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Many seabirds congregate in large colonies for breeding, a time when they are central place foragers. An influential idea in seabird ecology posits that competition during breeding results in an area of reduced prey availability around colonies, a phenomenon known as Ashmole's halo, and that this limits colony size. This idea has gained empirical support, including the finding that species coexisting within a colony might be able to do so by foraging on a single prey species but at different distances. Here, we provide a comprehensive mathematical model for central place foragers exploiting a single prey in a two-dimensional environment, where the prey distribution is the result of intrinsic birth and death, movement in space, and mortality due to foraging birds (we also consider a variant tailored toward colonial social insects). Bird predation at different distances occurs according to an ideal free foraging distribution that maximizes prey delivery under flight and search costs. We fully characterize the birds' ideal free distribution and the prey distribution it generates. Our results show that prey depletion halos around breeding colonies are a robust phenomenon and that the birds' ideal free distribution is sensitive to prey movement. Furthermore, coexistence of several seabird species on a single prey easily emerges through behavioral niche partitioning whenever trait differences between species entail trade-offs between efficiently exploiting a scarce prey close to the colony and a more abundant prey far away. Such behavioral-based coexistence-inducing mechanism should generalize to other habitat and diet choice scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gravitational interactions between the LMC and the Milky Way cause dynamical perturbations in the MW halo, leading to biased distributions of stellar density and kinematics. We run 50 high-resolution N -body simulations exploring varying masses and halo shapes of the MW and LMC to study the evolution of LMC-induced perturbations. By measuring mean velocities of simulated halo stars, we identify a discontinuity between the first-infall and second-passage scenarios of the LMC's orbital history. In the first-infall, the Galactocentric latitudinal velocity hovers around 16 km s |$^{-1}$| for stars at 50–100 kpc, while it subsides to about 8 km s |$^{-1}$| in the second-passage scenario. We demonstrate that, this reduced perturbation magnitude in the second-passage scenario is mainly due to the short dynamical times of the Galactic inner halo and the lower velocity of the LMC during its second infall into the MW. Using a subset of |$\sim 1100$| RR Lyrae stars located in the outer halo (50 kpc |$\le R_{\mathrm{GC}}\lt $| 100 kpc) with precise distance estimates from Gaia, we find the mean latitudinal velocity (⁠|$v_{b}$|⁠) in the Galactocentric frame to be |$\langle v_{b} \rangle =18.1 \pm 4.1$|  km s |$^{-1}$| . The observation supports the first-infall scenario with a massive LMC (⁠|$\sim$| |$2.1 \times 10^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$|⁠) at infall, an oblate MW halo with a virial mass |$M_{200}\lt 1.4\times 10^{12}\,\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$| and a flattening parameter |$q\gt 0.7$|⁠. Our study indicates that LMC-induced kinematic disturbances can reveal its orbital history and key characteristics, as well as those of the MW. This approach shows promise in helping determine fundamental parameters of both galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the sonographic characteristics of thyroid nodules with a halo, explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with fine needle aspiration (FNA) in identifying nodules with a halo, and predict the risk of metastasis by analyzing the pathological features of the halo. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 185 postoperative cases of thyroid nodules accompanied by halos between January 2019 and December 2022. After describing the ultrasound characteristics of the thyroid nodules and their halos, all patients were divided into three groups, the first group (group I = CEUS only) of patients underwent CEUS, the second group (group II = CEUS + FNA) underwent FNA based on the first group, and the third group (group III = FNA only) underwent FNA directly. The CEUS and FNA results were graded using the Chinese Thyroid Imaging Report and Data System (C-TIRADS) and Bethesda Reporting System for Thyroid Cytopathology, respectively. Those graded below C-TIRADS 4b or Bethesda IV were defined as benign, and the results of FNA were referenced when the two methods were combined. The surgical pathology results were used as the gold standard. We plotted working curves to compare the diagnostic efficacy of CEUS and FNA alone and in combination in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules with halos. The pathological features of the halo were analyzed and the number of patients with cervical lymph node metastases was recorded. Results: One hundred and sixty patients met the requirements. Benign nodules were mainly characterized by a thin (0.75 ± 0.31 mm) and uniform halo with good integrity, while malignant nodules had a thicker (1.48 ± 0.51 mm) halo with uneven and irregular margins (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity were highest when the cutoff value was 1.09 mm, with 76.08% and 84.29%, respectively. The halos of benign nodules were mostly hyper- or iso-enhanced, whereas the halos of malignant nodules were predominantly hypo-enhanced (P < 0.05). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for CEUS, FNA, and CEUS + FNA were 0.751(95% CI = 0.642–0.841), 0.863(95% CI = 0.767–0.929), and 0.918(95% CI = 0.834–0.967), respectively. Cervical lymph node metastasis occurred in only 13 (11.5%) malignant nodes with halos. The primary pathological components of the halo around malignant nodules were almost reactive hyperplastic fibrous tissue. Conclusion: The halo surrounding malignant thyroid nodules is thicker, with uneven and irregular margins, and shows hypo-enhancement on CEUS. Combining CEUS with FNA improves the diagnostic efficacy of thyroid nodules with halos. The reactive hyperplastic fibrous halo may be one of the reasons why malignant nodules are less likely to metastasize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal cells play a critical role in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (BC), as they are recruited by tumor cells and regulate the metastatic spread. Though high expression of α-parvin, a member of the parvin family of actin-binding proteins, is reported to be associated with a poor prognosis and metastasis in several cancers, its role in carcinogenesis has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression of α-parvin in BC patients by compartmentalizing and quantifying tissues to determine whether α-parvin can be a potential therapeutic target. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of α-parvin in BC tissues, and the IHC scores were calculated in the overall tissue, stroma, and epithelium using image analysis software. The expression of α-parvin was significantly higher in BC tissues (p = 0.0002) and BC stroma (p < 0.0001) than in normal tissues. Furthermore, all α-parvin scores were significantly positively correlated with the proliferation marker Ki67. The overall and stroma scores are associated with the tumor, (lymph) node, and metastasis (TNM) classification, stage, and grade. These results suggest that high expression of α-parvin in stroma is associated with BCs and might be a new predictive marker for diagnosing BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nKEY POINTSStudies of lithogeochemical dispersion haloes of rare metal pegmatites, particularly those of economic interest, are known to display strong development of haloes of rare alkali elements (Li–Rb–Cs), in particular lithium, into country rocks. The use of these haloes in exploration for pegmatites has had apparently little application in an Australian context, where it has the potential to assist exploration undercover by expanding the known ‘footprint’ of these mineral systems. Dispersion haloes have two parts: proximal (typically of centimetres to metres thickness), characterised by visible changes to mineralogy relating to metasomatism, and distal, where there are typically cryptic geochemical changes, but no changes in host mineralogy. Collation of global data have shown that the lithogeochemical haloes of large rare metal pegmatites can extend laterally at least 200 m, with a few localities giving indications extending several kilometres along strike. Lithium displays the largest haloes, with Rb and Cs typically being less extensive; other elements are mostly localised close to the pegmatite wallrock interface. These haloes are more extensive in mafic host rocks than other host-rock types. Mafic host rocks also provide the best geochemical contrast for rare alkali elements. Of the 22 datasets reviewed here, many are simply ‘proof of concept’ studies based on single sample lines and may not have had their outer limits defined. The actual distribution of these haloes is likely to be controlled by anisotropies that control host-rock permeability in the host units, with fluids emanating from the rare metal pegmatites being commonly channelled into structures or exploiting foliation or bedding. Regional-scale structures are likely to control kilometre-scale haloes. Sheet silicates and amphiboles are the most important hosts for these elements, which consequently accumulate in units or structures rich in these minerals. The actual distributions of these elements are, in most cases, likely to be irregular and complex anomalies of varying three-dimensional shapes, and thus ‘vectoring’ based on systematic changes in concentration away from a source should be treated with caution. It is important to note that given anomaly types do not indicate the presence of particular minerals, such as spodumene. The presence of these haloes in Australian Archean cratons is supported by dispersion haloes in saprolite and saprock units in deep weathering profiles and is potentially applicable to lag sampling over near fresh or unweathered host-rock units in exposed terranes.Lithogeochemical haloes of Li–Rb–Cs represent a simple exploration tool that can be readily integrated into exploration workflows by assay of host rock units in proximity to LCT granitic pegmatites.Haloes extend laterally at least 200 m and show indications of kilometre-scale anomalies relating to structurally controlled fluid flow.Haloes are spatially more extensive and show greater geochemical contrast with backgrounds, in mafic host units.These rare alkali haloes may persist into weathered host-rock units such as saprolite in regolith profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To investigate the sonographic characteristics of thyroid nodules with a halo, explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with fine needle aspiration (FNA) in identifying nodules with a halo, and predict the risk of metastasis by analyzing the pathological features of the halo. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 185 postoperative cases of thyroid nodules accompanied by halos between January 2019 and December 2022. After describing the ultrasound characteristics of the thyroid nodules and their halos, all patients were divided into three groups, the first group (group I = CEUS only) of patients underwent CEUS, the second group (group II = CEUS + FNA) underwent FNA based on the first group, and the third group (group III = FNA only) underwent FNA directly. The CEUS and FNA results were graded using the Chinese Thyroid Imaging Report and Data System (C-TIRADS) and Bethesda Reporting System for Thyroid Cytopathology, respectively. Those graded below C-TIRADS 4b or Bethesda IV were defined as benign, and the results of FNA were referenced when the two methods were combined. The surgical pathology results were used as the gold standard. We plotted working curves to compare the diagnostic efficacy of CEUS and FNA alone and in combination in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules with halos. The pathological features of the halo were analyzed and the number of patients with cervical lymph node metastases was recorded. Results One hundred and sixty patients met the requirements. Benign nodules were mainly characterized by a thin (0.75 ± 0.31 mm) and uniform halo with good integrity, while malignant nodules had a thicker (1.48 ± 0.51 mm) halo with uneven and irregular margins (P

Karya seni performa "Rhythm 0" oleh Marina Abramovic telah menjadi salah satu karya seni kontemporer yang paling kontroversial sepanjang sejarah seni. Meskipun karya ini menunjukkan aspek-aspek manusia yang universal, karya tersebut juga menghadirkan isu tentang pencapaian manusia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang ilustrasi yang menggambarkan karya seni performa "Rhythm 0" karya Marina Abramovic dengan menggunakan teknik ilustrasi cat air yang dipadukan dengan gold leaf. Ilustrasi tersebut akan mempertimbangkan penggunaan prinsip dasar seni sebagai pedoman dalam pembuatan ilustrasi, serta mengintegrasikan elemen visual seperti lingkaran halo, daun palem, dan simbol Horus untuk menambah nilai artistik dan simbolis dalam ilustrasi tersebut. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian berbasis seni dan hermeneutika terhadap karya seni performa "Rhythm 0" kemudian divisualkan berupa simbol-simbol untuk menginterpretasikan pesan karya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan ilustrasi yang menggabungkan cat air dan gold leaf berhasil membantu mengungkap makna yang terkandung dalam karya "Rhythm 0", yaitu bahwa pencapaian kejayaan manusia sebenarnya hanya semu belaka dan tidak memiliki arti yang sejati. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini menyajikan kontribusi penting dalam memperkaya pemahaman kita tentang seni performa "Rhythm 0" dan potensi teknik ilustrasi cat air yang dipadukan dengan gold leaf dalam membantu memberikan interpretasi baru tentang pesan yang terkandung dalam karya seni.

