Automatic detection system of aircraft noise events during acoustic climate long-term monitoring near airport

The paper presents a method and software application of automatic identification of aircraft noise sources in the long-term environment acoustic monitoring systems. The said method relies on automatic “meaning” of sounds recorded by the one measuring microphone (part of a monitoring station) and refer to the advanced pattern recognition technique based on the human auditory perceptions by using mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) of signals. The algorithm was developed in MATLAB language and implemented in National Instrument LabVIEW Environment as Aircraft Noise Events Detector (ANED) application

Using Unused: Non-Invasive Dynamic FaaS Infrastructure with HPC-Whisk

Modern HPC workload managers and their careful tuning contribute to the high utilization of HPC clusters. However, due to inevitable uncertainty it is impossible to completely avoid node idleness. Although such idle slots are usually too short for any HPC job, they are too long to ignore them. Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) paradigm promisingly fills this gap, and can be a good match, as typical FaaS functions last seconds, not hours. Here we show how to build a FaaS infrastructure on idle nodes in an HPC cluster in such a way that it does not affect the performance of the HPC jobs significantly. We dynamically adapt to a changing set of idle physical machines, by integrating open-source software Slurm and OpenWhisk. We designed and implemented a prototype solution that allowed us to cover up to 90\% of the idle time slots on a 50k-core cluster that runs production workloads

Diagnostyka elektrokardiograficzna w warunkach SOR za pomocą mobilnego jednoodprowadzeniowego urządzenia EKG

Introduction. Electrocardiography (ECG) is one of the basic diagnostic tests used in emergency departments and byemergency medical services. Life-threatening arrhythmias can be detected using a single-lead ECG. Therefore, single--lead ECG devices can be used for arrhythmia detection, as their availability steadily increases. Kardia Mobile from Alive-Cor is an example of such a device, recording a single-lead ECG and automatically detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) — themost common complex supraventricular tachyarrhythmia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of a single-leadmobile ECG device in detecting AF in medical practice of emergency services. Material and methods. Study included 118 patients (62 women and 56 men) who were hospitalized in a hospitalemergency department and consented to examination with Kardia Mobile immediately after a standard 12-lead ECG.Results of both tests were subsequently compared. Ultimately, 121 different pairs of ECG recordings were analyzed (in3 cases an additional ECG recording was performed after an electrical cardioversion). Results. Sinus rhythm was identified in 99 patients and 22 were diagnosed with AF using a 12-lead ECG (reference).Kardia Mobile correctly detected AF in 19 of 22 patients with AF (sensitivity: 86.4%) and absence of AF in 96 of 99people without AF (specificity: 97%). Conclusions. Kardia Mobile device is effective in automated detection of AF among patients hospitalized in the emergencydepartment.Wstęp. Elektrokardiografia (EKG) jest jednym z podstawowych badań wykorzystywanych w praktyce szpitalnych oddziałów ratunkowych (SOR) i zespołów ratownictwa medycznego. Zaburzenia rytmu mogące powodować zatrzymanie krążenia należą do najważniejszych dla zdrowia pacjenta nieprawidłowości wykrywanych w badaniu EKG. Są one widoczne we wszystkich odprowadzeniach EKG, co pozwala używać do ich wykrywania jednoodprowadzeniowych aparatw EKG, których dostępność na rynku istotnie się zwiększyła. Przykładem takiego urządzenia jest Kardia Mobile firmy AliveCor, zdolne do akwizycji pojedynczego odprowadzenia EKG oraz do automatycznej detekcji rytmu zatokowego oraz migotania przedsionków (AF), najczęściej występującej złożonej tachyarytmii nadkomorowej. Celem pracy jest określenie przydatności mobilnych jednoodprowadzeniowych rejestratorów EKG detekcji AF w warunkach SOR. Materiał i metody. Do badania włączono 118 osób (62 kobiety i 56 mężczyzn) hospitalizowanych na SOR, które wyraziły zgodę na wykonanie badania urządzeniem Kardia Mobile bezpośrednio po wykonaniu standardowego 12-odprowadzeniowego badania EKG. Wyniki obu badań porównywano. Ostatecznie analizowano 121 różnych par odczytów EKG (u 3 pacjentów wykonano akwizycję EKG przed zabiegem kardiowersji elektrycznej i po nim). Wyniki. W 12-odprowadzeniowym (referencyjnym) zapisie EKG rytm zatokowy rozpoznano u 99 badanych, u 22 badanych rozpoznano AF. Urządzenie Kardia Mobile prawidłowo rozpoznało AF u 19 spośród 22 badanych z arytmią (czułość: 86,4%), a brak AF — u 96 z 99 badanych (swoistość: 97%). Wnioski. Urządzenie Kardia Mobile jest w efektywnym narzędziem w diagnostyce AF w warunkach SOR

