bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyurethane foam behaviour during impact
Authors: Špirk Stanislav , Křížek Michal , Jeníček Štěpán
Published: March 2018

This contribution is focused on the passive safety of the railway vehicles interiors. The passive safety has become a new area of the rail vehicles design. In the field of rail vehicles interior passive safety the computer simulations are most widely used. The computer simulations must be based on relevant material data. For some common materials (eg. steel, aluminium, etc.) the material data are ascertainable. The interiors of rail vehicles contain quite specific materials frequently. One of the material with more complicated mechanical properties is polyurethane foam (PUR). The aim of this paper is to present validation of material parameters for specific polyurethane foam by experiment. The material properties (for seat made from Elastoflex W 5662 covered with Holdsworth BHLH 31634) will be useful for further simulations.
Parallelization of computational algorithms for optimization problems with high time consumption
Authors: Vaško Milan , Handrik Marián , Sapietová Alžbeta , Handriková Jana
Published: March 2018

The paper presents an analysis of the use of optimization algorithms in parallel solutions and distributed computing systems. The primary goal is to use evolutionary algorithms and their implementation into parallel calculations. Parallelization of computational algorithms is suitable for the following cases - computational models with a large number of design variables or cases where the objective function evaluation is time consuming (FE analysis). As the software platform for application of distributed optimization algorithms is using MATLAB and BOINC software package.
Electromagnetic angular positioner based on DC micromotor
Authors: Bodnicki Maciej , Wierciak Jakub , Credo Wojciech , Bagiński Karol , Wawrzyniuk Leszek
Published: March 2018

The presented works concerned launching of an angular positioner powered by an electromagnetic actuator, designed for performing angular micromovements within a range of few microradians. The principle of operation is based on balancing the electromagnetic torque of the motor with a torque that is twisting a compliant element. As electrodynamic actuators have no distinguished controlled positions, therefore in typical positioning systems desired positions are obtained applying a closed-loop position control. Usually, such systems employ also a feedback (dumping) related to velocity of the moving elements, what simplifies forming of dynamics of the system. The design of the physical model employs a DC micromotor, whose rotor is coupled with a torsional torquemeter. A feedback signal is generated by resistive strain gauges. The paper presents a mathematical model of the positioning system, results of simulation study as well as results of experimental study. The simulation study indicates that it is possible to select such design features and such type of the micoromotor that a high dynamics of positioning is ensured.
Universal compact lower limb turning module intended for use in orthotic robots
Authors: Janowski Mateusz , Jasińska-Choromańska Danuta , Osiński Dymitr , Zaczyk Marcin
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a model of an orthotic robot’s lower limb rotation system is presented. The system is intended for use in typical contemporary orthotic robots such as the ‘Veni-Prometheus’ System for Verticalization and Aiding Motion designed at the Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology. In the paper, the state of the art is briefly stated, with the relatively low number of orthotic robots allowing realization of pivoting turns highlighted. The intended two-stage pivoting turning movement is analyzed in detail and the operating conditions as well as limitations of the turning module are indicated. The conception of a turning module introduces additional degree of freedom to the existing orthotic robot designs by realizing the rotation about the lengthwise axis in the thigh link. A three-dimensional model and its analysis are shown. The proposed design ensures the necessary movement of the lower limb and the torso of an impaired person during the execution of pivoting turn while remaining compact in order to ease the introduction of the turning system to different orthotic robot designs.
Influence of structure sensitising of the AlSi 316Ti austenitic stainless steel on the ultra-high cycle fatigue properties
Authors: Jambor Michal , Nový František , Bokůvka Otakar , Trško Libor , Oravcová Monika
Published: March 2018

Austenitic stainless steels are the wide-spread materials, used mainly in the power industry. In that kind of engineering application, structural parts of rotating elements reach during their lifetime very high numbers of loading cycles, exceeding 107 numbers of cycles. With regard to this fact, the data of ultra-high cycle fatigue properties are needed to be used in the qualified design. Increasing demands on the efficiency cause the increase of the operating temperature, and exposition of these materials to the elevated temperatures can cause some important structural changes, which result in the sensitising of the structure. In this study authors present their own experimental results about fatigue properties of AISI 316Ti austenitic stainless steel after sensitising, in the ultra-high cycle region (Nf = 106 ~ Nf = 3×109 cycles). Fatigue tests were carried out using ultrasonic fatigue testing device with frequency f = 20 kHz at the coefficient of cycle asymmetry R = -1, and temperature T = 20±5°C. In the ultra-high cycle region was observed the continuous decrease of the fatigue properties of the AISI 316Ti, and there was recorded the negative effect of the sensitising on the ultra-high cycle fatigue properties of the AISI 316Ti.
Experimental casting of forging ingots from model material
Authors: Moravec Ján , Kopas Peter , Jakubovičová Lenka , Leitner Bohuš
Published: March 2018

