Search

Application of semantic speech recognition in designing of robust adaptive model for the DFIG wind energy conversion system is proposed in this paper. In order to reduce the labor intensity and environmental impact of the monitoring personnel and improve the speed and efficiency of the wind energy censuses, and reduce the cost of wind energy censuses, an intelligent wireless wind energy monitor with the speech analytic framework is designed, which is a convenient solution to these difficulties. In the speech recognition section, we have two major novelties. (1) In order to ensure the accuracy of substitution, this paper uses phonemes as the basic unit for the substitution of domain words. (2) The Euclidean distance in the feature space is equivalent to the cosine distance. In the test phase, complex similarity can be directly used to calculate scores. We use the Labview to implement the system, and the robustness test is done. The expeirment setting is based on the latest methodology. Through the experiment, after comparing with modern state-of-the-art methodologies, the performance of the proposed model is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) for the prediction of pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Material and methods: Forty patients with locally advanced ESCC who were treated with NAC followed by radical resection were prospectively enrolled from September 2015 to May 2018. MRI and IVIM were performed within 1 week before and 2–3 weeks after NAC, prior to surgery. Parameters including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and pseudodiffusion fraction (f) before and after NAC were measured. Pathologic response was evaluated according to the AJCC tumor regression grade (TRG) system. The changes in IVIM values before and after therapy in different TRG groups were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was used to determine the best cutoff value for predicting the pathologic response to NAC. Results: Twenty-two patients were identified as TRG 2 (responders), and eighteen as TRG 3 (non-responders) in pathologic evaluation. The ADC, D, and f values increased significantly after NAC. The post-NAC D and ΔD values of responders were significantly higher than those of non-responders. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.722 for post-NAC D and 0.859 for ΔD in predicting pathologic response. The cutoff values of post-NAC D and ΔD were 1.685 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.350 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. Conclusion: IVIM-DWI may be used as an effective functional imaging technique to predict pathologic response to NAC in locally advanced ESCC. Key Points: • The optimal cutoff values of post-NAC D and ΔD for predicting pathologic response to NAC in locally advanced ESCC were 1.685 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.350 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. • Pathologic response to NAC in locally advanced ESCC was favorable in patients with post-NAC D and ΔD values that were higher than the optimal cutoff values. • IVIM-DWI can potentially be used to preoperatively predict pathologic response to NAC in esophageal carcinoma. Accurate quantification of the D value derived from IVIM-DWI may eventually translate into an effective and non-invasive marker to predict therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of unenhanced and contrast-enhanced MRI in the differentiation of mucosal high-grade neoplasia (MHN) from early invasive squamous cell cancer (EISCC) of the esophagus.Methods: Between March 2015 and January 2019, 72 study participants with MHN (n = 46) and EISCC (n = 26) of the esophagus were enrolled in this prospective study. Postoperative histopathologic analysis was the reference standard. All participants underwent MRI (T2-multi-shot turbo spin-echo sequence (msTSE), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and 3D gradient-echo-based sequence (3D-GRE)). Two radiologists, blinded to participants' data, independently evaluated MRI and assigned MR features including shape (mucosal thickening or focal mass), signal on T2-msTSE and DWI, enhancement degree (intense or slight), and enhancement pattern (homogeneous, heterogeneous, or heart-shaped). Diagnostic performance of the 5 features was compared using the chi-square test; kappa values were assessed for reader performance.Results: Surgery was performed within 3.6 + 3.5 days after MR imaging. Inter-reader agreement on MR features was excellent (kappa value = 0.854, p < 0.001). All 8 mass-like MHN were "heart-shaped" in appearance. The degree of enhancement showed the best diagnosis performance in differentiating between MHN and EISCC of the esophagus. The combination of all 5 features had only borderline improved sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 100%, 96.2%, and 0.999, respectively, which was not statistically significant compared with the degree of enhancement alone.Conclusions: MRI can differentiate MHN from EISCC in esophagus; the presence of "heart-shaped" appearance favors the diagnosis of MHN.Key Points: • All 8 mass-like MHN showed a "heart-shaped" enhancement pattern which may help differentiating MHN from EISCC. • Degree