Browse Articles

An isotopic perspective on equid selection in cult at Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, Israel

Archaeological excavations of an Early Bronze Age III (c. 2900–2600/2550 BCE) domestic neighborhood at the site of Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, Israel, uncovered four complete skeletons of young female donkeys that were buried immediately below house floors as ritual foundation deposits. Multi-isotope analyses (carbon, oxygen and strontium) of their teeth document that each of the donkeys was born and raised in Egypt before being brought to Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath where they were slaughtered and buried beneath house floors in a non-elite domestic neighborhood. In contrast, isotopic analysis of teeth from a single isolated donkey mandible and additional sheep and goat teeth that displayed evidence of being used for food consumption and not associated with a complete burial, identify the donkey as born and raised among local livestock in the vicinity of Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath. The intentionally buried of specifically imported and highly valued young jennies reveal what appears to be a ritually charged characteristic when constructing domestic residences at the site.

Machine learning models for predicting multimorbidity trajectories in middle-aged and elderly adults

Overcoming the Hydrolytic Susceptibility of Thiol-Reactive Reversible Warheads through the Development of Substituted Phenyl Cyanoacrylamides

Proteomic analysis unveils host-parasite interactions in Aedes togoi infected with Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia pahangi

Background Mosquitoes serve as the primary vectors responsible for transmitting canine filariasis, yet understanding the molecular interactions between filarial parasites and their vectors is a significant challenge.. Therefore, employing a proteomic approach is crucial for elucidating the protein expressions profile in mosquitoes, allowing the tracking of biochemical changes during parasite development and survival within the mosquito. To infer the protein response of mosquitoes to filarial infections, Aedes togoi was inoculated with canine filarial parasites, Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia pahangi, and maintained for 14 days prior before dissection to collect their cuticular tissue proteins for Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Actin and prophenoloxidase, recognized as defence proteins, exhibited upregulation in groups inoculated with D. immitis and B. pahangi. Most proteins in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the TCA cycle were upregulated in both groups, except for dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, vital for pyruvate decarboxylation, which was downregulated, while glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, essential for glycogen production, was expressed despite its absence in the control. Additionally, a pathway related to tyrosine metabolism, involving aspartate aminotransferase, AAEL010442-PA, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase, was expressed. This study has addressed gaps in understanding the protein response of mosquitoes infected with filarial parasites, shedding light on host defence mechanisms and potential metabolic adaptations, thereby enhancing our comprehension of filariasis infection mechanisms.

Diabetic retinopathy detection using adaptive deep convolutional neural networks on fundus images

Water Droplet Microlightning Sparks Alkyne Ozonolysis

A prospective study on prognostic value of ventilatory efficiency in asymptomatic patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation

Objectives Patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) remain asymptomatic at first. In the long term, however, severe PMR leads to cardiac decompensation. Exercise testing in asymptomatic PMR is recommended in selected patients by guidelines. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), which additionally measures ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2), has been scarcely studied in PMR. We hypothesized that CPET might have prognostic value in asymptomatic PMR and therefore studied if CPET, including assessment of ventilation efficiency, has prognostic value for asymptomatic patients with severe PMR. Methods Asymptomatic patients with severe PMR were prospectively recruited between 2013 and 2018. Exclusion criteria were coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, concomitant valve disease, symptomatic lung disease or class 1 recommendation for valvular surgery. Echocardiography and serial CPET were conducted at one university hospital in Sweden. Primary outcome was mitral valve intervention. Results Forty-eight patients were recruited to the study. Median follow-up period was 4.4 (2.1–6.9) years, during which 28 (58%) patients underwent mitral valve surgery. Ventilation efficiency, the relationship of VE to VCO2 during CPET, predicted surgical treatment of the mitral valve. Increased VE/VCO2 ratio at the anaerobic threshold had the highest predictive value, remaining an independent predictor after adjusting for impaired VO2 at peak exercise (HR 4.42 (1.52–12.92), p = 0.007) and echocardiographic thresholds for left ventricular and atrial remodelling, as defined by current guideline-based recommendation for intervention (HR 3.72 (1.41–9.82), p = 0.008). Conclusion Impaired ventilatory efficiency, but not peak VO2, predicted surgical treatment of the mitral valve in asymptomatic patients with severe PMR. Ventilatory efficiency, a CPET index less dependent on peak exercise performance, may be a new useful tool in risk stratification.

