In modern naval warfare, it is crucial to achieve rapid and efficient attacks on enemy targets by unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). However, existing research on USV attack strategies is limited and often overlooks the requirement to allocate USVs effectively across regions of varying strategic value, which restricts performance in dynamic maritime combat environments. To this end, we proposed a novel task allocation and saturation attack strategy for USVs. First, we divided the areas according to the concentration of enemy USVs, and then reasonably allocated tasks according to the value of the enemy area and attack capability of our USVs. Then, our USVs sail towards the enemy area at a uniform angle and at the same time to form an encirclement and carry out precise saturation attacks. In task allocation, we introduce Logistic chaos mapping and differential evolution mechanism to improve the Grey Wolf Optimizer, thereby improving search efficiency and task allocation accuracy. In addition, we combine the optimal matching algorithm with the dynamic path control of Bezier curve to ensure the accuracy and flexibility of the coordinated saturation attack. The simulation experiment results show that the proposed approach exhibits high attack efficiency and practicality in different combat scenarios, and provides an effective solution for the attack missions of USVs in complex environments.

The hidden lifestyle of the holoparasitic perennial Lathraea squamaria L. (common toothwort), which parasitizes the roots of deciduous trees in forests and woodlands, has led to significant knowledge gaps about the mechanisms underlying this plant symbiotic interaction. Here we present the first detailed structural examination of the interface between L. squamaria and its host root belowground using non-destructive micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). To clarify the physiology of seed germination in this elusive species, we demonstrated efficient in vitro germination of L. squamaria seeds. The terminology for the gross morphology and micromorphology of L. squamaria has been revised, and clear microscopic evidence for several previously described structures (e.g., prehaustoria, haustoria, seeds, elaiosomes, nectaries, and pollen) has been provided. Generally, this research aims to deepen our understanding of parasitic interactions, phenology, as well as the ecological significance of L. squamaria and its biotic associates (e.g., feeders and pollinators) within forest ecosystems.

Movement ecology is a rapidly maturing discipline with direct applications to today's conservation challenges. Movement reflects how animals interact with their environments and, thus, determines how they respond to both changing conditions and possible management interventions. Surprisingly, the full potential of integrating movement ecology with conservation science to develop more effective conservation strategies has remained untapped. Here, we argue that the conceptual and practical integration of these two disciplinary perspectives can create a mutually reinforcing cycle of knowledge production and conservation action that is essential for the preservation of global biodiversity. To facilitate the realization of this vision, we provide a framework for disciplinary integration and make specific recommendations for immediate action.

Background: Empiric antibiotic treatment for term neonates with prolonged tachypnea after birth is an acceptable approach worldwide. Evidence is needed to minimize its use, especially among neonates with a low risk for infectious outcome and hereby prevent harmful effects. Objectives: To assess the rates of true infection among neonates with prolonged tachypnea and minimize the use of antibiotic treatment by identifying neonates with low risk for true infection. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted between November 2017 and December 2023. Demographic, clinical data, rates of infectious outcome and antibiotic treatment were collected. Outcomes were compared among neonates with prolonged tachypnea with and without perinatal risk factors for infection. Results: 587 neonates were included. The incidence of an infectious outcome among neonates with perinatal risk factors was significantly higher than among neonates without any risk factor (2.9% versus 0.5% respectively). Among neonates without perinatal risk factors for infection 99.3% had no infectious outcome, but antibiotic usage rates were high (76%). Conclusions: Rates of infection are low among infants with tachypnea after birth, especially when no perinatal risk factor for infection was present. We propose an algorithm to identify neonates who can be managed through clinical follow-up and prevent harmful antibiotic treatment.

COLD AGGLUTININ HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA IN PATIENT WITH COVID-19 INFECTION

Thermal imaging of BCG induration in Kawasaki diseaseHO-CHANG KUO, MD, PhDKawasaki Disease Center and Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. 83301Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan 33301Department of Respiratory Therapy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan.Address: #123 Dapei Rd., Niaosong, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.83301TEL: +88677317123-8320Email: erickuo48@yahoo.com.tw or dr.hckuo@gmail.comword count: 1132

Deficiency in factors IX and X may be an under recognized, yet serious complication of amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Herein, we report the first case with a combined acquired severe deficiency in FX and mild deficiency in FIX due to AL amyloidosis managed using prophylactic FIX and FX therapy plus chemoimmunotherapy. While in vivo recovery results after FIX administration were in accordance with drug label data, doses required to attain activity concentrations of FX necessary to achieve clinical hemostasis exceeded current drug label recommendations by 2-fold, and as such, are the highest ever reported. Our pharmacokinetically-directed high-dose factor X replacement therapy was safe and effective in preventing and treating bleeding associated with the acquired deficiency. Combined chemoimmunotherapy using daratumumab + CyBorD was able to restore hemostasis allowing for cessation of prophylactic factor therapy. Moreover, the patient’s original prognosis of roughly 9 months markedly improved, and to date, he is now 48 months out from the original diagnosis. Further study is needed to characterize the incidence of acquired factor deficiencies in patients with AL amyloidosis and the optimal clotting factor replacement strategy to prevent and treat bleeding during procedures and cancer-directed chemoimmunotherapy.

