Phase Scanning Research Articles

A New Algorithm for Automatically Calculating Noise, Spatial Resolution, and Contrast Image Quality Metrics: Proof-of-Concept and Agreement With Subjective Scores in Phantom and Clinical Abdominal CT.

The aims of this study were to develop a proof-of-concept computer algorithm to automatically determine noise, spatial resolution, and contrast-related image quality (IQ) metrics in abdominal portal venous phase computed tomography (CT) imaging and to assess agreement between resulting objective IQ metrics and subjective radiologist IQ ratings. An algorithm was developed to calculate noise, spatial resolution, and contrast IQ parameters. The algorithm was subsequently used on 2 datasets of anthropomorphic phantom CT scans, acquired on 2 different scanners (n = 57 each), and on 1 dataset of patient abdominal CT scans (n = 510). These datasets include a range of high to low IQ: in the phantom dataset, this was achieved through varying scanner settings (tube voltage, tube current, reconstruction algorithm); in the patient dataset, lower IQ images were obtained by reconstructing 30 consecutive portal venous phase scans as if they had been acquired at lower mAs. Five noise, 1 spatial, and 13 contrast parameters were computed for the phantom datasets; for the patient dataset, 5 noise, 1 spatial, and 18 contrast parameters were computed. Subjective IQ rating was done using a 5-point Likert scale: 2 radiologists rated a single phantom dataset each, and another 2 radiologists rated the patient dataset in consensus. General agreement between IQ metrics and subjective IQ scores was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. Likert scores were grouped into 2 categories, "insufficient" (scores 1-2) and "sufficient" (scores 3-5), and differences in computed IQ metrics between these categories were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The algorithm was able to automatically calculate all IQ metrics for 100% of the included scans. Significant correlations with subjective radiologist ratings were found for 4 of 5 noise ( R2 range = 0.55-0.70), 1 of 1 spatial resolution ( R2 = 0.21 and 0.26), and 10 of 13 contrast ( R2 range = 0.11-0.73) parameters in the phantom datasets and for 4 of 5 noise ( R2 range = 0.019-0.096), 1 of 1 spatial resolution ( R2 = 0.11), and 16 of 18 contrast ( R2 range = 0.008-0.116) parameters in the patient dataset. Computed metrics that significantly differed between "insufficient" and "sufficient" categories were 4 of 5 noise, 1 of 1 spatial resolution, 9 and 10 of 13 contrast parameters for phantom the datasets and 3 of 5 noise, 1 of 1 spatial resolution, and 10 of 18 contrast parameters for the patient dataset. The developed algorithm was able to successfully calculate objective noise, spatial resolution, and contrast IQ metrics of both phantom and clinical abdominal CT scans. Furthermore, multiple calculated IQ metrics of all 3 categories were in agreement with subjective radiologist IQ ratings and significantly differed between "insufficient" and "sufficient" IQ scans. These results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of algorithm-determined objective IQ. Such an algorithm should be applicable to any scan and may help in optimization and quality control through automatic IQ assessment in daily clinical practice.

Irreversible effects of drying-wetting cycles on shrinkage and water retention of compacted London clay

Long-linear assets, such as roads and railways, supported by earthworks are susceptible to deterioration caused by weather cycles, that translate into changes in soil hydro-mechanical properties. Failures in these earthworks are expected to become more common due to climate change as periods of drought and extreme rainfall events become more frequent. In the present study, the effect of the suction range of the moisture cycle on the soil-water retention curve (SWRC) and soil shrink-swell curve (SSC) of active London clay is investigated. Soil samples compacted at Proctor optimum conditions were subjected to drying-wetting cycles within a variable suction interval. A change in the SSC was observed when the water content reduced below a threshold that approximates to the shrinkage limit. A reduction in the ability of the soil to hold suction was observed with SWRCs becoming less steep, as the Primary Drying Line was steeper than subsequent drying phases (Scanning Drying Lines). Once the Scanning Drying Line intersects the Primary Drying Line, a yielding point is identified, and the soil loses further ability to hold suction. Irreversible deformations were observed associated with changes in the SWRC from drying-wetting cycles.

