bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a Terminology Server and Consumer Search Phrases to Help Patients Find Physicians with Particular Expertise
Authors: Cole Curtis L.  , Kanter Andrew S.  , Cummens Michael  , Vostinar Sean  , Naeymi-Rad Frank
Published: February 2025

Objectives: To design and implement a real world application using a terminology server to assist patients and physicians who use common language search terms to find specialist physicians with a particular clinical expertise. Method: Terminology servers have been developed to help users encoding of information using complicated structured vocabulary during data entry tasks, such as recording clinical information. We describe a methodology using Personal Health Terminology™and a SNOMED® CT-based hierarchical concept server. Results: Construction of a pilot mediated-search engine to assist users who use vernacular speech in querying data which is more technical than vernacular. Conclusion: This approach, which combines theoretical and practical requirements, provides a useful example of concept-based searching for physician referrals.
The NLM Gateway: a Metasearch Engine for Disparate Resources
Authors: Kingsland III Lawrence C.  , Prettyman Maureen F.  , Shooshan Sonya E.
Published: February 2025

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) has created a metasearch engine called the NLM Gateway at the URL “gateway.nlm.nih.gov”. The Gateway allows the user to issue one search that takes place on multiple NLM retrieval engines. A composite result set is presented in several categories of information: journal citations; books, serials and audiovisuals; consumer health; meeting abstracts; and other collections.
Extracting Phenotypic Information from the Literature via Natural Language Processing
Authors: Chen Lifeng  , Friedman Carol
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the amount of biomedical knowledge has been increasing exponentially. Several Natural Language Processing (NLP) systems have been developed to help researchers extract, encode and organize new information automatically from textual literature or narrative reports. Some of these systems focus on extracting biological entities or molecular interactions while others retrieve and encode clinical information. To exploit gene functions in the post-genome era, it is necessary to extract phenotypic information automatically from the literature as well. However, few NLP projects have focused on this. We present the development of a system called BioMedLEE that extracts a broad variety of phenotypic information from the biomedical literature. The system was developed by adapting MedLEE, an’existing clinical information extraction NLP engine. A feasibility evaluation study of BioMedLEE was performed using 300 randomly chosen journal titles. Results showed that experts achieved an average precision rate of 65.4%, (95%CI’ [58.0%, 72.8%) and a recall rate of 73.0%, (95%CI: [66.2%, 80.0%). BioMedLEE had 64.0% precision and 77.1% recall respectively, according to expert agreements.
Towards the automatic generation of biomedical sources schema
Authors: Mougin Fleur  , Burgun Anita  , Loréal Olivier  , Le Beux Pierre
Published: February 2025

Biologists and physicians need to access biological and medical data for their experimentations and researches. This information is available on the Internet and is scattered over many heterogeneous data sources. Collecting information is consequently tedious, time consuming and must be improved. To cope with this difficulty, our overall objective is to realize a mediator- based system to integrate heterogeneous biomedical data sources. This requires first an automatic generation of source schema, which is the goal of this work. For that, we describe an algorithm which is based on information extraction. It consists of the extraction of meta-information from each source to infer their schema. Our system enables users to access relevant and specific data, which are up-to-date. To solve the semantic heterogeneity of data sources, we are considering the creation of an ontology. Finally, the management of source evolution is discussed.
Clustering gene expression data with Temporal Abstractions
Authors: Sacchi L.  , Bellazzi R.  , Larizza C.  , Magni P.  , Curk T.  , Petrovic U.  , Zupan B.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a new technique for clustering short time series comingfrom gene expression data. The technique is based on the labelling of the time series through temporal trend abstractions and a consequent clustering of the series on the basis of their labels. Clustering is performed at three different levels of aggregation of the original time series, so that the results are organized and visualized as a three-levels hierarchical tree. Results on simulated and on yeast data are shown. The technique appears robust and efficient and the results obtained are easy to be interpreted.
The Need for a Time-machine in the Distributed EHR
Authors: Bakker Ab
Published: February 2025

It is widely expected that the Electronic Health Record (EHR) will become an important tool for healthcare professionals when delivering care. The use of this tool will not for long be optional, it will become a professional responsibility to use this tool when appropriate.
Automatic segmentation of digital micrographs: A survey
Authors: Nattkemper Tim W.
Published: February 2025

Digital micrographs and play a crucial role in today's biomedical research. Due to progresses in experiment standardization and automation large sets of digital microscopy images, so called micrographs are recorded and stored to databases. The subsequent analysis of the large number of digital images needs the image information to be transformed into quantitative data, which can be processed by statistical methods and datamining. This article summarizes applications of optical microscopy in biomedical research and describes the individual characteristics in micrograph segmentation and classification. An overview on past works based on image processing and artificial neural networks is given and the problem of segmentation evaluation. It concludes with recommendations for future works.
Modeling Temporal Dynamics with Function Approximation in Deep Spatio-Temporal Inference Network
Authors: Karnowski Thomas P.  , Arel Itamar  , Young Steven
Published: February 2025

