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Accurate identification of ships is the key technology of intelligent transportation in water. At the same time, it also provides a judgment basis for water traffic safety control. This paper proposed a detection method of ships in water based on improved You Only Look Once version 3 (YOLOv3), which is called Feature Attention, Feature Enhancement YOLOv3 (AE-YOLOv3). The feature attention module was constructed by introducing the attention mechanism, which was embedded in Darknet-53 for feature recalibration, which improved the feature extraction ability of the model in the complex navigable background. For the problem of insufficient semantic information of low-level features in the feature fusion process, a feature enhancement module was constructed and applied to the feature fusion part to enhance the receptive field size of the corresponding feature layer and the correlation degree of feature extraction network. Experiments were carried out on the public SeaShips dataset. Experiments show that the detection accuracy is as high as 98.72%, which is better than that of other mainstream ship identification models, fully verifying the superiority of this method in the detection of waterborne traffic ships.

In this paper, HPM is used as the source of interference to affect the working state of an integrated circuit. The effect of the injected power and the orientation of the studied integrated circuit (FPGA) is investigated. In the experiment, it is found that the induced voltage of the I/O pin can reach 70.3 V under the electromagnetic field high to 1257.44 V/m. In spite of this, the working state of the FPGA remained normal.

This work investigated the energy absorption behavior of expansion circular tubes. This kind of energy absorption device dissipates the impact of kinetic energy through plastic deformation and friction. A finite element model (FEM) was established with reference to the size of the coupler, which was used for connecting two vehicles. A special case was designed to validate the accuracy of the FEM. Furthermore, a theoretical prediction model that took into consideration the additional shear deformation and expansion ratio enlargement was compared with the steady compressional force of the experiment and numerical simulation. The theoretical prediction was accurate. Based on this valid FEM, a series of parameter studies was developed. Specifically, a list of conical mandrels with different angles from 5° to 40° was established, and the coefficient of friction varied from 0 to 0.3. Both had great influence on energy absorption. The relationship between the expansion angle and steady compressional force is nonlinear, while the friction coefficient and steady compressional force are linear. With friction, the inflection point of force curve existed between 10° and 20°.

An algorithm of uncertain reasoning which more than one result of a new object can be obtained according to the known knowledge is an important part of an expert system. A new object is an especial decision rule which has only a predecessor. In order to resolve the problem that the differences of attributes’ importance in the new object are not considered in traditional methods of uncertain reasoning, a new uncertain reasoning algorithm based on the rules set which is obtained on the basis of the rough set theory is proposed. In the algorithm, both subjective factors and objective factors in the process of reasoning are considered, and the proportion of subjective factors to objective factors can be controlled by users. So the algorithm is better than the tradition method in flexibility and practicability.

OBJECTIVE To determine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of abdominal tuberculous lymphadenopathy. DESIGN Twenty-six consecutive patients (20 men, 6 women; mean age 38 ± 14 years) with documented tuberculosis (TB) in the abdominal lymph nodes were recruited and retrospectively analysed for contour, size, enhancement patterns, signal intensity and anatomic distribution of enlarged lymph nodes, as well as extra-nodal lesions. RESULTS The main anatomic distribution of lymph node involvement included the lesser omentum (80.8%, 21/26), anterior pararenal space (96.2%, 25/26), mesentery (34.6%, 9/26) and the upper para-aortic region (73.1%, 19/26), and, exceptionally, the lower para-aortic region (19.2%, 5/26). Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images demonstrated predominantly peripheral enhancement in 24 cases (92.3%, 24/26), most of which (80.8%, 21/26) had enlarged lymph nodes with conglomerated multilocular appearance. In 24 peripheral enhancement cases, the contrast-to-noise ratio values were significantly higher for the marginal zones of the enlarged lymph nodes compared to the central zones in each contrast phase (all P < 0.05); the difference in signal-to-noise ratio between the central and marginal zones was found at the portal venous phase (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION The particular anatomic distribution and peripheral enhancement patterns of contrast-enhanced MRI with quantitative analysis might be useful in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculous lymphadenopathy.

