bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anterior Subluxation of a Metal‐on‐Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty Resulting in Erosion and Metal Debris
Authors: Park Connor , Verhey Jens , Austin Roman , Howgate Daniel , Bathini Abhijith , Lyons Mark K. , Bingham Joshua S.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a commonly performed and highly successful surgical procedure. Metal‐on‐metal (MoM) THA implants were introduced two decades ago and subsequently recalled due to high early revision rates. Acetabular cup erosion and fragmentation secondary to chronic edge loading causing delayed instability are rare but devastating complications of MoM THA warranting expeditious revision surgery.

Case Presentation: We report a 70‐year‐old male with a history of bilateral MoM THA who presented with left hip instability. In addition to the radiographic and clinical features of hip instability, macroscopic examination at revision surgery revealed extensive erosion and fragmentation of the antero‐superior margin of the implanted cup, osteolysis, and widespread metallosis of the periarticular soft tissues.

Discussion: This case highlights a significant adverse complication of MoM THA. Despite the industry’s wide discontinuation and recall of these implants, MoM hip arthroplasty implants are present in many patients, who are all at risk of developing similar complications. Guidelines for the surveillance and treatment of both symptomatic and asymptomatic MoM THAs have been reported, although ambiguity remains in the optimal approach for managing patients with existing MoM THA.

Conclusion: Failure of MoM hip arthroplasty is most commonly the result of adverse reaction to metal debris. We present a novel mechanism of failure in a patient presenting with late instability due to asymmetric wear of the MoM bearing surface.. While it is uncertain whether early intervention in this patient may have prevented this complication, arthroplasty surgeons should be aware of the various modes of failure for MoM hip implants, as expeditious revision surgery is often required.
Thermal Efficiency and Water Output Improvement in Modified Solar Distillers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Laouini Abdeldjalil , Zine Ali , Khechekhouche Abderrahmane , Jahangiri Mehdi , Guediri Samir , Khaled Mohammed Tayab Oucif , Zelaci Massoud
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the performance of a solar distiller‐assisted by a concentrator system (SDACS) compared to a controlled solar distiller (CSD). Analysis of the temperatures of the distillers revealed that the SDACS maintained higher temperatures throughout the experiment, with the maximum water temperature reaching 86.3°C, compared to 76.1°C for the CSD. This improved thermal retention contributed to significantly higher hourly and accumulated water outputs in the SDACS, which reached 480 mL/h and a total accumulation of 5404 mL, respectively, compared to 192 and 1955 mL for the CSD. The SDACS also demonstrated higher thermal efficiency, peaking at 180% compared to 60% for the CSD. In addition, the exergy efficiency of the SDACS was significantly higher, reaching 12.39% compared to 3.32% for the CSD. The SDACS distiller yields much higher revenue than the CSD distiller due to its increased output, offering a short payback period of approximately 4 months and a strong return on investment (ROI) of 308%. These results highlight the effectiveness of the design improvements of the SDACS, which significantly improve its ability to convert solar energy into thermal energy and useful work, resulting in overall performance and production efficiency in freshwater.
Microwave Absorption Properties of Spinel‐Structured Mg–ZnAl2O4
Authors: Chenna Praveen , Sharma Sahil , Sripada Panda Saran Srihari , Gandi Suman , Parne Saidi Reddy
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the structural, optical, dielectric, and electromagnetic absorption properties of spinel‐structured Mg–ZnAl2O4 synthesized through a sol–gel technique. The structural analysis confirmed the presence of various phases, including MgO, ZnO, ZnAl2O4, and MgAl2O4, with an average crystallite size of approximately 88 nm. The material demonstrated a reflection loss of −71 dB at 14.02 GHz, indicating its potential for effective microwave absorption, with an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.66 GHz at a thickness of 5 mm. The optical band gap was determined to be 3.19 eV, lower than that of ZnAl2O4 and MgAl2O4, suggesting enhanced microwave absorption capabilities. Dielectric characterization revealed a range of dielectric constants from 3.09 to 6.31 across the frequency range of 8 to 18 GHz. These findings highlight the promising application of Mg–ZnAl2O4 in microwave absorption technologies due to its favorable structural and electromagnetic properties.
Persistence of a Proteomic Signature After a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy
Authors: Hlatky Mark A. , Shu Chi-Hung , Stevenson David K. , Shaw Gary M. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Boyd Heather A. , Melbye Mads , Plummer Xi Du , Sedan Oshra , Wong Ronald J. , Aghaeepour Nima , Winn Virginia D.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

A hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, but the potential mechanistic links are unknown.

METHODS:

We recruited 2 groups of women, 1 during pregnancy and another at least 2 years after delivery. Cases had a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, and controls had a normotensive pregnancy. The pregnancy cohort had study visits antepartum and postpartum; the mid-life group made a single study visit. We assayed 7228 plasma proteins, applied machine learning to identify proteomics signatures at each time point, and performed enrichment analyses to identify relevant biological pathways.

