Mass Identification Research Articles

Segmentation for mammography classification utilizing deep convolutional neural network

BackgroundMammography for the diagnosis of early breast cancer (BC) relies heavily on the identification of breast masses. However, in the early stages, it might be challenging to ascertain whether a breast mass is benign or malignant. Consequently, many deep learning (DL)-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) approaches for BC classification have been developed.MethodsRecently, the transformer model has emerged as a method for overcoming the constraints of convolutional neural networks (CNN). Thus, our primary goal was to determine how well an improved transformer model could distinguish between benign and malignant breast tissues. In this instance, we drew on the Mendeley data repository’s INbreast dataset, which includes benign and malignant breast types. Additionally, the segmentation anything model (SAM) method was used to generate the optimized cutoff for region of interest (ROI) extraction from all mammograms. We implemented a successful architecture modification at the bottom layer of a pyramid transformer (PTr) to identify BC from mammography images.ResultsThe proposed PTr model using a transfer learning (TL) approach with a segmentation technique achieved the best accuracy of 99.96% for binary classifications with an area under the curve (AUC) score of 99.98%, respectively. We also compared the performance of the proposed model with other transformer model vision transformers (ViT) and DL models, MobileNetV3 and EfficientNetB7, respectively.ConclusionsIn this study, a modified transformer model is proposed for BC prediction and mammography image classification using segmentation approaches. Data segmentation techniques accurately identify the regions affected by BC. Finally, the proposed transformer model accurately classified benign and malignant breast tissues, which is vital for radiologists to guide future treatment.

Enhancing nondestructive mass identification via Fourier-transform fluorescence analysis

Single-ion mass identification is important for atomic and nuclear physics experiments on ions produced with low yields. Cooling the ion to ultralow temperatures through interaction with a laser-cooled ion will enhance the precision of the measurements. In this paper we present axial-common-mode frequency measurements of balanced and unbalanced Coulomb crystals from the Fourier transform of the fluorescence photons from a Doppler-cooling transition in calcium ions after probing the ion crystal with a five-radio-frequency comb. A single ion nondestructively detected can be used for identification, yielding a mass-resolving power m/ΔmFWHM≈310 from the axial common mode. This identification can be performed from a single measurement within times below 1 s. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Wilms tumor and associated predisposing syndromes and conditions.

Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is relatively rare but is the most common renal malignancy in children, accounting for about 5% of all childhood malignancies and 90% of all childhood renal malignancies. Advances in the understanding of the underlying cause and pathophysiology of Wilms tumor have significantly improved the prognosis and survival rates for children with Wilms tumor, but cases may occur sporadically and certain affected patients face higher rates of relapse and morbidity. The most common clinical presentation involves the identification of an abdominal mass or swelling without other signs or symptoms. The nonspecific nature of symptoms that can present can delay timely diagnosis and treatment. Numerous predisposing syndromes are associated with an increased risk for the development of Wilms tumor. Clinicians who recognize these syndromes and other conditions and understand the increased risk can provide the appropriate level of anticipatory guidance and use the optimal screening plan.

Prenatal Identification of Intracardiac Mass Expedites Surgical Management of Capillary-Venous Malformation

Prenatal Identification of Intracardiac Mass Expedites Surgical Management of Capillary-Venous Malformation

