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Bifurcation analysis and soliton solutions of the generalized third-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation using two analytical approaches
Design and performance analysis of a simplified hybrid modulation method for dual active bridge powering inverters
This paper presents a simplified hybrid modulation method for operating dual-active-bridge (DAB) converters that power inverters by integrating single-phase shift (SPS) and triple-phase shift (TPS) modulation schemes. It covers the design and control algorithm development, performance analysis, as well as highlights its benefits and limitations. While full TPS implementation is highly complex, this work selects a specific TPS operating mode to enhance DAB converter efficiency in low-power conditions with minimal control effort. In the proposed method, a hysteresis controller is employed to regulate the DAB modulation at a defined power threshold. This poses a significant challenge, especially when a single proportional-integral (PI) controller is employed to regulate output power with a minimal set of control parameters applicable to both modulation schemes. Moreover, in addressing these challenges, a trade-off between high efficiency and fast dynamic response is also considered, with greater emphasis placed on efficiency when developing the controllers. Meanwhile, the inverter output voltage is independently controlled regardless of the DAB operation to further simplify the overall process. Small signal modeling and closed-loop control of DAB-based inverter with the proposed hybrid modulation are also presented. Its functionality and performance have been verified through simulation and a developed small-scale DAB-based inverter prototype.
Primordial germ cell-like cells residing in the pituitary may serve as the origin of intracranial germ cell tumors
Abstract Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) are rare, histologically classified as extragonadal germ cell tumors, and predominantly affect children and adolescents. These tumors are commonly found in the midline of the brain, with a notable male predominance and varying geographic incidences. The origins of iGCTs have been debated, particularly whether they arise from abnormal migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) or transformed embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In this study, we hypothesize the potential presence of PGC-like cells in the pituitary gland, and these cells may differentiate into iGCTs during the complex and frequent regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis (HPGA).We analyzed the expression of four germ cell markers—MVH, OCT4, C-kit, and PLZF—using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time quantitative PCR in human pituitary tissues, pituitary tumors, and pituitary germ cell tumors. Our findings indicate significant expression of these markers in pituitary tissues, with the highest levels found in pituitary germ cell tumors. These results support the existence of PGC-like cells that within the normal pituitary gland. This study provides new insights into the cellular origins of iGCTs and suggests further investigation into the regulatory mechanisms that may lead to tumorigenesis.
Research on the evolution of physical teachers and physical teaching policy: A perspective from China
This study aims to comprehensively and profoundly explore the history of changes in China’s physical teachers and physical teaching policies. Focusing on policies related to physical teachers and teaching published between 1950 and 2023, we employed text mining and topic-matching techniques to construct an algorithmic model for analyzing physical teachers and teaching policy topic types and attitude orientations, thereby capturing the internal logic and external characteristics of the policy texts. Through a sub-period analysis, we examined the evolution of physical teachers and teaching policy themes and attitudes across different historical periods. The key findings reveal that policy themes have gradually exhibited a trend of diversification and refinement: initially emphasizing the training of physical teachers’ basic qualities, they shifted to highlighting the promotion of professional skills, and later advocated the development of comprehensive quality and innovative abilities. Concurrently, policy attitudes have transformed from being unitary to pluralistic and from rigid to flexible, with an increasing focus on guidance and encouragement. Additionally, the process of policy change demonstrates continuity and inheritance, which ensures the stability and coherence of the policy system.
UncerTrans: uncertainty-aware temporal transformer for early action prediction
Generalized FitzHugh-Nagumo equations with Caputo gH-differentiability: A novel fuzzy fractional approach to digital memristor networks
The fuzzy fractional generalized FitzHugh-Nagumo differential equations (FFGFH-NDEs) is a well-known and generalized model that plays a significant role in biological systems, including complex synchronization in brain networks, cardiac dynamics, propagation of signals through nerve impulses, and digital circuit theory. The analytical study of the FFGFH-NDEs is more complex and difficult to deal with. An effective and efficient technique is required to solve FFGFH-NDEs analytically. This article introduces and investigates the analytical fuzzy solutions of FFGFH-NDEs using fuzzy fractional Caputo generalized Hukuhara ( FFCgH )-differentiability. The closed-form solutions of FFGFH-NDEs for various cases and types of FFCgH -differentiability are extracted for the homogeneous and nonhomogeneous case of the concerned model. The potential solutions are determined using fuzzy Laplace transform ( FLT ) and are presented in terms of multivariate Mittag-Leffler functions (MLFs). To highlight the innovation of this work, the digital memristor networks problem is designed and solved as an application of the proposed study including the graphical analysis to understand the uncertain behavior of the proposed model.
