bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Language in Remote Healthcare Triage: A Meta‐Aggregative Review
Authors: Spek Michelle , van Braak Marije , Erkelens Daphne C. A. , Rutten Frans H. , Venekamp Roderick P. , Zwart Dorien L. , de Groot Esther
Published: October 2024

Aim(s)

To provide an overview of evidence on the role of language in remote healthcare services prioritisation, from now on termed triage. This study synthesises literature, to better understand how language affects triage interactions, aiming to improve these processes.

Design

We conducted a meta‐aggregative review.

Methods

A systematic search in Scopus from inception to September 2023 identified 437 studies on language in remote healthcare triage, of which 23 were included. Information was selected using both inductive and deductive coding, focusing on six linguistic features of interaction that have been described in the literature on studies using conversation analysis: turn‐taking organisation, overall structure, sequence organisation, turn design, lexical choice, and epistemological and other forms of asymmetry. The process followed the RAMESES Publication Standards for Meta‐narrative Reviews.

Results

Two main findings emerged. First, all six linguistic features are present in triage conversations, indicating that language involves more than just what is said. It also matters, for example, how and when a question is asked. Second, computerised decision support systems (CDSS) significantly affect conversation flow and dynamics.

Conclusion

Language in triage involves more than literal speech and is heavily influenced by CDSS.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Our study suggests that quality assessments of triage conversations should consider not only what is said but cover all relevant aspects of language. The influence of computerised decision support systems (CDSS) on linguistic features highlights the need for systems to be adaptable, to improve conversation quality and better addressing caller needs rather than focusing on one‐size‐fits‐all questions.

Impact

This review highlights the complex role of language in triage conversations and its impact on interaction. It calls for a broader view of language in quality assessments, recognising that both call‐takers and callers contribute to call quality. Insights from this review can help developers enhance question types, sequence, and delivery methods of computerised decision support systems. Finally, education for call‐takers in healthcare sectors may be improved based on our findings.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Using knowledge building and flipped learning to enhance students' learning performance in a hands‐on STEM activity
Authors: Chen Jyun‐Chen , Liu Chia‐Yu
Published: October 2024

Background

Society requires individuals to have the ability to synthesise knowledge from diverse sources, typically acquired through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Objectives and Methods

We utilised a moderately rigorous design to investigate the effects of combining a hands‐on STEM activity with active learning approaches of knowledge building (KB) and flipped learning on the learning performance of 188 senior students. Students needed to work in groups to construct a remote‐controlled car using a remote‐control module and electrical circuit, followed by the task of putting balls into a basket.

Results

After the activity, all participants' STEM knowledge, learning motivation, and creativity improved. For STEM knowledge, students who received the integrated KB and flipped learning approach (E2 group) outscored those who received only KB (E1 group), whereas the E1 group outperformed those who received lectures (control group). For learning motivation, the E1 group outperformed the control group. The E2 group outperformed the control group on the post‐test only when the students' learning motivation pre‐test scores were lower, suggesting the effectiveness of both active learning approaches. For creativity, both E1 and E2 groups performed better than the control group.

Conclusions

The potential benefits of combining active learning approaches with hands‐on STEM activities were revealed in terms of STEM knowledge, learning motivation, and creativity. Surprisingly, the combination method was the most effective in energising unmotivated students for STEM education.
Simple‐Challenging‐Difficult (SCD) Difficulty Classification for Vertical Bone Augmentation
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Hsiang , Chen Zhaozhao , Urban Istvan A. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: October 2024

Objective

To propose a new difficulty classification for vertical bone augmentation (VBA) based on different defect morphologies.

Overview

VBA procedures for dental implant placement present significant biological and technical challenges. Among the various techniques, guided bone regeneration (GBR) provides an optimal balance between the anticipated bone gain and the likelihood of postoperative complications. Understanding the specific configuration of defects and adjacent bone peaks is essential for tailoring treatment strategies and improving outcomes. The proposed Simple‐Challenging‐Difficult (SCD) difficulty classification was based on defect morphology (V‐shaped, U‐shaped, VV‐shaped), including defect size (Height: < 5 mm, 5–8 mm, and > 8 mm), proximity of neighboring bony walls (Width: < 10 mm, 10–20 mm, and > 20 mm), as well as predictability of treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

The proposed difficulty classification for VBA serves as a guide for selecting the most appropriate GBR treatment modality and sequence for safe and predictable management of VBA in implant therapy. In addition, when determining the preferred treatment, it is again essential to consider site‐specific and patient‐related factors alongside the clinician’s surgical experience and skill.

Clinical Significance

Identifying defect patterns and bone peak structures is crucial, and the proposed classification assists in decision‐making in VBA treatment.
Sex disparities in global burden of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer: analysis of Global Burden of Disease study from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Dutta Priyata , Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Suparan Kanokphong , Pang Yanfang , Rakwong Krittameth , Fine Michael R. , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

The global burden of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer (GBTC) has been on the rise, making it a major public health concern. We aim to comprehensively analyze sex disparities in the temporal trends of GBTC incidence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) regionally and globally from 2010 to 2019.

