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This paper deals with a problem of tactical planning of production activities. It considers the case of the world's largest phosphate production site, with several mines, several washing plants, and a drying plant, with transport of merchantable phosphate ores (MOs) by rail or pipeline. The tightening of product quality requirements by customers prevents from continuing to plan its production with the current rules. Currently, the plants are managed quite independently, source ores (SOs) are pre-assigned to the MOs for blending, and the MO production routings in the washing plants are predetermined. We propose a model that ensures flexibility in the production of MOs through the choice of dynamic blends and routings. Our approach goes beyond any pre-allocation of resources and aims at synchronising the flows of the washing plants. This specific problem of blending production and planning has not been addressed in the literature. Still, it is widely encountered in many mining industries and offers perspectives for the application of the approach proposed. Numerous tests show that this model ensures the quality constraints related to the composition of several chemical components, with a generalised use of the most economical routings while ensuring horizontal and vertical alignment of decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the currently available systematic reviews and meta-analyses comparing kinematic alignment (KA) and mechanical alignment (MA). METHODS: A literature search was performed to obtain all systematic review and meta-analyses comparing KA to MA that included one or more randomised controlled trials. A total of 18 studies were obtained, three of which were systematic reviews without meta-analysis. Studies were evaluated based on their meta-analysis methodology, appropriate inclusion criteria, the use of correct definitions of each alignment technique, and risk of bias. RESULTS: These 18 studies included between 3 and 14 RCTs in each study. From the perspective of study design, the majority of papers had low risk of bias. In contrast, most of these reviews had technical issues pertaining to study inclusion in their meta-analyses that would potentially compromise their conclusions. These included mixing time points in the analysis, duplicate inclusion of patients in a meta-analysis, inclusion of studies with incorrect definitions of KA, inclusion of studies performed with restricted kinematic alignment with the KA group, and inappropriate combination of studies with bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with studies with unilateral TKA. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature is inadequate to determine if there is any advantage to KA compared to MA in TKA. Claims made in systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the subject must be carefully scrutinised based not only on risk of bias but also on the included study populations, the surgical methodology of each underlying study, and the authors understanding of the definitions of each alignment technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1 based on this study being a systematic review with the inclusion of only systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

Machine learning (ML) applications in medical artificial intelligence (AI) systems have shifted from traditional and statistical methods to increasing application of deep learning models. This survey navigates the current landscape of multimodal ML, focusing on its profound impact on medical image analysis and clinical decision support systems. Emphasizing challenges and innovations in addressing multimodal representation, fusion, translation, alignment, and co-learning, the paper explores the transformative potential of multimodal models for clinical predictions. It also highlights the need for principled assessments and practical implementation of such models, bringing attention to the dynamics between decision support systems and healthcare providers and personnel. Despite advancements, challenges such as data biases and the scarcity of big data in many biomedical domains persist. We conclude with a discussion on principled innovation and collaborative efforts to further the mission of seamless integration of multimodal ML models into biomedical practice.

Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), as applied to untargeted metabolomics, enables the simultaneous detection of thousands of small molecules, generating complex datasets. Alignment is a crucial step in data processing pipelines, whereby LC-MS features derived from common ions are assembled into a unified matrix amenable to further analysis. Variability in the analytical factors that influence liquid chromatography separations complicates data alignment. This is prominent when aligning data acquired in different laboratories, generated using non-identical instruments, or between batches from large-scale studies. Previously, we developed metabCombiner for aligning disparately acquired LC-MS metabolomics datasets. Here, we report significant upgrades to metabCombiner that enable the stepwise alignment of multiple untargeted LC-MS metabolomics datasets, facilitating inter-laboratory reproducibility studies. To accomplish this, a "primary" feature list is used as a template for matching compounds in "target" feature lists. We demonstrate this workflow by aligning four lipidomics datasets from core laboratories generated using each institution's in-house LC-MS instrumentation and methods. We also introduce batchCombine, an application of the metabCombiner framework for aligning experiments composed of multiple batches. metabCombiner is available as an R package on Github and Bioconductor, along with a new online version implemented as an R Shiny App.

Purpose: Assess the comparative accuracy and reliability of postoperative toric intraocular lens (TIOL) alignment measurement methods: Casia2 and Adobe Photoshop with digital slit lamp images (PS method). Methods: In a study of 41 subjects with 58 eyes postimplantation of TIOL, we independently measured TIOL alignment with Casia2 and PS methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1,1) was employed to assess the repeatability of the Casia2 method. While ICC2,1 for absolute agreement and Bland–Altman analysis were utilized to determine the interdevice agreement between the two methods, the regression analysis was conducted to identify any proportional bias. Results: Casia2 demonstrated excellent intradevice repeatability with an ICC1,1 of 0.998. The absolute agreement between Casia2 and PS was very high with an ICC2,1 of 0.999. The average discrepancy between the two measurement methods was −0.828°, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from −1.623° to −0.032°. The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were between −6.761° and 5.105°, indicating a strong concordance in TIOL alignment measurements. Casia2 was capable of accurately measuring the TIOL axis alignment under conditions of pupil diameters (PDs) of 4 mm or greater. Conclusion: Casia2 and PS demonstrated significant concordance in measuring postoperative TIOL alignment, with Casia2 offering a more straightforward and accessible alternative, particularly beneficial for patients with suboptimal pupil dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In unforeseen situations, such as nuclear power plant's or civilian radiation accidents, there is a need for effective and computationally inexpensive methods to determine the expression level of a selected gene panel, allowing for rough dose estimates in thousands of donors. The new generation in-situ mapper, fast and of low energy consumption, working at the level of single nanopore output, is in demand. We aim to create a sequence identification tool that utilizes natural language processing techniques and ensures a high level of negative predictive value (NPV) compared to the classical approach. Results: The training dataset consisted of RNA sequencing data from 6 samples. Multiple natural language processing models were examined, differing in the type of dictionary components (word length, step, context) as well as the encoding length and number of sequences required for algorithm training. The best configuration analyses the entire sequence and uses a word length of 3 base pairs with one-word neighbor on each side. For the considered FDXR gene, the achieved mean balanced accuracy (BACC) was 98.29% and NPV was 99.25%, compared to minimap2's performance in a cross-validation scenario. The next stage focused on exploring the dictionary components and