Despite many experimental and clinical studies conducted on distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the past decade, changes in the surrounding tissues that occur after the procedure remains poorly understood. To study the biochemical changes of recovery in nerve tissues upon DO-induced nerve injury, we prepared a rabbit model of tibia lengthening to observe the expression pattern of nerve growth factor (NGF) and low-affinity NGF receptor (p75NGFR) in the distracted tibial nerve. The distracted tibial nerve was harvested at various time points during the consolidation period of new bone formation and immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of NGF and p75NGFR. The expression levels of NGF and p75NGFR were found to be different at various times after DO. The changes in expression of these two cellular factors show similar tendencies with significantly elevated expression in Schwann cells at 7 and 14 days after distraction, but low or undetectable levels of expression at 0, 28, and 56 days. These results suggest that NGF and p75NGFR may play important roles in the adaptive process of the distracted nerve. NGF and p75NGFR are autocrine growth factors present in the distracted nerve during the early consolidation period. NGF interacts with p75NGFR to promote damage repair and reconstruction of nerves. Together, this study furthers the understanding of the relative mechanisms of nerve repair, as well as provides a further basis for the clinical application of neurotrophins.

This study aimed to investigate energy dissipation in train collisions. A 1/8 scaled train model, about one-dimensional in longitudinal direction, was used to carry out a scaled train collision test. Corresponding multibody dynamic simulations were conducted using traditional and improved method model (IMM) in ADAMS. In IMM, the connection between two adjacent cars was expressed by a nonlinear spring and energy absorbing structures were equivalently represented by separate forces, instead of one force. IMM was able to simulate the motion of each car and displayed the deformation of structures at both ends of the cars. IMM showed larger deformations and energy absorption of structures in moving cars than those in stationary cars. Moreover, the asymmetry in deformation proportion in main energy absorbing structures decreased with increasing collision speed. The asymmetry decreased from 11.69% to 3.60% when the collision speed increased from 10 km/h to 36 km/h.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the features that differentiate earthquake-related crush extremity fractures from non-earthquake-related extremity fractures by using digital radiography (DR) and multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Six hundred and twenty-three consecutive victims with crush extremity fractures arising from the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, including 611 undergoing DR and 12 undergoing MDCT, entered the test group, and 316 consecutive victims with non-earthquake-related extremity fractures, including 301 undergoing DR and 15 undergoing MDCT, were enrolled in the control group. Image data were reviewed retrospectively and statistically between groups focusing on the anatomic distributions, numbers and types of extremity fractures. RESULTS: Fractures involving multiple extremities were more likely in the test group than the control group (88/623 vs 27/316 victims, P Language: en

Poster: "RANZCR-AOCR 2012 / R-0150 / Dynamic Assessment of Aortic Annulus in Patients with Aortic Stenosis throughout Cardiac Cycle with Dual-source Computed Tomography" by: "Z. G. Yang, L.-Q. Peng, H. Shao, J.-Q. Yu"

Background— The anatomic features of left atrial diverticula (LAD) are still unclear in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and morphological characteristics of LAD in patients referred for radiofrequency transcatheter ablation of AF with dual-source computed tomography. Methods and Results— Dual-source computed tomography images were obtained in 214 patients referred for AF catheter ablation and 214 sex- and age-matched control subjects. Images were analyzed to determine the prevalence and morphological characteristics of LAD and their relationship with adjacent pulmonary veins and left atrial appendage. In AF patients 77 (36.0%) (95% confidence interval, 29.6–42.4%) had 90 LAD, whereas in control subjects 70 (32.7%) (95% confidence interval, 26.4–39.0%) had 81 LAD ( P =0.551). In patients with AF, LAD locations were right anterosuperior (47.8%), left anterosuperior (8.9%), left lateral (32.2%), interatrial septum (4.4%), right inferior (5.6%), and posterosuperior (1.1%) walls, respectively. The mean size of LAD was 5.3±2.9×5.6±3.3 mm. The wall of the LAD was much thinner than that of adjacent left atrium (0.89±0.46 versus 2.39±0.83 mm). Most LAD were located close to a pulmonary vein or atrial appendage ostium, with a mean distance of 8.7–13.1 mm. Conclusions— LAD are common, with a prevalence of 36.0% in patients with AF, which is not statistically greater than that in patients without AF. Thin-walled LAD are more commonly located on the superior anterior wall of left atrium and close to common ablation sites.

