Mass Enhancement Research Articles

Inter-reader agreement of the BI-RADS CEM lexicon.

The purpose of this study was to assess the inter-reader agreement of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) lexicon. In this IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective study, three breast radiologists, each with different levels of experience, reviewed 462 lesions in 421 routine clinical CEM according to the fifth edition of the BI-RADS lexicon for mammography and to the first version of the BI-RADS lexicon for CEM. Readers were blinded to patient outcomes and evaluated breast and lesion features on low-energy (LE) images (breast density, type of lesion, associated architectural distortion), lesion features on recombined (RC) images (type of enhancement, characteristic of mass enhancement, non-mass enhancement or enhancing asymmetry), and provided a final BI-RADS assessment. The inter-reader agreement was calculated for each evaluated feature using Fleiss' kappa coefficient. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. The inter-reader agreement was moderate to substantial for breast density (ĸ = 0.569), type of lesion on LE images (ĸ = 0.654), and type of enhancement (ĸ = 0.664). There was a moderate to substantial agreement on CEM mass enhancement descriptors. The agreement was fair to moderate for non-mass enhancement and enhancing asymmetry descriptors. Inter-reader agreement for LE and LE with RC BI-RADS assessment was moderate (ĸ = 0.421) and fair (ĸ = 0.364). Diagnostic performance was good and comparable for all readers. Inter-reader agreement of the CEM lexicon was moderate to substantial for most features. There was a low agreement for some RC descriptors, such as non-mass enhancement and enhancing asymmetry, and BI-RADS assessment, but this did not impact the diagnostic performance. Question Data on the reproducibility and inter-reader agreement for the first version of the BI-RADS lexicon dedicated to CEM are missing. Finding The inter-reader agreement for the lexicon was overall substantial to moderate, but it was lower for the descriptors for non-mass enhancement and enhancing asymmetry. Clinical relevance A common lexicon simplifies communication between specialists in clinical practice. The good inter-reader agreement confirms the effectiveness of the CEM-BIRADS in ensuring consistent communication. Detailed definitions of some descriptors (non-mass, enhancing asymmetry) are needed to ensure higher agreements.

Dietary supplement consumption and associated factors among Algerian population residing in Tebessa: Cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption among Algerians in Tebessa. Materials and methodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out over two months. The study included 216 Algerian men and women selected via simple random sampling. Approximately half of the participants were under 27 years old, with a mean age of 30 years. Variables assessed included the use of dietary supplements, reasons for consumption, frequency of use, types of supplements used, sources of purchase, and sources of advice regarding consumption. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Chi2 test, respectively. Logistic regression was employed to examine associations between dietary supplement consumption and explanatory variables, including socioeconomic factors. ResultsThe prevalence of dietary supplement use was 88.4%. The most common reasons cited for consumption were muscle mass enhancement and fatigue reduction. Vitamins were the most frequently used supplements, followed by trace elements. Consumption patterns were significantly associated with socioeconomic factors. ConclusionsA large part of the population has consumed food supplements for different reasons. This consumption could be beneficial for their health. Therefore, information-based on scientific evidence is important to prevent inappropriate use of dietary supplements by consumers. This study could serve as the foundation for a nationwide multicenter study to gain a better understanding of dietary supplement use among Algerians.

Reversible esterification process in Casson nanofluids: A numerical analysis of non-newtonian hydromagnetic flow

