Search Results (15,229)

Nonlinear state estimation in electric power systems remains challenging under mixed-measurement conditions due to the coexistence of legacy SCADA and PMU data with markedly different reliability levels, the sensitivity of classical Gauss–Newton-type methods to heterogeneous noise and numerical conditioning, and the increasing complexity of large-scale grids. To address these issues, this paper proposes ST-ResGAT, a spatio-temporal residual graph attention framework for nonlinear state estimation under heterogeneous sensing conditions. The proposed method models the problem on an augmented heterogeneous factor graph, employs a reliability-aware heterogeneous graph attention mechanism with residual propagation to adaptively fuse measurements of different quality, and further refines the graph-based estimates through a lightweight LSTM post-processing module that exploits short-term temporal continuity. All datasets are generated using pandapower on the IEEE 30-bus, IEEE 118-bus, and IEEE 1354-bus benchmark systems to ensure full reproducibility of the experimental pipeline. Experimental results show that the proposed method consistently achieves lower estimation errors than WLS, DNN, GAT, and PINN baselines across all three systems, while also exhibiting more compact node-level error distributions and stronger spatial consistency. Multi-seed ablation studies further indicate that residual propagation, reliability-aware attention, and temporal refinement play complementary roles across different system scales. Robustness experiments additionally show that, under random measurement exclusion as well as bias, Gaussian, and mixed corrupted-measurement settings, ST-ResGAT exhibits smooth and progressive degradation, including on the newly added large-scale IEEE 1354-bus benchmark. These results suggest that the proposed framework is a promising direction for data-driven state estimation under controlled mixed-measurement benchmark conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infection from Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis and pneumonia, in children under 2 years of age, older adults, and immunocompromised populations. Conjugate vaccines against the pathogen have been licensed for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease. Conjugate vaccine development is an involved process demanding extensive characterization of both the polysaccharide (PS) and protein (Pr) moieties in complex structures. One powerful tool in our analytical tool kit that can shed light on various analytical attributes of conjugate vaccines, such as molecular weight and composition and conjugation efficiency, is the size-exclusion chromatography-multi-angle light scattering detector (SEC-MALS) technique. Herein, we demonstrate the applicability of the SEC-MALS approach for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine product characterization. Methods: Capsular polysaccharides for serotypes (STs) 1, 3, 5, 10 A, 18 C, 24 F, and 33 F conjugated to rCRM197 carrier protein were chosen for this study. Results: The technique was very straightforward, with a high degree of accuracy (>90% based on standards) and repeatability (<2% RSD) for conjugate molar mass measurements. In addition, leveraging the capability of SEC-MALS for compositional analysis, we were able to get detailed information on the molecular assembly and conformation of the conjugates and further tweak the conjugation process to yield conjugates of a desired molar mass. Conclusions: Thus, this study highlights the usefulness of the SEC-MALS technique for in-depth conjugate vaccine biophysical characterization, which is critical for achieving optimal product attributes, driving manufacturing consistency and vaccine potency. Full article

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a high risk of brain metastases (BMs). Although systemic therapies have improved extracranial disease control, the central nervous system (CNS) remains less accessible to numerous agents. As a result, this limited drug penetration makes brain metastases (BMs) remain common in TNBC, which are a leading cause of serious symptoms. This review summarizes recent key advances in triple-negative breast cancer brain metastases (TNBC-BMs), including epidemiology, prognostic stratification, biological mechanisms of CNS tropism and treatment resistance, and evolving management strategies. We discuss potential mechanisms of brain colonization, including the FOXC1-CXCR4 axis, ST6GALNAC5-related interactions with the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and the bidirectional crosstalk between metastatic cells and the brain microenvironment, particularly astrocytes and microglia. Furthermore, we evaluate the evolving clinical management, emphasizing the transition from whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) toward more selective local approaches such as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS) and hippocampal sparing techniques. Concurrently, we examine the integration of CNS active systemic therapy across specific molecular subsets. This review systematically distinguishes standard-of-care interventions from investigational strategies, ultimately underscoring critical evidence gaps within the TNBC-BM landscape. Full article