Biologically inspired deep machine learning is an emerging framework for dealing with complex high-dimensional data. An unsupervised feature extraction deep learning architecture called Deep Spatio-Temporal Inference Network (DeSTIN) utilizes a hierarchy of computational nodes, where each node features a common algorithm for inference of temporal patterns. The nodes all are geared to online learning and offer a generalization component which uses clustering and mixture models, as well as a temporal dynamics module. The latter is designed for tabular representation but such techniques are notoriously ill-suited for scaling as they impose an O(N3) memory complexity. Instead, function approximation methods such as neural networks can serve as a more concise representation. In this work we present the results of DeSTIN on a popular problem, the MNIST data set of handwritten digits, using mixture models and function approximation to create a temporally evolving feature representation. We compare the results of the extracted features from DeSTIN under the tabular method and the function approximation method and contrast these results with our past work in this area.
Bridging the gap: A neurally plausible functional model of sensemaking
Authors: Rutledge-Taylor Matthew F.  , Lebiere Christian  , Vinokurov Yury  , Staszewski James  , Anderson John R.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a functional model of the task of interpreting geospatial imagery data. The model is implemented using the ACT-R cognitive architecture to bridge the gap between descriptive theories of sensemaking processes and detailed neural models. The interaction between the information structure of the model and the cognitive constraints of the architecture leads to various biases in the implementation of sensemaking processes. We discuss how the various structures and mechanisms of the model can be mapped to brain processes, and their implications for neural architectures.
Reconciling Autonomy with Utility: A Roadmap and Architecture for Cognitive Development
Authors: Vernon David
Published: February 2025

This paper focusses on a general issue which arises when one attempts to design a cognitive architecture for autonomous cognitive systems: the incompatibility of autonomy with external control and the consequent problem of getting these systems to perform prescribed tasks. In addressing this issue, we consider a specific endeavour to design and implement a biologically-inspired cognitive architecture for the iCub humanoid robot. This architecture is based on 43 guidelines arising from an extended study of the requirements imposed by developmental psychology, neuroscience, enactive cognition, and existing computational models.
An Innovative Mobile Phone Based System For Humanoid Robot Expressing Emotions And Personality
Authors: Chella Antonio  , Sorbello Rosario  , Pilato Giovanni  , Balistreri Giuseppe  , Anzalone Salvatore Maria  , Giardina Marcello
Published: February 2025

In this paper we illustrate a new version of the cognitive architecture of an emotional humanoid robot based on the proposed paradigm of Latent Semantic Behaviour (LSB). This paradigm is a step towards the simulation of an emotional behavior of a robot interacting with humans. The New Architecture uses a different procedure of induction of the emotional conceptual space and an Android mobile phone as user-friendly for the emotional interaction with robot. The robot generates its overall behavior also taking into account its “personality” encoded in the emotional conceptual space. To validate the system, we implemented the distribute system on a Aldebaran NAO humanoid robot and on a Android Phone HTC and we tested this new emotional interaction between human and robot through the use of a phone.
From Biology to Inspiration and Back: Is the Pallidal Complex a Reservoir?
Authors: Connolly Christopher  , Rohwer Richard  , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: February 2025

This paper explores parallels between Reservoir Computing models and basal ganglia nuclei including the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus. The anatomy of these structures can inform the design of reservoirs, possibly improving performance and smoothing the reservoir learning error landscape.
Personalized Modelling based Medical Decision Support System over Gene Expression Data: A New Framework Proposed
Authors: Fiasché Maurizio  , Cuzzola Maria  , Messina Giuseppe  , Irrera Giuseppe  , Morabito Francesco C.
Published: February 2025

In this paper novel theoretical medical decision support system based on a personalized modeling gene selection method is presented. Identifying a compact set of genes from gene expression data is a critical step in bioinformatics research. Personalized modeling is a recently introduced technique for constructing clinical decision support systems. In this work we have provided a comparative study using the proposed Personalized Modeling based Gene Selection method on two benchmark microarray datasets (Colon cancer and Central Nervous System cancer data) and on a macroarray dataset collected during a GRANT clinical project. The experimental results show that our method is able to identify a small number of informative genes which can lead to reproducible and acceptable predictive performance without expensive computational cost. These genes are of importance for specific groups of people for cancer and other diseases diagnosis and prognosis.
Two Methods for Representing Judicial Reasoning in the Framework of Coherence as Constraint Satisfaction
Authors: Araszkiewicz Michał  , Šavelka Jaromír
Published: February 2025

