bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact-sliding wear response of 2.25Cr1Mo steel tubes: Experimental and semi-analytical method
Authors: Yin Meigui , Thibaut Chaise , Wang Liwen , Nélias Daniel , Zhu Minhao , Cai Zhenbing 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe impact-sliding wear behavior of steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants is complex owing to the dynamic nature of the mechanical response and self-induced tribological changes. In this study, the effects of impact and sliding velocity on the impact-sliding wear behavior of a 2.25Cr1Mo steel tube are investigated experimentally and numerically. In the experimental study, a wear test rig that can measure changes in the impact and friction forces as well as the compressive displacement over different wear cycles, both in real time, is designed. A semi-analytical model based on the Archard wear law and Hertz contact theory is used to predict wear. The results indicate that the impact dynamic effect by the impact velocity is more significant than that of the sliding velocity, and that both velocities affect the friction force and wear degree. The experimental results for the wear depth evolution agree well with the corresponding simulation predictions.
Nanoengineered Shear-Thinning Hydrogel Barrier for Preventing Postoperative Abdominal Adhesions
Authors: Ruiz-Esparza Guillermo U. , Wang Xichi , Zhang Xingcai , Jimenez-Vazquez Sofia , Diaz-Gomez Liliana , Lavoie Anne-Marie , Afewerki Samson , Fuentes-Baldemar Andres A. , Parra-Saldivar Roberto , Jiang Nan , Annabi Nasim , Saleh Bahram , Yetisen Ali K. , Sheikhi Amir , Jozefiak Thomas H. , Shin Su Ryon , Dong Nianguo , Khademhosseini Ali 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMore than 90% of surgical patients develop postoperative adhesions, and the incidence of hospital re-admissions can be as high as 20%. Current adhesion barriers present limited efficacy due to difficulties in application and incompatibility with minimally invasive interventions. To solve this clinical limitation, we developed an injectable and sprayable shear-thinning hydrogel barrier (STHB) composed of silicate nanoplatelets and poly(ethylene oxide). We optimized this technology to recover mechanical integrity after stress, enabling its delivery though injectable and sprayable methods. We also demonstrated limited cell adhesion and cytotoxicity to STHB compositions in vitro. The STHB was then tested in a rodent model of peritoneal injury to determine its efficacy preventing the formation of postoperative adhesions. After two weeks, the peritoneal adhesion index was used as a scoring method to determine the formation of postoperative adhesions, and STHB formulations presented superior efficacy compared to a commercially available adhesion barrier. Histological and immunohistochemical examination showed reduced adhesion formation and minimal immune infiltration in STHB formulations. Our technology demonstrated increased efficacy, ease of use in complex anatomies, and compatibility with different delivery methods, providing a robust universal platform to prevent postoperative adhesions in a wide range of surgical interventions.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced Pneumonitis: Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes
Authors: Banavasi Harsha , Kim Seongho , Alkassis Samer , Daoud Asil , Laktineh Amir , Nagasaka Misako , Sukari Ammar , Soubani Ayman O. 
Published: October 2021

Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the newest class of anticancer drugs. Pneumonitis is increasingly being recognized as a potential complication of these agents.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of patients who received ICIs at a comprehensive cancer center. We collected data on demographics, type of malignancy, type of ICI agent, incidence of pneumonitis up to 6 weeks after receiving ICI agent, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for overall survival in patients who develop pneumonitis.

Results:
A total of 654 patients received ICIs during the study period. The most common type of cancer for which ICI was given was adenocarcinoma of the lung (29%), followed by renal cell cancer (12%) and squamous cell lung cancer (12%). Among the study patients, 41% received nivolumab and 32% received pembrolizumab. Other patients in the study received combination of ICIs or ICI plus chemotherapeutic agent, or were part of clinical trial involving ICI. Overall 42 (6.4%) patients developed pneumonitis within 6 weeks after the last dose of treatment of any ICI agent. Of these, 81% of patients had Grade ≥ 2 pneumonitis and 45% of these required hospital admission for pneumonitis, with 10% of them requiring admission to intensive care unit. Overall, patients who received pembrolizumab-containing regimen, had prior chemotherapy, or who never had cancer-related surgery had increased risk of death.