Emergency resources supply includes emergency resources reserves and emergency resources mobilization. This study utilizes system dynamics to model emergency resources supply and simulate to give engineering presentation. Simulation results show that emergency resources supply is decided by the need, the aim of employing quantity and mobilizing quantity is to bridge employing error and mobilizing error. The results also show oversupply of emergency resources, namely excessive employing and excessive mobilization, is decided by transportation and demand error which is caused by arrival supply quantity.

To evaluate the operative method and clinical outcome for the treatment of posttraumatic equinus deformity and concomitant soft tissue defect of the heel.Between June 2006 and May 2010, seven cases of posttraumatic equinus deformity and concomitant unstable scar or ulcer of the heels were treated by using a hinged Ilizarov apparatus and reversed sural fasciocutaneous island flap transfer. Achilles tendon lengthening was also done in all patients. The average duration of follow-up was 21 months. The sizes of sural flaps were from 7 cm × 6 cm to 10 cm × 9 cm. Two weeks after the flap transfer, distraction of the Ilizarov fixator was initiated to gradually correct the equinus position of the foot.Results were evaluated by using the following criteria: (1) the degree of active dorsiflexion of the ankle, (2) the total active range of motion of the ankle, and (3) walking ability and flap durability. For active dorsiflexion of the ankle, the results were good in three patients and fair in four patients. For range of active motion of the ankle, the results were good in five patients and fair in two patients. For walking ability and flap durability, the results were good in six patients and fair in one patient.This study showed that posttraumatic equinus deformity accompanied by soft tissue defect of the heel can be treated effectively with Achilles tendon lengthening, reversed sural fasciocutaneous island flap transfer, and a hinged Ilizarov technique.

It is widely acknowledged that image thinking is significant in medical education. The colorful pictures and animations need to be presented for the users (observers) to make the content easier to be understood. By the appropriate matching of pictures and text, readers are able to associate the text with the image on the screen to reach better understanding. In this case, 3d and dynamic images will take the place of the plane and static ones. The study software applied the image processing software and animation software, such as Photoshop, Flash software. 3d max software is used for processing and preparation the simulation stereo skeleton. the Java language of Cult 3D models help give the characteristics of model rotating and zooming in and out; Using multimedia interactive software, Neobook, makes sure interactive amity of interface and establishes a good interactive operating environment between the users and 3d models. For the basic medical education which has higher visual thinking demand, multimedia education has already be widespreaded and used. This software has interactive function and three-dimensional content, 3d instead of static, dynamic replace static state. It is not only keeping the traditional advantage (such as the logical arrangement of content, strictly text description, etc.), but also providing the learning reference material to the users which has intuitive visual experience, independently and freely self-selection, flexible processing. It is beneficial to understand and learn related contents. This study software shows rich and colorful pictures, 3d dynamic display contents, animation process of image to the users, so as to increase understanding and grasping the contents on human spine. It has multiple functions such as help studying and teaching.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effect of long-term progesterone (P4) treatment on structural and functional deficits associated with the hippocampus. MATERIAL AND METHODS Mice served as sham controls or were bilaterally ovariectomized (Ovx), and a 90-day regimen of placebo or P4 was applied to the animal. After the administration, the acquisition and retrieval of mice in contextual fear conditioning (CFC) and a water maze were examined. Hippocampal tissues from some mice in each group were stained with cresyl violet, and the remainder were taken for determining the antioxidant power. RESULTS Compared with placebo controls, the time spent on freezing was higher and the latencies were longer for mice given high-dose P4 (HP) (p < 0.05) in CFC, and the HP group also had longer searching time spent in the target quadrant (p < 0.05) in the water maze. Compared with placebo controls, the cell number of hippocampus CA1, CA3 and DG was significantly higher in the HP group (p < 0.05), and the thickness of the cell layer in CA1 and DG was also higher in the HP group (p < 0.05). All the oxidative stress biomarkers show that the antioxidative activity in hippocampus tissue from the HP and LP groups is higher than that in placebo controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Ovx impairs learning and memory of mice, which can be rescued by a long-term regimen of HP via its antioxidant effects.

