Data augmentation using generative models for track intrusion detection.

The objective of this work is to address the problem of detecting track intruders in railway systems using deep learning-based algorithms. Unauthorized entry onto railway tracks poses a significant risk of collisions between trains and humans. However, intrusion discrimination algorithms often suffer from a lack of learning data and data imbalance issues. To overcome these challenges, this research proposes an algorithm that combines generative models and classification networks. Generative models are utilized to generate synthetic intrusion data by learning the underlying distribution of available data and creating new samples resembling the original data. The augmented intrusion data is then used to train deep neural networks to accurately identify intrusions. The proposed algorithm is evaluated using real data sets, demonstrating its effectiveness in overcoming limited learning data and data imbalance issues. By augmenting intrusion data using generative models, the algorithm achieves improved accuracy compared to traditional approaches. In conclusion, the algorithm presented in this work provides a solution for detecting track intruders in railway systems. By leveraging generative models to augment limited intrusion data and utilizing classification networks for intrusion discrimination, the algorithm demonstrates improved performance in accurately identifying intrusions. This research highlights the potential of deep learning-based approaches in enhancing railway safety and recommends further exploration and application of these methods in real-world settings.

Diagnostic accuracy and safety of electromagnetic navigation transthoracic needle biopsy under moderate sedation for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Background: Novel approaches using virtual computed tomography (CT) guidance, namely electromagnetic navigation transthoracic needle biopsy (EMN-TTNB), enable physicians to perform percutaneous lung biopsies. However, there are very few studies on the clinical experiences of EMN-TTNB, and in previous studies, the procedure was usually performed under deep sedation. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy and safety of EMN-TTNB under moderate sedation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent EMN-TTNB under moderate sedation between May 2021 and November 2022 at Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital in South Korea. Moderate sedation was achieved with midazolam injection in the bronchoscopy room using the Veran SPiNperc EM guidance system (Veran Medical, St Louis, MO, USA). Clinical data were collected by review of medical records, and diagnostic accuracy and safety were calculated. Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled (mean age 70.8±11.1 years); 56.3% were male. The mean size of the pulmonary lesions was 36.9±17.4 mm, and the median (interquartile range) distance from the pleura was 15.5 (0.0-30.0) mm. The diagnostic accuracy of EMN-TTNB was 75.0% (21/28), excluding four indeterminate cases. Fourteen patients (50.0%, 14/28) had true-positive and seven patients (25.0%, 7/28) had true-negative lesions. There were no severe adverse reactions such as pneumothorax, respiratory failure, or death, except one case of hemoptysis. Conclusions: EMN-TTNB under moderate sedation showed an acceptable diagnostic accuracy and good safety profile. The new technology allows physicians to perform percutaneous lung biopsies without the intervention of a radiologist or anesthesiologist.

Effect of Posterior Tibial Slopes on Graft Survival Rates at 10 Years After Primary Single-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Recent biomechanical studies have reported that stress on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) graft increases as the posterior tibial slope (PTS) decreases (flattened) in knees with single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle PCL reconstruction. Clinical studies of SB PCL reconstruction have shown that a flattened PTS is associated with a lesser reduction in posterior tibial translation. There is no long-term study on the clinical outcomes and graft survival rates of SB PCL reconstruction based on the medial and lateral PTSs measured on magnetic resonance imaging. HYPOTHESIS: Flattened medial and lateral PTSs are associated with poor clinical outcomes and graft survival rates at a minimum 10-year follow-up after SB PCL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: In this cohort study, we retrospectively reviewed 46 patients (mean age, 28.8 ± 9.9 years) who underwent primary SB PCL reconstruction between 2000 and 2009. They were followed up for a minimum of 10 years. The medial and lateral PTSs were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. As a previous study reported that a steeper medial or lateral PTS showed a higher risk of anterior tibial translation at thresholds of 5.6° and 3.8°, respectively, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the cutoff values of both the medial (≤5.6° vs >5.6°) and lateral (≤3.8° vs >3.8°) PTSs. Clinical scores (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score), radiological outcomes (side-to-side difference [SSD] on stress radiography and osteoarthritis progression), and graft survival rates were compared between the groups at the last follow-up. RESULTS: All clinical scores and the progression of osteoarthritis demonstrated no significant difference between the 2 subgroups of both the medial and lateral PTS groups. The mean SSD on stress radiography after SB PCL reconstruction was significantly greater in patients with a medial PTS ≤5.6° than in patients with a medial PTS >5.6° (8.4 ± 3.9 vs 5.1 ± 2.9 mm, respectively; P = .030), while the lateral PTS subgroups after SB PCL reconstruction demonstrated no significant difference. The minimum 10-year graft survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a medial PTS ≤5.6° (68.4% vs 92.6%, respectively; P = .029) and a lateral PTS ≤3.8° (50.0% vs 91.7%, respectively; P = .001). CONCLUSION: A flattened medial PTS (≤5.6°) was associated with an increased SSD on stress radiography, and both flattened medial (≤5.6°) and lateral (≤3.8°) PTSs resulted in lower graft survival rates at a minimum 10-year follow-up after primary SB PCL reconstruction.

