Search Results (32)

The genetics of schizophrenia is so complex that it involves both common variants and rare variants. Rare variant association studies of schizophrenia are challenging because statistical methods for rare variant analysis are under-powered due to the rarity of rare variants. The recent Schizophrenia Exome meta-analysis (SCHEMA) consortium, the largest consortium in this field to date, has successfully identified 10 schizophrenia risk genes from ultra-rare variants by burden test, while more risk genes remain to be discovered by more powerful rare variant association test methods. In this study, we use a recently developed Bayesian rare variant association method that is powerful for detecting sparse rare risk variants that implicates 88 new candidate risk genes associated with schizophrenia from the SCHEMA case–control sample. These newly identified genes are significantly enriched in autism risk genes and GO enrichment analysis indicates that new candidate risk genes are involved in mechanosensory behavior, regulation of cell size, neuron projection morphogenesis, and plasma-membrane-bounded cell projection morphogenesis, that may provide new insights on the etiology of schizophrenia. Full article

With the development of artificial intelligence, the intelligence of agriculture has become a trend. Intelligent monitoring of agricultural activities is an important part of it. However, due to difficulties in achieving a balance between quality and cost, the goal of improving the economic benefits of agricultural activities has not reached the expected level. Farm supervision requires intensive human effort and may not produce satisfactory results. In order to achieve intelligent monitoring of agricultural activities and improve economic benefits, this paper proposes a solution that combines unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with deep learning models. The proposed solution aims to detect and classify objects using UAVs in the agricultural industry, thereby achieving independent agriculture without human intervention. To achieve this, a highly reliable target detection and tracking system is developed using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The use of deep learning methods allows the system to effectively solve the target detection and tracking problem. The model utilizes data collected from DJI Mirage 4 unmanned aerial vehicles to detect, track, and classify different types of targets. The performance evaluation of the proposed method shows promising results. By combining UAV technology and deep learning models, this paper provides a cost-effective solution for intelligent monitoring of agricultural activities. The proposed method offers the potential to improve the economic benefits of farming while reducing the need for intensive hum. Full article

The action of an ideal fluid in Euler variables with a variable number of particles is used for the phenomenological description of the processes of particle creation in strong external fields. It has been demonstrated that the conformal invariance of the creation law imposes quite strict restrictions on the possible types of sources. It is shown that combinations with the particle number density in the creation law can be interpreted as dark matter within the framework of this model. Full article

MIRAGE syndrome is a recently described congenital condition characterized genetically by heterozygous gain-of-function missense mutations in the growth repressor sterile alpha domain containing 9 (SAMD9) located on the arm of chromosome 7 (7q21.2). The syndrome is rare and is usually diagnosed in newborns and children with myelodysplasia, infection, restriction of growth, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy, hence the acronym MIRAGE. The aims of this paper are (1) to present fetal ultrasound features in a case where MIRAGE syndrome was diagnosed prenatally and (2) to review the existing literature records on prenatal manifestations of MIRAGE syndrome. In our case, the fetus had severe early fetal growth restriction (FGR) with normal Doppler studies, atypical genitalia, oligohydramnios, and hyperechogenic bowel at the routine mid-gestation anomaly scan. Amniocentesis excluded infections and numeric or structural chromosomal abnormalities while whole exome sequencing (WES) of the fetal genetic material identified the specific mutation. Targeted testing in parents was negative, suggesting the “de novo” mutation in the fetus. We could not identify other specific case reports in the literature on the prenatal diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome. In cases reported in the literature where the diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome was achieved postnatally, there are mentions related to the marked FGR on prenatal ultrasound. Severe early-onset FGR with no other apparent cause seems to be a central prenatal feature in these babies, and WES should be offered, especially if there are other structural abnormalities. Prenatal diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome is possible, allowing for reproductive choices, improved counseling of parents, and better preparation of neonatal care. Full article

In the early 2000s, biofuels like biodiesel and bioethanol were seen as renewable alternatives to petroleum, driven by rising crude oil prices and environmental concerns. Palm oil became a key biodiesel raw material, turning the European Union (EU) into a major importer. However, sustainable palm oil concerns emerged in the EU in 2014, leading to trade disputes and import restrictions, with a goal to phase out palm oil biodiesel by 2030. This research explores the EU’s palm oil biodiesel policy impact, focusing on key producers, EU imports (crude and refined palm oil, biodiesel), the EU’s role in the global biodiesel network, and alignment with a green narrative. Analyzing trade data, we find that, despite concerns, the EU has not significantly reduced palm oil-related imports, highlighting the market’s complex relationship to policy. This suggests that the EU’s commitment to environmentally sustainable economic development may not align with market stakeholders’ preferences, emphasizing the complex interdependencies between the global biodiesel market and policy areas like sustainability, economy, energy, and environment. Full article

