bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O papel dos canais iônicos nas epilepsias e considerações sobre as drogas antiepilépticas: uma breve revisão
Authors: Porto Lívia Amorim , Siqueira Jullyana de Souza , Seixas Luciene Nascimento , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva , Quintans-Júnior Lucindo José
Published: March 2008

INTRODUÇÃO: A epilepsia é um transtorno neurológico que chega a afetar cerca de 1% da população mundial. Muitas formas de epilepsias não conseguem ser tratadas adequadamente com os fármacos atualmente utilizados na clínica e o desenvolvimento de novas propostas terapêuticas que as tratem, não apenas de forma sintomática, mas em sua gênese, é uma busca constante de novos estudos. OBJETIVO E DISCUSSÃO: Nesse sentido, a presente revisão busca fazer um breve levantamento sobre os aspectos científicos mais consistentes acerca do papel dos canais iônicos no desenvolvimento das epilepsias, bem como correlacionar com o estudo de drogas antiepilépticas (DAEs) e mostrar as principais características farmacológicas das DAEs mais utilizadas na clínica atualmente. O papel dos canais de Na+ e Ca+2 como alvo de novas DAEs e a participação de outros receptores nesse processo são igualmente discutidos. CONCLUSÃO: A compreensão da fisiopatologia das epilepsias e dos possíveis alvos moleculares para novos fármacos é um dos principais focos para o descobrimento de tratamentos mais eficazes e com menos efeitos adversos.
Neurocisticercose do lobo temporal esquerdo com manifestações epilépticas e psiquiátricas: relato de caso
Authors: Costa Fernando Antonio de Oliveira , Fabião Othelo Moreira , Schmidt Fernanda de Oliveira , Fontes Alexandre Terra
Published: March 2008

A neurocisticercose possui um amplo espectro de manifestações clínicas. Entre estas, a mais freqüente são as crises convulsivas, podendo incluir manifestações incomuns como as psiquiátricas. OBJETIVO: Relatar o caso de uma paciente com crises epilépticas generalizadas e complexas, associado a alterações comportamentais ligadas a libido. MÉTODO: A paciente foi investigada por tomografia computadorizada (TC) cerebral o qual demonstrou imagem com coeficiente de atenuação semelhante a cisto em lobo temporal esquerdo, com grande efeito de massa, simulando astrocitoma. RESULTADO: A abordagem neurocirúrgica da lesão comprovou a existência de um cisto parasitário, que após sua retirada, houve regressão total dos sintomas. CONCLUSÃO: É importante fazermos o diagnóstico diferencial de doenças psiquiátricas de instalação abrupta com lesões do sistema nervoso central, entre estas a neurocisticercose e neoplasias.
Quality of life and the self-perception impact of epilepsy in three different epilepsy types
Authors: Dourado Marcos Vidal , Alonso Neide Barreira , Martins Heloise Helena , Oliveira Arthur Raymundo Chaves , Vancini Rodrigo Luiz , Lima Cristiano de , Dubas João Paulo , Caboclo Luís Otávio Sales Ferreira , Guilhoto Laura M F Ferreira , Yacubian Elza Márcia Targas
Published: March 2008

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and verify the domains of greater impact in patients with focal and generalized epilepsies. METHODS: The sample, composed by 57 subjects from Hospital São Paulo da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, was divided into 3 groups, temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE), extra-temporal epilepsies (Extra-TLE) and idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). They answered a preliminary self-reported questionnaire to identify the perception of the most impaired aspects in their lives. The QOL was evaluated through the validated Brazilian version of the Quality of Life Epilepsy Inventory 31 (QOLIE-31). The correlation of the QOLIE-31 domains with epilepsy duration and seizure frequency was defined by dispersion graphics and also Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation. RESULTS: The most frequently identified impact of epilepsy was related to interpersonal, familial and social relationships mentioned by 13 (22.81%) patients. The seizure frequency per patient in Extra-TLE group was significantly greater (p = 0.007) than in the other groups. The Cognition Functioning scores were lower for the Extra-TLE group (38.4) when compared with TLE (52.6) and IGE (62.6) (p = 0.01). The correlation between epilepsy duration and QOLIE-31 domains did not demonstrate statistical significance; however, seizure frequency was correlated with Seizures Worry (p = 0.0463, alpha = 0.05) and Medication Effects (p = 0.0476, alpha = 0.05) domains. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Interpersonal, familial, and social relationships were the dimension which most impacted daily life; 2) Cognition domain in Extra-TLE group showed the worst scores; 3) QOL scores were similar in the three groups for the majority of the QOLIE-31 domains; 4) The seizure frequency in the Extra-TLE group was significantly greater; 5) Seizure frequency was associated with worse QOLIE-31 scores in the domains Seizure Worry and Medication Effects.
Influence of carbonation on the properties of reactive magnesia cement-based pressed masonry units
Authors: Liska M. , Vandeperre L. J. , Al-Tabbaa A.
Published: March 2008

