bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending end‐of‐summer‐snowlines for the Southern Alps glaciers of New Zealand back to 1949
Authors: Salinger Michael James , Fitzharris Brian Blair , Chinn Trevor
Published: May 2021

New Zealand has a more than four‐decade long (1977–2019) continuous record of measurements of the altitude of end‐of‐summer‐snowlines (EOSS). These are obtained from oblique aerial photography during annual flights over the Southern Alps for a set of 50 ‘index glaciers’ (EOSSALPS). Average EOSSALPS is 1842 m for the 1977–2016 period. Estimates for EOSSALPS are extended from 1977 back to 1949 by using observations from New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman (EOSSTAS). When EOSSTAS are not available, significant regression relationships are established with air temperature, regional climate indices and hemispheric scale climate teleconnections. This analysis involves glacier year values of annual mean Hokitika temperature, the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the El Niño/Southern Oscillation Index (ENSO) and the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). Results show that over the seven decades there have been significant increases in EOSSALPS, and anthropogenic temperature increases play a significant role as found for Hokitika temperature. From 1949 to 1955 EOSSALPS varied little, but then rose to 1980. Thereafter, until 2010, annual EOSSALPS stayed about the same level with small fluctuations. However, from 2010 to 2019 it rose by a further 200 m above normal. The overall increase in EOSSALPS since 1949 is most significant, averaging +42 m per decade, or a total of 300 m. The length of the two monitored fast flowing Franz Josef and Fox glaciers over the same time are mimicked well by EOSSALPS with a four‐year lag.
Possible connection between declining Barents Sea ice and interdecadal increasing northeast China precipitation in May
Authors: Li Xingxing , Sun Jianqi , Zhang Mengqi , Zhang Ying , Ma Jiehua
Published: May 2021

Northeast China is a major agricultural production base in East Asia, and spring is the agricultural ploughing season throughout the region. The precipitation in spring is therefore significant to agricultural activity and production in the region. In this study, the interdecadal variation in spring precipitation across northeast China is investigated. In the past four decades, there has been a significant increase in spring precipitation in northeast China, and the increase in May precipitation made a dominant contribution to that increase. Further analysis indicates that the increase in May precipitation is concurrent with the decline in Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) over the Barents Sea; both variables show an interdecadal shift around the early 2000s. Physical analysis based on observations and numerical simulations demonstrates that a decline in the Barents Sea SIC could excite a Rossby wave train propagating southeastward across the Mongolia‐Baikal region and reaching northeast China, thereby inducing a zonal anticyclone–cyclone–anticyclone teleconnection pattern over mid‐ to high‐latitude Eurasia. Under the influence of such a teleconnection pattern, significant southerlies prevail over northeast China, bringing warm and wet air to the region; in addition, the local atmospheric instability and upward motion are also increased. The changes in the moisture and dynamic conditions favour the increase in May precipitation over northeast China. Furthermore, SIC anomalies in the Barents Sea persist from late winter to spring; therefore, the SIC signal could provide signals for predictions of the interdecadal changes in May precipitation over northeast China.
Interannual variability of summer tropical cyclone activity in the northwestern North Pacific modulated by El Niño‐Southern oscillation and intraseasonal oscillation
Authors: Lai Tzu‐Ling , Chen Jau‐Ming , Sui Chung‐Hsiung , Tan Pei‐Hua , Wu Liang , Tsai Mei‐Yun
Published: May 2021

Interannual variability of summer (June–August) tropical cyclones (TCs) in the northwestern North Pacific (NP) region (120°–135°E, 20°–35°N) and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exhibit four asymmetric ENSO‐TC relationships. The major relationship types are El Niño‐enhanced and La Niña‐suppressed, while the minor relationship types are El Niño‐suppressed and La Niña‐enhanced. The major modulatory processes for the El Niño‐enhanced type feature an elongated anomalous cyclone extending from the tropical western NP (WNP) northwestward toward the northwestern NP. This feature intensifies TC formation in the tropical WNP and guides them northward/northwestward increasing TC frequency in the northwestern NP. The El Niño‐suppressed type has its anomalous cyclone displacing eastward in the tropical WNP with an accompanying anomalous anticyclone across the northwestern NP. TC formation reduces in the tropical WNP and TC movement is blocked toward the northwestern NP, resulting in decreased TC frequency. The La Niña‐suppressed type features a dominant elongated anomalous anticyclone in the WNP to suppress TC formation and movement toward the northwestern NP, yielding reduced TC frequency. The La Niña‐enhanced type contains an anomalous anticyclone south of 20°N in the tropical WNP in company with an anomalous cyclone over the northwestern NP. Under this anomalous cyclone, enhanced TC formation and movement in the northwestern NP result in increased TC frequency. For all relationship types, 30–60‐day intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) anomalies feature a dominant anomalous cyclone over the WNP providing favourable conditions that guide TC movement toward its central region over the northwestern NP. Both ENSO and ISO make positive contributions that increase TC frequency in the northwestern NP for the El Niño‐enhanced and La Niña‐enhanced types. ENSO is the major factor reducing TC frequency in the El Niño‐suppressed and La Niña‐suppressed types.
Tibetan Plateau vortex‐associated precipitation and its link with the Tibetan Plateau heating anomaly
Authors: Lin Zhiqiang , Guo Weidong , Yao Xiuping , Du Jun , Li Wenkai , Ge Jun
Published: May 2021

