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How should consumers sequence the different stimuli they consume: cluster each stimulus together, or intermix them to break things up? Surprisingly, prior literature has provided little insight into this question, even though consumers face it on a regular basis. We propose that clustering each stimulus type together can prolong enjoyment (vs. intermixing the types). Six studies confirm that clustering slows hedonic decline, and process evidence shows this happens because clustering leads people to attend more to the different details offered by a stimulus during repeated exposures. We also establish two boundary conditions for this effect: clustering does not slow hedonic decline in the presence of regular intervening distractions, or for impoverished stimuli lacking rich details. The present work is among the first to examine the interplay of consumption sequence and hedonic decline, and the findings provide consumers and firms with practical guidance on how to consider sequencing experiences to enjoy them longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In TBLT research, there is a noticeable lack of attention to the use of tasks with whole classes. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating the discourse of whole-class task-based teacher-student interaction compared to other types of teacher-student interaction in EFL classrooms in a primary school in China. A total of 223 pedagogic sequences from 16 EFL lessons taught by Chinese teachers to Grade 1 to 5 primary school student were recorded, transcribed, and coded as tasks or non-tasks using the four defining features of tasks proposed by Ellis and Shintani (2014. Exploring language pedagogy through second language acquisition research. London: Routledge). The analysis revealed that 95 sequences were task-based, 44 were non-task-based (i.e. they contained none of the four task features) and a further 84 sequences were also non-task-based but contained some but not all the four task features. In terms of the discourse features of task versus non-tasks sequences, task sequences had a higher ratio of teacher talk to student talk, a higher frequency of IRF exchanges, a lower frequency of teacher-class interaction, a lower frequency of teacher-initiated exchanges, a higher frequency of FoM exchanges and a lower frequency of FoFs exchanges, and a higher frequency of both display and referential questions. Overall, the findings provide process-oriented evidence for the distinctiveness of task-based teacher-student interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a method for applying the p-ary m-sequence as a channel-searching pattern for rendezvous in the asymmetric channel model of cognitive radio. We mathematically analyzed and calculated the ETTR when the m-sequence is applied to the conventional scheme, and our simulation results demonstrated that the ETTR performance is significantly better than that of the JS algorithm. Furthermore, we introduced a new channel-searching scheme that maximizes the benefits of the m-sequence and proposed a method to adapt the generation of the m-sequence for use in the newly proposed scheme. We also derived the ETTR mathematically for the new scheme with the m-sequence and showed through simulations that the performance of the new scheme with the m-sequence is superior to that of the conventional scheme with the m-sequence. Notably, when there is only one common channel, the new scheme with the m-sequence achieved approximately four times the improvement in the ETTR compared to the conventional scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two modal verbs of German are regularly used to express deontic possibility: können ('can') and dürfen ('may'). We examine how speakers select between them, focusing on modal inquiries for permission to carry out some action (darf/kann ich das machen, 'may/can I do this'). Our data are video-recordings of everyday face-to-face interaction, which we analyze sequentially, drawing on interactional-linguistic methods. We find that local sequential context and aspects of visible turn-design systematically enter into the accomplishment of deontic meaning. (1) Position of the modal inquiry within a course of action informs verb selection: speakers select kann to nominate an action as coming "out of the blue" and initiating a new course of action; darf to nominate an action as sequentially occasioned: a solution to an already known-in-common problem. (2) Bodily behavior (gaze, body posture) guides the interpretation of modal flavor, moving a kann-inquiry towards a deontic or a circumstantial interpretation, and moving a darf-inquiry towards a deontic or a bouletic interpretation. Overall, the study demonstrates the systematic contributions of sequential position and body behavior in the accomplishment of modal meanings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay seeks to identify and discuss a recurrent narrative pattern in Don DeLillo's middle period novels, namely Libra, Underworld, Cosmopolis, and Falling Man. The pattern can be tentatively described as a multiplotted narrative structure, combining several sequences of events of varying duration and order. I propose the category "converging narratives" to depict it, drawing on the ambivalent meaning of "convergence" itself and referring to both the tendency converge and its fulfilment. I will argue that DeLillo's converging narratives work as sophisticated creative interrogations of the ideas of sequence and causality, which are insufficiently described through existing terminology. I draw on unnatural narratology and poststructuralist theory in order to formally describe and discuss the implications of DeLillo's converging narratives, identifying the ways in which narrative convergence fails to produce a sense of totality in them. My reading of these texts tries to move beyond the critical tendency to inscribe them within binary systems of aesthetic classification around realism, postmodernism, and post-postmodernism, which concentrate on the relation of fiction to the representation of totalities or closed systems. My conclusion points to how DeLillo creatively articulates an irresoluble tension between opposing forces at work within the very concept of "convergence." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almond is an economically important plant with a high genetic diversity, therefore molecular methods are reliable approaches to define and verify rapidly and correctly such diversity. This research sought the use of molecular markers for identifying and barcoding Almond genotypes in Duhok Province KRG- Iraq. It involved the application of Internal Transcribed Spacer region,18S-28S intergenic spacers, sequencing and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism identification. For this study, 8 genotypes were collected from various regions, namely the Barwari, Zakho, Bajlor, Kora, Kemeka, Pirumara, Qirqrava and Deragzhnic. The PCR amplification products of the ITS region and 18S-28S rDNA intergenic spacer were 700 bp. and 850 bp. respectively. To determine the types and the number of SNPs in the different genotypes, the sequencing data obtained in this study were compared to those in the NCBI. The SNPs results in the ITS region revealed 6 transversions within the Bajlor genotype (sequence three) and the clustering analysis showed that the eight almond genotypes were grouped into three main groups. Whereas SNPs results in the 18S-28S rDNA intergenic spacer detected a total number of 38 positions. 16 transition and 22 transversion sites within the Bajlor genotype (sequence three) while clustering analysis showed that the eight almond genotypes were grouped into two main groups. This study showed the feasibility of using those markers for possible DNA barcoding and identification of Almond genotypes in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study investigated occurrence of Salmonella in faecal sludge from public toilets in Nigeria and genetic relatedness of strains that have been reported to cause human infection across Africa. Methods and results The study collected 150 human sludge from public toilets and identified Salmonella through culture and PCR. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Draft sequences were compared with sequence data from Enterobase and GenBank. Twenty-four (16.0%) of sewage samples were positive for Salmonella [CI95 (10.2–21.8)]. Salmonella serotype Give [sequence type (ST) 516], Salmonella serotype Seftenberg (ST-14), and Salmonella serotype Chester (ST-411) were the most prevalent serovars found in 45.8%, 16.7%, and 16.7% of samples, respectively. Most of the isolates were sensitive to the antimicrobials tested, only one isolate of Salmonella serotype Derby showed resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin. Notably, 91.7% of the strains had the aac (6)-Iaa gene and point mutations in parC, gyrA , and acrB. Salmonella serotype Chester showed genetic relatedness with strains from Benin Republic and South Africa. Conclusions There is genetic relatedness of present strains and those associated with human infections in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reef-shoal gas reservoirs of the Changxing Formation are the major targets of natural gas exploration and development in the eastern Sichuan Basin. However, few studies have been seen on the development of reefs and their differences under the sequence framework of the entire eastern Sichuan Basin. Based on the pertinent core and seismic data for the Changxing Formation, principles of reef development were systematically studied, showing that: (1) The Changxing Formation is divided into three third-order sequences (i.e., Sq1–Sq3), based on the temporal and spatial evolution of reefs development. (2) Due to different platform margin structures, the reefs along the western platform margin mainly accreted vertically, whereas the eastern counterparts demonstrate obvious lateral migration. (3) Platform-margin reefs belt mostly developed in the Sq2-Sq3 highstand systems tract (HST) of the Kaijiang–Liangping troughs. Slope reefs developed in the Sq3 HST period, and intra-platform reefs developed in the Sq1-Sq3 period. (4) The Sq1 period was a transgression background, the sedimentary evolution from southwest to northeast towards the terrestrial clastic platform evolved into carbonate platform deposition. In this period, the reef was thin in thickness and small in scale, and the shoal facies were not developed. Because of the sea level rise, the carbonate platform range expanded, and reefs developed in Sq2 HST. The sq3 period was a carbonate platform sedimentary, and reefs’ development characteristics were similar to the Sq2 period. However, the platform margin reefs scale decreased and the distribution area increased; the intra-platform reefs scale and distribution were larger than the Sq2 period. This research results indicated exploration direction, which was conducive to breakthroughs of reef exploration in the eastern Sichuan Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanobodies are a subclass of antibodies found in camels. They are multifunctional molecular binding scaffolds composed of a single polypeptide chain. The excellent performance of nanobody determines its wide application in the fields of biomedical and food science. Although the sequence and structure data of nanobodies are very large, the heterogeneity of their sources and the lack of standardization hinder the reliable collection of nanobody information. In order to effectively integrate the huge data of nanobodies that have been published at present, it is necessary to establish a nanobody database for immunoinformatics. We propose a nanobody structure database system NANO (http://124.221.201.63:8000/index). The NANO system collects and stores the information of 2160 nanobody sequences and their structure. It provides basic search functions of text, sequence, amino acid region, and advanced search functions of species, affinity, and sequence length. Compared with the existing database systems INDI, PDB, NCBI and SAbDab-nano, the NANO system performs well in aspects of search field, search function coverage and search time performance. It can be used to screen or design high affinity nanobodies and promote the development of new nanobody specific calculation schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The impact of sidedness on survival of later-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is undetermined. This study aimed to investigate the association between sidedness and survival