Search Results (1,750)

Background: The emergence of generative adversarial networks has laid the groundwork for data augmentation, addressing challenges of missing training data in various research scenarios. However, simulating functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data remains particularly challenging, especially for populations with varying degrees of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Effectively characterizing and capturing the mechanisms of brain function variations poses a critical issue in cognitive neuroscience. This study aims to simulate and analyze synthetic fMRI blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals across four cognitive stages: healthy control (HC), early MCI (EMCI), late MCI (LMCI), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: We propose WGTMM, an innovative method that integrates the Vision Transformer for fMRI (VTFF) into a generative adversarial network architecture. Crucially, WGTMM directly generates fMRI time-series data from pink noise rather than modeling in a latent space, thereby preserving rich temporal dynamics. The framework incorporates a Wasserstein GAN (WGAN) with feature matching to enhance generation quality and mitigate mode collapse. Results: demonstrate that WGTMM-generated fMRI data exhibit lower Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence compared to traditional GAN and WGAN models, indicating a closer resemblance to real datasets from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Furthermore, when applied to data augmentation, the synthetic data substantially improve multi-class classification performance. Conclusions: WGTMM not only enriches training datasets but also provides new insights into spatial biomarkers of cognitive decline. By leveraging VTFF to investigate class token attention patterns across 360 brain regions, this study reveals monotonic weight variations along disease stages in key cortical areas, including the rostral Area 6, the primary sensory cortex, and PFm near Wernicke’s area, offering a fine-grained exploration of disease progression. Full article

Background: Menopause represents a critical physiological transition associated with hormonal changes that influence both metabolic health and quality of life (QoL). Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a common metabolic condition, is closely linked to menopause; however, its independent contribution to QoL impairment remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between menopausal status, metabolic dysfunction, MASLD, and QoL in midlife women. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted including 80 women aged 45–55 years, comprising both premenopausal and menopausal participants. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and imaging data were collected. MASLD was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging in the presence of metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic assessment included glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, C-reactive protein, and indices of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and sensitivity (QUICKI). QoL was evaluated using the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) scale. Associations were examined using univariate and multivariable linear regression models. Results: MASLD prevalence was significantly higher in menopausal women compared with non-menopausal women (61.9% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.001). Metabolic parameters, particularly insulin resistance and body mass index, were strongly associated with MASLD. The mean total UQOL score indicated moderate QoL. In multivariable analysis, menopausal status was the only independent predictor of reduced total QoL (b = −4.93, p = 0.01) and occupational health domain (b = −4.60, p = 0.001). MASLD and metabolic parameters were not independently associated with overall QoL. Correlation analyses revealed modest associations between metabolic markers and specific QoL domains, particularly occupational and physical health. Conclusions: Menopause is the primary determinant of reduced QoL in midlife women, particularly affecting functional domains, while MASLD does not independently impact QoL despite its strong association with metabolic dysfunction. These findings suggest that menopausal status may play a more prominent role in quality-of-life outcomes than MASLD in women undergoing the menopausal transition. However, the cross-sectional design does not allow conclusions regarding causal or mechanistic relationships. Full article

This work examines how well a Negative Derivative Feedback (NDF) controller suppresses vibration in a nonlinear electromechanical oscillator that is subjected to mixed excitations. Coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations are used to model the system and show how mechanical and electrical components interact. The method of multiple scales (MMS) is used to develop analytical approximate solutions up to the second order, specifically for the primary resonance scenario. This study’s main contribution is a thorough bifurcation analysis and proof of the NDF controller’s high efficacy, which effectively lowers the first and second mode resonance amplitudes by roughly $99.8\%$ and $98\%$., respectively, with impressive reported effectiveness values of roughly 590 and 51.5. Additionally, the quantitative error analysis between the numerical simulation and the analytical approximation solution demonstrates a high degree of agreement, with a maximum error of less than ${10}^{-5}\%$ for the second mode and just $0.01\%$ for the first mode. Furthermore, we present the impact of parameters on FRCs. Frequency response curves (FRCs) are used in a thorough comparison analysis to assess the behavior of the system both before and after the controller is activated. A strong degree of connection between the analytical conclusions and numerical simulations carried out using the “fourth-order Runge–Kutta method” rigorously validates the accuracy of the perturbation analysis. Additionally, a performance benchmark between different control techniques, such as the NDF controller, Positive Position Feedback (PPF), and Linear Negative Position Feedback (LNPF), is shown in the paper. When compared to alternative approaches, the NDF controller shows the greatest reduction in oscillation amplitudes and higher robustness, as shown by transient response analysis (time history) at various time intervals. The outcomes validate the NDF approach’s dependability and efficiency in stabilizing intricate nonlinear electromechanical systems. The chaotic response and system periodicity were demonstrated through bifurcation diagrams and Poincaré maps. Full article

