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INTRODUCTION The doctorate is the third cycle of official university studies, which, through the defense of the doctoral thesis leads to the acquisition of the title of doctor or PhD from the Anglo-Saxon countries. Royal Decree law 99/2011 regulates doctoral programs, with a wide margin on quality requirements. The objective of this study is to find out if there is this variation in the requirements of the doctorate programs of the different departments of surgery of the Spanish public universities and to establish a quality scale. METHODS Cross-sectional observational study from 2/22/2021 to 3/3/2021, through a survey sent electronically to the professors of the departments of surgery. RESULTS Thirty-five departments of surgery were consulted, obtaining a response in 29 of them (82.9%). The observed variation regarding requirements has been basically in the quality of the research project, in fact in 25 (86.2%) there are no regulations on this. When it is presented in the form of a compendium of articles, these are required to be original in 15 (51.7%). Regarding the position as author, the doctoral student must be the preferred author, at least in 2 articles in 14 (48.4%) of the programs. In 14 departments (48.4%) there are no regulations on the position of the articles and quartiles of journals. When scoring the different programs according to their requirements, the variability is high, ranging between 2 and 19 points. Funding for the development of the doctorate is meager. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide variability in the requirement of doctoral programs. Homogeneous levels of demand must be defined to promote and protect higher-level doctorates.

The contemporary wireless sensor applications employ a Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network (HeWSN) to achieve its multi-objective missions. Modern wireless nodes constituting the heterogeneous WSN are more versatile in terms of its capabilities, functionalities, and applications. Assigning tasks in a dynamic HeWSN environment are challenging due to its inherent heterogeneous properties and capabilities. The investigation of existing task assignment algorithms reveals (i) the majority of the existing task assignment algorithms were designed for the homogeneous environment, (ii) most of the nature-inspired algorithms were built for centralized architecture. Scheduling tasks by existing task assignment algorithms lead to underutilization of resources as well as to the rapid depletion of network resources. To this end, a novel, distributed, heterogeneous task assignment algorithm adhering the modern sensors capabilities, functionalities and sensor application to attain sustainable computing is required. Based on the investigation, Tissue P-System inspired task assignment algorithm for the distributed heterogeneous WSN has been modelled. The experimental analyses of the proposed method have been self-evaluated as well as compared with the corresponding recent benchmark algorithms under various conditions and its performance metrics are analysed.

Multimodal signals are powerful for emotion recognition since they can represent emotions comprehensively. In this paper, we compare the recognition performance and robustness of two multimodal emotion recognition models: deep canonical correlation analysis (DCCA) and bimodal deep autoencoder (BDAE). The contributions of this paper are three folds: 1) We propose two methods for extending the original DCCA model for multimodal fusion: weighted sum fusion and attention-based fusion. 2) We systemically compare the performance of DCCA, BDAE, and traditional approaches on five multimodal datasets. 3) We investigate the robustness of DCCA, BDAE, and traditional approaches on SEED-V and DREAMER datasets under two conditions: adding noises to multimodal features and replacing EEG features with noises. Our experimental results demonstrate that DCCA achieves state-of-the-art recognition results on all five datasets: 94.6% on the SEED dataset, 87.5% on the SEED-IV dataset, 84.3% and 85.6% on the DEAP dataset, 85.3% on the SEED-V dataset, and 89.0%, 90.6%, and 90.7% on the DREAMER dataset. Meanwhile, DCCA has greater robustness when adding various amounts of noises to the SEED-V and DREAMER datasets. By visualizing features before and after DCCA transformation on the SEED-V dataset, we find that the transformed features are more homogeneous and discriminative across emotions.

Background and study aims Data from Japanese series show that surface morphology of laterally spreading tumors (LST) in the colon identifies lesions with different incidence and pattern of submucosal invasion. Such data from western countries are scarce. We compared clinical and histological features of LST in a western country and an eastern country, with special interest on mucosal invasiveness of LST, and investigated the effect of clinical factors on invasiveness in both countries. Patients and methods Patients with LST lesions ≥20 mm were included from a multicenter prospective registry in Spain and from a retrospective registry from the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan. The primary outcome was the presence of submucosal invasion in LST. The secondary outcome was the presence of high-risk histology, defined as high-grade dysplasia or submucosal invasion. Results We evaluated 1102 patients in Spain and 663 in Japan. Morphological and histological characteristics differed. The prevalence of submucosal invasion in Japan was six-fold the prevalence in Spain (Prevalence Ratio PR = 5.66; 95%CI: 3.96, 8.08), and the prevalence of high-risk histology was 1.5 higher (PR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.31, 1.58). Compared to the granular homogeneous type and adjusted by clinical features, granular mixed, flat elevated, and pseudo-depressed types were associated with higher odds of submucosal invasion in Japan, whereas only the pseudo-depressed type showed higher risk in Spain. Regarding high-risk histology, both granular mixed and pseudo-depressed were associated with higher odds in Japan, compared with only the granular mixed type in Spain. Conclusion This study reveals differences in location, morphology and invasiveness of LST in an eastern and a western cohort.

La esquizofrenia es una enfermedad compleja que actualmente no tiene cura. Existen, sin embargo, numerosas terapias que, solas o en combinacion, son eficaces para tratar los sintomas de la enfermedad y mantenerla bajo control. La eleccion del tratamiento debe ser siempre individualizada, y basarse en la presentacion clinica de la enfermedad, el estado general del paciente y la eficacia del farmaco, si bien hay que considerar tambien el costo y el acceso a servicios y al farmaco, que en Mexico tiene algunas limitaciones. Un panel de 12 expertos mexicanos se reunio de forma virtual para revisar los ultimos datos publicados y establecer unas recomendaciones de tratamiento en Mexico, basadas en la evidencia, que garanticen una atencion medica integral, homogenea, eficiente y con calidad. Schizophrenia is a complex illness that currently has no cure. There are, however, numerous therapies that, alone or in combination, are effective in treating the symptoms of the disease and keeping it under control. The choice of treatment must always be individualized, and based on the clinical presentation of the disease, the general condition of the patient and the efficacy of the drug, although the cost and access to services and to the drug must also be considered, as in Mexico it has some limitations. A panel of 12 Mexican experts met virtually to review the latest published data and establish evidence-based treatment recommendations in Mexico that guarantee comprehensive, homogeneous, efficient, and quality medical care.

