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Liquefaction-induced lateral spreading that has resulted in devastating damages to lifelines and buildings has been widely reported in recent earthquakes. Although it is impossible to preclude the occurrence of earthquakes, it is possible to predict its adverse effects through computer science such as machine learning (ML) algorithms. In this study, the ability of recently developed and powerful ML algorithms such as eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) was investigated to predict the occurrence of liquefaction-induced lateral spreading. A relatively large dataset was used to develop ML models, including 6704 lateral spread observations from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is utilized for hyperparameter optimization of the gradient boosting models, called the PSO-XGBoost, PSO-LightGBM, and PSO-CatBoost. For comparison, the prediction results of the PSO optimized gradient boosting models were compared with that of the models using default parameters (i.e., XGBoost, CatBoost, and LightGBM). In addition, the SHapley Additive exPlanations approach is employed to explore the feature importance of the variables included in the dataset. The findings demonstrated that all the three gradient boosting algorithms performed well in predicting lateral spreading occurrence. Moreover, PSO-CatBoost outperformed other state-of-the-art models in terms of performance metrics. However, the PSO-LightGBM model may be considered the best choice for computers with older-gen hardware and important tasks that need to be completed in a short time. This study confirms the effectiveness of the proposed models, and the use of these boosting algorithms especially optimized with PSO is recommended for predicting the occurrence of liquefaction-induced lateral spreading.

Seismic intensity measures (IMs) perform a pivotal role in probabilistic seismic demand modeling. Many studies investigated appropriate IMs for structures without considering soil liquefaction potential. In particular, optimal IMs for probabilistic seismic demand modeling of bridges in liquefied and laterally spreading ground are not comprehensively studied. In this paper, a coupled-bridge-soil-foundation model is adopted to perform an in-depth investigation of optimal IMs among 26 IMs found in the literature. Uncertainties in structural and geotechnical material properties and geometric parameters of bridges are considered in the model to produce comprehensive scenarios. Metrics such as efficiency, practicality, proficiency, sufficiency and hazard computability are assessed for different demand parameters. Moreover, an information theory based approach is adopted to evaluate the relative sufficiency among the studied IMs. Results indicate the superiority of velocity-related IMs compared to acceleration, displacement and time-related ones. In particular, Housner spectrum intensity (HI), spectral acceleration at 2.0 s (Sa-20), peak ground velocity (PGV), cumulative absolute velocity (CAV) and its modified version (CAV5) are the optimal IMs. Conversely, Arias intensity (Ia) and shaking intensity rate (SIR) which are measures often used in liquefaction evaluation or related structural demand assessment demonstrate very low correlations with the demand parameters. Besides, the geometric parameters do not evidently affect the choice of optimal IMs. In addition, the information theory based sufficiency ranking of IMs shows an identical result to that with the correlation measure based on coefficient of determination (R2). This means that R2 can be used to preliminarily assess the relative sufficiency of IMs.

The 6 February 2023 earthquake doublet (Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6) that occurred on the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ) triggered a significant amount of soil liquefaction phenomena in SE Türkiye and NW Syria. The great areal extent of the affected area and the necessity of rapid response led to the adoption and improvement of a workflow for mapping liquefaction phenomena based on remote sensing data. Using satellite imagery, we identified 1850 sites with liquefaction manifestation and lateral spreading deformation. We acquired a thorough map of earthquake-triggered liquefaction based on visual mapping with optical satellite imagery (high and very high-resolution) and the aid of radar satellite imagery and interferometry. The majority of sites are found along meandering sections of river valleys, coastal plains, drained lakes, swamps, and lacustrine basins along the East Anatolian Fault, highlighting once again the influence of geomorphology/surficial geology on the distribution of liquefaction phenomena. A total of 95% of the liquefaction occurrences were mapped within 25 km from the surface trace of the fault, confirming the distance from fault rupture as a more effective tool for predicting the distribution of liquefaction than epicentral distance. Thus, taking into consideration the rapid documentation of these phenomena without the limitations in terms of time, cost, and accessibility of the field investigation techniques, this desktop-based approach can result in a rapid and comprehensive map of liquefaction from a strong earthquake, and can also be used as a future guide for subsequent field investigations for liquefaction hazard mapping.

Background Although several methods to create an effective counter traction for safer endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been reported, these methods do not overcome problems regarding delivery and ease of use. This randomized prospective study assessed the usefulness of ring-shaped thread counter traction, which not only allowed the safer colorectal ESD but also the easiest and lower cost counter traction without any special devices. Methods Forty-five patients diagnosed with colorectal lateral spreading tumors over 20 mm were allocated to the conventional ESD group (CE) ( n  = 22) and the ring-shaped thread counter traction ESD group (RE) ( n  = 21). The ring-shaped thread was hooked and lifted up to the contralateral mucosa with a hemoclip. The primary outcome was the dissected area per minute during ESD (cm 2 /min) (UMIN000020160). Results There were significant differences in the dissection time (min), with 130.0 (56.0–240.0) versus 80 (35.0–130.0) min for the CE and RE groups, respectively ( P  = 0.001). For the dissected areas per minute (cm 2 /min), there was a significant difference, with 0.125 (0.1–0.18) versus 0.235 (0.16–0.36) min ( P  = 0.003) for the CE and RE groups, respectively. There were 1 cases of perforation during ESD in the CE compared to 0 for the RE, and this was no significantly different ( P  = 0.31). The procedure time of producing and setting the ring-shaped thread counter traction was approximately 1.80 (0.80–3.30) min only. Conclusions The ring-shaped thread counter traction is simple, effective, lower cost and does not require special devices to obtain repeated counter traction.

INTRODUCTION:Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (H-ESD), which utilizes ESD knife along with snare-based resection, has been developed to overcome the technical complexity of conventional ESD (C-ESD). The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic outcomes of H-ESD vs C-ESD for nonpedunculated colorectal lesions ≥20 mm in size.METHODS:We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare H-ESD and C-ESD (Short-ESD trial). Patients with colorectal lesions between 20 and 50 mm in size were randomly assigned (1:1) to H-ESD or C-ESD. Primary outcome was procedure time/speed. Secondary outcomes were en bloc and complete (R0) resection rates and adverse event rates.RESULTS:A total of 89 patients (median age 63 years; 49.3% women) with the median polyp size of 30 mm underwent H-ESD (n = 40) and C-ESD (n = 49). The mean procedure time of H-ESD was significantly shorter than that of C-ESD (41.1 ± 16.3 vs 54.3 ± 28.2 minutes; P = 0.007). The en bloc and R0 resection rates trended lower in the H-ESD vs C-ESD groups (77.5% vs 87.8%; P = 0.26% and 72.5% vs 79.6%; P = 0.46) without reaching statistical significance. Adverse event rate was similar between H-ESD and C-ESD (10% vs 8.2%; P = 1.00).DISCUSSION:Both H-ESD and C-ESD were safe and effective for resection of large colorectal lesions. H-ESD was associated with a shorter procedure time. H-ESD may represent a viable alternative to C-ESD, with the main advantage being easy applicability of a snare-based technique for colorectal lesions. Future studies are needed to further define the most suitable lesions for H-ESD, as to optimize efficiency and safety without compromising resection outcomes. ClinicaTrials.gov NCT NCT05347446.

Abstract BACKGROUND Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the surgical treatment of choice for hemifacial spasm (HFS). During MVD, monitoring of the abnormal lateral spread response (LSR), an evoked response to facial nerve stimulation, has been traditionally used to monitor adequacy of cranial nerve (CN) VII decompression. OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of LSR monitoring in predicting spasm-free status after MVD postoperatively. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for relevant publications. We included studies reporting on intraoperative LSR monitoring during MVD for HFS and spasm-free status following the procedure. Sensitivity of LSR, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive predictive value were calculated. RESULTS From 148 studies, 26 studies with 7479 patients were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The final intraoperative LSR status predicted the clinical outcome of MVD with the following specificities and sensitivities: 89% (0.83- 0.93) and 40% (0.30- 0.51) at discharge, 90% (0.84-0.94) and 41% (0.29-0.53) at 3 mo, 89% (0.83-0.93) and 40% (0.30-0.51) at 1 yr. When LSR persisted after MVD, the probability (95% CI) for HFS persistence was 47.8% (0.33-0.63) at discharge, 40.8% (0.23-0.61) at 3 mo, and 24.4% (0.13-0.41) at 1 yr. However, when LSR resolved, the probability for HFS persistence was 7.3% at discharge, 4.2% at 3 mo, and 4.0% at 1 yr. CONCLUSION Intraoperative LSR monitoring has high specificity but modest sensitivity in predicting the spasm-free status following MVD. Persistence of LSR carries high risk for immediate and long-term facial spasm persistence. Therefore, adequacy of decompression should be thoroughly investigated before closing in cases where intraoperative LSR persists. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract

Liquefaction-induced lateral spreading poses a significant threat to buried structures during earthquakes occurring on gentle slopes. This study investigates the influence of ground slope and soil relative density on liquefaction-induced lateral spreading using shaking table experiments. Two physical models with varying ground slopes (2%, 5%, and 8%) and soil relative densities (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) were constructed, and seven tests were conducted using a rigid box configuration with Plexiglas sides for visual observation and image processing. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was employed to analyze soil layer deformations. The findings indicate that higher soil relative density leads to increased soil stiffness and acceleration amplitudes across all soil layers, while steeper slopes induce higher acceleration spikes before liquefaction. Moreover, an increase in soil relative density significantly reduces excess pore water pressure (EPWP) buildup, thereby mitigating lateral spreading. Conversely, variations in gentle ground slope shows a minimal impact on EPWP. The PIV analysis indicates that the maximum horizontal displacements occur in the middle layer for 20% relative density, gradually shifting towards the upper third with increasing density. The study observed two displacement phases: localized shear rupture, which were uniform across densities, and lateral spreading, which were dominant at 20% and 40% densities. Higher soil density leads to reduced lateral movement and settlement. The ground slope causes a minor increase in localized lateral movement but has minimal impact on overall settlement.

