bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion: Acceptability, Implementation, Equity
Authors: Toledo‐Chavarri Ana , Delgado Janet , Padilla María , Rodríguez‐Martín Beatriz
Published: October 2024

This work provides a synthesis of the perceptions of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and healthcare professionals about the acceptability, implementation, and equity of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). A qualitative evidence synthesis was carried out. Three online databases (Medline, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched. Qualitative articles which were available in Spanish or English were included. A descriptive thematic synthesis was conducted according to PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines. Thirty‐two references met the inclusion criteria of the study and were included out of an initial 345 identified references. Seven main themes were identified: (a) acceptability, (b) adaptation to the insulin pump, (c) facilitators for the adequate use of insulin pump, (d) variability of acceptability, (e) barriers for the use of insulin pump, (f) feasibility and implementation considerations, and (g) equity. CSII is well accepted by most people with T1DM, with some exceptions. CSII can relieve management burden, increase autonomy and flexibility and improve family relationships. There were multiple perceived barriers to its continued use. Future studies should continue to analyze inequalities in access and use of the CSII.
Can “LITE” Procedure Combined With a Short Course Antibiotic Treatment Be Effective in Treating the Chronic PJI?—A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Yang , Ding Haiqi , Wang Qijin , Huang Zida , Zhang Chaofan , Li Wenbo , Lin Yansheng , Guo Yufeng , Fang Xinyu , Zhang Wenming
Published: October 2024

Objective

The prevailing treatment for chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a two‐stage exchange, yet the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy following this procedure remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to determine whether a short course of postoperative antibiotic therapy can maintain infection control rates following a long interval two‐stage exchange (LITE) for PJI.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study enrolling patients with chronic PJI who underwent the LITE procedure at our institution from April 2018 to November 2021. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a long course (12 weeks) or short course (2 weeks) of postoperative antibiotics. The pathogens, antibiotics, inflammatory markers, antibiotic‐related complications, cases of reinfection, or re‐operation were recorded. Continuous variables were analyzed using the two‐sample t‐test or Mann–Whitney U test, and categorical variables were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare infection control rates.

Results

A total of 60 patients with chronic PJI who completed the LITE procedure were included in the study (30 patients per group). All patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months (mean 39.2 ± 13.0 months). We observed that the infection control rate in the short‐course group was not inferior to that in the long‐course group (96.7% vs. 96.7%, p = 1.000).

Conclusions

For patients with chronic PJI undergoing the LITE procedure, a 2‐week course of postoperative antibiotics suffices to maintain infection control rates.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900027089
Applying 3D‐Printed Porous Ti6Al4V Prostheses to Repair Osteomyelitis‐Induced Partial Bone Defects of Lower Limbs: Finite Element Analysis and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Liu Bingchuan , Tan Qizhao , Wang Zhengguang , Hou Guojin , Wang Caimei , Tian Yun
Published: October 2024

Objective

The clinical management of partial bone defects in lower limbs, particularly those resulting from osteomyelitis, remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of 3D‐printed porous Ti6Al4V prostheses in addressing osteomyelitis‐induced partial bone defects.

Methods

We established a comprehensive protocol for utilizing 3D‐printed prostheses for bone defect repair, encompassing 3D simulation of prosthesis implantation and internal fixation, finite element analysis (FEA), and clinical implementation. Mimics software facilitated simulation of fixation patterns and screw lengths. FEA modeled bone defects in the distal metaphyseal femur and distal diaphyseal tibia to assess changes in stress conduction pre‐ and post‐prosthesis implantation. The clinical study involved eight patients (average age: 56.3 years) with an average defect length of 14.9 cm. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated using X‐rays and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).

Results

FEA demonstrated that the implanted prostheses effectively shared stress and reduced the load on residual bone in both models, thus lowering the risk of fractures under external forces. The average follow‐up period was 24.5 months, with patients initiating weight‐bearing activities on average 7.8 days post‐surgery. Serial postoperative X‐rays demonstrated long‐term stability of the prostheses, with progressive bone regeneration around and integration with the prostheses. While two patients experienced infection recurrence requiring prosthesis removal and debridement, the remaining six showed significant improvement in LEFS scores, increasing from 31.5 preoperatively to 61.0 at the last follow‐up.

Conclusions

3D‐printed porous Ti6Al4V prostheses effectively restore anatomical integrity and optimize stress conduction in lower limbs, resulting in substantial functional recovery. This innovative approach shows promise for wider clinical adoption and warrants further investigation in medical practice.
Partisan habitual voters in South Korea: Employing Random Forests to understand Korean voters' electoral choices
Authors: Lee Jae‐Mook , Lee Na Kyeong
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study investigates whether recent political events in South Korea, such as a presidential impeachment and changes in leadership, have caused a realignment of voters' political affiliations. We aim to determine whether political party allegiance has transitioned into a pattern of habitual voting in the last ten years.

