bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of general and spinal anaesthesia on post‐operative wound healing during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kong Liang , Wang Jiming , Guo Kai
Published: February 2024

Totally extraperitoneal prosthetic (TEP) is a surgical technique for the treatment of hernia. The purpose of this research is to compare the efficacy of both general anaesthesia and spine anaesthesia for TEP herniorrhaphy. The number of patients who received TEP operations related to the injury from 2008 to 2022 was counted in this study. Patients with TEP operation were classified into general anaesthesia and spine anaesthesia. In this research, 186 related articles were found in the data base, and in the end, 8 were analysed. This study involved 2452 cases of hernia. The data of the operation time, the infection of the wound and the bleeding of the wound were analysed. The analysis of the data was done with RevMan 5.3. Results indicated that there was no significant difference between general anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia in post‐surgical rates for post‐operative wound infection (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49–1.83; p = 0.86); In general anaesthesia, there was no difference in the risk of post‐operative wound haematoma when compared with those treated with spinal anaesthesia (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 0.37–23.69; p = 0.31). In the seven trials, there was no difference in the duration of the surgery between the general anaesthetic and the spinal anaesthesia group (mean difference, −1.44; 95% CI, −4.11 to 1.22; p = 0.29). Data from the available meta‐analysis indicate that there is no difference in the risk of post‐operative wound infection or wound haematoma when treated with TEP.
Validation of a new assessment of hostile attribution bias in romantic relationships: The Hostile Attributions in Romantic Relationships Test
Authors: Li Danyang , Coker Benjamin , Rowe Angela C.
Published: February 2024

While hostile attributional bias (a tendency to interpret others' behaviors as intentionally hostile) is associated with negative outcomes in romantic relationships, no measure has been developed specifically for this context. Here, we describe the development and validation of a self‐report questionnaire across three studies, named Hostile Attribution in Romantic Relationships Test. Study 1 introduces the development and preliminary validation (N = 152). Study 2 tests the validity and test–retest stability of the modified version revised based on findings in Study 1 (N = 151). Study 3 reports the translation and validation of a Chinese version (N = 630). The final 9‐vignette scale is the first to specifically measure hostile attribution bias in romantic relationships, with good internal reliability, test–retest stability, and convergent validity. Factor analysis reveals a three‐factor structure reflecting direct hostile attribution, indirect hostile attribution, and benign attribution to partners' behaviors. Implications regarding couple dynamics and clinical therapeutic interventions are discussed.
Coaching medical students to give quality feedback
Authors: Bonnett Rachel , Robson Jacob , Anderson Katherine , Fix Megan
Published: February 2024

An innovative feedback training session for medical students using assessment of real feedback examples & role play of high‐frequency scenarios decreased the occurrence of unprofessional feedback.
Nutritional status of children left behind by migrant parents: Evidence from a survey in rural Anhui, eastern China
Authors: Shu Li , Zhu Hao , Zhang Li , Jia Linlin , Zhang Jiaye , Wang Liying
Published: February 2024

We aimed to explore and analyse the dietary intake patterns of 3‐6 year‐old children left behind by one or both parents and to assess their associations with body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of childhood anaemia in rural Anhui, eastern China. We used random cluster sampling to recruit rural children aged 3–6 years in two rural areas in Anhui province. Sociodemographic information and dietary intake were collected by self‐reported questionnaires. Height, weight and prevalence of anaemia were measured by trained nurses blinded to parental migration status. Factor analysis was applied to determine that major dietary patterns, binary logistic regression and generalised linear regression were used to explore the associations between anaemia and BMI Z‐score with dietary patterns. Of 1720 children aged 3–6 years, 236 were left by both parents and 388 were left by a single parent. The prevalence of stunting and underweight among left‐behind children with migration of both parents (BLBC) was significantly higher than that of non‐left‐behind children (NLBC). Three dietary patterns—“grain–vegetable,” “meat–egg” and “fast food–sweet”—were identified in our study, and the total variance explained was 46.9%. The meat–egg dietary pattern was associated with a decreased risk of anaemia after adjustment for confounding factors in the left‐behind children with migration of both parents (BLBC), left‐behind children with single parent migration (SLBC) and non‐left‐behind children (NLBC) groups. After adjusting for confounding factors, the fast food–sweet dietary pattern was found to be associated with an increased risk of anaemia (OR [95% CI]: Q4: 2.21 [1.14, 4.57], p = 0.034). In addition, children with obesity had a lower intake of vegetables and fruits (β = −0.08, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.02) compared with children with a normal weight. In conclusion, there are correlations between different types of parental migration and children's nutritional status in rural Anhui. The meat–egg dietary pattern may have a preventive effect on anaemia in comparison with other dietary patterns, irrespective of whether children are left behind or not. Children with overweight and obesity had a higher intake of pork and red meat and snacks compared with children with normal BMI.
Current insights into cow's milk allergy in children: Microbiome, metabolome, and immune response—A systematic review
Authors: Savova Mariyana V. , Zhu Pingping , Harms Amy C. , van der Molen Renate G. , Belzer Clara , Hendrickx Diana M.
Published: February 2024

