Irregular Volume Research Articles

Performance Degradation Mechanism of the Si@N, S-Doped Carbon Anode in Sulfide-Based All-Solid-State Batteries.

Silicon (Si) anode is a promising anode material for all-solid-state lithium batteries with ultra-high theoretical specific capacity and low lithium dendrite risk. However, the inevitable vast volume expansion of Si anode during charge/discharge is recognized as a major limitation preventing its commercial application. Herein, an N, S self-doped amorphous carbon layer coated on porous micron-sized Si (p-mSi@C) is designed to construct an electron/ion conducting network while ensuring structural and interfacial stability. Uneven distribution of von mises stresses during p-mSi lithiation leads to irregular volume expansion and even fragmentation. Meanwhile, the growth of by-products at the interface between p-mSi and electrolyte contact leads to a rapid capacity decay. Compared to p-mSi anode, p-mSi@C reduces the risk of fragmentation thanks to the stress-absorbing effect of amorphous carbon, delivering excellent electrochemical performance (2679.65 mAh g-1 at 0.2 mA cm-2 with initial coulombic efficiency of 84%). More importantly, the chemical failure mechanisms of p-mSi and p-mSi@C composite anodes are revealed through structural characterization, chemical analysis, and simulation, which provides the necessary theoretical guidance for practicalization.

An accurate measurement method of irregular coal gangue volume based on adaptive image restoration and error compensation

To improve the accuracy of volume measurement for irregularly shaped coal gangue, defects in the depth image and various errors in volume measurement are analyzed. The gray difference similarity (Gds) is proposed for pre-classifying defects, and the depth and RGB information are used interactively for adaptive repair. To minimize the impact of abnormal gray distribution and irrelevant information on the repair process, the areas to be repaired are divided into abnormal regions or layers based on gray and distance weights. Taking into account parameters like geometric morphology (GeMo), volume (Ve), and GeMo × Ve, the influence of wrong imaging and gaps is fully considered. The reverse compensation of errors is achieved by applying the principles of mathematical statistics and the nonlinear surface fitting algorithm. The results show that compared with other algorithms, the proposed algorithm has the smallest measurement error of 6.614 % and is not easily affected by external factors.

Graph Neural Network Enhanced Dual-Branch Network for lesion segmentation in ultrasound images

Ultrasound images are widely used in the detection of breast lesions, thyroid nodules, renal tumors and other medical conditions due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience. Automatic segmentation of lesions in ultrasound images is crucial for clinical diagnosis. U-shaped networks with encoder–decoder architectures and skip connections have achieved significant success in medical image segmentation. However, challenges arise in segmentation due to the inherent blurriness of ultrasound image boundaries and the irregular shapes and volumes of lesions. Despite the capability of transformers to capture global information, we posit that graph neural network (GNN) offers a more flexible approach to capturing irregular features. GNN constructs connections for each part, leveraging global information in the process. In this study, we propose GNN-Enhanced Dual-Branch Network (GED-Net), a robust framework for lesion segmentation in ultrasound images. The Network consists of an encoder with two branches: one for extracting local features using convolutional neural network (CNN) and the other for extracting global features using GNN, along with a fusion module and a decoder. We evaluated the model on four publicly available medical ultrasound datasets including BUSI, Dataset B, DDTI and OASBUD, and demonstrated superior performance compared to most classical U-Net networks and state-of-the-art U-shaped networks. The source code is available at https://github.com/Yakiw/GED-Net.

AB089. Improving decision-making in traumatic brain injury patients via 3D volumetric analysis of epidural haematoma.

