelouks ; sa reproduction et conservation montrent également le besoin du Patriarcat d’apporter à tout moment une preuve de propriété de ses biens immeubles.
Vernacular Legalism in the Ottoman Empire: Confession, Law, and Popular Politics in the Debate over the “Religion of Abraham (millet-i Ibrāhīm)”
Authors: Shafir Nir
Published: September 2020

In the seventeenth century, Ottoman jurists repeatedly tried to stop Muslims from stating that they “belonged to the religion of Abraham.” A century earlier, however, the expression had been a core part of the new confessional identity of the empire’s Muslims. This article explores how the phrase changed from an attestation of faith to a sign of heresy through a study of a short pamphlet by Minḳārīzāde Yaḥyā Efendi. Minḳārīzāde argued that the use of the phrase is not permissible and addressed his arguments not to learned scholars, but to the semi-educated. I argue that Minḳārīzāde’s pamphlet provides a glimpse into “vernacular legalism” in action in the Ottoman Empire, that is, how semi-educated audiences received and understood legal debates and subsequently turned law into a space of popular politics.
A new tree-spider crab of the genus Leptarma (Brachyura, Sesarmidae) from mangroves in Kerala, India
Authors: Ng Peter K. L. , Devi Suvarna S.
Published: September 2020

A new species of long-legged sesarmid crab of the Leptarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) species-group is described from mangroves in south-western India. In the general carapace features as well as in the proportions of the long ambulatory legs, L. biju n. sp. is most similar to L. gracilipes (Li, Rahayu & Ng, 2018), from eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, but can easily be distinguished by the structure of the gonopods as well as the leg proportions.
Update on crustaceans known from the Amazonian continental shelf and adjacent oceanic areas
Authors: Silva K. C. A. , Cintra I. H. A. , Ramos-Porto M. , Viana G. F. S. , Abrunhosa F. A. , Cruz R.
Published: September 2020

The major biodiversity on the planet is present in coastal and oceanic environments, despite this, on the northern continental shelf of Brazil, data on most of the marine groups still are deficient, especially in areas deeper than 20 m and in the continental slope area. This lack of data is aggravated by high fisheries exploitation, which causes a decline in large, abundant populations, even leading them to threat of extinction. Among that marine biodiversity, no group has a larger morphological variety than crustaceans. In this scenario, knowledge about the local biodiversity, its richness and seasonality, is essential for a qualified fisheries management. The Amazon continental shelf has one of the largest shrimp fisheries in the country, and due to the ecological and economic importance that crustaceans have in the region, a detailed study on their diversity is necessary. In this article, we use data collected in the Revizee Program. We identified 91 species: crabs (32.97%), shrimp (28.57%), anomurans (10.99%), soft crabs (10.99%), lobsters (9.89%), stomatopods (4.40%) and isopods (2.20%). The State of Amapá had fewer species () compared to Pará (). The data analysis shows there is a lack of knowledge about the real biodiversity present on the Amazon continental shelf.