Search

Rock joint surface roughness is usually characterized by heterogeneity, but the determination of a required number of samples for achieving a reasonable heterogeneity assessment remains a challenge. In this paper, a novel method, the global search method, was proposed to investigate the heterogeneity of rock joint roughness. In this method, the roughness heterogeneity was characterized based on a statistical analysis of the roughness of all samples extracted from different locations of a given rock joint. Analyses of the effective sample number were conducted, which showed that sampling bias was caused by an inadequate number of samples. To overcome this drawback, a large natural slate joint sample (1000 mm × 1000 mm in size) was digitized in a laboratory using a high-accuracy laser scanner. The roughness heterogeneities of both two-dimensional (2D) profiles and three-dimensional (3D) surface topographies were systematically investigated. The results show that the expected value obtained from conventional methods failed to accurately represent the overall roughness. The relative errors between the population parameter and the expected value varied not only from sample to sample but also with the scale. The roughness heterogeneity characteristics of joint samples of various sizes can be obtained using the global search method. This new method could facilitate the determination of the most representative samples and their positions.

A dilactosyl-dicyanovinyl-functionalized tetraphenylethene (TPELC) was designed, synthesized and used for ratiometric sensing of cyanide. TPELC was comprised of three moieties (tetraphenylethylene, dicyanovinyl group and lactose unit) in one molecule, making TPELC water-soluble and aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active and selectively reactive to cyanide. Compared with other reported fluorescent probes containing dicyanovinyl group, TPELC is the first AIE luminogen to be assembled as fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) for sensing of cyanide in water without the use of surfactant or the help of organic solvents based on the nucleophilic addition reaction. The detection mechanism was verified by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry experiments and by protonation of cyanide to reduce the nucleophilicity of cyanide. In addition, TPELC was used for detection of the cyanide content of food samples and test strips were developed to simplify the detection procedure.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) plays a crucial role in many physiological processes and is widely used as bleach, deodorant and fungicide. In this work, we designed an amphiphilic hydrazone fluorescent molecule THG-1 containing hydrophilic sugar units and hydrophobic tetraphenylethylene unit for ratiometric detection of HOCl with high sensitivity and excellent selectivity based on HOCl-triggered hydrolyzation reaction and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect. The detection mechanism was verified by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry experiments and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. Contrast experiments revealed that the numbers of lactose unit and hydrazone linker were essential for assembly of THG-1 and detection of HOCl. In addition, THG-1 was successfully used for imaging of exogenous and endogenous HOCl in living cells.

Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor with the first symptom of acute rapid blindness in both eyes are rare in adolescents. We present a case of an adolescent female without a history of cancer who developed a dramatic loss of vision and eventually blindness, and was diagnosed as diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor by cerebrospinal fluid cytology and enhanced MRI. In order to save vision, under the condition of ineffective dehydration treatment, timely emergency surgery to implant Ommaya sac drainage cerebrospinal fluid. According to the pathophysiological mechanism of cerebral edema, we added Edaravone to scavenge oxygen free radicals, Alprostadil to improve microcirculation, Monosialotetrahexosylganglioside nutrient nerve, Butylphthalide to promote collateral circulation, combined with hyperbaric oxygen and acupoint injection of Anisodine. Finally, the patient's vision returned to normal. Conclusion: when dehydration treatment is ineffective, timely surgery to reduce intracranial pressure, combined with comprehensive treatment, can effectively save vision.

To reveal the mechanism and precursors of the “1.21” rockburst induced by hard roof fracturing in the No. 1 working face of the Junde coal mine (JCM), the inversions including P-wave velocity, velocity gradient, stress concentration and accumulated energy were elaborately conducted by seismic tomography, and the static high-stress concentration and dynamic stress transfer were vividly demonstrated. Simultaneously, the multi-parameter characteristics including microseism (MS), electromagnetic emission (EME) and acoustic emission (AE) before and after the rockburst were comprehensively investigated, and then the corresponding precursors were summarized. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) the intrinsic factor of the “1.21” rockburst is owing to the original static high stress concentration in tailentry ahead of the No. 1 working face, and the external factor is ascribed to the dynamic stress transfer and superimposition with energy input generated by roof fracturing; (2) before roof fracturing, the region where sources congregate shows higher velocity, velocity gradient and stress concentration, accompanied with energy accumulation. After fracturing, the region manifests abnormal low velocity. However, the surrounding and far-field rockburst destruction regions appear higher velocity due to dynamic stress transfer; and (3) an obvious transform from dominantly hybrid to dominantly low-frequency of MS events will occur as roofs experience micro-fissure initiation, propagation, convergence, and coalescence, and thus it is concluded that the gradual transform of MS dominant spectrum from high to low frequencies represents a precursor for warning roof fracturing. The findings may put forward a certain reference for warning the type of rockburst triggered by roof fracturing.

In many coal mines in China, skip-mining and the corner coal pillar will lead to the formation of an island longwall coal face (ILCF), which will induce a series of problems. Rock bursts pose a severe threat to miners and safe production in coal mines. Here, we used a mechanical model, theoretical calculations, seismic computed tomography, and energy density to explore the stress field distribution in an ILCF to obtain some pre-warning parameters. Based on elastic thin-plate theory, three cases of rock strata of ILCF were analysed to explore various stress fields (case 1: solid coal, case 2: two-sided goaf, and case 3: four-sided goaf). The stress reaches the peak value at the points of “a = b” in case 1, “a = 0.7b” in case 2, and “a = 1.4b” in case 3, respectively, which indicates high rock burst risk. In the case study, the test methods of seismic computed tomography and energy density were used on four ILCFs in Zhaolou Coal Mine (ILCFs 11301, 1307, 1305, and 1306). The stress field can be reflected by the three parameters: velocity distribution, velocity gradient, and stress concentration factor; and the energy density can indirectly reflect the accumulated damage of coal and rock mass and test two parameters of velocity distribution and stress concentration factor, which verifies the stress field in ILCFs, and assesses their rock burst risk.

The synthesis of O-, C-, and N-glycoconjugates has continuously been an attractive research subject due to the growing biological importance of various glycoconjugates. In recent years, by careful changing the glycosylation reaction conditions, especially the amount of activators and the preactivation temperature, (p-Tol)2SO/Tf2O preactivition strategy was developed as a general method for the synthesis of various O-, C-, and N-glycoconjugates, including related biological active glycoconjugates, such as nucleosides and antigen Lewisa etc. High yields and excellent stereoselectivities were obtained even without the anchimeric assistance at the adjacent position of anomeric carbon. In this review, we predominantly make a review on the progress of the (p-Tol)2SO/Tf2O preactivition strategy from O-, C-sialylation to general O-, N-glycosylation.

In order to explore the mechanism of floor dynamic rupture, the current study adopts a thin plate model to further investigate the condition of floor failure. One of the possible explanations could be floor buckling due to high horizontal stress and dynamic disturbance ultimately leading to rapid and massive release of elastic energy thus inducing dynamic rupture. Seismic computed tomography and 3D location were employed to explore the evolution characteristics of floor stress distribution and positions of mine tremors. In the regions of floor dynamic rupture, higher P-wave velocity was recorded prior to the dynamic rupture. On the contrary, relatively lower reading was observed after the dynamic rupture thus depicting a high stress concentration condition. Meanwhile, evolution of mine tremors revealed the accumulation and subsequent release of energy during the dynamic rupture process. It was further revealed that dynamic rupture was induced due to the superposition of static and dynamic stresses: (i) the high static stress concentration due to frontal and lateral abutment stress from coal pillar and (ii) dynamic stress from the fracture and caving of coal pillar, hard roof, and key stratum. In the later part of this study, the floor dynamic rupture occurrence process would be reproduced through numerical simulations within a 0.6 sec time frame. The above-mentioned findings would be used to propose a feasible mechanism for prewarning and prevention of floor dynamic rupture using seismic computed tomography and mine tremors 3D location.