Ecumenism is a recurrent theme in Orthodox theological debates, but the syntagma “Orthodox ecumenism” is rarely used because it seems to be very restrictive and inappropriate. However, in exceptional situations, such as a war between two Orthodox peoples, I think it might be more than necessary. In the first part of this essay, I will discuss how the mirage of a “third” Rome and the partnership with the Kremlin makes the Russian Church an adversary of ecumenism inside of Orthodoxy. Any Church that blesses a war, aggression, and confrontation and shows imperial tendencies is excluded de facto from the communion with other Churches. In the second part of my work, I will analyze the consequences of the “schism” created by Patriarch Kirill in the bosom of Orthodoxy. What were (or what were not!) the positions of other Orthodox Churches when Patriarch Kirill blessed the war and betrayed the principles of the Gospel of Christ? Why is there a need for a so-called “Ecumenical Orthodox Council” and what are the chances of this happening? Full article

The paper proposes a new approach to AI, called Cognitive Artificial Intelligence (CAI), which is inspired by the human brain. CAI aims to develop AI systems that can think and act rationally, closely mirroring human cognition. The proposed approach, called Knowledge-Expanding System (KES), enables AI systems to acquire profound knowledge and evolve over time, surpassing the intellectual capacities of even the most gifted human minds. The realization of Transcendent Intelligence in AI systems has profound implications for humanity, necessitating thoughtful consideration of ethical aspects and the responsible development and deployment of Transcendent AI for the benefit of humanity. Full article

Alcohol and drug abuse are recognized risk factors in scientific literature that can leave female adolescents vulnerable to experience teen dating violence (TDV) in their relationships. These risk factors are highlighted in prevention campaigns, empowering girls to proactively avoid or decline situations that may put them at risk of such violence. This study delves into an underexplored risk factor for TDV, the Mirage of Upward Mobility (MUM), and its connections to previously established elements: coercive discourse, peer pressure, and the pursuit of status. A total of 146 relevant studies on TDV, and factors related to it, have been reviewed. MUM is conceptualized as the erroneous belief that engaging in relationships with traditionally dominant and disrespectful partners increases social status and attractiveness, although in reality, what happens is that that status and that attractiveness decrease. The study discusses the existence and factors contributing to MUM and underscores its importance as a risk factor for experiencing TDV to include in prevention campaigns. Full article

Implementing the Circular Economy (CE) is largely a mirage. There are some political decisions translated into penalties and/or incentives to try to adjust the “optimal” level of circularity. The consumer’s desire to purchase circular products, given the increase in price associated with them, and the sum of associated fines and penalties, generates complex financial equations, which become unfavorable to the transition to the CE. CE-friendly solutions in use are associated with situations in which circularity contributes to lower production costs. The authors are committed to altering the course of events. They believe that the success of this transition will have the will of the consumer as its main vector. To this end, they launched an investigation that leads to clues on how, by identifying barriers, facilitators, and motivations, proposals for solutions that are focused on the consumer are designed. The research project started by surveying and systematically analyzing the existing published information, in order to reach the State of the Art. The path taken involved a systematic review of the literature and the consequent bibliometric analysis, fulfilling a methodology whose steps are not innovative, but whose relationship/sequencing of the same is insufficiently treated in the literature. As the most relevant results of the application of the proposed methodology to the subject under analysis, in addition to the recognition of a set of significant and guiding texts, explored as graphically as possible, the identification of relevant sub-themes stands out, as well as the framing of opportunities for future investigations. With this investigation, we conclude that the consumer is not the trigger for the transition from the linear economy to the CE. Full article

Linear probe point-of-care ultrasound (LPUS) presents a less invasive alternative for identifying intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) compared to usual practice (transabdominal (TAUS) or transvaginal (TVUS) ultrasound). TAUS and TVUS can be invasive or produce lower-resolution images than LPUS. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a linear probe alone can identify first-trimester IUPs. A convenience sample of 21 patients were enrolled at the University of California Irvine ED during a 7-month period. The inclusion criteria were English- or Spanish-speaking women (≥18 years) in their first trimester of pregnancy (≤12 weeks pregnant) with a body mass index (BMI) of <35. The exclusion criteria were psychiatric, incarcerated, or cognitively impaired patients. An ED physician performed LPUS and ordered a confirmatory ultrasound. The 21 patients enrolled had a mean age of 28.6 ± 6.60 years, BMI of 26.6 ± 5.03, and gestational age of 7.4 ± 2.69 weeks. Considering the 95% confidence interval, we are 97.5% confident that the sensitivity and specificity of LPUS to identify IUPs does not exceed 67.1% and 93.2%, respectively. Our pilot data did not demonstrate that LPUS can independently visualize IUPs in first-trimester patients. Full article