La costa oriental de Quintana Roo conforma una región que ha sido definida por un estilo arquitectónico y escultórico peculiar el cual prosperó durante el periodo Posclásico las construcciones presentan variantes como son: mampostería con bóvedas o techos planos de morillos son construcciones sencillas de una cámara o varias desplantando de basamentos, plataformas o de zócalos bajos. La decoración se reduce al uso de molduras en la parte superior de las fachadas, así como nichos sencillos o decorados en el friso. Todo lo anterior provoca que la arquitectura en la región sea muy homogénea y en ocasiones monótona. Es evidente la existencia de influencias estilísticas y rasgos de diversa procedencia, varios elementos son considerados como de carácter mexicano, rasgos tales como: vestíbulos columnados, columnas con figuras esculpidas, columnas serpentiformes, basamentos en talud de los templos, estructuras circulares, la verticalidad de los remates de las alfardas. Se puede apreciar la utilización de otros elementos estilísticos como el desplome intencional y la curvatura de los paramentos, las cubiertas adinteladas, la utilización de molduras decorativas y el uso del dintel rehundido que, junto con los rasgos mencionado antes, en una asociación lograda, conducen a un estilo peculiar y definido.

Introduction Augmentation rhinoplasty depends mainly on intact stable bony and cartilaginous parts. Many trials have used different materials as a graft to perform the operation and support the nose. Debate exists whether alloplastic or autogenic grafts are more appropriate. Common available alloplastic grafts include silicone, medpor, and gore-tex. Autogenic grafts are usually derived from costal cartilages. Warping, infection, and hypertrophic scars are the main complications of the procedure. Yet no subgroup analysis has been performed to investigate the effect of different risk factors. Objective To investigate the effect of different types of grafts and the association of the income level of the country on surgery complications. Methods A comprehensive literature search of articles was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases through October 2019. We included articles that used autologous or alloplastic grafts in nasal dorsum reconstruction surgery. We performed subgroup analysis according to the type of graft used, region, and income level of the country. A meta-regression analysis model was carried out from the period of 1999-2018, to study the incidence of these complications over time. Results The overall complication rate was 7.1%, which was higher in the alloplastic group (7.8%) than the autogenic group (6.9%). The most common complications were secondary surgery for re-correction (4.1%), infection (2.1%), warping (1.6%), and hypertrophic scars (1.6%). All outcomes were homogeneous (I2 < 50%). Conclusion Patients with autogenic grafts are less liable to develop complications than their peers reconstructed with alloplastic grafts. Moreover, Asian patients are less susceptible to overall rhinoplasty complications. Attention should be noted for low-income countries in which surgical complications are more prone to occur. Resumo Introdução A feitura de uma rinoplastia de aumento depende principalmente das partes ósseas e cartilaginosas intactas. Muitos estudos usaram enxertos de diferentes materiais para a feitura da cirurgia e como apoio da estrutura nasal. Ainda existem controvérsias em estudos prévios sobre quais tipos de enxertos, se materiais aloplásticos ou autogênicos, seriam os mais adequados. Os enxertos aloplásticos comuns incluem silicone, medpor e gore-tex. Os enxertos autogênicos são geralmente derivados de cartilagens costais. Deformações, infecção e cicatrizes hipertróficas são as principais complicações do procedimento. No entanto, nenhuma análise de subgrupo foi feita para investigar o efeito de diferentes fatores de risco. Objetivo Investigar o efeito de diferentes tipos de enxertos e o nível de renda do país nas complicações cirúrgicas Método Uma pesquisa abrangente de artigos na literatura foi feita nas bases de dados PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science e SCOPUS até outubro de 2019. Foram incluídos artigos que usaram enxertos autólogos ou aloplásticos em cirurgias de reconstrução do dorso nasal. Foi feita uma análise de subgrupos de acordo com o tipo de enxerto usado, região e nível de renda do país. Um modelo de análise de metarregressão foi feito de 1999 a 2018, para estudar a incidência dessas complicações ao longo do tempo. Resultados A taxa global de complicações foi de 7,1%, a qual foi maior no grupo aloplástico (7,8%) do que no grupo autogênico (6,9%). As complicações mais comuns foram cirurgia secundária para recorreção (4,1%), infecção (2,1%), deformidade (1,6%) e cicatrizes hipertróficas (1,6%). Todos os resultados foram homogêneos (I2 < 50%). Conclusão Os pacientes com enxertos autogênicos são menos propensos a desenvolver complicações, em comparação com seus pares com enxertos aloplásticos. Além disso, pacientes asiáticos são menos suscetíveis a complicações gerais da rinoplastia. Merece atenção o fato de que em países de baixa renda as complicações cirúrgicas são mais propensas a ocorrer.

Background Little data supports the optimal distance of cuticular suture placement from the wound edge to achieve the most cosmetically appealing scar. Objective To compare POSAS scores for cutaneous sutures spaced 2 versus 5 mm from the wound edge in head and neck defects repaired via linear closure. Methods Fifty patients were enrolled in this randomized, evaluator blinded, split-scar study. Surgical wounds were repaired with cuticular sutures 2 mm from the wound edge on one side and 5 mm on the other side. POSAS scores and scar width was compared three-months post-operatively. Results This study in sum observer POSAS score, with a mean (SD) of 16.06 (6.49) on the 2-mm side and 15.82 (6.83) on the 5-mm side (p=0.807). Similarly, no difference was seen in scar width, with a mean (SD) of 0.100 (0.058) cm on the 2-mm side and 0.100 (0.076) cm on the 5-mm side (p=0.967). Limitations Linear repairs were studied on head and neck defects after extirpation of cutaneous malignancies, resulting in a homogeneous elderly white patient population. Conclusion Cuticular sutures placed 2 or 5 mm from the wound edge did not result in different cosmetic outcomes in linear closures on the head and neck.

The amount of blood loss determined in orthognathic surgery differs greatly among studies. This can be attributed to the inhomogeneity in study cohorts analysed, but may also be a result of the varying methodologies used for blood loss determination. However, this has yet to be explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the formula and time point used to measure blood loss affect the blood loss volume, determined in a homogeneous cohort undergoing bimaxillary surgery. Blood loss was calculated at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively using the haemoglobin balance method and the formula of Hurle et al. The estimated total blood volume was established based on the formulae of Nadler et al. and Choi et al. Differences in blood loss volume with respect to time point and formula were analysed and compared. Fifty-four patients were included in the final analysis. Statistically significant differences in blood loss were observed: a significant increase in the blood loss volume from 24 hours to 48 hours postoperatively was detected. When comparing the formulae used, blood loss differed significantly at 24 hours after surgery; however no such difference resulted at 48 hours postoperatively. These findings imply that the time point of measuring blood loss is highly relevant, whereas the formulae applied seem to have less of an impact on the blood loss volumes calculated.

