Tool For Selection Research Articles

Emotional comorbidities in epilepsy result from seizure-induced corticosterone activity

People with epilepsy often have psychiatric comorbidities that can significantly impair their quality of life. We previously reported that repeated seizure activity persistently alters endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling in the amygdala which accounts for comorbid emotional dysregulation in rats, however, the mechanism by which these alterations in eCB signaling within the epileptic brain occur is unclear. Endocannabinoid signaling is influenced by corticosterone (CORT) to modulate cognitive and emotional processes and a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis occurs in both people with epilepsy and nonhuman animal models of epilepsy.We employed selective pharmacological tools and a variety of approaches including whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, behavioural paradigms and biochemical assays in amygdala kindled adult male Long-Evans rats. We aimed to determine whether seizures induce hypersecretion of CORT and the role this plays in eCB system dysregulation, impaired fear memory, and anxiety-like behaviours associated with seizure activity.Plasma CORT levels were significantly and consistently elevated following seizures over the course of kindling. Pre-seizure administration with the CORT synthesis inhibitor metyrapone prevented this seizure-induced CORT increase, prevented amygdala anandamide downregulation, and synaptic alteration induced by seizure activity. Moreover, treatment with metyrapone or combined glucocorticoid receptor (GR)/mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists prior to each elicited seizure were equally effective in preventing chronically altered anxiety-like behaviour and fear memory responses.Inhibiting seizure-induced corticosterone synthesis, or directly blocking the effects of CORT at GR/MR prevents deleterious changes in emotional processing and could be a treatment option for emotional comorbidities in epilepsy.

Creating window applications in Python using the PyQt5 library tools

The section "Programming" at the advanced level of studying the informatics course in high school includes consideration of issues related to the design of the user interface. If the study of the basics of programming is carried out using the Python language, it is reasonable to develop window applications using this language. Recently, the PyQt library has become increasingly popular, which makes it relevant to create methodological materials to familiarize schoolchildren with the capabilities of this library.It is advisable to carry out training in accordance with the reverse engineering technology, which consists in the fact that students do not write program code from scratch, but explore the finished product. At the first stage, you can organize the activities of schoolchildren by completing tasks to study the finished program; at the next step, offer to analyze the appearance of the finished application, highlight its elements and select tools for their creation; finally, provide additional tasks that involve independent study by students of the class features not considered earlier.The article offers reference material for familiarizing schoolchildren with the main capabilities of the library, tasks for lab sessions and home assignment.

Retraction Note: Distance education tool selection using novel spherical fuzzy AHP EDAS

Retraction Note: Distance education tool selection using novel spherical fuzzy AHP EDAS

A Spectral-Based Blade Fault Detection in Shot Blast Machines with XGBoost and Feature Importance

The optimal functionality and dependability of mechanical systems are important for the sustained productivity and operational reliability of industrial machinery, and have a direct impact on its longevity and profitability. Therefore, the failure of a mechanical system or any of its components would be detrimental to production continuity and availability. Consequently, this study proposes a robust diagnostic framework for analyzing the blade conditions of shot blast industrial machinery. The framework explores the spectral characteristics of the vibration signals generated by the industrial shot blast for discriminative feature excitement. Furthermore, a peak detection algorithm is introduced to identify and extract the unique features present in the peak magnitudes of each signal spectrum. A feature importance algorithm is then deployed as the feature selection tool, and these selected features are fed into ten machine learning classifiers (MLCs), with extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost (version 2.1.1)) as the core classifier. The results show that the XGBoost classifier achieved the best accuracy of 98.05%, with a cost-efficient computational cost of 0.83 s. Other global assessment metrics were also implemented in the study to further validate the model.

Determining selectivity of isocycloseram and afidopyropen and their compatibility with conservation biological control in Arizona cotton.

Selective tools, including selective insecticides and transgenic cotton, have been crucial in reducing insecticide usage within the integrated pest management (IPM) plan for Arizona cotton. To guide growers effectively, cotton field trials evaluated the effects of the novel insecticides, isocycloseram and afidopyropen against our primary pests, Bemisia argentifolii and Lygus hesperus, and their impacts on nontarget arthropods, including key predators: Collops spp., Orius tristicolor, Geocoris spp., Misumenops celer, Drapetis nr. divergens and Chrysoperla carnea s.l. Assessments involved over 27 arthropod taxa through community analyses, individual predator abundance, and biological control function via predator to prey ratios and a sentinel prey method. Comparisons were made with an untreated check, a proven fully selective insecticide (flonicamid) and acephate-treated positive controls. Overall, relative to the untreated check, afidopyropen showed no significant differences, whereas isocycloseram exhibited some negative impacts, primarily reducing M. celer and Geocoris spp. nymphs, yet it was less detrimental compared with the positive control, acephate, and it did not affect four of the six key predators and most nontarget arthropods. Afidopyropen was classified as a fully selective insecticide and isocycloseram as a partially selective insecticide. Their fit for conservation biological control in Arizona cotton IPM and similar systems is discussed. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of Galaxy and Unix tools for analyzing the exome sequencing data from syndactyly abnormalities

