Can semi-quantitative evaluation of uncertain (type II) time-intensity curves improve diagnosis in breast DCE-MRI?

Objective/Background: Qualitative assessment of uncertain (type II) time-intensity curves (TICs) in breast DCE-MRI is problematic and operator dependent. The aim of this work is to evaluate if a semi-quantitative assessment of uncertain TICs could improve overall diagnostic performance. Methods: In this study 49 lesions from 44 patients were retrospectively analysed. Per each lesion one region-of-interest (ROI)- averaged TIC was qualitatively evaluated by two radiologists in consensus: all the ROIs resulted in type II (uncertain) TIC. The same TICs were semi-quantitatively re-classified on the basis of the difference between the signal intensities of the last-time-point and of the peak: this difference was classified according to two different cut-off ranges (±5% and ±3%). All patients were cytological or histological biopsy proven. Fisher test and McNemar test were performed to evaluate if results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Results: Using ±5% cut-off 16 TICs were reclassified as type III and 12 as type I while 21 were reclassified again as type II. Using ±3% 22 TICs were reclassified as type III and 16 as type I while 11 were reclassified again as type II. The semi-quantitative classification was compared to the histological-cytological results: the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values obtained with ±3% were 77%, 91%, 91% and 78% respectively while using ±5% were 58%, 96%, 94% and 68% respectively. Using the ±5% cut-off 26/28 (93%) TICs were correctly reclassified while using the ±3% cut-off 34/38 (90%) TICs were correctly reclassified (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Semi-quantitative methods in kinetic curve assessment on DCE-MRI could improve classification of qualitatively uncertain TICs, leading to a more accurate classification of suspicious breast lesions.

Method for determining the position of landslide slip-surface with a typical inclinometric curves

In the actual monitoring of deep hole displacement,the identification of slip surfaces is primarily based on abrupt changes observed in the inclinometric curve.In conventional identification methods,inclinometric curves exhibiting indications of sliding can be categorized into three types:B-type,D-type,and r-type.The position of the slip surface is typically determined by identifying the depth corresponding to the point of maximum displacement mutation.However,this method is sensitive to the interval of measurement points and the observation scale of the coordinate axes and suffers from unclear sliding surfaces and uncertain values.Based on the variation characteristics of these diagonal curves,we classified the landslide into three components:the sliding body,the sliding interval,and the immobile body.Moreover,three different generalization models were established to analyze the relationships between the curve form and the slip surface location based on different physical indicators such as displacement rate,relative displacement,and acceleration.The results show that the displacement rate curves of an r-type slope exhibit a clustering feature in the sliding interval,and by solving for the depth of discrete points within the step phase,it is possible to determine the location of the slip surface.On the other hand,D-type slopes have inflection points in the relative displacement curve located at the slip surface.The acceleration curves of B-type slopes exhibit clustering characteristics during the sliding interval,while the scattered acceleration data demonstrate wandering characteristics.Consequently,the slip surface location can be revealed by solving the depth corresponding to the maximum acceleration with cubic spline interpolation.The approach proposed in this paper was applied to the monitoring data of a landslide in Yunnan Province,China.The results indicate that our approach can accurately identify the slip surface location and enable computability of its position,thereby enhancing applicability and reliability of the deep-hole displacement monitoring data.

A comparative study of data-driven battery capacity estimation based on partial charging curves

With its generality and practicality, the combination of partial charging curves and machine learning(ML) for battery capacity estimation has attracted widespread attention. However, a clear classification,fair comparison, and performance rationalization of these methods are lacking, due to the scattered existing studies. To address these issues, we develop 20 capacity estimation methods from three perspectives:charging sequence construction, input forms, and ML models. 22,582 charging curves are generated from 44 cells with different battery chemistry and operating conditions to validate the performance. Through comprehensive and unbiased comparison, the long short-term memory(LSTM) based neural network exhibits the best accuracy and robustness. Across all 6503 tested samples, the mean absolute percentage error(MAPE) for capacity estimation using LSTM is 0.61%, with a maximum error of only 3.94%. Even with the addition of 3 m V voltage noise or the extension of sampling intervals to 60 s, the average MAPE remains below 2%. Furthermore, the charging sequences are provided with physical explanations related to battery degradation to enhance confidence in their application. Recommendations for using other competitive methods are also presented. This work provides valuable insights and guidance for estimating battery capacity based on partial charging curves.

