bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic analysis of a contactless charging station for electric vehicles
Authors: Hinov N L , Madzharov N D , Grozdanov D N
Published: December 2020

This report examines one of the many possible solutions of dynamic and static mode contactless power transfer, which determines the future of the automotive industry. Computer analysis of a contactless charging station for electric vehicles in certain frequency range and displacement between the transmitting and receiving coils are presented. Conceptual prototype design of 30 kW power transfer station is described in detail. Some optimization approach is also noted. The results are compared with the real experiments of prototype for a contactless charging station.
Determination the yaw moment of inertia of an SUV in laboratory conditions
Authors: Yashchenko Dmytro M , Timkov Oleksii M , Samburenko Ihor O , Hladchenko Volodymyr S
Published: December 2020

The vehicle oscillates in different planes relative to the three axes while driving. Especially important are the turns of the vehicle by dint of steered wheels. During such highspeed turns, the vehicle is subjected to additional charges of various systems, including the control system. Therefore, in the calculations of the control system of the vehicle, it is necessary to take into account the inertial mass of the vehicle. In general, the inertial characteristics of some solid body during its rotation are determined by the moments of inertia of this body. The moment of inertia of a solid body concerning the axis of rotation is simply the mass times the square of the perpendicular distance to the rotation axis. To test the results obtained by means of the analytical method, it is necessary to determine the moment of inertia of a vehicle in an experimental way. A convenient method of measuring the moment of inertia of a vehicle can be the method of torsional vibrations. The moment of inertia of a vehicle was determined using special equipment, which was constructed in the laboratory of the Department of Motor Vehicles of the National Transport University.
Service for optimization of charging stations selection for electric vehicles users during long distances drives: time-cost tradeoff
Authors: Hassler J , Dimitrova Z , Petit M , Dessante Ph
Published: December 2020

One of the weighty curb to electric vehicles (EV) acceptability is their constraints when performing long-distance trips. Even if improvements made on fast charging technology enable to recover up to 300 km range in 20 minutes, the low density of this kind of infrastructure and the variability in their availability can lead to significant waiting times for users. In this context, it is useful to provide users with information about the availability of charging stations to facilitate the use of EVs. In this article, we present a vehicle/infrastructure communication system. EVs ask charging stations for estimated waiting times at a specific time. Stations calculate these estimates based on notifications of intention to charge received from other vehicles. Thanks to this information, vehicles will be able to optimize their journey. This system has the advantages of being easily scalable because it is distributed, simple and only require the sharing of little personal information. However, the stations on the route may have different charging powers and prices. This raises the question of the criteria for optimizing these trips, depending on whether users favor the cost or the duration of the trip. In this article, we examine this tradeoff using multi-objective optimization and Pareto fronts, as well as the impact of such a communication system on recharge decisions.
Efficiency of automotive electric supercharging compressors
Authors: Podevin Pierre , Périlhon Christelle , Deligant Michael , Punov Plamen , Clenci Adrian , La Bourdonnaye Guillaume De
Published: December 2020

The automotive electric supercharger provides high torque at low engine speeds. During accelerations, it fills the power gap due to the turbocharger’s inertia and avoids turbo lag. Its operation is of short duration because once this deficit has been juggled, it must be stopped in order not to generate unnecessary electricity consumption and to avoid overheating of the electric motor which would compromise its lifetime. Usually the power of automotive turbocharger is calculated assuming an adiabatic air compression and the adiabatic efficiency is assessed. At low speed or for low compression ratio, which is the case of electric supercharger, this hypothesis is no more valid and special experiments have to be done. On our test bench the compressor is driven by a turbine supplied with cold compressed air. Between the compressor and the turbine, a torque meter is inserted to measure the power given to the compressor shaft. The tests were conducted with a non-insulated compressor and an insulated compressor for eight iso-speeds. Additional tests were carried out to assess the actual power supplied to the fluid including bearing losses measurements and to assess the influence of different preload springs used to counter the axial thrust of the compressor. This article presents and analyses the results of this work.
MAPbBr3 single crystal based metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector enhanced by localized surface plasmon
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Chen Kang , Xia Wei , Zuo Zhiyuan
Published: December 2020

Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (HOIPs) have appealed to researchers on account of excellent optoelectronic properties. Compared with films which possess grain boundaries, HOIPs single crystals with fewer defects behave excellent transport and recombination performances. In the family of HOIPs, single crystals of MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3
+, X = Cl, Br or I) are recognized as the most competitive candidates for optoelectronic applications. However, the photodetectors based on MAPbX3 have difficulties in detecting weak signals for lacking of gains without structure optimizations and extra energy transfer channels. In this study, taking advantage of MAPbBr3 single crystal (100) facets, planar metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors were fabricated with Au zigzag electrodes and modified Au nanoparticles (NPs) to realize localized Au surface plasmons (SPs). Compared to device without Au NPs, 2 times enhancement of photocurrent and responsivity have been achieved under 630 nm photon irradiation and 5 V bias. Furthermore, the surface metal structures can inhibit ionic migration to a certain extent. Potential mechanisms of the enhancements and suppressions are discussed in details to reveal the applications of this technique.
Andromeda shot bags astronomy prize
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: December 2020