Water-soluble ratiometric AIE-active fluorescent organic nanoparticles 2OA-FON for the specific sensing of cysteine over other biothiols are reported. The obtained amphiphilic probe included olefin aldehyde as recognizing unit, tetraphenylethylene as fluorescence reporter and lactose moiety as a hydrophilic group. This work provides a general design strategy based on the introduction of a sugar moiety into a hydrophobic AIEgen to develop ratiometric water-soluble fluorescent organic nanoparticles.

In order to reveal the stress precursors of the “3.15” rockburst disaster that occurred in the No. 1 working face of Junde coal mine, the combined stress field inversion including static and dynamic stresses was conducted by using P-wave velocity tomography, and the static high-stress concentration regions were further designated. Simultaneously, the evolution of dynamic stress generated by seven periodical caving events of primary roof was analyzed, and the fracturing characteristics were described in detail. Ultimately, the stress precursors of the “3.15” rockburst for early warning were clearly revealed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) the micro-fissures inside coal and rock mass produce the significant reflection and refraction on the propagation of microseismic (MS) waves, and thus P-wave overall characterizes with lower velocity and higher velocity gradient; (2) after the slightly fracturing of primary roof on March 9, 2013, the maximum stress concentration factor suddenly rises to 20. This sign can be viewed as an early warning precursor of rockburst; (3) until March 12, 2013, the large-scale micro-fractures begin to form inside primary roof, and thus the corresponding high velocity gradient regions are generated. This phenomenon can be regarded as an effective precursor of macroscopic fracturing of primary roof; and (4) before the “3.15″ rockburst, the scope of P-wave velocity gradient in the No. 1 working face does not change significantly. The above findings may put forward a certain reference for accurately warning the stress precursors of rockburst by P-wave velocity tomography.

Global climate change has a significant effect on extreme environments and a profound influence on species survival. However, little is known of the genome-wide pattern of livestock adaptations to extreme environments over a short time frame following domestication. Sheep (Ovis aries) have become well adapted to a diverse range of agroecological zones, including certain extreme environments (e.g., plateaus and deserts), during their post-domestication (approximately 8–9 kya) migration and differentiation. Here, we generated whole-genome sequences from 77 native sheep, with an average effective sequencing depth of ∼5× for 75 samples and ∼42× for 2 samples. Comparative genomic analyses among sheep in contrasting environments, that is, plateau (>4,000 m above sea level) versus lowland (1500 m) versus low-altitude region (600 mm), and arid zone (400 mm), detected a novel set of candidate genes as well as pathways and GO categories that are putatively associated with hypoxia responses at high altitudes and water reabsorption in arid environments. In addition, candidate genes and GO terms functionally related to energy metabolism and body size variations were identified. This study offers novel insights into rapid genomic adaptations to extreme environments in sheep and other animals, and provides a valuable resource for future research on livestock breeding in response to climate change.

The goal of our study was to evaluate the differences between quantitative parameters of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with or without portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Twenty-four patients with HCC with PVTT and 48 without PVTT underwent CEUS using sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles. Dynamic images were analyzed with quantification software. Time-intensity curves were obtained for HCC and surrounding liver parenchyma, and parameters including the intensity maximum (IMAX), rising time (RT), mean transit time and time to peak (TTP) were compared within and between the PVTT and control groups, respectively. RT and TTP of HCC were significantly faster than those of surrounding liver parenchyma in both the PVTT and control groups. IMAX of HCC was significantly stronger than that of surrounding liver in the control group, but not significantly different from that of liver parenchyma in the PVTT group. RT and TTP of HCC and surrounding liver were significantly faster in the PVTT group compared with the control group, whereas IMAX values of HCC in the PVTT group were lower than those in the control group. HCC with PVTT presents different hemodynamic parameters, with faster RT and TTP and lower IMAX than those for HCC without PVTT. Quantitative perfusion analysis of CEUS may be a potential method for predicting PVTT.

