bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsettling the Reflections in a Pond: The Educational Thought of José Ortega y Gasset
Authors: Tate Nicholas
Published: December 2024

Spain’s greatest modern philosopher, José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955), wrote about many aspects of education including its aims; the education of children, nations, and elites; types of pedagogy; the reform of the university; and the challenges facing educators in an era of “triumphant plebeianism.” The article examines all aspects of Ortega’s educational thought, with a particular focus on his ideas about elites and their education, drawing on writings unavailable in English, including texts not published during his lifetime. At the heart of his writing is a vision of the qualities needed to enable individuals to make what he called a “project” out of their lives along with a powerful advocacy of the non-utilitarian and Socratic pedagogies that would help achieve that vision. The article looks at the balance of radical and conservative elements within Ortega’s educational thought and its relation to earlier “progressive” thinkers, and concludes with an evaluation of his legacy.
Knowing ‘how to create’ in order to know ‘how to teach’? Perceptions and conditioning of Spanish music teachers in secondary education
Authors: Castro-Alonso Vicente , Chao-Fernández Rocío
Published: December 2024

Music teachers in secondary education tend to undervalue the professional competence of creating music, in response to educational models that prioritise the development of musical interpretation skills. The aim of this research is to identify the factors that contribute to this belief among teachers in Spain, by analysing the results of the Professional Competences of the Music Teacher questionnaire (n = 112). Significant differences were found between age categories, as well as significant linear correlations between teachers’ perceptions of their preparation during initial training, their practical skills and habits, and the professional importance they attached to their competence in musical creation.
Combinatorial Behavioural Phenotyping of Mouse Models of Schizophrenia
Authors: Lipina Tatiana V.
Published: December 2024

Schizophrenia is a severe and incurable mental disorder with a complex multigenetic nature that interacts with pathogenic environmental factors. The biggest challenge is to understand the molecular–cellular and behavioural changes that precede the onset of schizophrenia, which could open possibilities for preventive therapies to “re-wire” the neuronal plasticity of the brain and overcome the full expression of this mental disorder. Mouse behavioural phenotyping is an essential part of this research. However, there is a need to optimize the design of longitudinal behavioural experiments to compare findings across independent research groups and generate generalizable conclusions with translational values. Here we discuss the main principles of how to design behavioural experiments to study “pre-schizophrenia”-relevant phenotypes in mice, including the order of tests across the lifespan, application of new analytic tools, and parametric manipulations to adjust the sensitivity of tests for adolescent animals. We highlight the integration of image recognition tools into the behavioural pipeline which shows a high sensitivity for the detection of behaviour in young mice. Accumulated information acquired during early postnatal and adolescent periods in mice will help to determine biomarkers related to schizophrenia in genetic mouse lines. Altogether, longitudinal phenotyping of mice for schizophrenia should integrate cognitive assessments with sensory, metabolic, and circadian tests coupled with modern analytic tools. Systematic collection of phenotyping data will allow the generation of a schizophrenia animal model database to facilitate our understanding of mouse behaviour and the underlying molecular and cellular changes during critical periods of neurodevelopment.
KI-gestützte Untersuchung in der nicht-operativen Versorgung
symptomgebender Erkrankungen des Kniegelenks – ein multiprofessionelles Konzept
(KINEESIO)
Authors: Schulze Elke , Palm Christoph , Kerschbaum Maximilian , Seidel Roman , Lehmann Lars , Koller Michael , Pfingsten Andrea
Published: December 2024

Beschwerdebilder am Kniegelenk aufgrund muskuloskelettaler degenerativer oder
verletzungsbedingter Erkrankungen sind häufig, nehmen im Alter zu und sind mit
der steigenden Inanspruchnahme ärztlicher und therapeutischer
Behandlungsmaßnahmen verbunden. Einer erfolgreichen Therapie gehen oft
notwendige zeit- und ressourcenaufwendige Untersuchungen zur Erkennung und
Differenzierung der patient*innenspezifischen Problematik voraus.

Im Zusammenhang mit der nicht-operativen Versorgung des Kniegelenks hat ein
sektorübergreifendes multiprofessionelles Forschungsteam ein Konzept entwickelt,
um künstliche neuronale Netze so zu trainieren, dass sie bei der ärztlichen und
physiotherapeutischen Untersuchung unterstützend Einsatz finden können. Denn
gerade in der Erfassung und Auswertung umfassender Datenmengen liegen große
Potenziale in der Künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) im Gesundheitswesen.

