Reliable Patterns Research Articles

Proteinoids-Polyaniline Interaction with Stimulated Neurons on Living and Plastic Surfaces.

The integration of proteinoid-polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers with neuromorphic architectures shows potential for developing computer systems that are adaptable, energy-efficient, and have the capacity of tolerating faults. This work examines the capacity of proteinoid-PANI nanofibers to imitate different spiking patterns in stimulated Izhikevich neurons. The proteinoid-PANI nanofibers exhibit diverse spiking behaviors on different substrates, showcasing a broad range of control and programmability, as confirmed by experimental characterization and computational modeling. K-means clustering technique measures the extent and selectivity of the proteinoid-PANI spiking behavior in response to various stimuli and spiking patterns. The presence of strong positive correlations between membrane potential and time suggests that the system is capable of producing reliable and consistent electrical activity patterns. Proteinoid-PANI samples demonstrate enhanced stability and consistency in numerous spiking modes when compared to simulated input neurons. The results emphasize the capability of proteinoid-PANI nanofibers as a bioinspired substance for neuromorphic computing and open up possibilities for their incorporation into neuromorphic structures and bioinspired computer models.

Large-scale gene expression data clustering through incremental ensemble approach

Abstract DNA microarray technology monitors gene activity in real-time in living organisms. It creates a large amount of data that helps scientists learn about how genes work. Clustering this data helps understand gene interactions and uncover important biological processes. However, the traditional clustering techniques have difficulties due to the enormous dimensionality of gene expression data and the intricacy of biological networks. Although ensemble clustering is a viable strategy, such high-dimensional data may not lend itself well to traditional approaches. This study introduces a novel technique for gene expression data clustering called incremental ensemble clustering for gene expression data (IECG). There are two steps in the IECG. A technique for grouping gene expression data into windows is presented in the first step, producing a tree of clusters. This procedure is carried out again for succeeding windows that have distinct feature sets. The base clusterings of two consecutive windows are ensembled using a new goal function to form a new clustering solution. By repeating this step-by-step method for further windows, reliable patterns that are beneficial for medical applications can be extracted. The results from both biological and non-biological data demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperformed the state-of-the-art algorithms. Additionally, the running time of the proposed algorithm has been examined.

Hibernation reduces GABA signaling in the brainstem to enhance motor activity of breathing at cool temperatures

BackgroundNeural circuits produce reliable activity patterns despite disturbances in the environment. For this to occur, neurons elicit synaptic plasticity during perturbations. However, recent work suggests that plasticity not only regulates circuit activity during disturbances, but these modifications may also linger to stabilize circuits during future perturbations. The implementation of such a regulation scheme for real-life environmental challenges of animals remains unclear. Amphibians provide insight into this problem in a rather extreme way, as circuits that generate breathing are inactive for several months during underwater hibernation and use compensatory plasticity to promote ventilation upon emergence.ResultsUsing ex vivo brainstem preparations and electrophysiology, we find that hibernation in American bullfrogs reduces GABAA receptor (GABAAR) inhibition in respiratory rhythm generating circuits and motor neurons, consistent with a compensatory response to chronic inactivity. Although GABAARs are normally critical for breathing, baseline network output at warm temperatures was not affected. However, when assessed across a range of temperatures, hibernators with reduced GABAAR signaling had greater activity at cooler temperatures, enhancing respiratory motor output under conditions that otherwise strongly depress breathing.ConclusionsHibernation reduces GABAAR signaling to promote robust respiratory output only at cooler temperatures. Although frogs do not ventilate lungs during underwater hibernation, we suggest this would be beneficial for stabilizing breathing when the animal passes through a large temperature range during emergence in the spring. More broadly, these results demonstrate that compensatory synaptic plasticity can increase the operating range of circuits in harsh environments, thereby promoting adaptive behavior in conditions that suppress activity.

The Small Finger Reverse Ulnar Digital Artery Hypothenar Palmar Perforator Flap: An Anatomical Study With Clinical Examples.

