bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound sensing at thermomechanical limits with optomechanical buckled-dome microcavities
Authors: Hornig G. J. , Scheuer K. G. , Dew E. B. , Zemp R. , DeCorby R. G.
Published: August 2022

We describe the use of monolithic, buckled-dome cavities as ultrasound sensors. Patterned delamination within a compressively stressed thin film stack produces high-finesse plano-concave optical resonators with sealed and empty cavity regions. The buckled mirror also functions as a flexible membrane, highly responsive to changes in external pressure. Owing to their efficient opto-acousto-mechanical coupling, thermal-displacement-noise limited sensitivity is achieved at low optical interrogation powers and for modest optical (Q ∼ 103) and mechanical (Q ∼ 102) quality factors. We predict and verify broadband (up to ∼ 5 MHz), air-coupled ultrasound detection with noise-equivalent pressure (NEP) as low as ∼ 30-100 µPa/Hz1/2. This corresponds to an ultrasonic force sensitivity ∼ 2 × 10−13 N/Hz1/2 and enables the detection of MHz-range signals propagated over distances as large as ∼ 20 cm in air. In water, thermal-noise-limited sensitivity is demonstrated over a wide frequency range (up to ∼ 30 MHz), with NEP as low as ∼ 100-800 µPa/Hz1/2. These cavities exhibit a nearly omnidirectional response, while being ∼ 3-4 orders of magnitude more sensitive than piezoelectric devices of similar size. Easily realized as large arrays and naturally suited to direct coupling by free-space beams or optical fibers, they offer significant practical advantages over competing optical devices, and thus could be of interest for several emerging applications in medical and industrial ultrasound imaging.
Sum rules for energy deposition eigenchannels in scattering systems
Authors: Yamilov Alexey , Bender Nicholas , Cao Hui
Published: August 2022

In a random-scattering system, the deposition matrix maps the incident wavefront onto the internal field distribution across a target volume. The corresponding eigenchannels have been used to enhance the wave energy delivered to the target. Here, we find the sum rules for the eigenvalues and eigenchannels of the deposition matrix in any system geometry: including two- and three-dimensional scattering systems, as well as narrow waveguides and wide slabs. We derive a number of constraints on the eigenchannel intensity distributions inside the system as well as the corresponding eigenvalues. Our results are general and applicable to random systems of arbitrary scattering strength as well as different types of waves including electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, and matter waves.
Rotational optical tweezers for active microrheometry within living cells
Authors: Watson Mark L. , Brown Darren L. , Stilgoe Alexander B. , Stow Jennifer L. , Rubinsztein-Dunlop Halina
Published: August 2022

Studying the mechanical properties of living cells provides opportunities to unravel the physical phenomena that govern biological functions. Macropinocytosis is a cellular pathway that involves the non-selective uptake of extracellular fluid through the formation of a macropinosome and is implicated in crucial cell-specific roles. Here, we describe an in vivo intracellular study that exploits a high-resolution rotational geometry to trap and monitor a photonic probe within a macropinosome. We use the transfer of spin angular momentum in rotational optical tweezers and show that active microrheometry methods can be successfully conducted in vivo, leading to a shear viscosity measurement of a macropinosome lumen within a living cell of

(
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. This work provides a foundation for dynamic mechanobiological studies characterizing biological processes of intracellular vesicles.
Brain signal predictions from multi-scale networks using a linearized framework
Authors: Hagen Espen , Magnusson Steinn H. , Ness Torbjørn V. , Halnes Geir , Babu Pooja N. , Linssen Charl , Morrison Abigail , Einevoll Gaute T.
Published: August 2022

Simulations of neural activity at different levels of detail are ubiquitous in modern neurosciences, aiding the interpretation of experimental data and underlying neural mechanisms at the level of cells and circuits. Extracellular measurements of brain signals reflecting transmembrane currents throughout the neural tissue remain commonplace. The lower frequencies (≲ 300Hz) of measured signals generally stem from synaptic activity driven by recurrent interactions among neural populations and computational models should also incorporate accurate predictions of such signals. Due to limited computational resources, large-scale neuronal network models (≳ 106 neurons or so) often require reducing the level of biophysical detail and account mainly for times of action potentials (‘spikes’) or spike rates. Corresponding extracellular signal predictions have thus poorly accounted for their biophysical origin.

Here we propose a computational framework for predicting spatiotemporal filter kernels for such extracellular signals stemming from synaptic activity, accounting for the biophysics of neurons, populations, and recurrent connections. Signals are obtained by convolving population spike rates by appropriate kernels for each connection pathway and summing the contributions. Our main results are that kernels derived via linearized synapse and membrane dynamics, distributions of cells, conduction delay, and volume conductor model allow for accurately capturing the spatiotemporal dynamics of ground truth extracellular signals from conductance-based multicompartment neuron networks. One particular observation is that changes in the effective membrane time constants caused by persistent synapse activation must be accounted for.