OBJECTIVE: The features of earthquake-related head injuries may be different from those of injuries obtained in daily life because of differences in circumstances. We aim to compare the features of head traumas caused by the Sichuan earthquake with those of other common head traumas using multidetector computed tomography. METHODS: In total, 221 patients with earthquake-related head traumas (the earthquake group) and 221 patients with other common head traumas (the non-earthquake group) were enrolled in our study, and their computed tomographic findings were compared. We focused the differences between fractures and intracranial injuries and the relationships between extracranial and intracranial injuries. RESULTS: More earthquake-related cases had only extracranial soft tissue injuries (50.7% vs. 26.2%, RR=1.9), and fewer cases had intracranial injuries (17.2% vs. 50.7%, RR = 0.3) compared with the non-earthquake group. For patients with fractures and intracranial injuries, there were fewer cases with craniocerebral injuries in the earthquake group (60.6% vs. 77.9%, RR = 0.8), and the earthquake-injured patients had fewer fractures and intracranial injuries overall (1.5 + 0.9 vs. 2.5 +1.8; 1.3 + 0.5 vs. 2.1 + 1.1). Compared with the non-earthquake group, the incidences of soft tissue injuries and cranial fractures combined with intracranial injuries in the earthquake group were significantly lower (9.8% vs. 43.7%, RR = 0.2; 35.1% vs. 82.2%, RR = 0.4). CONCLUSION: As depicted with computed tomography, the severity of earthquake-related head traumas in survivors was milder, and isolated extracranial injuries were more common in earthquake-related head traumas than in non-earthquake-related injuries, which may have been the result of different injury causes, mechanisms and settings.

The repair of various segmental tibial bone defects continues to be a challenging part of many reconstructive procedures. Many methods have been tried to repair the defects, followed by many complications and the results may be unsatisfied. Since 2001 Zuk et al. established human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) as a multipotent stem cell population with the ability to assume osteogenic phenotypes through chemically induced differentiation, hASCs represent a valuable tool for pharmacological and biological studies of osteoblast differentiation in vitro and bone development in vivo, and have been proved to be a useful source of stem cells in bone repair. Recently, hASCs have been found to repair both animals and human calvarial defects. In this paper, we hypothesize that hASCs cultured on custom scaffolds can be used to repair of tibial segmental bone defects with intramedullary nail internal fixed. Unlike current treatment modalities, it would promote the regeneration of tibial defects, provide structural support and allow for weight bearing and bony substitution over time.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) of the cervical lymph nodes may mimic lymphoma. Objective To evaluate multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) imaging criteria for differentiating between the two diseases. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the anatomical distribution and CT enhancement patterns of the nodes in 81 patients, 27 (33%) with untreated TB and 54 (67%) with untreated lymphomas involving cervical lymph nodes. Of the patients with lymphomas, 19 (35%) had Hodgkin's disease and 35 (65%) had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Results TB predominantly involved the upper cervical nodes. The supraclavicula fossa nodes on MDCT were involved more often in Hodgkin's disease (n = 15, 79%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 25, 71%) than in TB (n = 3, 11%). Tuberculous lymphadenopathy commonly showed peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance. Peripheral enhancement was significantly more frequent in TB (n = 19, 70%) than in Hodgkin's disease (n = 1, 5%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 1, 3%), but homogeneous enhancement was less common in the TB group. Conclusion Our findings indicate that a specific enhancement pattern of lymphadenopathy seen on MDCT was useful in differentiating between untreated TB and lymphomas of the cervical lymph nodes.