Methods

Age‐standardized rates of GBTC incidence, death, and DALYs were analyzed utilizing the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

Results

From 2010 to 2019, the estimated annual percent change (APC) of the age‐standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and age‐standardized disability‐adjusted life years (ASDALYs) due to GBTC globally decreased in both sexes (males, APC: −0.80%; APC: −1.00%) and (females, APC: −0.89%; APC: −0.96%). At the same time, age‐standardized death rates (ASDRs) decreased only in males (APC: −0.82%) and remained stable in females. By regions, ASIRs and ASDR increased in both sexes only in Southeast Asia (SEA) but decreased in the other regions. All regions had decreased ASDALYs except for an increase in ASDALYs for females only in the SEA region (APC: 0.41%), and males have a stable trend.

Conclusions

Our study reveals substantial geographic variance in the burden of GBTC, specifically in the SEA region. Therefore, localized interventional methodologies must be undertaken to effectively address this global burden from GBTC.
A Highly Efficient and User‐Friendly Sensitive Skin Model on the Forearm
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Liu Shichao , Guo Wenjiao , Li Na , Huang Yun
Published: October 2024

Background

Sensitive skin is a worldwide skin problem, and its assessment of therapeutic efficacy traditionally relies on the facial stinging test. However, this test possesses certain limitations due to its restrictive application site, intense pain sensation, and adverse effects on physical appearance.

Objective

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a highly efficient and user‐friendly sensitive skin simulation model, which combines tape stripping and capsaicin testing on the forearm (FA‐TS‐CAT), as an alternative to the facial stinging test.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 74 subjects. Skin redness (a* value), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and self‐assessment questionnaires were collected at different time points for analysis.

Results

Tape stripping 5 times and 10 min application of capsaicin test were identified as the optimal conditions for the FA‐TS‐CAT model. Consistent stimulation and natural recovery trends of a* value and TEWL were observed on both the FA‐TS‐CAT and facial capsaicin test (F‐CAT) models within 50 min. After the 4‐t‐butylcyclohexanol complex emulsion was applied, the a* value in the FA‐TS‐CAT model exhibited a soothing trend similar to the F‐CAT model, with a significantly reduced by 3.99‐fold and 3.28‐fold at T3 and T4 (p < 0.001), compared to the placebo. Notably, the test efficiency of the FA‐TS‐CAT model was threefold higher than that of the F‐CAT model, and subjects showed more willingness to participate in the FA‐TS‐CAT test (95.95% vs. 4.05%).

Conclusions

These results indicated the FA‐TS‐CAT is a highly efficient and user‐friendly model for sensitive skin, providing a reliable and valid method for clinical research in sensitive skin treatment.
Hepatitis Delta Coinfection Rates and All‐Cause Mortality Among Hepatitis B‐Infected Veterans in theUSA
Authors: Butt Adeel A. , Yan Peng , Iwnetu Rahel , Malik Amyn A. , Shaikh Obaid S. , O'Leary Jacqueline G. , Bedimo Roger
Published: October 2024

Screening for hepatitis D virus (HDV) is recommended for all individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Coinfected individuals experience more severe liver‐related outcomes. We determined the HDV testing and coinfection rates and all‐cause mortality among those infected with HBV. We used the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system's national databases to identify individuals with HBV infection. We determined the proportion of individuals referred to gastroenterologists/hepatologists, or infectious diseases providers, and the proportion screened and tested positive for HDV. We calculated the HBV treatment rates, defined as ≥ 3 months of continuous prescription with an approved drug. Finally, we calculated all‐cause mortality stratified by HDV coinfection and HBV treatment status. Among 44,951 individuals with at least one positive HBsAg, HBeAg or HBV DNA test, 5964 (13.3%) were screened for HDV (180 [3.0%] tested positive), and 28,291 (62.9%) were referred to gastroenterology/hepatology or infectious diseases. Treatment for HBV was prescribed for 73 (40.5%) of HDV‐coinfected and 2425 (41.9%) HDV‐uninfected individuals. All‐cause mortality rate per 100 person‐years was lower among those without HDV coinfection (2.98 for untreated HBV, 2.53 for treated HBV;p < 0.001) compared with those with HDV coinfection (5.14 for untreated HBV, 3.0 for treated HBV;p = 0.02). Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated a significantly higher mortality among HDV‐coinfected individuals who were not treated for HBV (log‐rankp < 0.0001). Screening rates for HDV among HBV‐infected individuals are suboptimal. While HDV coinfection is associated with higher all‐cause mortality, HBV treatment may confer a survival benefit.
A qualitative exploration of the COVID‐19 pandemic on health and nutrition behaviours during the first 1000 days in Sri Lanka
Authors: Schwendler Teresa R. , Senarath Upul , Jayawickrama Hiranya , Rowel Dhammica , Kawmi Noor , Abdulloeva Safina , De Silva Chithramalee , Kodish Stephen R.
Published: October 2024