Syndactyly is a congenital limb abnormality, which manifests as the fusion of digits due to incomplete separation during embryonic development, and its pathogenesis involves intricate genetic and molecular processes. Since Exome sequencing has gained widespread utilization as an invaluable tool for exploring genetic disorders during prenatal development, the Bioinformatic platforms, such as GALAXY and UNIX, play a central role in the analysis process of exome sequencing data, facilitating precise identification and interpretation of genetic variations linked to congenital abnormalities. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of exome sequencing data from a 1.5-year-old syndactyly patient using two platforms: GALAXY and UNIX. The UNIX platform identified a total of 275,572 variants, and the GALAXY platform identified 140,291 variants when compared with the Grch38/hg38 reference genome. A comparative analysis identified 126,848 common variants between the platforms. After filtration with the 200 syndactyly-related genes, 1,345 variants were remained. The distribution of these 1,345 variants spans the entirety of the patient's genome, with focal concentrations observed on specific chromosomes including chromosomes 2, 4, and 11. Concurrently, within the top 200 genes implicated in syndactyly, the genes FRAS1, CACNA1C, GLI2, and NOTCH1 exhibit the highest frequency of variants. These data emphasized the impact of the chosen analytical platform on genetic variation detection in congenital limb abnormalities, provided critical insights into the selection of bioinformatic tools for optimizing exome sequencing workflows in the context of limb malformations, contributed to advancements in genetic research and diagnostic methodologies.

The discovery and structural basis of two distinct state-dependent inhibitors of BamA

BamA is the central component of the essential β-barrel assembly machine (BAM), a conserved multi-subunit complex that dynamically inserts and folds β-barrel proteins into the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Despite recent advances in our mechanistic and structural understanding of BamA, there are few potent and selective tool molecules that can bind to and modulate BamA activity. Here, we explored in vitro selection methods and different BamA/BAM protein formulations to discover peptide macrocycles that kill Escherichia coli by targeting extreme conformational states of BamA. Our studies show that Peptide Targeting BamA-1 (PTB1) targets an extracellular divalent cation-dependent binding site and locks BamA into a closed lateral gate conformation. By contrast, PTB2 targets a luminal binding site and traps BamA into an open lateral gate conformation. Our results will inform future antibiotic discovery efforts targeting BamA and provide a template to prospectively discover modulators of other dynamic integral membrane proteins.

The potential of phenomic selection for the joint Ethiopian malt barley breeding program

AbstractPhenomic selection is an alternative approach to genomic selection that uses near‐infrared spectra information to predict the performance of genotypes. This research assessed the effectiveness of phenomic selection in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using data from 21 trials carried out at Bekoji, Kofele, Holetta, Debre Markos, and Debre Berhane in Ethiopia from 2018 to 2021. Fivefold cross‐validation analysis showed robust predictability for traits, ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 for days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, 1000‐kernel weight, and grain yield. Days to heading and days to maturity showed similar correlation patterns across the ranges of the wavelengths. Days to heading and 1000‐kernel weight were positively and negatively correlated along the range of the wavelength above 1800 nm, respectively. Forward validation using an independent set of genotypes provided predictability above 0.3 for all traits. This result underscores the effectiveness of phenomic selection and its potential application in low‐budget, small‐scale breeding programs. The study affirmed the Ethiopian barley breeding program could implement phenomic selection as a routine selection tool without extra cost.

