bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of power lines span geometry based on TLS measurements
Authors: Kwinta Andrzej , Ważydrąg Karolina , Zygmunt Mariusz
Published: March 2019

The inventory measurements of utility infrastructure are crucial issues in the field of engineering geodesy. Secure usage of power lines requires to monitor their geometry. According to classical approach to measurements of geometry of overhead power lines, it usually allows only to measure directly. Geodetic methods cannot be applied due to measuring limitations (lack of an appropriate area to conduct a measurement). Currently in engineering geodesy it is becoming more common to use methods of laser scanning as well as Unmanned Aerial Photogrammetric Survey. In the Paper, the procedure of determining of an overhead power line’s geometry is presented on the example of an one span measured with Terrestrial Laser Scanning methods. Field measurements were conducted by using laser scanner. Afterwards the point cloud was processed in order to receive the geometry of conductor. Finally, results were presented is tabular and graphic form.
Modelling of underground objects and geological-tectonic structures from a point cloud: application of the developed models in studies of geodynamic processes
Authors: Kasza Damian
Published: March 2019

At present, techniques of terrestrial laser scanning are one of the most popular survey methods. They allow for fast and non-invasive data acquisition even up to several tens of thousands points per minute. Apart from high precision and measurement efficiency, one of its assets is the possibility of working in objects with natural or artificial light. Due to this, the method may be successfully used in activities related e.g. with the surveying of the present state of underground excavations. The basic product derived from laser scanning measurements is a point cloud. This set is the input data for the construction of a 3D object with a closed surface, e.g. a mesh network. This paper presents the results of inventory works performed in a complex of underground excavations below Książ Castle in Lower Silesia (SW Poland). Based on a point cloud acquired during the measurements, a 3D model of the excavations was constructed. Open source software – MeshLab – was used in the modelling. The high-resolution, calibrated metric model of the underground excavations allowed for a macroscopic recognition of the position of the main tectonic structures cutting the space of the underground excavations. The obtained model was supplemented with the results of earlier geodetic and geological surveys, performed in 2013-2015. The generated model of the geological structure in the study area is an element supporting the interpretation of kinematic activity of the rock massif registered by the instruments of the SRC PAS Geodynamic Laboratory in Książ.
Development of fire shutters based on numerical optimizations
Authors: Novak Ondrej , Kulhavy Petr , Martinec Tomas , Petru Michal , Srb Pavel
Published: March 2019

This article deals with a prototype concept, real experiment and numerical simulation of a layered industrial fire shutter, based on some new insulating composite materials. The real fire shutter has been developed and optimized in laboratory and subsequently tested in the certified test room. A simulation of whole concept has been carried out as the non-premixed combustion process in the commercial final volume sw Pyrosim. Model of the combustion based on a stoichiometric defined mixture of gas and the tested layered samples showed good conformity with experimental results – i.e. thermal distribution inside and heat release rate that has gone through the sample.
Natural convection heat transfer around a horizontal circular cylinder near an isothermal vertical wall
Authors: Novomestský Marcel , Lenhard Richard , Siažik Ján
Published: March 2019

Natural convection heat transfer from a single horizontal cylinder near an isothermal wall is experimentally investigated in the environmental chamber. When cylinder is heated the plume rising from the heated cylinder interacts with the wall and significantly affects the surface heat transfer distribution. Thus, the distance between horizontal cylinder and side wall can influence the heat transfer. The heat transfer from heated cylinder with different distances was compared. It was found that the influence of the wall on the convection heat transfer from the circular cylinder began when the distance between the wall and cylinder is less than 80 mm.
On the effect of moving blade grid on the flow field characteristics
Authors: Procházka Pavel , Uruba Václav , Pešek Luděk , Bula VÍtězslav
Published: March 2019

The motivation of this paper is the continual development of the blades for the last stage of the steam turbine. The biggest problem is the slenderness of such blades and the extreme sensitivity to aeroelastic vibrations (flutter) caused by the instabilities present in the flow. This experimental research is dealing with the aeroelastic binding of the moving blades located in the blade grid with the flow field and vice versa. A parallelogram is used to ensure one order of freedom of the blade. The grid has five blades in total, three of them are driven by force control using three shakers. The deviation as well as force response is measured by strain gauges and dynamometers. The flow field statistical as well as dynamical characteristics are measured by optical method Particle Image Velocimetry. The grid is connected to the blow-down wind tunnel with velocity range up to 40 m/s. The aeroelastic binding is investigated in dependency on used actuation frequency and maximal amplitude (the intensity of force actuation) and on different Reynolds numbers. The flow field and the wake behind each individual blade are studied and the maximal interaction is examined for individual inter-blade phase angle of the grid.
On mathematical modelling of aeroelastic problems with finite element method
Authors: Sváček Petr
Published: March 2019