Das Projekt KINEESIO trainiert und testet KI-gestützte Screening-Tools zur
Untersuchung von Patient*innen mit Kniegelenkerkrankungen. Diese unterstützen
die Abläufe zwischen Leistungserbringern und Patient*innen, tragen zu einer
verbesserten Differenzierung individueller Beschwerdebilder bei und dienen
Entscheidungsprozessen für eine adäquate Versorgung. Dadurch sollen Ressourcen
im Gesundheitswesen geschont und eine qualitativ hochwertige Therapie
ausreichend ermöglicht werden.
Percutaneous Biopsy and Drainage of the Pancreas
Authors: Redstone Ellen A. , Li Zhenteng
Published: December 2024

Percutaneous biopsy and drainage of pancreatic lesions, though less frequent due to advancements in endoscopic techniques, remain vital skills for interventional radiologists. This review details the indications, options, approaches, and technical considerations for pancreatic biopsy and (peri)pancreatic fluid drainage by examining a comprehensive range of literature. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes, highlighting current best practices and recent advancements.
Exposed Hsp70-binding site impacts yeast Sup35 prion disaggregation and propagation
Authors: Shen Chih-hao Howard , Komi Yusuke , Nakagawa Yoshiko , Kamatari Yuji O. , Nomura Takashi , Kimura Hiromi , Shida Toshinobu , Burke John , Tamai Shingo , Ishida Yasuhiro , Tanaka Motomasa
Published: December 2024

The dynamic balance between formation and disaggregation of amyloid fibrils is associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Multiple chaperones interact with and disaggregate amyloid fibrils, which impacts amyloid propagation and cellular phenotypes. However, it remains poorly understood whether and how site-specific binding of chaperones to amyloids facilitates the concerted disaggregation process and modulates physiological consequences in vivo. Here, we identified binding sites of Ssa1, Sis1, and Hsp104 chaperones for Sup35, the protein determinant of yeast prion [
PSI
+
] yeast. Our biophysical and genetic analyses with various Sup35 deletion mutants and amyloid conformations revealed that the Ssa1-binding to the region outside amyloid core plays a key role in facilitating disaggregation and propagation of yeast prions both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we developed a reconstitution system, including the Ssa1-binding tag and the HAP/Caseinolytic protease P (ClpP) hybrid chaperones, and found that this reconstitution system successfully degraded distinct prion strain conformations. Together, these results show that the properly positioned, exposed Ssa1-binding region in amyloid fibrils influences the efficiency of amyloid disaggregation and propagation, and eventually prion strain phenotypes. More broadly, our findings provide molecular foundations for previous, puzzling observations of prion propagation in vivo, and offer insights into elimination of amyloid deposits in cells.
Modeling the within-host dynamics of
Plasmodium vivax
hypnozoite activation: An analysis of the SPf66 vaccine trial
Authors: Mehra Somya , Nosten François , Luxemburger Christine , White Nicholas J. , Watson James A.
Published: December 2024

Plasmodium vivax
parasites can lie dormant in the liver as hypnozoites, activating weeks to months after sporozoite inoculation to cause relapsing malarial illness. It is not known what biological processes govern hypnozoite activation. We use longitudinal data from the most detailed cohort study ever conducted in an area where both
Plasmodium falciparum
and
P. vivax
were endemic to fit a simple within-host mathematical model of
P. vivax
hypnozoite activation. 1,344 children living on the Thailand–Myanmar border were followed daily for 21 mo. There were 2,504 vivax and 1,164 falciparum malaria symptomatic episodes recorded over 1988 person-years. The model assumes that hypnozoites activate independently at a constant rate (“exponential clock model”). When this model was embedded in a stochastic framework for repeated infectious mosquito bites, with seasonality inferred from the incidence of clinical falciparum malaria episodes, it explained the observed temporal patterns of multiple (up to 13) recurrent vivax malaria episodes. Under this model, we estimate the mean dormancy period for a single hypnozoite to be 6 mo (i.e., a half-life of 4 mo). We use the calibrated within-host model to characterize population-level overdispersion in the risk of relapse, and assess the potential utility of a serological test for radical cure in low transmission settings. We show that mefloquine treatment of falciparum malaria eliminates early vivax relapses; and that there are substantially more
P. vivax
recurrences than expected under the model following artesunate monotherapy treatment for falciparum malaria. These results suggest that hypnozoites can be activated by symptomatic malarial illness.
Excimer formation in zinc-phthalocyanine revealed using ultrafast electron diffraction
Authors: Hammer Sebastian , Britt Tristan L. , Kremeyer Laurenz , Rödel Maximilian , Cai David , Pflaum Jens , Siwick Bradley J.
Published: December 2024

The formation of excited dimer states, so called excimers, is an important phenomenon in many organic molecular semiconductor solid state aggregates. In contrast to Frenkel exciton–polarons, an excimer is long-lived and energetically low-lying due to stabilization resulting from a substantial reorganization of the intermolecular geometry. Here, we show that ultrafast electron diffraction can follow the dynamics of solid-state excimer formation in polycrystalline thin films of a molecular semiconductor, revealing both the key reaction modes and the eventual structure of the emitting state. We study the prototypical organic semiconductor zinc-phthalocyanine (ZnPc) in its crystallographic
α
-phase as a model excimeric system. We show that the excimer forms in a two-step process starting with a fast dimerization (approx. 0.4 ps) followed by a subsequent slow shear-twist motion (14 ps) leading to an alignment of the
π
-systems of the involved monomers. This structural distortion persists well beyond 300 ps. Furthermore, we show that while the same excimer geometry is present in partially fluorinated derivatives of ZnPc, the formation kinematics slow down with increasing level of fluorination.
Dark continuous noise from visual pigment as a major mechanism underlying rod–cone difference in light sensitivity
Authors: Chai Zuying , Silverman Daniel , Li Sihan , Bina Parinaz , Yau King-Wai
Published: December 2024

