Future Adjustment Research Articles

Quantitative Evaluation of Macao’s Education Policy: A PMC Index Modeling Approach Incorporating Text Mining

The education policy of the Macao Special Administrative Region is a driving factor in the investment of educational resources and the construction of a comprehensive education system. At the same time, the Macao Special Administrative Region Government closely integrates its education policy with the overall national development strategy, focuses on the training of teachers with a strong sense of national responsibility, and attaches importance to the needs of young people in national education, information technology education, and vocational education. Taking the policy addresses of the Macau Special Administrative Region over the past 25 years as the research sample, this study pioneered the use of policy modeling consistency index modeling combined with text mining to construct an evaluation system featuring the development of education policies. This approach provides a more in-depth quantitative analysis of the evolution and effectiveness of specific education policies. The results show that the MSAR has made significant progress in strengthening educational resources and aligning educational goals with national priorities. However, there is still room for improvement in areas such as information technology and vocational training. Based on this, the study recommends that these areas be targeted for strengthening, providing a reference basis for the future formulation or adjustment of existing education policies.

Examining the Influence of Demographic Factors on Problem-Solving Ability: A Study of Gender, Family Structure, and School Characteristics

Problem-solving involves overcoming obstacles that hinder goal attainment and finding optimal solutions to issues. This ability empowers learners to address challenges they encounter effectively. Consequently, problem-solving has become one of the most crucial 21st-century skills for better future adjustment in a complex society. This paper examines gender, family type, school type, and locality as correlates of problem-solving ability. The researchers conducted descriptive research with 1,200 secondary school students from the Thoubal district of Manipur. They used the Problem-solving Ability Test (PSAT), which they constructed based on five dimensions of problem-solving ability, to collect data. The findings reveal that male students significantly outperformed female students in the PSAT. Although students from joint families performed slightly better than those from nuclear families, the difference was insignificant. Additionally, students in private schools significantly outperformed those in government schools. Moreover, students from urban schools substantially outperformed those in rural schools on the PSAT.

Varying Performance of Low-Cost Sensors During Seasonal Smog Events in Moravian-Silesian Region

Air pollution monitoring in industrial regions like Moravia-Silesia faces challenges due to complex environmental conditions. Low-cost sensors offer a promising, cost-effective alternative for supplementing data from regulatory-grade air quality monitoring stations. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of a prototype node containing low-cost sensors for carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM), specifically tailored for the local conditions of the Moravian-Silesian Region during winter and spring periods. An analysis of the reference data observed during the winter evaluation period showed a strong positive correlation between PM, CO, and NO2 concentrations, attributable to common pollution sources under low ambient temperature conditions and increased local heating activity. The Sensirion SPS30 sensor exhibited high linearity during the winter period but showed a systematic positive bias in PM10 readings during Polish smog episodes, likely due to fine particles from domestic heating. Conversely, during Saharan dust storm episodes, the sensor showed a negative bias, underestimating PM10 levels due to the prevalence of coarse particles. Calibration adjustments, based on the PM1/PM10 ratio derived from Alphasense OPC-N3 data, were initially explored to reduce these biases. For the first time, this study quantifies the influence of particle size distribution on the SPS30 sensor’s response during smog episodes of varying origin, under the given local and seasonal conditions. In addition to sensor evaluation, we analyzed the potential use of data from the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS) as an alternative to increasing sensor complexity. Our findings suggest that, with appropriate calibration, selected low-cost sensors can provide reliable data for monitoring air pollution episodes in the Moravian-Silesian Region and may also be used for future adjustments of CAMS model predictions.

