bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain Enabled Automatic Reward System in Solid Waste Management
Authors: Akram Shaik Vaseem , Alshamrani Sultan S. , Singh Rajesh , Rashid Mamoon , Gehlot Anita , AlGhamdi Ahmed Saeed , Prashar Deepak
Published: September 2021

Solid waste management (SWM) is a key administrative unit for managing the urban waste to deliver an eco-friendly environment to the citizens residing in urban cities. Generally, many technologies are implemented and developed by researchers for enhancing the mechanism of SWM and minimizing the waste generation. Yet, the management of waste generation is still a concern. So, here, there is requirement of technology that can involve the individuals for achieving the target reducing the waste. At present, the blockchain technology is an appropriate technology for SWM, as it provides the applications of time tracing activities, secure data transactions, and automatic reward system. In this study, a blockchain-based reward system is proposed to generate the rewards based on real-time series data such as quantity of garbage and level of waste. Furthermore, LoRa-range-based customized sensors are developed for bins to obtain real time information. Moreover, the generated information further transferred to cloud by utilizing LoRa wireless enabled gateway. By the use of flask server, a technique is proposed for integrating real-time data with blockchain via a local network application programming interface (API). A real-time implementation is evaluated on the data to the check the performance efficiency of the proposed approach, where the procedure of automatic reward system is presented in detail.
Study about Law Multi-Issue Automatic Negotiation Method Based on Artificial Intelligence and Multiagent Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Hsu Yu-Ting , Liu Cheng-Yong
Published: September 2021

Multiagent System (MAS) is a self-learning intelligent system formed by many single agents. Each agent in the MAS works independently of the other, and they have all the characteristics of an agent system. It can respond to changes and countermeasures based on its own external environmental conditions. When solving a complex problem, multiple agents can form a group to solve the problem together. In this paper, the agent’s evolutionary algorithm is integrated into the actual problem—multi-issue autonegotiation of law. According to this problem, the autonegotiation solution process and corresponding model are designed. In addition, a new type of solution is proposed for multiple legal issues. Compared with traditional solutions, the applicability has great advantages. Among them, the autonegotiation result of all the agent’s total utility can be quickly found. In the changing environment, this article focuses on the multiagent system negotiation problem. According to the distributed information sharing of multiple agents, even if the case reveals incomplete information, the multiagent can be generated while ignoring the incomplete information. Optimal solution is proposed. The experimental results show that the success rate of the system in analyzing multiple legal issues and autonegotiations reached 67.56% under the condition of incomplete information from the outside world.
Improvements in Optical Characteristics after Excision of an Overhanging Bleb Developed following Trabeculectomy
Authors: Mizuno Yu , Hirota Atsushi , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: September 2021

Introduction. To examine the corneal total higher-order aberrations before and after the excision of an overhanging bleb that developed following trabeculectomy. Case Presentation. Two patients who developed overhanging blebs following trabeculectomy with a fornix-based conjunctival flap using mitomycin C (MMC) were assessed. We measured the corneal total higher-order aberrations for a 4 mm pupil diameter using the TOPCON KR-1W wavefront analyzer and the visual acuity before and after bleb excision. The corneal total higher-order aberration (HOA) improved from 0.50 μm to 0.38 μm in case 1 and from 0.59 μm to 0.49 μm in case 2 after bleb excision. The intraocular pressure was identical before and after bleb excision in both cases. No significant changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were noted in case 1; however, BCVA was improved from 20/25 to 20/20 in case 2. Both cases showed improvements in the symptoms of dysesthesia. Conclusion. Excision of the overhanging bleb developed following trabeculectomy may have beneficial possibility in some cases where corneal total HOA is affected and reduces the symptoms of dysesthesia.
Ameliorative Effects of Pueraria lobata Extract on Postmenopausal Symptoms through Promoting Estrogenic Activity and Bone Markers in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Lee Mi-Ra , Kim Bohye , Lee Yongjun , Park Soung-Yong , Shim Jae-Hoon , Chung Bong-Hwan , Heo Seong-Il
Published: September 2021

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, known as kudzu, is one of the most popular traditional medicines in Asian countries. It has been widely used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for treating postmenopausal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the estrogenic effect of P. lobata extract (PE) against postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. OVX rats were treated with PE (25–1600 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters, estradiol, and bone turnover markers (e.g., osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide fragment of type I collagen, deoxypyridinoline, and pyridinoline) were measured in plasma samples. In addition, estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) protein expression and morphology of uterine were evaluated. Long-term treatment with PE did not cause liver damage in OVX rats. PE supplementation reduced body weight gain in obese rats with high lipid accumulation induced by ovariectomy. Furthermore, PE exhibited a protective effect against insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic lipid peroxidation. PE treatment increased uterine weight and thickness of the uterine layers in cases of uterus atrophy due to removal of ovaries. The levels of bone turnover markers, which were significantly increased in OVX rats, were decreased by PE treatment. Western blotting analysis showed that ER-α protein expression was upregulated in PE-treated rats compared with OVX rats. These results suggest that PE could be a promising alternative functional food for improving menopausal symptoms.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Transmission Line Galloping under the Action of Freezing and Thawing in Variable Temperature Range
Authors: Ye Yu , Li Li , Xu Xunjian
Published: September 2021