RESULTS:

The pregnancy cohort (58 cases and 46 controls) had a mean age of 33.8 years, and the mid-life group (71 cases and 74 controls) had a mean age of 40.8 years. Protein levels differed significantly between cases and controls at each time point: 6233 antepartum, 189 postpartum, and 224 in mid-life. The postpartum protein signature discriminated well between cases and controls (c-index=0.78), and it also discriminated well in the independent mid-life samples (c-index=0.72). Pathway analyses identified differences in the complement and coagulation cascades that persisted across the antepartum, postpartum, and mid-life samples. The 28 proteins present in both the postpartum and mid-life signatures included 5 complement factors (3, B, H, H-related-1, and C1r-subcomponent-like) and coagulation factor IX.

CONCLUSIONS:

Differences in protein expression persist for years after a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The consistent differences in the complement and coagulation pathways may contribute to the increased risk of later life cardiovascular disease.
Plastic Partnerships: How Corporations Are Hedging Against the UN Global Plastics Treaty
Authors: Ralston Rob , Taggart Jack
Published: February 2025

The global plastic crisis has intensified over the past decade, pressuring corporations to address their environmental impact. In response to a UN resolution to negotiate a treaty to end plastic pollution, corporate actors have reoriented their sustainability strategies. This forum article examines how companies across the petrochemical–plastics industry have adopted a “hedging strategy” to undermine stricter regulations, promoting industry-led multistakeholder partnerships (“plastic partnerships”) aimed at minimizing disruptions to their business practices. This strategy seeks to hedge against transformative change by offering limited political and material concessions that co-opt circular economy rhetoric. We assess the effectiveness of these strategies in the context of protracted UN negotiations and the influence of transnational corporations in shaping emerging forms of global plastic governance.
Religious Trends among Arab Muslims, 2010–2022: Continued Revival, Polarization, or Burgeoning Secularization?
Authors: Azedi Arman
Published: February 2025

The “Islamic revival” of the latter 20th century entailed a surge of religious faith among Muslims in Arab countries. But few studies have investigated religious trends in more recent decades—specifically, whether revivalist trends are holding strong, or religiosity is beginning to fade. Using survey data from 11 Arab countries, this study finds that religiosity was becoming weaker in the mid-2010s, but this religious decline was confined to men and youth, while women and elders largely maintained their existing levels of religiosity. This was followed by a sharp rebound in religiosity during the COVID pandemic (2020–2021), supporting arguments that people turn to religion for comfort during times of crisis. As the pandemic eased, religious decline resumed and occurred comprehensively among many demographics. This study also found evidence for religious polarization in recent years, whereby the number of secular, non-religious Arabs has grown alongside an expanding group of highly religious Arabs. Finally, values that entail a role for Islam in government, also known as political Islam, do not appear to be fading among Arab Muslims, even during periods when personal religiosity is in decline.
Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis developed shortly after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Kuwano Akito , Yoshikai Masaru , Sato Hisashi
Published: February 2025

We present the case of an 83-year-old woman who presented with acute bioprosthetic valve thrombosis following surgical aortic valve replacement. On postoperative day 7, transthoracic echocardiography revealed reduced leaflet mobility in an implanted bioprosthetic valve, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed hypoattenuated leaflet thickening, leading to the diagnosis of prosthetic valve thrombosis. This case demonstrates that bioprosthetic valve thrombosis can occur even in the acute phase following surgical aortic valve replacement, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Close monitoring of leaflet mobility and thickening via transthoracic echocardiography is essential, with contrast-enhanced computed tomography serving as a valuable complementary tool.
Associated factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with bladder calculi
Authors: Lu Junjie , Gao Wanting , Fei Chunyang , Liao Wenqiang , Hou Gaoming , Lin Yuxue , Rao Wenwang , Yang Qingtao , Sui Xuxia
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

A retrospective study was performed to identify potential metabolic abnormalities and inflammatory abnormalities associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) secondary to bladder calculi.

Materials and Methods:

This study enrolled 646 patients with bladder calculi between 2008 and 2022, including 314 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 332 without BPH. Demographic characteristics, serum biochemical parameters, prostate volume, maximum bladder calculus diameter, and randomized urinary metabolic profiles were compared between the two groups.

Results:

BPH was associated with increased aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (mean 1.2 vs 1.1, P < 0.05), lower cholinesterase (mean 7240.5 vs 7778.4, P < 0.01), increased systolic pressure (mean 137.2 vs 133.4, P < 0.01). Patients with BPH were significantly older and had higher systolic blood pressure compared to non-BPH patients. BPH group exhibited significantly lower levels of albumin/globulin ratio, cholinesterase, phosphorus, triglycerides, platelet count, neutrophil count, and white blood cell count, while demonstrating higher aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, mean corpuscular volume, monocyte ratio, and urinary red blood cell count. Prostate volume was proportional to body weight and crystal count. Lower phosphorus (OR = 0.207; 95%CI = 0.068, 0.635; P < 0.01) and higher age (OR = 1.065; 95%CI = 1.041, 1.090; P < 0.001) were associated with BPH.