This study sought to understand reported impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on maternal and child health and nutrition behaviours during the first 1000 days of life. This qualitative and participatory substudy was embedded within mixed methods formative research conducted during 2020–2022 across two urban, three rural and one estate sector site in Sri Lanka. Semi‐structured interviews among caregivers of children aged 6–23 months (n = 34), influencers of caregivers, such as health workers (n = 37), leaders (n = 10) and pregnant women (n = 20) were conducted. Participatory workshops (n = 14) triangulated interview findings. Interview data were analyzed to identify salient themes using Dedoose. Numerical data from voting conducted in workshops were summed and triangulated with interview data. Findings suggest that the COVID‐19 pandemic and imposed restrictions shaped maternal and child health and nutrition behaviours through a complex interplay of factors. Imposed restrictions and changes to the food system contributed to temporary unemployment for wage workers and reduced purchasing power to maintain food security for vulnerable households. While deciding whether to seek care, fears of infection prevented usual care‐seeking decisions. Also, reduced incomes and disrupted public transportation made transport to health care facilities for antenatal care services difficult. Once women reached facilities, medical services and quality of care were negatively impacted. Implementing expanded community‐based services during home visits focused on the first 1000 days and beyond was one effective strategy to maintain maternal and child health and nutrition during the early pandemic in Sri Lanka.
Efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing explicit and implicit weight bias in healthcare students: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jayawickrama Ravisha S. , Hill Briony , O'Connor Moira , Flint Stuart W. , Hemmingsson Erik , Ellis Lucy R. , Du Yaxing , Lawrence Blake J.
Published: October 2024

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing weight bias in healthcare students, and to explore factors that may impact intervention success. A systematic review and random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted by including studies that examined the efficacy of weight bias reduction interventions for healthcare students. Of the 3463 journal articles and dissertations screened, 67 studies (within 64 records) met inclusion criteria, with 35 studies included in the meta‐analyses (explicit = 35, implicit [and explicit] = 10) and 32 studies included in the narrative synthesis (explicit = 34, implicit [and explicit] = 3). Weight bias interventions had a small but positive impact, g = −0.31 (95% CI = −0.43 to −0.19, p < 0.001), in reducing students' explicit weight bias but there was no intervention effect on implicit weight bias, g = −0.12 (95% CI = −0.26 to 0.02, p = 0.105). There was considerable heterogeneity in the pooled effect for explicit bias (I2 = 74.28, Q = 132.21, df = 34, p < 0.001). All subgroup comparisons were not significant (p > 0.05) and were unable to explain the observed heterogeneity. Narrative synthesis supported meta‐analytic findings. The small but significant reduction of explicit weight bias encourages the continued testing of interventions, irrespective of variation in individual intervention components. Contrarily, reductions in implicit weight bias may only be possible from a large societal shift in negative beliefs and attitudes held towards people living in larger bodies.
Increased visual alpha‐band activity during self‐paced finger tapping does not affect early visual stimulus processing
Authors: Gundlach C. , Müller M. M.
Published: October 2024

Alpha‐band activity is thought to be involved in orchestrating neural processing within and across brain regions relevant to various functions such as perception, cognition, and motor activity. Across different studies, attenuated alpha‐band activity has been linked to increased neural excitability. Yet, there have been conflicting results concerning the consequences of alpha‐band modulations for early sensory processing. We here examined whether movement‐related alterations in visual alpha‐band activity affected the early sensory processing of visual stimuli. For this purpose, in an EEG experiment, participants were engaged in a voluntary finger‐tapping task while passively viewing flickering dots. We found extensive and expected movement‐related amplitude modulations of motor alpha‐ and beta‐band activity with event‐related‐desynchronization (ERD) before and during, and event‐related‐synchronization (ERS) after single voluntary finger taps. Crucially, while a visual alpha‐band ERS accompanied the motor alpha‐ERD before and during each finger tap, flicker‐evoked Steady‐State‐Visually‐Evoked‐Potentials (SSVEPs), as a marker of early visual sensory gain, were not modulated in amplitude. As early sensory stimulus processing was unaffected by amplitude‐modulated visual alpha‐band activity, this argues against the idea that alpha‐band activity represents a mechanism by which early sensory gain modulation is implemented. The distinct neural dynamics of visual alpha‐band activity and early sensory processing may point to distinct and multiplexed neural selection processes in visual processing.
Historical Foundations of Green Developmental Policies: Divergent Trajectories in United States and France
Authors: Ghosh Ritwick , Barral Stephanie , Guillet Fanny
Published: October 2024