Mineralogical characteristics of sulfuric acid formation during bacterial oxidation of flotation concentrate

The article presents the results of a study on the formation of sulfuric acid in the process of bacterial oxidation of sulfide ore flotation concentrate. The results are estimated from the point of view of the thermodynamics of the course of some bacterial oxidation reactions, calculating the standard enthalpies of formation - (ΔН0298), entropy (ΔS0298) and Gibbs energy of formation (ΔG0298) of some reactions and substances at 298 K. Conclusions about the formation of sulfuric acid based on X-ray phase and electron scanning microscope results of changes in mineralogical and elemental composition in the processes of bacterial oxidation of flotation concentrate are substantiated.

Investigation of the characteristics of CU2O particles obtained by a plasma-liquid process

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles. To achieve this goal, the phase composition of the precipitate formed was estimated, the composition and size of the obtained particles were determined and Pourbaix diagrams were constructed.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated approach combining thermodynamic calculations and experimental research methods is used. The constructed Pourbaix diagram makes it possible to suggest the phase composition of the sediment. The use of cyclic voltammetry made it possible to establish the mechanism of deposit formation on the cathode during the treatment of the solution with contact nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma. The resulting product was examined using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy.FindingsThe article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide. The influence of the parameters of plasma-chemical synthesis on the shape and phase composition of the deposits formed has been studied.Originality/valueA plasma-chemical technology for obtaining copper oxide in the form of single crystals of a regular faceted shape is proposed. The mechanism of formation of copper oxide has been established by cyclic voltammetry. The constructed Pourbaix diagrams show the area of existence of the product.

A methodology for measuring the characteristic curvature of technical-grade ethoxylated nonionic surfactants: the effects of concentration and dilution

Abstract Characterization of the behaviour of commercially available non-ionic surfactants has received considerable attention due to their efficacy in a variety of applications. The main challenge in the application of these types of surfactants is that the hydrophilicity of the surfactant varies with concentration and dilution due to the polydispersity of the ethylene oxide groups. The hydrophilicity of a surfactant can be quantified by the characteristic curvature (Cc) parameter of the hydrophilic–lipophilic difference (HLD) framework. In this work, a model based on natural logarithmic regression was developed to calculate the Cc value of commercial surfactants as a function of surfactant concentration by a fast and simple phase scan. The slope of the Cc curve and the measured Cc at a reference concentration were used to develop the model. The Cc values determined with the model agreed with the measured values from the phase scans. Furthermore, the linear mixing rule proved to be reliable for mixtures of polydisperse ethoxylated surfactants. Finally, the impact of the water-to-oil ratio on the Cc was evaluated and the implications were discussed.

A two-phase sonographic study among women with infertility who first had normal sonographic findings

Introduction: Sonographic scan tests are real-time procedures but the female reproductive systems are subject to continued changes beyond the mid-menstrual period. Therefore a second test may be useful after mid-menstrual ultrasound tests among women with infertility who first had normal ultrasound tests during the mid-menstrual period. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out whether physiological changes beyond the mid-menstrual period in the female reproductive system could develop into findings that could be missed at the first ultrasound test among women with infertility during mid menstrual period. Method: One hundred and forty (140) women participated in this study, over a period of 12 months. The inter-observer correlations were carried out. The ultrasound test measured the diameters of the endometrium and ovarian follicle. The study was carried out during the mid-menstrual cycle when normal changes are optimal. The subjects were women of childbearing age (18 years - 40 years) with 28 days cycles who were referred from the fertility clinic. Women who had previous pelvic surgery, women on fertility therapy, and women who were unsure of the date were excluded from the study. Only women who met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. The selection was by convenience sampling method. The women underwent the first phase of the ultrasound test during the mid-menstrual cycle. Those who had ultrasonographic-positive infertility reports were returned to the referral clinic. Only women who had normal ultrasonographic fertility reports were included in the second phase of further ultrasonographic tests. The scans were carried out further for four days for this second phase study and the result was again compared with normal values. (Endometrium Normal range 7.4 mm - 13.5 mm and ovarian follicles normal range 17.4 mm to 23.5 mm). Results: The first phase of the scan showed 108 (77%) of the women had positive infertility results for endometrium and ovarian follicles, while 32 (23%) of the women had a normal ultrasonographic result and were rescanned over days. The findings of the second phase scan showed that 10 subjects (7.30%) showed new abnormalities, Findings were distributed in three sub-groups in this second phase of the study. Sub-group A, 4 (2.67%) had enlarged unruptured follicles, sub-group B, 6 (4.30%) had an endometrial cavity filled with fluid, sub-group C, 22 (15.70%) subjects still had normal scans who may be referred for other studies. Conclusion: Women with infertility who had a normal scan at the mid-menstrual cycle should be followed up with a second-phase ultrasound scan before other tests.

