Standard Test Research Articles

Enhanced adaptive permutation test with negative binomial distribution in genome-wide omics datasets.

The permutation test has been widely used to provide the p-values of statistical tests when the standard test statistics do not follow parametric null distributions. However, the permutation test may require huge numbers of iterations, especially when the detection of very small p-values is required for multiple testing adjustments in the analysis of datasets with a large number of features. To overcome this computational burden, we suggest a novel enhanced adaptive permutation test that estimates p-values using the negative binomial (NB) distribution. By the method, the number of permutations are differently determined for individual features according to their potential significance. In detail, the permutation procedure stops, when test statistics from the permuted dataset exceed the observed statistics from the original dataset by a predefined number of times. We showed that this procedure reduced the number of permutations especially when there were many insignificant features. For significant features, we enhanced the reduction with Stouffer's method after splitting datasets. From the simulation study, we found that the enhanced adaptive permutation test dramatically reduced the number of permutations while keeping the precision of the permutation p-value within a small range, when compared to the ordinary permutation test. In real data analysis, we applied the enhanced adaptive permutation test to a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset of 327,872 features. We found the analysis with the enhanced adaptive permutation took a feasible time for genome-wide omics datasets, and successfully identified features of highly significant p-values with reasonable confidence intervals.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology for Prompt Diagnosis of Cast Iron Mechanical Properties

Kinetic indentation is widely used to measure physical and mechanical properties of materials as one of the most universal methods for non-destructive testing. This paper uses the latest advances in artificial intelligence and capabilities of the Python programming language libraries allowing to carry out accurate measurements of cast iron hardness based on the data of the material’s micro-impact loading diagram. It has been shown that use of machine learning allows eliminating gross errors and reducing the error of indirect hardness evaluation in several times – down to 10 units according to Brinell HB. It has also been established that formation of additional features for training models (based on traditionally used characteristics: penetration depths, indenter movement speed and contact forces at certain points in time) has a positive effect on the accuracy of measurements, but amount of measurements should also be optimized. Feasibility of effective use of machine learning to evaluate hardness has been demonstrated by comparing of calculated hardness values with data obtained with standard testing methods. Advantage of the developed testing method is the fact that the developed algorithms can be used for prompt diagnostics of cast iron hardness using existing equipment. It is appropriate to extend the proposed approach for determination of other mechanical properties of cast iron: yield strength, strain hardening index, creep, relaxation, determined by indentation methods.

Associating cognitive abilities with naturalistic search behavior

AbstractDifferences in cognitive abilities affect search behaviors, but this has mostly been observed in laboratory experiments. There is limited research on how users search for information in real‐world, naturalistic settings and how real‐world search behaviors relate to cognitive abilities. In this study, we investigated a wide range of behavioral data captured from real‐life search tasks, their association with users' cognitive abilities, and the potential for automatically inferring cognitive abilities from these data. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the data quantity and monitoring duration needed to effectively estimate cognitive abilities from naturalistic behavior. Twenty individuals with βvarying cognitive abilities participated in the experiments in which their everyday search behavior was continuously recorded for 14 days. Their cognitive ability was evaluated through standard tests conducted individually. Data consisted of over 800 h of monitoring, including 2022 queries extracted from 1,442,447 screen frames and associated operating system logs. Using these data, naturalistic search behaviors were associated with cognitive abilities, and predictive models were trained. The results showed that lower selective attention was found to be associated with longer dwelling on selected search results. Faster psychomotor speed and higher fluid intelligence were found to be associated with a greater amount of text read on selected pages. Predictive models exhibited small error rates in predicting cognitive abilities.