The potential for magnesia-based cements to improve the mechanical performance upon carbonation was recently identified. Key parameters were defined as drying, concentration and transport of CO2 into the sample. However, the trials were performed on small-scale samples of cement paste only. Following this an investigation was then conducted to understand (a) whether the carbonation would occur in pressed masonry units, (b) whether an improvement in the mechanical properties of those units could be expected, and (c) what conditions give rise to the maximum level of carbonation. Hence this paper presents the following: (a) the effect of natural and forced carbonation on the mechanical properties of pressed masonry units containing natural aggregates or Lytag; and (b) the conditions which give rise to the maximum level of carbonation. The results presented indicate that the natural carbonation of magnesia cement-based masonry units was very limited while forced carbonation improved the mechanical performance of the systems substantially. The results also showed that the intermediate saturation level was optimal for the carbonation reaction to readily occur.
Experimental evaluation of concrete strength in existing buildings
Authors: Inel M. , Senel S. M. , Un H.
Published: March 2008

An extensive field and laboratory study is carried out to evaluate the concrete strength of existing building stock in Turkey. The concrete strength of each building was determined by core sampling and laboratory testing. Randomly selected components for core sampling were identified to meet with minimum requirements of standards or pre-standards for number of tests. A total of 1679 randomly selected core samples were extracted from 167 public buildings for laboratory testing. The average and coefficient of variation values of each building were obtained. The upper-bound value of the expected concrete strength is calculated as the mean less one standard deviation. It is observed that the expected concrete strength values are drastically lower than the specified ones. Also, the variability in concrete strength values is considerably high compared to the specified strength of buildings. Almost one-half of the investigated buildings have concrete strength values as low as that of the collapsed buildings during past earthquakes in Turkey. Considering that the current study validates low concrete strength in a significant number of existing buildings as observed in different buildings from various regions of Turkey during the earthquakes at Duzce and Kocaeli in 1999 and at Bingol in 2003, a considerable portion of existing building stock is at serious risk in the case of a seismic event.
Modelling short-term tension stiffening in tension members
Authors: Vollum R. L. , Afshar N. , Izzuddin B. A.
Published: March 2008

Recent research has questioned the validity of bond–slip relationships owing to the ‘necessity for the concrete to be able to slip past the ribs on the bar’. Conversely, it is suggested in this paper that bond–slip models are simply a numerical device that relates bond stress to the relative displacements between the concrete, which surrounds the internal cracking zone, and steel. This paper shows that the short-term response of a reinforced concrete tension member with a central reinforcement bar is predicted well by a one-dimensional non-linear finite-element analysis incorporating a trilinear idealisation of the Model Code 1990 bond–slip relationship. The authors' analysis is significant since it is shown to predict many of the trends in behaviour observed in tests associated with tension stiffening and cracking. Different approaches are adopted in Eurocode 2 (EC2) (2004) for modelling tension stiffening in the calculation of crack width and mean axial extension. These approaches are reviewed in the light of the authors' finite-element analysis and existing experimental data. The EC2 models for mean axial strain are shown to be reasonable but the crack spacing formula overestimates crack spacing in the tension members considered in this study.
Enhancing the ecological risk assessment process
Authors: Dale Virginia H , Biddinger Gregory R , Newman Michael C , Oris James T , Suter Glenn W , Thompson Timothy , Armitage Thomas M , Meyer Judith L , Allen-King Richelle M , Burton G Allen , Chapman Peter M , Conquest Loveday L , Fernandez Ivan J , Landis Wayne G , Master Lawrence L , Mitsch William J , Mueller Thomas C , Rabeni Charles F , Rodewald Amanda D , Sanders James G , van Heerden Ivor L
Published: March 2008

The Ecological Processes and Effects Committee of the US Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board conducted a self-initiated study and convened a public workshop to characterize the state of the ecological risk assessment (ERA), with a view toward advancing the science and application of the process. That survey and analysis of ERA in decision making shows that such assessments have been most effective when clear management goals were included in the problem formulation; translated into information needs; and developed in collaboration with decision makers, assessors, scientists, and stakeholders. This process is best facilitated when risk managers, risk assessors, and stakeholders are engaged in an ongoing dialogue about problem formulation. Identification and acknowledgment of uncertainties that have the potential to profoundly affect the results and outcome of risk assessments also improves assessment effectiveness. Thus we suggest 1) thorough peer review of ERAs be conducted at the problem formulation stage and 2) the predictive power of risk-based decision making be expanded to reduce uncertainties through analytical and methodological approaches like life cycle analysis. Risk assessment and monitoring programs need better integration to reduce uncertainty and to evaluate risk management decision outcomes. Postdecision audit programs should be initiated to evaluate the environmental outcomes of risk-based decisions. In addition, a process should be developed to demonstrate how monitoring data can be used to reduce uncertainties. Ecological risk assessments should include the effects of chemical and nonchemical stressors at multiple levels of biological organization and spatial scale, and the extent and resolution of the pertinent scales and levels of organization should be explicitly considered during problem formulation. An approach to interpreting lines of evidence and weight of evidence is critically needed for complex assessments, and it would be useful to develop case studies and/or standards of practice for interpreting lines of evidence. In addition, tools for cumulative risk assessment should be developed because contaminants are often released into stressed environments.
New Advances and a Historical Review of Insulated Steam Injection Tubing
Authors: Lombard Michael S. , Lee Roy , Manini Paolo , Slusher Mark S.
Published: March 2008