Retinal rods and cones underlie scotopic and photopic vision, respectively. Their pigments exhibit spontaneous isomerizations (quantal noise) in darkness due to intrinsic thermal energy. This quantal noise, albeit exceedingly low in rods, dictates the light threshold for scotopic vision. The same quantal noise in cones, however, is too low to explain the much higher diurnal light threshold. Separately, a dark continuous noise is present in rods, long accepted to originate from an intrinsic random activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-phosphodiesterase enzyme mediating phototransduction downstream of the pigment. Here, we report the surprising finding that most of this rod dark continuous noise actually originates from rhodopsin itself. Importantly, we found the same continuous noise with a much higher magnitude from cone pigments. The rod and cone continuous noises are apparently both associated with a hitherto unrecognized “metastable” pigment conformational state physiologically resembling that in apo-opsin (opsin devoid of chromophore) and is intermittently active for very brief moments. The cone holopigment’s high continuous noise is expected to act as an intrinsic equivalent light and adapt the cone dramatically, accounting for a major part of the light-sensitivity difference between rods and cones in darkness.
Research on automatic switching of hydraulic feed dual process in honing processing
Authors: Lu Yong , Pei Hailong , Li Guang , Deng Haijun
Published: December 2024

Honing is a finishing process used for the inner cylindrical surfaces of engine blocks or liners. The process involves abrasive particles bonded to the surface of a honing head, which come into contact with the inner bore surface, performing an oscillating and rotational motion. These motions follow a specific pattern, allowing for the creation of crosshatch patterns on the inner bore surface, thereby improving dimensional accuracy, form accuracy and reducing surface roughness. Common honing processes are divided into four distinct phases: material removal, crosshatching, finish honing, and plateau honing. Each phase corresponds to specific tasks such as material removal from the bore, creating crosshatch patterns, honing the peaks in the crosshatch, and final surface finishing. In computer numerical control (CNC)-based honing machine, individual control commands are typically used to manage each of these phases separately. The commands are combined according to process requirements to achieve the desired honing results. To enhance the efficiency of the honing process, this study focuses on the hydraulic feed of the abrasive strips on the honing head, specifically examining the automatic continuous switching between finish honing and plateau honing. The research analyzes the honing principles, develops a control algorithm for dual-process automatic switching, and validates the process through machining tests. Compared to single-process control, the proposed algorithm significantly improves processing efficiency. Additionally, this algorithm can be applied to other dual-process automatic switching controls, providing valuable insights for the design of CNC honing systems.
An improved LIO-SAM lidar inertial odometer with dynamic point filtering
Authors: Zhang Hangtian , Ma Zhongli , Zhang Guoliang , Liu Jiajia
Published: December 2024

LIO-SAM is an extensively utilized SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm, featuring an integrated lidar-inertial odometry framework for high-precision, real-time trajectory estimation and mapping in mobile robots. In this paper, we integrate the lidar Iris loop detection algorithm into the LIO-SAM framework to solve the poor loop detection of LIO-SAM itself and the poor loop detection effect of Scan Context resulting from varying lidar directions passing through the same location. Additionally, an enhanced dynamic point filtering algorithm relying on ERASOR is developed to mitigate the presence of dynamic points in the point cloud map created by SLAM. Finally, validation with the KITTI dataset confirms the effectiveness of these algorithms, laying a robust foundation for further advancements.
Detection device of the nuclear power plant electric actuator development and application
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Xia Ming , Yin Yelei , Zheng Hai , Luo Yu
Published: December 2024

In order to realize the parameters of the full life cycle of the nuclear power plant (new purchase, operation, use, maintenance, and scrap) parameter, we improve the multi-parameter of the entire working conditions (air rotation, plugging, opening/closing, different load rates) under different conditions of the source traceability. For the construction of the chain and mastering of the offline detection technology of electric actuators, this article introduces an electric actuator detection device and detection method designed based on the principle of hydraulic dynamics. Device and computer, data analysis processing software form a complete set of equipment to detect the torque, speed, and power output of the electric actuator.
Research on rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on SBOA-Optimized FMD
Authors: Hu Yangyang , Tian Jingyi , Qi Houjun
Published: December 2024

To address the challenges in extracting rolling bearing fault features and the parameter sensitivity of Feature Mode Decomposition (FMD), this study introduces a novel approach that integrates the Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA) with FMD. The proposed method leverages SBOA to identify the most suitable parameter settings for FMD, employing the minimum arrangement entropy as the objective function. The optimized FMD is then employed to process the raw signals. The most informative components are selected based on the correlation coefficient-cliffiness index. Their time-domain characteristics and multiscale dispersion entropy (MDE) are computed to construct the fault feature vectors. Finally, SVM with SBOA optimization is used for classification. Empirical results show that SBOA-FMD achieves better fitness values than other methods with the same number of iterations. The method achieves an average recognition accuracy of 99.45%, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Adaptive RBF iterative learning tracking control of multi-degree-of-freedom manipulators
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Hu Jian
Published: December 2024