The rotation of the Milky Way halo in the solar vicinity is studied using kinematic data of the GAIA DR3 catalog for RR Lyrae variable stars with parallax errors of less than 20%. Two criteria were used for selecting halo stars: kinematic and spatial. In both approaches, we confirm the existence of weak rotation of the halo in the direction opposite to the rotation of the Galactic disk with velocities of km/s for the kinematic criterion and km/s for the spatial criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halo nevi (leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum, Sutton’s nevus, leukopigmentary nevus, perinevoid vitiligo or perinevoid leukoderma) are melanocytic nevi surrounded by a halo of hypopigmentation or depigmentation. They are significantly more common in children and young people, with a peak incidence at the age of 15, withoutgender or racial predilection. The usual clinical course of a halo nevus involves gradual involution and subsequent complete regression of a centrally placed nevus that leaves behind an area of depigmentation. Typical halo nevi do not require treatment. Exceptionally, halo nevi develop from dysplastic nevi and malignant neoplasms of the skin (halo phenomenon). The paper presents a 12-year-old boy with changes in nevi on his back. During the last summer, a pale band developed around two nevi. The nevi became lighter and shrank. One of them has completely disappeared. Apart from basal cell carcinoma in the father, the presence of other atypical nevi, melanoma, vitiligo and autoimmune diseases in the personal and family anamnesis was not established. A typical halo nevus is diagnosed by clinical and dermatological examination and regular dermatological monitoring is advised. Halo nevi mostly develop from an acquired melanocytic nevus, but can be seen in dysplastic nevi, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. A thorough medical history, careful clinical and dermatological examination make it possible to identify atypical halo nevi that require a biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We research measurement conditions that allow omitting stray light blocking masks in camera‐based halo measurements of FALD LCDs. The stray light induced error is reduced by using high magnifications and stray light optimized hardware and test patterns. Our findings simplify halo measurements and enable simultaneous peak luminance and uniformity measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, using mini‐LED as the backlight with Local Dimming control algorithm is mainstream HDR program in LCD products. Currently Local Dimming still exists halo effect and other issues, this paper designs a Local Dimming algorithm, and uses FPGA to verify the algorithm, optimize halo, flicker and other issues. After halo effect test verification, halo effect is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) are short-lived, upper-atmospheric optical phenomena associated with thunderstorms. Their rapid and random occurrence makes manual classification laborious and time-consuming. This study presents an effective approach to automating the classification of TLEs using state-of-the-art Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and a Vision Transformer (ViT). The ViT architecture and four different CNN architectures, namely, ResNet50, ResNet18, GoogLeNet, and SqueezeNet, are employed and their performance is evaluated based on their accuracy and execution time. The models are trained on a dataset that was augmented using rotation, translation, and flipping techniques to increase its size and diversity. Additionally, the images are preprocessed using bilateral filtering to enhance their quality. The results show high classification accuracy across all models, with ResNet50 achieving the highest accuracy. However, a trade-off is observed between accuracy and execution time, which should be considered based on the specific requirements of the task. This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using transfer learning and pre-trained CNNs for the automated classification of TLEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe and rigid scoliosis represents a type of spinal deformity characterized by a Cobb angle exceeding 90° and a flexibility of less than 30%. Halo spinal traction remains the established standard for managing severe scoliosis, although alternative approaches such as temporary internal distraction rods and staged surgical correction exist. The primary objective of this investigation was to compare two cohorts of patients treated using these distinct methods to ascertain any divergences in terms of surgical and radiological outcomes, pulmonary function (PF), and quality of life (QoL). Methods: This study encompassed a total of 62 pediatric patients meeting the specified criteria, which included severe idiopathic scoliosis (major Cobb curve >90) and flexibility <30%. Group 1 (G1) underwent surgical intervention involving preoperative Halo gravity traction (HGT) succeeded by posterior spinal fusion (PSF). On the other hand, Group 2 (G2) underwent a two-stage procedure starting with a less invasive temporary internal distraction technique (LITID) prior to PSF. The radiological outcomes, PF, and QoL were documented and assessed over a monitoring period ranging from 2 to 5 years. Results: The average preoperative major curves (MCs) measured 124° and 122° in G1 and G2, respectively (p < 0.426). Initial flexibility, as observed in preoperative bending films, ranged from 18% in G1 to 21% in G2 (p < 0.001). Following the ultimate surgical intervention, the MCs were corrected to 45° and 37.4° in G1 and G2, respectively (p < 0.001). The percentage correction of the MCs was higher in G2 (63% vs. 70% in G1 and G2, respectively), with