Local flaps are commonly used for reconstruction of digital soft-tissue defects. There remains a paucity of options available for small finger volar and dorsal soft-tissue defects distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint. The purpose of this study was to analyze perforators along the hypothenar palmar region arising from the artery of the ulnar side of the small finger as it comes off the superficial palmar arch for consistency and potential to be used for perforator-based flap reconstruction of soft-tissue defects and joint coverage of the small finger. Four cadaveric upper extremities were injected with Microfil silicone injection compound. Dissection was performed from the superficial palmar arch to the ulnar digital artery of the small finger, and perforators were identified and analyzed for consistency and utility. Flap elevation was performed based on these perforators in a small finger reverse ulnar digital artery fashion. All cadaveric dissections showed a suitable perforator pattern along the hypothenar palmar region with a minimum of 5 perforators available from which to base a flap to address dorsal and volar defects of the small finger. Two clinical examples are presented confirming the viability and utility of this flap. A detailed anatomic study with 2 clinical examples of this retrograde pedicle island flap is presented. The small finger reverse ulnar digital artery hypothenar palmar-based perforator flaps are a viable option with a reliable perforator pattern, providing a functional solution for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects and joint coverage of the small finger.

Influence of Ocean Current Features on the Performance of Machine Learning and Dynamic Tracking Methods in Predicting Marine Drifter Trajectories

Accurately and rapidly predicting marine drifter trajectories under conditions of information scarcity is critical for addressing maritime emergencies and conducting marine surveys with resource-limited unmanned vessels. Machine learning-based tracking methods, such as Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM), offer a promising approach for trajectory prediction in such scenarios. This study combines satellite observations and idealized simulations to compare the predictive performance of LSTM with a resource-dependent dynamic tracking method (DT). The results indicate that when driven solely by historical drifter paths, LSTM achieves better trajectory predictions when trained and tested on relative trajectory intervals rather than the absolute positions of individual trajectory points. In general, LSTM provides a more accurate geometric pattern of trajectories at the initial stages of forecasting, while DT offers superior accuracy in predicting specific trajectory positions. The velocity and curvature of ocean currents jointly influence the prediction quality of both methods. In regions characterized by active sub-mesoscale dynamics, such as the fast-flowing and meandering Kuroshio Current and Kuroshio Current Extension, DT predicts more reliable trajectory patterns but lacks precision in detailed position estimates compared to LSTM. However, in areas dominated by the fast but relatively straight North Equatorial Current, the performance of the two methods reverses. The two methods also demonstrate different tolerances for noise and sampling intervals. This study establishes a baseline for selecting machine learning methods for marine drifter prediction and highlights the limitations of AI-based predictions under data-scarce and resource-constrained conditions.

Deep learning modeling of RNA ac4C deposition reveals the importance of plant alternative splicing.

The N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification has recently been characterized as a noncanonical RNA marker in plants. While the precise installation of ac4C sites in individual plant transcripts continues to present challenges, the biological roles of ac4C in specific plant species are gradually being deciphered. Herein, we utilized a deep learning technique called iac4C (intelligent ac4C) to predict ac4C sites in mRNA. ac4C deposition was effectively forecasted by the iac4C model (AUROC = 0.948), revealing a reliable distribution pattern primarily situated in the transcribing area as opposed to regions that are not translated. The iac4C deep learning approach using a combination of BiGRU and self-attention mechanisms both validates previous studies showing a positive correlation between ac4C and RNA splicing in plant species and reveals new examples of other splicing events associated with ac4C. Our advanced deep learning algorithm for analyzing ac4C enables swift identification of important biological phenomena that would otherwise be challenging to uncover through traditional experimental approaches. These findings provide insight into the essential regulatory function of site-specific ac4C deposition in alternative splicing processes. The source code and datasets for iac4C are available at https://github.com/xlwei507/iac4C .

