Staging liver fibrosis with various diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging models

BACKGROUND Diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)has been developed to stage liver fibrosis.However,its diagnostic performance is inconsistent among studies.Therefore,it is worth studying the diagnostic value of various diffusion models for liver fibrosis in one cohort.AIM To evaluate the clinical potential of six diffusion-weighted models in liver fibrosis staging and compare their diagnostic performances.METHODS This prospective study enrolled 59 patients suspected of liver disease and scheduled for liver biopsy and 17 healthy participants.All participants underwent multi-b value DWI.The main DWI-derived parameters included Mono-apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)from mono-exponential DWI,intravoxel incoherent motion model-derived true diffusion coefficient(IVIM-D),diffusion kurtosis imaging-derived apparent diffusivity(DKI-MD),stretched exponential model-derived distributed diffusion coefficient(SEM-DDC),fractional order calculus(FROC)model-derived diffusion coefficient(FROC-D)and FROC model-derived microstructural quantity(FROC-μ),and continuous-time random-walk(CTRW)model-derived anomalous diffusion coefficient(CTRW-D)and CTRW model-derived temporal diffusion heterogeneity index(CTRW-α).The correlations between DWI-derived parameters and fibrosis stages and the parameters’diagnostic efficacy in detecting significant fibrosis(SF)were assessed and compared.RESULTS CTRW-D(r=-0.356),CTRW-α(r=-0.297),DKI-MD(r=-0.297),FROC-D(r=-0.350),FROC-μ(r=-0.321),IVIM-D(r=-0.251),Mono-ADC(r=-0.362),and SEM-DDC(r=-0.263)were significantly correlated with fibrosis stages.The areas under the ROC curves(AUCs)of the combined index of the six models for distinguishing SF(0.697-0.747)were higher than each of the parameters alone(0.524-0.719).The DWI models’ability to detect SF was similar.The combined index of CTRW model parameters had the highest AUC(0.747).CONCLUSION The DWI models were similarly valuable in distinguishing SF in patients with liver disease.The combined index of CTRW parameters had the highest AUC.

A Meta-Analysis of the Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of circZFR in Human Gastrointestinal Cancers

Background: Studies of gastrointestinal (GIT) cancers have shown that circZFR could be involved in the development and progression of various GIT cancers. However, small sample sizes limit the clinical significance of these studies. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted to ascertain the actual involvement of circZFR in the development and prognosis of GIT cancers. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to December 31, 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to evaluate the association between circZFR expression and overall survival (OS). Publication bias was measured using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. Results: 10 studies having 659 participants were enrolled for meta-analysis. High circZFR expression was associated with poor OS (HR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.70). High circZFR expression also predicted larger tumor size (OR = 4.38, 95% CI 2.65, 7.25), advanced clinical stage (OR = 5.33, 95% CI 3.10, 9.16), and tendency for distant metastasis (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.11), but was not related to age, gender, and histological grade. Conclusions: In summary, high circZFR expression was associated with poor OS, larger tumor size, advanced stage cancer and tendency for distant metastasis. These findings suggested that circZFR could be a prognostic marker for GIT cancers.

Flower morphology of Allium(Amaryllidaceae)and its systematic significance

Allium is a complicated genus that includes approximately 1000 species.Although its morphology is well studied,the taxonomic importance of many morphological traits,including floral traits,are poorly understood.Here,we examined and measured the floral characteristics of 87 accessions of 74 Allium taxa(belonging to 30 sections and nine subgenera)from Central to Eastern Asian countries.We then examined the taxonomic relationships between select flower characteristics and a phylogenetic tree based on ITS sequences.Our results confirm that floral morphology provides key taxonomic information to assess species delimitation in Allium.We found that perianth color is an important characteristic within the subg.Melanocrommyum,Polyprason,and Reticulatobulbosa.In subg.Allium,Cepa,and Rhizirideum,significant characteristics include ovary shape,perianth shape,and inner tepal apex.For species in subg.Angunium,the key taxonomic character is ovule number(only one ovule in per locule).In the subg.Allium,Cepa,Polyprason,and Reticulatobulbosa,which belong to the third evolutionary line of Allium,hood-like appendages occur in the ovary,although these do not occur in subg.Rhizirideum.Our results also indicated that the flower morphology of several species in some sections are not clearly distinguished,e.g.,sect.Sacculiferum(subg.Cepa)and sect.Tenuissima(subg.Rhizirideum).This study provides detailed photographs and descriptions of floral characteristics and information on general distributions,habitats,and phenology of the studied taxa.