Conclusions:

Advanced age was identified as a significant risk factor for prostate hyperplasia in patients with bladder calculi, whereas elevated phosphorus levels emerged as a protective factor. The pathogenesis of BPH secondary to bladder calculi appears to be multifactorial, primarily influenced by metabolic abnormalities and inflammatory processes. These findings provide valuable insights for the clinical assessment and management of BPH secondary to bladder calculi.
Ripe moments for terror attacks: Opportunity benefits–reputation tradeoff
Authors: Akcinaroglu Seden , Evirgen Yusuf
Published: February 2025

While considerable research exists on the underlying causes of terrorism, the timing of terrorist attacks remains poorly understood. This study argues that terrorist groups strategically exploit transient periods of crisis to strike when their targets are most vulnerable. During moments of crisis, state resources are redirected toward immediate challenges, diminishing the likelihood of prompt retaliation. However, terrorist groups weigh both opportunistic gains and reputational risks when deciding to attack. Attacks during certain crises may carry high reputational costs, creating a tradeoff. The study finds that terrorist activity increases during severe security or economic crises but significantly decreases during severe humanitarian crises.
Anti-punitive Responses to Gender-Based Violence(s): Feminist Experiences from Granada, Spain
Authors: Alcázar-Campos Ana , Valenzuela-Vela Lorena , Candeias Luna Marta
Published: February 2025

This article originates from two research projects: “Violencias de género en un contexto de cambios: retos y desafíos para un análisis desde la perspectiva de género” and “Políticas feministas: análisis de prácticas no punitivas y modelos alternativos en el contexto de las violencias de género”. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Granada, Spain, we challenge the unidirectional approach to addressing victims of gender-based violence. Our aim is to transcend the singular notion of “violence” to discuss “gender-based violence(s)” in plural, and to advocate for approaches that extend beyond punitive measures in the formulation of public policies. To this end, we critically review the punitive turn in public policy, specifically in policies designed to protect women, incorporating perspectives from peripheral and community-based experiences. This issue has only recently gained attention in Spain, where scholars have underscored the importance of documenting informal, decentralized, and unofficial responses.
Unlocking efficiency: Imidazole-nitrile based catalyst as latent thermal curative for improved epoxy resin curing and exploring mechanical behavior
Authors: Mohamed Mydeen K , Krishnasamy Balaji , Ramachandran Sasikumar , Muthukaruppan Alagar
Published: February 2025

The imidazole core-based cyano-derivative (TDMN) was successfully synthesized through the reaction of terephthaldehyde and diaminomaleonitrile in absence of any catalysts with 86% yield. The product resulted was characterized for its molecular structure and cure behavior. TDMN was used for the curing of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin (E) with different amine curatives, including 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (ddm), 4,4′-diaminodiphenylether (dde), 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone (dds), dicyandiamide (dicy) and melamine (M). With a notable storage stability of 90 days, E-amines with TDMN proved strong and efficient. The curing temperatures were found to be 75°C, 120°C, 150°C, 150°C and 180°C for ddm, dde, dds, dicy and m based one-pack latent E-amines with TDMN, respectively. The activation energy (Ea) of E-M + TDMN has calculated using Kissinger and Ozawa methods and found that 80.14 kJ mol−1 and 79.74 kJ mol−1 respectively. Tensile specimens and bio-carbon briquettes fabricated using E-amines with TDMN catalyst exhibited enhanced tensile and compressive strength compared to neat E-amine systems. This study represents a pioneering development in latent thermal initiator technology for epoxy curing, with promising applications in composite fabrication and energy efficiency.
Preparation and properties of soluble thermoplastic polyimides with phenol side-groups for flexible copper clad laminates
Authors: He Juan , Niu Xiang , Chen Wenqiu , Chen Wei , Yu Yang , Fan Hepin
Published: February 2025