The increasing prevalence of IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) in childhood is a worldwide health concern. There is a growing awareness that the gut microbiome (GM) might play an important role in CMA development. Therefore, treatment with probiotics and prebiotics has gained popularity. This systematic review provides an overview of the alterations of the GM, metabolome, and immune response in CMA children and animal models, including post‐treatment modifications. MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies on GM in CMA‐diagnosed children, published before 1 March 2023. A total of 21 articles (13 on children and 8 on animal models) were included. The studies suggest that the GM, characterized by an enrichment of the Clostridia class and reductions in the Lactobacillales order and Bifidobacterium genus, is associated with CMA in early life. Additionally, reduced levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and altered amino acid metabolism were reported in CMA children. Commonly used probiotic strains belong to the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera. However, only Bifidobacterium levels were consistently upregulated after the intervention, while alterations of other bacteria taxa remain inconclusive. These interventions appear to contribute to the restoration of SCFAs and amino acid metabolism balance. Mouse models indicate that these interventions tend to restore the Th2/Th1 balance, increase the Treg response, and/or silence the overall pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine response. Overall, this systematic review highlights the need for multi‐omics‐related research in CMA children to gain a mechanistic understanding of this disease and to develop effective treatments and preventive strategies.
A randomized, double‐blind, dose‐controlled study of the use of dexmedetomidine alone for procedural sedation of children and adolescents undergoing MRI scans
Authors: Khan Umar , Hammer Gregory B. , Duncan‐Azadi Cassandra , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Chiles Deborah , Chime Sunring , Chappell Phillip
Published: February 2024

Background

Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2‐adrenergic agonist originally approved for sedation of adults in the intensive care unit and subsequently approved for procedural sedation in adults undergoing medical procedures. Dexmedetomidine is widely used off‐label for procedural sedation in children.

Aims

To evaluate efficacy and safety of monotherapy dexmedetomidine for magnetic resonance imaging procedural sedation of children ≥1month–<17years across three ascending doses.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, dose‐ranging study of procedural sedation recruited patients at USA and Japanese sites from February 2020 to November 2021. Patients were stratified into Cohort A (≥1month–<2years) or Cohort B (≥2–<17years). Cohort A loading doses/maintenance infusions: 0.5 mcg/kg/0.5 mcg/kg/h, 1.0 mcg/kg/1.0 mcg/kg/h, and 1.5 mcg/kg/1.5 mcg/kg/h. Cohort B loading doses/maintenance infusions: 0.5 mcg/kg/0.5 mcg/kg/h, 1.2 mcg/kg/1.0 mcg/kg/h, and 2.0 mcg/kg/1.5 mcg/kg/h. Primary endpoint was percentage of overall patients completing MRI without rescue propofol at the high versus low dose. Key secondary endpoint was percentage in each age cohort who did not require propofol at the high versus low dose.

Results

One hundred twenty‐two patients received high‐ (n = 38), middle‐ (n = 42), or low‐dose (n = 42) dexmedetomidine. A greater percentage completed MRI without propofol rescue, while receiving high‐ versus low‐dose dexmedetomidine (24/38 [63.2%] vs. 6/42 [14.3%]) (odds ratio: 10.29, 95% confidence interval: 3.47–30.50, p < .001). Similar results were seen in both age cohorts. The most common adverse events were bradypnea, bradycardia, hypertension, and hypotension, and the majority were of mild‐to‐moderate severity.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine was well tolerated. The high dose was associated with meaningfully greater efficacy compared with lower doses. Based on these results, the recommended starting dose for procedural sedation in children ≥1month–<2years is loading dose 1.5 mcg/kg/maintenance infusion 1.5 mcg/kg/h; children ≥2–<17years is loading dose 2.0 mcg/kg/maintenance infusion 1.5 mcg/kg/h.
Sun pain and solar dysesthesia: A new challenge in clinical practice
Authors: Calzavara‐Pinton Piergiacomo , Tonon Francesco , Calzavara‐Pinton Irene
Published: February 2024

Background

A few patients report intense pain and other unpleasant sensations, such as burning, dysesthesia and hyperalgesia, after even brief exposure to the sun and in the absence of any skin lesion. Sometimes they also develop systemic symptoms, such as mild fever, fatigue, faintness and fainting. As a result, these patients carefully avoid even short‐term sun exposure with a consequent severe negative impact on their lives.

Methods

We have reviewed the clinical findings and the results of photobiological investigations of 10 patients who presented this clinical picture. Six of these patients were previously described by our group with the diagnosis of sun pain. We have reviewed the similarities with other previously described disorders such as solar dysesthesia and PUVA pain and have evaluated possible pathogenetic mechanisms.

Results

During phototesting our patients experienced intense pain in the exposed area and in the surrounding skin, without any visible lesion, even with very low sub‐erythemal doses. At follow‐up, five patients were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, three with a major depressive disorder, one with bipolar syndrome and one with a conversion disorder. The pathogenesis remains unclear, but the use of a psychopharmacological treatment with antidepressants improved both the neuropsychiatric symptoms and sensitivity to the sun in most subjects.

