Individual Transitions Research Articles

The utility of ChatGPT in gender-affirming mastectomy education

IntroductionThe integration of AI such as ChatGPT in medicine has been showing promise in enhancing patient education. Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) is a surgical procedure designed to help individuals transition to their self-identified gender, playing a crucial role in mitigating psychological distress for many transmasculine and non-binary (TNB) patients. With increased demand and attention towards GAM, plastic and reconstructive surgeons may rely on AI-driven chatbots as an accessible, accurate, and patient-driven model for relevant details on this procedure. Specific Aim(s)This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of information provided by ChatGPT in response to frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to GAM. MethodsInspired by online forums and physician websites, 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pre- and postoperative topics were submitted to ChatGPT and assessed using validated readability score measures and expert interpretation. ResultsThe average readability score was 16.0 ± 1, indicating a college or graduate reading level. Mean accuracy, comprehensiveness, and danger scores were 8.8 ± 0.5, 7.8 ± 0.7, and 2.2 ± 0.4, respectively. Although physicians appreciated ChatGPT's tone, patient autonomy, and advice to seek professional medical and mental help, they also cited instance of generic information, misinformation, support of debated techniques, and pathologization of gender dysphoria. ConclusionEven with its promise in providing accurate and comprehensive information on GAM, ChatGPT’s current limitations suggest caution as a supplementary tool to physician consultation.

Toward a realistic theoretical electronic spectra of metal aqua ions in solution: The case of Ce(H2O)n3+ using statistical methods and quantum chemistry calculations.

Accurately predicting spectra for heavy elements, often open-shell systems, is a significant challenge typically addressed using a single cluster approach with a fixed coordination number. Developing a realistic model that accounts for temperature effects, variable coordination numbers, and interprets experimental data is even more demanding due to the strong solute-solvent interactions present in solutions of heavy metal cations. This study addresses these challenges by combining multiple methodologies to accurately predict realistic spectra for highly charged metal cations in aqueous media, with a focus on the electronic absorption spectrum of Ce3+ in water. Utilizing highly correlated relativistic quantum mechanical (QM) wavefunctions and structures from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we show that the convolution of individual vertical transitions yields excellent agreement with experimental results without the introduction of empirical broadening. Good results are obtained for both the normalized spectrum and that of absolute intensity. The study incorporates a statistical machine learning algorithm, Gaussian Mixture Models-Nuclear Ensemble Approach (GMM-NEA), to convolute individual spectra. The microscopic distribution provided by MD simulations allows us to examine the contributions of the octa- and ennea-hydrate of Ce3+ in water to the final spectrum. In addition, the temperature dependence of the spectrum is theoretically captured by observing the changing population of these hydrate forms with temperature. We also explore an alternative method for obtaining statistically representative structures in a less demanding manner than MD simulations, derived from QM Wigner distributions. The combination of Wigner-sampling and GMM-NEA broadening shows promise for wide application in spectroscopic analysis and predictions, offering a computationally efficient alternative to traditional methods.

Sport, criminal justice interventions and possible future selves: Towards a research agenda

There is growing evidence surrounding the instrumental role of sport and physical activity as a tool to address issues within criminal justice systems and act as a mechanism to engage, educate and develop individuals both in community and correctional settings. This article outlines how sport-based interventions might serve to support the individual aspirations and imagined ‘future selves’ of their participants. Utilising the seminal work of Markus and Nurius, we consider the barriers that may impede the development of an idealised future self for people involved in, or on the margins of, crime. Considering these barriers, the article examines the concept of ‘liminality’, outlining the challenges evident when reconstructing personal identity as the individual transitions ‘betwixt and between’ former and imagined lives. Finally, the article presents evidence which advocates for mentoring within sport-based interventions to facilitate the construction of possible selves, before concluding with suggestions for future research in this area.

Effect of repulsive interaction and initial velocity on collective motion process.