This paper is interested in solution of two-dimensional aeroelastic problems. Two mathematical models are compared for a benchmark problem. First, the classical approach of linearized aerodynamical forces is described to determine the aeroelastic instability and the aeroelastic response in terms of frequency and damping coefficient. This approach is compared to the coupled fluid-structure model solved with the aid of finite element method used for approximation of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The finite element approximations are coupled to the non-linear motion equations of a flexibly supported airfoil. Both methods are first compared for the case of small displacement, where the linearized approach can be well adopted. The influence of nonlinearities for the case of post-critical regime is discussed.
Using the adsorption chillers for waste heat utilisation from the CCS installation
Authors: Sztekler Karol , Kalawa Wojciech , Nowak Wojciech , Stefański Sebastian , Krzywański Jarosław , Grabowska Karolina
Published: March 2019

Worldwide tendencies in the scope of environmental protection demonstrate the requirement for the limited carbon dioxide emission, that influences on the development of greenhouse effect. As a result of coal as a basic fuel used in the professional power industry, this industry sector is the greatest CO2 polluter and it means that works on the reduction of carbon dioxide in such industry are completely justified. In the IPSEpro programming environment, a reference block model for a conventional coal power station was elaborated, including the CO2 separation unit basing on the adsorption methods with the CO2 preparation installation to liquid state. Simulation researches were conducted with means of numeric techniques, that enabled the system analysis for the CO2 separation unit with the CO2 preparation system to the liquid state, as well as analysis was made for the use of chiller systems, basing on the adsorption technology for waste heat use originating from the compression of CO2 in a cascade system, as well as for potential opportunities for further exploitation of the produced chilled water in the CCS cycle. We analysed in these papers the opportunities for chiller systems application, based on the adsorption chillers in the CCS installation used for the reduction of CO2 emission in the coal power station and its influence on the operation of a power station cycle.
Wind tunnel for studies of latent heat storage
Authors: Tesař Václav
Published: March 2019

When a heated solid body temperature reaches the melting point, temperature stops increasing and remains constant until the whole body is completely molten. The heat input during this melting is spent on freeing the body molecules. This latent heat of melting remains inside the body and may be released when the body is cooled and solidifies. This heat was suggested, already several decades ago, for storing thermal energy. The advantage it offers is avoiding high temperature differences - which otherwise decrease effectiveness of storage (by inevitable heat escape by conduction). Also the mass of the body needed to store a given amount of heat is much smaller. For investigations of the melting and solidification processes a special wind tunnel has been designed and is being built in this study. The tested sample of phase change material, encapsulated in a spherical shell, will be exposed in the tunnel to recirculating hot air flow in a 140 mm x 140 mm test section. Sudden decrease in air flow temperature is made by shifting away the whole closed-circuit part of the tunnel and exposing the test section to flow of cold (room temperature) air.
Numerical simulation of fluid flow through simplified blade cascade with prescribed harmonic motion using discontinuous Galerkin method
Authors: Vimmr Jan , Bublík Ondřej , Prausová Helena , Hála Jindřich , Pešek Luděk
Published: March 2019

This paper deals with a numerical simulation of compressible viscous fluid flow around three flat plates with prescribed harmonic motion. This arrangement presents a simplified blade cascade with forward wave motion. The aim of this simulation is to determine the aerodynamic forces acting on the flat plates. The mathematical model describing this problem is formed by Favre-averaged system of Navier-Stokes equations in arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation completed by one-equation Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. The simulation was performed using the developed in-house CFD software based on discontinuous Galerkin method, which offers high order of accuracy.
Surface tension of aqueous binary mixtures under the supercooled conditions – Development of the measuring technique and preliminary data for water + lower alcohols
Authors: Vinš Václav , Hykl Jiří , Nikl Zbyněk , Čenský Miroslav , Hrubý Jan
Published: March 2019

An experimental apparatus originally developed for the measurement of surface tension of supercooled water was modified such that it allows for measurement of binary aqueous mixtures. The measuring principle based on the capillary rise technique is similar to that employed in the previous measurements with pure water [J. Hrubý et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 5 (2014) 425 and V. Vinš et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 119 (2015) 5567]. The temperature dependence of the surface tension is determined from the measured height of the liquid column elevated in a vertical capillary tube with an inner diameter of 0.32 mm. The aqueous liquid rises to a height of 60 mm to 95 mm depending on the solute concentration and the temperature. Preliminary tests performed with the binary mixtures of water with methanol, ethanol, and n-propanol at various concentrations and temperatures down to –28 °C approved functionality of the measuring technique. Some difficulties, such as influence of impurities on the liquid column elevation or formation of bubbles in the liquid column, were observed. The experimental apparatus is further being modified in order to obtain more accurate data for various aqueous mixtures.
Pilot study in France about the infiltration of local anaesthetics associated to oral surgery procedures performed under general anaesthesia
Authors: De Verbizier Charlotte , Denis Frédéric , Moussa-Badran Sahar , Sébastien Laurence , Clara Brétaudeau
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Opinions differ regarding the combined use of local anaesthesia (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA) in oral surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate practices in France concerning intraoperative LA for oral surgery performed under GA. Practitioners and method: We conducted a prospective survey of 250 oral surgery practitioners (CNIL-2045135v0 e) and carried out a literature review with the MEDLINE search engine (PubMed) covering the period from January 2000 to September 2017. Results: Among the 77 practitioners who participated, 88.3% were dental practitioners, the majority of whom were in the 25–34-yr age group. More than half (59%) infiltrated the surgical site; 46% pre-operatively, 24% intraoperatively and 11% post-operatively. Discussion: LA under GA appears to have advantages for post-operative pain management, dissection of the first mucosal plane and bleeding management pre- and post-operatively. The contraindications remain the same as for patients in a vigilant state. In children, it should be used in moderation to limit the risk of self-inflicted lip or mouth trauma during recovery. Conclusion: The indications of LA under GA are operator-dependent and the analysis of the literature did not allow us to determine the interest or not of LA administered intraoperatively during oral surgery performed under GA.
Description ofHarpagorhynchus golvaneuzetin. gen. n. sp. (Acanthocephala, Harpagorhynchinae n. sub-fam.) with a review of acanthocephalan parasites of soleid fishes in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Kvach Yuriy , de Buron Isaure
Published: March 2019