During the past decades, the interaction between boronic acids-functionalized sensors and saccharides is of great interest in the frontier domain of the interdiscipline concerning both biology and chemistry. Various boronic acid-based sensing systems have been developed to detect saccharides and corresponding derivatives in vitro as well as in vivo, which embrace unimolecular sensors, two-component sensing ensembles, functional assemblies, and boronic acid-loaded nanomaterials or surfaces. New sensing strategies emerge in endlessly with excellent selectivity and sensitivity. In this review, several typical sensing systems were introduced and some promising examples were highlighted to enable the deep insight of saccharides sensing on the basis of boronic acids.

It has a significant and practical meaning for warning precisely gas outburst to reveal microseismic (MS) and acoustic emission (AE) effect of gas outburst precursor. It was thoroughly investigated and discussed on MS and AE effect on an abnormal gas outburst triggered by a strong rockburst using MS- and AE-monitoring systems through spectral analysis technique. We obtained main conclusions are as: (1) MS amplitude prominently decreased prior to outburst, the spectrum significantly moved from extremely low-frequency to high-frequency band, and evolved from “single-peak type” (the center frequency was about 1.5–3.5 Hz) to “multi-peak type” (the peak frequencies were about 25, 50, 75 and 125 Hz, respectively). (2) During the initiative stage of outburst, MS spectrum manifested the broadband distribution, and the predominant frequency was about 20–35 Hz. The high-frequency portion was generated by micro-cracks, and the low-frequency part attributed to macro-fracture for gas outburst channel. (3) The rockburst stimulated micro-fissures formation for gas emission channels, and maintained the event count of MS and AE signals in a relatively higher level, which is a major discrepancy to the common belief that both the total energy and event count should simultaneously and suddenly reduce to the lowest value in a non-outburst coal seam.

Objective To investigate the imaging features of focal splenic lesions (FSLs) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods Thirty two patients with FSLs proved by pathology were retrospectively analyzed. CEUS was performed using intravenous bolus injection of 2.4 ml sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent and real time scanning. There were hemangioma (n = 7), lymphoma (n = 8), true cyst (n = 3), infarction (n = 4), hematolymphangioma (n = 2), metastasis tumor (n = 2), and one for each of the following entities extramedullary hemopoiesis, hamartoma, tuberculosis, Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis, inflammatory pseudotumor and myxofibrosarcoma. Results Among 21 benign lesions, 4 infarctions and 3 cysts presented non-enhancement throughout CEUS scanning, and the other 14 lesions displayed various enhancement levels with 6 (42.9%) hyper-enhancement, 2 (14.3%) iso-enhancement and 6 (42.9%) hypo-enhancement in arterial phase and 11 (78.6%) hypo-enhancement, 1 (7.1%) iso-enhancement and 2 (14.3%) hyper-enhancement in late phase, respectively. The enhancement pattern included 9 (64.3%) homogeneous, 4 (28.6%) heterogeneous and 1 (7.1%) rim-like enhancement. As for the malignant FSLs, all the lesions became completely or extensively hypo-enhancement during the late phase no matter their vascularity during arterial phase. Conclusions The CEUS features reported in this series may enrich the knowledge for CEUS characterization of FSLs.

Background To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and utility of sonography (US) and CT fusion imaging guidance for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of malignant liver tumors not visualized on conventional US. Methods Seventy-seven patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 15 patients with metastatic liver cancer with a total of 136 lesions underwent RFA with US and CT fusion imaging guidance. The mean number of punctures, success rate of a single ablation session, local tumor progression rates, and long-term outcome were evaluated. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by dynamic CT and contrast-enhanced US 1 month after RFA. Results RFA was technically feasible in all patients, and no major complications occurred. The mean ± SD time needed to synchronize US and CT images was 13.9 ± 11.9 minutes (range, 5–55 minutes). The success rate of a single ablation session was 83.8% (114/136), and tumor residue was present in 7.4% of lesions (10/136). The mean number of treatment sessions was 1.2 ± 0.5 sessions. During follow-up, local tumor progression was observed for 15 (11.9%) lesions. Distant tumor recurrence was found in 51 (55.4%) patients. Conclusions US and CT fusion-assisted RFA is a safe and efficacious treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver cancer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:321–330, 2014