Correction: Reduced Fc-mediated antibody responses after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in a cohort of people living with HIV-1
Evaluation of a mobile-based remote aftercare application in cochlear implant users
Introduction Clinical follow-up for cochlear implant (CI) users is typically carried out in a face-to-face session in a clinical site. Users must travel to the site, which incurs burdens of travel time, expenses, and time lost from work or education. To help alleviate this, a mobile health application, Remote Check, has been developed to facilitate the remote evaluation of both the functionality of the CI system and the hearing performance of the user. Here, we report the results of a real-world field test of Remote Check with a cohort of 29 CI users across two clinics. Methods Paired Remote Check and face-to-face clinical follow-up session were performed with a cohort of 29 experienced CI users. A psychometric instrument for the evaluation of mobile health applications (the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire, MAUQ) was administered to both users and clinical professionals, along with an ad-hoc survey to evaluate users’ experiences regarding travel distances, travel times, costs, and other parameters associated with different types of clinical follow-up sessions. Professionals were also surveyed on the performance of the tool. The durations of Remote Check and face-to-face follow up sessions were compared, and the agreement rate of post-session follow-up actions was determined. Results Both technical checks of the CI and evaluation of hearing performance were possible with Remote Check. Both users and professionals rated the tool highly on the MAUQ instrument. This tool facilitated shorter session times and had strong agreement with face-to-face follow up in terms of further actions. Users also perceived Remote Check as offering the possibility of saving them money. Conclusion MED-EL Remote Check is an adequate tool for the remote evaluation of both the CI system and the users’ hearing performance. Remote Check may reduce barriers to care, particularly for rural populations.
Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair gene XRCC1 and the risk of diabetic polyneuropathy
Abstract This study aimed to investigate the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk and severity of polyneuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The genotyping of SNPs was achieved in 732 contributors, including diabetic subjects with and without polyneuropathy and controls, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, by using advanced statistical techniques, including machine learning methodologies, to analyze the data.The results indicated a significant link between both SNPs and DPN risk under both codominant and dominant models, respectively, with the A and T alleles as risk variants. Haplotype analysis further established the A-T haplotype as a prominent risk factor. The disease severity was associated with the 399 A/A and combined (G/A + A/A) genotypes, as well as the 194 C/T and combined (C/T + T/T) genotypes. In advanced DPN stages, random Forest (RF) highlighted both XRCC1 SNPs, and disease duration as the top three contributing factors. SHAP analysis corroborated the 194 C/T genotype of and the 399 A/A genotype were strongly linked to severe disease manifestations, particularly when coexisting with prolonged illness duration, advanced age, elevated HDL, and reduced LDL levels. Our findings substantiate the association of XRCC1 Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp SNPs with both susceptibility to and progression of DPN in T2DM patients. The integration of machine learning methodologies augments clinical decision-making by refining diagnostic precision and facilitating personalized treatment strategies.
Regional political climate’s moderating role in the association between political conservatism and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States
There is an emerging body of evidence linking political conservatism and conservative political climate in the United States to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake. The goal of the present research was to examine how political climate moderates the relationship between self-reported political conservatism and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake. We collected online survey data from 683 participants between March 8 and April 19, 2023. Controlling for age, education, income, and race, there was an interaction between political conservatism and conservative political climate for both vaccine and booster hesitancy ( β = .07, p = .03; β = .12, p < .001, respectively), such that liberals were less likely to be hesitant regardless of political climate. However, conservatives living in liberal political climates were less vaccine hesitant than their conservative counterparts living in conservative regions. A similar interaction was for the likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 booster (OR =.84, p = .049). Liberals were more likely to receive a booster regardless of political climate, while conservatives’ likelihood was associated with their political climate. Observed patterns linking liberal political climates with vaccine uptake among conservative individuals have important implications for vaccination efforts among conservative individuals in the United States.
