Functional Analysis Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of DotStore: A Case Study on E-Commerce Innovation

Abstract: This research paper investigates the transformative role of DotStore, an emerging e-commerce platform, in revolutionizing online retail. DotStore's innovative features, user-centric design, and customizable solutions have disrupted traditional e-commerce paradigms, offering businesses unprecedented opportunities for growth and success. Through an indepth analysis of DotStore's functionalities, case studies, and market trends, this paper elucidates the platform's impact on the digital marketplace, shedding light on its implications for future e-commerce development.

A Study of ZSM-5 Molecular Sieve Shaping for an Innovative Cyclohexene Hydration Process

The development of the zeolite molecular sieves (ZSM-5) molding technique is essential for the cyclohexene hydration reaction distillation process in both industrial and research settings. The reactive distillation process can solve many of the drawbacks associated with the existing technique of manufacturing cyclohexanol via cyclohexene hydration, such as high catalyst digestibility, low conversion rate, and operational challenges. This study developed a series of molded ZSM-5 catalysts with various binder types and contents were constructed. The suggested pseudo-boehmite and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were chosen as binders for extrusion molding of ZSM-5. The effects of binders on the strength reliability were investigated by strength tests and statistical analysis of the Weibull function. The effects of binders on the physical structure, acidity, and catalytic performance of ZSM-5 were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, physical adsorption of N2, and desorption of NH3. The findings demonstrate that the addition of binder has no effect on ZSM-5's crystal structure. The experiment's results showed that the molded catalyst could be used for the hydration process with over 95% selectivity and a yield of 10.45% cyclohexanol. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

A cross-cultural study of differential item functioning analysis of beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI)

This research examines students' beliefs about language learning by evaluating the measurement equivalence of the beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI). The graded response model (GRM) was used to examine differential item functioning (DIF) in the BALLI across four different countries, namely: Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. The sample was drawn from 1613, including 500 males and 1113 females who completed the online version of the BALLI, comprising five subscales of beliefs about foreign language aptitude, the difficulty of language learning, the nature of language learning, learning and communication strategies, and motivations and expectations. Most BALLI items showed non-uniform DIF. This finding implies that students in different countries had different perceptions of the BALLI items. Therefore, researchers should be very cautious about using the BALLI in different countries. This cross-cultural comparison may generate new insights into revising the BALLI items or developing another scale to compare students' beliefs about language learning in different countries.

English medium instruction learners’ self-efficacy, engagement, and satisfaction; developing a measurement instrument

ABSTRACT This paper describes the development of a survey instrument to measure learners’ self-efficacy, engagement, and satisfaction within the context of English Medium Instruction (EMI) classes, with reference to both language issues and the discipline being taught. The paper presents details of analysis of the instrument using the Rasch model. The survey was administered to 287 tertiary students enrolled in EMI classes in Japan. Results of a Rasch Principal Components Analysis of Residuals showed the three intended constructs to be largely unidimensional. Item-level analysis, as well as reliability and separation measures and an investigation of Wright maps, provided further evidence that the items are working adequately to measure each of the three constructs and to allow differentiation between levels of each construct among the respondents. In addition, the effectiveness of the 6-point Likert scale used was confirmed with an analysis of category structure functioning. Finally, a correlation analysis with a subset (n = 97) of the participants for which English proficiency test scores were available was conducted. Results showed a small, statistically significant and positive relationship between reading proficiency and each of the three constructs.

An In-Silico Approach to Identify Therapeutic Target and Markers Associated with Diabetic Nephropathy.