The work also constitutes a major advance in computational efficiency of accurate, biophysics-based signal predictions from large-scale spike and rate-based neuron network models drastically reducing signal prediction times compared to biophysically detailed network models. This work also provides insight into how experimentally recorded low-frequency extracellular signals of neuronal activity may be approximately linearly dependent on spiking activity. A new software tool LFPykernels serves as a reference implementation of the framework.
A unified fixed point approach to study the existence of solutions for a class of fractional boundary value problems arising in a chemical graph theory
Authors: Sintunavarat Wutiphol , Turab Ali
Published: August 2022

A theory of chemical graphs is a part of mathematical chemistry concerned with the effects of connectedness in chemical graphs. Several researchers have studied the solutions of fractional differential equations using the concept of star graphs. They employed star graphs because their technique requires a central node with links to adjacent vertices but no edges between nodes. The purpose of this paper is to extend the method’s range by introducing the concept of an octane graph, which is an essential organic compound having the formulaC8H18. In this manner, we analyze a graph with vertices annotated by 0 or 1, which is influenced by the structure of the chemical substance octane, and formulate a fractional boundary value problem on each of the graph’s edges. We use the Schaefer and Krasnoselskii fixed point theorems to investigate the existence of solutions to the presented boundary value problems in the framework of the Caputo fractional derivative. Finally, two examples are provided to highlight the importance of our results in this area of study.
Hyper-reflective retinal foci as possible in vivo imaging biomarker of microglia activation in von Hippel-Lindau disease
Authors: Pilotto Elisabetta , Torresin Tommaso , Bacelle Maria Laura , De Mojà Gilda , Ferrara Alfonso Massimiliano , Zovato Stefania , Midena Giulia , Midena Edoardo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is caused by a mutation of the VHL gene and characterized by the development of retinal hemangioblastomas (RH). Current pathophysiologic mechanisms of RH development and progression are still insufficient to predict RH behavior. VHL gene is involved in the cellular response to hypoxia and in many intracellular signaling pathways expressed both in angiogenesis and inflammation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows to identify hyper-reflective retinal foci (HRF) known as aggregates of activated microglial cells as possible in vivo biomarker of local inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of HRF in patients with genetically confirmed VHL disease.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, patients with VHL underwent complete ophthalmological examination and OCT with HRA + OCT Spectralis. HRF were manually identified and calculated in inner (IR), outer (OR) and full retina. Age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled as controls.

Results

113 eyes of 63 VHL patients and 56 eyes of 28 healthy subjects were evaluated. HRF number was significantly higher in VHL than in controls in IR (28.06 ± 7.50 vs 25.25 ± 6.64, p = 0.042). No difference was observed in OR and in full retina (OR: 7.73 ± 2.59 vs 7.95 ± 2.51, p = 0.599; full retina: 35.79 ± 8.77 vs 33.20 ± 7.47, p = 0.093).

Conclusion

The increase of HRF, which mirror retinal microglial activation, characterizes VHL eyes. The role of activated microglia in the retina of VHL eyes needs to be better investigated, mainly considering local VHL disease manifestations.
Evaluation of trace calls by Xpert MTB/RIF ultra for clinical management in low TB burden settings
Authors: Amedeo Alberto , Beci Giacomo , Giglia Maddalena , Lombardi Giulia , Bisognin Francesco , Chiarucci Federico , Corsini Ilaria , Dal Monte Paola , Tadolini Marina
Published: August 2022

Background

Clinical interpretation of trace results by Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay (Ultra) used as an initial diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB) may be challenging. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency and epidemiology of trace readouts in routine clinical practice in a low TB prevalence setting and to propose guidance on how to manage patients with trace calls considering the data available (clinical, radiological, bacteriological etc.).

Materials and methods

A retrospective, observational, monocentric study was conducted at IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, Italy between November 2017—December 2020. Presumptive TB patients with at least one Ultra trace result during diagnostic workup before treatment were included in the study. Patients with ongoing anti-TB treatment at the time of the trace call result or with no clinical data available were excluded from the study.

Results

Fifty-nine presumptive TB patients with Ultra trace readouts were included in the study (mean age 37.0 years, 61% males). Four patients had a history of TB in the last 2 years. Twenty-five (42.4%) of the 59 samples with trace results were respiratory material. 57/59 (96.6%) patients started anti-TB treatment soon after obtaining trace results, based on clinical, radiological or other information available, while for two patients with a recent history of TB the trace result did not lead to anti-TB treatment. Culture was positive forM.tuberculosisfor 31/59 (52.5%) samples with trace calls: 13/25 (52.0%) were respiratory samples and 18/33 (54.5%) non-respiratory samples. The clinical and/or radiological findings of 47/57 (82.4%) patients given anti-TB therapy improved during treatment.