Elevating Image Steganography:A Fusion of MSB Matching and LSB Substitution for Enhanced Concealment Capabilities

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of communication technologies,ensuring the secure delivery of sensitive data has become an essential priority.To overcome these difficulties,different steganography and data encryption methods have been proposed by researchers to secure communications.Most of the proposed steganography techniques achieve higher embedding capacities without compromising visual imperceptibility using LSB substitution.In this work,we have an approach that utilizes a combinationofMost SignificantBit(MSB)matching andLeast Significant Bit(LSB)substitution.The proposed algorithm divides confidential messages into pairs of bits and connects them with the MSBs of individual pixels using pair matching,enabling the storage of 6 bits in one pixel by modifying a maximum of three bits.The proposed technique is evaluated using embedding capacity and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio(PSNR)score,we compared our work with the Zakariya scheme the results showed a significant increase in data concealment capacity.The achieved results of ourwork showthat our algorithmdemonstrates an improvement in hiding capacity from11%to 22%for different data samples while maintaining a minimumPeak Signal-to-Noise Ratio(PSNR)of 37 dB.These findings highlight the effectiveness and trustworthiness of the proposed algorithm in securing the communication process and maintaining visual integrity.

Genesis and geological significance of carbonate in Changdu Basin,Xizang,China:Constraints from geochemistry and C-O isotopes

Research on the origin of carbonates in Changdu Basin holds significant importance for understanding the regional potash formation model.Based on a comprehensive review of previous studies,field geological surveys,and laboratory investigations,this study analyzes the origin and properties of carbonates within the context of regional potash formation.Petrographic studies show that magnesite deposits,with the characteristics of sedimentary origin.The results of elemental geochemical analysis show that the carbonates in this area were formed in the sedimentary environment via evaporation followed by concentration,and the formation of magnesite was possibly caused by the substitution of calcium in the dolomite with magnesium-rich brine.Theδ^(13)C values of carbonats in the study area are between5.9‰and 9.1‰.Theδ^(18)O values of magnesite samples range from-7.3‰to-1.3‰,and theδ^(18)O values of dolomites range from-10.3‰to-8.4‰.All the calculated Z values of oxygen isotopes of carbonates greater than 120.A comprehensive analysis of carbon and oxygen isotopes indicates that the magnesite was formed in a highly concentrated Marine sedimentary environment and does not show any relation with the metasomatism of hydrothermal fluids.The results on the correlation of magnesite with seawater and its sedimentary origin provide key information for explaining the migration direction of brine between the Changdu and Lanping-Simao Basins.The residual metamorphic seawater in the Changdu Basin migrated to the Lanping-Simao Basin,where potash underwent deposition.Whereas,magnesite and dolomite in the early stage of potash formation were left in the Changdu Basin.

What benefit can be obtained from magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis with artificial intelligence in prostate cancer compared with clinical assessments?

The present study aimed to explore the potential of artificial intelligence(AI)methodology based on magnetic resonance(MR)images to aid in the management of prostate cancer(PCa).To this end,we reviewed and summarized the studies comparing the diagnostic and predictive performance for PCa between AI and common clinical assessment methods based on MR images and/or clinical characteristics,thereby investigating whether AI methods are generally superior to common clinical assessment methods for the diagnosis and prediction fields of PCa.First,we found that,in the included studies of the present study,AI methods were generally equal to or better than the clinical assessment methods for the risk assessment of PCa,such as risk stratification of prostate lesions and the prediction of therapeutic outcomes or PCa progression.In particular,for the diagnosis of clinically significant PCa,the AI methods achieved a higher summary receiver operator characteristic curve(SROC-AUC)than that of the clinical assessment methods(0.87 vs.0.82).For the prediction of adverse pathology,the AI methods also achieved a higher SROC-AUC than that of the clinical assessment methods(0.86 vs.0.75).Second,as revealed by the radiomics quality score(RQS),the studies included in the present study presented a relatively high total average RQS of 15.2(11.0–20.0).Further,the scores of the individual RQS elements implied that the AI models in these studies were constructed with relatively perfect and standard radiomics processes,but the exact generalizability and clinical practicality of the AI models should be further validated using higher levels of evidence,such as prospective studies and open-testing datasets.