Minimum Wage Increases And Civil Servants' Welfare In Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: An Examination Of Lagos And Osun States Civil Service

This study examines the impact of minimum wage increases on civil servants' welfare within the context of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, focusing on Lagos and Osun States. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the research analyses survey data from civil servants to assess the effectiveness of minimum wage policies in addressing welfare issues. A total number of 400 questionnaires were distributed while 347 were validly returned. Findings reveal that while minimum wage increments are intended to enhance workers' living standards, challenges such as budget limitations, inflation, and administrative capacity significantly hinder their effective implementation. In Osun State, economic constraints, including delayed salary payments, were identified as key barriers. Similarly, in Lagos, where internally generated revenue is comparatively higher, responses indicate that while wage implementation is smoother, rising living costs erode purchasing power gains. The study also highlights how limited administrative capacity and inadequate resource allocation exacerbate these challenges, undermining civil servants' access to essential needs like housing, healthcare, and education. The paper concluded that the minimum wage policy in Nigeria faces barriers like inflation, budget limits, and administrative issues, underscoring the need for reforms and adjustments.It was recommended thatthe government should conduct a regular assessment of the economic and social impact of minimum wage adjustments following each five-year review. Datadriven insights into the effectiveness of wage policies that would guide future adjustments

Dynamics of a Price Adjustment Model with Distributed Delay

This paper deals with the stability and occurrence of Hopf bifurcation of a distributed delay differential cobweb model using the chain trick technique. This is a generalized form of the fixed delay cobweb model to which it is compared using the same parameter values. The results from the delay distribution showed that whenever less weight (γ=0.146) is put on past prices, the current equilibrium price is adjusted upwards while the reverse is observed when a higher weight (γ=0.186) is put on the previous price. It is also observed that if the initial price is set below/above the equilibrium price, the price adjustment either affects the consumers or benefits the suppliers. However, the fixed delay cobweb model does not display the consumers or suppliers benefits of the price dynamics in either direction. These are unique, underlying patterns in price dynamics discovered when using a distributed delay model compared to traditional fixed delay cobweb models. Furthermore, our model challenges the traditional cobweb model’s requirement for divergence, as it is based on the weight assigned to past prices rather than the relationship between the elasticities of supply and demand, which is the determining factor in the classical model. Based on these insights, we recommend that future price adjustment models incorporate distributed delays, as they reveal more intricate price dynamics and provide a more comprehensive understanding of market behavior than fixed delay models.

7991 A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Documentation of Carbohydrate Ratios and Correction Factors on Insulin Sliding Scales

Abstract Disclosure: R.J. Vitale: None. C. Lu: None. A. Sonawalla: None. T.K. Maxwell: None. S. Nanavati: None. N.E. Renthal: None. E.T. Rhodes: None. C.E. Cherella: None. Background: In the management of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, sliding scale (SS) tables - which contain precalculated insulin doses for ranges of blood glucose and carbohydrate intake, usually based on a carbohydrate ratio (CR) and correction factor (CF) - provide a safer alternative for families with limited health literacy and numeracy. However, as insulin needs change, adjusting SS tables can be more difficult than adjusting CRs and CFs, which can cause less frequent or non-standard adjustments in SS tables, result in potential errors, and lead to disparities in the quality of care for these patients. We identified challenges to standardized SS documentation and adjustment at our institution and conducted a quality improvement (QI) initiative to address this problem. We aimed to increase the use of CR/CF to generate and adjust SS to improve the ease and accuracy of SS adjustments and ultimately improve care for this vulnerable patient population. Methods: Our goal was to increase the proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus discharged with CR/CF documented on the most recent SS in the medical record (the primary outcome measure) by 20% over 12 months. The process measure was clinician-reported utilization of CR/CF when generating or adjusting SS. To achieve our goal, we made two process improvements and used Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to evaluate them. First, we standardized the template for documentation of the SS which also prompted inclusion of the CR/CF to preserve it for future adjustments. Second, we developed a Microsoft Excel SS generator based on clinician input of CR/CF. Clinicians were educated about the importance of CR/CF documentation and were taught to use the new process. SS documentation of CR/CF in the medical record was evaluated through monthly chart review and tracked on a run chart. Clinicians were periodically surveyed on the frequency of use of CR/CF in the creation of SS. Results: The median value of SS that included CR/CF documentation in medical records increased from 0% at baseline to 58% after the interventions. Reported use of CR/CF to make and adjust SS increased from 6/15 (40%) to 6/7 (86%). Provider qualitative feedback on the new process was positive. Conclusion: In this QI project, the implementation of a template that promoted documentation of CR/CF, and a standardized and automated SS calculator that generated SS based on CR/CF, led to both increased documentation of CR/CF for SS, and increased clinician-reported use of CR/CF to adjust SS. The latter may indicate a decrease in barriers to adjusting SS regimens. By facilitating adjustment, this low-cost, reproducible system could increase frequency of changes to SS and may help to improve the quality of care for children with diabetes mellitus using SS. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Investigation of the Upper Safety Operating Pressure Limit for Underground Gas Storage Using the Fault Activation Pressure Evaluation Method