significant between-group disparities (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative thoracic kyphoses (TKs) were 96.5° in G1 and 92° in G2 (p = 0.782), which were rectified to 45.8° in G1 and 36.2° in G2 (p < 0.001), equating to correction rates of 55% and 60% in the respective groups. Initially, G2 exhibited lower values for the percentage of predicted lung volume (FVC) and predicted FEV1 compared with G1 (49% and 58% vs. 54.5% and 60.8%; N.S.). Nonetheless, both groups demonstrated enhancements in their FVC and FEV1 values over the follow-up period. Conclusions: The surgical management of severe and untreated spinal curvatures in the pediatric and adolescent population can be considered safe, with a tolerable incidence of minor complications. LITID emerges as a method offering improved QoL and pulmonary function, achieving notably substantial average corrections in deformity by 70% in the coronal plane and 60% in the sagittal plane, alongside a mean increase in trunk height of 10.8 cm. Furthermore, a typical reduction of 76% in rib humps and enhancements in respiratory function, as indicated by improvements in 1 s predicted forced expiratory volume (by 25–56%) and forced vital capacity (by 35–65%), were achieved, leading to a clinically and statistically significant enhancement in QoL when evaluated using SRS-22r, without resorting to more radical, high-risk procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal cells play a critical role in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (BC), as they are recruited by tumor cells and regulate the metastatic spread. Though high expression of α-parvin, a member of the parvin family of actin-binding proteins, is reported to be associated with a poor prognosis and metastasis in several cancers, its role in carcinogenesis has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression of α-parvin in BC patients by compartmentalizing and quantifying tissues to determine whether α-parvin can be a potential therapeutic target. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of α-parvin in BC tissues, and the IHC scores were calculated in the overall tissue, stroma, and epithelium using image analysis software. The expression of α-parvin was significantly higher in BC tissues (p = 0.0002) and BC stroma (p < 0.0001) than in normal tissues. Furthermore, all α-parvin scores were significantly positively correlated with the proliferation marker Ki67. The overall and stroma scores are associated with the tumor, (lymph) node, and metastasis (TNM) classification, stage, and grade. These results suggest that high expression of α-parvin in stroma is associated with BCs and might be a new predictive marker for diagnosing BC.

Abstract—A halo is a concentric zone (5–50 µm) of the altered surface of the leaf epidermis of wheat around the penetration site of the causative agent of powdery mildew Blumeria graminis. Halo variability was studied in a control and after treatment with metabolic inhibitors (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, bisindole-maleimide hydrochloride, diphenyleniodionium chloride, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, catalase, lanthanum nitrate). After amido black was staining, the epidermis fragments were observed as monochromatic circular blue, or bicolor red and blue structures, or as a system of several purple-red, blue, or slightly colored rings. All treatments contributed to a significant reduction in the rate successful penetration of the pathogen into plant cells with the formation of haustoria, the marker of susceptibility at the tissue level in this pathosystem. Halo sizes were increased by treating with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, a peroxidase and catalase inhibitor, and also by treating catalase, an enzyme that degrades hydrogen peroxide. Treatment with lanthanum nitrate, which blocks calcium channels, led to a significant decrease in the halo diameter. Halo associated with haustoria, were 1.5 times smaller compared with those observed in the absence of successful development of the pathogen. The correlation between the sizes of such halos and the occurrence frequency of haustoria is shown for the first time. The average sizes of paired large and small halos for each variant, as well as the average distances between them, reliably correlated with each other and weakly correlated with the number of haustoria. The data indicate the possibility of using some halo parameters in diagnosing the local viability of individual infectious units of B. graminis, as well as in tests for the wheat plant resistance to powdery mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we consider the problem of the evolution of the disk subsystem of galaxies, taking into account their halos. The global structure of the disk of galaxies strongly depends on the mass and shape of the halo. To this end, we have studied the evolution of nonradial oscillations of a nonstationary disk surrounded by a passive ellipsoidal halo with a uniform density. A system of equations for the evolution of a self-gravitating disk is obtained, taking into account the halo, in the form of matrix differential equations, and a method for its numerical analysis is developed to study the effect of the halo on disk formation. Numerical calculations were performed for various values of the system parameters, such as the initial perturbation, the circular speed of disk rotation, the ratio of the mass of the halo to the mass of the disk, and the time dependences of the major and minor semiaxes of the disk. The critical values of the system parameters are determined at which the halo stabilizes nonlinear and nonradial oscillations of the disk subsystem of galaxies at an early stage of their evolution.