Methods

Employing a Random Forest model based on machine learning approaches, we examined polling data from the last ten years of Korean presidential elections. Instead of relying on hypothesis‐led methods, our analysis emphasizes the intrinsic characteristics of the data to uncover crucial elements affecting voter behavior in each election.

Results

Our results reveal a considerable consistency in voting patterns over the past decade, implying that allegiance to political parties has turned into a habitual behavior. Significant factors affecting voter choices in the 2022 election were also recognized as indicators of election outcomes five and ten years prior.

Conclusion

The study reveals that voter behavior in South Korea remains stable despite notable political changes, primarily influenced by habitual elements rather than substantial changes in party loyalty. This suggests that political allegiance has become ingrained as a habitual behavior for Korean voters.
Small town markets and crowded buses: Later‐generation Australian–Hungarian ‘diaspora backpackers’ narrate their journey to Hungary
Authors: Petra Andits
Published: October 2024

In this article, I examine the ‘homecoming’ experiences of young second‐ and third‐generation Australian‐Hungarians. The aim of the paper is to challenge the compartmentalisation of tourism and migration studies by exploring how these two phenomena intertwine, merge, and influence one another in multiple and fluid ways. Specifically, I attempt to merge the two disciplines by analysing the meta‐narratives that have influenced Australian‐Hungarian youngsters' experiences in Hungary. In particular, I argue that, alongside images internalised in the diaspora, interlocutors heavily rely on a popular Western backpacker discourse. I demonstrate the ways in which these two meta‐narratives are in conflict while at the same time closely inter‐related. Specifically, I look at the ways in which the notion of authenticity and the idea of ‘traveller hierarchy’ are borrowed from backpacker discourse, and through them diasporic themes are targeted and deconstructed. I refer to these youngsters as ‘diaspora backpackers’ to indicate that their journeys are influenced by both diaspora life and contemporary youth culture.
Phylogenetically distant enzymes localized in cytosol and plastids drive citral biosynthesis in lemongrass
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Sharma Anuj , Kiran N. R. , Pranav Raj T. K. , Krishna Ram , Nagegowda Dinesh A.
Published: October 2024

Citral, a naturally occurring acyclic monoterpene aldehyde, is present in the essential oils of various plants, but only a few produce it in abundance. Despite its importance as a key aroma molecule, knowledge regarding the in‐planta biosynthesis of citral and its metabolic origin remains limited. Here, we have elucidated the functions of an alcohol dehydrogenase (CfADH1) and an aldoketo‐reductase (CfAKR2b) in citral biosynthesis in lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), one of the most cultivated aromatic crops for its citral‐rich essential oil. Expression of both CfADH1 and CfAKR2b showed correlation with citral accumulation in different developmental stages. Recombinant CfADH1 and CfAKR2b, despite their sequence unrelatedness, catalyzed citral formation from geraniol with NADP cofactor. Virus‐induced gene silencing in lemongrass and transient expression in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) demonstrated the in‐planta involvement of CfADH1 and CfAKR2b in citral biosynthesis. While CfADH1 exhibited a dual cytosolic/plastidial localization, CfAKR2b was localized to the cytosol. This was supported by higher citral‐forming activity in the cytosolic fraction than in the chloroplast fraction of lemongrass leaf extract. Moreover, feeding lemongrass seedlings with inhibitors specific to the cytosolic mevalonate pathway and the plastidial methylerythritol phosphate pathway, combined with volatile profiling, supported the involvement of both pathways in citral formation. Taken together, our results indicate that high citral production has evolved in lemongrass through the recruitment of phylogenetically distant enzymes localized in both the cytosol and plastids.
Jasmonate‐mediated polyamine oxidase 6 drives herbivore‐induced polyamine catabolism in rice
Authors: Zu Hongyue , Zhang Jing , Bai Weiwei , Kuai Peng , Cheng Jingli , Lu Jing , Lou Yonggen , Li Ran
Published: October 2024

Polyamines (PAs) along with their conjugated forms, are important mediators of plant defense mechanisms against both biotic and abiotic stresses. Flavin‐containing polyamine oxidases (PAOs) regulate PA levels through terminal oxidation. To date, the role of PAOs in plant–herbivore interaction remains poorly understood. We discovered that infestation by the brown planthopper (BPH) disrupts PA homeostasis within the leaf sheaths of rice plants, which co‐occurs with the upregulation of OsPAO6, a tissue‐specific inducible, apoplast‐localized enzyme that regulates the terminal catabolism of spermidine (Spd) and spermine. Functional analysis using CRISPR‐Cas9 genome‐edited plants revealed that pao6 mutants accumulated significantly higher levels of Spd and phenylpropanoid‐conjugated Spd in response to BPH infestation compared to wild‐type controls. In addition, BPH feeding on pao6 mutants led to increased honeydew excretion and plant damage by female adults, consistent with in vitro experiments in which Spd enhanced BPH feeding. Furthermore, OsPAO6 transcription is regulated by jasmonate (JA) signaling, and it is dependent on MYC2, which directly binds to the G‐box‐like motif in the OsPAO6 promoter. Our findings reveal an important role of OsPAO6 in regulating polyamine catabolism in JA‐induced responses triggered by herbivore attacks in rice.
Adherence to COVID‐19 vaccination recommendations and vaccine hesitancy in US blood donors
Authors: Avelino‐Silva Vivian I. , Bruhn Roberta , Zurita Karla G. , Grebe Eduard , Stone Mars , Busch Michael P. , Custer Brian
Published: October 2024

