Irregular Ring Research Articles

Glioblastoma and Solitary Brain Metastasis: Differentiation by Integrating Demographic-MRI and Deep-Learning Radiomics Signatures.

Studies have shown that deep-learning radiomics (DLR) could help differentiate glioblastoma (GBM) from solitary brain metastasis (SBM), but whether integrating demographic-MRI and DLR features can more accurately distinguish GBM from SBM remains uncertain. To construct and validate a demographic-MRI deep-learning radiomics nomogram (DDLRN) integrating demographic-MRI and DLR signatures to differentiate GBM from SBM preoperatively. Retrospective. Two hundred and thirty-five patients with GBM (N = 115) or SBM (N = 120), randomly divided into a training cohort (90 GBM and 98 SBM) and a validation cohort (25 GBM and 22 SBM). Axial T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence (T2WI), T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence (T2-FLAIR), and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo sequence (CE-T1WI) using 1.5-T and 3.0-T scanners. The demographic-MRI signature was constructed with seven imaging features ("pool sign," "irregular ring sign," "regular ring sign," "intratumoral vessel sign," the ratio of the area of peritumoral edema to the enhanced tumor, the ratio of the lesion area on T2-FLAIR to CE-T1WI, and the tumor location) and demographic factors (age and sex). Based on multiparametric MRI, radiomics and deep-learning (DL) models, DLR signature, and DDLRN were developed and validated. The Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson test, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and support vector machine algorithm were applied for feature selection and construction of radiomics and DL models. DDLRN showed the best performance in differentiating GBM from SBM with area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.999 and 0.947 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Additionally, the DLR signature (AUC = 0.938) outperformed the radiomics and DL models, and the demographic-MRI signature (AUC = 0.775) was comparable to the T2-FLAIR radiomics and DL models in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.762 and 0.749, respectively). DDLRN integrating demographic-MRI and DLR signatures showed excellent performance in differentiating GBM from SBM. 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

An Ayurvedic Management of Dadru with special reference to Tinea Cruris: A case study

Tinea amongst all the skin disorders is the difficult to cure as it always has recurrence and also very obstinate. In regardless of quite excellent treatment options in modern medicine, it bubbles up again when medication stops. Tinea is fungal infection resembles with Dadru in Ayurveda. Ayurveda has given health solutions to mankind since the ancient time. Excessive severe itching and red patches are the common clinical manifestation which can be diagnosed by Darshana and Prashana Pariksha.Raktamokshana and Shamana Chikitsa will help to cure Dadru. Patient of Dadru presented with elevated irregular ring like patches with severe itching, redness/discolouration and burning sensation at the, groin region. Later it spreads over thigh, genital and buttocks region associated with sleeplessness, since 1 years. He has already taken modern medicine but there was recurrence. Patient treated with Arogyavardhini Vati,Gandhak Rasayana Gomutra siddha Haritaki Panchtiktaghrita Guggulu internally and Marichyadi TailShirisha Twakon OPD level and got relief.

Simulating structurally variable Nuclear Pore Complexes for Microscopy.

The Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC) is the only passageway for macromolecules between nucleus and cytoplasm, and an important reference standard in microscopy: it is massive and stereotypically arranged. The average architecture of NPC proteins has been resolved with pseudo-atomic precision, however observed NPC heterogeneities evidence a high degree of divergence from this average. Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) images NPCs at protein-level resolution, whereupon image analysis software studies NPC variability. However the true picture of this variability is unknown. In quantitative image analysis experiments, it is thus difficult to distinguish intrinsically high SMLM noise from variability of the underlying structure. We introduce CIR4MICS ("ceramics", Configurable, Irregular Rings FOR MICroscopy Simulations), a pipeline that synthesizes ground truth datasets of structurally variable NPCs based on architectural models of the true NPC. Users can select one or more N- or C-terminally tagged NPC proteins, and simulate a wide range of geometric variations. We also represent the NPC as a spring-model such that arbitrary deforming forces, of user-defined magnitudes, simulate irregularly shaped variations. Further, we provide annotated reference datasets of simulated human NPCs, which facilitate a side-by-side comparison with real data. To demonstrate, we synthetically replicate a geometric analysis of real NPC radii and reveal that a range of simulated variability parameters can lead to observed results. Our simulator is therefore valuable to test the capabilities of image analysis methods, as well as to inform experimentalists about the requirements of hypothesis-driven imaging studies. Code: https://github.com/uhlmanngroup/cir4mics. Simulated data: BioStudies S-BSST1058. Supplementary data are available at.

