Abstract Background We report a rare case of orbital subperiosteal hematoma associated with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis. Common concerns involving the orbital subperiosteal space include abscess, hematoma and tumor. Case presentation A patient presented to our clinic with periorbital swelling and limited extraocular muscle movement in her left eye. Computed tomography revealed a superior subperiosteal mass with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis. We diagnosed the patient with subperiosteal hematoma and surgical evacuation was performed via superior orbitotomy. Brown serous discharge was drained and biopsy demonstrated fibrin clots. The final diagnosis was orbital subperiosteal hematoma and the patient was discharged with symptoms resolved. Conclusion Orbital subperiosteal hematoma is difficult to distinguish from abscess owing to its rarity and similar presentation. Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosis, and surgical evacuation during the early stages is essential to achieving a good outcome.
Abstract Here, a simple method for fabricating polymeric convex lens and controlling of its focal length in a single‐step fabrication is presented. The method utilizes electrostatic force to pull the polymer droplet to form the lens, as well as to accelerate the droplet to control the curvature of the lens simultaneously. Lenses with various diameter (ranging from 0.75 to 4.5 mm) and curvature are sequentially fabricated at the preprogrammed position on a dielectric and flexible substrate. Since a transparent dielectric flexible film is employed as a target substrate, not only the electrical short circuit in the process is prevented but also high optical transmittance is secured with superior mechanical bendability which allows transformation of the lens into a positive single‐axis meniscus. To show the functionality, the lenses are integrated into a microscope for a teleconverter, fluidic tubing for a magnifier, laser exposing for a concentrator, and LED bulb encapsulating as a light diffuser. The presented method with extremely simple fabrication step with focal length control is expected to be directly applied to a wide range of applications.
A set of proteins reflecting the prognosis of patients have clinical significance since they could be utilized as predictive biomarkers and/or potential therapeutic targets. With the aim of finding novel diagnostic and prognostic markers for glioblastoma (GBM), a tissue microarray (TMA) library consisting of 62 GBMs and 28 GBM-associated normal spots was constructed. Immunohistochemistry against 78 GBM-associated proteins was performed. Expression levels of each protein for each patient were analyzed using an image analysis program and converted to H-score [summation of the intensity grade of staining (0-3) multiplied by the percentage of positive cells corresponding to each grade]. Based on H-score and hierarchical clustering methods, we divided the GBMs into two groups (n=19 and 37) that had significantly different survival lengths (p<0.05). In the two groups, expression of nine proteins (survivin, cyclin E, DCC, TGF-β, CDC25B, histone H1, p-EGFR, p-VEGFR2/3, p16) was significantly changed (q<0.05). Prognosis-predicting potential of these proteins were validated with another independent library of 82 GBM TMAs and a public GBM DNA microarray dataset. In addition, we determined 32 aberrant or mislocalized subcellular protein expression patterns in GBMs compared with relatively normal brain tissues, which could be useful for diagnostic biomarkers of GBM. We therefore suggest that these proteins can be used as predictive biomarkers and/or potential therapeutic targets for GBM.
A convolutional neural network (CNN) guided Bayesian optimisation framework is introduced to strategically maximise the surface to volume ratio of 3D printed lattice supercapacitors. We applied Bayesian optimisation on printing parameters to exploit regions where uniform and narrow lines are printed. A line shape classifying CNN model guided the optimiser's search space to straight-line printed regions, minimising optimisation time and cost. An automatic scoring method allowed each iteration to be conducted within two minutes with accurate and precise measurements. The optimisation process has been demonstrated with graphene oxide (GO) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT:PSS) inks. The results were compared to the parameters that follow the conventional methodologies of direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing. For each printed line of GO and PEDOT:PSS inks, irregularities decreased by 61.8% and 18.9% and average widths decreased by 39.0% and 28.6%. PEDOT:PSS lattice supercapacitor printed using optimised result showed a 151.0% increase in specific capacitance.
The wettability of fiber-reinforced composites plays a crucial role in both mechanical properties and the efficiency of the manufacturing process. This is particularly significant in large and intricate composite structures where any flaws can have more severe consequences. In this study, the impregnation of epoxy resin into carbon fiber (CF) mats in-situ was monitored by observing the electrical resistance (ER) behaviors of CFs without any other additional sensors. The ERs of CF and CF tows at various points were measured, while epoxy resin was applied to establish fundamental data on ER behavior during the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process. During the VARTM process, the ERs of CF mats in-situ were compared with the behaviors of micro and sub-micro CFs, along with capturing images of the front flow of epoxy resin. The ER data obtained during the VARTM process was visualized through 3D ER mapping, which allowing for real-time monitoring of the flow front. Ultimately, the resin flow front of epoxy resin into CF mats was successfully monitored using the ER behaviors of CFs themselves.
Achieving successful bone regeneration necessitates the design of scaffolds that meet diverse biological and mechanical requirements, often leading to conflicts in the design parameters. A key conflict arises between scaffold porosity and stiffness. Increasing porosity facilitates cell infiltration and nutrient exchange, promoting bone regeneration. However, higher porosity compromises scaffold stiffness, which is crucial for providing structural support in the defective region. Furthermore, appropriate scaffold stiffness is crucial for preventing stress shielding. Conventional geometry-based design methods utilizing single-phase materials have limited flexibility in resolving such conflicts. To address this challenge, we propose a voxel-based method for designing composite scaffolds composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) and polylactic acid (PLA). Our strategy involves first satisfying primary biological requirements by selecting appropriate porosity, pore shape, and size. Subsequently, scaffold stiffness requirements are met by selecting suitable phase materials and tuning their contents. The study demonstrates that the voxel-based approach effectively balances both biological and mechanical requirements in scaffold design. This method addresses the limitations of traditional designs by achieving an optimal balance between porosity and stiffness, which is crucial for scaffold performance in biomedical applications. Moreover, the scaffolds designed using this method can be manufactured using voxel-based 3D printing technology, which is emerging in the field. Future advancements in voxel-based 3D printing technology will further enhance the feasibility and practicality of this approach for bone tissue engineering applications.
STES (Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage) is one of the most effective ways to improve the performance of the solar thermal system in the summer season. During the summer, the STES system stores thermal energy owing to low thermal demand and then uses in the winter when the thermal demand is high. Stratification in the storage tank can enhance the thermal efficiency of the system. In general, there are two methods for stratification; to control the flow rate and to apply devices such as diffuser and distributor. In this study, we propose a simple method which controls the flow rate and the inlet port position. Experiments and simulation were carried out to investigate the performance and effect of the proposed method. It was confirmed that the temperature reversal phenomenon can be prevented, and the stratification index and the solar fraction are improved by the combined control with a variable flow rate and a variable position controls.
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