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Context: Cognitive performance has been shown to be associated with musculoskeletal injury risk. Cognitive assessments are often administered in controlled environments despite sport settings challenging cognition in uncontrolled, less predictable environments. Cognitive assessments should be representative of sport demands; thus, integrating motor with cognitive assessments may be more clinically relevant. Accordingly, the purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between tablet-based cognitive tests and choice reaction time during a hopping task. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: A total of 20 healthy participants volunteered to participate. Participants completed 3 tablet-based cognitive assessments. Average raw response time and fully corrected scores were used for analysis. In addition, participants completed a choice reaction hopping task to capture neuromuscular–cognitive reaction time. Participants completed a forward hop over a hurdle, landing on a single limb. Light sensors were utilized for the choice reaction component to capture reaction time in seconds, cue them when to hop, and indicate the landing limb. The relationship between the tablet-based cognitive assessments and reaction time during a hopping task was examined with Pearson correlations (α = .05). Results: The choice reaction time from the hop task had a negligible correlation (r = −.20−.07) to the fully corrected tablet-based cognitive tests. The choice reaction time from the hop task had a negligible correlation (r = .02) to the average response time of the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test and a low correlation (r = .34−.36) to the Dimensional Change Card Sort Test and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test. Conclusions: This study determined that tablet-based cognitive assessments had trivial relationships to choice reaction time during a hopping task. This research has implications as clinicians aim to evaluate and analyze cognitive performance. Although reaction time was a critical component of all the assessments in this study, an individual’s performance on a tablet-based assessment does not indicate performance during a functional reaction time assessment.

This study examined the relationships between post-traumatic headache (PTH) and mental health symptoms after concussions to inform adolescent concussion management. Headache is the most common complaint following adolescent concussion. In this sample of 123 adolescents with concussion, there was a 5-fold increase in odds of clinically elevated anxiety, as well as increased mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, anger, and disruptive behaviours), among adolescents with PTH relative to those without PTH. Adolescents with headache following concussions are vulnerable to worse mental health outcomes, particularly anxiety, and may benefit from routine monitoring of mental health symptoms for early detection and intervention.

The objective of this study is to increase the establishment of legumes in pasture swards so that they have a better survival rate in a sward. Therefore, this study hypothesizes that better establishment of legumes can be achieved through alternate row sowing method than mixed sowing method. In theory, this method minimizes the inter-specific competition because there is extra space between legume seeds and grass seeds. So, legumes could have their own space which is beneficial for their growth. Above ground, more space means grasses are unlikely to shade out legumes in early establishment phase. This extra space would lead to better legume growth at the establishment phase. Below ground, with more spaces provided, the unique tap roots system of legumes does not need to fight with grass roots for micronutrients and macronutrients. Hence, legumes can forage nutrients with less competition from grasses.

We present the first X-ray census of fast radio burst (FRB) host galaxies to conduct the deepest search for AGN and X-ray counterparts to date. Our sample includes seven well-localized FRBs with unambiguous host associations and existing deep Chandra observations, including two events for which we present new observations. We find evidence for AGN in two FRB host galaxies based on the presence of X-ray emission coincident with their centers, including the detection of a luminous ($L_X \approx 5 \times 10^{42} \ \rm erg \ s^{-1}$) X-ray source at the nucleus of FRB20190608B's host, for which we infer an SMBH mass of $\rm M_{\rm BH} \sim 10^{8} \ M_{\odot}$ and an Eddington ratio $L_{\rm bol}/ L_{\rm Edd} \approx 0.02$, characteristic of geometrically thin disks in Seyfert galaxies. We also report nebular emission line fluxes for 24 highly secure FRB hosts (including 10 hosts for the first time), and assess their placement on a BPT diagram, finding that FRB hosts trace the underlying galaxy population. We further find that the hosts of repeating FRBs are not confined to the star-forming locus, contrary to previous findings. Finally, we place constraints on associated X-ray counterparts to FRBs in the context of ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs), and find that existing X-ray limits for FRBs rule out ULXs brighter than $L_X \gtrsim 10^{40} \ \rm erg \ s^{-1}$. Leveraging the CHIME/FRB catalog and existing ULX catalogs, we search for spatially coincident ULX-FRB pairs. We identify two ULX in the galaxy NGC 2633 that are spatially coincident with the repeating FRB20180908B and for which the DM-inferred redshift is comparable to the distance of the galaxy, assuming a $\rm DM_{host}$ contribution of $150 \ \rm pc \ cm^{-3}$., Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures; submitted to ApJ

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the leading causes of death and disability all over the globe. TBI is also commonly associated with clinical sequelae of posttraumatic depression, and reports of other subsequent affective distress are common. Similarly, posttraumatic changes in chemoreceptive sensory functions, primarily due to coup-contrecoup injury induced shearing of the olfactory nerve fibers, leading to anosmia and ageusia are also well documented in the literature. However, the current literature is limited in addressing the intersections between said variables. The aim of this study was to provide a focused narrative review of the literature, to address these intersections found in clinical sequelae of TBI. As chemoreceptive sensory deficits are also linked to significant affective distress of their own, this review addresses the bidirectionality between sensory deficit and affective distress. Prevalence, demographics, mechanisms, and clinical implications are presented. Previous research is presented and discussed, in an effort to highlight the importance of consideration for all factors in TBI patient care and future research.

A 53-year-old male with history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) presented with localized dissociative amnesia following a second head injury. While memory loss due to TBI is present in the literature, presentations of this type are very rare. Although fully independent in activities of daily living, this patient demonstrated severe deficits in visual memory and processing speed upon neurocognitive evaluation. Effort testing was unremarkable. Increased awareness and study of memory loss following TBI can contribute to enhanced understanding and improved care for patients experiencing these deficits. The authors present this unique case’s profile, clinical history, and discuss their findings.

