This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of quantitative gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MRI parameters in aggressiveness and prognosis of intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (IMCC). A total of 158 patients with IMCC who underwent preoperative MRI at three centers were included, and their clinical and imaging data were analyzed retrospectively. Multimodal quantitative parameters were measured in various tumor areas, including relative intensity ratio (RIR) and relative enhancement ratio (RER) of the central and rim areas of the tumor to the liver in the hepatobiliary phase, and the center area-tumor volume ratio. Patients were classified into low-aggressiveness (Ki-67 LI < 25%) and high-aggressiveness (Ki-67 LI ≥ 25%) groups based on the Ki-67 labeling index (LI). Potential risk factors of aggressiveness were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prediction efficacy of factors was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated using the Cox proportional-hazards regression model. The volume ratio (VR) and RIRrim were independent risk factors for aggressiveness (p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.803 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.728-0.878] and 0.799 (95% CI, 0.727-0.872), both higher than that of CA19-9 ≥ 34 U/mL and intratumoral necrosis (all, p < 0.05). VR and RIRrim were identified as independent predictors of OS and DFS in patients with IMCC (p < 0.05). The multimodal quantitative MRI parameters, VR and RIRrim, were effective risk factors for predicting both aggressiveness and prognoses in patients with IMCC. Noninvasive MRI hepatobiliary-phase quantification stratified aggressiveness and prognosis in intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma. It might provide important clinical information for treatment strategies. The volume ratio (VR), relative intensity ratio (RIRrim), CA19-9 ≥ 34 U/mL, and necrosis were independent predictors of high aggressiveness. The VR, RIRrim, CA19-9 ≥ 34 U/mL, and tumor boundary were independent predictors of poorer overall survival. The VR, RIRrim, CA19-9 ≥ 34 U/mL, tumor boundary, and tumor maximum size ≥ 3 cm were independent predictors of shorter disease-free survival.

Boiling heat transfer enables extremely high heat fluxes at small temperature differences, but the underlying mechanisms remain difficult to resolve due to the dynamic interplay of microscale interfacial processes and macroscopic heat transfer. In this work, synchronized optical–thermal measurements of pool boiling on mechanically ground-and-polished copper surfaces were conducted to directly correlate near-wall temperature transients with boiling regime transitions. Embedded micro-thermocouples captured repeatable near-wall temperature transients associated with boiling regime transitions, while synchronized video recording confirmed regime transitions from natural convection to nucleate and film boiling. Critical heat flux (CHF) values of 105.1–132.0 W/cm2 were measured at transition wall superheats of 25.3–31.4 °C for all three tested samples. The largest performance change occurred after the first boiling cycle, with wall superheat and CHF increasing significantly, whereas subsequent cycles produced smaller shifts. On cooling, film-to-nucleate collapse occurred at wall superheats around 4–17 °C higher than in the forward transition, confirming a pronounced hysteresis effect. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed substantial roughening after three boiling cycles, while energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy showed the oxygen-to-copper x-ray intensity ratio nearly doubled (0.08–0.17), indicating oxide layer growth. These surface modifications (conditioning) explain the observed performance evolution: roughening enhanced CHF, while oxidation introduced thermal resistance, elevating wall superheat. Taken together, these results demonstrate that boiling hysteresis and cycle-dependent CHF evolution are governed by coupled morphological and chemical transformations of the surface. The integrated optical, thermal, and microstructural approach provides direct evidence linking interfacial dynamics to surface conditioning in pool boiling.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of neopterin in human serum.

Raman structural analysis of lactide and ε-caprolactone linear oligomers and their blends.

A low-cost, portable, and highly environmentally adaptive impact force sensor based on mechanoluminescence intensity ratio

Negative thermal expansion Sc2W3O12: Pr3+ phosphor for multi-functional applications of optical thermometry, anti-counterfeiting, and information encryption.

Accurate identification and mechanism of breast invasive ductal carcinoma based on combining steady-state and time-resolved label-free fluorescence spectroscopy.