among chemotherapy refractory patients with mCRC treated with trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) or regorafenib or both. Patients and Methods Patients with mCRC treated with TAS-102 or regorafenib between 2015 and 2020 was retrospectively collected. Patients were stratified into TAS-102 first and regorafenib first, then subdivided into TAS-102 followed by regorafenib (T-R) and regorafenib followed by TAS-102 (R-T) groups. The oncologic outcomes were presented with time-to-treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS). Results After matching, 376 TAS-102 patients and 376 regorafenib patients were included for outcomes comparison. TTF had insignificant differences while OS was significantly different between TAS-102 and regorafenib groups. Median TTF and OS were 1.9 months versus 2.0 months (P  = .701) and 9.1 months versus 7.0 months (P  = .008) in TAS-102 and regorafenib, respectively. The OS benefits were consistent regardless primary tumor location. Subgroup analysis with 174 T-R patients and 174 R-T patients was investigated for treatment sequences. TTF and OS had significant differences in both groups. Median TTF and OS were 8.5 months versus 6.3 months (P  = .001) and 14.4 months versus 12.6 months (P  = .035) in T-R and R-T groups, respectively. The TTF and OS benefits were persisted regardless primary tumor location. Conclusion TAS-102 first provided a better survival benefit in chemotherapy refractory patients with mCRC across all sidedness. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate our conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welding-induced geometric deviations remain a critical challenge in industrial manufacturing, particularly in achieving high-precision assembly. This study investigates the effects of welding path directions, sequences, and locating schemes on the displacement of welded assemblies, focusing on minimizing geometric deviations. Using finite element method (FEM) simulations and a design of experiments (DOE) approach, the interactions between these parameters were systematically analyzed. Results show that the locating scheme plays a dominant role in controlling displacement, with optimal configurations significantly reducing geometric errors. Welding sequences were also found to have a considerable impact, further minimizing distortions when appropriately optimized. The effect of weld path direction, while less significant for simpler geometries, became more pronounced in assemblies with curvature. These findings pinpoint the necessity of integrating a combined factor approach, including fixturing, welding sequence, and path direction, to optimize and improve the geometric quality of welded assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By detecting abnormal violation event in surveillance videos, the safety management capabilities in high-risk power operations can be improved. This research constructs an intelligent abnormal event detection technology using deep learning algorithms, aiming to improve the detection accuracy of anomaly event. This research improves the parameter setting method and fully connected layer of three-dimensional convolutional networks to enhance their ability to recognize three-dimensional features. An improved algorithm is adopted as the basic structure of temporal action detection technology. Frame interpolation is applied to improve the accuracy of temporal action detection. A monitoring video anomaly event detection model based on the improved temporal action detection technology is established. The experiment outcomes show that the improved three-dimensional convolutional network achieves convergence after 32 iterations, with an accuracy of 99.15% and a recall rate of 98.3%. The average accuracy of the three datasets tested is better than other algorithms. The average precision of the research model for detecting throwing objects from high altitude, crossing fences, smoking, and checking electricity without gloves are 89.1%, 88.9%, 96.6%, and 96.2%, respectively. The accuracy for abnormal event detection of different time periods is superior to other models. The average recall value of the research model is 94.3%, which is higher than other models. The results indicate that the research model has the capacity to accurately recognize abnormal events in massive, diverse, and complex surveillance videos. The abnormal event detection model proposed in the study can be applied to the intelligent management platform of the power industry, thereby improving the safety management capability in power operations.

We identified 3 clades of dengue virus serotype 3 belonging to genotype III isolated during 2019–2020 in Jamaica by using whole-genome sequencing and phylogenomic and phylogeographic analyses. The viruses likely originated from Asia in 2014. Newly expanded molecular surveillance efforts in Jamaica will guide appropriate public health responses.

Abstract Enterococci, common hospital-acquired infections in immunocompromised patients, have garnered attention in clinical microbiology. To determine the clinical relevance of enterococci as food-borne pathogens, 116 fish, 90 vegetables, and 120 human diarrheal samples were tested for E. faecalis and E. faecium pathogenicity. Conventionally, 69 of 326 (21.17%) samples were positive for Enterococcus species, 52 (15.95%) of which were molecularly classified as E. faecalis and 13 (3.99%) as E. faecium. The E. faecalis contamination percentage of fresh fish (19.70%) was higher than frozen fish (4%). Cauliflower had the highest E. faecalis percentage (16.67%) when fish and vegetable samples didn’t harbor the E. faecium atpA gene. 23.33% and 10.83% of participants’ samples were molecularly confirmed as E. faecalis and E. faecium positive, respectively. E. faecalis isolates had all virulence genes, with gels being the most common (65.38%), while cylA and asa1 genes couldn’t be detected in E. faecium isolates. E. faecalis showed the highest resistance against vancomycin and tetracycline (69.23%), whereas E. faecium extremely resisted tetracycline (76.92%) and erythromycin (69.23%) with the recognition of MDR among 44.2% of E. faecalis and 38.5% of E. faecium isolates. The great similarity of our isolates showed the clinical importance of food-borne antibiotic-resistant enterococci.