Polyimide (PI), which is derived from bisphenol A-type diether dianhydride (BPADA) and 4,4-diamino-diphenyl ether (ODA), and known as the typical commercial UltemTM thermoplastic PI, is widely used a heat-resistant engineering plastic. However, its film material still has some practical problems such as insufficient adhesion and poor high temperature resistance when it is used as the supporting film or bonding layer of FCCL. A novel diamine monomer 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2,6-bis(p-aminophenyl) pyridine ( p,p-HAPP) containing pyridine heterocyclic structure and bulky phenol side-group at its para position was firstly synthesized, and subsequently employed as the second diamine monomer to prepare a series of PI resins by co-polycondensation with ODA and BPADA via the conventional two-step method. Then, the corresponding PI film was prepared by casting the purified PI solution on glass plate, and finally used to prepare flexible copper clad laminate (FCCL) by hot pressing. The chemical structure, composition and purity of p, p-HAPP, as well as the chemical and phase structures of the resulting PIs are confirmed by relevant means. It is found from the following tests that by introducing a certain amount of p, p-HAPP as a second diamine monomer for ternary copolycondensation, it not only ensures that the resulting PIs (PI-1 ∼ PI-3) have good solubilities and relatively low dielectric properties, but also improves their heat resistance, thermal stabilities, thermal dimensional stabilities, mechanical properties and hydrophobicities. In addition, from the tests of FCCL resulted by the preferred PI films (PI-0 ∼ PI-3), which have good comprehensive performance, it is also found that the average peel strength (PS) value of the FCCL, prepared by PI-1 with a 25% molar content of p, p-HAPP in mixed diamines, is up to 1.23 N mm−1, and the solder float resistance tests at 288°C and 310°C are all passed. Therefore, PI-1 is a good candidate material for interlayer dielectric application of FCCL without requiring any alloplastic adhesion promoter in this study, which provides an effective strategy for the preparation of thermoplastic PI film with excellent comprehensive properties such as excellent solubility, good mechanical property, low water absorption rate ( WAR), high adhesion and heat resistance.
Adaptive backstepping control design for mass estimation and trajectory control of quadrotor with spherical pendulum
Authors: Basaran Sinan , Sivrioglu Selim
Published: February 2025

This study focuses a trajectory control problem of a quadrotor, created by combining the dynamics of a spherical pendulum with the dynamics of a quadrotor. A spherical pendulum is a physical system comprising a mass suspended by a string or rod that has the freedom to swing in any direction. During the operation of a quadrotor, the payload connected to it behaves similar to the dynamics of a spherical pendulum. Consequently, it is essential to design a trajectory control problem by considering both quadrotor and spherical pendulum dynamics together, as this constitutes a significant aspect. Due to the varying masses of the payload that are attached to the quadrotor during each take off, the adaptability of the total mass in model-based control design poses a significant challenge. In addition, it is crucial to consider mass adaptation when the payload attached to the quadrotor is released during flight. The proposed Lyapunov based adaptive backstepping controller algorithm can predict the total mass of the quadrotor without prior knowledge of the actual payload. The ability to estimate varying payload masses is crucial for enhancing the quadrotor’s operational flexibility and reliability, particularly in real-world applications where payloads may change dynamically. This innovation paves the way for more versatile, real-world deployment of quadrotor systems in scenarios requiring precise and adaptive control.
Bone Data Lake: A storage platform for bone texture analysis
Authors: Wolski Marcin , Woloszynski Tomasz , Stachowiak Gwidon , Podsiadlo Pawel
Published: February 2025

Trabecular bone (TB) texture regions selected on hand and knee X-ray images can be used to detect and predict osteoarthritis (OA). However, the analysis has been impeded by increasing data volume and diversification of data formats. To address this problem, a novel storage platform, called Bone Data Lake (BDL) is proposed for the collection and retention of large numbers of images, TB texture regions and parameters, regardless of their structure, size and source. BDL consists of three components, i.e.: a raw data storage, a processed data storage, and a data reference system. The performance of the BDL was evaluated using 20,000 knee and hand X-ray images of various formats (DICOM, PNG, JPEG, BMP, and compressed TIFF) and sizes (from 0.3 to 66.7 MB). The images were uploaded into BDL and automatically converted into a standardized 8-bit grayscale uncompressed TIFF format. TB regions of interest were then selected on the standardized images, and a data catalog containing metadata information about the regions was constructed. Next, TB texture parameters were calculated for the regions using Variance Orientation Transform (VOT) and Augmented VOT (AVOT) methods and stored in XLSX files. The files were uploaded into BDL, and then transformed into CSV files and cataloged. Results showed that the BDL efficiently transforms images and catalogs bone regions and texture parameters. BDL can serve as the foundation of a reliable, secure and collaborative system for OA detection and prediction based on radiographs and TB texture.
Understanding EFL writers’ academic transition in relation to information literacy: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong
Published: February 2025

This qualitative study explores academically transitioning student writers’ practice of information literacy for scholarly activities. The study harnessed a qualitative analysis of three rounds of interviews collected over a semester-long interaction with six English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) writers transitioning to an academic research course at a university in China. It shows that during this process, the gap between the EFL students’ knowledge repertoires and what they were expected to grasp hampered them in navigating the information literacy needed to complete their assignments. Their academic transition was also interrupted by additional factors arising from the process, with the students projecting their academic identity by refraining from navigating information literacy or seeking shortcuts to practice information literacy. However, the EFL writers responded to this temporarily failed transition, both drawing on their internal resources and with external assistance. They projected their new academic identity by improving their skills in navigating information literacy, although the EFL writers, still troubled by threshold concepts, did not achieve a perfect transition, and their transition was accompanied by individual differences in information navigation. The study concludes that the EFL writers’ academic transition to the practice of information literacy was a challenging, complex, and dynamic process, especially as applied to a course on academic research.
Attachment as Prediction: Insights From Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience
Authors: Tottenham Nim , Vannucci Anna
Published: February 2025