Analytical Determination of Size and Location of Roadside Horizontal Sightline Offsets for Compound Curves

AASHTO’s guideline for geometric design of highways and similar guidelines require that roadside areas on the inside of horizontal curves be cleared of high objects to provide stopping sight distance. The guidelines have analytical models for determining the extent of clearance, known as the horizontal sightline offset or clearance offset, for simple curves. Researchers in the past have developed analytical models for clearance offsets for spiraled and reverse curves. Very few researchers developed analytical models for available sight distances for compound curves. Still missing are models for horizontal sightline offsets and locations of the offsets for compound curves. The objective of this paper is to present development of analytical models and charts for determining horizontal sightline offsets and their locations for compound curves. The paper considers curves whose component arcs are individually shorter than stopping sight distance. The resulting models and the charts have been verified with accurate values determined using graphical methods. The models and the charts will find application in geometric design of highway compound curves.

Sensitive Information Security Based on Elliptic Curves

The elliptic curve cryptography algorithm represents a major advancement in the field of computer security. This innovative algorithm uses elliptic curves to encrypt and secure data, providing an exceptional level of security while optimizing the efficiency of computer resources. This study focuses on how elliptic curves cryptography helps to protect sensitive data. Text is encrypted using the elliptic curve technique because it provides great security with a smaller key on devices with limited resources, such as mobile phones. The elliptic curves cryptography of this study is better than using a 256-bit RSA key. To achieve equivalent protection by using the elliptic curves cryptography, several Python libraries such as cryptography, pycryptodome, pyQt5, secp256k1, etc. were used. These technologies are used to develop a software based on elliptic curves. If built, the software helps to encrypt and decrypt data such as a text messages and it offers the authentication for the communication.

Quantitative Assessment of Right Ventricular Systolic Function by the Analysis of Right Ventricular Contrast Time-intensity Curve

Summary: To study reliability and reliable indices of quantitative assessment of right ventricular systolic function by time-intensity curve (TIC) with right ventricular contrast, 5 % sonicated human albumin was injected intravenously at a does of 0.08 ml/kg into 10 dogs at baseline status and cardiac insufficiency. Apical four-chamber view was observed for washin and washout of contrast agent from right ventricle. The parameters of TIC were obtained by curve fitting. The differences of parameters were analyzed in different states of cardiac functions. Among the parameters derived from TIC, the time constant (k) was decreased significantly with decline of cardiac function (P<0.001). But half-time of decent of peak intensity (HT) and mean-transit-time (MTT) of washout were increased significantly (P<0.001). The k was strongly related to cardiac output of right ventricle (CO) and ejection fraction (EF) of left ventricle and fractional shortening (FS) of left ventricle. Right ventricular systolic function could be assessed reliably by the parameters derived from TIC with right ventricular contrast echocardiography. The k, HT and MTT are reliable indices for quantitative assessment of right ventricular systolic function.

A Novel Contour Tracing Algorithm for Object Shape Reconstruction Using Parametric Curves

Parametric curves such as Bézier and B-splines, originally developedfor the design of automobile bodies, are now also used in image processing andcomputer vision. For example, reconstructing an object shape in an image,including different translations, scales, and orientations, can be performedusing these parametric curves. For this, Bézier and B-spline curves can be generatedusing a point set that belongs to the outer boundary of the object. Theresulting object shape can be used in computer vision fields, such as searchingand segmentation methods and training machine learning algorithms. Theprerequisite for reconstructing the shape with parametric curves is to obtainsequentially the points in the point set. In this study, a novel algorithm hasbeen developed that sequentially obtains the pixel locations constituting theouter boundary of the object. The proposed algorithm, unlike the methods inthe literature, is implemented using a filter containing weights and an outercircle surrounding the object. In a binary format image, the starting point ofthe tracing is determined using the outer circle, and the next tracing movementand the pixel to be labeled as the boundary point is found by the filter weights.Then, control points that define the curve shape are selected by reducing thenumber of sequential points. Thus, the Bézier and B-spline curve equationsdescribing the shape are obtained using these points. In addition, differenttranslations, scales, and rotations of the object shape are easily provided bychanging the positions of the control points. It has also been shown that themissing part of the object can be completed thanks to the parametric curves.

