A Multi-Layer Multi-Pass Weld Bead Cross-Section Morphology Extraction Method Based on Row-Column Grayscale Segmentation.

In the field of welding detection, weld bead cross-section morphology serves as a crucial indicator for analyzing welding quality. However, the extraction of weld bead cross-section morphology often relies on manual extraction based on human expertise, which can be limited in consistency and operational efficiency. To address this issue, this paper proposes a multi-layer multi-pass weld bead cross-section morphology extraction method based on row-column grayscale segmentation. The weld bead cross-section morphology image is pre-processed and then segmented into rows and columns based on the average gray value of the image. In order to extract the feature of multi-layer multi-pass weld feature images, an outline showing the binarization threshold is selected for each segmented image (ESI). Then, the weld contour of ESI is extracted before image fusion and morphological processing. Finally, the weld feature parameters (circumference, area, etc.) are extracted from the obtained weld feature image. The results indicate that the relative errors in circumference and area are within 10%, while the discrepancies in maximum weld seam width and maximum weld seam height can be close to the true value. The quality assessment falls within a reasonable range, the average value of SSIM is above 0.9 and the average value of PSNR is above 60 on average. The results demonstrate that this method is feasible for extracting the general contour features of multi-layer multi-pass weld bead cross-section morphology images, providing a basis for further detailed analysis and improvement in welding quality assessment.

Describing the current landscape of pass/fail grading schemes within skills-based pharmacy curricula.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal methods for grading students in skills-based courses within pharmacy education have not been fully explored. This research aimed to assess the current landscape of pass/fail grading schemes within pharmacy skills-based courses and explore faculty perceptions of pass/fail grading schemes. METHODS: A 29-item, cross-sectional survey was electronically distributed to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Laboratory Special Interest Group. The survey collected demographics, course grading schemes, faculty perceptions of student performance, and impact of implementing pass/fail grading schemes. Survey respondents were also invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, which were summarized due to limited participation. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of survey data. RESULTS: Fifty-five participants responded to the survey, representing 23 pharmacy institutions. Most respondents (82 %) used a traditional grading system for final course grades in skills-based courses. Some respondents (40 %) used specification grading for skills assessment, and 64 % of respondents used pass/fail grading to assess specific skills. Most respondents perceived that the change to pass/fail grading either improved or made no difference in faculty workload, wellbeing, general faculty creativity, quality of feedback, timeliness of grading, grade grievances, and faculty preparation time. The main concern was decreased student motivation and engagement. Semi-structured interviews identified a need for specific, validated rubrics, importance of faculty buy-in, and lack of impact on faculty workload as a result of the change. Concerns about residency placement and student motivation were also identified. CONCLUSION: There is variability in grading schemes used within skills-based pharmacy curricula. Faculty perceptions of pass/fail grading schemes are positive overall. Considering the limited number of institutions utilizing this grading scheme, additional research is needed.

A genome-wide association study of neonatal metabolites.

Genetic factors significantly influence the concentration of metabolites in adults. Nevertheless, the genetic influence on neonatal metabolites remains uncertain. To bridge this gap, we employed genotype imputation techniques on large-scale low-pass genome data obtained from non-invasive prenatal testing. Subsequently, we conducted association studies on a total of 75 metabolic components in neonates. The study identified 19 previously reported associations and 11 novel associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and metabolic components. These associations were initially found in the discovery cohort (8,744 participants) and subsequently confirmed in a replication cohort (19,041 participants). The average heritability of metabolic components was estimated to be 76.2%, with a range of 69%-78.8%. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic architecture of neonatal metabolism.

Utilizing non-invasive prenatal test sequencing data for human genetic investigation.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) employs ultra-low-pass sequencing of maternal plasma cell-free DNA to detect fetal trisomy. Its global adoption has established NIPT as a large human genetic resource for exploring genetic variations and their associations with phenotypes. Here, we present methods for analyzing large-scale, low-depth NIPT data, including customized algorithms and software for genetic variant detection, genotype imputation, family relatedness, population structure inference, and genome-wide association analysis of maternal genomes. Our results demonstrate accurate allele frequency estimation and high genotype imputation accuracy (R2>0.84) for NIPT sequencing depths from 0.1× to 0.3×. We also achieve effective classification of duplicates and first-degree relatives, along with robust principal-component analysis. Additionally, we obtain an R2>0.81 for estimating genetic effect sizes across genotyping and sequencing platforms with adequate sample sizes. These methods offer a robust theoretical and practical foundation for utilizing NIPT data in medical genetic research.