The paper describes the process of casting ingots from the model material into a special mold made for these tests. The material was chosen stearin, which proved to be suitable for this type of laboratory test. During the solidification process of the ingot model under laboratory conditions, it was observed how gradually the layer formed on the contour of the casting. Gradual cooling of the ingot resulted in a decrease in the volume of the liquid phase in his body. The fog is readily observable by the naked eye and this is manifested by the formation of a gap between the ingot mold wall and the ingot body. A silicone oil has been used as a separating melt separating layer and the wall of the ingot that has reliably fulfilled this task. Casting was done in two ways, with a standing and lagging mold. The process of filling the cavity itself was to create conditions for the linear flow of the melt. Observation of the ingot after its solidification confirmed the fact that the filling of the cavity proceeded under such conditions in terms of the melt flow rate.
Buckling analysis of graphene nanosheets by the finite element method
Authors: Bocko Jozef , Lengvarský Pavol
Published: March 2018

The paper is devoted to the problems related to buckling analysis of graphene sheets without and with vacancies in the structure under different boundary conditions. The analysis was performed by the classical numerical treatment – the finite element method (FEM). The graphene sheets were modelled by beam elements. Interatomic relations between carbon atoms in the structure were represented by the beams connecting individual atoms. The behaviour of the beam as structural element was based on the properties that were established from relations of molecular mechanics. The vacancies in single layer graphene sheets (SLGSs) were created by elimination of randomly chosen atoms and corresponding beam elements connected to the atoms in question. The computations were accomplished for different percentage of atom vacancies and the results represent an obvious fact that the critical buckling force decreases for increased percentage of vacancies in the structure. The numerical results are represented in form of graphs.
Calculation of stress in FGM beams
Authors: Murín Justín , Hrabovský Juraj , Kutiš Vladimír
Published: March 2018

Content of the paper is oriented to calculation of elastic normal stress in the Functionally Graded Beams (FGM). Spatial variation of material properties is considered in the lateral, transversal and longitudinal direction of the straight beam. The displacements and internal forces are calculated using our new FGM finite beam element. Heterogeneous material properties are homogenized by extended mixture rules, laminate theory and reference volume element (RVE). Obtained results by our approach are evaluated and compared with the ones obtained by the 3D solid finite elements.
Stability and vibrations control of a stepped beam using piezoelectric actuation
Authors: Kuliński Krzysztof , Przybylski Jacek
Published: March 2018

The objects of this studies are the stability and transversal vibrations of the system composed of three segments, where in the centre part of the system two piezoelectric patches are perfectly bonded to the top and bottom surface of the host beam. The system is kinematically loaded as a result of prescribed displacement of one or both end supports. For the analysis purposes three different beam end supports have been taken into consideration, which prevent longitudinal displacements i.e. clamped-clamped, clamped-pinned and pinned-pinned. This type of beam loading not only affect its natural vibration frequencies but also the system’s stability. By introducing the electric field to the piezo patches, depending on its vector direction, in-plane stretching or compressive residual force may be induced. Presented results show that piezo actuation can significantly modify both the critical buckling force and the vibration frequency.
Heat conduction in a composite sphere - the effect of fractional derivative order on temperature distribution
Authors: Siedlecka Urszula , Kukla Stanisław
Published: March 2018

The aim of the contribution is an analysis of time-fractional heat conduction in a sphere with an inner heat source. The object of the consideration is a solid sphere with a spherical layer. The heat conduction in the solid sphere and spherical layer is governed by fractional heat conduction equation with a Caputo time-derivative. Mathematical (classical) or physical formulations of the Robin boundary condition and the perfect contact of the solid sphere and spherical layer is assumed. The boundary condition and the heat flux continuity condition at the interface are expressed by the Riemann-Liouville derivative. An exact solution of the problem under mathematical conditions is determined. A solution of the problem under physical boundary and continuity conditions using the Laplace transform method has been obtained. The inverse of the Laplace transform by using the Talbot method are numerically determined. Numerical results show the effect of the order of the Caputo and the Riemann-Liouville derivatives on the temperature distribution in the sphere.
Mood Components in Cocoa and Chocolate: The Mood Pyramid
Authors: Tuenter Emmy , Foubert Kenn , Pieters Luc
Published: March 2018

Cocoa and chocolate, prepared from cocoa beans that originate from the fruits of the cocoa tree Theobroma cacao, have a long-standing reputation as healthy food, including mood-enhancing effects. In spite of many clinical trials with chocolate, cocoa, or its constituents, the mechanisms of action on mood and cognition remain unclear. More in particular, it is still controversial which constituents may contribute to the psychopharmacological activities, ranging from the major cacao flavanols and methylxanthines to the minor amines, amides, and alkaloids. In this review a critical appraisal is made of recent studies on mood and cognition, with a special emphasis on analytical characterization of the test samples. It is concluded that the mood and cognition-enhancing effects of cocoa and chocolate can be ranked from more general activities associated with flavanols and methylxanthines, to more specific activities related to minor constituents such as salsolinol, with on top the orosensory properties of chocolate. Therefore, the “mood pyramid” of cocoa and chocolate is proposed as a new concept. To understand the role and interactions of the different major and minor constituents of cocoa, it is recommended that all test samples used in future in vitro, in vivo, or human studies should be phytochemically characterized in much more detail than is common practice today.
Current Management of Scaphoid Nonunion Based on the Biomechanical Study
Authors: Oka Kunihiro , Moritomo Hisao
Published: March 2018