Strategic priorities for digitalization of the mining sector of Kazakhstan

Global uncertainty has transformed the economy of Kazakhstan, which is striving to become a center of innovative development in Central Asia. According to the authors, one of the reasons for the raw material orientation of the country's economy, along with the predominance of energy-intensive types of production, is the technological backwardness of the mining sector. The article shows that the strategic goal of the Kazakhstan mining complex to integrate into the world economy involves a focus on innovative development. PEST analysis of the most important micro- and macroeconomic factors made it possible to assess the current situation of enterprises. It was revealed that one of the significant reasons for the innovative lag in the mining sector of Kazakhstan is the lack of a strategic vision of digital transformation and change management mechanisms among enterprises. The authors conclude that the continuous complication of mining and geological conditions and the growing demands of stakeholders require enterprises to build internal production processes, promote R&D, improve the organization of analytical work based on an engineering and economic approach to the selection of tools for the digital basis of production, and active interaction with external partners and startups. It is substantiated that for further progress an integrated approach to the creation of intra-production digital competencies is necessary; enterprises should focus on organizational and technological transformation, including changes in the organizational structure and transformation of the business model. The results of the study are of interest to industrial enterprises when they develop proactive innovative strategies focused on reorganizing operational activities and increasing investment to promote business.

Perry Disease: Current Outlook and Advances in Drug Discovery Approach to Symptomatic Treatment.

Perry disease (PeD) is a rare, neurodegenerative, genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The disease manifests as parkinsonism, with psychiatric symptoms on top, such as depression or sleep disorders, accompanied by unexpected weight loss, central hypoventilation, and aggregation of DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) in the brain. Due to the genetic cause, no causal treatment for PeD is currently available. The only way to improve the quality of life of patients is through symptomatic therapy. This work aims to review the latest data on potential PeD treatment, specifically from the medicinal chemistry and computer-aided drug design (CADD) points of view. We select proteins that might represent therapeutic targets for symptomatic treatment of the disease: monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), serotonin transporter (SERT), dopamine D2 (D2R), and serotonin 5-HT1A (5-HT1AR) receptors. We report on compounds that may be potential hits to develop symptomatic therapies for PeD and related neurodegenerative diseases and relieve its symptoms. We use Phase pharmacophore modeling software (version 2023.08) implemented in Schrödinger Maestro as a ligand selection tool. For each of the chosen targets, based on the resolved protein-ligand structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) database, pharmacophore models are proposed. We review novel, active compounds that might serve as either hits for further optimization or candidates for further phases of studies, leading to potential use in the treatment of PeD.

Multi-criteria decision making beyond consistency: An alternative to AHP for real-world industrial problems

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a widely used method for multi-criteria decision-making that hinges on the assumption of consistency in pairwise comparisons. However, in real-world scenarios, decision-makers often struggle to provide fully consistent judgments. This article introduces a decision-making framework that operates independently of consistency. Utilizing the Skew-Symmetric Bilinear representation of preferences allows decision-makers to more accurately evaluate alternatives and criteria, making this framework more applicable in practical settings. The proposed method is validated through practical examples and an in-depth case study in the textile industry, effectively resolving a complex decision-making problem related to acquiring a data analytics tool for supplier selection. The results underscore the robustness and adaptability of this consistency-independent technique as a flexible alternative to traditional AHP methods.

Effects of Post-Processing Parameters on 3D-Printed Dental Appliances: A Review.

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has been recognized as a transformative force in the dental industry, with the ability to address escalating demand, expedite production timelines, and reduce labor-intensive processes. Despite the proliferation of three-dimensional printing technologies in dentistry, the absence of well-established post-processing protocols has posed formidable challenges. This comprehensive review paper underscores the critical importance of precision in post-processing techniques for ensuring the acquisition of vital properties, encompassing mechanical strength, biocompatibility, dimensional accuracy, durability, stability, and aesthetic refinement in 3D-printed dental devices. Given that digital light processing (DLP) is the predominant 3D printing technology in dentistry, the main post-processing techniques and effects discussed in this review primarily apply to DLP printing. The four sequential stages of post-processing support removal, washing, secondary polymerization, and surface treatments are systematically navigated, with each phase requiring meticulous evaluation and parameter determination to attain optimal outcomes. From the careful selection of support removal tools to the consideration of solvent choice, washing methodology, and post-curing parameters, this review provides a comprehensive guide for practitioners and researchers. Additionally, the customization of post-processing approaches to suit the distinct characteristics of different resin materials is highlighted. A comprehensive understanding of post-processing techniques is offered, setting the stage for informed decision-making and guiding future research endeavors in the realm of dental additive manufacturing.

