bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking LRP12 CGG repeat expansion to inherited peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Hobara Takahiro , Ando Masahiro , Higuchi Yujiro , Yuan Jun-Hui , Yoshimura Akiko , Kojima Fumikazu , Noguchi Yutaka , Takei Jun , Hiramatsu Yu , Nozuma Satoshi , Nakamura Tomonori , Adachi Tadashi , Toyooka Keiko , Yamashita Toru , Sakiyama Yusuke , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Matsuura Eiji , Okamoto Yuji , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: July 2024

Background

The causative genes for over 60% of inherited peripheral neuropathy (IPN) remain unidentified. This study endeavours to enhance the genetic diagnostic rate in IPN cases by conducting screenings focused on non-coding repeat expansions.

Methods

We gathered data from 2424 unrelated Japanese patients diagnosed with IPN, among whom 1555 cases with unidentified genetic causes, as determined through comprehensive prescreening analyses, were selected for the study. Screening for CGG non-coding repeat expansions inLRP12,GIPC1andRILPL1genes was conducted using PCR and long-read sequencing technologies.

Results

We identified CGG repeat expansions inLRP12from 44 cases, establishing it as the fourth most common aetiology in Japanese IPN. Most cases (29/37) exhibited distal limb weakness, without ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, facial muscle weakness or bulbar palsy. Neurogenic changes were frequently observed in both needle electromyography (97%) and skeletal muscle tissue (100%). In nerve conduction studies, 28 cases primarily showed impairment in motor nerves without concurrent involvement of sensory nerves, consistent with the phenotype of hereditary motor neuropathy. In seven cases, both motor and sensory nerves were affected, resembling the Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) phenotype. Importantly, the mean CGG repeat number detected in the present patients was significantly shorter than that of patients withLRP12-oculopharyngodistal myopathy (p<0.0001). Additionally,GIPC1andRILPL1repeat expansions were absent in our IPN cases.

Conclusion

We initially elucidateLRP12repeat expansions as a prevalent cause of CMT, highlighting the necessity for an adapted screening strategy in clinical practice, particularly when addressing patients with IPN.
Development and validity testing of the Canadian Food Scoring System (CFSS), a nutrient profile model based on the recommendations of Canada’s Food Guide 2019
Authors: Lee Jennifer J. , Mulligan Christine , L'Abbé Mary
Published: July 2024

Canada’s food guide (CFG) 2019 provides dietary guidance for all Canadians; however, there is no tool available to help Canadians easily determine how individual foods align with CFG. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to develop a nutrient profile model, Canadian Food Scoring System (CFSS), to rank the healthfulness of individual foods according to the recommendations of CFG; and (2) to assess its validity. The CFSS was developed based on CFG, leveraging existing Canadian labelling regulations to set quantitative criteria for the CFG recommendations. The CFSS included three main steps: (1) classifying foods into the nutritious food categories and assigning points based on the alignment with the recommendations of CFG; (2) deducting points based on the levels of saturated fat, sugars, and sodium using thresholds from Canadian front-of-pack labelling regulations; and (3) calculating the final score from the first two steps to classify foods into one of five categories: “very poor,” “poor,” “fair,” “good,” or “excellent” choice. Convergent validity was assessed by examining the alignment of the CFSS with Health Canada’s CFG-Food Classification System using a national food composition database and the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 using nationally representative dietary intake survey data. The CFSS showed strong correlation with the CFG-Food Classification System (ρ = 0.782, p < 0.001) and moderate correlation with the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 ( r = 0.636, p < 0.001), indicating good convergent validity both at the food and dietary level. The newly developed CFSS can assess the alignment of individual foods with CFG, which can be used to help Canadians more easily make healthy food choices.
State Complexity of Boolean Operations on Graph-Walking Automata
Authors: Martynova Olga , Okhotin Alexander
Published: July 2024

Finite automata that traverse graphs by moving along their edges are known as graph-walking automata (GWA). This paper investigates the state complexity of Boolean operations for this model. It is proved that the union of GWA with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states, with [Formula: see text], operating on graphs with [Formula: see text] labels of edge end-points, is representable by a GWA with [Formula: see text] states, and at least [Formula: see text] states are necessary in the worst case. For the intersection, the upper bound is [Formula: see text] and the lower bound is [Formula: see text]. The upper bound for the complementation is [Formula: see text], and the lower bound is [Formula: see text].
Intelligent Acoustic and Optical Anomaly Monitoring System for Expressway Tunnels Based on the Internet of Things
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Rui , Yang Hongli
Published: July 2024