Early caregiving experiences have strong, persistent links to emotion regulation. In this article we offer a view that the content represented in emotion-regulation neurobiology in part reflects consolidated interpersonal-affective memories abstracted from early caregiving experiences. We suggest that these interpersonal-affective memories, referred to here as “attachment schemas,” are represented by cortical-subcortical (re)activations. Neural circuitry involving functional connections between subcortical and midline cortical regions is well positioned to generate predictive inferences from attachment schemas that have implications for emotion regulation. Although speculative, this perspective is motivated by the convergence of empirical findings from cognitive and developmental neuroscience. Situating affective neural predictions within a neurodevelopmental framework has great potential to uncover mechanisms of attachment and ultimately build toward a more complete understanding of the links between early caregiving experiences and emotional well-being.
Policies to Address Supply-side Issues in MSME Finance: A Global Compilation
Authors: Troilo Michael , Freeman Nick , Abe Masato
Published: February 2025

Access to finance (A2F) for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is critical for their survival and development, yet such access remains constrained for many MSMEs worldwide. In this article, the authors identify some of the key issues on the supply side of MSME finance globally, such as the lack of a credit registry/over-reliance on collateral, over-reliance on debt finance, high transaction costs of serving MSMEs and lack of non-bank/specialty financial institutions. They pinpoint the root causes and trace their impacts using concrete examples. The authors then share policy prescriptions over the short, medium and long terms that have been collected from around the world to address these concerns. They also provide case studies as inspiration to policymakers and other stakeholders in MSME finance. This compilation is a handy resource for policymakers and other stakeholders in MSME finance to understand and overcome barriers on the supply side.
Clinicopathologic, molecular, and ultrastructural features of Sarcocystis pinnipedi infection in 2 California sea lions with fatal necrotizing hepatitis
Authors: Chiu Elliott S. , Sinnott Devinn M. , Delaney Martha A. , Garner Michael M. , Adams Lance , Van Bonn Bill , Colegrove Kathleen M. , Haman Katie , Armién Anibal G. , Shapiro Karen
Published: February 2025

Sarcocystis pinnipedi is an apicomplexan protozoal parasite that was first recognized during a mass mortality event in juvenile grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus) in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. Since its identification, this parasite has been reported in various pinniped species and has been associated with fatal necrotizing hepatitis. Little is known of the host range of S. pinnipedi. Here we report 2 cases of California sea lions ( Zalophus californianus) in managed care that died following an 8-d history of inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, and progressive lethargy with elevated hepatic enzyme activities. Postmortem examination identified hepatitis and icterus. Sarcocystis schizonts and zoites were identified in regions of necrosis. Molecular and ultrastructural findings demonstrated the close relatedness of this Sarcocystis to S. canis, which produces a similar lesion in bears.
Fueling Market Growth Through Collective Political Action: Shaping Favorable Public Policy in Regulated Markets
Authors: Chung Daisy , Kaynak Ece
Published: February 2025

Although prior research has suggested that collective actors such as industry or trade associations play an important role in advocating for their members, few studies have examined how they facilitate new market formation and growth in regulated fields. Our study shows how collective actors may be instrumental in carving out specific, favorable policies from initially vague legislation, and that they do so by creating a univocal political messaging strategy to achieve support from regulators and legislators. Our empirical context is the biodiesel market in the United States, which depended on continuing federal obligated consumption mandates to survive. Our findings contribute to the literatures on collective political action and new market emergence by delineating the political influence process through which collective actors shape the trajectory of nascent markets.
Underdetermined modal parameter identification for time-invariant structures via autocorrelation-optimized CP decomposition
Authors: Chen Haonan , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2025

In recent years, operational modal parameter identification has become crucial in fields such as engineering, aerospace, mechanics, and civil infrastructure, as well as in analyzing complex structures. However, when the number of sensors is fewer than the modal parameters to be identified, the system becomes underdetermined, meaning that the limited sensor data cannot fully capture the system’s modal information. This often results in uncertainties and challenges in the identification process. Current methods for underdetermined operational modal parameter identification typically rely on signal sparsity or statistical independence assumptions, often requiring signal preprocessing to enforce sparsity, which restricts their applicability. To address these limitations, this study presents a novel underdetermined operational modal parameter identification method based on autocorrelation-optimized principal component tensor decomposition. This approach first establishes a connection between operational modal parameter identification and CP tensor decomposition, then introduces a new tensor construction technique that combines statistical characteristics of the data with time-series analysis. By decomposing the constructed tensor, the method extracts the modal shape matrix along with a set of sub-tensors representing modal responses, enabling the estimation of modal parameters. The method’s effectiveness is verified through experiments on a three-degree-of-freedom spring oscillator and a uniform cantilever beam structure, even under underdetermined and noisy conditions. Results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing techniques in both recognition accuracy and noise resistance, providing a stable and precise identification of operational modal parameters.
Curriculum Guidelines for Wilderness Medicine Medical Student Electives: 2025 Update
Authors: Plash Walker B. , Leiva Daniel F. , Watkins Kevin D. , Gardner Justin M. , Comp Geoffrey , Lareau Stephanie A.
Published: February 2025