Determining the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for Shoulder Strength After Subscapularis Arthroscopic Repair and Evaluating the Preoperative Predictors for PASS Achievement.

Background: Restoring shoulder strength after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is critical, but there is limited understanding as to what patients consider satisfactory postoperative strength. Purpose: To determine the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) values for the Constant score strength parameter and internal rotation (IR) strength in patients who underwent ARCR for rotator cuff tears involving the subscapularis (SSC) muscle and evaluate for associations between preoperative and intraoperative patient characteristics with PASS achievement. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on prospectively collected data for 278 patients with an SSC tear (isolated or combined) who underwent ARCR and had minimum 2-year follow-up data. Functional outcomes (patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, Constant strength, and IR strength) were assessed preoperatively and at the latest follow-up. The overall, male, and female PASS values for postoperative strength measures were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between preoperative variables and PASS achievement for Constant and IR strengths. Results: The mean follow-up time was 72.8 months. The overall, male, and female PASS values were 9.9 lb (4.5 kg), 14.5 lb (6.6 kg), and 8.5 lb (3.9 kg), respectively, for Constant strength and 15.2 lb (6.9 kg), 20.7 lb (9.4 kg), and 12.1 lb (5.5 kg), respectively, for IR strength. Older age, high fatty infiltration of the SSC tendon (Goutallier grades 3 and 4), and failure of SSC healing correlated negatively with PASS attainment for the strength measures. High fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles correlated negatively with Constant strength. Decreased coracohumeral distance (CHD) and larger SSC tears correlated negatively with achieving PASS for IR strength. Workers' compensation, high supraspinatus and SSC fatty infiltration, and the use of knotted suture anchors were predictors of not achieving the overall Constant strength PASS, while lower SSC fatty infiltration and high CHD were predictors of achieving the overall IR strength PASS. Conclusion: This study established the PASS values for Constant and IR strengths for patients after ARCR involving the SSC tendon. Workers' compensation, high supraspinatus and SSC fatty infiltration, and the use of knotted suture anchors were predictors of not achieving the overall Constant strength PASS, while lower SSC fatty infiltration and high CHD were predictors of achieving the overall IR strength PASS.

Ultra-Low Power Consumption Artificial Photoelectric Synapses Based on Lewis Acid Doped WSe2 for Neuromorphic Computing.

Capitalizing on the extensive spectral capacity and minimal crosstalk properties inherent in optical signals, photoelectric synapses are poised to assume a pivotal stance in the realm of neuromorphic computation. Herein, a photoelectric synapse based on Lewis acid-doped semiconducting tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is introduced, exhibiting tunable short-term and long-term plasticity. The device consumes a mere 0.1 fJ per synaptic operation, which is lower than the energy required by a single synaptic event observed in the human brain. Furthermore, these devices demonstrate high-pass filtering capabilities, highlighting their potential in image-sharpening applications. In particular, by synergistically modulating the photoconductivity and electrical gate bias, versatile logic capabilities are demonstrated within a single device, enabling it to flexibly perform both Boolean AND and OR gate operations. This work demonstrates a viable approach for Lewis acid-treated TMDs to realize multifunctional photoelectric synapses for neuromorphic computing.