A smart sound and light anomaly monitoring system for highway tunnels based on Internet of Things technology was studied to address the issues of highway tunnel lighting systems. By utilizing Internet of Things technology, the tunnel lighting system is combined with abnormal sound recognition. Through the design of algorithm models, the recognition of abnormal sound inside the tunnel and the intelligent control of the lighting system is achieved. By pruning and validating the hidden layer nodes of the model, a more streamlined abnormal sound recognition model is obtained. Through experimental verification, this model has the highest recognition accuracy among all models, with a recognition rate of 91.75% at a compression rate of 20%. Compared with Average Percentage of Zeros (APoZ), Random Pruning and Mean Activation, the recognition rate is increased by 2.64%, 1.47% and 1.40%, respectively. In the design of tunnel lighting, fuzzy control is applied to the lighting inside the tunnel to improve the driving safety of drivers and further reduce the power consumption of excessive lighting in the tunnel. Through experiments, it has been proven that the system can work well, saving up to 727[Formula: see text] of energy per day.
Performance Improvement of Degrading Memristor-Bridge-Based Multilayer Neural Network with Refresh Pulses
Authors: Kausani Aalvee Asad , Ding Caiwen , Anwar Mehdi
Published: July 2024

Memristors as non-volatile memory devices have been recognized for executing in-memory computation in neuromorphic hardware. In this paper, a multilayer neural network has been developed with memristor-bridges as electrical synapses and trained with modified-chip-in-the-loop technique for an image classification task. Modeling the ideal conduction behavior of memristors by their device-physics inspired analytical model has yielded satisfactory performance. However, repeated voltage cycling degrades the resistance window of memristors by aggregating conductive residuals in filamentary memristors. Therefore, emulation of such nonideality has demonstrated compromised results. To improve the performance, refresh pulses have been introduced to the devices in between write pulses to eradicate the fundamental reason of the degradation — i.e., the residuals. It has been observed that improvement of performance is contingent upon the refreshment frequency, and frequent refreshment has the ability to restore performance to a level closely approaching its ideal emulation.
An In-Memory-Computing Structure with Quantum-Dot Transistor Toward Neural Network Applications: From Analog Circuits to Memory Arrays
Authors: Zhao Yang , Jain Faquir , Wang Lei
Published: July 2024

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have demonstrated great success in various applications, such as cloud computing, deep learning, and neural networks, among others. However, the majority of these applications rely on fast computation and large storage, which poses significant challenges to the hardware platform. Thus, there is a growing interest in exploring new computation architectures to address these challenges. Compute-in-memory (CIM) has emerged as a promising solution to overcome the challenges posed by traditional computer architecture in terms of data transfer frequency and energy consumption. Non-volatile memory, such as Quantum-dot transistors, has been widely used in CIM to provide high-speed processing, low power consumption, and large storage capacity. Matrix-vector multiplication (MVM) or dot product operation is a primary computational kernel in neural networks. CIM offers an effective way to optimize the performance of the dot product operation by performing it through an intertwining of processing and memory elements. In this paper, we present a novel design and analysis of a Quantum-dot transistor (QDT) based CIM that offers efficient MVM or dot product operation by performing computations inside the memory array itself. Our proposed approach offers energy-efficient and high-speed data processing capabilities that are critical for implementing AI applications on resource-limited platforms such as portable devices.
North Korea’s Nuclear Advancement and Its Increasing Impact on International Security
Authors: KIM Sung Chull
Published: July 2024

North Korea’s nuclear advancements have not only escalated tensions across the Korean peninsula but also presented significant challenges to broader international security. Pyongyang has remained the primary supplier of weapons to Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine, a dynamic that is described as “the tail wagging the dog”. Should Donald Trump be re-elected and hastily negotiate a nuclear deal with Kim Jong-un, it could potentially heighten the risk of nuclear proliferation in East Asia.
Influence of Simulation and Interactivity on Human Perceptions of a Robot During Navigation Tasks
Authors: Tsoi Nathan , Sterneck Rachel , Zhao Xuan , Vázquez Marynel
Published: July 2024

In Human–Robot Interaction, researchers typically utilize in-person studies to collect subjective perceptions of a robot. In addition, videos of interactions and interactive simulations (where participants control an avatar that interacts with a robot in a virtual world) have been used to quickly collect human feedback at scale. How would human perceptions of robots compare between these methodologies? To investigate this question, we conducted a 2

\({\times}\)

2 between-subjects study (
N

\({=}\)

160), which evaluated the effect of the interaction environment (Real vs. Simulated environment) and participants’ interactivity during human-robot encounters (Interactive participation vs. Video observations) on perceptions about a robot (competence, discomfort, social presentation, and social information processing) for the task of navigating in concert with people. We also studied participants’ workload across the experimental conditions. Our results revealed a significant difference in the perceptions of the robot between the real environment and the simulated environment. Furthermore, our results showed differences in human perceptions when people watched a video of an encounter versus taking part in the encounter. Finally, we found that simulated interactions and videos of the simulated encounter resulted in a higher workload than real-world encounters and videos thereof. Our results suggest that findings from video and simulation methodologies may not always translate to real-world human–robot interactions. In order to allow practitioners to leverage learnings from this study and future researchers to expand our knowledge in this area, we provide guidelines for weighing the tradeoffs between different methodologies.
Extremely-Compressed SSDs with I/O Behavior Prediction
Authors: Yao Xiangyu , Li Qiao , Lin Kaihuan , Gan Xinbiao , Zhang Jie , Gao Congming , Shen Zhirong , Xu Quanqing , Yang Chuanhui , Xue Jason
Published: July 2024

As the data volume continues to grow exponentially, there is an increasing demand for large storage system capacity. Data compression techniques effectively reduce the volume of written data, enhancing space efficiency. As a result, many modern SSDs have already incorporated data compression capabilities. However, data compression introduces additional processing overhead in critical I/O paths, potentially affecting system performance. Currently, most compression solutions in flash-based storage systems employ fixed compression algorithms for all incoming data without leveraging differences among various data access patterns. This leads to sub-optimal compression efficiency.