Epidural haematoma (EDH) is a common finding in many traumatic brain injury scenarios, which necessitates surgical evacuation if the volume equals 30 cm3. The Tada formula, despite its convenience, have been observed to inaccurately depict haemorrhage volume, which can lead to inappropriate decision-making. Objective: (I) to determine if there are statistical differences between EDH volumes as calculated using three-dimensional (3D) software versus Tada's formula; and (II) whether this difference leads to differences in treatment options. Computed tomography (CT)-scan of 15 traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with EDH in January-February 2024 were obtained, and the volumetric analysis was performed using the (I) 3D Slicer software; and the (II) Tada formula for each scan. In addition, characteristics such as patient demographics and region were noted. We performed a paired t-test to scrutinise whether there were any differences between the volumes obtained via the two methods. There was a significant difference (P≤0.05) between the EDH volumes as calculated via 3D software and the Tada formula. We also noted that some patients who should have been treated surgically were not operated on, and vice versa. The process of 3D segmentation only takes an average of 8.2 minutes per patient; which is comparable to using the Tada formula. The inaccuracy of the Tada formula could be attributed to the irregular volume of the bleeding foci, contrary to the prototypical biconvex shape. 3D segmentation should be routinely employed in EDH and other TBI-related haemorrhage cases when available, to aid in decision-making. Extensive development is needed to explore the utility of 3D software in emergency neurosurgery.

SPINAL TUMORS-05 CERVICAL DENDRITIC FOLLICULAR SARCOMA: ABOUT A CASE WITH LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract Dendritic follicular sarcoma (DFS) is a very rare and often poorly known neoplasia. It develops mainly in peripheral lymph nodes at the expense of dendritic follicular cells. However, extra nodal locations were also found in the literature. Diagnosis is often difficult, based mainly on histopathological and immunohistochemical data. There is currently no consensual therapeutic strategy proposed by the National Understanding Cancer Network. The aim of this work is to focus on the various epidemiological, histopathological, immunohistochemical and therapeutic aspects of the follicular dendritic sarcoma. We report the case of a cervical dendritic follicular sarcoma with literature review. This is a 51-year-old patient with no particular pathological history, consulting for a right lateral cervical mass evolving for 5 years without dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia, nor other associated signs evolving in a context of apyrexia and general state conservation. The clinical examination had objectified a firm, fixed, painless right upper jugulocarotid mass without inflammatory signs in sight. The cervical MRI had objectified two contigüe lateral cervical tissue masses well encapsulated, well limited necrotic with mass effect on the larynx without vascular enclosing. The patient had benefited from tumor reduction. Histology was in favor of a dendritic follicular sarcoma. Cervical CT was performed 2 months postoperatively which had shown a mixed right lateral cervical mass with thickened wall and hypodense center pushing in and back the primary carotid and forward the internal jugular vein without any sign of invasion locoregional. The patient then benefited from a complete removal of the tumor mass with ligation of the internal jugular vein. The anatomopathological study had objectified a tumor proliferation made of fusiform cells with nuclei augmented of irregular volume, nucleoli presenting moderate atypies without peri nervous engainement or neoplastic vascular emboli. Immunohistochemistry had shown positive antibodies anti-CD23, anti-CD35, anti-vimentin and anti-PS100. The Ki-67 index was positive on 15% of the cells. This profile concluded in a dendritic follicular sarcoma. The post-operative follow-up was simple. The patient was then referred to oncology for complementary radiation therapy. At 6 months no sign of recurrence was noted. Dendritic follicular sarcoma (DFS) is a relatively rare entity derived from dendritic follicular cells, which are B-cell antigen-presenting cells in the germinal centres of lymphoid follicles. It mainly affects the peripheral lymph nodes especially those of the head and neck. However, extra nodal tissues are affected in about 30% of cases especially the pharynx, oral cavity, thyroid gland. The diagnosis of SFD is difficult and often poorly understood, due to its silent symptomatology, extremely varied morphology and aspecific imaging. The main differential diagnoses are inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, pseudotumoral tumors, interdigitant dendritic cell sarcomas, lymphomas and undifferentiated carcinomas. Diagnosis is mainly based on pathological examination with immunohistochemical complement.