Conclusion:
Our large retrospective study shows real-life data of incidence of pneumonitis in patients who are treated with ICIs for cancer treatment. Our data indicate that the incidence of pneumonitis is overall lower than that reported previously with relatively good outcomes.
Canada’s Pro-Ban Stance on Double-Hatting: Playing the Long Game in ISDS Reform?
Authors: LÉVESQUE CÉLINE 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe practice of arbitrators and counsel in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) cases simultaneously playing both roles — known as “double-hatting” — has been the subject of much controversy in recent debates on ISDS reform, notably, at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) Working Group III where a Draft Code of Conduct for Adjudicators in International Investment Disputes is under discussion. While Canada has been less than consistent in its approaches to ISDS in recent international investment agreements (IIAs), its position against double-hatting has been rather constant. This article explores whether this stance reveals a commitment on the part of Canada towards increased judicialization of ISDS or reflects a “flavour of the month” reform likely to change with differing IIAs and negotiating partners. Analysis of Canada’s recent IIA practices, including its model Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, released in May 2021, and the positions it has taken at UNCITRAL’s Working Group III, lead the author to conclude that Canada appears committed to increased judicialization of ISDS in the long run.
Cocycles on groupoids arising from -actions
Authors: FARSI CARLA , HUANG LEONARD , KUMJIAN ALEX , PACKER JUDITH 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe consider groupoids constructed from a finite number of commuting local homeomorphisms acting on a compact metric space and study generalized Ruelle operators and
$ C^{\ast } $
-algebras associated to these groupoids. We provide a new characterization of
$ 1 $
-cocycles on these groupoids taking values in a locally compact abelian group, given in terms of
$ k $
-tuples of continuous functions on the unit space satisfying certain canonical identities. Using this, we develop an extended Ruelle–Perron–Frobenius theory for dynamical systems of several commuting operators (
$ k $
-Ruelle triples and commuting Ruelle operators). Results on KMS states on
$ C^{\ast } $
-algebras constructed from these groupoids are derived. When the groupoids being studied come from higher-rank graphs, our results recover existence and uniqueness results for KMS states associated to the graphs.
The Moral Parameters of Violence: The Case of the Provisional IRA
Authors: Frampton Martyn 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOver three decades, the Provisional Irish Republican Army waged a campaign of violence that claimed the lives of some two thousand people. This article explores the moral framework by which the IRA sought to legitimate its campaign—how it was derived and how it functioned. On the one hand, the IRA relied on a legalist set of political principles, grounded in a particular reading of Irish history. An interlinked, yet discrete strand of legitimation stressed the iniquities of the Northern Irish state as experienced by Catholic nationalists, especially in the period 1968–1972. These parallel threads were interwoven to build a powerful argument that justified a resort to what the IRA termed its “armed struggle.” Yet the IRA recognized that the parameters for war were set not simply by reference to ideology but also by a reading of what might be acceptable to those identified as “the people” or “the community.” Violence was subject to an undeclared process of negotiation with multiple audiences, which served to constitute the boundaries of the permissible. Often, these red lines were revealed only at the point of transgression, but they were no less important for being intangible. An examination of the moral parameters for IRA violence provides a new perspective on the group, helping to explain IRA resilience but also its ultimate weakness and decline.
