Explore the vast range of titles available.

This exploratory study investigates the structural relationship between second language (L2) learning motivation, resilience, motivated behavior, and L2 proficiency among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in South Korea. The research questions are as follows: (1) What are the constructs of resilience and L2 learning motivation among L2 learners? (2) What is the structural relationship between L2 learning motivation, resilience, motivated behavior, and L2 proficiency? A five-point Likert-type questionnaire was administered to 152 college-level EFL learners. The findings of factor analysis demonstrated that resilience factors were divided into self-composure, sociability, life satisfaction, communicative efficacy, and realistic optimism. Four factors emerged regarding L2 learning motivation: recognition from others, Ideal L2 self, instrumental motivation, and Ought-to L2 self. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that these factors are independent constructs with conceptual validity. The final structural equation model showed that resilience influenced L2 proficiency through L2 learning motivation and motivated behavior.

This study confirmed the importance of AI education for fostering students’ AI literacy and derived the necessity of constructivist-oriented datasets that provide contextual relevance to students’ lives and real-world problem-solving experiences. By reconstructing the machine learning dataset development cycle through prior research, we developed datasets following each procedural step, then evaluated and refined them through expert panel interviews focusing on dataset quality metrics and characteristics of authentic activities. The datasets were deployed through educational programming platforms commonly used in AI education and designed for sustainable maintenance. To verify effectiveness, we analyzed usage metrics of the developed datasets and conducted comparative analysis of their impact on AI literacy through educational implementations. The research outcomes include development of four AI education datasets demonstrating potential to replace conventional materials like the Iris dataset. Implementation on major Korean AI education platforms confirmed high accessibility and utility, establishing these as crucial educational resources meeting classroom needs. Through application and effectiveness analysis, we verified that AI education datasets developed based on constructivism can: connect students’ prior knowledge with real-world experiences, deepen understanding of AI model learning processes, and provide authentic data-driven computing experiences - collectively contributing to comprehensive AI literacy enhancement.

Gastric-type mucinous carcinoma (GAS) is a recently established variant of endocervical mucinous adenocarcinoma that is characterized as being unrelated to HPV and having aggressive behavior and chemoresistance. GAS has a distinct morphology resembling nonneoplastic gastric glands or pancreaticobiliary adenocarcinoma, and their possible genetic similarity has been posed. In this study, next-generation sequencing was performed in 21 GAS cases using a customized panel including 94 cancer-associated genes. A total of 54 nonsynonymous somatic mutations were detected with an average mutation rate of 2.6 per lesion (range: 0–9). The most frequently mutated gene was TP53 (11/21, 52.4%), followed by STK11, HLA-B, PTPRS (4/21, 19.0%), FGFR4 (3/21, 14.3%), GNAS, BRCA2, ELF3, ERBB3, KMT2D, SLX4 (2/21, 9.5%), CDH1, EPCAM, KRAS, MLH1, RNF43, SNAI1, TWIST1, ZEB1, ZEB2, and so on (1/21, 4.8%). The mutated genes were mostly involved in signal transduction, DNA damage repair, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Correlation of TP53 mutation and p53 protein expression demonstrated that 31.3% with abnormal p53 expression harbored wild-type TP53. Compared to genetic features of gastric and pancreaticobiliary adenocarcinoma, TP53 mutations were frequent in both GAS and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. While KMT2D, ERBB3, and RNF43 mutations were shared between GAS and gastric adenocarcinoma, highly mutated genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma such as KRAS, SMAD4, and CDKN2A were rarely mutated in GAS. Of frequently mutated genes in cholangiocarcinoma, BAP1 and HLA-B were identified in GAS. Frequent EMT-related gene mutations suggested a possible role of EMT-related pathways in tumor dissemination and chemoresistance of GAS. In addition, GAS shared some genetic features with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. These findings provide a clue in understanding the biological basis of GAS.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV), manifesting as effusive (wet) or non-effusive (dry) forms. Granulomatous lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon, are rare and pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 7-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat (4.1 kg) presented with anorexia and vomiting. Blood tests showed an albumin:globulin ratio of 0.5, a mild elevation in aspartate aminotransferase, mild leukocytosis, and a severe elevation of feline serum amyloid A. The abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography imaging showed a mass in the transverse colon and surrounding mesenteric lymph nodes. The mass was observed to be relatively well vascularized, with areas of low-density uneven necrosis. Histological examination revealed severe pyogranulomatous inflammation with macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes predominantly present in both the affected colon and lymphoid tissues. Immunohistochemistry for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus antigen of the lesion showed a strong positive result, confirming limited and localized lesion induction by FIP virus infection. The cat received GS-441524 for 12 weeks, resulting in clinical improvement, lesion resolution, and normalized lab results. RT-PCR and antibody tests were negative post-treatment. This case report describes a rare presentation of FIP virus infection, characterized by localized lesions confined to a specific segment of the colon. In this case, treatment with the nucleoside analog GS-441524 was very effective in improving the localized lesion and demonstrated excellent efficacy in clearing the FIP virus.