Risk of irritable bowel syndrome in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a global-federated, multicenter cohort study
The impact of simultaneous batch turn downs and targeted kidney utilization decisions on patient survival
In the US, Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) procure deceased-donor kidneys, whereas Transplant Programs (TxPs) make utilization decisions for candidates listed at their centers. For each donor, candidates are ranked in a strict priority sequence determined by the national allocation rules. Higher-ranked candidates have the right of first refusal over lower-ranked candidates. TxPs are expected to utilize kidneys based on the merits of performing a transplant for each candidate independently of other candidates. However, they frequently utilize kidneys for lower-ranked candidates. This phenomenon is called list diving. The prevalence of list diving has been documented in the literature but its impact on post-transplant outcomes has not been studied. Moreover, all of the reasons why TxPs exercise list diving are not observed in archival data. Therefore, we examine whether utilization decisions that occur either before or concurrently with multiple declines (referred to as batch turn downs) of higher-ranked candidates result in higher recipient and graft survival after accounting for treatment endogeneity. The out-of-sequence transplants identified via the time-based criterion are referred to as targeted placements (TPs). Such transplants signal TxPs’ exercise of clinical judgment. We find that TPs reduce the waiting time for recipients (average time to transplant: 2.20 years for TP recipients vs. 2.64 years for non-targeted recipients, p –value < 0.01) while lengthening it for skipped candidates (average wait time until the first offer: 1.64 years for skipped candidates vs. 1.37 years for non-skipped candidates, p –value < 0.01). However, TPs do not significantly improve the survival chances of recipients in aggregate, despite the shortened waiting time. Concurrently, TPs prolong skipped candidates’ waiting time and the extra wait does not improve survival chances of those among them who eventually receive transplants.
Habitat-based MRI radiomics for enhanced parkinson’s diagnosis
Abstract Early and accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains a clinical challenge. This study explores the potential of habitat-based radiomics as a novel approach to improve PD detection using routine clinical MRI scans. We analyzed MRI data from 308 participants (173 PD patients and 135 healthy controls) to extract detailed features from segmented habitats in the caudate nucleus and putamen. Machine learning models, trained on habitat-based radiomic features, achieved a diagnostic accuracy exceeding 94%. This superior performance, compared to traditional radiomics, highlights the ability of habitat-based radiomics to capture subtle tissue heterogeneity associated with PD. Our findings suggest that habitat-based radiomics could be a valuable tool for early and accurate PD diagnosis, enabling timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Association of tissue lymphocyte immunophenotype and clinical outcomes: A prospective study in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with vedolizumab
Introduction Vedolizumab binds to α4β7 integrin, thereby inhibiting lymphocyte migration into the gastrointestinal tract. It is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. This study evaluated vedolizumab concentrations, α4β7 integrin saturation, and T lymphocyte immunophenotype proportions in blood, serum and inflamed colorectal tissue according to treatment efficacy in patients with moderate to severe UC. Methods This was a phase 4, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study. Patients were observed for a total of 54 weeks. Clinical remission was defined as complete Mayo score ≤ 2 or partial Mayo score ≤ 1. Results The study included 11 patients with UC, 10 of whom were tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist therapy-naïve. Seven and six patients were in remission at weeks 14 and 54, respectively. Vedolizumab concentrations and lymphocyte α4β7 integrin saturation in serum and inflamed colorectal tissue at weeks 14 and 54 did not differ significantly between remitters and non-remitters. The proportion of T cell subsets differed in remitters and non-remitters for CD4 + T cells in blood at week 14 (62.7% vs 47.4%, p = 0.0061) and CD161 + memory CD4 + T cells (65.7% vs 53.1%, p = 0.0357) in inflamed colorectal tissue at week 54. Week 54 remitters had higher proportions of CD161 + memory CD4 + T cells in inflamed colorectal tissue at baseline (before vedolizumab treatment) than did week 54 non-remitters (48.5% vs 31.3%, p = 0.0303). Conclusion T cell immunophenotype may be a promising predictive biomarker of vedolizumab treatment efficacy.
Mechanical and microstructural assessment of conventional carbon and stainless steel shear stud welded connections
Abstract Shear studs are crucial for composite action between a bridge’s superstructure and deck. While carbon steel shear studs weld well onto ASTM A709 Grade 50 steel, their use with weathering bridge steels, particularly ASTM A709 Grade 50CR, has been associated in the literature with potential service-life concerns such as galvanic corrosion arising from metallic dissimilarities. Austenitic stainless steel shear studs have therefore been proposed for use with martensitic ASTM A709 Grade 50CR; however, literature on their mechanical behavior is limited, and code guidance is lacking. This study aims to investigate the mechanical performance and failure mechanisms in conventional carbon and austenitic stainless steel shear studs welded to ASTM A709 Grade 50 and Grade 50CR base metals. Shear and tensile tests were performed on three stud–base metal configurations: (1) a carbon steel shear stud welded to an ASTM A709 Grade 50 plate, (2) a carbon steel shear stud welded to an ASTM A709 Grade 50CR plate, and (3) an austenitic stainless steel shear stud welded to an ASTM A709 Grade 50CR plate. Weld-zone microstructural analysis and microhardness traverses were conducted for each stud–plate assembly. Tensile and shear testing demonstrated an increase in tensile and shear capacities and an increase in ductility for austenitic studs compared with carbon steel studs. Microstructural analysis revealed martensite formation in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) of the carbon steel stud welds with Vickers hardness measurements reaching 390 HV0.5. The stainless steel shear stud welds consistently reached 430 HV0.5 in the CGHAZ and weld microstructure, which may be attributed to the formations of martensite, secondary phases, and carbides in these regions. These elevated hardness levels may affect local toughness and increase susceptibility to cold cracking. This significant hardness increase underscores the need to maintain pre‑qualified stud‑welding parameters including heat input, correct stud seating and hold, and surface cleanliness, to ensure consistent weld reliability. The results obtained from this study aim to provide bridge owners valuable insights into the performance and reliability of stainless steel shear studs for bridge applications.
