Search Results (96)

Rationale: The ProMisE molecular classification improves risk assessment in endometrial cancer (EC), but 3–11% of cases exhibit overlapping molecular features, complicating clinical decisions. We analyzed the prevalence and clinicopathological profiles of multiple-classifier ECs in a large Polish cohort. Methods: In this retrospective study (2022–2025), 1075 ECs from four institutions were classified by MMR and p53 immunohistochemistry and POLE exon sequencing. Tumors showing ≥2 molecular features (e.g., MMRd–p53abn, POLEmut–p53abn) were categorized as multiple-classifier ECs. Results: Multiple-classifier ECs comprised 6.9% (74/1075), with MMRd–p53abn (3.9%) being most common. These tumors exhibited more aggressive features vs. MMRd-only: G3 (28.57% vs. 11.79%, p = 0.002), non-endometrioid histology (11.9% vs. 2.85%, p = 0.018), and high–intermediate/high-risk (HIR/HR) groups (59.52% vs. 37.80%, p = 0.001). POLEmut–p53abn (N = 4) and POLEmut–MMRd–p53abn (N = 10) tumors showed advanced stages (75% and 40% FIGO III–IV, respectively), in contrast to classical POLEmut tumors (6.7% FIGO III–IV), and higher rates of nodal metastases. Conclusions: Co-occurrence of molecular classifiers, including triple-classifier tumors, correlates with more adverse profiles and may undermine current stratification paradigms. This study emphasizes the need to further investigate and refine molecular risk models to account for overlapping profiles. Full article

The application of hot in-place recycling asphalt mixtures (HIRAMs) is gaining increasing attention in highway maintenance due to its environmental and economic benefits. This paper comprehensively reviews and discusses the state-of-the-art studies in the field of hot in-place recycling (HIR). Firstly, different HIR technologies are introduced, including surface recycling, remixing, and repaving. Then, this paper provides a detailed description of the key factors influencing the road performance of HIRAMs in terms of both materials and production, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), rejuvenators, virgin asphalt, virgin asphalt mixtures, preheating temperature, and mixing time. Furthermore, the environmental and economic benefits of HIR are compared with other preventative maintenance and recycling technologies. Finally, some challenges for the investigation of HIR are further discussed, and the corresponding suggestions are recommended for future investigation. Full article

Crack sealant is commonly used to fill pavement cracks and improve the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). However, during asphalt pavement hot in-place recycling (HIR), irregular shapes and random distribution of crack sealants can cause issues like agglomeration and ignition. To address these problems, it is necessary to mill large areas containing crack sealant or pre-mark locations for removal after heating. Currently, detecting and recording crack sealant locations, types, and distributions is conducted manually, which significantly reduces efficiency. While deep learning-based object detection has been widely applied to distress detection, crack sealants present unique challenges. They often appear as wide black patches that overlap with cracks and potholes, and complex background noise further complicates detection. Additionally, no dataset specifically for crack sealant detection currently exists. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a specialized dataset created from 1983 pavement images. A deep learning detection algorithm named YOLO-CS (You Only Look Once Crack Sealant) is proposed. This algorithm integrates the RepViT (Representation Learning with Visual Tokens) network to reduce computational complexity while capturing the global context of images. Furthermore, the DRBNCSPELAN (Dilated Reparam Block with Cross-Stage Partial and Efficient Layer Aggregation Networks) module is introduced to ensure efficient information flow, and a lightweight shared convolution (LSC) detection head is developed. The results demonstrate that YOLO-CS outperforms other algorithms, achieving a precision of 88.4%, a recall of 84.2%, and an mAP (mean average precision) of 92.1%. Moreover, YOLO-CS significantly reduces parameters and memory consumption. Integrating Artificial Intelligence-based algorithms into HIR significantly enhances construction efficiency. Full article