Highly sensitive high-temperature optical thermometry enabled by dual-emission design exploiting opposite thermal dependences.

Charge transfer state-mediated red and near-infrared upconversion emission in NaLaS₂:Yb/Tm phosphor.

Luminescent and optical thermometric behavior of Sm3+ activated LaOBr nanophosphors for display applications and visualization of latent fingerprints.

Highly sensitive and selective dual-signal ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on N, S co-doped carbon dots and rhodamine B for Pb2+ ions detection in industrial wastewater.

To develop a novel apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and signal intensity (SI) based model to quantify the subtle internal difference between tumor-adjacent (TAL) and -distant liver tissue (TDL) in T3-staged resectable gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). 65 consecutive patients with T3-staged GBC invading liver undergoing preoperative MRI were retrospectively included, among which 54 from hospital 1 were randomly assigned to training (TC, n = 43) and internal validation cohorts (IVC, n = 11), while the remaining 11 from hospital 2 constituted external validation cohort (EVC, n = 11). Mean ADC and its standard deviation (SD) of TAL and TDL were measured on DWI at b-values of 0 and 600s/mm2, 0 and 800s/mm2, and 0 and 1000s/mm2. SIs of TAL, TDL and erector spinae (ES) on T1WI, T2WI, and arterial, portal-venous and delayed phases enhanced images were measured, and signal intensity ratios (SIRs) of TAL and TDL to ES were calculated. The t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted sequentially to determine independent index for differentiating TAL from TDL, and a model was constructed for the differentiation. Predictive value of model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In TC, SIRs on arterial phase (SIRAP) and portal-venous phase (SIRPP), SIs on portal-venous phase (SIPP) and delayed phase (SIDP), and SD at b-values of 0 and 1000s/mm2 (SD1000) were independent differentiating indexes with odds ratios of 0.008 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.001-0.131), 0.132 (95%CI, 0.033-0.533), 1.002 (95%CI, 1.000-1.003), 0.998 (95%CI, 0.997-0.999), and 1.472 (95%CI, 0.006-355.856), respectively. ROC analysis showed that the model by integrating the previous indexes obtained excellent performance with areas under the ROC curve of 0.879, 0.934 and 0.909 in TC, IVC and EVC, respectively. The novel model could be helpful for quantifying the subtle difference between TAL and TDL in T3-staged GBC.

To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that may help differentiate usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (UEA) from cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with particular emphasis on diffusion-weighted imaging-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and tumor growth patterns. This retrospective study included 26 patients with histopathologically confirmed UEA and 50 patients with SCC who underwent preoperative pelvic MRI. Quantitative MRI parameters-including tumor size, tumor-to-muscle signal intensity ratios (SIRs) on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI), and mean ADC values-were analyzed. Qualitative imaging features such as tumor growth pattern, location, uterine corpus invasion, intratumoral cyst formation, hydrometra/hematometra, and lymphadenopathy were also assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ADC values. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of UEA. Interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Cohen's kappa statistics. Mean ADC values were significantly higher in the UEA group than in the SCC group (0.901 × 10 ⁻ ³ mm²/s vs. 0.825 × 10 ⁻ ³ mm²/s, p = 0.008). ROC analysis showed a statistically significant but moderate discriminatory performance of mean ADC for differentiating UEA from SCC (AUC = 0.659; 95% CI: 0.527-0.790; p = 0.024). Using the Youden index, an optimal ADC cut-off value of 0.837 × 10 ⁻ ³ mm²/s yielded a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 62.0% for identifying UEA. Endophytic growth was more frequently observed in UEA, whereas mixed growth was more common in SCC (p = 0.023). Intratumoral cyst formation was observed exclusively in UEA (p = 0.004). In multivariable analysis, mean ADC value and tumor growth pattern were independent predictors of UEA. Interobserver agreement for quantitative and qualitative MRI assessments was excellent. Higher ADC values, an endophytic growth pattern, and the presence of intratumoral cysts are useful MRI features for differentiating usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma from cervical squamous cell carcinoma. These imaging characteristics may contribute to improved preoperative diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

