Acquisition and reconstruction with motion suppression DWI enhance image quality in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: Non-echo-planar DWI comparison with single-shot echo-planar DWI.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of application acquisition and reconstruction with motion suppression (ARMS) technology on improving the image quality of diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), compared to single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI). METHODS: A total of 90 patients with NPC underwent MR examination, including ARMS DWI and SS-EPI DWI sequences. Both DWI sequences were acquired with b-values 0 and 800 s/mm2. Two radiologists evaluated the visibility of the lesion, geometric distortion, and overall image quality of the two DWI sequences. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), geometric distortion degree, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the nasopharyngeal lesions were assessed and compared for two sequences. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the two sequences. RESULTS: The lesion visibility, geometric distortion, and overall image quality scores were significantly higher in ARMS DWI (all P<0.001). Four small-sized lesions were not visible and four lesions were partially visible in the SS-EPI DWI sequence. Lesion detection rate of ARMS DWI is 100 %, while that of SS-EPI is 95.56 %, P<0.043. The mismatch distance between the fusion images of ARMS DWI and T2WI was smaller than that of SS-EPI DWI and T2WI (all P<0.001). The SNR and CNR of ARMS DWI were lower than that of SS-EPI DWI (114.48 ± 37.89 vs. 202.61 ± 78.84, P<0.001 and 1.81 ± 1.84 vs. 3.29 ± 3.71, P<0.003) while the ADC value was higher (839.19 ± 138.44 × 10-6 mm2/s vs. 788.82 ± 110.96 × 10-6 mm2/s, P<0.002). CONCLUSION: ARMS DWI improves the image quality by reducing geometric distortion and magnetic susceptibility artifacts. ARMS DWI is superior to SS-EPI DWI for diagnosing small-sized nasopharyngeal lesions, although it has lower SNR and CNR.

Planar Tetracoordinate Silicon in Si3Cu3- Cluster.

Photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations have identified the global minimum structure of the 16-valence electron Si3Cu3- cluster, which features a planar tetracoordinate silicon (ptSi) in a rhombic arrangement. The Si3 and Cu3 triangles are interconnected by an Si2/Cu2 edge, forming an ordered chain-like structure. Besides the conventional 2c-2e σ-bond connecting Si3 and Cu3, the stability of this cluster is reinforced by a delocalized 3c-2e σ-bond in Cu3 and a π-bond in Si3. Our study provides rare experimental confirmation of a planar hypercoordinate heavier Group 14 element, opening possibilities for exploring similar structures in two-dimensional materials.

Planar Chiral Charge-Transfer Cyclophanes: Convenient Synthesis, Circularly Polarized Light-Responsive Photothermal Conversion and Supramolecular Chiral Assembly.

We report herein a series of macrocycles in which the densely π-stacked charge-transfer (CT) donor/acceptor with naphthalenediimides (NDIs) or perylene diimide (PDI) as acceptor moiety pairing various donor moieties are locked by covalent bond. The X-ray crystallography of C8BDT-NDI reveals a short intramolecular π-stacking distance around 3.4 Å and the existence of intermolecular donor/acceptor π-stacking (3.7 Å). The intramolecular CT is highly dependent on the electron-donating ability of donor moiety and replacing carbazole (C8KZ) with benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (C8BDT) or dihydroindolo[3,2-b]indole (C8DN) redshift CT absorption into NIR region. Notably, both C8BDT-NDI and C8DN-NDI demonstrate excellent photothermal performance, which is a result of the active non-radiative pathways. Interestingly, the different molecular symmetry between donor and acceptor moiety endows C8BDT-NDI and C8DN-NDI with intrinsic planar chirality. The enantiomeric C8BDT-NDI shows chiral selectivity for incident light, i.e., when irradiated by left-circularly polarized light, (R)-C8BDT-NDI is more sensitive and a higher maximum stable temperature is achieved. While, enantiomeric C8DN-NDI pack with different orientations forming M- and P-handedness helix, respectively, demonstrating molecular planar chirality being transferred and amplified through molecular assembly. These results provide insight into the intramolecular charge transfer in enforced D/A π-stacks in which CT interactions and planar chirality would be engineered through structural control.