Sarcopenia is prevalent in 20-50% of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients, but it is often undiagnosed.The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) to measure muscle mass in routine clinical care in a cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients.REStORing Health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an observational, longitudinal inception cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. BIA was implemented at admission and discharge as routine care performed by nursing staff. BIA feasibility was defined as completion rate (low ≤ 25%, moderate 25- ≤ 50%, good 50- ≤ 75%, excellent 75%), reasons for non-completion and need for remeasurement. Clinical characteristics associated with BIA completion and remeasurements were assessed.Patients (n = 1890, 56% females) had a median age of 83.4 years (interquartile range: [77.6-88.4]). Of the total cohort, 5.7% had a contraindication (pacemaker/other electronic medical device) for BIA at admission and 4.5% at discharge. BIA was completed in 77.1% of patients eligible for BIA at admission and 63.2% at discharge indicating good feasibility; remeasurement was required in 7.4 and 6.9%, respectively; 5.9% had a medical reason preventing BIA completion at admission and 3.7% at discharge. Refusal and technical issues occurred in 1.6 and 0.7% at admission and 2.1 and 1.8% at discharge. Reason for non-completion was unknown/missing in 14.7% at admission and 28.6% at discharge. Worse functional and physical performance was associated with BIA non-completion and remeasurement.BIA in routine clinical care in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients is feasible; completion rates may be enhanced further by reviewing barriers and enablers.

Analysis of cutting forces is critical for understanding, control and optimization of machining operations. Table-dynamometers are the most common tools to measure the cutting forces directly. Workpiece geometry restrictions, high cost, altered dynamics, and limited frequency bandwidth are challenges associated with the direct measurement of the cutting forces using table-dynamometers. In this study, utilization of cost-effective spindle current sensors along with accelerometers is proposed to indirectly predict the cutting forces at the tool tip during milling operations. First, receptance coupling (RC) method is used to obtain dynamics between the tool tip and the accelerometers which are located on the spindle housing. The application of the RC method requires a series of impact hammer tests along with finite element simulations to identify the dynamics of machine tool structure. The measured accelerations are then integrated in frequency domain to obtain displacement of the spindle housing where the accelerometers are attached. A Kalman filter is then designed and applied to the displacement signals to reconstruct the AC component of the cutting forces. Next, the spindle current signals measured through the hall-effect sensors are processed to acquire the tangential and radial cutting forces. Finally, due to different frequency bandwidth of the measured signals through the accelerometers and hall-effect sensors, the reconstructed cutting forces are fused to improve the cutting force measurement accuracy. The proposed method is also verified by conducting a series of half and full-immersion milling tests, and the reconstructed results are compared to the measurements of a reference piezoelectric-based table-dynamometer. Results show that the proposed sensing scheme can predict the cutting forces effectively only at a fraction of the cost of traditional table-dynamometers without affecting overall workpiece geometries.

Apricot breeding programs could be strongly improved by the availability of molecular markers linked to the main fruit quality traits. Fruit acidity is one of the key factors in consumer acceptance, but despite its importance, the molecular bases of this trait are still poorly understood. In order to increase the genetic knowledge on the fruit acidity, an F1 apricot population (‘Lito’ ‘BO81604311’) has been phenotyped for titratable acidity and juice pH for the three following years. In addition, the contents of the main organic acids of the juice (malate, citrate, and quinate) were also evaluated. A Gaussian distribution was observed for most of the traits in this progeny, confirming their quantitative inheritance. An available simple sequence repeat (SSR)- based molecular map, implemented with new markers in specific genomic regions, was used to perform a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. The molecular map was also anchored to the recently published apricot genome sequence of ‘Stella.’ Several major QTLs linked to fruit acidity-related traits have been identified both in the ‘Lito’ (no. 21) and ‘BO81604311’ (no. 13), distributed in five linkage groups (LG 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8). Some of these QTLs show good stability between years and their linked markers were used to identify candidate genes in specific QTLs genomic regions.

Introduction: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is commonly managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Gas tamponade has significant clinical and quality of life factors that affect the patient. Using shorter acting air tamponade, intuitively leads to surgical concern for higher rate of primary detachment. To circumvent this, surgeons advocate the use of perfluorocarbon to maximise sub-retinal-fluid drainage when using air tamponade and/or avoid using cryotherapy due to longer duration for scar formation relative to laser. These steps are a deviation from traditional technique for otherwise routine primary RRD repair and discourages popularisation of using air tamponade despite the benefits to patients. Method: Prospective 12-month, single centre, single surgeon, consecutive study from January to December 2019. Inclusion criteria was as per based on the pneumatic retinopexy versus vitrectomy for retinal detachment: (i) single retinal break or group of breaks, no larger than 1-clock-hour (30°), in detached retina; (ii) all breaks in detached retina lie above the 8 to 4 o’clock meridian; and (iii) breaks or lattice degeneration in attached retina at any location. We excluded PVR formation and RRD in the inferior 4 o’clock hours. Results: We report primary and final success rate of 96% and 100%, respectively in 23 eyes (22 macular-on and one macular-off) with RRD eyes in a 12-month period. Cryopexy was utilised in 65% patients and in isolation in 23% with no perfluorocarbon use in all eyes. Conclusion: We show cryotherapy can be used safely in AT-RRD without PFCL in RRD fulfilling PIVOT trial criteria with minimal cataract formation and IOP spikes and faster post-operative visual rehabilitation.