The Outcomes of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy versus Conventional 2D Radiotherapy in Patients with Oropharyngeal or Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. A Case-Control Study

"Introduction: Head and neck cancers’ radiotherapy (RT) is challenging due to the irregular target volumes and the proximity of multiple organs at risk. The purpose of this study is to compare the toxicity, loco-regional control and the pattern of tumour recurrence after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or conventional 2D radiotherapy (2D CRT) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancers. Material and method: We retrospectively compared the outcomes of SCC oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cases treated by IMRT or 2D CRT from 1998 to 2010 in a Canadian Academic Hospital. We matched the patients in the two groups according to primary tumour location and clinical stage. The information on treatment, toxicity and outcomes was retrieved from patients’ medical records. For the patients having a recurrence after IMRT, the CT scan at relapse was fused with the planning CT. For the patients recurring after 2D CRT, we matched the CT images with the relative position of the radiotherapy fields. Statistical analysis was made using GraphPad Prism software. Results: We included a total of 50 patients in the IMRT group and 50 in the 2D CRT group. The median age was 62 and 58 years, respectively, and the median follow-up was 18 and 22.6 months, respectively. Some of the side effects were less frequent on the IMRT group compared to the 2D CRT: xerostomia (16% vs 64%, P=0.0036), mucositis (70% vs 74% P=0.5451), weight loss (18% vs 46% P= 0.0027), radionecrosis/mandibular fracture (0 % vs 2%), fibrosis (0% vs 10%), and telangiectasia (0% vs 4%). However, acute dermatitis and late dysphagia were more frequent in the IMRT group (44% vs 28% P=0.0042; and 14% vs 2% P=0.028; respectively). The overall survival at 2 years was for 74.03% for IMRT and 60% for 2D CRT (P< 0.001) and the 5 years actuarial locoregional control was 89.54 % for IMRT group, and 62.48% for the 2DCRT group (P< 0.001). Three patients from the IMRT group had a local recurrence (2 in-field and 1 marginal), while in the 2D-CRT group, there were 10 patients with a local recurrence (6 in-field and 4 marginal). Conclusion: SCC oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal patients treated with IMRT and concurrent cisplatin had better outcomes and fewer side effects, when compared to similar cases treated with 2D CRT. The local recurrence had a similar pattern for both techniques."

Accuracy Analysis of Fluid Volume Measurement And Calculation Methods on Multislice Computed Tomography

Background: Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) is utilized for the measurement of bleeding volume in hemorrhagic stroke patients. This is very necessary to determine the right medical action. Errors in measurement can lead to suboptimal medical measures taken. Objective: to analyze the measurement and calculation of fluid volume by automatic and manual methods on the volume of fluid contained in the phantom on MSCT. Methods: The type of research is quantitative experimental with the sample used is a phantom made of polyethylene (Dacron) filled with irregular milk liquid as much as 10 volume variations. The research instruments used were worksheets and interview sheets. Data processing and analysis are descriptive by getting the average value. Results: Measurement and calculation of irregular volume of 10 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, 40 ml, 50 ml, 60 ml, 70 ml, 80 ml, 90 ml, and 100 were done automatically on the CT scan plane and manually using the formula ½ A x B x C. The automatic method had an average volume difference of 1.39% and the manual method had an average volume difference of 6.88%. The automatic method has a small volume difference. Conclusion: the measurement and calculation of volume with the automatic method has a better accuracy value than the manual method. The results of these measurements and calculations are highly dependent on the accuracy of precise segmentation techniques on the object.

More precise measurement of irregular splenic volume in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

Splenomegaly often occurs in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension (PHT), and therefore, the efficacy and accuracy of conventional methods for measuring splenic volume are a matter of question in these patients. Here, we developed a novel approach to assess true splenic volume more precisely. High-quality thin-slice computed tomography data of 112 cirrhotic patients with PHT were obtained and reviewed. Both the conventional measurement and a novel formula obtained from 3-dimensional reconstruction software were used to estimate splenic volume, and the accuracy was compared and verified. In PHT patients, the splenic volume calculated using the conventional method was significantly less than that calculated using the 3-dimensional software. We found that the splenic volume was significantly positively correlated with splenic indices of length (L), thickness (T), and width (W) and also the diameter of the splenic vein. Using these indices, we propose 2 novel formulas using the software to estimate the splenic volume more accurately: SV = 69.686 × L + 53.077 × W + 103.525 × T + 314.510 × diameter of splenic vein −2266.209 (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.805). And a more practical simplified formula: SV' = 0.504 × L × W × Τ + 319.762 × diameter of splenic vein −81.66 (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.784). Although the conventional formula has been widely used for years, it is not suitable for an enlarged spleen. We developed 2 novel formulas for estimating splenic volume from clinical data that were more appropriate for cirrhotic patients with PHT.