Background

General vaccination rates have been falling globally despite unequivocal health benefits. Noncompliance can result from access barriers and/or hesitant attitudes. Few studies have investigated the prevalence and determinants of noncompliance with COVID‐19 vaccination in blood donors.

Methods

We surveyed blood donors on COVID‐19 infection and vaccination history, barriers and motivations for COVID‐19 vaccination, and comorbidities. We estimate the prevalence of noncompliance, the prevalence of hesitancy toward COVID‐19 vaccines, and investigate associated factors using multivariable models.

Results

From December 2021 to December 2022, 33,610 survey respondents were included. Of these, 24% had not been vaccinated for COVID‐19 or had missing vaccination information, and 99% of those who reported reasons for being unvaccinated declared at least one of three hesitant attitudes presented in the survey (safety concerns; personal/cultural/religious beliefs; being young and not worrying about being vaccinated). Among noncompliant donors, <2% reported access barriers. In the multivariable model addressing factors associated with vaccine noncompliance, younger age, male gender, White/Caucasian race, absence of comorbidities, residency in a State with less restrictive COVID‐19 policies, and living in micropolitan or rural areas were identified as significant predictors. Younger age and White/Caucasian race were independently associated with vaccine hesitancy among noncompliant donors.

Conclusions

We found high rates of noncompliance with COVID‐19 vaccination in blood donors, mostly driven by vaccine hesitancy. Understanding vaccine adherence among blood donors—a relatively highly educated and healthy population, with good healthcare access and usually motivated by altruism—could provide key information on determinants of vaccine noncompliance that may be harder to overcome.
Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora in an immunosuppressed cat
Authors: Cohen Jonathan , Johnson Kryssa
Published: October 2024

A 3‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthair cat with a history of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia, treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone, was presented for acute lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple predominantly avascular hypo‐anechoic nodules in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and peritoneum. Fine needle aspirates and culture of the liver and kidney revealed abscessation caused by Cladophialophora. This case adds to the currently limited literature documenting ultrasonographic features of systemic infection caused by pigmented fungi in cats.
Influence of the Magnitude of the Taper Angle of Divergent and Convergent Tapered Annular Seals on the Stability of a Vertical Rotor-Seal System
Authors: Kimura Shogo , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Taura Hiroo , Heya Akira
Published: October 2024

The rotordynamic (RD) fluid force generated in seals affects the stability of turbomachinery. RD coefficients have been determined using bulk-flow or computational fluid dynamics analyses, and the effect of seals on the stability has been evaluated. Plain annular seals and convergent tapered annular seals have been used to improve stability, and their dynamic characteristics have been studied. On the other hand, research has also been conducted on divergent tapered annular seals, because the seals can become divergent tapered due to operating conditions, pressure deformation, and manufacturing error. These studies do not provide a comprehensive picture of the effect of divergent tapered annular seals on stability, because some show that divergent tapered annular seals reduce stability, whereas others show that they may increase stability. This study analyses a plain liquid annular seal, divergent tapered annular seals, and convergent tapered annular seals to clarify the effect of the taper angle on the stability of a vertical rotor-seal system. The analysis was carried out by continuously changing the taper angle for both the divergent tapered and convergent tapered annular seals, the RD coefficients were calculated in each case, and the onset speed of instability (OSI) was calculated by eigenvalue analysis. The change in OSI, or stability, with a change in taper angle is then investigated. The change in OSI with a change in taper angle was investigated experimentally and compared with the analytical results to demonstrate the validity of the analytical results. The analytical and experimental results were in qualitative and quantitative agreement.
Leak-Rate Through Carbon Brush Seals: Experimental Tests Versus Predictions From a Porous Medium Approach
Authors: Souissi Ala , Arghir Mihai , Lasseux Didier , Amami Lassad , Burlot Philippe
Published: October 2024

This study presents a detailed comparative analysis between experimental leakage flow rates and numerical predictions for carbon brush seals with long bristles, utilizing a porous medium model approach. A series of tests were carried out on a static rig (without rotor rotation). The experimental setup allows tests under various interference conditions, revealing significant insights into the flow behavior through the brush seal. A numerical model based on the Darcy–Forchheimer equation is developed to interpret the complex flow dynamics within the brush seal, accounting for viscous, compressible, and inertial effects. The study evaluates the impact of brush deformation and porosity on flow resistance, leveraging experimental data to refine the numerical model parameters. This investigation not only deepens the understanding of brush seal flow physics but also improves the predictive accuracy of the numerical model in simulating operational conditions.
Enhanced Tribological Performance of UHMWPE Composites Reinforced With Wollastonite: Biocompatibility and Wear Behavior
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Xu Zhentao , Shen Jiajia , Wang Junxiang , Luo Yong
Published: October 2024