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is known as the Asian water tower that supplies fresh water for millions of people in Asia. The Tibetan Plateau vortices (TPVs) are one of the major precipitation‐producing weather systems over the TP. The characteristics of TPV‐associated precipitation from 1979 to 2017 are quantitatively analysed based on three daily precipitation datasets. The influence of TPVs on precipitation is more significant in the warm season (May–September) because the precipitation and TPV activities both peak in the warm season. The TPV‐associated precipitation (VAP) dominates the total precipitation over most of the TP in the warm season. The VAP contributes more than 50% of the total precipitation in the warm season over 30% of the area over the TP, particularly in the central TP, while the VAP accounts for more than 25% of the total precipitation in the cold season over about 20% of the area over the TP. Therefore, TPVs are the major systems to produce precipitation on the TP in the warm season, and they are also important in the cold season in certain regions. The interannual variation of VAP is mainly determined by the number, rather than the precipitation intensity, of TPVs. Furthermore, the heating anomaly caused by the TP thermodynamic effect is an influential factor of VAP. Stronger (weaker) TP heating and resulting ascending motion strengthen (attenuate) the convergence near the TP surface and the divergence in the upper troposphere. The thermal adaption‐associated circulation generates more (less) TPVs and VAP.
Symmetry of the benzene ring and its normal vibrations: The “breathing” mode is not always a normal vibration of a benzene ring
Authors: Sakamoto Akira , Tasumi Mitsuo
Published: May 2021

Vibrational analysis based on density‐functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level has been performed for benzene and its 10 deuterated analogs. The results show that the “breathing” mode, which is usually regarded as a normal vibration intrinsic to a benzene ring, is present for the d0, p‐d2, 1,2,3,4‐d4, 1,2,4,5‐d4, and d6 species (group A), but absent for the d1, m‐d2, 1,2,3‐d3, 1,3,5‐d3, 1,2,3,5‐d4, and d5 species (group B). It is noted that the species in group A have a two‐fold symmetry axis passing through the middle points of the two CC bonds in the opposite position, but the species in group B do not. The Raman spectra of the benzene species in groups A and B have been observed. In the 1010–940 cm−1 region of the spectra observed for the species in group A, only one very strong band arising from the breathing mode exists. In the same region of the spectra observed for the species in group B, two bands, one strong and the other less strong or weak, are observed. The two bands observed for the species in group B are assigned to the two trigonal ring deformation modes in which primarily the three carbon atoms at either the 1,3,5‐positions or the 2,4,6‐positions move in phase toward and away from the center of the ring. The Raman intensities of these two modes and the separation between them are discussed.
Detection of adulterated sugar with plastic packaging based on spatially offset Raman imaging
Authors: Liu Zhenfang , Huang Min , Zhu Qibing , Qin Jianwei , Kim Moon S
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The application of optical sensing technology in food adulteration detection has been extensively studied. However, due to the impact of packaging materials on the penetration depth of photons in foods and the interference from the optical properties of the packaging materials themselves, the use of optical sensing technology to detect packaged foods adulteration is still a well‐known problem.

RESULTS

The line‐scan Raman imaging system was used to collect Raman hyperspectral images of adulterated sugars, made by mixing soft sugar and cheap glucose in seven different ratios. With the 0 and 3 mm (optimal offset distance) between line‐laser source and scanning line, the Raman hyperspectral images of adulterated sugars covered by packaging plastic were acquired respectively. Using adulterated samples un‐covered by packaging plastic as training samples, the Random Forest prediction model was developed, and excellent prediction performance was achieved for adulterated samples un‐covered by packaging plastics. Compared with Raman data acquired with 0 mm offset distance, the performance of the prediction model was significantly improved, with 0.957 for coefficient of determination (R2), 0.413 for root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), and 4.846 for residual predictive deviation (RPD), for adulterated samples with plastic packaging acquired with the 3 mm offset distance.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel non‐destructive method based on spatially offset Raman imaging technology, which can reduce the interference of packaging materials and enhance the signal of internal interesting materials, was proposed for detection of adulterated sugar with plastic packaging. The experiment results show that spatially offset imaging technology provides a candidate method for detecting adulteration of packaged foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Peritoneal cytology as an indicator of peritoneal metastases in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Deng Tom , Chang David
Published: May 2021

Background

In the management of peritoneal metastases from colon and rectal cancer, the most favorable results are reported with an aggressive combined treatment on patients who have a small extent of the disease. A test to detect occult peritoneal metastases would greatly facilitate the management of this component of colorectal dissemination.

Methods

Currently, the standard test by which to confirm the diagnosis of the peritoneal spread of colorectal cancer is peritoneal cytology. To study the utility of this test, we gathered information from patients with biopsy‐proven peritoneal metastases. The clinical, histologic, and treatment‐related features of these patients at the time of a cytoreductive surgery were statistically correlated with the results of the peritoneal cytology test.