New high vacuum Gettering technology is being applied in today’s Insulated Steam Injection Tubing. After the 1973 oil embargo, the U.S. government funded a number of initiatives to develop equipment and technology that might lead to additional worldwide heavy and unconventional oil resources. "Deep Steam", one of these projects, was funded to develop new technology could be applied heavy oil resources. Two approaches were taken; develop a downhole steam generator, and second, to develop new and improved thermally efficient Insulated Steam Injection Tubing.

Insulated Tubing, developed originally to address environmental concerns associated with permafrost regions on Alaska’s North Slope, has evolved and been adapted for use in heavy oil fields around the world to reduce heat losses in steam injection wells, improve economics, and improve efficiency of heavy oil recovery.

This paper describes the evolution of Insulated Steam Injection Tubing: Reasons for using, new advances in High Vacuum Insulation technology, design requirements, review of field test results from past technical papers, and future work to improve the product, technology, and operating life.
Effects of International Comparative Studies on Educational Quality on the Quality of Educational Research
Authors: Gustafsson Jan-Eric
Published: March 2008

Large-scale survey studies of educational achievement are becoming increasingly frequent, and they are visibly present in both educational policy debates and within the educational research community. One main aim of these studies is to provide descriptions of inputs, processes and outcomes, and another aim is to provide explanations of how different factors interrelate to produce educational outcomes. These aims are difficult to reach, which in combination with the fact that the comparative studies are typically more policy driven than theory driven, are reasons why these studies are contested on quality grounds. In this article, a set of fundamental methodological challenges related to the validity of the measurement instruments and to the possibility of making inferences about causality are identified and discussed in relation to examples of different studies. Strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches are discussed, and it is proposed that the dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative approaches should be replaced with distinctions between low-and high-level inference approaches with respect to data, generalization and explanation. It is concluded that while the international studies easily invite misuse and misinterpretation, they also offer possibilities for improving the quality of educational research, because the high-quality data generated by these studies can be taken advantage of in research on causal effects of factors in and out of educational systems.
Education and Diversity in the Netherlands
Authors: Leeman Yvonne
Published: March 2008

This article sets out the Dutch approach to the multicultural question. It focuses on how national policies, schools, teachers and teacher educators are addressing and making sense of questions of cultural and religious diversity. The article shows how the Netherlands has partly accommodated itself to greater cultural diversity through compulsory reforms like intercultural education and citizenship education and through its long-established structure of public funding for pedagogically and religiously diverse schools. It also shows the double standards applied to Christian and Islamic schools in the media and public debate. Drawing on interview data with teachers and case study material on teacher educators, the article describes their daily dilemmas with regard to diversity and commonality in contemporary classrooms and concludes that these teachers do not have the professional expertise needed to respond effectively to such dilemmas.
Culture-Blind? Parental Discourse on Religion, Ethnicity and Secularism in the French Educational Context
Authors: Raveaud Maroussia
Published: March 2008

This article examines policy mediation and adaptation in a context where religious, ethnic and other cultural identities are not officially recognised in the public sphere but considered part of the private sphere. French educational policy is firmly rooted within a secular Republican framework which relies on a colour-blind approach to promote equality. The article draws on 53 interviews with parents in Greater Paris, which were undertaken as part of a comparative study of urban parents' values and attitudes regarding education and school choice, conducted in collaboration with the London Institute of Education in 2004–05. The focus is on parents' perceptions of religious and ethnic diversity at school, and the interview data is contrasted to the Republican ideology dominant in official rhetoric. What is seen playing across and through these interviews is how the range of discourse available to parents is embedded in and constrained by cultural, political and educational traditions and values. However, far from endorsing official rhetoric wholesale, many parents question, adapt and mediate secular Republican ideals, raising the issue of the relevance and durability of the French model of integration.
Classroom Effects on Children’s Achievement Trajectories in Elementary School
Authors: Pianta Robert C. , Belsky Jay , Vandergrift Nathan , Houts Renate , Morrison Fred J.
Published: March 2008

This nonexperimental, longitudinal field study examines the extent to which variation in observed classroom supports (quality of emotional and instructional interactions and amount of exposure to literacy and math activities) predicts trajectories of achievement in reading and math from 54 months to fifth grade. Growth mixture modeling detected two latent classes of readers: fast readers whose skills developed rapidly and leveled off, and a typical group for which reading growth was somewhat less rapid. Only one latent class was identified for math achievement. For reading, there were small positive associations between observed emotional quality of teacher-child interactions and growth. Growth in math achievement showed small positive relations with observed emotional interactions and exposure to math activities. There was a significant interaction between quality and quantity of instruction for reading such that at higher levels of emotional quality there was less of a negative association between amount of literacy exposure and reading growth.
Reexamining Social Class Differences in the Availability and the Educational Utility of Parental Social Capital
Authors: Ream Robert K. , Palardy Gregory J.
Published: March 2008