attempting to optimize it, employing statistical techniques as well as those relying on the explainability of the decisions made. Reducing the dictionary from 1024 to 145 changed BACC to 96.49% and the NPV to 98.15%. Obtained model, validated on an external independent genome sequencing dataset, gave NPV of 99.64% for complete and 95.87% for reduced dictionary. The salmon-estimated read counts differed from the classical approach on average by 3.48% for the complete dictionary and by 5.82% for the reduced one. Conclusions: We conclude that for long Oxford nanopore reads, a natural language processing-based approach can reliably replace classical mapping when there is a need for fast, reliable and energy and computationally efficient targeted mapping of a pre-defined subset of transcripts. The developed model can be easily retrained to identify selected transcripts and/or work with various long-read sequencing techniques. Our results of the study clearly demonstrate the potential of applying techniques known from classical text processing to nucleotide sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent shifts in nursing education towards generic proficiencies pose challenges to the unique demands of mental health nursing education. Student mental health nurses at the authors' higher education institution (HEI) have provided service feedback that has expressed the difficulties they have encountered. This article examines the issues faced by students, assessors and educators in interpreting and applying the proficiency standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Addressing the complexities of mental health nursing education, as well as the barriers to learning and attainment, requires a collaborative effort and innovative solutions if HEIs are to successfully prepare future mental health nurses to meet the evolving demands of their role. The proposed solution is a 'Proficiency Directory', which provides structured resources for mental health nursing students to align learning experiences with assessment criteria, facilitating a more comprehensive and meaningful learning journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel electrolytes have been widely explored in aqueous zinc‐iodine batteries (AZIBs), in light of their intrinsic strong water‐retention capability and superior flexibility of hydrogel network. However, hydrogel‐based AZIBs are still facing challenges due to the inferior ionic conductivity, dendrite formation, and corresponding fatigue‐induced damage. Herein, a hydrogel electrolyte is designed and engineered with preferentially aligned porous structures, where Zn2+ can promptly transport along the pores. AZIBs fabricated from the hydrogel electrolyte exhibited distinct cycling stability over 1,000 h (500 cycles) at 0.5 mA cm−2. Moreover, in light of the substantially improved mechanical robustness, the hydrogel electrolyte network remained intact over a 27,000‐cycle charging/discharging test at 5 A g−1, with a slight change in capacity, surpassing most previously reported AZIBs. Such kind of hydrogel electrolyte‐based AZIBs can be further explored as the flexible power system for wearable devices, enabling significantly accelerated wound healing through electrical stimulation over the epidermal wounds. This work sheds light on hydrogel electrolytes design for long‐life aqueous zinc‐based batteries, with great potential as power systems for wearable and implantable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current one-stage object detection methods use dense prediction to generate classification and regression results at the same point on the feature map. Due to the different task attributes, classification and regression are typically trained using separate detection heads, which may result in different feature areas being focused on. However, they ultimately act on the same object, especially in the post-processing stage, where we hope they have the same performance. This inherent contradiction can seriously affect the performance of the detector. To solve this problem, we propose a flexible and effective decouple and align classification and regression one-stage object detector (DAOD), based on different aspects to decouple and align the two subtasks. Specifically, we first propose a regression subtask spatial decouple module to solve the regression spatial sensitivity problem by efficiently sampling the information of the regression result map to strengthen localization. Then, we propose a dynamic aligned label assignment strategy for sample selection, guiding the network to focus on more aligned features during training. Finally, we introduce harmonic supervision to align results while ensuring the independence of the respective task. With the negligible additional overhead, extensive experiments on the COCO dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our DAOD. Notably, DAOD with ResNeXt-101-64 × 4d-DCN backbone achieves 50.0 AP at single-model single-scale testing on MS-COCO test-dev. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the diachrony of Latin P-labile verbs (verbs that can be used transitively and intransitively with the preservation of the Patient and without a formal change), availing itself from evidence in medical and veterinary texts from the first to seventh century AD. The first part of the analysis discusses the influence of verbal semantics on the domain of lability in these texts and how lability developed as a diathetic strategy for the anticausative, the causative and the passive in Latin. Special attention is paid to the increase of P-lability as an anticausative strategy and its relation to the mediopassive and reflexive anticausative strategies in Late Latin. The second part of the analysis proposes a new explanation for the increase of P-lability in Latin and discusses the consequences of the development of a semantic-based alignment in Late Latin (the extended accusative) on the syntax and development of P-labile verbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid chitosan-based nanocomposite was fabricated by chitin nanowhiskers coupled with silanized Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a polyelectrolyte membrane for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The morphological evaluations articulated that the magnetite nanoparticles were uniformly attached to the chitin nanowhiskers. After characterization of the synthesized nanowhiskers, they were incorporated into the chitosan, as a polycationic electrolyte, to investigate the performance of nanocomposite for DMFC applications. An external magnetic field was applied to the magnetic chitin nanowhiskers to induce alignment, and the effects of aligned nanowhiskers, as well as random ones, were also studied. The magnetic chitin nanowhiskers positively influenced the water uptake and proton conductivity due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the surface functional groups of nanowhiskers and free water molecules. On the other hand, methanol permeation of the chitosan nanocomposites was reduced regarding the tortuous pathways and narrower transportation channels by the presence of nanowhiskers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bodywork applied to vocal technique is an increasingly used tool in teaching practice. However, there is little research that can provide evidence of its effectiveness. This research is an exploratory and descriptive case study that investigates the self-perception of 14 voice major students after receiving a bodywork program. The main objective is to analyze if a bodywork program designed for singers affects the emission and vocal quality and, therefore, may be a good pedagogical tool in voice education. The body-mind method applied is the Méthode de Libération de Cuirasse © (MLC). To conduct the intervention, the participants performed different vocal tasks and answered a questionnaire to reveal their perceptions in relation to vocal emission, body balance, frame of mind, and degree of well-being before and after each of the sessions of bodywork. Two months after the last session, a second questionnaire was administered and a free narrative of the lived experience of participants was collected for subsequent analysis and interpretation. Results showed more comfort when singing, greater harmonic richness, greater facility in the high register, and better breath control as well as an improvement in general well-being and state of the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For magnetic field orientation of nonstructures to become a viable method to create high performance multifunctional nanocomposites, it is of paramount