Explore the vast range of titles available.

Microwave imaging (MWI) is a non-invasive technique for visualizing the anomalies of biological tissues. The imaging process is accomplished by comparing the electrical parameters of healthy tissues and malignant tissues. This work introduces a microwave imaging system for tumor detection in breast tissue. The experiment is performed in a homogeneous background medium, where a high dielectric contrast material is used to mimic the tumor. The proposed imaging system is experimentally evaluated for multiple tumor locations and sizes using a horn antenna. Reflection coefficients obtained from the monostatic configuration of the horn antenna are used for image reconstruction. The evaluation metrics, such as localization error, absolute area error, DICE score, Intersection over Union (IoU), precision, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, are computed from the reconstructed image. A modified version of the beamforming algorithm improves the quality of reconstructed images by providing a minimum accuracy of 96% for all test cases, with an evaluation time of less than 48 s. The proposed methodology shows promising results under a controlled environment and can be implemented for clinical applications after adequate biological studies. This methodology can be used to calibrate any antenna system or phantom, as it has high contrast in conductivity, leading to better imaging. The present study contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 by ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all ages.

Introduction: Physical match actions are simulated through modified games. Pitch size and set configuration seems to influence the physical responses during small-sided games. Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze the effects of pitch size and set configuration during small-sided games. Methodology: Fourteen young male field soccer players performed three small-sided games, involving 7 vs. 7 + 2 goalkeepers: 3 x 8 min with 5 min of rest between sets on a 68 x 40 m pitch (194 m2); same pitch area but 6 x 4 min with 2 min of rest (194 m2); and 6 x 4 min with 2 min of rest on a 40 x 34 m pitch (97 m2). Vertical jump, kick velocity and sprint were assessed to examine the residual fatigue before and after each small-sided game. Results: Larger pitch sizes showed significantly higher physical demands. Shorter bouts demanded greater distances at high intensity than longer bouts. A significant SSG x time interaction was observed for 10-m sprint time (P = 0.04), where a greater impairment was observed after completing 6 x 4 min (194 m2). Discussion: Higher external loads have been observed during games on larger pitches. A 4 min bout was provided as the optimal physical training stimulus. Conclusions: Larger pitch sizes and shorter bout durations are higher-demand games than smaller pitch sizes and longer bouts. Sprint performance is impaired after completing every small-sided game, especially acceleration capacity after completing modified games involving larger pitch areas and shorter bout durations.

This paper presents a novel method for ejector evaluation by developing a virtual nozzle, which provides the ejector’s maximum ability to overcome its back pressure and the minimum constant cross-section area based on two newly-derived evaluation indexes. The method was developed based on the assumption that the total energy and the ratio of dynamic enthalpy to total energy before normal shock of the virtual nozzle are the same as those of the real ejector. Under the condition that the initial state of the virtual nozzle is the same as that of the primary fluid of the ejector, two evaluation indexes, which include the relative pressure ratio and the relative area ratio, were derived to indicate the extent to which the ability to overcome back pressure and area demand deviate from the benchmark obtained from the virtual nozzle. Using the new method, the case studies of ejector evaluation were carried out involving with theoretical data of 13 refrigerants selected as working fluid of ejector and experimental data of four refrigerants. And the relationship between the two indexes was expressed by a high-accuracy fitting correlation equation that was validated by both theoretical calculation and experimental data and was found meaningful.

Huangqin decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to treat gastrointestinal syndrome in China for thousands of years. Chemotherapy drug irinotecan (CPT-11) is used clinically to treat various kinds of cancers but limited by its side effects, especially delayed diarrhea. Nowadays, HQD has been proved to be effective in attenuating the intestinal toxicity induced by CPT-11. HQD consists of four medicinal herbs including Georgi, Fisch, Pall, and Mill. Due to its complexity, the role of each herb and the multi-herb synergistic effects of the formula are poorly understood. In order to quantitatively assess the compatibility effects of HQD, mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics studies were performed. The serum metabolic profiles of rats administered with HQD, single decoction, -free decoction and baicalin/baicalein combination were compared. A time-dependent trajectory upon principal component analysis was firstly used to visualize the overall differences. Then metabolites deregulation score and relative area under the curve were calculated and used as parameters to quantitatively evaluate the compatibility effects of HQD from the aspect of global metabolic profile and the specifically altered metabolites, respectively. The collective results indicated that played a crucial role in the therapeutic effect of HQD on irinotecan-induced diarrhea. Both HQD and SS decoction regulated glycine, serine and threonine pathway. This study demonstrated that metabolomics was a promising tool to elucidate the compatibility effects of TCM or combinatorial drugs.