Factors associated with sarcopenia among young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSarcopenia is a generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and performance, and early identification is crucial to minimize adverse outcomes. While sarcopenia is well-studied in older populations, data on its prevalence and risk factors in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remain limited.ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in young adults with JIA and to identify associated risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional single-center study was conducted at the Rheumatology Department of Communal Noncommercial Institution “Oleksandrivska Clinical Hospital”, Kyiv, Ukraine, involving 70 patients between November 2020 and November 2022. Initially, 84 patients were recruited; however, 14 were excluded due to joint replacement, diabetes, or refusal to participate. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the Find-Assess-Confirm-Severity algorithm, assessing muscle strength with a dynamometer, confirming sarcopenia using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and determining severity via gait speed tests. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with sarcopenia and reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsLow handgrip strength, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia were observed in 64% (45/70), 59% (41/70), and 34% (24/70) of the patients, respectively. Men were less likely to lose muscle mass than women were (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10–0.89; p = 0.03). Sarcopenia was significantly predicted by disease activity according to the Disease Activity Score 28 based on erythrocytes sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) and clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (cJADAS27) (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.15–3.76; p = 0.01; OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04–1.27; p = 0.007, respectively), articular and extra-articular Juvenile Arthritis Damage Index (JADI) (JADI-A OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.23–4.25; p = 0.009; JADI-E OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.36–7.29; p = 0.008, respectively), and functional capacity according to the Health Assessment Questionnaire (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.38–12.5; p = 0.01).ConclusionSarcopenia in young adults with JIA was associated with disease activity (measured by DAS28-ESR and cJADAS27), articular and extra-articular damage (measured by JADI indices), and lower functional capacity.

Nanopore approaches for single-molecule temporal omics: promises and challenges.

The great molecular heterogeneity within single cells demands omics analysis from a single-molecule perspective. Moreover, considering the perpetual metabolism and communication within cells, it is essential to determine the time-series changes of the molecular library, rather than obtaining data at only one time point. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop a single-molecule strategy for this omics analysis to elucidate the biosystem heterogeneity and temporal dynamics. In this Perspective, we explore the potential application of nanopores for single-molecule temporal omics to characterize individual molecules beyond mass, in both a single-molecule and high-throughput manner. Accordingly, recent advances in nanopores available for single-molecule temporal omics are reviewed from the view of single-molecule mass identification, revealing single-molecule heterogeneity and illustrating temporal evolution. Furthermore, we discuss the primary challenges associated with using nanopores for single-molecule temporal omics in complex biological samples, and present the potential strategies and notes to respond to these challenges.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of splenic stromal sarcoma in 13 dogs.

The identification of a solitary splenic mass on abdominal ultrasound is a common occurrence; however, diagnosis based on imaging alone remains a challenge. Multiple studies have tried to identify key characteristics that denote a benign or malignant lesion before splenectomy. Differential diagnoses commonly include hemangiosarcoma, hematoma, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and lymphoid hyperplasia. While comprehensive, this list fails to consider the less frequent neoplasms such as splenic stromal sarcoma. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate 13 dogs diagnosed with canine splenic stromal sarcoma and determine common characteristics noted on abdominal ultrasound. Masses were solid, without evidence of cavitation, and arising from the mid-body of the spleen. While abdominal ultrasound does not provide a definitive diagnosis for splenic stromal sarcoma, it should be considered when identifying a solitary, solid, noncavitary splenic mass.

Could point-of-care bioimpedance analysis be another tool in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures?

A treatment gap exists in osteoporosis, with people at risk of fracture often not identified. Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry is the gold standard technique for the identification of low bone mass, but it is not always easily accessible. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive, safe and portable technology, which can provide a calculated estimate of bone mass. However, the validity of using BIA in the assessment of bone health is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to examine BIA-derived bone mass (BBM) data from a local population, with the aim of exploring its potential for use as a preliminary osteoporosis screening tool.A convenience sample of 124 participants (40 males, 84 females) was recruited from the local population. BIA was performed on participants according to standard procedures. BBM data was analysed in relation to weight, height, sex, age and BMI. Data was analysed using ANOVA, hierarchial regression, and bivariate correlation as appropriate.Weight was strongly associated with BBM (R2 = 0.637, p < 0.001), providing the greatest contribution to variance, of the factors examined. BBM was also positively associated with height, in a model that included weight (ΔR2 = 0.218, p < 0.001). Females had a significantly lower bone mass than males, independent of weight and height (ΔR2 = 0.055, p < 0.001). There was a small negative association of BBM with age, in a model that included weight and sex (ΔR2 = 0.011; p = 0.002). A positive correlation between BMI and BBM was found in both males (rs(38) = 0.482, p = 0.002), and females (rs(82) = 0.565, p < 0.001). The finding that BBM values are associated with factors known to be relevant to fracture risk, provides a rationale to perform further studies to investigate if BBM values could have validity for point-of-care assessment of bone health.

Report of a giant invasive, wall-penetrating cardiac lipoma

BackgroundCardiac lipoma, a seldom-encountered benign tumor positioned beneath the endocardium, has the potential to impair electrophysiological functions. Diagnosis is principally based on imaging modalities. The uniqueness of this case lies in the tumor’s extension both internally and externally within the right atrium, rendering it of special interest. From a clinical standpoint, surgical removal is commonly advocated, wherein early intervention is pivotal in improving patients’ long-term prognoses.Case presentationA 35-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for treatment subsequent to the identification of a cardiac mass two days prior. Initial diagnostic assessments, encompassing CT scans and echocardiography, identified a space-occupying lesion within the heart. The patient underwent surgical excision of the cardiac tumor, utilizing mild hypothermic extracorporeal circulation via femoral vessel access. Intraoperative findings revealed adipose-like tissue of a “dumbbell-shaped” configuration situated both within and external to the right atrium, measuring approximately 8 cm*9 cm internally and 7 cm*6 cm externally, with the extracardiac mass being marginally larger. Postoperative pathological analysis confirmed a cardiac lipoma diagnosis. A follow-up echocardiogram conducted three months post-surgery exhibited no notable abnormalities. The patient is under continuous observation to monitor for any recurrence or potential long-term complications.ConclusionIn this case report, we detail with precision a rare cardiac pathology manifested by an expansive infiltrative lipoma that pervades the endocardial and epicardial layers of the right atrium. After thorough preoperative diagnostic workup and evaluation, we contend that surgical intervention represents the optimal therapeutic approach for managing such conditions, with the goal of preemptively reducing the likelihood of cardiac compression or intracardiac obstruction.

8186 Hypoglycemia as an Unusual Presentation of Panhypopituitarism

Abstract Disclosure: P. Chalasani: None. M. Asfaw: None. M. Mansour: None. M. Hammoud: None. T. Altaweel: None. H. Ilyas: None. L. Lawrence: None. Introduction: Hypopituitarism refers to the diminished or complete absence of anterior pituitary function, which may arise from acquired or congenital factors. The symptoms depend on the patient’s age and the hormones affected. We report a case where hypoglycemia led to a new diagnosis of panhypopituitarism in an adult patient. Clinical Case:A 53-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension was brought to the emergency department after syncope. Patient experienced diaphoresis and loss of consciousness associated with urinary incontinence. She did not have confusion, tongue biting, or muscular weakness after the episode. On presentation, the patient was hypoglycemic with blood glucose of 39 mg/dl and received IV dextrose. No focal neurologic deficits were noted on physical examination. She was mildly hypotensive with blood pressure 98/66 mmHg, and received hydrocortisone 100 mg IV once, and started on IV dextrose infusion. Hypoglycemia workup revealed elevated insulin 16.6 uIU/mL and C-peptide 4.8 ng/mL (1.1-4.4) levels for a blood glucose level of 132 mg/dl, with normal beta-hydroxybutyrate of 0.14 mmol/L (0.02-0.27). Sulfonylurea screen was negative. CT abdomen revealed no pancreatic lesions or abnormalities. Hyperinsulinemia was attributed to insulin resistance in this patient with a BMI of 34 kg/m2. CT head revealed a heterogeneous low-density expansile mass in the sella/suprasellar region measuring approximately 2.5 x 2.3 x 2 cm. MRI brain confirmed a heterogeneous sellar mass with suprasellar extension measuring 3.4 x 2.3 x 2.1 cm abuting the optic chiasm without displacement. Biochemical workup revealed panhypopituitarism with secondary adrenal insufficiency ACTH &amp;lt; 1.5 pg/mL (7.2-63.3) and cortisol 3.63 ug/dL (3.70-19.40); secondary hypothyroidism TSH 0.84 mIU/mL (0.27-4.20) and FT4 &amp;lt; 0.50 ng/dL (0.70-14.8); growth hormone deficiency with low IGF-1 23 ng/mL (65-216); secondary hypogonadism FSH &amp;lt; 1 mIU/mL (46-177), LH &amp;lt; 1 mIU/mL (7.7-59) and estrone &amp;lt; 6 pg/mL (0-125); with normal prolactin 14.1 ng/mL (4.8-23.3). Patient revealed she had been amenorrheic since 23 years old and conceived one child prior. Patient was transitioned to oral hydrocortisone 20 mg AM and 10 mg PM, and started on levothyroxine 50 mcg PO daily. No neurosurgical intervention was recommended. Subsequently, patient requested a second opinion and was transferred to a tertiary center. Conclusion: The link between hypoglycemia and hypopituitarism, may be attributed to hypocortisolism and growth hormone / IGF-1 deficiency. Intriguingly, this patient's initial clinical presentation centered around hypoglycemia, and further evaluation led to the identification of a sellar mass and new diagnosis of panhypopituitarism. This case demonstrates the need to include hypopituitarism in the differential when evaluating hypoglycemic patients. Presentation: 6/2/2024

6671 A Recurrent Mass After Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Abstract Disclosure: N. Sekhon: None. K.Z. Win: None. Background: Differentiated thyroid cancers have an excellent prognosis if completely resected and their recurrence rate varies depending on the nature and type of the thyroid tumor. We report a case of symptomatic recurrent mass 1.5 years after hemithyroidectomy for a small locally invasive follicular thyroid cancer. The recurrent mass mimicked malignancy on ultrasound but was pathologically determined to be a suture granuloma. Case: A 62-year-old male with history of follicular thyroid cancer s/p left thyroidectomy presented with a symptomatic neck mass, dysphagia, voice change, and worsening snoring. Thyroid tumor pathology was reported as follicular carcinoma pT1bpNX, 1.4 cm in size, clear margins, no vascular invasion with one focus of transcapsular invasion. He had normal surveillance investigations including thyroglobulin and thyroid ultrasound. He had a normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy which was performed for dysphagia and choking. The thyroid ultrasound showed an indeterminate solid heterogeneous and hypoechoic ovoid soft tissue node measuring 6 mm x 3 mm x 5 mm just right of midline and a 4 mm left neck hypoechoic nodule with no central fatty hilus located lateral to the jugular vein. The lymph node morphology was not typically benign and the patient underwent fine needle aspirate of the mass suggestive of a benign mass. This was followed by surgical removal of the mass and pathologic identification of a suture granuloma. There was resolution of dysphagia after removal of the mass. Discussion: Thyroid tumor recurrence rate is about 15% and is usually seen in aggressive forms or in incomplete resections due to the unrecognized extent of the tumor. Recurrences can be local, regional or distant. Suture granuloma is a rare complication after thyroidectomy and reflects an inflammatory response to retained foreign material. It develops slowly after the thyroidectomy and presents as a painless mass mimicking malignancy or lymph node metastasis. Other lesions that can mimic thyroid cancer on ultrasonography include chronic granulomatous lesions, traumatic neuroma and surgical clip. Conclusion: Our case highlights that suture granuloma should be considered in addition to malignant recurrence in cases of painless mass at the site of thyroidectomy.

Comprehensive evaluation of rockburst risk by multiparameter characteristics based on microseismic signals: A case study

AbstractNowadays, the seismological monitoring system in China is a valuable tool in the rockburst risk evaluation for deep coal mines. In the past, only parameters, like source location and energy, are widely used to estimate the risk level of rockburst. Sometimes, it is effective; however, some other important physical parameters, such as apparent stress drop, static stress drop, P‐wave velocity, and moment tensor, should also be included in order to improve the accuracy of risk assessment. In this study, these parameters are calculated using mine tremor signals recorded in the LW35001 workface of Liangbaosi Coal Mine. These calculations provide an overall identification of periodical stress distribution and rock mass energy‐releasing type under high concentrated stress. Via linear moment tensor inversion procedure, the source mechanism of mine tremors and stress state of the rock mass is determined whether it is risk or not to underground roadway. This comprehensive analysis provides a specific guidance for rockburst prevention for coal mine management, that is, knowing when and where measures must be taken to decrease the risk level or induce the occurrence of rockburst under control.