Scaphoid nonunion causes abnormal wrist kinematics and typically leads to carpal collapse and subsequent degenerative arthritis of the wrist. However, the natural history, including carpal collapse and degenerative arthritis of scaphoid nonunion, may vary at different fracture locations. This article reviews recent biomechanical studies related to the natural history of scaphoid nonunion. In the distal-type fractures (type B2 in Herbert classification), where the fracture located distal to the scaphoid apex, the proximal scaphoid fragment and lunate, which are connected through the dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament (DSLIL) and dorsal intercarpal ligament (DIC), extend together, and the distal fragment of the scaphoid flexes individually. Therefore, untreated type B2 fractures normally show the humpback deformity, resulting in dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity relatively earlier after the injury. In the proximal-type fractures (type B1), where the fracture is located proximal to the scaphoid apex, the connection between the distal fragment and lunate is preserved through the DSLIL and DIC so that the scaphoid–lunate complex remains stable and the carpal collapse is less severe than that in distal-type fractures. The fracture location relative to the apex of the dorsal scaphoid ridge is a reliable landmark in the determination of the natural history of scaphoid nonunion.
Interobserver Analysis of CEUS-Derived Perfusion in Fibrotic and Inflammatory Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Nylund Kim , Sævik Fredrik , Leh Sabine , Pfeffer Frank , Hausken Trygve , Gilja Odd
Published: March 2018

Aim To examine if there are perfusion differences in fibrotic versus inflammatory lesions in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and to assess the interobserver reliability of the analysis.

Materials and Methods 37 patients with Crohn’s disease were prospectively recruited. 20 were operated and 18 of them had fibrotic disease. 17 received and were mostly responsive to medical treatment (14/17). Each patient underwent clinical scoring and ultrasound (US) examination with high-frequency linear transducers and US contrast. The perfusion analysis was performed using exported DICOM videos with VueBox® (Bracco Suisse SA, Genève, Switzerland). The program fits the time-intensity data to a standardized curve, from which several parameters can be derived, such as amplitude-based peak enhancement (PE), total area under the curve (AUC), area under the curve during wash-in and wash-out (WiAUC and WoAUC), wash-in rate (WiR) and wash-out rate (WoR) and time-based rise time (RT), fall time (FT) and mean transit time (MTT).

Results There was a significant difference between the groups for the parameters PE (p = 0.032), WiAUC (p = 0.035) and WoR (p = 0.038). We found no significant difference for RT, MTT, FT, WiR, AUC and WoAUC. An interobserver analysis showed correlation between two observers for all the parameters (r = 0.66 – 0.92, p < 0.001), except MTT (r = 0.46, p = 0.129). Bland Altman analysis revealed a fixed bias for the parameters PE, WiAUC and RT.

Conclusion The amplitude-based parameters PE, WiAUC and WoR could potentially be used to separate fibrotic and inflammatory lesions in patients suffering from CD due to significant differences and low interobserver variability.
Balintgruppenarbeit als Methode der Positiven Transkulturellen Psychotherapie
Authors: Gesmann Mechthild
Published: March 2018

Balintgruppenarbeit als Methode der Positiven Transkulturellen Psychotherapie. Hauptthema in der Balintgruppe ist die Beziehung zwischen Arzt und Patient. Sie bietet Medizinern und Therapeuten aller Fachrichtungen die Möglichkeit, Probleme mit bestimmten Patienten unter tiefenpsychologischen Gesichtspunkten zu betrachten und besser zu verstehen. Das wichtigste methodische Element der Balintgruppenarbeit ist der freie Bericht über eine bedeutsame Patientenbegegnung. Die Gruppe untersucht dann gemeinsam im strukturierten kollegialen Gespräch die daraus erkennbare Arzt-Patient-Beziehung. Es entsteht dadurch ein erweitertes Bild vom Patienten, welches dem Arzt oder Therapeuten später einen veränderten, hilfreichen Zugang zum Patienten ermöglicht. In diesem Workshop wurde die Fallarbeit nach dem Konzept der Positiven Transkulturellen Psychotherapie (PPT nach N. Peseschkian, seit 1977)vorgestellt. Der Prozess der Fallbesprechung folgt nach diesem Modell einer fünfstufigen Vorgehensweise: Beobachtung und Distanzierung, Inventarisierung, Situative Ermutigung, Verbalisation und Zielerweiterung.

