Nuclear fusion is a potential source of energy that could supply the growing needs of the world population for millions of years. Several experimental thermonuclear fusion devices try to understand and control the nuclear fusion process. A very interesting diagnostic called Thomson scattering (TS) is performed in the Spanish fusion device TJ-II. This diagnostic takes images to measure the temperature and density profiles of the plasma, which is heated to very high temperatures to produce fusion plasma.Each image captures spectra of laser light scattered by the plasma under different conditions. Unfortunately, some images are corrupted by noise called stray light that affects the measurement of the profiles. In this work, we propose the use of deep learning models to reduce the stray light that appears in the diagnostic. The proposed approach utilizes a Pix2Pix neural network, which is an image-to-image translation based on a generative adversarial network (GAN). This network learns to translateimages affected by stray light to images without stray light. This allows for the effective removal of the noise that affects the measurements of the TS diagnostic, avoiding the need for manual image processing adjustments. The proposed method shows a better performance, reducing the noise up to $98\%$ inimages, which surpassesprevious works that obtained $85\%$ for the validation dataset. Full article

(1) Background: The liver-first approach may be indicated for colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases to whom preoperative chemotherapy opens a potential window in which liver resection may be undertaken. This study aims to present the data of feasibility and short-term outcomes in the liver-first approach. (2) Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in Spanish hospitals that had a medium/high-volume of HPB surgeries from 1 June 2019 to 31 August 2020. (3) Results: In total, 40 hospitals participated, including a total of 2288 hepatectomies, 1350 for colorectal liver metastases, 150 of them (11.1%) using the liver-first approach, 63 (42.0%) in hospitals performing <50 hepatectomies/year. The proportion of patients as ASA III was significantly higher in centers performing ≥50 hepatectomies/year (difference: 18.9%; p = 0.0213). In 81.1% of the cases, the primary tumor was in the rectum or sigmoid colon. In total, 40% of the patients underwent major hepatectomies. The surgical approach was open surgery in 87 (58.0%) patients. Resection margins were R0 in 78.5% of the patients. In total, 40 (26.7%) patients had complications after the liver resection and 36 (27.3%) had complications after the primary resection. One-hundred and thirty-two (89.3%) patients completed the therapeutic regime. (4) Conclusions: There were no differences in the surgical outcomes between the centers performing <50 and ≥50 hepatectomies/year. Further analysis evaluating factors associated with clinical outcomes and determining the best candidates for this approach will be subsequently conducted. Full article

The exploration of novel biomarkers to assess poultry health is of paramount importance, not only to enhance our understanding of the pathogenicity of zoonotic agents but also to evaluate the efficacy of novel treatments as alternatives to antibiotics. The present study aimed to investigate potential gut health biomarkers in broiler chicks challenged by Campylobacter jejuni and subjected to a continuous water disinfection program. A total of 144 one-day-old hatched broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with four replicates each, according to the following experimental design: Group A received untreated drinking water; Group B received drinking water treated with 0.01–0.05% v/v Cid 2000™ (hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and paracetic acid); Group C was challenged by C. jejuni and received untreated drinking water; and Group D was challenged by C. jejuni and received drinking water treated with 0.01–0.05% v/v Cid 2000™. The use of Cid 2000™ started on day 1 and was applied in intervals until the end of the experiment at 36 days, while the C. jejuni challenge was applied on day 18. Potential biomarkers were investigated in serum, feces, intestinal tissue, intestinal content, and liver samples of broilers. Statistical analysis revealed significant increases (p < 0.001) in serum cortisol levels in C. jejuni-challenged broilers. Serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) increased significantly (p = 0.004) in broilers challenged by C. jejuni and treated with drinking water disinfectant, while fecal ovotransferrin concentration also increased significantly (p < 0.001) in broilers that received the drinking water disinfectant alone. The gene expression levels of occludin (p = 0.003) and mucin-2 (p < 0.001) were significantly upregulated in broilers challenged by C. jejuni, while mucin-2 significantly increased in birds that were challenged and received the drinking water disinfectant (p < 0.001). TLR-4 expression levels were significantly (p = 0.013) decreased in both groups that received the drinking water disinfectant, compared to the negative control group. Finally, the C. jejuni challenge significantly increased (p = 0.032) the crypt depth and decreased (p = 0.021) the villus height-to-crypt-depth ratio in the ileum of birds, while the tested disinfectant product increased (p = 0.033) the villus height in the jejunum of birds. Furthermore, the counts of C. jejuni in the ceca of birds (p = 0.01), as well as its translocation rate to the liver of broilers (p = 0.001), were significantly reduced by the addition of the water disinfectant. This research contributes to novel insights into the intricate interplay of water disinfection and/or C. jejuni challenge with potential intestinal biomarkers. In addition, it emphasizes the need for continued research to unveil the underlying mechanisms, expands our understanding of broiler responses to these challenges and identifies breakpoints for further investigations. Full article