Renal disease in T2DM could arise independent of hyperglycemia, aka non diabetic kidney disease. Their prevalence ranges from 33%to72.5% among T2DM patients. Specific molecular signatures that distinguish Diabetic Nephropathy from NDKD (FSGS) in T2DM might provide new targets for CKD management. Five original GEO microarray DN and FSGS datasets were evaluated (GSE111154, GSE96804, GSE125779, GSE129973 and GSE121233). Each of the three groups (DN, FSGS, and Controls) had equal renal transcriptome data (n=32) included in the analysis to eliminate bias. The DEGs were identified using TAC4.0. Pathway analysis was performed on the discovered genes that aligned to official gene symbols using Reactome, followed by functional gene enrichment analysis using Funrich,Enrichr. STRING and Network analyst investigated PPI, followed by Webgestalt's pathway enrichment. Finally, using the Targetscan7.0 and DIANA tools, filtered differential microRNAs downregulated in DN were evaluated for target identification. Between the three groups, DN, FSGS, and Control, a total of 194 DEGs. with foldchange >2&<-2 and P-value0.01 were found in the renal transcriptome. In comparison to control, 45 genes were elevated particularly in DN, whereas 43 were upregulated specifically in FSGS. DN datasets were compared to FSGS in a separate analysis. FABP4, EBF1, ADIRF, and ART4 were shown to be among the substantially up-regulated genes unique to DN in both analyses. The transcriptional regulation of white adipocytes was discovered by a pathway analysis. The molecular markers revealed might be employed as specific targets in the aetiology of DN, as well as in T2DM patients' therapeutic care.

Predictive and Prognostic Biomarkers in Patients With Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome (BIO-MUSE): Protocol for a Translational Study.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare group of lymphomas that primarily affects the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of CTCL and Sézary syndrome (SS) is more infrequent. Early stages (IA-IIA) have a favorable prognosis, while advanced stages (IIB-IVB) have a worse prognosis. Around 25% of patients with early stages of the disease will progress to advanced stages. Malignant skin-infiltrating T-cells in CTCL are accompanied by infiltrates of nonmalignant T-cells and other immune cells that produce cytokines that modulate the inflammation. Skin infection, often with Staphylococcus aureus, is frequent in advanced stages and can lead to sepsis and death. S. aureus has also been reported to contribute to the progression of the disease. Previous reports indicate a shift from Th1 to Th2 cytokine production and dysfunction of the skin barrier in CTCL. Treatment response is highly variable and often unpredictable, and there is a need for new predictive and prognostic biomarkers. This prospective translational study aims to identify prognostic biomarkers in the blood and skin of patients with MF and SS. The Predictive and Prognostic Biomarkers in Patients With MF and SS (BIO-MUSE) study aims to recruit 120 adult patients with MF or SS and a control group of 20 healthy volunteers. The treatments will be given according to clinical routine. The sampling of each patient will be performed every 3 months for 3 years. The blood samples will be analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase, immunoglobulin E, interleukins, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, and lymphocyte subpopulations. The lymphoma microenvironment will be investigated through digital spatial profiling and single-cell RNA sequencing. Microbiological sampling and analysis of skin barrier function will be performed. The life quality parameters will be evaluated. The results will be evaluated by the stage of the disease. Patient inclusion started in 2021 and is still ongoing in 2023, with 18 patients and 20 healthy controls enrolled. The publication of selected translational findings before the publication of the main results of the trial is accepted. This study aims to investigate blood and skin with a focus on immune cells and the microbiological environment to identify potential new prognostic biomarkers in MF and SS. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04904146; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04904146. DERR1-10.2196/55723.

Complete sequence of carbapenem-resistant Ralstonia mannitolilytica clinical isolate co-producing novel class D β-lactamase OXA-1176 and OXA-1177 in Japan.