Seepage is a flow that happens through / under hydraulic structures or through the porous media such as in the case of earth dams from upstream to downstream due to difference in the hydraulic head. Study of seepage flow is important for hydraulic engineering. Before the structures being built, the behaviors of the seepage flows must be predicted because the seepage flow causes harmful to hydraulic structures. In this paper, a homogenous earth dam with sand material is proposed and constructed with horizontal bed filter at the Toe of the dam is taken as a case study. Through this Comsol is used to interpret the seepage of flow and contaminants transportation through the dam. The general objective of this paper is thus to present a prediction model aimed at quantifying a selected concentration of contaminants in the reservoir, and then predicted in the body of the dam, and at the exit from the dam. Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Module (Comsol version 4.2) with its sub-programs named (Free and Porous Media Flow and Species Transport through Porous Media) was used in the analysis and study the seepage flow and of the contaminants transportation. This software is based on the finite element techniques that were used for solving the governing equations of flow and transportation of contaminant through porous media. Also, it was used to determine the phreatic line, amount of seepage within the dam, the pressure head, the total head, and the amount of contaminates transported through the dam body. From the comsol software, it is deduced that when the water level is at the maximum height (20m), it needs 12 days and (18) hr, at normal height (15m) it needs 29 days, while at a minimum height (8 m) it needs 81 days to reach the drain zone.

The inefficient food processing and food leftover management strategies often lead to the wastage of untapped carbohydrate-rich feedstocks. The conversion of these feedstocks into bioethanol can mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) while providing a sustainable and eco-friendly method for disposing of food wastes. In light of the above, the current review scrutinizes various types of food wastes (homogeneous and heterogeneous) and pretreatment methods (physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological) for their valorization into bioethanol. The main constraints to commercial production of food-waste-derived bioethanol, that is, the requirement for sterilization and collection of feedstocks, are also discussed. The former issue can be addressed by developing an optimized solid-state fermentation process. Employing selective conditions to enrich bioethanol-producing microorganisms can increase the feasibility of this process configuration while inhibiting ethanol-consuming strains. The feedstock collection issue can be minimized by determining the hot spots that are in the vicinity of the large food processing sites.

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale lipid-enclosed packages that are released by bacteria cells and shuttle various biomolecules between bacteria or host cells. They are implicated in playing several important roles, from infectious disease progression to maintaining proper gut health, however the tools available to characterise and classify them are limited and impractical for many applications. Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) provides a promising means of rapidly fingerprinting bacterial EVs in a label-free manner by taking advantage of plasmonic resonances that occur on nanopatterned surfaces, effectively amplifying the inelastic scattering of incident light. In this study, we demonstrate that by applying machine learning algorithms to bacterial EV SERS spectra, EVs from cultures of the same bacterial species Escherichia coli can be classified by strain, culture conditions, and purification method. While these EVs are highly purified and homogeneous compared to complex samples, the ability to classify them from a single species demonstrates the incredible power of SERS when combined with machine learning, and the importance of considering these parameters in future applications. We anticipate that these findings will play a crucial role in developing the laboratory and clinical utility of bacterial EVs, such as the label-free, noninvasive, and rapid diagnosis of infections without the need to culture samples from blood, urine, or other fluids.

Rationale and Objectives The ACR Breast Commission conducted a member survey to evaluate current practices of reporting breast arterial calcification (BAC) on mammography and to determine perceptions about the value of BAC communication and follow-up recommendations among radiologists. Materials and Methods In September 2020, an 18-item online survey was emailed to radiologist members of the American College of Radiology (ACR). Questions included radiologist demographics, current BAC reporting practices, follow-up recommendations, and perceptions about BAC. Five-point Likert scales were used and multivariate analysis was performed. Results Of 598 completed survey responses, up to 87% (522/598) of ACR radiologist members include BAC in mammogram reports. However, only 41% (212/522) of respondents report BAC ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’. Radiologist factors significantly associated with BAC reporting include years in practice and fellowship training with those in practice longer more likely to report BAC (OR 1.10, 95% CI, [1.01-1.20], p = 0.023) and those with fellowship training less likely to report BAC (OR 0.63, 95% CI, [0.42-0.94], p = 0.024). When BAC is reported, 69% (360/522) simply indicate the presence of BAC, 23% (121/522) provide a subjective grading of BAC burden, and 1% (6/522) calculate a BAC score. Among the radiologists reporting BAC, 58% (301/522) make no subsequent recommendations, while the remainder recommend primary care follow-up (39%; 204/522), cardiology evaluation (13%; 68/522), and/or coronary calcium scoring CT (11%; 59/522). Overall, there was agreement from 66% (392/598) of respondents that BAC is a cardiovascular risk factor. However, there was no consensus on whether patients and/or providers should be informed about BAC or whether reporting of BAC should become a standardized practice in breast imaging. Older and more experienced radiologists are more likely to agree that BAC is a cardiovascular risk factor (p = 0.022), providers should be informed about BAC (p = 0.002 and 0.006), BAC reporting should be a standardized practice (p = 0.004 and 0.001), and feel more comfortable informing patients about BAC (p = 0.001 and 0.003). Conclusion Radiologists’ reporting practices and perceptions regarding BAC are not homogeneous. Although many radiologists report BAC to varying degrees, it is not routinely reported or recommended for follow-up in mammogram reports. Experienced radiologists are more likely to include and value BAC in their breast imaging practice.

In this letter, organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with various interface modification conditions are fabricated and characterized. In addition to chemically homogeneous dielectric surfaces to enhance electrical characteristics of devices, morphologically homogeneous surfaces are also needed to achieve good device-to-device uniformity of OTFTs. The different charge trap densities at the dielectric interface and in pentacene film is responsible.

This paper presents a new facial feature descriptor called Fused Cross Lattice Pattern of Phase Congruency (FCLPPC) for high accuracy homogeneous and heterogeneous illumination invariant intra/inter-modality face recognition. Using the dimensionless phase congruency features, an effective homogeneous and heterogeneous illumination invariant local feature extractor has been devised. Finally, a novel multi-directional binary pattern named Cross Lattice Pattern (CLP) has been proposed. CLP is applied to the previously extracted invariant phase congruency feature map to generate the CLPPC images. Weighted alpha-blending has been performed on the CLPPC maps to generate Fused CLPPC (FCLPPC) map. Recognition results on Extended Yale-B, TUFTS, CMU-PIE, and CASIA NIR-VIS dataset has been presented to depict the superiority of the proposed scheme over other state-of-the-art methods. Additionally, the proposed FCLPPC has been combined with a lightweight Convolutional Neural Network to further augment the recognition accuracy.

An efficient spatial regularization method using superpixel segmentation and graph Laplacian regularization is proposed for the sparse hyperspectral unmixing method. Since it is likely to find spectrally similar pixels in a homogeneous region, we use a superpixel segmentation algorithm to extract the homogeneous regions by considering the image boundaries. We first extract the homogeneous regions, which are called superpixels, and then, a weighted graph in each superpixel is constructed by selecting K-nearest pixels in each superpixel. Each node in the graph represents the spectrum of a pixel, and edges connect the similar pixels inside the superpixel. The spatial similarity is investigated using the graph Laplacian regularization. Sparsity regularization for an abundance matrix is provided using a weighted sparsity promoting norm. Experimental results on simulated and real data sets show the superiority of the proposed algorithm over the well-known algorithms in the literature.