Conclusion

In low TB incidence settings, Ultra trace calls in presumptive TB patients should be considered as true-positive and treatment should be started promptly, except in cases of recent history of TB, where careful evaluation of other diagnostic criteria is necessary before starting anti-TB treatment. A decisional algorithm for clinical management is proposed.
Fostering the transformative potential of participatory photography: Insights from water and sanitation assessments
Authors: MacArthur Jess , Carrard Naomi , Koh Samrach , Willetts Juliet
Published: August 2022

Transformative research and evaluation both aim to foster social change as part of the inquiry process, often leveraging participatory and tactile methods with an advocacy objective. One such approach is participatory photography which engages marginalized individuals in image creation and includes activities such as photovoice and photo-elicitation. This article considers opportunities to strengthen the transformative potential of participatory photography activities within the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. The research comprised two components: 1) a systematic literature review of participatory photography activities in the WASH sector (n = 32) and 2) an empirical case of a photovoice evaluation of a staff-focused gender mainstreaming intervention in Cambodia (n = 20), including a structured survey, structured observations of the evaluation process, and three participatory reflection workshops with program leadership. Drawing on the two components, we reflect on the extent to which photography-based approaches in the WASH-sector have been transformative. Our findings indicate that transformative potential can arise from participatory photography’s process and outcomes. The research identified opportunities for the WASH-sector to strengthen participatory photography by 1) purposefully recruiting participants, 2) creating engaging orientation opportunities, 3) supporting participants in ethical image creation, 4) facilitating image interpretation, and 5) progressing photo-stories into advocacy. The study also considers how participatory photography can address gender inequalities inherent in photography, hence seeking gender-transformation. While these insights were derived for participatory photography activities in the WASH sector, the findings and implications have relevance in other sectors that seek to investigate complex change and foster transformations.
Dorothy Morland: Making ICA History, Anne Massey
Authors: Arya Rina
Published: August 2022

Review of: Dorothy Morland: Making ICA History, Anne Massey

Liverpool: Liverpool University Press (2020), 216 pp.,

ISBN: 978-1-7896-2127-3, h/bk, £80.00, ISBN: 978-1-7896-2128-0, p/bk, £24.95
Okno McLuhana. Pochwała konserwatyzmu
Authors: Hendrykowski Marek
Published: August 2022

Artykuł zawiera próbę funkcjonalnej rekonstrukcji poglądów zawartych w pracach Marshalla McLuhana, dokonanej pod kątem zarówno teoriopoznawczym, jak i metodologicznym. Autor stawia hipotezę, w myśl której u podstaw jego koncepcji, uznawanej często za przejaw „konserwatyzmu” prezentowanych poglądów, w istocie daje o sobie znać indywidualna postać sceptycyzmu poznawczego i metodologicznego. Postawa sceptyczna autora Galaktyki Gutenberga i Zrozumieć media sprawia, iż jego rozważania mimo upływu kilkudziesięciu lat nie uległy dezaktualizacji i nadal wzbudzają zainteresowanie współczesnych badaczy mediów.
Método rápido y preciso para la cuantificación de busulfán en muestras de plasma mediante cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas en tándem (LC-MS/MS)
Authors: Villena-Ortiz Yolanda , Castellote-Bellés Laura , Martinez-Sanchez Luisa , Benítez-Carabante María I. , Miarons Marta , Vima-Bofarull Jaume , Barquin-DelPino Raquel , Paciucci Rosanna , Rodríguez-Frías Francisco , Ferrer-Costa Roser , Casis Ernesto , López-Hellín Joan
Published: August 2022

Objetivos

La administración de busulfán es ampliamente utilizada como parte del régimen de acondicionamiento en pacientes que se van a someter a trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas. Se recomienda monitorizar las concentraciones plasmáticas de busulfán con el fin de optimizar la dosis en cada paciente y minimizar su toxicidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es validar un método analítico sencillo, rápido y costo-efectivo para la cuantificación de busulfán en plasma por cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas en tándem de aplicabilidad en la práctica clínica.

Métodos

Las muestras de plasma se prepararon aplicando un protocolo de un solo paso de precipitación de proteínas. A continuación, las muestras se analizaron mediante elución isocrática en una columna C18. La fase móvil está constituida por 2 mM de acetato de amonio y ácido fórmico al 0,1% disuelto a una proporción 30:70 de metanol/agua. Como patrón interno, se utilizó busulfán-D8.

Resultados

El tiempo total de medición se optimizó en 1,6 minutos. Las curvas de calibración fueron lineales entre 0,03 y 5 mg/L. El CV fue inferior al 8%. La exactitud de este método mostró un intervalo aceptable de entre 85 y 115%. No se observó interferencia por hemoglobina, lipemia o bilirrubina, ni siquiera a elevadas concentraciones de interferente. No se observó contaminación por arrastre ni efecto matriz al emplear este método. Se analizó el área bajo la curva de 15 pacientes pediátricos que recibieron tratamiento con busulfán previamente a un trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas, y se estudió la correlación con las dosis administradas.