Ziel dieser speziellen Methode der Balintarbeit ist es, die stabilisierenden und vitalisierenden Fähigkeiten unseres Patienten aufzudecken und zu fördern und zugleich ressourcenorientiert seine Beziehungen zu reflektieren. Dabei sind orientalische Geschichten und Elemente der „Volkspsychotherapie“ im Sinne eines Perspektivenwechsels hilfreich.
Growth of self-textured Ga3+-substituted Li7La3Zr2O12 ceramics by solid state reaction and their significant enhancement in ionic conductivity
Authors: Qin Shiying , Zhu Xiaohong , Jiang Yue , Ling Ming'en , Hu Zhiwei , Zhu Jiliang
Published: March 2018

A highly self-textured Ga2O3-substituted Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO-Ga) solid electrolyte with a nominal composition of Li6.55Ga0.15La3Zr2O12 is obtained by a simple and low-cost solid-state reaction technique, requiring no seed crystals to achieve grain orientation. The as-prepared self-textured LLZO-Ga shows a strong (420) preferred orientation with a high Lotgering factor of 0.91. Coherently, a terrace-shaped microstructure consisting of many parallel layers, indicating a two-dimensional-like growth mode, is clearly observed in the self-textured sample. As a result, the highly self-textured garnet-type lithium-ion conducting solid electrolyte of LLZO-Ga exhibits an extremely high ionic conductivity, reaching a state-of-the-art level of 2.06 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature (25 °C) and thus shedding light on an important strategy for improving the structure and ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes.
Generation of powerful microwave pulses by channel power summation of two X-band phase-locked relativistic backward wave oscillators
Authors: Xiao Renzhen , Deng Yuqun , Chen Changhua , Shi Yanchao , Sun Jun
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally the possibility of the generation of powerful microwave pulses by channel power summation of two X-band phase-locked relativistic backward wave oscillators (RBWOs). A modulated electron beam induced by an external signal can lead the microwave field with an arbitrary initial phase to the same equilibrium phase, which is determined by the initial phase of the external signal. A high-current dual-beam accelerator was built to drive the two RBWOs. An external signal was divided into two channels with an adjusted relative phase and injected into the two RBWOs through two TE10-TEM mode converters. The generated microwaves were combined with a power combiner consisting of two TM01-TE11 serpentine mode converters with a common output. In the experiments, as the input power for each channel was 150 kW, the two RBWOs output 3.1 GW and 3.7 GW, respectively, the jitter of the relative phase of two output microwaves was about 20°, and the summation power from the power combiner is 6.2 GW, corresponding to a combination efficiency of 91%.
Simultaneous detection of multiple HPV DNA via bottom-well microfluidic chip within an infra-red PCR platform
Authors: Liu Wenjia , Warden Antony , Sun Jiahui , Shen Guangxia , Ding Xianting
Published: March 2018

Portable Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) devices combined with microfluidic chips or lateral flow stripes have shown great potential in the field of point-of-need testing (PoNT) as they only require a small volume of patient sample and are capable of presenting results in a short time. However, the detection for multiple targets in this field leaves much to be desired. Herein, we introduce a novel PCR platform by integrating a bottom-well microfluidic chip with an infra-red (IR) excited temperature control method and fluorescence co-detection of three PCR products. Microfluidic chips are utilized to partition different samples into individual bottom-wells. The oil phase in the main channel contains multi-walled carbon nanotubes which were used as a heat transfer medium that absorbs energy from the IR-light-emitting diode (LED) and transfers heat to the water phase below. Cyclical rapid heating and cooling necessary for PCR are achieved by alternative power switching of the IR-LED and Universal Serial Bus (USB) mini-fan with a pulse width modulation scheme. This design of the IR-LED PCR platform is economic, compact, and fully portable, making it a promising application in the field of PoNT. The bottom-well microfluidic chip and IR-LED PCR platform were combined to fulfill a three-stage thermal cycling PCR for 40 cycles within 90 min for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) detection. The PCR fluorescent signal was successfully captured at the end of each cycle. The technique introduced here has broad applications in nucleic acid amplification and PoNT devices.
Interaction energy of a pair of identical coplanar uniformly charged nanodisks
Authors: Ciftja Orion , Berry Isaac
Published: March 2018

We consider a nanosystem consisting of two coplanar uniformly charged nanodisks that are coupled via Coulomb forces. Such a model represents a typical situation encountered in two-dimensional semiconductor quantum dot systems of electrons. We provide an exact integral expression for the interaction energy between the two coplanar nanodisks as a function of their separation distance. It is found that the difference between a standard Coulomb potential and the current one has features reminiscent of a Lennard-Jones interaction potential. The results derived can be useful to understand formation of clusters and/or aggregates in systems of coplanar charged nanodisks that contain electrons.
Implication of transcriptome profiling of spermatozoa for stallion fertility
Authors: Suliman Yara , Becker Frank , Wimmers Klaus
Published: March 2018

