True Length Research Articles

Abstract A023: Advancing RNA liquid biopsy technology via long-read sequencing

Abstract Recent studies have begun to highlight the advantages of RNA-based liquid biopsy technology for cancer early detection, and we sought to further advance the development of RNA liquid biopsies by incorporating single-molecule, long-read sequencing technology. Cell-free RNAs are dynamically secreted by the cells that comprise our tissues and organs but are thought to be largely degraded in the blood. To determine the true length of cell-free RNAs, we performed long-read nanopore sequencing on cell-free RNAs isolated from pancreatic and esophageal cancer patient plasma and found that thousands of genes are detectable as full-length cell-free RNAs in vivo. By creating a custom annotation of the transcriptome for cell-free RNA quantification, we found that cancer patients exhibit high levels of repetitive cell-free RNAs in plasma, with full-length, SINE-derived cell-free RNAs being among the most abundant repetitive RNAs. Moreover, we found that utilizing repetitive cell-free RNA features substantially improved the performance of our machine learning models for cancer classification. Notably, nanopore sequencing enabled us to discover over 250,000 novel cell-free RNAs that have not been previously annotated in the human genome. Our findings highlight the value and utility of long-read nanopore sequencing of cell-free RNAs for discovering and leveraging novel RNA biomarkers for cancer early detection via RNA liquid biopsy technology. Citation Format: Daniel H. Kim. Advancing RNA liquid biopsy technology via long-read sequencing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A023.

Detection of moisture and size of winter melon seeds based on hyperspectral imaging and convex polygon size measurement

The level of moisture content and size of winter melon seeds affect their storage, germination and growth processes. Moderate moisture and size are essential for seed germination and growth. Therefore, detecting the moisture and size of winter melon seeds is beneficial to improve their germination rate. Traditional seed moisture testing methods are complex to operate and require destructive sample preparation or chemical treatment. Common dimensional measurement methods are also time-consuming and laborious. Hyperspectral imaging technology can acquire information about the surface and internal structure of the target separately, it can be used to quickly and non-destructively detect the moisture and size of winter melon seeds. In this study, partial least squares regression (PLSR) and partial least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) models were established to predict the moisture content of winter melon seeds by using reflection and transmittance spectral data. The models were optimized using five variable selection methods. The optimal performance of the LSSVM model based on the CARS algorithm was achieved in both single reflection and transmission spectra. The RP2 and RMSEP of the model based on the reflection spectra were 0.9667 % and 0.0215 %, respectively. The RP2 and RMSEP of the model based on the transmission spectra were 0.9644 % and 0.0223 %, respectively. In low-level data fusion, the LSSVM model based on the CARS algorithm also achieved optimal performance, but with only a little improvement compared to a single model (reflection spectra or transmission spectra), with RP2 and RMSEP of 0.9679 % and 0.0212 %, respectively. In the mid-level data fusion, the LSSVM model also based on the CARS algorithm achieved the optimal performance, and the performance of the model was further improved. The RP2 and RMSEP of the model were 0.9738 % and 0.0191 %, respectively. Finally, the image processing algorithm and the convex polygon size measurement method was proposed to measure the size of winter melon seeds. The absolute error between the calibrated winter melon seed length and width and the true length and width was less than 0.22 mm, and the relative error was less than 2 %. The results show that hyperspectral imaging technology can accurately detect the water content of winter melon seeds. Data fusion method and LSSVM model based on CARS algorithm can detect the water content of winter melon seeds more accurately. The image processing algorithm combined with the convex polygon size measurement method can be effectively used to detect the size of winter melon seeds with high precision.

Leg Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Not All Discrepancies Are Created Equal.

The original review article, published in 2006, describing leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty commented that "equal leg length should not be guaranteed." There has been considerable advancement in surgical technique and technology over the past decade, allowing surgeons to "hit the target" much more consistently. In this interval paper, we review leg length discrepancy and introduce some technologies designed to mitigate this complication. In addition, we present challenging clinical scenarios in which perceived leg length may differ from true leg length and how these can be addressed with proper workup and surgical execution.

Addressing immortal time bias in precision medicine: Practical guidance and methods development.