Efficient Anti-Tumor Immunotherapy Using Tumor Epitope-Coated Biodegradable Nanoparticles Combined With Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid and an Anti-PD1 Monoclonal Antibody.

Vaccination with tumor peptide epitopes associated with MHC class I molecules is an attractive approach directed at inducing tumor-specific CTLs. However, challenges remain in improving the therapeutic efficacy of peptide epitope vaccines, including the low immunogenicity of peptide epitopes and insufficient stimulation of innate immune components in vivo. To overcome this, we aimed to develop and test an innovative strategy that elicits potent CTL responses against tumor epitopes. The essential feature of this strategy is vaccination using tumor epitope-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) in combination with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly-IC) and anti-PD1 mAb. Carboxylated NPs were prepared using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene/maleic anhydride), covalently conjugated with anti-H-2Kb mAbs, and then attached to H-2Kb molecules isolated from the tumor mass (H-2b). Native peptides associated with the H-2Kb molecules of H-2Kb-attached NPs were exchanged with tumor peptide epitopes. Tumor peptide epitope-loaded NPs efficiently induced tumor-specific CTLs when used to immunize tumor-bearing mice as well as normal mice. This activity of the NPs significantly was increased when co-administered with poly-IC. Accordingly, the NPs exerted significant anti-tumor effects in mice implanted with EG7-OVA thymoma or B16-F10 melanoma, and the anti-tumor activity of the NPs was significantly increased when applied in combination with poly-IC. The most potent anti-tumor activity was observed when the NPs were co-administered with both poly-IC and anti-PD1 mAb. Immunization with tumor epitope-loaded NPs in combination with poly-IC and anti-PD1 mAb in tumor-bearing mice can be a powerful means to induce tumor-specific CTLs with therapeutic anti-tumor activity.

Multidimensional characterization of the conical intersection seam in the normal mode space.

Multidimensional conical intersection seam has been characterized by utilizing the dynamic resonances in the nonadiabatic transition probability experimentally observed in the predissociation of thioanisole isotopomers. The nonadiabatic bifurcation behavior of the reactive flux into either the Herzberg type-I (electronic) or type-II (vibrational) predissociation pathway is found to be strongly dependent on the quantum nature of the S1/S2 vibronic eigenstate, providing the essential information about structure and dynamic character of the conical intersection seam projected onto the normal mode space. By modifying the nature of the normal mode space through partial or full H/D substitution of the molecule, multiple aspects of the conical intersection seam could be characterized from different viewpoints set by the adjusted normal mode space. Theoretical calculations of potential energy curves along selected normal mode displacements support the experiment.

Vibration mediated photodissociation dynamics of CH3SH: manipulation of the dynamic energy disposal into products.

The S-H bond dissociation dynamics of CH3SH have been investigated for the S1-S0 transition mediated by either the S-H stretching (2608 cm-1) or CH3 symmetric stretching (2951 cm-1) mode excitation in the S0 state. The S-H and C-S bond extensions are strongly coupled in the S1 state through the S1/S2 same-symmetry conical intersection, giving the C-S stretching mode excitation of the CH3S˙ fragment during the prompt S-H bond rupture on S1. In the IR + UV transition mediated by the S-H stretching mode, the vertical transition seems to access the Franck-Condon region where the S-H bond is shortened while the coupling to the C-S bond stretching becomes stronger compared to the case of one-photon UV transition, indicating that the intramolecular vibrational redistribution (IVR) is little activated in S0. When the IR + UV excitation is mediated by the CH3 symmetric stretching mode, on the other hand, the Franck-Condon region in S1 encompasses the enlarged molecular structures with respect to both S-H and C-S bond extensions, presumably due to the rapid IVR in S0 prior to the vertical transition. This leads to the inverted vibrational state population of the C-S bond stretching mode of the CH3S˙ fragment. This work demonstrates that the reaction dynamics upon the IR + UV excitation of CH3SH is highly mode dependent and the energy disposal dynamics could be controlled by the manipulation of the Franck-Condon region through the particular vibrational-state mediation in the ground state, shedding new light on the structure-dynamics relationship.

Conformer Specific Excited-State Structure of 3-Methylthioanisole.

Trans and cis conformers of 3-methylthioanisole have been spectroscopically investigated to reveal the conformer specific structural changes upon the S1(ππ*)-S0 excitation. The conformational cooling during the supersonic expansion is found to be quite efficient in the Ar carrier gas giving the trans conformational isomer exclusively in the molecular beam, whereas both trans and cis conformers are populated in the jet when the sample is carried in Ne. Using the Stark deflector, trans and cis conformers are unambiguously identified, showing the distinct Stark deflection profiles according to their sufficiently different dipole moments of 1.013 or 1.670 D, respectively. For the trans conformer, the methyl moiety on the meta-position adopting the eclipsed geometry in S0 transforms into the staggered geometry in S1 to activate a series of the CH3 torsional mode. A Hamiltonian with the one-dimensional sinusoidal torsional potential is solved using the free-rotor basis set to explain the experiment, giving the 3-fold torsional barrier of 34 and 304 cm-1 for S0 and S1, respectively. For the cis conformer, on the other hand, the CH3 torsion is little activated in the S1-S0 transition as both S0 and S1 adopt the staggered geometry at the minimum energy points. The doublet of each band of the cis conformer is ascribed to tunneling split due to the very low CH3 torsional barrier of 27 cm-1 in S0. It is found that the cis conformer undergoes a planar to pseudoplanar structural change upon the S1-S0 transition. Theoretical calculation based on the double-well model potential curve could explain the experiment quite well, suggesting that the SCH3 moiety of the cis conformer in S1 becomes out-of-plane with respect to the plane of the phenyl moiety. This implies that excited-state predissociation dynamics of trans and cis conformers of the title molecule might be different.

The Application of a Novel Ceramic Liner Improves Bonding between Zirconia and Veneering Porcelain.

The adhesion of porcelain to zirconia is a key factor in the success of bilayered restorations. In this study, the efficacy of a novel experimental liner (EL) containing zirconia for improved bonding between zirconia and veneering porcelain was tested. Four ELs containing various concentrations (0, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 wt %) of zirconia were prepared. Testing determined the most effective EL (EL3 containing 3.0 wt % zirconia) in terms of shear bond strength value (n = 15). Three different bar-shaped zirconia/porcelain bilayer specimens were prepared for a three-point flexural strength (TPFS) test (n = 15): no-liner (NL), commercial liner (CL), and EL3. Specimens were tested for TPFS with the porcelain under tension and the maximum load was measured at the first sign of fracture. The strength data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05) as well as Weibull distribution. When compared to NL, the CL application had no effect, while the EL3 application had a significant positive effect (p < 0.001) on the flexural strength. Weibull analysis also revealed the highest shape and scale parameters for group EL3. Within the limitations of this study, the novel ceramic liner containing 3.0 wt % zirconia (EL3) significantly enhanced the zirconia/porcelain interfacial bonding.

Advanced Age as a Predictor of Survival and Weaning in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Oxygenation: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background. In most reports on ECMO treatment, advanced age is classified as a contraindication to VA ECMO. We attempted to investigate whether advanced age would be a main risk factor deciding VA ECMO application and performing VA ECMO support. We determined whether advanced age should be regarded as an absolute or relative contraindication to VA ECMO and could affect weaning and survival rates of VA ECMO patients. Methods. VA ECMO was performed on 135 adult patients with primary cardiogenic shock between January 2010 and December 2014. Successful weaning was defined as weaning from ECMO followed by survival for more than 48 hours. Results. Among the 135 patients, 35 survived and were discharged uneventfully, and the remaining 100 did not survive. There were significant differences in survival between age groups, and older age showed a lower survival rate with statistical significance (P = .01). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, age was not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (P = .83) and was not significantly associated with VA ECMO weaning (P = .11). Conclusions. Advanced age is an undeniable risk factor for VA ECMO; however, patients of advanced age should not be excluded from the chance of recovery after VA ECMO treatment.

Assessment of the usefulness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in patients with non-tuberculous thoracic empyema.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness and the outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) treatment and medical therapy (including chest tube drainage, antibiotic treatment) in empyema patients. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients with thoracic empyema were treated by VATS or tube drainage from 2006 to 2011. An analysis reviewed outcomes between the operation group and the drainage group. In addition, the operation group was divided into two groups for analysis. RESULTS: The drainage period was 15.1±11.3 days in the drainage group and 8.3±4.6 days in the operation group. The length of hospital stay was 22.4±10.0 days in the drainage group and 16.3±5.0 days in the operation group. There were five in-hospital deaths in the drainage group, but no in-hospital deaths in the operation groups. In addition, patients in the early operation group had a significantly shorter hospital stay and postintervention drainage period than patients in the late operation group. CONCLUSIONS: VATS for nontuberculous thoracic empyema was more effective than tube drainage and required a shorter hospital stay. The results also indicated that patients who receive early surgical treatment may show better outcomes with late surgical management.

Rapid detection of soils contaminated with heavy metals and oils by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

A laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) coupled with the chemometric method was applied to rapidly discriminate between soils contaminated with heavy metals or oils and clean soils. The effects of the water contents and grain sizes of soil samples on LIBS emissions were also investigated. The LIBS emission lines decreased by 59-75% when the water content increased from 1.2% to 7.8%, and soil samples with a grain size of 75 µm displayed higher LIBS emission lines with lower relative standard deviations than those with a 2mm grain size. The water content was found to have a more pronounced effect on the LIBS emission lines than the grain size. Pelletizing and sieving were conducted for all samples collected from abandoned mining areas and military camp to have similar water contents and grain sizes before being analyzed by the LIBS with the chemometric analysis. The data show that three types of soil samples were clearly discerned by using the first three principal components from the spectral data of soil samples. A blind test was conducted with a 100% correction rate for soil samples contaminated with heavy metals and oil residues.

Popliteomeniscal fascicle tear: diagnosis and operative technique.

The occurrence and the consistency of the popliteomeniscal fascicle between the popliteus tendon and the lateral meniscus have been the subject of debate. It is difficult to diagnose and treat popliteomeniscal fascicle tears. Furthermore, popliteomeniscal fascicle tears are difficult to identify with arthroscopy. This article describes the diagnostic factors for popliteomeniscal fascicle tears and the safe, effective operative techniques that can be used for their treatment. We suggest that popliteomeniscal fascicle tears are diagnosed when the following 3 conditions are confirmed: (1) existence of mechanical symptoms such as pain, locking, and giving way in the lateral compartment of the knee; (2) identification of hypermobility of the lateral meniscus through arthroscopic probing; and (3) occurrence of an osteochondral lesion in the posterior area of the lateral femoral condyle. In the case of popliteomeniscal fascicle tears, the tear area can be repaired with a suture hook and polydioxanone with an all-inside technique. If the joint space is narrowing because of soft-tissue tightness, it can be repaired with a zone-specific cannula through an inside-out technique.

Outcomes of Sleeve Lobectomy versus Pneumonectomy for Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer in close proximity to or involving the carina is widely accepted. Operative morbidity and mortality rates, recurrence, and survival rates have varied considerably across studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March of 2005 to July of 2010, sleeve lobectomy was performed in 19 patients and pneumonectomy was performed in 20 patients. In this paper, the results of sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy for patients with lung cancer will be compared and evaluated. RESULTS: There were no postoperative complications in either group, but there was one mortality in the pneumonectomy group. There was better preservation of pulmonary function in the sleeve lobectomy group than the pneumonectomy group (p=0.066 in FVC, p=0.019 in FEV1). The 3-year survival rates were 46.7% in the sleeve lobectomy group and 54.5% in the pneumonectomy group (p=0.505). The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 38% in the sleeve lobectomy group and 45.8% in the pneumonectomy group (p=0.200). CONCLUSION: Sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer showed low mortality, low bronchial anastomotic complication rates, and good preservation of pulmonary function.

Outcome of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Spontaneous Secondary Pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Conventional treatment (i.e. chest tube insertion and chemical pleurodesis) still remains standard for patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax because the risk of surgical bullectomy is deemed high in this subset. However, it has been suggested that surgical treatment using thoracoscopy may expedite postoperative recovery and, thus, may reduce hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 61 patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, who underwent conventional treatment (n=39) or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) (n=22) between January 2007 and December 2009, was performed. Talc was used for chemical pleurodesis in both groups. RESULTS: Hospital stay of conventional treatment group and VATS group was 14.2±14.2 days (4~58 days) and 10.6±5.8 days (5~32 days), respectively, with statistically significant difference (p=0.033). Recurrence rate of conventional treatment group was also significantly higher (12/39, 30%) compared to VATS group (1/22, 4.5%) (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: In selected patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax with continuous air leak or inadequate lung expansion, thoracoscopic surgery with chemical pleurodesis using talc results in shorter hospital stay and lower recurrence rate compared to conventional approach.

A phase II study of pemetrexed and carboplatin as a salvage therapy for platinum-pretreated patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although platinum-based doublet chemotherapy is considered as standard of care for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most of them are eventually supposed to experience disease progression. Pemetrexed, docetaxel, erlotinib, and gefitinib have been shown to be active as monotherapy for pretreated patients. In this study, the efficacy of pemetrexed and carboplatin as a salvage therapy for patients with advanced NSCLC is evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2007 to February 2009, 32 patients who were diagnosed with inoperable NSCLC and treated with one or more prior cisplatin-based chemotherapies were enrolled. Treatment consisted of pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) over a 10-min intravenous infusion and carboplatin at an AUC 5 mg/mL/min over a 30-min intravenous infusion on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle. All patients were supplemented with folic acid and vitamin B12 to reduce the hematological toxicity of pemetrexed. RESULTS: There were one (3.1%) complete response and five partial (15.6%) responses. The overall response rate was 18.8% and the median response duration was 4.4 months. Among the responders, four patients had adenocarcinoma and two had squamous cell carcinoma. Nine patients had stable disease, and the disease control rate was 46.9%. With a median follow up duration of 9.4 months, the median time to progression was 2.3 months and the median OS was 9.4 months. Seven patients (21.9%) experienced grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities; one anemia (3.1%), six neutropenia (18.8%), and six thrombocytopenia (18.8%). Two patients experienced grade 4 febrile neutropenia with infection. Four patients (12.5%) experienced grade 3 non-hematologic toxicities; four asthenia (12.5%), two anorexia (6.3%), and one stomatitis (3.1%). Grade 1-2 peripheral neuropathy developed in 13 patients (40.6%). CONCLUSION: The combination of pemetrexed and carboplatin showed favorable toxicity profiles and activity in the pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC. It is suggested that this regimen can be a good chemotherapeutic option as a salvage therapy for patients with NSCLC.