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Neuromorphic hardware implementation of Boltzmann Machine using a network of stochastic neurons can allow non-deterministic polynomial-time (NP) hard combinatorial optimization problems to be efficiently solved. Efficient implementation of such Boltzmann Machine with simulated annealing desires the statistical parameters of the stochastic neurons to be dynamically tunable, however, there has been limited research on stochastic semiconductor devices with controllable statistical distributions. Here, we demonstrate a reconfigurable tin oxide (SnO x )/molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) heterogeneous memristive device that can realize tunable stochastic dynamics in its output sampling characteristics. The device can sample exponential-class sigmoidal distributions analogous to the Fermi-Dirac distribution of physical systems with quantitatively defined tunable “temperature” effect. A BM composed of these tunable stochastic neuron devices, which can enable simulated annealing with designed “cooling” strategies, is conducted to solve the MAX-SAT, a representative in NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems. Quantitative insights into the effect of different “cooling” strategies on improving the BM optimization process efficiency are also provided. Boltzmann Machines offer the potential of more efficient solutions to combinatorial problems compared to von Neumann computing architectures. Here, Yan et al introduce a stochastic memristor with dynamically tunable properties, a vital feature for the efficient implementation of a Boltzmann Machine.

Background Malnutrition is a common comorbidity in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), significantly impacting survival rates. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score are tools used to assess the nutritional status, yet their prognostic value in HNC remains to be fully established. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to evaluate the prognostic significance of GNRI and CONUT on survival outcomes in patients with HNC. Relevant studies up to March 2024 were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. The quality of each included study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results Seventeen studies were included, encompassing a total of 3,816 patients with HNC. Our findings reveal that a lower GNRI is consistently associated with poor overall survival (OS, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.47–6.14) and progression-free survival (PFS, aHR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.41–2.21), demonstrating its utility as a prognostic indicator. However, CONUT scores revealed no significant differences in OS (aHR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.94–2.91) or PFS (aHR: 1.43, 95% CI: 0.68–3.02). Conclusion GNRI appears to be a reliable prognostic tool for predicting poorer survival outcomes in HNC patients, underscoring the importance of nutritional assessments in this population. Further research is needed to clarify the prognostic value of the CONUT score, which exhibited less consistent results.

Background 2-Oxoglutarate and Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenases (2ODDs) belong to the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2OGD) superfamily and are involved in various vital metabolic pathways of plants at different developmental stages. These proteins have been extensively investigated in multiple model organisms. However, these enzymes have not been systematically analyzed in tomato. In addition, type I flavone synthase (FNSI) belongs to the 2ODD family and contributes to the biosynthesis of flavones, but this protein has not been characterized in tomato. Results A total of 131 2ODDs from tomato were identified and divided into seven clades by phylogenetic classification. The Sl2ODD s in the same clade showed similar intron/exon distributions and conserved motifs. The Sl2ODD s were unevenly distributed across the 12 chromosomes, with different expression patterns among major tissues and at different developmental stages of the tomato growth cycle. We characterized several Sl2ODDs and their expression patterns involved in various metabolic pathways, such as gibberellin biosynthesis and catabolism, ethylene biosynthesis, steroidal glycoalkaloid biosynthesis, and flavonoid metabolism. We found that the Sl2ODD expression patterns were consistent with their functions during the tomato growth cycle . These results indicated the significance of Sl2ODDs in tomato growth and metabolism. Based on this genome-wide analysis of Sl2ODDs , we screened six potential FNSI genes using a phylogenetic tree and coexpression analysis. However, none of them exhibited FNSI activity. Conclusions Our study provided a comprehensive understanding of the tomato 2ODD family and demonstrated the significant roles of these family members in plant metabolism. We also suggest that no FNSI genes in tomato contribute to the biosynthesis of flavones.

Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a taxane and a chemotherapeutic drug that stabilizes microtubules. While the interaction of paclitaxel with microtubules is well described, the lack of high-resolution structural information on a tubulin-taxane complex precludes a comprehensive description of the binding determinants that affect its mechanism of action. Here, we solved the crystal structure of baccatin III the core moiety of paclitaxel-tubulin complex at 1.9 Å resolution. Based on this information, we engineered taxanes with modified C13 side chains, solved their crystal structures in complex with tubulin, and analyzed their effects on microtubules (X-ray fiber diffraction), along with those of paclitaxel, docetaxel, and baccatin III. Further comparison of high-resolution structures and microtubules’ diffractions with the apo forms and molecular dynamics approaches allowed us to understand the consequences of taxane binding to tubulin in solution and under assembled conditions. The results sheds light on three main mechanistic questions: (1) taxanes bind better to microtubules than to tubulin because tubulin assembly is linked to a βM-loopconformational reorganization (otherwise occludes the access to the taxane site) and, bulky C13 side chains preferentially recognize the assembled conformational state; (2) the occupancy of the taxane site has no influence on the straightness of tubulin protofilaments and; (3) longitudinal expansion of the microtubule lattices arises from the accommodation of the taxane core within the site, a process that is no related to the microtubule stabilization (baccatin III is biochemically inactive). In conclusion, our combined experimental and computational approach allowed us to describe the tubulin-taxane interaction in atomic detail and assess the structural determinants for binding.

The patient reported symptoms such as worsening watery diarrhea of 2 weeks duration and a significant weight loss of approximately 3–4 kg during this time period. The biopsy samples were examined by light microscopy with saline wet mount preparation; the organisms had a characteristic visible teeth, consistent with the appearance of A. duodenale (Figure 1B). During the follow-up period, the patient reported a gradual resolution of symptoms, including a significant reduction in abdominal pain and improvement in bowel habits.