Contrastive learning of shared spatiotemporal EEG representations across individuals for naturalistic neuroscience

Neural representations induced by naturalistic stimuli offer insights into how humans respond to stimuli in daily life. Understanding neural mechanisms underlying naturalistic stimuli processing hinges on the precise identification and extraction of the shared neural patterns that are consistently present across individuals. Targeting the Electroencephalogram (EEG) technique, known for its rich spatial and temporal information, this study presents a framework for Contrastive Learning of Shared SpatioTemporal EEG Representations across individuals (CL-SSTER). CL-SSTER utilizes contrastive learning to maximize the similarity of EEG representations across individuals for identical stimuli, contrasting with those for varied stimuli. The network employs spatial and temporal convolutions to simultaneously learn the spatial and temporal patterns inherent in EEG. The versatility of CL-SSTER was demonstrated on three EEG datasets, including a synthetic dataset, a natural speech comprehension EEG dataset, and an emotional video watching EEG dataset. CL-SSTER attained the highest inter-subject correlation (ISC) values compared to the state-of-the-art ISC methods. The latent representations generated by CL-SSTER exhibited reliable spatiotemporal EEG patterns, which can be explained by properties of the naturalistic stimuli. CL-SSTER serves as an interpretable and scalable framework for the identification of inter-subject shared neural representations in naturalistic neuroscience.

Hibernation reduces GABA signaling in the brainstem to enhance motor activity of breathing at cool temperatures.

Neural circuits produce reliable activity patterns despite disturbances in the environment. For this to occur, neurons elicit synaptic plasticity during perturbations. However, recent work suggests that plasticity not only regulates circuit activity during disturbances, but these modifications may also linger to stabilize circuits during future perturbations. The implementation of such a regulation scheme for real-life environmental challenges of animals remains unclear. Amphibians provide insight into this problem in a rather extreme way, as circuits that generate breathing are inactive for several months during underwater hibernation and use compensatory plasticity to promote ventilation upon emergence. Using ex vivo brainstem preparations and electrophysiology, we find that hibernation in American bullfrogs reduces GABAA receptor (GABAAR) inhibition in respiratory rhythm generating circuits and motor neurons, consistent with a compensatory response to chronic inactivity. Although GABAARs are normally critical for breathing, baseline network output at warm temperatures was not affected. However, when assessed across a range of temperatures, hibernators with reduced GABAAR signaling had greater activity at cooler temperatures, enhancing respiratory motor output under conditions that otherwise strongly depress breathing. Hibernation reduces GABAAR signaling to promote robust respiratory output only at cooler temperatures. Although animals do not ventilate lungs during hibernation, we suggest this would be beneficial for stabilizing breathing when the animal passes through a large temperature range during emergence in the spring. More broadly, these results demonstrate that compensatory synaptic plasticity can increase the operating range of circuits in harsh environments, thereby promoting adaptive behavior in conditions that suppress activity.

Analysis of Calculated Ease Values in Semi-Fitted Bodice Blocks Considering Quasi-Static Poses

This paper addresses clothing misfit issues primarily caused by incorrect applications of ease values. In pattern drafting, ease values are added to body measurements by distributing them at relevant construction levels. However, these ease values have been explained differently in books published by subject experts. Most published pattern drafting methods instruct taking body measurements and constructing blocks with considering only the relaxed state of the human figure. However, no studies have yet considered the calculation of ease values in relation to different body poses. Moreover, while the calculated ease values are accurate for the relaxed state, they do not correctly account for different body poses. Therefore, this study presents effective ease values for semi-fitted bodice blocks considering the quasi-static body poses of the wearer. Five reliable pattern drafting methods relevant to semi-fitted women’s wear were evaluated. Accordingly, 2D CAD patterns were drafted according to UK size 12 standard form measurements and fit was assessed both physically and digitally to examine the adequacy of ease values in relation to clothing fit. Inconsistencies of ease values were found across all the selected pattern drafting methods resulting in various fit issues and discomfort in functionality. The proposed ease values will serve as a practical guide to producing clothing that maximises efficiency and productivity.