This observational pilot study examined the association between diet, meal pattern and glucose over a 2-week period under free-living conditions in 26 adults with dysglycemia (D-GLYC) and 14 with normoglycemia (N-GLYC). We hypothesized that a prolonged eating window and late eating occasions (EOs), along with a higher dietary carbohydrate intake, would result in higher glucose levels and glucose variability (GV). General linear models were run with meal timing with time-stamped photographs in real time, and diet composition by dietary recalls, and their variability (SD), as predictors and glucose variables (mean glucose, mean amplitude of glucose excursions [MAGE], largest amplitude of glucose excursions [LAGE] and GV) as dependent variables. After adjusting for calories and nutrients, a later eating midpoint predicted a lower GV (β = −2.3, SE = 1.0, p = 0.03) in D-GLYC, while a later last EO predicted a higher GV (β = 1.5, SE = 0.6, p = 0.04) in N-GLYC. A higher carbohydrate intake predicted a higher MAGE (β = 0.9, SE = 0.4, p = 0.02) and GV (β = 0.4, SE = 0.2, p = 0.04) in N-GLYC, but not D-GLYC. In summary, our data suggest that meal patterns interact with dietary composition and should be evaluated as potential modifiable determinants of glucose in adults with and without dysglycemia. Future research should evaluate causality with controlled diets. Full article

To accurately depict inventory management over time, this paper introduces a fractional inventory management model that builds upon the existing classical inventory management framework. According to the definition of fractional difference equation, the numerical solution and phase diagram of an inventory management system are obtained by MATLAB simulation. The influence of parameters on the nonlinear behavior of the system is analyzed by a bifurcation diagram and largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE). Combined with the related indexes of time series, the complex characteristics of a quantization system are analyzed using spectral entropy and C0. This study concluded that the changing law of system complexity is consistent with the LLE of the system. By analyzing the influence of order on the system, it is found that the inventory changes will be periodic in some areas when the system is fractional, which is close to the actual conditions of the company’s inventory situation. The research results of this paper provide useful information for inventory managers to implement inventory and facility management strategies. Full article

This study investigates the impact of the Canadian government’s decision to reduce the supply of farm-raised salmon in British Columbia (BC) on domestic prices, the level of imports, and the environment. By drawing upon data from diverse sources, this study employs the SARIMAX model to forecast future trends in salmon prices up to 2026. The forecasted results reveal that retail salmon prices will exhibit greater unpredictability and a predicted price increase of over CAD 30 per kilogram by 2026. In addition, increased consumption of imported salmon due to BC farm closure is expected to contribute to heightened carbon emissions and result in job losses within rural and indigenous communities. In short, BC salmon farm closure carries profound consequences for both the environment and market dynamics. Full article

Diatoms are important primary producers in marine and freshwater environments, but little is known about the signalling mechanisms they use to detect changes in their environment. All eukaryotic organisms use Ca²⁺ signalling to perceive and respond to environmental stimuli, employing a range of Ca²⁺-permeable ion channels to facilitate the movement of Ca²⁺ across cellular membranes. We investigated the distribution of different families of Ca²⁺ channels in diatom genomes, with comparison to other members of the stramenopile lineage. The four-domain voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (Ca_v) are present in some centric diatoms but almost completely absent in pennate diatoms, whereas single-domain voltage-gated EukCatA channels were found in all diatoms. Glutamate receptors (GLRs) and pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) also appear to have been lost in several pennate species. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are present in all diatoms, but have not undergone the significant expansion seen in brown algae. All diatom species analysed lacked the mitochondrial uniporter (MCU), a highly conserved channel type found in many eukaryotes, including several stramenopile lineages. These results highlight the unique Ca²⁺-signalling toolkit of diatoms and indicate that evolutionary gains or losses of different Ca²⁺ channels may contribute to differences in cellular-signalling mechanisms between species. Full article