French photographer Nicolas Lefaudeux has beaten thousands of amateur and professional photographers from around the world to win the 2020 Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year
US funds five quantum-science centres
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: December 2020

The US has established five new centres to boost quantum-information science in the country. To be located at the US’s national laboratories, the centres were created to uphold a provision of the bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Act
Observations under threat from satellite constellations
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: December 2020

The large numbers of satellites in low-Earth orbit “threaten the scientific viability” of some current and planned Earth-based optical and infrared telescopes. That is according to a report based on a Satellite Constellations 1 workshop organized by the American Astronomical Association and the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab.
Courting controversy online
Authors: Figueira de Morisson Faria Carla , Brown Andrew
Published: December 2020

Carla Figueira de Morisson Faria and Andrew Brown say that academic debate can still be fostered in an online-only world
Redefining the scientific conference
Authors: A-L Jackson Christopher , Armstrong Eleanor S , Persaud Divya M
Published: December 2020

Eleanor S Armstrong, Divya M Persaud and Christopher A-L Jackson argue that the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to start making scientific meetings more inclusive
Missing maths
Authors: French Andy
Published: December 2020

In response to Niki Bell’s Forum article “Putting new physics on the syllabus” (August p19), in which she suggests adding modern physics discoveries to the education system.
Safe race
Authors: Field John
Published: December 2020

In response to Diandra Leslie-Pelecky’s feature “The science of racing safely” (August pp24–28), which explores the dangers of being a racecar driver, and the science behind some of the features in NASCAR that are designed to keep the drivers safe.
Irritating emissions
Authors: Ruddy John
Published: December 2020

In response to David R Andrews’ feature “Good vibrations” (August pp42–46), in which he explores the role of sound and ultrasound in fuel injection and parking sensors.
Stretching the limits
Authors: Gleeson Helen
Published: December 2020

Most materials get thinner when stretched, but “auxetics” do the opposite and get thicker. Helen Gleeson describes her group’s discovery of a material that is auxetic at the molecular level, which could be used in everything from body armour to laminated glass
Optical microscopy – how small can it go?
Authors: Demming Anna
Published: December 2020

For centuries diffraction limited the resolution of optical microscopy. The past 50 years have, however, seen one limitation after another buckle under the ingenuity of a host of wide-ranging techniques, from lenses to tips, chips and doughnuts. Anna Demming reports
Age of cosmic exploration
Authors: Commissariat Tushna
Published: December 2020

Look Up: Our Story with the Stars by journalist, TV presenter and author Sarah Cruddas is a short, sharp and impassioned look at the history and the future of space exploration
Is anybody there?
Authors: Holt Chris
Published: December 2020

Vic Tandy – an engineer at Coventry University in the UK – once described how he worked for a medicalequipment manufacturer whose laboratory included a room that was believed to be haunted
Impacts of brine disposal from water desalination plants on the physical environment in the Persian/Arabian Gulf
Authors: Campos Edmo J D , Vieira Filipe , Cavalcante Georgenes , Kjerfve Björn , Abouleish Mohamed , Shahriar Sakib , Mohamed Reem , Gordon Arnold L
Published: December 2020

Around the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, a considerable volume of freshwater is obtained by desalination of seawater with the residual brine dumped back into the Gulf. This discharge of saltier waters impacts the marine ecosystem and may also affect dynamic and thermodynamic processes. Here, a fully non-linear, high-resolution numerical model is used to investigate the physical impacts of brine discharge into the Gulf. Twin runs were executed. One with and another without brine discharge at specific points. The results show that, when brine is injected, surface gravity waves irradiate from the locations and induce perturbations in other thermodynamic variables in the far field. Instead of attenuating, the anomalies have long term impact. The differences between the two experiments show marked seasonal and spatial variability. The largest differences occur during the summer and are located mainly along the axis of the Gulf’s deeper channel. After 5 years of run, a budget calculation shows basin wide saline increase of about 0.2 g/kg, in agreement with previous studies. This might appear small when compared with the present Gulf mean salinity. However, the small change seems to be associated with significant variability in the spatial distribution and in the seasonal variability at different locations. It is found that there are regions in the Gulf where the standard deviation may represent serious consequences for living organisms in the marine environment.
Patenting antibody combination therapies
Authors: Feng Li , Chen Lin , Murphy Amanda , Jacobstein Jeffrey , Lewis Stacy
Published: December 2020