Poor fertility of breeding stallions is a recognised problem in the equine industry. The aim of the present study was to detect molecular pathways using two groups of stallions that differed in pregnancy rates as well as in the proportion of normal and motile spermatozoa. RNA was isolated from spermatozoa of each stallion and microarray data were analysed to obtain a list of genes for which transcript abundance differed between the groups (P ≤0.05, fold change ≥1.2). In all, there were 437 differentially expressed (DE) genes between the two groups (P ≤ 0.05, fold change ≥1.2). Next, the DE genes were analysed using Database for Annotation, Visualisation, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Finally, ingenuity pathways analysis (IPA) was used to identify top biological functions and significant canonical pathways associated with the DE genes. Analysis using the DAVID database showed significant enrichment in the gene ontology (GO) term ‘RNA binding’ (P = 0.05) and in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction (P = 0.02). Furthermore, IPA analysis showed interconnected biological functions and canonical pathways involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis and male fertility. In addition, significantly enriched metabolic pathways were identified. In conclusion, the present study has identified, for the first time, molecular processes in stallion spermatozoa that could be associated with stallion fertility.
Re-thinking translation quality
Authors: Mellinger Christopher D.
Published: March 2018

Editing and revision are regularly incorporated into professional translation projects as a means of quality assurance. Underlying the decision to include these tasks in translation workflows lay implicit assumptions about what constitutes quality. This article examines how quality is operationalized with respect to editing and revision and considers these assumptions. The case is made for incorporating revision into translation quality assessment models and employs the concepts of adequacy, distributed cognition, and salience – and their treatment in the research on cognitive translation processes, post-editing, and translation technology – in order to re-think translation quality.
Shared intentions, public reason, and political autonomy
Authors: Neufeld Blain
Published: March 2018

John Rawls claims that public reasoning is the reasoning of ‘equal citizens who as a corporate body impose rules on one another backed by sanctions of state power’. Drawing upon an amended version of Michael Bratman’s theory of shared intentions, I flesh out this claim by developing the ‘civic people’ account of public reason. Citizens realize ‘full’ political autonomy as members of a civic people. Full political autonomy, though, cannot be realised by citizens in societies governed by a ‘constrained proceduralist’ account of democratic self-government, or the ‘convergence’ account of public justification formulated recently by Gerald Gaus and Kevin Vallier.
A microtubule-dynein tethering complex regulates the axonemal inner dyneinf(I1)
Authors: Kubo Tomohiro , Hou Yuqing , Cochran Deborah A. , Witman George B. , Oda Toshiyuki
Published: March 2018

Motility of cilia/flagella is generated by a coordinated activity of thousands of dyneins. Inner dynein arms (IDAs) are particularly important for the formation of ciliary/flagellar waveforms, but the molecular mechanism of IDA regulation is poorly understood. Here we show using cryoelectron tomography and biochemical analyses of Chlamydomonas flagella that a conserved protein FAP44 forms a complex that tethers IDA f (I1 dynein) head domains to the A-tubule of the axonemal outer doublet microtubule. In wild-type flagella, IDA f showed little nucleotide-dependent movement except for a tilt in the f β head perpendicular to the microtubule-sliding direction. In the absence of the tether complex, however, addition of ATP and vanadate caused a large conformational change in the IDA f head domains, suggesting that the movement of IDA f is mechanically restricted by the tether complex. Motility defects in flagella missing the tether demonstrates the importance of the IDA f-tether interaction in the regulation of ciliary/flagellar beating.
North European invasion by common ragweed is associated with early flowering and dominant changes in FT/TFL1 expression
Authors: Kralemann Lejon E M , Scalone Romain , Andersson Lars , Hennig Lars
Published: March 2018

During the last two centuries, the North American common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) invaded a large part of the globe. Local adaptation of this species was revealed by a common garden experiment, demonstrating that the distribution of the species in Europe could extend considerably to the North. Our study compares two populations of common ragweed (one from the native range and one from the invaded range) that differ in flowering time in the wild: the invasive population flowers earlier than the native population under non-inductive long-day photoperiods. Experiments conducted in controlled environments established that the two populations differ in their flowering time even under inductive short-day photoperiods, suggesting a change in autonomous flowering control. Genetic analysis revealed that early flowering is dominantly inherited and accompanied by the increased expression of the floral activator AaFTL1 and decreased expression of the floral repressor AaFTL2. Early flowering is also accompanied by reduced reproductive output, which is evolutionarily disadvantageous under long vegetation periods. In contrast, under short vegetation periods, only early-flowering plants can produce any viable seeds, making the higher seed set of late-flowering plants irrelevant. Thus, earlier flowering appears to be a specific adaptation to the higher latitudes of northern Europe.
Law and force
Authors: Gray Christine
Published: March 2018