Emergent ethnographic research disentangles “social capital” from other components of social class (e.g., material and human capital) to show how class-stratified parental social networks exacerbate educational inequality among schoolchildren. The authors build upon this research by using survey data to reexamine whether certain forms of parental social capital create educational advantages for socioeconomically privileged students vis-à-vis their less economically fortunate peers. By drawing a distinction between the availability of social capital and its convertibility, the authors find that whereas larger stocks of parental social capital accompany higher rungs on the social class ladder, its educational utility is less clearly associated with class status. A possible exception to this pattern pertains to the educational utility of middle-class parents’ ideas about the collective efficacy of influencing school policies and practices. At issue is whether a more inclusive understanding of the material and sociological reasons for educational inequality can spur educationally useful social exchange among parents across social class boundaries.
Short-Term Results of Our First 49 Scandanavian Total Ankle Replacements (STAR)
Authors: Schutte B.G. , Louwerens J.W.K.
Published: March 2008

Background: Forty-seven consecutive patients treated for ankle arthritis with a Scandinavian total ankle replacement (STAR) by one surgeon were investigated retrospectively. Materials and Methods: A modification of the Foot Function Index (FFI), which scores pain and task difficulties, was followed prospectively. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. Failure was defined as revision of the prosthesis or arthrodesis for any reason. Results: In 47 patients (16 male, 31 female) 49 total ankle replacements were carried out between May 1999 and June 2004. Indication for surgery was end stage arthritis for rheumatoid arthritis in 29 cases, post-traumatic arthritis in 12, osteoarthritis in five and arthritis secondary to degenerative flatfoot in three. Mean followup time was 28 (12 to 67) months. The modified FFI (range, 0 to 100, a high score meaning more pain and disability) improved significantly from 59 before to 35 after surgery. The mean postoperative Kofoed ankle score was 68. Sixteen procedures were complicated by fractures or temporary neurological damage. At the time of followup, 45 prostheses survived, while four replacements had failed. Radiological examination at followup showed radiolucent lines, osteolysis, and malposition of the components in 31 cases. Conclusion: Our results are comparable with those reported in the literature. The clinical outcome improved significantly. Due to aseptic and septic loosening, 8.2% of the prosthesis failed.
Plantar Versus Dorsal Incision in the Treatment of Primary Intermetatarsal Morton's Neuroma
Authors: Åkermark Christian , Crone Hans , Saartok Tönu , Zuber Zbigniew
Published: March 2008

Background: Only few studies have compared plantar and dorsal incisions in the treatment of primary intermetatarsal Morton's neuroma (PIMN). The results and guidelines are, however, still controversial, mainly due to confounding factors and study design. The present study is an attempt to systematically compare the two approaches. Materials and Methods: With a 2- to 5-year followup, we retrospectively compared the results of 125 patients (132 feet) with PIMN. All specimens had histology assessments. Longitudinal plantar incisions were performed by one experienced surgeon ( n = 69) and dorsal incisions by another ( n = 56). Records were reviewed, questionnaires evaluated, and physical examinations performed by one of two independent orthopaedic surgeons. Results: Histology verified nerve resections in all specimens except in three cases of missed nerves in the dorsal group. There were significant differences, in favor of the plantar group, regarding long-term sensory loss, postoperative sick-leave weeks and complications. The clinical outcome regarding postoperative pain at followup and overall satisfaction rating were similar. Conclusion: We conclude that the two surgical approaches were comparable for clinical outcome and patient satisfaction at followup, whereas significant differences, in favor of plantar incisions, were present regarding residual sensory loss and number of complications. The more serious complication with the dorsal approach, missed neuroma, may result in an increased risk of failure with the dorsal incision.
A Study of 23 Unicameral Bone Cysts of the Calcaneus: Open Chip Allogeneic Bone Graft versus Percutaneous Injection of Bone Powder with Autogenous Bone Marrow
Authors: Park Il-Hyung , Micic Ivan Dragoljub , Jeon In-Ho
Published: March 2008