In 2020, the Ralstonia mannitolilytica strain JARB-RN-0044 was isolated from a midstream urine sample of an elderly hospitalized patient in Japan and was highly resistant to carbapenem (i.e., imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem). Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the complete genome consists of two replicons, a 3.5-Mb chromosome and a 1.5-Mb large non-chromosomal replicon which has not been reported in R. mannitolilytica, and referred to as the "megaplasmid" in this study based on Cluster of Orthologous Group of proteins functional analysis. The strain JARB-RN-0044 harbored two novel OXA-60 and OXA-22 family class D β-lactamase genes blaOXA-1176 and blaOXA-1177 on the megaplasmid. Cloning experiments indicated that Escherichia coli recombinant clone expressing blaOXA-1176 gene showed increased minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem, indicating that blaOXA-1176 gene encodes carbapenemase. In contrast, E. coli recombinant clone expressing blaOXA-1177 gene showed increased MICs of piperacillin and cefazolin, but not of carbapenem. Interestingly, the 44.6 kb putative prophage region containing genes encoding phage integrase, terminase, head and tail protein was identified in the downstream region of blaOXA-1176 gene, and comparative analysis with some previously reported R. mannitolilytica isolates revealed that the prophage region was unique to strain JARB-RN-0044. The existence of a highly carbapenem-resistant R. mannitolilytica isolate may raise human health concerns in Japan, where the population is rapidly aging.IMPORTANCERalstonia mannitolilytica is an aerobic non-fermenting Gram-negative rod commonly found in aquatic environments and soil. The bacteria can occasionally cause severe hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients and it has been recently recognized as an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. Furthermore, some R. mannitolilytica isolates are resistant to various antimicrobial agents, including β-lactams and aminoglycosides, making antimicrobial therapy challenging and clinically problematic. However, clinical awareness of this pathogen is limited. To our knowledge, in Japan, there has been only one report of a carbapenem-resistant R. mannitolilytica clinical isolate from urine by Suzuki et al. in 2015. In this study, whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed the presence and genetic context of novel blaOXA-1176 and blaOXA-1177 genes on the 1.5 Mb megaplasmid from highly carbapenem-resistant R. mannitolilytica isolate and characterized the overall distribution of functional genes in the chromosome and megaplasmid. Our findings highlight the importance of further attention to R. mannitolilytica isolate in clinical settings.

Terpenoids and Triterpenoid Saponins: Future Treatment for Depression

Background: Depression is a crippling mental disorder with high prevalence around the world. The available clinical antidepressants have been effective to a certain degree, and different side effects have limited their application. This leads to the necessity of finding new treatments. Herbal plants are a substantial source of new drug leads. Terpenoid compounds are secondary metabolites representing an enormous category of structures found commonly in plants either as aglycones or attached to sugar moieties. These phytochemicals have been extensively studied for their various biological effects, and several have been investigated for potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression. Aim: This review aims to highlight the current knowledge on some terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins as potential antidepressant agents and their mechanisms of action, which may provide a better understanding of the potential antidepressant-like effects of these compounds and lead to the development of auspicious molecules with high efficiency and low side effects for depressive disorders treatment. Methods: A total of 16 plants containing antidepressant agents are reviewed in this article. 9 terpenoids and 23 triterpenoid saponins compounds have been reported to becommonly found in plant extracts, indicating potential use for depression. To enhance the datum of this review, the mechanism of action for the candidate compounds has been predicted via functional enrichment analysis. Results: The behavioural and neurochemical effects, as well as the possible mechanisms of action, have been evaluated in rodents by different predictive models of depression, mainly the acute stress models of the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The involved mechanisms include enhancing monoamine neurotransmitters, ameliorating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and normalizing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Preclinical studies support the potential antidepressant activities of some terpenoid compounds. Furthermore, the functional enrichment analysis has confirmed the previous pre-clinical findings and predicted further mechanisms of action, including cellular calcium ion homeostasis, cellular response to dopamine, endocrine resistance, and regulating GABAergic, serotonergic, glutamatergic, and dopaminergic synapse, bedsides neurotransmitter reuptake. Conclusion: Terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins provide a large number of natural compounds. This review sheds light on terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins compounds with antidepressantlike activity and their potential mechanisms of action. However, more evaluations are required to confirm that these compounds are promising for discovering antidepressant drugs.