There is emerging, intense interest in antibody combination therapies. However, antibody combination therapies pose unique intellectual property challenges. In some instances, it may be difficult to obtain patents with claims that provide innovators with adequate protection for such inventions. Patent examiners often regard claims to a composition or use of an antibody in combination with another therapeutic agent as obvious if the individual components of the combination were both known and well-studied in the field for use in treating similar indications. Nevertheless, even if the individual components of a combination were known and generally effective, the combination therapy may not be obvious if there would not have been a motivation to specifically combine the individual components or if there was no reasonable expectation of success in combining the components. Antibody combination therapies may also offer fertile grounds for demonstrating objective evidence of nonobviousness for a particular combination, such as through unexpected results, if a sufficient nexus can be established across the scope of the claims and if the superior results constitute a significant improvement.
Neuregulin therapy for multiple sclerosis: an each-way bet?
Authors: Kilpatrick Trevor J , Binder Michele D
Published: December 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Neuregulin-1 beta 1 is implicated in pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis’, by Kataria et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa385).
To treat or not to treat: left ventricular thrombus in a patient with cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a case report
Authors: Hilt Alexander D , Rasing Ingeborg , Schalij Martin J , Wermer Marieke J H
Published: December 2020

Background

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an important cause of cognitive impairment and spontaneous lobar intracerebral haemorrhage in older individuals. When necessary, anticoagulant treatment in these patients comes with two dilemmas; significant intracerebral bleeding risk with treatment vs. high risk of embolic stroke with no treatment.

Case summary

A 66-year-old female patient presented to the emergency clinic with a ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Her past medical history revealed cognitive problems associated with lobar cerebral microbleeds on magnetic resonance imaging suspect for probable CAA. A primary percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending artery with implantation of drug eluting stent was performed. Dual antiplatelet treatment was started initially. During hospitalization, an impaired left ventricular (LV) function was observed with an apical aneurysm. Six months after the initial event, LV function remained stable however a LV thrombus was observed. Apixaban 5 mg twice daily was started based on multidisciplinary consensus and on its efficacy and safety profile in patients with atrial fibrillation. Despite treatment, patient suffered a new ischaemic stroke probably from the LV thrombus, for which vitamin K antagonist treatment was initiated and Apixaban discontinued.

Discussion

Evidence for LV thrombus treatment with direct oral anticoagulants in CAA patients is scarce, however feasible based on its efficacy and safety profile. For CAA patients, the cardinal role of both clinical and radiological characteristics in determining the risk-benefit ratio for anticoagulant initiation in this specific subset of patients, is crucial. The clinical course described highlights the therapeutical dilemma of coexisting CAA and the clinical challenge it creates.
Limit Behavior of Complex Special Lagrangian Equations With Neumann Boundary-Value Conditions
Authors: Han Xiaoli , Jin Xishen
Published: December 2020

We consider the following complex special Lagrangian equations with Neumann boundary conditions on a domain $\Omega \subset \mathbb{C}^{n} $: $$\begin{align*}& \left\{\begin{array}{ll} {\sum\limits_{i=1}^n \arctan k \lambda_{i} (H(u_{k,\varepsilon} ))=\Theta_k(z)} & {\textrm{ in } \Omega} \\{D_{\nu} {u_{k,\varepsilon }}=-\varepsilon{u_{k,\varepsilon }}+\varphi(z)} & {\textrm{ on } \partial \Omega}\end{array}\right.. \end{align*}$$We prove uniform global estimates for these equations. As $k\to +\infty $, we prove that $u_{ k,\varepsilon }$ converges to the solution of $J$-type equation with the same Neumann boundary condition on $\Omega $.
Early Career Research Profile: Bethany Moore
Authors: Moore Bethany M
Published: December 2020

Beth Moore is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, where she investigates plant metabolism in Hiroshi Maeda’s lab. She received her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University, USA, before moving to Michigan State University to earn a PhD with Shin-Han Shiu in 2019.
Molecular Phylogeny of the Notomicrine Water Beetles (Coleoptera: Noteridae) Reveals Signatures of Gondwanan Vicariance and Ecological Plasticity
Authors: Baca Stephen M , Short Andrew E Z
Published: December 2020