Microtubules are polymers of tubulin dimers, and conformational transitions in the microtubule lattice drive microtubule dynamic instability and affect various aspects of microtubule function. The exact nature of these transitions and their modulation by anticancer drugs such as Taxol and epothilone, which can stabilize microtubules but also perturb their growth, are poorly understood. Here, we directly visualize the action of fluorescent Taxol and epothilone derivatives and show that microtubules can transition to a state that triggers cooperative drug binding to form regions with altered lattice conformation. Such regions emerge at growing microtubule ends that are in a pre-catastrophe state, and inhibit microtubule growth and shortening. Electron microscopy and in vitro dynamics data indicate that taxane accumulation zones represent incomplete tubes that can persist, incorporate tubulin dimers and repeatedly induce microtubule rescues. Thus, taxanes modulate the material properties of microtubules by converting destabilized growing microtubule ends into regions resistant to depolymerization. Anticancer drugs such as Taxol can affect microtubule dynamics and organization in cells. Direct visualization of the action of such drugs has shown that they can trigger local and cooperative changes in microtubule lattice and induce formation of stable microtubule regions that promote rescues.

This study explored how an experiential learning approach can be applied in education for sustainable development (ESD) for 2030 within the service industry. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted lives, health, the economy, and service industries, such as tourism and hospitality. ESD for 2030 proposed a framework of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) on how to learn from societal transformation. A case study from the Meiho University examined key influencing factors via students’ practices. Photographic evidence showed how internal psychology affects external behavior. Student groups participated in the proposed learning activities. Students from the tourism department imitated tourists to identify aspects pertaining to independent travel. This entailed broadly experienced activities in rural communities to modern cities. Responsible behavior was identified within self-learning topics, such as water problems, activation, low-carbon transportation, and ecological difficulties experienced on a small island. The results indicate that societal transformation involves an intrinsic mechanism from psychology inside to behavior outside. The planning required for independent travel tested students’ management competence of how a practical project can be controlled under limited budgets and COVID-19 risks. The social and cultural contexts become an interaction and exchange platform for authentic experiences, which resulted in personal learning outcomes. This newly developed mode explains why transforming society is necessary for ESD for 2030 to be implemented in higher education. SDGs are achievable in current circumstances, although learning contexts may differ.

The Gram stain of the clinical specimen revealed the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Neisseria gonorrhoeae growth on chocolate agar. ETHICS STATEMENT Ethics approval was obtained from the Institution Review Board of China Medical University Hospital (CMUH112-REC-008).

The development of self‐healing conductive hydrogels is critical in electroactive nerve tissue engineering. Typical conductive materials such as polypyrrole (PPy) are commonly used to fabricate artificial nerve conduits. Moreover, the field of tissue engineering has advanced toward the use of products such as hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels. Although HA‐modified PPy films are prepared for various biological applications, the cell–matrix interaction mechanisms remain poorly understood; furthermore, there are no reports on HA‐modified PPy‐injectable self‐healing hydrogels for peripheral nerve repair. Therefore, in this study, a self‐healing electroconductive hydrogel (HASPy) from HA, cystamine (Cys), and pyrrole‐1‐propionic acid (Py‐COOH), with injectability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nerve‐regenerative capacity is constructed. The hydrogel directly targets interleukin 17 receptor A (IL‐17RA) and promotes the expression of genes and proteins relevant to Schwann cell myelination mainly by activating the interleukin 17 (IL‐17) signaling pathway. The hydrogel is injected directly into the rat sciatic nerve‐crush injury sites to investigate its capacity for nerve regeneration in vivo and is found to promote functional recovery and remyelination. This study may help in understanding the mechanism of cell–matrix interactions and provide new insights into the potential use of HASPy hydrogel as an advanced scaffold for neural regeneration.

ImportanceTinnitus is a prevalent condition among noise-exposed workers, with significant implications for hearing health and quality of life. Identifying associated factors can inform prevention and management strategies.ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with tinnitus prevalence among noise-exposed workers and assess the effectiveness of hearing protection in mitigating tinnitus.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys database.ParticipantsThis study included 4931 noise-exposed workers (mean age 48.9 ± 0.3 years). Participants were categorized into speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL; n = 1032, mean age 67.2 ± 0.4 years) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL; n = 1634, mean age 62.9 ± 0.3 years) groups based on hearing threshold levels.Intervention or ExposuresNoise exposure duration, hearing loss severity, demographics, and medical history. Hearing protection usage was assessed for its effectiveness in preventing tinnitus.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome: tinnitus prevalence. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression, with factors including self-reported noise exposure, hearing loss severity, demographics, and medical history.ResultTinnitus prevalence was 32.85% in the group with SFHL and 29.99% in the group with HFHL. Prolonged noise exposure and greater hearing loss severity were associated with tinnitus in both groups. Hearing protection usage was potentially linked to a lower tinnitus prevalence in HFHL but not in SFHL. For SFHL, univariate analysis showed lower tinnitus prevalence in older age and females, while Caucasian ethnicity and higher income were associated with higher prevalence. Multivariate analysis indicated that older age was positively associated with tinnitus (  < .05). In HFHL, factors such as higher BMI, higher educational level, and elevated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) scores were significantly associated with tinnitus prevalence.ConclusionsProlonged noise exposure and hearing loss severity among noise-exposed workers were associated with tinnitus prevalence in SFHL and HFHL. Hearing protection showed tendency to reduce tinnitus prevalence in HFHL but had a limited effect in SFHL. Higher BMI, higher education levels, and elevated PHQ9 scores were significantly associated with tinnitus in HFHL, warranting further research into protective strategies.RelevanceFuture studies should explore alternative protective strategies for SFHL patients and refine tinnitus prevention approaches in noise-exposed workers.