Targeting on the issue of poor dynamic performance of multi-degree-of-freedom manipulator system under disturbance environment and model parameter uncertainty, this paper designs an adaptive iterative learning tracking control method utilizing a radial basis function (RBF) neural network observer, aiming at realizing stable control and disturbance suppression of closed-loop system. The controller consists of the proportional-differential term based on the backstepping method, the sign function robust term of adaptive sliding mode, and the disturbance observation term of the RBF neural network. The sign function robust term compensates for the repetitive disturbance of the system, and the RBF observer compensates for the non-repetitive disturbance of the system. Under the premise of ensuring the normal functioning of the control system, the sliding mode parameter is updated in the iterative domain, and the RBF network weight parameter is updated in the time domain to enhance the system’s robustness. Simultaneously, the stability of the closed-loop system within the iterative domain and the convergence of the tracking error are demonstrated using the Lyapunov composite energy theory. Finally, the proposed control method’s efficacy and robustness are validated through simulation and experiment.
Research on optimization of PMSM vector control system of electric power bicycle based on fuzzy sliding mode control
Authors: Wang Jia , Bo Jia Xiao , Fu Wang Guo , Hui Meng Dong , Mo Tao , Ni Xing Wan
Published: December 2024

In the double closed loop vector control system of electric power highway vehicle motor, the traditional control method can not meet the high-performance requirement of frequent speed regulation of vehicle motor, and the motor must not only respond in real time but also can not chatter, to ensure the stability of the car. Considering the current situation, this paper designs an optimized integral sliding mode controller and uses a new and continuous saturation function to replace the traditional symbolic function, so as to improve the anti-jamming ability and stability of the system. The real-time adjustment of the parameters of the sliding mode reaching law by using the fuzzy control strategy can not only improve the adaptability of the system in the face of different operating states, but also reduce the occurrence of chattering. The simulation results show that the PMSM vector control system based on optimized fuzzy sliding mode control technology has excellent performance in anti-interference and robustness, and is especially suitable for the accurate control of electric power transmission.
Simulation and optimization of paddle control for small electric ship
Authors: He Jie , Yao Yun , Zhou Yonghao
Published: December 2024

Aiming at the problems of weak anti-interference ability, slow response speed, and unstable motor speed of traditional PID control for electric small ships, a simulation model of the oar is designed by combining the key factors of ship displacement, ship speed, and ship situation resistance. The load of the ship’s propulsion motor during operation is simulated. Combined with the motor model, the motor speed curve and the ship speed prediction curve under PID control and fuzzy control are observed. A more stable and faster response speed electric ship control method is obtained.
Fuzzy PID control based on variable universe for PMSM
Authors: Huang Xiaochao , Sun Gang , Wang Bi , Shi Yue , He Wuyang , Wang Jun , Liu Guodong
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to design a speed controller for PMSM so that the motor can track the given speed signal. Based on vector control strategy, united with SVPWM (Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation) technology, an on-off of inverter switches was regularly controlled to form the vector voltage to drive PMSM. Finally, the PMSM double closed-loop vector control system was built. Specifically, by the design of the speed controller method, a fuzzy PID control, according to the variable universe, was proposed to realize the high precision control requirements of the PMSM speed control system. Firstly, on the ground of the traditional PID controller, a fuzzy controller was introduced to realize the self-tuning of control parameters, and then a new function variable domain module was built to reach the self-adjustment of the fuzzy controller domain and to achieve self-tuning of control rules, improving control accuracy and response speed.
The quantum convolution product
Authors: Aniello Paolo
Published: December 2024

In classical statistical mechanics, physical states (probability measures) are embedded in the Banach algebra of complex Borel measures on phase space, where the algebra product is realized by convolution. Convolution is state-preserving; namely, the convolution of two classical states is a state too. This is a special case of the convolution algebra of all complex measures on a locally compact group. A natural problem is whether an analogous structure may emerge in the quantum setting. By resorting to a group-theoretical construction, a quantum counterpart of the convolution of probability measures — the twirled product, or quantum convolution — can be introduced, yielding a group-covariant, associative binary operation on the states of a quantum system, that preserves the convex structure of this set. The analogy with the classical setting becomes striking in the case where the symmetry group is abelian. We focus, in particular, on the quantum convolution product stemming from the group of phase-space translations.
Higher Time Derivative Theories From Integrable Models
Authors: Turner Bethan
Published: December 2024

Higher Time Derivative Theories are generated by considering space-time roated KdV and mKdV systems. These systems are then studied to see if/how instabilities, usually associated with higher time derivative theories, manifest on the classical level by presenting both analytic and numerical solutions. For a linearised version of these space-time rotated systems we present a detailed quantisation of the theory that highlights the known dilemma on higher time derivative theories, that we have either negative norm states or the Hamiltonian being unbounded from below.
Yangians for cotangent Lie algebras and the affine Grassmannian
Authors: Abedin Raschid , Niu Wenjun
Published: December 2024