A Dangerous Loophole: the Biological Weapons Convention's New Interpretation that Better Addresses Potentially Deadly Biological Research
Authors: Raxter Lena 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThere are three types of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)—nuclear, chemical, and biological. Of the three WMDs, biological weapons are arguably the most dangerous as they are the most indiscriminate, the least controllable, and the least expensive to create. The seminal treaty for establishing legal constraints on this vital issue is the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).2 Article I of the BWC specifically outlaws State acquisition of “microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes . . .”3The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties4 (VCLT) provides the general rule for how to interpret treaty language: “a treaty shall be interpreted in good faith in accordance with the ordinary meaning to be given to the terms of the treaty in their context and in the light of its object and purpose.”5 Problematically, by reading the BWC in light of this general rule, because the BWC only prohibits acquisitions that have “no justification,” the ordinary meaning of the text creates a wide loophole through which States may argue the acquisition of a potentially prohibited material has some justification, however minor, and therefore is not prohibited.The Comment first reviews the background of biological weapons and regulation of their use. In this section, the Comment also describes the VCLT requirements for treaty interpretation and the evolutive approach to interpretation. Next, the Comment conducts a global analysis of State practice in regards to biosafety and biosecurity regulatory measures. It then analyzes the BWC using the various treaty interpretation methods—including addressing how subsequent state practice has affected this interpretation, and how an evolutive approach to interpretation changes the meaning of Article I of the BWC. Lastly, in recognition of this evolution in the law, this Comment recommends how to update enforcement mechanisms to accurately reflect the new state of the law.
Shallow firn cores 1989–2019 in southwest Greenland's percolation zone reveal decreasing density and ice layer thickness after 2012
Authors: Rennermalm Åsa K. , Hock Regine , Covi Federico , Xiao Jing , Corti Giovanni , Kingslake Jonathan , Leidman Sasha Z. , Miège Clément , Macferrin Michael , Machguth Horst , Osterberg Erich , Kameda Takao , McConnell Joseph R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRefreezing of meltwater in firn is a major component of Greenland ice-sheet's mass budget, but in situ observations are rare. Here, we compare the firn density and total ice layer thickness in the upper 15 m of 19 new and 27 previously published firn cores drilled at 15 locations in southwest Greenland (1850–2360 m a.s.l.) between 1989 and 2019. At all sites, ice layer thickness covaries with density over time and space. At the two sites with the earliest observations (1989 and 1998), bulk density increased by 15–18%, in the top 15 m over 28 and 21 years, respectively. However, following the extreme melt in 2012, elevation-detrended density using 30 cores from all sites decreased by 15 kg m−3 a−1 in the top 3.75 m between 2013 and 2019. In contrast, the lowest elevation site's density shows no trend. Thus, temporary build-up in firn pore space and meltwater infiltration capacity is possible despite the long-term increase in Greenland ice-sheet melting.
Modeling and base parameters identification of legged robots
Authors: Chang Xu , An Honglei , Ma Hongxu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper first uses a decoupling modeling method to model legged robots. The method groups all the degrees of freedom according to the number of limbs, regarding each limb as a manipulator with serial structure, which greatly reduces the number of dynamic parameters that need to be identified simultaneously. On this basis, a step-by-step identification method from the end-effector link to the base link, referred to as “E-B” identification method, is proposed. Simulation verification is carried out on a quadruped robot with 16 degrees of freedom in Gazebo, and the validity of the method proposed is discussed.
Vision-based kinematic analysis of the Delta robot for object catching
Authors: Kansal Sachin , Mukherjee Sudipto 
Published: October 2021

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a vision-based kinematic analysis and kinematic parameters identification of the proposed architecture, designed to perform the object catching in the real-time scenario. For performing the inverse kinematics, precise estimation of the link lengths and other parameters needs to be present. Kinematic identification of Delta based upon Model10 implicit model with ten parameters using the iterative least square method is implemented. The loop closure implicit equations have been modelled. In this paper, a vision-based kinematic analysis of the Delta robots to do the catching is discussed. A predefined library of ArUco is used to get a unique solution of the kinematics of the moving platform with respect to the fixed base. The re-projection error while doing the calibration in the vision sensor module is 0.10 pixels. Proposed architecture interfaced with the hardware using the PID controller. Encoders are quadrature and have a resolution of 0.15 degrees embedded in the experimental setup to make the system closed-loop (acting as feedback unit).