The effect of high frequency sacral nerve stimulation on lower urinary tract function in awake, healthy animals

Abstract Many individuals with neurological disorders rely on using catheters to empty their bladder. However, catheters are associated with urethral trauma and urinary tract infections. Peripheral nerve stimulation at frequencies of 500 − 10,000 Hz is associated with reduction of muscle contraction without causing fatigue. We hypothesized that high frequency sacral nerve stimulation would be associated with reduced pelvic muscle activity without reduced bladder pressures. We implanted five healthy cats with pulse generators connected to nerve cuff electrodes on sacral nerves S1 and S2. We applied stimulation at frequencies of 20 Hz, 500 Hz, or 10 kHz. We measured bladder pressure using our custom-designed wireless, catheter-free bladder sensor, and measured pelvic floor electromyogram (EMG) as a proxy for urethral sphincter activity. Stimulation at 10 kHz was associated with a lack of increase in peak-to-peak pelvic floor EMG amplitude compared to stimulation at 20 and 500 Hz, which suggested blockade of the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles. All three stimulation frequencies yielded bladder contractions. High frequency sacral nerve stimulation may reduce pelvic floor activity without decreasing bladder pressure. This approach may enable catheter-free bladder emptying for individuals with neurologically driven urethral sphincter overactivity.

Precursors of Carboximidates Deriving from Thioamide-Trimethyl-Lock System: A General Method for Designing Stable Cascade Acid-Sensitive Prodrugs

The impact of vision impairment on depressive symptoms among older adults: The mediating role of dispositional optimism

Background Vision impairment, beyond constituting a sensory deficit, fundamentally disrupts older adults’ autonomy, emotional regulation, and social participation. These disruptions increase vulnerability to depressive symptoms. While the adverse mental health consequences of sensory decline are well-documented, the psychological mechanisms underlying this association remain insufficiently examined. Dispositional optimism—a stable cognitive-affective trait characterized by generalized positive future expectations—may serve as a key mediator, promoting resilience through adaptive appraisal and emotional regulation processes. Objective This study examines the mediating role of dispositional optimism in the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms among older adults, and explores how its buffering effects vary by perceived control and socioeconomic resources. The findings aim to inform the integration of psychological resilience frameworks into geriatric mental health care and vision rehabilitation programs. Methods This study used panel data from 7,205 older adults in the 2014 and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Depressive symptoms were assessed using a harmonized CES-D scale, vision impairment through a field-based functional vision screening, and dispositional optimism via a 5-point Likert item. Ordered logit regression and bootstrapped mediation models were employed to estimate both direct and indirect effects, with subgroup analyses conducted to test for moderation by perceived control and socioeconomic status. Results Vision impairment was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms (β = −0.218, p < 0.001). Dispositional optimism mediated 24.7% of this effect (indirect effect = −0.004, p < 0.01), indicating its role as a psychological buffer. The protective function of optimism was more pronounced among individuals with higher perceived control (β = −0.135, p < 0.05), higher educational attainment (β = 0.264, p < 0.001), and better economic status (β = 0.210, p < 0.001). Notably, even among individuals with low perceived control, optimism continued to significantly mitigate depressive symptoms (indirect effect = −0.002, p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings reveal the importance of incorporating psychological resources into vision care strategies for older adults—particularly the oldest-old and those in socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts. Interventions aimed at fostering dispositional optimism, such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, may enhance emotional resilience, reduce depression risk, and improve quality of life in aging populations experiencing sensory decline.