The optimal GvHD prophylaxis for children undergoing matched-related donor bone marrow transplantation (MRD BMT) remains uncertain. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of 49 children, receiving Cyclosporine plus Methotrexate (CSA/MTX; 28 patients) or CSA (21 patients) as GvHD prophylaxis after MRD BMT. Stem-cell source was predominantly bone marrow (87.5%). CSA/MTX reduced grade II/IV aGvHD incidence at 100 days vs CSA (7.1% vs 38.1%, P=0.006) without affecting 5-year OS (80.7% vs 83.3%, P=0.56) or relapse at 4 years (33.3% vs 21.4%, P=0.27). Multivariate analysis confirmed CSA/MTX as the only factor for reduced aGvHD (P=0.04). Use of CSA/MTX in pediatric setting should be implemented.

Purpose Young patients with a brain tumour show neurocognitive alterations as both consequences of the tumour and of the treatments received. In this paper, we present the basal analysis of a prospective study of damage from radiation after focal radiation therapy (RT), correlating tumour localization, symptoms, neurological/endocrinological impairments, surgery/ies±chemotherapy, and cognitive assessments at the time of enrolment. Methods Sixty-six children eligible for focal RT underwent a neurocognitive assessment. The demographic, pathological and clinical variables with MRI morphological scans, where differenypt kind of damage scores were defined, were then analysed. Results The patients’ median age was 8 years; the most frequent tumour was ependymoma (41%), and the posterior fossa (29%) was the prevalent site. All but 2 children (with germ cell tumours), had undergone surgery and 32 sessions of chemotherapy before irradiation. Ad-hoc scores for neurological deficits and endocre alterations were created and structural abnormalities were scored in each cortical/subcortical region. Patients with posterior fossa ependymomas and infratentorial tumours showed the highest score of neurological damage while endocrine alterations were more serious in patients with craniopharyngioma and germ cell tumours of the sellar region and ventricular system. The median number of structural damaged areas was equal to 2 for each child. Neurological deficit scores were not associated with the presence of hydrocephalus and surgery/ies received, unlike endocrine deficits. Conclusion The analysis of baseline evaluations highlights damage existing prior to radiation and generated by multiple factors. In light of these findings, damage over time should be investigated by distinguishing multiple generating factors.

In vitro genotoxicity has historically served a hazard identification role, with simple binary outcomes provided for each of several single endpoint assays. This will need to change, given: i) efforts to curtail animal testing, ii) the increased use of multiplexed in vitro assays and the ongoing development of NAMS, and iii) the desire to holistically consider quantitative results from multiple biomarkers/endpoints that take potency into consideration. To help facilitate more quantitative analyses of multiple biomarkers and/or assay streams, we explored the combined use of PROAST and Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi) software. As a proof-of-concept, this investigation employed the MultiFlow® DNA damage assay, focusing on γH2AX and p53 biomarkers at two time points, whereby 10 genotoxicants were evaluated in the presence and absence of rat liver S9 metabolic activation. Whereas PROAST was used to calculate BMD point estimates and confidence intervals (CI), ToxPi synthesized the BMD results into visual, quantitative summaries conveying genotoxic potency and metabolic properties. Our analyses suggest that ToxPi’s data synthesis and visualization modules provide useful insights into compound potency, chemical grouping, and genotoxic mechanisms. By integrating multiple data sources, we find that ToxPi offers a powerful complementary approach to traditional BMD CI potency graphs, particularly for the simultaneous analysis of multiple biomarkers enhancing chemical potency analysis of complex datasets.

A set of measurement techniques that can find multiple DC operating points, as well as explore regions of operation that are unobservable with traditional experimental methods, is described. These techniques are particularly useful for transistor circuits that exhibit hysteresis, S- and N-type current-versus-voltage curves and multiple dc operating points (typically with different physical stability properties). These techniques are the experimental version of well known homotopy techniques used in the simulation of dc operating points and can be applied without access to a numerical simulation model. Such numerical simulation techniques used to identify and describe such behaviors are also surveyed and compared to the measurement techniques described herein.