The western part of our country is mostly alpine regions. The rock and soil have been in a strong natural freeze‐thaw environment for a long time, and their physical and mechanical properties are easily affected by external loads and external surroundings. Changes due to the influence of the environment will inevitably produce freeze‐thaw cycles, damage and destruction, expansion and fracture, etc., resulting in more stable factors than usual. However, there is a lack of theoretical and practical experience in freeze‐thaw rocks, especially freeze‐thaw hard rocks. Therefore, studying the physical and mechanical properties and damage characteristics of rocks in alpine regions under freeze‐thaw cycles has important significance. This paper uses dacite in the alpine region to carry out a freeze‐thaw cycle experiment in a variable temperature range. Freezing and thawing cycle test, uniaxial compression test, triaxial compression test, and electron microscope scanning of the rock in the indoor saturated state were carried out. Combining theory with experimental mechanics, freeze‐thaw mechanics, and damage mechanics, we studied freeze‐thaw cycle in three variable temperature ranges (−20°C–15°C; −30°C–15°C; −40°C–15°C), along with the physical and mechanical properties and damage characteristics of freeze‐thaw dacite in the alpine region under cycling. The damage curve of the final theoretical model gradually approaches 1.0 with the increase of strain during the actual test. The rock sample after the medium failure still has a certain bearing capacity, and the rock sample is often destroyed before it reaches the theoretical failure strain.
Application of Regenerative Braking with Optimized Speed Profiles for Sustainable Train Operation
Authors: Allen Leon , Chien Steven
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a method for synergizing the energy-saving strategies of integrated coasting and regenerative braking in urban rail transit operations. Coasting saves energy by maintaining motion with propulsion disabled, but it induces longer travel time. Regenerative braking captures and reuses the braking energy of the train and could shorten travel time but reduces the time available for coasting, indicating a tradeoff between the two strategies. A simulation model was developed based on fundamental kinematic equations for assessing sustainable train operation with Wayside Energy-Saving Systems (WESSs). The objective of this study is to optimize speed profiles that minimize energy consumption, considering the train schedule and specifications, track alignment, speed limit, and the WESS parameters such as storage limit and energy losses in the transmission lines. The decision variables are the acceleration at each time step of the respective motion regimes. Since the study optimization problem is combinatorial, a Genetic Algorithm was developed to search for the solution. A case study was conducted which examined various scenarios with and without WESS on a segment of an urban rail transit line to test the applicability of the proposed model and to provide a platform for the application of ideas developed in this study. It was determined that synergizing the energy-saving strategies of coasting and regenerative braking yielded the greatest efficiency of the scenarios examined.
A Virtualization Approach to Correct Systematic Errors in Measured TDOA and FDOA for Low Orbit Dual-Satellite Positioning Systems
Authors: Li Gang , Zhou Min , Tang Hongwen , Chen Hongbin
Published: September 2021

The low-orbit dual-satellite passive location system provides a cost-efficient and easy implementation platform, by which positions of unknown emitters on the Earth can be determined through measuring both the time and the frequency differences by two low-orbit satellites in space. However, in reality, this dual-satellite location system has low positioning accuracy because of the existence of systematic errors. In this paper, in order to address the problem of low positioning accuracy in low-orbit dual-satellite systems, a virtualization approach, consisting of the establishment of the virtual reference station and virtual frequency conversion, is proposed to correct systematic errors in the system. Specifically, we first analyze the coming source of systematic errors in the dual-satellite location system, and then, a virtual reference station and virtual frequency are constructed to correct errors in the measured time difference of arrival and the frequency difference of arrival, respectively. Simulation results show that systematic errors caused by the measured time difference of arrival can be significantly reduced, and the correction efficiency, defined as a ratio between remaining errors after implementing the proposed method over uncorrected ones, for the measured frequency difference of arrival, largely relies on both the virtual frequency and the transmission frequency of reference stations.
Recurrence of Primary Synovial Chondromatosis (Reichel’s Syndrome) in the Ankle Joint following Surgical Excision
Authors: Gatt Thomas , Portelli Mark
Published: September 2021

Primary synovial chondromatosis, or Reichel’s syndrome, is a rare benign tumour arising from the synovial lining of a joint. We present the case of a 25-year-old male with Reichel’s syndrome of the ankle, with subsequent recurrence following open retrieval of loose bodies. The initial presentation was of lateral malleolus discomfort which limited moderately strenuous exercise. Clinical examination showed a mild effusion and pain on extremes of movement. Imaging confirmed the presence of multiple loose bodies within the anterior and anterolateral recesses of the ankle. Open removal of 27 loose bodies from the joint was performed, with good postoperative recovery. He represented with pain 9 months later, with imaging of the ankle showing reaccumulation of loose bodies to a lesser extent. A trial of conservative management was opted for. Reichel’s syndrome confined to the ankle is an exceedingly rare diagnosis, with few cases reported in the literature. This case saw the recurrence of the disease in a short time period despite successful surgery in the first instance. Management options to treat recurrence include repeat retrieval of foreign bodies, synovectomy, radiotherapy, or arthrodesis. While the prognosis is favourable, a low risk of malignant potential warrants adequate patient follow-up.
Motor Organization in Schizencephaly: Outcomes of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Motor Tract Projections Correlate with the Different Domains of Hand Function
Authors: Yoon Ju-Yul , Kim Da-Sol , Kim Gi-Wook , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Seo Jeong-Hwan , Won Yu Hui , Park Sung-Hee
Published: September 2021