Conclusiones

El método fue validado exitosamente y demostró ser suficientemente sólido para la monitorización farmacoterapéutica en un contexto clínico.
Terahertz subwavelength sensing with bio-functionalized germanium fano-resonators
Authors: Chavarin Carlos Alvarado , Hardt Elena , Skibitzki Oliver , Voss Thomas , Eissa Mohammed , Spirito Davide , Capellini Giovanni , Baldassarre Leonetta , Flesch Julia , Piehler Jacob , You Changjiang , Grüssing Sönke , Römer Friedhard , Witzigmann Bernd
Published: August 2022

Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances (LSPR) based on highly doped semiconductors microstructures, such as antennas, can be engineered to exhibit resonant features at THz frequencies. In this work, we demonstrate plasmonic antennas with increased quality factor LSPRs from Fano coupling to dark modes. We also discuss the advances in the biofunctionalization of n-doped Ge antennas for specific protein immobilization and cell interfacing. Finally, albumin biolayers with a thickness of a few hundred nanometers are used to demonstrate the performance of the fano-coupled n-Ge antennas as sensors. A resonant change of over 10% in transmission, due to the presence of the biolayer, can be detected within a bandwidth of only 20 GHz.
Collaborative writing in an EFL secondary setting: the role of task complexity
Authors: Zhang Meixiu
Published: August 2022

Prior research found that compared with individual writing, collaborative writing improves learner performance and facilitates writing development. However, it remains unknown whether collaboration may allow learners to tackle writing tasks of varying cognitive demands. This study examined the role of task complexity in collaborative writing (CW) through (a) comparing how individual learners and dyads performed in tasks of varying cognitive demands and (b) examining how task complexity impacted pairs’ co-constructed texts. Sixty-nine Chinese junior high school learners of English (14–16 years old) were divided into two groups: individual writing (n = 21 learners) and a CW group (n = 24 pairs). Learners in both groups completed a simple and a complex task (manipulated via ± task structure). The written products were analyzed in terms of linguistic complexity, accuracy, fluency, and functional adequacy. Results indicated that the benefits of collaboration on learners’ written products were subject to the influence of task structure. When task structure is present, dyads produced functionally more adequate and longer texts than individual learners. In contrast, without task structure, dyads gained an edge over individual writers in terms of linguistic accuracy and fluency. Also, when examining the role of task complexity within the CW group, this study found that task structure exerted some influence on fluency, but not on other aspects of the jointly written products. Pedagogical and research implications were discussed.
Association between clinical variations and copy number variations in cases with Turner syndrome
Authors: Aksoy Ezgi , Cogulu Ozgur , Pariltay Erhan , Ozen Samim , Ata Aysun , Karaca Emin , Darcan Sukran
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Turner syndrome (TS) is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities with an incidence of approximately one in 2,500 live births. Short stature and primary ovarian insufficiency are two most important characteristic findings of TS. Turner syndrome karyotypes include monosomy X, mosaic structure and X chromosome structural anomalies. Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics vary among cases. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical variations observed in TS cases with the copy number variations (CNV) detected by microarray study.

Methods

Fifty-three patients diagnosed with TS, between the ages of 0–18 were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were taken from 36 cases for microarray study.

Results

Karyotypes were as follows: thirty-three of cases were 45,X, 7 were 45,X/46,XX, 6 were 45,X/46,Xi(Xq), 2 were 46,Xi(Xq), 2 were 45,X/46,r(X), 1 was 45,X/46,Xi(Xp), 1 was 45,X/46,XY and 1 was 45,X/46,X+mar(idicY) karyotype. A significant correlation was found between karyotype groups and FSH values of the cases (p=0.034). In monosomy X and mosaic isochromosome Xq cases, the FSH value was found to be significantly higher than those with 45,X/46,XX mosaic karyotype. CNVs were found in 8 (22.2%) out of 36 cases whose microarray study was performed. Unexpected atypical findings were discussed in the light of the characteristics of CNVs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the microarray method has a great contribution in explaining many unexpected findings in TS cases. Moreover, those CNV findings may contribute for the explanation of the underlying mechanisms of those anomalies.
96-Channel on-chip reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer for multidimensional multiplexing systems
Authors: Zhao Weike , Peng Yingying , Cao Xiaoping , Zhao Shi , Liu Ruoran , Wei Yihui , Liu Dajian , Yi Xiaolin , Han Shangtong , Wan Yuanjian , Li Kang , Wu Guangze , Wang Jian , Shi Yaocheng , Dai Daoxin
Published: August 2022

The multi-dimensional multiplexing technology is very promising for further increasing the link capacity of optical interconnects. A 96-channel silicon-based on-chip reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) is proposed and demonstrated for the first time to satisfy the demands in hybrid mode/polarization/wavelengthdivision-multiplexing systems. The present ROADM consists of a six-channel mode/polarization de-multiplexer, a 6 × 16 array of microring-resonator (MRR)-based wavelength-selective switches, and a six-channel mode/polarization multiplexer. With such a ROADM, one can add/drop optical signals to/from any channels of the multimode bus waveguide arbitrarily. For the designed and fabricated ROADM chip, there are more than 1000 elements integrated monolithically, including 96 MRRs, 576 waveguide crossings, 192 grating couplers, 96 micro-heaters, 112 pads, six polarization-splitter-rotators (PSRs), four asymmetric adiabatic couplers and four asymmetric directional couplers. For any channel added/dropped with the fabricated ROADM, the on-chip excess loss is about 5–20 dB, the inter-mode crosstalk is <−12 dB, and the inter-wavelength crosstalk is <−24 dB. The system experiments are demonstrated by using 10-GBaud quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signals, showing that the observed optical signal noise ratio (OSNR) power penalties induced by the ROADM are less than 2 dB at a BER of 3.8 × 10−3.
Four- and five-photon upconversion lasing from rare earth elements under continuous-wave pump and room temperature
Authors: Jiang Bo , Hu Yuchan , Ren Linhao , Zhou Han , Shi Lei , Zhang Xinliang
Published: August 2022