Self-propelled collective motion is a highly complex phenomenon, necessitating advanced practical and theoretical tools for comprehension. The significance of studying collective motion becomes apparent in its diverse applications. For instance, addressing evacuation challenges in scenarios with multiple agents can be achieved through an examination of collective motion. Research indicates that the transition of individuals (such as birds, fish, etc.) from a state of rest to equilibrium constitutes a phase transition. Our interest of the issue is to delve into the nature of this transitional phase and elucidate the parameters that shape it. Hence, the primary aim of this paper is to grasp the kinetic phase transition by examining how initial velocity and repulsive interactions impact the dynamics of the system. To gain insight into the complex behavior of multi-agent systems, we apply an extended version of the classical Vicsek model. This extension includes an additional interaction zone, the repulsive zone, where particles repel each other at close range to avoid collisions. Our study uses numerical simulations to explore the system's behavior under various conditions. The focus of this study is the impact of initial velocity on the collective movement of particles. The importance of this research lies in comprehending how velocity affects the overall movement. The conclusion we can draw from these results is that the initial velocity affects both the noise and the density. The novelty of the work is the transition phase, yet it lacks universal characteristics because the critical noise depends on the initial velocity system and the repulsion radius zone. Notably, the repulsion radius and particle density play pivotal roles in achieving a phase transition from one equilibrium state to another aligned equilibrium state.

The Effect of the Surrounding Matrix on Spin Transition Nanoparticles: How Shell Characteristics Alter Core Elastic Properties in Core‐Shell Particles

A surrounding matrix is known to alter nanoparticle spin transitions, the solid state structural phase changes associated with transitions between high spin (HS) and low spin(LS) states. To better quantify how the spin transition solid and surrounding matrix interact, several series of core‐shell particles were prepared based on RbxCo[Fe(CN)6]z∙nH2O, RbCoFe‐PBA, as spin transition core with isostructural shells of different compositions and thicknesses. Synchrotron PXRD through the thermal high HS to LS, the LS to photoexcited high spin (PXHS), and thermal PXHS to LS transitions, show the activation energy is lowered as shells become thicker and stiffer. Calorimetry data coupled with transition state theory analysis indicate the core stiffens in the core‐shell particles relative to the uncoated particles. The conclusion is supported by microstrain analysis that shows stiffer shells limit the extent to which the core distorts as individual sites transition, leading to the lower activation energy. Finally, differences in lattice mismatch with different shell materials are shown to alter the mechanism by which the transition progresses.

Analysis and Simulation of Misinformation Spread in Social Networks: A Hybrid Stochastic-Deterministic Approach with NEAB Model

This paper examined and simulated the dynamics of misinformation spread within social networks using the NEAB model [32]. In this model, (N) represents non-believers, (E) denotes individuals exposed to the information but undecided, (A) refers to those who accept the information and may propagate it, and (B) are the believers. Similar to epidemiological models like SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered), the NEAB model adapts to study the spread of various types of information and behaviors within a population [20]. By combining elements of network theory [28] and epidemiology, the model investigates how behaviors and network structures influence information transmission. Our simulations, particularly when applied to real-world scenarios like misinformation spread during events such as COVID-19 or natural disasters, highlight key factors influencing dissemination [7]. Rates of exposure to misinformation, the transition of individuals from exposed to active spreaders, and the rate of recovery all play crucial roles in shaping how misinformation spreads [33]. Misinformation propagates more easily when exposure rates are high, while higher recovery rates help limit its spread. Sensitivity analysis shows that variations in (β) and (δ) significantly impact the spread, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions during these critical stages [22]. The objective of this study is to evaluate strategies for reducing the effects of misinformation on public discourse and health outcomes while offering insights into the key factors that drive its dissemination based on model simulations.