In recent years, many countries have adopted biodiversity offset policies to internalize the ecological impacts of land developments. Although national policies share the general principle of equalizing ecological harm with gain, there is substantial variation across programs regarding the institutional forms governing offsetting. In this paper, we compare biodiversity governance in the United States and France to reflect more broadly on the factors shaping divergent trajectories of green developmental policies. Both countries have some form of biodiversity offsetting in place, but the major fault line of difference is the more extensive use of market‐based instruments (MBI) in the United States. Using a historical lens, we argue that one important reason for this variation lies in the different legal‐institutional definitions of biodiversity. A narrower definition in the United States focused on individual species, versus a broader definition in France focused on ecosystems, has facilitated a more standardized biodiversity governance arrangement in the United States. Leveraging this standardization, biodiversity markets have expanded in the United States while similar efforts to institutionalize market mechanisms have struggled in France. The comparison allows us to draw insights into the challenges in greening economic development, particularly in showing how historical scientific, legal, and institutional structures condition policy outcomes.
Whole exome sequencing in patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Results from a Croatian national study
Authors: Sestan Mario , Arsov Todor , Kifer Nastasia , Frkovic Marijan , Grguric Danica , Ellyard Julia , Cook Matthew , Vinuesa Carola G. , Jelusic Marija
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to identify new and low‐frequency gene variants using whole exome sequencing (WES) in patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), that may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. We performed WES on selected 17 trios (in some cases including other informative family members) in which the proband presented with severe, atypical clinical features, resistance to conventional therapy, a family pattern of occurrence and/or syndromic characteristics. After performing WES and analysis of gene variants, 17 novel and/or low‐frequency variants were identified in 7 patients. One variant was classified as pathogenic (KMT2D, NM_003482.3:c.8626delC, predicted to truncate the protein p.(Gln2876Serfs*34)) and two as likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics classification guidelines (ADAR, NM_001111.3:c.2815A>G, predicted to encode p.(Ile939Val); BLK, NM_001715.2:c.211G>A, predicted to encode p.(Ala71Thr)). The other variants remain of uncertain significance at this point of time. WES is an important diagnostic and research instrument, producing a growing list of likely genes and gene variants that may be of relevance in the pathogenesis of cSLE and potentially point to novel therapeutic targets.
It depends: Platform dependence, schedule control, and satisfaction among gig workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform
Authors: Reynolds Jeremy , Kincaid Reilly
Published: October 2024

Understanding the risks and rewards of gig work requires examining how gig workers themselves feel about their work and how work satisfaction may vary even among workers on the same gig platform. Platform dependence theory posits that financially disadvantaged workers who depend on gig work for essential income will be less satisfied, in part, because they are less able to work their preferred schedules. These predictions, however, have not been tested quantitatively. Using survey data from workers who do gig microtasks on Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform (MTurk), we examine how platform dependence, schedule mismatches (between preferred and actual work schedules), and work stress are related to work satisfaction. We find that all three factors are associated with lower satisfaction. Furthermore, we find support for a hypothesized mediating mechanism: platform dependence lowers satisfaction, in part, because it is associated with more mismatches between workers' preferred and actual schedules. We conclude by discussing reforms that could improve satisfaction for all microtask workers.
List coloring based algorithm for the Futoshiki puzzle
Authors: Baklan Şen Banu , Diner Oznur Yasar
Published: October 2024

Given a graph G=(V, E) and a list of available colors L(v) for each vertex v\in V, where L(v) \subseteq {1, 2, ..., k}, List k-Coloring refers to the problem of assigning colors to the vertices of $G$ so that each vertex receives a color from its own list and no two neighboring vertices receive the same color. The decision version of the problem, List k-Coloring, is NP-complete even for bipartite graphs. As an application of list coloring problem we are interested in the Futoshiki Problem. Futoshiki is an NP-complete Latin Square Completion Type Puzzle. Considering Futoshiki puzzle as a constraint satisfaction problem, we first give a list coloring based algorithm for it which is efficient for small boards of fixed size. To thoroughly investigate the efficiency of our algorithm in comparison with a proposed backtracking-based algorithm, we conducted a substantial number of computational experiments at different difficulty levels, considering varying numbers of inequality constraints and given values. Our results from the extensive range of experiments indicate that the list coloring-based algorithm is much more efficient.
Intersectin‐1 enhances calcium‐dependent replenishment of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles during development
Authors: Yang Yi‐Mei , Fekete Adam , Arsenault Jason , Sengar Ameet S. , Aitoubah Jamila , Grande Giovanbattista , Li Angela , Salter Eric W. , Wang Alex , Mark Melanie D. , Herlitze Stefan , Egan Sean E. , Salter Michael W. , Wang Lu‐Yang
Published: October 2024

Intersectin‐1 (Itsn1) is a scaffold protein that plays a key role in coupling exocytosis and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs). However, it is unclear whether and how Itsn1 regulates these processes to support efficient neurotransmission during development. To address this, we examined the calyx of Held synapse in the auditory brainstem of wild‐type and Itsn1 mutant mice before (immature) and after (mature) the onset of hearing. Itsn1 was present in the pre‐ and postsynaptic compartments at both developmental stages. Loss of function of Itsn1 did not alter presynaptic action potentials, Ca2+ entry via voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), transmitter release or short‐term depression (STD) induced by depletion of SVs in the readily releasable pool (RRP) in either age group. Yet, fast Ca2+‐dependent recovery from STD was attenuated in mature mutant synapses, while it was unchanged in immature mutant synapses. This deficit at mature synapses was rescued by introducing the DH–PH domains of Itsn1 into the presynaptic terminals. Inhibition of dynamin, which interacts with Itsn1 during endocytosis, had no effect on STD recovery. Interestingly, we found a developmental enrichment of Itsn1 near VGCCs, which may underlie the Itsn1‐mediated fast replenishment of the RRP. Consequently, the absence of Itsn1 in mature synapses led to a higher failure rate of postsynaptic spiking during high‐frequency synaptic transmission. Taken together, our findings suggest that Itsn1 translocation to the vicinity of VGCCs during development is crucial for accelerating Ca2+‐dependent RRP replenishment and sustaining high‐fidelity neurotransmission.

image

Key points

Itsn1 is expressed in the pre‐ and postsynaptic compartments of the calyx of Held synapse.