Baseline Neck Disability Index and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Predict Postoperative Return to Normal in Cervical Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies assessing the importance of various preoperative factors on postoperative outcomes following spine surgery have uncovered several important variables that influence subjective and objective outcomes following cervical spine surgery, but it is still unclear which patients are most likely to benefit from operative management. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess whether preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be used to predict which patients achieve "normal" levels of pain and function after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: This study included all adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery by 1 of 7 senior spine surgeons at our institution between 2016 and 2018. Of the 164 patients who were eligible for 6-month follow-up at the time that study data were collected, 139 had available follow-up data and were included in our analysis. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Patients completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) as well as the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference computer adaptive tests preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. METHODS: Patients who achieved postoperative patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) for NDI (≤17) and the normative mean (50) for PROMIS were identified. The relationship between preoperative PROMs and the probability of achieving PASS and the normative mean was assessed. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria with diagnoses of myelopathy (n = 36), radiculopathy (n = 48), and myeloradiculopathy (n = 49). For NDI, a 1-point worsening in the preoperative score resulted in an OR of achieving PASS of 0.96 (P < 0.001) in the overall population. This association held true for patients with radiculopathy (OR 0.96; P = 0.022) but not myelopathy (OR 0.98; P = 0.35). For PROMIS PF, a 1-point improvement in the preoperative score resulted in an OR of achieving the normative mean of 1.10 (P < 0.001). This association held true for patients with radiculopathy (OR 1.14; P = 0.033) but did not reach statistical significance for patients with myelopathy (OR 1.03; P = 0.515). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PROMs can predict postoperative benefit for patients undergoing cervical spine surgery, with worse baseline function associated with a lower likelihood of attaining PASS for NDI and the normative mean for PROMIS PF, especially for patients with radiculopathy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Baseline symptoms and function, including myelopathy or radiculopathy-dominant symptoms and preoperative PROMs, may predict postoperative outcomes.

The value of chromosome instability detected by low-pass whole-genome sequencing in preoperative prediction of sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

Background: Breast cancer is a malignancy characterized by chromosomal instability (CIN). This study aimed to examine the potential diagnostic value of chromosomal instability, detected by low-pass whole-genome sequencing (LPWGS), in the preoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph node metastasis (SLNM) in breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective investigation of clinical records from 29 patients with breast cancer revealed two distinct groups based on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) results: the SLN metastasis group (24 cases) and the SLN non-metastasis group (five cases). CIN and CIN scores were evaluated using LPWGS. An analysis of univariate data and binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors influencing SLNM, and a curve with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was constructed to assess the diagnostic utility of CIN in predicting SLNM. Results: A significant association between the SLNM and CIN high groups was observed in breast cancer (P=0.011). The CIN score in the metastasis group (17,665.055 ± 8,630.691) was higher than that in the non-metastasis group (9,247.973 ± 3,692.873), demonstrating a significant difference (P=0.044). Univariate binary logistic regression analysis indicated that CIN was a significant predictor for SLNM (odds ratio: 4.036, 95% CI: 1.015-16.047, P=0.048). The AUC of CIN for preoperative diagnosis of SLNM was 0.808 (95%CI: 0.635-0.982, P=0.033), with a sensitivity value of 67.0% and specificity of 100.0% at a threshold of 13,563. Conclusion: Detecting CIN through LPWGS demonstrates diagnostic potential in predicting SLNM in patients with breast cancer before surgery. This approach offers a novel method for assessing axillary lymph node status in clinical practice.

A study on aerodynamic pass-by noise based on equivalent source method.

Pass-by noise generated by high-speed trains is an important influencing factor on the surrounding environment and is getting more and more attention with the increase of speed. In the past, the aerodynamic pass-by noise prediction was usually conducted with the wind tunnel mode, ignoring the Doppler effect. In this paper, an equivalent source method considering the Doppler effect is proposed to study the aerodynamic pass-by noise. A cylinder case is considered first to verify the effectiveness of the method. Then a DSA 380 pantograph of a Chinese high-speed train is considered. The pantograph is divided into three parts, and each part is equivalent to a monopole or dipole sound source. Results show that the upper part of the pantograph is closer to a dipole source, while the middle and lower parts are closer to a monopole source. When the measurement point is directly above the pantogragh, the contribution of the upper part is the largest, while for both sides measurement points of the pantograph, the contribution of the upper part is the smallest.

Prediction of complications after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: feasibility of E­PASS score.