Trends in Revision Facial Feminization Surgery.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) can be an important part of an individual's transition; however, outcomes have not been well explored in the literature. This study aims to elucidate trends in FFS with a focus on drivers of secondary FFS to further improve care for TGNB patients. A manual chart review was conducted on patients from a single institution from 2012 to 2023 with a diagnosis of transsexualism (F64) who had undergone one or more surgeries associated with any 1 or more of 95 CPT codes related to gender-affirming surgery. Patients who underwent >1 FFS procedure were separated into staged, unplanned, and revision FFS. Three hundred twenty-seven patients were included in the analysis, with 111 of these patients undergoing FFS. Those who underwent FFS were significantly older (P<0.001), had a lower BMI (P<0.001), and began socially transitioning and hormone therapy at an older age (P<0.001 and P=0.001) than those who did not undergo FFS. 44.1% of patients who underwent FFS also underwent secondary FFS, with 26.1% of FFS patients undergoing unplanned secondary FFS. Patient factors, including BMI, age at first FFS, smoking status, race, ethnicity, and order of FFS in relation to other gender-affirming surgeries, were not significantly associated with differences in rates of unplanned secondary FFS. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring the surgical approach to a patient's transition to their unique situation, as well as the need for future studies to identify factors influencing the need for revision FFS and to enhance surgical outcomes for patients undergoing gender-affirming procedures.

Discharge from secondary care services to primary care for adults with serious mental illness: a scoping review

BackgroundEffective transitions of patients from Secondary Care Services (SCSs) to primary care are necessary for optimization of resources and care. Factors that enable or restrict smooth transitions of individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) to primary care from SCSs have not been comprehensively synthesized.MethodsA scoping review was conducted to answer the questions (1) “What are the barriers and facilitators to discharge from SCSs to primary care for adults with SMI?” and (2) “What programs have been developed to support these transitions?”.ResultsBarriers and facilitators of discharge included patient-, primary care capacity-, and transition Process/Support-related factors. Patient-related barriers and facilitators were most frequently reported. 11 discharge programs were reported across the evidence sources. The most frequently reported program components were the provision of additional mental health supports for the transition and development of care plans with relapse signatures and intervention plans.ConclusionsEstablished discharge programs should be comprehensively evaluated to determine their relative benefits. Furthermore, research should be expanded to evaluate barriers and facilitators to discharge and discharge programs in different national contexts and models of care.Trial RegistrationThe protocol for this scoping review is registered with the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NBTMZ).

Introducing a New Paradigm in Occupational Therapy for Mental Health in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is making strides in supporting mental health needs by incorporating occupational therapy into rehabilitation care. Despite challenges like social stigma and limited resources, a shift toward a socio-humanistic approach is underway. Occupational therapy practitioners have set up a mental health day treatment service to help individuals transition from hospitals to the community, focusing on daily living skills and meaningful activities. Integrating mental health day treatment service with government psychiatric hospitals and improving rehabilitation and home care follow-up can significantly enhance support for people with mental health needs in low-resource settings.

Global stability analysis, stabilization and synchronization of an SEIR epidemic model

In this paper, we investigate an SEIR epidemic model in which recruitment is assumed to be regulated by a constant function. The SEIR model is a widely-used epidemiological framework that categorises the population into four distinct groups: Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, and Removed. It employs a system of differential equations to describe the transitions of individuals among these groups, making it a valuable tool for understanding and modelling the dynamics of infectious diseases. Mathematical analysis is used to study the dynamic behaviour of this model. We first determine the basic reproduction number, denoted as R 0 , which governs the dynamics of the SEIR model. Our findings reveal that when R 0 is less than 1, the unique disease-free equilibrium is asymptotically stable, and there is no endemic equilibrium. However, when R 0 exceeds 1, the disease-free equilibrium becomes unstable, and a unique, asymptotically stable endemic equilibrium emerges. Furthermore, by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functions, we have studied the global asymptotic stability of the two equilibrium points. On the other hand, we have used the backstepping method to design a control law that stabilises the SEIR model towards the disease-free equilibrium, which means the eradication of the disease from the target population. Next, we have used the same method to synchronise the SEIR drive system and the SEIR response system. This method is used to stabilise the synchronisation error dynamics arising from the mismatch between the drive and response systems. Finally, we presented numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical results.