Clinical neurotoxicology is an unrecognized neurologic subspecialty. Few neurology residency programs offer an organized education or training in the field. Nevertheless, neurotoxic exposures and subsequent injuries are common. This article provides a basic approach to clinical assessment and causal inference. It addresses the knowledge gap for clinical practice and provides a thematic structure to use interdisciplinary resources.

Several different types of exposure have the potential to produce olfactory and gustatory deficits related to neurotoxicity. Although the literature contains relatively few studies of such chemoreceptive dysfunction in the context of toxic exposure, this review explores the strength of such published associations. Several studies collectively demonstrated moderately strong evidence for an association between manganese dust exposure and olfactory deficits. Evidence of associations between individual chemicals, therapeutics, and composites, such as World Trade Center debris, and olfactory and gustatory deficits remains limited or mixed. Further need for controlled studies for clinical management, exposure limits, and policy development is identified.

OBJECTIVES Application of transcartilage needle electrode for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroidectomy has been considered an alternative method of electromyography (EMG) tube recording. However, needle electrodes must be inserted into both sides of the thyroid cartilage with exposure of the cartilage lamina. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of applying a single ipsilateral transcartilage needle electrode for IONM during unilateral hemithyroidectomy. METHODS Thirty-four patients underwent IONM during unilateral thyroidectomy. A dual disposable needle electrode was inserted obliquely into the inferior lower third of the ipsilateral lamina of the thyroid cartilage. Patients were classified as deep (≥ 5 mm) or superficial (

Background: Although people living with HIV (PLWH) were considered to be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the driving force among this group of individuals is still not clear. Methods: We investigated 1,709 PLWH through a telephone interview and identified 11 COVID-19 patients in four districts of Wuhan, China. The demographic features and major clinical characteristics of these patients were retrieved from the information management systems for COVID-19 patients of the four districts’ CDC. Statistical analysis was performed to find out the driving force of COVID-19 among PLWH. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 in PLWH is 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2% - 1.0%), which is comparable to the overall population prevalence in Wuhan city (0.6%). Nine out of the 11 COVID-19 patients had relatively high CD4+ T lymphocyte count (>200/μl) and undetectable HIV viral load (

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity characterized by progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissues. OSF is typically associated with the use of betel quid (BQ), a chewing package made of natural products (e.g., areca nut, betel leaves), with or without smokeless tobacco. BQ ingredients contain pro‐carcinogenic bioactive compounds, but also potentially protective biomolecules, and we have shown recently that the chemical properties of different BQ recipes vary, which may explain the unequal prevalence of OSF and oral cancer in BQ users in different geographical regions. Hence, this scoping review was aimed at evaluating the existing literature regarding different BQ compounds and their association with OSF. The repository of the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed), medRxiv databases, Google scholar, Baidu scholar, CNKI, and EBSCO were used to search for publications that investigated the association between BQ chewing and OSF up to November 2021. The search terminology was constructed using the keywords “betel quid” and “oral submucous fibrosis”, and their associated terms, with the use of Boolean operators. The search was conducted under Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines, together with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review showed that the risk of developing OSF varied between different BQ recipes, and that chewing BQ mixtures containing betel inflorescence (BI) significantly increased the risk of OSF, as did the addition of tobacco. Conversely, the use of betel leaf in the mixture was likely to be protective, which may be due to the presence of polyphenols. Although further research is needed to determine the effect of individual BQ ingredients in the development of OSF, our pilot results provide the scope and rationale for informing future chemopreventive strategies for OSF and oral cancer in BQ chewers.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-jdr-10.1177_00220345221089238 for Odontogenic Differentiation Induced by TGF-β1 Binding Peptide–Modified Bioglass by J. Wu, S. Mao, L. Xu, D. Qiu, S. Wang and Y. Dong in Journal of Dental Research

The measurement of cosmic-ray individual spectra provides unique information regarding the origin and propagation of astro-particles. Due to the limited acceptance of current space experiments, protons and nuclei around the “knee” region (∼ 1 PeV) can only be observed by ground based experiments. Thanks to an innovative design, the High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) facility will allow direct observation up to this energy region: the instrument is mainly based on a 3D segmented, isotropic and homogeneous calorimeter which properly measures the energy of particles coming from each direction and it will be made of about 7500 LYSO cubic crystals. The read-out of the scintillation light is done with two independent systems: the first one based on wave-length shifting fibers coupled to Intensified scientific CMOS cameras, the second one is made of two photo-diodes with different active areas connected to a custom front-end electronics. This photo-diode system is designed to achieve a huge dynamic range, larger than 107, while having a small power consumption, few mW per channel. Thanks to a good signal-to-noise ratio, the capability of a proper calibration, by using signals of both non-interacting and showering particles, is also guaranteed. In this paper, the current design and the performance obtained by several tests of the photo-diode read-out system are discussed.

Most previous unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) methods for question answering(QA) require access to source domain data while fine-tuning the model for the target domain. Source domain data may, however, contain sensitive information and may be restricted. In this study, we investigate a more challenging setting, source-free UDA, in which we have only the pretrained source model and target domain data, without access to source domain data. We propose a novel self-training approach to QA models that integrates a unique mask module for domain adaptation. The mask is auto-adjusted to extract key domain knowledge while trained on the source domain. To maintain previously learned domain knowledge, certain mask weights are frozen during adaptation, while other weights are adjusted to mitigate domain shifts with pseudo-labeled samples generated in the target domain. %As part of the self-training process, we generate pseudo-labeled samples in the target domain based on models trained in the source domain. Our empirical results on four benchmark datasets suggest that our approach significantly enhances the performance of pretrained QA models on the target domain, and even outperforms models that have access to the source data during adaptation.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-jdr-10.1177_00220345221089238 for Odontogenic Differentiation Induced by TGF-β1 Binding Peptide–Modified Bioglass by J. Wu, S. Mao, L. Xu, D. Qiu, S. Wang and Y. Dong in Journal of Dental Research