The current study aims to explore the influence of resilience on (de)motivation and second language proficiency among elementary school students in South Korea. A total of 367 sixth-grade students completed questionnaires at three elementary schools. The data were analyzed with factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that resilience is composed of metacognitive adaptation, sociability, optimism, perseverance, and communicative efficacy. In terms of the influence of resilience, the SEM presents that the direct impact of resilience on English as a foreign language (EFL) learning motivation is greater than its impact on demotivation. Regarding the impact of EFL learning (de)motivation and resilience on English proficiency, EFL learning demotivation plays the most dominant role. The findings indicate that it is important to simultaneously sustain EFL learning motivation and prevent demotivation to help learners achieve their desired level of English proficiency in an EFL context.

Hip fracture is a common health problem in the elderly that is associated with increased mortality. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in elderly patients undergoing surgery and is associated with the clinical outcome. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of AKI in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and the impact of AKI on short- and long-term clinical outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 450 elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between January 2010 and December 2012. We defined AKI according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria and investigated the effect of AKI on the duration of hospital stay and in-hospital and long-term mortality. Of the 450 patients, 95 (21.1%) developed AKI during hospitalization and 178 (39.6%) died, with a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 1.0 years. The baseline serum creatinine level, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, red blood cell transfusion volume, and history of coronary artery disease were independent risk factors for AKI. Patients with AKI during hospitalization had significantly longer hospital stays and higher in-hospital and long-term mortality than those without AKI. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, history of coronary artery disease, serum albumin level, and AKI were independent predictors of long-term mortality. AKI is a frequent complication in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and is independently associated with increased in-hospital and long-term mortality.

Although functional interplay between intestinal microbiota and distant sites beyond the gut has been identified, the influence of microbiota-derived metabolites on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remains unclear. This study investigated the role of microbiota-derived lactate in hematopoiesis using mice deficient in G-protein-coupled receptor (Gpr) 81 (Gpr81 − /− ), an established lactate receptor. We detected significant depletion of total HSCs in the bone marrow (BM) of Gpr81 −/− mice compared with heterogenic (Gpr81 +/− ) mice in a steady state. Notably, the expression levels of stem cell factor (SCF), which is required for the proliferation of HSCs, decreased significantly in leptin receptor-expressing (LepR + ) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) around the sinusoidal vessels of the BM from Gpr81 −/− mice compared with Gpr81 +/− mice. Hematopoietic recovery and activation of BM niche cells after irradiation or busulfan treatment also required Gpr81 signals. Oral administration of lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) activated SCF secretion from LepR + BM MSCs and subsequently accelerated hematopoiesis and erythropoiesis. Most importantly, LAB feeding accelerated the self-renewal of HSCs in germ-free mice. These results suggest that microbiota-derived lactate stimulates SCF secretion by LepR + BM MSCs and subsequently activates hematopoiesis and erythropoiesis in a Gpr81-dependent manner. Blood cell formation: Support from gut bacteria Lactic acid produced by microbes in the gut has been implicated in supporting the production of blood cells, suggesting oral administration of lactic acid-producing bacteria might be useful for treating blood disorders, including anemia. Researchers in South Korea and China, led by Mi-Na Kweon at the University of Ulsan in Seoul, explored the significance of lactic acid using mice deficient in the gene for a protein receptor that allows lactic acid to influence various cellular processes. Without the benefit of this receptor the levels of blood cell-forming stem cells in bone marrow were reduced. The normal effect of lactic acid was linked to production of a protein called stem cell factor in specific cells. Oral administration of lactic acid-producing bacteria restored blood cell formation, indicating its therapeutic potential.