This study was to evaluate the role of quantitative perfusion analysis of 3-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detecting microvascular invasion (MVI) of liver tumor in vivo. VX2 tumors were implanted in the livers of sixteen New Zealand rabbits. On day 10, real-time 3D CEUS was performed, and the real-time dynamic images were analyzed using online quantification software. The animals were sacrificed and sent for pathology examinations. According to the gold standard of pathology, the animals were divided into an MVI group and a group without MVI (non-MVI group). Time-intensity curves (TICs) were obtained for the VX2 tumors and the surrounding liver parenchyma, and the parameters peak intensity (PI), mean transit time (MTT), and time to peak (TTP) were compared within and between the MVI and non-MVI groups. The TTP and MTT of the VX2 tumors were significantly faster than those of the surrounding liver parenchyma in both MVI and non-MVI groups. The PI of the VX2 tumors was significantly lower than that of the surrounding liver parenchyma in the non-MVI group but not the MVI group. The TTP and MTT of the VX2 tumors and surrounding liver parenchyma were not significantly different in the MVI group compared with the non-MVI group, whereas the ΔPI (the PI ratio between the VX2 liver tumors and the reference liver parenchyma) of the VX2 tumors in the MVI group was larger than that in the non-MVI group. VX2 tumors with MVI present different hemodynamic parameters, with a larger ΔPI than tumors without MVI. Our data suggest that quantitative perfusion analysis of 3D CEUS might be a promising method for predicting MVI in liver tumors.

Percutaneous ablative therapies (PAT) are valuable modalities for posthepatectomy recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC), but its impact on long-term outcome and prognosis prediction have not been well documented. The present study aimed to analyze prognostic factors and to propose a prognosis-predicting model for RHCC treated with PAT. A total of 288 patients with posthepatectomy RHCC treated with percutaneous ethanol ablation, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, or ethanol ablation combined with radiofrequency ablation were included. Survival and prognostic factors were analyzed. A prognosis-predicting model was created by quantifying and integrating all prognostic factors. Three-, 5-, and 7-year postablation survival rates were 37.8, 20.7, and 14.2 %, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that interval between recurrence and initial hepatectomy, tumor number, largest diameter of tumor, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage at hepatectomy were independent prognostic factors for survival. A scoring system for prognostic factors was proposed, and summation of 4 prognostic factors (prognostic score) was ranged from 4 to 10. Prognostic score was classified into three strata, designated as prognostic classes A (score 4 and 5), B (score 6 and 7), and C (≥8). Three-, 5-, and 7-year postablation survival rates were 62.8, 39.4, and 26.9 % in class A, 36.9, 15.5, and 7.2 % in B, and 5.5, 0, and 0 % in class C, respectively (p = 0.00). Three-, 5-, 7-, and 10-year survival rates after initial hepatectomy were 82.4, 66.3, 52.1, and 36.4 % in class A, 51.6, 34.8, 20.7, and 6.6 % in class B, and 11.9, 7.8, 0, and 0 % in class C, respectively (p = 0.00). The prognostic model developed in the study could clearly predict different long-term outcomes for patients with posthepatectomy RHCC and thus help decide appropriate therapeutic strategy.

To retrospectively determine the accuracy of baseline ultrasound (BUS) and of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic solid-cystic lesions.Fifty-four pancreatic solid-cystic lesions in 52 patients were examined with BUS and CEUS, two different seniority radiologists read the images independently, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of BUS and CEUS in the diagnosis of benign or malignant pancreatic solid-cystic lesions, the diagnostic consistency between different seniority radiologists was evaluated by Kappa statistics.Among the 54 lesions, there were pancreatic cyst five cases, pancreatic pseudocyst twenty cases, pancreatic cystadenoma eight cases, pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma seven cases, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas (IPMN) three cases, pancreatic carcinoma combined liquefied six cases, solid-pseudopallary tumor of pancreas (SPTP) three cases, pancreatic myopericytoma one case, pancreatic lymphangioma one case. After ROC analysis, the areas under the ROC curve (Az) were 0.752 by BUS, 0.928 by CEUS to resident radiologist, and 0.896 by BUS, 0.954 by CEUS to staff radiologist. The correct diagnosis rate of specific disease was 42.6% by BUS, 64.8% by CEUS to staff radiologist (P0.05), and 33.3% by BUS, 53.7% by CEUS to resident radiologist (P0.05). The interobserver agreement in CEUS is higher than that in BUS, the Kappa value was 0.889 ± 0.062 and 0.428 ± 0.126 respectively.Compared with BUS, CEUS can significantly enhance the diagnostic rate of pancreatic solid-cystic lesions.