This article proposes a data-type-aware Flash Translation Layer (DAFTL) scheme to maximize space efficiency without compromising system performance. First, we propose an I/O behavior prediction method to forecast future access on specific data. Then, DAFTL matches data types with distinct I/O behaviors to compression algorithms of varying intensities, achieving an optimal balance between performance and space efficiency. Specifically, it employs higher-intensity compression algorithms for less frequently accessed data to maximize space efficiency. For frequently accessed data, it utilizes lower-intensity but faster compression algorithms to maintain system performance. Finally, an improved compact compression method is proposed to effectively eliminate page fragmentation and further enhance space efficiency. Extensive evaluations using a variety of real-world workloads, as well as the workloads with real data we collected on our platforms, demonstrate that DAFTL achieves more data reductions than other approaches. When compared to the state-of-the-art compression schemes, DAFTL reduces the total number of pages written to the SSD by an average of 8%, 21.3%, and 25.6% for data with high, medium, and low compressibility, respectively. In the case of workloads with real data, DAFTL achieves an average reduction of 10.4% in the total number of pages written to SSD. Furthermore, DAFTL exhibits comparable or even improved read and write performance compared to other solutions.
Recommending Career Transitions to Job Seekers Using Earnings Estimates, Skills Similarity, and Occupational Demand
Authors: Howison Mark , Long Joe , Hastings Justine S.
Published: July 2024

This paper describes a career recommendation algorithm that uses government administrative data to help job seekers discover new careers that similar job seekers have successfully switched to in the past. Algorithm development was motivated by workers and contractors who were displaced by the COVID-19 economic crisis and by workers in declining industries seeking new careers in growing ones. Traditional job boards available through state government websites list all available jobs but do little to remove uncertainty associated with moving to a new industry or occupation. Our recommendation algorithm can lower this uncertainty. It uses causal machine learning techniques and administrative data on the universe of individual-level employment histories and earnings to identify career transitions that have resulted in increased earnings and employment for previous job seekers. We combine these estimates with measures of skill similarity across occupations, derived from natural-language processing of millions of full-text job descriptions, and with occupational demand, as measured by nightly job posting volume. The algorithm parses applicant resumes and returns recommended careers that use similar skills, have available jobs, and are estimated to lead to higher earnings and employment. We have implemented our algorithm in production workforce development systems in five U.S. states.
Generative AI And New Challenges For Public Leaders: The Implications For Citizen Communications And Foundations Of Government Leadership
Authors: Jacknis Norman
Published: July 2024

This brief commentary describes some of the less discussed implications of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for changes in government communications, citizen experiences and the very foundations of government. It focuses on the current and developing capabilities of artificial intelligence to handle and generate text and images in a way that seems virtually human.
Deuterium Metabolic Imaging of Alzheimer Disease at 3-T Magnetic Field Strength: A Pilot Case-Control Study
Authors: Khan Alixander S. , Peterson Katie A. , Vittay Orsolya I. , McLean Mary A. , Kaggie Joshua D. , O’Brien John T. , Rowe James B. , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Matys Tomasz
Published: July 2024

Deuterium metabolic imaging (3 T) demonstrated a reduction in oxidative glucose metabolism at whole-brain spectroscopy, but no evidence of regional signal changes, in participants with Alzheimer disease.
Parental genetic effects on the offspring’s phenotype without transmission of the gene itself—pathophysiology and clinical evidence
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Hocher Berthold
Published: July 2024

Parental genes can influence the phenotype of their offspring through genomic-epigenomic interactions even without the direct inheritance of specific parental genotypes. Maternal genetic variations can affect the ovarian and intrauterine environments and potentially alter lactation behaviors, impacting offspring nutrition and health outcomes independently of the fetal genome. Similarly, paternal genetic changes can affect the endocrine system and vascular functions in the testes, influencing sperm quality and seminal fluid composition. These changes can initiate early epigenetic modifications in sperm, including alterations in microRNAs, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), and DNA methylation patterns. These epigenetic modifications might induce further changes in target organs of the offspring, leading to modified gene expression and phenotypic outcomes without transmitting the original parental genetic alterations. This review presents clinical evidence supporting this hypothesis and discusses the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Parental gene-offspring epigenome-offspring phenotype interactions have been observed in neurocognitive disorders and cardio-renal diseases.
Pulsed-field ablation: an alternative ablative method for gastric electrophysiological intervention
Authors: Matthee Ashton , Aghababaie Zahra , Nisbet Linley A. , Dowrick Jarrah M. , Windsor John A. , Sands Gregory B. , Angeli-Gordon Timothy R.
Published: July 2024