We attempt to present and compare two methods for representing cases in constraint satisfaction networks. The tension between top-down and bottom-up strategy as regards construction of models of reasoning has long tradition in the literature on AI. The same distinction applies to representations of legal argumentation. Our proposal compares the application of top-down and bottom-up strategy to representation of a chosen judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in constraint satisfaction networks. The first (top-down) approach is inspired by systems of defeasible logic and argumentation frameworks. The second approach makes use of bottom-up strategy and is more firmly grounded in the text of the court's decision. The two methods lead to very similar results and yield interesting conclusions concerning the structure of the CJEU reasoning.
Automatic Classification of Personal Conflict Styles in Conflict Resolution
Authors: Carneiro Davide  , Gomes Marco  , Novais Paulo  , Andrade Francisco  , Neves José
Published: February 2025

The use of technology to support conflict resolution is nowadays well established. Moreover, technological solutions are not only used to solve traditional conflicts but also to solve conflicts that emerge in virtual environments. Therefore, a new field of research has been developing in which the use of Artificial Intelligence techniques can significantly improve the conflict resolution process. In this paper we focus on developing conflict resolution models that are able to classify the disputant parties according to their personal conflict style. Moreover, we present a dynamic conflict resolution model that is able to use that information to adapt strategies in real time according to significant changes in the context of interaction. To do it we follow a novel approach in which an intelligent environment supports the lifecycle of the conflict resolution model with the provision of important context knowledge.
Motivation
Authors: Egesoy Ahmet  , Topaloğlu N. Yasemin
Published: February 2025

MUTW is a project with multiple benefits. First of all, it is a small scale realization of the European ideals about connecting the higher education systems. Secondly it is a laboratory for perfecting the engineering education curricula. Thirdly it is a valuable active learning experience for the participating students. The project is also unique in its straightforward approach to the cross-cultural communication and collaboration problems that are inherent in distributed software development with an international team.
State-of-the-Art
Authors: Barata Ana  , Escudeiro Nuno  , Escudeiro Paula  , Hille Christof  , Roth Hubert
Published: February 2025

This chapter revises some projects and initiatives led by higher education institutions that, being aware of the challenging demands undergraduates have to face during and after their graduation, are willing to endow them with the appropriate tools and skills that will help students grow up to be skillful, responsible, and creative professionals. Although emphasis has been given to engineering related initiatives, some examples from other knowledge areas have also been considered.
Knowledge Reuse in the Construction of Linguistic and Semantic Legal Resources and Annotated Corpora: Legal Issues
Authors: Bourcier Danièle  , Fernandez-Barrera Meritxell
Published: February 2025

Knowledge reuse has been highlighted as a major asset in the development of semantic resources (ontologies, thesauri, terminologies, knowledge bases) and semantically enriched datasets, namely annotated corpora. Reusing available resources reduces indeed production costs and enables to test the validity of models in different applicative contexts. However, sharing and reusing existing resources is sometimes hindered by intellectual property limitations and uncertainties, as well as by privacy concerns depending on the nature of the data. This paper analyses these issues in the framework of the LEGILOCAL project, which aims at enhancing citizen access to local regulations through semantic technologies.
Using LLVM for a Functional Programming Language Implementation
Authors: Ciprich Nikola
Published: February 2025

This paper outlines the possibilities which LLVM (Low Level Virtual Machine) framework offers to implementors of functional programming languages. First, the LLVM is briefly introduced. Then its use is demonstrated on implementation of a simple functional programming language named Tiny. Our primary goal is to implement the TIL-Script functional programming language that is a computational variant of Transparent Intensional Logic (TIL). We outline the main principles of its implementation using the LLVM framework.
ToolTrack™: A Compact, Low-Cost System for Measuring Surgical Tool Motion
Authors: Dargar Saurabh  , Sankaranarayanan Ganesh  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

Accurate measurement of tool motion in minimally invasive procedures is an essential component of proficiency assessment. This is particularly important to automate the scoring procedures in, e.g., the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) trainer box. Existing techniques are bulky, require extensive modifications to the surgical tool or trocar mechanism and are expensive. In this work, we propose a new system - the ToolTrack™ consisting of an optical mouse sensor and a MEMS inertial unit that can be easily integrated with any laparoscopic tool, provide accurate and reliable sensing, is light weight and low cost.
Force Sensing-Based Simulator for Arthroscopic Skills Assessment in Orthopaedic Knee Surgery
Authors: Escoto Abelardo  , Trejos Ana Luisa  , Naish Michael D.  , Patel Rajni V.  , LeBel Marie-Eve
Published: February 2025

The complexity of knee arthroscopy makes it difficult to teach and assess skill level during real surgery. Simulator-based training is ideal for this complex procedure. To address the limitations of existing systems, a physical simulator, capable of providing skills assessment and feedback has been developed. The simulator measures the forces applied on the femur and acting on the tools. An experimental evaluation was conducted to assess the differences in task completion time and applied forces for fourteen tasks performed by trainees and expert surgeons. Initial results show that the simulator, together with well-chosen tasks, can potentially be used to assess user performance.
Using the Battlefield Telemedicine System (BTS) to Train Deployed Medical Personnel in Complicated Medical Tasks – A Proof of Concept
Authors: Irizarry Daniel  , Wadman Michael C.  , Bernhagen Mary A.  , Miljkovic Nikola  , Boedeker Ben H.
Published: February 2025