Based on the structure input directly from the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc), we fully study reaction observables to search for halo evidence of 37Mg with the Glauber model. In this scheme, we evaluate the reaction cross sections of 20–37Mg bombarding a C target at 240 MeV/nucleon and find that most of the results agree well with the experimental data within 1σ uncertainty, especially good for the case of 37Mg. Our predicted doubling of the cross section change from 36Mg to 37Mg over that from 34Mg to 35Mg is consistent with a halo structure in 37Mg. Additionally, our calculated narrow longitudinal momentum distribution of 36Mg residues from 37Mg + 12C breakup agrees well with data and imply a nuclear size much larger than 35Mg. Furthermore, our study shows a dominant p-wave contribution to the longitudinal momentum distribution, supporting the conclusion that 37Mg is a p-wave halo nucleus. Our study provides the first unified description of the halo characteristics of 37Mg from nuclear structure to reaction dynamics.

Paediatric cardiopulmonary arrest is termed a High Acuity Low Occurrence event (HALO), being relatively rare but significant. In this article we look at causes and outcomes of paediatric cardiac arrest contrasting out-of-hospital and in-hospital arrests. We discuss key issues of physiological flow states as well as the current status of specific monitoring modalities during arrest. We look at current recommendations to optimize outcomes both during resuscitation and in the post-arrest care period. In particular, we discuss emergency extracorporeal resuscitation, risk factors associated with arrest in the peri-anaesthetic period and management in the post-arrest period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) are short-lived, upper-atmospheric optical phenomena associated with thunderstorms. Their rapid and random occurrence makes manual classification laborious and time-consuming. This study presents an effective approach to automating the classification of TLEs using state-of-the-art Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and a Vision Transformer (ViT). The ViT architecture and four different CNN architectures, namely, ResNet50, ResNet18, GoogLeNet, and SqueezeNet, are employed and their performance is evaluated based on their accuracy and execution time. The models are trained on a dataset that was augmented using rotation, translation, and flipping techniques to increase its size and diversity. Additionally, the images are preprocessed using bilateral filtering to enhance their quality. The results show high classification accuracy across all models, with ResNet50 achieving the highest accuracy. However, a trade-off is observed between accuracy and execution time, which should be considered based on the specific requirements of the task. This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using transfer learning and pre-trained CNNs for the automated classification of TLEs.

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Background: Severe spinal curvatures (SSCs) in children and adolescents have long been treated with preoperative Halo traction, in its various variations. There are also several radical techniques available for the management of neglected SSCs, such as osteotomies; however, these can be risky. Comparing the treatment outcomes when using preoperative Halo Gravity Traction (HGT) against the use of a Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod (MCGR) as a temporary internal distraction (TID) device, we evaluated the differences in surgical and radiological outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 30 patients with SSCs, treated with HGT followed by posterior spinal fusion (PSF; Group 1, n = 18) or treated using a temporary MCGR as a TID followed by PSF (Group 2, n = 12). All patients underwent surgical treatment between 2016 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were SSC > 90°, flexibility < 30%, and the use of preoperative HGT followed by PSF or the two-stage surgical procedure with initial TID rod placement (Stage 1) followed by PSF (Stage 2). The evaluated parameters were as follows: rib hump, trunk height, and radiographic outcomes. All parameters were collected preoperatively, after the initial surgery, after final correction and fusion, and during the final follow-up. Results: In Group 1, we evaluated 18 patients with a mean age of 15.5 years; in Group 2, we evaluated 12 patients with a mean age of 14.2 years. The interval between the staged procedures averaged 32.7 days. The mean preoperative main curves (MC) were 118° and 112° in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. After definitive surgery, the MC was corrected to 42° and 44° in G1 and G2, respectively. The mean percentage correction of the MC was similar in both groups (65% vs. 61% in G1 and G2, respectively). The mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis was 92.5° in G1 and 98° in G2, corrected to 43.8° in G1 and 38.8° in G2. Trunk height increased by 9 cm on average. Conclusions: There are no benefits in using a MCGR as a temporary internal distraction device in the management of neglected scoliosis in adolescents. Surgical treatment of severe scoliosis may be safe, with a reduced risk of potential complications, when using preoperative HGT. A specific intraoperative complication when using a MCGR as a temporary internal distraction device was a 50% risk of transient neuromonitoring changes, due to significant force applied to the spine and radical distraction of the spine. We achieved similar clinical, radiographic, and pulmonary function outcomes for both techniques. The use of HGT causes less blood loss with a shorter overall time under anesthesia. Partial correction significantly aids the subsequent operation by facilitating a gradual reduction in the curvature, thereby reducing the difficulty of surgical treatment and the risk of neurological deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One common complaint with natural opacified lenses is the deleterious effects of higher-order ocular aberrations and intraocular scatter, such as halos and starbursts, which are not always remedied with surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Blue-light filtering (BLF) IOL filter scatter-prone short-wave light. Here, we determine whether BLF IOL reduce halo and starburst size. This study was a case-control design, between- and within-subjects (contralateral implantation). Sixty-nine participants with either the BLF IOL (n = 25; AlconSN60AT), clear IOL (n = 24; AlconSA60AT or WF), or both (n = 20) IOL participated. Participants were exposed to a point source of broadband simulated sunlight, which created the appearance of halos/starbursts. Dysphotopsia was