Browse Articles

Dynamic biomarkers and Cox regression with time-dependent covariate for mortality prediction in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome

Abstract Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a fatal tick-borne infectious disease that lacks effective treatments. Dynamic analysis that reflects changes in the SFTS patient’s condition is needed. This study aimed to evaluate the time-dependent predictive performance of key biomarkers using a time-dependent Cox regression model. A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted on 440 SFTS patients hospitalized in South Korea between 2013 and 2024. Time-dependent Cox regression and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were applied to assess the prognostic value of Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Prothrombin Time (PT), and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT). Missing data were handled using multiple imputation. aPTT consistently demonstrated high predictive accuracy (AUC > 0.90) throughout the disease course, indicating its sustained role in coagulopathy. PT exhibited strong early-stage predictive power (AUC = 0.86 on day 2) but declined over time, reflecting its utility for early monitoring. BUN showed a progressive increase in predictive performance (AUC = 0.70 on day 2 to AUC = 0.78 on day 8), supporting its relevance in later stages of disease progression. Non-survivors exhibited significantly higher levels of BUN, PT, and aPTT compared to survivors. This study demonstrates the utility of time-dependent analysis for evaluating dynamic biomarker changes in SFTS patients. aPTT is a robust predictor throughout the disease course, while PT is valuable for early-stage assessment and BUN for later-stage management. These findings suggest the importance of integrating dynamic biomarker monitoring into clinical decision-making to improve prognosis in SFTS patients.

Enhancing random forest model prediction of gas holdup in internal draft airlift loop contactors with genetic algorithms tuning and interpretability

Bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from leachates of waterpipe tobacco wastes on Peronia peronii species from the Persian Gulf region

Rhodiola crenulata induces apoptosis in bone metastatic breast cancer cells via activation of caspase-9 and downregulation of MtMP activity

Predictive analysis of miners’ group unsafe behavior based on group dynamics and institutional environment

Multiobjective adaptive predictive virtual synchronous generator control strategy for grid stability and renewable integration

Abstract A novel Adaptive Predictive Virtual Synchronous Generator (AP-VSG) control strategy is proposed for enhanced grid stability and seamless renewable energy integration. The method introduces adaptive inertia and damping mechanisms combined with multi-objective predictive optimization, specifically designed for parallel-connected Self-Excited Induction Generators (SEIGs). Unlike conventional approaches requiring multiple DC conversion stages, the proposed system implements parallel operation directly in the AC domain, reducing system complexity and conversion losses. The AP-VSG control incorporates a real-time adaptation of virtual inertia (H) ranging from 1 to 4 s and damping coefficient (D) from 20 to 65 pu, responding to grid frequency deviations and Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF). Experimental validation with parallel-connected 2.2 kW and 5.5 kW SEIGs demonstrates a 56% reduction in maximum RoCoF (from ± 0.48 Hz/s to ± 0.21 Hz/s), 33% improvement in frequency nadir (50.85–50.87 Hz), and 41% enhancement in damping ratio. Under fault conditions, the system maintains a current limit of 1.5 pu while providing reactive support up to 0.8 pu. The multi-objective optimization framework achieves 36.7% reduction in control effort while maintaining stability margins (PM $$>45^{\circ }$$ , GM>6 dB). Statistical analysis confirms 95th percentile frequency regulation enhancement of 43.5% compared to conventional VSG control. The fault ride-through capability demonstrates voltage recovery within 100 ms with THD maintained below 3%. Experimental results verify robust performance under various grid disturbances, including voltage sags down to 0.2 pu and complete grid disconnection scenarios.

Planets larger than Neptune have elevated eccentricities

NASA’s Kepler mission identified over 4,000 extrasolar planets that transit (cross in front of) their host stars. This sample has revealed detailed features in the demographics of planet sizes and orbital spacings. However, knowledge of their orbital shapes—a key tracer of planetary formation and evolution—remains far more limited. We present measurements of eccentricities for 1,646 Kepler planets, 92% of which are smaller than Neptune. For all planet sizes, the eccentricity distribution peaks at e = 0 and falls monotonically toward zero at e = 1. As planet size increases, mean population eccentricity rises from ⟨ e ⟩ = 0.05 ± 0.01 for small planets to ⟨ e ⟩ = 0.20 ± 0.03 for planets larger than ∼3.5 Earth-radii R ⊕ . The overall planet occurrence rate and planet-metallicity correlation also change abruptly at this size. Taken together, these patterns indicate distinct formation channels for planets above and below ∼3.5 R ⊕ . We also find size-dependent associations between eccentricity, host star metallicity, and orbital period. While smaller planets generally have low eccentricities, there are hints of a noteworthy exception: eccentricities are slightly elevated in the “radius valley,” a narrow band of low occurrence rate density which separates rocky “super-Earths” (1.0 to 1.5 R ⊕ ) from gas-rich “sub-Neptunes” (2.0 to 3.0 R ⊕ ). We detect this feature at 2.1σ significance. Planets in single- and multitransiting systems exhibit the same size–eccentricity relationship, suggesting they are drawn from the same parent population.

Correction for Hogan et al., The genetic regulatory architecture and epigenomic basis for age-related changes in rattlesnake venom

Correction for Chae et al., Vulnerability to natural disasters and sustainable consumption: Unraveling political and regional differences

Correction for Deng et al., The <i>Arabidopsis</i> BUB1/MAD3 family protein BMF3 requires BUB3.3 to recruit CDC20 to kinetochores in spindle assembly checkpoint signaling

Correction for Deng et al., A coadapted KNL1 and spindle assembly checkpoint axis orchestrates precise mitosis in Arabidopsis

Experimental and computational insight in molecular interactions of ternary mixtures of ethyleneglycoldiacetate+ 4-methylacetophenone + dibutylamine at T = (298.15 to 318.15) K

Cost-efficient design and optimization of robotic assembly lines using a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm framework

A rig for in vitro testing of the lumbar spine and pelvis simulating posterior, anterior and oblique trunk muscles

Abstract Numerous research questions require in vitro testing on lumbar spine and pelvis specimens. The majority of test setups apply forces and torques via the uppermost vertebral body with the lowermost vertebral body fixed and have been validated for kinematics and intradiscal pressure. Models without simulation of muscle traction may produce valid data only for testing conditions for which they have been validated. In vitro test setups with simulation of muscle traction would appear to be useful for conditions beyond such conditions. The aim of the present study was to describe and validate a test rig for the lumbar spine that applies the forces directly to the vertebral bodies via artificial muscle attachments and thus includes the stabilising effects of the muscles known from the literature. The artificial muscle attachments were chosen to get a stable fixation of the pulleys on the cadaver. The location of force application was as close as possible to the physiological footprint of the muscle on the bone. Three paired muscles were combined by individual linear actuators and simulated under force control (posterior, anterior and oblique trunk muscles). An optical 3D motion capture system (GOM, Zeiss, Germany) was used to measure the reposition of the entire lumbar spine and the sacrum against the ilium. At the same time, the force applied to all simulated muscles was recorded. All muscle attachments could be loaded up to a maximum force of 1 kN without failure. The following reposition of the lumbar spine could be generated by the simulated muscle traction keeping the force below each muscle’s individual strength: extension 18°, flexion 27°, lateral bending 33°, axial rotation 11°. The effects on lumbar spine reposition of the individual trunk muscles differed depending on the direction of movement. The anterior trunk muscles were the most acting for flexion/extension, at 0.16 ± 0.06°/N, while the oblique trunk muscles were the most acting for lateral bending (0.17 ± 0.16°/N) and axial rotation (0.10 ± 0.14°/N). The maximum nutation of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) was on average 1,2° ± 0,2°. The artificial muscle attachments to the vertebral bodies proved to be withstand physiologically occurring forces. The range of motion generated in the test rig was physiological. The SIJ nutation determined and the direction of action of the muscle groups correspond to literature data. The order of the individual muscle effects on lumbar spine reposition corresponds to the distance between the muscle insertions and the physiological centre of rotation. In conclusion, taking into account the limitations, the lumbar spine test rig presented here allows the analysis of movements of the lumbar spine and pelvis resulting directly from simulated muscle tractions and thus enables a test environment close to in vivo conditions.