Results

Forty‐nine patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases and a peritoneal cytology determination at the time of a cytoreductive surgery were available for analysis. Twenty‐eight patients (55.1%) had a positive test. Patients with a high peritoneal cancer index and mucinous histology were most likely to have positive peritoneal cytology.

Conclusion

Peritoneal cytology identified patients with mucinous histology and a large extent of disease but was consistently negative in patients who had a small extent of disease compatible with a favorable response to treatment.
“Should I Post or Ghost?”: Examining how privacy concerns impact social media engagement in US consumers
Authors: Bright Laura F. , Lim Hayoung Sally , Logan Kelty
Published: May 2021

Privacy concerns and social media usage continue to increase in parallel for many online consumers. While researchers have suggested the negative impact of privacy concerns on social media engagement, it is also observable that privacy concerns do not prevent users from disclosing their personal information online while using social media, in other words a privacy paradox exists. Noting this interesting discrepancy, our research investigates various factors influencing the relationship between privacy concerns and social media engagement. Privacy related factors are examined along with social media constructs as potential moderators that would explain why privacy concerns do/do not affect social media engagement. To explore these relationships, an online survey was conducted with a total of 760 US social media consumers. Results determined that privacy concerns negatively influenced social media engagement to the extent that users have privacy protection behaviors, social media trust, and social media fatigue. Interestingly, when users have high trust on social media platforms, social media engagement is more likely to increase despite privacy concerns. To increase engagement from consumers on these platforms, brands should look to establish transparent interactions with consumers that ensure data privacy and limit data surveillance.
How does public recognition affect price sensitivity to green products? The role of self‐construal and temporal distance
Authors: Gao Jian , Wang Jianguo , Bailey Ainsworth
Published: May 2021

This study focused on the role of public recognition in fostering lower levels of price sensitivity to green products and the factors that influence this relationship. We conducted three studies to analyze the relationship between public recognition and price sensitivity to green products and the moderating effects of self‐construal and temporal distance on this relationship. A total of 865 persons took part in the research. Study 1 found that public recognition significantly reduces price sensitivity to green products. In addition, with the activation of public recognition, consumers with higher levels of independent self‐construal (IND SC) were more price‐sensitive compared to consumers with higher levels of interdependent self‐construal (INTER SC). Study 2 reassessed the results of Study 1 using a different product and larger sample size; it also provided a sample database for Study 3. Results from Study 2 and Study 3 showed that, in relation to their initial green purchase behavior, consumers with higher levels of IND SC were more price‐sensitive in subsequent green purchase behavior than consumers with higher levels of INTER SC when public recognition was activated. Furthermore, IND SC consumers' price sensitivity to green products between initial purchase and a subsequent purchase appears as an inverse U‐shaped curve by temporal distance matching from present to near future (7 days later) and then to distant future (15 days later). The study sheds light on the important roles of public recognition, self‐construal, and temporal distance in predicting price sensitivity to green products.
Phototunable Cloud Point Temperatures Stemming from Cyclic Topology: Synthesis and Thermal Phase Transition Behavior of Cyclic Poly(N‐acryloylsarcosine methyl ester)
Authors: Wu Zhigang , Zhang Hualong , Liu Chao , Hong Chunyan
Published: May 2021

Cyclic polymers possess distinct properties compared with their linear counterparts, such as smaller hydrodynamic volume, lower viscosity, and higher glass‐transition temperature, etc. To explore the impact of the cyclic topology on the thermo‐induced phase transition behavior of poly(N‐acryloylsarcosine methyl ester) (PNASME), the anthracene‐terminated telechelic PNASMEs are synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of monomer NASME using a bifunctional chain transfer agent (CTA) with two anthryl groups. Subsequently, cyclic PNASMEs are prepared via UV‐induced cyclization under 365 nm UV. There are considerable increases (up to 50 °C) for the cloud point temperatures (Tcps) of cyclic PNASMEs compared with the linear counterparts. In view of the increment, the Tcp of PNASME is tuned by varying the cyclic/linear ratio (the molar ratio between cyclic PNASME and linear PNASME in the product) with different irradiation time.
Recent Advances in the Development of Stem‐Cell‐Derived Dopaminergic Neuronal Transplant Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Barbuti Peter A. , Barker Roger A. , Brundin Patrik , Przedborski Serge , Papa Stella M. , Kalia Lorraine V. , Mochizuki Hideki ,   the MDS Scientific Issues Committee
Published: May 2021