Purpose: This study investigates coaching leadership-ESG management relationships in Korean SMEs, addressing a critical gap where resource constraints and institutional ESG pressures make coaching leadership particularly vital for sustainability implementation, and further examines how these factors influence organizational commitment and business performance. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through an online survey targeting 313 professionals employed across multiple SMEs, with structural equation modeling employed to test hypothesized relationships between coaching leadership dimensions, ESG components, organizational commitment, and performance outcomes. Findings: First, coaching leadership dimensions exhibit differential relationships with ESG components, with Directness, Accountability, and Development showing stronger associations with Environmental and Social dimensions. Second, coaching leadership dimensions (Accountability, Development, and Relationship) positively influence organizational commitment, though Directness demonstrated a negative relationship. Third, Environmental and Social ESG dimensions significantly impact organizational commitment. Fourth, Environmental and Governance dimensions significantly influence financial performance, while Social and Governance dimensions affect non-financial performance. Fifth, organizational commitment strongly enhances both financial and non-financial performance. Research limitations/implications: This cross-sectional study of Korean SMEs limits causal inference and generalizability to other cultural contexts. Self-reported measures may introduce common method bias, requiring future longitudinal studies with objective performance metrics. The findings extend Resource-Based View and Social Identity Theory to sustainability contexts, identifying coaching capabilities as critical resources for ESG implementation in hierarchical SME environments Originality/value: This research extends existing research by examining the previously unexplored relationship between coaching leadership and ESG management in Korean SMEs, identifying distinctive patterns and impact pathways. By establishing how coaching leadership dimensions influence ESG components and subsequently affect organizational commitment and business performance, this research provides both theoretical contributions and practical guidance for SME leaders integrating coaching approaches with ESG initiatives in the Korean context.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing has demonstrated great potential for early cancer detection. However, most large-scale studies have focused only on either targeted methylation sites or whole-genome sequencing, limiting comprehensive analysis that integrates both epigenetic and genetic signatures. In this study, we present a platform that enables simultaneous analysis of whole-genome methylation, copy number, and fragmentomic patterns of cfDNA in a single assay. Using a total of 950 plasma (361 healthy and 589 cancer) and 240 tissue samples, we demonstrate that a multifeature cancer signature ensemble (CSE) classifier integrating all features outperforms single-feature classifiers. At 95.2% specificity, the cancer detection sensitivity with methylation, copy number, and fragmentomic models was 77.2%, 61.4%, and 60.5%, respectively, but sensitivity was significantly increased to 88.9% with the CSE classifier ( p value < 0.0001). For tissue of origin, the CSE classifier enhanced the accuracy beyond the methylation classifier, from 74.3% to 76.4%. Overall, this work proves the utility of a signature ensemble integrating epigenetic and genetic information for accurate cancer detection. Revolutionizing Cancer Research A new platform, AlphaLiquid® Screening, offers simultaneous analysis of whole-genome methylation, copy number, and fragmentomic patterns in a single assay for early cancer detection. The platform utilizes a multi-feature cancer signature ensemble classifier (CSE) that outperforms single-feature classifiers. At 95.2% specificity, the CSE achieved 88.9% sensitivity for cancer detection, a significant improvement over individual classifiers. The CSE model also demonstrated improved accuracy in predicting the tissue of origin for detected cancers. This study highlights the potential of integrating epigenetic and genetic information to enhance the accuracy of cancer detection using cell-free DNA sequencing data. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.

Cumulative evidence from both humans and animals suggests that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is important for pain-related perception, and thus a likely target for pain relief therapy. However, use of existing electrode based ACC stimulation has not significantly reduced pain, at least in part due to the lack of specificity and likely co-activation of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Herein, we report a dramatic reduction of pain behavior in transgenic mice by optogenetic stimulation of the inhibitory neural circuitry of the ACC expressing channelrhodopsin-2. Electrophysiological measurements confirmed that stimulation of ACC inhibitory neurons is associated with decreased neural activity in the ACC. Further, a distinct optogenetic stimulation intensity and frequency-dependent inhibition of spiking activity in the ACC was observed. Moreover, we confirmed specific electrophysiological responses from different neuronal units in the thalamus, in response to particular types of painful stimuli (i,e., formalin injection, pinch), which we found to be modulated by optogenetic control of the ACC inhibitory neurons. These results underscore the inhibition of the ACC as a clinical alternative in inhibiting chronic pain, and leads to a better understanding of the pain processing circuitry of the cingulate cortex.