Powdery mildew, (PM) (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) and yellow rust, (YR) (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) are some of the most important biotic stresses for the successful wheat cultivation throughout the world including North Hill Zone (NHZ) and North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ) of India. Cultivation of resistant varieties provides an eco- and farmer friendly, cost effective and practically feasible approach to manage these diseases. Most of the recommended wheat varieties, grown in the epidemiologically important regions of India, are susceptible to the prevailing virulences of the pathogens. Hence, continuous breeding for resistance to both the diseases becomes a compelling responsibility of breeders and pathologists with the pre-requisite for identification of new and diverse sources of resistance. Keeping this in view, 131 genotypes of Triticum spp. and Triticale comprising advanced Indian breeding material, promising genotypes and commercially grown recommended varieties were evaluated at four and three hot spot locations for PM and YR, respectively during the cropping seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18. Among the three sources of variation, genotype by environment interaction (GEI) and genotypes (G) had the greatest effect of 44.26 and 68.19% (of the total variation) on PM and YR severity, respectively. Biplot analysis showed that 8 and 51 genotypes showed stable resistance against PM and YR, respectively. The genotypes were evaluated for slow mildewing traits. Sixty four genotypes with mean terminal disease severity (TDS) of ≤ 20%, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) of ≤ 750, relative AUDPC (rAUDPC) between 4.90–57.51 and infection rate between 0.01–0.06 unit/day, respectively were categorized as slow mildewing genotypes in comparison to the susceptible cultivar Lehmi showing mean TDS (%), AUDPC, rAUDPC and ‘r’ of 41.25%, 1510.88, 99.18 and 0.04, respectively. Five genotypes, HD 3043, TL 2942, TL 2969, HPPAU 08, and HW 1095, showed combined resistance to PM and YR which may be harnessed as effective supporters in wheat breeding programs to evolve high yielding, stable and durable varieties resistant to these diseases. Moreover, Kukumseri and Keylong appeared to be the ideal testing sites for screening against both the diseases.

We analyzed long-lasting alterations in brain morphometry associated with preterm birth using volumetric and surface-based analyses applied to children at age 7years. Comparison of 24 children born very preterm (VPT) to 24 healthy term-born children revealed reductions in total cortical gray matter volume, white matter volume, cortical surface area and gyrification index. Regional cortical shape abnormalities in VPT children included the following: shallower anterior superior temporal sulci, smaller relative surface area in the inferior sensori-motor cortex and posterior superior temporal cortex, larger relative surface area and a cingulate sulcus that was shorter or more interrupted in medial frontoparietal cortex. These findings indicate a complex pattern of regional vulnerabilities in brain development that may contribute to the diverse and long-lasting neurobehavioral consequences that can occur after very premature birth. •We compared brain morphometry at 7years in children born prematurely vs at term.•Very preterm (VPT) children had reduced cortical folding in lateral temporal cortex.•VPT children showed more complex cortical folding in medial frontoparietal cortex.•Premature birth is associated with complex and long-lasting cortical abnormalities.

