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For several years, a growing interest among numerous researchers and investors in predicting stock price movements has spurred extensive exploration into employing advanced deep learning models. These models aim to develop systems capable of comprehending the stock market's complex nature. Despite the immense challenge posed by the diverse factors influencing stock price forecasting, there remains a notable lack of research focused on identifying the essential feature set for accurate predictions. In this study, we propose a Dynamic Feature Selection System (DFSS) to predict stock prices across the 10 major industries, as classified by the FnGuide Industry Classification Standard (FICS) in South Korea. We apply 16 feature selection algorithms from filter, wrapper, embedded, and ensemble categories. Subsequently, we adjust the settings of industry-specific index data to evaluate the model's performance and robustness over time. Our comprehensive results identify the optimal feature sets that significantly impact stock prices within each sector at specific points in time. By analyzing the inclusion ratios and significance of the optimal feature set by category, we gain insights into the proportion of feature classes and their importance. This analysis ensures the interpretability and reliability of our model. The proposed methodology complements existing methods that do not consider changes in the types of variables significantly affecting stock prices over time by dynamically adjusting the input variables used for learning. The primary goal of this study is to enhance active investment strategies by facilitating the creation of diversified portfolios for individual stocks across various sectors, offering robust models and feature sets that consistently demonstrate high performance across industries over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine how physical function, physical activity, and sleep are related to depressive symptoms in older adults using a nonlinear model. The participants were 283 Korean older adults aged 65 and older who met the study inclusion criteria. Depressive symptoms were measured using the shortened version of the Geriatric Depression Scale in Korean (SGDS-K). Physical activity and sleep time were objectively quantified by continuously monitoring participants over 20 consecutive days using a triaxial accelerometer. Physical function was evaluated using five distinct measurements: grip strength, gait speed, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Six-Minute Walk Test (SMWT), and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST). The SMWT, gait speed, and MVPA exhibited a nonlinear relationship with depressive symptoms. However, other physical functions showed linear relationships. Also, sleep time showed a U-shaped trend starting at approximately 390 min. After adjusting for age, sex, drinking, and smoking in the logistic regression model, SMWT, MVPA, and sleep time were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. The outcomes highlight the importance of considering multiple factors in understanding depression among the elderly, particularly the intricate interactions between these elements and biological rhythms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Research on whether wearable device interventions can effectively prevent metabolic syndrome remains insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feedback on clinical indicators in patients with metabolic syndrome on activities measured using wearable devices, such as smartphone apps. Methods: Patients with metabolic syndrome were recruited and prescribed to live for 12 weeks using a wrist-wearable device (B.BAND, B Life Inc., Korea). A block randomization method was used to distribute participants between the intervention (n=35) and control groups (n=32). In the intervention group, an experienced study coordinator provided feedback on physical activity to individuals through telephonic counseling every other week. Results: The mean number of steps in the control group was 8892.86 (4473.53), and those in the intervention group was 10,129.31 (4224.11). After 12 weeks, metabolic syndrome was resolved. Notably, there were statistically significant differences in the metabolic composition among the participants who completed the intervention. The mean number of metabolic disorder components per person remained at 3 in the control group, and decreased from 4 to 3 in the intervention group. Additionally, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced, while HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the intervention group. Conclusion: Overall, 12 weeks of telephonic counseling intervention using wearable device-based physical activity confirmation improved the damaged metabolic components of patients with metabolic syndrome. Telephonic intervention can help increase physical activity and reduce waist circumference, which is a typical clinical indicator of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bafilomycin A1, a vacuolar H+-ATPase inhibitor, and botulinum toxin B and tetanus toxin, both vesicle fusion inhibitors, are widely known exocytosis blockers that have been used to inhibit the presynaptic release of neurotransmitters. However, protein trafficking mechanisms, such as the insertion of postsynaptic receptors and astrocytic glutamate-releasing channels into the plasma membrane, also require exocytosis. In our previous study, exocytosis inhibitors reduced the surface expression of astrocytic glutamate-releasing channels. Here, we further investigated whether exocytosis inhibitors influence the surface expression of postsynaptic receptors. Using pH-sensitive superecliptic pHluorin (SEP)-tagged postsynaptic glutamate receptors, including GluA1, GluA2, GluN1, and GluN2A, we found that bafilomycin A1, botulinum toxin B, and/or tetanus toxin reduce the SEP fluorescence of SEP-GluA1, SEP-GluA2, SEP-GluN1, and SEP-GluN2A. These findings indicate that presynaptic vesicle exocytosis inhibitors also affect the postsynaptic trafficking machinery for surface expression. Finally, this study provides profound insights assembling presynaptic, postsynaptic