Quantitative Assessment of Coronary Flow Reserve by the Variables of Time-Intensity Curve with Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography

The reliability and reliable indexes of q ua ntitative assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR) by using time intensity cur ve (TIC) via myocardial contrast echocardiography were investigated. The TIC var iables were obtained by employing acoustic densitometry (AD) technique before an d after acetylcholine (Ach) injection in 12 dogs. Meanwhile, the correlation be tween these variables and CFR was analyzed. Among the variables derived from TIC , peak intensity (PI), area under the curve (AUC) and descending slope (DS) were increased significantly ( P <0.05) with the increase of coronary blood flow a fter Ach injection. Conversely, time to peak (TP), half time of descent (HT) , and mean transit time (MTT) were decreased remarkably ( P <0.0001). Th e P I and AUC ratios from post to pre Ach injection were strongly associated with CFR with the correlation coefficient (r) being 0.8366 and 0.8824, respectively. It is reliable by using the variables derived from TIC with myocardial contrast echocardiography to quantitatively evaluate regional myocardial CFR. The PI an d AUC ratios from post to pre Ach injection are the reliable indexes for quan titative assessment of CFR.

Characterization of the generalized permeability jail in tight reservoirs by analyzing relative-permeability curves and numerical simulation

This study comprehensively characterizes the boundary values of generalized permeability jail in tight reservoirs through relative-permeability curve analysis,numerical simulation,and economic evaluation.A total number of 108 relative-permeability curves of rock samples from tight reservoirs were obtained,and the characteristics of relative-permeability curves were analyzed.The irreducible water saturation(Swi)mainly ranges from 20% to 70%,and the residual gas saturation(Sgr)ranges from 5% to 15% for 55% of the samples.The relative-permeability curves are categorized into six types(Category-Ⅰ to Ⅵ)by analyzing the following characteristics:The relative permeability of gas at Swi,the relative permeability of water at Sgr,and the relative permeability corresponding to the isotonic point.The relative permeability curves were normalized to facilitate numerical simulation and evaluate the impact of different types of curves on production performance.The results of simulation show significant difference in production performance for different types of relative-permeability curves:Category-Ⅰ corresponds to the case with best well performance,whereas Categories-Ⅴ and Ⅵ correspond to the cases with least production volume.The results of economic evaluation show a generalized permeability jail for Categories-Ⅳ,Ⅴ,and Ⅵ,and the permeability jail develops when the relative permeability of gas and water is below 0.06.This study further quantifies the range of micro-pore parameters corresponding to the generalized permeability jail for a tight sandstone reservoir.

Investigation of magnetization reversal and domain structures in perpendicular synthetic antiferromagnets by first-order reversal curves and magneto-optical Kerr effect

Perpendicular synthetic-antiferromagnet(p-SAF) has broad applications in spin-transfer-torque magnetic random access memory and magnetic sensors. In this study, the p-SAF films consisting of (Co/Ni)3]/Ir(tIr)/[(Ni/Co)3are fabricated by magnetron sputtering technology. We study the domain structure and switching field distribution in p-SAF by changing the thickness of the infrared space layer. The strongest exchange coupling field(Hex) is observed when the thickness of Ir layer(tIr) is 0.7 nm and becoming weak according to the Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida-type coupling at 1.05 nm,2.1 nm, 4.55 nm, and 4.9 nm in sequence. Furthermore, the domain switching process between the upper Co/Ni stack and the bottom Co/Ni stack is different because of the antiferromagnet coupling. Compared with ferromagnet coupling films, the antiferromagnet samples possess three irreversible reversal regions in the first-order reversal curve distribution.With tIrincreasing, these irreversible reversal regions become denser and smaller. The results from this study will help us understand the details of the magnetization reversal process in the p-SAF.

Quality influencing factors of dispersion curves from short period dense arrays based on a convolutional neural network across the north section of the Xiaojiang fault area

The number of dispersion curves increases significantly when the scale of a short-period dense array increases.Owing to a substantial increase in data volume,it is important to quickly evaluate dispersion curve quality as well as select the available dispersion curve.Accordingly,this study quantitatively evaluated dispersion curve quality by training a convolutional neural network model for ambient noise tomography using a short-period dense array.The model can select high-quality dispersion curves that exhibit a≤10%difference between the results of manual screening and the proposed model.In addition,this study established a dispersion curve loss function by analyzing the quality of the dispersion curve and the corresponding influencing factors,thereby estimating the number of available dispersion curves for the existing observation systems.Furthermore,a Monte Carlo simulation experiment is used to illustrates the station-pair interval distance probability density function,which is independent of station number in the observational system with randomly deployed stations.The results suggested that the straight-line length should exceed 15 km to ensure that loss rate of dispersion curves remains<0.5,while maintaining the threshold ambient noise tomography accuracy within the study area.

Research into Applicability of Wöhler Curve Method for Low-Cycle Fatigue of Metallic Materials

Recently,a description on a practicability of the Wöhler Curve Method for low-cycle fatigue of metals was given by the author.By the description and the low cycle fatigue test data of 16 MnR steel,it is important to show that,for low cycle fatigue of metals,such a way that a stress-based intensity parameter calculated by the linear-elastic analysis is taken to be a stress intensity parameter,S,to establish a relationship between the stress intensity parameter,S,and the fatigue life,N,is practicable.In this paper,many metallic materials from the literature are given to show that the Wöhler Curve Method is well suitable for low-cycle fatigue analysis of metals.

Bending results of graphene origami reinforced doubly curved shell

The present work investigates higher order stress,strain and deformation analyses of a shear deformable doubly curved shell manufactures by a Copper(Cu)core reinforced with graphene origami auxetic metamaterial subjected to mechanical and thermal loads.The effective material properties of the graphene origami auxetic reinforced Cu matrix are developed using micromechanical models cooperate both material properties of graphene and Cu in terms of temperature,volume fraction and folding degree.The principle of virtual work is used to derive governing equations with accounting thermal loading.The numerical results are analytically obtained using Navier's technique to investigate impact of significant parameters such as thermal loading,graphene amount,folding degree and directional coordinate on the stress,strain and deformation responses of the structure.The graphene origami materials may be used in aerospace vehicles and structures and defence technology because of their low weight and high stiffness.A verification study is presented for approving the formulation,solution methodology and numerical results.

A Non-Parametric Scheme for Identifying Data Characteristic Based on Curve Similarity Matching

For accurately identifying the distribution charac-teristic of Gaussian-like noises in unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)state estimation,this paper proposes a non-parametric scheme based on curve similarity matching.In the framework of the pro-posed scheme,a Parzen window(kernel density estimation,KDE)method on sliding window technology is applied for roughly esti-mating the sample probability density,a precise data probability density function(PDF)model is constructed with the least square method on K-fold cross validation,and the testing result based on evaluation method is obtained based on some data characteristic analyses of curve shape,abruptness and symmetry.Some com-parison simulations with classical methods and UAV flight exper-iment shows that the proposed scheme has higher recognition accuracy than classical methods for some kinds of Gaussian-like data,which provides better reference for the design of Kalman filter(KF)in complex water environment.

A Tutorial Review of the Solar Power Curve: Regressions, Model Chains, and Their Hybridization and Probabilistic Extensions

Owing to the persisting hype in pushing toward global carbon neutrality,the study scope of atmospheric science is rapidly expanding.Among numerous trending topics,energy meteorology has been attracting the most attention hitherto.One essential skill of solar energy meteorologists is solar power curve modeling,which seeks to map irradiance and auxiliary weather variables to solar power,by statistical and/or physical means.In this regard,this tutorial review aims to deliver a complete overview of those fundamental scientific and engineering principles pertaining to the solar power curve.Solar power curves can be modeled in two primary ways,one of regression and the other of model chain.Both classes of modeling approaches,alongside their hybridization and probabilistic extensions,which allow accuracy improvement and uncertainty quantification,are scrutinized and contrasted thoroughly in this review.

Effective dynamics for a spin-1/2 particle constrained to a curved layer with inhomogeneous thickness

We derive an effective Hamiltonian for a spin-1/2 particle confined within a curved thin layer with non-uniform thickness using the confining potential approach.Our analysis reveals the presence of a pseudo-magnetic field and effective spin–orbit interaction(SOI)arising from the curvature,as well as an effective scalar potential resulting from variations in thickness.Importantly,we demonstrate that the physical effect of additional SOI from thickness fluctuations vanishes in low-dimensional systems,thus guaranteeing the robustness of spin interference measurements to thickness imperfection.Furthermore,we establish the applicability of the effective Hamiltonian in both symmetric and asymmetric confinement scenarios,which is crucial for its utilization in one-side etching systems.

Nonlinear dynamics of a circular curved cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid based on the geometrically exact model

Due to the novel applications of flexible pipes conveying fluid in the field of soft robotics and biomedicine,the investigations on the mechanical responses of the pipes have attracted considerable attention.The fluid-structure interaction(FSI)between the pipe with a curved shape and the time-varying internal fluid flow brings a great challenge to the revelation of the dynamical behaviors of flexible pipes,especially when the pipe is highly flexible and usually undergoes large deformations.In this work,the geometrically exact model(GEM)for a curved cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid is developed based on the extended Hamilton's principle.The stability of the curved pipe with three different subtended angles is examined with the consideration of steady fluid flow.Specific attention is concentrated on the large-deformation resonance of circular pipes conveying pulsating fluid,which is often encountered in practical engineering.By constructing bifurcation diagrams,oscillating shapes,phase portraits,time traces,and Poincarémaps,the dynamic responses of the curved pipe under various system parameters are revealed.The mean flow velocity of the pulsating fluid is chosen to be either subcritical or supercritical.The numerical results show that the curved pipe conveying pulsating fluid can exhibit rich dynamical behaviors,including periodic and quasi-periodic motions.It is also found that the preferred instability type of a cantilevered curved pipe conveying steady fluid is mainly in the flutter of the second mode.For a moderate value of the mass ratio,however,a third-mode flutter may occur,which is quite different from that of a straight pipe system.

Remote sensing image encryption algorithm based on novel hyperchaos and an elliptic curve cryptosystem

Remote sensing images carry crucial ground information,often involving the spatial distribution and spatiotemporal changes of surface elements.To safeguard this sensitive data,image encryption technology is essential.In this paper,a novel Fibonacci sine exponential map is designed,the hyperchaotic performance of which is particularly suitable for image encryption algorithms.An encryption algorithm tailored for handling the multi-band attributes of remote sensing images is proposed.The algorithm combines a three-dimensional synchronized scrambled diffusion operation with chaos to efficiently encrypt multiple images.Moreover,the keys are processed using an elliptic curve cryptosystem,eliminating the need for an additional channel to transmit the keys,thus enhancing security.Experimental results and algorithm analysis demonstrate that the algorithm offers strong security and high efficiency,making it suitable for remote sensing image encryption tasks.

Beyond boundaries:Feasibility of curved linear array echoendoscope in appendiceal neoplasm detection

We recently read with great interest a study by Zhang et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.In our practice,we focus specifically on examining appendiceal mucinous neoplasms(AMNs)with endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)using different scopes.AMNs are rare neoplastic lesions characterized by an accumulation of mucin inside a cystic dilatation of the appendix.Clinically,they can present as nonspecific acute appendicitis.AMNs can turn into a life-threatening condition,termed pseudomyxoma peritonei,in which the ruptured appendix causes accumulation of mucin in the abdomen.Therefore,accurate and rapid diagnosis of AMN is essential.EUS is able to confirm and stage AMNs;although,EUS examination was once limited to the rectal and anal regions due to the conven-tional oblique-view scopes.With the emergence of new forward-view linear echoendoscopes and instruments like EUS miniprobes and overtubes,the scope of examination is changing.Herein,we discuss the feasibility of using the curved linear array echoendoscopes to examine cecal and appendiceal orifice lesions.

Resilient performance of self-centering hybrid rocking walls with curved interface under pseudo-static loading

Frame and rocking wall(FRW)structures have excellent resilient performance during earthquakes.However,the concrete at interfacial corners of rocking walls(RWs)is easily crushed due to local extreme compression during the rocking process.An innovative RW with a curved interface is proposed to prevent interfacial corners from producing local damage,enhancing its earthquake resilient performance(ERP).The precast wall panel with a curved interface is assembled into an integral self-centering hybrid rocking wall(SCRW)by two post-tensioned unbonded prestressed tendons.Moreover,two ordinary energy dissipation steel rebars and two shear reinforcements are arranged to increase the energy dissipation capacity and lateral resistance.Two SCRW specimens and one monolithic reinforced concrete(RC)shear wall(SW)were tested under pseudo-static loading to compare the ERPs of the proposed SCRW and the SW,focusing on studying the effect of the curved interface on the SCRW.The key resilient performance of rocking effects,failure modes,and hysteretic properties of the SCRW were explored.The results show that nonlinear deformations of the SCRW are concentrated along the interface between the SCRW and the foundation,avoiding damage within the SCRW.The restoring force provided by the prestressed tendons can effectively realize self-centering capacity with small residual deformation,and the resilient performance of the SCRW is better than that of monolithic SW.In addition,the curved interface of the SCRW makes the rocking center change and move inward,partially relieving the stress concentration and crush of concrete.The rocking range of the rocking center is about 41.4%of the width of the SCRW.