Background: The treatment of unicameral bone cyst varies from percutaneous needle biopsy, aspiration and local injection of steroid, autologous bone marrow, or demineralized bone matrix to curettage and open bone-grafting. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of open chip allogeneic bone graft versus percutaneous injection of demineralized bone powder with autogenous bone marrow in management of calcaneal cysts. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three calcaneal unicameral cysts in 20 patients were treated. Lyophilized irradiated chip allogeneic bone (CAB) and autogenous bone marrow were used for treatment of 13 cysts in 11 patients, and 10 cysts in 9 patients were treated with percutaneous injection of irradiated allogeneic demineralized bone powder (DBP) and autogenous bone marrow. There were 11 males and 9 female patients with mean age of 17 years. Results: The patients were followed for an average of 49.4 months. Complete healing was achieved in 9 cysts treated with chip allogeneic bone and in 5 cysts treated with powdered bone. Four cysts treated with CAB and 3 cysts treated with DBP healed with a defect. Two cysts treated with powdered bone and autogenous bone marrow were classified as persistent. No infections or pathological fractures were observed during the followup period. Conclusion: Percutaneous injection of a mixture of allogeneic bone powder with autogenous bone marrow is a minimal invasive method and could be an effective alternative in the treatment of unicameral calcaneal bone cysts. The postoperative morbidity was low, the hospital stay was brief, and patient's comfort for unrestricted activity was enhanced.
Medial Artery Calcification as an Indicator of Diabetic Peripheral Vascular Disease
Authors: Smith Christopher David , Bilmen Jonathan Gavin , Iqbal Shehzad , Robey Sharon , Pereira Melwyn
Published: March 2008

Background: Mönckeberg sclerosis or medial artery calcification (MAC) is a well-known phenomenon associated with diabetic and other arterial disease. However, its consequence within the foot, and specifically the first dorsal metatarsal artery, has not previously been studied. Materials and Methods: Nearly 1,000 foot x-rays were studied over a 9-month period in a busy hospital to identify the prevalence of first dorsal metatarsal artery calcification. The electronic medical notes for all the patients were reviewed to confirm which patients were known to be diabetic. The patients with positive findings were then identified and their HbA1c, creatinine, and previous foot interventions recorded. Results: Of the population studied, 1.4% had medial artery calcification of the 1st dorsal metatarsal artery: 93% were known diabetics and 100% had impaired glucose tolerance (a glucose plasma concentration of greater than 7.8 mmol/l 2-hours post-glucose loading). Seventy-nine percent had required previous podiatric care for foot ulceration and 64% had required surgical intervention for their diabetic feet. MAC has a high positive predictive value (92.9% (95% CI 69.2 to 98.7)) for diabetes, with a good specificity (99.9% (95%CI 99.4 to 100)) and low false positive rate (0.1% (05%CI 0.0 to 0.6)). Conclusion: Medial artery calcification in the first dorsal metatarsal artery is characteristic of impaired glucose metabolism, and if seen on routine x-ray should be an indication for screening of the patient. It should also be considered as a foot-at-risk sign in the established diabetic due to the high incidence of foot ulceration and need for surgical intervention in this group.
Blade Plate Compared with Locking Plate for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Chodos Marc D. , Parks Brent G. , Schon Lew C. , Guyton Gregory P. , Campbell John T.
Published: March 2008

Background: We hypothesized that a locking plate would be stronger than a blade plate for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis under dorsiflexion and torsional loading. Materials and Methods: Nine pairs of matched cadaveric lower extremities were used. BMD was obtained for each specimen. Each received a retrograde augmentation screw and a stainless steel LC-angled blade plate (Synthes, Paoli, PA) or a stainless steel LCP proximal humerus locking plate (Synthes, Paoli, PA). Specimens were cyclically loaded in dorsiflexion to simulate 6 weeks of partial weightbearing and then monotonically loaded to failure. Specimens were removed from the load frame and remounted to simulate fusion. The specimen received an axial load of 720 N and was externally rotated proximal to the construct at 5 degrees/sec to fracture. Data were compared with a Student's t-test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine whether bone mineral density was significantly related to measured parameters. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The locking plate group had higher initial stiffness, higher dorsi-flexion and torsional load to failure, and lower construct deformation than the blade plate group. Bone mineral density was positively correlated with dorsiflexion failure load and torsional failure load in the locking plate construct. Conclusion: Fixation with the locking plate was superior to that with the blade plate. Clinical Relevance: Use of a locking plate may be an effective fixation technique in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, especially in complex hindfoot reconstructions with bone loss or deformity.
Synovial Osteochrondomatosis of the Talonavicular Joint: A Case Report
Authors: Dawson-Bowling Sebastian , Hamilton Paul , Bismil Quamar , Gaddipati Mohan , Bendall Stephen
Published: March 2008

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a condition of unknown etiology affecting articular synovium, characterised by the formation of osteochondral nodules. Occurrences in the foot and ankle are rare. To our knowledge, this condition has never previously been described in the talonavicular joint. In the following article, we present two cases and review the literature regarding this condition.
Assessing the sensitivity and suitability of a range of detectors for SIMT PSQA
Authors: Dunn Leon , Tamborriello Alessia , Subramanian Brindha , Xu Xiaolei , Ruruku Tyrone Te
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Single‐isocenter multi‐target intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy (SIMT) is an effective treatment for brain metastases with complex treatment plans and delivery optimization necessitating rigorous quality assurance. This work aims to assess five methods for quality assurance of SIMT treatment plans in terms of their suitability and sensitivity to delivery errors.