A control volume finite-element model for predicting the morphology of cohesive-frictional debris flow deposits

Abstract. To predict the morphology of debris flow deposits, a control volume finite-element model (CVFEM) is proposed, balancing material fluxes over irregular control volumes. Locally, the magnitude of these fluxes is taken proportional to the difference between the surface slope and a critical slope, dependent on the thickness of the flow layer. For the critical slope, a Mohr–Coulomb (cohesive-frictional) constitutive relation is assumed, combining a yield stress with a friction angle. To verify the proposed framework, the CVFEM numerical algorithm is first applied to idealized geometries, for which analytical solutions are available. The Mohr–Coulomb constitutive relation is then checked against debris flow deposit profiles measured in the field. Finally, CVFEM simulations are compared with laboratory experiments for various complex geometries, including canyon–plain and canyon–valley transitions. The results demonstrate the capability of the proposed model and clarify the influence of friction angle and yield stress on deposit morphology. Features shared by the field, laboratory, and simulation results include the formation of steep snouts along lobe margins.

Role of Raf-1/ERK Signaling Pathway in Estradiol and Propranolol in the Intervention of Xenograft Hemangioma In Vivo

The pathogenesis and the mechanism of orally administered propranolol in the treatment of hemangioma are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the changes of xenograft hemangioma in nude mice after intervention with estradiol and propranolol. Raf-1 and p-ERK expression in xenograft hemangiomas was assessed to evaluate their role in hemangioma proliferation and regression after treatment. A hemangioma xenograft model in nude mice was established. The successful xenograft specimens were selected and then randomized into control group, estradiol group and propranolol group. At the date of injection, and on day 7 and 21 after injection, the morphological changes of xenograft hemangiomas were visually characterized and imaged by light microscopy. The distribution and expression Raf-1 and p-ERK protein was determined by immunohistochemical detection. In control group, the xenografts increased gradually in volume, had a soft texture and their colors gradually turned red with observation of proliferation of endothelial cells and a capillary lumen that contained monolayer endothelial cells. In Estradiol group, the xenografts grew fast and increased significantly in volume, had a soft texture and their colors were dark red with a hyperplasia of endothelial cells, irregular volume, and deranged and compact endothelial cells. More capillary lumens and sinuses were also seen. Raf-1 and p-ERK expression in estradiol group was significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05). In Propranolol group, the xenografts volume decreased, had a soft texture, and their colors turned gradually white with decreased number of proliferative endothelial cells. The vascular lumens, composed of endothelial cells, were larger, and some of them disappeared and were replaced by fibrous connective tissue and vascular adipose tissue. Raf-1 and p-ERK expression in propranolol group was lower than estradiol and control group (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, Raf-1/ERK signaling pathway may be involved in hemangioma. Estrogen and propranolol may regulate the proliferation or regression of hemangioma through Raf-1/ERK signaling pathway.

Water bolus in photon-beam therapy of irregular skin lesions of extremities: a case report

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) represents the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and approximately 4% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Treatment of skin lesions includes external beam radiation therapy which often provides adequate local control and symptom relief. Case presentation: A 39-year-old male with the diagnosis of MF presents with infiltrative and pruriginous plaques comprising the plantar, interdigital, lateral and posterior surfaces of the foot. A protocol using a water tank was used to provide uniform coverage to an irregular target volume. By creating a tissue-equivalent and homogenous bolus material a total dose of 8Gy in 2 fractions of photon-beam therapy was prescribed. After one month of treatment there was a partial response with minimal toxicity, achieving complete response in most lesions after six months. Conclusion: Photon-beam therapy for irregular surfaces such as extremities is a valid alternative to conventional electron-beam radiation by attaining uniform coverage while minimizing hotspots. Treatment utilizing a water tank is well-tolerated and has good clinical outcomes even in the presence of extensive skin lesions.