Objective. Schizencephaly is a rare congenital malformation that causes motor impairment. To determine the treatment strategy, each domain of the motor functions should be appropriately evaluated. We correlated a color map of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with the hand function test (HFT) to identify the type of hand function that each test (DTI and TMS) reflects. Further, we attempted to demonstrate the motor neuron organization in schizencephaly. Method. This retrospective study was conducted on 12 patients with schizencephaly. TMS was conducted in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI), biceps (BB), and deltoid muscles of the upper extremity, and contralateral MEP (cMEP) and ipsilateral MEP (iMEP) were recorded. The HFT included the grip strength, box and block (B&B), and 9‐hole peg test. The schizencephalic cleft was confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging, and the corticospinal tract (CST) was identified using the color map of DTI. The symmetry indices for the peduncle and CST at pons level were calculated as the ratios of the cross‐sectional area of the less‐affected side and that of the more‐affected side. Result. In the more‐affected hemisphere TMS, no iMEP was obtained. In the less‐affected hemisphere TMS, the iMEP response was detected in 9 patients and cMEP in all patients, which was similar to the pattern observed in unilateral lesion. Paretic hand grip strength was strongly correlated with the presence of iMEP (p = 0.044). The symmetry index of the color map of DTI was significantly correlated with the B&B (p = 0.008, R2 = 0.416), whereas the symmetry index of the peduncle was not correlated with all HFTs. Conclusion. In patients with schizencephaly, the iMEP response rate is correlated with the hand function related to strength, while the symmetricity of the CST by the color map of DTI is correlated with the hand function associated with dexterity. Additionally, we suggest the possible motor organization pattern of schizencephaly following interhemispheric competition.
Multisegment Mapping Network for Massive MIMO Detection
Authors: Yu Yongzhi , Wang Jianming , Guo Limin
Published: September 2021

The massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology is one of the core technologies of 5G, which can significantly improve spectral efficiency. Because of the large number of massive MIMO antennas, the computational complexity of detection has increased significantly, which poses a significant challenge to traditional detection algorithms. However, the use of deep learning for massive MIMO detection can achieve a high degree of computational parallelism, and deep learning constitutes an important technical approach for solving the signal detection problem. This paper proposes a deep neural network for massive MIMO detection, named Multisegment Mapping Network (MsNet). MsNet is obtained by optimizing the prior detection networks that are termed as DetNet and ScNet. MsNet further simplifies the sparse connection structure and reduces network complexity, which also changes the coefficients of the residual structure in the network into trainable variables. In addition, this paper designs an activation function to improve the performance of massive MIMO detection in high-order modulation scenarios. The simulation results show that MsNet has better symbol error rate (SER) performance and both computational complexity and the number of training parameters are significantly reduced.
Sequential Blood Purification for Pediatric Fatal Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Case Series
Authors: Cui Yun , Shi Jingyi , Wang Chunxia , Zhou Yiping , Wang Fei , Miao Huijie , Sun Ting , Shan Yijun , Ding Guodong , Zhang Yucai
Published: September 2021

Background: Extracorporeal therapy that included therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or continuous hemofiltration (CHF) for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) syndrome was used in small number of patients. We aimed to describe the sequential mode of combined application of CHF and TPE in 3 TEN patients with multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) in pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: Three patients with fatal TEN received sequential CHF and TPE due to unsatisfactorily conventional treatments. CHF was initiated and performed on a daily basis with 35–50 mL/kg.h replacement fluid at the rate of 3–5 mL/kg.min blood flow. CHF was temporarily interrupted for TPE, which was performed with exchange 1–1.5-fold of one body calculated plasma volume in each section. Results: All 3 fatal TEN (with >30% involvement of body surface and MODS) following unsuccessful treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Antibiotics were suspected in the TEN-triggered drugs. The range number of TPE sessions was 3–5 and the duration of CHF was from 120 h to 202 h. After initiation of TPE and CHF, blistering with extensive epidermal necrosis halted and the skin re-epithelialized within 2 weeks. Serum C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, tumor necrosis factor-α , and interlukin-6 decreased and percentage of natural killer cells increased in surviving children. Two patients survived to discharge and one case died due to nosocomial infection with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Conclusion: After sequential TPE and CHF, skin lesions and inflammatory response improved in TEN. Our result indicates extracorporeal therapy could be used as an alternative modality for fatal pediatric TEN.
Disparate Information Provided by Pulse Wave Velocity versus Other Measures of Aortic Compliance in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Koskela Jenni Kaarina , Vääräniemi Kati , Tahvanainen Anna Mari Helena , Mustonen Jukka , Mäkelä Satu , Tikkakoski Antti Johannes , Pörsti Ilkka
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Unfavorable changes in cardiac and arterial function are related to poor prognosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We compared hemodynamic profiles between subjects with end-stage renal disease and 2 control groups with corresponding pulse wave velocities (PWVs). Methods: Noninvasive hemodynamics were recorded during passive head-up tilt in CKD stage 5 patients (n = 35), patients with primary hypertension (n = 35, n = 30 with antihypertensive medications), and subjects without cardiovascular or renal diseases and cardiovascular medications (n = 70). The groups were selected to have corresponding age, sex, body mass index, and PWV. Hemodynamic data were captured using whole-body impedance cardiography and radial tonometric pulse wave analysis. Results: Supine blood pressure did not differ between the groups, but upright diastolic blood pressure was lower in CKD patients than in the 2 control groups (p ≤ 0.001 for both, RANOVA). Despite similar PWV, supine aortic pulse pressure was higher in CKD patients versus nonmedicated subjects (p = 0.029). Two additional measures indicated reduced aortic compliance in CKD patients versus both control groups: lower ratio of stroke index to aortic pulse pressure (p ≤ 0.023) and higher aortic characteristic impedance (p ≤ 0.003). The subendocardial viability ratio was lower in the CKD group than in both control groups (p ≤ 0.039). Conclusion: In the absence of differences in PWV, higher aortic pulse pressure and characteristic impedance, and lower ratio of stroke index to aortic pulse pressure, suggest reduced aortic compliance and impaired left ventricular function in CKD patients. A lower subendocardial viability ratio predisposes the CKD patients to impaired cardiac oxygen supply versus hypertensive patients and nonmedicated controls.
Effect of Statins on Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rajabnia Mohsen , Sadeghi Amir , Abdi Saeed , Găman Mihnea-Alexandru , Zali Mohammad Reza , Salehi Niloufar , Yadegar Abbas , Rahmani Khaled
Published: September 2021