Binding kinetics of quaternary ammonium ions in Kcv potassium channels.

Kcv channels from plant viruses represent the autonomous pore module of potassium channels, devoid of any regulatory domains. These small proteins show very reproducible single-channel behavior in planar lipid bilayers. Thus, they are an optimum system for the study of the biophysics of ion transport and gating. Structural models based on homology modeling have been used successfully, but experimental structural data are currently not available. Here we determine the size of the cytosolic pore entrance by studying the blocker kinetics. Blocker binding and dissociation rate constants ranging from 0.01 to 1000 ms-1 were determined for different quaternary ammonium ions. We found that the cytosolic pore entrance of KcvNTS must be at least 11 Å wide. The results further indicate that the residues controlling a cytosolic gate in one of the Kcv isoforms influence blocker binding/dissociation as well as a second gate even when the cytosolic gate is in the open state. The voltage dependence of the rate constant of blocker release is used to test, which blockers bind to the same binding site.

Deep learning model using planar whole-body bone scintigraphy for diagnosis of skull base invasion in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study assesses the reliability of deep learning models based on planar whole-body bone scintigraphy for diagnosing Skull base invasion (SBI) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. METHODS: In this multicenter study, a deep learning model was developed using data from one center with a 7:3 allocation to training and internal test sets, to diagnose SBI in patients newly diagnosed with NPC using planar whole-body bone scintigraphy. Patients were diagnosed based on a composite reference standard incorporating radiologic and follow-up data. Ten different convolutional neural network (CNN) models were applied to both whole-image and partial-image input modes to determine the optimal model for each analysis. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration, decision curve analysis (DCA), and compared with expert assessments by two nuclear medicine physicians. RESULTS: The best-performing model using partial-body input achieved AUCs of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73, 0.86) in the internal test set, 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.91) in the external cohort, and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73, 0.83) in the treatment test cohort. Calibration curves and DCA confirmed the models' excellent discrimination, calibration, and potential clinical utility across internal and external datasets. The AUCs of both nuclear medicine physicians were lower than those of the best-performing deep learning model in external test set (AUC: 0.75 vs. 0.77 vs. 0.84). CONCLUSION: Deep learning models utilizing partial-body input from planar whole-body bone scintigraphy demonstrate high discriminatory power for diagnosing SBI in NPC patients, surpassing experienced nuclear medicine physicians.

Microfluidic Shape Analysis of Non-spherical Graphite for Li-Ion Batteries via Viscoelastic Particle Focusing.

The size and shape of graphite, which is a popular active anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), significantly affect the electrochemical performance of LIBs and the rheological properties of the electrode slurries used in battery manufacturing. However, the accurate characterization of its size and shape remains challenging. In this study, the edge plane of graphite in a cross-slot microchannel via viscoelastic particle focusing is characterized. It is reported that the graphite particles are aligned in a direction that shows the edge plane by a planar extensional flow field at the stagnation point of the cross-slot region. Accurate quantification of the edge size and shape for both spheroidized natural and ball-milled graphite is achieved when aligned in this manner. Ball-milled graphite has a smaller circularity and higher aspect ratio than natural graphite, indicating a more plate-like shape. The effects of these differences in graphite shape and size on the rheological properties of the electrode slurry, the structure of the coated electrodes, and electrochemical performance are investigated. This method can contribute to the quality control of graphite for the mass production of LIBs and enhance the electrochemical performance of LIBs.

Multiaxial 3D MRI of the Ankle: Advanced High-Resolution Visualization of Ligaments, Tendons, and Articular Cartilage.

MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute and chronic ankle disorders, including ligament tears, tendinopathy, and osteochondral lesions. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) MRI provides a high image signal and contrast of anatomic structures for accurately characterizing articular cartilage, bone marrow, synovium, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. However, 2D MRI limitations are thick slices and fixed slice orientations. In clinical practice, 2D MRI is limited to 2 to 3 mm slice thickness, which can cause blurred contours of oblique structures due to volume averaging effects within the image slice. In addition, image plane orientations are fixated and cannot be changed after the scan, resulting in 2D MRI lacking multiplanar and multiaxial reformation abilities for individualized image plane orientations along oblique and curved anatomic structures, such as ankle ligaments and tendons. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) MRI is a newer, clinically available MRI technique capable of acquiring high-resolution ankle MRI data sets with isotropic voxel size. The inherently high spatial resolution of 3D MRI permits up to five times thinner (0.5 mm) image slices. In addition, 3D MRI can be acquired image voxel with the same edge length in all three space dimensions (isotropism), permitting unrestricted multiplanar and multiaxial image reformation and postprocessing after the MRI scan. Clinical 3D MRI of the ankle with 0.5 to 0.7 mm isotropic voxel size resolves the smallest anatomic ankle structures and abnormalities of ligament and tendon fibers, osteochondral lesions, and nerves. After acquiring the images, operators can align image planes individually along any anatomic structure of interest, such as ligaments and tendons segments. In addition, curved multiplanar image reformations can unfold the entire course of multiaxially curved structures, such as perimalleolar tendons, into one image plane. We recommend adding 3D MRI pulse sequences to traditional 2D MRI protocols to visualize small and curved ankle structures to better advantage. This article provides an overview of the clinical application of 3D MRI of the ankle, compares diagnostic performances of 2D and 3D MRI for diagnosing ankle abnormalities, and illustrates clinical 3D ankle MRI applications.

Lung Mechanics: Material Characterization of Pulmonary Constituents for an Experimentally Informed Computational Pipeline.

The lung comprises multiple components including the parenchyma, airways, and visceral pleura, where each constituent displays specific material properties that together govern the whole organ's properties. The structural and mechanical complexity of the lung has historically undermined its comprehensive characterization, especially compared to other biological organs, such as the heart or bones. This knowledge void is particularly remarkable when considering that pulmonary disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Establishing the mechanical properties of the lung is central to formulating a baseline understanding of its operation, which can facilitate investigations of diseased states and how the lung will potentially respond to clinical interventions. Here, we present established and widely accepted experimental protocols for pulmonary material quantification, specifying how to extract, prepare, and test each type of lung constituent under planar biaxial tensile loading to investigate the mechanical properties, such as physiological stress-strain profiles, anisotropy, and viscoelasticity. These methods are presented across an array of commonly studied species (murine, rat, and porcine). Additionally, we highlight how such material properties may inform the construction of an inverse finite element model, which is central to implementing predictive computational tools for accurate disease diagnostics and optimized medical treatments. These presented methodologies are aimed at supporting research advancements in the field of pulmonary biomechanics and to help inaugurate future novel studies. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: General procedures in lung biaxial testing Alternate Protocol 1: Parenchymal-specific preparation and loading procedures Alternate Protocol 2: Airway-specific preparation and loading procedures Alternate Protocol 3: Visceral pleura-specific preparation and loading procedures Basic Protocol 2: Computational analysis.

Centriole Translational Planar Polarity in Monociliated Epithelia.

Ciliated epithelia are widespread in animals and play crucial roles in many developmental and physiological processes. Epithelia composed of multi-ciliated cells allow for directional fluid flow in the trachea, oviduct and brain cavities. Monociliated epithelia play crucial roles in vertebrate embryos, from the establishment of left-right asymmetry to the control of axis curvature via cerebrospinal flow motility in zebrafish. Cilia also have a central role in the motility and feeding of free-swimming larvae in a variety of marine organisms. These diverse functions rely on the coordinated orientation (rotational polarity) and asymmetric localization (translational polarity) of cilia and of their centriole-derived basal bodies across the epithelium, both being forms of planar cell polarity (PCP). Here, we review our current knowledge on the mechanisms of the translational polarity of basal bodies in vertebrate monociliated epithelia from the molecule to the whole organism. We highlight the importance of live imaging for understanding the dynamics of centriole polarization. We review the roles of core PCP pathways and of apicobasal polarity proteins, such as Par3, whose central function in this process has been recently uncovered. Finally, we emphasize the importance of the coordination between polarity proteins, the cytoskeleton and the basal body itself in this highly dynamic process.