This work describes the use of Adobe Connect software along with algorithm software to provide the necessary audio visual communication platform for telementoring a complex medical procedure to novice providers located at a distant site.
Modification of Commercially Available Simulators to Elicit Decision Making Behavior
Authors: Salud Jonathan  , Ononye Chiagozie  , Salud Lawrence  , Pugh Carla
Published: February 2025

In recent years, simulation training has emerged as an innovative method for decreasing error and teaching complex procedures. Simulation has also been a valuable tool for evaluating investigatory and analytic thinking [1]. By adding a specific, clinically oriented modification to a commercially available simulator, we were able to elicit first-year emergency medicine resident perceptions, actions, and decisions.
Haptic Tasks for Physical Laparoscopic (“Box”) Trainers to Differentiate Surgeon Skill
Authors: Singapogu Ravikiran B.  , Smith Dane E.  , Altenhoff Bliss M.  , Long Lindsay O.  , Bontreger Ryan  , Pagano Christopher C.  , Burg Timothy C.  , Burg Karen J.K.L.
Published: February 2025

In this work, we present four tasks, primarily testing haptic laparoscopic skill that can be simulated in a conventional box trainer. Results from examining expert surgeon and novice performance is presented as evidence that these tasks can be used for training haptic skills for laparoscopy in a box trainer.
Integration of Surgical Simulation in Plastic Surgery Residency Training
Authors: Stern Carrie  , Oliker Aaron  , Napier Zachary  , Qualter John  , Deluccia Nicolette  , Sculli Frank  , Long Sarah  , Rosen Joe  , Hazen Alexes
Published: February 2025

BioDigital Systems, LLC in collaboration with New York University Langone Medical Center Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery has created an interactive, step-based latissimus musculocutaneous flap simulator. Preliminary testing of fourteen residents (PGY1-6) demonstrates that simulator training results in significant improvement in an objective assessment of surgical knowledge (p < 0.0006, pre-training score: 81.0%, post-training score 92.7%). This study is the first in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery to demonstrate objective improvement in surgical knowledge as a result of simulator training, suggesting the potential effectiveness of simulators for a panopoly of breast reconstruction options.
Virtual Simulation of Mouse Anatomy and Procedural Techniques
Authors: Stredney Don  , Hittle Bradley  , Chen Chun-Ming  , Kerwin Thomas  , Bratasz Anna  , Manivannan Niranchana  , Powell Kimerly
Published: February 2025

Translational science requires the use of mouse models for the characterization of disease and evaluation of treatment therapies. However, often there is a lack of comprehensive training for scientists in the systemic and regional anatomy of the mouse that limits their ability to perform studies involving complex interventional procedures. We present our methodologies for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of an interactive 3D mouse atlas that includes designs for presenting emulation of procedural technique. We present the novel integration of super-resolution imaging techniques, depth-of-field interactive volume rendering of large data, and the seamless delivery of remote visualization and interaction to thin clients.
System Development for Unrestrictive View and 4D Shape Acquisition in Abdominal Cavity Operation Using Virtual Space
Authors: Suzuki Naoki  , Hattori Asaki
Published: February 2025

Laparoscopic surgery has been used for various areas of abdominal cavity. However, the laparoscope has limitation of its field of view and mobility. Our aim is to develop a new video camera system that acquires multiple viewpoints in the abdominal cavity. We designed a camera array that consisted of eight small camera modules. The camera array can change its shape so that it can be inserted into the abdominal cavity through trocar. Surgeon can change the viewpoint by switching camera output without physically moving the camera. Using eight camera's images, we also tried to reconstruct 3D textured shape of the surgery field.
Biologic characteristics of premalignant breast disease
Authors: Cole Kimberly  , Tabernero Maria  , Anderson Karen S.
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. While mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improve detection of early disease, there remains an unmet need for biomarkers for risk stratification, early detection, prediction, and disease prognosis. A number of early breast lesions, from atypical hyperplasias to carcinomas in situ, are associated with an increased risk of developing subsequent invasive breast carcinoma. The recent development of genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic tools for tissue biomarker detection, including array CGH, RNA expression microarrays, and proteomic arrays have identified a number of potential biomarkers that both identify patients at increased risk, as well as provided insights into the pathology of early breast cancer development. This chapter focuses on the detection and application of tissue and serum biomarkers for the identification and risk stratification of early breast cancer lesions.
The molecular pathology of sarcomas
Authors: Powers Martin  , Zhang Wei  , Lopez-Terrada Dolores  , Czerniak Bogdan A.  , Lazar Alexander J.
Published: February 2025