As a crucial reserve for natural gas, the safe operation of underground gas storage facilities is paramount for seasonal peak shaving and emergency supply security. Focusing on the Lei X gas storage facility in the Liaohe Basin of China, this study delves into the mechanical integrity of gas storage facilities and assesses the upper limit pressure for safe operation. Leveraging seismic logging data, we conducted an analysis and statistical evaluation of boundary faults and top cover characteristics, integrating regional stress fields and rock mechanics to evaluate fault activation pressure and cover failure risk using a fault activation pressure assessment method. This research elucidates the maximum safe operating pressure for underground gas storage facilities. The research findings suggest that the sealing layer of the Lei X gas storage reservoir exhibits a predominant hydro-fracturing pattern. Under the existing stress field conditions, the sealing layer demonstrates favorable sealing properties, and the boundary faults remain relatively stable. Moreover, through data extraction and quantitative analysis, this study clearly determined the critical pressure at which each fault is activated and the pressure at which the sealing layer undergoes hydro-fracturing during cyclic injection and the production of gas storage. Considering the activation pressure and fracturing pressure data for the sealing layer, a secure operating pressure of 15.0 MPa was calculated for gas storage operations. This study offers crucial theoretical support for enhancing injection and production efficiency, as well as ensuring the safe operation of Lei X gas storage and providing technical guidance for future adjustments to injection and production schemes.

Parenting Styles and Youth’s Externalizing and Internalizing Behaviors: Does Self-Control Matter?

The externalizing and internalizing behaviors of children and youth have been the object of extensive criminological research, mainly due to the potentially harmful impact on these individuals' future development and adjustment. The current study aimed to explore the influence of parenting styles on the emergence of children and youth’s externalizing and internalizing behaviors and to understand the influence of self-control in this relationship. Following a quantitative self-report approach and using a sample of 472 Portuguese middle-school children, this study found that the children’s sex, low self-control, and authoritative parenting style significantly predicted externalizing and internalizing behaviors. The data also revealed that children's age and the permissive parenting style significantly predicted externalizing but not internalizing behaviors and that the authoritarian parenting style significantly predicted internalizing behaviors. Low self-control partially mediated the relationship between parenting styles and externalizing and internalizing behaviors in most tested models. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

The Effectiveness of Electronic Trials in the Jurisdiction of the District Court Semarapura Class II Based on Supreme Court Regulation Number 7 of 2022

Electronic trials, also known as e-trials, represent a significant innovation in the judicial process by integrating technology into court proceedings. These trials utilize digital platforms to manage and conduct various aspects of the trial process, including the submission of evidence, witness testimonies, and legal arguments. However, the adoption of electronic trials also presents challenges that must be carefully considered. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of electronic trial in the jurisdiction of the Semarapura District Court Class II based on Perma Number 7 of 2022, and the obstacles experienced in its implementation. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges that courts may face in adopting such systems, thereby offering critical information that could inform future improvements and policy adjustments.

Utilizing natural language processing to analyze student narrative reflections for medical curriculum improvement.

