FDNet: Feature Decoupled Segmentation Network for Tooth CBCT Image

Precise Tooth Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) image segmentation is crucial for orthodontic treatment planning. In this paper, we propose FDNet, a Feature Decoupled Segmentation Network, to excel in the face of the variable dental conditions encountered in CBCT scans, such as complex artifacts and indistinct tooth boundaries. The Low-Frequency Wavelet Transform (LF-Wavelet) is employed to enrich the semantic content by emphasizing the global structural integrity of the teeth, while the SAM encoder is leveraged to refine the boundary delineation, thus improving the contrast between adjacent dental structures. By integrating these dual aspects, FDNet adeptly addresses the semantic gap, providing a detailed and accurate segmentation. The framework's effectiveness is validated through rigorous benchmarks, achieving the top Dice and IoU scores of 85.28% and 75.23%, respectively. This innovative decoupling of semantic and boundary features capitalizes on the unique strengths of each element to significantly elevate the quality of segmentation performance.Comment: This work has been submitted to the IEEE ISBI 2024 for possible publication. Copyright may be transferred without notice, after which this version may no longer be accessibl

Diagnostic procedure for idiopathic eosinophilic pleural effusion: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is attributed to several well-recognised causes. However, some patients remain idiopathic, even after thorough clinical work-up. The present study aimed to better characterize idiopathic EPE (IEPE) and to outline the diagnostic procedure for this disease. METHODS: Complete clinical data of 11 consecutive patients with IEPE were prospectively collected and analysed. Preliminary diagnostic procedure of IEPE in our hospital was performed. RESULTS: All the 11 patients had respiratory symptoms and unilateral pleural effusion (PE) occurred in 4 patients. The mean percentage of eosinophils in PE was 22.4% (range, 12.4–50.5%). Lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine deaminase, proteins and carcinoembryonic antigen in PE were 246.0 U/L (range, 89.8–421.9 U/L), 13.8 U/L (range, 1.8–24.0 U/L), 42.6 g/dl (range, 32.8–52.6 g/dl) and 2.17 mg/mL (range, 0.46–4.31 mg/mL), respectively. Parasite-specific IgG antibody in blood and parasite eggs in stool were both negative. No evidence of tuberculosis or malignancy was observed in pleural biopsy. Symptoms and abnormal pulmonary imaging were eliminated after glucocorticoid use. CONCLUSIONS: IEPE is a diagnosis of exclusion. Patients with EPE without a clear cause should be asked to provided complete medical, surgical and drug-related histories. A thorough work-up is essential. Moreover, we recommend follow-up after the use of glucocorticoid until effusion resolves. TRIAL REGISTRATION: GYFYY. Registration No: GYFYY20150901221. Registered time: 1 September 2015. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 22 January 2016

Study on Forming Mechanism of the Recast Layer on the Workpiece Surface during Micro EDM

In comparison to conventional EDM, micro EDM distinguishes itself through its brief discharge duration, narrow discharge channel radius, and concentrated energy density. However, there remains a paucity of comprehensive research on the surface formation characteristics in this domain. This paper delves into the formation mechanism of the recast layer in micro EDM workpieces, scrutinizing the primary factors that influence the formation process and the morphological attributes of the recast layer. We conducted a series of single-pulse experiments and micro EDM trials. Utilizing surface fitting tools, our experimental findings facilitated the derivation of a relational expression between the recast layer thickness of high-speed steel and the discharge parameters in micro EDM. Notably, when the energy is below 100 μJ, the recast layer thickness remains under 10 μm. Specifically, at an energy level of 16 μJ, opting for a smaller capacitance of 2200 pf and a higher voltage of 120 V in micro EDM results in a thinner recast layer. This study serves as a cornerstone for future efforts aimed at controlling and assessing the surface morphology of micro EDM