Wilderness medicine elective rotations for graduate medical students are gaining popularity. The number of electives continues to grow, each with varying curriculum, format, and means of assessment. Previous curriculum guidelines attempted to standardize the knowledge-based competency for medical students in this field. Concurrently, medical education has evolved, emphasizing learner-centric and outcome-based observable competencies. Competencies based on individual qualities have since been complemented by practice-specific activities called entrustable professional activities (EPAs), which may consist of smaller observable practice activities (OPAs). This has allowed educators to use a holistic approach to determine that an individual can be fully entrusted to carry out an unsupervised activity. We surveyed current graduate-level wilderness medicine elective directors to determine expert panel recommendations for the EPAs of wilderness medicine for graduate medical students. The aim was to create EPAs and OPAs that experts deem fundamental for a wilderness medicine elective rotation and align them under the framework of entrustable practice in medical education. By mapping wilderness medicine EPAs and OPAs to competencies, we can better measure developmental progression and degree of entrustment in graduate wilderness medicine electives.
A collective interdisciplinary agenda for immersive storytelling: Editorial analysis
Authors: Martindale Sarah , Hook Jonathan , Carter Richard
Published: February 2025

This article represents our editorial contribution to the exploration of immersive storytelling, broadly conceived in this Special Issue as a set of creative and design practices, audience experiences, a field of study and a toolkit of rapidly developing digital technologies. Herein we set out our motivation for collaborating as an interdisciplinary team seeking to interrogate and expand on celebratory industry-led discourses that (over-)emphasise the transformative potential of digital innovations for immersive storytelling without properly situating these as part of longer trajectories of creative and audience practice. We provide an account of this background context that purposefully shifts the focus from technologies of the moment – Virtual Reality, the Metaverse, Artificial Intelligence – to the underpinning storytelling that can give rise to, as well as make use of, these technologies to facilitate immersion. Having introduced the various perspectives on immersive storytelling presented in the articles collected in this Special Issue, we go on to draw out key themes, topics and approaches from the body of work as a whole. Our analysis encompasses definitional questions, interdisciplinary perspectives and the sharing of expertise. It highlights the role of users as the nexus of technology and narrative, including emotional and sensory interactions, which contribute to their agency within immersive experiences. The discussion of immersive storytelling moves beyond a focus on VR to consider the wider context, including the overlap between real-world locations and narrative content of experiences, and the importance of setting audience expectations. Because, taken together, the articles include multiple projects and case studies involving designing and making immersive experiences, it is apparent that this is an expanded, rather than normalised, design space in which inclusion and exclusion are important considerations. From these findings we put forward a future agenda for the field of immersive storytelling, which revolves around issues of accessibility, ethics and audience research.
Dynamic response and damage collapse of bridge subjected to debris flow impacts using coupled Eulerian Lagrangian method
Authors: Fan Jian , Wu Zhifeng , Gao Chunyang , Lu Yang , Li Yuan
Published: February 2025

The coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) fluid–structure interaction method was employed to study the bridge’s dynamic behaviour under debris flow. The accuracy of the numerical simulations using the CEL method was confirmed by comparing them with small-scale experimental results for debris flow impacting bridge piers. For a real continuous girder bridge susceptible to debris-flow disasters, a detailed finite-element model of the bridge was established, with an emphasis on the precise modelling of hollow thin-walled variable-section piers. Utilising the CEL method, the study explored the effects of debris flow with varying burst frequencies on the bridge. The process of debris flow impacting bridge pier can be summarized into four stages: ‘contact’, ‘flow around’, ‘closure’, and ‘stabilisation’. Prior to reaching the stabilisation stage, the stress near the flow-passing surface at the bottom of the pier gradually increases. The erosion effect of debris flow on the pier was further taken into consideration, distinguishing it from the simplified method of direct impact, as recommended in the standard. The CEL method provides a more precise representation of local damage and structural response in bridges under debris flow impact compared to the simplified method. During the impact under once-in-100-year debris-flow, the lower part of the pier experienced concrete damage and exposed steel bars, yet still maintained normal functionality. The study not only elucidated the effects of debris flow on the flow field distribution, stress, impact, displacement, and overall damage to the bridge but also highlighted vulnerable points within the bridge. The bridge appeared to meet operational requirements for a design lifespan of 100 years, but it may potentially collapse during once-in-200-year debris-flow. Under the once-in-200-year working condition, the weak point at the bottom of the pier, that is, the hollow solid conversion place, is first damaged, and further expands under the impact and erosion of the debris flow, resulting in the complete failure of the foundation support of the pier and the collapse of the bridge.
A novel vehicle emergency braking control method based on parameter estimation
Authors: Deng Ying , Zha Yunfei
Published: February 2025

The braking system is a vital part of vehicle safety. In order to improve the vehicle stability during emergency braking, a parameter-estimation-based emergency braking control approach is proposed to enhance vehicle stability. The state factors influencing the braking stability of the vehicle are obtained from the dynamic analysis of the constructed vehicle model, and an emergency braking control method that incorporates these state characteristics is developed. The radial basis function neural network and the extended Kalman filter method are utilised in the emergency brake control strategy to estimate the state parameters that are difficult to get directly. The simulation results indicate that the performance of parameter estimation-based emergency braking control surpasses that of conventional emergency braking control by 73.45%, with the relative error between parameter estimation and the actual state value maintained within 1%.
Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Type-III Endoleak in a Large Cohort of Patients Treated With Anatomically Fixed Stent Grafts Over 20 Years
Authors: Leone Nicola , Andreoli Francesco , Baresi Giovanni Francesco , Ferri Andrea , Bartolotti Luigi Alberto Maria , Saitta Giuseppe Marcello , Silingardi Roberto , Gennai Stefano
Published: February 2025

Objective:

To assess the incidence, outcomes, and predictors of type III endoleaks (TIIIELs) in patients treated with different generations of Endologix unibody devices for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Methods:

Patients treated with unibody endografts between 1999 and 2020 in a single unit were prospectively enrolled, retrospectively analyzed, and stratified according to device generation. The primary outcome was the incidence of TIIIEL in patients treated with unibody devices. Secondary outcomes included: (1) TIIIEL incidence among the different device generations; (2) comparison of type IIIa (TIIIaELs) and type IIIb endoleaks (TIIIbELs) incidence, treatment, and complications; (3) risk factor analysis for TIIIEL; (4) overall survival and survival free from TIIIEL.

Results:

A total of 872 patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) were analyzed. The cumulative incidence of TIIIEL was 4.8% (42/872). The incidence among different generations was 2.4% (10/414), 21.7% (15/69), and 4.6% (16/341), and 2.1% (1/48) for Powerlink, AFXs, AFXd, and AFX2. Freedom from TIIIEL by device generation was significantly lower in the AFXs group (p<0.001). Type III endoleaks was higher in urgent EVAR (p=0.011), large AAA (p<0.001), angulated and calcified necks (p=0.002), and when more than one modular component or non-proprietary extension was used (p<0.001). AFXs was found as independent risk factor for TIIIEL (hazard ratio [HR]=3.1, p=0.003), while the use of a single component decreased the risk (HR=0.3, p=0.005). Finally, every 10-mm increase in AAA diameter resulted in a 2-fold increase in TIIIEL risk (HR=2.0, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The first generation of AFX endograft was associated with an increase in TIIIEL risk by 3.1 times, claiming a strict and careful follow-up in patients implanted with this device.

Clinical Impact

The old-generation of unibody endograft AFXs was associated with an increase in TIIIEL risk by 3.1 times. Angulated and calcified neck, large aneurysms and the use of nonproprietary graft extension were found as independent risk factors for TIIIEL. Patients implanted with these devices and with these anatomical features should be intensively monitored during follow-up.
Comparison of inflammatory markers before and after nanoliposomal irinotecan and fluorouracil with folic acid in patients with pancreatic cancer: results from the NAPOLEON-2 study (NN-2302)
Authors: Araki Tomonori , Hayashi Kohei , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Otsuka Taiga , Sonoda Yuki , Honda Takuya , Shibuki Taro , Nakazawa Junichi , Arima Shiho , Miwa Keisuke , Koga Futa , Ueda Yujiro , Kubotsu Yoshihito , Shimokawa Hozumi , Takeshita Shigeyuki , Nishikawa Kazuo , Komori Azusa , Otsu Satoshi , Hosokawa Ayumu , Sakai Tatsunori , Oda Hisanobu , Kawahira Machiko , Arita Shuji , Taguchi Hiroki , Tsuneyoshi Kengo , Fujita Toshihiro , Sakae Takahiro , Kawaguchi Yasunori , Shirakawa Tsuyoshi , Mizuta Toshihiko , Mitsugi Kenji
Published: February 2025

Background:

Relationships between cancer onset, progression, and inflammation have been reported; yet, the significance of inflammatory markers before and after treatment with nanoliposomal irinotecan and fluorouracil with folic acid (NFF) is unclear.

Objectives:

We aimed to (1) investigate whether worsening inflammation is associated with disease progression and whether it can be used as a biomarker by comparing inflammatory markers before and after treatment with NFF and (2) verify which is a superior biomarker.

Design:

This was a preplanned analysis of a retrospective cohort of the NAPOLEON-2 study, a multicenter observational study. Patients from 20 institutions were enrolled. Those with unresectable pancreatic cancer who received NFF as a second-line or later-line treatment between June 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, were included.

Methods:

The primary endpoint was overall survival, and the main secondary endpoint was progression-free survival. The following inflammatory markers were assessed: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), Prognostic Index (PI), and Komori score.