A computational mechanism has been formulated to scientifically analyze the phenomenon of combined convection in the occurrence of magnetohydrodynamic flow behavior of Casson nanofluid. This study emphasizes the trajectory of the nanofluid along a stretching sheet with nonlinear permeability, while considering additional physical effects such as reversible chemical reaction, thermal radiation, energy source/sink, suction and viscous dissipation. In this study, we have additionally integrated the nanofluid paradigm proposed by Buongiorno, which encompasses the repercussion of thermophoresis along with Brownian motion. The utilization of appropriate similarity renovations serves the purpose of recasting the dominant multivariate differential equations to a collection of nonlinear differential equations in single variable. The Runge–Kutta shooting mechanism is implemented for the intention of numerically determining the unknown boundary conditions. The solution to the dominant equations was obtained by employing the fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique and to ensure the dependability of the outcomes, the bvp4c method was employed. The graphical and tabulated observations are presented herein to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the underlying physical characteristics inherent in the problem at hand. The utilization of the Casson parameter has been found to be advantageous in the reduction of shear stress rate, along with the enhancement of mass and energy transfer rates. Additionally, the application of suction has been observed to be beneficial in the enhancement of Sherwood number and energy transfer rate. Within the scope of the context of the esterification process, the purpose of this proposal is to evaluate the impact that numerous arithmetical values exert on the temperature field, the velocity profile and the volumetric concentration. An in-depth graphical analysis that takes into account the relevant physical consequences is used to evaluate the most important factors that relate to the physical quantities that describe the contours of temperature, velocity and concentration. In addition to being accompanied by their respective explanations, the tabular portrayal of the local Sherwood number, shear stress rate along with local Nusselt number all feature in this paper. There is a clear distinction that can be made between irreversible and reversible flows in the evaluation of the local Sherwood number, rate of shear stress and local Nusselt number. This differentiation is brought about by taking into analysis thermophoresis parameter, Brownian motion parameter and suction parameter. The results that were produced from the theoretical simulations have significant repercussions for a variety of fields that are related to energy engineering. The findings derived from the analysis indicate a negative correlation between the Brownian motion parameter and both irreversible and reversible flow in terms of rate of energy transfer and shear stress rate. It is imperative to highlight that reversible flow holds greater significance in comparison to irreversible flow.

New horizon of the combined BCG vaccine with probiotic and liraglutide in augmenting beta cell survival via suppression of TXNIP/NLRP3 pyroptosis signaling in Streptozocin–Induced diabetes mellitestype-1 in rats

BackgroundAn ideal anti-diabetic type-1 pharmacotherapy should combine abrogation of beta cell pyroptosis with enhancement of beta cell mass. ObjectivesThe study investigated the potential synergism from combining the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine with liraglutide (LIR) and probiotics in mitigating Streptozocin (STZ)-induced Type1diabetes mellitus in albino rats via suppression of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling. Methods: Induction of diabetes was performed by two I.V. injections of 50 mg/kg of STZ in male Wistar rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly allocated into six groups: Normal control group; STZ -diabetic group; BCG group; BCG + LIR group; BCG + probiotic group; BCG + LIR + probiotic group. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks of treatment. ResultsThe STZ-diabetic group exhibited significant elevation of fasting blood sugar and HbA1c with remarkably decreased serum insulin along with a considerable increase in pancreatic proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, NLRP3, IL-1β, and NFκB) and apoptotic markers (ASK-1, IAPP, TXNIP, and Caspase-3) with prominently compromised oxidative scavenging capacity in addition to structural alteration in the pancreatic histoarchitecture with decreased insulin immunostaining. Conversely, diabetic-treated groups, especially the BCG + LIR + probiotic group, were superior in amelioration of STZ-induced pyroptosis of pancreatic islets evidenced by a significant decline in inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers with a remarkable upgrade in redox balance, Furthermore, the mitigation in the altered histopathological picture of the pancreas with enhanced insulin immunostaining has been was mirrored on the significant improvement of glucose homeostasis parameters. ConclusionsNoteworthy, BCG combination with liraglutide and probiotic might be a promising repurposed therapeutic modality in the management of type-1 diabetes mellites via targeting pancreatic TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Shubnikov–de Haas effect in the Falicov–Kimball model: strong correlation meets quantum oscillation