A species of acanthocephalan new to science from soleid fishes in the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Marmara is described. The new species is characterised by individuals having a club-shaped proboscis armed with 12–13 rows of 6–7 rooted hooks of a single type, a basal cerebral ganglion, and tegumental spines on the anterior two thirds of the body. Males have six cement glands and females show spines around the genital opening. To accommodate this species, a new genus,Harpagorhynchusn. gen., and a new subfamily in Echinorhynchidae, Harpagorhynchinae n. sub-fam., are erected. A critical review of the literature on echinorhynchid species infecting soleid fishes in the Mediterranean basin showed thatSolearhynchus soleae(Porta, 1906) should be considered a junior synonym ofS. rhytidotes(Monticelli, 1905) and thatS. kostylewi(Meyer, 1932) is a valid species. An identification key of acanthocephalans of Mediterranean soleids is provided.
Einführung von INPULS an einer Uniklinik
Authors: Greshake Susanne , Baum Margit
Published: March 2019

Eine von derzeit 26 Kliniken, die INPULS® als
Leistungserfassungssystem einsetzen, ist die Charité – Universitätsmedizin
Berlin. Die Einführung übernahm eine dreiköpfige Projektgruppe. Innerhalb eines
Jahres sollte die Einführung vollständig abgeschlossen sein. Projektleiterin
Susanne Greshake und INPULS-Beauftragte Margit Baum berichten über Anspruch und
Herausforderungen bei der Implementierung von INPULS.
Pflegeleistungen auswerten und vergleichen
Authors: Sund Andreas
Published: March 2019

Mit INPULS® standen der Charité 2016 erstmals genaue Daten zum
tatsächlichen Pflegeaufwand auf den Intensivstationen zur Verfügung. Im nächsten
Schritt ging es darum, diese auszuwerten und miteinander zu vergleichen – um
daraus letztendlich eine angemessene Personalbesetzung abzuleiten.
Relationships Between Thyroid Hormones, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Antioxidant Levels in Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and Impact on Bone Metabolism
Authors: Mancini Antonio , Vergani Edoardo , Bruno Carmine , Barini Angelina , Silvestrini Andrea , Meucci Elisabetta , Messana Calogero , Romualdi Daniela , Apa Rosanna , Lanzone Antonio
Published: March 2019

Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is mainly related to hypoestrogenism, but other hormonal derangement (reduced conversion of T4–T3 and GH resistance) can play a role. These hormones are involved in antioxidant systems regulation. We evaluated the impact of hormonal alterations, with special focus on low T3 and IGF-1 levels, on antioxidant systems as a link with osteoporosis in FHA. Forty-three FHA patients, 15–34 years, with BMI range 17.3–23.4 kg/m2, were divided in 2 groups according to fT3 levels; group A (n=22), low fT3 (<2.4 pg/ml) and group B (n=21), normal fT3 (≥ 2.4 pg/ml). We evaluated hormonal parameters (fT3, fT4, TSH, IGF-1, FSH, LH, estradiol, DHEAS, testosterone, cortisol), bone metabolism (calcium, phosphorus, 25-OH Vitamin D, PTH, β-crosslaps, bone alkaline phosphatase) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), expressed as LAG (latency time in radical species appearance using spectrophotometric method). BMD was assessed by DEXA. Group A patients exhibited significantly lower levels of IGF-1 (159.76±14.79 vs. 220.05±15.25 ng/ml) and osteocalcin (17.51±1.14 vs. 21.49±1.56 ng/ml); LAG values were significantly higher in A (66.33±1.74 s) vs. B (54.62±1.74 s). A significant direct correlation was found between both IGF-1 and fT3 with osteocalcin (r²=0.22, p=0.0049 and r²=0.34, p=0.0001, respectively). No difference in LAG between groups according to IGF-1 were found. These data show a correlation between altered bone turnover and low fT3, which is highly prevalent in FHA. Low fT3 levels may contribute to reduced BMD. Oxidative stress could be the link underlying different bone turnover pattern and endocrine dysfunction in FHA.
Free Tissue Transfer for Upper Extremity Reconstruction
Authors: Dibbs Rami , Grome Luke , Pederson William
Published: March 2019

