Small Events Research Articles (Page 1)

In the 2018 EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) experiments, type-I ELMs (edge localized modes) were mitigated and suppressed by Ne-SMBI (supersonic molecular beam injection) injection during H-mode discharges. No energy confinement degradation was observed during ELM suppression, whereas approximately 10% degradation was observed during ELM mitigation. The observation of broadband MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) turbulence during ELM suppression indicates it may be the primary particle transport channel. The electron density profile in the pedestal top increased and the edge radiation increased with Ne-SMBI injection, which could reduce heat fluxes reaching the divertor. Pedestal profile changes appear adequate to trigger small transport events and mitigate large ELMs. In the 2022 EAST experimental campaign, stable 2 s ELM suppression was achieved by adjusting the Ne-SMBI injection rate. High-frequency coherent modes around 250 kHz, possibly corresponding to micro-tearing modes (MTM), appeared during ELM suppression. In addition to impurity SMBI injection, fuel particle D2-SMBI injection was also applied for ELM mitigation. Experimental results show D2-SMBI has small impact on the edge, increasing ELM frequency without significant ELM mitigation compared to impurity SMBI.

Achieving fully automated transduction and signal amplification of small molecule target recognition events into ultrasensitive, detectable electrical signals remains challenging, owing to the need for seamless integration of cascade biochemical reactions. Here, we present an integrated and portable biosensing platform that couples immunorecognition with programmable nuclease-mediated electrical transduction, in which sequential current pulse signals generated by multiple microspheres flowing through the microchannel are recorded and quantified. In this assay, target competes with an antigen-guide DNA conjugate for antibody binding, and the residual guide DNA activates Clostridium butyricum Argonaute (CbAgo) to cleave biotinylated target DNA on magnetic nanoparticles. This cleavage modulates the ability of magnetic nanoparticles to capture polystyrene microspheres, and the resulting change in microsphere concentration is directly quantified as a microchannel resistance variation, enabling amplification-free, quantitative detection. This streamlined architecture minimizes manual processing and supports field deployment. As proof of concept, the platform achieved on-site detection of enrofloxacin in milk with a limit of detection of 4.59 pg/mL. The integration of immunological specificity, programmable nuclease catalysis, and portable electrical readout establishes a generalizable framework for automated, point-of-need biosensing of diverse small molecules and biomarkers.

Rifaximin and the low FODMAP diet (LFD) are suggested as second-line therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Direct comparative data are limited. To compare the efficacy of rifaximin and LFD in IBS. In this single-blind, randomised controlled trial, we allocated adults with IBS to rifaximin or LFD. The primary outcome was composite symptom improvement (abdominal pain/discomfort and stool consistency/frequency) at Week 4. Secondary outcomes included individual symptom improvement, ≥ 50 point reduction in IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) eradication, adherence and adverse events. We randomised 100 patients equally (median age 50 years; 52% female; 68% IBS-D; 17% SIBO). Based on the composite symptom assessment, response rates were similar between groups (rifaximin 56.0% vs. LFD 48.0%, p = 0.423) at Week 4. However, rifaximin led to significantly earlier individual symptom improvement at Week 2, including global symptoms (90.0% vs. 72.0%, p = 0.022), bloating (84.0% vs. 58.0%, p = 0.004) and abdominal pain (80.0% vs. 58.0%, p = 0.017). HRQOL and anxiety scores improved in both groups. SIBO eradication was observed in 63.6% (rifaximin) and 50.0% (LFD). Adherence was significantly better with rifaximin (95.9% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.008). No serious adverse events occurred. Rifaximin is as effective as LFD in treating IBS over 4 weeks. However, it provides faster symptom relief and higher treatment adherence, making it a practical alternative for symptom management. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT number: NCT04841980.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether dynamic changes in interspinous process distance (ΔISPD) between standing and supine positions predict adjacent vertebral fractures (AVFs) following balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). We hypothesized that greater ΔISPD reflects posterior instability and is associated with a higher risk of AVF.Overview of literature: AVF is a common complication after BKP. Risk factors such as low bone mineral density and endplate injury have been identified, but little attention has been paid to dynamic posterior instability as evaluated by ΔISPD.Methods: This retrospective observational exploratory pilot study included 36 patients (mean age, 81.8 years) who underwent BKP for thoracolumbar OVFs between 2019 and 2023. ISPD was measured at levels adjacent to the fractured vertebra in both standing and supine lateral radiographs. ΔISPD was normalized to anterior vertebral body height and multiplied by 100 for analysis. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was assessed. Univariate analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to determine optimal cutoff values for ΔISPD and normalized ΔISPD associated with AVF occurrence.Results: AVFs occurred in 12 patients (33%). Normalized ΔISPD was significantly associated with AVF occurrence (p < 0.05). These thresholds corresponded to physical ISPD changes of ≥3.4 mm and ≥5.5 mm, respectively. ROC analysis demonstrated moderate predictive performance with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.750 (upper, 95% CI, 0.58-0.93) and 0.759 (lower, 95% CI, 0.57-0.95).Conclusions: Dynamic ISPD changes were significantly associated with AVF after BKP. Although this study was limited by the small sample size and event count, normalized ΔISPD appears to be a reproducible and easily obtainable radiographic marker that may aid in identifying patients at high risk for AVF. Incorporating ΔISPD into preoperative assessment could improve risk stratification, but prospective multicenter validation is warranted.

Patch-clamp recording of miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs, or 'minis') is used extensively to investigate the functional properties of synapses. With this approach, spontaneous synaptic transmission events are recorded in an attempt to determine quantal synaptic parameters or the effect of synaptic manipulations. However, at the majority of brain synapses these events are small, with many undetectable due to recording noise. The effects of incomplete detection were well appreciated in the early years of synaptic physiology analysis, but appear to be increasingly forgotten. Here we sought to characterise the consequences of incomplete detection on the interpretability of mini analysis, using simulated mPSC data to give full control over event parameters. We demonstrate that commonly reported measures such as mean event amplitude and frequency, are misrepresented by the loss of undetected events. Probabilistic loss of small events results in detected event amplitude distributions that appear biologically complete, yet do not reflect the underlying synaptic properties. With both simulated and experimental datasets, we demonstrate that specific changes in event amplitude are primarily detected as changes in frequency, compromising classical biological interpretations. To facilitate more robust data analysis and interpretation, we detail a means for experimental estimation of the event detection limit and provide practical recommendations for data analysis. Together, our study highlights how mini analysis is prone to falsely reporting synaptic changes, raising awareness of these considerations, and provides a framework for more robust data analysis and interpretation. KEY POINTS: 'Mini analysis' (patch-clamp recording of miniature synaptic currents, mPSCs) is widely used to assess synaptic function, relying on detection of spontaneous synaptic events. Detection of mPSC events is almost inevitably incomplete, as event amplitudes are close to the level of recording noise - a limitation that was well recognised in earlier literature but is often overlooked today. Using in silico simulated datasets, this study characterises how incomplete detection distorts reported parameters and the distributions of detected events. These effects can routinely compromise biological interpretation of mPSC data, particularly the interpretation of amplitude and frequency changes. We present a method for experimental estimation of the detection limit and make practical recommendations for maximally careful interpretation of mini data.

The Hungarian National Seismological Network has experienced significant advancements in its monitoring capabilities due to the increasing density of seismic stations across the country, leading to improved earthquake detection and localization. This paper presents an analysis of the noise characteristics, detection capabilities, and seismic events registered by the Hungarian National Seismological Network, utilizing data from both permanent and temporary stations, including those from international projects such as AlpArray, PACASE, and AdriaArray. The noise characteristics of the network were analyzed through probabilistic power spectral densities, highlighting the diverse noise conditions across Hungary. The stations were grouped based on their installation dates and geographical locations, revealing significant differences in noise levels due to geological conditions, anthropogenic influences, and seasonal variations. Noise conditions at high frequencies, crucial for detecting low‑magnitude local earthquakes, were particularly influenced by both geological factors and human activity. The study also investigated the horizontal‑to‑vertical spectral ratios and found correlations between sediment thickness, resonance frequencies, and noise levels at different stations. The paper assesses the detection capability of the seismic network, focusing on its ability to identify earthquakes of varying magnitudes. We estimated the maximum background noise displacement, providing insights into the detection thresholds of the network. The results showed that the network is capable of detecting events as small as magnitude ML = 0.5 during the night in northern Hungary and events larger than ML = 1.25 throughout the country during all day. A case study of the Szarvas cluster in 2023, a notable seismic swarm demonstrates the network’s ability to accurately localize earthquake sequences using advanced localization algorithms. This event highlighted the enhanced seismic monitoring capability of the expanded network and its ability to capture small local seismic events that were previously undetectable. The paper concludes with an overview of ongoing research and future developments, including studies on the crust and mantle structure of the Pannonian Basin and wider region, advancements in seismic hazard mapping, and the role of the AdriaArray stations in refining earthquake localization. The continuous development of the Hungarian National Seismological Network and its integration into international cooperations are expected to further enhance high quality seismological structural research and contribute to a more detailed understanding of regional seismicity.

Association between serum testosterone and related hormones and risk of symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm in male participants from the UK Biobank.

Abstract The wet season is commonly defined based on daily precipitation accumulation, which represents water inputs but does not account for losses from evaporation, infiltration, and runoff. Here, we estimate root‐zone soil moisture using observations from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite to capture year‐to‐year variations in seasonal soil moisture availability across Africa from 2016 to 2023 using a cumulative anomaly algorithm. Our analysis shows that seasonal soil moisture timing correlates more strongly (p 0.01) with seasonal vegetation timing than precipitation across African croplands with over 30% crop cover. Additionally, soil moisture‐based onsets capture small early season rainfall events that precipitation‐based methods misclassify as false onsets. However, in Southern Hemisphere woodlands, neither soil moisture nor precipitation fully explains vegetation variability, likely due to deep‐rooted trees accessing moisture beyond SMAP's detection limits. These findings highlight soil moisture as a valuable indicator for refining wet season definitions, particularly in agricultural regions.

Dryland productivity is highly sensitive to precipitation variability, and models predict that rainfall variability will increase in the future. Numerous studies have documented the relationship between productivity and precipitation, but most focus on aboveground production (ANPP), while the effects on belowground production (BNPP) remain poorly understood. Furthermore, previous research suggests that ANPP and BNPP are uncoupled within ecosystems, but the degree to which rainfall variability affects the interplay between aboveground and belowground production is unknown. We conducted a long-term rainfall manipulation experiment in Chihuahuan Desert grassland to investigate how the size and frequency of growing season rain events affected BNPP and its relationship to ANPP. Experimental plots received either 12 small-frequent rain events or 3 large-infrequent events during the monsoon season for a total of 60 mm of added rainfall per treatment per year. All plots, including three controls, received ambient rainfall throughout the year. Total BNPP ranged from a low of 94.7 ± 38.2 g m2 year-1 under ambient conditions to a high of 183.7 ± 44.6 g m2 year-1 under the small-frequent rainfall treatment. Total BNPP was highest under small-frequent rain events, and there was no difference in BNPP between 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths in either rainfall treatment. ANPP and BNPP were uncorrelated within rainfall treatments, but weakly positively correlated across all plots and years. Our results contribute to a growing body of research on the importance of small rain events in drylands and provide further evidence regarding the weak coupling between aboveground and belowground processes.

Many experiences occur repeatedly throughout our lives: we might watch the same movie more than once and listen to the same song on repeat. How does the brain modify its representations of events when experiences are repeated? We hypothesized that, with repeated viewing of a narrative movie, brain regions would adapt their event representations by becoming either finer (more detailed) or coarser (more generalized). To test this hypothesis, we analyzed data from 30 human participants who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while watching three 90-second clips from “The Grand Budapest Hotel” six times each. We used hidden Markov models and pattern similarity analysis applied to searchlights across the brain to quantify the strength of event structure at different timescales for each clip presentation. We then tested how event structure strength changed at both slow and fast timescales with repeated viewings. Most brain regions exhibited stability in the strength of event structure at both slow and fast timescales. Other regions, however, showed flexible event representations that became more or less granular across repeated clip presentations. Notably, several brain regions exhibited consistent changes in the strength of event structure at a slow timescale across different movie clips. Furthermore, in lateral occipital cortex and middle temporal gyrus, greater loss of event structure at a slow timescale predicted more detailed memory recall. These results highlight that event dynamics in the brain are not fixed, but can change flexibly with experience.Significance StatementMany experiences are not unique—they repeat multiple times. We asked how increasing familiarity with an experience changes the brain’s response to it. Individuals repeatedly watched narrative movie clips while undergoing fMRI. This allowed us to examine how the brain’s temporal representations of events in the movie changed when the movie was viewed multiple times. As the movie clip became familiar, some brain regions fine-tuned their event representations, dividing the movie clip into smaller events. Other brain regions showed coarser event representations with increasing experience by grouping previously distinct events. Finer event representations in the brain predicted more detailed memory. These results show that the brain flexibly changes how it represents events, and this flexibility may help memory.

BackgroundFlat erythematous “red patches” (RPs) identified during flexible cystoscopy are common and often benign, yet they have historically prompted rigid cystoscopy and biopsy under general anesthesia. This practice can lead to unnecessary procedures with low diagnostic yield, added morbidity, and increased healthcare burden.ObjectiveTo evaluate the local practice regarding rigid cystoscopy and biopsy for RPs and to assess the impact of a targeted departmental intervention.MethodsThis was a single-center, retrospective, two-cycle quality improvement audit at a UK district general hospital. Cycle 1 included all flexible cystoscopies between March and June 2024 and Cycle 2 between November 2024 and February 2025. Data collected included demographics, cystoscopy indication, smoking history, urinary tract infection (UTI) status, biopsy decisions, histology, antibiotic use, and relook outcomes. Following Cycle 1, an intervention was introduced comprising mandatory red-patch image capture, consultant review prior to biopsy listing, and structured teaching on morphology, risk stratification, and benign mimics.ResultsIn Cycle 1, 63 RP cases were identified; 37 (58.7%) underwent biopsy, with three malignancies detected (8.1%). Relook cystoscopy was performed in 26 patients, with resolution in 20 (76.9%); of six persistent cases, three underwent biopsy (one malignancy) and three were observed safely. In Cycle 2, 73 cases were identified; 23 (31.5%) underwent biopsy, with one malignancy (4.3%). Relook was performed in 48 patients, with resolution in 32 (66.7%); of 16 persistent cases, eight underwent biopsy (one malignancy) and eight were managed conservatively. Across both cycles, all malignancies occurred in patients >60 years; three of four had a smoking history, and one coincided with proven UTI. Antibiotic prescribing remained frequent, including in patients without culture-proven infection. ConclusionIn our center, a consultant-led, image-supported, risk-stratified pathway appeared to reduce unnecessary rigid cystoscopy and biopsy requests for RPs, with no observed delays in cancer detection during the audit period. Most lesions resolved spontaneously or after UTI treatment, and several persistent but low-risk patches were managed safely without biopsy. However, with only four malignant cases identified, oncological safety cannot be definitively established, and these findings should be regarded as exploratory. This study is further limited by its single-center, retrospective design and small event rate. Future work should prioritize antibiotic stewardship, standardization of relook intervals, and evaluation of urine cytology in high-risk patients.

Abstract Earthquake swarms and strong shocks have frequently occurred in Noto Peninsula, Japan, for decades, resulting in a seismicity pattern characterized by a mixture of background earthquakes, swarms, and foreshock/aftershock sequences. Using an improved version of the space‐time Epidemic‐Type Aftershock Sequence model, we extract statistical features of the aftershocks hidden within earthquake sequences from 2000 to 2024. The aftershock productivity density patterns in the source regions of the 2007 Mw6.7, 2023 Mw6.2, and 2024 Mw7.5 earthquakes exhibit strong spatial heterogeneity, with high productivity density values extending from surface to depths of 15 km, 15 km, and 27 km, respectively. More importantly, the model parameters which characterize productivity and decay rates of aftershocks vary significantly in both space and time, as demonstrated by the results obtained from stochastic reconstruction. Two regions, located in the southwest and northeast of the Noto Peninsula, where the 2024 Mw7.5 mainshock has ruptured and earthquake swarms constantly occur, are characterized by higher , lower , relatively low and high values. Temporal variations in the parameters indicate that these anomalies are primarily observed between 2021 and 2023 in the swarm activated region. We attribute the statistical characteristics of seismicity in these two local regions—such as a larger proportion of indirectly triggered aftershocks, a slower decay rate of aftershock numbers, and a relative higher proportion of small events—to the presence and migration of fluids in the lower crust or upper mantle beneath the Noto Peninsula.

Determining the Impact of Histology on the Incidence, Pattern, and Timing of Recurrences in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Pooled Analysis from the SORCE and ASSURE Trials.

Application of python image analysis tools for particle structure detachment detection in high‑speed videos during model filter regeneration

Background : This study investigated sex differences in concerns about unwanted sexual advances (CAUSA) in drinking contexts that varied in terms of the familiarity of people and location, and size of the party. Hypotheses tested were: women have more CAUSA than men, CAUSA are higher in unfamiliar large events than familiar small events for women more than men, and CAUSA will predict decisions to drink less especially in unfamiliar contexts. Methods : Drinking decisions were assessed in 569 (120 men, 449 women) undergraduate students in 8 randomly presented hypothetical scenarios varying along 3 dimensions: Closeness with friends attending, Location familiarity, and Size of the event. Results : Analyses revealed that women had more CAUSA than men (p < .00001), that CAUSA were higher for women when with acquaintances than with close friends (p < .0001) and that CAUSA were higher in unfamiliar large party settings than familiar small get–together settings (ps < .0001). CAUSA was a stronger predictor (p < .05) of decisions to drink less in unfamiliar large party events (p < .0001, R2 =, 0.085) compared with familiar small gatherings (p < .0001, R2 =, 0.038) for both men and women. Conclusions : Overall, concerns about unwanted sexual advances are higher in women and in unfamiliar contexts and are modest predictors of drinking decisions in men and women.

Abstract A comprehensive earthquake catalog plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of earthquake activity and generation mechanisms. However, due to the low station density and data quality limitations, numerous small earthquakes remain undetected and unlocated. Traditional seismic location methods based on travel time and waveform analysis may be ineffective for such events, while traditional single-station location methods require high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data. Overcoming this challenge and improving the detection and location of these small seismic events is crucial. To address the need for locating small seismic events with low SNR, we propose a novel workflow for seismic station networks, leveraging machine learning single-station location method. The method comprises distance and azimuth neural networks. We pre-train the models on a global dataset (STEAD) and fine-tune them using local datasets (INSTANCE, Italy and Sichuan, China). The local datasets are utilized to assess the performance of models, while the Sichuan dataset is also specifically used to evaluate the entire workflow. We evaluate the proposed machine learning methods using the Sichuan, China, testing dataset and achieve a mean absolute error of approximately 3.0 km for epicenter distance and 22.0 degrees for back-azimuth. Extending the application of the models to regions like Yunnan, China, and Italy generates reliable estimates of the spatial distribution of seismic events. Crucially, the workflow incorporates both spatial constraints of the station locations and the constraints from waveforms recorded by the stations, leading to improved location accuracy compared to using less reliable azimuth estimates. The workflow successfully located 6321 seismic events in the Sichuan, China, testing dataset, which is approximately 1.4 times more than the number reported in earthquake catalogs, further complementing seismic activity. Graphical Abstract

During regional seismic monitoring, data is automatically analyzed in real-time to identify events and provide initial locations and magnitudes. Monitoring networks may apply automatic post-processing to small events (M < 3) to add and refine picks and improve the event before analyst review. Recently, machine learning algorithms, particularly for phase picking, have matured enough for use in regional monitoring systems. The Southern California Seismic Network has implemented the deep-learning picker PhaseNet in our event post-processing, resulting in about 2-3 times as many picks, particularly S phases, with slightly better pick accuracy than the previous STA/LTA picker (relative to analyst picks). These improvements have led to better epicenter accuracy. We have also developed an automatic post-processing pipeline (ST-Proc) for sub-network triggers, which are collections of nearby phase picks that the real-time system could not associate into an event. ST-Proc uses PhaseNet to find phase picks and the machine learning algorithm GaMMA to associate events. This pipeline is capable of correctly detecting events in 65-70% of triggers containing events with a low false event rate around 5%. Additionally, the GaMMA-determined epicenters are generally accurate (within a few kilometers of the final). Both pipelines have helped to reduce analyst workload and streamline event processing.

The common perception of Waiting for Godot is that it shows meaninglessness, hopelessness and absence of God. But when seen through Derrida’s Deconstruction theory, it reveals deeper contradictions. There are number of research available on theme of God’s absence but there is inadequate research found on presence of God in Waiting for Godot. This study aims to deconstruct the binary of absence/presence of God in the play by Samuel Beckett. For this purpose, Jacques Derrida’s idea of deconstruction is applied to explore how the text breaks its own claims. The method used for analysis is textual analysis, as suggested by Catherine Belsey. By deconstructing the binaries, the study finds that presence of God is suggested through small events like elements of hope throughout the text, providence of food and shoes, reversal role of Pozzo and Lucky, and leaves growing on the tree. These events show that something divine might be present in the background, even if not directly. So, the paper argues that Waiting for Godot does not only show God’s absence but also signs of His presence.

Flow cytometry (FC) is widely used in humans and dogs to diagnose and characterize hematopoietic neoplasms. Conversely, its use in feline patients is still limited, leading to a lack of standardized protocols and subjective data interpretation. Herein, we describe FC features of circulating lymphoid subsets in a total of 20 cats: 9 healthy cats, 6 diseased cats without hematopoietic neoplasm, and 5 cats with probable chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), using a panel of 10 antibodies and a multicolor approach, in terms of both cell size (nFSC) and degree of antigen expression (MFI). Three main subsets were identified in healthy cats and diseased cats without hematopoietic neoplasm (namely, CD5 + CD45R-, CD21 + CD45R + and CD5 + CD45R+). CD4 + CD8- cells outnumbered CD4- CD8 + cells. Low percentages of CD4 + CD8 + and CD134 + cells were also present. MHCII had higher fluorescence intensity in B- than in T-cells. CD9 was not expressed on leukocytes surface, but on small events possibly referable to platelet clumps. In diseased cats without hematopoietic neoplasm, each T-cell subset was larger in size than in healthy cats. Finally, in cats with probable CLL the leading phenotype was CD5 + CD45R-CD4 + CD8-CD134 + MHCII+ and cell size overlapped with the one of the other diseased cats. Our results are expected to lay the ground for a more standardized approach to feline samples for FC, and a more objective data interpretation, ultimately leading to improved diagnostic accuracy. Further studies are needed to assess the biological, diagnostic and prognostic value of specific FC patterns in feline medicine.

Abstract Based on the two-vantage observations by the COR2 coronagraphs on board the two STEREO spacecraft between 2010 January 1 and 2010 July 15, we reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) structures of small solar wind transients in the extended corona and determine their velocities by using the CORrelation-Aided Reconstruction technique. From this data set, we select three small transient events that are predicted to arrive at the L1 point after extrapolating their 3D trajectories in the heliosphere. We find that the predicted trajectories are consistent with the heliospheric observations, and the transients are likely to have also been detected by in situ instruments at L1. The case 1 event is a streamer blob associated with high-density regions across the heliospheric current sheet detected 2 days before the occurrence of a stream interaction region (SIR). The case 2 transient is identified as the bright core of a streamer blowout coronal mass ejection entrained by an SIR, and the case 3 event is merged with the SIR-compressed outflow. The in situ properties related to these events and their ambient plasma flows are consistent with the properties of their source regions, identified after tracing their motion back to the solar surface. This work is an attempt to establish an exact connection between the coronal observations of a small solar wind transient and its in situ measurement at near 1 au and to understand the evolution of solar wind transients in the heliosphere.