Notomicrinae (Coleoptera: Noteridae) is a subfamily of minute and ecologically diverse aquatic beetles distributed across the Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. We investigate the evolution of Notomicrinae and construct the first species-level phylogeny within Noteridae using five nuclear and mitochondrial gene fragments. We focus on the genus Notomicrus Sharp (Coleoptera: Noteridae), sampling 13 of the 17 known Notomicrus species and an additional 11 putative undescribed species. We also include Phreatodytes haibaraensis Uéno (Coleoptera: Noteridae). Datasets are analyzed in Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian frameworks. With these, we 1) estimate divergence times among notomicrine taxa and reconstruct the biogeographical history of the group, particularly testing the hypothesis of Gondwanan vicariance between Old World and New World Notomicrus; 2) additionally, we assess ecological plasticity within Notomicrinae in the context of the phylogeny; and 3) finally, we test the monophyly of tentative species groups within Notomicrus and place putative new taxa. We recover a monophyletic Notomicrinae, with Phreatodytes sister to Notomicrus. We estimate the crown age of Notomicrinae to be ca. 110 Mya. The crown age of Notomicrus is recovered as ca. 75 Mya, there diverging into reciprocally monophyletic Old and New World clades, suggesting Gondwanan vicariance. Our phylogenetic estimate indicates a strong degree of ecological plasticity within Notomicrinae, with habitat switching occurring in recently diverging taxa. Finally, we recover five main species groups in Notomicrus, one Old World, Four New World, with tentative affirmation of the placement of undescribed species.
Analysis of Cocaine and Its Metabolites in Urine after Consumption of Coca Tea by Five Subjects and Subsequent Hair Testing
Authors: Feisthauer Emilie , Ameline Alice , Gheddar Laurie , Arbouche Nadia , Raul Jean-Sébastien , Kintz Pascal
Published: December 2020

Coca tea is a popular drink in some countries of South America where it is reputed to have medicinal properties. This preparation is composed of natural cocaine (COC) alkaloids and therefore can be banned in some countries. During an anti-doping control in Peru the urine of an athlete tested positive for benzoylecgonine (BZE) ecgonine methyl ester (EME) and COC (400 180 and 0.5 ng/mL respectively). The athlete indicated that she had consumed coca tea in the morning before the competition. As her lawyer contacted us to assess the scientific aspects of the possible involvement of coca tea to explain the adverse analytical finding a study was implemented with similar tea bags urine specimens were collected for each subject for 3 days to follow the elimination of COC and metabolites (BZE and EME). All samples were analyzed byultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry after alkaline extraction. Maximum detection times for COC was 20 h with concentrations ranging from 6 to 91 ng/mL. Maximum detection times for BZE and EME were 70 h and 60 h respectively with concentrations ranging from 6 to 3,730 ng/mL and from 6 to 1,738 ng/mL. The concentration profiles were identical for the five volunteers. This study supports the athlete’s claims. In addition, the sample of hair strands of the five subjects was collected a month later and all the hair tests showed a negative result for COC with a limit of decision of 10 pg/mg. Although it is accepted that a 4 mg dose of COC has no significant pharmacological effect the consumption of coca tea can lead to significant legal consequences since the measured urine concentrations sometimes cannot be considered incidental. Therefore, discrimination between coca tea consumption and recreational COC abuse relies primarily on hair analysis.
Optimizing a Dual-Choice Cube Olfactometer Design for Measuring Adult Secondary Screwworm (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Attraction to a Resource
Authors: Flint Casey A , Tomberlin Jeffery K
Published: December 2020

Detecting and locating a carrion resource is critical for the reproduction of necrophagous insects and initiating forensically important timelines. Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) primarily use olfactory cues in the form of volatile organic compounds to locate a suitable resource. Factors governing detecting and locating a resource have been studied using various behavior assays with modifications to suit the experiment design, such as the dual-choice cube olfactometer, which was examined in the current study. Systems optimization ensures biologically relevant and consistent results across replicates. In this study, two responses were measured: 1) leaving cube for either control or treatment and 2) choice between control and treatment. Phenotype (e.g., male, non-gravid, gravid) and total blow fly, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), number to respond were measured. Four parameters were assessed for their impact on response: 1) adjustment time in cube before trial, 2) trial length, 3) sugar/water presence, and 4) screening type in arms. Approximately, 70% of all phenotypes responded to liver with the 30-min adjustment period where only 50% responded with other adjustment periods. Trial length had a significant impact on response (35% increase in the 8 h trial compared to shorter durations); however, significant response to treatment was lost by increasing trial length. The presence of sugar/water decreased gravid and non-gravid response by 35% but did not impact males. Screening had no influence on overall or treatment response. Data indicate experiment design impacts fly response. Future studies should optimize parameters for their given fly population prior to initiating experiments.
Comparing Three Music Therapy Interventions for Anxiety and Relaxation in Youth With Amplified Pain
Authors: Scheufler Ashley , Wallace Dustin P , Fox Emily
Published: December 2020

Research in pediatric hospitals has shown that active music engagement, preferred music listening, and music-assisted relaxation can decrease anxiety and increase relaxation responses. However, there is little research on the use of music therapy with pediatric chronic pain conditions such as amplified pain syndromes. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of 3 specific music therapy interventions (active music engagement, live patient-selected music, and music-assisted relaxation) on anxiety and relaxation levels in youth (ages 10–18) participating in a 40 hr per week hospital-based intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment program. A sample of 48 patients participated in this study which utilized a 3-period, 3-treatment cross-over design with 3 interventions delivered in a quasi-randomized order determined by when the patients started the treatment program. State anxiety was measured via the state form of the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety for Children and relaxation scores were assessed with a Visual Analog Scale. Statistically significant changes were found in anxiety and relaxation outcomes across all interventions provided. Results suggest that music therapy services (using active music engagement, live patient-selected music, and music-assisted relaxation) may be an effective modality to decrease anxiety and increase relaxation levels in pediatric patients with amplified pain syndromes.
Predicting Toxicity and Response to Pembrolizumab Through Germline Genomic HLA Class 1 Analysis
Authors: Iafolla Marco A J , Yang Cindy , Chandran Vinod , Pintilie Melania , Li Quan , Bedard Philippe L , Hansen Aaron , Lheureux Stephanie , Spreafico Anna , Razak Albiruni A , Hakgor Sevan , Giesler Amanda , Pugh Trevor J , Siu Lillian L
Published: December 2020

Background

Human leukocyte antigen class 1 (HLA-1)–dependent immune activity is linked to autoimmune diseases. HLA-1–dependent CD8+ T cells are required for immune checkpoint blockade antitumor activity. It is unknown if HLA-1 genotype is predictive of toxicity to immune checkpoint blockade.

Methods

Patients with advanced solid tumors stratified into 5 cohorts received single agent pembrolizumab (anti-programmed cell death-1) 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks in an investigator-initiated phase II trial (Investigator-Initiated Phase II Study of Pembrolizumab Immunological Response Evaluation study, NCT02644369). Germline whole-exome sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed using the Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. HLA-1 haplotypes were predicted from whole-exome sequencing using HLAminer and HLAVBSeq. Heterozygosity of HLA-A, -B, and -C, individual HLA-1 alleles, and HLA haplotype dimorphism at positions −21 M and −21 T of the HLA-A and -B leader sequence were analyzed as predictors of toxicity defined as grade 2 or greater immune-related adverse events and clinical benefit defined as complete or partial response, or stable disease for 6 or more cycles of pembrolizumab. Statistical significance tests were 2-sided.

Results

In the overall cohort of 101 patients, the frequency of toxicity and clinical benefit from pembrolizumab was 22.8% and 25.7%, respectively. There was no association between any of the HLA-1 loci or alleles with toxicity. HLA-C heterozygosity had an association with decreased clinical benefit relative to HLA-C homozygosity when controlling for cohort (odds ratio = 0.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.09 to 0.91, P = .04). HLA-A and -B haplotype −21 M/T dimorphism and heterozygosity of HLA-A, -B, and -C were not predictive of outcomes.

Conclusions

HLA-C heterozygosity may predict decreased response to pembrolizumab. Prospective validation is required.
Assessing trends in rat populations in urban and non-urban environments in the Netherlands
Authors: Maas Miriam , Helsloot Tamara , Takumi Katsuhisa , van der Giessen Joke
Published: December 2020

Rats in urban areas pose health risks as they can transmit various zoonotic pathogens. Monitoring rat populations in urban areas is therefore a key determinant in risk assessments for taking adequate control and preventive measures. However, large-scale and long-term monitoring of rat populations is labor-intensive and time consuming. The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost and low-time- consuming method to gain insight into the trends of rat populations in urban and non-urban environments in the Netherlands, and to identify potential drivers of these trends. From 2014 to 2018, local municipalities or their pest control organizations voluntarily submitted quarterly overviews of rat nuisance reports in urban areas. For non-urban areas, a nationwide record of reported bycatch species from the muskrat control was used to assess a potential trend. To identify potential drivers of observed trends, employees of nine municipalities were interviewed. Rat nuisance reports from 25 municipalities were analyzed. An increasing trend in rat nuisance reports was observed in 12, a decreasing trend in 3 and no trend in 10 municipalities. In non-urban areas, no trend in the bycatch of rats was detected. The increase in rat nuisance reports was associated with a large municipality resident size. No consistent drivers could be identified, but potential drivers were discussed in the interviews. Although it was not possible to quantify their influence on the rat population trends seen, they provide direction for future studies on drivers of rat populations.
EU Cartel Law and Economics
Authors: Argenton Cedric , Geradin Damien , Stephan Andreas
Published: December 2020