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, traumatic injuries of the upper extremity increased exponentially. As a result, surgeons began to reevaluate amputation as the standard of care. Following the Second World War, local and regional pedicled flaps became common forms of traumatic upper extremity reconstruction. Today, microsurgery offers an alternative when options lower on the reconstructive ladder have been exhausted or will not produce a desirable result. In this article, the authors review the use of free tissue transfer for upper extremity reconstruction. Flaps are categorized as fasciocutaneous, muscle, and functional tissue transfers. The thin pliable nature of fasciocutaneous flaps makes them ideal for aesthetically sensitive areas, such as the hand. The radial forearm, lateral arm, scapula, parascapular, anterolateral thigh, and temporoparietal fascia flaps are highlighted in this article. Muscle flaps are utilized for their bulk and size; the latissimus dorsi flap serves as a “workhorse” free muscle flap for upper extremity reconstruction. Other muscle flaps include the rectus abdominis and serratus anterior. Lastly, functional tissue transfers are used to restore active range of motion or bony integrity to the upper extremity. The innervated gracilis can be utilized in the forearm to restore finger flexion or extension. Transfer of vascularized bone such as the fibula may be used to correct large defects of the radius or ulna. Finally, replacement of “like with like” is embodied in toe-to-thumb transfers for reconstruction of digital amputations.
Free Tissue Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Dibbs Rami , Trost Jeff , DeGregorio Valerie , Izaddoost Shayan
Published: March 2019

Free tissue transfer serves as a modern workhorse for breast reconstruction. Advancements in microsurgical technique have allowed for the development of free flap procedures that produce an aesthetic breast while minimizing donor site morbidity. Here, the authors review the use of different free flap procedures for breast reconstruction with a focus on the preferred and most commonly used flap, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Each flap has its advantages and drawbacks, and certain patient risk factors increase postoperative complications. Other techniques of breast reconstruction including pedicled flaps and adjunctive fat grafting are also briefly discussed.
Effect of the Centre of Rotation in Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy on Quadriceps Tensile Force: An Ex Vivo Study in Canine Cadavers
Authors: Ochi Yoshiyuki , Ichinohe Tom , Hakozaki Takaharu , Suzuki Shuji , Harada Yasuji , Yogo Takuya , Hara Yasushi , Kanno Nobuo
Published: March 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the centre of rotation in tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) on the tensile force of the quadriceps.

Materials and Methods Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy was performed on the left pelvic limbs from 20 normal adult Beagle cadavers. To replicate the tensile force of the quadriceps, gastrocnemius and stifle flexor muscles, these muscles were replaced with wires. The tensile force of each wire, cranial tibial displacement and internal tibial rotation were measured under the following conditions: intact cranial cruciate ligament, transected cranial cruciate ligament, ideally centred osteotomy TPLO (ICO group) and distally centred osteotomy TPLO (DCO group). The ratios of the tensile forces for the wires divided by the vertical force were used for analyses.

Results The mean intact and post-TPLO tibial plateau angles (TPA) in the ICO group were 30.3° ± 1.9° and 6.1° ± 1.6°, respectively, and those in the DCO group were 29.8° ± 2.4° and 6.8° ± 0.9°, respectively. The mean quadriceps tensile force after TPLO was significantly greater in the DCO group (3.9 ± 0.3) than the ICO group (3.3 ± 0.4) (p = 0.006). Both groups exhibited tibial caudal displacement after TPLO.

Clinical Relevance The tensile force of the quadriceps muscles changed in accordance with the centre of the osteotomy in TPLO. The DCO group had increased tensile force, which may cause patellar ligament thickening after TPLO. Setting the postoperative TPA at 6° may cause excessive rotation in patients with a normal tensile force of the stifle flexor muscles.
Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Grome Luke , Pederson William
Published: March 2019

Reconstruction of bony and soft tissue defects of the lower extremity has been revolutionized by the advent of microsurgical tissue transfer. There are numerous options for reconstruction. Possibilities include transfer of soft tissue, composite (bone and soft tissue) tissue, and functional muscle. Many lower extremity reconstructions require staged procedures. Planning is of paramount importance especially in regard to vascular access when multiple free flaps are required. Soft tissue reconstruction of the lower extremity may be accomplished with muscle flaps such as the rectus femoris and latissimus dorsi covered with a skin graft. Fasciocutaneous flaps such as the anterolateral thigh flap may be more appropriate in a staged reconstruction which requires later elevation of the flap. Loss of a significant portion of bone, such as the tibia, can be difficult to manage. Any gap greater than 6 cm is considered a reasonable indication for vascularized bone transfer. The contralateral free fibula is the donor site of choice. Functional reconstruction of the anterior compartment of the leg may be performed with a gracilis muscle transfer, effectively eliminating foot drop and providing soft tissue coverage. Muscle tensioning is critical for effective excursion and dorsiflexion of the foot. Long-term results of microsurgical reconstruction of the lower extremity show good results and reasonable rates of limb salvage.
Basic Standard Procedure of Abdominal Hysterectomy: Part 1
Authors: Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: March 2019

Total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) is commonly referred to as extrafascial hysterectomy. This article explains the basic surgical procedure of TAH as taught to residents. TAH is an operation to remove the uterus with the outer wall of the uterus, and is a fundamental operation that gynecologists must master. Possible complications during TAH include ureteral injury, intestinal damage, and bladder injury. To avoid operative complications, it is important to follow the correct release layer procedure and ensure that “the uterus has been naturally removed.”