Laser Patterning for 2D Lateral and Vertical VS2/MoS2 Metal/Semiconducting Heterostructures

Abstract2D metal/semiconducting heterostructures have attracted extensive attention for potential applications in future electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, the simple and fast preparation of patterned metal/semiconducting heterostructures with controllable channel lengths still faces challenges. Here, a simple and reliable laser patterning method for preparing patterned lateral/vertical 1T/2H VS2/MoS2 metal/semiconducting heterostructures is reported. Specifically, site‐selective etching of VS2 can be realized through the combination of laser radiation and acid solution etching. Further, pre‐patterned VS2 nanoplates with edge dangling bonds can offer effective nucleation points for the lateral epitaxial growth of MoS2, thus generating patterned VS2‐MoS2 lateral heterostructures. The laser processing method can further be used to create patterned VS2/MoS2 vertical van der Waals (vdWHs), which can only selectively etch the upper layer VS2 while maintaining the intrinsic structure of the bottom layer MoS2. The obtained patterned VS2/MoS2 vdWHs show a similar channel length of ≈420 nm, and the VS2 vdW contact MoS2 transistor is fabricated, delivering an On‐state current of 4.01 µA/µm, and carrier mobility of 3.56 cm2 s−1 V−1. This approach is also general for preparing patterned VSe2, VSe2/WSe2 heterostructures.

Can Large Language Models Assess Personality From Asynchronous Video Interviews? A Comprehensive Evaluation of Validity, Reliability, Fairness, and Rating Patterns

Can Large Language Models Assess Personality From Asynchronous Video Interviews? A Comprehensive Evaluation of Validity, Reliability, Fairness, and Rating Patterns

Muscular branches from the ulnar artery are the basis for a pedicled partial flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap.

The feasibility of a pedicled flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap was studied in 10 fresh cadavers. The number, length and distance from the flexion wrist crease of muscular branches from the ulnar artery in the distal 10 cm of the forearm were recorded. The mean number of muscular branches was 2.7 (range 1-4). The mean distance of the most distal branch was 35 mm (range 26-40) from the proximal wrist flexion crease. Its mean length was 20 mm (range 16-26). A partial muscle flap was raised on the most distal branch and transposed over the median nerve in the distal forearm. Dissection and transposition of this flap were feasible in all specimens. The reliable pattern of muscular branches to the flexor digitorum superficialis allows the elevation of a pedicled partial muscle flap that can cover the median nerve in the distal forearm.Level of evidence: V.

Emergent constraints on the future East Asian winter surface air temperature changes

In East Asia, the climate variability in boreal winter is dominated by the East Asian winter monsoon, one of the most energetic monsoon systems that can lead to disasters. The key variable, the East Asian winter surface air temperature (SAT), has significantly changed over the past century and has substantially impacted agriculture, ecosystems, economics, and public health. However, its projections are limited by considerable uncertainties. Here, we identify the first leading mode that explains almost 29.6% of the inter-model spread in future SAT change. Our research delves into the evolution of present-day biases under future scenarios and their consequential impact on the SAT. Models with stronger western currents’ heat transport in the North Pacific exhibit a warmer North Pacific at mid-latitudes during historical periods. Additionally, these models consistently demonstrate stronger western currents in the future, contributing to the amplified warming of the western North Pacific, thereby warming Eurasia via the weakened trough and subtropical jet through barotropic responses to the warm North Pacific. Incorporating observational sea surface temperature constraints reduces uncertainties by 9.40%, revealing a more reliable SAT change pattern by the end of the 21st century.

Psychological features of perception of artworks by people with different types of functional brain asymmetry

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the increased attention of modern psychology to individual personality traits and its decreased focus on the normativity of an individual. In the process of individual development, the contemplation of art allows a person not only to broaden their own worldview, but also contributes to cultural enrichment. The purpose of the study was an empirical investigation of the features of perception of works of art by persons with different types of functional brain asymmetry. The study was conducted using the method of standardised interviews with the subjects of two groups: the main group – people who do not have professional knowledge of art (N = 43), and the control group – students studying art history and fine arts as professional disciplines, and familiar with the rules for constructing composition in a picture (N = 30). The results were analysed using statistical criteria: the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Fisher angular transformation criterion φ*. As a result of the empirical study, there were no statistically reliable patterns in the perception of works of art in the general group, but significant differences were found in the features of perception of movement and its speed in works of art by persons with different types of functional/interhemispheric brain asymmetry, which indicates a nonlinear nature of perception, and the influence of cognitive phenotypes on the perception of works of art. The perception of artworks is an individual cognitive process that may differ between the author and the recipient of artistic creativity, and the author’s intention may be misunderstood by the audience if the features of individual perception of a work of art, and the laterality of the personality, are not considered. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying its results in the process of professional training of students of art specialities, considering the specific features of the laterality of art recipients