Combined effects of landscape fragmentation and sampling frequency of movement data on the assessment of landscape connectivity.

BACKGROUND: Network theory is largely applied in real-world systems to assess landscape connectivity using empirical or theoretical networks. Empirical networks are usually built from discontinuous individual movement trajectories without knowing the effect of relocation frequency on the assessment of landscape connectivity while theoretical networks generally rely on simple movement rules. We investigated the combined effects of relocation sampling frequency and landscape fragmentation on the assessment of landscape connectivity using simulated trajectories and empirical high-resolution (1 Hz) trajectories of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). We also quantified the capacity of commonly used theoretical networks to accurately predict landscape connectivity from multiple movement processes. METHODS: We simulated forager trajectories from continuous correlated biased random walks in simulated landscapes with three levels of landscape fragmentation. High-resolution ibex trajectories were reconstructed using GPS-enabled multi-sensor biologging data and the dead-reckoning technique. For both simulated and empirical trajectories, we generated spatial networks from regularly resampled trajectories and assessed changes in their topology and information loss depending on the resampling frequency and landscape fragmentation. We finally built commonly used theoretical networks in the same landscapes and compared their predictions to actual connectivity. RESULTS: We demonstrated that an accurate assessment of landscape connectivity can be severely hampered (e.g., up to 66% of undetected visited patches and 29% of spurious links) when the relocation frequency is too coarse compared to the temporal dynamics of animal movement. However, the level of landscape fragmentation and underlying movement processes can both mitigate the effect of relocation sampling frequency. We also showed that network topologies emerging from different movement behaviours and a wide range of landscape fragmentation were complex, and that commonly used theoretical networks accurately predicted only 30-50% of landscape connectivity in such environments. CONCLUSIONS: Very high-resolution trajectories were generally necessary to accurately identify complex network topologies and avoid the generation of spurious information on landscape connectivity. New technologies providing such high-resolution datasets over long periods should thus grow in the movement ecology sphere. In addition, commonly used theoretical models should be applied with caution to the study of landscape connectivity in real-world systems as they did not perform well as predictive tools.

Unravelling dispersion forces in liquid-phase enantioseparation. Part II: Planar chiral 1-(iodoethynyl)-3-arylferrocenes.

BACKGROUND: In the first part of our study on possible contribution of dispersion forces in liquid-phase enantioseparations, the enantioseparation of the axially chiral 3,3'-dibromo-5,5'-bis-ferrocenylethynyl-4,4'-bipyridine with an amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-based chiral column appeared reasonably consistent with a picture of the enantioselective recognition based on the interplay between hydrogen bond (HB), π-π stacking and dispersion interactions. RESULTS: In the second part of this study, we evaluated the impact of analyte and chiral stationary phase (CSP) structure, mobile phase and temperature on the enantioseparations of planar chiral 1-(iodoethynyl)-3-arylferrocenes (3-aryl = phenyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-t-butylphenyl) with polysaccharide-based chiral columns. The main aim of the present study was to understand the molecular bases of the high affinity observed for the second eluted (Rp)-enantiomer of some of these analytes toward amylose phenylcarbamate-based selectors when methanol-containing mixtures were used as mobile phases. Significantly, higher affinity of the second eluted (Rp)-enantiomer toward the selector could be also observed for the sterically hindered 1-(iodoethynyl)-3-(4-t-butylphenyl)ferrocene (k2 = 6.21) compared to the smaller 1-(iodoethynyl)-3-(4-methylphenyl)ferrocenes (k2 = 4.07) as 2.5% methanol was added to the n-hexane-based mobile phase. SIGNIFICANCE: This study reasonably showed that the contribution of dispersion forces may explain the unusually large retention of the second eluted enantiomers observed for the enantioseparation of some planar chiral 1-(iodoethynyl)-3-arylferrocenes with amylose-based selectors. Based on the obtained results, we can conclude that in liquid-phase enantioseparation steric repulsion can be turned into attraction depending on the features of analyte, selector, and mobile phase.