We present a canonical construction of the Yangian for cotangent Lie algebras and explain its relation with the geometry of the equivariant affine Grassmannian. The category of coherent sheaves on the latter provides a geometric realization of line operators in a certain 4d holomorphic-topological gauge theory.
Kontsevich graphs act on Nambu–Poisson brackets, III. Uniqueness aspects
Authors: Schipper F M , Jagoe Brown M S , Kiselev A V
Published: December 2024

Kontsevich constructed a map between ‘good’ graph cocycles γ and infinitesimal deformations of Poisson bivectors on affine manifolds, that is, Poisson cocycles in the second Lichnerowicz–Poisson cohomology. For the tetrahedral graph cocycle γ
3 and for the class of Nambu-determinant Poisson bivectors P over ℝ2, ℝ3 and ℝ4, we know the fact of trivialization,

P

˙

=
〚
P
,

X

→

dim

γ3

〛

, by using dimension-dependent vector fields

X

→

dim

γ3

expressed by Kontsevich (micro-)graphs. We establish that these trivializing vector fields

X

→

dim

γ3

are unique modulo Hamiltonian vector fields

X

→

H

=

d

P

(
H
)

=
〚
P
,
H
〛

, where d
P
is the Lichnerowicz–Poisson differential and where the Hamiltonians H are also represented by Kontsevich (micro-)graphs. However, we find that the choice of Kontsevich (micro-)graphs to represent the aforementioned multivectors is not unique.
Remarks on Common Representation Theory of Gauge Theories
Authors: Dahm Rolf
Published: December 2024

Whereas the standard representation (rep) theory of gauge theories relies on quantum field theory (QFT), based on point coordinates x

µ
and certain Lie symmetries, we discuss some aspects of a geometrical background pattern able to explain such rep theory and the known unitary symmetries from scratch. Switching to lines as geometrical base elements of space-time instead of point coordinates, line geometry induces a concept to identify quantum theories directly with the description of forces and moments. Moreover, sets of lines and their properties correspond to known physical notions, and line Complexe allow a natural approach to gauge descriptions, chiral rep theory, 3-dimensional complex spaces, grouping into families, triality, etc. Beyond Riemannian geometry, line geometry naturally adds symplectic geometry in P
3, and its rep theory yields cubic curves as well as quartic surfaces. Last not least, it not only respects quadratic invariants advocated by bi-linear symmetric forms and orthogonal or unitary transformations, but projective geometry also allows to incorporate the complete invariant theory in a well-defined manner.
Research on network interference problems in intelligent manufacturing
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Qingquan , Jiang Zhenpeng , Zheng Di , Shi Ronghua
Published: December 2024

As the smart manufacturing industry continues to grow, ensuring high-quality data transmission has become especially critical. In wireless communication networks, numerous sources of interference exist, especially significant in restricted space environments such as factories. These areas are subject to signal interference from same-frequency devices and interference from multipath propagation due to signal reflection in buildings. In order to guarantee the communication quality of smart manufacturing systems, reducing network interference in such spaces is a prerequisite; therefore, it becomes crucial to reduce various network interferences. In this study, a scheme combining orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques is proposed to cope with the interference problem of the network in the smart manufacturing process.
Towards a More Conventional Approach: Article 10 and Unfair Dismissal in England (Case Comment)
Authors: Murray James
Published: December 2024

This case note considers the case of Aghajanyan v Armenia and gives comment on how it impacts protection for Article 10 Convention rights in the context of the employment relationship, with particular focus on how it might impact the development of the English law of unfair dismissal in the context of both current and future law. The note highlights that Aghajanyan reinforces the robust Article 10 protection for certain types of expression within the employment relationship, notwithstanding any countervailing contractual obligations or duties which a speaker has to their employer, and outlines the analytical approach which the Strasbourg court will expect of national courts and tribunals with respect to applying a proportionality analysis when dismissal is consider (which, in the context of English unfair dismissal law, overlays the test of reasonableness which is specified by statute). The concept of an Article 10 ersatz whistleblower is also considered, namely whether the application of a Convention proportionality test, actually creates a middle ground of enhanced protection for those raising matters of public interest but don’t meet the strict tests under English law for formal statutory protection as whistleblowers. It will conclude that English tribunals’ rather inconsistent approach to Article 10 protection in the context of unfair dismissal is ripe for review in line with Aghajanyan, and that now is particularly appropriate time for such a review given the expansion of the unfair dismissal right under English law.
Successful Treatment of Severe, Poorly Controlled Benign Essential Blepharospasm with DaxibotulinumtoxinA
Authors: Shoji Marissa K. , Sargsyan Suzan , Al-Sharif Eman , Dib El Jalbout Nahia , Korn Bobby S. , Kikkawa Don O. , Liu Catherine Y.
Published: December 2024