The last decade has seen exciting advances in the development of potential stem cell‐based therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD), which have used different types of stem cells as starting material. These cells have been developed primarily to replace dopamine‐producing neurons in the substantia nigra that are progressively lost in the disease process. The aim is to largely restore lost motor functions, whilst not ever being curative. We discuss cell‐based strategies that will have to fulfill important criteria to become effective and competitive therapies for PD. These criteria include reproducibly producing sufficient numbers of cells with an authentic substantia nigra dopamine neuron A9 phenotype, which can integrate into the host brain after transplantation and form synapses (considered crucial for long‐term functional benefits). Furthermore, it is essential that transplanted cells exhibit no, or only very low levels of, proliferation without tumor formation at the site of grafting. Cumulative research has shown that stem cell‐based approaches continue to have great potential in PD, but key questions remain to be answered. Here, we review the most recent progress in research on stem cell‐based dopamine neuron replacement therapy for PD and briefly discuss what the immediate future might hold. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A seasonally blended and regionally integrated drought index using Bayesian network theory
Authors: Raza Ahmad , Hussain Ijaz , Ali Zulfiqar , Faisal Muhammad , Elashkar Elsayed Elsherbini , Shoukry Alaa Mohamd , Al‐Deek Fares Fawzi , Gani Showkat
Published: May 2021

Among the list of all‐natural hazards, the unique characteristic of drought is its multiplex nature. Besides, the inherited regional characteristics and seasonal variation of drought make it more complicated. Conventional drought indices are inadequate to integrate seasonal and local elements. Therefore, to integrate seasonal components and regional factors, the present study emphasizes the following features: the existence of multiple drought monitoring indicators, the regional broadcasting of drought‐related statistics, and seasonal fluctuations. The seasonally blended regionally integrated drought index (SBRIDI) based on two‐stage Bayesian network theory comprehensively captures seasonal and regional variability embedded in individual drought indicators and regionally scattered homogeneous meteorological stations. It extracts information from a widely accepted standardized precipitation index and other multiscalar variants (standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, standardized precipitation temperature index). It offers a better estimate of drought severity and pattern in the whole study region. The application of the SBRIDI is based on six meteorological stations located in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. Among 216 time series datasets, the stage I Bayesian network selects 72 seasonally relevant standardized drought indices datasets, and the stage II Bayesian network selects 12 of the seasonally most prominent meteorological station datasets. Temporal graphical evidence shows that the SBRIDI can assess the drought risk and depicts the spatial extent of drought conditions at the regional level. The SBRIDI can highlight hotspots of drought‐prone regions, which could help freshwater management agencies and stakeholders.
Blood group genotyping in alloimmunized multi‐transfused thalassemia patients from Iran
Authors: Sarihi Reyhaneh , Oodi Arezoo , Dadkhah Tehrani Raziyeh , Jalali Seyedeh Farzaneh , Mardani Fahimeh , Azarkeivan Azita , Gudarzi Samira , Amirizadeh Naser
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Serological methods may not be reliable for RBC antigen typing, especially in multi‐transfused patients. The blood group systems provoking the most severe transfusion reactions are mainly Rh, Kell, Kidd, and Duffy. We intended to determine the genotype of these blood group system antigens among Iranian alloimmunized thalassemia patients using molecular methods and compare the results with serological phenotyping.

Methods

Two hundred patients participated in this study. Blood group phenotype and genotype were determined using the serological method and PCR‐SSP, respectively. The genotypes of patients with incompatibility between phenotype and genotype were re‐evaluated by RFLP‐PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing.

Results

Discrepancies between phenotype and genotype results were found in 132 alleles and 83 (41.5%) patients; however, there was complete accordance between the three genotyping methods. Most discrepancies were detected in Rh and Duffy systems with 47 and 45 cases, respectively, and the main discrepancy was in the FY*B/FY*B allele when serologically showed Fy(a+b+). All 39 undetermined phenotypes, due to mixed‐field reactions, were resolved by molecular genotyping.

Conclusion

Molecular genotyping is more reliable compared with the serological method, especially in multi‐transfused patients. Therefore, the addition of blood group genotyping to serological assays can lead to an antigen‐matched transfusion in these patients.
Workforce diversity initiatives support staff well‐being, benefit HC system
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

Observing that by the year 2050, the projected racial composition of the U.S. population will require a change in the health care workforce, the co‐chair of a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program last week said that embarking on diversity initiatives can lead to improved outcomes and an overall better health care system.
Trained peers excel in program borrowing from Weight Watchers model
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2021

To gain a full appreciation of what the innovative Mood Lifters program is accomplishing for people with depressive and anxiety disorders and other mental health issues, one has to understand first that its founder remains at heart a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist. “I am not interested in putting things out there that don't work,” Patricia Deldin, Ph.D., told MHW.
Bill would provide Medicare reimbursement for peer services
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

Bipartisan legislation to provide the first comprehensive definition of peer support services in the Medicare law has been introduced in Congress. The bill, which recognizes the unique role of peer support specialists who complement therapists, case managers and physicians as part of a coordinated team, has also garnered the support of more than 40 mental health organizations.
Telebehavioral health training to support growing care needs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

Addressing the mental health professional shortage and increasing access to quality behavioral health care, particularly during a time of heightened need, are at the core of a new telebehavioral health certificate program launched this month by the American Board of Telehealth. The telebehavioral health curriculum reviews current evidence and best practices from field experts through interactive content, video and integrated scenarios, say officials.
Chickpea Extract Ameliorates Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms via Restoring Intestinal Ecology and Metabolic Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Li Pei , Lu Biyu , Gong Jing , Li Lin , Chen Guoping , Zhang Jiaxian , Chen Yongda , Tian Xing , Han Bo , Guo Yake , Xie Zhiyong , Liao Qiongfeng
Published: May 2021

Scope

Chickpeas have been recognized as a natural Uyghur medicine in Xinjiang (China) for 2500 years. Although the phenotypic effect on obesity or diabetes was authenticated, the mechanism was unclear. This work aims to study the effect of chickpea extract (CE) on metabolic syndrome induced by type 2 diabetes and to reveal its related mechanisms, focusing on intestinal flora and metabolomics.

Methods and results

Diabetic rats are induced by a high‐fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. CE supplementation (3 g kg−1) for 4 weeks improved the hyperglycemia, inflammatory state, and organ functions of diabetic rats. The metabolic profile trajectories of urine and faeces obtained by NMR have good separations among all groups, and CE significantly increases the contents of SCFAs in the cecum. Moreover, CE relieves intestinal dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of SCFAs‐producing bacteria (e.g., Enterococcaceae) but reduces conditional pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Corynebacterium). PICRUSt predicts the functions of gut microbiome from the 16S rRNA gene sequences and metagenome, and finds that CE restored amino acids degradation, bile acids metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the role of CE from the perspective of metabolomics and the microbiota, which provides evidence for chickpea as a prebiotic to prevent diabetes.
Compact circularly polarized GNSS antenna with broad beam and stable phase center based on fragment‐type crossed dipoles
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Hongliang , Wu Xiaopo , Wang Gang
Published: May 2021

This study is dedicated to the comprehensive design of a compact circularly polarized microstrip antenna and the integration of essential properties of stable phase center, broad bandwidth, and wide beamwidth into that antenna. Such a compact antenna in electronically low size was firstly achieved by technically using paired fragment‐type crossed dipoles and applying multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm with enhanced genetic operators. The design method has proved a triumphant one in simulations and experimental tests that it guarantees the proposed antenna to hold the capability of operating in broad band covering the popular GNSS, such as the GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, and GLONASS. The verified antenna has also demonstrated a great flexibility to design requirement that it allows the stable phase center beneath 3.5° over the whole GNSS bands, relatively wide beamwidth more than 130°, and much compact structure.
Microwave ablation of lung tumors: A probabilistic approach for simulation‐based treatment planning
Authors: Sebek Jan , Taeprasartsit Pinyo , Wibowo Henky , Beard Warren L. , Bortel Radoslav , Prakash Punit
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a clinically established modality for treatment of lung tumors. A challenge with existing application of MWA, however, is local tumor progression, potentially due to failure to establish an adequate treatment margin. This study presents a robust simulation‐based treatment planning methodology to assist operators in comparatively assessing thermal profiles and likelihood of achieving a specified minimum margin as a function of candidate applied energy parameters.

Methods

We employed a biophysical simulation‐based probabilistic treatment planning methodology to evaluate the likelihood of achieving a specified minimum margin for candidate treatment parameters (i.e., applied power and ablation duration for a given applicator position within a tumor). A set of simulations with varying tissue properties was evaluated for each considered combination of power and ablation duration, and for four different scenarios of contrast in tissue biophysical properties between tumor and normal lung. A treatment planning graph was then assembled, where distributions of achieved minimum ablation zone margins and collateral damage volumes can be assessed for candidate applied power and treatment duration combinations. For each chosen power and time combination, the operator can also visualize the histogram of ablation zone boundaries overlaid on the tumor and target volumes. We assembled treatment planning graphs for generic 1, 2, and 2.5 cm diameter spherically shaped tumors and also illustrated the impact of tissue heterogeneity on delivered treatment plans and resulting ablation histograms. Finally, we illustrated the treatment planning methodology on two example patient‐specific cases of tumors with irregular shapes.

Results

The assembled treatment planning graphs indicate that 30 W, 6 min ablations achieve a 5‐mm minimum margin across all simulated cases for 1‐cm diameter spherical tumors, and 70 W, 10 min ablations achieve a 3‐mm minimum margin across 90% of simulations for a 2.5‐cm diameter spherical tumor. Different scenarios of tissue heterogeneity between tumor and lung tissue revealed 2 min overall difference in ablation duration, in order to reliably achieve a 4‐mm minimum margin or larger each time for 2‐cm diameter spherical tumor.

Conclusions

An approach for simulation‐based treatment planning for microwave ablation of lung tumors is illustrated to account for the impact of specific geometry of the treatment site, tissue property uncertainty, and heterogeneity between the tumor and normal lung.
Commissioning of a clinical pencil beam scanning proton therapy unit for ultra‐high dose rates (FLASH)
Authors: Nesteruk Konrad P. , Togno Michele , Grossmann Martin , Lomax Anthony J. , Weber Damien C. , Schippers Jacobus M. , Safai Sairos , Meer David , Psoroulas Serena
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to provide a flexible platform for FLASH research with protons by adapting a former clinical pencil beam scanning gantry to irradiations with ultra‐high dose rates.