measured as the diameter of broadband light-induced halos and starbursts. A case-control analysis. Halo size was significantly larger (t[35.05] = 2.98, p = 0.005) in participants with the clear control lens (M = 3°55′ ± 2°48′), compared to the BLF IOL (M = 1°84′ ± 1°34′). Starburst size was not significantly different between groups. Contralateral analysis. Halo size was significantly smaller (t = −3.89, p =.001) in test eyes with the BLF (M = 3°16′ ± 2°35′) compared to the fellow control eyes (M = 5°42′ ± 3°17′). Starburst size was also significantly smaller (t = −2.60, p < 0.018) in BLF test eyes (M = 9°57′ ± 4°25′) than the fellow eye with the clear IOL (M = 12°33′ ± 5°25′). BLF IOL filter short-wave light and mimic retinal screening by the young, natural crystalline lens. Such filtering can reduce some deleterious effects of bright light by decreasing ocular diffusion/halos and starbursts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel objective evaluation method is proposed to quantify the picture quality. In particular, the effect of "halo" and ‍"backlight delay" is taken into consideration in the design of the evaluation pipeline. The objective evaluation method is used to test ‍the picture quality, and the results are compared with the subjective ones, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed evaluation ‍method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The goal of this study is to present the development of a machine learning based approach that utilizes phase space alone to separate the Gaia DR2 stars into two categories: those accreted onto the Milky Way from those that are in situ. Traditional selection methods that have been used to identify accreted stars typically rely on full 3D velocity, metallicity information, or both, which significantly reduces the number of classifiable stars. The approach advocated here is applicable to a much larger portion of Gaia DR2. Methods. A method known as "transfer learning" is shown to be effective through extensive testing on a set of mock Gaia catalogs that are based on the FIRE cosmological zoom-in hydrodynamic simulations of Milky Way-mass galaxies. The machine is first trained on simulated data using only 5D kinematics as inputs and is then further trained on a cross-matched Gaia/RAVE data set, which improves sensitivity to properties of the real Milky Way. Results. The result is a catalog that identifies ∼767 000 accreted stars within Gaia DR2. This catalog can yield empirical insights into the merger history of the Milky Way and could be used to infer properties of the dark matter distribution.

Abstract Background The results of halo sign in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules were conflicting, and the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in characterization of thyroid nodules with halo has not been fully evaluated. This study was therefore designed to investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound features in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules with halo sign on B-mode ultrasound. Material and methods Seventy-four consecutive thyroid nodules with halo sign on B-mode ultrasound were pathologically confirmed by surgery or fine needle aspiration, including 43 benign and 31 malignant lesions. All these lesions underwent pre-operative CEUS examination. The CEUS features, including enhanced time, enhanced intensity and homogeneity, and presence of enhancing ring, were compared between benign and malignant ones. Results Enhanced intensity was significant different between benign and malignant lesions with halo. Hypo-enhancement was more frequently detected in malignant nodules than that in benign ones, compared with iso-enhancement and hyper-enhancement (p = 0.013, and = 0.014, respectively). Detection rate of high-enhancing ring was significantly higher in benign nodules than that in malignant group (p = 0.001). While in nodules > 10 mm, only high-enhancing ring was the distinguishing feature between benign and malignant nodules. Conclusions Enhanced intensity and high-enhancing ring may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules with halo sign on B-mode ultrasound.

The article describes and analyzes important iconographic elements of Buddhist cult sculpture, which are distinguished by great diversity and semantic content. Attention is focused on the etymology and semantics of the pedestals on which the sculptures stand or sit. Thanks to the pedestals, the sculpture was separated from the everyday profane world, its status in the hierarchy of Buddhist deities was emphasized, and its sublime sacral character was demonstrated. It turns out that the arsenal of pedestals is quite diverse. The richness of its forms is traced – from simple pedestals, low bases, which still have a symbolic meaning, to complex architectural structures. The classic pedestal-throne, representing a cascade of lotus flowers, on which prominent characters of the Buddhist world sat, was a manifestation of their divine origin and moral purity. The specific features of the pedestals are studied – the throne as a semantic analogue of the sacred mountain Sumeru, as well as zoomorphic thrones with various mounts and animals, which occupied a significant place in the diverse set of pedestals. It has been established that radiant halos in the form of disks, fiery circles, mandorlas around the body of the sculpture, which are emitting rays, differ in form and style. Their symbolic aesthetics, which tell about the characters, their purpose and role in the Buddhist world, is considered. Mandorlas, based on a lotus petal, make up the picturesque background of the figures and compositionally unite the sculptural group. While halos above the head as a symbol of holiness most often have simple geometric shapes of a circle, or a hoop, and, in some cases, they are elongated at the top and decorated with symbols, mandorlas are always richly decorated, artistically refined and look as if woven from patterns. They give the figures a regal majesty and festivity. It is noted that the brightness of the images is enhanced by the golden sheen, and the luminosity of the images is the reason for the skillful ornamentation of the mandorlas and their rich decoration. It is concluded that patterns on pedestals, halos, and mandorlas are an important element of the composition, indicating the uniqueness of decorative solutions. The types of pedestals worked out over the centuries, often with overhanging openwork canopies, various halos and mandorlas completed in form, contributed to the enrichment of plastic images. The article gives an idea of how diversely such important informational signs of Buddhist deities as pedestals, halos, and mandorlas are presented in Japanese iconography.