S557 Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in the PREEMPT CRC Study Through Strategic Site Selection and Innovative Recruitment Tools

S557 Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in the PREEMPT CRC Study Through Strategic Site Selection and Innovative Recruitment Tools

A quality by design paradigm, novel, and fast LC-MS/MS method to quantify vortioxetine in rat brain homogenate and its assessment of greenness, whiteness, and blueness tools

Vortioxetine (VOR) is an antidepressant drug with multimodal mechanism of action. In this work a sensitive and simple bioanalytical LC-MS/MS method for analysis of VOR in spiked rat brain tissue was developed and validated. Chromatographic analyses were performed in isocratic mode, and Citalopram (CT) was found as a suitable internal standard. Supelco Ascentis® Express Phenyl-Hexyl column was used as stationary phase, and the mobile phase was 0.15 % formic acid in acetonitrile:water (55:45, v/v). A Box-Behnken Design − based method optimization was applied to explore the impact of analytical conditions on chromatographic separation of VOR and CT. Detection was realized via a triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS system; the mass transition ion-pair has been followed as m/z 299.05 → 149.90 for VOR, m/z 325.20 → 109.05 for CT. Analytical method validation was performed according to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guideline M10 on bioanalytical method validation. The calibration curve was within the range of 30 to 450 ng/mL. LOD and LLOQ were calculated at 10 and 30 ng/mL, respectively. Recovery was 90 % for the lower limit of quantification and between 98 % to 105 % for the other concentration levels. Total run time was 5 min, retention times of citalopram and vortioxetine were 2.4 and 3.1 min, respectively, and a good chromatographic separation was obtained under optimal conditions. The solvents used to make the method greener were evaluated with the Green Solvent Selection Tool and Green Index Spider chart. The AGREE score for the greenness of the developed method was calculated as 0.61 and was also evaluated with the ComplexGAPI pictogram. The BAGI score for blueness was calculated as 72.5, and the RGBfast score for whiteness was calculated as 50. The method was determined to be most green, white, and blue.

Presenting the behavioral model of citizens in selection of trip vehicle with emphasis on how to go to work

Understanding the factors that influence individual vehicle choice behavior will reveal changes in preferences and attitudes. These changes can provide insights into travel patterns, improve transportation planning, prepare for future infrastructure needs and services, and inform better design and implementation of sustainable and inclusive transportation. The purpose of this research is to provide a behavioral model of citizens in choosing a travel vehicle with an emphasis on how to go to work in Shiraz, Iran. The statistical method used in this research is the logit mathematical model. SPSS software was used to analyze the research results. Different hypothetical scenarios were investigated according to the final vehicle selection model and the possibility of choosing different travel vehicles in each of the hypothetical scenarios. The results of the comparison of logit models for all travel destinations showed that the behavior of Shiraz citizens in choosing a means of transportation is not nested. For this reason, the final model was chosen for business trips. The results obtained from the hypothetical scenarios of the business travel selection tool in Shiraz showed that if none of the demand management policies and the creation of high-speed buses are applied, the share of private cars is 38%, the share of buses and subways is 32%, the share of taxi travel is 30%, and the share of walking will be 33 %. Also, social conditions and demographic characteristics do not have a significant effect on the choice of vehicle and travel behavior of citizens to the workplace.

Difluorinated thromboxane A2 reveals crosstalk between platelet activatory and inhibitory pathways by targeting both the TP and IP receptors.

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a prostanoid produced during platelet activaton, important in enhancing platelet reactivity by activation of TP receptors. However, due to the short half-life, studying TXA2 signalling is challenging. To enhance our understanding of TP receptor-mediated platelet biology, we therefore synthesised mono and difluorinated TXA2 analogues and explored their pharmacology on heterologous and endogenously expressed TP receptor function. Platelet functional and signalling responses were studied using aggregometry, Ca2+ mobilisation experiments and immunoblotting and compared with an analogue of the TXA2 precursor prostaglandin H2, U46619. Gαq/Gαs receptor signalling was determined using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay in a cell line overexpression system. BRET studies revealed that F-TXA2 and F2-TXA2 promoted receptor-stimulated TP receptor G-protein activation similarly to U46619. Unexpectedly, F2-TXA2 caused reversible aggregation in platelets, whereas F-TXA2 and U46619 induced sustained aggregation. Blocking the IP receptor switched F2-TXA2-mediated reversible aggregation into sustained aggregation. Further BRET studies confirmed F2-TXA2-mediated IP receptor activation. F2-TXA2 rapidly and potently stimulated platelet TP receptor-mediated protein kinase C/P-pleckstrin, whereas IP-mediated protein kinase A/P-vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein was more delayed. F-TXA2 is a close analogue to TXA2 used as a selective tool for TP receptor platelet activation. In contrast, F2-TXA2 acts on both TP and IP receptors differently over time, resulting in an initial wave of TP receptor-mediated platelet aggregation followed by IP receptor-induced reversibility of aggregation. This study reveals the potential difference in the temporal aspects of stimulatory and inhibitory pathways involved in platelet activation.