Results:

A total of 161 patients were enrolled. The CAR, NLR, GPS (1 vs 2), PI (1 vs 2), PNI, and Komori score were useful pre-NFF biomarkers (hazard ratios (HRs): 2.59, 2.28, 2.76/3.35, 2.16/18.89, 2.13, and 3.39, respectively). The CAR, NLR, GPS (compared with a score of 1/2), and PI (compared with a score of 1/2) were useful post-NFF biomarkers (HRs: 2.63, 1.88, 2.54/3.09, 2.30/5.39, respectively). In terms of the receiver operating characteristic curve and Akaike information criterion, the CAR, GPS, and PI showed favorable trends, and overall, CAR was a useful biomarker.

Conclusion:

Inflammatory markers can be used as biomarkers both before and after NFF treatment, and CAR may be useful. We hope these findings will contribute to the selection of appropriate treatment options.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitors on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Institutional Financial Assistance
Authors: Cheng Kevin K. , Vera Cruz Maxine F. , Tylee Tracy S. , Kelly Mary S.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Current guidelines suggest utilizing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with diabetes. Financial cost remains a barrier to implementation. Medicare coverage criteria include all patients with diabetes treated with at least one injection of insulin per day, while Washington Medicaid is more restrictive. There remains a paucity of literature examining effectiveness of CGMs on clinical outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes with lower incomes.

Methods:

This is a single-center, retrospective, observational study including adults with type 2 diabetes receiving institutional financial assistance for CGMs. A cohort with no CGM use is included for comparison. The primary outcome is change in HbA1c approximately three months after CGM implementation from baseline. Secondary outcomes include mean differences in number of antidiabetic agents and changes in insulin dose prior to and after CGM implementation.

Results:

Among the CGM cohort, most patients were of Hispanic ethnicity (77%) and a majority had no insurance (77%). The average HbA1c prior to CGM implementation was 8.3% and three months post-CGM was 7.7%, with a mean difference of −0.6% ( P = .004). There were no statistically significant differences in the average number of antidiabetic agents, total daily dosages of insulin, or mean differences in the number of emergency room visits or hospitalizations prior to and post-implementation of a CGM.

Conclusion:

Overall, there is a statistical and clinical improvement in HbA1c before and after implementation of CGMs in patients with type 2 diabetes who meet Medicaid criteria for CGM coverage receiving financial assistance.
Piper hainanense Hemsl. and P. thomsonii (C.DC.) Hook.f.: Essential Oil Compositions, Antimicrobial and Mosquito Larvicidal Activities
Authors: Huong Le Thi , Dai Do Ngoc , Hung Nguyen Huy , Dinh Luyen Nguyen , Pham Ty Viet , Linh Nguyen Ngoc , Son Ninh The
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

The genus Piper (family Piperaceae) includes aromatic plants widely used as spices and in traditional medicine. Essential oils from Piper species are known for their antimicrobial and pesticidal properties. This study aims to characterize the chemical profiles of the stem bark and leaf essential oils from two Vietnamese Piper species, Piper hainanense and P. thomsonii, and evaluate their biological activities.

Methods

Essential oil components were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the broth microdilution method, while mosquito larvicidal activity was evaluated against fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti.

Results

The major constituents of P. hainanense essential oils were sabinene (14.4-15.9%), δ-selinene (6.7-14.6%), β-pinene (13.5-13.9%), β-selinene (5.9-12.4%), α-pinene (7.0-9.0%), and β-elemene (6.1-6.6%). In P. thomsonii stem bark essential oil, elemicin (23.8%), spathulenol (14.5%), and caryophyllene oxide (7.4%) predominated, while its leaf essential oil contained elemicin (23.0%), β-pinene (15.6%), and γ-elemene (13.6%). Antimicrobial assays revealed that P. thomsonii essential oils exhibited strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (MIC = 32 µg/mL). P. hainanense essential oils demonstrated strong mosquito larvicidal activity, with 24-h LC50 values of 26.72–32.57 µg/mL and LC90 values of 34.15–43.48 µg/mL.

Conclusion

P. hainanense and P. thomsonii essential oils exhibit potential as natural agents for creating antimicrobial medications and mosquito-control strategies. These results serve as a foundation for additional investigation into the medicinal and insecticidal uses of essential oils from Piper.
What Do Doodles Do? Arts-Based Inquiry in the Margins
Authors: Lesser Renae
Published: February 2025

From library books to bathroom stalls, children doodle everywhere. Yet, little attention has been paid to the practice of doodling in schools. Literature on the topic tends to focus on how doodling can be instrumentalized to serve disciplinary learning objectives. This visual essay thinks instead with “undisciplined’” doodling, as both a pedagogical gesture and a mode of artful inquiry. Drawing on a rich archive of my own childhood doodles and those shared with me by participants, I engaged in data collage, drawing games, and other playful modes of visual sense-making. These practices surfaced artful connections, bringing attention to the marginal and discounted ways young people dream, take up space, and evade the disciplining force of schooling. Ultimately, this visual inquiry is a provocation for qualitative inquirers to notice how the world shifts when we bring discounted, marginal, and undisciplined modes of expression to the center of the page.