The required processes and steps for making bread include technological and innovative concepts. The current trend is the use of less toxic compounds and green methods. Besides lactic acid bacteria and yeast, other microorganisms with unique properties, such as enzymes, new aromas and flavors, exopolysaccharides, and vitamins, among other compounds with beneficial properties, could be added to bread manufacture, improving bread quality and health effects for the consumers. The preservation of microbial cultures and starters is crucial in bread-making. New encapsulation methods, cryoprotectants, spray-drying, fluidized bed drying, and vacuum drying are employed for microorganism cultures that will be used as starters or biological additives in fermentation. A development is observed in the antimicrobial methods used as bread preservatives, and studies with plant extracts and essential oils have been proposed and introduced, replacing chemical agents, such as propionate, within the clean-label bread formulations concept. Baking science is a growing research line that incorporates innovative methods, biological additives, new methods, and processes focusing on microbiological protection. Full article

Obesity’s variability is significantly influenced by the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to integrate the combined impact of genetic risk score (GRS_BMI) with physical activity (PA), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), wine intake, and eating habits score (EHS) on obesity predisposition risk. Adults’ (n = 5824) data were analyzed for common obesity-related single nucleotide polymorphisms and lifestyle habits. The weighted GRS_BMI was constructed and categorized into quartiles (Qs), and the adjusted multivariate logistic regression models examined the association of GRS_BMI with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and lifestyle factors. GRS_BMI was significantly associated with obesity risk. Each GRS_BMI unit was associated with an increase of 3.06 BMI units (p ≤ 0.0001). PA markedly reduced obesity risk across GRS_BMI Qs. Inactive participants’ (≥90 min/week) mean BMI was higher in GRS_BMI Q3–Q4 compared to Q1 (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Scoring EHS ≥ median, SSBs (≥1 cup/day), and non-wine drinking were associated with higher BMI within all GRS_BMI Qs compared to EHS < median, non-SSBs, and non-wine drinkers. Mean BMI was higher in GRS_BMI Q4 compared to other quartiles (p < 0.0001) in non-wine drinkers and compared to Q1 for SSB’s consumers (p = 0.07). A higher GRS_BMI augmented the impact of lifestyle factors on obesity. The interplay between GRS_BMI and modifiable lifestyle factors provides a tailored personalized prevention and treatment for obesity management. Full article

Making vocabulary stick in your memory involves dedicating attention to what needs to be learned. There are three main factors involved (focus, quantity, and quality) which can be expressed as six principles (focus, accuracy, repetition, time-on-task, elaboration, and analysis). When we include motivation in this description, then there are two more principles (motivation and self-efficacy). These principles apply to both incidental and deliberate learning, and apply to a wide range of learning focuses beyond vocabulary. These principles are well supported by research evidence. We can use the principles for re-examining teaching and learning, Technique Feature Analysis, understanding research, developing autonomy in learning, guiding curriculum design, and determining future research needs. The factors and principles provide a simple and clear view of what is needed for learning to occur from the viewpoint of attention. Full article

In this work, ordered macropore arrays in n-type silicon wafers were fabricated by anodic etching using a double-tank electrochemical cell. The effects of the wafer thickness, etching time and voltage on the quality of macropore arrays were investigated. Homogeneous macropore arrays could be achieved in 200 μm thick silicon wafers, but could not be obtained from 300 and 400 μm thick silicon wafers. Highly ordered macropore arrays with an aspect ratio of 19 were fabricated in 200 μm thick n-type silicon at 4.5 V. The etching current decreases in 200 μm thick silicon but increases in thicker silicon with an increase in time. It demonstrates that the minority carrier transportation capability from the illuminated surface to the reactive surface is different for silicon wafers with different thicknesses. The minority carrier concentration at the illuminated surface for stable macropore formation and the current under different etching voltages were calculated based on a hole transport model. The results show that appropriately decreasing wafer thickness and increasing voltage can help stable macropore array fabrication in the illumination-limited double-tank cell. Full article

This study compared the effects of academic year, college department, and undergraduate or graduate status on Japanese students’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2021–2023, an online survey was conducted using the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Systems-Japanese (CCAPS-Japanese) to evaluate students’ mental health; 9395 undergraduate students (4623 female, 4772 male) and 1169 graduate students (380 female, 789 male) responded. Undergraduate students in medicine had lower levels of depression, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety than those in other departments. Engineering students exhibited the highest level of academic distress. First-year students had the highest levels of generalized and social anxiety but the lowest level of academic distress. Second-year students had the lowest level of depression, and third-year students had the highest level of academic distress. Among graduate students, first-year students had higher levels of depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, academic distress, and hostility than second-year students. Undergraduates had poorer mental health than graduate students. Females had higher levels of eating concerns than males among undergraduate students. This study revealed that the mental health of university students was affected by various factors. These findings demonstrate the characteristics of university students requiring early support. Full article

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can achieve good performance in image denoising due to their superiority in the extraction of structural information. However, they may ignore the relationships between pixels to limit effects for image denoising. Transformer, focusing on pixel to pixel relationships can effectively solve this problem. This article aims to make a CNN and Transformer complement each other in image denoising. In this study, we propose a dynamic network with Transformer for image denoising (DTNet), with a residual block (RB), a multi-head self-attention block (MSAB), and a multidimensional dynamic enhancement block (MDEB). Firstly, the RB not only utilizes a CNN but also lays the foundation for the combination with Transformer. Then, the MSAB adds positional encoding and applies multi-head self-attention, which enables the preservation of sequential positional information while employing the Transformer to obtain global information. Finally, the MDEB uses dimension enhancement and dynamic convolution to improve the adaptive ability. The experiments show that our DTNet is superior to some existing methods for image denoising. Full article

This study focused on isolating tannin-tolerant yeasts from Miang, a fermented tea leaf product collected from northern Laos PDR, and investigating related food applications. From 43 Miang samples, six yeast isolates capable of ethanol production were obtained, with five isolates showing growth on YPD agar containing 4% (w/v) tannic acid. Molecular identification revealed three isolates as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (B5-1, B5-2, and C6-3), along with Candida tropicalis and Kazachstania humilis. Due to safety considerations, only Saccharomyces spp. were selected for further tannic acid tolerance study to advance food applications. Tannic acid at 1% (w/v) significantly influenced ethanol fermentation in all S. cerevisiae isolates. Notably, B5-2 and C6-3 showed high ethanol fermentation efficiency (2.5% w/v), while others were strongly inhibited. The application of tannin-tolerant yeasts in longan fruit wine (LFW) fermentation with longan seed extract (LSE) supplementation as a source of tannin revealed that C6-3 had the best efficacy for LFW fermentation. C6-3 showed promising efficacy, particularly with LSE supplementation, enhancing phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, indicating potential antidiabetic properties. These findings underscore the potential of tannin-tolerant S. cerevisiae C6-3 for fermenting beverages from tannin-rich substrates like LSE, with implications for functional foods and nutraceuticals promoting health benefits. Full article

This review aims to highlight the structures of ADAR proteins that have been crucial in the discernment of their functions and are relevant to future therapeutic development. ADAR proteins can correct or diversify genetic information, underscoring their pivotal contribution to protein diversity and the sophistication of neuronal networks. ADAR proteins have numerous functions in RNA editing independent roles and through the mechanisms of A-I RNA editing that continue to be revealed. Provided is a detailed examination of the ADAR family members—ADAR1, ADAR2, and ADAR3—each characterized by distinct isoforms that offer both structural diversity and functional variability, significantly affecting RNA editing mechanisms and exhibiting tissue-specific regulatory patterns, highlighting their shared features, such as double-stranded RNA binding domains (dsRBD) and a catalytic deaminase domain (CDD). Moreover, it explores ADARs’ extensive roles in immunity, RNA interference, and disease modulation, demonstrating their ambivalent nature in both the advancement and inhibition of diseases. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review seeks to underline the potential of targeting ADAR proteins in therapeutic strategies, urging continued investigation into their biological mechanisms and health implications. Full article