Expression of Concern: Effects of Ramadan fasting on aspirin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients
Expectations and concerns of primary healthcare patients in rural areas and small towns in Poland regarding artificial intelligence
Abstract The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare presents transformative opportunities, but patient perspectives, particularly from digitally excluded populations, remain underexplored. This study aimed to analyze the awareness, acceptance and concerns regarding the use of AI in healthcare among primary care patients in rural and small-town regions of Poland. This is characteristic of the country, as over 60% of its population lives in such regions. It also sought to identify the demographic and psychosocial determinants of trust in AI. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a paper questionnaire distributed to 545 adult patients in three primary care facilities in towns with populations below 20,000. Demographics, digital literacy, and attitudes towards AI were assessed. Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests and ordinal logistic regression. Most of the respondents expressed neutrality (43%) or a negative (31%) attitudes toward AI. Only 12.7% had direct experience with AI, and full trust in AI-assisted diagnoses was low (5.9%). Education was the strongest predictor of a positive AI attitude ( P < 0.001); age was also significant ( P = 0.04), while gender and place of residence were not. Most patients (86%) emphasized the importance of medical staff support. Patients in areas of low digital literacy approach AI with cautious optimism, valuing its potential but requiring human oversight. To foster an equitable adoption of AI, communication and education efforts must address patient concerns and expectations.
Understanding contraceptive use in Pakistan: The role of individual and community contextual factors
Key findings from the PDHS 2017−18 indicate that the total demand for family planning among married women in Pakistan was 52%. Research is needed to understand the persistently low contraceptive use in the country. This study aimed to identify the individual and community-level contextual factors that influence contraceptive use in Pakistan. Data were taken from all four waves of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS); 1990−91, 2006−07, 2012−13, and 2017−18. A multi-level logistic regression model was used to estimate the strength of the association between contraceptive use for both individual and community-level factors. The final adjusted model revealed that the likelihood of contraceptive use among women increased from 1991 to 2013 but slightly declined in 2017−18. Specifically, in 2006−07 PDHS, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 3.14) of contraceptive use was lower than that in 2012−13 PDHS (AOR = 4.33). In the 2017−18 PDHS, the AOR = 4.02 was slightly lower than that in 2012−13. Contraceptive use was found to be lower among uneducated, older women and those with a low wealth index. This study found that decisions about contraceptive use are shaped by not only individual-level factors but also by community-level factors. Increases in contraceptive use were associated with individual-level characteristics such as women’s age at first cohabitation, education, work status, parity, husband’s education, and wealth index. A major community-level factor contributing to increased contraceptive uptake was community-level education.
Pharmacological profiling of Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum extracts exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities
Abstract This study conducted a comprehensive in vitro pharmacological evaluation of the crude extract and solvent-partitioned fractions of Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum . LC–MS metabolite profiling identified 77 compounds, including flavonoids and phenylethanolamine derivatives, that exhibit the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities described in this paper. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC/TFC) were quantified, showed that the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions contained the highest levels of these phytochemicals. These fractions exhibited strong antioxidant activity in both ABTS and DPPH assays. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was assessed using disk diffusion, MIC, and MBC assays against five pathogenic bacteria, where the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions demonstrated the highest potency, with MIC values as low as 0.049 mg/mL against Acinetobacter baumannii . Cytotoxicity testing on human gastrointestinal cancer cell lines (AGS, HT-29) and a normal intestinal epithelial cell line (HIEC-6) showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity toward cancer cells while exerting markedly lower effects on normal cells, suggesting selective action. Anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated by nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, revealed that the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions most effectively suppressed NO production. These findings provide scientific support for the traditional uses of G. gnemon and highlight its extracts as a promising source of bioactive compounds with multi-target pharmacological potential against oxidative stress, bacterial infections, inflammation, and cancer.