Hyperautofluorescent Ring Pattern in Retinitis Pigmentosa: Clinical Implications and Modifications Over Time.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation among hyperautofluorescent ring patterns, visual acuity (VA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and to describe its modifications over time. This was a retrospective, longitudinal, and observational study. Clinical and imaging data from the first and last available visits of patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP were reviewed. The ellipsoid zone (EZ) width was measured on OCT acquisitions. Short-wavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF) images were classified based on the hyperautofluorescent ring pattern as absent, regular, and irregular, and their modifications over the follow-up were described. The VA, EZ width, and progression rate were compared among the three groups. One hundred eight eyes from 54 subjects were included in the study. The hyperautofluorescent ring was not present in 28 eyes (25.9%), appeared regular in 45 eyes (41.7%), and had an irregular pattern in 35 eyes (32.4%). The three groups differed in terms of age, VA, and EZ width (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the absence of a hyperautofluorescent ring indicated a faster rate of progression (P < 0.001). Throughout the follow-up period, 17 eyes (15.7%) experienced a change in the AF pattern, with irregular rings being more commonly affected. The hyperautofluorescent ring is a useful tool to frame patients based on their EZ width and VA. We described its possible modifications over time, the knowledge of which can aid clinicians in the interpretation of imaging finding changes of their patients.

Role of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Differentiating Neurocysticercosis From Tuberculoma.

The two most common infectious causes of ring-enhancing lesions are neurocysticercosis (NCC) and tuberculoma. It is a challenge to differentiate NCC and tuberculomas radiologically since they show the same imaging findings on computed tomography (CT). Hence, this study was performed to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an additional advanced modality to aptly characterize the lesion. Conventional MRI with additional advanced imaging sequences like diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and post-contrast T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) aids in characterizing the lesion and helps in differentiating NCC and tuberculomas. To compare the findings of DWI, ADC cut-off values, spectroscopy, and contrast-enhanced MRI in differentiating NCC from tuberculoma. Individuals who matched the inclusion criterion underwent an MRIof the brain (plain and contrast) in a 1.5 Tesla, 18-channel, magnetic resonance scanner (Magnetom Avanto®, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). The following imaging sequences were included: T1WI (axial and sagittal), T2-weighted imaging (axial and coronal), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, DWI at 0, 500, and 1000 mm2/sb-values with corresponding ADC values, and single-voxel MRS. Based on MRI features such as number, size, location, margins of lesions, scolex, surrounding edema, DWI features with corresponding ADC values, enhancement pattern of lesions, and spectroscopy findings, we evaluated and differentiated the lesions as NCC or tuberculoma. Radiological diagnoses were correlated in terms of clinical symptoms and response to treatment. In our study, 42 subjects were included, of which the total number of NCC cases was 25 (59.52%) and tuberculoma was 17 (40.47%). The mean age of patients included was 42.85 ± 14.76 years (21 to 78 years). On post-contrast imaging, all 25 cases of NCC (100%) showed thin ring enhancement whereas the majority of tuberculomas (64.7%) showed thick irregular ring enhancement. On MRS, all 25 cases (100%) of NCC showed an amino acid peak and all 17 cases (100%) of tuberculoma showed a lipid lactate peak. On DWI, out of 25 NCC cases, restriction of diffusion was absent in the majority of cases (88%) and out of 17 cases of tuberculoma, restriction of diffusion was present in 12 cases (70.5%) (T2 hyperintense tuberculoma, indicative of caseating tuberculoma with central liquefaction) and was absent in the rest. In our study, the mean ADC value of NCC lesions (1.30 ± 0.137 x 10-3 mm2/s) was found to be greater than that of tuberculoma (0.74 ± 0.090 x 10-3 mm2/s). ADC value of 1.2 x 10-3 was obtained as a cut-off to differentiate NCC and tuberculoma. The ADC cut-off value of 1.2 x 10-3 mm2/s showed a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 94.1% in differentiating NCC from tuberculoma. Conventional MRI with additional advanced imaging sequences likeDWI, ADC, MRS, and post-contrast T1WI aids in characterizing the lesion and thereby helps in differentiating NCC and tuberculomas. Hence, multiparametric MRI assessment is useful in making a prompt diagnosis and eliminating the need for a biopsy.