Summary Although previous use‐wear studies involving quartz and quartzite have been undertaken by archaeologists, these are comparatively few in number. Moreover, there has been relatively little effort to quantify use‐wear on stone tools made from quartzite. The purpose of this article is to determine the effectiveness of a measurement system, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), to document the surface roughness or texture of experimental Mistassini quartzite scrapers used on two different contact materials (fresh and dry deer hide). As in previous studies using LSCM on chert, flint, and obsidian, this exploratory study incorporates a mathematical algorithm that permits the discrimination of surface roughness based on comparisons at multiple scales. Specifically, we employ measures of relative area (RelA) coupled with the F‐test to discriminate used from unused stone tool surfaces, as well as surfaces of quartzite scrapers used on dry and fresh deer hide. Our results further demonstrate the effect of raw material variation on use‐wear formation and its documentation using LSCM and RelA. SCANNING 35:28‐39, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

We investigated the influence of availability as well as type of organic substrate on the growth of the cyanolichen Peltigera membranacea. A total of 145 lichen lobes were grown in a plant growth chamber for 28 days. Of these, 73 were kept in permanent darkness and another 72 were exposed to a diurnal light-dark cycle. A third of the lobes from both treatments were grown on pulverized leaf litter, the second third on pulverized bryophytes, and the remainder were grown without an organic substrate to serve as a control group. Growth was quantified via relative growth rate, relative thallus area growth rate, and changes in specific thallus mass. The lobes kept in a diurnal light-dark cycle showed higher growth rates than those kept in darkness, as is expected for an organism that obtains its carbon from its photoautotrophic symbiosis partner. Furthermore, growth rates were higher in lobes growing on organic substrates. The results show that the availability of an organic substrate positively affects lichen growth in a growth cabinet. Leaf litter led to a higher biomass gain in lichen lobes, whereas area gain was unrelated to substrate type.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between high-resolution CT (HRCT) lung attenuation measurements, acquired under spirometric control of inspiratory and expiratory lung volume, and pulmonary dysfunction as well as dyspnea severity in patients with COPD. In 51 patients with COPD, we compared by linear regression, univariate and multivariate logistic regression airflow limitation (FEV1/vital capacity [VC]), hyperinflation (percentage of predicted residual volume [RV%]), parenchymal loss (percentage of predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide [Dlco%]), and Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale with relative area with attenuation values < – 950 HU at 90% of VC [RAI950] and < – 910 HU at 10% of VC, respectively, and with mean lung attenuation measured at the same levels of VC (mean CT lung density at 10% of VC, and mean CT lung density at 90% of VC [MeanCTexp]). All HRCT attenuation measurements were significantly related with functional abnormalities and dyspnea severity. In multivariate logistic models, with 1 indicating worse changes in dichotomous outcome variables, MeanCTexp independently predicted FEV1/VC (odds ratio [OR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 0.56), RV% (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.77), and MRC dyspnea scale (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.82), while RAI950 independently predicted Dlco% (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.65). Spirometrically gated measurements of HRCT lung attenuation reflect differently functional changes and dyspnea perception in COPD. Inspiratory measurements assess the extent of emphysematous tissue loss, and expiratory measurements may reflect airflow limitation and lung hyperinflation with attendant dyspnea perception. Pulmonary dysfunction in COPD cannot be assessed by a single modality of lung attenuation measurement.

Fly ash is a recognized industrial byproduct produced by coal-based power stations, while mill reject is the coal washery waste with a low gross calorific value. Due to the poor rate of utilization, a significant amount of both materials is disposed of, consuming a large area of land and creating geoenvironmental issues. Taking disposal concerns into account, mill rejects, fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were used to develop the controlled low-strength material (CLSM), a substitute for geo-materials. The morphology, mineralogy, chemistry, and physical characteristics of the raw materials were first taken into account. In order to investigate the flowability, bleeding, and fresh density, 12 CLSM mixes with varying proportions of fly ash, mill rejects, and GGBS were prepared with a 2 mol NaOH solution in different solution-to-binder ratios. Additionally, each specimen’s hardened characteristics, including hardened unit weight, absorption of water, and compressive strength on cylindrical specimens, were studied in triplicate. With a value between 2 and 7 of the relative flow area, the majority of CLSM were found to be quite flowable, and some of them exhibited self-leveling consistency with a relative flow area above 5. The 28-day UCS was found to be between the suggested range of 0.3 MPa to 8.3 MPa, but the removability modulus was more than 1.