Conclusion

For patients with pain and other severe symptoms in the absence of skin lesions and clinical and laboratory manifestations of known photodermatoses, a neuropsychiatric evaluation should be suggested.
CRISPR‐Cas9 and beyond: identifying target genes for developing disease‐resistant plants
Authors: Park H. J. , Kim M. , Lee D. , Kim H. J. , Jung H. W.
Published: February 2024

Throughout the history of crop domestication, desirable traits have been selected in agricultural products. However, such selection often leads to crops and vegetables with weaker vitality and viability than their wild ancestors when exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Considering the increasing human population and climate change challenges, it is crucial to enhance crop quality and quantity. Accordingly, the identification and utilization of diverse genetic resources are imperative for developing disease‐resistant plants that can withstand unexpected epidemics of plant diseases. In this review, we provide a brief overview of recent progress in genome‐editing technologies, including zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) technologies. In particular, we classify disease‐resistant mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana and several crop plants based on the roles or functions of the mutated genes in plant immunity and suggest potential target genes for molecular breeding of genome‐edited disease‐resistant plants. Genome‐editing technologies are resilient tools for sustainable development and promising solutions for coping with climate change and population increases.
Pupil dilation reveals the intensity of touch
Authors: Ten Brink Antonia F. , Heiner Iris , Dijkerman H. Chris , Strauch Christoph
Published: February 2024

Touch is important for many aspects of our daily activities. One of the most important tactile characteristics is its perceived intensity. However, quantifying the intensity of perceived tactile stimulation is not always possible using overt responses. Here, we show that pupil responses can objectively index the intensity of tactile stimulation in the absence of overt participant responses. In Experiment 1 (n = 32), we stimulated three reportedly differentially sensitive body locations (finger, forearm, and calf) with a single tap of a tactor while tracking pupil responses. Tactile stimulation resulted in greater pupil dilation than a baseline without stimulation. Furthermore, pupils dilated more for the more sensitive location (finger) than for the less sensitive location (forearm and calf). In Experiment 2 (n = 20) we extended these findings by manipulating the intensity of the stimulation with three different intensities, here a short vibration, always at the little finger. Again, pupils dilated more when being stimulated at higher intensities as compared to lower intensities. In summary, pupils dilated more for more sensitive parts of the body at constant stimulation intensity and for more intense stimulation at constant location. Taken together, the results show that the intensity of perceived tactile stimulation can be objectively measured with pupil responses – and that such responses are a versatile marker for touch research. Our findings may pave the way for previously impossible objective tests of tactile sensitivity, for example in minimally conscious state patients.
Moving from coproduction to commonization of digital public goods and services
Authors: Shulz Sébastien
Published: February 2024

The hybridization of digital commons and public administration institutions led by bureaucratic entrepreneurs is a relatively recent phenomenon that has received limited attention in the literature. The term coined to describe this evolution is the “commonization” of digital public goods and services. I define commonization as the integration of shared property, peer production, and self‐governance into public administration. To explore the democratizing potential of commonization, I conducted a qualitative study comparing two case studies in France and Spain (Barcelona). My approach involves 44 semistructured interviews and online observations analyzed through the analytical framework of institutional work. The findings highlight five factors that enhance, and two that hinder, citizen power in co‐governance arrangements. In conclusion, I identify the theoretical and practical implications of commonizing digital public goods and services, providing valuable insights for practitioners and scholars, particularly in the New Public Governance paradigm.
Quantum Black creative geographies: embodiment, coherence and transcendence in a time of climate crisis†
Authors: Noxolo Patricia
Published: February 2024

This paper brings together three parallel strands of work—Black Geographies, geographies of Caribbean creative practice, and quantum geographies. The paper begins by considering static linear spacetimes as colonial spacetimes, and draws on Michelle Wright's critique of Middle Passage epistemologies, from Black Studies, to elaborate on this. It then moves through a number of ways in which, over the last couple of decades, I have drawn together insights from Wilson Harris and Karen Barad to explore how quantum mechanics can facilitate a conversation about uncertainty, connectedness, entanglement and the liveliness of always already climate‐changed landscapes in relation to Black embodiment. In pushing briefly into string theory, the paper ends with the possibility of connecting spirituality with materialities, to push towards more politically attuned forms of emancipation.
Bricolage or breakthrough? Entrepreneurial responses to tourism development in a regional tourism destination
Authors: Abe Yoshi , Jones Tod , Niewiadomski Piotr , Kerr Thor
Published: February 2024

The Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG) framework contributes to the study of tourism destination evolution by focusing on the various circumstances and events through which tourism destinations develop over long periods of time. Our research objective is to investigate how players in tourism destinations shape development pathways when they face stagnant or lock‐in situations. Applying the concepts of path dependence and path creation, we explain how path shaping mechanisms such as bricolage (the process of combining available resources to create innovative outcomes) and breakthrough (a process where actors attempt to generate dramatic outcomes to deviate from existing pathways) occur using two destinations in the two regencies of the Toraja region of Sulawesi, Indonesia, as a case study. Understanding cultural tourism destination pathways requires frameworks capable of interrogating ethno‐political structures and histories and assessing how they influence developmental pathways that generate regional transformations. Our investigation indicates: strong path dependence in tourism, due to cultural, political, and economic conditions, inhibits breakthrough development; that the strength of path dependence at a regional level strongly influences the path shaping processes at the firm level; and that a breakthrough developmental process in tourism does not exclude bricolage.
Brilaroxazine lipogel displays antipsoriatic activity in imiquimod‐induced mouse model
Authors: Bhat Laxminarayan , Bhat Seema R. , Ramakrishnan Arulprakash , Amirthalingam Muthukumar
Published: February 2024

Background

Dopamine (D) and serotonin (5‐HT) pathways contribute to psoriasis pathobiology. Disruptions incite increased inflammatory mediators, keratinocyte activation and deterioration, and worsening symptoms. Brilaroxazine (RP5063), which displays potent high binding affinity to D2/3/4 and 5‐HT1A/2A/2B/7 receptors and a moderate affinity to serotonin transporter (SERT), may affect the underlying psoriasis pathology.

Methods

An imiquimod‐induced psoriatic mouse model (BALB/c) evaluated brilaroxazine's activity in a topical liposomal‐aqueous gel (Lipogel) formulation. Two of the three groups (n = 6 per) underwent induction with 5% imiquimod, and one group received topical brilaroxazine Lipogel (Days 1–11). Assessments included (1) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores (Days 1–12), skin histology for Baker score based on H&E stained tissue (Day 12), and serum blood collection for serum cytokine analysis (Day 12). One‐way ANOVA followed by post hoc Dunnett's t‐test evaluated significance (p < 0.05).

Results

Imiquimod‐induced animal Baker scores were higher versus Sham non‐induced control's results (p < 0.001). Brilaroxazine Lipogel had significantly (p = 0.003) lower Baker scores versus the induced Psoriasis group. Brilaroxazine PASI scores were lower (p = 0.03) versus the induced Psoriasis group (Days 3‐12), with the greatest effect in the last 3 days. The induced Psoriasis group showed higher Ki‐67 and TGF‐β levels versus non‐induced Sham controls (p = 0.001). The brilaroxazine Lipogel group displayed lower levels of these cytokines versus the induced Psoriasis group, Ki‐67 (p = 0.001) and TGF‐β (p = 0.008), and no difference in TNF‐α levels versus Sham non‐induced controls.

Conclusion

Brilaroxazine Lipogel displayed significant activity in imiquimod‐induced psoriatic animals, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.
Syrian migrant students' attitudes toward science: A comparative analysis with their Turkish peers, Phase I
Authors: Özkan Yakup , Dökme İlbilge
Published: February 2024

In the context of a cross‐ethnic comparison, this study aimed to determine the attitudes of students from two different ethnic backgrounds (Turkish and Syrian) toward science according to various biological and parental variables. Methodologically, this study was conducted as a quantitative research using the survey method. Data were obtained from 574 Turkish and 321 Syrian migrant students between the ages of 8 and 16. Our findings clearly revealed that certain parental variables, but not gender and age, strongly influence attitudes toward science. It was found that children whose fathers are civil servants, who have more than 100 books at home, and who talk to their parents daily about school or school activities are more advantageous in their attitudes toward science. Hence, based on these results, it can be recommended that families be supported to provide their children with a better quality family environment regarding socioeconomic and psychological aspects to improve children's attitudes toward science regardless of age and gender.
PDR9 allelic variation and MYB63 modulate nutrient‐dependent coumarin homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: DeLoose Megan , Cho Huikyong , Bouain Nadia , Choi Ilyeong , Prom‐U‐Thai Chanakan , Shahzad Zaigham , Zheng Luqing , Rouached Hatem
Published: February 2024

Plant roots release phytochemicals into the soil environment to influence nutrient availability and uptake. Arabidopsis thaliana roots release phenylpropanoid coumarins in response to iron (Fe) deficiency, likely to enhance Fe uptake and improve plant health. This response requires sufficient phosphorus (P) in the root environment. Nonetheless, the regulatory interplay influencing coumarin production under varying availabilities of Fe and P is not known. Through genome‐wide association studies, we have pinpointed the influence of the ABC transporter G family member, PDR9, on coumarin accumulation and trafficking (homeostasis) under combined Fe and P deficiency. We show that genetic variation in the promoter of PDR9 regulates its expression in a manner associated with coumarin production. Furthermore, we find that MYB63 transcription factor controls dedicated coumarin production by regulating both COUMARIN SYNTHASE (COSY) and FERULOYL‐CoA 6′‐HYDROXYLASE 1 (F6′H1) expression while orchestrating secretion through PDR9 genes under Fe and P combined deficiency. This integrated approach illuminates the intricate connections between nutrient signaling pathways in coumarin response mechanisms.
Blood consumption in the Role 2 setting: A Department of Defense Trauma Registry analysis
Authors: McWhirter Kelly K. , April Michael D. , Fisher Andrew D. , Wright Franklin L. , Rizzo Julie A. , Corley Jason B. , Getz Todd M. , Schauer Steven G.
Published: February 2024

Background

The Role 2 setting represents the most far‐forward military treatment facility with limited surgical and holding capabilities. There are limited data to guide recommendations on blood product utilization at the Role 2. We describe the consumption of blood products in this setting.