Change detection (CD) aims to identify the differences between multitemporal images acquired over the same geographical area at different times. With the advantages of requiring no cumbersome labeled change information, unsupervised CD has attracted extensive attention of researchers. Multitemporal images tend to have different resolutions as they are usually captured at different times with different sensor properties. It is difficult to directly obtain one pixelwise change map for two images with different resolutions, so current methods usually resize multitemporal images to a unified size. However, resizing operations change the original information of pixels, which limits the final CD performance. This article aims to detect changes from multitemporal images in the originally different resolutions without resizing operations. To achieve this, a cross-resolution difference learning method is proposed. Specifically, two cross-resolution pixelwise difference maps are generated for the two different resolution images and fused to produce the final change map. First, the two input images are segmented into individual homogeneous regions separately due to different resolutions. Second, each pixelwise difference map is produced according to two measure distances, the mutual information distance and the deep feature distance, between image regions in which the pixel lies. Third, the final binary change map is generated by fusing and binarizing the two cross-resolution difference maps. Extensive experiments on four datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for detecting changes from different resolution images.

Based on the hole-drilling strain sensing method, a ring Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) array is proposed to realize comprehensive and convenient measurement of residual stress for homogeneous or inhomogeneous materials. All FBG sensors are arranged tangentially along the edge of the ring. With the ring array around the drilled hole, more detailed information of the residual stress can be obtained such as the location and the degree of inhomogeneity. The tangential arrangement of FBG sensors can achieve comparable measurement results to the radial arrangement but it brings convenience for the drilling process without any overlap upon the hole position. This method promotes the application of the FBG sensors in the residual stress measurement field.

Background Autoantibodies (AAbs) against immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies (Abs) and their high-affinity receptor alpha subunits (FceRIα) are key factors in the elicitation of type IIb autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria (type IIb aiCSU). In this study, we aimed to develop a new method to detect functional anti-FceRIα and anti-IgE AAbs, which can crosslink the plural FceRІα molecules and IgE Abs on the surface of mast cells and basophils, in sera from aiCSU patients using the amplified luminescence proximity homogeneous assay (Alpha). Methods Sera were obtained from 14 aiCSU patients, as diagnosed by recurrent chronic spontaneous urticaria episodes and positive results for the autologous serum skin test and/or histamine release test (HRT). The AAbs to FceRIα and IgE Abs were determined in sera from aiCSU patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Alpha by cross-linking (AlphaCL) of IgE Abs and/or FceRІα. Results Serum anti-FceRIα and anti-IgE AAb levels were not significantly different between aiCSU patients and healthy subjects in ELISA. Anti-FceRIα AAbs were detected in 10 of 14 aiCSU patients who displayed positive (5/5) and negative (5/9) results in the HRT for anti-FceRIα AAbs by AlphaCL, whereas no signals were observed in healthy subjects. Additionally, anti-IgE AAbs were detected in two of four aiCSU patients who displayed positive results in the HRT for anti-IgE AAbs. Conclusions A new assay method using AlphaCL can detect anti-FceRIα and anti-IgE AAbs with FceRIα- and IgE-crosslinking abilities in sera from aiCSU patients. This simple and practical assay method may be available as a diagnostic tool for urticaria patients.

Given two multitemporal aerial images, semantic change detection (SCD) aims to locate the land-cover variations and identify their change types with pixelwise boundaries. This problem is vital in many earth vision-related tasks, such as precise urban planning and natural resource management. Existing state-of-the-art algorithms mainly identify the changed pixels by applying homogeneous operations on each input image and comparing the extracted features. However, in changed regions, totally different land-cover distributions often require heterogeneous feature extraction procedures for images acquired at different times. In this article, we present an asymmetric Siamese network (ASN) to locate and identify semantic changes through feature pairs obtained from modules of widely different structures, which involves areas of various sizes and applies different quantities of parameters to factor in the discrepancy across land-cover distributions during different times. To better train and evaluate our model, we create a large-scale well-annotated SEmantic Change detectiON Dataset (SECOND), while an adaptive threshold learning (ATL) module and a separated kappa (SeK) coefficient are proposed to alleviate the influences of label imbalance in model training and evaluation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can stably outperform the state-of-the-art algorithms with different encoder backbones.

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are rare, with more than 90% occurring during childhood. Most LMs are located in the head, neck and axilla. LMs in chest wall are extremely rare, particularly in adults. This report describes a 45-year-old man with a large macrocystic LM in the right anterior chest wall. Computed tomography showed a ∼15 cm sized, well-defined, homogeneous and hypoattenuated mass without enhancement in the right anterior chest wall. On ultrasonography (US), the mass was circumscribed and anechoic, with internal septations and posterior acoustic enhancement. Following surgical excision, the mass was diagnosed as a macrocystic LM.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is an undesirable event following percutaneous patent fossa ovalis (PFO) closure with metallic occluders, suggesting that implanting a rigid closure device could alter atrial function Suture-mediated PFO closure is a new technique, achieving closure of the PFO by means of a simple suture. Aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial function after closure of PFO by direct suture and traditional occluders. METHODS We studied 40 age and sex homogeneous patients, 20 undergoing PFO closure by device (OCL) and 20 by suturing (NS). Twenty healthy sex-age matched subjects made up the control group (CT). Left atrial function was evaluated by using volumetric and speckle-tracking analysis assessing the following parameters: Total Emptyng Fraction (EF), Expansion index (EI), Active Emptyng Fraction (AEF), strain values of the reservoir (r-ED), conduit (cd-ED) and contraction phase (ct-ED). RESULTS Compared to CT and NS, OCL patients had significantly worst indices of left atrial reservoir function (EF p=0.001, EI p=0.003, r-ED p

The Ideal Profile Method (IPM) is a descriptive analysis in which consumers are asked to rate products on both their perceived and ideal intensities against a list of attributes. In addition, overall liking is rated. The information gathered from the IPM is rich, and directly actionable for product development. However, these data need special attention, since they are provided by consumers who are rating a fictive product. In order to fully appreciate the data, the Ideal Profile Analysis (IPA) has been set up. This methodology helps in (1) evaluating the consistency of the ideal data, (2) assessing homogeneous groups of consumers/products, (3) defining the sensory profile of the ideal product of reference, and (4) optimizing the products according to that reference.