IL16 and IL18 gene polymorphisms in women with gestational diabetes

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a carbohydrate intolerance that occurs during pregnancy. Various inflammatory mediators are considered to be risk factors leading to GDM development. Among them are pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL16 and IL18. The aim of this study was to examine the association between IL16 and IL18 polymorphisms and GDM. Material and methods: This study included 204 pregnant women with GDM and 207 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). All samples were genotyped in duplicate using allelic discrimination assays with TaqMan® probes. Results: We observed that there was a decreased frequency of IL16 rs4778889 CC genotype carriers among women with GDM (CC vs. CT + TT: OR = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.02–1.15; p = 0.034). However, there was no significant difference in the distri­bution of alleles (C vs. T: OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.54–1.21; p = 0.30). There was a decreased frequency of the IL18 rs187238 G allele among GDM women (G vs. C: OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.53–0.96; p = 0.027). We also observed a decreased frequency of the IL18 rs1946518 T allele among women with GDM; however, this difference had only borderline statistical significance. We observed an association between IL18 rs187238, rs1946518 and BMI in pregnant women. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that IL18 rs187238 and rs1946518 polymorphisms may be associated with an increased risk of GDM as well as with BMI in pregnant women

Nanoparticles for Directed Immunomodulation: Mannose-Functionalized Glycodendrimers Induce Interleukin-8 in Myeloid Cell Lines

New therapeutic strategies for personalized medicine need to involve innovative pharmaceutical tools, for example, modular nanoparticles designed for direct immunomodulatory properties. We synthesized mannose-functionalized poly(propyleneimine) glycodendrimers with a novel architecture, where freely accessible mannose moieties are presented on poly(ethylene glycol)-based linkers embedded within an open-shell maltose coating. This design enhanced glycodendrimer bioactivity and led to complex functional effects in myeloid cells, with specific induction of interleukin-8 expression by mannose glycodendrimers detected in HL-60 and THP-1 cells. We concentrated on explaining the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon, which turned out to be different in both investigated cell lines: in HL-60 cells, transcriptional activation via AP-1 binding to the promoter predominated, while in THP-1 cells (which initially expressed less IL-8), induction was mediated mainly by mRNA stabilization. The success of directed immunomodulation, with synthetic design guided by assumptions about mannose-modified dendrimers as exogenous regulators of pro-inflammatory chemokine levels, opens new possibilities for designing bioactive nanoparticles. © 2021 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society

Sugar-Modified Poly(propylene imine) Dendrimers Stimulate the NF-κB Pathway in a Myeloid Cell Line

Purpose: Fourth-generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimers fully surface-modified by maltose (dense shell, PPI-m DS) were shown to be biocompatible in cellular models, which is important for their application in drug delivery. We decided to verify also their inherent bioactivity, including immunomodulatory activity, for potential clinical applications. We tested their effects on the THP-1 monocytic cell line model of innate immunity effectors. Methods: To estimate the cytotoxicity of dendrimers the reasazurin assay was performed. The expression level of NF-κB targets: IGFBP3, TNFAIP3 and TNF was determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Measurement of NF-κB p65 translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus was conducted with a high-content screening platform and binding of NF-κB to a consensus DNA probe was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The cytokine assay was performed to measure protein concentration of TNFalpha and IL-4. Results: We found that PPI-m DS did not impact THP-1 viability and growth even at high concentrations (up to 100 μM). They also did not induce expression of genes for important signaling pathways: Jak/STAT, Keap1/Nrf2 and ER stress. However, high concentrations of 4th generation PPI-m DS (25–100 μM), but not their 3rd generation counterparts, induced nuclear translocation of p65 NF-κB protein and its DNA-binding activity, leading to NF-κB-dependent increased expression of mRNA for NF-κB targets: IGFBP3, TNFAIP3 and TNF. However, no increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion was detected. Conclusion: We conclude that maltose-modified PPI dendrimers of specific size could exert a modest immunomodulatory effect, which may be advantageous in clinical applications (e.g. adjuvant effect in anti-cancer vaccines)

CNN-based classifier as an offline Trigger for the CREDO experiment

Marcin Piekarczyk, Olaf Bar, Łukasz Bibrzycki, Michał Niedźwiecki, Krzysztof Rzecki, Sławomir Stuglik, Thomas Andersen, Nikolay M. Budnev, David E. Alvarez-Castillo, Kévin Almeida Cheminant, Dariusz Góra, Alok C. Gupta, Bohdan Hnatyk, Piotr Homola, Robert Kamiński, Marcin Kasztelan, Marek Knap, Péter Kovács, Matías Rosas, Oleksandr Sushchov, Katarzyna Smelcerz, Karel Smolek, Jarosław Stasielak, Tadeusz Wibig, Krzysztof W. Woźniak, Jilberto Zamora-SaaGamification is known to enhance users’ participation in education and research projects that follow the citizen science paradigm. The Cosmic Ray Extremely Distributed Observatory (CREDO) experiment is designed for the large-scale study of various radiation forms that continuously reach the Earth from space, collectively known as cosmic rays. The CREDO Detector app relies on a network of involved users and is now working worldwide across phones and other CMOS sensor-equipped devices. To broaden the user base and activate current users, CREDO extensively uses the gamification solutions like the periodical Particle Hunters Competition. However, the adverse effect of gamification is that the number of artefacts, i.e., signals unrelated to cosmic ray detection or openly related to cheating, substantially increases. To tag the artefacts appearing in the CREDO database we propose the method based on machine learning. The approach involves training the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to recognise the morphological difference between signals and artefacts. As a result we obtain the CNN-based trigger which is able to mimic the signal vs. artefact assignments of human annotators as closely as possible. To enhance the method, the input image signal is adaptively thresholded and then transformed using Daubechies wavelets. In this exploratory study, we use wavelet transforms to amplify distinctive image features. As a result, we obtain a very good recognition ratio of almost 99% for both signal and artefacts. The proposed solution allows eliminating the manual supervision of the competition process