Activities of daily living with grasp types and force measurements during object manipulation

Background: Limited scientific evidence guides hand rehabilitation towards improved hand function, and safe early return to work. Grasp types, the subunits of object manipulation and the forces which may improve functional outcomes, have been identified as missing links that may inform rehabilitation after second to fifth metacarpal fractures, through progression of basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL). The aim of the study was to collect ADL forces through grasp types to inform hand rehabilitation for second to fifth metacarpal fractures. Methods: This cross-sectional, quantitative study included 32 conveniently sampled healthy adults aged 20 and 59 years. Thirty-one (31) ADLs, both basic and instrumental, each associated with a predominant grasp type, were tested. The participants donned two testing gloves, with force sensing resistors (FSRs) glued to the fingertips, the ADLs were performed, and forces measured. The researcher imported the force data into an Excel spreadsheet for both descriptive and inferential analyses with STATA. Results: Fourteen males and 18 females, with a mean age of 37 years, participated. Statistically significant differences between genders were found for seven grasp types. Three thumb-adducted power palm grasps, three thumb-abduction precision pad grasps, and one thumb-abduction power palm grasp constituted the testing. Light and heavy ADLs and their associated grasp types were identified. Conclusion: To ensure optimal hand function, early safe return to ADLs should be the goal of second to fifth metacarpal fracture rehabilitation and may be achieved by incorporating active grasp types as exercises with graded resisted grasp types and ADLs. Implications for practice • Occupational therapists can incorporate grasp types in their observation during assessments of individuals who sustained second to fifth metacarpal fractures to determine the subcomponents of functional deficits. • Hand rehabilitation may be augmented by incorporating grasp types in isolation during unresisted active joint range of motion. • Occupational therapists, guided by the analysis of hand functioning, can incorporate ADLs with the predominant grasp types which may improve hand function. • Grasp force data may guide safe and early return to function.

Exploring the ferroptosis-related gene lipocalin 2 as a potential biomarker for sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome based on machine learning

BackgroundSepsis is a major cause of mortality in patients, and ARDS is one of the most common outcomes. The pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by sepsis is significantly impacted by genes related to ferroptosis. MethodsIn this study, Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, functional enrichment analysis, and machine learning were employed to identify characterized genes and to construct receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Additionally, DNA methylation levels were quantified and single-cell analysis was conducted. To validate the alterations in the expression of Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and ferroptosis-related proteins in the in vitro model, Western blotting was carried out, and the changes in intracellular ROS and Fe2+ levels were detected. ResultsA combination of eight machine learning algorithms, including RFE, LASSO, RandomForest, SVM-RFE, GBDT, Bagging, XGBoost, and Boruta, were used with a machine learning model to highlight the significance of LCN2 as a key gene in sepsis-induced ARDS. Analysis of immune cell infiltration showed a positive correlation between neutrophils and LCN2. In a cell model induced by LPS, it was found that Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, was able to reverse the expression of LCN2. Knocking down LCN2 in BEAS-2B cells reversed the LPS-induced lipid peroxidation, Fe2+ levels, ACSL4, and GPX4 levels, indicating that LCN2, a FRG, plays a crucial role in mediating ferroptosis. ConclusionUpon establishing an FRG model for individuals with sepsis-induced ARDS, we determined that LCN2 could be a dependable marker for predicting survival in these patients. This finding provides a basis for more accurate ARDS diagnosis and the exploration of innovative treatment options.

Relationship between the Uncertainty of Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) Modes and Sampling Sizes in Climate Models

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between the uncertainty of empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes and sampling size in climate models, using simulated results of preindustrial control (piControl) experiments in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), and taking the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as examples. The results indicate that this relationship can be quantified by a concise fitting function [i.e., y = a/(x − b)]. Here, y is the 5%–95% confidence interval of congruence coefficient, x is the sampling size, and a and b are two parameters depending on models or observations. As compared with b, which modulates the sampling size in the fitting function, the parameter a scales the sampling size and thus plays a much more important role. Further analysis indicates that the parameter a, or the uncertainty of EOF1 mode, decreases dramatically with the increase of the difference between variance fractions of EOF1 and EOF2 modes, approximately in the form of a power function. The minimum sampling size to ensure a reliable EOF mode can also be estimated by the fitting function and shows a great diversity among models both for the NAO and ENSO. The diversity suggests the importance of estimating the minimum sampling size before model evaluations on climate variability modes and projections on the future change in modes, particularly when the EOF2 mode explains the variance close to EOF1 mode. Significance Statement Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, principal component analysis, or eigenvector analysis has been widely used in various research fields. However, it remains as an open question as to how large the sampling size is required to be to obtain reliable modes through the EOF method. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the uncertainty of EOF results and sampling size in current climate models, using adequately long simulated data, and we find that this relationship can be depicted by the fitting function y = a/(x − b). Here, y represents the uncertainty, x is the sampling size, and a and b are parameters. The parameter a is closely related to the difference between variance fractions of first and second EOF modes and plays a more important role in the fitting function. The minimum sampling sizes that are required to obtain reliable EOF modes can also be estimated by the fitting function and vary greatly from model to model. The results provide a basis for judging the reliability of EOF modes, particularly when the first and second EOF modes explain similar variance fractions.