Developmental upregulation of vesicular glutamate transporter‐1 is Itsn1 dependent.

Itsn1 does not affect basal synaptic transmission at different developmental stages.

Itsn1 is required for Ca2+‐dependent recovery from short‐term depression in mature synapses.

Itsn1 mediates the recovery through its DH–PH domains, independent of its interactive partner dynamin.

Itsn1 translocates to the vicinity of presynaptic Ca2+ channels during development.

Itsn1 supports high‐fidelity neurotransmission by enabling rapid recovery from vesicular depletion during repetitive activity.
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Impairs Fracture Healing in a Rat Model: Preferential Impairment of Endochondral Over Membranous Healing
Authors: Reeves Russell A. , Wu Yongren , Hanna E. Lex , Holmes Robert E. , Chiaramonti Alexander M. , Nadeau Elizabeth K. , Lin Zilan , Westbrook Phillip A. , Hefter Glenn D. , Walsh Ryan C. , Barfield William R. , Pellegrini Vincent D.
Published: October 2024

Background: Cigarette smoking adversely affects fracture repair, causing delayed healing or nonunion rates twice those seen in nonsmokers. Purpose: We sought to investigate if cigarette smoke differentially affects intramembranous and endochondral healing of fractures. We hypothesize that healing via endochondral ossification will be preferentially impaired compared to intramembranous ossification. Methods: We utilized a bilateral femur fracture model in Sprague Dawley rats to examine effects of cigarette smoke exposure on healing of femur fractures, treated with either locked intramedullary nail or compression plating to induce endochondral and membranous ossification, respectively. Animals were exposed to tobacco smoke 30 days before and after surgery; evaluations included radiographs, histomorphometry, and micro-CT at 10 days, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperation, and biomechanical testing at 3 and 6 months. Results: Sixty-eight animals were randomized to control or exposure (two died perioperatively); 89% of femora achieved union when harvested at 3 or 6 months. Smoke exposure delayed cartilaginous callus formation and bone maturation in nailed fractures compared to plated fractures and controls in the same animals. Plated fractures in exposed animals exhibited little cartilage callus and healed like control animals. At 3 months, plated fractures were stiffer and stronger than nailed fractures in both groups. These differences vanished by 6 months. Conclusions: Plated fractures healed more rapidly and completely than nailed fractures under both control and smoke-exposed conditions. Clinical Relevance: Using compression plating instead of IM nailing for closed long bone fractures may lead to better outcomes in patients who smoke compared to current results with nailing.
Operational Modal Analysis of Self-Excited Vibrations in Milling Considering Periodic Dynamics
Authors: Zorlu Ayberk , Ahmadi Keivan , Ebrahimi-Tirtashi Ali
Published: October 2024

A new method is presented to identify the dynamics of regenerative chatter from measured process vibrations in milling. This method combines the synchronous once-per-revolution sampling of process vibrations with the operational modal analysis to estimate the Floquet multipliers of the delayed linear time-periodic dynamics in milling, all from the natural process vibrations without external excitation. The identified multipliers quantify vibration stability, enabling chatter prediction before it occurs. In addition to this, they can be used to calibrate physics-based chatter models based on vibration measurements solely within the stable region. The method’s accuracy in identifying Floquet multipliers is validated through extensive numerical simulations and two experimental case studies. The results show that chatter due to both Hopf and period-doubling bifurcations can be predicted from the process vibrations during stable cuts. Moreover, the experimental case studies demonstrate a vibration measurement system for implementing the presented method in standard milling operations and confirm its effectiveness in practice.
Adaptive Online Continual Learning for In-Situ Quality Prediction in Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Chen Mengfei , Sun Wenbo , Guo Weihong “Grace”
Published: October 2024

Manufacturing processes undergo continuous changes to meet various requirements, such as process/product changes and variations in tool/workpiece conditions, leading to mixed, heterogenous, or anomalous data. As a result, a quality prediction model trained from previous data may not perform well when new tasks emerge. To achieve in-time and accurate product quality prediction, it is crucial to develop a predictive method that adapts to variations in the manufacturing system, capable of learning from new tasks without forgetting previous ones and detecting unknown tasks. This study proposes a deep learning method integrated with continual learning for in-situ quality prediction that is capable of learning from new tasks without forgetting previous ones. To demonstrate this idea, deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are designed to analyze in-process sensor data, which consist of shared layers to capture the common underlying features across all tasks, and task-specific layers that capture specific characteristics of each individual task. To identify the task to which the incoming product belongs, a task prediction approach based on task relevancy using filter subspace distance is proposed. When new data come in, the model first identifies the task, followed by predicting the quality of the current product. The proposed method is demonstrated in two case studies, including quality prediction of the workpiece using acoustic emissions during the laser-induced plasma micromachining process and quality prediction of the product through thermal images during the hot stamping process.
“I’m the Kind of Trans They Don’t Care About”: Experiences of Trans-Masculine Athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association
Authors: Perry Alexander Z.
Published: October 2024

