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The cerebellum, which is responsible for motor control and learning, has been suggested to act as a Smith predictor for compensation of time-delays by means of internal forward models. However, insights about how forward model predictions are integrated in the Smith predictor have not yet been unveiled. To fill this gap, a novel bio-inspired modular control architecture that merges a recurrent cerebellar-like loop for adaptive control and a Smith predictor controller is proposed. The goal is to provide accurate anticipatory corrections to the generation of the motor commands in spite of sensory delays and to validate the robustness of the proposed control method to input and physical dynamic changes. The outcome of the proposed architecture with other two control schemes that do not include the Smith control strategy or the cerebellar-like corrections are compared. The results obtained on four sets of experiments confirm that the cerebellum-like circuit provides more effective corrections when only the Smith strategy is adopted and that minor tuning in the parameters, fast adaptation and reproducible configuration are enabled.

A prediction scheme for Ethernet traffic data using a Multiscale-Bilinear Recurrent Neural Network with Adaptive Learning (M-BRNN-AL) is proposed and presented in this paper. The proposed predictor integrates an M-BRNN and an AL algorithm. In M-BRNN, the wavelet transform is employed to decompose the original traffic signals into several simple traffic signals. A BRNN is then used to predict each decomposed traffic signal. An AL algorithm is also applied in order to improve the learning process at each resolution level in M-BRNN-AL. Experiments and results on a set of Ethernet network traffic predictions show that the proposed scheme converges faster and archives better prediction performance than the other conventional models such as the Multi-layer Perception Type Neural Network, BRNN, and the original M-BRNN in terms of the normalized mean square error.

Let $X$ be a local dendrite and let $f:X\to X$ be a monotone map. Denote by $P(f)$, RR$(f)$, UR$(f)$, $R(f)$ the set of periodic (resp., regularly recurrent, uniformly recurrent, recurrent) points and $\mathrm{\Lambda }(f)$ the union of all $\omega$-limit sets of $f$. We show that if $P(f)$ is nonempty, then (i) $\mathrm{\Lambda }(f)=R(f)=\mathrm{\text{UR}}(f)=\mathrm{\text{RR}}(f)=\overline{P(f)}$. (ii) R$(f)=X$ if and only if every cut point is a periodic point. If $P(f)$ is empty, then (iii) $\mathrm{\Lambda }(f)=R(f)=\mathrm{\text{UR}}(f)$. (iv) R$(f)=X$ if and only if $X$ is a circle and $f$ is topologically conjugate to an irrational rotation of the unit circle ${𝕊}^1$. On the other hand, we prove that $f$ has no Li–Yorke pair. Moreover, we show that the family of all $\omega$-limit sets of $f$ is closed with respect to the Hausdorff metric.

Intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the finger phalanx is rare. We report a case of postoperative recurrent intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the distal phalanx of the ring finger. To prevent further recurrence while maintaining morphology and function, the distal half of the distal phalanx that included the epidermoid cyst was resected to completely remove the lesion. The distal phalanx was then reconstructed by grafting corticocancellous bone from the ilium and shaped into a distal phalanx. The operation was performed using a through-the-nail approach, temporarily removing the nail and placing a longitudinal incision in the nail bed to approach the phalanx. Postoperatively, bone fusion was achieved without recurrence and the shape of the distal phalanx was normal. Distal phalangeal hypertrophy and nail plate deformity also normalized and excellent results were obtained.

The object of this paper is to study anti-invariant submanifolds of trans-Sasakian manifolds. We characterize such submanifolds on the basis of parallelism, semi-parallelism and pseudo parallelism of the second fundamental form of the submanifolds. We also characterize totally umbilical anti-invariant submanifolds of trans-Sasakian manifolds. Existence of Legendre curves on such submanifolds has been analyzed. Whether an anti-invariant submanifold of a trans-Sasakian manifold inherits local symmetry from ambient space is investigated here. Nature of Ricci soliton on anti-invariant submanifolds of trans-Sasakian manifolds has been characterized.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a rare cause of digital ischemia and pain caused from repetitive trauma to the palm. Often related to occupational practices, thrombosis and embolization can occur. Treatment is often surgical and involves excision with or without reconstruction. We describe a 55 year-old, male pipe fitter previously diagnosed and treated for HHS with excision and repair using a reversed interpositional vein graft in the mid-1980’s. He continued to work in the profession, which he regularly used his palm as a hammer and returned approximately 30 years later with recurrent symptoms of cold intolerance and pain. Angiography confirmed occlusion of the ulnar artery with emboli present distally. The patient was again treated with excision and reconstruction. HHS is an uncommon cause of digital ischemia. Its recurrence is even more rare. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of diagnosed and treated recurrent HHS.

Background: Approximately 5% of patients experience recurrent symptoms after carpal tunnel release (CTR) and need revision surgery. Several surgical techniques have been described for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) flap is one of them. Literature concerning clinical results of the ADM flap for recurrent CTS is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of the ADM flap for recurrent CTS.

Methods: We treated seven patients with the ADM flap (eight hands) between July 2016 and February 2019. Patient characteristics were assessed, and patients were asked about their symptoms (pain, sensation and paresthesia) before and after surgery. Postoperatively, we administered CTS symptoms, satisfaction with the surgery, patient-reported outcome measurements (BCTQ and QuickDASH) and whether they would undergo the same surgery again. Complications were also recorded

Results: The median follow-up was 14 months. The success rate measured by CTS symptoms was 88%. Seven out of eight patients were satisfied with the results and two patients would not elect to undergo the same procedure again. Two patients reported having a weaker grip at the donor site. The median BCTQ symptom and function scores were 2.9 (1.7–3.5) and 2.6 (1.8–3.0) respectively. The median QuickDASH score was 41 (IQR 22–52). Complications reported were wound dehiscence (n = 1) and hypertrophic scar (n = 1).

Conclusions: The outcomes of the ADM flap in patients with recurrent CTS were like other commonly used procedures in recurrent CTS.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)

In earlier centuries kings and governments employed astrologists to help them take the best decisions. Present-day governments no longer employ astrologists but still have no clear analytical tool to replace them. Over the past two decades we have developed a methodology for the scientific investigation of recurrent historical events. It consists in two steps. (i) Identification and comparison of historical episodes driven by a common mechanism. (ii) Under the reasonable assumption that what has happened several times in the past is likely to happen again, one then derives testable predictions. This of course is nothing other than the protocol used in experimental science when exploring new phenomena. We believe such a tool can give decision makers much better insight.

In the present paper we illustrate this analysis by considering challenges, that span more than a century, to US hegemony in the Pacific. The outcomes suggest that it is only through the side-lining of one of the contenders that the confrontation will end. At the time of writing (early 2019) early evidence of this confrontation is already visible at three levels. (i) Growing US concerns for domestic security that are leading to a new form of McCarthyism. (ii) Political instability due to China–US polarization in several Asian countries as well as in the countries participating in the “Belt and Road Initiative.” (iii) Tension and sanctions in procurement and trade.