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm that is typically diagnosed in a locally advanced stage, making it not eligible for radical surgery and requiring systemic treatment. Chemotherapy with platinum compounds and pemetrexed has been the only approved standard of care for approximately 20 years, without any relevant therapeutic advance until the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nevertheless, the prognosis remains poor, with an average survival of only 18 months. Thanks to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor biology, targeted therapy has become an essential therapeutic option in several solid malignancies. Unfortunately, most of the clinical trials evaluating potentially targeted drugs for MPM have failed. This review aims to present the main findings of the most promising targeted therapies in MPM, and to explore possible reasons leading to treatments failures. The ultimate goal is to determine whether there is still a place for continued preclinical/clinical research in this area. Full article

This paper is a review of recent applications of a laser photothermal mirage technique for sensing and measuring the thermal resistance of joint layers in modern electronic devices. A straightforward theoretical model of the interfacial thermal resistance based on the formation of a thin intermediate layer between jointed solids is described. It was experimentally shown that thermal properties of solder layers cannot be evaluated simply on the base of averaging the thermal properties of solder components. The review presents the laser thermal wave methodology for measuring thermal parameters of soldered and adhesively bonded joints. The developed theoretical model makes it possible to carry out a quantitative estimation of local thermal conductivities of joints and their thermal resistances by fitting theoretical results with experimental data obtained by the laser beam deflection method. The joints made with lead-containing and lead-free solders were studied. The anomalous distribution of thermal properties in the solder layer is explained by the diffusion of various atoms detected by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The laser beam deflection method made it possible to reveal a strong influence of the surface pretreatment quality on the interfacial thermal resistance. Full article

This Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved retrospective observational protocol aims to report the safety and efficacy of birth tissue allografts applied in 38 patients with treatment-resistant sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. The research methodology consisted of an observational recording of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), which measure pain, stiffness, and physical function. No adverse events or adverse reactions were observed in the 38 patients. Statistically significant improvements in NPRS and WOMAC scores of the affected SI joint were reported after 90 days. The observational data suggests that Wharton’s jelly allograft applications are safe, minimally invasive, and efficacious. They may present an alternative to surgery for patients who fail conservative and procedural management of pain originating from chondral cartilage degeneration of the SI joint. Full article

Religion and spirituality are seen to be making a comeback since the 1990s and increasingly thereafter in the European context. However, traditional forms of Christianity are diminishing, while other types of religion take the lead. An increasing number of voices are being raised among Christians, calling for a re-evangelization of society. Nevertheless, there is some skepticism about such activism against the backdrop of plurality, human rights, and freedom, regarding not only issues of political correctness but also considering the question of efficacy. While spirituality abounds, even among conscientious Orthodox Christians, there is still a need for theology. Even among Orthodox Christians, spirituality is mainly linked with a withdrawal from the world, history, and the political, often taking a ritualistic character expressed in religious acts of pietism through habits and customs. This is unfair to the historical and liberating physiognomy of the Orthodox Christian faith, as it does not differ much from other types of new age religious movements. In order to foster Christian witness amidst the desert of post-modern cities, one must rediscover theology. Theology, centered around the Gospel and the patristic tradition, can contribute vital missing elements and does justice to the Incarnation of pre-eternal Logos, to the Resurrection, and to the fulfillment of life. Unless Christians grow in their understanding of theology and the world around us, there will be only mirages of spirituality that take the place of a spirituality derived from faith and its incisiveness and meaningfulness for life today. Full article

We previously proposed techniques to eliminate repeated three-dimensional (3D) images produced by the light field Mirage, which consists of circularly aligned multiple-slanted light field displays. However, we only constructed the lower half of the system to verify the proposed elimination techniques. In this study, we developed an alignment technique for a complete 360-degree display system. The alignment techniques for conventional 360-degree display systems, which use a large number of projectors, greatly depend on electronic calibration, which indispensably causes image quality degradation. We propose a systematic approach for the alignment for the light field Mirage, which causes less image quality degradation by taking advantage of the small number of display devices required for the light field Mirage. The calibration technique for light field displays, the image stitching technique, and the brightness matching technique are consecutively performed, and the generation of 360-degree 3D images is verified. Full article