In 2022, transgender swimmer Lia Thomas reignited longstanding debates about fairness in sport, and by August 2023, 23 states had enacted legislation restricting transgender athletic participation. While trans-feminine athletes are often seen as a “threat” to women’s sports, the experiences of trans-masculine athletes are often overlooked. Based on interviews with 13 trans-masculine athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, I explore how they navigate gender identity while participating in gendered, competitive sport. I find that their (trans)gender identities and identities as athletes became inseparable and were mutually constituted. Additionally, I argue that their experiences in sport are contingent on their trans-masculine identities. While not the primary targets of antitrans policy, their experiences were impacted by broader, antitrans rhetoric and legislative efforts to restrict transgender participation.
Transgender Athletes’ Testimonies of Existence and Resistance: Breaking Gender Binaries in Online Women’s Sports Media
Authors: Crawford Monica
Published: October 2024

Within an increasingly polarized media environment, transgender inclusion within sport has become a political wedge issue and, accordingly, a newsworthy topic. This study adds to the literature on media representation of transgender athletes by focusing on coverage within five women’s sports media outlets. Through a critical discourse analysis of 190 media artifacts, this study considers how the outlets discursively construct transgender and nonbinary athletes and engage in conversations around transgender inclusion within sport. Findings show that women’s sports media outlets foreground the legality of transgender athletic participation and the humanity of transgender athletes. Moreover, the outlets are understood here as a counterpublic where media organizations embrace an explicitly activist stance.
Architectures of photosynthetic RC-LH1 supercomplexes from
Rhodobacter blasticus
Authors: Wang Peng , Christianson Bern M. , Ugurlar Deniz , Mao Ruichao , Zhang Yi , Liu Ze-Kun , Zhang Ying-Yue , Gardner Adrian M. , Gao Jun , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Liu Lu-Ning
Published: October 2024

The reaction center–light-harvesting complex 1 (RC-LH1) plays an essential role in the primary reactions of bacterial photosynthesis. Here, we present high-resolution structures of native monomeric and dimeric RC-LH1 supercomplexes from
Rhodobacter
(
Rba.
)
blasticus
using cryo–electron microscopy. The RC-LH1 monomer is composed of an RC encircled by an open LH1 ring comprising 15 αβ heterodimers and a PufX transmembrane polypeptide. In the RC-LH1 dimer, two crossing PufX polypeptides mediate dimerization. Unlike
Rhodabacter sphaeroides
counterpart,
Rba. blasticus
RC-LH1 dimer has a less bent conformation, lacks the PufY subunit near the LH1 opening, and includes two extra LH1 αβ subunits, forming a more enclosed S-shaped LH1 ring. Spectroscopic assays reveal that these unique structural features are accompanied by changes in the kinetics of quinone/quinol trafficking between RC-LH1 and cytochrome
bc
1
. Our findings reveal the assembly principles and structural variability of photosynthetic RC-LH1 supercomplexes, highlighting diverse strategies used by phototrophic bacteria to optimize light-harvesting and electron transfer in competitive environments.
US federal resource allocations are inconsistent with concentrations of energy poverty
Authors: Batlle Carlos , Heller Peter , Knittel Christopher , Schittekatte Tim
Published: October 2024

Recent data from the US Energy Information Administration reveals that nearly one in three households in the United States report experiencing energy poverty, and this number is only expected to rise. Federal assistance programs exist, but allocations across states have been nearly static since 1984, while the distribution of energy poverty is dynamic in location and time. We implement a LASSO-based machine learning approach using sociodemographic and geographical information to estimate energy burden in each US census tract for 2015 and 2020. We then compare the allocation to states from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to an optimized allocation. We allocate funds to the most burdened households, providing them with enough assistance to reduce their energy expenditures so that their household energy burden is equal to a new maximum allowable energy burden. This markedly shifts funds from the northern cold-weather states to the southern warm-weather states.
Solution-processable ordered defect compound semiconductors for high-performance electronics
Authors: Wang Hsien-Nung , An Fufei , Wong Cindy Y. , Yin Kaijun , Liu Jiangnan , Wang Yihan , Zuo Jian-Min , Schleife André , Cao Qing
Published: October 2024