The two most important points of the authors' method to avoid complications are as follows: (1) cut sequentially from the ligament away from the ureter which moves the ureter further away from the cervix with each transection stage; (2) cut the parametrial tissue along the circumference of the cervix in the next three steps:

First step: clamping and cutting the uterine artery and upper part of the cardinal ligament; second step: clamping and cutting the sacrouterine ligament and the posterior half of the cardinal ligament; third step: clamping and cutting the vesicouterine ligament and anterior half of the cardinal ligament.
Staged Repair of Concomitant Aortic Regurgitation and Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Malik Aamna , Nawaytou Omar , Nasir Abdul , Harrington Deborah , Field Mark , Oo Aung , Kuduvali Manoj
Published: March 2019

Descending thoracic aortic (DTA) aneurysms causing left main bronchus compression can be surgically repaired under left heart bypass (LHB). Safe LHB requires a competent aortic valve. Some patients present with concomitant DTA aneurysms and severe aortic regurgitation (AR), precluding LHB as an adjunct for aortic surgery. The authors present such a case and outline the management. AR can safely be addressed first in an immediate staged surgical approach, providing adequate left ventricular function.
Mechanisms and Treatments of Pruritus in Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Shah Raj , Kowdley Kris
Published: March 2019

Pruritus is a frustrating and sometimes debilitating symptom that commonly accompanies primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The mechanism by which this symptom manifests remains elusive but extensive research has now shown that the itch is not just “weak pain” as had been the commonly held belief for decades. As this research now shines a light on the many diverse paths by which pruritus might be experienced, the necessity for a comprehensive approach to the symptom becomes clear. Understanding the interplay between the pathophysiology of PBC and delicately balanced neural circuitry is paramount to guiding the search for definitive treatment. Most relevant to providers today is the efficacy of currently available treatments and the side effects that may accompany them. Anion exchange resins, while remaining an important element in therapy, are no longer the only available medication to arrest pruritus. Rifampin, opioid antagonists, and other adjunctive therapies have quickly become a mainstay. Newer therapies such as the molecular adsorbent recycling system now also have a role in treatment. Increased recognition of these modalities may serve to alleviate the often debilitating pruritus experienced by patient suffering from PBC and might ultimately allow them to live more meaningful lives.
Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Clinical and Pathological Correlates
Authors: Datta Sanjit , Sinha Annika , Kapoor Baljendra
Published: March 2019

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs), previously classified as carcinoid tumors, are rare cancers that arise from cells of the diffuse endocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract. These tumors most commonly arise from the bronchus, jejunoileum, or colon/rectum. They produce peptide products that can lead to identifiable clinical syndromes such as carcinoid syndrome, which is classically associated with diarrhea, flushing, and heart disease. The latest classifications of GI-NETs include pancreatic NETs, which can produce a wide range of pancreatic hormones leading to syndromes such as Zollinger–Ellison's syndrome. The prognosis for patients with GI-NETs varies widely depending on the size, location, and presence of metastatic disease, with 5-year survival rates ranging from 0 to 15% for poorly differentiated NETs and 10-year survival rates of up to 100% for patients with insulinomas smaller than 2 cm. A wide range of treatment modalities is commonly used to treat GI-NETs, including surgical and endoscopic resection, locoregional therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and somatostatin receptor targeted therapy. The goal of this review is to detail the classification, epidemiology, clinical syndromes, diagnosis, and staging of these tumors and to provide an overview of management strategies.
Comparative Anatomy of the Forearm and Hand of Wildcat (Leopardus geoffroyi), Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Authors: Sánchez H. , Rafasquino M. , Portiansky E.
Published: March 2019

Introduction The thoracic limbs of cats facilitate jumping and represent one of their main ways for pursuing and capturing prey. The main muscles and nerves involved in these activities are present in the region of the forearm and of the hand. The scant anatomical reference availabe on South American cats species justifies the present comparative study.

Materials and Methods The forelimbs of wildcat, ocelot and jaguar wild felines were fixed. Images of the dissected limbs were captured using a digital camera. Measurements were made using a caliper.