Verification of reprojected planar images generated from a ring-configured cadmium zinc telluride gamma camera in scintigraphy for diagnosing transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

Aims: Non-invasive diagnosis of amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis using planar scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) with [99mTc]Tc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid ([99mTc]Tc-DPD) has high specificity and sensitivity. However, the introduction of ring-configured cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) gamma cameras warrants an update in the acquisition method since these systems are not able to perform planar scintigraphy. We aimed to verify the use of reprojected planar images from SPECT-CT as a replacement for planar scintigraphy in evaluating ATTR-amyloidosis. Methods and results: The study examined 30 patients referred for clinically indicated [99mTc]Tc-DPD scintigraphy who were scanned with both a conventional gamma camera and a ring-configured CZT gamma camera. Planar scintigraphy from the conventional gamma camera was compared with reprojected planar images from the ring-configured CZT gamma camera. The images were evaluated in regard to image quality and Perugini visual score in a blinded fashion by three nuclear medicine physicians. Heart-to-contralateral (H/CL) ratios were calculated. There were 27 patients who had an identical Perugini score in planar and reprojected planar images, yielding a strong level of agreement and inter-rater reliability among the three readers. The H/CL ratios showed a strong correlation ratio (r = 0.98, P < 0.0001). A shift towards lower image quality was seen for the reprojected images. Conclusion: Reprojected planar images generated from a ring-configured CZT gamma camera combined with SPECT-CT can be used to score ATTR amyloidosis and extract H/CL ratios in the same way as planar images and SPECT-CT from a conventional gamma camera.

A Mechanism for Apoptotic Effects of a Planar Catechin Analog on Cancer Cells.

Catechin is one of the representative antioxidants that shows physiological activities such as an anti-cancer effect. We have developed a chemically modified catechin analog possessing a planar structure, which shows an enhanced radical-scavenging activity as well as inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of cancer cells, compared to the parent (+)-catechin. In this study, the mechanism for cancer cell inhibition by the planar catechin was partly elucidated using a gastric cancer cell line. The planar catechin treatment induced an enhanced expression of an apoptotic marker, cleaved caspase-3, in addition to the mitigation of the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NF-κB expression. Furthermore, γH2AX, a marker of double-strand breaks in DNA, was also induced by the planar catechin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the removal of ROS by the planar catechin with a higher antioxidant ability executed NF-κB suppression and/or the planar catechin-injured DNA, leading to the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells.

Synthesis of Novel Planar-Chiral Charge-Compensated nido-Carborane-Based Amino Acid.

Amino acids with unusual types of chirality and their derivatives have recently attracted attention as precursors in the synthesis of chiral catalysts and peptide analogues with unique properties. In this study, we have synthesized a new nido-carborane-based planar-chiral amino acid, in the molecule of which the amino group is directly bonded to the B(3) atom, and the carboxyl group is attached to the B(9) atom through the CH2S+(Me) fragment. 3-Amino-9-dimethylsulfonio-nido-carborane, prepared in three steps from 3-amino-closo-carborane in a high yield, was a key intermediate in the synthesis of the target planar-chiral amino acid. The carboxymethyl group at the sulfur atom was introduced by the demethylation reaction of the dimethylsulfonio derivative, followed by S-alkylation. The structure of new 3,9-disubstituted nido-carboranes was studied for the first time using NMR spectroscopy. The resonances of all boron atoms in the 11B NMR spectrum of 3-amino-9-dimethylsulfonio-nido-carborane were assigned based on the 2D NMR correlation experiments. The nido-carborane-based planar-chiral amino acid and related compounds are of interest as a basis for peptide-like compounds and chiral ligands.

Assessment of spectral ghost artifacts in echo-planar spectroscopic micro-imaging with flyback readout.