Herein, we present a comprehensive single-cell investigation of the biochemical and metabolic responses of normal human colon fibroblasts (CCD-18Co) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) to supplementation with the amino acids leucine, threonine, and arginine, employing State-of-the-Art Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging. This fully label-free and noninvasive methodology enabled high-spatial-resolution mapping of intracellular components, providing unprecedented insight into subcellular biochemical organization and metabolic remodeling associated with colorectal carcinogenesis. By synergistically integrating Raman spectroscopic data with advanced chemometric methods, we demonstrate robust, reproducible discrimination between normal and malignant colon cells, both in their native state and after amino acid treatment, based solely on their intrinsic vibrational fingerprints. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and one-way ANOVA revealed that perturbations in lipid metabolism and protein composition constitute key molecular determinants underlying the observed phenotypic divergence between control and amino acid–supplemented cells. Notably, detailed analysis of diagnostic Raman band intensity ratios (2845/3015, 2845/2930, 3015/2888, and 1444/1256) uncovered pronounced amino acid–driven alterations in metabolic pathways at the single-cell level. Raman imaging further enabled spatially resolved visualization of these biochemical shifts and changes in Raman band intensities, highlighting distinct lipid- and protein-rich subcellular domains that respond differentially to amino acid exposure in normal versus cancerous cells. Collectively, our findings establish Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis as a powerful and sensitive platform for decoding amino acid–induced metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cells. This approach deepens the mechanistic understanding of nutrient–cancer cell interactions and opens new avenues for the development of Raman-based strategies in cancer diagnostics and therapeutic response assessment.

Abstract Standardisation of data collection and analysis is essential to enable commercialisation of 2D materials in a wide range of technologies. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) is one of the key methods for distinguishing monolayer from bilayer and few-layer graphene by comparing the 1st and 2nd order diffraction spot intensities. Yet there are many factors that can affect the reliability of data collection and interpretation, causing the measurement of monolayer samples to deviate from the literature boundary condition of I{-2110}/I{1-100}&lt;1 for monolayer graphene. Here we present the results of a large interlaboratory SAED comparison study, where 15 international laboratories measured and analysed nominally identical samples of chemical vapour deposited (CVD) graphene. Large variations were observed in the measured ratios of diffraction spot intensities, with the largest variance associated with poor quality SAED data resulting from poor specimen handling and storage. To inform the reliable determination of monolayer thickness from SAED patterns we provide a description of best practice for specimen handling, TEM operation, data collection and analysis. This work was undertaken within VAMAS Technical Working Area (TWA) 41: Graphene and related 2D materials - Project 9, the results of which have been directly incorporated into ISO/TS 21356-2 for the characterisation of graphene sheets. We find that when this methodology is followed, monolayer graphene can be distinguished from bilayer or thicker material with high confidence where analysis of a single SAED pattern gives I{-2110}/I{1-100}&lt;1.2, even in the absence of precise specimen tilting.

A National Survey of Medical Physicists: Part 2 - Assessing Work Effort and Perceived Challenges and Satisfaction in HDR Brachytherapy.

The emerge of thermoresponsive upconversion emissions opens up new possibilities for temperature sensing. However, it has remained a challenge to achieve anti-thermal quenching luminescence from fast-synthesized nanocrystals for thermometry. Here, we report a strategy to realize highly thermosensitive upconversion luminescence from K3ZrF7:Yb3+/Ho3+ nanocrystals that were rapidly synthesized in 1 min at room temperature, remarkably faster and simpler than the conventional synthetic methods. Interestingly, the upconverted emissions of Ho3+ show an efficient enhancement with an increasing temperature instead of thermal quenching, as shown in conventional phosphors. We demonstrated that the removal of the water molecules adsorbed at the surface plays a key role in enhancing Ho3+ upconversion by suppressing the non-radiative relaxation channels from its 5I6 level in the thermal field. When we take advantage of the luminescence intensity ratio of non-thermally coupled green and red emissions, a maximum relative sensitivity of 2.53% K-1 was achieved, which ranks in the high values for Ho3+-based thermometers. Our results provide a fast-synthesis and low-cost platform for highly sensitive non-contact nanothermometry toward cutting-edge applications.