Results The long and short heads of the extensor carpi radialis muscle of the ocelot and of the jaguar showed a great development in comparison with those of the wildcat. The flexor digitorum profundus muscle in the three felines is formed by five heads. In the jaguar, the radial or deep head presented two sesamoid bones. The brachioradialis muscle of the jaguar and of the ocelot is inserted medially at the distal end of the radius and at the proximal row of the carpus by a thick and flattened tendon. The pronator teres muscle of the jaguar extended to the carpal region. In the wildcat and in the ocelot, this muscle was less developed

Conclusions The main variations observed between the forearms and the hands of these South American cats were found between the supinator and the pronator muscles, presenting a variation in the size of their bellies and tendons. Our study of the muscular characteristics represents a contribution to the homologies and differences of the forearm and hand muscles of each of these species of felines.
Anteromedial Labral Tears: Surgical Prevalence and Relationship with Chondral Damage of the Hip
Authors: Dwyer Maureen , Lee Jo Ann , McCarthy Joseph C.
Published: March 2019

Structural abnormalities of the hip joint have been identified as a common cause of labral and chondral lesions of the hip joint. However, labral and chondral damage can occur in the absence of structural abnormalities. The authors examined the incidence of anteromedial (AM) labral lesions, occurring in a nonimpinging region of the hip joint, and determined if the prevalence and location of concomitant chondral lesions differ between patients with AM lesions and those without. Between 2001 and 2013, they assessed 2,080 hips (1,818 patients) undergoing hip arthroscopy for the presence of AM labral lesions (between 4 and 6 o'clock position) and documented incidence of these lesions. The articular cartilage of the posterior, superior, and anterior regions of the acetabulum and femoral head was assessed. The degree of damage was classified as absent, mild (grades I/II), or severe (grades III/IV). The prevalence and severity of lesions in each region were compared between patients with AM lesions and those without. The authors identified 1,140 hips (1,028 patients) (55%) with labral tears in the AM region of the acetabulum. The cohort consisted of 689 females and 328 males, with an average age of 37.9 ± 12 years. Chondral lesions were present in all regions of the femoral head and acetabulum in both patients with AM lesions and those without. There is a relationship between the presence of AM lesion and prevalence of chondral lesions in the posterior and anterior femoral head and acetabulum, with a higher prevalence of lesions observed in patients without AM tears. Their findings show that lesions in the AM region of the acetabular labrum can occur with high prevalence in patients. These lesions are often associated with concomitant injuries to the anterior chondral surfaces, which may differ from lesions in the impingement zone. A thorough evaluation of all regions of the hip joint is warranted during arthroscopy to identify and treat all potential lesions.
Development of a volume fraction scaling function for demagnetization factors in effective media theories of magnetic composites
Authors: Moore Rick L.
Published: March 2019

Three effective medium theories (Maxwell-Garnett, MGT; Bruggeman, BEMT; Coherent Model Approximation, CMA) are often applied to predict dielectric or magnetic susceptibility of polymer-magnetic particle composites. Measured composite susceptibility data for multi-crystalline magnetic particulate aspect ratios near unity and bulk low frequency susceptibilities ranging from 10s to 1000s were used to evaluate EMT model accuracies. Composite volume fractions varied from 5 to 100%. Each theory was evaluated against measured data with emphasis placed on CMA and BEMT. BEMT was selected for incorporation of a scaling function relating demagnetization factors with particulate fraction. The scaled model is ScEMT. Percolation theory and micromagnetic computations were applied as guides in choice of scaling function numerical parameters. Experimental support of scale model physics was taken from measurements of magnetic sphere clustering in two dimensions. Scaling function parameters were determined by a numerical fit to one set of NiZnCuFerrite particle composites. The parameters of the scaling function were held constant and then applied to predict magnetic parameters in others. Those composites incorporated: Fe, Fe-Ni, Ni.34 Zn.65 ferrites; Mn.53 Zn.41 ferrites; NiMn.02 ferrites and Fe3O4. Scaled effective model, ScEMT, and measurement were in good agreement. When combined with Snoek’s law, the combined model improved predictions of resonant frequency in composites and relaxation frequency predictions are in progress. Overall, ScEMT shows improved accuracy for calculating low frequency susceptibility and also composite resonant frequency.
Influence of cold gas spray processing conditions on the properties of 316L stainless steel coatings
Authors: Huang Jian , Ma Wenhua , Xie Yingchun , Fukanum Hirotaka , Zhang Kejie , Wang Gaomin , Huang Renzhong
Published: March 2019

It is well known that particle velocity before deposition is one of the most important parameters for fabrication of the high-quality cold sprayed coatings. In this work, 316L stainless steel powders were deposited on the substrate with the same material. The influence of particle size, morphology and processing parameters such as gas pressure (up to 4 MPa) and temperature (up to 1000°C), on particle velocity have been investigated using a DPV-2000 in-flight particle velocity monitoring system, followed by the measurement and analysis of deposition efficiency and coating mechanical properties including tensile strength and micro-hardness of the coatings. The results show that a higher particle velocity can be achieved by using particles with an angular morphology and a finer particle size. Higher particle velocities, resulting from higher working gas pressure and temperature, yield much denser coatings with higher deposition efficiency, micro-hardness and tensile strength.
Composable security in relativistic quantum cryptography
Authors: Vilasini V , Portmann Christopher , del Rio Lídia
Published: March 2019