and astrocytic viewpoints into the interpretation of the data obtained using these synaptic vesicle exocytosis inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: Neuronal activity causes astrocytic volume change via K+ uptake through TREK‐1 containing two‐pore domain potassium channels.The volume transient is terminated by Cl− efflux through the Ca2+‐activated anion channel BEST1.The source of the Ca2+ required to open BEST1 appears to be the stretch‐activated TRPA1 channel.Intense neuronal activity is synaptically coupled with a physical change in astrocytes via volume transients. The brain volume changes dynamically and transiently upon intense neuronal activity through a tight regulation of ion concentrations and water movement across the plasma membrane of astrocytes. We have recently demonstrated that an intense neuronal activity and subsequent astrocytic AQP4‐dependent volume transient are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory. We have also pharmacologically demonstrated a functional coupling between synaptic activity and the astrocytic volume transient. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of how intense neuronal activity and the astrocytic volume transient are coupled remain unclear. Here we utilized an intrinsic optical signal imaging technique combined with fluorescence imaging using ion sensitive dyes and molecular probes and electrophysiology to investigate the detailed molecular mechanisms in genetically modified mice. We report that a brief synaptic activity induced by a train stimulation (20 Hz, 1 s) causes a prolonged astrocytic volume transient (80 s) via K+ uptake through TREK‐1 containing two‐pore domain potassium (K2P) channels, but not Kir4.1 or NKCC1. This volume change is terminated by Cl− efflux through the Ca2+‐activated anion channel BEST1, but not the volume‐regulated anion channel TTYH. The source of the Ca2+ required to open BEST1 appears to be the stretch‐activated TRPA1 channel in astrocytes, but not IP3R2. In summary, our study identifies several important astrocytic ion channels (AQP4, TREK‐1, BEST1, TRPA1) as the key molecules leading to the neuronal activity‐dependent volume transient in astrocytes. Our findings reveal new molecular and cellular mechanisms for the synaptic coupling of intense neuronal activity with a physical change in astrocytes via volume transients. Key points: Neuronal activity causes astrocytic volume change via K+ uptake through TREK‐1 containing two‐pore domain potassium channels.The volume transient is terminated by Cl− efflux through the Ca2+‐activated anion channel BEST1.The source of the Ca2+ required to open BEST1 appears to be the stretch‐activated TRPA1 channel.Intense neuronal activity is synaptically coupled with a physical change in astrocytes via volume transients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information and communication technology (ICT)‐based training devices for older adults' care related to dementia are being developed to enhance older adults' cognitive functions. Older adults who require bicycle training devices can improve muscle strength and balance of lower limbs by continuously contracting and relaxing lower‐limb muscles and improving cognitive function to prevent dementia. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an ICT‐based multicomponent program on body composition and cognitive function in older adults. Method: In a randomized controlled intervention test on 20 people over the age of 60 (exercise group: n = 10; control: n = 10), the multicomponent program was applied to the exercise group twice per week, once per day for 12 weeks, at 30 min per session, whereas the control group was advised to maintain their usual daily activities. Result: Comparing body composition changes and cognitive function changes before and after intervention exhibited statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass (P = 0.01) and modified Alzheimer's disease assessment scale–cognitive score (P = 0.01) between the two groups. Conclusion: It can be difficult to be engaged in a simple repetitive exercise program. Therefore, to meet older adults' interests and expectations, a customized ICT‐based multicomponent program, which can improve body composition and cognitive function in older adults and is believed to help prevent dementia, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combined‐exercise intervention program on cognitive and physical functions. Method: In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 167 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The definition of MCI was based on medical evaluations through a clinical interview conducted by a dementia specialist. Cognitive assessments were performed by neuropsychologists according to standardized methods, including the MMSE and frontal cognitive function, both at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up. The program comprised physical activity and behavior modification, exercise (aerobic and resistance), and a cognitive and exercise combined intervention program. Result: Analysis of the subjects for group‐time interactions revealed that the exercise group exhibited a significantly improved attention, working memory, and executive function. Total habitual physical activity levels during intervention were associated with improvements in cognitive function, gait performance and the SPPB score, and the associations were stronger for those who are 75 and older are more likely than for <75, and those who have prefrail than frail individuals. Conclusion: The 6‐month combined intervention improved cognitive function and physical function in patients with cognitive impairment relative to controls. Encouraging and motivating older adults, particularly old‐older adults and prefrail individual, to improve moderate physical activity under supervision, during ongoing intervention, may be more beneficial to prevent cognitive decline and improve exercise adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting evidence shows that economic and climate variables such as income, energy price, and temperature impact energy demand. We examined another variable, population age distribution, which has rarely been considered, that