Technological mineralogy: development of a comprehensive assessment of titanium ores (exemplified by the Pizhemskoye deposit)

Technological mineralogy of titanium ores is the basis for assessing their complexity. It enables, from a unified standpoint, to trace the entire course of changes in mineral matter through operating procedures, including beneficiation, processing, and obtaining target industrial products. The study targets are Pizhemskoye ilmenite-leucoxene sandstones, which are distinguished by a complex polymineral composition. Along with the main ore components, there are other metals with different speciation (isomorphic admixture, independent mineral phases). The optimal set of mineralogical analysis methods for the predictive assessment of their further use is substantiated exemplified by titanium ores of the Pizhemskoye deposit, which are complex, noted for a variable content of iron oxides and contain rare earth metals. Examinations by X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirm that the main titanium phases of sandstones are pseudorutile and a polymineral aggregate, “leucoxene”. Considering the granulometric peculiarities of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions of the gravity concentrate, the prospects of technologies for processing titanium raw materials are discussed. Along with the problems of obtaining high-quality raw materials, the transformations of mineral phases as a result of extreme impacts and their physicochemical properties as a consequence of isomorphic substitution of a part of Ti atoms with natural modifier agents (Fe and V) in the synthesis of titanium oxide nanostructures for industrial applications are considered (photocatalytic nanoreactor).

Diffusion mechanism and electrochemical investigation of 1T phase Al–MoS2@rGO nano-composite as a high-performance anode for sodium-ion batteries

We report the electrochemical investigation of 5% Al doped MoS2@rGO composite as a high-performance anode for sodium (Na)-ion batteries. The x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy characterizations reveal that the Al doping increase the interlayer spacing of (002) plane of MoS2 nanosheets and form a stable 1T phase. The galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements show the specific capacity stable around 450, 400, 350, 300 and 200 mAhg−1 at current densities of 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 Ag−1, respectively. Also, we observe the capacity retentions of 86% and 66% at 0.1 and 0.3 Ag−1, respectively, over 200 cycles with a consistent Coulombic efficiency of nearly 100%. The cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to find the kinetic behavior and the obtained value of diffusion coefficient falls in the range of 10−10 to 10−12 cm2s−1. Intriguingly, the in-situ EIS also explains the electrochemical kinetics of the electrode at different charge–discharge states with the variation of charge transfer resistance. Moreover, the post cycling investigation using ex-situ XRD and photoemission spectroscopy indicate the coexistence of 1T/2H phase and field-emission scanning electron microscopy confirm the stable morphology after 500 cycles. Also, the Na-ion transport properties are calculated for 1T Al–MoS2@rGO interface and Al–MoS2–MoS2 interlayer host structure by theoretical calculations using density functional theory.

Reduction of ZrO2 in LiCl-Li2O Melt During Electrolysis

Reduction of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) components to metals during the electrolysis of the LiCl-Li2O melt at 650 °C is extremely important in the framework of the development of fuel reprocessing technology. In the present paper the ZrO2 reduction by lithium during the electrolysis of the LiCl-Li2O melt at 650 °C was studied. Cathode processes on a molybdenum substrate in contact with different ZrO2 samples (powder, pressed pellet, dense ceramic) were analyzed using cyclic voltammetry and electrolysis. It was shown that the appearance of ZrO2 near the molybdenum cathode leads to increasing cathode currents and decreasing lithium oxidation current. Both effects indicate the consumption of reduced lithium for the reduction of ZrO2 samples. In order to analyze the reduction products X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used, and to estimate the reduction degree of ZrO2 samples three methods were tested: dissolution of samples in inorganic acid solution, dissolution of samples in EtOAc/Br2 solution, and carbothermal reduction. It was shown that during the electrolysis of dense samples only the lithium zirconate (Li2ZrO3) was formed at their surfaces, whereas the electrolysis of ZrO2 powder samples resulted in the formation of Li2ZrO3, Zr3O, and ZrO phases.