Medical curricula improvement is an ongoing process to keep material relevant and improve the student's learning experience to better prepare them for patient care. Many programs utilize end-of-year evaluations, but these frequently have low response rates and lack actionable feedback. We hypothesized that student reflections written during a fourth year Sub-Internship could be used retrospectively to mine additional information as feedback for future curriculum adjustments. However, reflections contain a large amount of narrative content that would require a cumbersome and essentially infeasible manual review process for busy medical education faculty. We developed a Natural Language Processing (NLP) pipeline to automatically identify common themes and topics present in the set of reflective writings that could be used to improve the curriculum. The dataset contains required responses to a faculty issued question submitted between August 2016 and July 2018 about challenges experienced during the medical students fourth year Sub-Internship. Eleven distinct topics were identified, with several being subsequently addressed in future iterations of the curriculum. Utilizing NLP on reflective writings was able to identify areas of curriculum improvement, and the NLP results provided a quick and easy way to explore the main themes and challenges expressed by students.

Arts and The Environment: Intersections and Dynamics of Community Outreach

Objective: The objective of this study aims to reflect on an organized set of synergies that contribute to an effective artistic-environmental dialogue: the aim of this interdisciplinary dialogue is to promote a balanced, conscious and informed plan of environmental education, mediated by art. In this specific case, the promotion of artistic and cultural events becomes a subsidiary of agents' ecological awareness and consequently acts as a force capable of mobilizing and raising awareness among current and future generations of the central causes and issues of contemporary society, precisely, those that relate to the “common home”. Theoretical Framework: We have put together a tripartite theoretical framework in which ethical, aesthetic and artistic issues are related from a dialogical perspective between art and the environment and their respective impacts in terms of intervention in the community and with the community. Method: Narrative literature review, seeking to describe or discuss the current state of the research topic and, in particular, to draw conclusions for the results and discussion of the effects and impacts of the practices resulting from this initiative that covers a significant and broad generational framework (from early childhood to old age), applying the same model and method. In this case, the MILMESA Method and the DEP Model. Results and Discussion: The main results emerge as the conclusion of a concrete analysis of the reality observed and the theoretical matrices that underpinned the model and method used. These results are important for future reflection, in terms of what is meant by future adjustments to the results obtained in this research context. Implications of the research: In the future, there are certain considerations that can be reflected on and improved, based on the structure and conceptual basis emanating from the reference authors (and works) that deal with the subject under debate and intergenerational reflection. Originality/Value: This research promotes, in a unique way, a reflection on the making of technical-scientific, participatory and interdisciplinary events, which are in great demand at an educational and scientific level, in which art and art education emerge as a dialogue between areas and as an added value in the framework of the methodologies used in this type of initiative. The aim is to align research and artistic work (and related works) and, at the same time, to reflect on the practices and projects carried out in this field with scientific and training institutions in general, including institutions with more plural and diverse missions in terms of formal, non-formal and informal education.

Multi-dimensional equilibrium optimal allocation of water resources in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region through spatial association network analysis

The rapid social and economic development has led to problems such as over-exploitation of water resources, strong demand for physical water resources, and disequilibrium of water resources load. Based on the current situation of the water resources system in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, this study proposed an input–output analysis-assessment-prediction-optimization framework. A water resources dissipation environment extended multi-regional input–output model was established, and the spatial equilibrium of water resources load was evaluated comprehensively. Furthermore, a multi-dimensional spatial equilibrium optimal allocation for water resources was built to identify key nodes and sectors. The primary findings were as follows: (1) Shijiazhuang and Tangshan were the main cities with net virtual water outflow, while Beijing and Baoding were the primary recipients of net virtual water inflow; (2) The overall score for the spatial equilibrium assessment of water resource load was low, with dimension scores predominantly ranging between 0.2 and 0.6; (3) The key transfer nodes were predominantly concentrated on the “outflow from Shijiazhuang” and the “inflow to Cangzhou and Langfang” nodes. This research conducted an in-depth exploration of the direction of water resource transfers, the actual stress conditions, and the spatial equilibrium of water resources within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Finally, the future adjustment strategy for water-intensive industries at the urban agglomeration scale was obtained.