could affect energy demand. We employ population polynomials to account for the impact of population age distribution on residential electricity consumption in Korea. Using panel data from 1990 to 2016, we verify that populations aged 20~44, and those over 60, raise residential electricity consumption. We additionally evaluate the impact of population age distribution in forecasting future electricity consumption and conclude that age distribution effects dominate total population growth effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the association between a virtual reality (VR) intervention program and cognitive, brain and physical functions in high-risk older adults. In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 68 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The MCI diagnosis was based on medical evaluations through a clinical interview conducted by a dementia specialist. Cognitive assessments were performed by neuropsychologists according to standardized methods, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and frontal cognitive function: trail making test (TMT) A & B, and symbol digit substitute test (SDST). Resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) was measured in eyes open and eyes closed conditions for 5 minutes each, with a 19-channel wireless EEG device. The VR intervention program (3 times/week, 100 min each session) comprised four types of VR game-based content to improve the attention, memory and processing speed. Analysis of the subjects for group–time interactions revealed that the intervention group exhibited a significantly improved executive function and brain function at the resting state. Additionally, gait speed and mobility were also significantly improved between and after the follow-up. The VR-based training program improved cognitive and physical function in patients with MCI relative to controls. Encouraging patients to perform VR and game-based training may be beneficial to prevent cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we empirically investigate the impact of the population age structure on electricity demand. Our study is motivated by suggestions from existing literature that demographic factors can play an important role in energy demand. Using Korean regional level panel data for 2000 to 2016, we estimate the long-run elasticities through employing cointegration regression and the short-run marginal effects by developing a panel error correction model. It is worth investigating the Korean case, since Korea is aging faster than any other advanced economy, and at the same time is one of the heaviest energy users in the world. To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing how the population age structure affects residential electricity demand, based on regional data in Korea. Our analysis presents the following results. First, an increase in the youth population raises the residential electricity demand in the short- and long-run. Second, an increase in the population of people aged 65 and over also increases this electricity demand in the short- and long-run. Third, among the group of people aged 65 and over, we further investigate the impact of an older population group, aged 80 and over, but separately, on their residential electricity demand. However, in general there is no strong relationship in the short- and long-run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporal control of brain activity by optogenetics has emerged as an essential tool to study brain function. For silencing brain activity, optogenetic probes, such as halorhodopsin and archaerhodopsin, inhibit transmitter release indirectly by hyperpolarizing membrane potentials. However, these probes cause an undesirable ionic imbalance and rebound spikes. Moreover, they are not applicable to use in non-excitable glial cells. Here we engineered Opto-vTrap, a light-inducible and reversible inhibition system to temporarily trap the transmitter-containing vesicles from exocytotic release. Light activation of Opto-vTrap caused full vesicle clusterization and complete inhibition of exocytosis within 1 min, which recovered within 30 min after light off. We found a significant reduction in synaptic and gliotransmission upon activation of Opto-vTrap in acute brain slices. Opto-vTrap significantly inhibited hippocampus-dependent memory retrieval with full recovery within an hour. We propose Opto-vTrap as a next-generation optogenetic silencer to control brain activity and behavior with minimal confounding effects. [Display omitted] • Opto-vTrap is a quickly reversible optogenetic tool for inhibition of vesicular release • It is a blue-light-induced vesicle-trapping system based on CRY2 and CIBN interaction • It shows reversible inhibition of synaptic and gliotransmission and behavior. • Opto-vTrap can be applied broadly in in vitro , ex vivo , and in vivo models Won et al. engineered Opto-vTrap, a light-inducible and quickly reversible inhibition system to temporarily trap transmitter-containing vesicles from vesicular exocytosis. Opto-vTrap can be used widely in cells, brain slices, and animal behavioral experiments with fast recovery and without affecting membrane potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies on varicose veins have focused its effects on physical function; however, whether nonsurgical treatments alter muscle oxygenation or physical function remains unclear. Moreover, the differences in such functions between individuals with varicose veins and healthy individuals remain unclear., Aim: To investigate changes in physical function and the quality of life (QOL) following nonsurgical treatment of patients with varicose veins and determine the changes in their muscle oxygenation during activity., Methods: We enrolled 37 participants (those with varicose veins, n = 17; healthy individuals, n = 20). We performed the following measurements pre- and post-nonsurgical treatment in the varicose vein patients and healthy individuals: Calf muscle oxygenation during the two-minute step test, open eyes one-leg stance, 30 s sit-to-stand test, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, physical activity assessment, and QOL assessment., Results: Varicose veins patients and healthy individuals differ in most variables (physical function, sleep quality, and QOL). Varicose veins patients showed significant differences between pre- and post-nonsurgical treatment- results in the 30 sit-to-stand test [14.41 (2.45) to 16.35 (4.11), P = 0.018), two-minute step test [162.29 (25.98) to 170.65 (23.80), P = 0.037], VAS for pain [5.35 (1.90) to 3.88 (1.73), P = 0.004], and QOL [39.34 (19.98) to 26.69 (17.02), P = 0.005]; however, no significant difference was observed for muscle oxygenation., Conclusion: Nonsurgical treatment improved lower extremity function and QOL in varicose veins patients, bringing their condition close to that of healthy individuals. Future studies should include patients with severe varicose veins requiring surgery to confirm our findings., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