To compare theoretical strengths and limitations of common immortal time adjustment methods, propose a new approach using multiple imputation (MI), and provide practical guidance for using MI in precision medicine evaluations centered on a real-world case study. Methods comparison, guidance, and real-world case study based on previous literature. We compared landmark analysis, time-distribution matching, time-dependent analysis, and our proposed MI application. Guidance for MI spanned (1) selecting the imputation method; (2) specifying and applying the imputation model; and (3) conducting comparative analysis and pooling estimates. Our case study used a matched cohort design to evaluate overall survival benefits of whole-genome and transcriptome analysis, a precision medicine technology, compared to usual care for advanced cancers, and applied both time-distribution matching and MI. Bootstrap simulation characterized imputation sensitivity to varying data missingness and sample sizes. Case study used population-based administrative data and single-arm precision medicine program data from British Columbia, Canada for the study period 2012 to 2015. While each method described can reduce immortal time bias, MI offers theoretical advantages. Compared to alternative approaches, MI minimizes information loss and better characterizes statistical uncertainty about the true length of the immortal time period, avoiding false precision. Additionally, MI explicitly considers the impacts of patient characteristics on immortal time distributions, with inclusion criteria and follow-up period definitions that do not inadvertently risk biasing evaluations. In the real-world case study, survival analysis results did not substantively differ across MI and time distribution matching, but standard errors based on MI were higher for all point estimates. Mean imputed immortal time was stable across simulations. Precision medicine evaluations must employ immortal time adjustment methods for unbiased, decision-grade real-world evidence generation. MI is a promising solution to the challenge of immortal time bias.

Accuracy Validation of the New Barrett True Axial Length Formula and the Optimized Lens Factor Using Sum-of-Segment Biometry.

Objectives: This study aims to verify the accuracy of a new calculation formula, Barrett true axial length formula (T-AL), and the optimized lens factor (LF) for predicting postoperative refraction after cataract surgery. Methods: We included 156 Japanese patients who underwent cataract surgery using Clareon monofocal intraocular lenses at our clinic between January 2022 and June 2023. Postoperative spherical equivalent was calculated using subjective refraction values obtained 1 month post-surgery. The LFs were optimized so that the mean prediction error (PE) of each calculation formula was zero (zero optimization). We calculated the mean absolute PE (MAE) to assess accuracy and used a Friedman test for statistical comparisons. The accuracy of T-AL and the optimized LFs was compared with that of the conventional Barrett Universal II formula for ARGOS (AR-B) and OA-2000 (OA-B) with equivalent refractive index. Results: For T-AL, AR-B, and OA-B, the MAEs ± standard deviations were 0.225 ± 0.179, 0.219 ± 0.168, and 0.242 ± 0.206 D, respectively. The Friedman test showed no statistically significant differences among the three groups. The device-optimized LFs were 2.248-2.289 (T-AL), 2.236-2.246 (AR-B), and 2.07-2.08 (OA-B); the corresponding zero-optimized LFs were 2.262-2.287 (T-AL), 2.287-2.303 (AR-B), and 2.160-2.170 (OA-B). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in prediction accuracy among the formulas. However, the accuracy of LF optimization varied by device, with T-AL being closest to the value under zero optimization. This suggests that T-AL is clinically useful for predicting an accurate postoperative refraction without zero optimization.

Rate dependent C* fracture parameter using the optimized wedge-split test geometry and vision-based automated crack tip detection

Typical monotonic load-line displacement (LLD) control and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) control cracking tests are limited to singular loading rates and testing temperatures. These experimental protocols are not designed to derive a fundamental fracture parameter capable of relating to the viscoelastic property and cracking behavior of asphalt concrete (AC). On the other hand, a multi-rate LLD-control monotonic fracture experiment is capable of capturing the viscoelastic cracking behavior of AC by providing the rate-dependent fundamental C* fracture parameter as an output. Crack length and crack speed parameters are combined with reaction loads to calculate the rate-dependent C* parameter. The current C* experiment protocol implements manual processing of video images and exhibits high variability. The study aims to optimize the wedge-split geometry and improve the C* fracture parameter calculation protocol by applying an automated vision-based crack detection system and recording the crack growth path, considering the horizontal and vertical movement of the crack tip with higher accuracy. The three notch lengths (5, 15, and 30 mm) were evaluated. Plant and laboratory-produced mixes with varying stiffness and fracture characteristics were included in the testing program. An optimized notch length for the test geometry was determined based on the on-specimen strain field observed using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique and crack path analysis. The optimum notch length was found to be 15 mm due to consistent strain localization at the crack tip and less crack deviation in the horizontal direction. The main contribution of this paper is the proposed vision-based crack path detection method, which enables measuring the crack path's true crack length and maximum horizontal deviation. The developed protocol and optimization of the testing geometry led to a significant improvement of the existing C* testing protocol, resulting in higher data quality and consistent results. The proposed protocol was validated using three comparable and distinctively different lab-produced mixtures. The results show that the C* experiment effectively differentiated between the mixes based on crack speed and the C* parameter.