Study on the change of urban spatial structure in Three Northeast Provinces of China based on the coupling relationship between POI and nighttime light data

Identifying and measuring urban spatial structure is a prerequisite for understanding urban spatial characteristics, formulating urban development strategies and testing urban planning results. As important data sources that can visually reflect the spatial distribution characteristics of urban socio-economic and other physical elements, urban points of interest (POI) and nighttime light data play an important role in the study of urban spatial structure. In this study, the main urban areas of 36 cities of the Three Northeast Provinces (Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, Liaoning Province) were selected as the study area, the POI (6,553,294 points of interest) and nighttime light data from 2010, 2016, and 2022 were chosen as the basic research data, and the methods of point kernel density estimation, data griddedness, and multifactor combination mapping were used to analyze the developmental dynamics of the urban spatial structure. The study demonstrated: (1) The spatial coupling consistency of POI and nighttime light data in the main urban areas of the Three Northeast Provinces was high, and both had good applicability in urban spatial structure research; (2) POI and nighttime light values formed the spatial pattern of “axis + core − periphery” with Shenyang, Dalian, Changchun and Harbin as the core, while the coupling relationship between the POI and nighttime light data identified that the main urban areas in the Three Northeast Provinces presented a centralized agglomeration type, a decentralized grouping type, a belt combination type and a radial expansion type urban spatial structure; (3) From the perspective of changes in the coupling relationship between POI and nighttime light, most of the main urban areas of resource-mature cities, resource-regeneration cities and non-resource cities were affected by the regional development agglomeration and the “T” railway network, and the “high/medium–high/medium” area showed an expanding tendency; most of the main urban areas of resource-decline cities were affected by the lower development potential and the deprivation of economic factors by the surrounding core cities, while the “high/medium–high/medium” areas showed a contracting tendency. The results of the study can provide a scientific basis and theoretical reference for the future adjustment of urban spatial structure, planning and construction as well as resource allocation in the main urban areas of the cities in the Three Northeast Provinces.

Sustainability Development of Stationary Batteries: A Circular Economy Approach for Vanadium Flow Batteries

In the literature, the hierarchy of value retention strategies (R-strategies) is utilized to describe the impacts on various circular economy (CE) factors. However, this approach is not suitable for batteries, such as the vanadium flow battery (VFB), due to its technical complexity. The presented model primarily focuses on VFBs, as a deep technical understanding is identified as a fundamental prerequisite for a comprehensive CE analysis. Based on the R-strategies, a new model called the dynamic multi-dimensional value retention strategy model (DDS) is developed accordingly. The DDS divides the R-strategies into three dimensions, as changes in the studied object each have a unilateral influence on the underlying dimensions. In addition, interactions among the R-strategies within the dimensions are observed. Moreover, the model enables the transparent and comprehensible examination of various CE objective factors. Through the model, future adjustments to CE for batteries can be analyzed and quantified. In particular, the analysis yields new insights into individual end-of-life (EoL) strategies, based on new findings regarding the VFB. Consequently, important new perspectives on the VFB are also illuminated. The DDS model is applicable to other complex technologies as well as simple product systems.

Clinical impact and potential utility of non-enhanced computed tomography performed immediately after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Intratumoral lipiodol deposition following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the actual clinical significance of the imaging tests conducted to evaluate the lipiodol uptake after TACE. This study evaluates the clinical impact and potential utility of performing immediate post-TACE non-enhanced computed tomography (NECT) on the treatment of HCC. This retrospective study at a tertiary referral center included patients undergoing their first session of conventional TACE for initial treatment of HCC from November 2021 to December 2022 with available immediate post-TACE NECT. Patients were categorized based on lipiodol uptake into Cohorts A (incomplete uptake with additional treatment before the first follow-up 1 month after TACE), B incomplete uptake without additional treatment before first follow-up), and C (complete uptake). Survival curves for the time to progression (TTP) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and were compared by using the log-rank test. Out of 189 patients, 58 (29.6%) showed incomplete lipiodol uptake; 2 in Cohort A and 56 in Cohort B. Cohort C included 131 patients (69.3%). Cohort B had the highest rate of residual viable tumor (48.2%) 1 month after TACE, compared to the other cohorts (0% in Cohort A and 32.1% in Cohort C). The median TTP of Cohort B was 7.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.6-15.7 months], significantly shorter than the 15.4 months (95% CI: 10.9-20.9 months) for Cohort C (P=0.03). During follow-up, no progression occurred in Cohort A. Assessment of lipiodol uptake by performing immediate post-TACE NECT can stratify HCC patients and facilitate early prediction of therapeutic response. Identifying suboptimal lipiodol uptake immediately after TACE can aid future treatment adjustments and potentially improving oncologic outcomes.