Sarcomas are rare malignancies of mesenchymal lineage with more than 100 specific types and many benign potential mimics. In situ and precursor lesions are generally not described and thus much of molecular pathology in this field concentrates on molecular diagnosis, prognosis and determination of therapeutic targets. This chapter discusses the applications of molecular methodologies that provide insight into pathogenesis of sarcoma, and of molecular methods which are currently applied to, or will likely soon influence, the clinical management of this complex array of tumors.
Development Based on Commodity Revenues
Authors: Guriev Sergei  , Plekhanov Alexander  , Sonin Konstantin
Published: February 2025

Commodity resources offer vast opportunities for development. In the long run, however, the performance of commodity-rich countries tends to fall short of expectations, as commodity rents induce macroeconomic volatility and undermine incentives to improve institutions. The paper looks at the strategies that countries can adopt to avoid the “resource trap”. These strategies aim at diversifying the economy, promoting financial development, building up stabilization buffers that lower macroeconomic volatility, and reducing inequality. The resource-rich EBRD countries of operations have embraced these strategies to varying degrees, and with varying success. Improving institutions remains the key challenge.
Distributed and Grid Computing Projects with Research Focus in Human Health
Authors: Diomidous Marianna  , Zikos Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

Distributed systems and grid computing systems are used to connect several computers to obtain a higher level of performance, in order to solve a problem. During the last decade, projects use the World Wide Web to aggregate individuals' CPU power for research purposes. This paper presents the existing active large scale distributed and grid computing projects with research focus in human health. There have been found and presented 11 active projects with more than 2000 Processing Units (PUs) each. The research focus for most of them is molecular biology and, specifically on understanding or predicting protein structure through simulation, comparing proteins, genomic analysis for disease provoking genes and drug design. Though not in all cases explicitly stated, common target diseases include research to find cure against HIV, dengue, Duchene dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, various types of cancer and influenza. Other diseases include malaria, anthrax, Alzheimer's disease. The need for national initiatives and European Collaboration for larger scale projects is stressed, to raise the awareness of citizens to participate in order to create a culture of internet volunteering altruism.
Trust from the Enlightenment to the Digital Enlightenment
Authors: O'Hara Kieron
Published: February 2025

A conceptual analysis of trust in terms of trustworthiness is set out, where trustworthiness is the property of an agent that she does what she claims she will do, and trust is an attitude taken by an agent to another, that the former believes that the latter is trustworthy. This analysis is then used to explore issues in the deployment of trustworthy digital systems online. The ideas of a series of philosophers from the Enlightenment – Hobbes, Burke, Rousseau, Hume, Smith and Kant – are examined in the light of this exploration to suggest how we might proceed in the Digital Enlightenment to ensure that systems are both trustworthy and trusted.
Inclined Glass Fins for the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
Authors: Prandelli Silvia  , Rogan Damian
Published: February 2025

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is a new development in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia designed by Snøhetta architects where five complex geometry buildings, called Pebbles, accommodate different civic and cultural functions. Penetrating the ground level podium are three open-air spaces called Oases, each with a glazed wall leading into the basement areas. Each Oasis façade is fully glazed, up to 15m tall and constituted by faceted double glazed panels tilting in and out of plane, all with different shape. The architectural intent called for a fully transparent design with flush glass. Buro Happold proposed a solution using glass fins as secondary support and a toggle system for retaining the glass. Buckling of the slender fins is resisted by horizontal glass beams. The team was able to build on previous experience in considering buckling and restraint issues for tall the slender fins, but the fins' 15° lateral inclination presented a significant stability challenge. The adopted design connects each fin to one side of the double glazed units, so each set of fins and glazing units acts a stable L-shaped structural unit. Unique connection details were developed to achieve the necessary structural behaviour. Detailing around access doors and movements of supporting structures posed further complications which have had to be resolved in an architecturally sensitive manner. The glass fins and the façade panels have been analysed both individually and in a global model to verify the stresses and deflections were within the limits in all the different conditions. This paper presents the design criteria, the findings and the solutions adopted to achieve the architects' vision.
The Glass Sphinx: A Massive Stacked Glass Sculpture
Authors: Bos Freek  , van der Heijden Tom  , Schreurs Pieter
Published: February 2025

The refurbishment of the Meuse river boulevard in Venlo instigated Scheuten Glass to donate a giant-sized, 6 metre high version of the stacked glass statue the Sphinx, which had originally been made as a 80 cm sculpture to commemorate the city's 650th anniversary back in 1993. Many hurdles had to be taken to, starting with the preliminary feasibility study, on to adhesive selection, joint design, glass selection, cutting methods, glass sheet layout, and final construction procedure.
Novel Testing Techniques for Building Glass in Service Conditions
Authors: Bao Yiwang  , Liu Xiaogen  , Qiu Yan  , Wan D.T.  , Bao Minxi  , Yang Jian
Published: February 2025

Developing the detection techniques and safety evaluation methods for the glass curtain walls is a challenging task. In this work, some new testing techniques were developed to determine the probability of failure by using dynamic tests and photo-elastic scanning method. A small device of polariscope scanning was designed and machined to detect the defects and stress concentration in tempered glass. In order to predict the risk of falling of the glass curtain wall, a testing device was developed on the basis of dynamic tests, i.e., determining the risk through evaluating the degradation of the nature frequency of the glass panel. Furthermore, the bend-stiffness test was used to estimate the air tightness of insulated glass and a simple tester was developed. The testing techniques have been applied in high buildings and the tested results show that the testing methods described above are feasible and effective.
Design Methods and Structural Components of Blast Enhanced Façades
Authors: Wellershoff Frank
Published: February 2025

A “blast resistant” façade requires different numerical design methods and different structural components than a “normal” façade. The impulsive load requires a dynamic analysis with consideration of mass and inertia. To withstand an extreme blast load a façade should be flexible and able to absorb energy in properly designed and analyzed crash zones. These zones are the laminated glass and additional elasto-plastic connections along the load path to the sub structure.
Improving Turnaround Predictability: TITAN – Developing a New Concept of Operations for the Aircraft Turnaround
Authors: Serrano Martín Laura  , Luis Nuñez Sara M.  , Sáez Sánchez Ana C.  , Kellner Sebastian
Published: February 2025

Delays in the turnaround are a major cause for low predictability in commercial aviation. The Report “ATM Target Concept” issued by the SESAR Consortium in September 2007 [1] describes the paradigm shift towards trajectory-based operations. With a view to going further in the studies, a R&TD project was initiated by the European Commission within FP7: “TITAN”, acronym standing for Turnaround Integration into Trajectory and Network. This project is proposing a concept of operations which integrates the turnaround of aircraft (the turnaround of aircraft comprises the sequence of ground operations required to service of aircraft from the in-block to off-block time) into trajectory and network based on Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) and System Wide Information Management (SWIM) principles. A major point of this concept is the definition of ten milestones in addition to the Airport Collaborative Decision Making milestones. The TITAN concept will be validated by innovative software and further, a CDM tool for airlines will be developed in order to clearly demonstrate its feasibility.
Advanced Flexible Automation Cell
Authors: Webb Philip  , Asif Seemal
Published: February 2025

The “FLEXA” (FLEX AUTOMATION CELL) project here below presented aims to overcome the reasons for which there is so far relatively little use of automation in aerospace manufacturing. How? By combining a number of different technologies and methodologies, specifically: system architecture and design, knowledge engineering, virtual verification and quality assurance, cell integration, human integration and restart.
Pre-existent Rotation of the Normal Spine at Different Ages and Its Consequences for the Scoliotic Mechanism
Authors: Castelein René M.
Published: February 2025

The normal spine is not a symmetrical structure, as has been appreciated for a long time. The reason why the main thoracic vertebrae in idiopathic scoliosis predominantly rotate to the left at the infantile age and to the right at the adolescent age is unclear. We provided an in-depth analysis of the rotational patterns of the normal growing and adult spine in relation to closure of the neurocentral junctions, organ anatomy and the convexity of the curve in idiopathic scoliosis. We believe that the delicate upright human spino-pelvic balance can be disturbed by a multitude of offenses and consequently an idiopathic scoliosis will develop due to the rotational instability. From our results it can be concluded that once this rotation starts to occur, it will naturally follow the pre-existent rotational patterns that we have demonstrated to exist already in the normal spine.
Height velocity curves in female patients with idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Chazono Masaaki  , Soshi Sigeru  , Kida Yoshikuni  , Hashimoto Kurando  , Inoue Takeshi  , Nakamura Yousuke  , Shinohara Akira  , Marumo Keishi  , Kono Katsuki  , Suzuki Nobumasa
Published: February 2025

Following identification of peak height velocity (PHV) by a recent study as a possible prognostic factor for curve progression in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS), the aim of this study was to investigate PHV curves in Japanese female patients with IS. The study subjects were 20 skeletally immature IS patients who were followed until maturity. The mean age and the mean pubertal status at the initial visit were 9.8 years and 24 months before menarche, respectively, with a follow-up period of 5.2 years. Height measurements were recorded at each visit, and HV was calculated as the change in height (cm) divided by the time interval (yr.) between visits of 6 to 12 months. The PHV, age at PHV (APHV), height at PHV (HPHV), and final height (FH) were determined. Patient HV curves were plotted using their HV data, and growth periods (GPs) were calculated from the curves. PHVs and GPs of study patients were compared to standard data from unaffected girls. The median values and interquartile ranges in PHV, APHV, HPHV, and FH were 8.5 cm/yr. (7.9-9.7), 11.8 yr. (11.2-12.1), 153.2 cm (150.1-155.8), and 160.1 cm (157.4-162.4), respectively. The median GP was 27 months. The PHV and GP values in IS female patients were higher and shorter than those in unaffected girls. These findings indicate that the patterns of height velocity curves in IS patients are different from those in unaffected girls, suggesting that curve progression in IS patients is associated with the magnitude of PHV and duration of GP. Recently, we have developed an HV reader to easily and quickly identify the present HV in patients with scoliosis, applicable for the clinical setting or school screening. We conclude that risk assessments of curve progression in patients with IS should include HV along with measures of skeletal maturity such as the Risser sign and/or digital skeletal age using hand X-rays.
How to measure kyphosis in everyday clinical practice: a reliability study on different methods
Authors: Zaina Fabio  , Donzelli Sabrina  , Lusini Monia  , Negrini Stefano
Published: February 2025