Background: With the worldwide spread of COVID-19, people’s health and social order have been exposed to enormous risks. After encountering patients who test positive again after discharge, our study analyzed the pathogenesis to further assess the risk and possibility of virus reactivation.Methods: A separate microarray was acquired from the Integrated Gene Expression System (GEO), and its samples were divided into two groups: a “convalescent-RTP” group consisting of recovery and “retesting-positive” (RTP) patients (group CR) and a “health-RTP” group consisting of healthy control and RTP patients (group HR). The enrichment analysis was performed with R software, obtaining the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto pluripotent stem cells (KEGG) of the genes and genomes. Subsequently, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of each group were established and the hub genes were discovered using the cytoHubba plug-in.Results: In this study, 20 differentially expressed genes were identified, and 6622 genes were identified in the group CR, consisting of 5003 up-regulated and 1619 down-regulated genes. Meanwhile, 7335 genes were screened in the group HR, including 4323 up-regulated and 3012 down-regulated ones. The GO and KEGG analysis of the two groups revealed significant enrichment of these differentially expressed genes in pathways associated with immune response and apoptosis. In the PPI network constructed, 10 hub genes in group CR were identified, including TP53BP1, SNRPD1, SNRPD2, SF3B1, SNRNP200, MRPS16, MRPS9, CALM1, PPP2R1A, YWHAZ. Similarly, TP53BP1, RPS15, EFTUD2, MRPL16, MRPL17, MRPS14, RPL35A, MRPL32, MRPS6, POLR2G were selected as hub genes.Conclusions: Using the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression data from GSE166253, we explore the pathogenesis of retesting positive in COVID-19 from the immune mechanism and molecular level. We found TP53BP1, SNRPD1 and SNRPD2 as hub genes in RTP patients. Hence, their regulatory pathway is vital to the management and prognostic prediction of RTP patients, rendering the further study of these hub genes necessary.

Interfacially asymmetric magnetic multilayers made of heavy metal/ferromagnet have attracted considerable attention in the spintronics community for accommodating spin-orbit torques (SOTs) and meanwhile for hosting chiral spin textures. In these multilayers, the accompanied interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (iDMI) permits the formation of Néel-type spin textures. While significant progresses have been made in Co, CoFeB, Co2FeAl, CoFeGd based multilayers, it would be intriguing to identify new magnetic multilayers that could enable spin-torque controllability and meanwhile host nanoscale skyrmions. In this report, first, thin films made of permanent magnet SmCo5 with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are synthesized, in which the deterministic SOT switching, enabled by the spin Hall effect, in Pt/SmCo5/Ta trilayer is demonstrated. Further, the stabilization of room-temperature skyrmions with diameters ≈100nm in [Pt/SmCo5/Ta]15, together with a skyrmionium-like spin texture in [Pt/SmCo5/Ir]15 multilayers is shown. Based on the material specific parameters, micromagnetic simulations are also carried out. The results confirm the presence of chiral spin textures in this new material family. Through interfacial engineering, the results thus demonstrate that rare earth permanent magnets could be a new platform for studying interfacial chiral spintronics.

OBJECTIVE There is an unmet need for safe and rapidly effective therapies for refractory brain radiation necrosis (RN). The aim of this prospective single-arm phase II trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single low-dose targeted bevacizumab infusion after blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) in adult patients with steroid-refractory brain RN. METHODS Ten adults with steroid-refractory, imaging-confirmed brain RN were enrolled between November 2016 and January 2018 and followed for 12 months after treatment. Bevacizumab 2.5 mg/kg was administered as a one-time targeted intra-arterial infusion immediately after BBBD. Primary outcomes included safety and > 25% decrease in lesion volume. Images were analyzed by a board-certified neuroradiologist blinded to pretrial diagnosis and treatment status. Secondary outcomes included changes in headache, steroid use, and functional status and absence of neurocognitive sequelae. Comparisons were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, linear mixed models, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and repeated-measures 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS Ten adults (mean ± SD [range] age 35 ± 15 [22–62] years) participated in this study. No patients died or exhibited serious adverse effects of systemic bevacizumab. At 3 months, 80% (95% CI 44%–98%) and 90% (95% CI 56%–100%) of patients demonstrated > 25% decrease in RN and vasogenic edema volume, respectively. At 12 months, RN volume decreased by 74% (median [range] 76% [53%–96%], p = 0.012), edema volume decreased by 50% (median [range] 70% [−11% to 83%], p = 0.086), and headache decreased by 84% (median [range] 92% [58%–100%], p = 0.022) among the 8 patients without RN recurrence. Only 1 (10%) patient was steroid dependent at the end of the trial. Scores on 12 of 16 (75%) neurocognitive indices increased, thereby supporting a pattern of cerebral white matter recovery. Two (20%) patients exhibited RN recurrence that required further treatment at 10 and 11 months, respectively, after bevacizumab infusion. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, to the authors’ knowledge, the authors demonstrated that a single low-dose targeted bevacizumab infusion resulted in durable clinical and imaging improvements in 80% of patients at 12 months after treatment without adverse events attributed to bevacizumab alone. These findings highlight that targeted bevacizumab may be an efficient one-time treatment for adults with brain RN. Further confirmation with a randomized controlled trial is needed to compare the intra-arterial approach with the conventional multicycle intravenous regimen. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02819479 (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) have been prepared by oxidationhydrothermal reaction, using ball-milling graphite as the starting materials. The prepared GQDs are endowed with excellent luminescence properties, with the optimum emission of 320nm. Blue photoluminescent emitted from the GQDs under ultraviolet light. The GQDs are ~3nm in width and 0.5~2 nm in thickness, revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectrum evidences the existence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, meaning GQDs can be dispersed in water easily and used in cellar imaging, and blue area inside L929 cells were clearly observed under the fluorescence microscope. Both low price of raw material and simple prepared method contribute to the high quality GQDs widespread application in future.