Interaction networks between solitary hymenopterans and their natural enemies in different restoration areas
Authors: da Silva Guilherme Gonzaga , Lange Denise , Guillermo-Ferreira Rhainer 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe diversity of species and their interactions have been positively related with environmental complexity. Therefore, highly anthropized environments have their integrity under serious threat. These effects may last for years compromising the dynamics of natural communities, such as antagonistic and mutualistic interactions, including host-natural enemy interactions. To investigate these effects, trap nest methodology was used to assess the diversity of solitary bees, wasps and their natural enemies in three fragmented environments with different degree of anthropic perturbation, composed of aEucalyptusplantation (considered here as higher perturbation), a Cerrado area (medium perturbation) and a Riparian forest (lesser perturbation). Then, host-natural enemies associations were analysed to verify the size, specialization degree and modularity of interaction network. The gradient from highest to lowest degree of anthropic perturbation was evidenced in the species diversity index, the size of the interaction network and the specialization indexes of the host-natural enemy network. The environment withEucalyptusplantation showed higher values of diversity of natural enemies, greater number of species in the interaction network, lesser degree of specialization in the interaction and lesser modularity, than Cerrado and Riparian forest environments, respectively. The low degree of nestedness and lack of significance of this index to all sampled areas are indicative of a specialized pattern of networks. The results corroborate the notion that human impact may affect interaction networks, this being an important tool for checking the degree of anthropic alteration.
Optimal capital taxation in an economy with innovation-driven growth
Authors: Chen Ping-Ho , Chu Angus C. , Chu Hsun , Lai Ching-Chong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates optimal capital taxation in an innovation-driven growth model. We examine how the optimal capital tax rate varies with externalities associated with R&D and innovation. Our results show that the optimal capital tax rate is higher when (i) the “stepping on toes effect” is smaller, (ii) the “standing on shoulders effect” is stronger, or (iii) the extent of creative destruction is smaller. The optimal capital tax rate is more likely to be positive when there is underinvestment in R&D. Moreover, the optimal capital tax rate and the monopolistic markup exhibit an inverted-U relationship. By calibrating our model to the US economy, we find that the optimal capital tax rate is positive, at a rate of around 6.6%. Finally, we consider a number of extensions and find that the result of a positive optimal capital tax is robust.
Does repression undermine opposition demands? The case of the Hong Kong National Security Law
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuro , Song Jaehyun , Chan Polly 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDoes political repression extinguish public support for opposition demands? Protest emerges as a consequence of grievances and political preferences expressed as demands. Although the literature on the repression–dissent nexus has primarily focused on whether repression effectively deters dissenting behavior, a limitation is that researchers do not often distinguish between behavior and preferences. One possible implication is that although the observable protest behavior can be reduced by repression, underlying opposition demands may remain intact or even be strengthened. Hence, the question of why repression should alter public preferences remains theoretically under-investigated, because there is limited micro-level evidence that captures changes in opposition preferences induced by a repressive episode. We fielded comparable conjoint experiments before and after the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law in June 2020. Support for the demands was largely stable despite the sweeping powers of the law to curb protests, although some moderation of demands was observed. We outline avenues for future research on mechanisms and implications entailed by the effects of repression on preferences.