СИСТЕМНО-ОБЪЕКТНОЕ ИМИТАЦИОННОЕ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ МИКРОКОНТРОЛЛЕРА ATMEL ATMEGA 168

The paper presents the process of developing a simulation model, including a description of the functionality of themicrocontroller, determination of the main characteristics and parameters of the model, as well as the selection of tools for its creation. The paper presents a detailed description of the developed simulation model, including its architecture, main components and interfaces. The results provide a valuable contribution to the field of education by providing educational materials and tools for teaching students how to use the Atmel ATmega 168 microcontroller.

A Systematic Review of Questionnaire Measuring eHealth Literacy

Purpose: This review aims to summarize the characteristics of currently used questionnaires measuring eHealth literacy and assess the quality of their psychometric properties in self-reported assessments within community settings. Methods: The systematic analysis was conducted using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist to evaluate the methodological quality of studies on measurement properties. Results: A total of 21 studies, including 19 questionnaires, were reviewed. The findings indicated that the quality of psychometric assessments for eHealth literacy was generally rated as 'good,' with most studies addressing multiple aspects of reliability and validity. Internal reliability, content validity, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness were particularly well-supported, each receiving over 10 sufficient ratings. However, there was limited evidence regarding measurement errors, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and analyses of floor and ceiling effects. Conclusion: This study contributes to the enhancement of eHealth literacy measurement tool selection and improves the reporting of their validity and reliability, thereby increasing the credibility of future research.

The OBS UK Dashboard: an interactive tool for representative trial site selection to facilitate equality and diversity in maternity research

BackgroundObstetric Bleeding Study UK (OBS UK) (award ID: 152057) is a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention for postpartum haemorrhage. This was developed in Wales and evaluated in a feasibility study, with improvements in maternal outcomes observed. Generalisability of the findings is limited by lack of control data and limited ethnic diversity in the Welsh obstetric patient population compared to the United Kingdom (UK): 94% of the Welsh population identifies as White, versus 82% in the UK. Non-White ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation are linked to increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes. Traditionally, decisions regarding site selection are based on desire to complete trials on target in ‘tried and tested’ research active institutions. To ensure widespread applicability of the results and investigate the impact of ethnicity and social deprivation on trial outcomes, maternity units were recruited that represent the ethnic diversity and social deprivation profiles of the UK.MethodUsing routinely collected, publicly available data, an interactive dashboard was developed that demonstrates the demographics of the population served by each maternity unit in the UK, to inform site recruitment. Data on births per year, ethnic and socioeconomic group of the population for each maternity unit, across the UK, were integrated into the dashboard.ResultsThe dashboard demonstrates that OBS UK trial sites reflect the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the UK (study vs UK population ethnicity: White 79.2% vs 81.7%, Asian 10.5% vs 9.3%, Black 4.7% vs 4.0%, Mixed 2.5% vs 2.9%, Other 3.0% vs 2.1%) with variation in site demography, size and location. Missing data varied across sites and nations and is presented.ConclusionThe NIHR equality, diversity and inclusion strategy states studies must widen participation, facilitating individuals from all backgrounds to engage. The development of this novel interactive dashboard demonstrates an innovative way of achieving this. National Health Service (NHS) maternity researchers should consider using this tool to enhance diversity in research, address health disparities and improve generalisability of findings. This approach could be applied to healthcare settings beyond maternity care and across different global populations.Trial registrationISRCTN 17679951. Registered on August 30, 2023.

Percentage of variance accounted for in structural equation models: The rediscovery of the goodness of fit index.

This article delves into the often-overlooked metric of percentage of variance accounted for in structural equation models (SEM). The goodness of fit index (GFI) provides the percentage of variance of the sum of squared covariances explained by the model. Despite being introduced over four decades ago, the GFI has been overshadowed in favor of fit indices that prioritize distinctions between close and nonclose fitting models. Similar to R² in regression, the GFI should not be used to this aim but rather to quantify the model's utility. The central aim of this study is to reintroduce the GFI, introducing a novel approach to computing the GFI using mean and mean-and-variance corrected test statistics, specifically designed for nonnormal data. We use an extensive simulation study to evaluate the precision of inferences on the GFI, including point estimates and confidence intervals. The findings demonstrate that the GFI can be very accurately estimated, even with nonnormal data, and that confidence intervals exhibit reasonable accuracy across diverse conditions, including large models and nonnormal data scenarios. The article provides methods and code for estimating the GFI in any SEM, urging researchers to reconsider the reporting of the percentage of variance accounted for as an essential tool for model assessment and selection. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).