Statins have been used as adjuvants to standard treatment in order to increase the eradication ratesof Helicobacter pylori infection. This study aimed to summarize the results of the efficacy of adding statins to standard treatments used for the eradicationof H. pylori infection. We conducted a systematic search using a comprehensive combination of keywords in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus to retrieve relevant studies from 1990 to 2020. The estimate of pooled relative risk (RR), as the effect measure, was calculated using random effects meta-analyses in Stata 14. We finally included 5 studies (all of them were randomized controlled trials). The meta-analysis of all studies showed that the pooled RR (95% confidence interval) was 1.03 (0.64–1.68) in the random effects model, which was not statistically significant. In other words, based on our meta-analysis, the addition of statins as an adjuvant therapy to the standard treatment regimens does not increase the rate of H. pylori eradication. However, further evidence is needed to confirm this result as the number of available studies was small.
Management of Recurrent Optic Disc Pit-Associated Maculopathy with Human Amniotic Membrane Graft in a Pediatric Case: A Case Report
Authors: Kelkar Aditya , Kelkar Jai Aditya , Bolisetty Mounika , Kanoriya Ashwani
Published: September 2021

A 13 years old previously operated with 25-G pars plana vitrectomy with double internal limiting membrane peel and juxtapapillary endolaser with SF 6 gas tamponade for optic disc pit-associated maculopathy (ODP-M), presented with recurrence after 9 months of successful primary surgery. Three 25-G sclerotomies were made and Human Amniotic Membrane Graft was tucked into the optic disc pit (ODP), the position of the graft was confirmed with intraoperative ocular coherence tomography. Subretinal fluid rapidly resolved within 48 h and best-corrected visual acuity improved to 0.5 LogMAR after 1 week. During the follow-up period of 12 months, no episodes of recurrence or reduction vision or adverse reactions were noted.
A subsidiariedade como princípio densificador da efetivação dos direitos sociais prestacionais no Estado federal brasileiro: o caso do Município de Pelotas/RS
Authors: Massaú Guilherme Camargo
Published: September 2021

Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar a relação federativa entre a União e o município em face da prestação do direito social à saúde. As dimensões do pacto federativo analisadas foram a competência administrativa e a competência de arrecadar diretamente recursos financeiros. A partir dessas duas competências, pôde-se identificar a existência (ou não) do equilíbrio entre o ente central e o ente periférico. O estudo pautou-se pelo princípio da subsidiariedade, pois tal princípio refere-se à distribuição de competências. A pesquisa empregou o método hipotético-dedutivo, com pesquisa bibliográfica, considerando as hipóteses de distribuição de competências e de receitas financeiras conjuntamente com os gastos públicos com a saúde, para analisar se o ente municipal possuía autonomia suficiente para realizar suas obrigações constitucionais relativas à saúde.
Sessenta anos da Comissão Interamericana de Direitos Humanos: implicações no Estado Democrático de Direito brasileiro
Authors: Lima Beatriz Canhoto , Lewandowski Enrique Ricardo
Published: September 2021