Aim To determine the specific imaging criteria on contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for differentiating between tuberculosis and lymphoma in mediastinal lymph nodes. Materials and methods The anatomical distribution and enhancement patterns of mediastinal lymph nodes on contrast-enhanced MDCT were reviewed in 37 patients with tuberculosis and 54 patients with lymphoma. Of the patients with lymphoma, 18 had Hodgkin's disease and 36 had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Results Region 10R was involved more often in tuberculosis than in Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Region 6 had a higher tendency to be affected in Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma compared with tuberculosis. Tuberculosis showed peripheral enhancement in 78% of cases, frequently with a multilocular appearance, compared to Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which showed peripheral enhancement in only 6 and 3% of cases, respectively. Homogeneous enhancement was more commonly seen in lymphoma (83% for Hodgkin's disease, and 83% for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) than in tuberculosis (8%). In the determination of tuberculosis, results showed that when a peripheral enhancement pattern was seen, sensitivity was 78%, specificity was 96%, and accuracy was 89%. In the determination of lymphoma, results showed that when a homogeneous enhancement pattern was seen, sensitivity was 83%, specificity was 92%, and accuracy was 87%. Conclusion The findings of the present study indicate that specific anatomical distribution and enhancement patterns of lymphadenopathy shown on contrast-enhanced MDCT can be useful in differentiating tuberculosis from lymphoma of mediastinal lymph nodes.

The purpose of this study was to determine the differential characteristics on MRI between tuberculosis and lymphoma in abdominal lymph nodes.We conducted a retrospective analysis for the counter, size, signal intensity, enhancement patterns, and anatomic distribution of lymph nodes in 57 consecutive patients with documented tuberculosis (28 patients; 49.1%) and newly diagnosed, untreated lymphoma (29 patients; 50.9%).Twenty-four cases (85.7%) in the tuberculosis group were hyperintense on T2-weighted images and either hypointense or isointense on T1-weighted images with respect to the abdominal wall muscle. All cases in the lymphoma group were hyperintense on T2-weighted images and isointense on T1-weighted images with respect to the abdominal wall muscle. Concerning the main anatomic distribution of lymph nodes, the lymph nodes in the lower paraaortic region were more frequently involved in the lymphoma group (48.3%) than in tuberculosis (17.9%, p0.05). Moreover, mesenteric lymph nodes were more often involved in tuberculosis (32.1%) than in lymphoma (6.9%, p0.05). Tuberculous lymphadenopathy showed predominantly peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance; whereas lymphomatous adenopathy often demonstrated uniform homogeneous enhancement (all p0.001).Contrast-enhanced MRI can be useful in differentiation between these two entities.

This study prospectively compared the accuracy of a sixty-four slice multidetector row CT (64-MDCT) in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and dilatation in patients with mitral regurgitation.Eighty-four patients underwent ECG-gated 64-MDCT for the assessment of RV dysfunction and dilatation; 54 of these patients had known mitral regurgitation. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume, and ejection fraction were measured using the 64-MDCT, and these results were retrospectively compared to the results of MRI (reference standard). Agreement between the 64-MDCT and MRI results was investigated using linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses. Receiver operating characteristic analyses calculated the sensitivity and specificity of RV dilatation on 64-MDCT scans for the prediction of mitral regurgitation severity and dysfunction, respectively.No significant differences in RV function parameters were calculated between 64-MDCT and MRI (r=0.87 to 0.94; all p0.001). Good intertechnique agreement was obtained using linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses. ROC analyses revealed that RV enlargement (33 mm) on 64-MDCT scans predicted the RV dysfunction of mitral regurgitation with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 82.9%.ECG-gated 64-MDCT accurately and reliably assessed RV function in patients with and without mitral regurgitation. Moreover, the presence of RV dilatation on the 64-MDCT scan assisted in the prediction of RV dysfunction and mitral regurgitation severity.