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is often limited by poor tribological properties in artificial joints, leading to high wear-rates compared to metals and ceramics. This study explores the use of wollastonite, a natural mineral, as a filler to enhance the tribological performance of UHMWPE composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that wollastonite content and particle size inversely affected the crystallinity of the composite due to heterogeneous nucleation and stress concentration. The incorporation of wollastonite significantly improved the tribological performance, with wear-rate reductions of 71%, 69.81%, and 50.73% under dry friction, normal saline (NS) lubricant, and new-born calf serum (NBCS) lubricant conditions, respectively. The wear mechanisms in the composite were predominantly slight fatigue and abrasive wear, contrasting with the extrusion deformation and severe fatigue wear observed in neat UHMWPE. Additionally, simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion tests demonstrated the composite's ability to form a surface apatite-like deposition. These findings suggest that wollastonite reinforcement effectively enhances both mechanical and tribological properties of UHMWPE.
Flow Characteristics of Asymmetric Plunger Pairs in High-Pressure Plunger Pumps
Authors: Zhao Shendan , Tang Hesheng , Liu Yinshui , Ren Yan , Wu Defa
Published: October 2024

The deep-sea submersible is an essential piece of equipment for deep-sea development, serving as a crucial tool for conducting exploration and operations in the deep ocean. As the core component of the hydraulic system, the plunger pump is vital for ensuring the smooth lifting and lowering of the submersible. The plunger pair, which constitutes the most significant friction pair in plunger pumps, plays a pivotal role in determining both the service life and volumetric efficiency of the pump through its friction, lubrication, and sealing performance. This article proposes a flow model for the plunger pair in eccentric and inclined positions, considering its various orientations and placements. It elucidates the deformation and leakage characteristics of the plunger pair under different configurations, including various postures, material properties, and design parameters. The findings not only provide a theoretical foundation for the design of reciprocating seals and the evaluation of sealing performance but also contribute to the broader field of parameter design and performance assessment for other types of gap seals.
Comparative Analysis of the Wear Behavior of TiN/TiAlN-, TiAlVN-, and TiAlYN-Coated Tools in Milling Operations of Inconel 718
Authors: Sebbe N. P. V. , Silva F. J. G. , Durão L. M. , Jesus A. , Sales-Contini R. C. M.
Published: October 2024

Milling is widely used in the aeronautical and aerospace industries, due to the possibility of producing parts with good dimensional stability and surface quality. Because of its exceptional mechanical qualities and limited thermal conductivity, Inconel 718 is a nickel superalloy that is regarded as a challenging material to process. Due to the flexibility of milling, this is the most commonly used process for machining INCONEL alloys. However, high levels of tool wear can be observed. Coatings can be deposited on the cutting tools to improve process performance. Nonetheless, doping elements such as yttrium and vanadium when added to TiAlN-based coatings can increase the coatinǵs resistance. Furthermore, multilayer coatings tend to be very promising resistance to crack propagation. Thus, this work intends to compare three coatings deposited via PVD, in terms of the quality of the machined surface and wear resulting from the process: TiAlVN, TiAlYN, and TiN/TiAlN. The cutting speed (Vc), feed per tooth (fz), and cutting length (Lcut) were varied. It was possible to verify that the multilayer coating had better results, in terms of average roughness (Ra) and in measuring wear (VB3) and its characterization. On the other hand, the TiAlVN coating showed the worst results. It was concluded that due to the TiN layer, the TiN/TiAlN coating has better resistance to crack propagation, as its adhesion to the substrate is good and there is no delamination.
Cooling and Lubricating Strategies for INCONEL® Alloys Machining: A Comprehensive Review on Recent Advances
Authors: Pedroso André F. V. , Sousa Vitor F. C. , Sebbe Naiara P. V. , Silva Francisco J. G. , Campilho Raul D. S. G. , Martinho Rui P. , de Jesus Abílio M. P. , Sales-Contini Rita C. M.
Published: October 2024