PURPOSE: With significant advancements in laparoscopic procedures and tools over the last decade, the partial nephrectomy (PN) surgical approach has gradually transformed from open to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Although numerous studies evaluating the postoperative complications of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be found in the literature, a scoring system that addresses both preoperative physical condition and intraoperative risk factors has not yet been established. The Estimation of Physiological Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS) score is a scoring system that considers both the patient's preoperative condition and intraoperative variables to predict the risk of postoperative complications in surgically treated patients. This study aimed to assess the applicability of the E-PASS scoring system for predicting postoperative complications following LPN. METHODS: We analyzed data of 196 patients who underwent LPN between 2017 and 2024 by a single surgeon in this single-center retrospective study. Demographic data of the patients, parameters reflecting patients' preoperative physical condition, and intraoperative risk factors were recorded. Postoperative complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system. The E-PASS score and its sub-scores were calculated for each patient. RESULTS: Various degrees of complications developed in 46 patients (23.5%). Patients who developed complications had significantly higher mean age, performance scores, tumor sizes, length of hospital stay, and E-PASS values. The cutoff value of the E-PASS Comprehensive Risk Score (CRS) for predicting the development of postoperative complications was determined to be - 0.1692 (AUC = 0.676; 95% CI 0.581-0.771; p < 0.001). According to the results of the multivariate analysis, the presence of E-PASS CRS > - 0.1692 (OR 4.872; 95% CI 2.384-9.957; p < 0.001) and tumor size (OR 1.021; 95% CI 1-1.041; p = 0.047) was identified as independent risk factors predicting postoperative complications. Patients with a CRS higher than the cutoff value had a 4.87 times higher rate of postoperative complications after LPN. CONCLUSION: The E-PASS scoring model successfully predicts postoperative complications in patients undergoing LPN by utilizing preoperative data on the patient's physical condition and surgical risk factors. The E-PASS score and its sub-scores can serve as objective criteria to determine the risk of postoperative complications both preoperatively and immediately postoperatively.

Private Medicare plans' responses to benchmark changes and competition before and after the Affordable Care Act's payment cuts.

OBJECTIVE: To examine how private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans responded to slower growth in federal payments after the Affordable Care Act (ACA). DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: We used publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on MA plan subsidies ("benchmarks"), asking prices ("bids"), plan premiums, cost-sharing, and covered benefits. Data covered all counties with MA plans between 2006 through 2019. STUDY DESIGN: We examined plan responses to changes in benchmark subsidies by comparing changes in bids, rebates, and other outcomes between counties experiencing larger changes in benchmarks and counties with smaller changes, pre- and post-ACA. We used longitudinal fixed effects regression models to assess heterogeneity in how plans adjusted premiums and benefits across more and less competitive markets. DATA COLLECTION: Analyses included all counties with at least one MA plan available to individual beneficiaries. Plans targeting special populations were excluded. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Average plan benchmarks fell by $89 per month post-ACA, adjusted for inflation. Plans responded similarly to benchmark subsidy decreases and increases, increasing bids by 62 cents for every dollar increase in subsidies pre-ACA (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56 to 0.67) and decreasing them by 57 cents for every dollar reduction in subsidies post-ACA (95% CI: 0.49-0.65). However, post-ACA, plans altered less salient benefits, such as cost-sharing, by about twice as much as they had pre-ACA. Premiums changed by similar amounts before and after the ACA (-$0.07, 95% CI: from -$0.09 to -$0.06). Plans in more competitive markets responded less to payment changes than plans did in less competitive markets, suggesting the former are operating closer to marginal costs. Finally, payments to plans declined far less than projected due in part to other changes in MA policy. CONCLUSIONS: Plans used partial pass-through of benchmark subsidy decreases to shield beneficiaries from cuts and allocated benchmark decreases to benefits that were less salient to the average enrollee. These findings, combined with higher-than-projected payments post-ACA, may explain the continued growth in MA enrollment.