To prospectively compare microwave (MW) ablation using a modified internal cooled-shaft antenna with radiofrequency (RF) ablation in in vivo porcine liver and in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC).In an animal study, MW and RF ablations using a cooled-shaft antenna or internally cooled electrode were performed in in vivo porcine liver. Coagulation diameters of both ablations were compared. For clinical study, 42 patients with sHCC were treated with MW or RF ablation. Complete ablation (CA) and local tumour progression (LTP) were compared.MW ablation produced significantly larger ablation zones than RF ablation in both porcine liver and sHCC with an ablated volume of 33.3 ± 15.6 cm(3) vs. 18.9 ± 9.1 cm(3) and 109.3 ± 58.3 cm(3) vs. 48.7 ± 30.5 cm(3), respectively. The CA rate was 95.5 % (21/22) for MW ablation and 95.0 % (19/20) for RF ablation. In a 5.1-month follow-up, the LTP rate was 18.2 % (4/22) in the MW ablation group and 15.0 % (3/20) in the RF ablation group.MW ablation using a modified cooled-shaft antenna produces a larger ablation zone than RF ablation, with an efficacy similar to RF ablation in local tumour control. MW ablation is a safe and promising treatment of sHCC.

Background and objectives: Cerebral vasospasm is an important cause of poor outcomes in subarachnoid haemorrhage patients. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of nimodipine in the prevention of cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients. Methods: We searched Pubmed, OVID, Embase, the Cochrane library, the stroke clinical trial registry, and the National Science and Technology Library database and collected prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trials of the prophylactic use of nimodipine for aneurismal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients. A meta-analysis was performed on the studies that met the criteria for inclusion. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and 1514 patients finished trial observation for the different indicators. Compared with the placebo group, fully recovered (all cases) patients increased 64% in the nimodipine group (P = 0.0002, OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.26 – 2.13, NNT=-1.048), fully recovered or moderately disabled (all cases) patients increased 79% (P = 0.0007, OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.28 – 2.51, NNT = -5.889), patient death (in cerebral vasospasm cases) decreased 74% (P = 0.008, OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.09 – 0.71, NNT = 2.298), the incidence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm decreased 46% (P < 0.00001, OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.42 – 0.69, NNT = 1.952), the incidence of delayed neurological function deficits (all cases) decreased 38% (P < 0.0001, OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.50 – 0.78, NNT = 1.078), the occurrence of cerebral infarction (on CT scan) decreased 58% (P = 0.001, OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.42 – 0.81, NNT = 3.314), the occurrence of cerebral infarction (in cerebral vasospasm cases) decreased 65% (P = 0.003, OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17 – 0.69, NNT = 3.688), the occurrence of cerebral infarction (all cases) decreased 48% (P < 0.00001, OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.41 – 0.66, NNT = 1.196), and the difference in recurrent haemorrhage and adverse reactions between the nimodipine and placebo groups was not statistically significant (nimodipine group versus placebo group, recurrent haemorrhage P = 0.15, OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.50 – 1.11; adverse reaction P = 0.59, OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.71 – 1.81). Conclusion: Compared with placebo, nimodipine can significantly improve clinical outcomes, as assessed by self-formulated standards and Glasgow outcome scores, and it can significantly reduce the occurrence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm and delayed neurological function deficits (all cases), as well as cerebral infarction, although the incidence rate of recurrent haemorrhage and adverse reactions is not significantly reduced by nimodipine.