INCONEL® alloys are Ni-based superalloys with superior mechanical properties for extremely high-temperature (T) applications. These alloys present significant challenges: they are difficult-to-cut materials due to the low thermal conductivity (k), severe work hardening, and elevated surface hardness. They are widely used in applications that require good dimensional stability; however, built-up edge (BUE) followed by premature tool wear (TW) are the most common problems when applying conventional machining (CM) and hybrid machining processes, i.e., additive manufacturing (AM) followed by milling, resulting in a meagre final product finishing. Regarding cooling/lubricating environments, miscellanea of methods can be effectively applied to INCONEL® alloys, depending on their advantages and disadvantages. It is imperative to refine the machining parameters to enhance the performance outcomes of the process, particularly concerning the quality and cost-effectiveness of the product. This current review intends to offer a systematic summary and analysis of the progress taken within the field of INCONEL® CM and the various cooling/lubricating methods over the past decade, filling a gap found in the literature in this field of knowledge. A systematic literature review (SLR) approach was employed in this study, aiming to identify pertinent papers within the cooling and lubricating strategies for INCONEL® alloys machining. The most recent solutions found in the industry and the prospects from researchers will be presented, providing significant insights for academic researchers and industry professionals. It was found that selecting cooling methods for INCONEL® machining requires careful consideration of various factors. Each lubrication environment utilized in traditional INCONEL® machining methods offer unique advantages and challenges regarding the different outcomes: TW, tool life (TL), and/or surface quality assessment; nevertheless, cryogenic cooling by CO2(l) and N2(l) highlights as the better cooling environment to improve the machined surface quality.
Prediction of Thermally Induced Axial Displacement of Mechanical Components Using LightGBM
Authors: Nakao Yohichi , Yagi Fuusei , Sato Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2024

The goal of this research is to create a machine learning model that can predict the thermally induced axial displacement of machine tool spindles. To achieve this goal, this study applied the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) learning framework to predict the thermally induced axial displacement of mechanical equipment by a heat source in a model that had an outer structure similar to that of a machine spindle. In the predictions using LightGBM, the time, temperature, and heat flux of equipment surfaces are measured and used to predict displacement. A similar trial study was conducted for a servomotor. A series of experiments clarified that the thermally induced axial displacement of the equipment can be predicted using a machine learning model created from the measured temperatures and heat fluxes of the target component and other parameters. Furthermore, the study focused on the feature importance in the prediction process. Through these considerations, the features that are most valuable for prediction among the features used for the trial measurement and subsequent prediction were extracted based on the feature importance. Using the feature importance, the top-ranked parameters were chosen to create a machine learning model for prediction. Consequently, equivalent prediction accuracy is possible, even if the number of features, namely sensors required for the acquisition of sufficient features for the prediction, can be reduced without significantly affecting the prediction accuracy. Specifically, it was confirmed that the number of sensors can be reduced from about 65 to about 4 for the spindle model and about 20 for the servomotor.
Topology-Agnostic Graph U-Nets for Scalar Field Prediction on Unstructured Meshes
Authors: Ferguson Kevin , Chen Yu-hsuan , Chen Yiming , Gillman Andrew , Hardin James , Burak Kara Levent
Published: October 2024

Machine-learned surrogate models to accelerate lengthy computer simulations are becoming increasingly important as engineers look to streamline the product design cycle. In many cases, these approaches offer the ability to predict relevant quantities throughout a geometry, but place constraints on the form of the input data. In a world of diverse data types, a preferred approach would not restrict the input to a particular structure. In this paper, we propose topology-agnostic graph U-Net (TAG U-Net), a graph convolutional network that can be trained to input any mesh or graph structure and output a prediction of a target scalar field at each node. The model constructs coarsened versions of each input graph and performs a set of convolution and pooling operations to predict the node-wise outputs on the original graph. By training on a diverse set of shapes, the model can make strong predictions, even for shapes unlike those seen during training. A 3D additive manufacturing dataset is presented, containing laser powder bed fusion simulation results for thousands of parts. The model is demonstrated on this dataset, and it performs well, predicting both 2D and 3D scalar fields with a median R2>0.85 on test geometries.
Preparation of Br-terminated Si(100) and Si(111) surfaces and their use as atomic layer deposition resists
Authors: Mason John R. , Teplyakov Andrew V.
Published: October 2024

In area-selective processes, such as area-selective atomic layer deposition (AS-ALD), there is renewed interest in designing surface modification schemes allowing to tune the reactivity of the nongrowth (NG) substrates. Many efforts are directed toward small molecule inhibitors or atomic layers, which would modify selected surfaces to delay nucleation and provide NG properties in the target AS-ALD processes allowing for the manufacturing of smaller sized features than those produced with alternative approaches. Bromine termination of silicon surfaces, specifically Si(100) and Si(111), is evaluated as a potential pathway to design NG substrates for the deposition of metal oxides, and TiO2 (from cycles of sequential exposures of tetrakis-dimethylamido-titanium and water) is tested as a prototypical deposition material. Nucleation delays on the surfaces produced are comparable to those on H-terminated silicon that is commonly used as an NG substrate. However, the silicon surfaces produced by bromination are more stable, and even oxidation does not change their chemical reactivity substantially. Once the NG surface is eventually overgrown after a large number of ALD cycles, bromine remains at the interface between silicon and TiO2. The NG behavior of different crystal faces of silicon appears to be similar, albeit not identical, despite different arrangements and coverage of bromine atoms.
Which to select?: Analysis of speaker representation with graph attention networks
Authors: Shim Hye-jin , Jung Jee-weon , Yu Ha-Jin
Published: October 2024