The significant evolution of EU competition law in the last 15 years has been fundamentally influenced by economic theory, and economic aspects of cartel prosecution are increasingly relevant in modern competition practice. EU Cartel Law and Economics is the first book-length assessment of cartels from an integrated law and economics perspective. This perspective allows for a more insightful evaluation of the wide variety of practices at the intersection between collusive restrictions of competition and pro-competitive agreements between firms. It sheds light on the underlying mechanics of cartels, including how to detect anti-competitive conspiracies in the absence of hard evidence. It also provides a more conceptual approach to cartel law, outlining ways in which the current legal structure can be applied more effectively to deter anti-competitive conduct without discouraging pro-competitive forms of cooperation between firms. The book is divided into four parts: the first part provides a conceptual overview of the law and economics of cartels; the second part describes the central legal analysis in cartel cases; the third part summarises the regulatory process in cartel investigations; and the fourth part deals with civil damages. EU Cartel Law and Economics is a topical and innovative reference work written by recognised experts in the field.
A Primer on Cartels
Authors: Argenton Cédric , Geradin Damien , Stephan Andreas
Published: December 2020

This chapter describes why and how firms try to form and run a cartel, and how these decisions relate to the economic theory of collusion. It first shows how firms form cartels to suppress or weaken the rivalry between them. They privately benefit from doing so but harm buyers (whether final consumers or other businesses) by artificially distorting the allocation of resources in the economy. The chapter then focuses on each of the elements needed for a cartel arrangement to be formed and to succeed, from the initial contact to the credible punishment mechanisms needed to prevent cheating. It looks at how cartels are set up and the challenges a cartel must overcome to maintain stability.
The Value of Anti-Cartel Rules
Authors: Argenton Cédric , Geradin Damien , Stephan Andreas
Published: December 2020

This concluding chapter draws together major insights from the previous chapters and considers their broader implications in economics. It argues that economics can and should contribute to informing the design of many aspects of cartel law, since the decision to participate in a cartel is essentially an economic one. Competition lawyers should therefore be prepared to take the time to follow and understand the arguments that economic theory or evidence bring to the table. Equally, competition economists' work needs take account of the practical and administrative realities of running an enforcement regime. Economics also has an important role to play in evaluating the value and effectiveness of competition law more generally. The chapter concludes by calling for the continued multi-disciplinary research of cartels and other questions of competition policy.
International Law in the Russian Legal System
Authors: Butler William E
Published: December 2020

This addition to the Elements of International Law series explores the role of international law as an integral part of the Russian legal system, with particular reference to the role of international treaties and of generally-recognized principles and norms of international law. Following a discussion of the historical place of treaties in Russian legal history and the sources of the Russian law of treaties, the book strikes new ground in exploring contemporary treaty-making in the Russian Federation by drawing upon sources not believed to have been previously used in Russian or western doctrinal writings. Special attention is devoted to investment protection treaties. The importance of publishing treaties as a condition of their application by Russian courts is explored. For the first time a detailed account is given of the constitutional history of treaty ratification in Russia, the outcome being that present constitutional practice is inconsistent with the drafting history of the relevant constitutional provisions. The volume gives attention to the role of the Russian Supreme Court in developing treaty practice through the issuance of "guiding documents" binding on lower courts, the reaction of the Russian Constitutional Court to judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and the place of treaties as an integral part of the Russian legal system. Butler further explores the hierarchy of sources of law, together with other facets of Russian arbitral and judicial practice with respect to treaties and other sources of international law. He concludes with a consideration of the 'generally-recognized principles and norms of international law' and their role as part of the Russian system.
Towards a proof theory for Henkin quantifiers
Authors: Baaz Matthias , Lolic Anela
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a methodology to construct globally sound but possibly locally unsound analytic calculi for partial theories of Henkin quantifiers. It is demonstrated that usual locally sound analytic calculi do not exist for any reasonable fragment of the full theory of Henkin quantifiers. This is due to the combination of strong and weak quantifier inferences in one quantifier rule.
Moral Injury Among Nigerian Soldiers Following Combat: Case Reports and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Okulate Gbenga Taiwo , Akinsanmi Mojisola Abosede , Oguntuase Rufus Akinwande , Majebi Michael Adeiza
Published: December 2020