Benefited from abundant long-lived intermediate energy levels of rear earth elements, large anti-Stokes lasing can be realized by multi-photon upconversion processes, which does not demand rigorous phase match and ultrahigh pump power. Here, we have fabricated an Er-doped silica microsphere with an ultrahigh intrinsic quality factor of 1.2 × 108. By continuous-wave (CW) excitation at 1535 nm, four- and five-photon upconversion lasers are achieved simultaneously under room temperature, in which the lasing thresholds are estimated as 176 and 600 μW, respectively. Beside the ultralow thresholds, the microlaser also exhibits good stability of lasing intensity for practical applications. The four- and five-photon upconversion lasing from rare earth elements have not been separately demonstrated under CW pump and room temperature until this work. This demonstration provides a prospect to realizing high-performance short-wavelength laser by pumping low-energy photons.
Signs, paradox, and sporting games in school physical education
Authors: Pic Miguel , Navarro-Adelantado Vicente
Published: August 2022

The wide range of semiotic possibility, through networks of motor communications, reveal processes for decision-making with playful meaning. We describe a physical education experience according to a sequence based on five motor games, corresponding to five networks of motor communications, with the purpose of revealing the signs to interpret a fully comprehension of playful communication. A total of 180 high school students were part of this pedagogic experience. Events (conducts) were obtained through the systematic observation of three game conducts, to be compared through the five games and thus offer indicators of motor complexity regarding decoding (low, medium, and high coding). Through the game sequencing studied, three blocks with different networks of motor communications were shown: their exclusivity and stability, their instability, and ambivalence, in addition to signs based on relationships of opposition, reidentification, and relativization. We propose that these signs should be transferred to a significant pedagogy with curricular interest for the physical education class.
Machine learning approaches for diagnosing depression using EEG: A review
Authors: Liu Yuan , Pu Changqin , Xia Shan , Deng Dingyu , Wang Xing , Li Mengqian
Published: August 2022

Depression has become one of the most crucial public health issues, threatening the quality of life of over 300 million people throughout the world. Nevertheless, the clinical diagnosis of depression is now still hampered by behavioral diagnostic methods. Due to the lack of objective laboratory diagnostic criteria, accurate identification and diagnosis of depression remained elusive. With the rise of computational psychiatry, a growing number of studies have combined resting-state electroencephalography with machine learning (ML) to alleviate diagnosis of depression in recent years. Despite the exciting results, these were worrisome of these studies. As a result, ML prediction models should be continuously improved to better screen and diagnose depression. Finally, this technique would be used for the diagnosis of other psychiatric disorders in the future.
Characterization of hydrophilic carbon nanohorns prepared by the arc-in-water method
Authors: Su Chi-Jung , Li Yi-Hui , Huang Shaoe-En , Weng Yu-Ching
Published: August 2022

Hydrophilic single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) are produced by using the arc-in-water method. These hydrophilic SWNHs are easily formed in clusters with a diameter of ∼30–40 nm. The XRD pattern features a peak at around 26°, which is typical for SWCNHs. There are evidences of C–C, C=C, C–O, C=O and O=C–O– bonding units based on the XPS spectra of hydrophilic SWNHs. The Raman spectra show that the hydrophilic SWNHs have a high number of defects. Furthermore, stretching vibration bands of C–O, C=C, O=C–O–, C–H and O–H units have been observed by FTIR measurements. All these spectroscopic results are consistent with the structural concepts.
War among animals in Greek thought
Authors: Kostuch Lucyna
Published: August 2022

Ethologists have observed that some animals use organised violence against members of their own species. Some well-known scholars call this form of animal aggression war, deliberately omitting the quotation marks. And how was it in antiquity? Was war believed to be part of the animal world? The aim of the presented article is to analyse the ancient written sources in search of correlations between the notion of war and animals, and to determine what conceptual assumptions lie at the heart of this correlation. In light of the preserved records, it seems that the conviction about the existence of an inherent correlation between war and the animal world emerged slowly; that is, basic military terms (polemos, machē, etc.) were used with respect to animals reluctantly in the beginning and rather metaphorically, but gained popularity over time. Even though animals appear in the military context beginning from Homer's Iliad, Aristotle was most probably the first one to explicitly formulate a thesis about the presence of war (polemos) in the animal world. Aristotle's concept of war comes down to a series of duels fought between animals. It seems that what made it easier for Aristotle to transfer the notion of a battle (machē) from the human world to the animal world was the Greek tendency to present duels between soldiers as being equivalent to a clash between two armies.
School Leadership Practices and Identity Politics in a Multicultural Society: The Case of Indonesia
Authors: Raihani Raihani
Published: August 2022