importance to develop a method that is easy to implement and that can induce long‐range uniform nanostructural alignment. To overcome this challenge, inspired by low field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, a highly uniform, high field strength, and compact magnetic‐field nanostructure orientation methodology is presented for polymeric nanocomposites using a Halbach array, for the first time. Potential new advances are showcased for applications of graphene polymer composites by considering their electro‐thermal and antibacterial properties in highly oriented orthogonal morphologies. The high level of anisotropy induced in the graphene nanocomposites studied stands out through: 1) up to four decades higher electrical conductivities recorded in comparison to their randomly oriented counterparts, at concentrations where the latter show minimal improvements compared to the unfilled polymer; 2) over 1200% improvement in thermal conductivity, 3) antibacterial surfaces at field benchmark levels with lower filler content and with the added versatility of arbitrary orientation of the nanofillers. Overall, the new method and variations thereof can open up new horizons for tailoring nanostructure and performance for virtually all major nanocomposite applications based on graphene and other types of fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel architecture for value, preference, and boundary alignment in large language models (LLMs) and generative AI systems, accompanied by an experimental implementation. It addresses the limitations in AI model trustworthiness stemming from insufficient comprehension of personal context, preferences, and cultural diversity, which can lead to biases and safety risks. Using an inductive, qualitative research approach, we propose a framework for personalizing AI models to improve model alignment through additional context and boundaries set by users. Our framework incorporates user-friendly tools for identification, annotation, and simulation across diverse contexts, utilizing prompt-driven semantic segmentation and automatic labeling. It aims to streamline scenario generation and personalization processes while providing accessible annotation tools. The study examines various components of this framework, including user interfaces, underlying tools, and system mechanics. We present a pilot study that demonstrates the framework's ability to reduce the complexity of value elicitation and personalization in LLMs. Our experimental setup involves a prototype implementation of key framework modules, including a value elicitation interface and a fine-tuning mechanism for language models. The primary goal is to create a token-based system that allows users to easily impart their values and preferences to AI systems, enhancing model personalization and alignment. This research contributes to the democratization of AI model fine-tuning and dataset generation, advancing efforts in AI value alignment. By focusing on practical implementation and user interaction, our study bridges the gap between theoretical alignment approaches and real-world applications in AI systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid crystal films play a key role in advancing next-generation optical and photonic devices that require a precise in-plane modulation of optical anisotropy. This study employs multiphoton direct laser writing, a high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) printing method, to fabricate pseudoperiodic patterns of lines and grooves on glass surfaces for the in-plane alignment of liquid crystal films. Single layers of lines with submicron thickness and line spacing were fabricated in less than half an hour and forced the in-plane alignment of a liquid crystal film with a thickness of about 10 μm. We validate the method on patterns with singular topologies designed to induce the nucleation of disclination defects with a predetermined spatial arrangement, orientation, and topological strength. Compared to other surface patterning methods, high-resolution 3D printing provides the unique advantage of direct surface fabrication, enabling the creation of nonflat geometries such as terraces and lenses and expanding the design and functionalities of liquid crystal devices. We anticipate that this method will be used to create thin-film devices such as polarization gratings, beam steerers, and q-plates for manipulating polarized and structured light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of strand (S‐) and final (F‐) electromagnetic stirring (EMS) on solidification structure characteristic of a φ690 mm continuously cast round bloom has been investigated industrially and theoretically. The newly designed S1‐EMS equipped just below the foot zone takes great effect on both equiaxed ratio and distribution alignment, as well as central porosity. Larger current S1‐EMS leads to higher equiaxed ratio, more symmetrical equiaxed zone, and smaller diameter of central porosity, and the effect is much more obvious than conventional S2‐EMS and F‐EMS. It is also noticed that there should be a saturation effect of S1‐EMS on the promotion of equiaxed dendrite nucleation. The S2‐EMS is beneficial for the expanding of equiaxed zone and improving of central porosity. When S1‐EMS is weak, strong S2‐EMS results in more asymmetrical equiaxed zone. However, when S‐EMS is strong, strong S2‐EMS results in more symmetrical distribution of equiaxed zone. The F‐EMS takes a little impact on the expanding of equiaxed zone in the large‐sized round bloom, and almost no effect on the alignment. The central porosity, however, is improved by F‐EMS with the help of decrease in temperature gradient and compensation of solidification contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative Filtering (CF) plays a crucial role in modern recommender systems, leveraging historical user-item interactions to provide personalized suggestions. However, CF-based methods often encounter biases due to imbalances in training data. This phenomenon makes CF-based methods tend to prioritize recommending popular items and performing unsatisfactorily on inactive users. Existing works address this issue by rebalancing training samples, reranking recommendation results, or making the modeling process robust to the bias. Despite their effectiveness, these approaches can compromise accuracy or be sensitive to weighting strategies, making them challenging to train. Therefore, exploring how to mitigate these biases remains in urgent demand. In this article, we deeply analyze the causes and effects of the biases and propose a framework to alleviate biases in recommendation from the perspective of representation distribution, namely Group-Alignment and Global-Uniformity Enhanced Representation Learning for Debiasing Recommendation (AURL). Specifically, we identify two significant problems in the representation distribution of users and items, namely group-discrepancy and global-collapse. These two problems directly lead to biases in the recommendation results. To this end, we propose two simple but effective regularizers in the representation space, respectively named group-alignment and global-uniformity. The goal of group-alignment is to bring the representation distribution of long-tail entities closer to that of popular entities, while global-uniformity aims to preserve the information of entities as much as possible by evenly distributing representations. Our method directly optimizes both the group-alignment and global-uniformity regularization terms to mitigate recommendation biases. Please note that AURL applies to arbitrary CF-based recommendation backbones. Extensive experiments on three real datasets and various recommendation backbones verify the superiority of our proposed framework. The results show that AURL not only outperforms existing debiasing models in mitigating biases but also improves recommendation performance to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that synovial inflammation plays a pivotal role in knee osteoarthritis. Although biomechanical findings have shown that medial open-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (OWPTO) decreases medial compartment loading by correcting knee alignment, the relationship between knee alignment and synovial inflammation in the biological microenvironment has not yet been elucidated. Purposes: To investigate the relationship between preoperative and postoperative knee alignment and synovial gene expression and to determine the cutoff point of postoperative knee alignment at which gene expression of synovial inflammation improves. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 36 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent OWPTO between June 2018 and May 2020 were enrolled. Synovial tissue was collected from affected knees during initial OWPTO and plate removal surgeries, and gene expression associated with the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in the synovial tissue was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between weightbearing line ratio (WBLR) and synovial gene expression was determined. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff values of WBLR for improving gene expression. The participants were divided into 2 groups, according to the cutoff values of their WBLR, and compared according to Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and synovial gene expression. Results: Postoperative WBLR was correlated with gene expression of interleukin 1β (IL1B) (ρ = −0.43; P =.008) and of interleukin 6 (IL6) (ρ = −0.41; P =.01). The cutoff value to predict improvement of IL6 was postoperative WBLR of 52%, with an area under the curve of 0.74 (P =.03). Patients with WBLR of <52% showed higher postoperative inflammatory gene (IL1B [ P =.04] and IL6 [ P =.03]) and inferior postoperative KOOS values compared with those with WBLR of >52%. Conclusion: The novel cutoff alignment for biological improvement after OWPTO in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis was determined to be WBLR of 52%, and WBLR of <52% was associated with higher residual intra-articular inflammation and poor clinical outcomes. After accounting for surgical errors, the surgeon should set the target surgical alignment so that the postoperative WBLR does not fall below 52%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In addition to the integrity of the meniscal hoop function, both the anterior and posterior meniscus roots as well as the meniscotibial and meniscofemoral ligaments are crucial in restraining meniscal extrusion. However, the interaction and load sharing between the roots and these peripheral attachments (PAs) are not known. Purposes: To investigate the influence of an insufficiency of the PAs on the forces acting on a posterior medial meniscus root repair (PMMRR) in both neutral and varus alignment and to explore whether meniscal centralization reduces these forces. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: In 8 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees, an arthroscopic transosseous root repair (step 1) was performed after sectioning the posterior root of the medial meniscus. The pull-out suture was connected to a load cell to allow measurement of the forces acting on the root repair. A medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy was performed to change the mechanical axis from neutral to 5° of varus alignment. The meniscus was completely released from its PAs (step 2), followed by transosseous arthroscopic centralization (step 3). Each step was tested in both neutral and varus alignment. The specimens were subjected to nondestructive dynamic varus loading under axial compression of 300 N in 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° flexion. The changes in force acting on the PMMRR were statistically analyzed using a mixed linear model. Results: Axial loading in neutral alignment led to an increase of the force of root repair of 3.1 ± 3.1 N (in 0° flexion) to 6.3 ± 4.4 N (in 60° flexion). In varus alignment, forces increased significantly from 30° (3.5 N; 95% CI, 1.1-5.8 N; P =.01) to 60° (7.1 N; 95% CI, 2.7-11.5 N; P =.007) flexion, in comparison with neutral alignment. Cutting of the PAs in neutral alignment led to a significant increase of root repair forces in all flexion angles, from 7.0 N (95% CI, 1.0-13.0 N; P =.02) to 9.1 N (95% CI, 4.1-14.1 N; P =.003), in comparison with the intact state. Varus alignment significantly increased the forces in the cut states from 4.8 N (95% CI, 1.0-8.5 N; P =.02) to 11.1 N (95% CI, 4.2-18.0 N; P =.006) from 30° to 60° flexion, in comparison with the neutral alignment. Arthroscopic centralization led to restoration of the native forces in both neutral and varus alignment, with no significant differences between the centralized and intact states. Conclusion: An insufficiency of the PAs of the medial meniscus, as well as varus alignment, led to increased forces acting on a PMMRR. These forces were reduced via an arthroscopic meniscal centralization. Clinical Relevance: Performing arthroscopic meniscal centralization concomitantly with PMMRR may reduce failure of the repair by reducing the load of the root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: While existing adult spinal deformity (ASD) alignment schemas acknowledge the dynamic relationship between the pelvis and spine, consideration of vertebral pelvic angles (VPA) thresholds for PJK may provide further insight into the relationship of each individual vertebra to the pelvis, which may allow for greater individualization of operative targets. Herein, we examine VPA's utility in preventing mechanical complications and its possible unification with prevalent scoring systems. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected database, operative ASD patients ≥ 18 years with complete baseline (BL) and two-year (Y) operative, radiographic, and health-related quality of life data were included. Descriptive analyses, means comparison, and logistic regression tests were applied to explore demographic and surgical differences, as well as the impact of alignment goals on outcomes. Cohorts were grouped as patients who met VPA non-PJK thresholds, as defined by Duvvuri et al. 2023 alone versus traditional GAP/SAAS alignment matching versus combined VPA + SAAS + GAP. The Non-PJK VPA validated mean for L1PA was 10.4 ± 7.0 and T9PA 8.9 ± 7.5. Results: 398 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 61 ± 14 years, 78% female, BL BMI 27 ± 6, BL CCI 2 ± 2). At baseline, mean vertebral pelvic angles were as follows: T1PA: 24 ± 14; T4PA 20 ± 13, T9PA 15 ± 12, L1PA 11 ± 10, L4PA 11 ± 6. Mean vertebral pelvic angles at 6 W postoperatively: T1PA 16 ± 10, T4PA 12 ± 10, T9PA 8 ± 9, L1PA 9 ± 8, L4PA 11 ± 5. 240 (60%) patients attained optimal L1PA, while 104 patients (26.1%) reached non-PJK mean for T9PA. 89 patients (22%) were optimal by both VPA standards. VPA-Optimal group demonstrated significantly lower rates of 1Y PJK (17% v 83%, p = 0.042) and PJF by 2Y (7% v. 93%, p = 0.038). When patients attained VPA goals in addition to GAP/SAAS goals at 6 W, they demonstrated significantly lower rates of Y1 PJK (p = 0.026) and Y1 and Y2 PJF. Those with optimal VPA registered greater SRS-22 scores across multiple domains (p < 0.02) as well as a greater rate of normal neurological examination at 6 W (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Vertebral pelvic angles are a reliable measure of global alignment, and respecting certain targets may help prevent development of PJK/PJF. The value of VPA can be augmented through integration with GAP/SAAS frameworks to prevent complications and improve quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial social stratification research conceptualizes education as a series of standard transitions from one stage to the next, such as from high school to college. Yet less research examines mandatory transitions within each educational stage, which we call "intermediate educational transitions." In this article, we examine a crucial intermediate transition in U.S. higher education, shifting from an undeclared to a declared major by major declaration deadlines, to provide a novel perspective on educational transitions. Bridging theoretical approaches from symbolic interactionism, social stratification, structural functionalism, and neo-institutionalism, we argue that successful major declaration transitions depend on students' individual-level alignment between socially structured actions and culturally informed goals and organization-level alignment between organizational intentions and organizational actions. We use longitudinal interview data paired with 4.5 years of administrative records to assess this argument, finding that both individual- and organization-level alignment contribute to whether students experience seamless, stalled and restarted, or persistently stalled major declaration transitions. We further find that access to compensatory college organizational support determines whether stalled students can restart their major declaration trajectories. These findings indicate that colleges and universities can help to mitigate inequality in intermediate transitions by providing timely, high-quality support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between postoperative alignment and clinical outcomes after double-level osteotomy (DLO) has not been clarified. Purpose: To examine the radiological and clinical outcomes after DLO and specifically evaluate the influence of the joint-line convergence angle (JLCA) on the accuracy of alignment correction and surgical outcomes. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 74 knees in 51 patients (mean age, 61.0 years) who underwent DLO for varus osteoarthritic knees and who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. The target hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA) for the intended limb alignment was set to 1° valgus. The lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, JLCA, and HKAA were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Outliers in alignment correction were defined as a deviation of ≥3° from the originally intended HKAA. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). In the data analysis, the influence of the radiological parameters on the postoperative outcomes was statistically assessed. Results: Radiological and clinical evaluation at 2-year follow-up showed significant improvement from preoperative values (P <.001). The HKAA was corrected from 13.4°± 3.0° varus preoperatively to 0.5°± 2.8° varus at 2 years, indicating a slight undercorrection. Regarding clinical outcomes, significant pre- to postoperative improvement was found on the KOOS (from 185.0 ± 71.2 to 387.9 ± 70.5; P <.001). Overall, 22 of the 74 knees (29.7%) were deemed to be outliers at the 2-year follow-up (19 knees [25.7%] in undercorrection, 3 knees [4.1%] in overcorrection). Postoperative KOOS values were significantly worse in the outliers than in the nonoutliers (344.4 ± 77.7 vs 405.8 ± 59.3; P <.001), and both pre- and postoperative JLCA was significantly larger in the outlier group. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a preoperative cutoff JLCA of 6.0° for predicting postoperative alignment outliers. Conclusion: A preoperative JLCA of ≥6° was found to be a significant prognostic factor affecting the radiological and clinical outcomes after DLO for varus osteoarthritic knees by compromising the accuracy of deformity correction, resulting in suboptimal postoperative alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the practical use of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been reported previously with both advantage and disadvantage. The application of artificial intelligent (AI) forces overwhelmingly development of medical industries, while the impact of AI on PSI efficiency remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess the efficiency of Intelligent-PSI (i-PSI) in TKA, compared with the conventional instrumentation-TKA (CI). Methods: 102 late-stage OA patients who met inclusive criteria were recruited in this prospective randomized controlled trial and separated into two groups (i-PSI vs. CI). In both groups, an AI preoperative planning engine was applied for surgery decision making. In CI group, conventional instrumentation was applied for bony resection, while resection of i-PSI group was completed with i-PSI. A convolutional neural network was applied to automatically process computer tomography images and thus produced i-PSI. With the help of three-dimension printing, the workflow of production was largely simplified. AI-driven preoperative planning guided resection and alignment decisions. Resection measurement, perioperative radiography and perioperative clinical outcomes were analyzed to verify efficiency of i-PSI. Results: In resection outcomes, smaller deviation of lateral and medial distal femoral resection were found in i-PSI group than CI group (P = 0.032 and 0.035), while no difference was found in other resection planes. In radiography outcomes, postoperative coronal alignments of i-PSI group, including postoperative Hip–knee–ankle axis (HKA) (P = 0.025), postoperative HKA outliners (P = 0.042), Femoral coronal alignment (FCA) (P = 0.019) and Joint line convergence angle (JLCA) (P = 0.043) showed closer to neutral position than CI group. Moreover, Femoral sagittal alignment (FSA) of i-PSI group showed closer to neutral position than CI group(P = 0.005). No difference was found in other alignments. In clinical outcomes, i-PSI group seemed to cost more surgical time than CI group (P = 0.027), while others showed no differences between the two groups. Conclusion: Intelligent Patient-specific Instrumentation in TKA achieved simplified production flow than conventional PSI, while also showed more accurate resection, improved synthesis position and limb alignment than conventional instrumentation. Above all, this study proved that i-PSI being an applicable and promising tool in TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density of fog is directly related to visibility and is one of the decision-making criteria for airport flight management and highway traffic management. Estimating fog density based on images and videos has been a popular research topic in recent years. However, the fog density estimated results based on images should be further evaluated and analyzed by combining weather information from other sensors. The data obtained by different sensors often need to be aligned in terms of time because of the difference in acquisition methods. In this paper, we propose a video and a visibility data alignment method based on temporal consistency for data alignment. After data alignment, the fog density estimation results based on images and videos can be analyzed, and the incorrect estimation results can be efficiently detected and corrected. The experimental results show that the new method effectively combines videos and visibility for fog density estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, instrumentation and techniques for total knee arthroplasty have evolved from conventional manual tools to a wide range of technologies, including calibrated guides for accurate bone cuts and alignment, smart tools, dynamic intraoperative sensors for soft tissue balancing, patient-specific guides, computer navigation, and robotics. This review is intended to provide an overview of the latest advancements in total knee arthroplasty technology, address potential challenges and solutions related to the application of these technologies, and explore their limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why have most Latin American countries – traditionally pro‐Atlantic and staunch defenders of non‐intervention – remained conspicuously neutral during the Ukraine War? We argue that in an increasingly bipolar context, fence‐sitting produces clear strategic gains through partner‐diversification and bargaining power. However, this strategy becomes riskier with polarisation and, at a certain point, these risks may upset benefits. We formalise this argument and examine the foreign policy trajectories of several Latin American countries in the context of the Ukraine War to illustrate how their room for diplomatic flexibility has shrunk with polarisation. As a corollary, we think of scenarios where the costs of fence‐sitting can outweigh its advantages, forcing the region to align. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: More personalized alignment techniques in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have recently been described particularly for the young and active patients. Performing the ideal tibial cut might be challenging with a conventional ancillary. Therefore the aims of this study were: (1) to describe specific tibial landmarks to optimize the tibial cut in TKA; (2) to compare the accuracy of the tibial cut with these landmarks compared to a conventional technique. Methods: This retrospective case–control study compared primary TKAs performed using a conventional technique with extramedullary guide associated with specific tibial landmarks. For each case, one control patient was matched based on body mass index (BMI), age, preoperative Hip Knee Ankle (HKA) angle, and Medial Proximal Tibial Angle (MPTA). All control patients were operated by the same surgeon and similar conventional technique but without landmarks. The MPTA target was to reproduce preoperative deformity with a 3° of varus limit. 