The southeastern flank of Mt. Etna is affected by the presence of active faults capable of adapting to deformation through both seismic slip and aseismic creep, posing challenges for seismic microzonation and for land-use planning. Structural surveys in the urban area of San Gregorio di Catania revealed a ~1 km long, N–S trending secondary fracture zone with an extensional component, inducing progressive damage to buildings and infrastructure. To characterize this scarcely visible structure, passive seismic single-station surveys processed with Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) tecnique were integrated with Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW). The HVSR data enabled the mapping of the spatial distribution of resonance frequencies, tracking an anomalous trend in the seismic bedrock geometry and depth directly correlatable with the presence of the secondary fracture zone. Directional analyses exhibit systematic preferential orientations of resonance peaks near the fracture corridor, confirming a rigorous structural control and a tectonic origin for the recorded anomalies. Furthermore, reconstructed 2D impedance contrast sections show distinct discontinuities and a local westward dislocation of the main seismo-stratigraphic interface across the deformation zone. The lack of correlated instrumental seismicity supports the interpretation that the displacement is primary accommodated via aseismic fault creep. Methodologically, these findings demonstrate that the passive seismic method provides a highly effective, non-invasive approach for identifying hard-to-detect tectonic structures that remain unobliterated by dense urbanization. Ultimately, these results offer critical, actionable constraints for seismic microzonation and urban land-use setback zoning. Full article

The use of organophosphate pesticides, such as profenofos, is a pressing environmental concern due to their persistence and toxicity to non-target organisms. For this reason, developing alternatives to remove them from the environment is crucial. The objective of this study was to biosynthesize ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an aqueous extract of Negra Criolla grape seeds for their application in the degradation of profenofos in synthetic solutions. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs had an average size of 52 ± 2 nm and a maximum absorption at 375 nm, characteristic of the surface plasmon resonance of ZnO NPs. The ATR-FTIR spectra showed peaks characteristic of ZnO NPs. The 2² × 3 factorial design showed that the optimal values for pH and ZnO NPs concentration are 5 and 3 g/L, respectively, achieving a primary degradation of profenofos (20 mg/L) of 59 ± 2% after 120 min of UV irradiation. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that ZnO NPs biosynthesized using an aqueous extract of Negra Criolla grape seeds exhibit photocatalytic activity for the degradation of profenofos; however, further studies are needed to evaluate their application in actual contaminated water. Full article

The plastic pieces of synthetic polymers, which were previously regarded as primary pollutants of the environment, are increasingly being discovered as internal pollutants of the human body. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the available evidence on human exposure, tissue distribution, and associated biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics. Ingesting contaminated food and water is the major exposure pathway, with inhalation and dermal contact being secondary routes. Various organ systems have been identified as containing polymer particles through the use of advanced analytical methods, including blood, liver, lungs, placenta, breast milk, and brain tissue. Experimental animal studies suggest associations with tissue injury, metabolic illness, and neurotoxicity. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate are the most frequently found polymers in human samples. New clinical findings indicate potential health implications, though current human evidence remains largely associative rather than causal: a cardiovascular study observed more than a two-fold rise in mortality among patients with polymer-containing arterial plaques, and recent evidence demonstrates over-accumulation of polymers in brain tissue, raising questions about neuroinflammatory processes. Detection technologies have advanced substantially, with deep learning-based polymer classification achieving 95–99% accuracy and ultrasensitive electrochemical and surface plasmon resonance biosensors reaching detection limits approaching 10⁻¹¹ M. Despite these advances, critical issues remain, including lack of standardized analytical procedures, absence of chronic exposure models for humans, and insufficient longitudinal epidemiological data. To address these gaps, physiologically relevant experimental systems including organoids and organ-on-chip platforms will be required, in addition to well-designed prospective cohort studies. Full article

Spatial studies play a significant role in navigating the actions, experiences, and interactions happening in a specific place and context. The intersection of spatiality and theology will expand the scope of relating the biblical elements to contemporary relevant issues. Genesis 6–9, often termed the flood narrative, is considered a major biblical evidence in terms of environmental vulnerability and divine faith. By incorporating geocriticism alongside the other spatial theories of Tuan, Bachelard, and Tally, this study offers a critical, exegetical textual analysis of Genesis 6–9 to understand the dynamics of mobility, spatial agency, and re-habitation as shown in the narrative. The paper’s primary argument is that the ark functions as an affective space and an architectural structure of protection, belonging, and preservation during and after the flood. Secondly, it focuses on how the flood narrative negotiates between the real, imagined and textual spaces of spatial re-creation and how it resonates with contemporary environmental concerns by interpreting it as an instance of environmentally induced displacement while retaining its theological significance. Full article

The acceleration and deceleration of high-speed gas flow within a pipeline, induced by the action of flow-restriction devices, frequently result in the emergence of unsteady flow phenomena. Consequently, the generated excitation forces provoke intense vibrations in the pipeline, thereby substantially elevating the operational risks of the pipeline system. To mitigate such risks, the pipeline is typically subjected to fixed constraints to reduce vibration. A pipeline designed to simulate unsteady airflow was developed for the purpose of validating the vibration attenuation effect. Within this context, the effects of binding and friction constraints were compared through fluid–structure interaction simulation, and their respective mechanisms of action were analyzed individually. The results demonstrate that the constraints, in conjunction with the original pipeline, will result in a higher first-order natural frequency, which constitutes one of the primary methods for mitigating resonance effects. Both friction constraints and binding constraints significantly elevate the first-order natural frequency of the pipeline system, with binding constraints demonstrating higher efficiency. This phenomenon is attributable to the arch-like bending deformation observed in such experimental pipelines during first-order resonance, as binding constraints effectively maximize the restriction on pipeline strain. Through a comparative analysis of the time-domain and frequency-domain results of outlet pipe 1 before and after constraint application, it was observed that the axial RMS value of the constrained pipe decreased by 21.8%, while the radial value diminished by 33%. This finding further substantiates that imposing binding constraints at the location of maximum strain can elevate the pipe’s natural frequency by reducing both strain and the effective length of the “beam”, thereby significantly alleviating pipe vibrations induced by unsteady flow. Full article

Calcium leaching increases the hydraulic concrete material’s porosity and the diffusion coefficient, thereby jeopardizing engineering safety. Fly ash and silica fume are commonly used mineral admixtures in hydraulic concrete, and their effects on the material’s leaching characteristics, especially its microstructural and transport properties, require further investigation. In this study, calcium leaching tests were conducted on cement paste (CP), silica fume–cement paste (SF), and fly ash–cement paste (FA) using a 6 mol/L ammonium chloride solution to accelerate the leaching process. Subsequently, a series of quantitative and qualitative analyses was performed on the deteriorated specimens, including phenolphthalein indicator spraying, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the diffusion coefficients of the material at different locations were calculated and analyzed. The results show that partially replacing cement with silica fume or fly ash increases the initial porosity, gel pore content, and initial diffusion coefficients. After 28 days of leaching, compared to the initial values, the porosity increases in the 0–4 mm layer from the leached surface were 83.6% for CP, 11.0% for SF, and 39.0% for FA. The diffusion coefficients increased by factors of 14.3 (CP), 6.1 (SF), and 13.6 (FA), indicating enhanced resistance to leaching. The primary reason for this is that the reactive silica in the admixtures undergoes a pozzolanic reaction with the calcium hydroxide generated by cement hydration, producing additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, which reduces the capillary pores that would otherwise result from calcium hydroxide decomposition. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Inflammatory myopericardial syndrome is an umbrella term recently introduced by the European Society of Cardiology, which encapsulates the overlap that exists in clinical practice between myocardial and pericardial disease. It has a heterogeneous aetiology and a broad spectrum of severity in terms of its clinical features. Toxoplasma gondii is a rare but recognised infectious cause of myopericarditis and is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. Case Presentation: We present the case of a young, immunocompetent male, presenting with pleuritic chest pain following a recent flu-like illness. Investigations revealed an acute myocardial injury based on elevated troponin T levels, in the absence of ventricular dysfunction. Toxoplasma immunoserology was consistent with primary toxoplasma infection. The remainder of his viral panel was negative. There was prompt symptom improvement following commencement of treatment with colchicine and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging post-discharge revealed findings consistent with prior myocarditis. Conclusions: This case is an example of the rare occurrence of toxoplasma myopericarditis in an immunocompetent individual. Cardiac MRI is an invaluable imaging modality used to evaluate myocardial function and tissue characteristics in patients presenting with inflammatory myopericardial syndrome. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) remains clinically challenging because conventional clinicopathological markers do not fully explain variability in recurrence and survival. This systematic review and functional meta-synthesis aimed to identify and critically appraise studies using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics, artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, or quantitative MRI-derived models to predict recurrence and prognostic outcomes in OTSCC. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched from inception to March 2026. Eligible studies included prognostic model investigations in adults with OTSCC or primary tongue cancer without reported base-of-tongue/oropharyngeal involvement, undergoing preoperative MRI and surgery, with recurrence- or survival-related follow-up. The primary synthesis was a functional meta-synthesis; pooling was not performed because studies were not sufficiently comparable. Results: Seven retrospective studies were included, with a summed descriptive sample of 1287 participants. The evidence base was heterogeneous in MRI sequences, segmentation workflows, model architecture, validation strategy, and endpoint definition. Functional meta-synthesis identified four domains: direct recurrence-oriented modeling, broader prognostic stratification, reported incremental or complementary value over clinical frameworks, and translational maturity/technical implementation. Several studies reported associations between MRI-derived signatures and recurrence- or survival-related outcomes, but findings were interpreted narratively because of differences in primary endpoints, imaging features, model design, validation methods, and outcome definitions. Most studies were judged at high overall risk of bias, and certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low. Conclusions: MRI-based radiomics and AI show preliminary promise for prognostic stratification in OTSCC, particularly recurrence-related risk refinement, but current evidence remains limited by retrospective design, heterogeneity, sparse external validation, and low certainty. Full article

Background and Objectives: Atelocollagen, a purified collagen derivative, has demonstrated potential benefits in various orthopedic applications; however, its role in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains unclear. This study aimed to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) graft signal following ACL reconstruction with and without atelocollagen interposition and to evaluate its effects on knee joint laxity and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring autografts between March 2015 and July 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: without atelocollagen (Group N) and with atelocollagen interposition (Group C). The primary outcome was ACL graft signal intensity (intra-articular and intra-tunnel) on 1-year postoperative MRI. Secondary outcomes included tunnel widening, knee joint laxity, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Results: A total of 57 patients (Group N: 34; Group C: 23) were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Group C had a higher proportion of thicker graft constructs (quintuple/sextuple: 73% vs. 17.6%, p < 0.001) and more frequent concomitant anterolateral ligament reconstruction (78.3% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001). No significant difference in intra-articular graft signal was observed. However, femoral intra-tunnel graft signal was significantly lower in Group C (p = 0.018), accompanied by reduced femoral tunnel widening (p < 0.001). Tibial tunnel widening, knee joint laxity, and PROMs did not differ significantly at 1 and 2 years. In multivariable analysis, atelocollagen interposition was associated with reduced femoral tunnel widening (B = −1.1, p = 0.025). Conclusions: Atelocollagen interposition during ACL reconstruction was associated with more favorable intra-tunnel graft healing signals and reduced femoral tunnel widening, although it did not appear to influence short-term clinical outcomes. Full article

Erdheim–Chester Disease (ECD) constitutes a rare and clinically heterogeneous non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, characterized by the systemic infiltration of tissues by foamy, lipid-laden histiocytes. These cells typically exhibit an immunophenotypic profile positive for CD68 and negative for CD1a. The disease’s multifaceted presentation, which can span from isolated bone lesions to fulminant multi-organ failure, frequently results in considerable diagnostic delay. In this case-based review, we describe the case of a 58-year-old who presented with a primary complaint of exertional dyspnoea and fatigue. The initial diagnostic evaluation revealed a hemodynamically significant circumferential pericardial effusion and imaging findings suggestive of aortitis. Clinical presentation of ECD depends on the organs and tissues involved, and may range from bone pain to neurological symptoms, endocrine dysfunction, and cardiac involvement. Cardiovascular involvement occurs in at least 40% of ECD patients, although it is frequently underdiagnosed. Cardiac ECD is heterogeneous and may mimic many alternative aetiologies. The infiltration of the right atrioventricular sulcus, right atrial walls, or interatrial septum is one of the most typical cardiac manifestations of ECD. Recognition of pseudo-tumour intra-atrial mass, pericardial involvement, as well as the circumferential encasement of the entire aorta, the so-called coated aorta, are other frequent findings. Diagnosis often requires a multimodal approach, in particular when cardiac symptoms represent the onset of clinical manifestation of ECD. The combined use of computed tomography, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, dedicated cardiac and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray of long bones can collectively reveal a constellation of findings diagnostic of ECD. Full article