Device optimization of all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells for realistic irradiation conditions

All-perovskite two-terminal tandem solar cells, comprising two or more junctions, offer high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) that exceed the limits of single-junction photovoltaics. Realizing high-efficiency SCs requires carefully optimizing the photoactive layer, front electrodes, and functional layers. Here, we first aim to determine the optimal device architecture, i.e., the perovskites bandgaps and optimum layer thicknesses, for standard test conditions (STCs). We then optimize the energy yield (EY) under realistic outdoor conditions (ROCs), i.e., the overall electrical energy to be expected in one year at a specific location. In the first step, we reference our simulation with two terminal all-perovskite triple-junction SCs (2T3J-PSCs) to previously experimentally realized PSC with a PCE of 20.1% as a benchmark to derive the underlying diode parameters and use our in-house energy yield code combined with a hybrid particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm (PSOGSA) to find the optimal bandgap combination and perovskite layer thicknesses. The optimized SCs with the optimal bandgap combination offer a PCE of 25.1% with a current density of 10.1 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the effect of the other functional layers, such as transparent conductive oxide (TCO), hole transport layer (HTL), and recombination junctions (RJs), is also investigated to enhance the cell performance further. The SCs with optimized layers exhibit improved parameters: PCE of 27.1%, with a relative improvement of 34.8% in the PCE compared with the fabricated cell, and a high current matching a of 10.8 mA/cm2. The numerical results showed that the reported cell can potentially achieve a PCE of 36% at an eVoc/EG ratio of 0.72. However, the optimal parameters may vary in real-world operating conditions due to variations in temperature, humidity, and light exposure. As a result, the optimal energy yield (EY) parameters may differ. Therefore, the energy yield optimizing process is also carried out by considering ROCs in Phoenix, AZ, USA, to find the best parameters under these conditions. We found that the optimum top layer bandgap under ROCs is lower than under STCs due to a bluer, more shifted spectrum in ROCs. After that, the optimized cell under ROCs is tested in several locations exhibiting different climatic conditions (Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Miami, and Milwaukee). The numerical results show that the optimized cell under ROCs offers an increase in energy yield in several locations compared to conventional single-junction crystalline Si-SCs (PCE = 23.6%) with a high energy yield of 648.2 kWh/m2 in Phoenix, with an improvement of 39.9% in the EY compared to the Si-SC counterpart. Our results provide design guidelines for fabricating a highly efficient triple-junction perovskite SC in the lab and outdoor applications and improve the efficiency of 2T3J-PSCs beyond the 30% limit.

Study of the biochemical status of calves in the early postnatal period in connection with dyspepsia

Purpose: to study changes in the most important metabolic parameters in case of dyspepsia in calves.Materials and methods. Two groups of calves of 8 heads each, aged from 6 to 14 days, were formed. The first group included calves with signs of dyspepsia, who, in addition to diarrhea syndrome, had decreased appetite, weakness, and signs of abdominal pain. At the time of the study, the duration of the illness was 2-4 days. The second (control) group included clinically healthy animals of the same age. Blood was taken from the calves from the jugular vein in the morning before feeding. Blood serum was examined in a clinical biochemical laboratory using standard test systems to determine biochemical parameters.Results. In calves with dyspepsia, a significant decrease in the concentration of triglycerides by 1,8 times, cholesterol by 1,57 times, total protein by 5,5 % and albumin by 12,3 % was revealed. They also revealed a significant increase in the activity of transamination enzymes — ALT (2,6 times) and AST (1,6 times), which may indicate both damage to hepatocytes and the induction of enzymes to accelerate transamination reactions in order to meet energy needs calf body. The studies did not reveal significant changes in the concentrations of urea, creatinine and bilirubin.Conclusion. Studies have revealed metabolic changes that occur due to decreased absorption of nutrients in the intestines. Damage to the intestinal mucosa leads not only to a deterioration in the absorption of nutrients, but also to the penetration of proteins, primarily albumins, into the intestinal lumen and their removal from the body into the external environment. Redistribution of metabolic pathways to ensure homeostasis plays an adaptive role, but subsequently can have a negative role in the processes of growth and development of the calf’s body.