Experimental investigation of mid-infrared laser action from DY3+ doped fluorozirconate fiber

Efficient continuous-wave laser operation at 2.982 μm is achieved with a Dy3:fluoride fiber pumped using an inhouse-built 1.1 μm ytterbium (III) fiber laser. The laser output power reached is 554 mW, with a maximum slope efficiency of 18% with respect to the launched pump power. Additionally, the measured spontaneous luminescence within the visible wavelength range, under 1.1 μm pumping, is presented and attributed to excited state absorption (ESA). The influence of the ESA on the laser performance is discussed. The results confirm that high output powers from Dy: fluoride fiber laser pumped at 1.1 μm are possible

Navigating the landscape of Postpartum Depression: a comprehensive review

Introduction and purpose: The joyous occasion of childbirth is often overshadowed by the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD), a complex mental health condition affecting mothers globally. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on PPD, exploring its frequency, risk factors, pathogenesis, symptoms, and impact on maternal and child health. Description of the State of Knowledge: Recent studies indicate an alarming increase in PPD rates, with notable racial and socioeconomic disparities. Symptoms of PPD, ranging from mild to severe include mood disturbances, cognitive impairments, and self-harm ideation. The repercussions extend beyond the postpartum period, affecting long-term child development, breastfeeding practices, and the mother-infant bond. Advancements in screening tools, particularly the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), have facilitated early detection. However, creating an environment conducive to open communication about mental health remains a significant challenge. Interventions for PPD include psychotherapeutic approaches, pharmacological interventions, and complementary therapies. Brexanolone, the first FDA-approved drug for PPD, represents a significant breakthrough. Community-based and peer support programs, alongside a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals and support networks, have shown promise in alleviating PPD symptoms. Summary: In conclusion, PPD remains a substantial public health concern. Increased awareness of its multifaceted nature has led to improved screening, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Ongoing dialogue, supportive environments, and refined treatments are essential for enhancing the well-being of both mothers and their infants in the postpartum period

The immunopeptidome from a genomic perspective:Establishing the noncanonical landscape of MHC class I–associated peptides

G.B., D.B., K.W., A.P., R.F., T.R.H., S.K., and J.A.A. received support from Fundacja na rzecz Nauki Polskiej (FNP) (grant ID: MAB/3/2017). D.R.G. received support from Genome Canada & Genome BC (grant ID: 264PRO). D.J.H. received support from NuCana plc (grant ID: SMD0-ZIUN05). H.A. received support from Swedish Cancer Foundation (grant ID: 211709). H.G. received support from United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) (grant ID: EP/S02431X/1). C.P. received support from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through LASIGE Research Unit (grant ID: UIDB/00408/2020 and UIDP/00408/2020). A.L. F.M.Z., C.P., A.R., A.P., and J.A.A. received support from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant ID: 101017453). C.B. received support from Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) through GRAL LabEX (grant ID: ANR-10-LABX-49-01) and CBH-EUR-GS 32 (grant ID: ANR-17-EURE0003). S.N.S. received support from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the Chief Scientist's Office of Scotland (CSO): Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) (grant ID: ECMCQQR-2022/100017). A.L. received support from Chief Scientist's Office of Scotland (CSO) NRS Career Researcher Fellowship. R.O.N. received support from CRUK Cambridge Centre Thoracic Cancer Programme (grant ID: CTRQQR-2021\100012).Tumor antigens can emerge through multiple mechanisms, including translation of non-coding genomic regions. This non-canonical category of antigens has recently gained attention; however, our understanding of how they recur within and between cancer types is still in its infancy. Therefore, we developed a proteogenomic pipeline based on deep learning de novo mass spectrometry to enable the discovery of non-canonical MHC-associated peptides (ncMAPs) from non-coding regions. Considering that the emergence of tumor antigens can also involve post-translational modifications, we included an open search component in our pipeline. Leveraging the wealth of mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics, we analyzed 26 MHC class I immunopeptidomic studies of 9 different cancer types. We validated the de novo identified ncMAPs, along with the most abundant post-translational modifications, using spectral matching and controlled their false discovery rate (FDR) to 1%. Interestingly, the non-canonical presentation appeared to be 5 times enriched for the A03 HLA supertype, with a projected population coverage of 54.85%. Here, we reveal an atlas of 8,601 ncMAPs with varying levels of cancer selectivity and suggest 17 cancer-selective ncMAPs as attractive targets according to a stringent cutoff. In summary, the combination of the open-source pipeline and the atlas of ncMAPs reported herein could facilitate the identification and screening of ncMAPs as targeting agents for T-cell therapies or vaccine development.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe