Search Results (275)

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants who experience a marked postnatal catch-up, mainly in weight, are at risk for developing metabolic disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms are imprecise. Exosomes and their cargo (including miRNAs) mediate intercellular communication and may contribute to altered crosstalk among tissues. We assessed the miRNA profile in cord blood-derived exosomes from 10 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 10 SGA infants by small RNA sequencing; differentially expressed miRNAs with a fold change ≥2.4 were validated by RT-qPCR in 40 AGA and 35 SGA infants and correlated with anthropometric, body composition (DXA) and endocrine–metabolic parameters at 4 and 12 mo. miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p and miR-206 were down-regulated, whereas miR-372-3p, miR-519d-3p and miR-1299 were up-regulated in SGA infants. The target genes of these miRNAs related to insulin, RAP1, TGF beta and neurotrophin signaling. Receiver operating characteristic analysis disclosed that these miRNAs predicted with accuracy the 0–12 mo changes in body mass index and in total and abdominal fat and lean mass. In conclusion, the exosomal miRNA profile at birth differs between AGA and SGA infants and associates with measures of catch-up growth, insulin resistance and body composition through late infancy. Further follow-up of this population will disclose whether these associations persist into childhood, puberty and adolescence. Full article

In this article, through the application of the q-Sălăgean operator associated with functions characterized by bounded boundary rotation, we propose a few new subclasses of bi-univalent functions that utilize the q-Sălăgean operator with bounded boundary rotation in the open unit disk $\mathbb{E}$. For these classes, we establish the initial bounds for the coefficients $|a_2|$ and $|a_3|$. Additionally, we have derived the well-known Fekete–Szegö inequality for this newly defined subclasses. Full article

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common pelvic floor disorder with substantial impact on women’s quality of life, necessitating accurate and reproducible diagnostic methods. This study investigates the use of three-dimensional (3D) transperineal ultrasound, integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), to evaluate pelvic floor biomechanics and identify correlations between biometric parameters and prolapse severity. Thirty-seven female patients diagnosed with genital prolapse (mean age: 65.3 ± 10.6 years; mean BMI: 29.5 ± 3.8) were enrolled. All participants underwent standardized 3D transperineal ultrasound using the Mindray Smart Pelvic system, an AI-assisted imaging platform. Key biometric parameters—anteroposterior diameter, laterolateral diameter, and genital hiatus area—were measured under three functional states: rest, maximal Valsalva maneuver, and voluntary pelvic floor contraction. Additionally, two functional indices were derived: the distensibility index (ratio of Valsalva to rest) and the contractility index (ratio of contraction to rest), reflecting pelvic floor elasticity and muscular function, respectively. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and univariate correlation analysis using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system scores. Results revealed a significant correlation between laterolateral diameter and prolapse severity across multiple compartments and functional states. In apical prolapse, the laterolateral diameter measured at rest and during both Valsalva and contraction showed positive correlations with POP-Q point C, indicating increasing transverse pelvic dimensions with more advanced prolapse (e.g., r = 0.42 to 0.58; p < 0.05). In anterior compartment prolapse, the same parameter measured during Valsalva and contraction correlated significantly with POP-Q point AA (e.g., r = 0.45 to 0.61; p < 0.05). Anteroposterior diameters and genital hiatus area were also analyzed but showed weaker or inconsistent correlations. AI integration facilitated real-time image segmentation and automated measurement, reducing operator dependency and increasing reproducibility. These findings highlight the laterolateral diameter as a strong, reproducible anatomical marker for POP severity, particularly when assessed dynamically. The combined use of AI-enhanced imaging and functional indices provides a novel, standardized, and objective approach for assessing pelvic floor dysfunction. This methodology supports more accurate diagnosis, individualized management planning, and long-term monitoring of pelvic floor disorders. Full article

This study introduces a novel subclass of q-starlike functions that is defined by the application of the q-difference operator and q-analogue of hyperbolic secant function. By making certain variations to the parameter “q”, the geometric interpretation of the domain hyperbolic secant function has also been discussed. The primary objective is to investigate and establish key results on the differential subordination of various orders within this newly defined class. Furthermore, convolution properties are explored and coefficient bounds are derived for these functions. A deeper analysis of these coefficients bounds unveils intriguing geometric insights and significant mathematical problems. Full article

This work presents a comprehensive mathematical framework for symmetrized neural network operators operating under the paradigm of fractional calculus. By introducing a perturbed hyperbolic tangent activation, we construct a family of localized, symmetric, and positive kernel-like densities, which form the analytical backbone for three classes of multivariate operators: quasi-interpolation, Kantorovich-type, and quadrature-type. A central theoretical contribution is the derivation of the Voronovskaya–Santos–Sales Theorem, which extends classical asymptotic expansions to the fractional domain, providing rigorous error bounds and normalized remainder terms governed by Caputo derivatives. The operators exhibit key properties such as partition of unity, exponential decay, and scaling invariance, which are essential for stable and accurate approximations in high-dimensional settings and systems governed by nonlocal dynamics. The theoretical framework is thoroughly validated through applications in signal processing and fractional fluid dynamics, including the formulation of nonlocal viscous models and fractional Navier–Stokes equations with memory effects. Numerical experiments demonstrate a relative error reduction of up to 92.5% when compared to classical quasi-interpolation operators, with observed convergence rates reaching $\mathcal{O}\left(n^{-1.5}\right)$ under Caputo derivatives, using parameters $\lambda =3.5$, $q=1.8$, and $n=100$. This synergy between neural operator theory, asymptotic analysis, and fractional calculus not only advances the theoretical landscape of function approximation but also provides practical computational tools for addressing complex physical systems characterized by long-range interactions and anomalous diffusion. Full article

This paper provides a new proof of the operator norm identity $\parallel Q\parallel = \parallel I-Q\parallel$, where Q is a bounded idempotent operator on a complex Hilbert space, and I is the identity operator. We also derive explicit lower and upper bounds for the distance from an arbitrary idempotent operator to the set of orthogonal projections. Our approach simplifies existing proofs. Full article

This study derives the uniqueness of positive solutions to Brézis–Oswald-type problems involving the fractional $(r,q)$-Laplacian operator and discontinuous Kirchhoff-type coefficients. The Brézis–Oswald-type result and Ricceri’s abstract global minimum principle are critical tools in identifying this uniqueness. We consider an eigenvalue problem associated with fractional $(r,q)$-Laplacian problems to confirm the existence of a positive solution for our problem without the Kirchhoff coefficient. Moreover, we establish the uniqueness result of the Brézis–Oswald type by exploiting a generalization of the discrete Picone inequality. Full article

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Accurate evaluation of collateral circulation is essential for predicting outcomes following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, conventional visual collateral scoring (vCS) based on multiphase CT angiography (mCTA) is limited by subjectivity and inter-observer variability. This preliminary study introduces the multiphase quantitative collateral score (mqCS), a novel imaging biomarker designed to provide an objective and reproducible assessment of both the morphological extent and temporal dynamics of collateral flow. Methods: In this exploratory study, 54 AIS patients treated with EVT were retrospectively analyzed. Collateral status was evaluated using both vCS (graded by two blinded neuroradiologists) and mqCS, derived from mCTA-based fractal dimension (FD) and delay indicator (DI) metrics. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to assess the predictive value of each scoring system for favorable 90-day functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale, mRS ≤ 2). Results: The mqCS was significantly associated with favorable outcomes. Patients with mqCS ≥ 0.8674 had significantly higher odds of achieving favorable outcomes (adjusted OR = 5.98, 95% CI: 1.38–25.93, p = 0.017; AUC = 0.80). In comparison, the visual collateral score (vCS) showed a lower adjusted predictive value (adjusted OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.17–6.89, p = 0.02; AUC = 0.79). Patients in the highest mqCS quartiles (Q3–Q4) exhibited significantly better recovery rates (69%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study suggests that mqCS provides a potentially more objective and robust alternative to visual scoring for collateral assessment in AIS. By integrating structural and temporal characteristics, mqCS enhances outcome prediction and may inform EVT decision-making, particularly in borderline cases. These preliminary findings warrant validation in larger, prospective cohorts and support its potential integration into automated imaging platforms. Full article

In this work, we introduce a new subclass of bi-univalent functions using the $(p,q)$-derivative operator and the concept of subordination to generalized Laguerre polynomials ${\mathbb{L}}_t^{\varsigma }\left(k\right)$, which satisfy the differential equation $k{y}^{″}+(1+\varsigma -k)y^{\prime }+ty=0,$ with $1+\varsigma >0$, $k\in \mathbb{R}$, and $t\ge 0$. We focus on functions that blend the geometric features of starlike and convex mappings in a symmetric setting. The main goal is to estimate the initial coefficients of functions in this new class. Specifically, we obtain sharp upper bounds for $|a_2|$ and $|a_3|$ and for the Fekete–Szegö functional $|a_3-\eta a_2^2|$ for some real number $\eta$. In the final section, we explore several special cases that arise from our general results. These results contribute to the ongoing development of bi-univalent function theory in the context of $(p,q)$-calculus. Full article

The two-parameter $(p,q)$-operators are a new family of operators in calculus that have shown their capabilities in modeling various systems in recent years. Following this path, in this paper, we present a new construction of the Langevin equation using two-parameter $(p,q)$-Caputo derivatives. For this new Langevin equation, equivalently, we obtain the solution structure as a post-quantum integral equation and then conduct an existence analysis via a fixed-point-based approach. The use of theorems such as the Krasnoselskii and Leray–Schauder fixed-point theorems will guarantee the existence of solutions to this equation, whose uniqueness is later proven by Banach’s contraction principle. Finally, we provide three examples in different structures and validate the results numerically. Full article

This article presents the theory of trivariate q-truncated Gould–Hopper polynomials through a generating function approach utilizing q-calculus functions. These polynomials are subsequently examined within the framework of quasi-monomiality, leading to the establishment of fundamental operational identities. Operational representations are then derived, and q-differential and partial differential equations are formulated for the trivariate q-truncated Gould–Hopper polynomials. Summation formulae are presented to elucidate the analytical properties of these polynomials. Finally, graphical representations are provided to illustrate the behavior of trivariate q-truncated Gould–Hopper polynomials and their potential applications. Full article

This paper presents a hybrid framework for dynamic incident prioritization in enterprise environments, combining fuzzy logic, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. The proposed system models incident descriptions through semantic embeddings derived from advanced text analytics, which serve as state representations within a fuzzy Q-learning model. Severity and urgency are encoded as fuzzy variables, enabling the prioritization process to manage linguistic vagueness and operational uncertainty. A mathematical formulation of the fuzzy Q-learning algorithm is developed, including fuzzy state definition, reward function design, and convergence analysis. The system continuously updates its prioritization policy based on real-time feedback, adapting to evolving patterns in incident reports and resolution outcomes. Experimental evaluation on a dataset of 10,000 annotated incident descriptions demonstrates improved prioritization accuracy, particularly for ambiguous or borderline cases, and reveals a 19% performance gain over static fuzzy and deep learning-based baselines. The results validate the effectiveness of integrating fuzzy inference and reinforcement learning in incident management tasks requiring adaptability, transparency, and mathematical robustness. Full article

This article presents a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with high image rejection ratio (IRR) operating in the 5G millimeter-wave band using a 65 nm CMOS process. The circuit adopts an inter-stage notch filtering structure composed of a transformer and a switched capacitor array to achieve image suppression and impedance matching with no die area overhead. By adjusting the values of the switch capacitor array, the transmission zeros are positioned in the stopband while the poles are placed in the passband, thereby realizing image rejection. Furthermore, the number and distribution of poles under the both real and complex impedance conditions are analyzed. Moreover, the quality factor (Q) of the zero is derived to establish the relationship between Q and the image rejection ratio, guiding the optimization of both gain and IRR of the circuit design. Measurement results demonstrate that the LNA exhibits a gain of 18 dB and a noise figure (NF) of 4.4 dB at 40 GHz, with a corresponding IRR of 53.4 dB when the intermediate frequency (IF) is 6 GHz. The circuit demonstrates a 3 dB bandwidth from 36.3 to 40.7 GHz, with an IRR greater than 42 dB across this frequency range. The power consumption is 25.4 mW from a 1 V supply, and the pad-excluded core area of the entire chip is 0.13 mm². Full article