Mediation analyses of longitudinal data investigating temporal associations between inflated sense of responsibility, obsessive-compulsivesymptoms, and anger suppression.

Cognitive theories emphasize the central role of anger and anger suppression in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). According to these theories, anger suppression is seen as a consequence of OCD, whereas cognitive beliefs, such as an inflated sense of responsibility, are seen as antecedent factors. To extend the findings from cross-sectional studies, the current study investigated the temporal associations between OCD symptoms, an inflated sense of responsibility, and anger suppression. Consistent with cognitive considerations, we hypothesized that OCD symptoms mediate the association between feelings of responsibility and anger suppression. These associations were also explored in patients presenting particularly high checking-related symptoms. Further, the stability of effects beyond controlling for depressive symptoms and medication intake was explored. A total of N = 48 patients with OCD (50% female, M = 32.46 [SD = 10.63]years of age) completed measures on obsessive beliefs, OCD symptoms, and anger suppression at three assessment points: before and after a metacognitive intervention as well as at a follow-up 6 months later. Mediation models investigating symptom associations at these three timepoints were conducted. Exploratory analyses investigating these associations in individuals presenting high checking-related symptoms (n = 20) and testing the stability of effects beyond controlling for depressive symptoms and medication intake were conducted. The sense of responsibility did not significantly predict the level of anger suppression. A temporal association between OCD symptoms (as assessed with the self-report measure) and anger suppression could be evidenced, which was stable beyond controlling for depressive symptoms and medication intake. Against the expectations based on cognitive theories, the sense of responsibility did not predict OCD symptoms. No mediating effect of OCD symptoms was found. In line with cognitive viewpoints, the present study shows that higher OCD symptoms predict higher levels of anger suppression in a longitudinal design, thereby contributing to the suppression of anger. This effect seems to be independent from depressive symptoms and medication intake. The effect of sense of responsibility on OCD symptoms was less clear and could only be found in the subgroup of patients with OCD and checking-related symptoms, who generally presented higher levels of responsibility. Overall, this is the first study demonstrating temporal associations between OCD symptoms and anger suppression. Acknowledging that anger and anger suppression may be a consequence of OCD symptoms and may also affect aspects of psychotherapy, which can ultimately inform future adjustments to psychotherapeutic treatment.

Testing static and dynamic leverage models: A standardized leverage measure approach

This paper proposes and validates a new measure of capital structure by normalizing firms’ leverage ratios by their business risks, assuming asset values follow a geometric Brownian motion. We empirically test the new measure with both static and dynamic leverage models, and we find that the standardized leverage (SDL) ratio: 1) performs similarly to book leverage in static leverage regressions, and 2) presents a more realistic speed of adjustment (SOA) in dynamic leverage adjustment models. Within the framework of SDL, we also compute individual firms’ leverage adjustment speeds, which is shown to have significant predictive power regarding firms’ future capital structure adjustments. Overall, the empirical results suggest that the SDL exhibits strong candidacy to serve as a more reliable measure for firms’ real capital structure.