Relativistic protocols have been proposed to overcome certain impossibility results in classical and quantum cryptography. In such a setting, one takes the location of honest players into account, and uses the signalling limit given by the speed of light to constraint the abilities of dishonest agents. However, composing such protocols with each other to construct new cryptographic resources is known to be insecure in some cases. To make general statements about such constructions, a composable framework for modelling cryptographic security in Minkowski space is required. Here, we introduce a framework for performing such a modular security analysis of classical and quantum cryptographic schemes in Minkowski space. As an application, we show that (1) fair and unbiased coin flipping can be constructed from a simple resource called channel with delay; (2) biased coin flipping, bit commitment and channel with delay through any classical, quantum or post-quantum relativistic protocols are all impossible without further setup assumptions; (3) it is impossible to securely increase the delay of a channel, given several short-delay channels as ingredients. Results (1) and (3) imply in particular the non-composability of existing relativistic bit commitment and coin flipping protocols.
Estimating the error variance in a high-dimensional linear model
Authors: Yu Guo , Bien Jacob
Published: March 2019

The lasso has been studied extensively as a tool for estimating the coefficient vector in the high-dimensional linear model; however, considerably less is known about estimating the error variance in this context. In this paper, we propose the natural lasso estimator for the error variance, which maximizes a penalized likelihood objective. A key aspect of the natural lasso is that the likelihood is expressed in terms of the natural parameterization of the multi-parameter exponential family of a Gaussian with unknown mean and variance. The result is a remarkably simple estimator of the error variance with provably good performance in terms of mean squared error. These theoretical results do not require placing any assumptions on the design matrix or the true regression coefficients. We also propose a companion estimator, called the organic lasso, which theoretically does not require tuning of the regularization parameter. Both estimators do well empirically compared to pre-existing methods, especially in settings where successful recovery of the true support of the coefficient vector is hard. Finally, we show that existing methods can do well under fewer assumptions than previously known, thus providing a fuller story about the problem of estimating the error variance in high-dimensional linear models.
Methyl DNA phosphate adduct formation in lung tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissue of lung cancer patients
Authors: Ma Bin , Villalta Peter W , Hochalter J Bradley , Stepanov Irina , Hecht Stephen S
Published: March 2019

The formation of methyl DNA adducts is a critical step in carcinogenesis initiated by the exposure to methylating carcinogens. Methyl DNA phosphate adducts, formed by methylation of the oxygen atoms of the DNA phosphate backbone, have been detected in animals treated with methylating carcinogens. However, detection of these adducts in human tissues has not been reported. We developed an ultrasensitive liquid chromatography–nanoelectrospray ionization–high resolution tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting methyl DNA phosphate adducts. Using 50 μg of human lung DNA, a limit of quantitation of two adducts/1010 nucleobases was achieved. Twenty-two structurally unique methyl DNA phosphate adducts were detected in human lung DNA. The adduct levels were measured in both tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 30 patients with lung cancer, including 13 current smokers and 17 current non-smokers, as confirmed by measurements of urinary cotinine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol. Levels of total methyl DNA phosphate adducts in normal lung tissues were higher in smokers than non-smokers, with an average of 13 and 8 adducts/109 nucleobases, respectively. Methyl DNA phosphate adducts were also detected in lung tissues from untreated rats with steady-state levels of 5–7 adducts/109 nucleobases over a period of 70 weeks. This is the first study to report the detection of methyl DNA phosphate adducts in human lung tissues. The results provide new insights toward using these DNA adducts as potential biomarkers to study human exposure to environmental methylating carcinogens.
The Impact of Private for-Profit Hospital Ownership on Costs and Quality of Care – Evidence from Germany
Authors: Wübker Ansgar , Wuckel Christiane
Published: March 2019

What is the impact of private for-profit (PfP) hospital ownership on costs and quality of care? In light of a substantial and increasing share of PfP hospitals in many hospital markets like the USA or Germany, this is an important question. We estimate the effect of PfP ownership on hospital 30-day- and 1-year-mortality outcomes and hospital costs by focusing on heart attacks and pneumonia, two very common conditions in healthcare markets. We use rich administrative hospital data from Germany for the years 2006–2015. Applying differential distance as instrument for hospital choice, we imitate randomization of patients into PfP hospitals. Our results suggest that PfP hospitals have no higher mortality rates for heart attack treatment than public ones. For pneumonia patients, we even find lower 30-day-mortality rates of PfP hospitals compared to public hospitals. Finally, we show that PfP hospitals have higher hospital costs than public or private not-for-profit hospitals for both conditions.
Clusters of Sexual Behavior in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–positive Men Who Have Sex With Men Reveal Highly Dissimilar Time Trends
Authors: Salazar-Vizcaya Luisa , Kusejko Katharina , Schmidt Axel J , Carrillo-Montoya Germán , Nicca Dunja , Wandeler Gilles , Braun Dominique L , Fehr Jan , Darling Katharine E A , Bernasconi Enos , Schmid Patrick , Günthard Huldrych F , Kouyos Roger D , Rauch Andri
Published: March 2019

Background

Separately addressing specific groups of people who share patterns of behavioral change might increase the impact of behavioral interventions to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections. We propose a method based on machine learning to assist the identification of such groups among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

By means of unsupervised learning, we inferred “behavioral clusters” based on the recognition of similarities and differences in longitudinal patterns of condomless anal intercourse with nonsteady partners (nsCAI) in the HIV Cohort Study over the last 18 years. We then used supervised learning to investigate whether sociodemographic variables could predict cluster membership.