Trunk-to-leg volume and appendicular lean mass from a commercial 3-dimensional optical body scanner for disease risk identification

Body shape expressed as the trunk-to-leg volume ratio is associated with diabetes and mortality due to the associations between higher adiposity and lower lean mass with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) risk. Reduced appendicular muscle mass is associated with malnutrition risk and age-related frailty, and is a risk factor for poor treatment outcomes related to MetS and other clinical conditions (e.g.; cancer). These measures are traditionally assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which can be difficult to access in clinical settings. The Shape Up! Adults trial (SUA) demonstrated the accuracy and precision of 3-dimensional optical imaging (3DO) for body composition as compared to DXA and other criterion measures. Here we assessed whether trunk-to-leg volume estimates derived from 3DO are associated with MetS risk in a similar way as when measured by DXA. We further explored if estimations of appendicular lean mass (ALM) could be made using 3DO to further improve the accessibility of measuring this important frailty and disease risk factor. SUA recruited participants across sex, age (18-40, 40-60, >60 years), BMI (under, normal, overweight, obese), and race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic [NH] Black, NH White, Hispanic, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) categories. Each participant had whole-body DXA and 3DO scans, and measures of cardiovascular health. The 3DO measures of trunk and leg volumes were calibrated to DXA to express equivalent trunk-to-leg volume ratios. We expressed each blood measure and overall MetS risk in quartile gradations of trunk-to-leg volume previously defined by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Finally, we utilized 3DO measures to estimate DXA ALM using ten-fold cross-validation of the entire dataset. Participants were 502 (273 female) adults, mean age=46.0±16.5y, BMI=27.6±7.1kg/m2 and a mean DXA trunk-to-leg volume ratio of 1.47±0.22 (females: 1.43±0.23; males: 1.52±0.20). After adjustments for age and sex, each standard deviation increase in trunk-to-leg volume by 3DO was associated with a 3.3 (95% odds ratio [OR]=2.4-4.2) times greater risk of MetS, with individuals in the highest quartile of trunk-to-leg at 27.4 (95% CI: 9.0-53.1) times greater risk of MetS compared to the lowest quartile. Risks of elevated blood biomarkers as related to high 3DO trunk-to-leg volume ratios were similar to previously published comparisons using DXA trunk-to-leg volume ratios. Estimated ALM by 3DO was correlated to DXA (r2=0.96, root mean square error=1.5kg) using ten-fold cross-validation. Using thresholds of trunk-to-leg associated with MetS developed on a sample of US-representative adults, trunk-to-leg ratio by 3DO after adjustments for offsets showed significant associations to blood parameters and MetS risk. 3DO scans provide a precise and accurate estimation of ALM across the range of body sizes included in the study sample. The development of these additional measures improves the clinical utility of 3DO for the assessment of MetS risk as well as the identification of low muscle mass associated with poor cardiometabolic and functional health.

Use of the subcutaneous ureteral bypass device and urethral stenting for treatment of malignant urinary outflow tract obstructions in cats.

The aim of this study was to describe the technical success and outcomes of ureteral and urethral decompression using the subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device and transurethral self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) as a palliative treatment option for feline malignant urinary outflow tract obstructions. A retrospective study was conducted of 14 cats with ureteral and/or urethral obstructions secondary to diagnosed or suspected transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). In all cats, a SUB device and/or a SEMS was placed to relieve the obstruction(s). Group 1 consisted of cats with ureteral obstructions, with or without concurrent urethral obstructions, and group 2 consisted of cats with only urethral obstructions. Eight cats were included in group 1 (seven with concurrent urethral obstructions) and six cats were included in group 2. TCC was confirmed in 8/14 cats. Repeat urethral obstruction due to tumor in growth occurred in 6/13 (46%) cats with a SEMS, and no cats developed recurrent ureteral obstructions after placement of the SUB device. Three cats had additional covered stents placed after urethral re-obstruction. The median survival time (MST) from the time of device placement was 52 days in group 1 (mean 92; range 14-349) and 80 days in group 2 (mean 96; range 7-209). The MST from the time of mass identification of the cats that did and did not receive adjunctive therapy was 349 days (mean 358; range 124-602) and 43 days (mean 113; range 14-423), respectively. The use of bypass devices for feline malignant urinary outflow tract obstructions is a viable option to provide immediate renal and urinary bladder decompression. TCC in cats is locally aggressive and can result in urethral re-obstruction, prompting consideration for placing a covered urethral stent. The use of adjunctive therapies for malignant neoplasia should be considered to improve overall survival once the obstruction has been relieved.