Inverters are vital components of aircraft electrical systems, but they are not immune to issues. Recognizing and addressing common inverter problems is essential for ensuring aircraft safety, reliability, and passenger comfort. Implementing solutions such as improved cooling, voltage regulation, and redundancy can help mitigate these challenges.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with inflammatory responses linked to microglial polarization within the central nervous system. However, exploring therapeutic approaches and their underlying mechanisms remains a direction for future research. The present study investigates the potential of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to alleviate inflammation and facilitate the shift from M1 to M2 microglial polarization via the Jak2/Stat3 pathway in an OA rat model. Wistar rats were induced with OA via intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate and subsequently underwent HIIT for six consecutive weeks after a four-week establishment period. Pain thresholds were measured using the von Frey test. Immunofluorescence detected Tmem119, SP, Vglut2, c-Fos, and IL6, while flow cytometry analyzed CD68 and CD163 levels. Proteomics compared the protein differences between the OA and HIIT groups. The Jak2/Stat3 pathway was activated in OA rats with C-A1 injections, followed by HIIT and subsequent Western blot analysis of inflammatory cytokines.The results indicated a significant decrease in pain threshold from the third to the tenth week in OA rats, while HIIT was found to increase pain thresholds. HIIT was found to promote M1 to M2 microglial polarization and downregulate the expression of Tmem119, SP, Vglut2, c-Fos, and IL6. Additionally, HIIT was more effective in suppressing Jak2 and Stat3 expression levels compared to OA rats. Activation of the Jak2/Stat3 pathway significantly increased the expression of Glu, c-fos, SP, and IL-6, but HIIT reversed these OA-induced increases. Compared to the OA+C-A1 group, the expression levels of Glu, c-fos, SP, and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the OA+C-A1+HIIT group. In conclusion, HIIT effectively mitigates OA-induced inflammatory responses by reversing microglial polarization through the Jak2/Stat3 pathway.

Background: Nowadays, modern technology and various applications have been indispensable parts in family daily lives and children’s development, parental phubbing and preschool children’ electronic media use have been a common phenomenon. Objective: To clarify the relationship between maternal phubbing and preschool children’s problem behaviors, as well as its potential underlying mechanisms, the current study examined the association between maternal phubbing and problem behaviors, as well as mediating role of preschool children’s electronic media overuse, and the moderating role of secure attachment. Participants and Setting: In total, 460 mothers with preschool children were recruited to complete a battery of questionnaires . All questionnaires required mothers to provide truthful and detailed responses based on their own behaviors, experiences, and observations of their children’s behaviors and media use. Methods: Linear regression analysis was used to examine the predictive effect of maternal phubbing on preschool children’s problem behaviors, as well as the mediating role of electronic media overuse and the moderating role of secure attachment. Results: (1) Maternal phubbing was positively associated with preschool children’s problem behaviors, preschool children’s electronic media overuse could significantly mediate this relation. (2) The mediating effect of electronic media overuse was moderated by secure attachment, and both the two mediating pathways were more significant for preschool children with lower level of secure attachment. Conclusions: Maternal phubbing and preschool children’s electronic media overuse were both found to be positive predictors of preschool children’s problem behaviors. Moreover, maternal phubbing could indirectly promote the occurrence of children’s problem behaviors through their electronic media overuse. Although secure attachment can serve as a protective factor against risk factors, its protective effect is limited-it only buffers the two pathways of the mediating effect.

We consider dynamical systems with a linear fractional representation involving parametric uncertainties which are either constant or varying with time. Given a finite-horizon input-state or input-output trajectory of such a system, we propose a numerical scheme which iteratively improves the available knowledge about the involved constant parametric uncertainties. As its key feature, strong theoretical properties, including a structural invariance of the uncertainty's description, are preserved during the data-based learning process. In particular, it facilitates any robustness analysis and robust controller synthesis by improving the guaranteed performance. Our technique can be viewed as a data-dependent preprocessing step which supplements and enhances some recent direct data-based analysis or design approaches.

Correspondence: Severity of Allergic Reactions Is Independent of the Eliciting Amounts of FoodsPo-Huai Su1Shih-Tan Sun1Su-Boon Yong MD, PhD 2,3,4Chin-Yuan Yii5,Yu-Tsun Su MD6,71. School of Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan2. Department of Allergy and Immunology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan3. Research Center for Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (A.I.M.), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.4. Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan5. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan6. Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan7. School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

A limited understanding of the feeding habits of ecosystem service providers is a notable obstacle to the deployment of natural enemies in pest management. Understanding the dietary diversity of predators can enhance conservation strategies and assess their effects on pest populations. In this study, we used metabarcoding of DNA extracted from the gut contents of an artificially released generalist predator, Eocanthecona furcellata, collected from tobacco cultivation fields in Yunnan Province, China. We aimed to investigate prey composition, selectivity, and efficiency of biological control. Among the 253 individuals of E. furcellata, we detected diverse potential prey, comprising 53 insect species across 28 families and seven orders. Several agricultural pests, including Spodoptera exigua, S. litura, Helicoverpa armigera, and Agrotis segetum, were identified. Diptera are important in the diet of E. furcellata, with 22 species from 14 families accounting for 52.2% of the observed predation events. E. furcellata consumed certain beneficial predators present in the tobacco fields, such as carabid beetles, hoverflies, wasps, and lacewings, although the incidence was generally low, except for Syrphidae. Our findings revealed previously unidentified trophic linkages involving E. furcellata with pest species and other biological control agents, as well as with neutral insects in tobacco fields. These insights contribute to the development of targeted biological control programs to manage key pests in this agroecosystem. This study establishes an important foundation for integrating metabarcoding technology into biological control research, particularly for elucidating trophic interactions between natural insect enemies, piercing-sucking mouthparts, and their prey.

For several decades, the Midwestern USA has been impacted by blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) range expansion, which, as the main vector of the Lyme disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is linked to a regional increase in Lyme disease incidence. Earlier studies of genetic differentiation of blacklegged ticks have not tested detailed hypotheses about range expansion in the Midwest, despite the importance of this topic to public health. We addressed this gap by investigating the origin and environmental factors that influenced blacklegged tick establishment and spread in the Midwestern region. By analyzing fine-scale spatial population genomic data, we find low genetic differentiation consistent with the known recent range expansion. However, within Wisconsin, blacklegged ticks have unique genetic ancestries that differ from other Midwestern regions, suggesting multiple origins. Our data provide evidence for blacklegged tick sources in northern Wisconsin contributing to the recent expansion. In addition, we find a distinctive mixture of ancestry along the Mississippi River in southwestern Wisconsin and in Indiana, which was previously not identified. The most recently invaded populations in Michigan exhibit sharp genetic divergence from Wisconsin and Indiana samples despite their proximity, warranting further examination of their genetic origin and expansion processes. Lastly, landscape factors contribute to significant reductions in gene flow, potentially limiting genetic exchange and disease transmission within Midwestern states. This new knowledge of blacklegged tick range expansion processes can improve vector surveillance, pest management, and public health related to tick-borne disease risks.

Privacy-preserving human activity anomaly detection has become critical in privacy-sensitive fields like video surveillance, healthcare, and assisted living. While human action recognition offers significant advantages in automated analysis, it raises confidentiality concerns. This paper introduces Obfuscated Action Detection, a novel framework that uses Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for temporal obfuscation, ensuring privacy while maintaining high accuracy. By integrating Deep Neural Networks, the framework delivers robust anomaly detection with real-time feasibility. Tested on the UCF101 dataset, the model achieves high accuracy (98.59% to 100%) and strong generalization to unseen data (88.44% test accuracy). With impressive precision (98.14%), recall (99.56%), and F1 score (98.84%), Obfuscated Action Detection effectively balances privacy with performance. The framework shows promise for real-world applications in privacy-critical domains, offering robust privacy protection without compromising detection accuracy. Extensive experiments demonstrate the capability of Obfuscated Action Detection to achieve robust privacy protection without compromising detection precision, making it a viable solution for applications that prioritize both privacy and reliability. Additionally, this paper presents an overview of related works, summarizing recent advancements and methodologies in privacy-preserving anomaly detection.

Cognitive skills such as intelligence, working memory, rapid naming, executive functions, which determine the learning capacity in children, are considered as domain-general skills, and they are seen as important variables that influence the acquisition of early mathematical skills as in all academic domains. However, there are uncertainties regarding domain-general skills that affect early mathematics achievement and the extent of their impact. This study aimed to determine the impact levels of domain-general skills reported to be related to early mathematics achievement in young children. The study included 100 children attending kindergarten, showing typical development, and having non-verbal cognitive abilities at or above the average level. The children's performance in domain-general skills, including non-verbal intelligence, working memory, and rapid naming, was assessed. It was found that the domain-general skills examined in the study accounted for approximately half of the variance in early mathematics achievement. Verbal working memory was the variable that made the highest contribution. The findings suggest that domain-general skills, especially verbal working memory and rapid naming, which have a high impact on early mathematics achievement, should be included in mathematics intervention programs designed for children at risk.

The human gut hosts a dynamic microbial ecosystem essential for gut health and immune function. Influenced by delivery mode, diet, and antibiotics, the infant microbiota shapes health outcomes. Human-origin probiotics are gaining attention for their ability to restore microbial balance and offer therapeutic benefits. This study explores potential probiotic strains isolated from infant feces, focusing on safety, functional properties, and antioxidant capabilities. From fecal samples of 10 healthy infants aged 2–24 months, 47 isolates were screened. Comprehensive evaluations identified two promising strains: Lacticaseibacillus paracasei IF5YR and Enterococcus faecium IF5RW2. Both strains exhibited robust survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, including tolerance to low pH (1.5) and high bile concentrations (2%). These strains demonstrated strong autoaggregation abilities (>70%) and significant hydrophobicity (>90% for xylene), suggesting their potential to colonize the gut and inhibit pathogens. Functional assays confirmed bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, highlighting their role in cholesterol metabolism. Antioxidant evaluations revealed high reducing power (>75% in FRAP) and moderate free radical scavenging activity in ABTS and DPPH assays. Molecular characterization via 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed their identity, while safety was ensured by non-hemolytic activity and susceptibility to clinically relevant antibiotics. These findings position Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2 as potent candidates for probiotic applications, particularly in functional foods targeting gut health and oxidative stress management. Further, in vivo studies are warranted to substantiate their therapeutic potential.

This paper presents a novel discrete GaN-based current mirror active gate driver (AGD) for closed-loop dv/dt control in high-frequency (HF) power converters with low reverse transfer capacitance (𝐶 𝑅𝑆𝑆)) devices. The AGD circuit, utilizing four N-channel GaN FETs, provides high bandwidth and gain without integrated circuit complexity or conventional current mirror reliance. Experimental tests on a 10 MHz, 24 V buck converter show a reduction in the turnon dv/dt of the low-side switch from-15 V/ns to-11 V/ns using a 0.1 pF sensor capacitor, with nanosecond-level response time and stable dv/dt regulation. PSpice simulations confirm the AGD's capability to generate amplified feedback currents, reducing gate current and enhancing stability.

Objective. Healthy Adult (HA) is an important schema therapy construct that represents the individual’s ’healthy’ state, characterized by balancing personal and others’ needs within a realistic perspective. We developed the Multidimensional Healthy Adult Scale to explore how various dimensions of the HA contribute to different aspects of well-being. This study aimed to test the factor structure and psychometric properties of the newly developed scale. Method. Data were collected from 114 (24.1%) male and 358 (75.5%) female participants between the ages of 18 and 60. The items of the scale were generated based on a qualitative study conducted in Türkiye. Results. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Lavaan to test the measurement and predictive models. CFA including Bond, Balance and Battle factors, as well as an overarching Healthy Adult, indicated that the measurement model fit the data well. SEM results also indicated a strong data fit. Low Balance scores were associated with higher psychopathological symptoms and negative affect, while high Battle scores correlated with greater life satisfaction and positive affect. Although Bond positively related to Balance and Battle, high Bond scores, when controlling for the others, may increase negative affect and psychopathological symptoms. Conclusions. These results provide evidence for a multidimensional structure of the HA. Further validation of the scale, as well as an exploration of the ambiguous role of bond, is needed in order to draw clear inferences for clinical practice.

In remote sensing image segmentation, recognizing buildings is challenging when the visual evidence from pixels is weak or when buildings belong to small, spatially structured objects. To address this issue, we propose a structure-prior guided adaptive context selection network (SGACS-Net) for remote sensing semantic segmentation. The core is to use structure-prior knowledge to dynamically capture prior contextual information and higher-order object structural features, thereby improving the accuracy of remote sensing building segmentation. First, an adaptive context selection module is designed. By dynamically adjusting the spatial sensing field, this module effectively models the global long-range context information dependencies. It captures varying context information of buildings at different scales, thereby enhancing the network’s ability to extract building feature representations. Second, a structure-prior guided variable loss function is proposed. It utilizes the structural features of building points, lines, and surface to identify key regions. By leveraging advanced structure-prior knowledge, it enhances the network’s ability to express structural features. Experimental results on two datasets show that the proposed SGACS-Net outperforms other typical and state-of-the-art methods in terms of remote sensing semantic segmentation performance.