Lateral Spreading Tumors (LSTs) are a type of non-polypoid lesion known for their flat morphology, which often leads to them going undetected. However, especially nongranular (NG) LSTs have the potential for malignant transformation. Recent advances in endoscopic technologies have improved the detection of these lesions. Despite growing research interest in their role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development, a comprehensive molecular characterization of LSTs is still lacking. The aim of this review is to highlight the current knowledge of the molecular characteristics of LSTs, that may help in determining whether LSTs can be prognostic indicators and identifying cases where they may rapidly progress to CRC through characteristic molecular pathways. From a mutational point of view, LSTs seem to be more closely associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) than with polypoid lesions. Nonetheless, they have peculiar epigenetic and genetic traits, which set them apart from other adenomas or bowel diseases. Elucidating their role in CRC development would provide benefits for their classification and management, by enhancing clinical surveillance strategies for patients diagnosed with these lesions in order to improve the efficient prevention of colorectal cancer.

In this research, 1 g shake table experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of boundary conditions on the responses of a 3 × 3 pile group to liquefaction-induced lateral spreading. For this purpose, a rigid and a laminar shear box with similar dimensions were designed and constructed at the Sharif University of Technology. The similitude laws for 1 g tests were implemented to construct the physical models. The profile of the soil layers consisted of a mildly sloped thick liquefiable layer between two non-liquefiable layers. The soil in the free field (far from the boundaries) and near or on the pile groups were fully instrumented to measure various parameters during and after shakings. The piles were also heavily instrumented with pair strain gauges to detect pure bending moments. The results, including acceleration and pore water pressure in various elevations of the free field, acceleration at the pile cap, surficial displacements, and bending moments in the piles, are presented and discussed in this paper. According to the results obtained from these two similar models (differing only by boundary conditions or containers), the response of the model implementing the rigid box is greater, possibly due to wave reflections from boundaries, limitation in movement, and bouncing back of the liquefied and spreading soil from the rigid walls.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the clinical pathological features of colorectal lateral spreading tumors (LSTs) with skirt features and the associated carcinogenic risk factors. Methods: A total of 390 cases of colorectal LSTs, treated via endoscopy at the Digestive Endoscopy Center of the 900th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force between January 2021 and August 2023, were included. The cases were categorized into a skirt group (30 cases) and a group without a skirt (360 cases) based on the presence of skirt features. The clinical pathological characteristics, including age, gender, endoscopic features (lesion diameter, location, morphology), and histological types, were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the risk factors for carcinogenesis in LSTs with a skirt were analyzed. Results: Among the 390 LSTs cases, 30 (7.69%) exhibited skirt features, with 23 lesions located in the rectum (76.67%) and 26 lesions having a diameter of ≥ 20 mm (86.67%). Histological classification revealed 10 cases (33.33%) of adenomas with low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), 9 cases (30.00%) of adenomas with high‐GIN (HGIN), and 11 cases (36.67%) of carcinoma. The proportions of female patients, rectal lesions, lesions with a diameter of ≥ 20 mm, mixed nodular lesions, and those classified as carcinoma were significantly higher in LSTs with a skirt group compared to LSTs without a skirt group. Rectal lesions ( p = 0.001, OR = 8.588, 95% CI: 2.428–30.379) and lesion diameters ≥ 20 mm ( p = 0.008, OR = 4.538, 95% CI: 1.477–13.940) were identified as independent predictors of skirt presence in colorectal LSTs. Age ≥ 60 years ( p = 0.002, OR = 22.667, 95% CI: 3.140–163.629) was found to be an independent risk factor for carcinogenesis in LSTs with a skirt. Conclusion: Compared with LSTs without a skirt, the results indicated that LSTs with a skirt are more commonly found in female patients, predominantly has a diameter of ≥ 20 mm, typically presents as a mixed nodular type, is frequently located in the rectum, and is often classified as carcinoma. The presence of rectal lesions and lesion diameter ≥ 20 mm increases the likelihood of skirt features in LSTs. Furthermore, advanced age (≥ 60 years) may elevate the risk of carcinogenesis in LSTs with a skirt, necessitating thorough preoperative assessments and complete resection during endoscopic removal of such lesions.