This article aims to explore school leadership practices in the context of the multicultural society of Indonesia. Effective school leaders in a diverse context demonstrate a type of moral leadership characterized by high awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity and act accordingly to enable everyone in school to pursue his or her goals. This study used a qualitative case study approach by selecting three different schools and interviewing the principals, teachers, and students. The findings suggest that while in rhetoric school leaders convey a commitment to recognize and respect diversity, they exercise covertly some discriminative policies towards powerless groups. In these schools, both cultural and religious identities were used to maintain domination in school. Consequently, the schools have hardly become a venue for social justice and multicultural citizenship. By doing so, this article contributes to a better understanding of the nuance of school leadership in multicultural societies like Indonesia.
The role of immunological factors in the development of abnormal uterine bleeding in women of reproductive age with extragenital disorders
Authors: Tuchkina Iryna , Blagoveshchensky Roman
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the role of immunological factors in the development of abnormal uterine bleeding in women of reproductive age with extragenital disorders.

Materials and methods. The study involved 100 women with abnormal uterine bleeding and accompanying extragenital disorders (main group) and 50 somatically healthy women (control group). Autoimmune antibodies to platelets, phagocytic activity of neutrophil granulocytes, concentration of circulating immune complexes (CICs), total level of membranotropic cytotoxic factors, content of CD4+T-helper subpopulations and cytotoxic CD8+T-killer lymphocytes were evaluated as immunological markers.

Results of the study. The study showed that thrombocytopenia, caused by the presence of autoimmune antibodies to their own platelets, can be one of the pathogenic factors of bleeding in women with AUB. In 41 % of women with AUB, phagocytic reactions were found to be intense, which was expressed by an increase in chemotaxis and adhesion functions, and in 46 % of women by an increase in the absorption capacity of phagocytes. In the main group, 48 % of the examined women had insufficient phagocyte enzymatic activity, which was evidenced by a decrease in the index of completion of phagocytosis. In 79 % of women of the main group, violations of the formation and elimination of circulating immune complexes were detected. The formation of low-molecular-weight CICs in 82 % of women of this cohort contributed to the induction of autoimmune reactions. The total content of membranotropic cytotoxic factors, which was evaluated according to the lymphocytotoxic test, exceeded the reference values in 88 % of women of the main group. In the main group, the average content of CD4+ T-helpers was 23 % lower, and the content of suppressor CD8+ T-lymphocytes was twice as low compared to the control group, resulting in a significant increase in the immunoregulatory index by 30 %.

Conclusion. The women of the main group with abnormal uterine bleeding were found to have a violation of the functional activity of cellular factors of innate immunity, accompanied by changes in the absorption and digestive capacity of phagocytic cells. Assessment of secondary adaptive reactions showed induction of humoral sensitization and formation of autoimmune reactions (presence of antiplatelet autoantibodies, increase in CICs and LCT, decrease in the subpopulation of CD8+-suppressor T-lymphocytes). The detected violations indicate the pathogenic role of immunological reactions in women with abnormal uterine bleeding
Property analysis of multivariate conditional linear random processes in the problems of mathematical modelling of signals
Authors: Fryz Mykhailo , Mlynko Bogdana
Published: August 2022

The object of research is the process of mathematical modelling of a multidimensional random signal, which in the structure of its generation is the sum of a large number of random impulses that occur at random times. Examples of stochastic signals of this type can be, in particular, electroencephalographic and cardiographic signals, photoplethysmography signals, resource consumption processes (electricity, gas, water consumption), radar signals, vibrations of bearings of electric machines and others.
A common mathematical model (especially in the multidimensional case) of this type of signal is a linear random process that allows the signal to be represented as the sum of a large number of stochastically independent random impulses that occur at Poisson moments. If the impulses are stochastically dependent (or the moments of time of their appearance are not Poisson), then the mathematical model is a conditional linear random process. The definition and analysis of the probabilistic properties of such processes for the multidimensional case have not been conducted.
The paper defines a multidimensional conditional linear random process, each component of which is represented as a stochastic integral of a random kernel driven by a process with independent increments. Expressions for the characteristic function and moment functions of the specified process are obtained. The approach used was to use the mathematical apparatus of conditional characteristic functions, as well as the known representation of an infinitely divisible characteristic function of a linear random process as a functional of a process with independent increments.
The obtained results provide a possibility for theoretical analysis of probabilistic properties of multichannel stochastic signals, the mathematical model of which is a multidimensional conditional linear random process. Justification of their properties of stationarity or cyclostationarity, which are the consequence of corresponding properties of the kernel and process with independent increments, can be carried out.
Overview of methods and means of implementation of information and measuring components cyber-physical systems for electromagnetic probing
Authors: Buchma Ihor , Voichenko Mykhailo
Published: August 2022