34 TKA were included in each group. There was no preoperative difference between both groups. Mean age was 63 years old ± 8. Mean BMI was 32 kg/m2 ± 5. Mean HKA was 170.6° ± 2.5. Mean MPTA was 85.1° ± 2.3. The radiographic assessment was performed preoperatively and at 2 months: HKA, mechanical Medial Distal Femoral Angle (mMDFA), MPTA, tibial slope, restoration of the joint line-height. Results: The tibial landmarks corresponded to the line of insertion of the deep medial collateral ligament fibers extended to the capsular insertion above the Gerdy tubercle. The postoperative MPTA was significantly more varus (87.2° ± 1.6 in landmark group versus 88.3° ± 2.2; p = 0.027) and closer to preoperative bone deformity in landmark group (p = 0.002) with significantly less outliers than in the conventional group. There was no significant difference between both groups postoperatively for HKA (175.4° ± 2.3 versus 175.9° ± 2.5; p = 0.42); mMDFA (88.9° ± 2.3 versus 88.2° ± 2.1; p = 0.18); tibial slope (82.6° ± 1.9 versus 82.4° ± 2.6; p = 0.67), the restoration of the joint line-height (1.5 mm ± 2 versus 1.8 mm ± 2; p = 0.56). Conclusion: Specific tibial landmarks during TKA can be used to increase the accuracy of the tibial cut when using personalized alignment techniques in TKA. Level of evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought poses a significant threat to global food security, particularly impacting crops like oil palm. Selecting genes for genome editing to enhance drought tolerance presents formidable challenges. To ensure that the target gene is chosen correctly and results in the desired character, a pilot study is necessary to determine the target gene for knockout. Two genes drought-related, AtBRL3 and AtOST2, were scrutinized in this context. Aligned with the Elaeis guineensis genome, their neighbouring proteins and gene ontology were analysed to identify potential targets for genome editing. AtBRL3, identified as BRL1 (XP_010913986.1) in E. guineensis, exhibited 58.48% identity and 100% coverage. It interacts with 12 nodes, including BIR1, BRI1, and AT2G20050, crucial for signalling pathways and cellular responses. Molecular function analysis revealed kinase activity. AtOST2 showed high similarity to plasma membrane ATPase/HA1 (XP_010913679.1) in E. guineensis, with 87.46% identity and 100% query cover. It correlated with 14 genes associated with ABA stimulus, stomatal movement, and hormone response. EgBRL1 and EgHA1, resembling AtBRL3 and AtOST2, respectively, emerge as promising targets for developing drought-tolerant oil palm cultivars through gene editing. Nonetheless, further validation through in vitro gRNA target selection and in vivo conversion of OST2/BRL3-containing plasmids in oil palm calluses is indispensable to demonstrate their efficacy in conferring novel drought resistance traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering endeavors to create in vitro constructs that replicate the properties of native tissue, such as skeletal muscle. This study investigated the use of mechanical stimulation to promote myogenic differentiation and enhance the functionality of bioengineered tissues. Specifically, it aimed to facilitate the differentiation of myoblasts within a three-dimensional scaffold using a defined pattern of mechanical stimulation. C2C12 cells were cultured on a collagen-coated PCL microfilament scaffold and subjected to 24 h of uniaxial static strain using a biomechanical stimulation system. Two onset times of stimulation, 72 h and 120 h post-seeding, were evaluated. Cell proliferation, myogenic marker expression, and alterations in cell morphology and orientation were assessed. Results indicate that static strain on the scaffold promoted myoblast differentiation, evidenced by morphological and molecular changes. Notably, strain initiated at 72 h induced an early differentiation stage marked by MyoD expression, whereas stimulation beginning at 120 h led to a mid-stage differentiation characterized by the co-expression of MyoD and Myogenin, culminating in myotube formation. These results highlight the critical influence of myoblast maturity at the time of strain application on the differentiation outcome. This study provides insights that could guide the optimization of mechanical stimulation protocols in tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both participation and argumentation (OECD, 2022) are important keywords in educational contexts. While participation is seen as a crucial prerequisite for education and collaborative learning in general, argumentation as a discursive practice serves to convey and negotiate—also school-specific—knowledge. This paper explores repetition in argumentative events as a technique of establishing—or even hindering—participation in terms of alignment and affiliation. It can serve as a strategy for participation by signalling responsiveness and thematic coherence—and thus inclusion. At the same time, however, studies show that repetition can also signal contradiction and rejection—and thus exclusion. So far, we know little about how exactly these functional differences are produced—especially in younger children. Therefore, the paper explores how children use repetition as a resource for negotiating participation in argumentative events. Using authentic data in the form of observations and transcriptions of audio and video recordings from child-child-interactions of 15 Hebrew- and 31 German-speaking children aged 3–6 years, we identify oral argumentative events and investigate different forms of repetitions and their respective relevance for enabling participation. Our results show that, on the one hand, minimal and partial repetitions are used by the children in an inclusive way, creating closeness between the participants. On the other hand, children use complete repetitions more as an excluding technique, displaying misalignment and disaffiliation, in order to challenge and mock each other. The findings suggest that this line of research has significant potential to provide new insights into the formation of social relationships between peers, into the prevention or establishment of participation, which itself is a prerequisite for joint learning, as well as insights into the acquisition of argumentative competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Conversational Analysis (CA) has seen an increasing interest in longitudinal studies (Deppermann & Pekarek Doehler, 2021). The recurrent experience of interactional practices leads interactants to develop routines that may sediment into entrenched patterns over time (Dreyer, 2022). Longitudinal CA thus aims to track the emergence and sedimentation of interactional practices over time. In this contribution, we analyse interactional practices of participation in play-situations. Participation in joint activities is a universal form of human sociality (Goodwin & Goodwin, 2005). Here, we focus on how children perform their own agentive participant's work and how mothers support their children in doing so. Investigating a longitudinal data set of mother-child play-interactions at ages 1 and 5, we ask whether participation patterns emerge as early as in the first year and are sedimented in the fifth year, as well as whether the synchronisation of embodied action provides crucial resources for the achievement of active participation in joint activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the risk factors for varus progression after arthroscopic medial meniscal posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair and to compare the clinical outcomes between two groups: one with more varus progression and the other with less varus progression. Methods: Patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic repair of MMPRT between 2015 and 2020 were enroled, and 2‐year follow‐up data were collected. Participants were categorized into two groups based on preoperative values of the weight‐bearing line (WBL) ratio: group A with <5.9% increase and group B with ≥5.9% increase. Various factors, including demographic features and radiological findings, were analysed and compared between the two groups. Intra‐meniscal signal intensity, meniscal healing, medial meniscal extrusion (MME), and articular cartilage grade were assessed preoperatively and 1‐year postoperatively using coronal magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The final cohort consisted of 34 patients in group A and 46 in group B, with a mean age of 55.8 ± 11.2 and 59.8 ± 6.6 years, respectively. Preoperative WBL ratio and cartilage lesions in the medial compartment did not differ between the groups. Preoperative MME were significantly lower in group A than those in group B (2.6 ± 0.6 mm in group A and 3.5 ± 0.7 mm in group B, p < 0.05). Patient‐reported outcomes at the 2‐year follow‐up did not differ between the two groups (n. s.). In a logistic analysis, the odds ratio of MME was 2.1 (p < 0.05), and the cutoff value of MME was 3.02 mm. Conclusion: Preoperative MME is a risk factor for varus progression. However, no differences in patient‐reported outcomes were