Asphalt with different aging degrees requires different rejuvenation methods. However, current applications of hot in-place recycling (HIR) for Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) do not consider the differences in the aging degree of asphalt binder across different layers of RAP. Additionally, there is limited understanding of the changes in asphalt binder and aggregate properties during the HIR process. Changes in the properties of RAP materials can lead to inaccuracies in the mix design, potentially causing suboptimal performance. This study compares the performance of asphalt binders at different depths within RAP and clarifies the effects of the grinding and heating processes during HIR on both asphalt and aggregate properties. The aging gradient of RAP asphalt was assessed using macroscopic performance tests (bending beam rheometer (BBR), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR)) and microscopic techniques (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)). The effects of heating and milling on RAP materials were evaluated using conventional performance tests (DSR, BBR) and sieving analyses. The results show that the RAP asphalt exhibits an aging gradient under natural conditions, with the upper surface asphalt aging more than the lower layers. The heating process during HIR accelerates the secondary aging of RAP asphalt, reducing penetration by 25.3%, increasing the softening point by 7.4%, and decreasing ductility by 36.4%. The milling process causes gradation failure of RAP, with a damage rate of 14.4% of the coarse aggregates. Therefore, it is recommended that when using HIR for maintenance of severely aged pavements, the upper layer of the RAP should be separately milled and treated. The HIR mix design should consider the impact of heating and milling on RAP materials. Full article

This paper presents gradations of both Hot In-place Recycling (HIR) and Cold In-place Recycling (CIR) and analysis of cores collected from CIR/Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) overlay sections in Iowa. Milling samples were obtained from an HIR recycling project on IA 22 in Wellman, Iowa. It was concluded that the average gradation of HIR millings was coarser than that of CIR millings by retaining the original aggregate gradations. Cores were then extracted from CIR pavement with foamed asphalt overlaid by HMA at the right wheel path and between wheel paths at eight locations on US 34 in Mills and Wapello Counties. The cores were cut into discs to isolate the pavement layers, and the discs were fabricated into semicircular bending test specimens. Based on the Semicircular Bending (SCB) tests performed on both CIR and HMA specimens, CIR specimens with higher asphalt binder contents exhibited higher flexibility index values. Since CIR pavement layers were found to be more flexible than the HMA overlay layers, it can be speculated that CIR layers may serve as a stress-relieving layer and mitigate reflective cracking. Full article

To enhance the safety of hybrid inspection robots (HIRs) landing on power transmission lines (PTLs) with inclination and flexibility, this research derives a coupled dynamic model for a developed flying–walking power transmission line inspection robot (FPTLIR) to analyze the dynamic behavior of the FPTLIR during the landing process. The model uses the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) for the dynamics of the PTL and the Hunt–Crossley theory for the contact model, integrating these components with the Euler–Lagrange method. A modular simulation was conducted to evaluate the effects of different landing positions and robot masses. An experimental platform was designed to evaluate the landing performance and validate the model, which confirms the method’s accuracy, with a mean relative Z-displacement error of 0.004. Simulation results indicate that Z-displacement decreases with increased landing distance, with the farthest point showing only 34.4% of the Z-displacement observed at the closest point. Conversely, roll increases, with the closest point exhibiting 3.7% of the roll at the farthest point. Both Z-displacement and roll are directly correlated with the robot’s mass; the lightest robot’s Z-displacement and roll are 9.2% and 12.8% of those of the heaviest robot, highlighting the safety advantage of lighter robots. This research enables precise analysis and prediction of the system’s responses during the landing process, providing significant insights for safe landing and design. Full article