The object of research is cyber-physical systems for the study of inhomogeneous environments, in particular, such as land and water depths, in order to find in them the leading bodies. One of the most problematic places in the creation of such systems is a highly sensitive meter of small phase shifts with a low sensitivity threshold.
During the study, a review of methods for achieving a low threshold of sensitivity to phase shift. The main one is the method of converting the phase shift into the amplitude modulation coefficient. The implementation of the method is based on the sum-difference transformation with the preliminary introduction of the quadrature phase shift between the signals. The results concerning the methods of solving the following problems are obtained:
– increasing the temperature stability of the quadrature phase shifter;
– reducing the non-identity of the transmission coefficients of the sumo-difference scheme channels;
– allocation of the amplitude of the amplitude-phase-modulated signal at low ratios of the frequencies of the input signals and switching.
The first problem is partially solved by dividing the quadrature phase shifter into two equal halves, placed in different channels, with approximately the same phase temperature coefficients. The second problem is also solved by manual calibration before measurement. The most difficult task is to extract the bypass from the amplitude-phase-modulated signal, in which the carrier frequency is only several times greater than the bypass. The difficulty is that the detection produces combinational frequencies due to phase modulation. Therefore, it is difficult to separate them. Several methods of allocating the bypass, if the frequency of the input signals is fixed, are considered. This allows to get the sensitivity threshold(1·10–4÷3·10–5) of advice. Reducing the operating frequency of the signals increases the depth of research, but increases the impact of flicker noise. The minimum frequency is 10 Hz. Therefore, these methods are not suitable for frequencies of Hz units. Methods to reduce the impact of flicker noise will be considered in another paper.
Status epilepticus: review on diagnosis, monitoring and treatment
Authors: Pinto Lecio Figueira , Oliveira João Paulo Santiago de , Midon Aston Marques
Published: August 2022

