Shape Andsize Research Articles

Lung nodule classification using radiomics model trained on degraded SDCT images

Background and ObjectiveLow-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has shown promise in reducing lung cancer mortality; however, it suffers from high false positive rates and a scarcity of available annotated datasets. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel approach using synthetic LDCT images generated from standard-dose CT (SDCT) scans from the LIDC-IDRI dataset. Our objective is to develop and validate an interpretable radiomics-based model for distinguishing likely benign from likely malignant pulmonary nodules. MethodsFrom a total of 1010 CT images (695 SDCTs and 315 LDCTs), we degraded SDCTs in the sinogram domain and obtained 1950 nodules as the training set. The 675 nodules from the LDCTs were stratified into 50%-50% partitions for validation and testing. Radiomic features were extracted from nodules, and three feature sets were assessed using: a) only shape and size (SS) features, b) all features but SS features, and c) all features. A systematic pipeline was developed to optimize the feature set and evaluate multiple machine learning models. Models were trained using degraded SDCT, validated and tested on the LDCT nodules. ResultsTraining a logistic regression model using three SS features yielded the most promising results, achieving on the test set mean balanced accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC-ROC scores of 0.81, 0.76, 0.85, and 0.87, respectively. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using synthetic LDCT images for developing a relatively accurate radiomics-based model in lung nodule classification. This approach addresses challenges associated with LDCT screening, offering potential implications for improving lung cancer detection and reducing false positives.

Evolutionary optimization processes for acoustic applications where size matters

In acoustics, the relevance of size, scale and shape of the structures involved in a problem often brings complications when it comes to find the best possible solution. Scenarios such as the design of a room or a sound diffuser are some of the problems that we can find in which shape and size are factors to consider. In recent years, computational optimization methods have been developed to bring a different approach to the solving of these problems. These methods, based on genetic algorithms, provides us with continuous modifications and combinations between the elements involved in a problem that can help us obtain solutions that would be almost impossible to find with regular analytic solving. Our goal is to develop a multi-objective genetic algorithm to optimize various parameters of a design problem, being one of them related to the physical size of the element under study. For this purpose, we will not treat the objects being optimized as individuals, but as groups of individuals with the same proportions but variable scale, called "concepts". With this method, we should obtain the optimum proportions for the problem faced, not only optimized individuals.

Microwave assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Carica papaya fruit extract: Characterization and detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions

For the past decade, biological synthesis of nanoparticles has been on the rise due to its nontoxic, ecofriendly approach and their potential applications in diverse fields. In the present study, a green route was employed to synthesize AgNPs using the extract of raw papaya as the reducing and capping agent via Microwave assisted method. The synthesized CP-AgNPs are characterized by Ultra Violet-Visible Spectroscopy, FTIR Spectroscopy, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, SAED, Zeta Potential (ζ) and XPS. The formation of AgNPs was verified by UV–Visible spectroscopy with an absorption maxima at 410 nm. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of phytochemicalsresponsible for carrying out the reduction and capping of AgNPs. The morphology, shape andsize were examined by SEM and TEM techniques. The particles were found to be spherical in shape with an average diameter of 8.48 ± 2.48 nm. EDAX spectra confirmed the presence of Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and Silver. XRD and SAED results confirmed the crystalline nature of the CP-AgNPs and revealed the FCC structure of the nanoparticles. Zeta potential (ζ) was measured at five different pH values to define the stability of the nanoparticles and the results indicated that the bio-synthesized CP-AgNPs are stable over a range of pH values ranging from 2 to 11 with zeta potential values ranging from −12 mV to −52 mV. The near surface composition and chemical state of the nanoparticles was interpreted using XPS. The CP-AgNPs were then used to detect metal ions in aqueous solution. Fe3+ and Hg2+ metal ions were successfully detected. Thus, the result of this study shows that silver nanoparticles synthesized using raw papaya extract are stable and have potential applications as a sensor for Fe3+ and Hg2+ detection.

Physico-chemical properties of perturbed water: facts and enigmas

Physico-chemical properties of perturbed water: facts and enigmas

The Possible Protective Effect of Vitamin E on Pancreas of AdultMale Albino Rats Treated with Bleomycin Sulfate

AbstractBackground: Bleomycin sulfate is a chemotherapeuticantibiotic that may has adverse effects on both the exocrineand endocrine component of the pancreas.Aim of Study: This study was designed to assess the effect of bleomycinsulfate on pancreas of adult male albino rats and the possible protection by vitamin E administration.Material and Methods: Twenty-five adult male albinorats were divided into three groups: Group I: Control group,Group II: Bleomycin sulfate treated group and Group III:Bleomycin sulfate and vitamin E treated group. At the end ofthe experiment, pancreas was taken out and processed forlight, electron microscopic examinations and anti-insulinimmunohistochemical staining. The percentage area of anti-insulin antibody reaction was measured and statisticallyanalyzed.Results: Treatment with bleomycin sulfate showed variablemarked histopathological changes. Distortion of the normalarchitecture of the pancreatic tissue with areas of hemorrhage,vacuolation and necrosis either in the acini or islets of Lang-erhans with loss of differentiation between beta cells andalpha cells. Histopathological changes were diminished afterreceiving vitamin E. The acinar cells were more regular withbasophilic rounded basal nuclei and apical acidophilic cyto-plasm. The islet of Langerhans restored its normal shape andsize with nearly regular out line.Conclusion: Vitamin E could protect the pancreas againstbleomycin sulfate-induced alteration in adult male albino rats.

Threshold silt content dependency on particle morphology (shape and size) of granular materials: review with new evidence

The threshold silt content is well known as a key parameter affecting the mechanical response of binary granular assemblies considering particle characteristics (size and shape). In this context, the threshold silt content (TSC) is determined from different laboratory tests based on packing density response (emax and emin versus silt content «Sc») and theoretical approaches proposed by several researchers in the specialized published literature using the characteristics of host sand and silt [emax(sand), emin(sand) , emax(silt) , emin(silt) , Gs , Gf and x]. The analysis of the recorded data indicates that the TSC derived from the (emax) curve appears more reliable than that obtained from the (emin) one. Moreover, it is found that the proposed analytical methods are suitable to quantify the threshold silt content (TSC) than that determined experimentally using the packing density (emax and emin). In addition, the test results show that the new introduced ratios [(D50s×As)/(D50f×Af)] and [(Cus×As)/(Cuf×Af)] determined based on particle characteristics (shape and size) appear as appropriate parameters for predicting the threshold silt content (TSC) of sand-silt mixture of the compiled data from the published literature as well as that of the present research related to Chlef sand, Fontainebleau sand and Hostun sand mixed with Chlef silt.

Effect of Cross-Linked Agents on the Morphology of Keratin/Egg White Blend Particles

The effect of cross-linked agents e.g. acetic acid, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) and genipin on the morphology of keratin/egg white (KT/EW) blend particle formation by emulsification solvent diffusion method was observed. The concentration of blending solution and spinning rate (rpm) for obtaining desired particles were also studied. SEM images indicated that the shapes and sizes of KT/EW blend particles varied by the types of cross-linked agents and conditions used. A high concentration of acetic acid and PEGDE interrupted the rheology of blend solution, which interfered the particle formation as well as enhancing the protein denatured. In contrast, the high content of genipin did not affect the morphological shape and size of the particles. A high rotation per minute (rpm) rate was suitable for blend particle formation mixed acetic acid and PEGDE whilst suitable rpm rate for genipin was slower than 2 types of cross-linker. The morphological shape and surfaces of the KT/EW blend particles affected by the types and conditions used. These results obtained the informative data for the development of keratin/egg white blend particles to apply in specific fields such as drug-delivery system.

A New Study of Shape and Size-dependent Properties of Nanocrystals Utilizing the Fractional Fourier Transform

Background: Possessions of components, described by their shape and size (S&S), are certainly attractive and has formed the foundation of the developing field of nanoscience. Methods: Here, we study the S&S reliant on electronic construction and possession of nanocrystals by semiconductors and metals to explain this feature. We formerly considered the chemical dynamics of mineral nanocrystals that are arranged according to the S&S not only for the big surface area, but also as a consequence of the considerably diverse electronic construction of the nanocrystals. Results: The S&S of models, approved by using the Fractional Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FFTIR), indicate the construction of CdSe and ZnSe nanoparticles. Conclusion: In order to study the historical behavior of the nanomaterial in terms of S&S and estimate further results, the FFTIR was used to solve this project.

GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING PSIDUMGUAJAVALEAF EXTRACT

In this paper, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) usingPsidium guajava leaf extract at room temperature. The prepared silvernanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vsible Spectroscopy, TransmissionElectron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforminfrared (FTIR) and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of extractconcentration, extract pH and contact time on the size and shape of silvernanoparticles are studied. The data revealed that the rate of formation ofnanosilver increased significantly in the basic medium and with increasingtemperature. TEM studies showed that the particles to be of various shapes andsizes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed crystalline nature of thesynthesized nanoparticles. FTIR measurement showed that the silvernanoparticles having a coating of the extract compounds indicating a possiblerole of groups of phenolic compounds that act as a capping and stabilizingagents for the formed silver nanoparticles. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA)was carried out to determine the amount of capping phytochemicals on the silvernanoparticles. Supposed mechanism for the formation of silver nanoparticles isdiscussed.Keywords: Green synthesis, Psidium guajava, leaf extract, Ag NPs.

Operational limits of blade coating associated with high aspect ratio pigments: Part II—cylindrical laboratory coater

Process issues such as blade deposits, scratches, spits, and defects on the coating surface develop during blade coating of paper at high solids content and fast machine speeds. Coatings that contain high aspect ratio pigments display these issues at lower solids concentrations and slower web speeds than spherical or block shaped pigments. The shape of the pigment particles influences the characteristics of the coating formulation after drying, and high aspect ratio pigments can lead to high gloss surfaces that have good printing properties and are of interest in barrier coatings. The rheology, particle packing, and water retention are all functions of the pigment shape and size distribution. The base sheet properties of porosity, surface roughness, and permeability interact with the coating and the blade coater operating conditions. The possible causes of poor runnability are part of an interrelated and complex system. A cylindrical laboratory coater (CLC) was utilized to determine the speed at which operational and quality issues begin at varying solids concentration for two pigments with different shape factors on two different paper surfaces with varying absorption rates. An operational window was developed for both pigments. Characteristics of the pigment suspensions were explored in order to find a relationship with the onset of operational problems. The high shear rate viscosity of these suspensions did not explain the operational windows. The difference between the solids concentration and the immobilization solids, which is a function of the shape factor, has a linear relationship to the runnability limits. This could be ascribed to the tight packing structure of the particles as the solids content approaches the immobilization solids.

Impacts of female body shapes on patternmaking

Clothing fit is one of the most important factors that affect consumers’ purchasing behaviour and body movement comfort. This study aims to examine the effects of different female body shapes on clothing pattern design. For this purpose, body measurements of 231 women aged between 18 and 25 were taken and classified according to body shapes and sizes. Then the impacts of body shapes were investigated on basic dress pattern drawing with standard dart prepared in Müller&Sohn patternmaking system. Darted basic dress patterns of women who had a body size of 36 and piled up in pear and rectangle body shapes were adjusted, and these adjustments were compared. While pattern adjustments were carried out according to the rectangle and pear body shape, necessary changes were made on the full height, the girths of breasts, waist, hip and front, back and front average length measurements.

Effect of Manipulating Object Shape, Size and Weight Combined with Hand- Arm Bimanual Intensive Training (HABIT) in Improving Upper Extremity Function in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Training (HABIT) has proven to improve upper extremity performance and co-ordination in children with hemiplegia. Children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy display deficits in motor planning and execution that impact the timing and co-ordination of joint movements, orientation of the hand to object size, shape, weight and use, and calibration of fingertip forces. Bilateral impaired modulation of aperture, decreased bilateral ability to orient the hand prior to object contact based on forthcoming actions with the object was also reported. Objective: To study the effect of Manipulating object shape, size and weight combined with Hand-arm bimanual intensive training(HABIT) in improving actual use of the more affected arm for completing activities commonly carried out in daily life, child's ability to handle objects and reducing spasticity in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Material and method: Thirty patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A-HABIT with Object Manipulation, Group B- HABIT without Object Manipulation with 15 patients in each group. All the patients were evaluated with Pediatric Motor Activity Log, Modified Ashworth Scale and Manual Ability Classification System at pre-and post-treatment level. Results: There were significant decrease in spasticity MAS (p=0.001) & improvement in upper extremity function PMAL-R (p=0.001) & MACS (p=0.001) in both the groups post intervention. HABIT with object manipulation with different shape & size group had significant improvement on PMAL-R (p=0.002) & MACS (p=0.009) but no change in spasticity MAS (p=0.679) as compared to HABIT with object manipulation with similar shape & size group. Conclusion: From finding of this study conclude that HABIT with Object Manipulation with different shape and size have positive effect in improving upper extremity function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy but not in spasticity reduction after 4 weeks of intervention.

Based on the Structural Mechanics of Dump Truck Chassis Frame of Design Improvement

EQ3090 dump truck in the basis of EQ1090 modification and become, the chassis choose EQ1090 chassis. The modification of the main frame, including the main frame of the drilling and welding, the main frame of extension design, main frame of reinforcing plate design. Auxiliary frame modified, include the auxiliary frame of the cross section shape and size, reinforcing plate decorate, deputy frame front shape and installation location, rail and beam connection design, auxiliary frame and the main frame connection design, and finally, the auxiliary frame in intensity. The refit vehicle meet the using performance and achieve the anticipated goal.

Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Individual Variation in Bumblebee Wings

The morphological features of an organism are an important source ofinformation for many areas of biological study. Insect wing architectural designis believed to be an excellent system for studying morphological variation becauseof their firm or solidly cleared structures. It has been the center of geometricmorphometric investigation in the past since insect’s wing pattern can providedetails on their evolutionary history and flight performance. Wing shape andsize disparity of fifty-nine individuals of bumblebee was explored to explain andfigure out biological structure variation within similar species. Examination inboth left and right forewings and hind wings was also considered to find out ifphenotypic sexual dimorphism exists. The outline-based geometric morphometrictechnique was employed in this study to measure and evaluate wing shape andsize variation among bumblebees. Results from mean shapes and scatter plotdiagrams analysis revealed that individuals of bumblebee differ less with respect to shape. Overlapping of individuals is visible on both wings in both sexes, which shows absence of dimorphism. Male individuals have larger forewings comparedto females. Slight variation was observed for both sexes in terms of hind wings,which indicates that both individuals exhibit common size characteristic andabsence of dimorphism. The study concludes that size may be considered as abasis for sex determination and that wing size is somewhat a sexual dimorphictrait among bumblebee species. Keywords - Biology, wing morphometry, outline-based geometric morphometric analysis,Philippines

Terminology for aggregation and self-assembly in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 2013)

In the past, aggregation and self-assembly have been associated principally with micellar and colloidal systems of molecules; however, with the advent of supramolecular chemistry, molecular self-assembly has been opened to a much wider understanding that has facilitated access to a variety of different shapes and sizes, along with the construction of new and fascinating molecular topologies. This document aims at defining more than 150 terms related to aggregation and self-assembly in the particular case of macromolecules. The list is restricted to the most commonly encountered terms.

Voigt waves in homogenized particulate composites based on isotropic dielectriccomponents

Homogenized composite materials (HCMs) can support a singular form of opticalpropagation, known as Voigt wave propagation, while their component materials do not. Inessence, Voigt waves represent coalescent degenerate eigenmodes of the correspondingpropagation matrix. Crucially, the existence of Voigt waves stems from the non-Hermitiannature of this propagation matrix, which in turn is a manifestation of the dissipative natureof the HCM. This phenomenon was investigated for biaxial HCMs arising fromnondissipative isotropic dielectric component materials. The biaxiality of these HCMsstems from the oriented spheroidal shapes of the particles which make up the componentmaterials. An extended version of the Bruggeman homogenization formalism wasused to investigate the influence of component particle orientations, shapes andsizes, as well as volume fractions of the component materials, upon Voigt wavepropagation. Our numerical studies revealed that the directions in which Voigtwaves propagate are highly sensitive to the orientations of the component particlesand to the volume fractions of the component materials, but less sensitive tothe shapes of the component particles and less sensitive still to the sizes of thecomponent particles. Furthermore, whether or not an HCM supports Voigt wavepropagation at all is critically dependent upon the sizes of the component particlesand, in certain cases, upon the volume fractions of the component materials.

Inertially assisted nanoscale self-assembly

We present a simple and versatile method for integrating submicron objects ontopre-determined locations on a substrate. The method relies on augmenting inertial forcesusing centrifugal motion and geometric constraints to guide the placement of submicronobjects on a substrate with minimal requirements for surface engineering andbinding chemistries. Here, we demonstrate the utility of the method for placing goldparticles, metal nanorods and inorganic nanocrystals. The method has demonstratedhigh yield of self-assembly for submicron particles with a variety of shapes andsizes. We have been able to get a near-perfect yield for filling hundreds of trapswith nanoparticles in only 20 min. Two hundred nanometer diameter nanorodswere self-assembled into an array of 256 traps on the template with 92% yield.1.4 µm and 300 nm sodium chloride crystals were self-assembled in arrays of 7000 and 576 traps,respectively, with near-perfect yield in filling each site. Due to its convenient set-up andhigh performance, inertially assisted self-assembly can be easily adopted and used for avariety of integration needs on the submicron scale.

Sonoelectrochemical Synthesis of Nanoparticles

This article reviews the nanomaterials that have been prepared to date by pulsed sonoelectrochemistry. The majority of nanomaterials produced by this method are pure metals such as silver, palladium, platinum, zinc, nickel and gold, but more recently the syntheses have been extended to include the preparation of nanosized metallic alloys and metal oxide semiconductors. A major advantage of this methodology is that the shape and size of the nanoparticles can be adjusted by varying the operating parameters which include ultrasonic power, current density, deposition potential and the ultrasonic vs electrochemical pulse times. Together with these, it is also possible to adjust the pH, temperature and composition of the electrolyte in the sonoelectrochemistry cell.

Nanobits: customizable scanning probe tips

We present here a proof-of-principle study of scanning probe tips defined by planar nanolithographyand integrated with AFM probes using nanomanipulation. The so-called ‘nanobits’ are 2–4 µm long and 120–150 nmthin flakes of Si3N4 or SiO2, fabricated by electron beam lithography and standard silicon processing. Using amicrogripper they were detached from an array and fixed to a standard pyramidal AFMprobe or alternatively inserted into a tipless cantilever equipped with a narrow slit.The nanobit-enhanced probes were used for imaging of deep trenches, withoutvisible deformation, wear or dislocation of the tips of the nanobit after severalscans. This approach allows an unprecedented freedom in adapting the shape andsize of scanning probe tips to the surface topology or to the specific application.

Amorphous calcium carbonate in the shell material of the brachiopod Megerlia truncata

Terebratulide brachiopod shells have a thin, hard outer nanocrystallinecalcite layer and a hybrid fibre composite inner layer with CaCO(3)fibres embedded in an organic matrix. Here we report our observation bytransmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a large compartment filledwith amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) in the shell of the modernbrachiopod Megerlia truncata. The compartment has the typical shape andsize of fibrous calcite crystals composing the inorganic component ofthe hybrid fibre composite secondary shell layer. The ACC compartment isadjacent to an inclusion of foreign material that is entirelyincorporated into the shell. It has most probably been produced in thecourse of shell reparation. Under TEM imaging conditions the amorphouscarbonate crystallized in situ to vaterite and calcite. The distributionpattern of the organic component of the shell material is spatiallydifferentiated. While in the outer, nanocrystalline primary shell layerwe do not observe any organic material between the crystallites by TEM,the CaCO(3) fibres of the secondary layer are surrounded by an organicsheath. In the innermost segment of the secondary layer, in addition tothe organic sheaths, thick organic membranes are present. Thecompartment containing ACC is located between two, 1-2 mu m thick,organic membranes. Our observations indicate that brachiopod shellformation may occur via an ACC precursor that is produced in an initialStage prior to the crystallization of calcite.