Backgrounds/Objectives: Following previous findings on high-salt (HS)-intake-related increase of oxidative stress, this study explored whether carnosine (CAR; β-alanyl-L-histidine), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, enhanced antioxidative defence and vascular function following HS, potentially via the NRF2 or HIF-1α signalling pathway. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (64, 8–10 weeks old, both sexes) were divided into four groups (n = 6/group): CTRL (0.4% NaCl), HS (4% NaCl for 7 days), CTRL + CAR (0.4% NaCl and 150 mg/kg/day oral CAR supplementation), and HS + CAR (4% NaCl and CAR). Acetylcholine-induced relaxation (AChIR) and hypoxia-induced relaxation (HIR) were evaluated in norepinephrine-precontracted (NE, 10⁻⁷ M) aortic rings. HIR was also tested with NRF2 (ML-385, 5 × 10⁻⁶ M) and HIF-1α (LW6, 10⁻⁴ M) inhibitors. Gene expression of superoxide dismutases 1, 2, and 3 (SOD1, 2 and 3), glutathione peroxidases (GPx1 and 4), catalase (CAT), NRF2, and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1) (NQO1) in aortic tissue was measured by RT-qPCR. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) assays were performed on serum samples. All experimental procedures conformed to the European Guidelines (directive 86/609) and were approved by the local and national Ethical Committees (#2158-61-46-23-36, EP355/2022). Results: HS impaired AChIR and HIR, both preserved by CAR. NRF2 and HIF-1α inhibitors suppressed HIR in the HS and HS + CAR groups. CAR significantly increased SOD1 and 2, NRF2, and NQO1 expression and SOD activity compared to the CTRL and HS groups. GPx1 and GPx4 were upregulated in HS + CAR compared to HS. CAR prevented an increase in AOPPs, which were elevated in HS, while FRAP was highest in HS + CAR. Conclusions: Carnosine enhances antioxidative defence by upregulating antioxidant enzymes and activities and preserves vascular relaxation, likely via NRF2 signalling. Full article

This study aimed to identify differences in match running performance (MRP) on artificial turf (AT) and natural grass (NG) among female football players. The players’ MRPs (AT; 96 observations, NG; 80 observations) were obtained from all matches (n = 22) of the First Slovenian women’s football league in the season 2023/24 using a global positioning system. Data were categorized into four subsets according to the players’ tactical roles: central defensive player (CD), wide defensive player (FB), midfield player (CM), and offensive player (OF). The variables included total distance (TD), high-intensity running (HIR), high-intensity accelerations (HIA), and decelerations (HID). Results indicated that (i) CDs (Cohen’s d (d) = 0.93) and CMs (d = 1.07) covered significantly greater TD on AT compared to NG, with (ii) no significant differences in TD among FBs and OFs. Additionally, (iii) similar HIR, HIA, and HID values were found for players on all playing positions, irrespective of the pitch surface. These findings suggest that overall match intensity remains consistent between surfaces, but that AT may impose a higher physical demand regarding match volume for CDs and CMs. Therefore, the physical condition of these players should be a major consideration when playing on AT. Full article

Objectives: We evaluated the noise reduction effects of deep learning reconstruction (DLR) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) in brain computed tomography (CT). Methods: CT images of a 16 cm dosimetry phantom, a head phantom, and the brains of 11 patients were reconstructed using filtered backprojection (FBP) and various levels of DLR and HIR. The slice thickness was 5, 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 mm. Phantom imaging was also conducted at various tube currents. The noise reduction ratio was calculated using FBP as the reference. For patient imaging, overall image quality was visually compared between DLR and HIR images that exhibited similar noise reduction ratios. Results: The noise reduction ratio increased with increasing levels of DLR and HIR in phantom and patient imaging. For DLR, noise reduction was more pronounced with decreasing slice thickness, while such thickness dependence was less evident for HIR. Although the noise reduction effects of DLR were similar between the head phantom and patients, they differed for the dosimetry phantom. Variations between imaging objects were small for HIR. The noise reduction ratio was low at low tube currents for the dosimetry phantom using DLR; otherwise, the influence of the tube current was small. In terms of visual image quality, DLR outperformed HIR in 1.25 mm thick images but not in thicker images. Conclusions: The degree of noise reduction using DLR depends on the slice thickness, tube current, and imaging object in addition to the level of DLR, which should be considered in the clinical use of DLR. DLR may be particularly beneficial for thin-slice imaging. Full article