AIM: To investigate the features of abdominal crush injuries resulting from an earthquake using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Fifty-one survivors with abdominal crush injuries due to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake underwent emergency non-enhanced scans with 16-row MDCT. Data were reviewed focusing on anatomic regions including lumbar vertebrae, abdominal wall soft tissue, retroperitoneum and intraperitoneal space; and types of traumatic lesions. RESULTS: Fractures of lumbar vertebrae and abdominal wall soft tissue injuries were more common than retro- and intraperitoneal injuries (P < 0.05). With regard to the 49 lumbar vertebral fractures in 24 patients, these occurred predominantly in the transverse process (P < 0.05), and 66.67% of patients (16/24) had fractures of multiple vertebrae, predominantly two vertebrae in 62.5% of patients (10/16), mainly in L1-3 vertebrae in 81.63% of the vertebrae (40/49). Retroperitoneal injuries occurred more frequently than intraperitoneal injuries (P < 0.05), and renal and liver injuries were most often seen in the retroperitoneum and in the intraperitoneal space, respectively (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transverse process fractures in two vertebrae among L1-3 vertebrae, injury of abdominal wall soft tissue, and renal injury might be features of earthquake-related crush abdominal injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the features of earthquake-related pelvic crush fractures versus non-earthquake fractures with digital radiography and multidetector row computed tomography. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-seven survivors with pelvic crush fractures in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake were entered in our study as the earthquake-related group (139 underwent digital radiography, 28 underwent multidetector row computed tomography); 70 victims with non-earthquake pelvic fractures were enrolled into this study as the non-earthquake group (54 underwent digital radiography, 16 underwent multidetector row computed tomography). Data were reviewed retrospectively between groups, focusing on anatomic distributions, status of pelvic bone fractures, numbers of pelvic bones involved, and classification of pelvic ring fractures according to the Tile classification system. RESULTS: Pelvic fractures occurred more frequently in the pubis in the earthquake-related group than in the non-earthquake group (135/167, 81% vs. 48/70, 69%). In addition, comminuted fractures were more common in the earthquake-related group than in the non-earthquake group (55/167, 33% vs. 10/70, 14%). Multiple fractures were less common in the earthquake-related group than in the non-earthquake group (81/167, 49% vs. 46/70, 66%). Regarding the classification of pelvic ring fractures, Type C predominantly composed of subtype C3 occurred more frequently (64/167, 38% vs. 12/70, 17%), and Type A was less common in the earthquake-related group than in the non-earthquake group (31/167, 19% vs. 23/70, 32%). All differences were statistically significant (p

PURPOSE: Massive earthquakes are harmful to humankind. This study of a historical cohort aimed to investigate the difference between earthquake-related crush thoracic traumas and thoracic traumas unrelated to earthquakes using a multi-detector Computed Tomography (CT). METHODS: We retrospectively compared an earthquake-exposed cohort of 215 thoracic trauma crush victims of the Sichuan earthquake to a cohort of 215 non-earthquake-related thoracic trauma patients, focusing on the lesions and coexisting injuries to the thoracic cage and the pulmonary parenchyma and pleura using a multi-detector CT. RESULTS: The incidence of rib fracture was elevated in the earthquake-exposed cohort (143 vs. 66 patients in the non-earthquake-exposed cohort, Risk Ratio (RR) = 2.2; p