The hydrodynamics characteristics of artificial water diversion canals with long-distance and inter-basin multi-stage sluice gate regulations are prone to sudden increases and decreases, and sluice gate discharge differs from that of natural rivers. Research on the change characteristics of hydrological elements in artificial canals under the control of sluice gates is lacking, as are scientifically accurate calculations of sluice gate discharge. Therefore, addressing these gaps in long-distance artificial water transfer is of great importance. In this study, real-time operation data of 61 sluice gates, pertaining to the period from May 2019 to July 2021, including data on water levels, flow discharge, velocity, and sluice gate openings in the main canal of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project of China, were analyzed. The discharge coefficient of each sluice gate was calculated by the dimensional analysis method, and the unit-width discharge was modeled as a function of gate opening ($e$), gravity acceleration ($g$), and energy difference ($H$). Through logarithmic transformation of the Buckingham Pi theorem-derived equation, a linear regression model was used. Data within the relative opening orifice flow regime were selected for fitting, yielding the discharge coefficients and stage–discharge relationships. The results demonstrate that during the study period, the water level, discharge, and velocity of the main canal showed an increasing trend year by year. The dimensional analysis results indicate that the stage–discharge response relationship followed a power function ($Q\propto {(\frac{H}{e})}^{constant}$) and that there was a good linear relationship between $l{g}^{(\frac{H}{e})}$ and $l{g}^{(\frac{K}{e})}$ (R² > 0.95, $K={(q^2/g)}^{1/3}$). By integrating geometric, operational, and hydraulic parameters, the proposed method provides a practical tool and a scientific reference for analyzing sluice gates’ regulation and hydrological response characteristics, optimizing water allocation, enhancing ecological management, and improving operational safety in long-distance inter-basin water diversion projects. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the expression and clinical relevance of three mature miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-30c-5p, and miR-182-5p) in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from southeast Romania, and to explore their potential as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Methods: miRNA expression levels were measured using TaqMan^® MGB and qRT-PCR in paired tumor and adjacent non-cancerous tissues, as well as in serum-derived exosomes, from 26 ccRCC patients. Statistical analysis included the Wilcoxon test for group comparisons and non-parametric tests for correlations with clinicopathological features. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess diagnostic performance, and miRNA panels were constructed for improved accuracy. Results: Significant dysregulation of the investigated miRNAs was observed. miR-21-5p was markedly overexpressed in both tumor tissues (3.46-fold, p < 0.001) and serum exosomes (3.26-fold, p < 0.001). miR-182-5p showed modest overexpression in tissues (0.56-fold, p < 0.001) and serum (0.85-fold, p < 0.001), whereas miR-30c-5p was significantly downregulated in both tissues (2.48-fold decrease, p < 0.001) and serum exosomes (2.29-fold decrease, p = 0.0003). Elevated miR-182-5p expression correlated with tumor localization in the right kidney (p = 0.02) and lymph node involvement (p = 0.04). Similarly, higher miR-21-5p levels in serum exosomes were associated with right-sided tumors (p = 0.01). ROC analysis revealed distinct expression profiles for all three miRNAs between ccRCC and normal tissue, both in tissue and exosomal samples (all p < 0.05). Combined biomarker panels yielded high diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.94 for tissue, AUC = 0.93 for exosomes). Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of miR-21-5p, miR-30c-5p, and miR-182-5p as non-invasive biomarkers for ccRCC diagnosis and prognosis. The use of serum exosomal miRNA panels offers a promising alternative to tissue-based diagnostics in Romanian ccRCC patients. Full article