Evolutionary distribution and mode transition in medium frequency from 50 kHz to 5 MHz of argon atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) provide a promising technology for generating non-equilibrium cold plasmas at atmospheric pressure. For both application-focused and fundamental research, it is important to explore the discharge mode transition and electron heating mechanism to enable effective independent tuning of key plasma parameters in a DBD system. In this work, we report numerical studies of the effects of single-frequency excitation on atmospheric argon DBDs, which are carried out in the medium driving frequency (MF) range from 50 kHz to 5 MHz by using a one-dimensional hydrodynamics coupling model. The spatio-temporal evolution of particle density associated with the discharge mode transition and electron dynamic behavior has been investigated. By tuning different components of a single frequency, we observe the electron heating behaviors of the individual modes and mode transitions from the Townsend discharge to the glow discharge in the low frequency to the Ω mode and the hybrid mode in the medium frequency to the α-mode and the γ-mode in the radio frequency. The physical analysis is understood based on these fundamental insights into the plasma physics.

Developmental trajectories of children's playfulness in two- to six-year-olds

Even though playfulness has been found to be highly relevant to the development and wellbeing of young children, hardly any longitudinal findings are available on stability and changes in children's playfulness. This study examined developmental trajectories of children's playfulness in two- to six-year-olds over a two-year period and analyzed whether individual and family characteristics and transition to primary school explain these trajectories. The sample included 839 children (47.3% girls, MAge = 4.87 years, SDAge = 1.39) from 38 childcare centers and 47 kindergartens in Switzerland. Children's playfulness was assessed at three measurement time points at one-year intervals using the multidimensional Children's Playfulness Scale to gather parent and teacher reports. Second-order linear growth curve models showed significant interindividual differences in children's playfulness at initial baseline. These differences correlated with effects for age, migrant background, and maternal education. The growth-related processes varied depending on children's age, and the individual dimension of children's playfulness whether an increase, stability, or decline was observed. In particular, social components of playfulness were found to change. On average, children's playfulness increased in early years but decreased from school age onwards. However, closeness in parent–child relationships proved to be supportive of children's playfulness at all time points. The results indicate the significance of positive parenting to children's playfulness, but they also draw attention to how playful qualities can be maintained and more highly valued in the school environment. In general, the study can contribute to a better understanding of the construct of playfulness in childhood.

Stability of ecologically scaffolded traits during evolutionary transitions in individuality

Evolutionary transitions in individuality are events in the history of life leading to the emergence of new levels of individuality. Recent studies have described an ecological scaffolding scenario of such transitions focused on the evolutionary consequences of an externally imposed renewing meta-population structure with limited dispersal. One difficulty for such a scenario has been explaining the stability of collective-level traits when scaffolding conditions no longer apply. Here, we show that the stability of scaffolded traits can rely on evolutionary hysteresis: even if the environment is reverted to an ancestral state, collectives do not return to ancestral phenotypes. We describe this phenomenon using a stochastic meta-population model and adaptive dynamics. Further, we show that ecological scaffolding may be limited to Goldilocks zones of the environment. We conjecture that Goldilocks zones—even if they might be rare—could act as initiators of evolutionary transitions and help to explain the near ubiquity of collective-level individuality.

Demographic but not competitive time lags can transiently amplify climate-induced changes in vegetation carbon storage.

How terrestrial ecosystems will accumulate carbon as the climate continues to change is a major source of uncertainty in projections of future climate. Under growth-stimulating environmental change, time lags inherent in population and community dynamic processes have been posed to dampen, or alternatively amplify, short-term carbon gain in terrestrial vegetation, but these outcomes can be difficult to predict. To theoretically frame this problem, we developed a simple model of vegetation dynamics that identifies the stage-structured demographic and competitive processes that could govern the timescales of carbon storage and loss. We show that demographic lags associated with growth-stimulating environmental change can allow a rapid increase in population-level carbon storage that is lost back to the atmosphere in later years. However, this transient carbon storage only emerges when environmental change increases the transition of adult individuals into a larger size class that suffers markedly higher mortality. Otherwise, demographic lags simply slow carbon accumulation. Counterintuitively, an analogous tradeoff between maximum adult size and survivorship in two-species models, coupled with environmental change-driven replacement, does not generate the transient carbon gain seen in the single-species models. Instead lags in competitive replacement slow the approach to the eventual carbon trajectory. Together, our results suggest that time lags inherent in demographic and compositional turnover tend to slow carbon accumulation in systems responding to growth-stimulating environmental change. Only under specific conditions will lagged demographic processes in such systems drive transient carbon accumulation, conditions that investigators can examine in nature to help project future carbon trajectories.