Early-age strength development and carbon emissions represent specific operational constraints in underground cemented tailings backfill (CTB) operations. A pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO₂ mineralization process was evaluated for carbonate-rich cemented tailings backfill designed to improve early UCS while retaining measurable CO₂ uptake through systematic process control and optimization. Skarn-type tailings (CaO 16.74 wt%, total carbonates 34.7 wt%) were subjected to screening under nominal pH and ionic pre-conditioning treatments (4.0–11.5), CO₂ pressure (0–0.5 MPa), cement-to-tailings ratio (1:3–1:12), and slurry concentration (66–78%). Strength evolution (1–28 d), mineralization products were characterized using TGA as the primary CO₂-uptake method, with XRD used for semi-quantitative phase-trend assessment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray computed tomography (CT), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Under optimal conditions (pH 8.5, 0.3 MPa CO₂ pressure, 48 h mineralization, 72–74% solids), mineralized specimens achieved 2-day uniaxial compressive strength equivalent to 1.47-times the 3-day control strength (p < 0.01), with peak net CO₂ sequestration of 37.1 g/kg. EBSD analysis of 347 grain boundaries and TEM-SAED examination of multiple foil sections supported the occurrence of syntaxial calcite overgrowth on primary carbonate debris as a major interfacial transition zone strengthening mechanism. Interconnected pore cluster volume decreased by 70.6%; Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ leaching decreased by 67.2% and 71.8%, respectively. A shrinking-core kinetics-Ryshkewitch model with pH-dependent correction functions predicted 3-day strength with acceptable accuracy for TW-A and TW-B, whereas TW-C showed a −27.3% deviation, identifying acidic and sulfate-rich wastewater as a boundary condition outside the reliable model domain. Field coring at −500 m depth provided pilot-scale evidence that a 23 mm mineralized shell was consistent with localized reduction of shallow exposed-face instability risk during the early free-standing period. Overall, the pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO₂ mineralization process is proposed as a laboratory-supported and field-informed screening framework for simultaneous early-strength enhancement and partial carbon sequestration in carbonate-rich cemented tailings systems. The resulting models and parameter guidance should be interpreted as preliminary design tools requiring further factorial optimization and long-term field validation before full site-specific deployment. Full article

Series–series (S–S) compensated wireless power-transfer (WPT) systems are increasingly deployed where connector-free and reliable energy delivery is required, but practical monitoring becomes ambiguous when receiver-resonance drift and magnetic-coupling variation produce similar transmitter-side impedance changes. This paper addresses that ambiguity by separating the two effects without receiver-side sensing. During a low-power diagnostic interval, the receiver terminal is briefly placed in open and short states, and only the fundamental phasors of the inverter output voltage and primary current are processed together with the known compensation capacitances. After the open-state measurement identifies the primary self-impedance, the short-state residual is mapped to an affine D–${\omega }^2$ line; its zero crossing gives the receiver resonant frequency and secondary self-inductance, while its slope gives the mutual inductance and coupling coefficient. The routine is implementable as a start-up or periodic diagnostic function in WPT hardware that already measures the primary voltage and current and can impose the required receiver terminal states; it requires no receiver-side measurement, auxiliary sensing coil, short-loop resistance measurement, or iterative zero-phase search. In simulation, the coupling-coefficient error remained below $0.014\%$ under receiver-inductance tolerance and mutual-inductance variation. In a prototype, the short-state data followed the predicted linear relation with $R^2=0.9979$, and the extracted coupling coefficient agreed with the reference within about $5\%$. The identified receiver resonance was also used to guide operating-frequency adjustment in a practical power-transfer test. Full article