Search

We investigate the methods of microstructure representation for the purpose of predicting processing condition from microstructure image data. A binary alloy (uranium–molybdenum) that is currently under development as a nuclear fuel was studied for the purpose of developing an improved machine learning approach to image recognition, characterization, and building predictive capabilities linking microstructure to processing conditions. Here, we test different microstructure representations and evaluate model performance based on the F1 score. A F1 score of 95.1% was achieved for distinguishing between micrographs corresponding to ten different thermo-mechanical material processing conditions. We find that our newly developed microstructure representation describes image data well, and the traditional approach of utilizing area fractions of different phases is insufficient for distinguishing between multiple classes using a relatively small, imbalanced original dataset of 272 images. To explore the applicability of generative methods for supplementing such limited datasets, generative adversarial networks were trained to generate artificial microstructure images. Two different generative networks were trained and tested to assess performance. Challenges and best practices associated with applying machine learning to limited microstructure image datasets are also discussed. Our work has implications for quantitative microstructure analysis and development of microstructure–processing relationships in limited datasets typical of metallurgical process design studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, are increasingly treated with minimally invasive surgeries. Developed techniques include laparoscopic, endoscopic, and hybrid methods for gastric GIST resection. Our study, focusing on single-incision laparoscopic intragastric resection for gastric GISTs, aims to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study of GIST surgery involving 14 patients who underwent single-incision laparoscopic intragastric resections, we analyzed and compared their preoperative demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, tumor size, neoadjuvant treatment, operation duration, hospital stay, mitotic and Ki-67 indexes, and histological features with those of patients who underwent open and laparoscopic wedge resections, to assess the impact on both survival and disease-free survival. Results: Average operation time was 93.07 minutes (range 81-120 minutes). Average blood loss: 67 ± 20 mL (range 40-110 mL). Postoperative hospital stay averaged 6.79 days (range 4-16 days). Strong correlations were observed between preoperative and pathological tumor sizes (P = .001, P < .001). Survival analysis indicated a significant association with ASA scores (P = .031), but not with mitotic index, Ki-67, or tumor size. Average survival was 80.57 months, with no recurrence or metastasis during follow-up. Conclusion: Based on our experience, the single-incision laparoscopic intragastric resection method emerges as a highly efficient, timesaving, and gentle oncological procedure, providing a safe and minimally invasive alternative resulting in shorter hospital stays and excellent long-term outcomes with minimal recurrence. For more definitive conclusions, larger, multicenter, and prospective studies are recommended.

1. Introduction Traditional reductionist biology has developed a wealth of knowledge concerning individual molecules and their function. This data set, however, has exceeded our capabilities for integration and analysis. Attempts [...], Multispectral three-dimensional (3D) imaging provides spatial information for biological structures that cannot be measured by traditional methods. This work presents a method of tracking 3D biological structures to quantify changes over time using graph theory. Cell-graphs were generated based on the pairwise distances, in 3D-Euclidean space, between nuclei during collagen I gel compaction. From these graphs quantitative features are extracted that measure both the global topography and the frequently occurring local structures of the 'tissue constructs.' The feature trends can be controlled by manipulating compaction through cell density and are significant when compared to random graphs. This work presents a novel methodology to track a simple 3D biological event and quantitatively analyze the underlying structural change. Further application of this method will allow for the study of complex biological problems that require the quantification of temporal-spatial information in 3D and establish a new paradigm in understanding structure-function relationships. Copyright [C] 2009 A. W. Lund et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract Objective Due to an increase in aging worldwide, assessment of the nutritional status of older people becomes an important matter. Malnutrition in older people increases the risk of infections, disease period and hospitalization rates. This study aimed to compare the different anthropometric indices for detecting malnutrition among older people and comparing these indices among males and females to explain the possible differences. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 2721 aged 65 years and older in Turkey were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements weight, height, hip circumference (HC), and waist circumference (WC), abdominal circumference (AC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), calf circumference (CC)) were measured. Body mass index (BMI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI) and body adiposity index (BAI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) indices were calculated using standardized formulas. The receiver operator characteristic curves (ROCs) were conducted in detecting the best anthropometric parameters. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) (stratified by sex) calculated for each anthropometric index. Results Participants with both BMI < 18.5 (1.1%) and BMI > 25 (80%) defined as the malnourished group and BMI of 18.5–24.99 (18.9%) defined as the normal group. In both sexes, the area under the curve (AUC) was > 0.7 for all anthropometric indices except WHR in females (AUC 0.66). BRI, WHR, WHtR, and AVI indices strongly predict the risk of malnutrition among both sexes. In males, the ORs were for BRI (6.83, 95% CI 5.39–8.66), WHR (6.43, 95% CI 5.9–6.9), AVI (2.02, 95% CI 1.86–2.12). In females, the ORs were for BRI (3.72, 95% CI 3.09–4.48), WtHR (2.63, 95% CI 1.3–3.5), and WHR (2.45, 95% CI 1.9–3.06). Discussion The presence of a large AUC in almost all anthropometric indices suggests that they can be used to assess the risk of malnutrition among older persons in both sexes.

Objective: High mobility group Box–1 (HMGB-1) is related to inflammation and many kinds of arthritic diseases. Septic arthritis is acute infectious arthritis with potentially devastating outcomes and needs to be diagnosed and treated in an emergent manner. It is not always easy to distinguish septic arthritis from other forms of acute arthritis. In this study, we aimed to find out if serum or synovial HMGB1 can be used for diagnosis and differentiation of septic arthritis. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency department with suspected knee septic arthritis were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups as septic and non-septic arthritis regarding Newman's criteria. All patients underwent a laboratory analysis of serum and synovial fluid for white blood cell count, c-reactive protein, sedimentation, cultures, and HMGB1. Results: There were 23 patients with acute bacterial septic arthritis and 21 with acute non-bacterial arthritis. No difference was observed regarding age and sex. In the septic group, serum WBC, body temperature, sedimentation, CRP and synovial WBC were significantly higher. However, no difference was observed between groups regarding serum and synovial HMGB1 levels. Conclusion: Although HMGB1 may predict articular damage in any form of arthritis, serum or synovial HMGB1 of patients with bacterial septic arthritis are similar to patients with non-bacterial arthritis.

Over the last couple of decades, queer theory has stimulated researchers in different disciplines to fundamentally question central concepts around identity, body, gender, sexuality, and belonging. Scholarship on diasporic media, however, has been slow to engage with queer theory’s contributions; much research still works with definitions of diaspora based upon simple notions such as ‘ethnic belonging’ and fails to interrogate the hetero- and cisnormativities that structure phenomena such as mediascapes, border regimes, and migration discourses. After discussing some of the theoretical and methodological interventions that queer theory can bring to digital diaspora research, this article presents a case study to exemplify how queer theoretical discussions can be implemented in research. Madi Ancestors was initially planned as a festival in a theater building in Berlin to remember and celebrate Turkey’s queer idols, but was then forced by the COVID-19 pandemic to migrate from a physical space to a digital platform. My explorative analysis of this process demonstrates how media practices bring forth a sense of queer diasporic belonging both locally and transnationally. Drawing on rich data gathered through digital ethnography, intimate insider research, interviews, and ethno-mimesis, I show how queer theoretical examination of digital diaspora can detail new forms of belonging, intergenerational kinship, and the fragmentation of diasporic spaces through digital media.

Review of the book Queer in Translation: Sexual Politics Under Neoliberal Islam, by Evren Savcı.