Cirrhosis Progression Is Not Associated with Clinically Significant Alterations in Global Hemostasis Assessed by Thromboelastography

(1) Background: Cirrhosis is associated with frequent alterations in standard coagulation tests that do not adequately reflect hemostasis. Thromboelastography provides a global assessment of coagulation and evaluates the functional status of clotting factors, fibrinogen, platelets, and fibrinolysis. The study aimed to assess whether liver disease severity leads to progressive alterations in the thromboelastography-based assessment of coagulation. (2) Methods: Consecutive patients with cirrhosis and abnormal standard coagulation tests (at least one of International Normalized Ratio > 2, platelet count < 50 × 103/µL, fibrinogen < 200 mg/dL) were analyzed using native thromboelastography. (3) Results: A total of 106 patients were included, of whom 69 (65.1%) had a normal thromboelastography. While the standard coagulation tests were significantly worse in patients in the Child C group (n = 62, 58.5%) than in patients staged in Child A and B, no significant differences existed between any of the thromboelastography variables. Of the 50 patients (47.1%) with an International Normalized Ratio > 2, only two patients (4%) had features of hypocoagulation, while 26% had features of hypercoagulability on thromboelastography. Patients with a platelet count < 50 × 103/µL had significantly lower platelet function as assessed by thromboelastography, yet only eight patients (20%) met the criteria for platelet transfusion. A thromboelastography-based transfusion protocol might lead to a 94.6% reduction in blood product transfusion indications in a simulation where the included patients would require interventional procedures. (4) Conclusion: Standard coagulation tests showed a poor correlation with thromboelastography. Based on thromboelastography, patients with severe, decompensated liver disease have a preserved hemostasis balance despite abnormal standard coagulation tests. Therefore, standard coagulation tests should not be used to guide the administration of blood products in patients with cirrhosis.

Coxiella burnetii caused lumbar infection: A case report and literature review

Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii)is a significant microbe linked to the zoonotic disease Q fever, known for its atypical clinical manifestations and sporadic cases. It can cause lumbar infections. In this report, we present a 66-year-old male sheep farmer who experienced low back pain for five months, with worsening numbness in both lower limbs over two months. Several standard diagnostic tests were negative. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed on lumbar spine tissue obtained via biopsy, identifying C. burnetii infection. After surgical excision of the lesion, the patient received a combination of levofloxacin, doxycycline, rifampicin, and supportive medications. Postoperatively, the patient's condition stabilized, showing a significant reduction in low back pain. This case highlights mNGS as a valuable tool for diagnosing rare infections, especially in patients with a history of animal exposure. It underscores the importance of considering zoonotic infections and the need for combined antibiotic and surgical management in suspected cases.

ADHESION OF STEEL CORD WITH CU-ZN-FE COATING IN COBALT-FREE COMPOUND

ABSTRACT The adhesion of steel cord with Cu-Zn-Fe coating in a cobalt-free skim compound in hot and humid conditions was investigated and compared with the current adhesion system consisting of brass-coated steel cord in cobalt-containing skim compound. Standard adhesion tests showed that the adhesion retention of Cu-Zn-Fe–coated cord in a cobalt-free compound was significantly improved with respect to current adhesion system. Advanced characterization of adhesion interphases by field emission scanning electron microscopic examination of cord-compound cross sections and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling revealed that incorporating the Fe element into the coating significantly reduces the dezincification of the metallic coating and prevented excessive growth of adhesion interphase. This results in high adhesion retention of Cu-Zn-Fe–coated steel cord in cobalt-free compound. Furthermore, a hypothesis was proposed to explain how the Fe element decreases the dezincification of the metallic coating in hot and humid conditions. Because Cu-Zn-Fe–coated cord eliminates the need for cobalt salts in the compound, using this cord in cobalt-free compounds generates a completely cobalt-free solution to tackle adhesion degradation and health risks of the current adhesion system.

Comparison of three different ice hockey helmets using an ice hockey specific test protocol

Although there are currently no standard tests measuring rotational head motion for ice hockey, researchers have proposed test methods which induce rotational head motion from an impact and may reflect more closely how concussions occur in the sport. Recently, Meehan et al. developed a test method for ice hockey helmets to represent concussive injuries associated with ice hockey. While that provided a method that used impact parameters closer to what may be experienced, the research did not evaluate if different helmets would produce differing results under those loading conditions. The purpose of this study is to use the methods developed by Meehan et al. to evaluate the protective capacity of three different ice hockey helmet designs. This research used monorail drop rig and pneumatic ram systems to follow the protocol of Meehan with a bare headform condition and three different helmet designs, allowing for differences in linear and rotational acceleration, rotational velocity, and maximum principal strain to be determined. The results of this research found that the test method developed by Meehan et al. does result in significant differences between different helmets and helmet designs under identical impact conditions. However, these differences were limited which may be a reflection of the test method as well as commonality in terms of how ice hockey helmets are designed; the different models may not be sufficiently different enough to provide different results under these loading conditions.