Moral injury is a phenomenon in which unpleasant psychological consequences such as guilt and shame follow exposure to activities that transgress one’s deeply held moral beliefs and expectations. Combat engagement places service members at a heightened risk on account of exposure to potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs). It remains a more recent construct in comparison with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) despite several studies. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) effectively subsumed moral injury as a part of PTSD, recognizing moral injury as symptoms rather than events that are followed by specific symptoms. Nothing has been reported on moral injury, its prevalence, and associated factors among Nigerian soldiers despite exposure to PMIE in combat and abundance of literature worldwide. Unlike PTSD, moral injury is often under-recognized by clinicians and military and nonmilitary health personnel, and particularly, in our setting where nonmilitary mental health personnel sometimes have to treat postcombat military patients. Failure of recognition of moral injury (and not addressing it) can adversely affect overall mental health and may increase the risk of suicide. We report three cases of personnel of the Nigerian Army referred to our clinic after combat in northeastern Nigeria and following exposure to PMIE, the circumstances of exposure to morally injurious situations and subsequent reactions. Our study brought up several findings including the effect of exposure to multiple potentially injurious events, apparent frequent co-occurrence of moral injury with PTSD, and the complicating unpleasant mental health outcomes. Being a report of cases, this implies that generalizations might not be warranted but serve as possible questions for future research.
Super-Utilization of the Emergency Department in a Universally Insured Population
Authors: Andriotti Tomas , Dalton Michael K , Jarman Molly P , Lipsitz Stuart , Chaudhary Muhammad Ali , Tilley Laura , Learn Peter A , Schoenfeld Andrew J , Goralnick Eric
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Super-utilizers (patients with 4 or more emergency department [ED] visits a year) account for 10% to 26% of all ED visits and are responsible for a growing proportion of healthcare expenditures. Patients recognize the ED as a reliable provider of acute care, as well as a timely resource for diagnosis and treatment. The value of ED care is indisputable in critical and emergent conditions, but in the case of non-urgent conditions, ED utilization may represent an inefficiency in the healthcare system. We sought to identify patient and clinical characteristics associated with ED super-utilization in a universally insured population.

Material and Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using TRICARE claims data from the Military Health System Data Repository (2011-2015). We reviewed the claims data of all adult patients (aged 18-64 years) who had at least one encounter at the ED for any cause. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent factors associated with ED super-utilization.

Results

Factors associated with increased odds of ED super-utilization included Charlson Score ≥2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.90-2.06), being eligible for Medicare (aOR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.90-2.01), and female sex (aOR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.33-1.37). Active duty service members (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.68-0.72) and beneficiaries with higher sponsor-rank (Officers: aOR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.55-0.57; Senior enlisted: aOR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.81-0.83) had lower odds of ED super-utilization. The most common primary diagnoses for ED visits among super-utilizers were abdominal pain, headache and migraine, chest pain, urinary tract infection, nausea and vomiting, and low back pain.

Conclusions

Risk of ED super-utilization appears to increase with age and diminished health status. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics of ED super-utilization identified in this study can be used to formulate healthcare policies addressing gaps in primary care in diagnoses associated with ED super-utilization and develop interventions to address modifiable risk factors of ED utilization.
Interstitial Lung Disease and Myositis in a Patient With Antisynthetase Syndrome and PL12 and Ro52 Co-positivity in a Retired Medical Officer
Authors: Loncharich Michael F , Anderson Caleb W , Collins Jeannette , Edison Jess
Published: December 2020

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by myositis, arthritis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), Raynaud’s phenomenon, and distinctive cutaneous manifestations. Anti-PL12 is a rare myositis-specific autoantibody classically associated with an amyopathic presentation and rapidly progressive ILD. Anti-Ro52 is a myositis-associated antibody that has been postulated to be directly pathogenic in inflammatory myopathy patients. The disease phenotype, course, and response to treatment associated with anti-PL12 and anti-Ro52 co-positivity is not well described.

A 58-year-old man with anti-PL12 and anti-Ro52 ASS presented with rapidly progressive ILD and myositis refractory to high-dose prednisone. He ultimately required a dexamethasone burst with intravenous immunoglobulin and mycophenolate mofetil for disease control.

Severe and rapidly progressive myositis is infrequently reported in anti-PL12 ASS. This case suggests that concurrent anti-Ro52 positivity predicts a more aggressive disease phenotype and may require more initial immunosuppression. If rapid progression of this disease were to occur in an active duty service member, it would have significant implications for readiness and potentially catastrophic outcomes in the deployed setting. Early identification and treatment of the disease are imperative. The question must also be raised of an occupational exposure from military service.
Depression Screening During Pregnancy: Compliance and Effectiveness in a Military Population
Authors: Gisseman Jordan , Fletcher Tara , Schmolze Abigail , Cooper Devin , Aden James , Cox-Bauer Callie
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Perinatal and postpartum depression are common, affecting 13% to 24% of pregnant women through the first year postpartum. Depression screening is recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology as an effective and low-cost intervention to improve patient outcomes; however, no nationwide screening rate is reported in the literature. This study was designed to assess the rate and effectiveness of screening in a major military medical center.

Materials and methods

Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained before beginning the study. The facility where this study was performed has a universal depression screening policy in which all patients should be screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the initial obstetric visit, the 28-week visit, and the postpartum visit. The EPDS scores and demographic data were collected by chart review of patients seen between May 2015 and April 2017.