Benign essential blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary contractions of the orbicularis oculi. Botulinum toxin type A injections are often first-line treatment, but patients may experience refractory symptoms or decreased response over time. DaxibotulinumtoxinA, a novel botulinum toxin type A product, has shown promise in cervical dystonia and facial rhytids but has not been previously reported for benign essential blepharospasm treatment. This case highlights a 57-year-old male with severe, poorly controlled benign essential blepharospasm despite high-dose injections of onabotulinumtoxinA and incobotulinumtoxinA. He subsequently received 100 units of daxibotulinumtoxinA in the same periorbital injection pattern with subjective faster onset, extended duration of effect, and improved symptom management compared to previous treatments. Notably, the patient experienced 50% to 75% efficacy retention at 3 months postinjection, significantly better than his response to other botulinum toxin type A products. This case suggests that daxibotulinumtoxinA may be an effective treatment for benign essential blepharospasm including patients experiencing poor symptom control with other botulinum toxin type A products.
Pediatric Meniscal Tears
Authors: Dale Kevin M. , Tenfelde Allison
Published: December 2024

As pediatric youth sports involvement has increased, there has been an increase in meniscus tears associated with acute pediatric knee injuries. The meniscus of pediatric patients has a more robust blood supply which may help its healing potential. The discoid meniscus is an anatomical variant that is more prone to meniscal tears in pediatric patients. Meniscectomy and saucerization are usually the treatment of choice for the complex meniscus tear and the discoid meniscus tear. Meniscus repair should be attempted when at all possible due to the good outcomes associated with meniscus repair and poor results associated with meniscectomy in pediatric patients.
The Use of POCUS to Identify Subgaleal Fluid Collections and Intracranial Infections
Authors: Andreas Shaheen , Chicaiza Henry , Shah Rahul
Published: December 2024

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been useful in describing soft tissue infections, such as cellulitis and abscesses. There has been limited use of ultrasound to describe findings of intracranial infections, such as Pott's puffy tumor, in cases of forehead prominence and signs of infection. In this case series we present POCUS findings in 2 cases of intracranial infections and one case of soft tissue edema without intracranial involvement from a single pediatric tertiary care center. Ultrasound findings revealed subgaleal fluid collections with associated periosteal lifting of the frontal bone in cases of Pott's Puffy tumor and intracranial infection, but no bony disruption or periosteal lifting in the patient with traumatic soft tissue edema. As pediatric intracranial infections may continue to have uncharacteristic seasonal peaks, POCUS may be considered as a first-line imaging technique for patients presenting with forehead swelling for differentiating infectious and traumatic etiologies as well as judging the need for further imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Psychometric Properties of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-II Self-Report
Authors: Pinciotti Caitlin M. , Rast Catherine E. , Wiese Andrew D. , Foshee Katherine L. , Spencer Samuel D. , Upshaw Blake M. , Guzick Andrew G. , Goodman Wayne K. , Storch Eric A.
Published: December 2024

The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is one of the most commonly used instruments for assessing and quantifying the presence and severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Both the interview and self-report (SR) versions of the original Y-BOCS have demonstrated good psychometrics. However, areas for revision were noted regarding the measure’s severity ceiling and a “resistance to obsessions” item that did not perform adequately in psychometric testing and was not consistent with theoretical models of OCD. The Y-BOCS-II was thereby created to address these concerns. While the interview has demonstrated strong psychometrics, psychometric evaluation of the self-report version is currently nonexistent. In a sample of 63 adult patients seeking outpatient treatment for OCD (66.7% female, 77.8% white, and 17.5% Hispanic or Latine), we examined the psychometric properties of the Y-BOCS-II-SR, including the level of agreement with the Y-BOCS-II items, subscales, and severity qualifiers, as well as its internal consistency, and its convergent validity with measures of OCD, functional impairment, and quality of life. As expected, the Y-BOCS-II-SR demonstrated strong psychometric properties and expected overlap with responses obtained using the Y-BOCS-II. The findings provide strong initial support for the psychometric properties of the Y-BOCS-II-SR and suggest that it is an efficient and effective option to measure OCD severity.
Invasion of the Cavernous Sinus Medial Wall by Pituitary Adenomas: Intraoperative Evaluation and the Clinical Efficacy of the Cavernous Sinus Medial Wall Resection in the Treatment of Somatotroph Adenomas
Authors: Liang Xiao , Fan Yuyuan , Liu Pengfei
Published: December 2024

Background:

Pituitary adenomas are common benign intracranial tumors. This study aimed to explore the relevant factors influencing the cavernous sinus medial wall invasion by Pituitary adenomas based on intraoperative evaluation. Meanwhile, the authors introduced a safe technique for the resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus and conducted a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of this technique.

Methods:

The clinical data of 108 patients with pituitary adenomas who underwent surgery at our institution were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify independent predictors of medial wall invasion. Furthermore, the authors performed medial wall resection on 12 cases of somatotroph adenomas with medial wall invasion to initially assess the surgical efficacy of this technique for somatotroph adenomas.