Abstract We present a comprehensive investigation of quantum oscillations (QOs) in the strongly-correlated Falicov-Kimball model (FKM). The FKM is a particularly suitable platform for probing the non-Fermi liquid state devoid of quasiparticles, affording exact Monte Carlo simulation across all parameter spaces.
In the high-correlation regime, we report the presence of prominent QOs in magnetoresistance and electron density at low temperatures within the phase separation state. The frequency behavior of these oscillations uncovers a transition in the Fermi surface as electron density diminishes, switching from hole-like to electron-like. Both types of Fermi surfaces are found to conform to the Onsager relation, establishing a connection between QOs frequency and Fermi surface area.
Upon exploring the temperature dependence of QOs amplitude, we discern a strong alignment with the Lifshitz-Kosevich (LK) theory, provided the effective mass is suitably renormalized. Notwithstanding, the substantial enhancement of the overall effective mass results in a notable suppression of the QOs amplitude within the examined temperature scope, a finding inconsistent with Fermi liquid predictions. For the most part, the effective mass diminishes as the temperature increases, but an unusual increase is observed at the proximity of the second-order phase transition instigated by thermal effects.
As the transition ensues, the regular QOs disappear, replaced by irregular ones in the non-Fermi liquid state under a high magnetic field.
We also uncover significant QOs in the insulating charge density wave state under weak interactions ($0 < U < 1$), a phenomenon we elucidate through analytical calculations.
Our findings shed light on the critical role of quasiparticles in the manifestation of QOs, enabling further understanding of their function in this context.

Biofilm-camouflaged Prussian blue synergistic mitochondrial mass enhancement for Alzheimer's disease based on Cu2+ chelation and photothermal therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases characterized by cognitive and memory impairment. Metal ion imbalance and Mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to abnormal aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ), are key factors in the pathogenesis of AD. Therefore, we designed a composite nanometer system of red blood cell (RBC) membranes-encapsulated Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB/RBC). Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) can chelate Cu2+ and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The RBC membranes are a kind of natural long-lasting circulating carrier. At the same time, through NIR irradiation, the excellent photothermal ability of PBNPs can also temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), enhance the transmission efficiency of PB/RBC across the BBB, and depolymerize the formed Aβ deposits, thereby achieving the optimal therapeutic effect. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that PB/RBC could inhibit Cu2+-induced Aβ monomers aggregation, eliminate the deposition of Aβ plaques, improve the quality of mitochondria, restore the phagocytic function of microglia, alleviate neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice, and repair memory damage. In conclusion, our biofilm-camouflaged nano-delivery system provides significant neuroprotection by inhibiting Cu2+-induced Aβ monomers aggregation, photothermally depolymerizing Aβ fibrils and reducing the level of ROS, thus effectively ameliorating and treating AD.

Enhanced continuous atmospheric water harvesting with scalable hygroscopic gel driven by natural sunlight and wind

Sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) has received unprecedented attention as a future water and energy platform. However, the water productivity of SAWH systems is still constrained by the slow sorption kinetics at material and component levels and inefficient condensation. Here, we report a facile method to prepare hygroscopic interconnected porous gel (HIPG) with fast sorption-desorption kinetics, high scalability and stability, and strong adhesion property for highly efficient SAWH. We further design a solar-wind coupling driven SAWH device with collaborative heat and mass enhancement achieving continuous water production. Concentrated sunlight contributes to enhancing the desorption and condensation synergistically, and natural wind is introduced to drive the device operation and improve the sorption kinetics. The device demonstrated record high working performance of 14.9 Lwater m−2 day−1 and thermal efficiency of 25.7% in indoor experiments and 3.5–8.9 Lwater m−2 day−1 in outdoor experiments by solar concentration without any other energy consumption. This work provides an up-and-coming pathway to realize highly efficient and sustainable clean water supply for off-grid and arid regions.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Multimodal Ultrasound for Mass and Non-Mass Enhancements in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis and Breast Cancer

PurposeIdiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) poses diagnostic challenges due to its diverse clinical and radiological presentations, often mimicking malignancies. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of multimodal ultrasound for mass and non-mass enhancements in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of IGM and breast cancer. MethodsA retrospective analysis involved patients confirmed histopathologically with IGM and BC. All patients underwent conventional ultrasound (C-US), ultrasound elastography (UE), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and DCE-MR examinations. Blind experienced radiologists assessed imaging findings. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for mass and non-mass enhancements. ResultsFor mass enhancements (ME), multimodal ultrasound demonstrated strong efficacy (AUC = 0.8651, 95% CI: 0.7431 to 0.9871), exhibiting high sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (92.4%) in differentiating IGM from breast cancer. However, for non-mass enhancements (NME), multimodal ultrasound showed limited accuracy (AUC = 0.6306) with lower sensitivity (65.6%) and specificity (81.2%) in distinguishing between IGM and breast cancer. ConclusionMultimodal ultrasound displayed good diagnostic efficacy for mass enhancements in DCE-MRI for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis and breast cancer, while for non-mass enhancement patterns, DCE-MRI remains the most valuable radiological modality for comprehensively assessing this condition's complexities.

Tumor enhancement and shrinkage pattern in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for predicting pathologic complete response after human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy in breast cancer.

Targeted therapy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer has increased the rates of pathological complete response (pCR) and breast preservation surgery and improved the overall disease-free survival rate. This study aimed to determine whether tumor enhancement and shrinkage patterns in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can predict the efficacy of targeted therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and differentiate pCR from non-pCR. The data of 64 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who received targeted therapy prior to surgery were retrospectively collected. All patients had complete postoperative pathological data. The pretreatment evaluation of the tumor enhancement pattern and the shrinkage pattern after two treatment cycles were assessed. The difference in the enhancement and shrinkage patterns between the pCR and non-pCR groups was evaluated via the χ2 test. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the value of enhancement and shrinkage patterns for predicting pCR in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. There were statistically significant differences in tumor size, estrogen receptor (ER) status, lymph node metastasis, enhancement pattern, and shrinkage pattern between the pCR and non-pCR cases. Patients with a tumor size ≤20 mm were likely to achieve pCR. ER status, lymph node metastasis, and enhancement and shrinkage patterns each had good precision for predicting pCR, and the combination of enhancement and shrinkage patterns had the highest prediction accuracy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that only enhancement pattern had a significant predictive value. Among patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, those with tumor size ≤20 mm, ER-negative status, no lymph node metastases, and mass enhancement and concentric shrinkage patterns are more likely to achieve pCR. Mass enhancement combined with concentric shrinkage had the highest accuracy in predicting pCR, indicating that preoperative imaging may be useful for guiding clinical decisions regarding targeted treatments.

Computed tomographic characteristics of testicular teratoma in a cat.

A 5-year-old intact male mixed-breed cat weighing 4.5kg was referred to our hospital with a left testicular mass. CT revealed mild heterogeneous contrast enhancement and calcification in the testicular mass. A well-defined, contrast-enhancing, multiloculated mass with fluid-filled areas was extended from the testicular mass in the scrotum to the caudal aspect of the left kidney. The abdominal mass extended to the right crus of the diaphragm, and the gastrointestinal tract was compressed dorsally. Histopathology was consistent with teratoma. Characteristic CT findings in a feline testicular teratoma may include calcification and cystic areas.

Enhancing Laying Hens' Performance, Egg Quality, Shelf Life during Storage, and Blood Biochemistry with Spirulina platensis Supplementation.

Enhancing the sustainability of chicken farming involves improving health and productivity and product qualities. This study explores the influence of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation on the productivity, egg quality, shelf life during storage, and blood biochemistry of laying hens. A total of 192 thirty-nine-week-old White Leghorn hens were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups: a control group and 3 treatment groups receiving 2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, or 10 g/kg of SP, respectively. The study was conducted for six weeks with measuring feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry. The results demonstrated significant enhancements in egg weight (p < 0.05) and egg mass (p < 0.05) in the treatment of SP groups. The SP treated hens showed significant improvements in yolk color (p < 0.05) and Haugh unit scores (p < 0.05). The SP supplementation showed a hepatoprotective effect, as indicated by significant reduction in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05) levels; however, increases in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were observed. Furthermore, the egg quality of stored eggs for 21 days linearly increased with increments in the SP levels. In conclusion, it can be speculated that adding SP at 2.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg can significantly improve the productivity of laying hens, eggs' quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient chicken production.