Methods

PSI Gantry 1 treated patients until December 2018. We optimized the beamline parameters to transport the 250 MeV beam extracted from the PSI COMET accelerator to the treatment room, maximizing the transmission of beam intensity to the sample. We characterized a dose monitor on the gantry to ensure good control of the dose, delivered in spot‐scanning mode. We characterized the beam for different dose rates and field sizes for transmission irradiations. We explored scanning possibilities in order to enable conformal irradiations or transmission irradiations of large targets (with transverse scanning).

Results

We achieved a transmission of 86% from the cyclotron to the treatment room. We reached a peak dose rate of 9000 Gy/s at 3 mm water equivalent depth, along the central axis of a single pencil beam. Field sizes of up to 5 × 5 mm2 were achieved for single‐spot FLASH irradiations. Fast transverse scanning allowed to cover a field of 16 × 1.2 cm2. With the use of a nozzle‐mounted range shifter, we are able to span depths in water ranging from 19.6 to 37.9 cm. Various dose levels were delivered with precision within less than 1%.

Conclusions

We have realized a proton FLASH irradiation setup able to investigate continuously a wide dose rate spectrum, from 1 to 9000 Gy/s in single‐spot irradiation as well as in the pencil beam scanning mode. As such, we have developed a versatile test bench for FLASH research.
NMR internal standard signal shifts due to cyclodextrin inclusion complexes
Authors: Ray Colleen L. , Gawenis James A. , Harmata Michael , Greenlief Charles Michael
Published: May 2021

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based screening of materials is a powerful tool for quality control, authenticity testing, and purity testing of compounds. However, reliance on 3‐(trimethylsilyl)‐propane‐1‐sulfonate (DSS) and 3‐(trimethylsilyl)propanoic acid (TMSP) for referencing the spectra of aqueous samples is not without hazard, particularly with automated analyses. The assumption that these reference signals always represent 0 ppm is ubiquitous in NMR spectroscopy and is routinely used for spectral alignment. However, it has been found that cyclodextrins readily generate inclusion complexes with DSS and TMSP with the effect of rendering this assumption incorrect. These inclusion complexes alter the electronic shielding of the trimethylsilane functional groups on DSS and TMSP yielding a small, but significant, shift to a higher frequency in the signal relied upon for spectral referencing. As a result, samples containing traces of these compounds may be incorrectly declared fraudulent, inconsistent with standards, or adulterated. In order to maintain the viability of this screening method, vigilance and/or improved referencing of spectra is needed.
Vertical open‐bore MRI scanners generate significantly less radiofrequency heating around implanted leads: A study of deep brain stimulation implants in 1.2T OASIS scanners versus 1.5T horizontal systems
Authors: Kazemivalipour Ehsan , Bhusal Bhumi , Vu Jasmine , Lin Stella , Nguyen Bach Thanh , Kirsch John , Nowac Elizabeth , Pilitsis Julie , Rosenow Joshua , Atalar Ergin , Golestanirad Laleh
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Patients with active implants such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices are often denied access to MRI due to safety concerns associated with the radiofrequency (RF) heating of their electrodes. The majority of studies on RF heating of conductive implants have been performed in horizontal close‐bore MRI scanners. Vertical MRI scanners which have a 90° rotated transmit coil generate fundamentally different electric and magnetic field distributions, yet very little is known about RF heating of implants in this class of scanners. We performed numerical simulations as well as phantom experiments to compare RF heating of DBS implants in a 1.2T vertical scanner (OASIS, Hitachi) compared to a 1.5T horizontal scanner (Aera, Siemens).

Methods

Simulations were performed on 90 lead models created from post‐operative CT images of patients with DBS implants. Experiments were performed with wires and commercial DBS devices implanted in an anthropomorphic phantom.

Results

We found significant reduction of 0.1 g‐averaged specific absorption rate (30‐fold, P < 1 × 10−5) and RF heating (9‐fold, P < .026) in the 1.2T vertical scanner compared to the 1.5T conventional scanner.

Conclusion

Vertical MRI scanners appear to generate lower RF heating around DBS leads, providing potentially heightened safety or the flexibility to use sequences with higher power levels than on conventional systems.
Three‐dimensional self‐attention conditional GAN with spectral normalization for multimodal neuroimaging synthesis
Authors: Lan Haoyu ,   the Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Toga Arthur W. , Sepehrband Farshid
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To develop a new 3D generative adversarial network that is designed and optimized for the application of multimodal 3D neuroimaging synthesis.

Methods

We present a 3D conditional generative adversarial network (GAN) that uses spectral normalization and feature matching to stabilize the training process and ensure optimization convergence (called SC‐GAN). A self‐attention module was also added to model the relationships between widely separated image voxels. The performance of the network was evaluated on the data set from ADNI‐3, in which the proposed network was used to predict PET images, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity maps from multimodal MRI. Then, SC‐GAN was applied on a multidimensional diffusion MRI experiment for superresolution application. Experiment results were evaluated by normalized RMS error, peak SNR, and structural similarity.