Abstract Status epilepticus (SE) is a frequent neurological emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. According to the new ILAE 2015 definition, SE results either from the failure of the mechanisms responsible for seizure termination or initiation, leading to abnormally prolonged seizures. The definition has different time points for convulsive, focal and absence SE. Time is brain. There are changes in synaptic receptors leading to a more proconvulsant state and increased risk of brain lesion and sequelae with long duration. Management of SE must include three pillars: stop seizures, stabilize patients to avoid secondary lesions and treat underlying causes. Convulsive SE is defined after 5 minutes and is a major emergency. Benzodiazepines are the initial treatment, and should be given fast and an adequate dose. Phenytoin/fosphenytoin, levetiracetam and valproic acid are evidence choices for second line treatment. If SE persists, anesthetic drugs are probably the best option for third line treatment, despite lack of evidence. Midazolam is usually the best initial choice and barbiturates should be considered for refractory cases. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus has a similar initial approach, with benzodiazepines and second line intravenous (IV) agents, but after that, aggressiveness should be balanced considering risk of lesion due to seizures and medical complications caused by aggressive treatment. Usually, the best approach is the use of sequential IV antiepileptic drugs (oral/tube are options if IV options are not available). EEG monitoring is crucial for diagnosis of nonconvulsive SE, after initial control of convulsive SE and treatment control. Institutional protocols are advised to improve care.
What’s new in insomnia? Diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Pentagna Álvaro , Castro Luiz Henrique Martins , Conway Bárbara Araújo
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Although, insomnia is one of the most common diseases that health professionals face in their practice, it receives little attention in medical training. Diagnosis is based on a careful history taking, and physicians must be aware of the diagnostic criteria. Insomnia should not be considered a symptom, but a comorbid condition. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been the mainstay treatment for insomnia for many years, it is usually regarded as a novel therapeutic strategy, both because of scarcity of qualified psychologists and of limited knowledge about insomnia among physicians. GABA receptor acting drugs are being abandoned in the treatment of insomnia because of abuse and dependence potential and accident risk. Two main current therapeutic options with the best scientific evidence are the tricyclic antidepressant, doxepin, and a new melatoninergic receptor agonist, ramelteon. Newer drugs to treat insomnia are in the pipeline. Hypocretine blocking agents will be marketed in the near future.
Magnetic resonance and dopamine transporter imaging for the diagnosis of Parkinson´s disease: a narrative review
Authors: Otani Rafael Tomio Vicentini , Yamamoto Joyce Yuri Silvestre , Nunes Douglas Mendes , Haddad Mônica Santoro , Parmera Jacy Bezerra
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Background: the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) can be challenging, especially in the early stages, albeit its updated and validated clinical criteria. Recent developments on neuroimaging in PD, altogether with its consolidated role of excluding secondary and other neurodegenerative causes of parkinsonism, provide more confidence in the diagnosis across the different stages of the disease. This review highlights current knowledge and major recent advances in magnetic resonance and dopamine transporter imaging in aiding PD diagnosis. Objective: This study aims to review current knowledge about the role of magnetic resonance imaging and neuroimaging of the dopamine transporter in diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Methods: We performed a non-systematic literature review through the PubMed database, using the keywords "Parkinson", “magnetic resonance imaging”, “diffusion tensor”, “diffusion-weighted”, “neuromelanin”, “nigrosome-1”, “single-photon emission computed tomography”, “dopamine transporter imaging”. The search was restricted to articles written in English, published between January 2010 and February 2022. Results: The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease remains a clinical diagnosis. However, new neuroimaging biomarkers hold promise for increased diagnostic accuracy, especially in earlier stages of the disease. Conclusion: Future validation of new imaging biomarkers bring the expectation of an increased neuroimaging role in the diagnosis of PD in the following years.
Progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration: novel clinical concepts and advances in biomarkers
Authors: Parmera Jacy Bezerra , Oliveira Marcos Castello Barbosa de , Rodrigues Roberta Diehl , Coutinho Artur Martins
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are sporadic adult-onset primary tauopathies clinically classified among the atypical parkinsonian syndromes. They are intrinsically related with regard to their clinical features, pathology, biochemistry, and genetic risk factors. Objectives: This review highlights the current knowledge on PSP and CBD, focusing on evolving clinical concepts, new diagnostic criteria, and advances in biomarkers. Methods: We performed a non-systematic literature review through the PubMed database. The search was restricted to articles written in English, published from 1964 to date. Results: Clinicopathologic and in vivo biomarkers studies have broadened PSP and CBD clinical phenotypes. They are now recognized as a range of motor and behavioral syndromes associated with underlying 4R-tauopathy neuropathology. The Movement Disorders Society PSP diagnostic criteria included clinical variants apart from the classical description, increasing diagnostic sensitivity. Meanwhile, imaging biomarkers have explored the complexity of symptoms and pathological processes related to corticobasal syndrome and CBD. Conclusions: In recent years, several prospective or clinicopathologic studies have assessed clinical, radiological, and fluid biomarkers that have helped us gain a better understanding of the complexity of the 4R-tauopathies, mainly PSP and CBD.
From clinical phenotype to proteinopathy: molecular neuroimaging in neurodegenerative dementias
Authors: Studart-Neto Adalberto , Coutinho Artur Martins
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Neurodegenerative dementias are characterized by the abnormal accumulation of misfolded proteins. However, its diagnostic criteria are still based on the clinical phenotype. The development of biomarkers allowed in vivo detection of pathophysiological processes. This article aims to make a non-systematic review of the use of molecular neuroimaging as a biomarker. Molecular neuroimaging is based on the use of radiotracers for image acquisition. The radiotracer most used in PET is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), with which it is possible to study the regional brain glucose metabolism. The pattern of regional hypometabolism provides neuroanatomical information on the neurodegenerative process, which, in turn, has a good specificity for each type of proteinopathy. FDG is very useful in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative dementias through the regional pattern of involvement, including dementia with Lewy bodies and the spectrum of frontotemporal dementia. More recently, radiotracers with specific ligands to some of the pathological proteins have been developed. Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) labeled with 11C and the ligands that use 18F (florbetapir, florbetaben and flutemetamol) are the most used radiotracers for the detection of insoluble β-amyloid peptide in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A first generation of ligands for tau protein has been developed, but it has some affinity for other non-tau protein aggregates. A second generation has the advantage of having a higher affinity for hyperphosphorylated tau protein, including in primary tauopathies.
Artificial intelligence and Big Data in neurology
Authors: Amaro Junior Edson
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Recent advances in technology have allowed us access to a multitude of datasets pertaining to various dimensions in neurology. Together with the enormous opportunities, we also face challenges related to data quality, ethics and intrinsic difficulties related to the application of data science in healthcare. In this article we will describe the main advances in the field of artificial intelligence and Big Data applied to neurology with a focus on neurosciences based on medical images. Real-World Data (RWD) and analytics related to large volumes of information will be described as well as some of the most relevant scientific initiatives at the time of this writing.
How to differentiate behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia from primary psychiatric disorders: practical aspects for the clinician
Authors: Gambogi Leandro Boson , Souza Leonardo Cruz de , Caramelli Paulo
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Due to the early and prominent behavioral changes which characterize behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), patients are more likely to seek psychiatric help and are often initially diagnosed with a primary psychiatric disorder (PPD). Differentiating these conditions is critical because of the dramatically different outcomes, differences in patient management, family counseling and caregiver education. Objective: To propose a practical guide to distinguish between bvFTD and PDD. Methods: We conducted a non-systematic review of the published manuscripts in the field, including some previous investigations from our own group and work on which we have collaborated, and summarized the main findings and proposals that may be useful for neurological practice. Results: The reviewed literature suggests that a comprehensive clinical history, brief cognitive and neuropsychological evaluations, detailed neurological examination with special attention to motor alterations related to bvFTD, structural and functional neuroimaging evaluation, genetic investigation in selected cases, and assistance from a multidisciplinary team, including a neurologist and a psychiatrist with expertise in bvFTD, are very helpful in differentiating these conditions. Conclusions: Although the clinician may commonly face great difficulty in differentiating between bvFTD and PPD, the use of appropriate tools in a systematic way and the availability of a well-trained multidisciplinary group can significantly increase diagnostic accuracy.