The potential role of RNA sequencing in diagnosing unexplained insensitivity to conventional chemotherapy in pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a highly heterogeneous disease. According to large-scale RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, B-ALL patients can be divided into more than 10 subgroups. However, many genomic defects associated with resistance mechanisms have not yet been identified. As an individual clinical tool for molecular diagnostic risk classification, RNA-seq and gene expression pattern-based therapy could be potential upcoming strategies. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the RNA-seq gene expression profiles of 45 children whose molecular diagnostic classifications were inconsistent with the response to chemotherapy. The relationship between the transcriptome and chemotherapy response was analyzed. Fusion gene identification was conducted for the included patients who did not have known high-risk associated fusion genes or gene mutations. The most frequently detected fusion gene pair in the high-risk group was the DHRSX duplication, which is a novel finding. Fusions involving ABL1, LMNB2, NFATC1, PAX5, and TTYH3 at onset were more frequently detected in the high-risk group, while fusions involving LFNG, TTYH3, and NFATC1 were frequently detected in the relapse group. According to the pathways involved, the underlying drug resistance mechanism is related to DNA methylation, autophagy, and protein metabolism. Overall, the implementation of an RNA-seq diagnostic system will identify activated markers associated with chemotherapy response, and guide future treatment adjustments.

Asymmetry of hemispheric climate during MIS 16 versus MIS 12

Marine isotope stage (MIS) 16 (676-621 ka) and MIS 12 (478-424 ka) stand out as two significant glacial periods during the late Quaternary, demonstrating consistent continental ice volume or sea level, as discerned from benthic δ18O records. Intriguingly, the average sea surface temperature (SST) during MIS 16 surpasses that of MIS 12 by approximately 0.54–0.79 °C, while the atmospheric CO2 concentration during MIS 16 is approximately 16 ppmv lower than that of MIS 12. The underlying mechanism driving these discrepancies remains enigmatic. In this study, we present new high-resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and grain size records covering the interval from 700 to 400 ka from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1090 in the South Atlantic Ocean. We also integrated benthic δ13C, ice-rafted debris (IRD) and carbonate ion concentration ([CO32−]) records globally, to elucidate the distinct climate evolution during the MIS 16 versus MIS 12. Our findings suggest that MIS 12 is distinguished by a more substantial Antarctic ice-sheet, coupled with a weakened and/or equatorward displacement of southern westerly winds, and expansion of southern source water (SSW) alongside contractive northern source water (NSW). Conversely, the opposite climate state can be observed in MIS 16. The elevated atmospheric CO2 in MIS 12 and diminished atmospheric CO2 in MIS 16 may be attributed to reconfigurations in the ocean carbon reservoir regulated by the reorganization of deep-water masses and meridional ocean circulation, as a result of the divergent evolution of bipolar ice-sheets. Our study underscores the critical role of the interplay between the two polar regions in modulating deep-sea carbon storage on the orbital timescale and atmospheric CO2. This interplay is essential for a comprehensive understanding of past and future carbon cycle adjustments in response to climate change.

An integrative sensor of body states: how the mushroom body modulates behavior depending on physiological context.

The brain constantly compares past and present experiences to predict the future, thereby enabling instantaneous and future behavioral adjustments. Integration of external information with the animal's current internal needs and behavioral state represents a key challenge of the nervous system. Recent advancements in dissecting the function of the Drosophila mushroom body (MB) at the single-cell level have uncovered its three-layered logic and parallel systems conveying positive and negative values during associative learning. This review explores a lesser-known role of the MB in detecting and integrating body states such as hunger, thirst, and sleep, ultimately modulating motivation and sensory-driven decisions based on the physiological state of the fly. State-dependent signals predominantly affect the activity of modulatory MB input neurons (dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and octopaminergic), but also induce plastic changes directly at the level of the MB intrinsic and output neurons. Thus, the MB emerges as a tightly regulated relay station in the insect brain, orchestrating neuroadaptations due to current internal and behavioral states leading to short- but also long-lasting changes in behavior. While these adaptations are crucial to ensure fitness and survival, recent findings also underscore how circuit motifs in the MB may reflect fundamental design principles that contribute to maladaptive behaviors such as addiction or depression-like symptoms.