of enhancement had the best diagnostic performance in differentiating between MHN and EISCC in esophagus. • The combined 5 features (shape, signal in T2-msTSE and DWI, enhancement degree, and enhancement pattern) provided sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 100%, 96.2%, and 0.999, respectively, which was not statistically significant than tumor enhancement alone in distinguishing MHN from EISCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the association of lesion-specific epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and density with the presence of myocardial ischemia.Methods: We enrolled 45 patients (55 lesions) with known or suspected coronary artery disease who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) followed by invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment within 30 days. EAT volume (index) and density in patient-, vessel- and lesion-level were measured on CTA images. Lesion-specific ischemia was defined as a lesion with stenosis diameter > 90% or FFR ≤0.80. Multivariate analysis determined the independent association of EAT parameters with lesion-specific ischemia.Results: Mean age of the patients was 60 years, and 75% were male. Overall, 55.6% of patients had ischemic lesions and a mean FFR baseline value of 0.82 ± 0.10. Total EAT volume index was significantly higher in patients with functionally or anatomically significant stenosis. Specifically, peri-lesion EAT volume index, not the density, was positively correlated with lesion-specific ischemia independent of luminal stenosis and plaque characteristics (hazard ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.04-2.33, P = 0.032; per 0.1 ml/m2 increase). Moreover, peri-lesion EAT volume was negatively correlated with lesion FFR values, whereas total EAT volume was positively correlated with fat accumulation and glucose metabolism. In addition, there was no association of EAT volume or density with myocardial ischemia in vessel-level analysis.Conclusions: Lesion-specific EAT volume index, but not density, seems positively and independently associated with myocardial ischemia, while its incremental diagnostic value of lesion-specific ischemia should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the effects of long-term air pollution exposure on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Studies were selected from three electronic databases. Random- or fixed-effect model was used to obtain the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidential intervals (CIs). Stratified analyses by regions of the studies and length of follow-up were conducted to assess the effects in different subgroups. Sensitivity analyses by omitted studies one by one, as well as adjusting certain confounding factors, were also conducted. The search resulted in 1878 studies, among which 16 studies with 18 cohorts were included. The incidence of T2DM was significantly associated with 10 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5 (overall HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.19) and PM10 (overall HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.23) exposure. Stratified analyses confirmed that PM2.5 was significantly associated with increased T2DM incidence in American countries but not European countries. The results in the long follow-up subgroup also confirmed that exposure of PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with increased T2DM incidence. Interestingly, educational level and gender could potentially affect the impacts of PM10 and PM2.5 on T2DM incidence. The findings show long-term exposure to PM2.5, and PM10 could significantly increase the incidence of T2DM, especially in cohorts with long follow-up time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When sex chromosomes evolve recombination suppression, the sex-limited chromosome (Y/W) commonly degenerate by losing functional genes. The rate of Y/W degeneration is believed to slow down over time as the most essential genes are maintained by purifying selection, but supporting data are scarce especially for ZW systems. Here, we study W degeneration in Sylvioidea songbirds where multiple autosomal translocations to the sex chromosomes, and multiple recombination suppression events causing separate evolutionary strata, have occurred during the last ~ 28.1–4.5 million years (Myr). We show that the translocated regions have maintained 68.3–97.7% of their original gene content, compared to only 4.2% on the much older ancestral W chromosome. By mapping W gene losses onto a dated phylogeny, we estimate an average gene loss rate of 1.0% per Myr, with only moderate variation between four independent lineages. Consistent with previous studies, evolutionarily constrained and haploinsufficient genes were preferentially maintained on W. However, the gene loss rate did not show any consistent association with strata age or with the number of W genes at strata formation. Our study provides a unique account on the pace of W gene loss and reinforces the significance of purifying selection in maintaining essential genes on sex chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MRI offers new opportunities for detailed visualization of the different