Introduction. The sagittal plane measures have a relevant role both in Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and in Hyperkyphosis (HK) management. Nevertheless, clinical tools for everyday use are scarce and not adequately studied.
Is curve direction correlated with the side of dominant displacement of cerebellar tonsil and syrinx deviation in thoracic scoliosis secondary to Chiari Malformation Type I and syringomyelia?
Authors: Wu Tao  , Zhu Zezhang  , Sun Xu  , Yan Huang  , Zheng Xin  , Qian Bangping  , Zhu Feng  , Chu Winnie  , Cheng Jack C.Y.  , Qiu Yong
Published: February 2025

The patho-mechanism of scoliosis in patients with syringomyelia (SM) secondary to Chiari malformation type I (CMI) remains unknown up till now. In small sample studies published recently, there was an observation that curve direction tended to be on the same side as the dominant side of tonsillar displacement or the deviated side of syrinx location. Herein, a large-sample study of patients with single thoracic scoliosis secondary to CMI and SM was performed to validate these findings. The clinical and radiographic data of patients with scoliosis secondary to SM and CMI were reviewed. And patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. Based on the imaging presentation, the asymmetry of tonsillar displacement, syrinx location and scoliosis were judged by quantitative method. Then the imaging association among asymmetrically displaced tonsil, eccentrically located syrinx and curve direction were further analyzed. Thirty-nine patients with single thoracic scoliosis secondary to CMI and SM were included. 80% subjects showed concordance between the deviated side of eccentrically located syrinx and the dominant side of asymmetrically displaced tonsil. In 86% patients with asymmetrically displaced tonsil, thoracic curve was convex to the dominant side of tonsillar displacement. In 68% of patients with eccentrically located syrinx, the convex side of thoracic curve was on the same side as the deviated side of syrinx location. Asymmetrically displaced tonsils and eccentrically located syrinx are common imaging presentations in patients with SM secondary to CMI. The thoracic scoliosis in these patients was usually convex not only to the dominant side of asymmetrically displaced tonsils, but also to the side of eccentrically located syrinx, indicating that the asymmetry of tonsillar displacement and syrinx location might be involved in the regulation of curve direction.
Role of high central leptin activity in a scoliosis model created in bipedal amputated mice
Authors: Wu Tao  , Sun Xu  , Zhu Zezhang  , Zheng Xin  , Qian Bangping  , Zhu Feng  , Cheng Jack C.Y.  , Qiu Yong
Published: February 2025

Significantly lower circulating leptin level has been reported in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) compared to healthy adolescents. It was hypothesized that leptin dysfunction might be involved in the etiopathogenesis of AIS. In this study, a scoliosis model of bipedal amputated mice with high central leptin activity was established to validate this hypothesis. Three days after bipedal amputation, the mice were randomly divided into two groups: then 8 mice were injected in the hypothalamus with lentivirus vectors which expressed leptin, whereas the remaining 8 were injected with lentivirus vectors expressing GFP (control vector). X-rays were obtained at 20th week to determine the development of spinal deformity. After that all mice were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected. Then peripheral leptin levels were measured by an ELISA kit. Comparisons for the incidence of scoliosis and the severity of the curves were performed between groups. The body weight was found to be slightly lower in the leptin-vector-treated C3H/HeJ mice when compared with control mice. Significantly higher peripheral serum leptin level was found in leptin-vector-treated mice than control mice. Scoliosis was observed in all leptin-vector-treated mice with an average Cobb angle of 28.2°, and in 4/8 of control with an average Cobb angle of 23.5°. The incidence of scoliosis was significantly higher in leptin-vector-treated mice than in control group, although no significant difference was found in terms of curve severity. The results of this study indicated that the high central leptin activity might not only increase the risk of developing a scoliosis in bipedal mice but also contribute to the progression of scoliosis. The high central leptin activity might play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of scoliosis.
Short-term effect (ATR, Kasperczyk's Scale, Chest's mobility) of using of physiotherapy method in the treatment of AIS - pilot study
Authors: Blicharska I.  , Brzek A.  , Durmala J.
Published: February 2025