Strawberry Volatile Organic Compounds for Targeted Metabolomics: The AMDIS Strawberry User Library from Korean Germplasm

Strawberry aroma, crucial for determining quality, involves complex volatile compounds which are challenging to identify. This study explores strawberry aroma analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and the Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS). Central to our research is the creation of a bespoke strawberry Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) user library using AMDIS, specifically for analyzing strawberry aromas. The library contains VOCs from 61 strawberry cultivars, integrating information on 104 VOCs, including mass spectra, retention index, chemical class, CAS number, formula, odor threshold, and odor description. This custom library significantly outperformed a commercial library by reducing potential false hits by 200, decreasing the size of report files by over 96%, and, most importantly, shortening AMDIS analysis processing time from 31 s to 9 s, representing an approximate 71% reduction. Further, the study demonstrates the library’s practical application by contrasting the aroma profiles of strawberries harvested in winter and spring. This comparison revealed significant VOC variations depending on seasonal temperature changes, offering insights into environmental influences on strawberry aroma. In conclusion, this research marks a significant advance in strawberry aroma quality analysis. The strawberry VOC library developed in this study is expected to greatly aid targeted metabolomics and flavor research in strawberry breeding.

Computed tomographic findings of a nasal neuroendocrine neoplasm with intracranial extension in a horse

SummaryA 20‐year‐old Irish Sport Horse gelding was presented to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Referral Hospital for investigation of left‐sided epistaxis, depression and gait abnormalities of approximately 1 month duration. Physical examination and cranial nerve evaluation were unremarkable. A small amount of haemorrhagic discharge was noted from the left nostril. Gait evaluation was suggestive of proprioceptive deficits. Computed tomography (CT) identified a mass lesion within the left conchofrontal and sphenopalatine sinuses extending through the cribriform plate into the calvarium. Histopathology of the mass revealed a neuroendocrine neoplasm, for which a diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma was favoured. This case highlights the usefulness of CT for the identification and extent of an intracranial mass and therefore its prognosis, however, histopathological examination was necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Preventive machine learning models incorporating health checkup data and hair mineral analysis for low bone mass identification

Machine learning (ML) models have been increasingly employed to predict osteoporosis. However, the incorporation of hair minerals into ML models remains unexplored. This study aimed to develop ML models for predicting low bone mass (LBM) using health checkup data and hair mineral analysis. A total of 1206 postmenopausal women and 820 men aged 50 years or older at a health promotion center were included in this study. LBM was defined as a T-score below − 1 at the lumbar, femur neck, or total hip area. The proportion of individuals with LBM was 59.4% (n = 1205). The features used in the models comprised 50 health checkup items and 22 hair minerals. The ML algorithms employed were Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost). The subjects were divided into training and test datasets with an 80:20 ratio. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and an F1 score were evaluated to measure the performances of the models. Through 50 repetitions, the mean (standard deviation) AUROC for LBM was 0.744 (± 0.021) for XGB, the highest among the models, followed by 0.737 (± 0.023) for AdaBoost, and 0.733 (± 0.023) for GB, and 0.732 (± 0.021) for RF. The XGB model had an accuracy of 68.7%, sensitivity of 80.7%, specificity of 51.1%, PPV of 70.9%, NPV of 64.3%, and an F1 score of 0.754. However, these performance metrics did not demonstrate notable differences among the models. The XGB model identified sulfur, sodium, mercury, copper, magnesium, arsenic, and phosphate as crucial hair mineral features. The study findings emphasize the significance of employing ML algorithms for predicting LBM. Integrating health checkup data and hair mineral analysis into these models may provide valuable insights into identifying individuals at risk of LBM.