observed at 2‐year follow‐up, even in the group with greater varus progression. Level of Evidence: Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the importance of, and variations in, political alignment within African regimes. Political alignment is how leaders establish sufficient political support across elites: we posit that formal appointments are the primary way that leaders manipulate political coalitions in order to secure their collective authority and tenure. Appointments, individually and collectively, can take on multiple characteristics: they can create inclusive or exclusive coalitions, transactional or loyal support, volatile or stable elite networks. Appointment powers have greater salience since governments institutionalized and formalized in governance systems across democratic and autocratic states. Manipulating who holds and secures power at the subnational and national levels, rather than repressive control or state capacity, underpins the stability, security, and survival of modern African regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the involvement of the compensation ability of the subtalar joint in lower extremity alignment has been reported. We previously showed that hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) is an indicator of compensation ability of the subtalar joint. The abnormal compensation ability of the subtalar joint was defined by the mobility of the subtalar joint, and evaluation of the mobility of the subtalar joint may help to further clarify the pathophysiology of abnormal compensation ability of the subtalar joint. This study was performed to evaluate the mobility of the subtalar joint and clarify the pathophysiology of abnormal compensation ability of the subtalar joint in the varus knee. Seventy-two knees of 72 patients aged ≥40 years with varus knee were included in this study. Preoperative radiographs were used for measurement of this study parameters. Based on our previous study, we defined HAA of ≥15.9°as abnormal compensation ability of the subtalar joint. The patients were divided into an abnormal group (A-group) and normal group (N-group). All measurement parameters were compared between the groups, and correlations between the HAA and each measurement parameter were analyzed. The weight-bearing hindfoot angle (WBHA) (p < 0.001) and non-weight-bearing hindfoot angle (non-WBHA) (p = 0.003), were significantly greater in the A-group than in the N-group. Conversely, the ratio of change in hindfoot alignment (p = 0.006), were significantly smaller in the A-group than in the N-group. The HAA was positively correlated with WBHA (r = 0.66) and non-WBHA (r = 0.43) and negatively correlated with the ratio of change in hindfoot alignment (r = −0.32). The pathophysiology of abnormal compensation ability of the subtalar joint in the varus knee is thought to involve a state of increased valgus of hindfoot alignment and an inability to move into normal hindfoot alignment. Level Ⅲ, retrospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insertions and deletions constitute the second most important source of natural genomic variation. Insertions and deletions make up to 25% of genomic variants in humans and are involved in complex evolutionary processes including genomic rearrangements, adaptation, and speciation. Recent advances in long-read sequencing technologies allow detailed inference of insertions and deletion variation in species and populations. Yet, despite their importance, evolutionary studies have traditionally ignored or mishandled insertions and deletions due to a lack of comprehensive methodologies and statistical models of insertions and deletion dynamics. Here, we discuss methods for describing insertions and deletion variation and modeling insertions and deletions over evolutionary time. We provide practical advice for tackling insertions and deletions in genomic sequences and illustrate our discussion with examples of insertions and deletion-induced effects in human and other natural populations and their contribution to evolutionary processes. We outline promising directions for future developments in statistical methodologies that would allow researchers to analyze insertions and deletion variation and their effects in large genomic data sets and to incorporate insertions and deletions in evolutionary inference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Orthodontie Française is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Angewandte Linguistik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background In unforeseen situations, such as nuclear power plant’s or civilian radiation accidents, there is a need for effective and computationally inexpensive methods to determine the expression level of a selected gene panel, allowing for rough dose estimates in thousands of donors. The new generation in-situ mapper, fast and of low energy consumption, working at the level of single nanopore output, is in demand. We aim to create a sequence identification tool that utilizes natural language processing techniques and ensures a high level of negative predictive value (NPV) compared to the classical approach. Results The training dataset consisted of RNA sequencing data from 6 samples. Multiple natural language processing models were examined, differing in the type of dictionary components (word length, step, context) as well as the encoding length and number of sequences required for algorithm training. The best configuration analyses the entire sequence and uses a word length of 3 base pairs with one-word neighbor on each side. For the considered FDXR gene, the achieved mean balanced accuracy (BACC) was 98.29% and NPV was 99.25%, compared to minimap2’s performance in a cross-validation scenario. The next stage focused on exploring the dictionary components and attempting to optimize it, employing statistical techniques as well as those relying on the explainability of the decisions made. Reducing the dictionary from 1024 to 145 changed BACC to 96.49% and the NPV to 98.15%. Obtained model, validated on an external independent genome sequencing dataset, gave NPV of 99.64% for complete and 95.87% for reduced dictionary. The salmon-estimated read counts differed from the classical approach on average by 3.48% for the complete dictionary and by 5.82% for the reduced one. Conclusions We conclude that for long Oxford nanopore reads, a natural language processing-based approach can reliably replace classical mapping when there is a need for fast, reliable and energy and computationally efficient targeted mapping of a pre-defined subset of transcripts. The developed model can be easily retrained to identify selected transcripts and/or work with various long-read sequencing techniques. Our results of the study clearly demonstrate the potential of applying techniques known from classical text processing to nucleotide sequences.

Aims: This study aims to describe a new method that may be used as a supplement to evaluate humeral rotational alignment during intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion using the profile of the perpendicular peak of the greater tuberosity and its relation to the transepicondylar axis. We called this angle the greater tuberosity version angle (GTVA). Methods: This study analyzed 506 cadaveric humeri of adult patients. All humeri were CT scanned using 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.625 mm cubic voxels. The images acquired were used to generate 3D surface models of the humerus. Next, 3D landmarks were automatically calculated on each 3D bone using custom-written C++ software. The anatomical landmarks analyzed were the transepicondylar axis, the humerus anatomical axis, and the peak of the perpendicular axis of the greater tuberosity. Lastly, the angle between the transepicondylar axis and the greater tuberosity axis was calculated and defined as the GTVA. Results: The value of GTVA was 20.9° (SD 4.7°) (95% CI 20.47° to 21.3°). Results of analysis of variance revealed that females had a statistically significant larger angle of 21.95° (SD 4.49°) compared to males, which were found to be 20.49° (SD 4.8°) (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study identified a consistent relationship between palpable anatomical landmarks, enhancing IMN accuracy by utilizing 3D CT scans and replicating a 20.9° angle from the greater tuberosity to the transepicondylar axis. Using this angle as a secondary reference may help mitigate the complications associated with malrotation of the humerus following IMN. However, future trials are needed for clinical validation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):929–936.