Background Plaque morphology directly correlates with risk of embolism and the recently developed dual-source computed tomography angiography (DSCTA) may help to detect plaques more precisely. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and morphology of carotid and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic plaques in patients with symptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by DSCTA. Methods From July 2009 to August 2010, DSCTA was prospectively performed in 125 consecutive patients with symptomatic type 2 DM. We retrospectively analyzed plaque type, distribution, and extensive and obstructive natures were determined for each segment for all patients. Results Atherosclerotic plaques were detected in 114 (91.2%) patients. Relatively more noncalcified (45%) and calcified (39%) plaques and less mixed (16%) plaques were observed (p < 0.001). Noncalcified plaques were found mainly in the intracranial arteries (81.8%), mixed plaques in the intracranial arteries (25.2%) and intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) (56.1%). Calcified plaques were found mainly in the intracranial ICA (65.9%) and extracranial arteries (28.2%) (for all, p < 0.001). Extension of plaques from the 1st to 5th segments was observed in 67 (58.8%) patients and from the 6th to 10th segments in 35 (30.7%) patients. The most common site of all detected plaques was the cavernous segment. Regarding stenosis, there were significantly more nonobstructive than obstructive stenosis (91% vs. 9%, p < 0.001). Conclusion DSCTA detected a high prevalence of plaques in patients with symptomatic type 2 DM. A relatively high proportion of plaques were noncalcified, as well as with nonobstructive stenosis. The distribution of plaques was extensive, with the cavernous portion of ICA being the most common site.

To clarify the differences of the carotid and cerebrovascular disease between patients with and without type 2 diabetes using dual-source CT angiography.Dual-source CT angiography of the carotid and cerebrovascular arteries was performed in 79 type 2 diabetic patients and 207 non-diabetic patients. The type, extent and distribution of plaques, and luminal stenosis were compared.Compared with non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients had a higher overall incidence of plaque (p0.05) and cerebral infarction (p0.05). Among these plaques, no differences were observed in the subtype of plaques between these two cohorts (all p0.05), as well as for the number of diseased segments and the distribution of plaques; both mainly involved the bilateral cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. As for the stenosis, non-obstructive lesions were more common in diabetic patients (p0.05). There was no difference in the segment number of stenosis (≥30% and ≥70%) between these two groups (all p0.05).Diabetes is associated with a higher incidence of plaque and non-obstructive stenosis. However, no significant differences were observed in the type, extent and distribution of involved plaques between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

We observed multiple diffraction rings of a cw Ar+ laser beam from a nitrobenzene solution of saturable absorber BDN (bis-(4-dimethylaminodithiobenzil)-nickel) caused by the spatial self-phase modulation at low incident optical intensities. We obtained 37 rings for a 200-μm thick sample at an optical intensity of 38 W/mm2. The refractive-index change Δ;n and effective nonlinear refractive index n2 were determined from the number of observed rings and by the z-scan technique. We obtained large values of Δ;n∼0.1 and n2 = -2.9×;10-5 cm2/W. This large nonlinearity is attributed to a thermal effect resulting from linear absorption.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the common features of earthquake-related injuries using radiography and computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiography and multidetector computed tomography features of 1491 patients injured in 2008 Sichuan earthquake. We categorized patients by age group (

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common and severe complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study is to identify the features of CAD in diabetic patients using coronary CT angiography (CTA). Methods From 1 July 2009 to 20 March 2010, 113 consecutive patients (70 men, 43 women; mean age, 68 ± 10 years) with type 2 DM were found to have coronary plaques on coronary CTA. Their CTA data were reviewed, and extent, distribution and types of plaques and luminal narrowing were evaluated and compared between different sexes. Results In total, 287 coronary vessels (2.5 ± 1.1 per patient) and 470 segments (4.2 ± 2.8 per patient) were found to have plaques, respectively. Multi-vessel disease was more common than single vessel disease (p < 0.001), and the left anterior descending (LAD) artery (35.8%) and its proximal segment (19.1%) were most frequently involved (all p < 0.001). Calcified plaques (48.8%) were the most common type (p < 0.001) followed by mixed plaques (38.1%). Regarding the different degrees of stenosis, mild narrowing (36.9%) was most common (p < 0.001); however, a significant difference was not observed between non-obstructive and obstructive stenosis (50.4% vs. 49.6%, p = 0.855). Extent of CAD, types of plaques and luminal narrowing were not significantly different between male and female diabetic patients. Conclusions Coronary CTA depicted a high plaque burden in patients with type 2 DM. Plaques, which were mainly calcified, were more frequently detected in the proximal segment of the LAD artery, and increased attention should be paid to the significant prevalence of obstructive stenosis. In addition, DM reduced the sex differential in CT findings of CAD.