Active control of amplitude and phase of high-power RF systems in EAST ICRF heating experiments

The EAST ICRF system operating space has been extended in power and phase control with a low-level RF system for the new double-strap antenna. Then the multi-step power and periodic phase scanning experiment were conducted in L-mode plasma, respectively. In the power scanning experiment, the stored energy, radiation power, plasma impedance and the antenna's temperature all have positive responses during the short ramp-ups of PL,ICRF. The core ion temperature increased from 1 keV to 1.5 keV and the core heating area expanded from |Z|≤5cm to |Z|≤10cm during the injection of ICRF waves. In the phasing scanning experiment, in addition to the same conclusions as the previous relatively phasing scanning experiment, the superposition effect of the fluctuation of stored energy, radiation power and neutron yield caused by phasing change with dual antenna, resulting in the amplitude and phase shift, was also observed. The active control of RF output facilitates the precise control of plasma profiles and greatly benefits future experimental exploration.

Macrobiotus rebecchii sp. nov.: A New Limno-Terrestrial and Hermaphroditic Tardigrade from Kyrgyzstan.

A new tardigrade species of the genus Macrobiotus C.A.S. Schultze, 1834 from Kyrgyzstan, is described and illustrated in this paper. Macrobiotus rebecchii sp. nov. is a hermaphroditic and limnoterrestrial species found in a moss growing on a rock in Toluk village. Specimens of the new species were examined for its morphological details using contrast phase light microscope (PCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Genetic data in the form of DNA sequences of commonly used molecular markers were also obtained (18S rRNA, COI). Phenotypically the new species is most similar to Macrobiotus joannae Pilato & Binda, 1983, Macrobiotus punctillus Pilato, Binda & Azzaro, 1990, and Macrobiotus hannae Nowak & Stec, 2018, but can be easily differentiated from all of them by its body granulation pattern.

Technology for processing phosphogypsum into a fluorescent dye based on calcium sulfide

Objectives. There is considerable economic demand for products obtained by processing phosphogypsum. In particular, calcium sulfide-based materials having luminescent properties are the object of intensive study due to the wide range of possibilities for their use. The alloying of the structure of calcium sulfide with cations of rare earth elements leads to the appearance of a glow having various colors. However, the high cost of such phosphorescent materials is due to the high chemical purity of the reagents required for their synthesis. The development of efficient methods for obtaining calcium sulfide-based luminescent materials from phosphogypsum is part of an integrated approach to solving the problem of synthesizing economically demanded materials from production waste.Methods. The synthesized materials were studied using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Photos of the samples were taken under illumination with an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp.Results. According to X-ray phase analysis, phosphogypsum is mainly comprised of calcium sulfate dihydrate and calcium sulfate hemihydrate. Heat treatment of a phosphogypsum sample at a temperature of 1073 K is accompanied by the formation of anhydrous calcium sulfate. In the presence of a reducing agent, a composite material is formed containing a phase of anhydrous calcium sulfate and calcium sulfide. Due to the calcium sulfide content, phosphogypsum has luminescent properties when heat-treated in the presence of various reducing agents, including activated carbon, wood charcoal, vegetable oil, citric acid, starch, and sucrose.Conclusions. Optimal technological conditions for obtaining a composite material exhibiting luminescent properties are revealed. The successful synthesis of phosphor from without nonpretreated phosphogypsum is demonstrated. Optimal technological conditions for obtaining a composite material exhibiting luminescent properties are as follows: heat treatment temperature is 1073–1173 K; isothermal holding time is 60 min; reducing agent quantity is 37–50% (mol). The study results are widely applicable to processing wastes obtained from large-scale chemical production involving the production of a highly demanded inorganic product.