Identification of methionine metabolism related prognostic model and tumor suppressive functions of BHMT in hepatocellular carcinoma

Development of CoAP protocol for communication in mobile robotic systems using IoT technique

Utility of global longitudinal strain in early identification of chronic cardiotoxicity in asymptomatic long-term malignant lymphoma survivors with normal left ventricle ejection fraction

Abstract Malignant lymphoma survivors are at increased risk for anthracycline and/or radiotherapy-induced chronic cardiotoxicity. Proper long-term follow-up is essential for malignant lymphoma survivors after-care. This study aimed to assess TTE parameters of potential subclinical cardiotoxicity and to examine their utility in diagnosing chronic cardiotoxicity. Improvement of the diagnostic process may precede the manifestation of cardiac adverse events. Main objective of the study was to improve the identification of cancer survivors in increased risk of treatment cardiotoxicity. To achieve this goal, utility of various echocardiography parameters was examined.In this retrospective study we analysed TTE of 167 subjects with speckle tracking according to the European Society of Echocardiography guidelines during the follow-up period. 88 of them were long-term lymphoma survivors diagnosed with malignant lymphoma between the years 1994–2015. Minimum follow up period was 5 years with the median of 10 years after anti-cancer treatment cessation. TTE were performed between the years 2017–2022 at cardio-oncology outpatient office during regular follow-up period. A total of 79 volunteers with no history of chronic heart failure (CHF) or decline in LVEF, 51 (64.6%) of whom were males, with the median age of 46 (16–58) years were included in the analysis as control group. Control subjects had various indications for TTE (e.g. preoperative examination, benign palpitations, or with well controlled arterial hypertension taking two antihypertensives at most). Ischemic heart disease was ruled out by stress test. None of the control subjects had history of stroke or chronic lower limb ischemia. All control subjects were considered clinically stable with no sign of cardiac impairment caused by primary disease. Both cancer survivors and control group were divided into subgroups based on LVEF: lower normal LVEF (53–61%), and higher normal LVEF (&gt; 61%). Survivors with lower normal LVEF (53–61%) had a statistically significant decline in GLS compared to those with higher normal LVEF (&gt; 61%). This phenomenon was not observed in control group indicating a possible additional diagnostic value of this parameter. Inclusion of GLS assessment in follow-up TTE examination of subjects with lower normal LVEF may improve the sensitivity of detection of chronic cardiotoxicity. Patients with declined GLS and lower normal LVEF are candidates for intensified follow-up to precede manifestation of cardiac adverse events.

Vibration signal analysis for rolling bearings faults diagnosis based on deep-shallow features fusion

Abstract In engineering applications, the bearing faults diagnosis is essential for maintaining reliability and extending the lifespan of rotating machinery, thereby preventing unexpected industrial production downtime. Prompt fault diagnosis using vibration signals is vital to ensure seamless operation of industrial system avert catastrophic breakdowns, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure continuous productivity. As industries evolve and machines operate under diverse conditions, traditional fault detection methods often fall short. In spite of significant research in recent years, there remains a pressing need for improve existing methods of fault diagnosis. To fill this research gap, this research work aims to propose an efficient and robust system for diagnosing bearing faults, using deep and Shallow features. Through the evaluated experiments, our proposed model Multi-Block Histograms of Local Phase Quantization (MBH-LPQ) showed excellent performance in classification accuracy, and the audio-trained VGGish model showed the best performance in all tasks. Contributions of this work include: Combine the proposed Shallow descriptor, derived from a novel hand-crafted discriminative features MBH-LPQ, with deep features obtained from VGGish pre-trained of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) using audio spectrograms, by merging at the score level using Weighted Sum (WS). This approach is designed to take advantage of the complementary strengths of both feature models, thus enhancing overall bearing fault diagnostic performance. Furthermore, experiments conducted to verify the approach’s performance is assessed based on fault classification accuracy demonstrated a significant accuracy rate on two different noisy datasets, with an accuracy rate of 98.95% and 100% being reached on the CWRU and PU datasets benchmark, respectively.

Impacts of tourism on LULC and LST dynamics in district Buner and Shangla, Pakistan

Author Correction: A high-performance sub-THz planar antenna array for THz sensing and imaging applications