Methods

Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK and SRS MapCHECK, GafChromic EBT Radiochromic Film, machine log files, and Varian Portal Dosimetry were all used to measure 15 variations of a single SIMT plan. Variations of the original plan were created with Python. They comprised various degrees of systematic MLC offsets per leaf up to 2 mm, random per‐leaf variations with differing minimum and maximum magnitudes, simulated collimator, and dose miscalibrations (MU scaling). The erroneous plans were re‐imported into Eclipse and plan‐quality degradation was assessed by comparing each plan variation to the original clinical plan in terms of the percentage of clinical goals passing relative to the original plan. Each erroneous plan could be then ranked by the plan‐quality degradation percentage following recalculation in the TPS so that the effects of each variation could be correlated with γ pass rates and detector suitability.

Results & conclusions

It was found that 2%/1 mm is a good starting point for the ArcCHECK, Portal Dosimetry, and the SRS MapCHECK methods, respectively, and provides clinically relevant error detection sensitivity. Looser dose criteria of 5%/1 mm or 5%/1.5 mm are suitable for film dosimetry and log‐file‐based methods. The statistical methods explored can be expanded to other areas of patient‐specific QA and detector assessment.
Artificial Intelligence‐Guided Gut‐Microenvironment‐Triggered Imaging Sensor Reveals Potential Indicators of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Li Yiwei , Ren Hong‐Xia , Chi Chong‐Yung , Miao Yang‐Bao
Published: April 2024

The gut‐brain axis has recently emerged as a crucial link in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Dysregulation of the gut microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease, sparking growing interest in the quest for non‐invasive biomarkers derived from the gut for early PD diagnosis. Herein, an artificial intelligence‐guided gut‐microenvironment‐triggered imaging sensor (Eu‐MOF@Au‐Aptmer) to achieve non‐invasive, accurate screening for various stages of PD is presented. The sensor works by analyzing α‐Syn in the gut using deep learning algorithms. By monitoring changes in α‐Syn, the sensor can predict the onset of PD with high accuracy. This work has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of PD by allowing for early intervention and personalized treatment plans. Moreover, it exemplifies the promising prospects of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensors in the monitoring and prediction of a broad spectrum of diseases and health conditions.
Clinical guideline highlights for the hospitalist: Evaluation, management, and prevention of cow's milk allergy
Authors: Ulicny Kennon , Orr Mary
Published: April 2024

GUIDELINE TITLE: An ESPGHAN position paper on the diagnosis, management and prevention of cow's milk allergy

RELEASE DATE: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, July 26, 2023

PRIOR VERSION: 2012

DEVELOPER: ESPGHAN (European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), NASPGHAN (North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition)

FUNDING SOURCE: ESPGHAN

TARGET POPULATION: Infants and young children with suspected cow's milk allergy
A novel 3D metal printing in‐line bandpass filter with multiple controllable transmission zeros
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Li Da Ni , Rao Jia Yu , Xie Xin , He Jun Wei , Aliqab Khaled
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a novel three‐pole bandpass filter with a pair of controllable transmission zeros (TZs) is proposed first. The proposed structure is based on asymmetric dual‐postresonators and two external resonators. The fundamental mode and the first higher mode of the asymmetric dual‐postresonators are used as the nonresonant mode and the resonant mode separately. The nonresonant mode generates direct source to load negative coupling, thus providing one TZ located below the passband. The asymmetric dual‐postresonators and one of the external resonators R3 form a magnetically coupled cascaded triplet unit to produce the other TZ above the passband. Therefore, these two TZs are independently controlled. Moreover, the filter has a good quality factor (), of around 2700, compact size and an excellent out‐of‐band performance. For further suppressing the harmonic response and improving the processing accuracy, a six‐pole bandpass filter with harmonic suppression is designed and fabricated by using metal 3D printing technology. The measured result matches well with the simulated one, which verifies the accuracy of the method.
Ergonomic Assessment of Septorhinoplasty Maneuvers During Simulated Pregnancy
Authors: Bhethanabotla Rohith M. , Ledgister Kaye , Soriano Ian S. , O'Sullivan Patricia , Bigelow Elaine , Knott Philip Daniel , Park Andrea M.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Women represent an increasing proportion of the otolaryngology workforce. Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are a little‐studied yet important impediment to career completion. Scant attention has been directed to study the impact of pregnancy on surgeon posture and ergonomics. We piloted the use of a pregnancy simulation suit (Empathy Belly) to assess the risk of ergonomic compromise when performing open septorhinoplasty.

Study Design

Surgical simulation.

Setting

Single session, training simulation lab at academic medical center.

Methods

Medical students and surgical residents performed the initial steps of a rhinoplasty procedure without and with a pregnancy simulation suit and were filmed with an artificial intelligence‐based video analysis app from Kinetica Labs that calculates joint angles and categorizes the ergonomic risk factors. Still images from videos were taken and analyzed using validated posture‐based analysis rubrics. Participants were asked to complete a qualitative questionnaire after the session.