Background/aim Due to the importance of early outpatient treatment to prevent hospitalization and disease progression, we examined the effects of hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir, which were initiated in early period, on the clinical course of COVID-19 outpatients. Materials and methods Data of confirmed COVID-19 outpatients over a 4-month period were analyzed retrospectively. Public Health Management System (HSYS) was used for the case-based follow-up. Patients on antiviral therapy for at least five days, including hydroxychloroquine and / or favipiravir and patients who were followed-up for 30 days were included in this analysis. Results We enrolled 1489 patients in this study. Overall, 775 (52%) patients were male and a mean age of patients was 38.9±11.1 years. Of these patients, 537 of them were received favipiravir, 545 of them were received hydroxychloroquine and 407 of them were received both favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine. Symptoms improvement on the 14th day of follow-up was 1.8 times higher in the group of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine compared to patients who received favipiravir (p=0.003). On the 3rd day of follow-up, PCR negativity rate was higher in patients who received hydroxychloroquine (p=0.004). Hospitalization rates were similar in patients receiving favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine (p=0.144). However, in the presence of pneumonia at the time of diagnosis, the hospitalization rate was 6.6 times higher in patients who received favipiravir than those who received hydroxychloroquine. Conclusion The subgroups of patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and/or favipiravir did not have similar disease severities in our study. Therefore, further studies with homogeneous patient groups to be arranged prospectively are needed.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare tumor arising from the pleural mesothelial cells. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of patients with mesothelioma. Accurate staging to stratify patients into homogeneous groups is required to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodality therapeutic regimens. CT and PET/CT are recommended for the initial staging of MPM. MRI adds value to further assess invasion of the tumor into the diaphragm, chest wall, and mediastinum. This review will discuss pearls and pitfalls in the imaging of mesothelioma with emphasis on the roles of CT, MRI, and PET/CT.

Background It is well known that the thalamus is not a unitary and homogeneous entity but a complex and highly connected archeocortical structure. Although many neuroimaging studies have reported alterations in the thalamus in major depressive disorder (MDD), the structural alterations in thalamic subfields remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in gray matter volume (GMV) in thalamic subfields in MDD patients. Methods The present study included structural images of 848 MDD patients and 794 age-matched normal controls (NC) from 17 study sites of the REST-meta-MDD consortium. We performed voxel-based morphometric analyses to calculate the GMV in the entire thalamus and its subfields using three different automated anatomical labeling atlases and subsequently compared the differences between first-episode drug-naive major depressive disorder (FEDN), recurrent major depressive disorder (RMDD), and NC groups. We also evaluated the relationships between thalamic GMV and clinical symptoms in MDD patients. Results Compared to NC, the FEDN patients showed increased GMV in thalamic subfields but not in the entire thalamus, while RMDD patients showed no significant alterations in GMV in the entire thalamus and its subfields. Moreover, the mean GMV in the right anterior thalamus and left anteroventral thalamus in RMDD patients were mildly positively correlated with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores. Limitations The main limitations are a single-modal analysis based on T1-weighted MR images and a cross-sectional design. Conclusions Our findings suggest that FEDN and RMDD patients show heterogeneous alterations across thalamic subfields, which may help us understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD.

Although X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) is widely used for detecting pulmonary nodules inside the parenchyma, it cannot be used during video-assisted surgical procedures. Real-time, non-ionizing, ultrasound-based techniques are an attractive alternative for nodule localization to ensure safe resection margins during surgery. Conventional ultrasound B-mode imaging of the lung is challenging due to multiple scattering. However, the multiple scattering contribution can be exploited to detect regions inside the lung containing no scatterers. Pulmonary nodules are homogeneous regions in contrast to the highly scattering parenchyma containing millions of air-filled alveoli. We developed a method relying on mapping the multiple scattering contribution inside the highly scattering lung to detect and localize pulmonary nodules. Impulse response matrices were acquired in ex-vivo pig and dog lungs using a linear array transducer to semi-locally investigate the backscattered field. Extracting the multiple-scattering contribution using singular-value decomposition and combining it with a depression detection algorithm allowed us to detect and localize regions with less multiple scattering, associated with the nodules. The feasibility of this method was demonstrated in five ex-vivo lungs containing a total of 20 artificial nodules. Ninety-five percent of the nodules were detected. Nodule depth and diameter significantly correlated with their ex-vivo CT-estimated counterparts (R = 0.960, 0.563, respectively).

Fungi are a revolutionary, smart, and sustainable manufacturing platform that can be used to upcycle byproducts and wastes into flexible fungal materials (FFMs) such as chitin- and β-glucan-based foams, paper, and textiles. With highly adaptable manufacturing pathways, the efficiency and properties of these materials depend on the biomass source and fermentation method. Liquid substrates provide fast, upscalable, and compact production processes but are susceptible to contamination and are limited to paper-like materials for printing, wound dressings, and membranes. Solid-state fermentation is cheaper but struggles to deliver homogeneous fungal growth and is used to produce fungal foams for packaging, insulation, textiles, and leather substitutes. The broad range of applications and uses of biological organisms in materials hallmarks fungi as forerunners in improving environmental sustainability globally.

International audience; A 59-year-old woman with no history of trauma presented with severe headaches and right-sided weakness. A CT scan showed a left hemispheric isodense subdural collection thought to be consistent with a subacute subdural hematoma (figure 1A). The patient underwent a single parietal burr hole for evacuation, but the neurosurgeon found subdural fleshy tissue and performed a biopsy. Immediate postoperative MRI showed a homogeneous hypercellular subdural mass (figure 1, B–F).1 Pathology was consistent with Burkitt lymphoma (figure 2). Retrospectively, the homogeneous density of the collection argued against hematoma. In nonemergent situations, an atypical radiologic appearance of a subdural hematoma may suggest the need for further radiologic investigations before surgical evacuation.2

Objectives Open or endovascular treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) is still debated. Data about the popliteal artery anatomy and its branches are essential to plan a surgical approach. The aim of this study was to report the anatomical variations of the popliteal artery and its branches in a population with aneurysmal disease and compare them with a standard population with non-aneurysmal disease. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent surgical PAA repair in our center between January 2011 and December 2020 was performed. One-hundred-forty-six limbs in 128 patients underwent PAA treatment (Group 1). Computed tomography angiography images using a 128-section configuration were reviewed for anatomical variations of the popliteal artery and its branches. A control population of 178 limbs in 89 patients with non-aneurysmal disease was used to compare the outcomes (Group 2). All limbs were classified according to Kim’s classification. The two groups were analyzed and compared by means of nonparametric Pearson chi-square test. Results Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographics, risk factors, and clinical presentation. In Group 1, the limbs with PAA were classified as type IA, 133 (91.1%); type IB, 2 (1.4%); type IC, 0; type IIA1, 1 (0.7%); type IIA2, 1 (0.7%); type IIB, 4 (2.7%); type IIC, 0; type IIIA, 3 (2.1%); type IIIB, 0; and type IIIC, 2 (1.4%). In Group 2 the limbs with non-aneurysmal disease were classified as type IA, 163 (91.6%); type IB, 5 (2.8%); type IC, 1 (0.6%); type IIA1, 1 (0.6%); type IIA2, 3 (1.7%); type IIB, 2 (1.1%); type IIC, 0; type IIIA, 3 (1.7%); type IIIB, 0; and type IIIC, 0. No difference in terms of anatomy of the popliteal artery and its branches was found between the two groups ( P = NS). Conclusions Knowledge of anatomical variations of the popliteal artery and its branches is mandatory in case of the surgical approach. Anatomy in PAA patients is not different. Studies with larger population size are needed to validate these outcomes.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to clarify the competencies required for occupational health professionals in disaster management based on their personal experiences of workplaces damaged by the Kumamoto earthquakes. METHODS This study adopted a qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews. The study participants included eight occupational health professionals who had been engaged in occupational health practice at workplaces affected by the Kumamoto earthquakes and subsequently employed at the same workplace. Data analyses were performed using a qualitative data analysis method. The researcher read transcripts of the interviews verbatim and extracted subcategories and categories, seeking points of commonality among homogeneous and heterogeneous elements while identifying content related to the competencies of the professionals during a disaster. RESULTS Nine categories and 29 subcategories were extracted. The following competencies were identified as skills required for occupational health professionals when a disaster occurred: "perceiving the essentials of the situation through a comprehensive understanding of the health impacts caused by disasters," "prioritizing tasks while appropriately understanding a situation that is changing over time," "starting from what one can do while ensuring one's own health and safety," "continuing occupational health practice by devising efficient approaches while flexibly responding to the situation," "creating an environment that enables each occupational health team member to fulfill their role," and "adjusting the positions of occupational health departments within organizations to utilize networks." The following competencies were identified as skills required for occupational health professionals' disaster response and preparedness: "having the essential personal qualities of occupational health professionals," "establishing relationships of trust with employees and companies," and "linking one's experience of a disaster to future occupational health practice." CONCLUSIONS The competencies required for occupational health professionals in disaster management are disaster response and preparedness. Moreover, these aspects in disaster response and preparedness suggest that occupational health professionals are required to have strategic and creative thinking skills including organizational approaches such as boosting networking in the workplace and establishing employer-employee relationships based on multifaceted assessment and situational flexibility.

A 79-year-old man, who underwent femoropopliteal bypass surgery 1 month prior to admission, presented with fever and fatigue. ECG showed complete atrioventricular block. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed, revealing a round homogeneous right atrial mass and severe mitral regurgitation. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed involvement the coronary sinus (CS). Computed tomography imaging demonstrated abscess of the atrioventricular sulcus and infiltration of the CS.

Background/Aims This study aimed to study the outcome and survival of patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving drug-eluting beads (DEBs) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). In addition, tumor morphologies were correlated with the response and survival to analyze the association of morphology with the outcome. Methods Patients with large HCC (>5 cm) who underwent DEB-TACE for palliation were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were assessed for objective response (OR) and overall survival (OS), which was calculated from the first session of DEB-TACE to the last follow-up/death. OR and OS were calculated for the entire study group and were compared among the subgroups consisting of solitary versus multifocal HCC, unilobar versus bilobar disease, well-defined versus ill-defined HCC, and HCC with homogeneous enhancement versus HCC with heterogeneous enhancement. Results Sixty-seven DEB-TACE procedures were performed in 25 patients (average: 2.7 ± 1.4 sessions per patient). The mean lesion size was 9.9 ± 4.5 cm. Of 25 patients, 13 (52%) had multifocal HCC. Unilobar disease was seen in 15 patients (60%). The mean duration of follow-up was 24.4 months. OR at 6 and 12 months were 56% and 48%, respectively, with well-defined lesions showing better OR. The median OS was 28 months (95% confidence interval, 12.3–43.6). OS rate at 12 and 24 months was 92% and 57%, respectively. OS was seen to be superior in well-defined HCC and unilobar disease. Conclusion In this study, DEB-TACE has shown to have a good response in patients having large/multifocal HCC with preserved liver functions. Well-defined HCC and unilobar disease have a better response and survival.

To determine the learning curve (LC) of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) based on an excess weight loss (EWL).Observational study.Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, from December 2012 to April 2018.Data of patients, who were admitted to the general surgery clinic of a tertiary care hospital and underwent LSG, were retrospectively analysed. Three hundred and twenty-five patients, who had completed at least three months of follow-up after their operations, were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to the number of cases in which the lowest expected EWL values were achieved in the postoperative 3, 6, 12 and 24 months as per literature. Comorbidities, complications, duration of surgery and hospital stay were also evaluated in these groups.The groups were homogeneous in terms of age and body mass index. Group 3 had a significantly higher median EWL when compared to the other two groups (p0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 in terms of diabetes mellitus and remission of thyroid function tests (p = 0.013 and p=0.017, respectively). There were 40 minutes difference in operating time and two-day difference in hospital stay between the median values of Group 1 and Group 3 (p0.001).LSG can be safely performed even in centres that have just started bariatric/metabolic surgical operations. Although proficiency seems to require at least 40 cases, more than 80 operations are needed to complete the LC and achieve ideal results. Key Words: Bariatric surgery, Learning curve, Metabolic surgery, Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Introduction: Vestibular migraine as an entity was described in 1999 and its pathophysiology is still not established. Simultaneously with research to better understand vestibular migraine, there has been an improvement in vestibular function assessment. The video-head impulse test is one of the latest tools to evaluate vestibular function, measuring its vestibular-ocular reflex gain. Objective: To evaluate vestibular function of vestibular migraine patients using video-head impulse test. Methods: Cross-sectional case-control study homogeneous by age and gender with vestibular migraine patients according to the 2012-2013 Barany Society/International Headache Society diagnostic criteria submitted to video-head impulse test during intercrisis period. Results: 31 vestibular migraine patients were evaluated with a predominantly female group (90.3%) and mean age of 41 years old. Vestibular function was normal in both patient and control groups. Gain values for horizontal canals were similar between the two groups, but gain values for vertical canals were higher in the group with vestibular migraine (p < 0.05). Patients with vestibular migraine felt more dizziness while performing the video-head impulse test than control subjects (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with vestibular migraine present normal vestibular function during intercrisis period when evaluated by video-head impulse test. Vertical canals, however, have higher gains in patients with vestibular migraine than in control subjects. Vestibular migraine patients feel dizziness more often while conducting video-head impulse test. Resumo Introdução: A enxaqueca vestibular foi descrita como uma entidade em 1999 e sua fisiopatologia ainda não está estabelecida. Simultaneamente às pesquisas para entender melhor essa condição clínica, houve uma melhoria na avaliação da função vestibular. O teste de impulso cefálico por vídeo, vHIT, é uma das mais recentes ferramentas para avaliar a função vestibular, mede seu ganho do reflexo vestíbulo-ocular. Objetivo: Avaliar com o vHIT a função vestibular de pacientes com enxaqueca vestibular. Método: Estudo transversal de caso-controle, homogêneo em relação a idade e sexo, de pacientes com enxaqueca vestibular, de acordo com os critérios de diagnóstico da Barany Society/International Headache Society de 2012-2013, submetidos ao vHIT durante o período intercrises. Resultados: Foram avaliados 31 pacientes com enxaqueca vestibular com um grupo predominantemente feminino (90,3%) e média de 41 anos. A função vestibular era normal nos grupos paciente e controle. Os valores de ganho para canais horizontais foram semelhantes entre os dois grupos, mas os valores de ganho para canais verticais foram maiores no grupo com enxaqueca vestibular (p < 0,05). Pacientes com enxaqueca vestibular sentiram mais tontura ao fazer o vHIT do que os controles (p < 0,001). Conclusões: Pacientes com enxaqueca vestibular apresentam função vestibular normal durante o período intercrises quando avaliados pelo vHIT. Os canais verticais, no entanto, apresentam ganhos maiores em pacientes com enxaqueca vestibular do que em indivíduos controle. Pacientes com enxaqueca vestibular sentem tontura com maior frequência enquanto fazem o vHIT.