Fixture synthesis addresses the problem of fixture-elements placement on the workpiece surfaces. This article presents a novel variant of the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm called Declining Neighborhood Simulated Annealing (DNSA) specifically developed for the problem of fixture synthesis. The objective is to minimize measurement errors in the machined features induced by the misalignment at workpiece-locator contact points. The algorithm systematically evaluates different fixture layouts to reach a sufficient approximation of the global optimum robust layout. For each iteration, a set of previously accepted candidates are exploited to predict the next move. Throughout the progress of the algorithm, the search space is reduced and the new candidates are designated according to a declining Probability Density Function (PDF). To assure best performance, the DNSA parameters are configured using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPOSIS). Moreover, the parameters are set to auto-adapt the complexity of a given input based on a Shanon entropy index. The optimization process is carried out automatically in the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) environment NX; a computer code was developed for this purpose using the Application Programming Interface (API) NXOpen. Benchmark examples from industrial partner and literature demonstrate satisfactory results.

Most neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are proteinopathies linked to the toxicity of amyloid oligomers. Treatments to delay or cure these diseases are lacking. Using budding yeast, we report that the natural lipid tripentadecanoin induces expression of the nitric oxide oxidoreductase Yhb1 to prevent the formation of protein aggregates during aging and extends replicative lifespan. In mammals, tripentadecanoin induces expression of the Yhb1 orthologue, neuroglobin, to protect neurons against amyloid toxicity. Tripentadecanoin also rescues photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinal degeneration and retinal ganglion cells in a Rhesus monkey model of optic atrophy. Together, we propose that tripentadecanoin affects p-bodies to induce neuroglobin expression and offers a potential treatment for proteinopathies and retinal neurodegeneration.One Sentence SummaryThe natural lipid tripentadecanoin is cytoprotective against amyloid oligomer toxicity and retinal neurodegeneration by inducing YHBI/neuroglobin expression in yeast and mammals.

βeta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced by the liver in a process known as ketosis, as an alternative fuel source during fasting or carbohydrate caloric restriction, and is readily used as fuel throughout the body, including in the brain. While glucose is the brain’s principal energy source, when limited, ketones derived from fats become the major energy substrate. Exogenous BHB is safe to administer orally and can enhance energy and physical performance. While the literature suggests cognitive and/or behavioural performance improvement in animal models following elevation in ketones, and in clinical human samples such as those with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and severe traumatic brain injury, the literature investigating the neurocognitive effects of exogenous administration of ketones in nonclinical, healthy samples remains limited. For this proof of concept, we present twelve subjects who underwent exogenous administration of 11.7 g of BHB. After ingestion, participants performed significantly better in attentional accuracy compared to pre-intervention scores (p < 0.05; d = 0.65), demonstrating that exogenous administration of BHB may have positive effects on the attentional accuracy domain of neurocognition in neurotypical adults. Further analysis and its clinical implications are discussed.

We respond to the comments by Voigt and Konigsberger regarding our study on phase equilibrium of the K+, Mg2+//Cl–, SO42––H2O quaternary system and its ternary subsystems.

The stable phase equilibrium data of the K+, Mg2+//Cl–, SO42– + H2O quaternary interaction system and its four ternary subsystems KCl–K2SO4–H2O, KCl–MgCl2–H2O, K2SO4–MgSO4–H2O, and MgCl2–MgSO4–H2O ...

Over the past several decades, there has been much interest regarding the effects of video game play. Research has evaluated the behavioral, cognitive, and psychological effects of video game play, and found individuals who play games using complex and dynamic game settings and require focused attention with quick responses, such as action video games, demonstrate improved cognitive performance. Action video game training has also yielded rehabilitation efficacy for a myriad of patients, such as stroke patients and individuals with vestibular and balance deficits. Recently, new technology platforms have been developed such as mixed reality (MR); however, little to no research has been conducted examining the effects of advanced technology platforms. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether MR game training improved visuo-motor reaction time and balance performances. Fourteen participants (11 male; 18–50 years of age) underwent baseline and post-intervention assessments, and then complete 8 h of MR action game training. Visuo-motor reaction times were obtained via computerized Automated Neurocognitive Assessment Metric testing and balance measures were obtained via Sensory Organizational Testing. Baseline and post-intervention comparisons were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Baseline and post-intervention visuo-motor reaction time and balance comparisons revealed that MR game training yielded significant reaction time improvements (p

The application of photovoltaics (PV) has broadened into urban environments, which has different condition from rural environments, where generally PV power plants are installed. In order to develop solar cells for urban application, we should find the answers to two questions with dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). One is current flat module design is really optimized for all solar cell types. The other is, if not, how to find the optimized module design. The power output from solar cells according to light incident angle has two types: one is linear to cosine law where the flat module and the other is non-linear to cosine law where 3-dimensional array of cell in the module can provide improved power output and energy density in given installed area. We have shown that DSSCs belongs to second case and non-linearity came under angled incident light by means of FDM calculation and experiments. In addition, by introducing patterns in the photoanode, light trapping effect maximized non-linearity to the oblique incident. We have arrayed the DSSCs cells into sub-modules with oblique angle. From this simple modification, from flat 2-dimensional array to 3-dimensional array of cells, the power output and energy density increased by 30–40%, respectively.

Building energy usage has been an important issue in recent decades, and energy prediction models are important tools for analysing this problem. This study provides a comprehensive review of building energy prediction models and uncertainties in the models. First, this paper introduces three types of prediction methods: white-box models, black-box models, and grey-box models. The principles, strengths, shortcomings, and applications of every model are discussed systematically. Second, this paper analyses prediction model uncertainties in terms of human, building, and weather factors. Finally, the research gaps in predicting building energy consumption are summarised in order to guide the optimisation of building energy prediction methods.

Background: The refractory recovery function (RRF) measures the electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) in response to a second pulse (probe) after masking by a first pulse (masker). This RRF is usually used to assess the refractory properties of the electrically stimulated auditory nerve (AN) by recording the eCAP amplitude as a function of the masker probe interval. Instead of assessing eCAP amplitudes only, recorded waveforms can also be described as a combination of a short-latency component (S-eCAP) and a long-latency component (L-eCAP). It has been suggested that these two components originate from two different AN fiber populations with differing refractory properties. The main objective of this study was to explore whether the refractory characteristics revealed by S-eCAP, L-eCAP, and the raw eCAP (R-eCAP) differ from each other. For clinical relevance, we compared these refractory properties between children and adults and examined whether they are related to cochlear implant (CI) outcomes.Design: In this retrospective study, the raw RRF (R-RRF) was obtained from 121 Hi-Focus Mid-Scala or 1 J cochlear implant (Advanced Bionics, Valencia, CA) recipients. Each R-eCAP of the R-RRF was split into an S-eCAP and an L-eCAP using deconvolution to produce two new RRFs: S-RRF and L-RRF. The refractory properties were characterized by fitting an exponential decay function with three parameters: the absolute refractory period (T); the saturation level (A); and the speed of recovery from nerve refractoriness ( Tau), i.e., a measure of the relative refractory period. We compared the parameters of the R-RRF (R T , R A , R Tau) with those obtained from the S-RRF (S T , S A , S Tau) and L-RRF (L T , L A , L Tau) and investigated whether these parameters differed between children and adults. In addition, we examined the associations between these parameters and speech perception in adults with CI. Linear mixed modeling was used for the analyses.Results: We found that T R was significantly longer than S T and L T , and S T was significantly longer than L T . R A was significantly larger than S A and L A , and S A was significantly larger than L A . Also, S Tau was significantly longer in comparison to R Tau and L Tau, but no significant difference was found between R Tau and L Tau. Children presented a significantly larger S A and L A and a shorter R T in comparison to adults. Shorter S Tau was significantly associated with better speech perception in adult CI recipients, but other parameters were not.Conclusion: We demonstrated that the two components of the eCAP have different refractory properties and that these also differ from those of the R-eCAP. In comparison with the R-eCAP, the refractory properties derived from the S-eCAP and L-eCAP can reveal additional clinical implications in terms of the refractory difference between children and adults as well as speech performance after implantation. Thus, it is worthwhile considering the two components of the eCAP in the future when assessing the clinical value of the auditory refractory properties.

Background Chicken spleen transfer factor (TF) is a low-molecular-weight lymphocyte extract composed of polypeptide and nucleotide. This factor is obtained by repeated freeze-thaw dialysis of the specific-pathogen-free chicken spleen and can transfer cell-mediated immunity from immunocompetent donors to recipients. However, its role in regulating intestinal digestion and absorption and mucosal immunity in laying hens has remained largely unknown. Results To explore the effect of TF on intestinal mucosa barrier function, 100 one-day-old White Leghorns laying hens were randomly divided into five groups and administered with different doses of TF (0.00 [control], 0.05 mL, 0.10 mL, 0.25 mL, and 1.00 mL). The chickens received orally TF from days 5 to 12, and they were then raised a week without it. Tissue sampling was performed on the 12th and 19th days. The results showed that the high dose of TF (1.00 mL) improved the intestinal mucosa morphology and strengthened the digestive and absorption function. Furthermore, the histology analysis revealed an increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes and goblet cells. Similarly, the results from ELISA demonstrated an increase in the content of IL-10 in the intestinal tract, while the content of TNF-α showed a decrease in this regard. The RT-PCR assay also demonstrated the upregulation of the relative mRNA expressions of Muc2, TLR-2, and TLR-4 genes in the small intestine and rectum. The intestinal antioxidant function was significantly enhanced. After stopping the TF administration for a week, its effect on the intestinal mucosa barrier was still detectable; however, it was followed by a weakened effect. Conclusions In conclusion, high-dose (TF-1.00mL) of TF can improve the intestinal mucosa morphology and structure, enhance digestion and absorption functions, enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier immune function and antioxidant function, and up-regulate Muc2, TLR-2 and TLR-4 gene relative expression.

The high-precision initial alignment time for the MEMS SINS/GNSS combination system is too long, and it is difficult to ensure the flexible navigation of existing low-cost vehicles. A LS-SVM-assisted fast alignment method is proposed, which uses MEMS gyroscopes, accelerometers and dual-antenna satellite receivers to achieve fast alignment under MEMS SINS/GNSS. Based on the analysis of traditional coordinates and strapdown inertial navigation, the dynamic error model is given. The self-aligned frame of LS-SVM is proposed. At the same time, the EKF filter for training is designed and the motion characteristics of the car body are selected. The state equations and observations, using the EKF to train the LS-SVM model, ultimately achieve fast alignment. Finally, the proposed method is simulated and tested. The final attitude alignment accuracy is better than 0.2° and the alignment time is 10s. Compared with the EKF alignment method under the traditional direct transfer alignment, the alignment accuracy and the alignment time are significantly improved, which can meet the requirements of low-cost vehicle flexibility.

Target of Rapamycin (TOR) functions as a central sensory hub to link a wide range of external stimuli to gene expression. However, the mechanisms underlying stimulus-specific transcriptional reprogramming by TOR remains elusive. Our in silico analysis in Arabidopsis demonstrates that TOR-repressed genes are associated with either bistable or silent chromatin states. Both states regulated by TOR signaling pathway are associated with high level of H3K27me3 deposited by CURLY LEAF (CLF) in specific context with LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (LHP1). Combinations of epigenetic modifications H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 implicate bistable feature which alternates between on and off state allowing rapid transcriptional changes upon external stimuli. Chromatin remodeler SWI2/SNF2 ATPase BRAHMA (BRM) activates TOR-repressed genes only at bistable chromatin domains to rapidly induce biotic stress responses. Here we demonstrated both in silico and in vivo that TOR represses transcriptional stress responses through global maintenance of H3K27me3.

Background: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several studies have indicated healthy lifestyle reduces the prevalence of GDM. However, limited evidence shows the association between Mediterranean diet (MD) and GDM incidence in China. The aim of the current study was to establish a Chinese-habit-based MD recipe and investigate the effects of the modified MD on GDM. This trial recruited gestational age women who were planning a pregnancy in the near future with at least one risk factor for GDM. Methods: These participants were randomly assigned into the MD group and control group. They were required to follow diet interventions at least 6 months prior to pregnancy until delivery. Average dietary intake, glucose and insulin metabolism in 26-28-week of gestation, maternal and neonatal outcomes in each group were analyzed to assess the effects of MD. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of 580 participants, 294 in the MD group and 286 in the control group. Results: The MD group had a high intake of protein, vitamins, and dietary fibers, whereas low intake of fat, resulting in improved insulin and glucose metabolism. Meanwhile, women and their newborns in the MD group showed a reduced proportion of complications. Conclusion: The modified MD intervention started before pregnancy shows a preventive effect on GDM, also benefits the mother and their newborns in other outcomes.

Objectives Poorer neurocognitive performance may increase lower extremity injury risk due to alterations in biomechanics. However, it is unclear if poorer neurocognitive function may be associated with altered dynamic postural stability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neurocognitive performance and dynamic postural stability in healthy collegiate athletes. Design Cross-sectional cohort. Methods Forty-five Division-I collegiate athletes (21 males, 24 females; age: 19.69 ± 1.50) completed neurocognitive assessments from the NIH Toolbox® (NIHTB). Three groups were established from the NIHTB composite score: high performers (HP), moderate performers (MP), and low performers (LP). Additionally, participants completed a dynamic hop-to-stabilization task. Accelerometer and gyroscopic data were recorded during landing through an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the participant's low back. The root mean squared (RMS) of the accelerometer and gyroscope was calculated for the orthogonal planes and the resultant vector. Group differences for demographic variables, NIHTB composite scores, and IMU based measures were analyzed with one-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni post hoc analyses were performed. Cohen's d effect sizes were also calculated. Results Post hoc tests determined the LP group had higher vertical acceleration RMS values (p = 0.013, d = −0.85) and lower anteroposterior acceleration RMS values (p = 0.005, d = 0.95) compared to the HP group. Conclusions Neurocognitive performance may influence dynamic postural stability strategies in athletes. Higher neurocognitive performers may use different approaches to perform difficult postural tasks by adopting strategies associated with lower vertical and higher anteroposterior acceleration compared to lower neurocognitive performers.

Earthquakes are one of the most destructive natural disasters with devastating consequences on people and their supporting infrastructure. To alleviate the earthquake consequences, the recovery process of building systems, essential for providing continued operation, should be considered during the design of the building. This study presents a novel, probabilistic, building-level framework for modeling and evaluating the entire recovery process, expressed by duration and path of functional recovery. The proposed framework consists of three novel and integrated models for evaluation building's 1) post-earthquake functionality, 2) mobilization time, and 3) repair time. It is in line with the probabilistic PBEE methodology, and it utilizes FEMA P-58 damage assessment results to evaluate the recovery process. With a modular structure, it allows easy extension and addition of new framework components. The unique feature of the framework is its capability to generate a functional recovery curve and isolate 1) the contributors to the interrupted building operation and 2) building components that dominate the recovery process. As demonstrated in the case study of an existing 13-story building, the outcomes of the recovery evaluation can be effectively used as a guide for the development of earthquake mitigation strategies and design/retrofit solutions to improve seismic performance.