Biotechnological breakthrough to cattail fiber as an ultra-efficient natural oil sorbent

Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Photoinduced Spin Polarization in Helicene-Bis-TEMPO Diradicals

Computational insights into flavonoids inhibition of dengue virus envelope protein: ADMET profiling, molecular docking, dynamics, PCA, and end-state free energy calculations

Dengue virus is a critical worldwide health concern, and efforts to identify useful antiviral drugs remain imperative. This study utilized computational techniques to investigate the flavonoids as a potential inhibitor of the dengue virus envelope protein (PDB ID: 1OKE). 33 flavonoids were docked among them, 5-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-[(2S, 3R, 4S, 5S, 6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one (FLA1) showed the best binding affinity of ˗9.1 kcal/mol towards the E protein. Molecular dynamics simulations (100 ns) were carried out to analyze the stability and interaction of protein-ligand complexes, including parameters such as RMSD (FLA1 of 2.36 ± 0.43 Å), RMSF, Rg, SASA, hydrogen bonding, and RDF. In addition, PCA and DCCM analysis exposed considerable conformational differences and residue correlations favoring FLA1 stability. The binding free energy calculations using the MM/PBSA methodology confirmed the strong binding (˗29.1 ± 5.83 kcal/mol) of FLA1 to the target protein. ADMET profiling also revealed good pharmacokinetic properties. These findings suggest FLA1 is a possible inhibitor of the dengue virus and a promising drug candidate for the development of antiviral drugs in the future.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis of bone mineral content based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: evaluation of age-stratified optimized models

Quantitative Protein Labeling in Live Cells by Controlling the Redox State of Encoded Tetrazines

Factors associated with the export of traditional Chinese medicinal products: A stochastic frontier analysis

Background The export of traditional Chinese medicinal products is a pivotal force in enhancing the international recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From 2013 to 2022, the export trend of traditional Chinese medicinal products demonstrated stable and rapid growth. However, the export structure remained suboptimal, with raw material-based products accounting for a significantly larger proportion than high value-added products. This imbalance has hindered the enhancement of traditional Chinese medicinal value and the potential for branding in the global market. Therefore, an in-depth study of the current status and associated factors of the export is essential to optimize the export structure, adjust export policies, and promote the international trade. Methods We employed joinpoint regression analysis to examine the export value trend of traditional Chinese medicinal products from 2013 to 2022. Subsequently, we utilized stochastic frontier analysis and trade inefficiency analysis to investigate the factors associated with the export value across 182 countries and regions from 2020 to 2022. The export value data was sourced from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products. The associated factors were sourced from publicly available databases. Results Joinpoint regression analysis showed the Annual Average Percent Change (AAPC) of the export value of traditional Chinese medicinal products from 2013 to 2022 was 6.9211 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 5.9176 to 7.9341). Among them, raw material-based products included Chinese medicinal materials and herbal decoction pieces, as well as plant extracts, with AAPC being 1.7822 (95%CI −3.4203 to 7.2649), and 10.0290 (95%CI 3.5599 to 16.9023), respectively. They comprised over 80% of total exports. High value-added products included Chinese patent medicines and TCM health products, with AAPC being 3.6420 (95%CI −0.7595 to 8.2387) and 17.0895 (95%CI 4.7468 to 30.8865), respectively. They constituted a relatively minor share of total exports. Stochastic frontier analysis showed the coefficient (t-ratio) of factors associated with the export, including China’s GDP at 0.0772 (9.3276), the GDP of the export country or region at 0.1240 (3.9521), the capital distance between the export country or region and China at −0.3059 (−8.2793), the population of the export country or region at 0.0329 (3.4657), having a common border with China at −0.3179 (−4.3428), having a common language with China at 1.3316 (13.3217), being a landlocked country or region at −0.3531 (−9.3519). Trade inefficiency analysis showed the coefficient (t-ratio) of associated factors, including having a trade agreement with China at −7.1587 (−38.7960), pharmaceutical products tariffs at 0.2930 (7.7920), cultural distance from China at 0.5995 (7.1274), the overseas registration status of Chinese patent medicines at 2.3608 (13.6945), and the presence of TCM institutions at 6.1643 (16.1009). Conclusions The export value of traditional Chinese medicinal products from 2013 to 2022 showed an overall upward trend. However, the export structure remained suboptimal. Stochastic frontier analysis and trade inefficiency analysis revealed the relevance of associated factors to the export value. Based on the above results, we recommend six measures to optimize the export structure and enhance the international recognition of traditional Chinese medicinal products.