Com os acontecimentos históricos pautados pelo aviltamento dos direitos humanos, o Sistema Interamericano de Direitos Humanos assume um importante papel na promoção da defesa desses direitos, irradiando efeitos no âmbito doméstico dos respectivos Estados-membros, incluindo o Brasil. Nesta perspectiva, a presente investigação assumiu o problema expresso no seguinte questionamento: quais impactos da Comissão Interamericana de Direitos Humanos no processo de consolidação do Estado Democrático de Direito brasileiro? A pesquisa, de natureza qualitativa e de cunho descritivo-analítico, adotou como procedimentos metodológicos: a revisão bibliográfica, análise documental, análise legislativa no âmbito interno e levantamento de políticas públicas, no contexto brasileiro, realizadas com o escopo de atender às demandas elencadas pela Comissão. Os resultados da análise dos casos envolvendo o Brasil revelam uma notória deficiência do Estado brasileiro referente ao cumprimento de medidas que envolvam diferentes agentes estatais e órgãos governamentais relacionados, todavia, por mais que se observe a dificuldade brasileira no tocante ao grau de cumprimento das medidas oriundas do Sistema Interamericano, nota-se que as decisões da Comissão influenciaram na adoção de políticas públicas e legislativas, contribuindo para o processo de consolidação de um Estado de Direito Democrático.
Emer de Vattel (1714-1767) e o direito internacional clássico
Authors: Casella Paulo Borba
Published: September 2021

A principal obra (1758) de Vattel se insere com destaque na fase ‘clássica’ do direito internacional, que marca profundamente a história da evolução da disciplina. A tal ponto, que muitos ainda parecem pensar e ver somente esse modelo ‘clássico’, como o único possível, para o direito internacional. Mas essa experiência, além de temporalmente circunscrita, como momento histórico, prepara e dá sustentação, para a ulterior evolução do direito internacional. Na fase seguinte, se configura o paradoxo de se perder a vocação de universalidade do direito internacional, na exata medida e proporção, em que ganha em desenvolvimentos conceituais e institucionais. Esse paradoxo ainda parece marcar o direito internacional, até os nossos tempos pós-modernos.
Os caminhos de um novo paradigma do planeamento urbanístico em Portugal
Authors: Correia Fernando Alves
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo pretende sublinhar a fundamentalidade do planeamento urbanístico no moderno direito do urbanismo. Todavia, para que o planeamento e o plano continuem a desempenhar essa função essencial, devem os mesmos interiorizar novas preocupações e novas exigências. Podemos falar, à luz da nova legislação e dos mais recentes contributos doutrinários, de um “novo paradigma do planeamento urbanístico português”. Como manifestações mais relevantes, podem citar-se, para além do planeamento urbanístico coordenado e multinível, o planeamento impulsionador do desenvolvimento urbano sustentável, o planeamento urbanístico socialmente sustentável, o planeamento de contenção urbanística, o planeamento urbanístico que toma em consideração a mobilidade urbana, o planeamento urbanístico aberto à participação dos cidadãos, à concertação e à contratualização, o planeamento urbanístico estimulador da reabilitação urbana, o planeamento urbanístico fomentador da segurança urbana, o planeamento urbanístico incentivador da proteção e valorização do património cultural e o planeamento urbanístico promotor da observância do princípio constitucional da igualdade. O artigo encerra com a interrogação sobre os impactos da pandemia da doença da COVID-19 no direito do urbanismo do futuro.
Regime jurídico à brasileira: as duas bases de construção do regime de direito público no Brasil
Authors: Alberto Marco Antônio Moraes
Published: September 2021

Este artigo tem o objetivo de mapear as duas bases teóricas de construção daquilo que ficou conhecido, no Brasil, como “regime jurídico de direito público”. Para tanto, identifica duas vertentes de construção desse conceito teórico que, apesar de suas diferenças metodológicas, convergem enquanto modelo doutrinário do direito administrativo brasileiro. Investiga-se, assim, como a teoria jusnaturalista (tomista) proposta por Ruy Cirne Lima se relaciona à abordagem pretensamente positivista de Celso Antônio Bandeira de Mello, e como é possível que duas inspirações epistemológicas tão diferentes compartilhem sentidos tão próximos a respeito do poder do Estado, do conceito de administração pública e da atuação administrativa na sociedade civil. Argumenta-se que as duas teorizações contêm juízos político-normativos não triviais, que evidenciam elementos de longa duração histórica na compreensão do Estado de Direito no Brasil.
Da simulação e da fraude à lei: diferenciações doutrinárias e legais
Authors: Rangel-Lima Leandro
Published: September 2021

O principal objetivo do artigo é traçar os elementos distintivos entre os vícios de simulação e de fraude à lei. Apesar de serem tratados topologicamente de forma distinta no Código Civil de 2002 (CC/02) – aquele, no art. 167, este, no art. 166, VI –, sua diferenciação doutrinária tem sido objeto de discussões por diversos autores de ordenamentos romano-germânicos. Esse debate teórico, focando-se nos principais autores, sua exposição e análise crítica, à luz do pensamento privatístico, são os objetivos do texto. Por mais que o termo “resultado” seja muito mais aplicável às ciências naturais – as quais ditam o modus operandi das pesquisas científicas no Brasil –, pode-se dizer que algumas constatações diagnósticas podem ser feitas a respeito do objeto do trabalho. Mostrou-se patente que qualquer discussão para a conceituação dos vícios do ato jurídico (entre os quais, simulação e fraude à lei) passa, de forma bastante útil, pela discussão da teoria do negócio jurídico. Não se tratando de opção inexorável, tanto que posta de lado por autores contemporâneos – mas, ainda, útil. Mostrou-se, também, que a disciplina privatística dos vícios tem alcance para além do Direito Privado – repercutindo, e.g., nas searas Penal e Tributária. À par da não pretensão de tese, uma conclusão se encaminha: a noção de fraude à lei como elemento caracterizador da simulação, além de vício autônomo, não é corrente na doutrina clássica. Trata-se de opinião aqui defendida, minoritariamente. A fraude à lei é, portanto, integrante do vício simulatório – ao menos parcialmente.
Diabetic Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Mutant (ALDH2*2) Mice Are More Susceptible to Cardiac Ischemic‐Reperfusion Injury Due to 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐Nonenal Induced Coronary Endothelial Cell Damage
Authors: Pan Guodong , Roy Bipradas , Palaniyandi Suresh Selvaraj
Published: September 2021