This study focuses on addressing the problem of motion planning within workspaces cluttered with obstacles while considering temporal and input constraints. These specifications can encapsulate intricate high-level objectives involving both temporal and spatial constraints. The existing literature lacks the ability to fulfill time specifications while simultaneously managing input-saturation constraints. The proposed approach introduces a hybrid three-component control algorithm designed to learn the safe execution of a high-level specification expressed as a timed temporal logic formula across predefined regions of interest in the workspace. The first component encompasses a motion controller enabling secure navigation within the minimum allowable time interval dictated by input constraints, facilitating the abstraction of the robot’s motion as a timed transition system between regions of interest. The second component utilizes formal verification and convex optimization techniques to derive an optimal high-level timed plan over the mentioned transition system, ensuring adherence to the agent’s specification. However, the necessary navigation times and associated costs among regions are initially unknown. Consequently, the algorithm’s third component iteratively adjusts the transition system and computes new plans as the agent navigates, acquiring updated information about required time intervals and associated navigation costs. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated through both simulation and experimental studies. Full article

This paper aims to provide an updated review and current understanding of the impact of extreme temperatures—focusing on heat stress (HS)—on the quality of pork and poultry meat, particularly amidst an unprecedented global rise in environmental temperatures. Acute or chronic HS can lead to the development of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat during short transportation or of dark, firm, and dry (DFD) meat associated with long transportation and seasonal changes in pork and poultry meat. While HS is more likely to result in PSE meat, cold stress (CS) is more commonly linked to the development of DFD meat. Methods aimed at mitigating the effects of HS include showering (water sprinkling/misting) during transport, as well as control and adequate ventilation rates in the truck, which not only improve animal welfare but also reduce mortality and the incidence of PSE meat. To mitigate CS, bedding on trailers and closing the tracks’ curtains (insulation) are viable strategies. Ongoing efforts to minimize meat quality deterioration due to HS or CS must prioritize the welfare of the livestock and focus on the scaleup of laboratory testing to commercial applications. Full article

Considering the different structural strength requirements of different parts of fiberglass yachts, carbon fiber/glass fiber hybrid reinforcement can be applied to the skins of sandwich panels in special areas. This paper designs and prepares 12 foam sandwich panel samples composed of pure carbon fiber, a carbon fiber/glass fiber hybrid, pure glass fiber skin, and PVC and SAN foam sandwich, with reference to the layup structure of the outer panel of a fiberglass yacht. Through a comparative analysis of low-speed impact experiments, edge compression experiments, and short beam three-point bending experiments, we seek the optimal carbon fiber/glass fiber hybrid layup design scheme for local structures to guide production. The results show that a reasonable hybrid carbon fiber layup in fiberglass skin can effectively reduce the low-speed impact damage of the sandwich structure, reduce edge compression damage, and improve the bending and compression resistance of sandwich structure. The impact resistance, compression resistance, and shear resistance of the SAN sandwich structure are stronger than the PVC sandwich structure. The carbon fiber/glass fiber hybrid SAN foam sandwich structure can be used for the local structural reinforcement of special parts such as the bow, side, and main deck of fiberglass yachts. Full article

Background: Adolescents grappling with social anxiety may experience poor school satisfaction, resorting to school-related avoidance behaviors, exemplified by absenteeism, as a coping mechanism. Understanding the role of family support in alleviating the adverse effects of social anxiety on school satisfaction is imperative for fostering supportive educational settings. Although there is literature regarding how school satisfaction promotes positive adolescent outcomes, empirical knowledge on the interrelation between social anxiety, school satisfaction, and family emotional support is limited. This study investigates the association between social anxiety, family emotional support, school satisfaction, and school absenteeism within the theoretical framework of the stage-environment fit theory to offer insight into how family emotional support can moderate the influence of social anxiety on school-related outcomes. Methods: Utilizing a population-based sample of 1861 upper secondary school pupils from the Trøndelag Young Health study “Young-HUNT3 study”, we employed an index of moderated mediation to examine the role of family emotional support in moderating the association between social anxiety and school-related avoidance behavior related to school satisfaction. Results: Family emotional support had moderated mediation association for school absenteeism (β = 0.128, 95% CI 0.019, 0.278) and extracurricular activity (β = −0.003, 95% CI −0.008, −0.000). Conclusions: This urges further investigation into the specific mechanisms and individual differences influencing these relationships, aiming to deepen our understanding of adolescents’ experiences and inform comprehensive strategies for promoting their well-being within school communities. Full article

Lysyl oxidase (LOX)-mediated extracellular matrix crosslinking modulates calcification in atherosclerosis and aortic valve disease; however, this enzyme also induces oxidative stress. We addressed the contribution of LOX-dependent oxidative stress to cardiovascular calcification. LOX is upregulated in human-calcified atherosclerotic lesions and atheromas from atherosclerosis-challenged LOX transgenic mice (TgLOX^VSMC) and colocalized with a marker of oxidative stress (8-oxo-deoxyguanosine) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Similarly, in calcific aortic valves, high LOX expression was detected in valvular interstitial cells (VICs) positive for 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine, while LOX and LOXL2 expression correlated with osteogenic markers (SPP1 and RUNX2) and NOX2. In human VICs, mito-TEMPO and TEMPOL attenuated the increase in superoxide anion levels and the mineralization induced by osteogenic media (OM). Likewise, in OM-exposed VICs, β-aminopropionitrile (a LOX inhibitor) ameliorated both oxidative stress and calcification. Gain- and loss-of-function approaches in VICs demonstrated that while LOX silencing negatively modulates oxidative stress and calcification induced by OM, lentiviral LOX overexpression exacerbated oxidative stress and VIC calcification, effects that were prevented by mito-TEMPO, TEMPOL, and β-aminopropionitrile. Our data indicate that LOX-induced oxidative stress participates in the procalcifying effects of LOX activity in ectopic cardiovascular calcification, and highlight the multifaceted role played by LOX isoenzymes in cardiovascular diseases. Full article

Protein kinases are essential regulators of cell function and represent one of the largest and most diverse protein families. They are particularly influential in signal transduction and coordinating complex processes like the cell cycle. Out of the 518 human protein kinases identified, 478 are part of a single superfamily sharing catalytic domains that are related in sequence. The dysregulation of protein kinases due to certain mutations has been associated with various diseases, including cancer. Although most of the protein kinase inhibitors identified as type I or type II primarily target the ATP-binding pockets of kinases, the structural and sequential resemblances among these pockets pose a significant challenge for selective inhibition. Therefore, targeting allosteric pockets that are beside highly conserved ATP pockets has emerged as a promising strategy to prevail current limitations, such as poor selectivity and drug resistance. In this article, we compared the binding pockets of various protein kinases for which allosteric (type III) inhibitors have already been developed. Additionally, understanding the structure and shape of existing ligands could aid in identifying key interaction sites within the allosteric pockets of kinases. This comprehensive review aims to facilitate the design of more effective and selective allosteric inhibitors. Full article

Atmospheric aerosols represent an important component of the Earth’s climate system because they can contribute both positive and negative forcing to the energy budget. We are developing the Aerosol Radiometer for Global Observations of the Stratosphere (ARGOS) instrument to provide improved measurements of stratospheric aerosols in a compact package. ARGOS makes limb scattering measurements from space in eight directions simultaneously, using two near-IR wavelengths for each viewing direction. The combination of forward and backward scattering views along the orbit track gives additional information to constrain the aerosol phase function and size distribution. Cross-track views provide expanded spatial coverage. ARGOS will have a demonstration flight through a hosted payload provider in the fall of 2024. The instrument has completed pre-launch environmental testing and radiometric characterization tests. The hosted payload approach offers advantages in size, weight, and power margins for instrument design compared to other approaches, with significant benefits in terms of reducing infrastructure requirements for the instrument team. Full article