Challenges in estimating species' age from phylogenetic trees

AbstractAimSpecies age, the elapsed time since origination, can give insight into how species longevity might influence eco‐evolutionary dynamics, which has been hypothesized to influence extinction risk. Traditionally, species' ages have been estimated from fossil records. However, numerous studies have recently used the branch lengths of time‐calibrated phylogenies as estimates of the ages of extant species. This approach poses problems because phylogenetic trees only contain direct information about species identity at the tips and not along the branches. Here, we show that incomplete taxon sampling, extinction and different assumptions about speciation modes can significantly alter the relationship between true species age and phylogenetic branch lengths, leading to high error rates. We found that these biases can lead to erroneous interpretations of eco‐evolutionary patterns derived from comparing phylogenetic age and other traits, such as extinction risk.InnovationFor bifurcating speciation, the default assumption in most analyses of species age, we propose a probabilistic approach based on the properties of a birth–death process to improve the estimation of species ages. Our approach can reduce the error by one order of magnitude under cases of high extinction and a high percentage of unsampled extant species.Main conclusionOur results call for caution in interpreting the relationship between phylogenetic ages and eco‐evolutionary traits, as this can lead to biased and erroneous conclusions. We show that, under the assumption of bifurcating speciation, we can obtain unbiased approximations of species age by combining information from branch lengths with the expectations of a birth–death process.

Paper 32: Leg Length Changes Following Distal Femoral Osteotomy: Validation of a Predictive Tool and Comparison of Lateral Opening Wedge and Medial Closing Wedge Techniques

Objectives: A DFO can be performed via two techniques: a lateral opening wedge (LOW) osteotomy and a medial closing wedge (MCW) osteotomy. Small case series have looked at how leg length is affected by a lateral opening wedge DFO, however, there is a lack of research comparing these leg length changes to medial closing DFO. Additionally, no studies have presented a model for predicting the leg length changes that will occur following DFO of either technique. Given that limb length differences can lead to accelerated osteoarthritis, back pain, hip pain, and other issues, being able to predict which technique can help prevent this pathology without a secondary procedure would be an important finding. Finally, the medial closing wedge osteotomy can allow for immediate weight-bearing while the lateral opening wedge does not and typically has associated cost with bone grafting. Therefore, we designed this study to validate a tool designed to predict leg length changes after distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) and compare changes following medial closing wedge (MCW) and lateral opening wedge (LOW) techniques. Methods: A collaborative retrospective review was performed of patients from Rush and Mayo Clinic databases who received a DFO and had full-length standing radiographs both pre-and postoperatively. For each preoperative radiograph, the region on the medial (for LOW) or lateral (for MCW) distal femur cortex that would be the “hinge point” during DFO was identified. The distances from the center of the femoral head to the hinge point (“A”), from the hinge point to the center of the tibial plafond (“B”), and the resultant angle at the hinge point (“α”) were measured (Figure 1). Figure 2 demonstrates the equation used to plot a graph of the predicted leg length changes corresponding to the change in α angle produced by DFO. Final leg length was calculated on postoperative radiographs, and the difference between predicted and true leg length changes was compared using paired Wilcoxon signed rank exact tests. Results: 10 MCW and 10 LOW patients were included. For both LOW (n=10) and MCW (n=10) osteotomies, the predicted leg length change was equivalent to the true change measured on postoperative radiographs (LOW P=0.16; MCW P=0.85). LOW DFO’s had 5.10 ± 2.77 mm (range: 1.45-10.87 mm) of leg lengthening, compared to 2.61 ± 1.25 mm (range: 0.50-4.56 mm) of leg shortening (p<0.001) for MCW (Figure 3). On average, there was 0.85 mm of lengthening (range 0.5-1.3 mm) for every 1° of mechanical axis correction with LOW DFO, compared to 0.45 mm of shortening (range: 0.1-1.4 mm) per 1° of MCW correction. Conclusions: This study presents a tool to accurately and reliably predict the leg length changes seen after both medial closing and lateral opening wedge DFO’s. Knowing what leg length changes to expect with each DFO technique is a useful tool that surgeons can utilize during surgical planning. Preoperative radiographic imaging can be used to predict leg length change following DFO with high reliability and accuracy. Surgeons can expect approximately 0.85mm of lengthening per 1° of DFO correction when performing LOW, compared to 0.45mm of shortening per 1° correction for MCW osteotomies.