Members of the genus Brucella are bacterial pathogens of global importance, and their increasing detection in marine mammals has raised concerns for wildlife conservation and public health. In this study, we evaluated the biological and pathogenic characteristics of two Brucella sp. sequence type 27 (ST27) isolates obtained from a dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima). We compared them with terrestrial and marine Brucella reference strains. We assessed resistance to polymyxin B and human serum complement, intracellular infection dynamics in HeLa epithelial cells, persistence in a murine model, and associated hematological and histopathological changes, and analyzed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) profiles. The Kogia isolates exhibited resistance to polymyxin B and serum complement, comparable to that of B. abortus 2308W and marine mammal Brucella strains. In HeLa cells, the isolates displayed distinct, strain-specific intracellular infection dynamics. In the murine model, both isolates persisted in the spleen and induced granulomatous lesions. However, splenic bacterial loads and histopathological scores were generally lower than those observed with B. abortus 2308W, which exhibited the highest virulence among the strains evaluated. Hematological alterations associated with Kogia isolates were also less pronounced than those induced by B. abortus 2308W, indicating an intermediate and strain-dependent virulence phenotype without evidence of enhanced virulence relative to the terrestrial reference strain. Western blot analyses showed that Brucella sp. ST27 isolates were not recognized by anti-B. abortus or anti-O-antigen monoclonal antibodies, while exhibiting a distinct recognition pattern with anti-B. canis serum, indicating differences in surface antigen composition. Comparative whole-genome analysis identified a limited number of isolate-specific variants affecting coding and intergenic regions. Collectively, these findings highlight phenotypic and genetic features of Brucella sp. ST27 from Kogia sima, which distinguishes it from other marine and terrestrial Brucella strains and supports further investigation into its biological behavior and potential public health relevance. Full article

In the late 1990s, there was much speculation on what music and music education would look like at the beginning of the 21st century. Few predicted the level of change that we have witnessed since then. In fact, developments in technologies, demographics, societies and global relations that have taken place in the world over the past 100 years would have been neigh unimaginable decade by decade, and keep coming with ever-increasing intensity. Travel, trade and technology have connected people and cultures in myriad and often wonderful ways. But inequities, divisions, and conflicts also reached new heights, with the first half of the 2020s subject to a seemingly endless stream of natural and manmade disasters and conflicts. Inevitably, all of these developments impacted on the world of music in general, and also on music education. In this essay, I try to summarise some key experiences and observations of my own first fifty years of living musical diversity (a world that started to open before me when I began learning Indian sitar in Amsterdam in 1975), and efforts across five continents that I have been involved in or researched. Juxtaposing this with key literature on the topic this provides a broad basis for presenting ideas and views on progress towards giving musical practices from across the globe an appropriate place in music education at all levels: in community settings, schools, and institutions for professional training of performers and educators. In that process, I identify three critical junctures which can simultaneously present obstacles and opportunities for positive change: (1) terminologies, social inclusion, and the politics of diversity; (2) musical dynamics, technology, and institutional change; and (3) evolutions and revolutions in music learning and teaching. These inform a challenging but clear agenda for scholars, policy makers, institutional leaders, practising musicians and music educators worldwide who strive for more inclusive, diverse, equitable and relevant practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rapid and accurate electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is essential for timely recognition of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and initiation of reperfusion therapy in the emergency department (ED). We evaluated the diagnostic performance of a real-time artificial intelligence (AI) ECG interpretation system and its pragmatic impact when integrated into routine ED workflows. Methods: This prospective, single-center pragmatic observational study was conducted in a regional emergency medical center ED in Busan, Republic of Korea (1 January–31 December 2024). Consecutive adults (≥18 years) undergoing 12-lead ECG for cardiovascular-related symptoms were enrolled (N = 1524). A predefined alternating-day protocol allocated visits to physician-only interpretation days (physician-days, N = 763) or AI output disclosure days (AI-days, N = 761). Diagnostic performance for STEMI was assessed using paired ECG-level comparisons between physician-alone interpretation and AI output against a blinded expert-panel reference standard; clinical impact outcomes included reperfusion-related time metrics, hospital length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality. Results: Against the expert reference standard, AI showed higher STEMI sensitivity than physician-alone interpretation (96.7% vs. 68.3%; McNemar p = 0.027), while specificity was lower (75.9% vs. 84.5%; p = 0.018). In pragmatic day-level comparisons, door-to-balloon time was shorter on AI-days (40.0 ± 19.81 vs. 47.34 ± 21.90 min; p = 0.001), and time to PCI was significantly reduced among patients with atypical presentations (42.3 ± 18.21 vs. 57.1 ± 20.11 min; p = 0.013). Among admitted patients, hospital LOS was shorter on AI-days (13 ± 9.21 vs. 17 ± 10.31 days; p = 0.010), whereas in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between groups (17.0% vs. 16.77%; p = 0.191). Conclusions: Real-time AI-ECG integration in the ED was associated with improved STEMI detection sensitivity and shorter reperfusion-related time metrics, particularly in atypical presentations, and with reduced hospital LOS among admitted patients. Short-term mortality was comparable between groups. Further multicenter studies are warranted to confirm generalizability and to balance benefits against potential false-positive-related operational impacts. Full article

Background: Strength training (ST) is essential for enhancing athletic performance and reducing injury risk, yet traditional monitoring relies heavily on subjective assessment, limiting objective and individualized evaluation. Objective: This scoping review critically synthesizes current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable technologies (WT) in ST, with emphasis on methodological approaches, data characteristics, explainability, and practical readiness. Methods: Searches of PubMed and Scopus identified 13 peer-reviewed studies (2015–2025). Evidence was charted and synthesized to compare AI models, wearable sensor configurations, validation strategies, and translational potential. Results: Studies employed classical machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid approaches alongside inertial, force, strain, and physiological sensors to support exercise classification, load estimation, fatigue detection, and performance monitoring. Deep learning models dominated movement recognition tasks, whereas simpler models often aligned better with small datasets and interpretability requirements. However, most studies relied on limited, homogeneous samples and internal validation, restricting generalizability and real-world applicability. Explainability was inconsistently addressed, particularly in higher-risk applications such as injury prediction. Conclusions: AI-enhanced wearables provide objective and individualized ST monitoring, but current evidence remains largely experimental. To ensure a practical application is implemented, standardized datasets, robust external validation, and greater integration of explainable AI are required to support and deliver trustworthy decision-making. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae has been associated with reproductive infections in equines. The detection of β-lactam resistance determinants, especially extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes, within genomic regions linked to horizontal gene transfer (HGT), is of a particular concern. In this study, we characterize the whole-genome sequences (WGS) of three K. pneumoniae equine isolates harboring multiple antimicrobial resistance genes. Two isolates were recovered from uterine washes of mares: one with endometritis (YAH-KPEM1) and one clinically normal (YAH-KPSE1), and a third from the feces of a diarrheic foal (YAH-KPF132). WGS was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and the reads were subsequently processed through hybrid assembly in Unicycler v0.5.1. Genome annotation was completed using PROKKA v1.14.5. Strain YAH-KPEM1 was classified as ST127, whereas YAH-KPSE1 and YAH-KPF132 belonged to ST1630 and ST224, respectively. Notably, K. pneumoniae ST1630 and ST224 have not been reported before in equines. All three genomes encoded multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, including two encoding ESBL genes (CTX-M-15), as well as virulence factors and regions associated with HGT. Additionally, two (YAH-KPEM1 and YAH-KPSE1) isolates were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR), harboring an IncFIB(K) plasmid replicon, and another isolate, YAH-KPF132, carried an IncFII replicon. The detection of AMR and virulence genes in equine Klebsiella isolates has important clinical implications for guiding antimicrobial selection and improving treatment success. Full article

To develop safe and effective preservatives for fresh-cut produce, this study elucidates the multi-pathway mechanisms through which Melatonin (MT) regulates postharvest senescence in fresh-cut potatoes. Treatment with 0.1 mmol/L exogenous MT effectively inhibited browning and softening during storage. In terms of browning control, MT suppressed PPO and POD activities by 46% and ~10% at the end of storage (day 12), while enhancing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity by 1.1- to 1.6-fold on average throughout storage. This alleviated oxidative damage and membrane lipid peroxidation, thereby reducing tissue browning. Regarding texture maintenance, MT downregulated PME and cellulase activities by 23% and 19% at the end of storage, activated phenylpropanoid metabolism, and inhibited starch degradation (maintaining 19% higher starch content), thus preserving cell wall structure and firmness (9.2% higher at the end of storage). Further analysis revealed that MT antagonized ethylene biosynthesis, upregulated StMYB168 expression (5.8-fold higher than control on average), and activated endogenous MT biosynthesis, establishing a self-sustaining positive regulatory cycle. Correlation analysis confirmed close relationships among physiological processes, signaling responses, and quality traits, with significant associations between firmness and starch content (r = 0.72), color indices and PPO/POD (|r| > 0.65), and MT biosynthesis genes and metabolic pathways (r = 0.65–0.75) (p < 0.01). Full article

The doctrine of theosis, or deification, is a distinctive feature of Eastern Orthodoxy. In recent centuries, it has also become a pursuit across various Christian traditions. Although theosis was historically associated with humanity, modern theology has not adequately explored its cosmic dimension, which concerns both human and non-human beings as well as the cosmos as a whole. This article draws on elements of the Orthodox tradition, including the Logos–logoi theory of St. Maximus the Confessor and the Essence–Energies distinction of St. Gregory Palamas. It also engages with insights from contemporary Orthodox thinkers relevant to the discussion. The aim is to outline the theological foundations for a more inclusive and holistic understanding of theosis, particularly in light of the current climate crisis and issues of animal welfare. Full article

Background/Objectives: Abdominal sepsis remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality among surgical and critically ill patients worldwide. Timely diagnosis is frequently hindered by the overlapping clinical and biochemical features of postoperative inflammatory responses and evolving intra-abdominal infections, which may resemble systemic sepsis. Conventional biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), are widely implemented in clinical practice but demonstrate suboptimal specificity in differentiating infectious from sterile inflammatory conditions in the early postoperative phase. Presepsin (soluble CD14 subtype, sCD14-ST), a circulating fragment released during monocyte–macrophage activation in response to bacterial endotoxins, has emerged as a biomarker reflecting innate immune engagement. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy, prognostic relevance, and potential clinical role of presepsin in abdominal sepsis. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of the biomedical literature was performed using MEDLINE (via PubMed) and supplementary academic sources. Studies assessing the diagnostic performance, prognostic associations, and clinical applicability of presepsin in abdominal infections, postoperative infectious complications, and sepsis were systematically examined. Where available, comparative analyses with established biomarkers such as CRP and PCT were evaluated to contextualize its incremental value within existing diagnostic frameworks. Results: The accumulated evidence indicates that presepsin concentrations increase early during bacterial infections and correlate with validated severity indices, organ dysfunction scores, and mortality outcomes. Across multiple surgical and intensive care settings, presepsin demonstrated moderate-to-high diagnostic performance, frequently comparable to and occasionally exceeding that of traditional inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in distinguishing septic from non-septic inflammatory states. Moreover, dynamic changes in circulating levels appear to provide additional prognostic information and may support longitudinal clinical assessment. Nonetheless, substantial heterogeneity in study design, patient populations, sampling strategies, and reported cut-off values limits direct cross-study comparability and constrains definitive clinical recommendations. Conclusions: Presepsin represents a biologically plausible and clinically promising biomarker for the early identification and risk stratification of abdominal sepsis. Although current findings are encouraging, further large-scale, methodologically standardized prospective investigations are required to define optimal diagnostic thresholds and to clarify their role within multimodal biomarker strategies in contemporary sepsis management. Full article

This study investigates the genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive differentiation of Yunnan native cattle (YNC) using whole-genome SNP data from 457 individuals, representing eight cattle populations and two closely related bovine species (Zhongdian yak and Dulong gayal). Genetic diversity analyses revealed a distinct latitudinal gradient from north to south, with the highest diversity observed in the northern Diqing (DQC) and Zhaotong (ZTC) populations. The observed population structure was largely consistent with geographic distribution, identifying distinct ancestral components and complex admixture patterns. Genome-wide selective sweep scans revealed several key candidate genes underlying local adaptation. Notably, GRIA4 and DUOXA2 were associated with cold tolerance in northern populations, and ST3GAL3 and MST1 were implicated in heat stress adaptation in southern populations. Genome-wide balancing selection analyses further detected significant loci, such as MGST1 and SLC36A1, where divergent haplotype frequencies reflected differential selective pressures on milk-related traits between northern and southern populations. Additionally, we detected signals of historical introgression from Zhongdian yak into DQC cattle, highlighting the introgressed gene SLIT3 as a potential candidate associated with high-altitude thermogenesis. Collectively, these results provide a comprehensive genomic framework for the management and conservation of indigenous bovine genetic resources in Southwest China. Full article

Stressful effects on agriculture are of paramount importance in the 21st century. Water deficiency is considered a major constraint in crop succession, particularly for maize. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential roles of brassinolide (BL) and silicon (Si) in mitigating biotic (incidence of pests and diseases) and abiotic stresses (naturally occurring water deficit) in maize grown after soybean harvest. The field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons on a Rhodic Haplustox in the Cerrado, Goiás, Brazil. A randomized complete block design was employed in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement, with five BL doses (0.000, 0.050, 0.100, 0.150, and 0.200 mg L⁻¹) and two Si treatments (absence and presence), each with four replicates. BL was applied immediately when the soil moisture in the 0–0.20 m layer reached 16.25%, corresponding to the crop’s critical water threshold. This specific phenological point corresponded to the R₂ stage in the first off-season and the V₁₀ stage in the second off-season. Si applications were performed at the V₃ and V₈ stages. BL application enhanced growth, as well as physiological and metabolic performance by increasing protein synthesis and sugar content, thereby maintaining relative water content, sustaining antioxidant enzyme activity, and reducing lipid peroxidation under water-deficit conditions. The BL doses that achieved the highest yields were 0.149 mg L⁻¹ (R₂ stage) in the first off-season and 0.134 mg L⁻¹ (V₁₀ stage) in the second off-season. Si application effectively reduced pest damage and disease severity while improving plant water status. However, in the second off-season, a significant BL × Si interaction was limited to carotenoids, pheophytinization index, and disease severity. These results indicate that the combined use of BL and Si provides a promising strategy to enhance maize resilience by integrating BL-mediated yield promotion with Si-driven physical and biotic protection under adverse environmental conditions. Full article

Urban agriculture (UA) is closely linked to urban development. It serves as an effective strategy for promoting sustainable urban development. However, existing research on urban agriculture theory offers only a limited multidimensional review of its theoretical development. This paper aims to trace the developmental trajectory of representative urban agriculture theories and provide subsequent researchers with a comprehensive theoretical foundation in the field. Methodologically, this study employs a literature review and structured qualitative comparative analysis, combined with a chronological approach, to analyse representative theories of UA. Concurrently, an analytical framework comprising four dimensions—ecological, socio-economic, technological and design, and spatial relations—has been established, with four evaluation indicators defined for each dimension. This study reviews and compares representative theories across different historical periods to address two research questions: the evolution of UA theories across different historical periods, and the commonalities and differences among various theories across the four dimensions. Through this analysis, the paper discusses the commonalities, differences, and practical implications of different UA theories across each dimension. The research indicates that the ecological dimension forms the foundation of most theories. The spatial relations dimension demonstrates the spatial value of different theories. The design and technological innovation dimension reflects the connection between theory and urban development. The socio-economic dimension highlights the growing attention to UA. Chronological analysis reveals the evolution of UA theories, from the 19th-century concept of integrating agriculture into cities to the mid-to-late 20th-century idea of urban-agricultural coexistence, and finally to the diverse theoretical approaches of the 21st century. This study not only provides a comprehensive review of the development of UA theories but also offers scientific guidance for future practice and research in UA. Full article