A LDH-Derived Metal Sulfide Nanosheet-Functionalized Bioactive Glass Scaffold for Vascularized Osteogenesis and Periprosthetic Infection Prevention/Treatment.

Periprosthetic infection and prosthetic loosing stand out as prevalent yet formidable complications following orthopedic implant surgeries. Synchronously addressing the two complications is long-time challenging. Herein, a bioactive glass scaffold (BGS) functionalized with MgCuFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived sulfide nanosheets (BGS/MCFS) is developed for vascularized osteogenesis and periprosthetic infection prevention/treatment. Apart from the antibacterial cations inhibiting bacterial energy and material metabolism, the exceptional near-infrared-II (NIR-II) photothermal performance empowers BGS/MCFS to eliminate periprosthetic infections, outperforming previously reported functionalized BGS. The rough surface topography and the presence of multi-bioactive metal ions bestow BGS/MCFS with exceptional osteogenic and angiogenic properties, with 8.5-fold and 2.3-fold enhancement in bone mass and neovascularization compared with BGS. Transcriptome sequencing highlights the involvement of the TGF-β signaling pathway in these processes, while single-cell sequencing reveals a significant increase in osteoblasts and endothelial cells around BGS/MCFS compared to BGS.

Carrier density crossover and quasiparticle mass enhancement in a doped 5d Mott insulator

Carrier density crossover and quasiparticle mass enhancement in a doped 5d Mott insulator

Effect of high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation on knee osteoarthritis in older adults with sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background & AimsSkeletal muscle is an important contributor to joint health. Previous studies have shown that age-related muscle mass and strength loss are closely associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. The objective of this study is to investigate whether a high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation can alleviate knee osteoarthritis by improving muscle mass and strength. MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included participants aged 50–70 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia was conducted in China from February 2022 to September 2022 (ChiCTR2200056415). Participants were randomized to receive a 12-week high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation or a placebo twice daily, with one serving each after breakfast and lunch, respectively. The primary outcome analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis was difference in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline to week 12 between the two groups. The secondary outcomes included changes in muscle mass, strength, symptom and imaging of knee osteoarthritis, body composition, biochemical parameters, and health quality scores. ResultsAfter 12 weeks, a total of 124 participants (38.7% male) completed the trial and were included in the final analysis. Over the 12-week follow-up, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the SPPB total score (1.03, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.38, P < 0.0001) compared with the placebo group. Grip strength (2.83 kg, 95% CI, 2.13–3.53, P < 0.0001) and skeletal muscle mass index (0.66 kg/m2, 95% CI, 0.45–0.86, P < 0.0001) were also significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the placebo group. The mean change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score was −3.95 points (95% CI, −5.02 to −2.89, P < 0.0001) in the experimental group and 0.23 points (95% CI, −0.17 to 0.63, P = 0.253) in the placebo group. Additionally, within the experimental group, nine participants experienced an improvement in osteophyte magnetic resonance imaging results, while no improvement was observed in the placebo group. The experimental group also exhibited significant improvements in health quality compared with the placebo group as assessed by Short Form 36, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. No serious adverse event was reported during the trial. ConclusionOral supplementation with high levels of plant protein/peptides can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in elderly individuals with minor and mild knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia. The improvement may be attributed to the enhancement of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.