Generalized Ambiguity Function Analysis and Geometry Parameter Optimization for Flexible Conformal Array-MIMO Radar

Generalized Ambiguity Function Analysis and Geometry Parameter Optimization for Flexible Conformal Array-MIMO Radar

Current Insight on the Role of Glucokinase and Glucokinase Regulatory Protein in Diabetes.

The glucokinase regulator (GCKR) gene encodes an inhibitor of the glucokinase enzyme (GCK), found only in hepatocytes and responsible for glucose metabolism. A common GCKR coding variation has been linked to various metabolic traits in genome-wide association studies. Rare GCKR polymorphisms influence GKRP activity, expression, and localization. Despite not being the cause, these variations are linked to hypertriglyceridemia. Because of their crystal structures, we now better understand the molecular interactions between GKRP and the GCK. Finally, small molecules that specifically bind to GKRP and decrease blood sugar levels in diabetic models have been identified. GCKR allelic spectrum changes affect lipid and glucose homeostasis. GKRP dysfunction has been linked to a variety of molecular causes, according to functional analysis. Numerous studies have shown that GKRP dysfunction is not the only cause of hypertriglyceridemia, implying that type 2 diabetes could be treated by activating liver-specific GCK via small molecule GKRP inhibition. The review emphasizes current discoveries concerning the characteristic roles of glucokinase and GKRP in hepatic glucose metabolism and diabetes. This information has influenced the growth of directed molecular therapies for diabetes, which has improved our understanding of lipid and glucose physiology.

Functional Analysis of cag Pathogenicity Island Diversity in Helicobacter pylori Isolated from Multi-Ethnic Patients in Malaysia

cagPAI is an important pathogenic marker contributing to disease severity caused by H. pylori infection, encoding proteins for type four secretion systems (T4SS) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8) induction in infected host. The heterogeneity of cagPAI genes results in different clinical outcomes in H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional diversity of cagPAI genes in clinical H. pylori strains isolated from patients with gastroduodenal diseases. Among the isolates investigated, 6 out of 27 (22.2%) harbor intact cagPAI, 3 strains (11.1%) have complete absence of cagPAI, and 18 strains (66.7%) contain a partially deleted island. IL-8 concentration is observed significantly higher among cagPAI-positive isolates (P = 0.045). Of note, IL-8 secretion in the gastric cells infected with H. pylori strains isolated from Malay patients was significantly higher than the gastric cells infected with the strains from non-Malay patients (P = 0.046). The secretion of IL-8 appears in similarly high among intact and partially deleted cagPAI isolates. East Asian cagA isolates induce a notably higher level of IL-8 than that of Western cagA. Inflammatory activities are observed and IL-8 concentration in the milder stage was found in significantly higher quantities than in the severe stage (P = 0.027). The ‘hummingbird’ phenotype was observed to cause severe effects in infected cells with cagPAI-intact H. pylori. The genetic variability of cagPAI isolates from multi-ethnicity patients may have unique implications for disease outcomes with respect to proinflammatory secretion.