Quantitative Assessment of True Vocal Fold Movement by the Lateral-Approach Laryngeal Ultrasonography: A Pilot Study

Background/ObjectivesUltrasonography is a new method for subjective and qualitative assessment of true vocal fold movement, and true vocal fold visualization with the lateral approach could be better than that with the anterior approach. Our aim was to explore the feasibility of the lateral-approach ultrasonography in objective and quantitative assessment of true vocal fold movement. MethodsThe lateral-approach laryngeal ultrasonography was performed during calm breathing and breath-holding in young healthy adult volunteers. The morphology and anatomical position of false vocal fold, true vocal fold and arytenoid cartilage were observed and measured through the ultrasonic self-contained measurement function. All parameters, including the distance from false vocal fold to thyroid cartilage lamina, true vocal fold length, and the distance from true vocal fold to thyroid cartilage lamina, were obtained at the end of the calm inspiratory and breath-holding phases. Data were analyzed using a t test (P <0.05). ResultsForty healthy adult volunteers (age 20-34 years, Body Mass Index 19.5-23.8 kg/m2, 20 males and 20 females) with satisfactory ultrasonic images were included in the study. There were no significant differences in all laryngeal parameters between the left and right sides in either phase (P > 0.05). From the end of the calm inspiratory phase to the breath-holding phase, changes in all laryngeal parameters were significantly different (P < 0.05), regardless of gender. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the lateral-approach laryngeal ultrasonography seemed feasible to quantify and objectively assess true vocal fold movement, utilizing differences between laryngeal parameters before and after true vocal fold movement.

Analysis of three-dimensional spine growth for vertebral body tethering patients at 2 and 5years post operatively.

Scoliosis can be treated with vertebral body tethering (VBT) as a motion-sparing procedure. However, the knowledge of how growth is affected by a tether spanning multiple levels is unclear in the literature. Three-dimensional true spine length (3D-TSL) is a validated assessment technique that accounts for the shape of the spine in both the coronal and sagittal planes. This study aimed to assess if 3D-TSL increases over a five-year period after VBT implantation in thoracic curves for idiopathic scoliosis. Prospectively collected radiographic data from an international pediatric spine registry was analyzed. Complete radiographic data over three visits (post-operative, 2years, and 5years) was available for 53 patients who underwent VBT. The mean age at instrumentation of this cohort was 12.2 (9-15) years. The average number of vertebrae instrumented was 7.3 (SD 0.7). Maximum Cobb angles were 50° pre-op, which improved to 26° post-op (p < 0.001) and was maintained at 5years (30°; p = 0.543). Instrumented Cobb angle was 22° at 5years (p < 0.001 vs 5-year maximum Cobb angle). An accentuation was seen in global kyphosis from 29° pre-operative to 41° at 5years (p < 0.05).The global spine length (T1-S1 3D-TSL) started at 40.6cm; measured 42.8cm at 2years; and 44.0cm at the final visit (all p < 0.05). At 5years, patients reached an average T1-S1 length that is comparable to a normal population at maturity.Immediate mean post-operative instrumented 3D-TSL (top of UIV-top of LIV) was 13.8cm two-year length was 14.3cm; and five-year length was 14.6cm (all p < 0.05). The mean growth of 0.09cm per instrumented level at 2years was approximately 50% of normal thoracic growth.Patients who grew more than 0.5cm at 2years had a significantly lower BMI (17.0 vs 19.0, p < 0.05) and smaller pre-operative scoliosis (48° vs 53°, p < 0.05). Other subgroup analyses were not significant for age, skeletal maturity, Cobb angles or number of spanned vertebras as contributing factors. This series demonstrates that 3D-TSL increased significantly over the thoracic instrumented levels after VBT surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. This represented approximately 50% of expected normal thoracic growth over 2years.

Rehabilitation for Marfan Syndrome

Abstract: Marfan syndrome is a spectrum of disorders caused by a heritable genetic defect of connective tissue that has an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. The defect itself has been isolated to the FBN1 gene on chromosome 15, which codes for the connective tissue protein fibrillin. Abnormalities in this protein cause a myriad of distinct clinical problems, of which the musculoskeletal, cardiac, and ocular system problems predominate. The skeleton of patients with Marfan syndrome typically displays multiple deformities. Mitral valve prolapses that requires valve replacement can occur as well. Given the variable expressivity of Marfan Syndrome, no single sign is pathognomonic; the diagnosis is made on clinical grounds on the basis of typical abnormalities. We reported a boy, 12 years old, referred from surgeon with diagnosis pectus carinatum pro brace. Chest protusion appeared since age 6, getting bigger without any complaint but cosmetic. Other complaints on feet which looked flat, sometimes ankle sore after long distance running or futsal. He was the first child and no family history had a condition like him. His hobby was playing futsal, and daily activities were independent without assistive devices. General appearance and vital signs were normal, cardiorespiratory assessment was normal, BMI on percentile 10-25, arm span to height ratio 1.09, lens subluxation of left eye, lens dislocation of right eye, poor standing balance, inadequate toe off, thoracic hyperkyphotic, positive wrist sign, true leg length discrepancy of 1 cm (left&gt;right), bilateral ankle ROM limitation, rigid flat feet suspected bilateral vertical talus, left hallux valgus, Marfan syndrome score 9, and normal echocardiography. In this patient, we gave semi rigid thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) with 3 points pressure system and rigid bar on protution area (custom molded). resistance exercise (F: 3x/week, I: moderate fatigue, Borg scale 13-15/20, T: 8-15 reps/ set, 2-3 set/ session, T: major muscle group upper and lower extremities aerobic exercise (F: 3x/week, I: moderate to vigorous, borg scale 13-15/20, T: ≥60 min/session, @5-10 min warming up and cooling down (stretching), T: sport (swimming, running, cycling). The patient was referred to a surgeon for a brace. In conclusion, this case report highlights the multidisciplinary management of patients with Marfan syndrome. Keywords: Marfan syndrome; typical abnormalities; multiple deformities

Peculiarities for domain walls in Taub coordinates

In the present letter the infinite domain wall geometry in GR (Vilenkin in Phys Rev D 23:852, 1981; Vilenkin in Phys Lett B 133:177, 1983; Ipser and Sikivie in Phys Rev D 30:712, 1984) is reconsidered in Taub coordinates (Taub in Ann Math 53:472, 1951). The use of these coordinates makes explicit that the regions between the horizons and the wall and the outer ones are flat. By use of these coordinates, it is suggested that points inside the horizon and outside never communicate each other. The wall is seen on the left and the right side as contracting and expanding portions of spheres and a plane singularity, which is the imprint the contracting and expanding domain wall. Particles of each region will never reach this imprint. In addition, at some point during the evolution of the system, four curious holes inside the space time appear, growing at the speed of light. This region is not parameterized by the standard Taub coordinates, and the boundary of this hole adsorbs all the particles that intersect it. The boundary of these holes are composed by points which in the coordinates of [1–3] are asymptotic, in the sense that they correspond to trajectories tending to infinite values of the time or space like coordinates, while the proper time elapsed for the travel is in fact finite. This is not paradoxical, as the coordinates [1–3] are not to be identified with the true lengths or proper time on the space time. The correct interpretation of the boundary is particularity relevant when studying scattering of quantum fields approaching the domain wall. A partial analysis about this issue is done in the last section.

Parallels in Cartography: Standard, Equidistantly Mapped and True Length Parallels

In the literature on map projections, we regularly encounter the name standard parallel or standard parallels. However, it is obvious that a unique definition of a standard parallel is not universally accepted. To fully clarify the meaning of standard parallels, the author proposes the notion of equidistantly mapped parallels, which has not been common in the literature so far. Equidistantly mapped parallels can be in the direction of the parallel or in the direction of the meridian. Here, it is shown that every standard parallel is also an equidistantly mapped parallel, but that the reverse need not be true. If the parallel is mapped equidistantly in the direction of the parallel, then its length in the projection plane is equal to the length of that parallel on the sphere. The opposite does not have to be true, i.e., if the length of the image of the parallel in the projection plane is equal to the length of the parallel on the sphere, this does not mean that the parallel was mapped equidistantly. In addition to standard and equidistant parallels, the concept of parallels of true length also appears in the theory of map projections. They should also be distinguished from standard and equidistant parallels.

ШЕРСТНАЯ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ ЯРОК РОМАНОВСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ ПРИ ВКЛЮЧЕНИИ В РАЦИОН МИНЕРАЛЬНО-ВИТАМИННОЙ КОРМОВОЙ ДОБАВКИ

The study of the use of feed additives with the use of local natural raw materials is very relevant due to the introduction of sanctions and the high cost of specialized ready-made feed additives for sheep. To study the influence of feed additive based on local natural raw materials (sapropel, zeolite) in the conditions of Yakupov D.N. farm in Birsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan conducted scientific and economic experiments. According to the principle of pairs of analogues (breed, age, live weight) we picked up 4 groups of shearings of Romanov breed with 10 heads each. The control group received the main ration (MR) without the introduction of feed additive, the I experimental group – MR + feed additive recipe No. 1 at a dose of 35 g/head/day; the II group – MR + feed additive recipe No. 2 at a dose of 35 g/head/day; the III group – MR + feed additive recipe No. 3 at a dose of 35 g/head/day. Studies have shown that the use of feed additive D in the diets of yarok contributed to an increase in the shearing of wool in the I experimental group by 9.36 %, II – by 19.15 % and in III – by 25.53 %, respectively, the length of wool – by 0.28 cm; 0.68 and 4.83 cm more, the true length is greater – by 0.70 cm, 1.5 and 2.10 cm., the tonin of wool is higher, respectively – by 1.30 microns, 1.42 and 1.82 microns. There were no significant differences between the groups in the yield of pure wool. Thus, the use of feed additive according to recipes No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 in the feeding rations of the Romanov breed shearings at 35.0 g/head/day leads to an increase in the quantity and quality of wool, but it is economically more profitable to use feed additive according to recipe No. 3.

Could ChatGPT Pass the UK Radiology Fellowship Examinations?

Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool which utilises machine learning to generate original text resembling human language. AI models have recently demonstrated remarkable ability at analysing and solving problems, including passing professional examinations. We investigate the performance of ChatGPT on some of the UK radiology fellowship equivalent examination questions. ChatGPT was asked to answer questions from question banks resembling the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination. The entire physics part 1 question bank (203 5-part true/false questions) was answered by the GPT-4 model and answers recorded. 240 single best answer questions (SBAs) (representing the true length of the FRCR 2A examination) were answered by both GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models. ChatGPT 4 answered 74.8% of part 1 true/false statements correctly. The spring 2023 passing mark of the part 1 examination was 75.5% and ChatGPT thus narrowly failed. In the 2A examination, ChatGPT 3.5 answered 50.8% SBAs correctly, while GPT-4 answered 74.2% correctly. The winter 2022 2A pass mark was 63.3% and thus GPT-4 clearly passed. AI models such as ChatGPT are able to answer the majority of questions in an FRCR style examination. It is reasonable to assume that further developments in AI will be more likely to succeed in comprehending and solving questions related to medicine, specifically clinical radiology. Our findings outline the unprecedented capabilities of AI, adding to the current relatively small body of literature on the subject, which in turn can play a role medical training, evaluation and practice. This can undoubtedly have implications for radiology.

Accuracy of an Endodontic Rotary Motor with Integrated Apex Locator to Determine the Root Canal Length

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy to determine the root canal length, in vitro, of both the electronic apex locator (M2) and the autostop (AS - M3) functions of the Endus Duo Gnatus endodontic motor (Gnatus, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). Methods: Thirty extracted human single-rooted premolars had their root canal lengths (TLs) up to the apical foramen determined using the Endus Duo Gnatus in two ways: (1) In the stainless steel (SS) control group, the measurement was obtained using a stainless steel hand instrument with the electronic locator mode (M2 function) connected to a stainless-steel hand instrument (K-file #15). In the NiTi rotary instrument (NiTi RI) intervention group, the measurement was obtained during the instrumentation (M3 function) of the root canals with a nickel-titanium rotary instrument (Hyflex CM: Coltene Whaledent, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA), size 25/.06. The NiTi manually used instrument (NiTi MUI) Intervention group performed the measurement in locator mode using a Hyflex instrument, placed to true length manually. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by the Tukey post-hoc test with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results: The true mean length and standard deviation (SD) of the standardized root canals were 18.40 ± 2.14mm, while the mean lengths and standard deviations (SD) were 18.29 ± 1.89mm, 18.22 ± 1.85mm, and 17.24 ± 2.09mm for the SS, NiTi RI, and NiTi MUI groups, respectively. However, data from the NiTi MUI Intervention group indicated shorter root canal lengths when compared to the SS control group and the NiTi RI Intervention group values, and were significantly shorter than the true canal length (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The use of the motor in NiTi RI Intervention group showed acceptable results. However, the NiTi MUI Intervention group resulted in unacceptable short measurements.

Compact and quiescent circumgalactic medium and Ly α haloes around extremely red quasars

ABSTRACT Red quasars may represent a young stage of galaxy evolution that provide important feedback to their host galaxies. We are studying a population of extremely red quasars (ERQs) with exceptionally fast and powerful outflows, at median redshift z = 2.6. We present Keck/Keck Cosmic Web Imager integral field spectra of 11 ERQs, which have median colour i–W3 = 5.9 mag, median 〈 Lbol 〉 ≈ 5 × 1047 erg s−1, Ly α halo luminosity 〈 Lhalo 〉 = 5 × 1043 erg s−1, and maximum linear size &amp;gt;128 kpc. The ERQ haloes are generally similar to blue quasar haloes, following known trends with Lbol in halo properties. ERQs have halo symmetries similar to Type-I blue quasars, suggesting Type-I spatial orientations. ERQ 〈 Lhalo 〉 is ∼2-dex below blue quasars, which is marginal due to scatter, but consistent with obscuration lowering photon escape fractions. ERQ haloes tend to have more compact and circularly symmetric inner regions than blue quasars, with median exponential scale lengths ∼9 kpc, compared with ∼16 kpc for blue quasars. When we include the central regions not available in blue quasar studies (due to point spread function problems), the true median ERQ halo scale length is just ∼6 kpc. ERQ haloes are kinematically quiet, with median velocity dispersion 293 km s−1, consistent with expected virial speeds. Overall, we find no evidence for feedback on circumgalactic scales, and the current episode of quasar activity (perhaps due to long outflow travel times) has not been around long enough to affect the circumgalactic medium. We confirm the narrow Ly α-emission spikes found in ERQ aperture spectra are halo features, and are useful for systemic redshifts and measuring outflow speeds in other features.

ALLELOPATIC COMPATIBILITY OF COMMON BEAN AND COMPANION CROPS

Purpose. To investigate the allelopathic compatibility of common bean seeds and companion crops, to establish interaction patterns using water extracts from seeds and other plant parts of common bean and companion crops. Methods. Laboratory, statistical. Results. Biotest: interaction of germinating seeds of bean and companion crops in Petri dishes. Biologically active substances from winter and spring triticale seeds (the bean seeds/seeds of companion crops ratio was 1:10) negatively affected bean seedlings, which was seen from all parameters under investigation: hypocotyl length (with the root included), length of the longest adventitious root, the adventitious root number, and true leaf length (with epicotyl included). At a ratio of 1:5, winter triticale-induced inhibition of hypocotyl growth was enhanced up to 38 %, while, on the contrary, spring triticale had a neutral effect on this parameter. A stimulating effect (106 %) of spring triticale seeds on the true bean leaf length (with epicotyl) was noted. For winter and spring triticale in a ratio of 1:1 (compared to the control – without seeds of companion crops), inhibition of the growth of the hypocotyl with the root by 21 % and the true leaf with the epicotyl by 10–9 %, respectively, is observed. Biotest: germination of bean seeds in a water extract from whole seeds of bean and companion crops in Petri dishes. Water extract from spring triticale seeds in a ratio of 1:2 had the greatest stimulating effect on the tap root and the first leaf lengths; winter triticale extract in a ratio of 1:4 had the greatest effect on the adventitious root an epicotyl lengths; bean extract in a ratio of 1:2 had the greatest effect on the epicotyl length. Biotest: germination of bean seeds in a water extract from vegetative mass, roots and post-harvest residues of bean and companion crops in Petri dishes. Water extracts from roots of bean, winter and spring triticale weakly inhibited the main bean root elongation. A neutral allelopathic effect on the bean seed germination was exerted by extract from post-harvest residues of spring triticale. A water extract from top parts of bean had a negative allelopathic effect on germinating bean seeds, indicating self-incompatibility of this crop. Conclusions. The laboratory tests showed that biologically active substances from seeds of both winter triticale and spring triticale at a ratio of 1:10 were toxic for bean ssedlings. Combined germination of bean and spring triticale seeds at a ratio of 1:5 had a more positive effect compared to other ratios of seeds of companion crops, and combined germination of bean seeds with spring and winter triticale seeds at a ratio of 1:1 demonstrated very similar parameters of germinating bean seeds. It was found that water extracts from bean and spring triticale in a ratio of 1:2 and from bean and winter triticale (1:4) had a clear allelopathic effect on the bean parameters. Water extracts from winter triticale (1:1) and spring triticale (1:4) were more toxic to bean seedlings. Water extracts from roots of bean, winter and spring triticale weakly inhibited the main bean root elongation. A water extract from the aboveground parts of bean had a negative allelopathic effect on the germinating seeds of bean, indicating self-incompatibility of this crop. A neutral allelopathic effect on the germination of bean seeds was exerted by extract from post-harvest residues of spring triticale. Combined germination of seeds of bean and companion crops in the laboratory allows for assessments of peculiarities of seed germination and mutual influence of components as early as at the initial stage, for selection of crops for growing in heterogeneous fields aimed at forming a highly productive agrophytocenosis.

Growth friendly surgeries increase 3D true spine length at two-years post-operative.

Traditional coronal-plane vertical spine height measurements, such as T1-T12 and T1-S1 spine height, are influenced by 3-dimensional spinal deformity. Therefore, they are unreliable indicators of true spine growth. The novel 3D true spine length (3D-TSL) technique assesses spine growth regardless of the presence of 3D spinal deformity. This study evaluates the effect of growth friendly surgery on spine growth using the 3D-TSL technique at two years follow-up. Radiographs of early onset scoliosis (EOS) participants undergoing growth friendly surgery at a single institution were evaluated at pre-index, post-index, and at 2-year follow-up. Scoliosis, kyphosis, traditional coronal height and 3D-TSL were measured. Twenty-four EOS patients (14 female) with a mean age of 6.3years were included. Scoliosis improved from 77.8 ± 18.7° pre-index to 56.0 ± 17.8° post-index (p < 0.001); but increased at 2years to 65.9 ± 20.1° (p < 0.05). Kyphosis improved from 56.0 ± 20.7° pre-index to 39.3 ± 13.8° post-index (p < 0.001); and increased again at 2years to 48.6 ± 16.4° (p < 0.05). Traditional T1-S1 height increased from pre-index to post-index, to 2-year follow-up (245.5 ± 37.2mm to 275.8 ± 42.7mm; p < 0.001, to 288.0 ± 41.7mm; p = 0.005). As expected, T1-S1 3D-TSL did not change from pre to immediately post-index (305.6 ± 43.9mm vs 306.5 ± 44.0mm); there was a significant change from post-index to 2-year follow-up (334.1 ± 48.0mm; p < 0.001). Out of plane changes in scoliosis and kyphosis over time justify the use of the 3D-TSL for this cohort of patients. There was no significant change in 3D-TSL from pre-index to post-operatively; however, during the growth phase of treatment 3D-TSL increased significantly by 27.6mm.

Simultaneous photon counting and charge integrating for pulse pile-up correction in paralyzable photon counting detectors

Objective. In photon counting detectors (PCDs), electric pulses induced by two or more x-ray photons can pile up and result in count losses when their temporal separation is less than the detector dead time. The correction of pulse pile-up-induced count loss is particularly difficult for paralyzable PCDs since a given value of recorded counts can correspond to two different values of true photon interactions. In contrast, charge (energy) integrating detectors work by integrating collected electric charge induced by x-rays over time and do not suffer from pile-up losses. This work introduces an inexpensive readout circuit element to the circuits of PCDs to simultaneously collect time-integrated charge to correct pile-up-induced count losses. Approach. Prototype electronics were constructed to collect time-integrated charges simultaneously with photon counts. A splitter was used to feed the electric signal in parallel to both a digital counter and a charge integrator. After recording PCD counts and integrating collected charge, a lookup table can be generated to map raw counts in the total- and high-energy bins and total charge to estimate pile-up-free true counts. Proof-of-concept imaging experiments were performed with a CdTe-based PCD array to test this method. Main results. The proposed electronics successfully recorded photon counts and time-integrated charge simultaneously, and whereas photon counts exhibited paralyzable pulse pile-up, time-integrated charge using the same electric signal as the counts measurement was linear with x-ray flux. With the proposed correction, paralyzable PCD counts became linear with input flux for both total- and high-energy bins. At high flux levels, uncorrected post-log measurements of PMMA objects severely overestimated radiological path lengths for both energy bins. After the proposed correction, the non-monotonic measurements again became linear with flux and accurately represented the true radiological path lengths. No impact on the spatial resolution was observed after the proposed correction in images of a line-pair test pattern. Significance. Time-integrated charge can be used to correct for pulse pile-up in paralyzable PCDs where analytical solutions may be difficult to use, and integrated charge can be collected simultaneously with counts using inexpensive electronics.