Results

In general, SC‐GAN outperformed other state‐of‐the‐art GAN networks including 3D conditional GAN in all three tasks across all evaluation metrics. Prediction error of the SC‐GAN was 18%, 24% and 29% lower compared to 2D conditional GAN for fractional anisotropy, PET and mean diffusivity tasks, respectively. The ablation experiment showed that the major contributors to the improved performance of SC‐GAN are the adversarial learning and the self‐attention module, followed by the spectral normalization module. In the superresolution multidimensional diffusion experiment, SC‐GAN provided superior predication in comparison to 3D Unet and 3D conditional GAN.

Conclusion

In this work, an efficient end‐to‐end framework for multimodal 3D medical image synthesis (SC‐GAN) is presented. The source code is also made available at https://github.com/Haoyulance/SC‐GAN.
Pulseq‐CEST: Towards multi‐site multi‐vendor compatibility and reproducibility of CEST experiments using an open‐source sequence standard
Authors: Herz Kai , Mueller Sebastian , Perlman Or , Zaitsev Maxim , Knutsson Linda , Sun Phillip Zhe , Zhou Jinyuan , van Zijl Peter , Heinecke Kerstin , Schuenke Patrick , Farrar Christian T. , Schmidt Manuel , Dörfler Arnd , Scheffler Klaus , Zaiss Moritz
Published: May 2021

Purpose

As the field of CEST grows, various novel preparation periods using different parameters are being introduced. At the same time, large, multisite clinical studies require clearly defined protocols, especially across different vendors. Here, we propose a CEST definition standard using the open Pulseq format for a shareable, simple, and exact definition of CEST protocols.

Methods

We present the benefits of such a standard in three ways: (1) an open database on GitHub, where fully defined, human‐readable CEST protocols can be shared; (2) an open‐source Bloch‐McConnell simulation to test and optimize CEST preparation periods in silico; and (3) a hybrid MR sequence that plays out the CEST preparation period and can be combined with any existing readout module.

Results

The exact definition of the CEST preparation period, in combination with the flexible simulation, leads to a good match between simulations and measurements. The standard allowed finding consensus on three amide proton transfer–weighted protocols that could be compared in healthy subjects and a tumor patient. In addition, we could show coherent multisite results for a sophisticated CEST method, highlighting the benefits regarding protocol sharing and reproducibility.

Conclusion

With Pulseq‐CEST, we provide a straightforward approach to standardize, share, simulate, and measure different CEST preparation schemes, which are inherently completely defined.
Alternative Prey Reduces Largemouth Bass Predation Mortality on Newly Stocked Channel Catfish Fingerlings
Authors: Becher Cory , Tyszko Stephen M. , Zweifel Richard D. , Conroy Joseph D. , Pritt Jeremy J. , Ludsin Stuart A.
Published: May 2021

Management agencies commonly stock Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus as advanced yearlings instead of fingerlings (age 0) to help reduce potential predation mortality despite uncertainty regarding the degree to which predation limits fingerling poststocking survival. To better understand whether fingerling survival during the first 7 d after stocking—when predation risk is likely greatest—could benefit from the presence of alternative prey fish, we conducted an experiment in 0.4-ha ponds (N = 18; 6 ponds/treatment) that measured fingerling (TL range = 56–186 mm) survival in ponds with predators only (adult Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides; mean TL = 327 mm; SE = 21), with predators and alternative prey fishes (Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and Goldfish Carassius auratus), or with neither (i.e., control ponds). Without alternative prey, fingerling Channel Catfish survival 1 week after stocking was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (89%) than in the ponds with alternative prey (98%) or in the control treatment with no predators (97%). Our experiment also indicated the potential for alternative prey to promote fingerling survival by reducing water clarity, not just by serving as a buffer from predation. Further research, however, is needed to determine the degree to which our findings apply to larger ecosystems and to learn whether stocked fingerlings survive well enough after the initial stocking period to achieve desired management goals. Even so, our results suggest that alternative prey can reduce Largemouth Bass predation mortality on fingerlings immediately after stocking, which could influence Channel Catfish stocking approaches in some managed systems.
Renal tubular dilation and fibrosis after unilateral ureter obstruction revealed by relaxometry and spin‐lock exchange MRI
Authors: Wang Feng , Otsuka Tadashi , Takahashi Keiko , Narui Chikage , Colvin Daniel C. , Harris Raymond C. , Takahashi Takamune , Gore John C.
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the use of quantitative MRI relaxometry, including the dispersion of spin‐lock relaxation with different locking fields, for detecting and assessing tubular dilation and fibrosis in a mouse model of unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO). C57BL/6 J and BALB/c mice that exhibit different levels of tubular dilation and renal fibrosis after UUO were subjected to MR imaging at 7 T. Mice were imaged before UUO surgery, and at 5, 10 and 15 days after surgery. We acquired maps of relaxation rates and fit the dispersion of spin‐lock relaxation rates R1ρ at different locking fields (frequencies) to a model of exchanging water pools, and assessed the sensitivity of the derived quantities for detecting tubular dilation and fibrosis in kidney. Histological scores for tubular dilation and fibrosis, based on luminal space and positive fibrotic areas in sections, were obtained for comparison. Histology detected extensive tubular dilation and mild to moderate fibrosis in the UUO kidneys, in which enlargement of luminal space, deposition of collagen, and reductions in capillary density were observed in the cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla. Relaxation rates R1, R2 and R1ρ clearly decreased in these regions of UUO kidneys longitudinally. While R1 showed the highest detectability to tubular dilation and overall changes in UUO kidneys, Sρ, a parameter derived from R1ρ dispersion data, showed the highest correlation with renal fibrosis in UUO. While relaxation parameters are sensitive to tubular dilation in UUO kidneys, Sρ depends primarily on the average exchange rate between water and other chemically shifted resonances such as hydroxyls and amides, and provides additional specific information for evaluating fibrosis in kidney disease.
Discovery research and development history of the dopamine D2 receptor partial agonists, aripiprazole and brexpiprazole
Authors: Kikuchi Tetsuro , Maeda Kenji , Suzuki Mikio , Hirose Tsuyoshi , Futamura Takashi , McQuade Robert D.
Published: May 2021