Comparative Analysis of Material Efficiency and the Impact of Perforations on Heat Sinks for Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Panel Cooling

In this research, the design and simulation of a heat sink for photovoltaic panels were carried out using aluminum and copper, the most commonly used materials in heat dissipation systems. This heat sink consisted of fins that were tested both perforated and non-perforated to improve heat dissipation efficiency. This research stems from the need to reduce the temperature of photovoltaic panels during operation, as scientific evidence shows that photovoltaic panels experience a decrease in efficiency as the temperature increases, taking as a reference the temperature under standard test conditions. The simulations of photovoltaic panels with aluminum and copper fins, both perforated and non-perforated, followed a rigorous methodology. For validation, the simulation results were compared with field data, yielding a mean absolute percentage error of 1.71%. The findings indicate that copper fins reduced the temperature of the photovoltaic panel by 2.62 K, resulting in a 1.31% increase in efficiency. Similarly, aluminum fins reduced the temperature by 2.10 K, with a 1.05% increase in efficiency. Perforated copper fins achieved a temperature reduction of 3.07 K, increasing efficiency by 1.54%, while perforated aluminum fins reduced the temperature by 2.49 K, contributing to a 1.25% increase in efficiency.

Whole UVCB Tests Can Yield Biotic and Abiotic Degradation Kinetics of Known and Unknown Constituents for an Enhanced UVCB Degradation Profile

The green transition and move towards safe and sustainable-by-design chemicals entail the need for new methods to study the biodegradability of UVCBs (substances of Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products and Biological materials). Standard simulation biodegradation tests have been developed for single substances and are generally not applicable for UVCBs. The aims of this study were (1) to combine a whole UVCB biodegradation test with a sensitive constituent specific analytical technique, (2) to measure biotic and abiotic degradation of known and unknown UVCB constituents and (3) to determine the impact of a WWTP discharge on the constituent specific biodegradation in stream water. Lavender oil and black pepper oil are of significance in the perfume and cosmetics industries and served as model UVCBs. Stream water sampled upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharge point was used as inoculum (i.e., naturally and wastewater adapted bacterial consortia). Tests were conducted in gastight headspace vials and automated Arrow Solid Phase Microextraction GC-MS-scan was applied on unopened vials. Peak area ratios between biotic test systems and abiotic controls were used to determine primary biodegradation kinetics, and freshly spiked analytical references to separate biotic from abiotic degradation. Biodegradation half-times were below 20 days for all known (8-12) and unknown constituents (>78) in the essential oils. Dual column GC-MS analysis produced a level 2 identification of 16 unknown lavender constituents. Biodegradation kinetics were similar in inoculum taken before and after the WWTP outlet, confirming that native stream microorganisms were competent degraders.

Recycled graphite enabled superior performance for lithium ion batteries

Recycling graphite attracts growing attention since cumulative amount of spent Li-ion batteries and the shortage of graphite supply chain. Although various recycling methods have been reported, the recycled graphite cannot reach the strict commercial standards of purity, scalability, efficiency, and capacity, preventing it from battery manufacturing. Herein, the important roles of defects and functional groups on the graphite surface are deeply studied, and a closed-loop graphite recycling process with the surface recovery and modification for the graphite from the end-of-life batteries is demonstrated. The recovered graphite delivers a purity of over 99.9 % and an average initial coulombic efficiency of 91.5 %. Compared with commercial graphite in industrial standard battery testing parameters, full cells with recovered graphite possess enhanced rate reversibility, doubled cycle life, over 10 % higher capacity along with half anode material cost. These impressive results not only underscore the transformative potential of surface reconstruction and modification in graphite recycling, but also present economic feasibility and sustainable pathway for significantly improving battery performance and addressing global resource challenges via integration with the hydrometallurgical recycling process.