Study Design and Methods

We analyzed data from 2007 to 2023 from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DODTR) that received care at a Role 2. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to characterize the volumes of blood products consumed in this setting. We also performed a secondary analysis of US military, Coalition, and US contractor personnel.

Results

Within our initial cohort analysis of 15,581 encounters, 17% (2636) received at least one unit of PRBCs or whole blood, of which 11% received a submassive transfusion, 4% received a massive transfusion, and 1% received a supermassive transfusion. There were 6402 encounters that met inclusion for our secondary analysis. With this group, 5% received a submassive transfusion, 2% received a massive transfusion, and 1% received a supermassive transfusion.

Conclusions

We described volumes of blood products consumed at the Role 2 during recent conflicts. The maximum number of units consumed among survivors exceeds currently recommended available blood supply. Our findings suggest that rapid resupply and cold‐stored chain demands may be higher than anticipated in future conflicts.
Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess owner and canine quality‐of‐life and treatment satisfaction in canine allergic dermatitis
Authors: Wells J. R. , Hillier A. , Holland R. , Mwacalimba K. , Noli C. , Panter C. , Tatlock S. , Wright A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Animal and owner quality‐of‐life (QoL) is pivotal in treatment decisions. Accurate measurement of owner‐reported QoL and treatment satisfaction (TS) supports disease burden and treatment benefit evaluation.

Objectives

Develop and evaluate an owner‐completed canine dermatitis QoL and TS questionnaire (CDQoL‐TSQ) in allergic dogs.

Materials and Methods

The CDQoL‐TSQ was drafted following review of existing measures and expert input. Content validity was assessed through interviews with owners of allergic dogs. Psychometric properties of the QoL domains (Canine QoL, Owner QoL) were evaluated. Score interpretation was derived.

Results

Twenty dog owners were interviewed. Item wording was amended following the first 10 interviews. Data from 211 owners were used in the psychometric evaluation. The Canine QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.89), test–retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.844), moderate convergent validity (r = 0.41) and moderate‐high known‐groups validity (effect size 0.37–0.64). The Owner QoL domain demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.73), high convergent validity (r = 0.63) and moderate‐high known‐groups validity (0.43–0.63). Test–retest reliability approached moderate strength (ICC2,1 = 0.490). Group‐level interpretation analysis showed minimal important difference of 7.0–13.6 points for dogs and 13.0–13.6 for owners. For individual dogs a change of 6.3 or 12.5 points for dogs, and 12.5 or 18.8 for owners indicates a response.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The CDQOL‐TSQ is a two‐part assessment to evaluate QoL and TS in canine allergic dermatitis. The QoL questionnaire demonstrated validity and reliability, and interpretation of scores was derived, making it suitable for use in research and practice. The TS module is suitable for clinical setting use to improve owner–veterinarian communication.
Using Constrained Convex Optimization in Parameter Estimation of Process Dynamics With Dead Time
Authors: Pal Mahua , Banerjee Kumardeb , Dam Bivas
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes the usage of constrained convex optimization in improving the quality of the parameter estimates of a typical process plant with dead time from its time response data by incorporating system-specific constraints that are not considered in standard estimation methods. As the majority of the process plants are identified as second-order plus dead time (SOPDT) systems, the proposed method uses the same for establishing the optimization process. Traditional methods for parameter estimation in SOPDT systems have often relied on heuristic approaches or simplified assumptions, leading to suboptimal results. The proposed methodology augments the accuracy of the estimated values by leveraging the power of constrained convex optimization techniques, using Newton's Quadratic Model and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP), which provide a rigorous mathematical framework for parameter estimation. By incorporating system constraints, such as bounds on the parameters or stability requirements, it is ensured that the obtained parameter estimates adhere to physical and practical limitations. The proposed approach is demonstrated using simulations and on a real-time system, and the results show that it is effective not only in accurately estimating the parameters of the underdamped SOPDT systems but also works efficiently for parameter estimation of SOPDT systems in the presence of measurement noise. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is verified by comparing it with similar published methods.
A Novel Non-Contact Method for Monitoring the Acoustic Emission From Mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Contacts
Authors: Hutt S. , Clarke A. , Evans H. P.
Published: February 2024

Lubricated non-conformal contacts, such as between gear teeth, operate with high levels of mixed lubrication, where the amount of direct asperity contact depends on operating parameters that influence the film thickness. Understanding of the levels of surface interaction is key to optimizing component life, and there is considerable interest in sensitive monitoring methods such as Acoustic Emission (AE). Researchers have shown that AE can detect subtle changes in lubrication conditions, using sensors mounted directly on the rotating gears. However, the use of such sensors is complex and unsuitable for implementation in real gearboxes. The alternative, of using sensors placed on housings, is hampered by signal attenuation and noise. This paper presents a novel, non-contact stationary sensor, coupled by an oil film to the rotating gear, which is shown to be capable of detecting important changes in lubrication conditions with significantly higher consistency and precision than housing-mounted sensors, whilst avoiding the complexities of gear-mounted sensors.
Modified Structure of Deep Neural Network for Training Multi-Fidelity Data With Non-Common Input Variables
Authors: Jo Hwisang , Song Byeong-uk , Huh Joon-Yong , Lee Seung-Kyu , Lee Ikjin
Published: February 2024

Multi-fidelity surrogate (MFS) modeling technology, which efficiently constructs surrogate models using low-fidelity (LF) and high-fidelity (HF) data, has been studied to enhance the predictive capability of engineering performances. In addition, several neural network (NN) structures for MFS modeling have been introduced, benefiting from recent developments in deep learning research. However, existing multi-fidelity (MF) NNs have been developed assuming identical sets of input variables for LF and HF data, a condition that is often not met in practical engineering systems. Therefore, this study proposes a new structure of composite NN designed for MF data with different input variables. The proposed network structure includes an input mapping network that connects the LF and HF data's input variables. Even when the physical relationship between these variables is unknown, the input mapping network can be concurrently trained during the process of training the whole network model. Customized loss functions and activation variables are suggested in this study to facilitate forward and backward propagation for the proposed NN structures when training MF data with different inputs. The effectiveness of the proposed method, in terms of prediction accuracy, is demonstrated through mathematical examples and practical engineering problems related to tire performances. The results confirm that the proposed method offers better accuracy than existing surrogate models in most problems. Moreover, the proposed method proves advantageous for surrogate modeling of nonlinear or discrete functions, a characteristic feature of NN-based methods.
Direct imaging of the magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic BaTiO3/La0.9Ba0.1MnO3
Authors: Stramaglia F. , Panchal G. , Tovaglieri L. , Lichtensteiger C. , Nolting F. , Vaz C. A. F.
Published: February 2024

We report the direct imaging of the magnetic response of a 4.8 nm La0.9Ba0.1MnO3 film to the voltage applied across a 5 nm BaTiO3 film in a BaTiO3/La0.9Ba0.1MnO3 multiferroic heterostructure using x-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM). Specifically, we have written square ferroelectric domains on the BaTiO3 layer with an atomic force microscope in contact mode and imaged the corresponding magnetic contrast through the x-ray circular dichroic effect at the Mn L-edge with high spatial lateral resolution using XPEEM. We find a sudden decrease in the magnetic contrast for positive writing voltages above +6 V associated with the switching of the ferroelectric polarization of the BaTiO3, consistent with the presence of a magnetoelectric effect through changes in the hole carrier density at the BaTiO3/La0.9Ba0.1MnO3 interface. Temperature-dependent measurements show a decrease in the Curie temperature and magnetic moment in the areas where a positive voltage above +6 V was applied, corresponding to the hole depletion state and suggesting the onset of a spin-canted state of bulk La0.9Ba0.1MnO3. Our results are the first direct imaging of magnetoelectric coupling in such multiferroic heterostructure.
Zero-shot test-time adaptation via knowledge distillation for personalized speech denoising and dereverberation
Authors: Kim Sunwoo , Athi Mrudula , Shi Guangji , Kim Minje , Kristjansson Trausti
Published: February 2024

A personalization framework to adapt compact models to test time environments and improve their speech enhancement (SE) performance in noisy and reverberant conditions is proposed. The use-cases are when the end-user device encounters only one or a few speakers and noise types that tend to reoccur in the specific acoustic environment. Hence, a small personalized model that is sufficient to handle this focused subset of the original universal SE problem is postulated. The study addresses a major data shortage issue: although the goal is to learn from a specific user's speech signals and the test time environment, the target clean speech is unavailable for model training due to privacy-related concerns and technical difficulty of recording noise and reverberation-free voice signals. The proposed zero-shot personalization method uses no clean speech target. Instead, it employs the knowledge distillation framework, where the more advanced denoising results from an overly large teacher work as pseudo targets to train a small student model. Evaluation on various test time conditions suggests that the proposed personalization approach can significantly enhance the compact student model's test time performance. Personalized models outperform larger non-personalized baseline models, demonstrating that personalization achieves model compression with no loss in dereverberation and denoising performance.
Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) produce both narrowband high-frequency and broadband acoustic signals
Authors: Abildtrup Nielsen Nicoline , Dawson Stephen M. , Torres Ortiz Sara , Wahlberg Magnus , Martin Morgan J.
Published: February 2024