SIC based RL for massive MIMO NOMA signal detection for different modulation schemes under diverse channel conditions

Self-Resistance Guided Discovery of a Hybrid Polyketide-Peptide Antibiotic from <i>Vibrio ruber</i>

Salinity tolerance, hyposaline stress recovery, and survival of the nemertean worm, Carcinonemertes carcinophila (Nemertea) in relation to its host, the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

Carcinonemertes carcinophila is a nemertean worm from a family of marine symbionts specialized in eating the eggs of decapod crustaceans. This species infests the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, a native to the Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters. Its host, the mature female blue crab, is euryhaline, migrating from low to high salinity waters during its adult life, rather than being exclusively marine. Unlike C. carcinophila, most species of marine nemerteans are stenohaline, living exclusively in high salinity waters. The salinity tolerance of C. carcinophila has not been well examined. This study used field-collected frequency data to assess the infestation intensity of nemerteans in relation to salinity regimes, and microcosm experiments to investigate the salinity tolerance and survival of C. carcinophila under hyposaline stress. These investigations also provide information on the nemertean’s life history in relation to the spawning migration of female blue crabs. A multi-stage General Linear Model was used to test our hypothesized positive relationship between salinity and the probability of nemertean abundance on mature female crabs. Experiments confirmed that salinities of 20–30 psu were ideal for the survival of C. carcinophila and revealed the distinct ability of this species to acclimate rapidly to mesohaline conditions as low as 10 psu. This species was also able to withstand oligohaline stress (5 psu) for up to 39 hours. The wide range in salinity tolerance (10–30 psu) indicates that C. carcinophila has evolved to survive in similar euryhaline environments as its host. In addition to the wide salinity tolerance of the worm, the ability to withstand hyposaline stress indicates that rapid salinity changes in the blue crab’s natural environment does not limit the reliability of C. carcinophila as a biomarker for the spawning history of blue crabs.

Hybrid fuzzy logic–PI control with metaheuristic optimization for enhanced performance of high-penetration grid-connected PV systems

Abstract This paper introduces a hybrid fuzzy logic control-based proportional-integral (FLC-PI) control strategy designed to enhance voltage stability, power quality, and overall performance of central inverters in photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs). The study is based on a real-world PVPP with an installed capacity of 26.136 MWp, connected to the Egyptian national grid at Fares City, Kom Ombo Centre, Aswan Governorate. A user-friendly MATLAB/SIMULINK environment is developed, incorporating eleven distinct blocks along with a modelled national utility grid, utilizing actual operational data from the PVPP. To optimize the FLC-PI control scheme, several artificial intelligence (AI)-based metaheuristic optimization techniques (MOTs) are employed to simultaneously tune all control parameters—namely Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO), and the Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA)—are employed. These techniques are used to simultaneously fine-tune all the gain parameters of FLC-PI control, based on four standard error-based objective functions: Integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Square Error (ISE), Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE), and Integral Time Square Error (ITSE). The optimized gains are applied to both voltage and current regulators of the central inverters, enabling the identification of optimal values. Among the tested methods, the HHO algorithm combined with the ISE objective function delivered the best performance, achieving a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 3.88%—well below the IEEE 519–2014 limit of 5.00%. The results confirm that the proposed FLC-PI controller significantly enhances the integration of high-penetration PVPPs into the utility grid by reducing power losses and inverter-induced harmonics, especially during maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Moreover, employing MOTs for controller tuning proves to be an effective solution for adapting to dynamic solar irradiance conditions. Ultimately, the optimized FLC-PI control approach enhances voltage stability, improves power quality, and boosts the overall efficiency of grid-connected PV systems.