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. successfully developed the first dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist approved for schizophrenia, the antipsychotic aripiprazole (Abilify®). The drug was approved for this indication in the United States in 2002 and has received approval in the United States, Europe, Japan, and many other countries for several indications including schizophrenia, acute mania, adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette's disorder. Otsuka next developed brexpiprazole (Rexulti®), another D2 receptor partial agonist, which was granted marketing approval in the United States in 2015 as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia. In Japan, brexpiprazole also received approval as a treatment for schizophrenia in 2018. In this review, we describe Otsuka's research history and achievements over the preceding 40 years in the area of antipsychotic drug discovery for dopamine D2 receptor partial agonists.
Neurotoxicity prevention with a multimodal program (ATENTO) prior to cancer treatment versus throughout cancer treatment in women newly diagnosed for breast cancer: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: González‐Santos Ángela , Postigo‐Martin Paula , Gallart‐Aragón Tania , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene , Lopez‐Garzon Maria , Galiano‐Castillo Noelia , Arroyo‐Morales Manuel , Illescas‐Montes Rebeca , Artacho‐Cordón Francisco , Martín‐Martín Lydia , Forneiro‐Pérez Rocío , Lozano‐Lozano Mario , Fernández‐Lao Carolina , Ruiz‐Vozmediano Julia , Sánchez‐Salgado Carmen , Cantarero‐Villanueva Irene
Published: May 2021

A current challenge in breast cancer (BC) patients is how to reduce the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments and prevent a decrease in quality of life (QoL). Neurotoxic side effects, especially from chemotherapy, are present in up to 75% of women with BC, which implies a large impact on QoL. There is a special interest in the preventive possibilities of therapeutic exercise (TE) for these neurological sequelae, and the benefits of TE could be improved when it is combined with vagal activation techniques (VATs). This superiority randomized controlled trial aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of an 8‐week multimodal intervention (ATENTO) based on moderate‐vigorous intensity and individualized TE (aerobic and strength exercises) and VAT (myofascial and breathing exercises), on neurotoxicity prevention in women with BC before starting adjuvant chemotherapy (ATENTO‐B) versus throughout adjuvant chemotherapy (ATENTO‐T). A sample of 56 women newly diagnosed with BC, as calculated with a power of 85%, will be randomly allocated into these two groups. This study could provide an impetus for the introduction of early multimodal intervention methods to prevent neurotoxicity and consequently avoid the QoL deterioration that BC patients presently suffer throughout their treatments.
Attitudes about the treatment of obesity among healthcare providers involved in the care of obesity‐related diseases: A survey across medical specialties in multiple European countries
Authors: Rubino Francesco , Logue Jennifer , Bøgelund Mette , Madsen Maria Elmegaard , Cancino Ana‐Paula , Høy Maria , Panton Ulrik Haagen
Published: May 2021

Background and rationale

Obesity is associated with the development and progression of many diseases. Understanding and management of obesity have become increasingly important; however, a knowledge gap remains between how healthcare providers (HCPs) consider weight‐loss treatment and the importance of weight loss for improving obesity‐related diseases.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate how HCPs assess obesity, how they interpret the relationship between obesity and 12 recognized co‐morbidities of obesity (excluding diabetes), and their view about the value of various weight‐loss therapies.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, non‐interventional, descriptive study. Participants were medical doctors (HCPs) from eight European countries.

Results

Eighty‐nine percent of the 197 HCPs that completed the survey considered obesity a disease. For most of the 12 obesity‐related diseases under consideration, a majority of HCPs agreed that weight loss could reverse the disease or prevent progression. Among HCPs who have recommended weight loss, lifestyle interventions were by far the most common recommendation. However, more than three out of four HCPs stated that they would be likely to prescribe anti‐obesity medications if available and reimbursed.

Conclusion

Most HCPs in this survey consider obesity a disease that needs to be treated. However, the majority of HCPs appear to prefer recommending lifestyle changes, although it is well documented that weight loss obtained by lifestyle changes is difficult to maintain. These results underscore the need for improved education of HCPs involved in the treatment of obesity‐related diseases.