Estimation of peak wave period from surface texture motion in videos

Wave information retrieval from videos captured by a single camera has been increasingly applied in marine observation.However,when the camera observes ocean waves at low grazing angles,the accurate extraction of wave information from videos will be affected by the interference of the fine ripples on the sea surface.To solve this problem,this study develops a method for estimating peak wave periods from videos captured at low grazing angles.The method extracts the motion of the sea surface texture from the video and obtains the peak wave period via the spectral analysis.The calculation results captured from real-world videos are compared with those obtained from X-band radar inversion and tracking buoy movement,with maximum deviations of 8%and 14%,respectively.The analysis of the results shows that the peak wave period of the method has good stability.In addition,this paper uses a pinhole camera model to convert the displacement of the texture from pixel height to actual height and performs moving average filtering on the displacement of the texture,thus conducting a preliminary exploration of the inversion of significant wave height.This study helps to extend the application of sea surface videos.

Advanced preparation and application of bimetallic materials in lithium-sulfur batteries:A review

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries are considered highly promising as next-generation energy storage systems due to high theoretical capacity(2600 Wh kg^(-1))and energy density(1675 mA h g^(-1))as well as the abundant natural reserves,low cost of elemental sulfur,and environmentally friendly properties.However,several challenges impede its commercialization including low conductivity of sulfur itself,the severe“shuttle effect”caused by lithium polysulfides(LiPSs)during charge–discharge processes,volume expansion effects and sluggish reaction kinetics.As a solution,polar metal particles and their compounds have been introduced as the main hosts for sulfur cathode due to their robust catalytic activity and adsorption capability,effectively suppressing the“shuttle effect”of Li PSs.Bimetallic alloys and their compounds with multi-functional properties exhibit remarkable electrochemical performance more readily when compared to single-metal materials.Well-designed bimetallic materials demonstrate larger specific surface areas and richer active sites,enabling simultaneous high adsorption capability and strong catalytic properties.The synergistic effect of the“adsorption-catalysis”sites accelerates the adsorptiondiffusion-conversion process of Li PSs,ultimately achieving a long-lasting Li-S battery.Herein,the latest progress and performance of bimetallic materials in cathodes,separators,and interlayers of Li-S batteries are systematically reviewed.Firstly,the principles and challenges of Li-S batteries are briefly analyzed.Then,various mechanisms for suppressing“shuttle effects”of Li PSs are emphasized at the microscale.Subsequently,the performance parameters of various bimetallic materials are comprehensively summarized,and some improvement strategies are proposed based on these findings.Finally,the future prospects of bimetallic materials are discussed,with the hope of providing profound insights for the rational design and manufacturing of high-performance bimetallic materials for LSBs.

Microscopic characteristics and geological significance of pyrite in shales of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations,southeastern Chongqing,China

Shales of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations in the basin-margin transition zone of southeastern Chongqing,China are characterized by high organic matter content and a significant presence of pyrite development.By examining numerous scanning electron microscope(SEM)images and considering the crystal and aggregate characteristics of minerals,we identified four types of pyrite in the study area:euhedral crystals,irregular aggregates,framboidal aggregates,and metasomatized organisms.Among these types,framboidal aggregates are the most prevalent.The formation mechanism of framboidal pyrite can be categorized into inorganic and organic origins.As inferred from the pyrite characteristics in the study area,the formation mechanism of the metasomatized organisms aligns with the biologically induced mineralization mode of organic origin,whereas the framboidal aggregates are more associated with the biologically controlled mineralization mode of organic origin.This underscores a close relationship between the pyrite formation and organic matter,which in turn indicates that an organic origin is more consistent with the pyrite characteristics observed in this study area.The pyrite morphology can reflect reactive iron concentration.Euhedral pyrite crystals tend to form under a low reactive iron concentration,whereas the formation of framboidal pyrite requires a high reactive iron concentration.Additionally,the type and grain size of pyrite aggregates can reflect variations in the redox conditions of the depositional environment.Pyrite produces positive effects on reservoir storage space,with intercrystalline organic pores,intercrystalline pores,and mold pores associated with pyrite contributing greatly to the storage spaces.

Three-dimensional structural models,evolution and petroleum geological significances of transtensional faults in the Ziyang area,central Sichuan Basin,SW China

With drilling and seismic data of Transtensional(strike-slip)Fault System in the Ziyang area of the central Sichuan Basin,SW China plane-section integrated structural interpretation,3-D fault framework model building,fault throw analyzing,and balanced profile restoration,it is pointed out that the transtensional fault system in the Ziyang 3-D seismic survey consists of the northeast-trending F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones dominated by extensional deformation,as well as 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults experienced dextral shear deformation.Among them,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones cut through the Neoproterozoic to Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation,presenting a 3-D structure of an“S”-shaped ribbon.And before Permian and during the Early Triassic,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones underwent at least two periods of structural superimposition.Besides,the 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults are composed of small normal faults arranged in pairs,with opposite dip directions and partially left-stepped arrangement.And before Permian,they had formed almost,restricting the eastward growth and propagation of the F_(I)19 fault zone.The F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones communicate multiple sets of source rocks and reservoirs from deep to shallow,and the timing of fault activity matches well with oil and gas generation peaks.If there were favorable Cambrian-Triassic sedimentary facies and reservoirs developing on the local anticlinal belts of both sides of the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones,the major reservoirs in this area are expected to achieve breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration.

Probabilistic Calculation of Tidal Currents forWind Powered Systems Using PSO Improved LHS

This paper introduces the Particle SwarmOptimization(PSO)algorithmto enhance the LatinHypercube Sampling(LHS)process.The key objective is to mitigate the issues of lengthy computation times and low computational accuracy typically encountered when applying Monte Carlo Simulation(MCS)to LHS for probabilistic trend calculations.The PSOmethod optimizes sample distribution,enhances global search capabilities,and significantly boosts computational efficiency.To validate its effectiveness,the proposed method was applied to IEEE34 and IEEE-118 node systems containing wind power.The performance was then compared with Latin Hypercubic Important Sampling(LHIS),which integrates significant sampling with theMonte Carlomethod.The comparison results indicate that the PSO-enhanced method significantly improves the uniformity and representativeness of the sampling.This enhancement leads to a reduction in data errors and an improvement in both computational accuracy and convergence speed.

Non-invasive assessment of esophageal varices:Status of today

With increasing burden of compensated cirrhosis,we desperately need noninvasive methods for assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension.The use of liver and spleen stiffness measurement helps in deferring unnecessary endoscopies for low risk esophageal varices.This would reduce cost and patient discomfort.However,these special techniques may not be feasible at remote areas where still we need only biochemical parameters.More prospective studies validating the non-invasive risk prediction models are definitely needed.

Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions:Clinical significance

Transoral endoscopic resections in treating upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions have the advantages of maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal lumen,avoiding perforation and reducing gastrointestinal fistulae.They are becoming more widely used in clinical practice,but,they may also present a variety of complications.Gas-related complications are one of the most common,which can be left untreated if the symptoms are mild,but in severe cases,they can lead to rapid changes in the respiratory and circulatory systems in a short period,which can be life-threatening.Therefore,it is important to predict the occurrence of gas-related complications early and take preventive measures actively.Based on the authors'results in the prepublication of the article“Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions,”and in conjunction with our evaluation and additions to the relevant content,radiographs may help screen patients at high risk for gas-related complications.Controlling blood glucose levels,shortening the duration of surgery,and choosing the most appropriate surgical resection may positively impact the prognosis of patients at high risk for gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions.

The Enlightenment of Tai Chi Philosophical World View on Human Peace

This paper discusses the worldview of classical Chinese Tai Chi philosophy:the holistic view,the view of Yin and Yang,view of change,view of no change,and view of harmony and their enlightenment to human peace.The holistic view inspires people to look at human society from the height of the whole earth,and consider not only national interests,but also the interests of all mankind.The view of yin-yang tells people that when analyzing problems,they should look at the two aspects of yin-yang integration,not only to consider their own national interests,but also the interests of other countries,not only to see the contradictions and conflicts between countries,but also to see mutual benefits,to develop positive factors and to overcome negative factors;The view of change tells people that national leaders should adjust their foreign relations according to the changes of the times and the situation on the premise of abiding by objective laws;The view of no change tells us to act in accordance with the laws of nature and society,and that countries should respect each other,benefit each other,and cooperate for win-win results.The view of harmony enlightens us that in international relations,we should advocate the idea of living in harmony,harmony in diversity and harmonious coexistence,and oppose hegemonism and power politics.

A Study on the Educational Significance Guidance Plan Value of the Jumong Myth Using STEAM

Jumong is a legendary figure in Korean mythology.He is depicted as a genius archer,a brilliant mind with horses,a god who rules the rivers and the sky.Jumong is a mythical character who is believed to be of divine descent and to possess superhuman abilities that humans cannot match.The myth of Jumong is a very competitive content that can compete on a global scale.However,in order for it to be successful,it is necessary to be able to reinterpret our mythology to suit the times and reproduce it culturally.To this end,the realistic globalization of Korean classical literature should commence with the genre of Korean mythology.This paper presents the educational significance of the Jumong myth as a teaching-learning model,via STEAM(science,technology,engineering,arts,and mathematics),on the theme of Korean mythology.As we enter the era of artificial intelligence(AI)through the 4th Industrial Revolution,the most appropriate teaching and learning method,the convergence class,will provide an opportunity for students living in modern times to discover the cultural archetypes that allow them to recognise themselves as individuals and us as a collective,and to find the roots of the myth to positively renew their identity.Furthermore,it is my hope that they will rediscover and appreciate the representative work of Korean mythology,Gojomong,the eponymous story of Goguryeo.

A Study of the People’s Nature in Woodcuts During the Anti-Japanese War in Shanxi

The anti-Japanese woodcuts focus on the red revolutionary culture and describe the connotation of the Anti-Japanese War era,which is self-evident in the commemorative value of China’s revolutionary struggle history.For example,in Shanxi,China,woodcut art activities and social practice promotion activities organized around the theme of the Anti-Japanese War are also everywhere,which all show the people’s nature of the Chinese people during the revolutionary struggle from the two aspects of the red culture of the Anti-Japanese War and traditional art and culture,and its humanistic connotation is quite profound.In this paper,we first introduce the historical origin of woodcut during the Anti-Japanese War,and then show the people’s value connotation of woodcut art activities in Shanxi.This paper mainly discusses the image narration,language and picture narration and construction significance of woodcuts in Shanxi’s War of Resistance,fully reveals the narrative nature of image media,strives to arouse people’s recognition of this period of Shanxi’s War of Resistance culture and history,and reflects the realistic value and significance of Shanxi’s War of Resistance Woodcuts art activities.

Analysis of the History and Current Situation of the Development of General Practice Teaching Clinics in China

A summary of the exploration of the teaching mode of the general practice teaching clinic, a summary of the deficiencies of the teaching clinic and a summary of the significance of the establishment of the general practice teaching clinic are presented with a view to promoting the development of general practice and cultivating more excellent successors in general practice.

Exploring the Significance and Implementation Strategies of Mental Health Education for College Students

College students are influenced by diverse cultures in the new era,thus their inner world is rich and changing rapidly.The acceleration of social rhythm can easily lead to different kinds of psychological problems.Mental health education is people-oriented,using scientific methods and means to train high-quality talents with all-round development across the world.A healthy psychological state can promote the sound development of students,make them establish correct core social values,and realize self-value.At present,there are some problems in university mental health education,such as single form and imperfect system.At the same time,college education plays an important role in the formation of ideas for college students’ideological values.As a front-line student worker,college counselors should cooperate with the school’s psychological departments to improve the college psychological education system,rationally plan the psychological teaching program,and pay attention to the college students’mental health education.The government should also take into account the need to ensure that the education system is not undermined by the lack of a comprehensive and effective education system.

Research on Electronic Forensics Based on Blockchain Technology

The development of high technology,for public life to provide a justification at the same time,also encouraged the spirit of cybercrime,to become more and more rampant.In network crime,electronic data is usually used as the main evidence to determine the facts of the crime and plays an important role in the smooth trial of the case.But because electronic data on dependent,concealment,easy destructive strong science and technology,the forensics work is now in trouble.The mature use of blockchain technology can avoid existing problems to a certain extent,which is helpful to the smooth progress of electronic forensics.This paper on electronic evidence how to more effectively,combined with research blockchain technology,improve the efficiency of electronic evidence collection work.

Expression of CD151 in Gastric Cancer Tissues and Its Clinical Significance

Objective:To explore the expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues and its clinical significance.Methods:Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues.The relationship between CD151 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer was analyzed.Results:The expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissues(P<0.05).It was associated with the degree of differentiation,depth of invasion,lymph node metastasis,and TNM staging of gastric cancer.The survival time of patients with high CD151 expression was significantly shorter than that of those with low expression(P<0.05).Conclusion:High expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues is correlated with the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer and can serve as an indicator for evaluating the prognosis of gastric cancer.