Results:

Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that tumor Knosp grade and somatotroph adenomas were independent predictors of medial wall invasion (P<0.05). For somatotroph adenomas, medial wall resection resulted in a high biochemical remission rate (83%), and all patients were free of recurrence at the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

Higher knosp grade and somatotroph adenomas will increase the risk of medial wall invasion of the cavernous sinus. Relying solely on the Knosp grade system to evaluate tumor invasion of the medial wall without differentiating between tumor subtypes is inaccurate. Invasion of the medial wall may be a cause of low biochemical remission rates and recurrence after surgery for somatotroph adenomas. The technique of medial wall resection is safe and effective, and holds significant importance in the treatment of somatotroph adenomas.
Coordinating assemblages: accounting for a novel disaster
Authors: Sargiacomo Massimo , Martinez Daniel , Servalli Stefania , Gitto Antonio , D'Andreamatteo Antonio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how hospitals and regional and local health authorities in the Italian region of Marche accounted for and reported the use of emergency funds from the EU, the Ministry of Economic and Finance and administrative bodies called actuator subjects. Unlike a sudden impact disaster, such as an earthquake, the pandemic was slow moving and novel. This meant that the guidelines for medical, legislative, financial and administrative action were not as developed as those for sudden impact emergencies with which the Italian state was, unfortunately, experienced.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the Italian public healthcare setting since the declaration of the State of Emergency until its end—that is, from January 2020 to July 2021. We conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with nine key-actors working for national, regional and local administrative bodies. A range of related official documents were analyzed.

Findings

We show a non-linear and emergent account of standardization and coordination. We show how different state and transnational actors developed their own procedures to standardize COVID-related cost classifications and reports. These attempts also involved coordinating assemblages, at the center of which are templates imposed on hospitals and regional authorities by national state entities for cost-reporting practices and aggregation. Importantly, templates’ visual features enabled coordination across the different standardization initiatives that populated the emergency response effort.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides academics and policy makers with insights into the role played by accounting tools, templates, reports and guidelines to coordinate different cost standardization initiatives.

Originality/value

Accounting guidelines that standardize costs are known to be deployed hierarchically by states and transnational organizations for coordination purposes. We highlight, however, the emergence of not only hierarchical forms of coordination but also their interrelation with decentralized forms of coordination. These two types of coordinating assemblages, each standardizes cost through the accounting templates that they use. We demonstrate the emergent nature of coordination even within hierarchical entities like the state. Reporting templates are pivotal for understanding this coordination process. However, when a centralized coordinating body is absent, it is the visual features of accounting, rather than its imposition, that enable coordination.
Poynting and polarization vectors mixed imaging condition of source time‐reversal imaging
Authors: Hu Nan , Li Hao , Zhao Yunsheng , Lu Yongming , Lei Tao , He Mei , Jiang Xingda , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2024

Source time‐reversal imaging based on wave equation theory can achieve high‐precision source location in complex geological models. For the time‐reversal imaging method, the imaging condition is critical to the location accuracy and imaging resolution. The most commonly used imaging condition in time‐reversal imaging is the scalar cross correlation imaging condition. However, scalar cross‐correlation imaging condition removes the directional information of the wavefield through modulus operations to avoid the direct dot product of mutually orthogonal P‐ and S‐waves, preventing the imaging condition from leveraging the wavefield propagation direction to suppress imaging artefacts. We previously tackled this issue by substituting the imaging wavefield with the energy current density vectors of the decoupled wavefield, albeit at the cost of increased computational and storage demands. To balance artifact suppression with reduced computational and memory overhead, this work introduces the Poynting and polarization vectors mixed imaging condition. Poynting and polarization vectors mixed imaging condition utilizes the polarization and propagation direction information of the wavefield by directly dot multiplying the undecoupled velocity polarization vector with the Poynting vector, eliminating the need for P‐ and S‐wave decoupling or additional memory. Compared with scalar cross‐correlation imaging condition, this imaging condition can accurately image data with lower signal‐to‐noise ratios. Its performance is generally consistent with previous work but offers higher computational efficiency and lower memory usage. Synthetic data tests on the half‐space model and the three‐dimensional Marmousi model demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in suppressing imaging artefacts, as well as its efficiency and ease of implementation.
Field Evaluations of a Novel Biodegradable Microfibrillated Cellulose Hydrogel Bait Targeting the Invasive White‐Footed Ant, Technomyrmex brunneus
Authors: Terayama Mamoru , Kankawa Toshiyuki , Shirai Hideo , Tomioka Yasuhiro , Kohno Shuhei , Matsumoto Kazuya , Kutsukake Joe , Sunamura Eiriki , Eguchi Katsuyuki
Published: December 2024