Abstract Background In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the practical use of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been reported previously with both advantage and disadvantage. The application of artificial intelligent (AI) forces overwhelmingly development of medical industries, while the impact of AI on PSI efficiency remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess the efficiency of Intelligent-PSI (i-PSI) in TKA, compared with the conventional instrumentation-TKA (CI). Methods 102 late-stage OA patients who met inclusive criteria were recruited in this prospective randomized controlled trial and separated into two groups (i-PSI vs. CI). In both groups, an AI preoperative planning engine was applied for surgery decision making. In CI group, conventional instrumentation was applied for bony resection, while resection of i-PSI group was completed with i-PSI. A convolutional neural network was applied to automatically process computer tomography images and thus produced i-PSI. With the help of three-dimension printing, the workflow of production was largely simplified. AI-driven preoperative planning guided resection and alignment decisions. Resection measurement, perioperative radiography and perioperative clinical outcomes were analyzed to verify efficiency of i-PSI. Results In resection outcomes, smaller deviation of lateral and medial distal femoral resection were found in i-PSI group than CI group (P = 0.032 and 0.035), while no difference was found in other resection planes. In radiography outcomes, postoperative coronal alignments of i-PSI group, including postoperative Hip–knee–ankle axis (HKA) (P = 0.025), postoperative HKA outliners (P = 0.042), Femoral coronal alignment (FCA) (P = 0.019) and Joint line convergence angle (JLCA) (P = 0.043) showed closer to neutral position than CI group. Moreover, Femoral sagittal alignment (FSA) of i-PSI group showed closer to neutral position than CI group(P = 0.005). No difference was found in other alignments. In clinical outcomes, i-PSI group seemed to cost more surgical time than CI group (P = 0.027), while others showed no differences between the two groups. Conclusion Intelligent Patient-specific Instrumentation in TKA achieved simplified production flow than conventional PSI, while also showed more accurate resection, improved synthesis position and limb alignment than conventional instrumentation. Above all, this study proved that i-PSI being an applicable and promising tool in TKA.

Abstract: Convergence science is an intrepid form of interdisciplinarity defined by the US National Research Council as ‘the coming together of insights and approaches from originally distinct fields’ to strategically address grand challenges. Despite its increasing relevance to science policy and institutional design, there is still no practical framework for measuring convergence. We address this gap by developing a measure of disciplinary distance based upon disciplinary boundaries delineated by hierarchical ontologies. We apply this approach using two widely used ontologies—the Classification of Instructional Programs and the Medical Subject Headings—each comprised of thousands of entities that facilitate classifying two distinct research dimensions, respectively. The social dimension codifies the disciplinary pedigree of individual scholars, connoting core expertise associated with traditional modes of mono-disciplinary graduate education. The conceptual dimension codifies the knowledge, methods, and equipment fundamental to a given target problem, which together may exceed the researchers’ core expertise. Considered in tandem, this decomposition facilitates measuring social-conceptual alignment and optimizing team assembly around domain-spanning problems—a key aspect that eludes other approaches. We demonstrate the utility of this framework in a case study of the human brain science (HBS) ecosystem, a relevant convergence nexus that highlights several practical considerations for designing, evaluating, institutionalizing, and accelerating convergence. Econometric analysis of 655,386 publications derived from 9,121 distinct HBS scholars reveals a 11.4% article-level citation premium attributable to research featuring full topical convergence, and an additional 2.7% citation premium if the social (disciplinary) configuration of scholars is maximally aligned with the conceptual (topical) configuration of the research.

As next-generation sequencing technologies advance rapidly and the cost of metagenomic sequencing continues to decrease, researchers now face an unprecedented volume of microbiome data. This surge has stimulated the development of scalable microbiome data analysis methods and necessitated the incorporation of phylogenetic information into microbiome analysis for improved accuracy. Tools for constructing phylogenetic trees from 16S rRNA sequencing data are well-established, as the highly conserved regions of the 16S gene are limited, simplifying the identification of marker genes. In contrast, metagenomic and whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing involve sequencing from random fragments of the entire gene, making identification of consistent marker genes challenging owing to the vast diversity of genomic regions, resulting in a scarcity of robust tools for constructing phylogenetic trees. Although bacterial sequence tree construction tools exist for upstream bioinformatics, many downstream researchers—those integrating these trees into statistical models or machine learning—are either unaware of these tools or find them difficult to use due to the steep learning curve of processing raw sequences. This is compounded by the fact that public datasets often lack phylogenetic trees, providing only abundance tables and taxonomic classifications. To address this, we present a comprehensive review of phylogenetic tree construction techniques for microbiome data (16S rRNA or whole-genome shotgun sequencing). We outline the strengths and limitations of current methods, offering expert insights and step-by-step guidance to make these tools more accessible and widely applicable in quantitative microbiome data analysis.

Study Design. A multicentric retrospective study. Objective. The study of center of mass (COM) locations (ie, barycentremetry) can help us understand postural alignment. The goal of this study was to determine relationships between COM locations and global postural alignment x-ray parameters in healthy subjects. The second objective was to determine the impact on the spinopelvic alignment of increased distance between the anterior body envelope and spine at the lumbar apex level. Summary of Background Data. Unexplored relationship between COM location and spinopelvic parameters. Methods. This study included healthy volunteers with full-body biplanar radiographs, including body envelope reconstruction, allowing the estimation of COM location. The following parameters were analyzed: lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), cervical lordosis (CL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacro-femoral angle (SFA), knee flexion angle (KFA), and sagittal odontoid-hip axis angle (ODHA). The following COM in the sagittal plane were located: whole body, at a thoracolumbar inflection point, and body segment above TK apex. The body envelope reconstruction also provided the distance between the anterior skin and the LL apex vertebral body center ("SV-L distance"). Results. This study included 124 volunteers, with a mean age of 44 ±19.3. Multivariate analysis confirmed the posterior translation of COM above TK apex with increasing LL (P=0.002) through its proximal component and posterior shift of COM at the inflection point with increasing TK (P=0.008). Increased SV-L distance was associated with greater ODHA (r= 0.4) and more anterior body COM (r=0.5), caused by increased TK (r=0.2) and decreased proximal and distal LL (both r= 0.3), resulting in an augmentation in SFA (r=0.3) (all P< 0.01). Conclusions. Barycentremetry showed that greater LL was associated with a posterior shift of COM above the thoracic apex, while greater TK was correlated with more posterior COM at inflection point. Whole-body COM was strongly correlated with ODHA. This study also exhibited significant alignment disruption associated with increased abdominal volume, with compensatory hip extension. Level of Evidence. Level-II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American political elites have increasingly polarized over the past decades, which has inspired much research into mass polarization. We study whether there is a generational component to mass polarization by disentangling period, age, and cohort differences while distinguishing two forms of mass polarization: partisan sorting and ideological divergence. Drawing from General Social Survey and American National Election Studies data, we find that partisan sorting has increased across long-standing and emerging issues, while ideological divergence has not. Contrary to expectations, over-time increases in sorting are clearly driven by changes within generations rather than by generational replacement. On several issues, newer generations turn out to be less sorted than those they replace. This tentatively suggests that, partially as a consequence of demographic changes, generational replacement will gradually lead to less polarization in American public opinion as it converges toward more liberal positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]