About fifteen illustrated cloths have been preserved from medieval times in Iceland. One of them is an antependium from Svalbarð church on Svalbarðsströnd. The embroidered iconography on it is believed to depict the story of John the Apostle, who was the patron saint of the Svalbarð church. Upon closer inspection, the cloth appears to have been cut from a larger cloth, most likely a wall-hanging, in order to be used as an antependium. Moreover, the story that is embroidered on it seems to be related to secular people, because none of those appearing on it have halos around their heads, but halos are generally used in iconography to differentiate sanctified people from seculars. In this article, this discovery is discussed, and a theory that the embroidery shows the story of the most prominent woman of medieval Iceland, Ólöf the Rich, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the improvement of consumers' pursuit of display quality, in the field of LCD display, the direct‐light backlight technology is increasingly used in TV, MNT, NB, VR, Pad and even automotive display fields. Using this technology to zone the backlight can achieve local dimming technology, that is, adjust the brightness of the single backlight zone according to the image. Thus, high contrast ratio and high color gamut can be achieved while reducing power consumption. However, compared with the traditional edge‐light display, the halo effect of the direct‐light backlight display greatly affects the visual effect. At present, backlight design tends to be highly zoned, which will affect the halo effect and contrast ratio. And as customers pursue further improvement in optical property, the 3D reflector design to enhance the luminance of the single zone will also affect contrast ratio and halo effect. In this paper, we explored the influence of zone size and 3D reflector design on halo effect and contrast ratio, so as to guide the subsequent products to carry out appropriate zone size design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel objective evaluation method is proposed to quantify the picture quality. In particular, the effect of "halo" and "backlight delay" is taken into consideration in the design of the evaluation pipeline. The objective evaluation method is used to test the picture quality, and the results are compared with the subjective ones, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed evaluation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local dimming (LD) has been selected as the next mainstream display technology for automotive. The advantages over current edge‐lit LCDs and AMOLEDs are significant. Nevertheless, there are still many issues to be addressed. It must meet tough automotive requirements and safety standards and display automotive HMIs with high contrast and circular structures. The fault tolerance with HMI is much lower compared to displaying natural contents like that of TVs. Such an LD display is a tradeoff between performance like power saving and visual quality at one side and cost at other side. To lift this tradeoff, three methods need to be worked on and combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the relationships between ludic appropriation and the production of meaning in video games. By ludic appropriation, we refer to the act of performing in-game actions that were not designed or expected by the creators of a particular game, thus expanding the possibilities of producing meaningful interactions in this medium. This work is divided into three large blocks. First, we return to discussing particular aspects of games from theorists like Johan Huizinga, Roger Caillois, and Jacques Henriot. Next, we present the concepts of ludic freedom and ludic appropriation as developed by Maude Bonenfant. Finally, we analyze an episode of ludic appropriation by the community of players of Halo: Combat Evolved, seeking to exemplify, from a real case, the concepts worked throughout the text.

Background: The results of halo sign in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules were conflicting, and the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in characterization of thyroid nodules with halo has not been fully evaluated. This study was therefore designed to investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound features in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules with halo sign on B-mode ultrasound. Material and methods: Seventy-four consecutive thyroid nodules with halo sign on B-mode ultrasound were pathologically confirmed by surgery or fine needle aspiration, including 43 benign and 31 malignant lesions. All these lesions underwent pre-operative CEUS examination. The CEUS features, including enhanced time, enhanced intensity and homogeneity, and presence of enhancing ring, were compared between benign and malignant ones. Results: Enhanced intensity was significant different between benign and malignant lesions with halo. Hypo-enhancement was more frequently detected in malignant nodules than that in benign ones, compared with iso-enhancement and hyper-enhancement (p = 0.013, and = 0.014, respectively). Detection rate of high-enhancing ring was significantly higher in benign nodules than that in malignant group (p = 0.001). While in nodules > 10 mm, only high-enhancing ring was the distinguishing feature between benign and malignant nodules. Conclusions: Enhanced intensity and high-enhancing ring may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules with halo sign on B-mode ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important problem of remote monitoring of scattering particles in the lower atmosphere is the development of methods for obtaining information about the microstructure of the scattering layer based on the measured backscattered signal. The main parameters of the microstructure of the surface layer of the atmosphere (particle concentration and cross-sectional area) and main measured quantities during LiDAR sounding (backscattering and extinction coefficients) were considered. During a single-frequency LiDAR sounding, these coefficients can be associated with an equivalent scattering medium consisting of monodisperse particles. This makes it possible to interpret the backscattering and extinction coefficients based on the microstructure of an equivalent medium. The quantity directly related to the transverse particle size is the angular size of the halo around the beam propagating in the scattering medium. An example of a two-position sounding scheme was used to consider the methods for measuring the angular size of the halo around a beam that has passed through a scattering screen. The scattering screen represents an opaque plane with apertures, the projections of which are the images of the particles. It is shown that doubling of the angular size of the beam passing through the screen results in the optimized angular size measurement scheme. This can be achieved either by choosing a linear magnification, according to which the images of the particles on the screen are created, or by moving the screen along the sounding line. The implementation of these methods makes it possible to describe the polydisperse and nonspherical