Early Detection and Stability Assessment of Hazardous Rock Masses in Steep Slopes

The assessment of slope stability plays a critical role in the prevention and management of slope disasters. Evaluating the condition and stability of hazardous rock masses is essential for predicting potential collapses and assessing treatment effectiveness. However, conventional measurement techniques are inadequate in high slope areas, which lack sufficient spatial data to support subsequent calculations and analyses. Therefore, this paper presents a method for the early identification and evaluation of unstable rock masses in high slopes using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) digital photogrammetry and geographic information technology. By considering nine evaluation indices including geology, topography, and induced conditions within the study area, weights for each index are determined through an analytic hierarchy process. A semi-automatic approach is then utilized to extract and analyze rock mass stability. The reliability of this early identification method is confirmed by applying the limit equilibrium principle. The findings reveal that 17.6% of dangerous rock masses in the study area fall into the unstable category (W4, W6, W10). This method effectively assesses slope rock mass stability while providing technical support for disaster monitoring systems, warning mechanisms, and railway infrastructure safety defense capability to ensure safe mountain railway operations.

Enhanced In Situ Spatial Proteomics by Effective Combination of MALDI Imaging and LC-MS/MS

Highly specialized cells are fundamental for the proper functioning of complex organs. Variations in cell-type-specific gene expression and protein composition have been linked to a variety of diseases. Investigation of the distinctive molecular makeup of these cells within tissues is therefore critical in biomedical research. Although several technologies have emerged as valuable tools to address this cellular heterogeneity, most workflows lack sufficient in situ resolution and are associated with high costs and extremely long analysis times. Here, we present a combination of experimental and computational approaches that allows a more comprehensive investigation of molecular heterogeneity within tissues than by either shotgun LC-MS/MS or MALDI imaging alone. We applied our pipeline to the mouse brain, which contains a wide variety of cell types that not only perform unique functions but also exhibit varying sensitivities to insults. We explored the distinct neuronal populations within the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and memory that is involved in various neurological disorders. As an example, we identified the groups of proteins distinguishing the neuronal populations of the dentate gyrus (DG) and the cornu ammonis (CA) in the same brain section. Most of the annotated proteins matched the regional enrichment of their transcripts, thereby validating the method. As the method is highly reproducible, the identification of individual masses through the combination of MALDI-IMS and LC-MS/MS methods can be used for the much faster and more precise interpretation of MALDI-IMS measurements only. This greatly speeds up spatial proteomic analyses and allows the detection of local protein variations within the same population of cells. The method’s general applicability has the potential to be used to investigate different biological conditions and tissues and a much higher throughput than other techniques making it a promising approach for clinical routine applications.

Identification and trimming of the eccentric mass in shell resonators

This paper presents a novel method to identify and suppress the undesired spurious mode caused by the 1st and 3rd harmonics of eccentric mass defects in shell resonators. This approach eliminates the need for pre-trimming of frequency split, simplifying the identification and trimming process, with the advantages of high efficiency and minimal structural damage. Firstly, the influence of the mass defects on the dynamics of resonators is analyzed using the mass ring model. The shear force caused by the 1st and 3rd harmonics of the eccentric mass, as well as the axial force caused by the 2nd harmonic, result in forced bending vibration and axial vibration of resonators. These two types of vibrations are superimposed as spurious modes with the operating mode. The bending vibration caused by eccentric mass is decoupled from the mixed vibration signal by analyzing the dynamic characteristics. An analytic scheme is proposed to identify the 1st and 3rd harmonics without eliminating frequency split. To validate the proposed scheme, the identification and trimming process for eccentric mass is simulated by the finite element method based on the geometric model with preset first four harmonics. Finally, experimental identification and trimming of the eccentric mass for the hemispherical resonator are performed based on the laser Doppler vibrometer and ion beam etching process. After multiple iterations, the 1st and 3rd harmonics are reduced by 87.2% and 49.8%, and the quality factors of the operating modes increase by 26.7% and 40.7%, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.