Although the recent state-of-the-art systems show almost perfect performance, analysis of speaker embeddings has been lacking thus far. An in-depth analysis of speaker representation will be performed by looking into which features are selected. To this end, various intermediate representations of the trained model are observed using graph attentive feature aggregation, which includes a graph attention layer and graph pooling layer followed by a readout operation. To do so, the TIMIT dataset, which has comparably restricted conditions (e.g., the region and phoneme) is used after pre-training the model on the VoxCeleb dataset and then freezing the weight parameters. Through extensive experiments, there is a consistent trend in speaker representation in that the models learn to exploit sequence and phoneme information despite no supervision in that direction. The results shed light to help understand speaker embedding, which is yet considered to be a black box.
High-resolution acoustically informed maps of sound speed
Authors: Loranger Scott , DeCourcy Brendan , Zhang Weifeng Gordon , Lin Ying-Tsong , Lavery Andone
Published: October 2024

As oceanographic models advance in complexity, accuracy, and resolution, in situ measurements must provide spatiotemporal information with sufficient resolution to inform and validate those models. In this study, water masses at the New England shelf break were mapped using scientific echosounders combined with water column property measurements from a single conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profile. The acoustically-inferred map of sound speed was compared with a sound speed cross section based on two-dimensional interpolation of multiple CTD profiles. Long-range acoustic propagation models were then parameterized by the sound speed profiles estimated by the two methods and differences were compared.
Pain Reduction in Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome With Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Perrero Elizabeth , Uriegas Nancy A. , Adams Morgan , Fraley Amy L.
Published: October 2024

In active populations with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is extracorporeal shockwave therapy an effective treatment to reduce pain? A computerized search was conducted in October 2021. Inclusion criteria consisted of participants 18+ years old with diagnosed MTSS for 21+ days, where pain was in the posterior medial aspect of the tibia. Exclusion criteria involved patients with tibial fractures, compartment syndrome, and prior treatment of MTSS with extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Results were measured by the number of days athletes could complete the running protocol pain-free according to the Likert scale (p = .008), visual analog scale (p = .001), and Roles and Maudsley scale (RMS; p = .002). The third study showed no statistical significance in pain reduction or self-perception of change in symptoms on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; p = .05). Using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology scale, one study received a 17/22 since no biases were addressed, lack of participant status in each stage of the study, no numbers or analysis reported in each group, and no explanation of external validity or funding. The single-blind randomized controlled trial received a 10/11 using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and one level of evidence. The double-blind sham randomized controlled trial received an 11/11 and one level of evidence (LOE). The research appraised would mostly agree the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy could reduce pain in MTSS in active populations. The strength of recommendation is B.
Athletic Therapists’ Exposure and Response to Psychological Challenges Associated With Athlete Injury Recovery
Authors: Principe Francesca M. , Kerr Gretchen
Published: October 2024

This study sought to understand athletic therapists’ perspectives on the psychological challenges athletes experience during injury recovery and to assess their perceived level of preparedness in addressing these challenges. Using an online survey, 49 certified athletic therapists from across Canada reported they are aware of the psychological challenges facing injured athletes and believe they play a role in assisting injured athletes in their psychological recovery. However, the results indicated that athletic therapists do not feel adequately prepared to provide this support and recommended more exposure to content related to psychological aspects of injury in their education.
Does a Single Session of Cupping Therapy Increase Range of Motion in Individuals With Limited Hamstring Flexibility? A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Arganbright Dwight , Russ Anne , Mansell Jamie , Tierney Ryan
Published: October 2024

Context: Improving hamstring tightness is a common therapeutic goal to maintain performance and reduce injury risk. How effective is a single session of therapeutic cupping on improving hamstring flexibility? Methods: PubMed was searched in the Summer of 2023 using the search terms: cupping and range of motion (ROM). Included studies were intervention studies that evaluated cupping and flexibility within the lower extremity during a single treatment session. Hip flexion ROM was measured with the passive or active straight leg test. Means, SDs, 95% CI, and effect sizes were calculated. Results: Three articles were screened. Warren et al. reported a statistically significant increase in ROM from pre- to posttest of 4.42° using a digital inclinometer during the passive straight leg test. However, this is below a reported minimal detectable difference for the passive straight leg test (10°). Schafer et al. and Williams et al. reported no significant cupping effect over time between groups. Conclusions: There is consistent evidence that a single session of cupping therapy does not increase lower-extremity ROM in patients with limited hamstring flexibility.
Identifying Trajectories of Change in Burnout Symptoms of Gaelic Games Athletes Over Two Consecutive Seasons
Authors: Woods Siobhán , Dunne Simon , Gallagher Pamela , McCarren Andrew
Published: October 2024