P17 All in the Marrow - A case of Primary Bone Marrow Oedema

Introduction/BackgroundPrimary bone marrow oedema syndrome is an elusive and less well-defined entity. Whether Rheumatologists should consider it as a stand alone diagnosis, is debatable. It possibly would be best described as an MRI feature which could be a finding in a number of diseases which would include the initial phases of Osteonecrosis of the bone, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondyloarthritis, Enthesitis related, Post traumatic, OA, Infections and Cancers. The treatment options become constricted due to the paucity of evidence.Rheumatologists need to consider this as an area of unmet need with development of consensus classification criteria and treatment approaches.Description/Method27-year-old male, Height 174 cms Weight 90 Kgs BMI 29 Kg/m2, became symptomatic in Jan 2022 with complains of pain in the both hip joints & groin regions, pain became excruciating and he became bed-bound, with early morning stiffness lasting approximately 45 mins.Had received steroids for COVID infection in August 2020.InvestigationsHb 13.5gm/dl TLC 7000/mm3 Platelet 400 × 103/mm3Sr Bil 0.8mg/dl AST 16 IU/L. ALT 24 IU/L Sr Creatininine 1.1mg/dlBlood Sugar Levels, Fasting 89 mg/dl Post Prandial 102 mg/dlESR 10 mm in 1st hour by Wintrobes method CRP Quantitative 29.38mg/LHLA B27 by PCR Negative, RF Negative, ACCP NegativeSerum, IgG, Beta2 Glycoprotein 1.44 SGU Serum, IgM, Beta2 Glycoprotein 3.44 SGUSerum, IgG, Cardiolipin antibody 8.4 GPL Serum, IgG, Cardiolipin antibody 17.45 GPLLupus anticoagulant by DRVVT NegativeSr Cholesterol 211mg/dl HDL 29 mg/dl LDL 156mg/dl TGs 130 mg/dlMRI Hips & SI joints Transient bone marrow oedema/osteopenia of bilateral hip.PET CT Increased metabolic activity in both hip jointsBone Scan (99mTcMDP) Increased vascularity in perfusion phase, increased accumulation in soft tissue in blood pool phase and increased uptake in bilateral Hip joints in skeletal phase scan, suggestive of CRPS Type-I.ManagementWas initially managed with Tab Etoricoxib 90mg BD, also started on Tab Sulphaslazine and Tab Methotrexate. However, when he had no symptomatic relief he was administered Inj Infliximab on 12 May 2022 and a second dose on 9 June 2022. He had excellent pain relief after the 1st dose, however after 10 days of the administration, he again began experiencing pain especially after walking. He also had pain in the knees on this occasion.He was also administered Inj Zoledronic 4mg on 23 May 2022.He is at present not requiring any NSAIDs over the last 1 month.Discussion/ResultsThe patient having presented with excruciating and debilitating pain was worked up and evaluation revealed features of bone marrow oedema on MRI which was corroborated with bone scan and PET CT imaging. The acute phase reactant CRP was also significantly elevated. The patient also gave history of early morning stiffness lasting approximately 45 mins. Hence an underlying Inflammatory process such as Spondyloarthritis(Peripheral) with enthesitis was considered. The confounding factors were the pain which worsened on mobilization, HLA B27 negative status, Rheumatoid Factor and ACCP negative status and past history of having received IV Corticosteroids for COVID infection in August 2020.In view of the debilitating pain and a working diagnosis of Spondyloarthritis, he was started on NSAIDs along with rest, initially, followed by conventional synthetic disease modifying agents in Rheumatic disease followed by biologic synthetic disease modifying agent – Inj Infliximab.The thought process was to avoid prolonged NSAID use to prevent the associated side effects.However, since Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral head is a very likely possibility, the patient is planned to be kept under close follow up.Key learning points/ConclusionCollaborative efforts between the Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Orthopaedics and Rheumatology are crucial in the early detection and approach to cases of Bone Marrow oedema.Avascular necrosis of head of Femur is a far more common entity and must be kept in mind even when a diagnosis of Bone Marrow oedema syndrome is being entertained.Diagnosis of Bone Marrow oedema syndrome must be entertained only as a diagnosis of exclusion.Continued follow up and regular imaging must be pursued rigorously in patients diagnosed with Bone Marrow oedema syndromes.There is a requirement to document acute phase reactants such as CRP and ESR in patients diagnosed with Avascular necrosis of bone as this data could help us differentiate AVN from Primary Bone marrow oedema in the early stages.

Microscopic Characterization and Annexin V Flowcytometry Analysis of Apoptosis in Myelomoncytic Leukemia Cell Line treated with Velogenic Viscerotropic Newcastle Disease Virus Strain Af 2240

Leukemia is a type of cancer caused by the unregulated proliferation of immature blood cells derived from mutated hematopoietic stem cells. The malignant cells arise from the standstill of normal blood cell maturation. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and variants of this virus which cause severe disease in birds, have oncolytic properties and are potential anticancer agents because they can kill tumor cells with limited toxicity to normal cells. In this study, the morphophic changes and apoptosis induction of the NDV strain AF2240 treated WEHI 3B leukemia cell line were examined using phase contrast, fluorescence, scanning and annexin V flow cytometry techniques. Light microscopy and electron microscopy showed that NDV strain AF 2240 significantly altered cell morphology and reduced cell viability. In addition, early apoptosis was observed 6 h after inoculation by fluorescence microscopy and annexin V flow cytometry methods. Our results suggest that NDV is able to induce the apoptotic pathway in the WEHI 3B leukemia cell line and may have potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of leukemia.