Technical study for restoration of mural paintings through the transfer of a photographic image to the vault of a church

This study, which is part of the project for the restoration of the pictorial set that Antonio Palomino painted on the vault of the central nave of the Church of the Santos Juanes in the city of Valencia (Spain), describes the complete geometric study for the digital restitution of these paintings, after their partial destruction in a fire caused during the Spanish Civil War. Two analogic black and white photographs taken before the fire (1920), will be the key to the rehabilitation of these valuable paintings. 3D modelling with laser scanning systems of the vault provides the geometry with precision and a high level of detail of the surface on which the paintings were carried out, in addition to the structural elements that make up the architecture of the temple. The solution proposed approaches a new methodology for the digital reconstruction of the rectified image and its subsequent georeferencing, as well as the entire environment to determine the correct location of the artistic work. Today, digital or virtual restoration is considered a very useful technique for the restoration of old photographs, but it is also an excellent opportunity to develop possible solutions in restoration of paintings and frescoes. This paper describes the initial process of transferring the paintings of this Spanish artist, from a photographic image of the original frescoes (2D) to the irregular surface and volume (3D) of the current cover of this Valencian Royal Parish, through a restoration of the mural set.

Proof of concept: Comparative accuracy of semiautomated VR modeling for volumetric analysis of the heart ventricles

IntroductionSimpson's rule is generally used to estimate cardiac volumes. By contrast, modern methods such as Virtual Reality (VR) utilize mesh modeling to present the object's surface spatial structure, thus enabling intricate volumetric calculations. In this study, two types of semiautomated VR models for cardiac volumetric analysis were compared to the standard Philips dedicated cardiac imaging platform (PDP) which is based on Simpson's rule calculations. MethodsThis retrospective report examined the cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) of twenty patients with atrial fibrillation obtained prior to a left atrial appendage occlusion procedure. We employed two VR models to evaluate each CCTA and compared them to the PDP: a VR model with Philips-similar segmentations (VR-PS) that included the trabeculae and the papillary muscles within the luminal volume, and a VR model that only included the inner blood pool (VR-IBP). ResultsComparison of the VR-PS and the PDP left ventricle (LV) volumes demonstrated excellent correlation with a ρc of 0.983 (95% CI 0.96, 0.99), and a small mean difference and range. The calculated volumes of the right ventricle (RV) had a somewhat lower correlation of 0.89 (95% CI 0.781, 0.95), a small mean difference, and a broader range. The VR-IBP chamber size estimations were significantly smaller than the estimates based on the PDP. DiscussionSimpson's rule and polygon summation algorithms produce similar results in normal morphological LVs. However, this correlation failed to emerge when applied to RVs and irregular chambers. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the polygon summation method is preferable for RV and irregular LV volume and function calculations.

Power-Efficient Trainable Neural Networks towards Accurate Measurement of Irregular Cavity Volume

Irregular cavity volume measurement is a critical step in industrial production. This technology is used in a wide variety of applications. Traditional studies, such as waterflooding-based methods, have suffered from the following shortcomings, i.e., significant measurement error, low efficiency, complicated operation, and corrosion of devices. Recently, neural networks based on the air compression principle have been proposed to achieve irregular cavity volume measurement. However, the balance between data quality, network computation speed, convergence, and measurement accuracy is still underexplored. In this paper, we propose novel neural networks to achieve accurate measurement of irregular cavity volume. First, we propose a measurement method based on the air compression principle to analyze seven key parameters comprehensively. Moreover, we integrate the Hilbert–Schmidt independence criterion (HSIC) into fully connected neural networks (FCNNs) to build a trainable framework. This enables the proposed method to achieve power-efficient training. We evaluate the proposed neural network in the real world and compare it with typical procedures. The results show that the proposed method achieves the top performance for measurement accuracy and efficiency.