Impaired topology and connectivity of grey matter structural networks in major depressive disorder: evidence from a multi-site neuroimaging data-set.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been increasingly understood as a disruption of brain connectome. Investigating grey matter structural networks with a large sample size can provide valuable insights into the structural basis of network-level neuropathological underpinnings of MDD. Using a multisite MRI data-set including nearly 2000 individuals, this study aimed to identify robust topology and connectivity abnormalities of grey matter structural network linked to MDD and relevant clinical phenotypes. A total of 955 MDD patients and 1009 healthy controls were included from 23 sites. Individualised structural covariance networks (SCN) were established based on grey matter volume maps. Following data harmonisation, network topological metrics and focal connectivity were examined for group-level comparisons, individual-level classification performance and association with clinical ratings. Various validation strategies were applied to confirm the reliability of findings. Compared with healthy controls, MDD individuals exhibited increased global efficiency, abnormal regional centralities (i.e. thalamus, precentral gyrus, middle cingulate cortex and default mode network) and altered circuit connectivity (i.e. ventral attention network and frontoparietal network). First-episode drug-naive and recurrent patients exhibited different patterns of deficits in network topology and connectivity. In addition, the individual-level classification of topological metrics outperforms that of structural connectivity. The thalamus-insula connectivity was positively associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. Based on this high-powered data-set, we identified reliable patterns of impaired topology and connectivity of individualised SCN in MDD and relevant subtypes, which adds to the current understanding of neuropathology of MDD and might guide future development of diagnostic and therapeutic markers.

Recent advances of photolithography patterning of quantum dots for micro-display applications

The preparation of red, green, and blue quantum dot (QD) pixelated arrays with high precision, resolution, and brightness poses a significant challenge on the development of advanced micro-displays for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications. Alongside the controlled synthesis of high-performance QDs, a reliable QD patterning technology is crucial in overcoming this challenge. Among the various methods available, photolithography-based patterning technologies show great potentials in producing ultra-fine QD patterns at micron scale. This review article presents the recent advancements in the field of QD patterning using photolithography techniques and explores their applications in micro-display technology. Firstly, we discuss QD patterning through photolithography techniques employing photoresist (PR), which falls into two categories: PR-assisted photolithography and photolithography of QDPR. Subsequently, direct photolithography techniques based on photo-induced crosslinking of photosensitive groups and photo-induced ligand cleavage mechanisms are thoroughly reviewed. Meanwhile, we assess the performance of QD arrays fabricated using these photolithography techniques and their integration into QD light emitting diode display devices as well as color conversion-based micro light emitting diode display devices. Lastly, we summarize the most recent developments in this field and outline future prospects.

Neural Abnormalities in Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: A Meta-Analysis of Functional Activation Studies

IntroductionPanic disorder (PD) and agoraphobia (AG) are highly comorbid anxiety disorders with an increasing prevalence that have a significant clinical and public health impact but are not adequately recognized and treated. Although the current functional neuroimaging literature has documented a range of neural abnormalities in these disorders, primary studies are often not sufficiently powered and their findings have been inconsistent.ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aims to advance our understanding of the neural underpinnings of PD and AG by identifying the most robust patterns of differential neural activation that differentiate individuals diagnosed with one of or both these disorders from age-matched healthy controls.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed database for all peer-reviewed, whole-brain, task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation studies that compared adults diagnosed with PD and/or AG with age-matched healthy controls. Each of these articles was screened by two independent coding teams using formal inclusion criteria and according to current PRISMA guidelines. We then performed a voxelwise, whole-brain, meta-analytic comparison of PD/AG participants with age-matched healthy controls using multilevel kernel density analysis (MKDA) with ensemble thresholding (p<0.05-0.0001) to minimize cluster size detection bias and 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations to correct for multiple comparisons.ResultsWith data from 34 primary studies and a substantial sample size (N=2138), PD/AG participants, relative to age-matched healthy controls, exhibited a reliable pattern of statistically significant, (p<.05-0.0001; FWE-corrected) abnormal neural activation in multiple brain regions of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia across a variety of experimental tasks.ConclusionsIn this meta-analysis we found robust patterns of differential neural activation in participants diagnosed with PD/AG relative to age-matched healthy controls. These findings advance our understanding of the neural underpinnings of PD and AG and inform the development of brain-based clinical interventions such as non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and treatment prediction and matching algorithms. Future studies should also investigate the neural similarities and differences between PD and AG to increase our understanding of possible differences in their etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Weight-Bearing Restrictions Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Patient with Upper Limb Amputation - a Care Compliant Case Report and Review of The Literature