The development of more effective control methods for invasive alien ants is crucial, given the extensive damage these ants cause. In recent years, hydrogel baits—superabsorbent polymers containing a water solution of insecticides and ingredients that promote or attract ant feeding—have been developed and used to control invasive ants. More recently, biodegradable hydrogel baits have been developed and tested for efficacy. We have developed a new type of biodegradable hydrogel bait in which microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) derived from plant cellulose acts as a gelling agent. A cafeteria experiment, including the conventionally used sodium polyacrylate hydrogel bait and the newly developed biodegradable MFC hydrogel baits with various chemical properties, showed that both types of hydrogel bait were highly effective in recruiting workers of the invasive white‐footed ant, Technomyrmex brunneus, to the same degree. Among the MFC hydrogel baits tested, the more effective substrates were selected, and their control efficacy was confirmed in field experiments; baiting at 2‐week intervals reduced the population of T. brunneus by more than 90%. The biodegradable MFC hydrogel baits have substantial potential to effectively control invasive ants, with a smaller environmental impact than the conventional sodium polyacrylate hydrogel baits.
Analysis of the Correlation Between Cases and Deaths of COVID-19 and Atmospheric Pollution (PM2.5) in Brazil
Authors: Carniel Alessandra dos Santos , Guimarães da Silva Mateus , Ribeiro Marques Gilcinieri
Published: December 2024

The main route of the spread of novel coronavirus occurs through direct close contact with infected persons and with surfaces containing the virus. Breathing and speech also release smaller particles which remain in the air longer and can settle in particulate matter dispersed in the atmosphere and reach long distances, becoming a secondary source of virus transmission. Considering that Brazil has been recording concentrations of particulate matter above the value recommended by the World Health Organization, and the high numbers of deaths in COVID-19. In this study, the correlation between the concentration of PM2.5 and the number of occurrences of COVID-19 and daily deaths in the cities of the states of Acre and São Paulo were investigated. The results showed that there was a correlation in three of the twenty analyzes carried out with a confidence interval of 95%, being that the correlation coefficients wereweak. Thus, it was not possible to assert a correlation and causality between the particulate material and the number of records of casesand deaths in COVID-19. It is noteworthy that other variables directly related to the transmission and proliferation of the virus, such as social distance and the use of masks, have been neglected in Brazil since the beginning of the pandemic. Although there is no proof of virus transmissibility through PM2.5, they can make the population more susceptible to contract the virus and die, as long-term exposure to these pollutants weakens the immune system, making the body difficult to cope with infectious agents.
Digitalization of Test-Rigs for Development of Hydraulic Machines: Predictive Model For Detection of Characteristics of Turbine and Pump-Turbine Models for Hydraulic Test-Rig Automation
Authors: Reiterer Stefan H. , Stolz Michael C. , Dikic Berin , Reiterer Daniel R. , Rossmann Bernhard , Schaffernak Gerhard , Guggenberger Mark
Published: December 2024

As part of the model acceptance testing according to IEC 60193:2019, it is required to determine the main hydraulic performance guarantee points. This usually involves extensive expert knowledge and is time consuming. To lessen the burden of testing engineers and reduce shifts, new automation strategies are needed. One of these strategies involves creating a system that replicates the tedious task of operators analyzing the machine’s characteristics manually and allows them to supervise the test procedure more efficiently. However, this provides us with new challenges as such systems have to rely on the provided data instead of longstanding experience, and although there is prior knowledge available from former tests regarding the behavior of the hydraulic, the prediction from prior models is based on hydraulic similarity and can only give a rough estimation. To detect areas of the characteristic points automatically, we present an approach consisting of predictive models and mathematical criteria to minimize the search region. We propose to use data from pre-measurements that are recorded quickly but do not adhere to the IEC norm. Nevertheless, the acquired data can be leveraged to build mathematical models with statistical methods on which search criteria can be applied. Several examples with real life data are demonstrated to validate the method. Additionally, automation requisites like starting and stopping are discussed.
Innovative Methods for Reducing Sodium in Cupcakes With Mechanical Leavening and Ozonized Water
Authors: Mamyrayev Maxat N. , Iztayev Auyelbek , Kulazhanov Talgat K. , Yakiyayeva Madina A. , Yerzhanova Mira E. , Askarbekov Erik B. , Muldabekova Bayan Zh. , Maliktayeva Pernekul M. , Tursunbayeva Sholpan A.
Published: December 2024

This study developed a technology to prepare cupcakes with a reduced sodium content from fine whole‐ground wheat flour and ozonated water. Cavitation technology was utilised to reduce the sodium content, to shorten the cooking time, and to improve the consistency of the dough by accelerated churning. The dough was obtained by cavitation loosening under compressed air pressure and increasing the speed to 900 rpm. The cupcake preparation was accelerated by increasing the number of revolutions, resulting in a more saturated dough and a two‐to‐threefold volume increase. This approach produced a product of good quality and eliminated baking powder from the recipe. The optimal parameters for preparing dough using accelerated ozone cavitation technology were determined: an ozone concentration of 3 mg/cm3, 900 rpm of the kneading body, and a dough chamber pressure of 0.3 MPa. This study has established that accelerated ozone cavitation technology contributes to ensuring food safety, increasing production efficiency, and ensuring the quality of the finished product. This technology allows manufacturers to obtain high‐quality and safe flour confectionery products using an accelerated method.