Background: Allium cepa is one of the major vegetable crops cultivated in Saudi Arabia. This economically important crop faces several biotic stresses which adversely affect the quality and quantity of its production. Several virus groups (potyviruses, carlaviruses, tospoviruses, and allexiviruses) have been reported infecting Allium crops. Methods: During the growing season of 2021-2022, a total of 81 onion samples exhibiting virus-like symptoms were collected from two different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia. The serological technique (ELISA) was used to detect the important allexiviruses and potyviruses. RT-PCR amplification of partial genome sequence was done using degenerate primers for allexiviruses and potyviruses and the phylogenetic trees were constructed using different bioinformatic tools. Results: The results obtained from ELISA tests showed that 26% and 32% of onion samples were positive with both Garlic Virus A (GarV-A) and Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) respectively. RT-PCR amplification and sequencing results showed that two allexiviruses, GarV-A, garlic virus D (GarV-D), and one Potyvirus (OYDV) were detected in both regions. Sequence data were deposited in the GenBank database with accession numbers, OQ397545, OQ397546 for GarV-A, OQ397547 for GarV-D, and OQ397548, OQ397549 for OYDV, sequentially. Phylogenetic tree analysis of these virus isolates showed making clades with closely related isolates of their respective viruses. Pairwise nucleotide sequence identity showed their similarity with GarVA, GarV-D, and OYDV isolates reported earlier in the GenBank. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, these two distinct allexiviruses (GarV-A, GarV-D) and one Potyvirus (OYDV) were isolated for the first time from an onion crop in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech is a complex behavior that can be used to study unique contributions of the basal ganglia to motor control in the human brain. Computational models suggest that the basal ganglia encode either the phonetic content or the sequence of speech elements. To explore this question, we investigated the relationship between phoneme and sequence features of a spoken syllable triplet and the firing rate of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons recorded during the implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Patients repeated aloud a random sequence of three consonant-vowel (CV) syllables in response to audio cues. Single-unit extracellular potentials were sampled from the sensorimotor STN; a total of 227 unit recordings were obtained from the left STN of 25 subjects (4 females). Of these, 113 (50%) units showed significant task-related increased firing and 53 (23%) showed decreased firing (t test relative to inter-trial period baseline, P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that both populations of STN neurons encode phoneme and sequence features of produced speech. Maximal phoneme encoding occurred at the time of phoneme production, suggesting efference copy- or sensory-related processing, rather than speech motor planning (−50 ms and +175 ms relative to CV transition for consonant and vowel encoding, respectively). These findings demonstrate that involvement of the basal ganglia in speaking includes separate single unit representations of speech sequencing and phoneme selection in the STN. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Speech is a unique human behavior that requires dynamic execution of precisely timed and coordinated movements, resulting in intelligible vocalizations. Here, we demonstrate that activity of individual neurons in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the basal ganglia encode syllable sequence order and phoneme identity during a speech production task. These findings advance our understanding of neural substrates of human speech and shed light on potential involvement of the STN in complex human behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The potential influence of surgical sequence of elective hip-and-knee reconstructive surgery in relation to an infection-related procedure on postoperative infection rates is not clearly understood. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of surgical sequence on the incidence of postoperative infections within one-year and the longest available follow-up period in patients undergoing hip-and-knee reconstructive surgery. Methods: A case-control study with propensity matching was utilized to examine elective surgeries conducted at Sunnybrook Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic centre, Toronto, Canada between 2015 and 2018. We determined and categorized them based on their operating room (OR) sequence in relation to an infected case; the cases were those performed right after (post-infection cohort), and the controls were those performed before an infection-related procedure in the same OR (pre-infection cohort). We employed survival analysis to compare the infection incidence within one year and at the longest available follow-up among the propensity-matched cohort. Results: A total of 13,651 cases were identified during the four year period. We successfully matched 153 cases (21 post-infection and 132 pre-infection) using propensity scores. Demographic and clinical characteristics were balanced through matching. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant difference in infection-free survival within one year and at a median follow-up of 2.2 years [interquartile range 0.9-5.0] between surgeries conducted before and after infected cases (both log-rank p-values = 0.4). The hazard ratios for infection within one year and the longest follow-up period were both 0.37 [95%Confidence Interval 0.03–4.09, p = 0.418], as no more events occurred after one year. Conclusion: The sequence of surgical procedures, whether or not an elective arthroplasty or lower limb reconstructive procedure occurs before or after an infection-related case in the same OR, does not significantly affect postoperative infection rates. This finding supports the efficacy of the current infection control measures and suggests a reconsideration of surgical scheduling standards. Take home message: The sequence of surgical procedures, whether performed after an infected case or not, might not affect the rate of postoperative infections within the first year and until the median follow-up time of 2.2 years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cephalopina titillator is one of the most important parasites, which infests the upper respiratory tract of camels leading to deteriorating health effects, substantial economic losses, and even death. Aim: This study aimed to detect the prevalence rate of C. titillator in slaughtered camels, determining its morphology using the electron microscope, and confirming its species by molecular phylogeny. Methods: A total of 200 slaughtered camels at different areas in Al Muthanna province (Iraq) were inspected visually to collect the parasite samples that were identified initially based on their morphological characteristics. To confirm the parasite species, molecular phylogeny was conducted targeting the COX1 gene. Results: An overall 19.5% of study camels were found infested with C. titilator. Based on light and electron microscopes, the larval stage of C. titilator was shown numerous posterior spiracular pores, cephalo-pharyngeal skeleton, abdominal segments, spinulation in anterior ventral portion, no spines on the final segment of abdomen, and rounded dorsal surface. Dorsoventrally, a slender and flattened shape with the presence of 12 segments as well as widely separated antennal lobes and obligate mouth hooks were seen. Molecularly, all the tested samples were found positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, some positive PCR products were sequenced, and reported in the NCBI-GenBank under the access numbers OP218846, OP218847, and OP218845, OP218839, OP218840, OP218841, OP218842, OP218843, and OP218844. Sequence analysis revealed the obvious identity between the local isolates and the global NCBI-GenBank Iran isolate (MW136151.1). Conclusion: This study described precisely the morphology of C. titillator using the light and electron microscopes suggesting its role in appropriate identification and classification. Molecular examination demonstrated the importance of COX1 gene in the identification of C. titillator and sequencing of the local isolates; however, additional molecular phylogenetic studies are needed to establish the evolutionary relationships among the oestrid group of insects with specialized habits and habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To memorize a sequence, one must serially bind each item to its rank order. How the brain controls a given input to bind its associated order in sequence working memory (SWM) remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the neural representations underlying SWM control using electrophysiological recordings in the frontal cortex of macaque monkeys performing forward and backward SWM tasks. Separate and generalizable low-dimensional subspaces for sensory and memory information were found within the same frontal circuitry, and SWM control was reflected in these neural subspaces' organized dynamics. Each item at each rank was sequentially entered into a common sensory subspace and, depending on forward or backward task requirement, flexibly and timely sent into rank-selective SWM subspaces. Neural activity in these SWM subspaces faithfully predicted the recalled item and order information in single error trials. Thus, compositional neural population codes with well-orchestrated dynamics in frontal cortex support the flexible control of SWM. [Display omitted] • Separate low-dimensional sensory and memory subspaces are found in the frontal cortex • Spatial items enter a shared sensory subspace and then move into memory subspaces • Neural dynamics in forward and backward tasks reflect flexible control • Neural activities in memory subspaces predict monkeys' behavior Chen et al. discovered the separable and generalizable subspaces for sensory and sequence working memory in macaque frontal neural states. The neural activities and their dynamics within these subspaces reflected the flexible control of sequence working memory in various sequence sorting tasks, predicting monkeys' behavior in single trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T lymphocytes play a vital role in the immune‐inflammatory response following a stroke. However, the specific mechanisms behind the contrasting functions of T cells in the brain and peripheral tissues after a stroke remain unclear and require further investigation. T‐cell receptors (TCRs) are essential in controlling how T lymphocytes develop and become active. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the biological function of T lymphocytes by analyzing the TCR repertoire in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke (AIS). High‐throughput TCR sequencing was conducted on peripheral blood samples from 25 AIS patients and 10 healthy controls. We compared the percentage of T cells and the characteristics of the TCR repertoire, specifically focusing on the recombination of V(D)J gene fragments and the diversity of the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) of the Vβ gene. Additionally, this study analyzed the potential biological significance of the skewed TCR repertoire in AIS patients. In patients with AIS, the proportion of circulating lymphocytes (LY%) decreased while the systemic immune‐inflammatory index (SII) increased compared to healthy controls. The average number of TCR read pairs decreased, corresponding with the presence of lymphopenia. However, the recombination of V(D)J gene fragments, the number of CDR3 clonotypes, and the diversity of CDR3 was elevated in the peripheral blood of AIS patients. Furthermore, the increased number of CDR3 amino acid or nucleotide clonotypes was negatively correlated with neurologic deficits but positively correlated with AIS patients' systemic immune condition and functional outcomes. Our findings suggest that both immunosuppression and enhanced antigen‐specific T‐cell response may exist in the periphery of the AIS patients. Further investigation into the mechanisms underlying these opposing changes may lead to the discovery of novel targets to reverse immunosuppression or mitigate the detrimental effects of T cells in the lesioned brain of AIS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 80% of video coding times are consumed by motion estimation calculations, which are the most complex aspect of the process. This method eliminates temporal redundancies in a video sequence to achieve maximum compression. Numerous efforts have been made to bring calculations closer to real time, yielding fruitful results. This study proposes a fast subpixel motion estimation algorithm for video encoding with fewer search points. This method employs the capabilities of human visual systems (HVSs), physical motion characteristics of real‐world objects, and special image information from successive frames. The number of search points (NSP) using the statistical data of the movement of the blocks in the frames of video sequences is reduced to apply fewer calculations to the system while maintaining the quality of images. Therefore, it is possible to approach fast and real‐time calculations instead of time‐consuming algorithms by accurately modeling this algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors globally, posing a severe threat to human life and health. Chemotherapy, a cornerstone in the treatment of breast cancer, often overlooks the sequence of drug administration within single-day regimens. This study aims to explore the impact of drug administration order on the efficacy and toxicity of combination chemotherapy protocols for breast cancer. Methods: Through a comprehensive review and analysis based on current evidence from evidence-based medicine, we delved into how the order of drug administration affects both efficacy and toxicity. We systematically classified and analyzed commonly used combination drug regimens, providing graded recommendations and a reasoned analysis to offer valuable references for clinical decision-making. Results: Our findings indicate that the sequence of drug administration in complex combination chemotherapy protocols is not arbitrary but necessitates multifaceted considerations. Rational drug sequencing can maximize synergistic effects between drugs, thereby augmenting therapeutic efficacy while effectively mitigating drugrelated adverse effects. Additionally, some drug labels and clinical trials have explicitly highlighted the therapeutic benefits of specific drug sequences. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of considering the sequence of drug administration in clinical practice. It is recommended to prioritize the sequential drug administration according to official drug product labeling, while also considering factors such as the administration sequence from large randomized controlled trials, cell proliferation kinetics specific to cancer types, drug interactions, chronopharmacology, drug irritability, clinical experiences, and patient preferences. By taking these factors into account, the goal is to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize the occurrence of adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to study how historical documentaries handle the development of a tale. The initial premise is that documentaries are not a mere compilation and recounting of data but rather a narration constructed based on the perspective of the audiovisual language. To understand how filmmakers create the story, we studied documentary feature-length films on the Spanish Civil War between 2000 and 2014. The sequence has been taken as the unit of analysis, and a breakdown has been made of the types of images and sounds used according to duration, order, and predominance of plot or characters. The research bears on the concept of narrative strategy, which helps to understand the format's internal mechanism, considering three issues: the production approach, the visual solution, and the narrative decision. The study of the selected corpus detected eleven narrative strategies-eleven ways to portray the same event from the past, with different purposes and intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of different examination sequences of painless gastroscopy in patients with difficult airway risk was explored in this study. A total of 45 patients undergoing painless gastroscopy with Mallampati airway score of III-IV were randomly assigned into two groups (A group and B group) according to the sequence of colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Group A was first examined by gastroscopy after anesthesia, and then by colonoscopy. Group B was examined in the opposite order, first by colonoscopy, and then by gastroscopy. Ramsay Sedation scores were evaluated every five minutes when gastroscopy was performed in the two groups. The dosage of propofol, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, recovery time, hospital leaving time, and adverse reactions after induction and endoscopy were recorded. The dosage of propofol and change of vital signs in B group was less than that in A group. Operation time, recovery time, hospital leaving time and postoperative adverse reactions have no significant difference between two groups. For patients at risk of difficult airway, colonoscopy followed by gastroscopy has more stable intraoperative vital signs and less propofol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present sequence of time-aligned edge plots (STEP) : a sequence- and edge-scalable visualization of dynamic networks and, more broadly, graph ensembles. We construct the graph sequence by ordering the individual graphs based on specific criteria, such as time for dynamic networks. To achieve scalability with respect to long sequences, we partition the sequence into equal-sized subsequences. Each subsequence is represented by a horizontal axis placed between two vertical axes. The horizontal axis depicts the order within the subsequence, while the two vertical axes depict the source and destination vertices. Edges within each subsequence are depicted as segmented lines extending from the source vertices on the left to the destination vertices on the right throughout the entire subsequence, and only the segments corresponding to the sequence members where the edges occur are drawn. By partitioning the sequence, STEP provides an overview of the graphs' structural changes and avoids aspect ratio distortion. We showcase the utility of STEP for two realistic datasets. Additionally, we evaluate our approach by qualitatively comparing it against three state-of-the-art techniques using synthetic graphs with varying complexities. Furthermore, we evaluate the generalizability of STEP by applying it to a graph ensemble dataset from the architecture domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article investigates the distribution, linear ordering and functions of sequences of linguistic elements occurring at the left and right peripheries of discourse units across three genres of written English discourse. Based on a corpus of news reports, commentaries and personal narratives, the paper aims to account for discourse-genre-specific preferences in the use of peripheral two-part sequences such as and so, but I think or now though. The data show considerable variation across genres in terms of (i) which formal types of sequences occur at the peripheries, (ii) how peripheral elements are sequentially ordered, and (iii) which discourse-pragmatic functions left- and right-peripheral sequences fulfil in written English discourse. The observed variation in the use of peripheral sequences across news reports, commentaries and personal narratives can be explained by discourse-related factors as well as the specific communicative purposes of each genre. The present article argues for a prototype-anchored conceptualization of the internal structure of discourse units: On the one hand, the left and right peripheries are conceptualized as containing a wide range of – more and less prototypical – linguistic elements (i.e. extra-clausal constituents and adjuncts); on the other hand, the boundary between core and periphery is conceptualized as fuzzy and gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci, common hospital-acquired infections in immunocompromised patients, have garnered attention in clinical microbiology. To determine the clinical relevance of enterococci as food-borne pathogens, 116 fish, 90 vegetables, and 120 human diarrheal samples were tested for E. faecalis and E. faecium pathogenicity. Conventionally, 69 of 326 (21.17%) samples were positive for Enterococcus species, 52 (15.95%) of which were molecularly classified as E. faecalis and 13 (3.99%) as E. faecium. The E. faecalis contamination percentage of fresh fish (19.70%) was higher than frozen fish (4%). Cauliflower had the highest E. faecalis percentage (16.67%) when fish and vegetable samples didn't harbor the E. faecium atpA gene. 23.33% and 10.83% of participants' samples were molecularly confirmed as E. faecalis and E. faecium positive, respectively. E. faecalis isolates had all virulence