particles contained in the surface layer of the atmosphere by using the cross section of the equivalent particles. Thus, it becomes possible to use the remote methods to monitor the surface layer of the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the visual and refractive performance of the TECNIS Synergy (DFR00V-DFW150-225-300-375) multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and the AcrySof IQ PanOptix (TFAT00-30-40-50-60) multifocal IOL. Patients who underwent phacoemulsification and cataract extraction and received either a multifocal Synergy or PanOptix IOL were included. Monocular uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA), near (UNVA), and corrected distance (CDVA) visual acuities were assessed at three and six months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures of photic phenomena were also assessed. A total of 140 patients (224 eyes) were included in this study, with 69 patients (105 eyes) in the Synergy group and 71 patients (119 eyes) in the PanOptix group. There were no statistically significant differences in UIVA or CDVA measurements across all time points. When assessing UDVA, at three months postoperatively, there were more eyes in the PanOptix group with vision better than 20/40 (p = 0.04). At three and six months postoperatively, the average UNVA was superior in the Synergy group (p = 0.01, 0.002). While the Synergy group reported more night vision disturbances at one and three months (p = 0.01, 0.03), the PanOptix group had more night vision disturbances at six months (p = 0.02). Although not statistically significant, the AcrySof IQ PanOptix multifocal IOL demonstrated better UDVA and UIVA sooner postoperatively than the TECNIS Synergy multifocal IOL. The Synergy IOL provided statistically better UNVA compared to the PanOptix IOL at three and six months postoperatively. Synergy patients reported more early photic phenomena than PanOptix patients, which later diminished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The formation of a precursor film (PF) is always coupled with better wettability; thus, clarifying the formation mechanism is required to optimize the interfacial structures. However, recent research focuses on inert wetting systems at room temperature, which cannot guide practical material processing at high temperatures. In this review, PF formation mechanisms at high temperatures were reviewed. The mechanisms are surface diffusion, evaporation–condensation, subcutaneous infiltration, and rapid absorption and film overflow. In experimental metal/metal systems, the most probable mechanism is subcutaneous infiltration, related to the apparent contact angle, radius, and height of the gap between the substrate metal and the oxide film. The rapid absorption and film overflow mechanism usually occurs in metal/ceramic systems. The PF appearance for the adsorption mechanism must satisfy the paradox, that is, the relative inertial and high-affinity liquid/solid interface. Finally, another possible mechanism of PF appearance for the reactive wetting system at high temperatures was proposed, that is, the thin-surface transport mechanism. The PF formation is sensitive to external conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop thermodynamic and dynamic models for predicting and simulating PFs.

The Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) library DASH provides C++ container classes for distributed N-dimensional structured grids. This article presents enhancements on top of the DASH library to support stencil operations and halo areas to conveniently and efficiently parallelize structured grids. The improvements include definitions of multiple stencil operators, automatic derivation of halo sizes, efficient halo data exchanges, as well as communication hiding optimizations. The main contributions of this article are two-fold. First, the halo abstraction concept and the halo wrapper software components are explained. Second, the code complexity and the runtime of an example code implemented in DASH and pure Message Passing Interface (MPI) are compared.

Scoliosis is one of the most frequent spine deformities encountered in children and is regularly discovered after 15 years of age with a girls to boys ratio of 2:1. Vertebral arthrodesis involves both short and long term complications. Neurological complications consist of nerve root injuries, cauda equina or spinal cord deficit. Traction is a good orthopaedic technique of progressive deformity correction which attempts to minimize complications. The purpose of this study is to assess the complications that arise during halo gravity traction and to evaluate the correction of the scoliotic curves under traction. A single centre prospective study was conducted on 19 paediatric patients suffering from scoliosis that were admitted between 2019–2022. Traction-related complications were encountered in 94.7% of patients, with the most frequent being cervical pain (89.5%). It was followed by back pain, in 36.8% of the cases, with just 5.3% of the cases having experienced vertigo or pin displacement. Neurological symptoms were present in 26.3% of the patients and pin pain and pin infection equally affected 26.3% of patients. Even though minor halo related complications are frequent, with proper patient monitoring they can be addressed, thus making traction a safe method for progressive curve correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a 9.38‐inch transparent Micro‐LED display with 114 PPI and 70% transmittance. The prototype display shows high transmittance and high brightness through innovative pixel design layout and film layer stacking structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Researchers and practitioners have long been concerned about detrimental effects of socially desirable responding on the structure and criterion validity of personality assessments. The current research examined the effect of reducing evaluative item content of a Big Five personality assessment on test structure and criterion validity. We developed a new public domain measure of the Big Five called the Less Evaluative Five Factor Inventory (LEFFI), adapted from the standard 50-item IPIP NEO, and intended to be less evaluative. Participants (n = 3164) then completed standard (IPIP) and neutralized (LEFFI) measures of personality. Criteria were also collected, including academic grades, age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, protesting, religious worship, music preferences, dental hygiene, blood donation, other-rated communication styles, other-rated HEXACO personality, and cognitive ability (ICAR). Evaluativeness of items was reduced in the neutralized measure. Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability were maintained. Correlations between the Big Five were reduced in the neutralized measure and criterion validity was similar or slightly reduced in the neutralized measure. The large sample size and use of objective criteria extend past research. The study also contributes to debates about whether the general factor of personality and agreement with socially desirable content reflect substance or bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]