This introductory chapter provides a background to the renewed debate about the legal constraints on the use of force imposed by the UN Charter after the Second World War. The increasing conflicts within states have raised legal questions, first, as to whether there can be a right of unilateral humanitarian intervention to protect citizens from their own governments, second, as to the content of the more recent doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P)—the responsibility of the ‘international community’ to protect a population from war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity by the government, and third as to the existence of a right to intervene to overthrow a repressive regime. Even more controversially, the conflict in Syria has brought renewed debate about the scope of the right to self defence in counter terrorism operations. This chapter discusses the problems with the identification of international law on the use of force, the role of international law in this area, and the complexities of any inquiry into its effectiveness.
The prohibition of the use of force
Authors: Gray Christine
Published: March 2018

This chapter examines the prohibition of the use of force contained in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which provides that ‘All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations’. States and commentators generally agree that the prohibition is not only a treaty obligation but also customary law. However, there are disagreements between states on the interpretation and application of Article 2(4): does ‘the use of force’ include not only armed force but also economic coercion and, more recently, cyber attacks. Can humanitarian intervention ever be lawful? Is Responsibilty to Protect now a substitute for humanitarian intervention?
Cropping System Diversification Reduces Severity and Incidence of Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome Caused by Fusarium virguliforme
Authors: Leandro L. F. S. , Eggenberger S. , Chen C. , Williams J. , Beattie G. A. , Liebman M.
Published: March 2018

Current management of sudden death syndrome (SDS) of soybean, caused by Fusarium virguliforme, focuses on planting resistant varieties and improving soil drainage; however, these measures are not completely effective. A 6-year study evaluated the effects of cropping system diversification on SDS and soybean yield. SDS, root health, yield, and F. virguliforme density in soil were assessed in a naturally infested field trial comparing a 2-year cropping system consisting of a corn-soybean rotation and synthetic fertilizer applications with 3- and 4-year cropping systems consisting of corn-soybean-oat + red clover and corn-soybean-oat +alfalfa-alfalfa rotations, respectively, with both manure and low synthetic fertilizer rates. In 5 of 6 years, SDS incidence and severity were lower and yield higher in the 3- and 4-year systems than in the 2-year system. SDS severity and incidence were up to 17-fold lower in the diversified systems than in the 2-year system. Incidence and severity of SDS explained 45 to 87% of the variation in yield. Plants in the 2-year system generally showed more severe root rot and lower plant weights than plants in the diversified systems. F. virguliforme density in soil was up to fivefold greater in the 2-year system compared with the 4-year system. The processes responsible for the suppression of SDS and yield protection in the diversified cropping systems still need to be determined.
A Call to Investigate the Relationship Between Education and Health Outcomes Using Big Data
Authors: Chahine Saad , Kulasegaram Kulamakan (Mahan) , Wright Sarah , Monteiro Sandra , Grierson Lawrence E. M. , Barber Cassandra , Sebok-Syer Stefanie S. , McConnell Meghan , Yen Wendy , De Champlain Andre , Touchie Claire
Published: March 2018

There exists an assumption that improving medical education will improve patient care. While seemingly logical, this premise has rarely been investigated. In this Invited Commentary, the authors propose the use of big data to test this assumption. The authors present a few example research studies linking education and patient care outcomes and argue that using big data may more easily facilitate the process needed to investigate this assumption. The authors also propose that collaboration is needed to link educational and health care data. They then introduce a grassroots initiative, inclusive of universities in one Canadian province and national licensing organizations that are working together to collect, organize, link, and analyze big data to study the relationship between pedagogical approaches to medical training and patient care outcomes. While the authors acknowledge the possible challenges and issues associated with harnessing big data, they believe that the benefits supersede these. There is a need for medical education research to go beyond the outcomes of training to study practice and clinical outcomes as well. Without a coordinated effort to harness big data, policy makers, regulators, medical educators, and researchers are left with sometimes costly guesses and assumptions about what works and what does not. As the social, time, and financial investments in medical education continue to increase, it is imperative to understand the relationship between education and health outcomes.
A Novel Anterior Approach to Pediatric Dysplastic Hip Surgeries
Authors: Kremli Mamoun , Ahmad Abak A. , Wani Mubashir M. , Abbasher Munzir
Published: March 2018

During surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip, the anterior approach utilizing the Smith-Peterson interval between tensor fascia lata and sartorius is often used. Exploration of the deep acetabulum is sometimes difficult and cumbersome. We have devised a more direct approach to the hip that improves the exploration of the deep acetabulum by going medial to the sartorius between it and the iliacus. We have found this approach quite useful and easy to master without any added complication.
Operative Technique: Autologous Impaction Bone Grafting With Uncemented Corail Stem in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Ilyas Jami , Khan Riaz J.K. , Fick Daniel P. , Haebich Samantha , Rutherford Michael , Nivbrant Nils O.
Published: March 2018