Investigating the ability of standard tests to detect improvements in behavior after a 9-week training program in shelter dogs - A pilot study

Annually, millions of dogs enter shelters worldwide. As such, it is vital to develop effective methods for assessing adoptability and promoting successful rehoming that can be easily implemented by organizations with minimal resources. Many shelters use temperament testing and training programs to facilitate these goals, but there is limited research on the effects of training programs on shelter dog behavior, and no standardized tests for assessing the skills imparted by those programs. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of temperament and basic education tests to detect changes in dog behavior after training in a shelter context. As a secondary goal, we aimed to compare video and live scoring of dog behavior in these tests. Twelve shelter dogs were enrolled in a 9-week training program to learn basic education skills (e.g., walking on a leash without pulling, not jumping on people, responding to cues such as ‘sit’ or ‘stay’). Both before and after the program, each dog was tested using a previously evaluated and published temperament test designed for use in shelters and a test of basic education skills developed by the research team to determine the ability of the tests to measure training progress. Results showed no differences between pre- and post-training temperament test scores for the categories Human Sociability and Playfulness nor for the total temperament test score; however, a decrease was observed in the score for Dog Sociability. Regarding the basic education test, results showed improvements in scores for the categories ‘Walking on a loose leash’, ‘Sit, down and staying in place’, ‘Coming when called’ and for the total basic education test score; conversely, no differences were found for the categories ‘Accepting a friendly stranger’, ‘Waiting politely for petting’, ‘Walking through a crowd’ and ‘Supervised Separation’. Moreover, we found an overall high interrater agreement for both tests. The outcomes of the present study suggest that i) the proposed basic education test is a reliable measure for detecting improvements imparted by basic education programs, and that ii) basic education training has minimal effects on behavior assessed in the employed temperament test. We discuss how the utilized behavior tests and training programs may be beneficial in a shelter context.

Reuse of polyvinyl chloride residues—in powder and fiber forms—as potential components for green mortar pavers

Plastic wastes are considered a significant environmental pollution load because of their mostly non-biodegradable nature. Consequently, the need to lessen the environmental impact calls for employing eco-friendly strategies such as reusing materials in construction. The objective of this study is to analyze the mechanical behavior and environmental impacts of mortar elements, with a specific focus on pavers, by incorporating waste polyvinyl chloride (WPVC) as aggregate and partially replacing cement. Two distinct forms of this waste were considered in the investigation: (i) as it is generated in industrial processes, mainly in fiber form, WPVCf, and in the form of powder obtained by sieving the former, WPVCp. The ratio of conventional mortar materials replaced by WPVC and the final water-to-binder ratio changed based on waste type and mix workability. The experimental work involved preparing 84 pavers, each measuring 100 mm × 150 mm × 60 mm. For each type of paver, 12 samples were prepared, ensuring a minimum of 4 sets of test data for each curing period (7, 14, and 28 days). Flexural strength tests, conducted in accordance with the Colombian standard NTC 2017, utilized a standard flexural test machine with a 150 kN capacity. A specially designed steel tool applied a point load at the center of each paving block, maintaining a minimum distance of 10 millimeters from the edges. The findings demonstrated that pavers containing fiber plastic waste exhibited the requisite strength for paved walkways, even in the short term, when the weight ratio of WPVCf to sand (WPVCf/S) was 24 %. These results derive an eco-friendly solution for reusing PVC wastes currently deposited directly in landfills. Moreover, to analyze the environmental impacts of this solution, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was carried out in this research. The LCA results pointed out that dosing with a WPVCf/S ratio of 24 % emerges as the most ecologically responsible, manifesting substantial reductions across impact categories, such as a significant 23 % decrease in climate change, a 23 % reduction in Photochemical ozone formation, and a 22 % reduction in renewable energy consumption. This underscores the potential of WPVCf incorporation as a consequential step toward eco-friendly construction materials. Furthermore, this solution not only translates to diminished paving block costs by requiring less fine aggregate and cement but also contributes to reduced transportation expenses owing to the decreased weight of the pavers.

Epidemiology and laboratory testing of Brucella spondylitis

The average age of patients with BS was 52.29 ± 9.46 years, comprising 136 males and 31 females. Risk factors for BS include close contact with cattle and sheep and consumption of unpasteurized food. The positive detection rate using combined Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and Standard Agglutination Test (SAT) was 94.6%, whereas the positive rate for blood culture was only 7.8%. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (81.4%), back pain (88.6%), sweating (61.1%), fatigue (69.5%), and anorexia (65.3%). Hematological examinations often revealed decreased hemoglobin (18.0%), increased platelets (18.0%), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (88.0%), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (78.4%), elevated Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (18.6%), and decreased K+(23.4%). The imaging examinations revealed that the lumbar spine, particularly L4/5 (41.3%), is the most frequently affected vertebral level in BS. After treatment, the overall recurrence rate was 3.0%. In endemic areas, clinicians should be vigilant for BS in patients presenting with back pain and unexplained fever, particularly those with a history of close contact with cattle and sheep. The RBT and SAT tests show a high positivity rate of 94.6%, establishing them as the preferred diagnostic methods. This study enhances clinicians’ comprehension of BS characteristics and lays a robust theoretical groundwork for disease prevention and monitoring.

Stereotactic radiotherapy for patients with bone metastases: a selected group with low rate of radiation treatment during the last month of life?

BackgroundComplex high-precision radiotherapy, such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), should only be offered to patients with sufficiently long survival. In the context of bone metastases radiotherapy, low rates of treatment close to the end of life, e.g. last 30 days (RT30), may serve as a quality of care indicator. While traditional, pain-relieving short-course regimens have been studied comprehensively, real-world SBRT results are still limited.MethodsRetrospective analysis (2010–2023, n = 1117 episodes) of patients with bone metastases treated with traditional single-fraction (8 Gy × 1) or multi-fraction regimens (often 4 Gy × 5 or 3 Gy × 10) compared to stereotactic single-fraction (12–16 Gy × 1) or multi-fraction regimens.ResultsExcept for gender, almost all baseline variables were uneven distributed. Failure to complete fractionated radiotherapy was uncommon in the stereotactic (4%) and non-stereotactic group (3%), p = 1.0. With regard to RT30, relevant differences emerged (19% for 8-Gy single-fraction versus 0% for stereotactic single-fraction, p = 0.01). The corresponding figures were 11% for multi-fraction non-stereotactic and 2% for multi-fraction stereotactic, p = 0.08. Median overall survival was shortest after 8-Gy single-fraction irradiation (4.2 months) and longest after stereotactic multi-fraction treatment (13.9 months). Neither stereotactic radiotherapy nor multi-fraction treatment improved survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Factors significantly associated with longer survival included better performance status, lower LabBM score (5 standard blood test results), stable disease outside of irradiated area(s), metachronous distant metastases, longer time interval from metastatic disease to bone irradiation, and outpatient status.ConclusionThe implementation of SBRT for selected patients has resulted in low rates of non-completion and RT30. Optimal selection criteria remain to be determined, but in current clinical practice we exclude patients with poor performance status, unfavorable blood test results (high LabBM score) and progressive disease sites not amenable to SBRT. Established, guideline-endorsed short-course regimens, especially 8-Gy single-fraction treatment, continue to represent an important palliative approach.

Cancer of Unknown Primary Site: A New Era of Practice-Changing Approaches to Diagnosis, Staging, and Precision Therapy

The enigmatic syndrome of metastatic cancer of unknown primary (CUP) site has frustrated physicians and patients for decades. There has been debate whether CUP is a single biologically distinct cancer or a constellation of many different cancers with clinically undetectable anatomic primary sites. For the past 40 years, the diagnosis of a specific cancer type for most patients was indeterminate, and fit patients were usually treated as a single cancer with the same empiric chemotherapy (EC) regimens with poor overall results. The aggregate data from autopsies, clinical observations, specialized standard pathology, molecular testing, and several clinical trials support CUP as a multitude of clinically occult invasive primary tumors requiring different site-specific therapies (SSTs). In the past several years, improved genomic testing has been used, and the addition of molecular-guided therapies (MGTs) and immunotherapy (IO) has been shown to be superior for many different advanced cancers. Two older randomized prospective trials conducted before the advent of IO and most MGT failed to show a better outcome for patients with molecularly diagnosed cancers who received SST (tailored chemotherapy regimens) versus EC, although patients with more responsive tumor types appeared to benefit. Two recently reported randomized trials documented the clinical relevance of molecular diagnosis and comprehensive genomic profiling. The administration of improved precision SST guided by molecular diagnosis and characterization revealed significantly improved outcomes compared with EC. The management of patients with CUP is undergoing rapid change including the diagnosis of the presumed primary tumors, TNM staging for selected patients, molecular profiling, and an expanded improved role of precision therapies highlighting the rapid emergent new era of practice changing standards of care.