Results

Twelve medical students and surgical residents participated in the study. Posture‐based analysis indicated increased ergonomics risk factors among trainees when performing a rhinoplasty while wearing the pregnancy suit. Video analysis indicated trends of worsening back angle and shoulder postures. Trainees reported experiencing pain in the neck, suprapubic area, and lower back. They acknowledged the importance of ergonomics in otolaryngology and desired further education about workplace injury risk mitigation.

Conclusion

Pregnancy impacts the ergonomics of performing septorhinoplasty and further investigation is required into interventions to reduce risk of WRMSDs.
Application of Taguchi design method to formulate sizing agents enhancing basalt fiber tensile strength and adhesion to thermoplastic polymers
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Liu Jianxun , Chen Xingfen , Kang Sufang , Wu Zhishen
Published: April 2024

Basalt fiber (BF)‐reinforced thermoplastic polymers (TPs) show great potential by leveraging their recyclability. Sizing agents are crucial in optimizing BF quality and aiding polymer impregnation during production. However, the absence of established guidelines for sizing agents tailored to thermoplastic BFs persists. This study investigates the effects of sizing agent ingredients on the mechanical and surface properties of BFs under industrial conditions. The Taguchi method was used to formulate nine BF sizing agents, predominantly incorporating polypropylene (PP) emulsion, epoxy or polyurethane emulsion, silane coupling agents (SCAs), and additives. Our investigation extends to evaluating the tensile strength, surface roughness, and wetting characteristics of individual BFs. Results indicate that a heightened PP concentration enhances BF adhesion to TPs but concurrently reduces BF tensile strength. Furthermore, using SCA, specifically dodecyltrimethoxysilane, leads to a remarkable enhancement of approximately 20% in BF tensile strength and an impressive 40% in BF adhesion to TPs. This study unravels sizing agent intricacies, illuminating their nuanced interplay with the work of adhesion rooted in fiber and polymer surface energy. Our work offers innovative solutions to optimize BF‐reinforced thermoplastic polymers.

Highlights

Investigating thermoplastic sizing agent formulations for basalt fibers (BFs)

Guiding formulation of BF sizing agents with the Taguchi Method.

Predicting contact angles between BFs and commonly used thermoplastic polymers.

PP emulsions favor BF‐thermoplastic polymer adhesion but not BF tensile strength.
A core of cell wall proteins functions in wall integrity responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ajayi Oyeyemi , Zelinsky Ellen , Anderson Charles T.
Published: April 2024

Cell walls surround all plant cells, and their composition and structure are tightly regulated to maintain cellular and organismal homeostasis. In response to wall damage, the cell wall integrity (CWI) system is engaged to ameliorate effects on plant growth. Despite the central role CWI plays in plant development, our current understanding of how this system functions at the molecular level is limited. Here, we investigated the transcriptomes of etiolated seedlings of mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana with defects in three major wall polysaccharides, pectin (quasimodo2), cellulose (cellulose synthase3je5), and xyloglucan (xyloglucan xylosyltransferase1 and 2), to probe whether changes in the expression of cell wall‐related genes occur and are similar or different when specific wall components are reduced or missing. Many changes occurred in the transcriptomes of pectin‐ and cellulose‐deficient plants, but fewer changes occurred in the transcriptomes of xyloglucan‐deficient plants. We hypothesize that this might be because pectins interact with other wall components and/or integrity sensors, whereas cellulose forms a major load‐bearing component of the wall; defects in either appear to trigger the expression of structural proteins to maintain wall cohesion in the absence of a major polysaccharide. This core set of genes functioning in CWI in plants represents an attractive target for future genetic engineering of robust and resilient cell walls.
Identification of odorant‐binding proteins and functional analysis of antenna‐specific BhorOBP28 in Batocera horsfieldi (Hope)
Authors: Yi Shan‐Cheng , Chen Xin‐Hui , Wu Yu‐Hang , Wu Juan , Wang Jia‐Qing , Wang Man‐Qun
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The important wood‐boring pest Batocera horsfieldi has evolved a sensitive olfactory system to locate host plants. Odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) are thought to play key roles in olfactory recognition. Therefore, exploring the physiological function of OBPs could facilitate a better understanding of insect chemical communications.

RESULTS

In this research, 36 BhorOBPs genes were identified via transcriptome sequencing of adults' antennae from B. horsfieldi, and most BhorOBPs were predominantly expressed in chemosensory body parts. Through fluorescence competitive binding and fluorescence quenching assays, the antenna‐specific BhorOBP28 was investigated and displayed strong binding affinities forming stable complexes with five volatiles, including (+)‐α‐Pinene, (+)‐Limonene, β‐Pinene, (−)‐Limonene, and (+)‐Longifolene, which could also elicit conformation changes when they were interacting with BhorOBP28. Batocera horsfieldi females exhibited a preference for (−)‐Limonene, and a repellent response to (+)‐Longifolene. Feeding dsOBP19 produced by a bacteria‐expressed system with a newly constructed vector could lead to the knockdown of BhorOBP28, and could further impair B. horsfieldi attraction to (−)‐Limonene and repellent activity of (+)‐Longifolene. The analysis of site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that Leu7, Leu72, and Phe121 play a vital role in selectively binding properties of BhorOBP28.