In this work, echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) with flyback readout gradient-echo train was implemented in a preclinical MR scanner. The aim of this study is to visualize and quantify the ghost spectral lines produced by two, three and four interleaved echo trains with different amplitudes of the readout gradients, and to investigate the feasibility of the flyback data acquisition in micro-imaging of small animals. Applied multi-slice EPSI sequence utilizes asymmetric gradient-echo train that combines the shortest possible rewind gradients with readout gradients. It simplifies data processing because all echoes are acquired with the same polarity of the readout gradient. The approach with four interleaved gradient-echo trains and with four echoes in each train provides broad spectral bandwidth in combination with narrow receiver bandwidth and a good water-fat signal separation. It improves signal-to-noise ratio without the undesired consequence of water-fat shift artifacts that are eliminated during data processing. Position, number, and intensity of the ghost spectral lines can be controlled by the suitable choice of spectral bandwidth, number of echo train interleaves, and the number of echoes in each interleave. This study demonstrates that high-spatial resolution EPSI with interleaved flyback readout gradient-echo trains is feasible on standard preclinical scanners.

Waveguide-Enhanced Nanoplasmonic Biosensor for Ultrasensitive and Rapid DNA Detection.

DNA is fundamental for storing and transmitting genetic information. Analyzing DNA or RNA base sequences enables the identification of genetic disorders, monitoring gene expression, and detecting pathogens. Traditional detection techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have limitations, including complexity, high cost, and the need for advanced computational skills. Therefore, there is a significant demand for enzyme-free and amplification-free strategies for rapid, low-cost, and sensitive DNA detection. DNA biosensors, especially those utilizing plasmonic nanomaterials, offer a promising solution. This study introduces a novel DNA-functionalized waveguide-enhanced nanoplasmonic optofluidic biosensor using a nanogold-linked sorbent assay for enzyme-free and amplification-free DNA detection. Integrating plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a glass planar waveguide (WG) and a microfluidic channel, fabricated through cost-effective, vacuum-free methods, the biosensor achieves specific detection of complementary target DNA sequences. Utilizing a sandwich architecture, AuNPs labeled with detection DNA probes enhance sensitivity by altering evanescent wave distribution and inducing plasmon resonance modes. The biosensor demonstrated exceptional performance in DNA detection, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 33.1 fg/mL (4.36 fM) with a rapid response time of approximately 8 min. This ultrasensitive, rapid, and cost-effective biosensor exhibits minimal background nonspecific adsorption, making it highly suitable for clinical applications and early disease diagnosis. The innovative design and fabrication processes offer significant advantages for mass production, presenting a viable tool for precise disease diagnostics and improved clinical outcomes.

Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Coil Shape on Planar Eddy Current Sensor Characteristic for Blade Tip Clearance.

Given the increasing application of eddy current sensors for measuring turbine tip clearance in aero engines, enhancing the performance of these sensors is essential for improving measurement accuracy. This study investigates the influence of coil shape on the measurement performance of planar eddy current sensors and identifies an optimal coil shape to enhance sensing capabilities. To achieve this, various coil shapes-specifically circular, square, rectangular wave, and triangular wave-were designed and fabricated, featuring different numbers of turns for the experiment at room temperature. By employing a method for calculating coil inductance, the performance of each sensor was evaluated based on key metrics: measurement range, sensitivity, and linearity. Experimental results reveal that the square coil configuration outperforms other shapes in overall measurement performance. Notably, the square coil demonstrated a measurement range of 0 mm to 8 mm, a sensitivity of 0.115685 µH/mm, and an impressive linearity of 98.41% within the range of 0 mm to 2 mm. These findings indicate that the square coil configuration enhances measurement capabilities. The conclusions drawn from this study provide valuable insights for selecting coil shapes and optimizing the performance of planar eddy current sensors, thereby contributing to the advancement of turbine tip clearance measurement techniques in aero engines.

Case Report: Staged treatment of ankle deformity and first metatarsal deficiency after motorcycle spoke injury with Taylor external frame combined with fibular head grafting.