Production and quality evaluation of bread from blend of biofortified cassava, wheat and dry date flours

In this study, quality evaluation was carried out on bread made from a blend of wheat, biofortified cassava, and dry date flours. Bread samples, designated A through E were produced using various flour blend ratios. Cassava flour samples were subjected to functional and anti-nutritional analysis while proximate, β-carotene, mineral, and sensory contents were evaluated on the bread samples. The result of analysis showed that in the water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), bulk density, foaming capacity, and foaming stability, sample BCF (biofortified cassava flour) had values of 1.98%, 2.55%, 0.72%, 1.98%, and 92.77%, respectively, while sample OCF (Ordinary cassava flour) had values of 2.0%, 1.55%, 0.76%, 7.31%, and 88.38%, respectively. The hydrogen cyanide (1.71 mg/100 g), tannins (0.16 mg/100 g), and oxalates (0.08 mg/100 g) found in BCF were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than those of OCF, which were 2.04 mg/100 g, 0.12 mg/100 g, and 0.16 mg/100 g, respectively. The moisture contents ranged from 4.50-6.35%, crude protein from 10.0-11.29%, fat from 8.43-10.44%, ash from 1.77-3.65%, crude fiber from 2.0-3.48%, and carbohydrate from 67.73-70.16%. The moisture, crude protein, and carbohydrate contents decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) as the level of biofortified cassava flour substitution increased. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the level of β-carotene with increase in biofortified cassava flour substitution. The values of minerals were calcium (27.81–31.40 mg/g), potassium (43.64-52.63 mg/g), sodium (20.41–28.74 mg/g), iron (0.83–1.11 mg/g), zinc (0.60-0.91 mg/g), and copper (0.25-0.32 mg/g). Samples showed good sensory properties, although sample A was preferred.

Функционально-трудоемкостный анализ кадровых процессов системы менеджмента качества организации

The article discusses an approach to improving personnel (supporting) processes in the organisation’s quality management system based on the methodology tool modification of the functional-cost analysis (FCA) and the qualimetric substantiation of critical indicators of the studied process function parameters. The paper analyses tools and technologies for structuring, correcting, and improving personnel processes in the organization’s quality management system as well as problems associated with their application in practice. The expediency for operational determination of the direction for improving the personnel process quality is substantiated by studying a limited number of their parameters. Importance (significance) and labour intensity of personnel process functions are considered as the studied parameters. A procedure for functional and labour-intensive analysis (FLIA) is proposed, which is the personnel process improvement based on analysing the importance-labour intensity ratio of function implementation, allowing the process owner to quickly obtain information about the process state. The procedure of functional and labour-intensive analysis is considered through the approbation on the example of the personnel process “Personnel Recruitment.” Critical indicators of “Personnel Recruitment” structure are compared with similar indicators obtained based on applying functional-cost analysis to the process under consideration. The article argues for the promising use of the proposed procedure for enhancing the personnel processes of the organization’s quality management system, aimed at identifying the direction for their improvement.

Age-Neutral Measurement Of Personality Functioning and Maladaptive Personality Traits.

As previous studies have shown that personality disorder (PD) assessment in older adults is often hampered because assessment tools are tailored toward younger adults, establishing the age-neutrality of novel tools is crucial. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the age-neutrality of the Level of Personality Functioning Brief Form (LPFS-BF 2.0) and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Modified + (PID-5-BF+M), using a sample of 254 community-dwelling adults. The analysis of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) demonstrated the age-neutrality of both instruments, with only 8.3% of LPFS-BF 2.0 items and 5.6% of PID-5-BF+M items exhibiting DIF. Differential Test Functioning (DTF) analyses revealed large DTF for the LPFS-BF 2.0 total score, indicating that age-specific norms might be necessary for this score. In summary, this study supports the use of these instruments in both older and younger adults, enhancing the assessment of PDs across the life span.

Functional Analyses of Four Cryptochromes From Aquatic Organisms After Heterologous Expression in Drosophila melanogaster Circadian Clock Cells.