Design Method of the Conformal Lattice Structures

Lattice structures have superior mechanical properties, however the structures in practical engineering cannot be directly filled with periodic lattice structures because of their special‐shaped surface profile, which also restricts its practical application. Herein this work, a mapping design method of conformal lattice structures is proposed considering the part's shape profiles with different characteristics. The main idea behind this method is inspired from isoparametric element in finite element method (FEM), an irregular domain can be meshed and solved with arbitrary quadratic element by mapping the element from a regular element. By introducing geometric transformation into the design of lattice structures, lattice unit cell in irregular volume can be achieved through mapping from the regular lattice unit cell, which will establish the conformal lattice structures rapidly. Then, the mechanical properties of regular and conformal lattice structures under three‐point bending are compared using FEM. Both the yield force and ultimate force of conformal lattice structures are increased by 45.83% and 15.03%, respectively. It is hoped that this work can make a contribution to the application of lattice structures in practical engineering with irregular geometric shape.

Consolidative active scanning proton therapy for mediastinal lymphoma: selection criteria, treatment implementation and clinical feasibility.

Proton therapy (PT) represents an advanced form of radiotherapy with unique physical properties which could be of great advantage in reducing long-term radiation morbidity for cancer survivors. Here, we aim to describe the whole process leading to the clinical implementation of consolidative active scanning proton therapy treatment (PT) for mediastinal lymphoma. The process included administrative, technical and clinical issues. Authorization of PT is required in all cases as mediastinal lymphoma is currently not on the list of diseases reimbursable by the Italian National Health Service. Technically, active scanning PT treatment for mediastinal lymphoma is complex, due to the interaction between actively scanned protons and the usually irregular and large volumes to be irradiated, the nearby healthy tissues and the target motion caused by breathing. Aroad map to implement the technical procedures was prepared. The clinical selection of patients was of utmost importance and took into account both patient and tumor characteristics. The first mediastinal lymphoma was treated at our PT center in 2018, four years after the start of the clinical activities. The treatment technique implementation included mechanical deep inspiration breath-hold simulation computed tomography (CT), clinical target volume (CTV)-based multifield optimization planning and plan robustness analysis. The ultimate authorization rate was 93%. In 4cases aproton-photon plan comparison was required. Between May 2018 and February, 2021, 14patients were treated with consolidative PT. The main clinical reasons for choosing PT over photons was abulky disease in 8patients (57%), patient's age in 11patients (78%) and the proximity of the lymphoma to cardiac structures in 10patients (71%). With amedian follow-up of 15months (range, 1-33months) all patients but one(out-of-field relapse) are without evidence of disease, all are alive and no late toxicities were observed during the follow-up period. The clinical implementation of consolidative active scanning PT for mediastinal lymphoma required specific technical procedures and aprolonged experience with PT treatments. An accurate selection of patients for which PT could be of advantage in comparison with photons is mandatory.

Dosimetric study of Rapid Arc therapy during Craniospinal Irradiation in Adult patients

Context: Adult medulloblastomas are very rare and constitute only 1% of the central nervous system tumors in adults. CSI treatment is challenging in adults due to the long, irregular target volume, critical structures, and field matchings due to multiple fields. Aims: This retrospective dosimetric study of adult patients who underwent Craniospinal irradiation was done to get insight into the challenges in the treatment and advantages of using RapidArc technique. Materials and Methods: The computed dosimetric rapid arc planning data of 3 adult cases who underwent Craniospinal irradiation between November 2018 and June 2021 were studied. Results: In our study mean conformity index (range) was 0.95 (0.91–1) and Mean homogeneity index (range) was 0.11 (0.06–0.15). Mean dose to the lenses, lungs, heart, and kidneys was 6.4 Gy, 9.4 Gy, 5 Gy, and 7 Gy, respectively. Conclusions: Volumetric modulated arc therapy technique for Craniospinal irradiation gives conformal dose distribution within the target, better normal tissue sparing, and more homogeneous dose distribution in the field junctions without the need to move the junction.