One 3D VOI-based deep learning radiomics strategy, clinical model and radiologists for predicting lymph node metastases in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on multiphasic contrast-enhanced computer tomography.

PurposeWe designed to construct one 3D VOI-based deep learning radiomics strategy for identifying lymph node metastases (LNM) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma on the basis of multiphasic contrast-enhanced computer tomography and to assist clinical decision-making.MethodsThis retrospective research enrolled 139 PDAC patients undergoing pre-operative arterial phase and venous phase scanning examination between 2015 and 2021. A primary group (training group and validation group) and an independent test group were divided. The DLR strategy included three sections. (1) Residual network three dimensional-18 (Resnet 3D-18) architecture was constructed for deep learning feature extraction. (2) Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model was used for feature selection. (3) Fully connected network served as the classifier. The DLR strategy was applied for constructing different 3D CNN models using 5-fold cross-validation. Radiomics scores (Rad score) were calculated for distinguishing the statistical difference between negative and positive lymph nodes. A clinical model was constructed by combining significantly different clinical variables using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. The manifestation of two radiologists was detected for comparing with computer-developed models. Receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score were used for evaluating model performance.ResultsA total of 45, 49, and 59 deep learning features were selected via LASSO model. No matter in which 3D CNN model, Rad score demonstrated the deep learning features were significantly different between non-LNM and LNM groups. The AP+VP DLR model yielded the best performance in predicting status of lymph node in PDAC with an AUC of 0.995 (95% CI:0.989-1.000) in training group; an AUC of 0.940 (95% CI:0.910-0.971) in validation group; and an AUC of 0.949 (95% CI:0.914-0.984) in test group. The clinical model enrolled the histological grade, CA19-9 level and CT-reported tumor size. The AP+VP DLR model outperformed AP DLR model, VP DLR model, clinical model, and two radiologists.ConclusionsThe AP+VP DLR model based on Resnet 3D-18 demonstrated excellent ability for identifying LNM in PDAC, which could act as a non-invasive and accurate guide for clinical therapeutic strategies. This 3D CNN model combined with 3D tumor segmentation technology is labor-saving, promising, and effective.

Uniformity evaluation of laser-induced periodic surface structures formed by two-color double-pulse femtosecond laser irradiation.

The Perpendicular Period and Phase Scanning (P3S) method can evaluate the uniformity of a laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS). P3S assesses the uniformity of LIPSS using the standard deviation of the peak period and the average of the phase difference in the direction perpendicular to LIPSS. The P3S method demonstrates that LIPSS formed by two-color double-pulse irradiation is reduced to a quarter of the period dispersion, and the average phase difference of LIPSS is also reduced compared to the single-pulse irradiation. In addition, a 3D electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation was performed to evaluate the possibility of an improved uniformity of LIPSS. The results confirm that the two-color double-pulse irradiation produces a uniform LIPSS and validates the effectiveness of the P3S method to assess the uniformity of LIPSS.

Molecular Characterization of Native Bacillus thuringiensis Strains from Root Nodules with Toxicity Against the Fall Armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) and Brinjal Ash Weevil (Myllocerus subfasciatus).

The fall armyworm is an exotic pest which destroys a wide variety of crops Querywhereas the brinjal ash weevil is a serious pest of eggplant and other solanaceous vegetables. The goal of this research is to find a sustainable and ecologically friendly bio-control agent for managing FAW and brinjal ash weevils. Twelve natural Bacillus thuringiensis strains were isolated from cowpea root nodules, and the Gram-positive cells with characteristic Bt crystal structures were discovered using phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy. There were bipyramidal, cuboidal, rhombus, and spherical crystals. The Bt cry gene content was characterized by PCR analysis, which revealed the presence of cry1, cry1I, cry3, cry7, cry7,8, cry14, cry26, and cry55 genes. The identity of Bt was confirmed by cloning and sequencing the cry genes. In the nucleotide sequences, no pseudo genes or indels were found in cry sequences. SDS-PAGE examination indicated the presence of bands ranging in size from 13 to 130kDa, with 50-60kDa being the most common. When compared to the control, the new native Bt strains were lethal, with pathogenicity ranging from 93 to 100% against S. frugiperda larvae and M. subfasciatus adults. The studies revealed that the native strains with conserved regions of 16S rRNA genes were compared to NCBI database sequences and classified as native Bt strains with 99-100% similarity to known Bt strains. In conclusion, native Bt strains from cowpea root nodules were shown to have bio-insecticidal activity against fall armyworm larvae and brinjal ash weevil adults.