This research presents a new ratiometric fluorescent probe designed for Cu²⁺ detection, utilizing a dual mechanism of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). In this probe, coumarin acts as the energy donor while naphthalimide serves as the acceptor, with a 2-picolinic ester moiety functioning as the Cu²⁺ binding site. In the absence of Cu²⁺, the 2-picolinic ester effectively suppresses electron transfer, inhibiting both ICT and FRET, resulting in strong blue fluorescence (λem = 478nm) from the coumarin moiety. However, upon Cu²⁺ binding, the Cu2+-triggered hydrolysis of the 2-picolinic ester activates the ICT process and enables FRET, leading to a distinct yellow fluorescence (λem = 550nm). Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity ratio (I550nm/I478nm) exhibited a strong linear correlation with Cu²⁺ concentrations (0.1-4 µM), achieving a detection limit of 14 nM. Remarkable selectivity and sensitivity toward Cu²⁺ were observed with this probe over an extensive pH range. The probe exhibited excellent biocompatibility in cell viability tests and performed effectively in ratiometric imaging of intracellular Cu²⁺ in A549 cells.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (CA), often due to incomplete lesions, remains a challenge. In this study, we evaluate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in characterizing lesion formation and guiding re-ablation strategies in patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). This prospective, single-center study enrolled patients undergoing first-time RFCA for paroxysmal AF. Pre-ablation CMR was performed for functional, anatomical, and fibrosis assessment. Repeat CMR 3 months post-ablation was performed to quantify fibrosis using Image Intensity Ratio (IIR) and detect lesion gaps, defined as ≥ 3mm discontinuities in late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). AF recurrence was monitored for 18 months. 25 patients (20% female) were enrolled. 8/25 patients (32%) experienced AF recurrence. Post-ablation CMR showed significantly increased atrial fibrosis, though only in 2/25 patients (8%) complete circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) lesions were observed. Fibrosis burden did not differ significantly between patients with and without recurrence. Among 6 patients undergoing repeat ablation, 3 with LGE-defined gaps in circumferential lesions were successfully treated with a single re-isolation procedure. In contrast, 3 patients with extensive lesions and minimal or no gaps required multiple repeat procedures and additional ablation at extra-pulmonary vein sites. CMR can be a useful tool to assess post-ablation lesions and detect gaps after RFCA for paroxysmal AF. This may help distinguish recurrence due to insufficient initial ablation from other arrhythmogenic triggers, thereby guiding tailored and effective re-ablation strategies.

The inherently high-voltage-length product (VπL) of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) modulators in the O-, C-, and L-telecom bands restricts further scaling of photonic integrated circuits’ bandwidth density, driving their migration toward shorter operating wavelengths. Nevertheless, the corresponding grating couplers, as critical optical input/outputs (optical I/Os) interfaces, remain largely undeveloped. Here, we demonstrate an 850 nm TFLN grating coupler designed based on topological unidirectional guided resonance (UGR). By breaking C2 symmetry of the unit cell and precisely tailoring its geometry, we achieve unidirectional upward radiation with a 63.7 dB up/down intensity ratio. Subsequent apodization of groove widths and periods enables precise control of the electrical field distribution in both real and momentum spaces. This yields a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-matched, highly fabrication-tolerant TFLN grating coupler that attains, to the best of our knowledge, the highest simulated coupling efficiency of −0.6 dB without mirrors or hybrid materials. This work delivers a high-efficiency, layout-flexible, and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible optical I/Os solution for short-wavelength TFLN modulators with low VπL. It offers substantial engineering value and broad applicability for on-chip light source integration and high-bandwidth-density short-reach optical interconnects.