CT-guided cryoablation for management of bone metastases: a single center experience and review of the literature.

Thermal ablation techniques are procedures of growing interest for management of bone metastases. Among these, cryoablation is probably the most advanced. It allows treatment of large and irregular volumes of pathological tissue, real-time evaluation of the area of ablation and appears less painful than heat-based ablative techniques like radiofrequency and microwaves. Literature shows the effectiveness of cryoablation in the management of bone metastases in terms of pain palliation, but also its employment with curative intent is recommended. We reviewed the outcomes of cryoablation procedures performed in our radiology department over the last sevenyears, confirming the results in terms of pain palliation and local control of disease. We retrospectively evaluated results of 28 procedures of cryoablation, of which 17 treated with palliative and 11 with curative intent. In a 3-month follow-up study, we recorded an overall reduction of pain (evaluated using a VAS 0-10 scale) between pre- and post-treatment. The mean values dropped from 6.9 (SD: ± 1.3) to 3.5 (SD ± 2.6) (p < 0.0001). In the group of patients treated for local tumor control (follow-up: 22.4months), we recorded a stability and/or reduction in volume of the lesion in 10 out 11 patients. No major complications were recorded.

Nanostructured conductive polymer shield for highly reversible dendrite-free zinc metal anode

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising candidates for application in next-generation energy storages because of their high capacity, low cost, and safety. However, structural issues such as irregular Zn growth, volume change, and electrochemical issues (side reactions and byproducts) hinder their practical application. Herein, we present an innovative method to develop a nanostructured conductive polymer shield for a Zn anode, which leads to an efficient and reversible ZIBs. The direct and spontaneous deposition of nanostructured conductive polymer on a Zn surface plays vital role of mechanical and electrochemical shield for Zn anode. The 3D-PPy@Zn anodes display high symmetric cycling stability for up to 1500 h at 1 mA cm−2, and the full cell assembled with a MnO2 cathode exhibits highly reversible battery performance.

Empirical quenching correction in radiochromic silicone-based three-dimensional dosimetry of spot-scanning proton therapy.

Background and purposeThree-dimensional dosimetry of proton therapy (PT) with chemical dosimeters is challenged by signal quenching, which is a lower dose-response in regions with high ionization density due to high linear-energy-transfer (LET) and dose-rate. This study aimed to assess the viability of an empirical correction model for 3D radiochromic silicone-based dosimeters irradiated with spot-scanning PT, by parametrizing its LET and dose-rate dependency.Materials and methodsTen cylindrical radiochromic dosimeters (Ø50 and Ø75 mm) were produced in-house, and irradiated with different spot-scanning proton beam configurations and machine-set dose rates ranging from 56 to 145 Gy/min. Beams with incident energies of 75, 95 and 120 MeV, a spread-out Bragg peak and a plan optimized to an irregular target volume were included. Five of the dosimeters, irradiated with 120 MeV beams, were used to estimate the quenching correction factors. Monte Carlo simulations were used to obtain dose and dose-averaged-LET (LETd) maps. Additionally, a local dose-rate map was estimated, using the simulated dose maps and the machine-set dose-rate information retrieved from the irradiation log-files. Finally, the correction factor was estimated as a function of LETd and local dose-rate and tested on the different fields.ResultsGamma-pass-rates of the corrected measurements were >94% using a 3%-3 mm gamma analysis and >88% using 2%-2 mm, with a dose deviation of <5.6 ± 1.8%. Larger dosimeters showed a 20% systematic increase in dose-response, but the same quenching in signal when compared to the smaller dosimeters.ConclusionThe quenching correction model was valid for different dosimeter sizes to obtain relative dosimetric maps of complex dose distributions in PT.