Background

Aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2), a mitochondrial enzyme, detoxifies reactive aldehydes such as 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4HNE). A highly prevalent E487K mutation in ALDH2 (ALDH2*2) in East Asian people with intrinsic low ALDH2 activity is implicated in diabetic complications. 4HNE‐induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction was studied in diabetic cardiac damage; however, coronary endothelial cell (CEC) injury in myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) in diabetic mice has not been studied. Therefore, we hypothesize that the lack of ALDH2 activity exacerbates 4HNE‐induced CEC dysfunction which leads to cardiac damage in ALDH2*2 mutant diabetic mice subjected to myocardial IRI.

Methods and Results

Three weeks after diabetes mellitus (DM) induction, hearts were subjected to IRI either in vivo via left anterior descending artery occlusion and release or ex vivo IRI by using the Langendorff system. The cardiac performance was assessed by conscious echocardiography in mice or by inserting a balloon catheter in the left ventricle in the ex vivo model. Just 3 weeks of DM led to an increase in cardiac 4HNE protein adducts and, cardiac dysfunction, and a decrease in the number of CECs along with reduced myocardial ALDH2 activity in ALDH2*2 mutant diabetic mice compared with their wild‐type counterparts. Systemic pretreatment with Alda‐1 (10 mg/kg per day), an activator of both ALDH2 and ALDH2*2, led to a reduction in myocardial infarct size and dysfunction, and coronary perfusion pressure upon cardiac IRI by increasing CEC population and coronary arteriole opening.

Conclusions

Low ALDH2 activity exacerbates 4HNE‐mediated CEC injury and thereby cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mouse hearts subjected to IRI, which can be reversed by ALDH2 activation.
Pericardial Adipose Tissue–Derived Leptin Promotes Myocardial Apoptosis in High‐Fat Diet–Induced Obese Rats Through Janus Kinase 2/Reactive Oxygen Species/Na+/K+‐ATPase Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Ping , Luo Chaodi , Zhu Danjun , Song Yan , Cao Lifei , Luan Hui , Gao Lan , Zheng Shuping , Li Hao , Tian Gang
Published: September 2021

Background

Pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying cardiac structural and functional changes in obesity are complex and linked to adipocytokines released from pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Although leptin is involved in various pathological conditions, its role in paracrine action of pericardial adipose tissue on myocardial apoptosis remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of PAT‐derived leptin on myocardial apoptosis in high‐fat diet–induced obese rats.

Methods and Results

Hearts were isolated from lean or high‐fat diet–induced obese Wistar rats for myocardial remodeling studies. Obese rats had abnormal myocardial structure, diastolic dysfunction, greatly elevated cardiac apoptosis, enhanced cardiac fibrosis, and increased oxidative stress level. ELISA detected significantly higher than circulating leptin level in PAT of obese, but not lean, rats. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated increased leptin receptor density in obese hearts. H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, after being exposed to PAT‐conditioned medium of obese rats, exhibited pronounced reactive oxygen species–mediated apoptosis, which was partially reversed by leptin antagonist. Moreover, leptin derived from PAT of obese rats inhibited Na
+
/K
+
‐ATPase activity of H9c2 cells through stimulating reactive oxygen species, thereby activating calcium‐dependent apoptosis. Pretreatment with specific inhibitors revealed that Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways were involved in leptin‐induced myocardial apoptosis.

Conclusions

PAT‐derived leptin induces myocardial apoptosis in high‐fat diet–induced obese rats via activating Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/reactive oxygen species signaling pathway and inhibiting its downstream Na
+
/K
+
‐ATPase activity.
Native Bicuspid Pulmonary Valve in D‐Loop Transposition of the Great Arteries: Outcomes of the Neo‐Aortic Valve Function and Root Dilation After Arterial Switch Operation
Authors: Irwin Margaret , Binney Geoffrey , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Emani Sitaram , Blume Elizabeth D. , Brown David W.
Published: September 2021

Background

Neo‐aortic root dilation and neo‐aortic regurgitation (AR) are common after arterial switch operation for D‐loop transposition of the great arteries. We sought to evaluate these outcomes in patients with bicuspid native pulmonary valve (BNPV).

Methods and Results

A retrospective analysis of patients with transposition of the great arteries undergoing arterial switch operation at Boston Children's Hospital from 1989 to 2018 matched BNPV patients 1:3 with patients with tricuspid native pulmonary valve by year of arterial switch operation. Kaplan–Meier analyses with log‐rank test compared groups for time to first neo‐aortic valve reoperation, occurrence of ≥moderate AR, and neo‐aortic root dilation (root
z
score ≥4). A total of 83 patients with BNPV were matched with 217 patients with tricuspid native pulmonary valve. Patients with BNPV more often had ventricular septal defects (73% versus 43%;
P
<0.001). Hospital length of stay (11 versus 10 days) and 30‐day surgical mortality (3.6% versus 2.8%) were similar. During median 11 years follow‐up, neo‐aortic valve reoperation occurred in 4 patients with BNPV (6.0%) versus 6 patients with tricuspid native pulmonary valve (2.8%), with no significant difference in time to reoperation. More BNPV had AR at discharge (4.9% versus 0%;
P
=0.014) and during follow‐up (13.4% versus 4.3%; hazard ratio [HR], 3.9;
P
=0.004), with shorter time to first occurrence of AR; this remained significant after adjusting for ventricular septal defects. Similarly, neo‐aortic root dilation was more common in BNPV (45% versus 38%; HR, 1.64;
P
=0.026) with shorter time to first occurrence.

Conclusions

While patients with BNPV have similar short‐term arterial switch operation outcomes, AR and neo‐aortic root dilation occur more frequently and earlier compared with patients with tricuspid native pulmonary valve. Further long‐term studies are needed to determine whether this results in greater need for neo‐aortic valve reoperation.
Maternal Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension Sensitizes Postweaning High‐Fat Diet–Elicited Hypertensive Response Through Increased Brain Reactivity in Rat Offspring
Authors: Xue Baojian , Yu Yang , Beltz Terry G. , Guo Fang , Felder Robert B. , Wei Shun‐Guang , Kim Johnson Alan
Published: September 2021

Background

Prenatal and postnatal insults can induce a physiological state that leaves offspring later in life vulnerable to subsequent challenges (stressors) eliciting cardiometabolic diseases including hypertension. In this study, we investigated whether maternal angiotensin II–induced hypertension in rats sensitizes postweaning high‐fat diet (HFD)‐elicited hypertensive response and whether this is associated with autonomic dysfunction and altered central mechanisms controlling sympathetic tone in offspring.

Methods and Results

When eating a low‐lard‐fat diet, basal mean arterial pressure of male offspring of normotensive or hypertensive dams were comparable. However, HFD feeding significantly increased mean arterial pressure in offspring of normotensive and hypertensive dams, but the elevated mean arterial pressure induced by HFD was greater in offspring of hypertensive dams, which was accompanied by greater sympathetic tone and enhanced pressor responses to centrally administrated angiotensin II or leptin. HFD feeding also produced comparable elevations in cardiac sympathetic activity and plasma levels of angiotensin II, interleukin‐6, and leptin in offspring of normotensive and hypertensive dams. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses in key forebrain regions implicated in the control of sympathetic tone and blood pressure indicated that HFD feeding led to greater increases in mRNA expression of leptin, several components of the renin‐angiotensin system and proinflammatory cytokines in offspring of hypertensive dams when compared with offspring of normotensive dams.

Conclusions

The results indicate that maternal hypertension sensitized male adult offspring to HFD‐induced hypertension. Increased expression of renin‐angiotensin system components and proinflammatory cytokines, elevated brain reactivity to pressor stimuli, and augmented sympathetic drive to the cardiovascular system likely contributed.
Measurement as Abduction
Authors: Morawski Roman Z.
Published: September 2021

It is argued, in this paper, that the core operation underlying any measurement—the inverse modelling under uncertainty—is equivalent to quantitative abductive reasoning which consists in the selection of the best estimate of a measurand (i.e., a quantity to be measured) in a set of admissible solutions, using a priori information: (i) on the measurand, (ii) on the measuring system coupled with an object under measurement, and (iii) on the influence of the environment including the user of the measurement results. There are two key premises of this claim: a systematic interpretation of measurement in terms of inverse problems, proposed earlier by the author, and a logical link between inverse problems and abduction, identified by the Finnish philosopher of science Ilkka Niiniluoto. The title claim of this paper is illustrated with an expanded example of measuring optical spectrum by means of a low-resolution spectrometer.
Of Chimeras, Harmony, and Kintsugi: Towards a Historicist Epistemology of Paleontological Reconstruction, Theory-Change, and Exploring Heuristics
Authors: Mirza Ali
Published: September 2021

I analyze the epistemic strategies used by paleontologists (between 1830–1930) to reconstruct features of ancient organisms from fossilized bodies and footprints by presenting two heuristics: (1) a “claim of harmony” which posits the harmonious interaction of natural objects in order for complex systems to be simplified and (2) the “kintsugi heuristic” which is used inter-theoretically to explore new claims of harmony. I apply these to three successive historical cases: Georges Cuvier’s laws of correlation, the panpsychist paleontology of Edward Drinker Cope, and the single-character approach of Henry Fairfield Osborn.
Occupation in Natural Environments; Health Equity and Environmental Justice
Authors: Hammell Karen Whalley
Published: September 2021

Background. Occupations undertaken in natural environments can positively impact physical and mental health, improve cognitive functioning, contribute spiritual and cultural benefits, and increase belonging, self-worth, and the meaningfulness of occupations. However, occupational opportunities in healthy natural spaces are inequitably distributed; and the deleterious effects of climate change and environmental degradation are borne disproportionately by socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Purposes. To highlight evidence that occupational engagement in nature is a determinant of health, foreground environmental injustices and identify some implications for occupational therapy. Key issues. Cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural research and critical environmental justice scholarship indicate that healthy nature is an inequitably distributed determinant of occupation, wellbeing, and human health. This merits critical attention from occupational therapy. Implications. By researching, identifying, and addressing occupational and health inequities arising from environmental degradation, climate change and inequitable access to health-promoting natural environments occupational therapists could contribute valuable, occupational perspectives to initiatives addressing human rights and environmental justice.
Axillary ultrasound-guided approach for the brachial plexus in pig cadavers: A descriptive study
Authors: Trujanovic Robert , Verdier Natali , Calice Ivana , Knecht Christian , Otero Pablo E
Published: September 2021

Effective multimodal analgesia techniques are required when pigs are used as models in orthopedic human research. Regional anesthesia is a widely used technique to provide perioperative analgesia in animals undergoing orthopedic surgery. The brachial plexus (BP) block is indicated to desensitize the forelimb in many species but has not been yet described in pigs. The main aims of this study were to develop an ultrasound-guided axillary approach for the BP and to evaluate injectate spread and nerve staining in pig cadavers. Eight fresh F1 cross breed German Large White and German Landrace male pig cadavers were enrolled. Two cadavers were used for anatomical dissection of the axillary space and to determine the disposition of the BP. Six cadavers were used to perform a bilateral axillary ultrasound-guided approach for the BP, and after injecting 0.3 ml/kg of a solution of 2% lidocaine and new methylene blue (L-NMB), these were dissected to determine injectate spread and nerve staining. Upon dissection, the BP was observed in all the cases surrounded by the axillary sheath and in close proximity to the axillary artery. Ultrasonographic scanning and guidance for the approach to the BP was feasible in all cadavers and upon dissection, all the nerves forming the BP were stained in all their quadrants and in all the cases. In conclusion, the injection of 0.3 ml/kg of L-NMB through an ultrasound-guided axillary approach to the BP was feasible and adequate to entirely stain the BP in all pig cadavers. Further clinical studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique in live animals.
‘My Memories of the Time We Had Together Are More Important’: Direct Cremation and the Privatisation of UK Funerals
Authors: Woodthorpe Kate , Rumble Hannah , Corden Anne , Birrell John , Schut Henk , Stroebe Margaret , Newsom Cate , Smith Yvette
Published: September 2021

Funerals have long been of interest to social scientists. Previous sociological work has examined the relationship between individuality, belief and tradition within funeral services, founded on the assumption that public rituals have psycho-social benefit for organisers and attendees. With the introduction of direct cremation to the UK, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on funeral service attendance in 2020 and 2021, critique of this assumption is now needed. Drawing on interviews with recently bereaved people who organised a direct cremation in late 2017, this article illustrates how compromise, control and consistency are key drivers for not having a funeral service. The article argues that a declining importance in the fate of the body and a move towards ‘invite-only’ commemorative events represents a waning need for social support offered by a public, communal funeral service. In turn, this indicates a sequestration, or privatisation, of the contemporary funeral.
Seton in high anal fistula
Authors: Mukherjee Sreecheta , Sengupta Ritankar , Ghosal Sushil Ranjan
Published: September 2021

The use of seton still remains a reasonably valid option for its simplicity and optimal results in treating high anal fistulae. Ours was a single-centre retrospective study on patients with supra-sphincteric and transsphincteric types of high anal fistula, using the ‘kharsutra’ as seton. The first group were treated with a seton alone, while the second with a seton and partial fistulotomy. Results were similar and quite acceptable in both groups.
Surgical management in tetralogy of Fallot with rare unilateral pulmonary anomalies: A literature review
Authors: Haifa Ghitha Z , Wardoyo Suprayitno
Published: September 2021

Tetralogy of Fallot with unilateral pulmonary anomalies such as the unilateral absence of pulmonary artery or unilateral pulmonary agenesis is an extremely rare complex congenital heart anomaly. There is no established surgical algorithm for tetralogy of Fallot with concomitant unilateral pulmonary anomalies. This condition is still challenging, especially in the surgical field. In this review we also present our experiences in our center, Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. This literature review aimed to discuss systematic treatment options and hoped to help the decision-making process when surgeons face these rare anomalies.
Doing Academia Differently: Loosening the Boundaries of Our Disciplining Writing Practices
Authors: Beauchamps Marie
Published: September 2021

In this article, I explore questions of pedagogy and knowledge-writing practices in their relation to knowledge production. Starting from the observation that different styles of writing are present in our work, but many of them are systematically pushed back and mis-read as non-academic, the article brings to the fore a discussion on the direct relationship between practices of knowledge-writing and those modes of knowing that escape the linear and propositional academic style while still being part of how knowledge comes into being. Following a tradition of intersectional feminist epistemologies, I engage with questions of epistemologies and critical pedagogies, speaking to and with several generations of scholars who address and work with questions of diversity and knowledge production that are seminal within International Relations (IR), yet underexplored from the perspective of knowledge-writing practices.