Fabricating highly homogeneous plasmonic nanostructures over a large area and optically evaluating their structural quality are challenging. Here, we propose an elegant approach to achieve various ...

Contains fulltext : 248366.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Structural brain alterations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are heterogeneous, with limited effect sizes overall. In this study, we aimed to identify subgroups in ASD, based on neuroanatomical profiles; we hypothesized that the effect sizes for case/control differences would be increased in the newly defined subgroups. Analyzing a large data set from the ENIGMA-ASD working group (n = 2661), we applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to seven subcortical volumes of individuals with and without ASD to uncover the underlying organization of subcortical structures. Based on earlier findings and data availability, we focused on three age groups: boys ( = 22 years). The resulting factor scores were used in a community detection (CD) analysis to cluster participants into subgroups. Three factors were found in each subsample; the factor structure in adult men differed from that in boys and male adolescents. From these factors, CD uncovered four distinct communities in boys and three communities in adolescents and adult men, irrespective of ASD diagnosis. The effect sizes for case/control comparisons were more pronounced than in the combined sample, for some communities. A significant group difference in ADOS scores between communities was observed in boys and male adolescents with ASD. We succeeded in stratifying participants into more homogeneous subgroups based on subcortical brain volumes. This stratification enhanced our ability to observe case/control differences in subcortical brain volumes in ASD, and may help to explain the heterogeneity of previous findings in ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Structural brain alterations in ASD are heterogeneous, with overall limited effect sizes. Here we aimed to identify subgroups in ASD based on neuroimaging measures. We tested whether the effect sizes for case/control differences would be increased in the newly defined subgroups. Based on neuroanatomical profiles, we succeeded in stratifying our participants into more homogeneous subgroups. The effect sizes of case/control differences were more pronounced in some subgroups than those in the whole sample.

PURPOSE To derive the isodose line R relative to the prescription dose below which irradiated normal tissue (NT) regions benefit from a hypofractionated schedule with an isoeffective dose to the tumor. To apply the formalism to clinical case examples. METHODS From the standard biologically effective dose (BED) equation based on the linear-quadratic (LQ) model, the BED of an NT that receives a relative proportion r of the prescribed dose per fraction for a given α/β-ratio of the tumor, (α/β)T , and NT, (α/β)NT , is derived for different treatment schedules while keeping the BED to the tumor constant. Based on this, the "break-even" isodose line R is then derived. The BED of NT regions that receive doses below R decreases for more hypofractionated treatment schedules, and hence a lower risk for NT injury is predicted in these regions. To assess the impact of a linear behavior of BED for high doses per fraction (>6 Gy), we evaluated BED also using the LQ-linear (LQ-L) model. RESULTS The formalism provides the equations to derive the BED of an NT as function of dose per fraction for an isoeffective dose to the tumor and the corresponding break-even isodose line R. For generic α/β-ratios of (α/β)T = 10 Gy and (α/β)NT = 3 Gy and homogeneous dose in the target, R is 30%. R is doubling for stereotactic treatments for which tumor control correlates with the maximum dose of 100% instead of the encompassing isodose line of 50%. When using the LQ-L model, the notion of a break-even dose level R remains valid up to about 20 Gy per fraction for generic α/β-ratios and DT=2(α/β) . CONCLUSIONS The formalism may be used to estimate below which relative isodose line R there will be a differential sparing of NT when increasing hypofractionation. More generally, it allows to assess changes of the therapeutic index for sets of isoeffective treatment schedules at different relative dose levels compared to a reference schedule in a compact manner.

Terrorist events typically vary along many dimensions, making it difficult to identify their economic effects. This paper analyses the impact of terrorism on international trade by examining a series of three large-scale terrorist incidents in France over the period from January 2015 to July 2016. Using firm-level data at monthly frequency, we document an immediate and lasting decline in cross-border trade after a mass terrorist attack. According to our estimates, France’s trade in goods, which accounts for about 70% of the country’s trade in goods and services, is reduced by more than 6 billion euros in the first 6 months after an attack. The reduction in trade mainly takes place along the intensive margin, with particularly strong effects for partner countries with low border barriers to France, for firms with less frequent trade activities and for homogeneous products. A possible explanation for these patterns is an increase in trade costs due to stricter security measures.

Objectives Serum indices included in clinical chemistry instruments are widely used by laboratories to assess the quality of samples. Instruments that report quantitative results allow an evaluation of their diagnostic performance in a similar way to other biochemical tests. The Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQC-ML) launched a monthly External Quality program of serum indices in 2018 using three lyophilized materials of simultaneous annual distribution. We present the results of the first three years of the program. Methods The use of four different quality control materials with different concentrations in three alternate months allows an annual evaluation of the participant’s accuracy. Assigned values are established by consensus among homogeneous groups, considering necessary at least 10 participants for a comparison at instrument level. The average percentage difference results per instrument allow the assessment of bias among groups. Results The imprecision of the three indices ranges between 3 and 9%, with no major differences among instruments. Significant differences were observed in all indices among instruments with more than 10 participants (Roche Cobas, Abbott Architect, Abbott Alinity and Siemens Advia). The 90th percentile of the distribution of percentage differences was used as the analytical performance specification (APS). An improvement in performance was observed in the first three years of the program, probably due to the learning curve effect. In 2020, APS of 7.8, 12.2 and 9.7% were proposed for hemolytic, icteric and lipemic indices, respectively. Conclusions Serum indices have a great impact on the quality and the reliability of laboratory test results. Participation in proficiency testing programs for serum indices is helpful to encourage harmonization among providers and laboratories.

Cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloys are widely known for their biomedical applications due to their numerous favorable characteristics. The fabrication process for these alloys is crucial and plays an important role in the mechanical and metallurgical properties. Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a type of additive manufacturing technique, which includes selective laser melting (SLM) process as one of the 3D printing techniques that is used for CoCr fabrication. There are different SLM process parameters that affect the mechanical properties of the built part. The present work is the review of different parameters that affect the component manufactured using SLM. It was found that the laser scanning speed was the most influential factor for the density and hardness of the SLM formed CoCr alloys. It was also found that the mechanical properties of the SLM manufactured CoCr alloys are higher as compared to the cast alloys due to the dense, compact, homogeneous, and finer microstructure formed during the SLM process.

INTRODUCTION To describe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the differentiation of malignant from benign parietal pleural lesions (PPLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS From November 2005 to June 2019, 63 patients with histologically/cytologically confirmed PPLs were investigated by CEUS. On CEUS, the extent of enhancement (EE; marked or reduced/absent) and the homogeneity of enhancement (HE; homogeneous or inhomogeneous) were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS In total, 24/63 lesions were benign, and 39/63 lesions were malignant. On CEUS, 11/24 benign and 36/39 malignant lesions showed a marked enhancement. A marked enhancement was significantly more frequently associated with malignancy compared with benign lesions (p

We report a unique case of a 25-year-old man who was incidentally identified to have a mass in the left adrenal gland region by computerized tomography scan. The image revealed a 1.8 × 1.6 cm, well-defined adrenal mass with moderately homogeneous enhancement. The mass was laparoscopically completely removed, and the diagnosis of a solid variant glomus tumor of the adrenal gland was rendered. There were no histologic features indicating atypia or malignance and no primary tumors anywhere else. The patient was free of disease at the 6-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case of primary adrenal glomus tumor described in the literature.

La SRP (« Space Reference Points ») est une base mondiale, précise, dense et homogène de points 3D géoréférencés qui est réalisée à partir de l’archive d’images SPOT6/7. Ce projet, mené en partenariat entre l’Institut national de l’information géographique et forestière (IGN) et Airbus Defense and Space (ADS), permet le calage géométrique automatique d’images très haute résolution avec une précision de l’ordre de 3m partout dans le monde. La SRP sur l’Afrique a été produite au cours de l’année 2019. Les contrôles qualité confirment le respect des spécifications attendues pour ce produit. Les particularités des paysages rencontrés sur ce continent ont conduit à intégrer de nouvelles fonctionnalités à la chaîne de production. Tout d’abord, la sélection des images SPOT6/7 a été enrichie sur la zone intertropicale en prenant en compte les masques de nuage fournis avec les produits, permettant d’obtenir une densité de points SRP optimale pour la zone. Ensuite, un prototype de socle de calage exploitant des ortho-images Sentinel-2 a montré la capacité de cette méthodologie à assurer la spécification de localisation à 3m sur un archipel d’îles (ici le Cap Vert). Afin de valider pleinement le produit, l’article présente deux tests d’exploitation sur le Nigéria pour des productions 2D et sur la ville de Marrakech pour des productions 3D. Ils démontrent la capacité de la SRP à caler différents types d’images et à atteindre la cible de précision de la base. La SRP est destinée, dès 2021, à assurer le calage d’images dans différents projets et notamment, de façon massive, dans le segment sol Pléiades Neo.

In mining engineering, coal and gas outburst is extremely dangerous dynamic disaster, which will cause serious casualties and property losses. As a method to predict coal burst, the drilling cutting method has been widely used in coal mines. The drilling cutting weight is an important index of the drilling cutting method. In theoretical calculation, scholars usually assume that the coal is isotropic and homogeneous before drilling to deduce the formula of drilling cutting weight. However, in actual mining engineering, drilling cutting is usually carried out in the plastic coal body in front of the working face. Therefore, in the present study, the theoretical formula of the drilling cutting weight in the plastic coal mass is deduced, as well as in the elastic coal mass. The results show that the drilling cutting weight calculated based on the deduced formula increases with the increase of drilling depth in the plastic coal mass, which is consistent with the field measurement results. The fragmentation degrees of coal around the drilling hole are also considered by introducing cohesion, which changes linearly along the radial direction of the drilling hole. The results show that the smaller the cohesion, the greater the drilling cutting weight. The calculation formula for drilling cutting in elastic coal mass is also given. The dilatancy effect of coal around the drilling hole is also considered by introducing expansion coefficient n, which changes linearly along the radial direction of the drilling hole. There is a good match between the theoretical calculation results and the laboratory test results. The obtained results are helpful for the prediction and prevention of coal burst.

In this paper, motivated by considerations of server utilization and energy consumption in cloud computing, we investigate a homogeneous queueing system with a threshold-based workload control sche...

This paper considers computer vision (CV) systems in which a central monitoring station receives and analyzes the video streams captured and delivered wirelessly by multiple cameras. It addresses how the bandwidth can be allocated to various cameras by presenting a cross-layer solution that optimizes the overall detection or recognition accuracy. In further contrast with prior work, it presents and develops a real CV system and subsequently provides a detailed experimental analysis of cross-layer optimization. Other unique features of the developed solution include employing the popular HTTP streaming approach, utilizing homogeneous cameras as well as heterogeneous ones with varying capabilities and limitations, and including a new algorithm for estimating the effective medium airtime. The results show that the proposed solution significantly improves the CV accuracy.

To evaluate the potential benefit of HyperArc (HA) fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for the benign brain lesion. Sixteen patients with a single deep-seated, centrally located benign brain lesion treated by CyberKnife (CK, G4 cone-based model) were enrolled. Treatment plans for HA with two different optimization algorithms (SRS NTO and ALDO) and coplanar RapidArc (RA) were generated for each patient to meet the corresponding treatment plan criteria. These four FSRT treatment plans were divided into two groups—the homogeneous delivery group (HA-SRS NTO and coplanar RA) and the inhomogeneous delivery group (HA-ALDO and cone-based CK)—to compare for dosimetric outcomes. For homogeneous delivery, the brain V5, V12, and V24 and the mean brainstem dose were significantly lower with the HA-SRS NTO plans than with the coplanar RA plans. The conformity index, high and intermediate dose spillage, and gradient radius were significantly better with the HA-SRS NTO plans than with the coplanar RA plans. For inhomogeneous delivery, the HA-ALDO exhibited superior PTV coverage levels to the cone-based CK plans. Almost all the doses delivered to organs at risk and dose distribution metrics were significantly better with the HA-ALDO plans than with the cone-based CK plans. Good dosimetric distribution makes HA an attractive FSRT technique for the treatment of benign brain lesions.