There has been an increased interest in speech pattern analysis applications of Parkinsonism for building predictive telediagnosis and telemonitoring models. For this purpose, we have collected a ...wide variety of voice samples, including sustained vowels, words, and sentences compiled from a set of speaking exercises for people with Parkinson's disease. There are two main issues in learning from such a dataset that consists of multiple speech recordings per subject: 1) How predictive these various types, e.g., sustained vowels versus words, of voice samples are in Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis? 2) How well the central tendency and dispersion metrics serve as representatives of all sample recordings of a subject? In this paper, investigating our Parkinson dataset using well-known machine learning tools, as reported in the literature, sustained vowels are found to carry more PD-discriminative information. We have also found that rather than using each voice recording of each subject as an independent data sample, representing the samples of a subject with central tendency and dispersion metrics improves generalization of the predictive model.
Bacteria can exploit mechanics to display remarkable plasticity in response to locally changing physical and chemical conditions. Compliant structures play a notable role in their taxis behavior, ...specifically for navigation inside complex and structured environments. Bioinspired mechanisms with rationally designed architectures capable of large, nonlinear deformation present opportunities for introducing autonomy into engineered small-scale devices. This work analyzes the effect of hydrodynamic forces and rheology of local surroundings on swimming at low Reynolds number, identifies the challenges and benefits of using elastohydrodynamic coupling in locomotion, and further develops a suite of machinery for building untethered microrobots with self-regulated mobility. We demonstrate that coupling the structural and magnetic properties of artificial microswimmers with the dynamic properties of the fluid leads to adaptive locomotion in the absence of on-board sensors.
On April 22, 2020, the FDA granted accelerated approval to sacituzumab govitecan-hziy (TRODELVY; Immunomedics, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer ...(mTNBC) who have received at least two prior therapies for metastatic disease. Approval was based on data from the IMMU-132-01 trial, a single-arm, multicohort, multicenter, phase I/II trial of sacituzumab govitecan. The assessment of efficacy was based on 108 patients with mTNBC who had previously received at least two prior lines of therapy in the metastatic setting and who received sacituzumab govitecan 10 mg/kg i.v. The assessment of safety was based on 408 patients with advanced solid tumors who had received sacituzumab govitecan at doses up to 10 mg/kg i.v. The primary efficacy endpoint was investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR) was a key secondary endpoint. The ORR was 33.3% 36/108; 95% confidence interval (CI), 24.6-43.1, and median DoR among responders was 7.7 months (95% CI, 4.9-10.8). The most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥25% of patients were nausea, neutropenia, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, vomiting, alopecia, constipation, rash, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. This article summarizes the FDA review process and data supporting the approval of sacituzumab govitecan.
This research was conducted at the Campus of Harran University in 2003-2004. Pistacia vera, Pistacia khinjuk, Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia palaestina and Pistacia terebinthus species were used as ...rootstocks to bud ‘Siirt’, ‘Kirmizi’ and ‘Ohadi’ pistachio varieties with T-budding method. T budding was used in June. Chip budding was used onto Pistacia vera rootstock. Chip budding was done in April, June and September (spring, summer and autumn period). T-budding was done at early morning and late of the days. Average bud take rate 78% in Pistacia vera, 68% Pistacia atlantica, 64% Pistacia palaestina, 63% Pistacia khinjuk and 54% Pistacia terebinthus species. The success of varieties was changed 79%, 63% and 61% for ‘Siirt’, ‘Ohadi’ and ‘Kirmizi’ cultivars respectively. The highest T-budding success rate (95%) was obtained from ‘P. vera × Siirt’ rootstocks scion combination. This was followed by ‘P. atlantica × Siirt’ with 80%. The lowest bud take rate was obtained from ‘P. khinjuk × Ohadi’ combination with 40%. On the other hand, the previous work in 2003, the bud sticks were kept in the refrigerator for 3 days and then used. The first day budding success was 80%, second day’s was 68% and third day’s was 30%. Chip budding was generally not successful. In this experiment, T- budding was successful. The best scion development was obtained from P. vera and P. khinjuk. The use of daily harvested bud sticks were observed as important factor about successfulness.