layers of the esophageal wall, as well as early detection and accurate characterization of esophageal lesions. Staging of esophageal tumors including extramural extent of disease, and status of the adjacent organ can also be performed by MRI with higher accuracy compared to other imaging modalities including CT and esophageal endoscopy. Although MDCT appears to be the primary imaging modality that is indicated for preoperative staging of esophageal cancer to assess tumor resectability, MDCT is considered less accurate in T staging. This review aims to update radiologists about emerging imaging techniques and the imaging features of various esophageal masses, emphasizing the imaging features that differentiate between esophageal masses, demonstrating the critical role of MRI in esophageal masses. Critical relevance statement: MRI features may help differentiate mucosal high-grade neoplasia from early invasive squamous cell cancer of the esophagus, also esophageal GISTs from leiomyomas, and esophageal malignant melanoma has typical MR features. Key Points: MRI can accurately visualize different layers of the esophagus potentially has a role in T staging. MR may accurately delineate esophageal fistulae, especially small mediastinal fistulae. MRI features of various esophageal masses are helpful in the differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the value of two dynamic contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Images (DCE-MRI) reconstruction approaches, namely golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) and view-sharing with golden-angle radial profile (VS-GR) reconstruction, and evaluate their values in assessing response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).Methods: EC patients receiving nCT before surgery were enrolled prospectively. DCE-MRI scanning was performed after nCT and within 1 week before surgery. Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) was used for chemotherapy response evaluation, and patients were stratified into a responsive group (TRG1 + 2) and a non-responsive group (TRG3 + 4 + 5). Wilcoxon test was utilized for comparing GRASP and VS-GR reconstruction, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test was performed for each parameter to assess response, and Spearman test was performed for analyzing correlation between parameters and TRGs, as well as responder and non-responder. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was utilized for each significant parameter to assess its accuracy between responders and non-responders.Results: Among the 64 patients included in this cohort (52 male, 12 female; average age of 59.1 ± 7.9 years), 4 patients showed TRG1, 4 patients were TRG2, 7 patients were TRG3, 11 patients were TRG4, and 38 patients were TRG5. They were stratified into 8 responders and 56 non-responders. A total of 15 parameters were calculated from each tumor. With VS-GR, 10/15 parameters significantly correlated with TRG and response groups. Of these, only AUCmax showed moderate correlation with TRG, 7 showed low correlation and 2 showed negligible correlation with TRG. 8 showed low correlation and 2 showed negligible correlation with response groups. With GRASP, 13/15 parameters significantly correlated with TRG and response groups. Of these, 10 showed low correlation and 3 showed negligible correlation with TRG. 11 showed low correlation and 2 showed negligible correlation with TRG. Seven parameters (AUC* > 0.70, P < 0.05) showed good performance in response groups.Conclusions: In patients with esophageal cancer on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, several parameters can differentiate responders from non-responders, using both GRASP and VS-GR techniques. GRASP may be able to better differentiate these two groups compared to VS-GR. Trial registration for this prospective study: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-DOD-14005308. Registered 2 October 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the role of the MR radiomic signature in preoperative prediction of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).Patients and Methods: A total of 181 EC patients were enrolled in this study between April 2015 and September 2017. Their LN metastases were pathologically confirmed. The first half of this cohort (90 patients) was set as the training cohort, and the second half (91 patients) was set as the validation cohort. A total of 1578 radiomic features were extracted from MR images (T2-TSE-BLADE and contrast-enhanced StarVIBE). The lasso and elastic net regression model was exploited for dimension reduction and selection of the feature space. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was adopted to identify the radiomic signature of pathologically involved LNs. The discriminating performance was assessed with the area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). The Mann-Whitney U test was adopted for testing the potential correlation of the radiomic signature and the LN status in both training and validation cohorts.Results: Nine radiomic features were selected to create the radiomic signature significantly associated with LN metastasis (p < 0.001). AUC of radiomic signature performance in the training cohort was 0.821 (95% CI: 0.7042-0.9376) and in the validation cohort was 0.762 (95% CI: 0.7127-0.812). This model showed good discrimination between metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes.Conclusion: The present study showed MRI radiomic features that could potentially predict metastatic LN involvement in the preoperative evaluation of EC patients.Key Points: • The role of MRI in preoperative staging of esophageal cancer patients is increasing. • MRI radiomic features showed the ability to predict LN metastasis in EC patients. • ICCs showed excellent interreader agreement of the extracted MR features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen tube integrity is required for achieving double fertilization in angiosperms. The rapid alkalinization factor4/19-ANXUR1/2-Buddha's paper seal 1/2 (RALF4/19-ANX1/2-BUPS1/2)-complex-mediated signaling pathway is critical to maintain pollen tube integrity, but the underlying mechanisms regulating the polar localization and distribution of these complex members at the pollen tube tip remain unclear. Here, we find that COBRA-like protein 11 (COBL11) loss-of-function mutants display a low pollen germination ratio, premature pollen tube burst, and seed abortion in Arabidopsis. COBL11 could interact with RALF4/19, ANX1/2, and BUPS1/2, and COBL11 functional deficiency could result in the disrupted distribution of RALF4 and ANX1, altered cell wall composition, and decreased levels of reactive oxygen species in pollen tubes. In conclusion, COBL11 is a regulator of pollen tube integrity during polar growth, which is conducted by a direct interaction that ensures the correct localization and polar distribution of RALF4 and ANX1 at the pollen tube tip. [Display omitted] • COBL11, a member of COBRA subfamily, contributes to pollen tube integrity • COBL11 functional deficiency causes mild male sterility • COBL11 interacts with RALF-ANX-BUPS complex members • Loss of COBL11 function affects ROS levels and cell wall composition COBRA and COBL (COBRA-like) are a phylogenetic family encoding plant-specific GPI-APs in Arabidopsis. Here, Li et al. report that COBL11 regulates pollen tube integrity by interacting with RALF4/19, ANX1/2, and BUPS1/2 to maintain their appropriate locations and maintaining their homeostasis and polar distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress hyperglycemia, which is associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), can be determined using the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR). Impaired left ventricular function and microvascular obstruction (MVO) diagnosed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have also been proven to be linked to poor prognosis in patients with AMI and aid in risk stratification. However, there have been no studies on the correlation between fasting SHR and left ventricular function and MVO in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (ASTEMI). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the additive effect of fasting SHR on left ventricular function and global deformation in patients with ASTEMI and to explore the association between fasting SHR and MVO. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent CMR at index admission (3–7 days) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were enrolled in this study. Basic clinical, biochemical, and CMR data were obtained and compared among all patients grouped by fasting SHR tertiles: SHR1: SHR < 0.85; SHR2: 0.85 ≤ SHR < 1.01; and SHR3: SHR ≥ 1.01. Spearman's rho (r) was used to assess the relationship between fasting SHR and left ventricular function, myocardial strain, and the extent of MVO. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the determinants of left ventricular function and myocardial strain impairment in all patients with AMI. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between fasting SHR and the presence and extent of MVO in patients with AMI and those with AMI and diabetes mellitus (DM). Results: A total of 357 patients with ASTEMI were enrolled in this study. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular global function index (LVGFI) were significantly lower in SHR2 and SHR3 than in SHR1. Compared with SHR1 and SHR2 groups, left ventricular strain was lower in SHR3, as evidenced by global radial (GRS), global circumferential (GCS), and global longitudinal (GLS) strains. Fasting SHR were negatively correlated with LVEF, LVGFI, and GRS (r = − 0.252; r = − 0.261; and r = − 0.245; all P<0.001) and positively correlated with GCS (r = 0.221) and GLS (r = 0.249; all P <0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that fasting SHR was an independent determinant of impaired LVEF, LVGFI, GRS, and GLS. Furthermore, multivariable regression analysis after adjusting for covariates signified that fasting SHR was associated with the presence and extent of MVO in patients with AMI and those with AMI and DM. Conclusion: Fasting SHR in patients with ASTEMI successfully treated using PPCI is independently associated with impaired cardiac function and MVO. In patients with AMI and DM, fasting SHR is an independent determinant of the presence and extent of MVO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]