Odontocetes produce clicks for echolocation and communication. Most odontocetes are thought to produce either broadband (BB) or narrowband high-frequency (NBHF) clicks. Here, we show that the click repertoire of Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) comprises highly stereotypical NBHF clicks and far more variable broadband clicks, with some that are intermediate between these two categories. Both NBHF and broadband clicks were made in trains, buzzes, and burst-pulses. Most clicks within click trains were typical NBHF clicks, which had a median centroid frequency of 130.3 kHz (median –10 dB bandwidth = 29.8 kHz). Some, however, while having only marginally lower centroid frequency (median = 123.8 kHz), had significant energy below 100 kHz and approximately double the bandwidth (median –10 dB bandwidth = 69.8 kHz); we refer to these as broadband. Broadband clicks in buzzes and burst-pulses had lower median centroid frequencies (120.7 and 121.8 kHz, respectively) compared to NBHF buzzes and burst-pulses (129.5 and 130.3 kHz, respectively). Source levels of NBHF clicks, estimated by using a drone to measure ranges from a single hydrophone and by computing time-of-arrival differences at a vertical hydrophone array, ranged from 116 to 171 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m, whereas source levels of broadband clicks, obtained from array data only, ranged from 138 to 184 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m. Our findings challenge the grouping of toothed whales as either NBHF or broadband species.
An acoustical environment survey of student music practice
Authors: Chung Lauren , Wong Angel. O. Y. , Leaver Lilly A. , He Yuan , Boothalingam Sriram
Published: February 2024

Chronic exposure to loud sound leads to noise-induced hearing loss. This is especially common in collegiate-level musicians. Existing methods for estimating exposure typically do not consider genre- or instrument-specific variability in soundscape/spectral characteristics. We measured sound exposure levels (SELs) across instruments, bands, and genres at a university music school. We found (1) considerable variability in SELs across instruments and bands, (2) that Jazz musicians are consistently exposed to the highest sound levels, and (3) that spectral features of music differ between instrument type and genre, and based on room size. These findings highlight the need for tailored guidelines that moderate the implementation of hearing conservation initiatives for collegiate musicians.
Modelling Mandarin tone perception-production link through critical perceptual cues
Authors: Leung Keith K. W. , Wang Yue
Published: February 2024

Theoretical accounts posit a close link between speech perception and production, but empirical findings on this relationship are mixed. To explain this apparent contradiction, a proposed view is that a perception-production relationship should be established through the use of critical perceptual cues. This study examines this view by using Mandarin tones as a test case because the perceptual cues for Mandarin tones consist of perceptually critical pitch direction and noncritical pitch height cues. The defining features of critical and noncritical perceptual cues and the perception-production relationship of each cue for each tone were investigated. The perceptual stimuli in the perception experiment were created by varying one critical and one noncritical perceptual cue orthogonally. The cues for tones produced by the same group of native Mandarin participants were measured. This study found that the critical status of perceptual cues primarily influenced within-category and between-category perception for nearly all tones. Using cross-domain bidirectional statistical modelling, a perception-production link was found for the critical perceptual cue only. A stronger link was obtained when within-category and between-category perception data were included in the models as compared to using between-category perception data alone, suggesting a phonetically and phonologically driven perception-production relationship.
Physical Behavior Profiles Among Older Adults and Their Associations With Physical Capacity and Life-Space Mobility
Authors: Palmberg Lotta , Löppönen Antti , Hyvärinen Matti , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina , Rantalainen Timo , Karavirta Laura
Published: February 2024

We identified data-driven multidimensional physical activity (PA) profiles using several novel accelerometer-derived metrics. Participants aged 75, 80, and 85 (n = 441) wore triaxial accelerometers for 3–7 days. PA profiles were formed with k-means cluster analysis based on PA minutes, intensity, fragmentation, sit-to-stand transitions, and gait bouts for men and women. Associations with physical capacity and life-space mobility were examined using age-adjusted general linear models. Three profiles emerged: “Exercisers” and “actives” accumulated relatively high PA minutes, with actives engaging in lighter intensity PA. “Inactives” had the highest activity fragmentation and lowest PA volume, intensity, and gait bouts. Inactives showed lower scores in physical capacity and life-space mobility compared with exercisers and actives. Exercisers and actives had similar physical capacity and life-space mobility, except female exercisers had higher walking speed in the 6-min walk test. Our findings demonstrate the importance of assessing PA as multidimensional behavior rather than focusing on a single metric.
Policy and Advocacy in Physical Education: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Authors: Marttinen Risto , Beighle Aaron
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we provide an overview of physical education (PE) policy and advocacy research in the United States. We examine the past policy and advocacy work that has been completed in the field and make connections to international policy work. We examine the potential changes the future holds for developing scholarship in the area. We define policy and advocacy and explain how teachers as policy actors are key figures in any policy enacted. The paper also examines the relationship between PE and the public health arena, which completes a lot of PE-focused policy research. The paper concludes with a focus on PE teacher education and the work that higher education must do to help educate future professionals to be advocates for policy change.
Enterovirus evolution reveals the mechanism of an RNA-targeted antiviral and determinants of viral replication
Authors: Davila-Calderon Jesse , Li Mei-Ling , Penumutchu Srinivasa R. , Haddad Christina , Malcolm Linzy , King Josephine , Hargrove Amanda E. , Brewer Gary , Tolbert Blanton S.
Published: February 2024