The value of uncemented fixation using hydroxyapatite-coated femoral implants is now widely recognized, and the Corail has become a gold standard among stems in primary total hip arthroplasty. There have been some concerns over subsidence, loosening, and fracture in osteoporotic bone precluding the use of uncemented stems in patients with poor quality bone. The main issue appears to be lack of cancellous bone cushioning resulting in point loading of prosthesis against cortical bone. We describe a novel surgical technique utilizing the patient’s own femoral head as an autogenic source of cancellous bone graft, impacted into the proximal femoral metaphysis before implanting the stem, in order to improve the quality of bone envelope. This surgical technique is safe and simple to perform and may increase patient’s bone stock.
Randomized, Patient/Evaluator-Blinded, Intraindividual Comparison Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler in the Treatment of Nasolabial Folds
Authors: Hong Ji Yeon , Choi Eun Ja , Choi Sun Young , Li Kapsok , Kim Beom Joon
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Comparative research on the characteristics of filler products is limited, especially in the preclinical analysis of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to compare the preclinical characteristics, clinical efficacy, and safety of a new HA filler, IDHF-001, with Restylane SubQ in the treatment of nasolabial folds (NLFs).

METHODS

Viscoelasticity and injection force were evaluated. Ninety-one subjects were enrolled in this randomized, patient/evaluator-blind, intraindividual clinical study. Each subject was randomized to receive injections of IDHF-001 or Restylane SubQ in their left or right NLF. At 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 weeks, all participants were evaluated through Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS).

RESULTS

The IDHF-001 showed higher viscosity (1,271 Pa·s), lower elastic modulus (G′; 611 Pa), and lower injection force (8.89 N) than Restylane SubQ (464.6 Pa·s; 674.8 Pa; 19.14 N). No significant difference in WSRS was detected between IDHF-001 side and Restylane SubQ side at 24 weeks (mean improvement in WSRS from baseline at Week 24—IDHF-001: 1.85 ± 0.61, Restylane SubQ: 1.88 ± 0.61). The noninferiority was sustained until Week 48.

CONCLUSION

The novel HA filler IDHF-001 shows suitable characteristics and tolerability, widening the selection possibilities for clinicians and patients in the treatment of NLFs.
Synthesizing Risk from Summary Evidence Across Multiple Risk Factors
Authors: Shrier Ian , Colditz Graham A. , Steele Russell J.
Published: March 2018

Although meta-analyses provide summary effect estimates that help advise patient care, patients often want to compare their overall health to the general population. The Harvard Cancer Risk Index was published in 2004 and uses risk ratio estimates and prevalence estimates from original studies across many risk factors to provide an answer to this question. However, the published version of the formula only uses dichotomous risk factors and its derivation was not provided. The objective of this brief report was to provide the derivation of a more general form of the equation that allows the incorporation of risk factors with three or more levels.
Exposure to opiates in male adolescent rats alters pain perception in the male offspring
Authors: Pachenari Narges , Azizi Hossein , Ghasemi Elmira , Azadi Maryam , Semnanian Saeed
Published: March 2018

During the past decades, the use/misuse of opioids has increased dramatically among adolescent population. It is now well acknowledged that various morphological and physiological changes occur in the brain during adolescence. During this critical period, brain development and maturation could be affected by several factors including stress, drug abuse, nutritional status, etc. Although studies on transgenerational effects of substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine have focused on both paternal and maternal drug exposure, most reports on transgenerational effects of morphine are restricted to maternal exposure. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the transgenerational effect of paternal morphine exposure during adolescence on pain perception and antinociceptive effect of morphine in rat offspring. Male rats received escalating doses of morphine for 10 days during postnatal days 31–40. Twenty days after the last morphine injection, male rats were mated with intact female rats, and then behavioral tests were conducted on the male offspring on postnatal day 60. Pain perception and morphine antinociception were evaluated using the formalin test. Our results demonstrated that morphine-sired and saline-sired animals differed in the interphase and phase 2 of the formalin test. These findings indicate a significant transgenerational effect of paternal morphine exposure on pain-related behaviors in rat offspring.
Cleft Palate Fistula Closure Utilizing Acellular Dermal Matrix
Authors: Emodi Omri , Ginini Jiriys George , van Aalst John A. , Shilo Dekel , Naddaf Raja , Aizenbud Dror , Rachmiel Adi
Published: March 2018

Fistulas represent failure of cleft palate repair. Secondary and tertiary fistula repair is challenging, with high recurrence rates. In the present retrospective study, we review the efficacy of using acellular dermal matrix as an interposition layer for cleft palate fistula closure in 20 consecutive patients between 2013 and 2016. Complete fistula closure was obtained in 16 patients; 1 patient had asymptomatic recurrent fistula; 2 patients had partial closure with reduction of fistula size and minimal nasal regurgitation; 1 patient developed a recurrent fistula without changes in symptoms (success rate of 85%). We conclude that utilizing acellular dermal matrix for cleft palate fistula repair is safe and simple with a high success rate.
Noninvasive Blood Pressure Monitor Designed for Patients With Heart Failure Supported with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Sajgalik Pavol , Kremen Vaclav , Fabian Vratislav , Maltais Simon , Stulak John M. , Kushwaha Sudhir S. , Joyce Lyle D. , Schirger John A. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: March 2018