Cryptochromes (Crys) represent a multi-facetted class of proteins closely associated with circadian clocks. They have been shown to function as photoreceptors but also to fulfill light-independent roles as transcriptional repressors within the negative feedback loop of the circadian clock. In addition, there is evidence for Crys being involved in light-dependent magneto-sensing, and regulation of neuronal activity in insects, adding to the functional diversity of this cryptic protein class. In mammals, Crys are essential components of the circadian clock, but their role in other vertebrates is less clear. In invertebrates, Crys can function as circadian photoreceptors, or as components of the circadian clock, while in some species, both light-receptive and clock factor roles coexist. In the current study, we investigate the function of Cry proteins in zebrafish (Danio rerio), a freshwater teleost expressing 6 cry genes. Zebrafish peripheral circadian clocks are intrinsically light-sensitive, suggesting the involvement of Cry in light-resetting. Echinoderms (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) represent the only class of deuterostomes that possess an orthologue (SpuCry) of the light-sensitive Drosophila melanogaster Cry, which is an important component of the light-resetting pathway, but also works as transcriptional repressor in peripheral clocks of fruit flies. We therefore investigated the potential of different zebrafish cry genes and SpuCry to replace the light-resetting and repressor functions of Drosophila Cry by expressing them in fruit flies lacking endogenous cry function. Using various behavioral and molecular approaches, we show that most Cry proteins analyzed are able to fulfill circadian repressor functions in flies, except for one of the zebrafish Crys, encoded by cry4a. Cry4a also shows a tendency to support light-dependent Cry functions, indicating that it might act in the light-input pathway of zebrafish.

Neural correlates of model-based behavior ininternet gaming disorder and alcohol usedisorder.

An imbalance between model-based and model-free decision-making systems is a commonfeature in addictive disorders. However, little is known about whether similar decision-making deficits appear in internet gaming disorder (IGD). This study compared neurocognitive featuresassociated with model-based and model-free systems in IGD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants diagnosed with IGD (n = 22) and AUD (n = 22), and healthy controls (n = 30) performed the two-stage task inside the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. We used computational modeling and hierarchical Bayesian analysis to provide a mechanistic account of their choice behavior. Then, we performed a model-based fMRI analysis and functional connectivity analysis to identify neural correlates of the decision-making processes in each group. The computational modeling results showed similar levels of model-based behavior in the IGD and AUD groups. However, we observed distinct neural correlates of the model-based reward prediction error (RPE) between the two groups. The IGD group exhibited insula-specific activation associated with model-based RPE, while the AUD group showed prefrontal activation, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex and superior frontal gyrus. Furthermore, individuals with IGD demonstrated hyper-connectivity between the insula and brain regions in the salience network in the context of model-based RPE. The findings suggest potential differences in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying model-based behavior in IGD and AUD, albeit shared cognitive features observed in computational modeling analysis. As the first neuroimaging study to compare IGD and AUD in terms of the model-based system, this study provides novel insights into distinct decision-making processes in IGD.

A Novel Single-Phase Five-Level Current-Source Inverter Topology

Recent technological advances have renewed the research interest in current-source inverters (CSIs). Nonetheless, CSI research still falls behind its voltage-source counterpart with regards to topologies, modulation, and control. Acknowledging the above, this paper presents a novel single-phase five-level CSI topology. The proposed circuit utilises eight switches and two inductors for the generation of five distinct output levels while maintaining low output voltage THD and dv/dt. Furthermore, by offsetting the inductor currents from a binary 1:2 to a trinary 1:3 ratio, the proposed inverter can generate seven current levels at its output. The inverter offers built-in short-circuit protection and can boost a low input DC voltage to a higher peak AC output voltage. These merits, alongside an electrolytic-capacitor-free design, simple current balancing mechanism, and fault-tolerant characteristics, make it a promising candidate for PV module-integrated inverter (MII) systems. The current topology utilises two inductors but is fully functional with single-inductor operation. The paper provides a functional analysis of the inverter topology alongside the inverter switching states and corresponding conduction paths. A detailed analysis of the inductor current dynamics as well as a current-balancing algorithm for dual- and single-inductor operations are given. The theoretical analysis of the proposed circuit and its functional operation are verified using simulations and experimental results carried out on a laboratory prototype.