Athlete burnout is conceptualized as an enduring multidimensional syndrome, and longitudinal research is essential to understanding its development over time. However, much of the existing work has been limited to a small number of timepoints (≤3) or short intervals between waves (≤3 weeks), which fail to account for the chronic and complex nature of the syndrome. This study aimed to address these limitations by tracking burnout in adult athletes at 6 timepoints over a 21-month period for the first time. Data from 207 Gaelic games athletes were included in latent growth analysis to compare burnout trajectories of increasing complexity. A linear model best described all burnout symptoms. On average over the 21-month period, feelings of exhaustion declined, sport devaluation increased, and reduced accomplishment remained stable. Findings provide important insight into potential high-risk periods in the season and can help to inform targeted intervention or prevention efforts.
PBP4 is required for serum-induced cell wall thickening and antibiotic tolerance in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ledger Elizabeth V. K. , Massey Ruth C.
Published: October 2024

The bacterial pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
responds to the host environment by synthesizing a thick peptidoglycan cell wall, which protects the bacterium from membrane-targeting antimicrobials and the immune response. However, the proteins required for this response were previously unknown. Here, we demonstrate by three independent approaches that the penicillin-binding protein PBP4 is crucial for serum-induced cell wall thickening. First, mutants lacking various non-essential cell wall synthesis enzymes were tested, revealing that a mutant lacking
pbp4
was unable to generate a thick cell wall in serum. This resulted in reduced serum-induced tolerance of the
pbp4
mutant toward the last resort antibiotic daptomycin relative to wild-type cells. Second, we found that serum-induced cell wall thickening occurred in each of a panel of 134 clinical bacteremia isolates, except for one strain with a naturally occurring mutation that results in an S140R substitution in the active site of PBP4. Finally, inhibition of PBP4 with cefoxitin prevented serum-induced cell wall thickening and the resulting antibiotic tolerance in the USA300 strain and clinical MRSA isolates. Together, this provides a rationale for combining daptomycin with cefoxitin, a PBP4 inhibitor, to potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients with invasive MRSA infections.
sll1019
and
slr1259
encoding glyoxalase II improve tolerance of
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 to methylglyoxal- and ethanol- induced oxidative stress by glyoxalase pathway
Authors: Ji Kai , Zhang Yihang , Zhang Tianyuan , Li Daixi , Yuan Yuan , Wang Li , Huang Qiaoyun , Chen Wenli
Published: October 2024

The glyoxalase pathway is the primary detoxification mechanism for methylglyoxal (MG), a ubiquitous toxic metabolite that disrupts redox homeostasis. In the glyoxalase pathway, glyoxalase II (GlyII) can completely detoxify MG. Increasing the activity of the glyoxalase system can enhance the resistance of plants or organisms to abiotic stress, but the relevant mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the physiological functions of GlyII genes (
sll1019
and
slr1259
) in
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 under MG or ethanol stress based on transcriptome and metabolome data. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that proteins Sll1019 and Slr1259 had GlyII activity. Under stress conditions,
sll1019
and
slr1259
protected the strain against oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of the glyoxalase pathway and raising the contents of antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. In the photosynthetic system,
sll1019
and
slr1259
indirectly affected the light energy absorption by strains, synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and activities of photosystem I and photosystem II, which was crucial for the growth of the strain under stress conditions. In addition,
sll1019
and
slr1259
enhanced the tolerance of strain to oxidative stress by indirectly regulating metabolic networks, including ensuring energy acquisition, NADH and NADPH production, and phosphate and nitrate transport. This study reveals the mechanism by which
sll1019
and
slr1259
improve oxidative stress tolerance of strains by glyoxalase pathway. Our findings provide theoretical basis for breeding, seedling, and field production of abiotic stress tolerance-enhanced variety.

IMPORTANCE

The glyoxalase system is present in most organisms, and it is the primary pathway for eliminating the toxic metabolite methylglyoxal. Increasing the activity of the glyoxalase system can enhance plant resistance to environmental stress, but the relevant mechanism is poorly understood. This study revealed the physiological functions of glyoxalase II genes
sll1019
and
slr1259
in
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 under abiotic stress conditions and their regulatory effects on oxidative stress tolerance of strains. Under stress conditions,
sll1019
and
slr1259
enhanced the activity of the glyoxalase pathway and the antioxidant system, maintained photosynthesis, ensured energy acquisition, NADH and NADPH production, and phosphate and nitrate transport, thereby protecting the strain against oxidative stress. This study lays a foundation for further deciphering the mechanism by which the glyoxalase system enhances the tolerance of cells to abiotic stress, providing important information for breeding, seedling, and selection of plants with strong stress resistance.
Identification, characterization, and distribution of novel amidase gene
aphA
in sphingomonads conferring resistance to amphenicol antibiotics
Authors: Qian Yingying , Lai Lin , Cheng Minggen , Fang Hua , Fan Dandan , Zylstra Gerben J. , Huang Xing
Published: October 2024