On the Interpretation of Mid-infrared Absorption Lines of Gas-phase H2O as Observed by JWST/MIRI

Rovibrational absorption lines of H2O in the 5–8 μm wavelength range selectively probe gas against the mid-infrared continuum-emitting background of the inner regions of young stellar objects and active galactic nuclei and deliver important information about these warm, dust-obscured environments. JWST/Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) detects these lines in many lines of sight at a moderate spectral resolving power of R ∼ 3500 (full width at half-maximum of 85 km s−1). Based on our analysis of high-resolution SOFIA/EXES observations, we find that the interpretation of JWST/MIRI absorption spectra can be severely hampered by the blending of individual transitions and the lost information on the intrinsic line width or the partial coverage of the background continuum source. In this paper, we point out problems such as degeneracy that arise in deriving physical properties from an insufficiently resolved spectrum. This can lead to differences in the column density by 2 orders of magnitude. We emphasize the importance of weighting optically thin and weak lines in spectral analyses and provide recipes for breaking down the coupled parameters. We also provide an online tool to generate the H2O absorption line spectra that can be compared to observations.

Differential Patterns of Gut and Oral Microbiomes in Hispanic Individuals with Cognitive Impairment.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) have been associated with alterations in both oral and gut microbiomes. While extensive research has focused on the role of gut dysbiosis in ADRD, the contribution of the oral microbiome remains relatively understudied. Furthermore, the potential synergistic interactions between oral and gut microbiomes in ADRD pathology are largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate distinct patterns and potential synergistic effects of oral and gut microbiomes in a cohort of predominantly Hispanic individuals with cognitive impairment (CI) and without cognitive impairment (NC). We conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing on stool and saliva samples from 32 participants (17 CI, 15 NC; 62.5% female, mean age = 70.4 ± 6.2 years) recruited in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Correlation analysis through MaAslin2 assessed the relationship between participants' clinical measurements (e.g., fasting glucose and blood cholesterol) and their gut and saliva microbial contents. Differential abundance analysis evaluated taxa with significant differences between CI and NC groups, and alpha and beta diversity metrics assessed within-sample and group compositional differences. Our analyses revealed no significant differences between NC and CI groups in fasting glucose or blood cholesterol levels. However, a clear association was observed between gut microbiome composition and levels of fasting glucose and blood cholesterol. While alpha and beta diversity metrics showed no significant differences between CI and NC groups, differential abundance analysis revealed an increased presence of oral genera such as Dialister , Fretibacterium , and Mycoplasma in CI participants. Conversely, CI individuals exhibited a decreased abundance of gut genera, including Shuttleworthia , Holdemania , and Subdoligranulum , which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. No evidence was found for synergistic contributions between oral and gut microbiomes in the context of ADRD. Our findings suggest that similar to the gut microbiome, the oral microbiome undergoes significant modifications as individuals transition from NC to CI. Notably, the identified oral microbes have been previously associated with periodontal diseases and gingivitis. These results underscore the necessity for further investigations with larger sample sizes to validate our findings and elucidate the complex interplay between oral and gut microbiomes in ADRD pathogenesis.

Modeling, analysis, and simulation of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which has historically resulted in numerous fatalities. The analysis of TB is conducted through mathematical models featuring differential equations that describe the dynamics of epidemic spread, as well as its control and prevention. This paper presents the SEIR[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]D model of TB. According to this model, the total population is divided into five compartments: susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered, and deceased. This paper evaluates the rates (such as transmission rate, incubation rate, etc.) at which individuals transition from one compartment to another under various scenarios.

Some results of the introduction study of &lt;i&gt;Leonurus cardiaca&lt;/i&gt; plants in the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic

The article summarizes the results of many years of studying Leonurus cardiaca L. under cultural conditions in the North. It was revealed that in the first year of life, with the seedling method of cultivation, motherwort plants are in the pregenerative period. The transition of individuals into the generative period is noted in the second year of life. The winter hardiness and stability of plants in agrocoenosis is quite high. Under cultural conditions, specimens of L. cardiaca plants of different geographical origins retained the rhythms of seasonal development characteristic of this species. It was revealed that plants of L. cardiaca are characterized by extended periods of flowering (38–44 days) and fruiting (35–40 days). The growing season from the beginning of regrowth to seed collection was 127–132 days. In the years studied, different samples of L. cardiaca formed mature seeds weighing 1000 pcs. seeds 0,86–1,03 g and laboratory germination of 55–91%, which meets the requirements for the quality of seed material of this type. L. cardiaca plants reached their maximum development in the third to fifth years of life, being in a middle-aged generative ontogenetic state: plant height 98–166 cm, shoot-forming capacity – 18–22 pcs. per individual, inflorescence length 26–36 cm, raw material of the main shoot 7,2–8,6 g of wet and 2,1–2,9 g of air-dried phytomass. For the first time the mass fraction of nitrogen (2,4–2,9%) and the amino acid composition of proteins were determined in the above-ground raw phytomass of L. cardiaca. 17 amino acids were quantified, including seven essential ones (39,4% of the total). The highest content in plants was observed for amino acids: glutamic (12,5%), aspartic (11,6%), leucine (9,9%), lysine (8,3%), alanine (6,6%), valine (6,6%) and arginine (5,8%).

Water-vapor absorption database using Dual Comb Spectroscopy from 300 to 1300 K Part II: Air-Broadened H2O, 6600 to 7650 cm−1

We present broadband dual frequency comb laser absorption measurements of 2 % H2O (natural isotopic abundance of 99.7 % H216O) in air from 6600 to 7650 cm−1 (1307–1515 nm) with a spectral point spacing of 0.0068 cm−1. Twenty-nine datasets were collected at temperatures between 300 and 1300 K (±0.82 % average uncertainty) and pressures ranging from 20 to 600 Torr (±0.25 %) with an average residual absorbance noise of 8.0E-4 across the spectrum for all measurements. We fit measurements using a quadratic speed-dependent Voigt profile to determine 7088 absorption parameters for 3366 individual transitions found in HITRAN2020. These measurements build on the line strength, line center, self-broadening, and self-shift parameters determined in the Part I companion of this work. Here we measure air-broadened width (with temperature- and speed-dependence) and air pressure shift (with temperature-dependence) parameters. Various trends are explored for extrapolation to weak transitions that were not covered in this work. Improvements made in this work are predominantly due to the inclusion of air pressure shift temperature dependence values. In aggregate, these updates improved RMS absorbance error by a factor of 4.2 on average, and the remaining residual is predominantly spectral noise. This updated database improves high-temperature spectroscopic knowledge across the 6600-7650 cm−1 region of H2O absorption.

Ultrabroadband two-beam coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and spontaneous Raman spectroscopy of organic fluids: A comparative study.

Spontaneous Raman spectroscopy is a well-established diagnostic tool, allowing for the identification of all Raman active species with a single measurement. Yet, it may suffer from low-signal intensity and fluorescent background. In contrast, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) offers laser-like signals, but the traditional approach lacks the multiplex capability of spontaneous Raman spectroscopy. We present an ultrabroadband CARS setup which aims at exciting the full spectrum (300-3700 cm-1) of biological molecules. A dual-output optical parametric amplifier provides a ~7 fs pump/Stokes and a ~700 fs probe pulse. CARS spectra of DMSO, ethanol, and methanol show great agreement with spontaneous Raman spectroscopy and superiority in fluorescent environments. The spectral resolution proves sufficient to differentiate between the complex spectra of L-proline and hydroxyproline. Moreover, decay constants in the sub picosecond range are determined for individual Raman transitions, providing an additional approach for sample characterization.