We present the case of a 71 year male patient with right upper limb amputation who presented to an orthopaedic clinical hospital for increased pain in the hip area associated with decreased range of motion which interfered with most of his daily activities. Patient was evaluated in an interdisciplinary team by rehabilitation and orthopaedic specialists and was scheduled for surgery after a pre rehabilitation period. Acute phase included the first week post-surgery in which early mobilization was initiated with transfer training and verticalization. Weight-bearing as tolerated was indicated on the operated limb from postoperative day 1 and the use of an axillary crutch on the functional upper limb. Walking was supervised by a physical-therapist in the first days post-surgery. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation was associated in order to promote muscle strength and static cryotherapy was applied every 4 hours on the operated limb. At day 7 the patient was discharged with a functional autonomy sufficient for his home activities. The patient was given a precise protocol to follow until control a reevaluation at 6 weeks postsurgery. By the end of the 8 week post-surgery the patient was able to demonstrate reliable gait patterns and was permitted to wean assistive devices. At 6 month follow up the patient was able to restore all functional activities with satisfying results regarding functional scores. Our case report suggests that THA can be indicated for a broader spectrum of patients without posing a major risk regarding the rehabilitation program if supervised properly in an interdisciplinary team.

Dysregulated Expression Patterns of Circular RNAs in Cancer: Uncovering Molecular Mechanisms and Biomarker Potential.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, enclosed, non-coding RNA molecules with dynamic regulatory propensity. Their biogenesis involves a back-splicing process, forming a highly stable and operational RNA molecule. Dysregulated circRNA expression can drive carcinogenic and tumorigenic transformation through the orchestration of epigenetic modifications via extensive RNA and protein-binding domains. These multi-ranged functional capabilities have unveiled extensive identification of previously unknown molecular and cellular patterns of cancer cells. Reliable circRNA expression patterns can aid in early disease detection and provide criteria for genome-specific personalized medicine. Studies described in this review have revealed the novelty of circRNAs and their biological ss as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.

Fluoroscopic Guided Lumbar Erector Spinae (ESP) Field Blocks: A New Technique and Radiographic Analysis

IntroductionLumbar Erector Spinae (ESP) field blocks have become a common postoperative treatment for surgical pain. The use of long-acting medications like liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) has become a major component of multi-modal postsurgical pain control. Traditionally ESP injections have been performed using ultrasound (U/S) guidance by an anesthesiologist. Spine surgeons have begun to utilize these liposomal injections in their procedures for post-operative pain management. Our study describes a fluoroscopic guided ESP field block technique which provides reproducible muscular coverage and pain control for spine surgery. Material and MethodsSixty patients undergoing single level lumbar fusion were treated preoperatively with bilateral fluoroscopically guided lumbar erector spinae ESP field blocks with liposomal bupivacaine. We looked at two different injection locations involving the ESP or multifidus muscle fascial planes. The injections contained Iohexal, which was used to evaluate the coverage area of the injection. The levels of coverage were recorded, and post-operative pain control was measured immediately, postoperatively, and at 24 hours. ResultsFluoroscopic field blocks at the L3-4 level were found to provide at least four levels of vertebral coverage rostral-caudally in both ESP and MF fascial planes. Pain was well controlled in both injection sites. ConclusionSurgeon-administered fluoroscopic guided ESP field blocks provided a reliable and consistent pattern of coverage with good postoperative pain control. This technique can be easily adopted by spine surgeons.