The gold standard for noninvasive blood pressure (BP) measurement, the Doppler technique, does not provide systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and may limit therapy outcomes. To improve patient care, we tested specifically designed experimental BP (ExpBP) monitor and the Doppler technique by comparing noninvasive measures to the intraarterial (I-A) BP in 31 patients with end-stage heart failure (4 females) 2.6 ± 3.4 days post-LVAD implantation (20 HeartMate II and 11 HeartWare). Bland–Altman plots revealed that the ExpBP monitor overestimated mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 1.2 (4.8) mm Hg (mean difference [standard deviation]), whereas the Doppler by 6.7 (5.8) mm Hg. The ExpBP SBP was overestimated by 0.8 (6.1) mm Hg and DBP by 1.9 (5.3) mm Hg compared with the respective I-A pressures. Both techniques achieved similar measurement reliability. In the measurement “success rate” expressed as a frequency (percent) of readable BP values per measurement attempts, Doppler accomplished 100% vs. 97%, 97%, and 94% of successful detections of MAP, SBP, and DBP provided by the ExpBP monitor. The ExpBP monitor demonstrated higher accuracy in the MAP assessment than the Doppler in addition to providing SBP and DBP in majority of subjects. Improved BP control may help to mitigate related neurologic adverse event rates.
Recurrence rate and overall survival of operated ruptured hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors: Joliat Gaëtan-Romain , Labgaa Ismail , Uldry Emilie , Demartines Nicolas , Halkic Nermin
Published: March 2018

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) can infrequently rupture and cause hemorrhage. Little is known on recurrence rate (RR) and overall survival (OS) in case of ruptured HCC. This study aimed to assess RR, time to recurrence, and OS of operated ruptured HCC.

Patients and methods

All operated patients with HCC (1999–2015) were reviewed. Patient demographics, perioperative details, and postoperative outcomes of ruptured HCC were recorded. RR, time to recurrence, and OS were calculated. RR and OS of ruptured and non-ruptured HCC were compared.

Results

Among the 140 consecutive patients with HCC operated during the study period, 14 presented with rupture. Eleven patients had cirrhosis (all Child–Pugh A). At presentation, median α-fetoprotein and hemoglobin levels were 23 µg/l (interquartile range: 5–883) and 127 g/l (118–148), respectively. All but one patient felt abdominal pain, and two were in hemorrhagic shock. Preoperative embolization with staged hepatectomy was performed in seven patients. Five patients were first treated conservatively and then had an elective hepatectomy, whereas two patients had upfront surgery (one packing and one segmentectomy). Major hepatectomy was performed in eight cases. Median intraoperative blood loss was 1000 ml (500–2100). Overall complication rate was 36%. Eight patients presented a recurrence (57%; median time to recurrence: 8 months; interquartile range: 6–19). Median OS was 44 months, and 5-year OS was 41%. The 126 operated patients with non-ruptured HCC had a RR of 59/126 (47%; P=0.576) and a 5-year OS of 61% (P=0.448).

Conclusion

RR between ruptured and non-ruptured HCC were similar. Moreover, HCC rupture did not impair OS compared with HCC without rupture.
Decision making and outcome of pregnancies in female patients with inflammatory bowel disease: findings from a community-based practice
Authors: Hoekstra Jildou , van Roon Aafke H.C. , Bekkering Frank C. , van Tilburg Antonie J.P. , West Rachel L.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate information provided on pregnancy, personal decision making, disease course, and outcome of pregnancy from a patient’s perspective in a population of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) attending two general hospitals.

Patients and methods

A questionnaire was sent to all female patients with IBD in two general hospitals in the Netherlands. The questionnaire comprised four sections: (i) demographic data and medication use (ii) details on previous pregnancies and reasons for not becoming pregnant, (iii) outcome of pregnancies before IBD diagnosis, and (iv) outcome of pregnancies after IBD diagnosis. If necessary, medical records were reviewed to verify responses or for further medical details.

Results

In total, 385 women returned the questionnaire, 501 completed pregnancies were reported, and 113 women had never been pregnant. In 272 women with at least one pregnancy, 334 pregnancies occurred before IBD diagnosis, 157 after IBD diagnosis, and in 10 cases, IBD was diagnosed during pregnancy. Medication for IBD was used in 67% of pregnancies after IBD diagnosis, mainly 5-ASA preparations (54%). Women with ulcerative colitis experienced more IBD-related complaints during pregnancy compared with women with Crohn’s disease (25 vs. 14%, P=0.016). Additional medication (n=21) or surgery (n=2) for IBD during pregnancy was indicated in 14% of cases. Most women reported an uneventful pregnancy course (79%). Preterm birth occurred in 13% of pregnancies.

Conclusion

Pregnancy in women with IBD seen in a general hospital can be managed with a good outcome. Step-up therapy is needed in a minority of cases, and severe complications are rare.