Solution-processable semiconductors hold promise in enabling applications requiring cost-effective electronics at scale but suffer from low performance limited by defects. We show that ordered defect compound semiconductor CuIn
5
Se
8
, which forms regular defect complexes with defect-pair compensation, can simultaneously achieve high performance and solution processability. CuIn
5
Se
8
transistors exhibit defect-tolerant, band-like transport supplying an output current above 35 microamperes per micrometer, with a large on/off ratio greater than 10
6
, a small subthreshold swing of 189 ± 21 millivolts per decade, and a high field-effect mobility of 58 ± 10 square centimeters per volt per second, with excellent uniformity and stability, superior to devices built on its less defective parent compound CuInSe
2
, analogous binary compound In
2
Se
3
, and other solution-deposited semiconductors. They can be monolithically integrated with carbon nanotube transistors to form high-speed and low-voltage three-dimensional complementary logic circuits and with micro-light-emitting diodes to realize high-resolution displays.
CodY controls the SaeR/S two-component system by modulating branched-chain fatty acid synthesis in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Alqahtani Shahad , DiMaggio, Jr. Dennis A. , Brinsmade Shaun R.
Published: October 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
is a Gram-positive, opportunistic human pathogen that is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections and invasive disease worldwide. Virulence in this bacterium is tightly controlled by a network of regulatory factors. One such factor is the global regulatory protein CodY. CodY links branched-chain amino acid sufficiency to the production of surface-associated and secreted factors that facilitate immune evasion and subversion. Our previous work revealed that CodY regulates virulence factor gene expression indirectly in part by controlling the activity of the SaeRS two-component system (TCS). While this is correlated with an increase in membrane anteiso-15:0 and −17:0 branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) derived from isoleucine, the true mechanism of control has remained elusive. Herein, we report that CodY-dependent regulation of SaeS sensor kinase activity requires BCFA synthesis. During periods of nutrient sufficiency, BCFA synthesis and Sae TCS activity are kept relatively low by CodY-dependent repression of the
ilv-leu
operon and the isoleucine-specific permease gene
brnQ2
. In a
codY
null mutant, which simulates extreme nutrient limitation, de-repression of
ilv-leu
and
brnQ2
directs the synthesis of enzymes in redundant
de novo
and import pathways to upregulate production of BCFA precursors. Overexpression of
brnQ2,
independent of CodY, is sufficient to increase membrane anteiso BCFAs, Sae-dependent promoter activity, and SaeR ~
P
levels. Our results further clarify the molecular mechanisms by which CodY controls virulence in
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE

Expression of bacterial virulence genes often correlates with the exhaustion of nutrients, but how the signaling of nutrient availability and the resulting physiological responses are coordinated is unclear. In
S. aureus,
CodY controls the activity of two major regulators of virulence—the Agr and Sae two-component systems (TCSs)—by unknown mechanisms. This work identifies a mechanism by which CodY controls the activity of the sensor kinase SaeS by modulating the levels of anteiso branched-chain amino acids that are incorporated into the membrane. Understanding the mechanism adds to our understanding of how bacterial physiology and metabolism are linked to virulence and underscores the role virulence in maintaining homeostasis. Understanding the mechanism also opens potential avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies against
S. aureus
infections.
Identification and characterization of a novel small viral peptide (VSP59) encoded by
Bombyx mori
cypovirus (BmCPV) that negatively regulates viral replication
Authors: Cao Manman , Qiu Qunnan , Zhang Xing , Zhang Wenxue , Shen Zeen , Ma Chang , Zhu Min , Pan Jun , Tong Xingyu , Cao Guangli , Gong Chengliang , Hu Xiaolong
Published: October 2024

Bombyx mori
cypovirus (BmCPV), a member of the Reoviridae family, is a well-established research model for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses with segmented genomes. Despite its small genome size, the coding potential of BmCPV remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identified a novel small open reading frame within the S10 dsRNA genome, encoding a small viral peptide (VSP59) with 59 amino acid residues. Functional characterization revealed that VSP59 acts as a negative regulator of viral replication. VSP59 predominantly localizes to the cytoplasm, where it interacts with prohibitin 2 (PHB2), an inner membrane mitophagy receptor. This interaction targets mitochondria and triggers caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. Transient expression of
vsp59
in BmN cells suppressed viral replication, an effect that was reversed by silencing PHB2 expression. Moreover, recombinant BmCPV with a mutated
vsp59
exhibited reduced replication. Our findings demonstrate that VSP59 interacts with PHB2 on mitochondria, inducing apoptosis and thereby diminishing viral replication. This study expands our understanding of the genetic information encoded by the BmCPV genome and highlights the role of novel small peptides in host-virus interactions.

IMPORTANCE

A novel small open reading frame (sORF) from the viral genome was identified and characterized. The sORF could encode a small viral peptide (VSP59) that targeted mitochondria and induced prohibitin 2-related apoptosis, further attenuating
Bombyx mori
cypovirus replication.
Achieving torsional stability of distal femur fractures through a single approach using 90–90 construct
Authors: Agarwala Sanjay R , Vijayvargiya Mayank , Upadhyay Avinashdev Devmani
Published: October 2024

Distal femoral fractures (DFFs) are frequently characterised by significant comminution, osteoporosis, high implant failure, insufficient fixation because of a shortened distal part, non-union, malunion, and poor outcome. Our report presents two cases treated with dual plating in a 90–90 construct to achieve torsional stability. DFF fixation by dual plating in a 90–90 configuration proved to be a superior fixation similar to 90–90 plating for distal humerus fracture, since 90–90 plate fixation had significantly greater torque to failure load and has more resistance to torsional loading. Two cases of distal femur non-union with implant failure were treated utilising a double plating. These non-union cases exhibited radiological healing and knee range of motion at a mean follow-up of 6 months. This technique offers a modified way of treating these difficult non-union cases through a single incision, providing mechanical stability conducive to fracture healing.
Association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with prevalence of diabetes in rural southwest China: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Liu Lan , Wu Xia , Li Guo-Hui , Yu Zi-Zi , Liu Du-Li , Rabkin Golden Allison , Yin Xiang-Yang , Cai Le
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of diabetes using structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine the pathways and associations of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on diabetes in rural southwest China.

Design

Data were collected from a cross-sectional health interview and examination survey among individuals aged ≥35 years in rural southwest China. Fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured for each participant. SEM was employed to assess the relationships between demographic characteristics (sex, age and ethnicity), socioeconomic position (SEP; annual household income, education level and access to medical services), lifestyle factors (obesity status (body mass index and WC) and physical inactivity), hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and family history of diabetes.

Setting

This study was conducted in rural Yunnan Province of China.

Participants

7536 individuals aged ≥35 years consented to participate in the study.

Results

The overall prevalence of diabetes in the present study was 8.3%. Prevalence did not differ by gender (prevalence for both men and women was 8.3% (p>0.05)). The results of SEM indicated that SEP, age, ethnicity, obesity status and physical inactivity had both significant direct and indirect effects on diabetes, with total effect size of 0.091, 0.149, –0.094, 0.212 and 0.089, respectively (p<0.01). Family history of diabetes (0.128, p<0.01), hypertension (0.135, p<0.01) and hyperlipidaemia (0.137, p<0.01) were directly associated with diabetes.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors have both direct and indirect effects on prevalence of diabetes in rural southwest China. Future efforts to implement comprehensive interventions to promote the prevention and control of diabetes should in particular focus on obese individuals.
Ratio of emergency department visits to deaths for opioid overdose
Authors: Byregowda Himani , Susukida Ryoko , Amin-Esmaeili Masoumeh , Wilson Monique , Stratton Marie , Johnson Renee M
Published: October 2024

Background

Data on fatal and non-fatal overdose provide important information about the magnitude of the overdose crisis. We consider these metrics in tandem and estimated the ratio of opioid overdose-related emergency department (ED) visits to opioid overdose deaths. A lower ratio could indicate more fatal overdoses, fewer overdose reversals with naloxone or a combination of both.

Methods

Data are from the Maryland Vital Statistics Administration (opioid overdose deaths), the Health Services Cost Review Commission (non-fatal ED visits for opioid overdose). We generated 2020 annual rates of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose deaths for the state of Maryland and its 24 jurisdictions and estimated the ratio of opioid overdose-related ED visits to deaths.

Results

The 2020 visit-to-death ratio for Maryland was 1.7, and ranged from 0.9 to 3.8 across jurisdictions. We identified five counties that had above-median rates of opioid overdose-related ED visits and deaths, and low visit-to-death ratios.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that there were nearly two ED visits for each opioid overdose death in Maryland, and there was substantial variation across counties. The visit-to-death ratio enables a better understanding of the relationship between fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose and is essential to averting deaths and evaluating overdose prevention efforts.
Prioritising preventive measures for unintentional sport and recreation-related deaths in Québec, Canada, based on a 14-year review
Authors: Richard Philippe , Gagne Mathieu , Perron Paul-André , Sylvain-Morneau Jérémie
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study analysed sport and recreation-related fatalities in Québec, Canada, from January 2006 to December 2019, focusing on the six activities with the highest mortality frequencies. It aimed to identify activity-specific risk factors to inform prevention priorities.

Methods

In this descriptive retrospective study, data extracted from the database of the Bureau du coroner du Québec were analysed. The characteristics and mechanisms of fatalities in all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, cycling, swimming, motorised navigation and non-motorised navigation activities were presented. Incidence rates were calculated using Canadian census data.

Results

Male fatalities predominated, ranging from 83% to 91%, in the six activities. Traumatic brain injuries or cranial traumas were reported in 55.7% of land-based activities-related deaths, particularly in 70.1% of cycling fatalities. In 44.2% of cycling-related cases, victims were not wearing a helmet, while in 44.1% of cases involving all-terrain vehicles, victims either wore a helmet improperly or did not wear one at all. Cycling deaths mainly occurred on roads (82.9%), with 63.9% involving collisions with motor vehicles. Alcohol-impaired driving was observed in 29.8% of victims involved in all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile activities combined. Natural water accounted for 67.1% of swimming fatalities. Alcohol consumption was documented in 28.8% of deaths related to water-based activities. Personal flotation devices were not worn in 61.5% of navigation-related fatalities.

Conclusion

Activity-specific prevention priorities have been highlighted. A thorough examination of coroners’ recommendations is now necessary to understand their characteristics, as this information can guide both the identification and implementation of preventive measures.