The Application Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Assessing the Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Lauromacrogol Injections in Cesarean Scar Pregnancies.

To investigate the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injections in patients with cesarean scar pregnancies (CSP). A total of 31 patients diagnosed with CSP, who underwent an ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injection + curettage in our hospital between February 2019 and December 2020 and had a complete recovery confirmed by a postoperative ultrasound review and serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) assay, were enrolled as the study subjects. According to the volume of intraoperative blood loss and the duration of postoperative vaginal bleeding, the patients were divided into two groups, with 19 in the significantly effective group (Group A) and 12 in the effective group (Group B). The recorded clinical data, including age, duration of amenorrhea, number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, time since last cesarean delivery, number of cesarean deliveries, and preoperative serum β-hCG levels, were retrospectively analyzed. The morphological indicators in CEUS before the lauromacrogol injection, as well as immediately and 12-24 hours after the injection, were compared between the groups. In Group A, the post-injection CEUS showed no enhancement, single strip enhancement, and sparse punctate enhancement, while in Group B, it showed a more irregular ring and local patch enhancement. In addition, the number of cases where the CEUS showed no enhancement 12-24 hours after the injection was more than that of the immediate CEUS after the injection. In Group A, four (21.1%) cases showed a single strip-like blood flow on the immediate postoperative CEUS, four (21.1%) cases showed a sparsely dotted blood flow on the immediate postoperative CEUS, and three cases turned into no enhancement 12-24 hours after the injection. A total of four cases in Group B showed that the contrast enhancement range 12-24 hours after the injection was reduced compared with that of the immediate contrast after the injection. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can guide the location selection of the lauromacrogol injection in patients with CSP, and its postoperative morphological indicators can adequately predict the therapeutic effect after curettage and guide clinical management.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with intra-glandular contrast injection can improve the diagnostic accuracy of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer

To investigate the value of lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (LCEUS) with intra-glandular injection of contrast agent for diagnosis of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer. From November, 2020 to May, 2022, the patients suspected of having thyroid cancer and scheduled for biopsy at our center received both conventional ultrasound and LCEUS examinations of the central compartment lymph nodes before surgery. All the patients underwent surgical dissection of the lymph nodes. The perfusion features in LCEUS were classified as homogeneous enhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, regular/irregular ring, and non-enhancement. With pathological results as the gold standard, we compared the diagnostic ability of conventional ultrasound and LCEUS for identifying metastasis in the central compartment lymph nodes. Forty-nine patients with 60 lymph nodes were included in the final analysis. Pathological examination reported metastasis in 34 of the lymph nodes, and 26 were benign lymph nodes. With ultrasound findings of heterogeneous enhancement, irregular ring and non-enhancement as the criteria for malignant lesions, LCEUS had a diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 97.06%, 92.31% and 95% for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes, respectively, demonstrating its better performance than conventional ultrasound (P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that LCEUS had a significantly greater area under the curve than conventional ultrasound for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes (94.7% [0.856-0.988] vs 78.2% [0.656-0.878], P=0.003). LCEUS can enhance the display and improve the diagnostic accuracy of the central compartment lymph nodes to provide important clinical evidence for making clinical decisions on treatment of thyroid cancer.

Dysplasia at the Anal Transition Zone after IPAA.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a popular way of reconstruction the gastrointestinal tract after total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. The pouch-anal anastomosis is usually stapled, which requires the preservation of a small amount of upper anal canal and lower rectum. This includes the anal transition zone (ATZ), a surprisingly small and irregular ring of tissue at and just above the dentate line. The ATZ and rectal cuff is prone to inflammation and neoplasia, particularly in patients who had a colon cancer or dysplasia at the time their large bowel was removed. This high-risk group needs ATZ/rectal cuff surveillance before and after the surgery. Those without colorectal dysplasia preoperatively are at low risk of developing ATZ/rectal cuff dysplasia postoperatively and follow-up can be more relaxed. Treatment of ATZ dysplasia is difficult and may mean mucosectomy, pouch advancement, pouch removal, or a redo pelvic pouch.

PIC simulations of a frequency agile multicavity relativistic magnetron using irregular ring metamaterials driven by a transparent cathode

The design of an agile 5° irregular ring metamaterial for a 24-cavity relativistic magnetron with diffraction output (MDO) using single-stepped cavities for frequency switching is presented. By inserting six pieces of 5° irregular ring metamaterials in place of the traditional 5° vanes of a slow wave structure, the operating frequency can be tuned. When U = 400 kV high voltage is applied, with an applied magnetic field B = 0.36 T, the operating mode can be switched from the TE41 mode with a frequency of 2.585 GHz to the TE31 mode with a frequency of 2.282 GHz. The 24-cavity anode block is an electromagnetic medium which can support the operating mode working under its cutoff frequency, and the insertion of the irregular ring metamaterials alters its dispersion relation. The results suggest a new technique to achieve frequency agility by changing the dispersion relation of the electromagnetic system using a metamaterial unit cell. This work seeks to design a compact high power microwave source for a narrowband directed microwave wave beam that is suitable for frequency agility.

Morphology and phylogeny of two new Thalassiosiroid taxa (Bacillariophyceae), with two marginal rimoportulae

ABSTRACT Thalassiosira and related taxa i.e. the taxa within Thalassiosirales are among the most abundant and widespread diatoms. The vast majority have one marginal rimoportula, but very few always have two. The knowledge on Thalassiosiroid taxa in Chinese waters is restricted, and to explore the diversity, monoclonal strains were established from southern Chinese coastal waters. Morphological data were based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The D1‒D3 region of the ribosomal large subunit (LSU) and the small subunit (SSU) encoding genes were amplified to address phylogenetic relationships. Based on a combination of morphological characters and molecular analyses, two new species with two marginal rimoportulae were described, Planktoniella pulchra sp. nov. and Thalassiosira tridens sp. nov. Planktoniella pulchra is furthermore characterized by one regular ring of marginal fultoportulae between the valve face and the mantle, as well as dense ribs on the mantle. A narrow circular extension of mucilaginous material surrounds the girdle. In phylogenetic analyses, it clustered within the Planktoniella group. Thalassiosira tridens is unique in having a pronounced external tube of the central fultoportula, as well as long external tubes of the two marginal rimoportulae. Two irregular rings formed by the marginal fultoportulae are present on the mantle, and their external extensions are either open tubes or closed spines. In the SSU and LSU phylogenetic analyses, both taxa constituted their own monophyletic lineage and were well differentiated from allied species. Thalassiosiroid taxa with two marginal rimoportulae were phylogenetically closely related, but did not make up a monophyletic lineage.

Imaging Spectrum of Intrahepatic Mass-Forming Cholangiocarcinoma and Its Mimickers: How to Differentiate Them Using MRI.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy, with mass-forming growth pattern being the most common. The typical imaging appearance of mass-forming ICC (mICC) consists of irregular ring enhancement in the arterial phase followed by the progressive central enhancement on portal venous and delayed phases. However, atypical imaging presentation in the form of hypervascular mICC might also be seen, which can be attributed to distinct pathological characteristics. Ancillary imaging features such as lobular shape, capsular retraction, segmental biliary dilatation, and vascular encasement favor the diagnosis of mICC. Nevertheless, these radiological findings may also be present in certain benign conditions such as focal confluent fibrosis, sclerosing hemangioma, organizing hepatic abscess, or the pseudosolid form of hydatid disease. In addition, a few malignant lesions including primary liver lymphoma, hemangioendothelioma, solitary hypovascular liver metastases, and atypical forms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), such as scirrhous HCC, infiltrative HCC, and poorly differentiated HCC, may also pose a diagnostic dilemma by simulating mICC in imaging studies. Diffusion-weighted imaging and the use of hepatobiliary contrast agents might be helpful for differential diagnosis in certain cases. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive overview of mICC imaging features and to describe useful tips for differential diagnosis with its potential mimickers.