Effects of reperfusion grade and reperfusion strategy on the clinical outcome: Insights from ESCAPE-NA1 trial.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the association of reperfusion quality and different patterns of achieved reperfusion with clinical and radiological outcomes in the ESCAPE NA1 trial. METHODS: Data are from the ESCAPE-NA1 trial. Good clinical outcome [90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2], excellent outcome (90-day mRS0-1), isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage, symptomatic hemorrhage (sICH) on follow-up imaging, and death were compared across different levels of reperfusion defined by expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) Scale. Comparisons were also made between patients with (a) first-pass eTICI 2c3 reperfusion vs multiple-pass eTICI 2c3; (b) final eTICI 2b reperfusion vs eTICI 2b converted-to-eTICI 2c3; (c) sudden reperfusion vs gradual reperfusion if >1 pass was required. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations of reperfusion grade and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Of 1037 included patients, final eTICI 0-1 was achieved in 46 (4.4%), eTICI 2a in 76 (7.3%), eTICI 2b in 424 (40.9%), eTICI 2c in 284 (27.4%), and eTICI 3 in 207 (20%) patients. The odds for good and excellent clinical outcome gradually increased with improved reperfusion grades (adjOR ranging from 5.7-29.3 and 4.3-17.6) and decreased for sICH and death. No differences in outcomes between first-pass versus multiple-pass eTICI 2c3, eTICI 2b converted-to-eTICI 2c3 versus unchanged eTICI 2b and between sudden versus gradual eTICI 2c3 reperfusion were observed. CONCLUSION: Better reperfusion degrees significantly improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality, independent of the number of passes and whether eTICI 2c3 was achieved suddenly or gradually.

Virtual screening study for biological activity assessment and metabolism pathway of a fuel dye in airborne exposure scenario.

The utilization of synthetic dyes increases the risk to human health. Despite the progress of information on azo dyes, very little attention has been reported on toxicity assessment of anthraquinone dyes. Solvent Blue 35 (SB35) is one of the anthraquinone dyes likely to be encountered because of its increasing use in various industries. Whereas the design of laboratory tests is very expensive, in silico screening was used to predict the metabolic profile and toxicity effect of SB35. MetaTox software was used to predict the metabolites of phase I and II in two layers. Since airborne exposure has been considered, the pathways of inhalation and dermal absorption of SB35 were investigated through the SwissADME model based on the modified Lipinski's rule of five. To predict the biological effect and toxicity of SB35 and each of the metabolites, PASS online software was used. Chemical activity was considered according to the probability of activation values (Pa) higher than the probability of inactivation values (Pi). N- dealkylation of SB35 was predicted in the first layer, while seven active compounds were obtained in the second layer from phases I and II reactions. Investigating the physicochemical properties of SB35 confirmed inhalation absorption for occupational exposure scenarios. All metabolites are absorbed from intestinal routes based on the RO5 rules. SB35 and their metabolites have an effective substrate role for the sub-type of CYP 450 enzymes. The toxicity effect of carcinogenicity for SB35 and mutagenicity for metabolites are predicted while confirmed with some biological effects. However, reproductive disorders are pointed with SB35 by probability higher than 70%. Virtual screening methods are efficient tools for creating cost-effective predictions in the hazard's evaluation of SB35. However, a perspective view is suggested before decision-making for laboratory designing tests.

Influence of ore-drawing port position on ore-rock flow characteristics in ore pass and lateral pressure on ore pass wall.

The blockage and the deformation and failure of the ore pass walls constitute two major problems in applying the ore passes in mines. These problems, which affect the normal operation of mine production, have attracted widespread attention worldwide. The labeled-particle layers method based on numerical simulation was used to investigate the flow characteristics of the ore-rock bulk in the ore pass under different eccentric distances of the ore-drawing port center and ore pass centerline. Moreover, the overpressure coefficient and overpressure number are used to evaluate the degree of damage to the ore-pass wall. The results show that: (1) During the ore drawing process under different eccentricities, the flow patterns of the topmost labeled-particle layers in the ore pass are always in a "-" shaped distribution, and the other layers in the ore pass gradually transition from a "-" shape to a "U" shaped distribution, and then gradually to a "V" shape closer to the drawing funnel; (2) in the range of the ore-drawing funnel, the flow pattern of the ore-rock bulk gradually changes from an upright "V" shape to an italic "V" shape with increasing eccentricity and tip slants to the drawing port, and is less affected in the shaft; and (3) the dynamic lateral pressure caused by the ore-rock flow mainly acts on the lower part of the storage section. When the eccentricity is 0.5 m, the maximum overpressure coefficient and overpressure times are the smallest, leading to the lowest damage degree of the ore pass wall.