Amphenicol antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol (CHL), thiamphenicol (TAP), and florfenicol (Ff), are high-risk emerging pollutants. Their extensive usage in aquaculture, livestock, and poultry farming has led to an increase in bacterial antibiotic resistance and facilitated the spread of resistance genes. Yet, limited research has been conducted on the co-resistance of CHL, TAP, and Ff. Herein, a novel amidase AphA was identified from a pure cultured strain that can concurrently mediate the hydrolytic inactivation of CHL, TAP, and Ff, yielding products
p
-nitrophenylserinol, thiamphenicol amine (TAP-amine), and florfenicol amine (Ff-amine), respectively. The antibacterial activity of these antibiotic hydrolysates exhibited a significant reduction or complete loss in comparison to the parent compounds. Notably, AphA shared less than 26% amino acid sequence identity with previously reported enzymes and exhibited high conservation within the sphingomonad species. Through enzymatic kinetic analysis, the AphA exhibited markedly superior affinity and catalytic activity toward Ff in comparison to CHL and TAP. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis revealed the indispensability of catalytic triad residues, particularly serine 153 and histidine 277, in forming crucial hydrogen bonds essential for AphA’s hydrolytic activity. Comparative genomic analysis showed that
aphA
genes in some species are closely adjacent to various transposable elements, indicating that there is a high potential risk of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This study established a hydrolysis resistance mechanism of amphenicol antibiotics in sphingomonads, which offers theoretical guidance and a novel marker gene for assessing the prevalent risk of amphenicol antibiotics in the environment.

IMPORTANCE

Amphenicol antibiotics are pervasive emerging contaminants that present a substantial threat to ecological systems. Few studies have elucidated resistance genes or mechanisms that can act on CHL, TAP, and Ff simultaneously. The results of this study fill this knowledge gap and identify a novel amidase AphA from the bacterium
Sphingobium yanoikuyae
B1, which mediates three typical amphenicol antibiotic inactivation, and the molecular mechanism is elucidated. The diverse types of transposable elements were identified in the flanking regions of the
aphA
gene, indicating the risk of horizontal transfer of this antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). These findings offer new insights into the bacterial resistance to amphenicol antibiotics. The gene reported herein can be utilized as a novel genetic diagnostic marker for monitoring the environmental fate of amphenicol antibiotics, thereby enriching risk assessment efforts within the context of antibiotic resistance.
Approaches to developing and implementing a molecular diagnostics stewardship program for infectious diseases: an ASM Laboratory Practices Subcommittee report
Authors: Valencia-Shelton Frances , Anderson Neil , Palavecino Elizabeth L. , Navas Maria E. , Larkin Paige M. K. , She Rosemary , Filkins Laura M.
Published: October 2024

Diagnostic stewardship (DxS) for infectious disease testing requires a multi-disciplinary approach to optimize test selection, performance, interpretation and patient treatment. Nucleic acid amplification-based tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, or “molecular microbiology tests,” have rapidly expanded over the past two decades. With the increased availability and complexity of these tests, there is also an increased need for collaborative approaches to optimize test use to promote positive impacts on patient care, while mitigating potential negative impact or resource waste. In this review, we provide recommendations on building collaborative DxS teams, including microbiologists and the diverse stakeholders that use and interpret molecular microbiology tests. We then detail approaches to identify high-priority molecular microbiology tests that may need utilization assessment, select appropriate diagnostic stewardship interventions, and monitor the impact of implemented interventions. This strategic process may be employed by laboratories to realize optimal testing for selected tests at their institution.
Updated ASM Curriculum Guidelines describe core microbiology content to modernize the framework for microbiology education
Authors: Boury Nancy , Siegesmund Amy , Kushner David B. , Smyth Davida S. , Allen Mary E. , Frazier Adronisha , Gillette-Ferguson Illona , Markum Miriam , Patriquin Glenn , Reynolds Sara E. , Rosario Sarah , Steel J. Jordan , Horak Rachel
Published: October 2024

Curricular guidelines promote standardized approaches to coverage of essential knowledge and skills in undergraduate education. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Microbiology were developed in 2012. Continuous, rapid growth of knowledge in science and a dynamic, changing world necessitate updates to these guidelines. As such, ASM formed a task force in the summer of 2022. The task force assessed the 2012 ASM Curriculum Guidelines considering advancements in technology, an understanding of an expanded role of microbes, and a broader scope addressing relevant social and environmental aspects of microbiology. Language in the updated guidelines was also modified to better include eukaryotic microbes, viruses, and other acellular microbes. The task force formed working groups, each aimed at revising specific sections of the 2012 ASM Curriculum Guidelines. The revisions to the ASM Curriculum Guidelines were reviewed by subject matter experts and education stakeholders. Feedback from this peer review was incorporated into the updated guidelines, and further comments were solicited from the ASM Conference of Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE) attendees in November 2023 before these guidelines were finalized. In this article, we describe the rationale and development of updated ASM Curriculum Guidelines which identify foundational concepts that will serve to improve microbial literacy and that can be expanded upon to address more advanced and specialized topics.