Experimental and numerical transient thermal analysis of the idler bearing housing made of steel or polymer material

The research of the influence of housing material on operation temperature of the idler bearing assembly is presented in this paper. Several radial loads and rotary speeds were applied to the test bench to determine the transient temperature field. The results were monitored and recorded for the whole period until the temperature of the assembly reached stationary stage. The FEM model was created where the rolling elements were replaced with the especially designed artificial body, having the shape of irregular ring. It generates heat and connects only those points of the inner and outer ring which are in operating conditions connected with the rolling elements. The experimental results are compared with FEM results. The conclusion is given on suitability of polymer material for this purpose.

Wells-Dawson Arsenotungstate Porous Derivatives for Electrochemical Supercapacitor Electrodes and Electrocatalytically Active Materials.

Two Wells-Dawson arsenotungstate coordination polymers, [{CuII(bim)2}3(As2W18O62)] (1) and [(CuI10pz10Cl4)(As2W18O62)] (bim = 2,2'-biimidazole; pz = pyrazine), have been assembled via a hydrothermal method and fully characterized. Compound 1 exhibits a 2,6-connected two-dimensional hybrid layer based on asymmetrically modified {As2W18} anions and {Cu(bim)2} linkers, which is extended to a three-dimensional network with a special interlayer structure and a one-dimensional tunnel. Compound 2 is a host-guest framework that consists of a Cu-pz-Cl network with 20-member square rings, 16-member irregular rings, and embedded eight-node {As2W18} guest molecules. Compounds 1 and 2 show uncommon specific capacitance (834.8 and 960.1 F g-1, respectively, at a current density of 2.4 A g-1), enduring cycling stability (capacitance retention rates of 89.3% and 91.9%, respectively, after 5000 cycles), and good electrical conductivity, which are superior to those of the unmodified zero-dimensional Dawson arsenotungstate compound and most reported electrode materials in terms of their stable structure, special layer spacing, and orderly channels. Moreover, the title compounds exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxidizing ascorbic acid and reducing nitrite.

Dermoscopy Features of Acquired Perforating Dermatosis Among 39 Patients.

In this report, we concluded there are four dermoscopic features of APD including a yellow-brown homogeneous structureless area in the center of the lesion, dotted and linear vessels distribution radially and a dam shape uplift at the periphery, as well as a white irregular ring surrounding the lesion. There are three features, including the yellow-brown homogeneous structureless area in the center of the lesion, the dotted and linear vessels distribution radially and the white irregular ring surrounding the lesion were correspond to the report of Emma Ormerod et al.These features are also similar to those previously discribed in three separated reports of seven cases with APD. In our report, we found a new dermoscopic features: the dam shape uplift at the periphery. These finding may be contributed to improve the rate of clinical diagnosis of APD.

“Self-doping” defect engineering in SnP3@gamma-irradiated hard carbon anode for rechargeable sodium storage

Reasonable design of defect engineering in the electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) can significantly optimize battery performance. Here, compared with the traditional “foreign-doping” defects method, we report an innovative gamma-irradiation technique to introduce the “self-doping” defects in the popcorn hard carbon (HC). Considering the advantages of adsorption-intercalation-alloying sodium storage mechanism, the defect-rich HC-coated alloy structure (SnP3@HC-γ) was integrated. Due to the high energy and strong penetrability of γ-rays, the constructed “self-doping” defect engineering effectively expands the interlayer structure of HC and forms the irregular ring structure. Simultaneously, the exposed large number of coordination unsaturated sites can accelerate the reaction kinetics on the surface. Based on the synergistic effect of the SnP3@HC-γ, the composites exhibit an excellent reversible capacity of 668 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 in SIBs. Even, after 400 cycles at 1.0 A g−1, an exceptional cyclability with 88% capacity retention (430 mAh g−1) can be maintained. We envision that the γ-irradiation technology used in this research not only overturns the general perception that “self-doping” defects will reduce performance, but also provides reliable technical support for large-scale construction of high-defect, high-capacity and stable sodium-ion anode materials.

A Partition Spatial Filtering Method for Acoustic Array Configuration

Acoustic array is a ubiquitous tool for locating and quantifying sound sources. However, its effectiveness depends greatly on the array configuration. This paper presents an array configuration method to enhance array performance, especially on the spatial resolution and the Doppler effect correction. The problem of array configuration is formulated into a position matrix determined by introducing partition spatial filtering. Irregular coaxial ring grid spacings and partition filtering conditions are suggested to control array spatial resolution. Geometrical parameters and performance indicators are constructed to quantify the relationships between the array configuration and performance. Based on these quantitative relations, the spatial variation of the array beam pattern and the Doppler effect has got adaptive adjustment. In particular, an adaptive partition algorithm is proposed to reduce computation time. The performance of the method is examined numerically and experimentally, which is compared with the other methods. The results provide the method to guide the design of a 64‐microphone optimized array with high performance (1.8° spatial angle resolution and 40% Doppler frequency correction over the bandwidth from 800 Hz to 3000 Hz) and fast computing speed (18 s array generated time for 2000 arrays). Furthermore, an unusual feature of the method is that it can be utilized in the case when the source moves at a nonconstant velocity.

The landscape and flux of a minimum network motif, Wu Xing* *Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21721003) and the Fund from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2016YFA0203200).

Wu-Xing theory is an ancient philosophy that serves as a guiding principle in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It has been used to explain the unbalance among the TCM organ systems in disease states and provide treatment philosophy qualitatively. Until now, it is still a challenge to explore the Wu-Xing theory beyond its philosophical nature. In this study, we established a quantitative framework using the landscape and flux theory to characterize the nature of the Wu-Xing theory from a perspective of a minimal network motif and leave certain specific functional aspects of Wu-Xing theory for future exploration. We uncovered the irregular ring shape of projection landscape for the Wu-Xing network with several local basins and barriers. We found that the dynamics of the self-organized Wu-Xing system was determined by the underlying negative landscape gradient force and the nonequilibrium rotational flux. While the shape of the Wu-Xing landscape determines the stabilities of the states, the rotational flux guarantees the persistent periodic oscillation and the stability of the flow. This provides a physical and quantitative basis for Yin–Yang duality of the driving forces for determining the dynamics and behaviors of the living systems. Applying landscape and flux analysis, we can identify the key parameter for the dynamics/function of Wu-Xing network. These findings allow us to have a deeper understanding of the scientific merits of the ancient Wu-Xing theory from the network motif perspective.

Value of CT Features in the Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Tumors in Incidental Thyroid Nodules.

The present work has investigated the value of computed tomography (CT) features in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid tumors in the incidental thyroid nodules (ITNs). In the 82 enrolled patients, 101 thyroid nodules were incidentally found by the neck CT scanning, among which 49 were histologically confirmed to be papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) while the other 52 were nodular goiter (NG). The tumor location, size, shape, tiny calcification, cystic change, and signs of an irregular ring, marginal defects, and enhanced blurring were all depicted by CT features. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify independent predictors of PTC. The univariate analysis of PTC and NG showed that four CT features were statistically significant, including tiny calcification and signs of an irregular ring, marginal defects, and enhanced blurring. Furthermore, the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that signs of an irregular ring, marginal defects, and enhanced blurring were strongly correlated with PTC, of which the odds ratio (OR) was 27.374 (95% CI: 5.871∼127.636), 28.587 (95% CI: 4.139∼197.460), and 4.315 (95% CI: 0.858∼21.694), respectively. In the predictive model of PTC, the value of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index was 87.8%, 94.2%, 91.1%, and 0.82 with a likelihood ratio of 15.1. Therefore, the signs of an irregular ring, marginal defects, and enhanced blurring may be helpful in the diagnosis of PTC in incidentally found thyroid nodules.

The Clinicopathological and Imaging Characteristics of Primary Hepatic Carcinosarcoma and a Review of the Literature.

PurposeTo improve the understanding of hepatic carcinosarcoma (HCS) by analyzing radiological imaging data and clinicopathological features.Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on four patients with HCS confirmed immunohistochemically. The analysis included three males and one female, aged 29 to 64 years. Four patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scans, and one underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans simultaneously.ResultsThree patients had a history of hepatitis B, cirrhosis or fibrosis, and two patients had schistosomiasis. Two cases tested positive for elevated serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19–9. The maximum diameters of the lesions ranged from 7.8 to 9.0cm. Pathologically, the carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements in two patients could not be classified, one of the patients had cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) and undifferentiated sarcoma, the other had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). All tumors showed heterogeneous density/intensity, accompanied by vast cystic changes and necrosis, with two cases having cystic septations. Capsule formation was not identified. The margins of the radiological images showed irregular ring enhancement. One case presented continuous progressive enhancement, one case with “fast in fast washout” and two cases with “fast in late washout”. Lymphonodus metastasis, satellite nodules, vascular embolism, and organ invasion (hepatic flexure of the colon) were identified.ConclusionHCS is a rare, high-grade malignancy with poor prognosis. The preoperative diagnosis is expected to improve by carefully analyzing the imaging features of the patients in combination with their clinical characteristics. Radical resection and postoperative chemoradiotherapy can improve the survival rate of patients.

Effect of wood species on vibration modes of violins plates

The aim of this article is to correlate the experimental modal analysis (EMA) with finite element analysis (FEA) to study the effect of wood species on vibration modes of violin plates made of spruce and maple. For EMA, five violin plates each made of spruce and maple were tested (curly maple, quilted maple, common maple with regular and irregular rings). The plates were clamped on edges and subjected to forced vibration. Experimental Chladni patterns of these plates were determined for 36 emitted frequencies, range between 65 and 2637 Hz. Patterns obtained with modal analysis are characterised by the nodal lines. The patterns of vibration modes are affected by wood species and structure. Spruce plate shows nodal lines aligned to the longitudinal (L) anisotropic direction of wood, corresponding to the direction of the fibres. Maple plates show nodal lines aligned to radial (R) anisotropic direction of wood and to the direction of medullary rays in the LR plane. Curly maple plate vibration produced the best resolution of vibration modes pattern, because of the presence of very abundant medullary rays, well oriented in the R direction. Quilted maple plate has asymmetric modes of vibration. At the highest frequency of 2093 Hz, no vibrating zones were observed during the experiment. Maple plates of normal structure with regular and irregular annual rings have shown similar patterns, but differ from curly maple plate. The characteristics of annual rings were measured. The vibrating surfaces (Sv) of the plates obtained experimentally were measured by transferring the nodal lines into AutoCAD 2013 software, where the surfaces were computed and expressed in mm2 or in % of the total surface area of the plate; the total effective vibrating surface for all frequencies for each plate and wood species; the relative vibrating surface at maximum amplitude. The experimental results were compared to modal analysis performed with FEA, by using ABAQUS program. The similar geometry of the real plates was generated in ABAQUS and the violin plates were meshed with quadratic shell elements. The plates were modelled as orthotropic materials. At maximum vibration amplitude and frequency of 110 Hz, the spruce plate has a relative vibrating surface of 62%, a mean annual ring width of 0.77 mm and ring heterogeneity of only 64%. At maximum amplitude of vibration and frequency of 174 Hz, the plates made of curly maple LR and LT (longitudinal–tangential), have different behaviour. The vibrating surface is greater for the plate made of curly maple LR with dense figures (84%) and annual ring heterogeneity of 86%, than for plates made of curly maple LT with large figures (77%) and annual ring heterogeneity of 238%.