Hot in-place recycling (HIR) is a sustainable pavement rehabilitation method. However, it is susceptible to aging processes that can compromise its mechanical properties and long-term performance. This study investigates the effects of thermo-oxidative (TO) and ultraviolet (UV) aging on HIR mixtures. Basic performance tests were conducted on the aggregate gradation, moisture content, and asphalt content of the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to assess the aging level. Simulations of long-term and short-term oxidative aging of the HIR mixture, along with 12 months of UV irradiation, were performed to evaluate its high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, and water stability. The Verhulst model was employed to establish a predictive equation for performance attenuation under UV aging. To quantify the photoaging effect, indicators for UV aging degree were proposed to characterize the road performance of the HIR mixture, including the aging rate and the aging residual index. Results indicate that the improvement in high-temperature performance after aging is limited, but cracking resistance decreases substantially. Notably, the flexural tensile strain was reduced by 129.25 με for 10 years of TO aging compared to 12 months of UV exposure, underscoring the importance of considering environmental factors in performance predictions. This study emphasizes the need for enhanced aging mitigation strategies to improve the sustainability and reliability of HIR mixtures in practical applications. Full article

Human interaction recognition (HIR) between two people in videos is a critical field in computer vision and pattern recognition, aimed at identifying and understanding human interaction and actions for applications such as healthcare, surveillance, and human–computer interaction. Despite its significance, video-based HIR faces challenges in achieving satisfactory performance due to the complexity of human actions, variations in motion, different viewpoints, and environmental factors. In the study, we proposed a two-stream deep learning-based HIR system to address these challenges and improve the accuracy and reliability of HIR systems. In the process, two streams extract hierarchical features based on the skeleton and RGB information, respectively. In the first stream, we utilised YOLOv8-Pose for human pose extraction, then extracted features with three stacked LSM modules and enhanced them with a dense layer that is considered the final feature of the first stream. In the second stream, we utilised SAM on the input videos, and after filtering the Segment Anything Model (SAM) feature, we employed integrated LSTM and GRU to extract the long-range dependency feature and then enhanced them with a dense layer that was considered the final feature for the second stream module. Here, SAM was utilised for segmented mesh generation, and ImageNet was used for feature extraction from images or meshes, focusing on extracting relevant features from sequential image data. Moreover, we newly created a custom filter function to enhance computational efficiency and eliminate irrelevant keypoints and mesh components from the dataset. We concatenated the two stream features and produced the final feature that fed into the classification module. The extensive experiment with the two benchmark datasets of the proposed model achieved 96.56% and 96.16% accuracy, respectively. The high-performance accuracy of the proposed model proved its superiority. Full article

Background: The utility of synthetic ECV, which does not require hematocrit values, has been reported; however, high-quality CT images are essential for accurate quantification. Second-generation Deep Learning Reconstruction (DLR) enables low-noise and high-resolution cardiac CT images. The aim of this study is to compare the differences among four reconstruction methods (hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), DLR, and second-generation DLR) in the quantification of synthetic ECV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 80 patients who underwent cardiac CT scans, including late contrast-enhanced CT (derivation cohort: n = 40, age 71 ± 12 years, 24 males; validation cohort: n = 40, age 67 ± 11 years, 25 males). In the derivation cohort, a linear regression analysis was performed between the hematocrit values from blood tests and the CT values of the right atrial blood pool on non-contrast CT. In the validation cohort, synthetic hematocrit values were calculated using the linear regression equation and the right atrial CT values from non-contrast CT. The correlation and mean difference between synthetic ECV and laboratory ECV calculated from actual blood tests were assessed. Results: Synthetic ECV and laboratory ECV showed a high correlation across all four reconstruction methods (R ≥ 0.95, p < 0.001). The bias and limit of agreement (LOA) in the Bland–Altman plot were lowest with the second-generation DLR (hybrid IR: bias = −0.21, LOA: 3.16; MBIR: bias = −0.79, LOA: 2.81; DLR: bias = −1.87, LOA: 2.90; second-generation DLR: bias = −0.20, LOA: 2.35). Conclusions: Synthetic ECV using second-generation DLR demonstrated the lowest bias and LOA compared to laboratory ECV among the four reconstruction methods, suggesting that second-generation DLR enables more accurate quantification. Full article