Environmental Effects on the Stellar Mass Function in a z ∼ 3.3 Overdensity of Galaxies in the COSMOS Field* *Some of the data presented herein were obtained at Keck Observatory, which is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The

We present an analysis of the number density of galaxies as a function of stellar mass (i.e., the stellar mass function (SMF)) in the COSMOS field at z ∼ 3.3, making a comparison between the SMF in overdense environments and the SMF in the coeval field. In particular, this region contains the Elentári proto-supercluster, a system of six extended overdensities spanning ∼70 cMpc on a side. A clear difference is seen in the high-mass slope of these SMFs, with overdense regions showing an increase in the ratio of high-mass galaxies to low-mass galaxies relative to the field, indicating a more rapid buildup of stellar mass in overdense environments. This result qualitatively agrees with analyses of clusters at z ∼ 1, though the differences between protocluster and field SMFs at z ∼ 3.3 are smaller. While this is consistent with overdensities enhancing the evolution of their member galaxies, potentially through increased merger rates, whether this enhancement begins in protocluster environments or even earlier in group environments is still unclear. Though the measured fractions of quiescent galaxies between the field and overdense environments do not vary significantly, implying that this stellar mass enhancement is ongoing and any starbursts triggered by merger activity have not yet quenched, we note that spectroscopic observations are biased toward star-forming populations, particularly for low-mass galaxies. If mergers are indeed responsible, high-resolution imaging of Elentári and similar structures at these early epochs should then reveal increased merger rates relative to the field. Larger samples of well-characterized overdensities are necessary to draw broader conclusions in these areas.

Fast boulder fracturing by thermal fatigue detected on stony asteroids

Spacecraft observations revealed that rocks on carbonaceous asteroids, which constitute the most numerous class by composition, can develop millimeter-to-meter-scale fractures due to thermal stresses. However, signatures of this process on the second-most populous group of asteroids, the S-complex, have been poorly constrained. Here, we report observations of boulders’ fractures on Dimorphos, which is the moonlet of the S-complex asteroid (65803) Didymos, the target of NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) planetary defense mission. We show that the size-frequency distribution and orientation of the mapped fractures are consistent with formation through thermal fatigue. The fractures’ preferential orientation supports that these have originated in situ on Dimorphos boulders and not on Didymos boulders later transferred to Dimorphos. Based on our model of the fracture propagation, we propose that thermal fatigue on rocks exposed on the surface of S-type asteroids can form shallow, horizontally propagating fractures in much shorter timescales (100 kyr) than in the direction normal to the boulder surface (order of Myrs). The presence of boulder fields affected by thermal fracturing on near-Earth asteroid surfaces may contribute to an enhancement in the ejected mass and momentum from kinetic impactors when deflecting asteroids.

Direct observation of the electronic structure and many-body interactions of low-mobility carriers in perylene diimide derivative

Despite the rapid progresses in the field of organic semiconductors, aided by the development of high-mobility organic materials, their high carrier mobilities are often unipolar, being sufficiently high only for either electrons or holes. Yet, the basic mechanisms underlying such significant mobility asymmetry largely remains elusive. We perform angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to reveal the occupied band structures and the many-body interactions for low-mobility hole carriers in a typical n-type semiconductor perylene diimide derivative. The band dispersion exhibits strong renormalization to the calculated non-interacting electronic structure. The analysis including many-body interactions elucidate that the significant mass enhancement can be understood in terms of strong charge–phonon coupling, leading to an important mechanism of polaron band transport of low intrinsic carrier mobility in organic semiconductors.

Complex magnetic ordering in the noncentrosymmetric metal PrCuGe3

We report on the successful synthesis of PrCuGe3 which crystallizes in the tetragonal BaNiSn3-type structure (space group: I4mm) with lattice parameters, a = 4.1470(2) Å and c = 10.185(3) Å. The material is characterized using dc magnetic susceptibility χ(T), ac magnetic susceptibility χac(T), isothermal magnetization M(B), specific heat Cp(T), and electrical resistivity ρ(T) measurements. PrCuGe3 undergoes a long-range ferromagnetic ordering at TC = 23 K, which is followed by another transition below Ttr = 17 K. TC has a quite small anomaly in Cp(T) and ρ(T) despite displaying large associated anomalies in both χ(T) and χac(T) and a sizable ferromagnetic ordered moment. Instead the transition at Ttr has a much larger anomaly in Cp(T) and ρ(T) but essentially no signal in χ(T) and χac(T). Such observations in PrCuGe3 are nontrivial. A Sommerfeld coefficient γ = 375 mJ/(mol K2) is extracted from specific heat which indicates a significant enhancement of the quasi-particle mass at low temperature. Hence, PrCuGe3 exemplifies a system with the coexistence of complex magnetic ordering and a putative heavy-fermion state.