The TMEM43 has been studied in human diseases such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5 (ARVC5) and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). In the heart, the p.(Ser358Leu) mutation has been shown to alter intercalated disc protein function and disturb beating rhythms. In the cochlea, the p.(Arg372Ter) mutation has been shown to disrupt connexin-linked function in glia-like supporting cells (GLSs), which maintain inner ear homeostasis for hearing. The TMEM43-p.(Arg372Ter) mutant knock-in mice displayed a significantly reduced passive conductance current in the cochlear GLSs, raising a possibility that TMEM43 is essential for mediating the passive conductance current in GLSs. In the brain, the two-pore-domain potassium (K2P) channels are generally known as the "leak channels" to mediate background conductance current, raising another possibility that K2P channels might contribute to the passive conductance current in GLSs. However, the possible association between TMEM43 and K2P channels has not been investigated yet. In this study, we examined whether TMEM43 physically interacts with one of the K2P channels in the cochlea, KCNK3 (TASK-1). Utilizing co-immunoprecipitation (IP) assay and Duolink proximity ligation assay (PLA), we revealed that TMEM43 and TASK-1 proteins could directly interact. Genetic modifications further delineated that the intracellular loop domain of TMEM43 is responsible for TASK-1 binding. In the end, gene-silencing of Task-1 resulted in significantly reduced passive conductance current in GLSs. Together, our findings demonstrate that TMEM43 and TASK-1 form a protein-protein interaction in the cochlea and provide the possibility that TASK-1 is a potential contributor to the passive conductance current in GLSs.

A single stressful event can cause morphologic and functional changes in neurons and even malfunction of vascular systems, which can lead to acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding how acute stress impacts neuronal activity, the concurrent vascular response, and the relationship between these two factors, which is defined as neurovascular coupling. Here, using in vivo two-photon imaging, we found that NMDA-evoked calcium transients of excitatory neurons were impaired and that vasodilation of penetrating arterioles was concomitantly disrupted in acutely stressed male mice. Furthermore, acute stress altered the relationship between excitatory neuronal calcium coherence and vascular responses. By measuring NMDA-evoked excitatory and inhibitory neuronal calcium activity in acute brain slices, we confirmed that neuronal coherence both between excitatory neurons and between excitatory and inhibitory neurons was reduced by acute stress but restored by blockade of glucocorticoid receptor signaling. Furthermore, the ratio of sEPSCs to sIPSCs was altered by acute stress, suggesting that the excitation-inhibition balance was disrupted by acute stress. In summary, in vivo , ex vivo , and whole-cell recording studies demonstrate that acute stress modifies excitatory-inhibitory neuronal coherence, disrupts the excitation-inhibition balance, and causes consequent neurovascular coupling changes, providing critical insights into the neural mechanism of stress-induced disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Acute stress can cause pathologic conditions, such as acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, by affecting the functions of neurons and blood vessels. However, investigations into the impacts of acute stress on neurovascular coupling, the tight connection between local neural activity and subsequent blood flow changes, are lacking. Through investigations at the in vivo , ex vivo , and whole-cell recording levels, we found that acute stress alters the NMDA-evoked vascular response, impairs the function and coherence of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and disrupts the excitatory and inhibitory balance. These novel findings provide insights into the relevance of the excitatory-inhibitory balance, neuronal coherence, and neurovascular coupling to stress-induced disorders., (Copyright © 2020 Han et al.)

In the brain, a reduction in extracellular osmolality causes water-influx and swelling, which subsequently triggers Cl - - and osmolytes-efflux via volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). Although LRRC8 family has been recently proposed as the pore-forming VRAC which is activated by low cytoplasmic ionic strength but not by swelling, the molecular identity of the pore-forming swelling-dependent VRAC (VRAC swell ) remains unclear. Here we identify and characterize Tweety-homologs (TTYH1, TTYH2, TTYH3) as the major VRAC swell in astrocytes. Gene-silencing of all Ttyh1/2/3 eliminated hypo-osmotic-solution-induced Cl - conductance (I Cl,swell ) in cultured and hippocampal astrocytes. When heterologously expressed in HEK293T or CHO-K1 cells, each TTYH isoform showed a significant I Cl,swell with similar aquaporin-4 dependency, pharmacological properties and glutamate permeability as I Cl,swell observed in native astrocytes. Mutagenesis-based structure-activity analysis revealed that positively charged arginine residue at 165 in TTYH1 and 164 in TTYH2 is critical for the formation of the channel-pore. Our results demonstrate that TTYH family confers the bona fide VRAC swell in the brain.