As important transcription factors, WRKYs play a vital role in the defense response of plants against the invasion of multiple pathogens. Though some WRKY members have been reported to participate in pepper immunity in response to Ralstonia solanacearum infection, the functions of the majority of WRKY members are still unknown. Herein, CaWRKY22b was cloned from the pepper genome and its function against R. solanacearum was analyzed. The transcript abundance of CaWRKY22b was significantly increased in response to the infection of R. solanacearum and the application of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Subcellular localization assay in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana showed that CaWRKY22b protein was targeted to the nuclei. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in pepper leaves indicated that CaWRKY22b overexpression triggered intensive hypersensitive response-like cell death, H₂O₂ accumulation, and the up-regulation of defense- and JA-responsive genes, including CaHIR1, CaPO2, CaBPR1, and CaDEF1. Virus-induced gene silencing assay revealed that knock-down of CaWRKY22b attenuated pepper’s resistance against R. solanacearum and the up-regulation of the tested defense- and jasmonic acid (JA)-responsive genes. We further assessed the role of CaWRKY22b in modulating the expression of JA-responsive CaDEF1, and the result demonstrated that CaWRKY22b trans-activated CaDEF1 expression by directly binding to its upstream promoter. Collectively, our results suggest that CaWRKY22b positively regulated pepper immunity against R. solanacearum in a manner associated with JA signaling, probably by modulating the expression of JA-responsive CaDEF1. Full article

Reproductive traits in dairy cattle are crucial for herd productivity and profitability. This study investigates the influence of relatedness to high immune response (HIR) Immunity+ sires on reproductive performance indicators in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. A total of 5094 cows were analyzed, categorized based on their relatedness to HIR Immunity+ sires, and assessed for various reproductive parameters, including age at first insemination, gestation length, days open, calving interval, and calving ease. The results showed that the level of relatedness to HIR Immunity+ sires influenced certain reproductive traits, such as service period, gestation length, and age at first and second calving. Additionally, cows related to HIR Immunity+ sires exhibited a higher frequency of twin pregnancies and more complicated births. While some benefits were observed in certain reproductive traits among cows related to HIR Immunity+ sires, such as reduced age at first insemination and shortened gestation length, the overall impact on reproductive efficiency remains inconclusive. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the effects of using semen from HIR Immunity+ sires on reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Full article

Aim: To evaluate the dose reduction and image quality of low-dose, low-contrast media volume in computed tomography (CT) examinations reconstructed with the model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm in comparison with the hybrid iterative (HIR) one. Methods: We prospectively enrolled a total of 401 patients referred for cardiovascular CT, evaluated with a 256-MDCT scan with a low kVp (80 kVp) reconstructed with an MBIR (study group) or a standard HIR protocol (100 kVp—control group) after injection of a fixed dose of contrast medium volume. Vessel contrast enhancement and image noise were measured by placing the region of interest (ROI) in the left ventricle, ascending aorta; left, right and circumflex coronary arteries; main, right and left pulmonary arteries; aortic arch; and abdominal aorta. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were computed. Subjective image quality obtained by consensus was assessed by using a 4-point Likert scale. Radiation dose exposure was recorded. Results: HU values of the proximal tract of all coronary arteries; main, right and left pulmonary arteries; and of the aorta were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05), while the noise was significantly lower (p < 0.05). SNR and CNR values in all anatomic districts were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.05). MBIR subjective image quality was significantly higher than HIR in CCTA and CTPA protocols (p < 0.05). Radiation dose was significantly lower in the study group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The MBIR algorithm combined with low-kVp can help reduce radiation dose exposure, reduce noise, and increase objective and subjective image quality. Full article