genes, with gels being the most common (65.38%), while cylA and asa1 genes couldn't be detected in E. faecium isolates. E. faecalis showed the highest resistance against vancomycin and tetracycline (69.23%), whereas E. faecium extremely resisted tetracycline (76.92%) and erythromycin (69.23%) with the recognition of MDR among 44.2% of E. faecalis and 38.5% of E. faecium isolates. The great similarity of our isolates showed the clinical importance of food-borne antibiotic-resistant enterococci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In severe osteoporosis, the optimal approach for sequential treatment between denosumab and romosozumab is unclear. We utilised a novel overlapping strategy in three patients with very-high fracture risk despite long-term denosumab which led to greater bone density improvements than previously reported with standard approaches. Larger confirmatory prospective studies are needed. Purpose/introduction: In patients with severe osteoporosis, the optimal approach for sequential treatment between denosumab and romosozumab has not been established. The ideal strategy would maximise gains in bone mineral density (BMD) with romosozumab and effectively mitigate the risk of rebound increased bone turnover when sequencing from denosumab. Limited studies exploring the sequence from denosumab to romosozumab report only modest-to-no improvement in BMD and inadequate suppression of rebound bone turnover. Methods: We describe three patients with severe osteoporosis and multiple fragility fractures despite long-term denosumab. A novel overlapping sequential treatment approach was utilised to maximise therapeutic benefit given these patients had a very high fracture risk. Romosozumab was commenced 3 months after the last denosumab dose. Instead of waiting until completion of romosozumab, denosumab was recommenced 6 months after commencing romosozumab in response to rising bone turnover markers. Results: Patients experienced a ~ 5–22% increase in lumbar spine BMD, and one patient had an 8% increase in total hip BMD after 12 months romosozumab. Serum bone turnover markers demonstrated an anabolic effect of romosozumab occurred despite overlapping treatment with denosumab. Recommencement of denosumab suppressed an increase in bone resorption in all cases. No new vertebral fractures occurred during this treatment. Conclusions: A novel overlapping sequential treatment approach between denosumab and romosozumab produced greater improvements in lumbar spine and hip BMD than previously reported with standard approaches. Larger prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish the optimal use of romosozumab in patients pre-treated with denosumab to maximise BMD gains and minimise fracture risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of black pepper virus F (BPVF) was identified for the first time from India, and its complete genome sequence was determined using overlapping fragments obtained through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The RNA 1 and RNA 2 of the Indian isolate of BPVF (BPVF‐IND) contained 6376 and 3340 nucleotides potentially coding for proteins of 230.7 kDa and 114 kDa respectively. Comparison of the RNA 1 sequence of BPVF‐IND with that of BPVF from Brazil (BPVF‐ BR‐PA) and China (BPVF‐ ZYP‐1) revealed an identity of 95% and 90%, respectively, while RNA 2 showed an identity of 96% and 90%. The phylogenetic analysis of the Pro‐Pol region of RNA 1 and coat protein region of RNA 2 revealed close clustering of all three BPVF isolates well separated from other species of the genus, Fabavirus. Diagnostics assays based on the RT‐PCR and RT‐recombinase polymerase amplification (RT‐RPA) were developed for the sensitive detection of the virus that will help in the identification and propagation of virus‐free black pepper plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (Pallas, 1781) is a zoonotic acanthocephalan that parasitizes the small intestine of wild boars. It is a pathogenic that causes economic losses, and poses a public health threat due to increased emergence. Purpose: The aims of this study is describes histopathologically the damage caused by M. hirudinaceus in the small intestine of wild boar Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758, and molecularly characterize this parasite (sequences, haplotypes, phylogeny) for the first time in Elazig city, Türkiye. Results: A high prevalence of infection was obtained. Upon separating the worms, it was discovered that there were ulcers resembling craters in the center, of the small intestine mucosa, surrounded by edema. The intestine wall where the parasite attached was damaged, with the villi epithelium and lamina propria in the mucosa being destroyed. The genomic DNA was isolated from all M. hirudinaceus samples, and PCR amplified the 489 bp gene fragments were sequenced and confirmed that all 21 sequences were M. hirudinaceus. The haplotype analysis of the sequences revealed the presence of a central star-shaped haplotype, in addition to four other haplotypes. Conclusion: After conducting sequence analysis, the genetic differences between the M. hirudinaceus sequences obtained in this study and those reported from Europe and Japan suggest that this parasite is endemic to Türkiye's local wild boar population. Also, four haplotypes were identified, distinguishing it from other haplotypes by 1–5 mutation steps. It is essential to consider the worm's sequences and the formation of haplotypes, since these intrinsic characteristics may impact in the epidemiology and pathology of the worm in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We write $\mathcal {S}_n(A)$ for the set of permutations of a set A with n non-fixed points and $\mathrm {{seq}}^{1-1}_n(A)$ for the set of one-to-one sequences of elements of A with length n where n is a natural number greater than $1$. With the Axiom of Choice, $|\mathcal {S}_n(A)|$ and $|\mathrm {{seq}}^{1-1}_n(A)|$ are equal for all infinite sets A. Among our results, we show, in ZF, that $|\mathcal {S}_n(A)|\leq |\mathrm {{seq}}^{1-1}_n(A)|$ for any infinite set A if ${\mathrm {AC}}_{\leq n}$ is assumed and this assumption cannot be removed. In the other direction, we show that $|\mathrm {{seq}}^{1-1}_n(A)|\leq |\mathcal {S}_{n+1}(A)|$ for any infinite set A and the subscript $n+1$ cannot be reduced to n. Moreover, we also show that " $|\mathcal {S}_n(A)|\leq |\mathcal {S}_{n+1}(A)|$ for any infinite set A " is not provable in ZF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allestire come atto di modificazione di condizioni preesistenti comporta talvolta il confronto con contesti di particolare valore, di caratteristiche formali e spaziali particolarmente pronunciate, di implicazioni funzionali complesse. L’opportunità di far interagire in simultanea l’allestimento temporaneo con lo spazio ospite è il terreno di investigazione di due mostre, realizzate a breve distanza di tempo negli stessi contesti, costituiti da ambienti museali e monumentali dall’identità fortemente caratterizzata. Esporre due volte implica il tentativo di porre il confronto sul piano di una dialettica paritaria e sinestetica.

This paper focuses on the narrativity in wordless comics, that is, in comics that do not use words or use them only scarcely. The verbalvisual duality of comics is always semiotically challenging. The absence of words in wordless comics foregrounds their visual component which carries additional narrative or aesthetic meaning for the comic as a whole. First, several contemporary narratological models are considered. Most often narratives are considered as a description of a series of situations and events, independently of the medium in which they occur. Among scholars of comic studies, the author presents Eisner and McCloud’s concept of sequence as a focal point of plotting in comics, which has similar characteristics to narrating and storytelling in literature. The author also explores several models of medium-specific modifications such as comic focalization markers, monstration, and graphic enunciation with special attention paid to wordless comics. Finally, the author demonstrates the proposed analytical model through two examples: Mirko Ilić’s Horizontal and Vertical (1978) and Ileana Surducan’s The Quest (2014).

The study presents the data on organization of laboratory testing of clinical and environmental samples within the framework of establishing the etiology of the acute intestinal infections outbreak, performed by the specialists of the joint SAET of the Rospotrebnadzor in Dolisie (Republic of the Congo) in the period of 07–24 July, 2023.Materials and methods. In order to identify the causative agents of cholera and other acute intestinal infections of bacterial and viral nature, 177 clinical and environmental samples were tested, as well as cultures on solid nutrient media and bacterial suspensions. A total of 1023 tests were carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 305 – using bacteriological method.Results and discussion. The causative agent of cholera has not been detected in any of the samples tested. Using the PCR method, markers of acute intestinal diseases agents (Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp., Rotavirus A) have been identified in 23 clinical samples and 1 sample of bacterial suspension. No DNA/RNA of pathogens has been detected in environmental samples. During culture studies, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi have been isolated from 8 clinical samples, and their antibiotic sensitivity has been determined. Applying whole-genome nanopore sequencing, using the MinIon platform (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK), nucleotide sequences of 4 S. Typhi isolates have been investigated and deposited in the international database NCBI GenBank (No. CP141260, CP141193, CP141194, CP141195). Additionally, the analysis of initially sterile samples (blood, peritoneal fluid, intraoperational samples) from the patients of General and Reference hospitals of Dolisie has resulted in the identification of 5 cultures of non-fermenting bacteria, and their antibiotic sensitivity has been determined.

Nowadays, fiber stacks are extensively used in the aircraft and structural component manufacturing industries. It is mainly due to their excellent mechanical and physiochemical performances. The different stacking sequences of fiber materials expand the structural properties due to high-strength carbon fiber and low-cost glass fiber. The fragile and anisotropic conduct of Carbon (Cf) and Glass (Gf) laminates generates different types of complex machining issues. This article focuses on the Drilling test of Carbon/glass fiber hybrid composites using different stacking sequences. The effect of varying stacking orders is explored in this study to identify a feasible composite. The control of varying constraints, namely, spindle speed (N), feed rate (f ), and stacking sequence (SS) of carbon (Cf) and glass fiber (Gf) reinforcement, is performed to achieve the optimal parametric condition. The finding reveals that sample A (C4G4) stacking sequence provides an acceptable value for thrust force 59.05 N and delamination 1.0001 for high drilling efficiency. The stacking technique of carbon/glass layers can be endorsed to the manufacturing sector for cost-effective composite development and a defect-free machining environment.

Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) is one of healthy products for fermented or functional food in Korea and is widely distributed and cultivated worldwide. During August 2022, Jack bean plants showing symptoms of yellow flecks, chlorosis, necrotic spots and mosaic were observed in Jangheung-gun, South Korea. By transmission electron microscopy, flexuous filamentous virus particles of approximately 750×13 nm in size were observed in the symptomatic leaf samples. The infection of a Korean isolate of clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV-Ce-JH) was confirmed using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked sorbent assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing. The complete genome sequence of ClYVV-Ce-JH consists of 9,549 nucleotides (nt) excluding the poly (A) tail and encodes 3,072 amino acids (aa), with an AUG start and UAG stop codon, containing one open reading frame that is typical of a potyvirus polyprotein. The polyprotein of ClYVV-Ce-JH was divided into ten proteins and each protein's cleavage sites were determined. The coat protein (CP) and polyprotein of ClYVV-Ce-JH were compared at the nt and aa levels with those of the previously reported 14 ClYVV isolates. ClYVV-Ce-JH shared 92.62% to 99.63% and 93.39% to 98.05% at the CP and polyprotein homology. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Korean isolate of ClYVV from Jack bean plants and the complete genome sequence of a ClYVV Jack bean isolate in the world.