Thermal Degradation and Chemical Analysis of Flame-Retardant-Treated Jute Fabrics.

Jute is an inherent lignocellulosic fiber, consisting of hemicellulose, α-cellulose, and lignin. Industrial ventilation, automotive composites, upholstery, carpets, military uniforms, hospital furnishings, and curtains necessitate the integration of flame-retardance properties into jute fibers. In this investigation, seven weave-structured jute fabrics were treated using an organophosphorus-based flame-retardant (FR) chemical (ITOFLAM CPN) and a crosslinking agent (KNITTEX CHN) by the pad-dry-cure method. The thermal stability, degradation and pyrolysis behavior of jute was measured using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Surface morphology and element distribution were scrutinized utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer) technique has been employed for analyzing the composition of chemicals in the jute fabrics. According to the protocols specified in ISO 14184-1, free formaldehyde detection was carried out on the jute fabrics. The flame-retardance property was significantly improved on all of the jute fabrics after FR treatment. FTIR and SEM-EDS studies revealed the presence of FR chemical deposition on the surface of the jute fabrics. TGA analysis indicated that the fabrics treated with FR exhibited premature degradation, leading to the generation of more char compared to untreated samples. The jute fabrics specifically demonstrated a notable enhancement in residual mass, exceeding 50% after FR treatment. However, it is noteworthy that the FR-treated fabrics exhibited an elevated level of free formaldehyde content, surpassing the permissible limit of formaldehyde in textiles intended for direct skin contact. The residual mass loss percentage after ten washes of FR-treated fabrics remained in a range from 32% to 36%. Twill weave designed fabrics (FRD4 and FRD5) clearly showed a lower thermal degradation temperature than the other weaves used in this study.

Breast lesions on MRI in mass and non-mass enhancement: Kaiser score and modified Kaiser score + for readers of variable experience.

To compare the diagnostic performance of three readers using BI-RADS and Kaiser score (KS) based on mass and non-mass enhancement (NME) lesions. A total of 630 lesions, 393 malignant and 237 benign, 458 mass and 172 NME, were analyzed. Three radiologists with 3 years, 6 years, and 13 years of experience made diagnoses. 596 cases had diffusion-weighted imaging, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured. For lesions with ADC > 1.4 × 10-3 mm2/s, the KS was reduced by 4 as the modified KS +, and the benefit was assessed. When using BI-RADS, AUC was 0.878, 0.915, and 0.941 for mass, and 0.771, 0.838, 0.902 for NME for Reader-1, 2, and 3, respectively, better for mass than for NME. The diagnostic accuracy of KS was improved compared to BI-RADS for less experienced readers. For Reader-1, AUC was increased from 0.878 to 0.916 for mass (p = 0.005) and from 0.771 to 0.822 for NME (p = 0.124). Based on the cut-off value of BI-RADS ≥ 4B and KS ≥ 5 as malignant, the sensitivity of KS by Readers-1 and -2 was significantly higher for both Mass and NME. When ADC was considered to change to modified KS +, the AUC and the accuracy for all three readers were improved, showing higher specificity with slightly degraded sensitivity. The benefit of KS compared to BI-RADS was most noticeable for the less experienced readers in improving sensitivity. Compared to KS, KS + can improve specificity for all three readers. For NME, the KS and KS + criteria need to be further improved. KS provides an intuitive method for diagnosing lesions on breast MRI. BI-RADS and KS face greater difficulties in evaluating NME compared to mass lesions. Adding ADC to the KS can improve specificity with slightly degraded sensitivity. KS provides an intuitive method for interpreting breast lesions on MRI, most helpful for novice readers. KS, compared to BI-RADS, improved sensitivity in both mass and NME groups for less experienced readers. NME lesions were considered during the development of the KS flowchart, but may need to be better defined.