In the Era of pass/fail: Medical student perceptions on optimizing their surgical residency applications.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear how changes to the 2023-2024 Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application will impact future applicants. We investigate students' perceptions about applying to residency during this transition period. METHODS: An anonymous electronic survey was sent to medical students through social media of a women's surgical society. Questions reflected aspects of the ERAS application. RESULTS: There were 415 responses, with 68 â€‹% planning to apply into surgical specialties (SS) and 17 â€‹% into non-surgical specialties (NSS). Compared with the NSS group, SS students reported decreased confidence in successfully matching, less attainable applicant expectations, and increased personal sacrifices to pursue their residency of interest. Students interested in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) placed 3-times more importance on the number of publications than General Surgery students. Away rotations were rated significantly more important for Otolaryngology, Orthopaedic, and PRS students. CONCLUSION: Students applying into surgical residencies experience unique stressors. Values among SS students differed across surgical subspecialties in preparation for the match. Further investigation characterizing the relationship between these values and characteristics of successful resident applicants is warranted.

Cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy by low-pass whole genome sequencing for clinical disease monitoring in pediatric embryonal tumors.

Background: Liquid biopsy assays that detect cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are a promising tool for disease monitoring in pediatric patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. As a compliment to tissue-derived molecular analyses, CSF liquid biopsy has the potential to transform risk stratification, prognostication, and precision medicine approaches. Methods: In this pilot study, we evaluated a clinical pipeline to determine feasibility and sensitivity of low-pass whole genome sequencing (LP-WGS) of CSF-derived cfDNA from patients with CNS embryonal tumors. Thirty-two longitudinal CSF samples collected from 17 patients with molecularly characterized medulloblastoma (12), embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (2), CNS embryonal tumor, not elsewhere classified (NEC) (2), and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (1) were analyzed. Results: Adequate CSF-derived cfDNA for LP-WGS analysis was obtained in 94% of samples (30/32). Copy number variants compatible with neoplasia were detected in 90% (27/30) and included key alterations, such as isodicentric ch17, monosomy 6, and MYCN amplification, among others. Compared to tissue specimens, LP-WGS detected additional aberrations in CSF not previously identified in corresponding primary tumor specimens, suggesting a more comprehensive profile of tumor heterogeneity or evolution of cfDNA profiles over time. Among the 12 CSF samples obtained at initial staging, only 2 (17%) were cytologically positive, compared to 11 (92%) that were copy number positive by LP-WGS. Conclusions: LP-WGS of CSF-derived cfDNA is feasible using a clinical platform, with greater sensitivity for tumor detection compared to conventional CSF cytologic analysis at initial staging. Large prospective studies are needed to further evaluate LP-WGS as a predictive biomarker.

The ancient mitochondrial genome of a Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) from Jartai Pass Site in Xinjiang, China, and its phylogenetic relationships.

The ancient mitochondrial genome of a Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) coded as NJ26S from Jartai Pass Site was obtained by high throughput sequencing. The damage pattern demonstrated the authenticity and reliability of the ancient DNA data. The length of the mitogenome was 16,357 bp, which contained 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one control region. The total base composition of the mitochondrial genome is 28.17% A, 25.01% T, 11.89% G, 19.72% C, and 15.21% missing data with an AT composition of 53.18%. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was recovered including other roe deer sequences under the TIM2 + I + G4 model. This study presents molecular evidence indicating the presence of Capreolus pygargus in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China more than 3,000 years ago.

Improvement in Math Ability and Cognitive Processing in Children with Low Attention: An Intervention Based on PASS Theory.

This study investigates the effects of math training on math and cognitive performance among 8-9 year-old students with low attention. Fifty-six students with low attention were randomly assigned to a training group (n = 24) and a passive control group (n = 32). They completed math problem-solving, calculation fluency and PASS cognitive processing tests both before and after training. The children in the training group received 3 days of training per week for a total of 21 days using the math modules of The Children's Mathematics and Cognition Training Manual in Chinese. The results showed that the training group's math problem-solving performance improved significantly. Moreover, the cognitive performance on the CAS-2 in the planning and simultaneous processing tests for the training group was enhanced. The implications of these findings are discussed with consideration of the interpretability being constrained by the fact that no active control condition was applied.