The treatment of the sequelae of severe foot injuries caused by motorcycle spoke injury, especially in pediatric patients, allows for new options and surgical protocols. The tarsometatarsal joint and the first metatarsal were reconstructed by precise preoperative design using the TSF space external fixation technique in one stage to correct the foot deformity and restore the volume and length, and free grafting of the fibular head with epiphysis in the second stage. This method is the first of its kind reported. The patient's foot deformity was corrected, walking, walking up and down stairs, and running functions were achieved, and the bone quality could grow with age. The combination of TSF six-axis spatial external fixation technique and microscopic technique can maximize the patient's appearance and function and is worth promoting.

The Role of Advanced Post-processing Techniques in Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography for the Accurate Diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Study.

Background Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the standard diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in many institutions. This condition, whether acute or chronic, results in both partial and complete intraluminal filling defects, which exhibit sharp interfaces with intravascular contrast material. Acute PTE that leads to complete arterial occlusion may cause the affected artery to appear enlarged. Chronic PTE often manifests as complete occlusive disease in vessels that are smaller than the adjacent patent vessels. CT imaging with iodinated contrast medium is crucial for many CT applications, including vascular CT angiography and CTPA. A comprehensive review of a case necessitates an integrated approach known as volume visualization, wherein the entire case is treated as a volume of information to be thoroughly reviewed. Advanced post-processing 3D CT techniques, such as maximum intensity projection (MIP), volume rendering (VR), and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) images, are essential for the detailed detection and assessment of the pulmonary vasculature. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, data from 50 patients with suspected PTE were analyzed over a six-month period from March 15 to August 30, 2023, at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Patients were selected based on previously recorded clinical symptoms and elevated D-dimer levels. CTPA images, acquired using multi-detector CT imaging with iodinated contrast, were reviewed. Various post-processing techniques were employed, including multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), MIP, MinIP, and VR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CTPA combined with advanced post-processing techniques in improving early detection, reducing diagnostic time, and increasing accuracy through the detailed visualization of the pulmonary arterial vasculature. Results The study included patients aged from 10 years to 70 years, with the highest prevalence of PTE in the 21-35-year age group (46%). Males constituted 56% of the cases. CTPA with advanced post-processing techniques revealed filling defects in 90% of patients, confirming PTE. MPR, MIP, MinIP, and VR effectively highlighted anatomical structures and thrombi, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. These techniques demonstrated high accuracy in identifying PTE, emphasizing their critical role in the early diagnosis and management of thromboembolic events. Conclusion The findings of the study revealed a relatively high incidence of PTE especially in the 21-35-year age group with a slight male predominance. The significant majority of the patients (90%) had filling defects on their CTPA scan. CTPA, in conjunction with the use of post-processing techniques, the localization of thromboembolism sites, as well as the measurement of thrombus width and length, and the calculation of the percentage of blockage were achieved more easily. This facilitated accurate diagnosis, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Collinear Spin Current Induced by Artificial Modulation of Interfacial Symmetry.

Current induced spin-orbit torque (SOT) manipulation of magnetization is pivotal in spintronic devices. However, its application for perpendicular magnetic anisotropy magnets, crucial for high-density storage and memory devices, remains nondeterministic and inefficient. Here, a highly efficient approach is demonstrated to generate collinear spin currents by artificial modulation of interfacial symmetry, achieving 100% current-induced field-free SOT switching in CoFeB multilayers with perpendicular magnetization on stepped Al2O3 substrates. This field-free switching is primarily driven by the out-of-plane anti-damping SOT generated by the planar spin Hall effect (PSHE), resulting from reduced interface symmetry due to orientation-determined steps. Microscopic theoretical analysis confirms the presence and significance of PSHE in this process. Notably, this method for generating out-of-plane spin polarization along the collinear direction of the spin-current with artificial modulation of interfacial symmetry, overcomes inherent material symmetry constraints. These findings provide a promising avenue for universal control of spin-orbit torque, addressing challenges associated with low crystal symmetry and highlighting its great potential to advance the development of energy-efficient spintronic devices technology.