Results show that pulsed-field ablation can serve as a gastric slow-wave intervention by preventing slow-wave propagation across the lesion site. Stable conduction blocks were established immediately following energy delivery, faster than previous examples of radiofrequency gastric ablation. Pulsed-field ablation may be an alternative for gastric slow-wave intervention, and further functional and posthealing studies are now warranted.
The Spectrum of Renal “TFEopathies”: Flipping the mTOR Switch in Renal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Alesi Nicola , Asrani Kaushal , Lotan Tamara L. , Henske Elizabeth P.
Published: July 2024

The mammalian target of Rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a serine/threonine kinase that couples nutrient and growth factor signaling to the cellular control of metabolism and plays a fundamental role in aberrant proliferation in cancer. mTORC1 has previously been considered an “on/off” switch, capable of phosphorylating the entire pool of its substrates when activated. However, recent studies have indicated that mTORC1 may be active toward its canonical substrates, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) and S6 kinase (S6K), involved in mRNA translation and protein synthesis, and inactive toward TFEB and TFE3, transcription factors involved in the regulation of lysosome biogenesis, in several pathological contexts. Among these conditions are Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome (BHD) and, recently, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Furthermore, increased TFEB and TFE3 nuclear localization in these syndromes, and in translocation renal cell carcinomas (tRCC), drives mTORC1 activity toward the canonical substrates, through the transcriptional activation of the Rag GTPases, thereby positioning TFEB and TFE3 upstream of mTORC1 activity toward 4EBP1 and S6K. The expanding importance of TFEB and TFE3 in the pathogenesis of these renal diseases warrants a novel clinical grouping that we term “TFEopathies.” Currently, there are no therapeutic options directly targeting TFEB and TFE3, which represents a challenging and critically required avenue for cancer research.
Construction and Identification of Eukaryotic Expression Vector pEGFP‐N1‐MIC‐1 for Mouse MIC‐1 Gene and Its Effect on Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang HuiPeng , Qin Zhongyu , Shi ShuaiShuai , Li YunFei , Song Yang , Zhang YiQiang
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to construct an eukaryotic expression vector, pEGFP‐N1‐MIC‐1, for overexpressing the mouse macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 (MIC‐1) gene. Additionally, we transfected the MFC cell line to observe the upregulation of MIC‐1 gene expression and assess its impact on macrophage phenotype conversion. Enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing confirmed the successful construction of the pEGFP‐N1‐MIC‐1 vector. The transfected MFC cells exhibited a significant increase in MIC‐1 protein expression levels. Furthermore, transfection with pEGFP‐N1‐MIC‐1 increased the migration and colony formation capabilities of MFC cells. These results may contribute to future research and the development of therapeutic interventions targeting MIC‐1 in macrophages, particularly in the context of gastric cancer.
The Emergence of Novel Variants of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Spike Gene from 2011 to 2023
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Jian-Bo , Liu Hui-Zhen , Lian Yue-Xiao , Huang Yao-Wei , Cong Feng
Published: July 2024

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has caused severe economic losses in the pig industry. Since its discovery, the virus has spread in pig herds for more than 50 years. Many new features have been found in the PEDV spike genes. In this study, 123 representative S genes were used to analyze their characteristics across strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PEDV can be divided into nine groups: G1a, G1b, G1c, G1d, G2a, G2b, G2c, G2d, and G3. In addition, 21 different lengths of the S gene were found. Analysis of the amino acid insertion and deletion sites revealed that most deletions and insertions occurred in the loops of the spike quaternary structure, primarily in the D0 and N‐terminal domains (NTDs). According to the above results, PEDV has undergone considerable evolution, possibly under the immune pressure of vaccination. These results are highly important for understanding the current epidemic situation of PEDV.
Design and Analysis of Modular Gripper Finger Actuated by Antagonistic Wire and Shape Memory Alloy Springs
Authors: Sun Longfei , Lan Yiwen , Wang Binghao , Li Jinquan
Published: July 2024

The traditional underactuated grippers can only passively adapt to the shape contour of the object to complete the envelope or grasping action. In this paper, a wire and shape memory alloy (SMA) spring‐based differential drive gripper finger are proposed, which can actively control the grasping morphology according to the objects to be grasped, and are more in line with the grasping characteristics of the human hand. The wire simulates the flexor muscle, and the SMA and reset springs simulate the extensor muscle of the finger, which together control the finger morphology. According to the principle of moment equilibrium, the static mechanical model of the gripper is established, and the influence of the wire driving force and the equivalent stiffness of the finger joints on the grasping morphology are analysed, and the theoretical grasping force is verified by ADAMS simulation. A comparative analysis of the grasping force between the non‐active and active morphology control is presented. Finally, the experimental system of the gripper is constructed, and the verification of the deformation morphology of the single finger and the gripper’s grasping experiments is completed. The results show that according to the contour size of the object, by actively controlling the wire force of the gripper and the equivalent stiffness of the joints, the enveloping or grasping action for different objects can be completed. In addition, the grasping force of the finger can be improved by actively controlling the grasping morphology.
Least‐Cost for High Renewable Energy Share in the Distributed Energy System through Integrated Supply and Demand Side Management
Authors: You Chanhee , Won Wangyun , Kim Jiyong
Published: July 2024

This study analyzes energy supply and demand‐side management strategies to increase the renewable energy share in a distributed energy system (DES), which includes demand response (DR) options and different renewable energy sources (RES) and energy storage systems (ESS). To analyze the least costs for increasing the renewable energy share by integrating the DR, RES, and ESS, four scenarios of the DES were generated. Then, a new optimization model was proposed to identify the optimal design and operation strategies, which includes maximizing the profit as an objective function subject to various constraints, such as technical capacity and electricity price. To illustrate the capability of the proposed model, this study presented a case study of the DES for the residential sector of Jeju Island, Korea. The results showed that the optimal scenario, involving the integration of the DR, RES, and ESS, shows 0.115 $/kW hr of the levelized cost of electricity and 10% of renewable energy share, which correspond to 32.7% and 31.5% improvement, respectively, compared to the baseline. Additionally, the practical strategies to meet the Korean target of the high‐share RES were discussed through a sensitivity analysis of major external factors, such as carbon tax, incentives, and the electricity trading price in electricity markets.
Unveiling Transitions in Disease States: Study of Depressive and Anxiety Symptom Networks over Time
Authors: Van Den Noortgate Minne , Morrens Manuel , Van Hemert Albert M. , Schoevers Robert A. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Giltay Erik J.
Published: July 2024

Background. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders (AD) have high degrees of comorbidity and show great overlap in symptoms. The analysis of covarying depressive‐ and anxiety symptoms in longitudinal, sparse data panels has received limited attention. Dynamic time warping (DTW) analysis may help to provide new insights into symptom network properties based on diagnostic‐ and disease‐state stability criteria. Materials and Methods. In the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety depressive‐, anxiety‐, and worry symptoms were assessed four or five times over the course of 9 years using self‐report questionnaires. The sample included 1,649 participants at baseline, comprising controls (n = 360), AD patients (n = 158), MDD patients (n = 265), and comorbid AD–MDD patients (n = 866). With DTW, 1,649 distance matrices were calculated, which yielded symptom networks and enabling comparison of network densities among subgroups. Results. The mean age of the sample was 41.5 years (standard deviations, 13.2), of whom 66.4% were female. The largest distance was between worry symptoms and physiological arousal symptoms, implicating the most dissimilar dynamics over time. The network density in the groups, from lowest to highest, followed the order: controls, AD, MDD, and comorbid AD–MDD. The comorbid group showed strongly connected mood and cognitive symptoms, which contrasted with the more strongly connected somatic and arousal symptoms in the AD and MDD groups. Groups that showed more transitions in disease states over follow‐up, regardless of the diagnoses, had the highest network density compared to more stable states of health or disease (beta for quadratic term = −0.095; P  < 0.001). Conclusions. Symptom networks over time can be visualized by applying DTW methods on sparse panel data. Network density was highest in patients with comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders and those with more instability in disease states, suggesting that a stronger internal connectivity may facilitate “critical transitions” within the complex systems framework.
Assessing Vodka Authenticity and Origin in Vietnam’s Market: An Analytical Approach Using FTIR and ICP‐MS with Multivariate Statistics
Authors: Truong Ngoc Minh , Nguyen Quang Trung , Pham Van Thinh , Hoang Le Tuan Anh , Le Viet Anh , Le Van Nhan , Tran Ha Minh Duc , Nguyen Tien Dat
Published: July 2024

Vodka constitutes a significant sector of Vietnam’s alcohol industry, including both domestic and imported varieties. However, this diversity faces challenges from illegal imports and adulterated products, threatening consumer health and brand integrity. This study employs Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) to analyze 300 vodka samples from five brands collected across Hanoi. Significant variations were found in elemental compositions, with sodium concentrations ranging from 205.67 μg/L to 1269.24 μg/L and magnesium levels from 65.57 μg/L to 1453.34 μg/L. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the FTIR and ICP‐MS data effectively differentiated the samples, with the first two principal components explaining 84.78% and 73.02% of the total variance, respectively. The PCA plots revealed distinct chemical profiles, notably isolating Rocket Vodka. These findings enhance food safety enforcement, protect consumer rights, and preserve brand reputations. The study underscores the importance of advanced analytical tools in combating beverage adulteration, ensuring public health, and maintaining market integrity, offering a replicable model for similar research in other regions.
SSA‐BP Neural Network Model for Predicting Rice‐Fish Production in China
Authors: Wang Junlei , Zeng Guorui , Xu Maosen , Wan Xuanchen , Wang Keke , Mou Jiegang , Hua Chenchen , Fan Chuanhao , Han Pengfei
Published: July 2024

The rice‐fish system has gained significant interest in recent years because of its effective usage of limited land and freshwater resources. To scientifically guide the improvement of rice field fishery production, the data in this study were selected from the latest China Fishery Statistical Yearbook, and therefore the development of paddy aquaculture was investigated. In order to more precisely predict the production of rice‐fish in China, this paper introduces an artificial neural network with the SSA‐BP model, which solves the drawbacks of the BP neural network such as easy to fall into local optimum and slow convergence speed when it is used for prediction. Firstly, the SSA‐BP model incorporates the aquaculture area (split by water area), the national freshwater fish seedling output, the national end‐of‐year ownership of inland fishing vessels, the number of freshwater fisheries practitioners as input variables, and the production of rice‐fish as an output variable; secondly, the SSA optimization algorithm was used to find the optimal initial thresholds and weights for the BP neural network, and finally the SSA‐BP prediction model was constructed. The results revealed that the overall expansion of the rice field fishery was swift in the last five years, and the output of cultivated fish in China’s rice fields rose by nearly 20% yearly in the past five years. Compared with the BP neural network and GA‐BP models, the accuracy of the SSA‐BP prediction model was enhanced by 61.01% and 16.15%, respectively, which was more suited for predicting the production of rice‐fish.
Synthesis of Furfural from Xylose Using Carbon‐Based Bifunctional Solid Acid Catalyst in the Biphasic System
Authors: Adugna Megersa Tadesse , Tefera Zelalem Tumsa , Yilma Mulugeta
Published: July 2024

The objective of this research was to convert xylose into furfural using flax straw‐based bifunctional solid acid catalyst. The catalyst was synthesized by impregnation‐carbonization and sulfonation processes. The characterization of biochar, Al‐biochar, and sulfonated Al‐biochar catalyst were carried out by using Brunauer–EmmetTeller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the surface area, total acid density, and SO3H density of sulfonated Al‐biochar catalyst were 516.03 m2/g, 4.767 ± 0.23 mmol/g and 1.033 ± 0.1 mmol/g, respectively. The result of FTIR indicated that the presence of the different functional groups such as the phenolic group (‐OH), carboxylic group (‐COOH), sulfoxide group (‐SO3H), and Al‐O‐Al on the surface of the prepared catalyst. The catalytic performance of the synthesized catalyst was evaluated in a biphasic system of water and 2‐methyl tetra hydro furan. The effects of dehydration reaction parameters (reaction temperature, reaction time, and catalyst loading) on the formation of furfural were also studied. The maximum furfural formation was obtained at 180°C, 2 hr, and 0.2 gm of catalyst loading. Under this condition, the yield of furfural was around 64.7%, with a selectivity of 88.0%. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the catalyst in the transformation of xylose into furfural.
Estimating the Effects of Cancer Screening in Clinical Practice Settings: The Role of Selective Uptake and Suboptimal Adherence along the Cancer Screening Continuum
Authors: Lund Jennifer L. , Rivera M. Patricia , Su I-Hsuan , Long Jason M. , Chen Xiaomeng , Pak Joyce , Hudgens Michael G. , Stürmer Til , Reuland Daniel S. , Henderson Louise M.
Published: July 2024

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are the gold standard in determining efficacy of cancer screening tests. Yet, systematic differences between RCT and the general populations eligible for screening raise concerns about the generalizability and relevance of RCT findings to guide the development and dissemination of cancer screening programs. Observational studies from clinical practice settings have documented selective uptake in screening—i.e., variation across subgroups regarding who is screened and not screened—as well as suboptimal adherence to screening recommendations, including follow-up of positive findings with subsequent imaging studies and diagnostic invasive procedures. When the effectiveness of a screening intervention varies across subgroups, and there is selective uptake and suboptimal adherence to screening in clinical practice relative to that in the RCT, the effects of screening reported in RCTs are not expected to generalize to clinical practice settings. Understanding the impacts of selective uptake and suboptimal adherence on estimates of the effectiveness of cancer screening in clinical practice will generate evidence that can be used to inform future screening recommendations and enhance shared decision-making tools.
Supplementary Table 1 from Noninvasive Lung Cancer Subtype Classification Using Tumor-Derived Signatures and cfDNA Methylome
Authors: Li Shuo , Li Wenyuan , Liu Bin , Krysan Kostyantyn , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: July 2024

Clinical information of the tissue and blood samples
Figure 3 from Noninvasive Lung Cancer Subtype Classification Using Tumor-Derived Signatures and cfDNA Methylome
Authors: Li Shuo , Li Wenyuan , Liu Bin , Krysan Kostyantyn , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: July 2024

Classification of lung cancer subtypes using plasma cfDNA. A, ROC curve of subtype classification on plasma cfDNA. The performance of the subtype classification model was evaluated using LOOCV. The bold curves are the ROC curve. The colored areas represent the CI of the ROC curve. B, Accuracy of the subtype classification. Accuracy was evaluated on the plasma samples with detectable and undetectable tumor fractions, as estimated using ichorCNA. C, ROC curve of subtype classification on an independent validation set.
Data from Noninvasive Lung Cancer Subtype Classification Using Tumor-Derived Signatures and cfDNA Methylome
Authors: Li Shuo , Li Wenyuan , Liu Bin , Krysan Kostyantyn , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of lung cancer is important for treatment decision-making. Tumor biopsy and histologic examination are the standard for determining histologic lung cancer subtypes. Liquid biopsy, particularly cell-free DNA (cfDNA), has recently shown promising results in cancer detection and classification. In this study, we investigate the potential of cfDNA methylome for the noninvasive classification of lung cancer histologic subtypes. We focused on the two most prevalent lung cancer subtypes, lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Using a fragment-based marker discovery approach, we identified robust subtype-specific methylation markers from tumor samples. These markers were successfully validated in independent cohorts and associated with subtype-specific transcriptional activity. Leveraging these markers, we constructed a subtype classification model using cfDNA methylation profiles, achieving an AUC of 0.808 in cross-validation and an AUC of 0.747 in the independent validation. Tumor copy-number alterations inferred from cfDNA methylome analysis revealed potential for treatment selection. In summary, our study demonstrates the potential of cfDNA methylome analysis for noninvasive lung cancer subtyping, offering insights for cancer monitoring and early detection.
Significance:
This study explores the use of cfDNA methylomes for the classification of lung cancer subtypes, vital for effective treatment. By identifying specific methylation markers in tumor tissues, we developed a robust classification model achieving high accuracy for noninvasive subtype detection. This cfDNA methylome approach offers promising avenues for early detection and monitoring.
How to Use Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries
Authors: Tornvall Per , Beltrame John F. , Nickander Jannike , Sörensson Peder , Reynolds Harmony R. , Agewall Stefan
Published: July 2024

The working diagnosis Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) is being increasingly recognized with the common use of high-sensitivity troponins and coronary angiography, accounting for 5% to 10% of all acute myocardial infarction presentations. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is pivotal in patients presenting with suspected MINOCA, mainly to delineate those with a nonischemic cause, for example, myocarditis and Takotsubo syndrome, from those with true ischemic myocardial infarction, that is, MINOCA. The optimal timing for CMR imaging in patients with suspected MINOCA has been uncertain and, until recently, not been examined prospectively. Previous retrospective studies have indicated that the diagnostic yield decreases with time from the acute event. The SMINC studies (Stockholm Myocardial Infarction with Normal Coronaries) show that CMR should be performed early in all patients with the working diagnosis of MINOCA, with the possible exception of patients who are clearly identified as having Takotsubo syndrome as determined by echocardiography. In addition to CMR imaging, other investigations of importance in selected patients may be pulmonary artery computed tomography to exclude pulmonary embolism, optical coherence tomography to identify plaque disruption, and acetylcholine provocation to identify coronary artery spasm. Imaging of patients with the working diagnosis MINOCA, which is centered on CMR together with supplemental investigations, results in a clear diagnosis in approximately three-quarters of the patients. This is a good example of personalized medicine, because a correct diagnosis will not only increase the satisfaction of the individual patient but also result in optimizing treatment without harming the patient.
Age- and Sex-Specific Myocardial Blood Flow Values in Patients Without Coronary Atherosclerosis on Rb-82 PET Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Sperry Brett W. , Metzinger Mark P. , Ibrahim Ali O. , Thompson Randall C. , Cho Yoon J. , Jones Phillip G. , McGhie A. Iain , Bateman Timothy M.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Quantitative myocardial blood flow (MBF) on positron-emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging is a measure of the overall health of the coronary circulation. The ability to adequately augment blood flow, measured by myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR), is associated with lower major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. The age-specific ranges of MBFR in patients without demonstrable coronary artery disease have not been well established. We aimed to determine the effect of age and sex on MBF in a cohort of patients without demonstrable coronary artery disease.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent positron-emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging studies from 2012 to 2022 on positron-emission tomography/computed tomography cameras were included if the summed stress score was 0, the coronary calcium score was 0, and the left ventricular ejection fraction was ≥50%. Those with known coronary artery disease, prior history of coronary intervention, diabetes, heart/kidney/liver transplant, cirrhosis, or chronic kidney disease stage IV+ were excluded. MBF was calculated using a net retention model (ImagenQ, Cardiovascular Imaging Technologies, Kansas City), and quantile regression models were developed to predict MBF.

RESULTS:

Among 2789 patients (age 59.9±13.0 years, 76.4% females), median rest MBF was 0.73 (0.60–0.91) mL/min·g, stress MBF was 1.72 (1.41–2.10) mL/min·g, and MBFR was 2.31 (1.96–2.74). Across all ages, males augmented MBF in response to vasodilator stress to a greater degree than females but achieved lower absolute stress MBF. Younger males in particular achieved a higher MBFR than their female counterparts, and this gap narrowed with increasing age. Predicted MBFR for a 20-year-old male was 3.18 and female was 2.50, while predicted MBFR for an 80-year-old male was 2.17 and female was 2.02.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients without demonstrable coronary artery disease, MBFR is higher in younger males than younger females and decreases with age in both sexes. Age- and sex-specific MBFR may be important in risk prediction and guidance for revascularization and warrant further study.
Ticking Brain: Circadian Rhythm as a New Target for Cerebroprotection
Authors: Xu Shuaili , Jia Milan , Guo Jiaqi , He Jiachen , Chen Xi , Xu Yi , Hu Wenbo , Wu Di , Wu Chuanjie , Ji Xunming
Published: July 2024

Circadian rhythm is a master process observed in nearly every type of cell throughout the body, and it macroscopically regulates daily physiology. Recent clinical trials have revealed the effects of circadian variation on the incidence, pathophysiological processes, and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. Furthermore, core clock genes, the cell-autonomous pacemakers of the circadian rhythm, affect the neurovascular unit–composing cells in a nonparallel manner after the same pathophysiological processes of ischemia/reperfusion. In this review, we discuss the influence of circadian rhythms and clock genes on each type of neurovascular unit cell in the pathophysiological processes of acute ischemic stroke.
A new species of planthopper in the genus Colpoptera (Hemiptera:Fulgoroidea: Nogodinidae) from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
Authors: BARRANTES EDWIN A. BARRANTES , ECHAVARRIA MARCO A. ZUMBADO , DAM ALEX R. VAN , HELMICK ERICKA E. , BARTLETT CHARLES R. , APONTE LAURA V. MARTINEZ , RUIZ ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ , BLOCH MELODY , BAHDER BRIAN W.
Published: July 2024

A new species of Colpoptera, C. stonei sp. nov., (Colpopterinae: Colpopterini) is described from Costa Rica, during a survey of planthoppers associated with palms. Molecular data for the five-prime region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and 28S rRNA gene are provided for available members of Colpopterini to support placement in Colpoptera.
Airway breathing circulation dengue: a case of multifactorial shock due to major trauma and severe dengue infection
Authors: Hoang Bui Hai , Tang Thomas Vu , Phan Nguyen Dai Nghia , Nguyen Anh Dung , Dinh Michael Minh Quoc
Published: July 2024

Background

Dengue is the most common arboviral illness reported globally, endemic to most tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Dengue Shock Syndrome is a rare complication of severe Dengue infection resulting in haemorrhagic complications and refractory hypotension. We report on a case of severe dengue diagnosed in a patient with major trauma and illustrate some of the potential challenges and considerations in the clinical management of such cases.

Case Presentation

A 49-year-old female presented following a road trauma incident with multiple abdominal injuries requiring urgent laparotomy. Her recovery in Intensive Care Unit was complicated by the development of Dengue Shock Syndrome characterised by a falling haemoglobin and platelet count, multiorgan dysfunction and prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusions

Dengue Shock Syndrome may complicate fluid management and bleeding control in major trauma cases. Awareness of Dengue, particularly in endemic areas and returned travellers may help facilitate early diagnosis and management of complications.
Co-infection of Four Novel Mycoviruses from Three Lineages Confers Hypovirulence on Phytopathogenic Fungus Ustilaginoidea virens
Authors: Fan Yu , Zhao Wenhua , Tang Xiaolin , Yang Mei , Yang Yingqing , Zhang Zixuan , Cheng Baoping , Zhou Erxun , He Zhenrui
Published: July 2024

Rice false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens has become one of the most important diseases of rice. Mycoviruses are viruses that can infect fungi with the potential to control fungal diseases. However, little is known about the biocontrol role of hypoviruses in U. virens. In this study, we revealed that the hypovirulence-associated U. virens strain Uv325 was co-infected by four novel mycoviruses from three lineages, designated Ustilaginoidea virens RNA virus 16 (UvRV16), Ustilaginoidea virens botourmiavirus virus 8 (UvBV8), Ustilaginoidea virens botourmiavirus virus 9 (UvBV9), and Ustilaginoidea virens narnavirus virus 13 (UvNV13), respectively. The U. virens strain co-infected by four mycoviruses showed slower growth rates, reduced conidial yield, and attenuated pigmentation. We demonstrated that UvRV16 was not only the major factor responsible for the hypovirulent phenotype in U. vriens, but also able to prevent U. virens to accumulate more mycotoxin, thereby weakening the inhibitory effects on rice seed germination and seedling growth. Additionally, we indicated that UvRV16 can disrupt the antiviral response of U. virens by suppressing the transcriptional expression of multiple genes involved in autophagy and RNA silencing. In conclusion, our study provided new insights into the biological control of rice false smut.