Results

We identified 4 behavioral clusters. The largest behavioral cluster (cluster 1) contained 53% of the study population and displayed the most stable behavior. Cluster 3 (17% of the study population) displayed consistently increasing nsCAI. Sociodemographic variables were predictive for both of these clusters. The other 2 clusters displayed more drastic changes: nsCAI frequency in cluster 2 (20% of the study population) was initially similar to that in cluster 3 but accelerated in 2010. Cluster 4 (10% of the study population) had significantly lower estimates of nsCAI than all other clusters until 2017, when it increased drastically, reaching 85% by the end of the study period.

Conclusions

We identified highly dissimilar behavioral patterns across behavioral clusters, including drastic, atypical changes. The patterns suggest that the overall increase in the frequency of nsCAI is largely attributable to 2 clusters, accounting for a third of the population.
Trajectories of sickness absence, disability pension and unemployment in young immigrants with common mental disorders
Authors: Di Thiene D , Mittendorfer-Rutz E , Rahman S , Wang M , Alexanderson K , Tiihonen J , La Torre G , Helgesson M
Published: March 2019

Background

The aims were to elucidate if trajectories of labour market marginalization (LMM), measured as sickness absence (SA)/disability pension (DP) or unemployment, differed between young immigrants and natives before and after an incident diagnosis of a common mental disorder (CMD), and to investigate if educational level, psychiatric comorbidity and duration of residence in Sweden (in immigrants) had different associations with subsequent LMM in natives compared with immigrants.

Methods

A total of 28 971 young adults (19–30 years), with an incident CMD (inpatient or specialized outpatient healthcare due to CMDs or dispensed prescribed antidepressants during 2007) were included. Group-based trajectory models were utilized to identify trajectories of annual months of LMM 3 years before and 6 years after the diagnosis. The associations of risk factors with different trajectories were investigated by multinomial logistic regression, χ2-test and Nagelkerke R2 to measure the associations’ strength. Immigrants were categorized into Western and non-Western immigrants.

Results

Young natives and immigrants showed similar trajectories of SA/DP. A higher proportion of non-Western immigrants (20.5%) followed trajectories of high levels of unemployment (>2 annual months) compared with Western immigrants (15%) and natives (16.5%). Educational level and duration of residence in Sweden (in immigrants) discriminated trajectories of both SA/DP and unemployment, whereas psychiatric comorbidity only discriminated trajectories of SA/DP.

Conclusions

Differences in trajectories of unemployment between young natives and immigrants with an incident CMD were found. Educational level and psychiatric comorbidity provided information on differences between natives and immigrants and duration of residence gave information for subgroups of immigrants.
The Topology of the Set of Non-Escaping Endpoints
Authors: Evdoridou Vasiliki , Sixsmith David J
Published: March 2019

There are several classes of transcendental entire functions for which the Julia set consists of an uncountable union of disjoint curves each of which joins a finite endpoint to infinity. Many authors have studied the topological properties of this set of finite endpoints. It was recently shown that, for certain functions in the exponential family, there is a strong dichotomy between the topological properties of the set of endpoints that escape and those of the set of endpoints that do not escape. In this paper, we show that this result holds for large families of functions in the Eremenko–Lyubich class. We also show that this dichotomy holds for a family of functions, outside that class, which includes the much-studied Fatou function defined by $$\begin{equation*}f(z):= z + 1+ e^{-z}.\end{equation*}$$Finally, we show how our results can be used to demonstrate that various sets are spiders’ webs, generalising results such as those in [9].
Spinosyns Cause Aedeagus Eversion in Carpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)
Authors: Cottrell Ted E , Reeves Benjamin L , Horton Dan L
Published: March 2019

During an assessment of various insecticides against sap beetles, Carpophilus sp., it was noted that at least some males everted their reproductive structures (referred to as aedeagus from here forward) when treated with a spinosyn insecticide, spinetoram. This response to spinosyns or other insecticides is not documented in the literature even though sap beetles have been included in numerous insecticide assays and spinosyn insecticides have been in widespread commercial use for >20 yr. Additionally, other insect species have not been documented to show a similar aedeagus eversion response to spinosyns or other insecticides. The objective of this study was to further examine eversion of the aedeagus when sap beetles were exposed to different rates of two spinosyn insecticides, spinetoram and spinosad. Additionally, we examined whether a similar response would occur in other insects when three species of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) and one species of Curculionidae (Coleoptera) were exposed to spinetoram. Our results show that male sap beetles respond to both spinosyns by everting the aedeagus, females did not have an analogous response. No similar response was observed for the assayed species of Coccinellidae or Curculionidae.