To detect whether the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) could be improved by preinjected fluids in an ex vivo porcine liver model.Ablations were performed for 12 minutes using energy output of impedance-based (power output gradually rose to 200W, maintained until increases in tissue impedance of 20 Ω, reduced to 10W, and switched on again 15 seconds later) in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or 80 W in MWA. Before ablation, 5 mL of ethanol, distilled water, 0.9% NaCl solution, or 10% NaCl solution (n = 6 each) was injected into the targeted liver tissue. Ablations without fluid injection served as control. The ablation diameter, volume, shape index, and temperature were recorded and compared.Preinjection of 0.9% or 10% NaCl solution resulted in larger coagulation volumes than that of the control group in RFA experiments (28.1 ± 2.9 cm(3), 45.3 ± 6.3 cm(3), 20.0 ± 2.5 cm(3), respectively; P.05). Ethanol and distilled water had no impact on coagulation volumes in RFA. Preinjection of ethanol or 10% NaCl solution created smaller coagulation volumes than that of the control group in MWA experiments (34.3 ± 2.0 cm(3), 33.9 ± 4.1 cm(3), 58.0 ± 6.6 cm(3), respectively; P.001). 0.9% NaCl solution and distilled water had no impact on coagulation volumes in MWA.In an ex vivo porcine liver, preinjected fluids do not benefit microwave ablation as those in radiofrequency ablation.

Objective: To investigate the potential usefulness of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (3D-CEUS) in evaluating the treatment response for liver cancer after local therapies. Methods: A total of 107 lesions in 95 consecutive patients with liver cancer underwent local therapies and thereafter received low acoustic power 3D-CEUS examination. The LOGIQ 9 ultrasound scanner and a volume transducer were used and the ultrasound contrast agent was SonoVue. The image quality of 3D-CEUS images was evaluated and the influence of 3D-CEUS to clinical outcome was investigated. Results: The image quality of 3D-CEUS was defined as high in 102 (102/107, 95.3%) lesions and common in 5 (5/107, 4.7%) lesions. 3D-CEUS did not change the diagnosis in any patient compared with 2D-CEUS. However, 3D-CEUS changed the management in 3 (2.8%) of 107 lesions, increased confidence but made no change in diagnosis in 85 (79.5%) lesions, added some information but did not change management or diagnosis in 15 (14.0%), and made no change in 4 (3.7%), respectively, in comparison with 2D-CEUS. Conclusion: 3D-CEUS enhances the diagnostic confidence in the majority of the patients and even changes the management in some patients. 3D-CEUS has potential usefulness in evaluating treatment response for liver cancer after local therapies.

The overall exergy losses of co-production systems were decomposed into five sub-systems: chemical reaction processes, heat exchange processes, external exergy losses, turbine/mechanical exergy losses and others. By defining new parameters called energy-saving factors, we quantitatively describe the contribution of these processes to the overall energy savings relative to separate production systems. A methanol/electricity co-production system is taken as case study, results show that heat exchange processes are the main contribution to the energy savings.

Objective To compare the enhancement pattern of hilar cholangiocarcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with that on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Methods Thirty-two consecutive patients with pathologically proven hilar cholangiocarcinomas were evaluated by both low mechanical index CEUS and CECT. The enhancement feature of the tumor, portal vein infiltration, and lesion conspicuity on them was investigated. Results In the arterial phase, the numbers of the lesions showing hyperenhancement, isoenhancement, and hypoenhancement, were 14 (43.8%), 14 (43.8%), and 4 (12.6%), on CEUS, and 12 (37.5%), 9 (28.1%), and 11 (34.4%), on CECT ( P = 0.162). In portal phase, the numbers of the lesions showing hypoenhancement, isoenhancement, and hyperenhancement were 30 (93.8%), 1 (3.1%), and 1 (3.1%), on CEUS, and 23 (71.9%), 8 (25.0%), and 1 (3.1%), on CECT ( P = 0.046). The detection rates for portal vein infiltration were 84.2% (16/19) for baseline ultrasound, 89.5% (17/19) for CEUS, and 78.9% (15/19) for CECT (all P > 0.05 between every two groups). CEUS significantly improved the lesion conspicuity in comparison with CECT. CEUS and CECT made correct diagnoses in 30 (93.8%) and 25 (78.1%) lesions prior to pathological examination ( P = 0.125). Conclusion The enhancement pattern of hilar cholangiocarcinoma on CEUS was similar with that on CECT in arterial phase, whereas in portal phase hilar cholangiocarcinoma shows hypoenhancement more likely on CEUS. CEUS and CECT lead to similar results in evaluating portal vein infiltration and diagnosis of this entity.

Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging features of focal liver lesions (FLLs) in fatty liver. Method One hundred FLLs in 98 patients with fatty liver were evaluated with real-time CEUS. Results All malignant FLLs showed hyperenhancement in arterial phase and contrast washout in portal and late phases. Among the FLLs, 3.3% of hemangiomas, 12.5% of focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs), and 2.5% of focal fatty sparing lesions showed contrast washout in the late phase. The sensitivity and specificity for the characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis, hemangioma, FNH, and focal fatty sparing lesions were 100% and 95.6%, 60% and 100%, 93.3% and 98.6%, 87.5% and 97.8%, and 92.6% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions Correct characterization of FLLs in fatty liver by CEUS is possible based on their typical enhancement patterns.

Purpose To investigate the behavior of perflubutane microbubbles outside and inside Kupffer cells during diagnostic ultrasound (US) examination, and to determine the thresholds of the acoustic pressure of different kinds of behavior. Methods Acoustic behavior of perflubutane microbubbles inside and outside Kupffer cells in an acoustic field induced by a clinical US transducer and equipment was optically observed in vitro. The acoustic pressure was measured simultaneously by a calibrated hydrophone and an oscilloscope. Results The acoustic behavior of microbubbles was optically categorized as stabilization, oscillation, transposition, shrinkage, and destruction. The mechanical index (MI) displayed on the US equipment correlated well with the acoustic pressure at the level of microbubbles measured hydrophonically. At a frame rate of 15 Hz with a frequency of 3.5 MHz and pulse repetition frequency of 3 KHz, the thresholds in term of MI for free microbubbles to begin oscillation, reach best oscillation, transposition, shrinkage, and destruction were 0.21, 0.44, 0.53, 0.75, and 1.03, respectively. Although adherent and phagocytosed microbubbles showed more stability enduring insonation compared with free microbubbles, the thresholds of shrinkage and destruction were MI 1.03 and 1.18 for adherent microbubbles, and 1.18 and 1.37 for phagocytosed microbubbles, respectively. Neither oscillation nor transposition of microbubbles inside Kupffer cells was observed microscopically. No cell damage because of microbubbles destruction was found in the present study. Conclusion Perflubutane microbubbles outside and inside Kupffer cells respond to external US insonation with same parameters of a clinical contrast-enhanced US study according to the acoustic pressure. Free microbubbles behave as stabilization, oscillation, transposition, shrinkage, and destruction under insonation. The adherent and phagocytosed microbubbles are more stable under insonation than free microbubbles, but still respond showing shrinkage and destruction when MI is over 1.03.

Based on a preactivation strategy using the (p-Tol)2SO/Tf2O system, a series of nucleosides are synthesized by coupling various thioglycosides such as (I), (IV), and (VII) with pyrimidine and purine bases.

We compared the enhancement pattern of 98 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules in 92 patients on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed with SonoVue and a low mechanical index method. In arterial phase, 98 nodules were hyperenhancing on CEUS and 94 on CECT. In portal phase, 82 nodules were hypoenhancing on CEUS and 83 on CECT. Peripheral thin-rim-like enhancement was exhibited in 30 nodules on CEUS and 31 on CECT. Intratumoral vessels were visualized in 94 nodules on CEUS and 36 on CECT.