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), the most common autosomal recessive ataxia, is characterized by degeneration of the large sensory neurons and spinocerebellar tracts, cardiomyopathy, and increased incidence in diabetes. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism of FRDA, driven by a significantly decreased expression of frataxin (FXN), involves increased oxidative stress, reduced activity of enzymes containing iron-sulfur clusters (ISC), defective energy production, calcium dyshomeostasis, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor playing a key role in mitochondrial function and biogenesis, fatty acid storage, energy metabolism, and antioxidant defence. It has been previously shown that the PPARgamma/PPARgamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1alpha) pathway is dysregulated when there is frataxin deficiency, thus contributing to FRDA pathogenesis and supporting the PPARgamma pathway as a potential therapeutic target. Here we assess whether MIN-102 (INN: leriglitazone), a novel brain penetrant and orally bioavailable PPARgamma agonist with an improved profile for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, rescues phenotypic features in cellular and animal models of FRDA. In frataxin-deficient dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, leriglitazone increased frataxin protein levels, reduced neurite degeneration and alpha-fodrin cleavage mediated by calpain and caspase 3, and increased survival. Leriglitazone also restored mitochondrial membrane potential and partially reversed decreased levels of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCLX), resulting in an improvement of mitochondrial functions and calcium homeostasis. In frataxin-deficient primary neonatal cardiomyocytes, leriglitazone prevented lipid droplet accumulation without increases in frataxin levels. Furthermore, leriglitazone improved motor function deficit in YG8sR mice, a FRDA mouse model. In agreement with the role of PPARgamma in mitochondrial biogenesis, leriglitazone significantly increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in FRDA patient cells. Overall, these results suggest that targeting the PPARgamma pathway by leriglitazone may provide an efficacious therapy for FRDA increasing the mitochondrial function and biogenesis that could increase frataxin levels in compromised frataxin-deficient DRG neurons. Alternately, leriglitazone improved the energy metabolism by increasing the fatty acid beta-oxidation in frataxin-deficient cardiomyocytes without elevation of frataxin levels. This could be linked to a lack of significant mitochondrial biogenesis and cardiac hypertrophy. The results reinforced the different tissue requirement in FRDA and the pleiotropic effects of leriglitazone that could be a promising therapy for FRDA.

Objective Evaluate neurocognitive change after single low-dose targeted intra-arterial (IA) bevacizumab in patients with brain radiation necrosis. Methods Phase II, single-arm, prospective trial. 10 adults underwent targeted 2.5 mg/kg IA bevacizumab. Neurocognitive indices (Neuropsychological Assessment Battery® and Wechsler Test of Adult Reading) were measured at baseline and 12-months to document performance in 5 domains: Attention, Language, Learning and Memory, Visuospatial, and Executive Function. Clinical indices also quantified. Data (mean ± SD, 95% confidence interval [CI], Cohen’s d) were analyzed using paired t tests. Null hypothesis rejected for p Results At baseline, Numbers-&-Letters Speed T-score (38.2 ± 10.7) indicated decreased processing speed consistent with sub-cortical pattern of illness. All other baseline neurocognitive indices were within normalized means (image). 12-months post-treatment, Numbers-&-Letters Errors T-score increased by 6.0 ± 4.9 [95%CI 1.9,10.1] (t = 3.464, d = 1.225, p = 0.010). List-Learning List-Long-Delayed-Recall T-score increased by 9.0 ± 5.6 [95% CI 4.3,13.7] (t = 4.520, d = 1.598, p = 0.003) and Design-Construction T-score increased by 3.5 ± 4.1 [95%CI 0.04,7.0] (t = 2.391, d = 0.845, p = 0.048). Volume of radiation necrosis decreased by 74.4 ± 14.7% (t = −3.308, d = 1.169, p = 0.013). Headache decreased by 84.4 ± 18.2% (t = −3.495, d = 1.236, p = 0.010). 0/10 died or exhibited AEs attributed to bevacizumab. 2/10 patients experienced radiation necrosis recurrence at months 10 and 11, respectively. Conclusions Single low-dose intra-arterial targeted bevacizumab led to durable neuropsychological performance increase in memory retrieval and visuospatial ability consistent with improvement in sub-cortical function. To our knowledge this is the first prospective report of this novel approach in adults. Clinical improvements mirrored neuropsychologic improvements. Randomized trials are needed comparing targeted low-dose IA bevacizumab to multi-cycle IV bevacizumab at higher doses to determine which is best alternative in brain radiation necrosis.

Background Acupuncture therapy is well known. But there is no report that acupuncture in patients with coagulation dysfunction in stroke may lead to severe soft tissue injury. we report a case of acupuncture leading to severe soft tissue injury.Methods A 63-year-old female patient was hospitalized for stroke rehabilitation. After 2 years of discharge, severe subcutaneous hematoma caused by acupuncture was readmitted to hospital. She received medication and physical rehabilitation. we monitored the international standardized ratio (INR) in plasma and observed the degree of dissipation of subcutaneous hematoma. the changes of patients during treatment were explored by data analysis.Findings Subcutaneous hematoma (area 20×20 cm) disappeared completely after 3 weeks of physical factor therapy. Small range (area ≤3×3 cm) subcutaneous hematoma can heal itself within 2 weeks. Improper acupuncture is only one of the causes of soft tissue injury. Stroke with coagulation dysfunction is not a contraindication of acupuncture treatment.Interpretation Our report suggests that previously unanticipated acupuncture treatment for stroke patients with coagulation dysfunction may lead to severe multiple soft tissue injuries. Although coagulation dysfunction is not a contraindication of acupuncture treatment, acupuncture treatment for stroke patients with coagulation dysfunction should be vigilant, strengthen the level of acupuncture operation, and fundamentally eliminate the problem. These cases are validation and supplement of adverse clinical reactions caused by improper acupuncture.

Clinical neurotoxicology is an unrecognized neurologic subspecialty. Few neurology residency programs offer an organized education or training in the field. Nevertheless, neurotoxic exposures and subsequent injuries are common. This article provides a basic approach to clinical assessment and causal inference. It addresses the knowledge gap for clinical practice and provides a thematic structure to use interdisciplinary resources.

In cold pulse experiments in J-TEXT, the ion transport shows similar non-local response as the electron transport channel. Very fast ion temperature decreases are observed in the edge, while the ion temperature in the core promptly begin to rise after the injection of cold pulse. Moreover, the cutoff density is also found for the ion non-local effect. The experimental observed density fluctuation in a high frequency ranging from 500 kHz to 2 MHz is obviously reduced in the whole plasma region during non-local transport phase.