Fungal biomarkers are detectable in Martian rock-analogues after space exposure: implications for the search of life on Mars
Authors: Pacelli Claudia , Cassaro Alessia , Baqué Mickael , Selbmann Laura , Zucconi Laura , Maturilli Alessandro , Botta Lorenzo , Saladino Raffaele , Böttger Ute , Demets René , Rabbow Elke , de Vera Jean-Pierre P. , Onofri Silvano 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMars is a primary target of astrobiological interest: its past environmental conditions may have been favourable to the emergence of a prebiotic chemistry and, potentially, biological activity. In situ exploration is currently underway at the Mars surface, and the subsurface (2 m depth) will be explored in the future ESA ExoMars mission. In this context, BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment was performed to evaluate the stability and detectability of organic biomarkers under space and Mars-like conditions. Our data suggested that some target molecules, namely melanin, azelaic acid and nucleic acids, can be detected even after 16 months exposure to Low Earth Orbit conditions by multidisciplinary approaches. We used the same techniques as onboard the ExoMars rover, as Raman and infrared spectroscopies and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, and polymerase chain reaction even if this is not planned for the imminent mission to Mars. These results should be taken into account for future Mars exploration.
Effect of a multidisciplinary ward-based intervention on end-of-life care for general medicine patients
Authors: Soo Rui Ting Michelle , Nashi Norshima Binte , Ang Lin Elaine Kai , Hooi Benjamin M.Y. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveProviding good end-of-life (EOL) care for noncancer patients has been made a national priority in Singapore. A combined medical and nursing ward-based intervention known as the EOL care plan was piloted in a general medicine ward at our institution, aiming to guide key aspects of EOL care. The aim of this study is to assess the EOL care plan's effect on EOL care for general medicine patients.MethodWe conducted a retrospective cohort study on inpatients who died in a general ward under the discipline “General Medicine” from May to October 2019. We collected data around symptom management, rationalization of care and communication with families. The primary analysis compared care received by patients who died in the pilot ward with that of a control group of patients who died in other wards.ResultsIn total, 112 records were included in the analysis. Pain assessment was more common in the pilot ward compared with the control group (35.3% vs. 6.3%,p< 0.001), as were anti-psychotic prescriptions for delirium (64.7% vs. 24.4%,p= 0.001). Fewer patients received blood glucose monitoring in the last 48 h of life in the pilot ward (69.5% vs. 35.3%,p= 0.007). There were also less frequent parameters monitoring in the pilot ward (p< 0.004).Significance of resultsThe implementation of the EOL care plan was associated with process-level indicators of better EOL care, suggesting that it could have a significant positive impact when implemented on a wider scale.
Optogenetic stimulation of lateral hypothalamic orexin/dynorphin inputs in the ventral tegmental area potentiates mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission and promotes reward-seeking behaviours
Authors: Thomas Catherine S. , Mohammadkhani Aida , Rana Madiha , Qiao Min , Baimel Corey , Borgland Stephanie L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractReward and reinforcement processes are critical for survival and propagation of genes. While numerous brain systems underlie these processes, a cardinal role is ascribed to mesolimbic dopamine. However, ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons receive complex innervation and various neuromodulatory factors, including input from lateral hypothalamic (LH) orexin/hypocretin neurons which also express and co-release the neuropeptide, dynorphin. Dynorphin in the VTA induces aversive conditioning through the Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and decreases dopamine when administered intra-VTA. Exogenous application of orexin or orexin 1 receptor (oxR1) antagonists in the VTA bidirectionally modulates dopamine-driven motivation and reward-seeking behaviours, including the attribution of motivational value to primary rewards and associated conditioned stimuli. However, the effect of endogenous stimulation of LH orexin/dynorphin-containing projections to the VTA and the potential contribution of co-released dynorphin on mesolimbic dopamine and reward related processes remains uncharacterised. We combined optogenetic, electrochemical, and behavioural approaches to examine this. We found that optical stimulation of LH orexin/dynorphin inputs in the VTA potentiates mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, produces real time and conditioned place preference, and increases the food cue-directed orientation in a Pavlovian conditioning procedure. LH orexin/dynorphin potentiation of NAc dopamine release and real time place preference was blocked by an oxR1, but not KOR antagonist. Thus, rewarding effects associated with optical stimulation of LH orexin/dynorphin inputs in the VTA are predominantly driven by orexin rather than dynorphin.