Differential evolution with multi-strategies for UAV trajectory planning and point cloud registration

The present study introduces a novel adaptive algorithm, MELSHADE-cnEpSin, which aims to enhance the performance of LSHADE-cnEpSin, which is not only stands out as one of the most competitive versions of differential evolution but also holds the distinction of being one of the CEC winner algorithms. Compared to the original methodology, four main distinctions are presented. To begin with, we adopt an adaptive selection mechanism (ASM) of crossover rate Cr value based on the external archive to rechoose a suitable value. In the next place, a nonlinear population reduction strategy using Sigmoid function is employed to improve population distribution. Additionally, a restart strategy is implemented to mitigate the risk of algorithmic convergence towards suboptimal solutions. Furthermore, the performance of MELSHADE-cnEpSin was evaluated using standard CEC2017 and CEC2022 test suites in conjunction with nine CEC-winning algorithms (L-SHADE, EBOwithCMAR, AGSK, LSHADE-SPACMA, LSHADE-cnEpSin, ELSHADE-SPACMA, EA4eig, MadDE and APGSK-IMODE) as well as two novel algorithms (ACD-DE and MIDE). Furthermore, MELSHADE-cnEpSin was effectively employed to address the challenge of UAV trajectory planning in intricate mountainous terrain and underwent simulation with point cloud registration cases utilizing a rapid global registration dataset, thereby showcasing the potential of MELSHADE-cnEpSin in tackling real-world optimization problems.

Monte Carlo simulations of the fracture resistance of an asphalt pavement layer

The purpose of the proposed numerical model is to analyze the cracking of the wearing course in a pavement overlay, assuming a pre-existing crack that passes through the binding layer and base. The computations employed the author's simulation-based Monte Carlo material model, which describes the failure process of a Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) specimen during standard laboratory testing of asphalt concrete. A key feature of this model is the incorporation of the random nature of material parameters, allowing for the simulation of result dispersion when analyzing a sufficiently large population of samples. The proposed FEM model and obtained material data were directly applied to the numerical analysis of the pavement structure. The comprehensive computational algorithm allows for a random description of the load that induces crack propagation in the pavement wearing course, leading to the creation of a histogram that defines the range of failure load dispersion. Such supporting calculations can assist in optimizing asphalt mix design and, in the future, may allow for the estimation of pavement structure reliability.

Toluene Inhalant Addiction and Cardiac Functions in Young Adults: A Comparison of Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Parameters.

Volatile substance (thinner) addiction can cause serious cardiac events, such as malignant ventricular arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, sudden death syndrome, and dilated cardiomyopathy, as reported in many case studies. We aimed to find echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters that could foresee these adverse outcomes in clinical settings. We enrolled 32 healthy young adult patients with at least 1 year of thinner addiction and no cardiac symptoms. We also recruited a control group of 30 healthy individuals without any medical problems. Both groups received standard echocardiography and ECG tests. We analyzed the following echocardiographic parameters: LVEDd (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter), LVESd (left ventricular end-systolic diameter), mitral valve EF slope, E/A ratio, and aortic and pulmonary valve VTI (velocity time integral). We also measured the corrected (QTc), uncorrected QT intervals, and widest P-wave values in the ECG. We used the SPSS 13 software for statistical analysis. The echocardiographic findings did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the ECG results showed that the thinner addicts had higher values of corrected (QTc), uncorrected QT intervals, and widest P-wave values than the control group, according to Mann-Whitney U and Student's T test. Corrected QT (QTc) and P-wave duration are increased in individuals with a thinner addiction. These findings may suggest a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, atrial, and ventricular dysrhythmias in the future.