This study presents the production and comprehensive assessment of a Refractory High Entropy Alloy (RHEA) with a ZrNbTaMoW composition for possible usage nuclear reactor applications. The alloy was ...synthesized using the mechanical alloying (MA) method, and its radiation properties were examined. Elemental powders of Zr, Nb, Ta, Mo, and W were utilized in equimolar quantities during the 120-hour MA process, conducted under a high-purity Ar atmosphere to prevent oxidation. The obtained HEA was then subjected to a mechano-thermal process to transform it into Refractory High-Entropy Oxide (RHEO) for comparing their radiation-shielding performance under oxide conditions. The characterization of the produced alloys through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The photon shielding parameters of the alloys were experimentally obtained for various energies emitted from a 133Ba radioactive source, employing a Canberra UltraLEGe semiconductor detector. Furthermore, theoretical calculations were performed to validate the experimental data and to evaluate the alloys' photon shielding capabilities comprehensively. For this purpose, Phy-X/PSD software was employed to determine mass attenuation coefficients, half-value layer, effective atomic number, and effective electron density. Fast neutron absorption capabilities were determined through the calculation of average absorption cross-sections in the 2–12 MeV energy range. The results showed that the oxidation process significantly diminished the photon absorption capacity of RHEA.
•Successfully synthesized a novel ZrNbTaMoW refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA) through mechanical alloying.•Transformed the RHEA into refractory high-entropy oxide (RHEO) using a mechano-thermal process.•Investigated the structural and gamma-ray absorption capacities of both RHEA and RHEO simultaneously.•Explored fundamental parameters related to photon and particle radiations.•Conclusively determined that the radiation absorption ability of RHEA is significantly higher compared to that of RHEO.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
AbstractIntroductionThe long-term prognosis of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has attracted increasing interest in recent years. The objective of the present study is to investigate ...the short and long-term outcomes in hospitalized patients with CAP and to identify the predictive factors associated with mortality.Patients and methodsThe study was designed as a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. Hospitalized patients with CAP, as recorded in the pneumonia database of the Turkish Thoracic Society between 2011 and 2013, were included. Short-term mortality was defined as 30-day mortality and long-term mortality was assessed from those who survived 30 days. Predictive factors for short- and long-term mortality were analyzed.ResultsThe study included 785 patients, 68% of whom were male and the mean age was 67 ± 16 (18–92). The median duration of follow-up was 61.2 ± 11.8 (37–90) months. Thirty-day mortality was 9.2% and the median survival of patients surviving 30 days was 62.8 ± 4.4 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age, the absence of fever, a higher Charlson comorbidity score, higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/albumin ratios and lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were all predictors of long-term mortality. ConclusionLong-term mortality following hospitalization for CAP is high. Charlson score and lack of fever are potential indicators for decreased long-term survival. As novel parameters, baseline BUN/albumin ratios and ALT levels are significantly associated with late mortality. Further interventions and closer monitoring are necessary for such subgroups of patients.
In this study, four newly developed chromium ore based new heavy concretes containing different types of minerals (chromium ore, hematite (Fe2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), limonite (FeO(OH)nH2O), and ...siderite (FeCO3) and compounds (galena (PbS), chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and manganese oxide (MnO2) were investigated for neutron and gamma shielding effectiveness. It was observed that the developed concretes have strength up to 30 MPa (4351.131 psi) using mechanical stress tests. In addition, temperature resistance tests were carried out and the results were found to be up to desired level. GEANT4 simulation was employed to determine the effective removal cross-section ΣR (cm−1), transmission number mean free path (MFP), and half value layer (HVL) of the concretes. The equivalent dose rate of fast neutron was calculated using Am–Be source and BF3 proportional counter. Gamma-ray shielding properties mass attenuation coefficients, half-value layer, mean free path, and effective atomic number of the concretes were assessed in the energy range between 0.015 and 15 MeV. The obtained results were compared with paraffin, ordinary concretes, and some heavy concretes. Both theoretical and experimental calculations have shown that all new heavy concretes are capable of absorbing high rates of gamma and neutron radiation than reference samples. In particular, the D3 sample has the maximum neutron attenuation dose value, which contains 55% chromium ore. D2 is superior gamma shielding concrete and this contains 60% chromium ore, 10% hematite, 5% TiO2 and 5% PbS. The new developed concretes are found to be alternative shielding material for the nuclear energy applications.
•4 different type of new heavy concrete shielding material have been developed and produced.•Gamma-ray and fast neutron shielding parameters were calculated.•Experimentally equivalent dose measurements have been carried out.•All new type samples have both gamma and fast neutron radiation absorption ability.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is an extremely uncommon vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its branches. Due to the genetic and ethnicity effect, a diverse array of TA clinical manifestations ...has been reported worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinicodemographic characteristics and pattern of vascular involvement of Iranian and Turkish TA patients. This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional investigation of 126 TA patients in Iran and Turkey. All of the variables analyzed were extracted from historical medical records. In 126 TA patients, the ratio of females to males was 8.6:1, and the average age at onset of disease was 30.5±11.1 years. Fatigue (49.2%) and a weak or absent pulse (79.4%) were the most prevalent symptoms and signs, respectively. The most prevalent angiographic classifications were types V and I in Iranian patients (41.09%) and type I in the Turkish population (47.7%) The left subclavian artery was the vessel most frequently affected by TA (66.6%). Our findings indicated that there were no significant differences between the two countries in terms of clinicodemographic characteristics or vascular involvement. Some clinical manifestations, such as claudication, were more prevalent in the Turkish population due to a higher incidence of occlusive lesions in the right subclavian artery.
The purpose of the present work is robust calculation of effective atomic numbers (
Z
eff
s
) for photon, electron, proton, alpha particle and carbon ion interactions through the newly developed ...software, Phy-X/ZeXTRa (
Z
eff
of materials for X-Type Radiation attenuation). A pool of total mass attenuation and energy absorption coefficients (for photons) and total mass stopping powers (for charged particles) for elements was constructed first. Then, a matrix of interaction cross sections for elements
Z
= 1–92 was constructed. Finally, effective atomic numbers were calculated for any material by interpolating adjacent cross sections through a linear logarithmic interpolation formula. The results for
Z
eff
for photon interaction were compared with those calculated through Mayneord’s formula, which suggests a single-valued
Z
eff
for any material for low-energy photons for which photoelectric absorption is the dominant interaction process. The single-valued
Z
eff
was found to agree well with that obtained by other methods, in the low-energy region. In addition,
Z
eff
values of various materials of biological interest were compared with those obtained experimentally at 59.54 keV. In general, the agreement between values calculated with Phy-X/ZeXTRa and Auto-Zeff and those measured were satisfactory. A comparison of
Z
eff
values for photon energy absorption calculated with Phy-X/ZeXTRa and literature values for a nucleotide base, adenine, was made, and the relative difference (RD) in
Z
eff
between Phy-X/ZeXTRa and literature values was found to be 2% < RD < 11%, at low photon energies (1–100 keV), while it was less than 1% at energies higher than 100 keV. Highest
Z
eff
values were observed at low photon energies, where photoelectric absorption dominates photon interaction. For electrons, corresponding RD(%) values in
Z
eff
were found to be in the range 0.4 ≤ RD(%) ≤ 1.7, while for heavy charged particle interactions it was 2.4 ≤ RD(%) ≤ 4.2 for total proton interaction and 0 ≤ RD(%) ≤ 8 for total alpha particle interaction. In view of the importance of
Z
eff
for identifying and differentiating tissues in diagnostic imaging as well as for estimating accurate dose in radiotherapy and particle-beam therapy, Phy-X/ZeXTRa could be used for fast and accurate calculation of
Z
eff
in a wide energy range for both photon and charged particle (electrons, protons, alpha particles and C ions) interactions.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Aim
Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), hyperhomocysteinemia, microalbuminuria, and nitric oxide reflect subclinical atherosclerosis and predict the risk of future cardiovascular events. We ...aimed to evaluate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in normotensive patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) noninvasively.
Patients and methods
We enrolled 41 normotensive patients with GDM and 44 healthy gravidae in the study. Serum homocysteine and nitric oxide levels, urinary albumin excretion (microalbuminuria), and CIMT were evaluated along with lipid parameters and anthropometric measurements.
Results
Patients with GDM had significantly higher levels of serum homocysteine, urinary albumin excretion, and increased CIMT (p < 0.001, p=0.005, and p < 0.001, respectively). Nitric oxide levels were significantly reduced in the patient group (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but not of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels. A significant correlation was observed between CIMT and serum LDL, HDL, homocysteine, nitric oxide levels, and urinary albumin excretion. Microalbuminuria was significantly correlated with serum homocysteine levels (p=0.03) but not with nitric oxide.
Conclusion
Independent of elevated blood pressure, subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction exist in normotensive patients with GDM. Further studies with a large number of participants are required to clarify these data.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
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