Selective pressures on viruses provide opportunities to establish target site specificity and mechanisms of antivirals. Enterovirus (EV)-A71 with resistant mutations in the stem loop (SL) II internal ribosome entry site (IRES) (SLII
resist
) were selected at low doses of the antiviral dimethylamiloride (DMA)-135. The EV-A71 mutants were resistant to DMA-135 at concentrations that inhibit replication of wild-type virus. EV-A71 IRES structures harboring resistant mutations induced efficient expression of Luciferase messenger RNA in the presence of noncytotoxic doses of DMA-135. Nuclear magnetic resonance indicates that the mutations change the structure of SLII at the binding site of DMA-135 and at the surface recognized by the host protein AU-rich element/poly(U)-binding/degradation factor 1 (AUF1). Biophysical studies of complexes formed between AUF1, DMA-135, and either SLII or SLII
resist
show that DMA-135 stabilizes a ternary complex with AUF1-SLII but not AUF1-SLII
resist
. This work demonstrates how viral evolution elucidates the (DMA-135)–RNA binding site specificity in cells and provides insights into the viral pathways inhibited by the antiviral.
Food LEGO: Building hollow cage and sheet superstructures from starch
Authors: Kierulf Arkaye , Mosleh Imann , Li Jieying , Li Peilong , Zarei Amin , Khazdooz Leila , Smoot James , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: February 2024

The idea of building large structures from small building blocks has had a long history in the human imagination, from the beautifully intricate shells assembled from silica by unicellular algae to the Egyptian pyramids built from stone. Carrying this idea into the food industry has important implications. Here, we introduce a Pickering emulsion platform for building superstructures like hollow cages and sheets using starch granules as building blocks. In food, these superstructures occupy up to six times more space than their constituent parts, thereby delivering a viscosity greater by an order of magnitude than unstructured starch. To achieve this higher viscosity, they use an alternative superstructure mechanism as opposed to the classic swelling mechanism of individual particles. These super-thickeners may reduce calories, cut production costs, and stretch the global food supply, demonstrating how we can design the future by playing with our food.
A general fluorescence off/on strategy for fluorogenic probes: Steric repulsion-induced twisted intramolecular charge transfer (sr-TICT)
Authors: Hanaoka Kenjiro , Ikeno Takayuki , Iwaki Shimpei , Deguchi Sayaka , Takayama Kazuo , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Tao Fumiya , Kojima Nobuhiko , Ohno Hisashi , Sasaki Eita , Komatsu Toru , Ueno Tasuku , Maeda Kazuya , Kusuhara Hiroyuki , Urano Yasuteru
Published: February 2024

Various control strategies are available for building fluorogenic probes to visualize biological events in terms of a fluorescence change. Here, we performed the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) computational analysis of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) process in rhodamine dyes. On the basis of the results, we designed and synthesized a series of rhodamine dyes and established a fluorescence quenching strategy that we call steric repulsion-induced TICT (sr-TICT), in which the fluorescence quenching process is greatly accelerated by simple intramolecular twisting. As proof of concept of this design strategy, we used it to develop a fluorogenic probe, 2-Me PeER (pentyloxyethylrhodamine), for the
N
-dealkylation activity of CYP3A4. We applied 2-Me PeER for CYP3A4 activity–based fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), providing access to homogeneous, highly functional human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)–derived hepatocytes and intestinal epithelial cells. Our results suggest that sr-TICT represents a general fluorescence control method for fluorogenic probes.
Structural insights into the formation of repulsive netrin guidance complexes
Authors: Priest Jessica M. , Nichols Ev L. , Smock Robert G. , Hopkins Jesse B. , Mendoza Juan L. , Meijers Rob , Shen Kang , Özkan Engin
Published: February 2024

Netrins dictate attractive and repulsive responses during axon growth and cell migration, where the presence of the receptor Uncoordinated-5 (UNC-5) on target cells results in repulsion. Here, we showed that UNC-5 is a heparin-binding protein, determined its structure bound to a heparin fragment, and could modulate UNC-5–heparin affinity using a directed evolution platform or structure-based rational design. We demonstrated that UNC-5 and UNC-6/netrin form a large, stable, and rigid complex in the presence of heparin, and heparin and UNC-5 exclude the attractive UNC-40/DCC receptor from binding to UNC-6/netrin to a large extent.
Caenorhabditis elegans
with a heparin-binding–deficient UNC-5 fail to establish proper gonad morphology due to abrogated cell migration, which relies on repulsive UNC-5 signaling in response to UNC-6. Combining UNC-5 mutations targeting heparin and UNC-6/netrin contacts results in complete cell migration and axon guidance defects. Our findings establish repulsive netrin responses to be mediated through a glycosaminoglycan-regulated macromolecular complex.