Aim of the study. The assessment of influence physiotherapy (DoboMed) to the chest's mobility and the morphology of the ribcage and the posture in short-term intensive physiotherapy in the Department of Rehabilitation. Material and methods. Forty five girls with AIS (mean age- 14.9y.; Cobb angle-range 11-40 degree) were examined. The physiotherapy was been continued for 3 weeks. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) (Bunnell scoliometer), the posture's morphology (Kasperczyk's Scale) and the chest's mobility index were estimated twice- before and after therapy. Results. After therapy values of ATR decreased by 2°, the chest mobility index increased by 1.3 and total point obtained in the Kasperczyk's Scale has decreased by 1.9 point- which indicates the improvement body posture. All differences are statistically significantly. Also, reported correlations between Cobb angle and ATR and the sum of the points obtained by Kapserczyk's Scale in first exam. Conclusion. Using of physiotherapeutic method in the treatment of AIS provides to the functionally improvement of the chest's mobility, the angle of trunk rotation and the posture in the short time. A used measurement's tools were practical for PT in everyday's work.
Mutation Analysis of MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 Gene Exons in Patients with Congenital Scoliosis
Authors: Qiu Xu-sheng  , Zhou Song  , Jiang Hua  , Ji Ming-liang  , Ding Qi  , Lv Feng  , Liu Zhen  , Tang Nelson  , Cheng Jack C.Y.  , Qiu Yong
Published: February 2025

MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 genes have been proved to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of congenital scoliosis (CS) in animal embryo studies, however, whether this association was detected in human CS patients also remains unknown. One hundred sporadic and non-syndromic CS patients and 100 age-matched normal controls were included in this study. Mutation screening of gene exons were performed by DNA sequencing. However, no mutation or new single nucleotide polymorphism was found in the exons of MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 genes in CS patients and normal controls. MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 genes may not be involved in the etiopathogenesis of sporadic and non-syndromic CS in Chinese Han population.
Finite element model of spinal hemiepiphysiodesis: Effect of contact conditions, initial conditions, and growth
Authors: Kumar B.  , Bylski-Austrow D.I.  , Liu Y.
Published: February 2025

Growth modification is under investigation to treat pediatric spine deformities. A hemiepiphyseal staple construct has been shown to alter growth and create physeal structural gradients in an in vivo porcine model. A finite element model (FEM) of a motion segment with and without implant was developed based on preliminary experimental results of initial post-operative motion segment compressive properties. The nonlinear tangent stiffness determined from the model correlated well with the experiments for the native segment, whereas after addition of the implant, the model overestimated the stiffness. The current purpose was to determine the effect of implant-bone contact conditions and initial disc displacement conditions, include growth effects, and compare FEM and experimental results at each stage. A 3D FEM was developed from a CT scan of a porcine T7-T8 segment. The annulus was modeled as an incompressible anisotropic hyperelastic material, and the nucleus as an incompressible fluid. A CAD model of the implant was constructed. Load-displacement curves in compression were determined from a nonlinear analysis performed under different initial and bone-implant interface conditions. Contact conditions were a) perfect, b) friction of 0.1-0.3, or c) soft contact. Initial conditions were that implant insertion induced a) no change in stress or strain in the disc, b) a 2˚ angulation with a centrally located neutral axis and no residual stresses, and c) both stress and coronal plane displacement gradients. Growth modulation effects were added using a published linear relationship between compressive stress and growth rate. A 2 month PO time was simulated. Altering bone – implant surface contact conditions from perfect to either friction or soft contact decreased the stiffness, but all models remained stiffer than experimental results. An initial disc angulation without residual stress did not affect stiffness, whereas stiffness increased with an initial angle and compressive stress. The growth simulation results predicted 32% of control growth on the side ipsilateral to the implant and 81% on the contralateral side. Reductions in growth were similar in pattern, but overestimated, experimental histomorphometric changes.
Sport Monitoring with Smart Wearable System
Authors: Perego Paolo  , Moltani Alessia  , Andreoni Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

This work presents a new system for sport monitoring. The system was composed of a t-shirt with two textile electrodes and two devices for the acquisition, storage, processing and visualization of the signals. The systems allows monitoring both ECG signal (raw and processed heart-rate) and 3 axial acceleration (raw and step counter). The systems were tested in different conditions during some races; we report the results on three subjects during a skyrunning race.
Personalised Mobile Health and Fitness Apps: Lessons learned from myFitnessCompanion®
Authors: Gay Valerie  , Leijdekkers Peter
Published: February 2025

Smartphones and tablets are slowly but steadily changing the way we look after our health and fitness. Today, many high quality mobile apps are available for users and health professionals and cover the whole health care chain, i.e. information collection, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Our team has developed a mobile health and fitness app called myFitnessCompanion® which has been available via Android market since February 2011. The objective of this paper is to share our experience with rolling out a mobile health and fitness app. We discuss the acceptance of health apps by end-users and healthcare industry. We discuss how mobile health apps will be distributed in the near future, the use of Personal Health Record (PHR) systems such as Microsoft HealthVault and the impact of regulations (FDA) on the future of mobile health apps. The paper is based on seven years of experience by the authors as mobile health and fitness application developers and we discuss the challenges and opportunities for app developers in the health industry.