CONCLUSION

By modeling the molecular mechanism of olfactory recognition, these results demonstrate that BhorOBP28 is involved in the chemoreception of B. horsfieldi. The bacterial‐expressed dsRNA delivery system gains new insights into potential population management strategies. Through the olfactory process concluded that discovering novel behavioral regulation and environmentally friendly control options for B. horsfieldi in the future. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Effects of D‐Allulose on the Gelatinization and Recrystallization Properties of Starches from Different Botanical Sources
Authors: Kwakye Alexandra Obenewaa , Fukada Kazuhiro , Ishii Toya , Ogawa Masahiro
Published: April 2024

D‐allulose (Alu), a rare sugar, has proven to be a low‐caloric sugar with potential health benefits. Previous studies have reported that compared with sucrose (Suc), Alu suppresses an increase in gelatinization temperature and retards retrogradation in glutinous rice starch. This study investigates the effect of Alu on gelatinization, water activity, and recrystallization behavior of various starch sources (potato, wheat, tapioca, corn, normal rice, and glutinous rice). MicroDSC results show that compared with D‐glucose (Glc), D‐fructose (Fru), and Suc, Alu does not significantly increase the gelatinization temperatures of the starch suspensions. Alu decreases water activity in the same degree as Fru in wheat, tapioca, corn, normal rice, and glutinous rice starch gels but not potato starch gels. Alu has a stronger suppression effect on recrystallization of normal and glutinous rice compared to potato, wheat, and tapioca after 14‐day storage of 2% starch pastes at 4 °C. These findings suggest that Alu can be a better plasticizer than Suc, Glc, and Fru in most starch sources but retards recrystallization of only normal and glutinous rice starches.
Probing bad theories with the dualization algorithm. Part I
Authors: Giacomelli Simone , Hwang Chiung , Marino Fabio , Pasquetti Sara , Sacchi Matteo
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Recently an algorithm to build SL(2, ℤ) duals, including mirror duals, of 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 quiver theories and their 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 uplift has been introduced. In this work we use this new tool to study the so-called bad theories. Our approach allows us to determine exactly indices/partition functions for generic values of fugacities/real mass and FI parameters revealing their surprising feature: the 4d index/3d partition function of a bad theory behaves as a sum of distributions rather than an ordinary function of the deformation parameters. We focus on the bad SQCD, with U(Nc) gauge group in 3d and USp(2Nc) in 4d, while in an upcoming paper we will consider linear quivers which, in the 3d case, have both unitary and special unitary bad nodes.
Lorentzian threads and generalized complexity
Authors: Cáceres Elena , Carrasco Rafael , Patil Vaishnavi
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Recently, an infinite class of holographic generalized complexities was proposed. These gravitational observables display the behavior required to be duals of complexity, in particular, linear growth at late times and switchback effect. In this work, we aim to understand generalized complexities in the framework of Lorentzian threads. We reformulate the problem in terms of thread distributions and measures and present a program to calculate the infinite family of codimension-one observables. We also outline a path to understand, using threads, the more subtle case of codimension-zero observables.
Identification of superior and rare haplotypes to optimize branch number in soybean
Authors: Yu Hui , Bhat Javaid Akhter , Li Candong , Zhao Beifang , Bu Moran , Zhang Zhirui , Guo Tai , Feng Xianzhong
Published: April 2024

Key message

Using the integrated approach in the present study, we identified eleven significant SNPs, seven stable QTLs and 20 candidate genes associated with branch number in soybean.

Branch number is a key yield-related quantitative trait that directly affects the number of pods and seeds per soybean plant. In this study, an integrated approach with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and haplotype and candidate gene analyses was used to determine the detailed genetic basis of branch number across a diverse set of soybean accessions. The GWAS revealed a total of eleven SNPs significantly associated with branch number across three environments using the five GWAS models. Based on the consistency of the SNP detection in multiple GWAS models and environments, seven genomic regions within the physical distance of ± 202.4 kb were delineated as stable QTLs. Of these QTLs, six QTLs were novel, viz., qBN7, qBN13, qBN16, qBN18, qBN19 and qBN20, whereas the remaining one, viz., qBN12, has been previously reported. Moreover, 11 haplotype blocks, viz., Hap4, Hap7, Hap12, Hap13A, Hap13B, Hap16, Hap17, Hap18, Hap19A, Hap19B and Hap20, were identified on nine different chromosomes. Haplotype allele number across the identified haplotype blocks varies from two to five, and different branch number phenotype is regulated by these alleles ranging from the lowest to highest through intermediate branching. Furthermore, 20 genes were identified underlying the genomic region of ± 202.4 kb of the identified SNPs as putative candidates; and six of them showed significant differential expression patterns among the soybean cultivars possessing contrasting branch number, which might be the potential candidates regulating branch number in soybean. The findings of this study can assist the soybean breeding programs for developing cultivars with desirable branch numbers.