Results

Ninety-six percent of patients completed EPDS at their first appointment with a mean score of 3.8. At 28 weeks, 60% of patients were screened with a mean score of 3.8, and at the postpartum appointment, 84% were screened with a mean score of 3.5. Veterans Affairs (VA) patients and dependent daughters had significantly higher EPDS scores than active duty women and dependent wives (mean 7.91, 5.78, 3.19, 3.70, P < .0001). Eight-eight percent of patients with scores of ≥12 were offered the appropriate treatment.

Conclusions

First trimester screening rates are excellent; however, 28-week and postpartum screening rates need improvement. Standardization of clinic screening procedures may be necessary to increase the screening rates. Veterans Affairs patients and dependent daughters have a higher-than-average risk for depression and should be monitored closely. This study demonstrates that a universal postpartum depression screening program is an important part of obstetric care.
Mortality Among Male U.S. Army Soldiers Within 18 Months of Separation
Authors: Abdur-Rahman Ihsan T , Watkins Eren Y , Jarvis Brantley P , Beymer Matthew R , Schoenbaum Michael , Bossarte Robert M , Pecko Joseph A , Cox Kenneth L
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Understanding how soldiers die after separation from military service, particularly those who die shortly after separating from service, may help to identify opportunities to ease transitions to civilian life.

Materials and Methods

Mortality data were analyzed for male U.S. Army soldiers who died within 18 months of their separation from service (from 1999 to 2011). Descriptive statistics were calculated for natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal, undetermined, and legal/operation of war deaths and were stratified by age, component, time in service, and type of discharge. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates, standardized for all years using the 2004 Regular Army population, were also calculated. The Public Health Review Board of the U.S. Army Public Health Center approved this study as Public Health Practice.

Results

Of the 1,884,653 male soldiers who separated from service during the study period, 3,819 died within 18 months of separation. A majority of all separations were Reserve or National Guard (58%), and 62% of decedents were in the Reserve or National Guard. Deaths from natural causes (38%) were the most common, followed by accident deaths (34%), suicides (20%), homicides (6%), undetermined deaths (2%), and legal/operation of war deaths (<1%). For overall mortality, age-adjusted rates were higher among the male U.S. population when compared to male soldiers who had separated from the Army.

Conclusions

The time period immediately following separation from the Army presents a unique challenge for many soldiers. Developing more effective pre-separation prevention programs that target specific risks requires knowing the causes of death for natural deaths, suicides, and accidents. Over half of all deaths occurring shortly after separation from service are preventable. Continued surveillance of specific causes of preventable deaths following separation can improve pre-separation prevention programs and transitions to post-service care.
Cholera Presenting With Hyperkalemia, Rhabdomyolysis, and Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Grubb Seth M , Riddle Mark
Published: December 2020

Cholera is a well known cause of significant disease, particularly in resource-poor nations, but it is very rare in developed countries. The morbidity and mortality of cholera is resultant from large-volume diarrhea, hypovolemia, and electrolyte derangement. In the following case, a 60-year-old man with no recent travel history presented to the emergency department with muscle cramping, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal distress. It was later confirmed that he was suffering from cholera. On presentation, he was hyperkalemic with ECG changes and soon went into a hypovolemic shock. After a complicated hospital course, he fortunately made a complete recovery. This case demonstrates that common complaints may result in uncommon diagnoses. It is important to pay attention to the clinical situation and intervene accordingly.
Transpacific Aeromedical Evacuation for a Ruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ikeda Daniel S , Dryden John R , Van Gent Jan-Michael , Benzer Emily , Praske Steven P , Ravindra Vijay M , Miller Charles A , Curry Brian P , Bell Randy S
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered preexisting patient treatment algorithms and referral patterns, which has affected neurosurgical care worldwide. Brain arteriovenous malformations are complex vascular lesions that frequently present with intracerebral hemorrhage. Care for these patients is best performed at large medical centers by specialists with high volumes. The authors describe the care of a patient who presented in extremis to a resource-limited, community-sized military treatment facility (MTF) in Southeast Asia. In the MTF, the patient underwent emergent neurosurgical therapy. However, given newly implemented restrictions enacted to mitigate COVID-19 spread, local transfer for definitive care to a tertiary care facility was not possible. In order to attain definitive care for the patient, a transpacific aeromedical evacuation augmented with a critical care air transport team was utilized for transfer to a tertiary care, teaching hospital. This case demonstrates the safe treatment of a patient with hemorrhagic arteriovenous malformations and postoperative management under limited conditions in an MTF outside the CONUS. Given the unique circumstances and challenges the pandemic presented, the authors feel that this patient’s outcome was only possible by leveraging all the capability military medicine has to offer.