Catalytic upgrading of heavy oil from the Ashalchinskoye oilfield

The work deals with study the effect of the NiCrWC catalyst on the composition of the products of catalytic cracking of heavy oil at a temperature of 450 °C for 100 minutes is established. The relevance of research aimed at studying the catalytic activity in the processing of heavy oil. It has been installed that the addition of NiCr-WC promotes the retardation of coke and asphaltenes formation and an increase in the destruction of high-molecular components of heavy oil. The use of a catalyst makes it possible to increase the yield of gasoline and diesel fractions by 35.8 wt % compared to the initial oil. Due to the formation of gaseous products, the removal of 2 wt % of sulfur from oil is observed. The data of X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy show that metal oxides are sulfidized on the surface of nichrome particles to form sulfides of these metals. It was found that NixSy and CrxSy formed on the catalyst surface contribute to an increase in the degradation of oil resins and asphaltenes.

Strategy for optimizing experimental settings for studying low atomic number colloidal assemblies using liquid phase scanning transmission electron microscopy

Observing processes of nanoscale materials of low atomic number is possible using liquid phase electron microscopy (LP-EM). However, the achievable spatial resolution (d) is limited by radiation damage. Here, we examine a strategy for optimizing LP-EM experiments based on an analytical model and experimental measurements, and develop a method for quantifying image quality at ultra low electron dose De using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). As experimental test case we study the formation of a colloidal binary system containing 30 nm diameter SiO2 nanoparticles (SiONPs), and 100 nm diameter polystyrene microspheres (PMs). We show that annular dark field (DF) STEM is preferred over bright field (BF) STEM for practical reasons. Precise knowledge of the material's density is crucial for the calculations in order to match experimental data. To calculate the detectability of nano-objects in an image, the Rose criterion for single pixels is expanded to a model of the signal to noise ratio obtained for multiple pixels spanning the image of an object. Using optimized settings, it is possible to visualize the radiation-sensitive, hierarchical low-Z binary structures, and identify both components.

Evaluation of Radiomics Models Based on Computed Tomography for Distinguishing Between Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules.

The aim of the study was to investigate the diagnostic value of radiomics models based on computed tomography (CT) in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical and imaging data of 172 patients with pathology-confirmed thyroid nodules (83 benign nodules and 89 malignant nodules). All patients underwent a plain CT scan + arterial and venous contrast enhancement before the operation. Using the stratified random sampling method, patients were divided into a training group (121 cases) and a test group (51 cases) at a ratio of 7:3. A.K. software was used to extract radiomics features from the preoperative CT images, and minimum redundancy maximum relevance and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were then used for feature screening and model construction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for the training and test groups to verify model performance and evaluate the efficacy of the radiomics features in identifying benign and malignant thyroid nodules. We then used the most efficient models to construct a nomogram. For the training group, 1-way analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen statistically significant clinical features, and the radiomics scores were combined to construct a radiomics nomogram. We used ROC curve analysis to evaluate the predictive performance of the model. Screening yielded 21 radiomics features that were used to construct a model for differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. For the training group, the area under the ROC curve of the prediction models for the noncontrast, arterial phase, and venous phase scans were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.92), 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83-0.95), and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.82-0.94), respectively, and the corresponding diagnostic accuracy was 0.78, 0.84, and 0.83. For the test group, the corresponding 3-phase under the ROC curves for the test group were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.63-0.90), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.91), and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62-0.90), and the corresponding accuracy was 0.63, 0.77, and 0.75. Thus, the arterial phase model exhibited the best diagnostic performance. The multivariate logistic regression results showed that morphology regularity and the cystic degeneration ratio were independent clinical risk factors for predicting benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The arterial phase radiomics score and clinically independent factors were then used to construct a nomogram. The nomogram had good discriminability for the training group (0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98) and the test group (0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.95), achieving significantly higher accuracies than the radiomics score and clinical characteristics alone. The radiomics nomogram constructed by combining radiomics characteristics and clinical risk factors was efficacious for distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules.