bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ETS‐dependent enhancers for endothelial‐specific expression of serum/glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase 1 during mouse embryo development
Authors: Harada Yukihiro , Tanaka Toru , Arai Yuji , Isomoto Yoshie , Nakano Atsushi , Nakao Shu , Urasaki Akihiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Kawamura Teruhisa , Nakagawa Osamu
Published: June 2021

Serum/glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells of mouse embryos, and Sgk1 null mice show embryonic lethality due to impaired vascular formation. However, how the SGK1 expression is controlled in developing vasculature remains unknown. In this study, we first identified a proximal endothelial enhancer through lacZ reporter mouse analyses. The mouse Sgk1 proximal enhancer was narrowed down to the 5’ region of the major transcription initiation site, while a human corresponding region possessed relatively weak activity. We then searched for distal enhancer candidates using in silico analyses of publicly available databases for DNase accessibility, RNA polymerase association and chromatin modification. A region approximately 500 kb distant from the human SGK1 gene was conserved in the mouse, and the mouse and human genomic fragments drove transcription restricted to embryonic endothelial cells. Minimal fragments of both proximal and distal enhancers had consensus binding elements for the ETS transcription factors, which were essential for the responsiveness to ERG, FLI1 and ETS1 proteins in luciferase assays and the endothelial lacZ reporter expression in mouse embryos. These results suggest that endothelial SGK1 expression in embryonic vasculature is maintained through at least two ETS‐regulated enhancers located in the proximal and distal regions.
Diagnostic challenges of focal nodular hyperplasia: interobserver variability, accuracy, and the utility of glutamine synthetase immunohistochemistry
Authors: Rowan Daniel J , Allende Daniela S , Bellizzi Andrew M , Gill Ryan M , Liu Xiuli , McKenzie Catriona A , Moreira Roger K , Mounajjed Taofic , Said Samar , Westerhoff Maria , Jenkins Sarah M , Batts Kenneth P , Burgart Lawrence J , Lamps Laura W , Graham Rondell P
Published: June 2021

Aims

The diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and the interpretation of glutamine synthetase (GS) staining can be challenging on biopsies. We aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of needle biopsy diagnosis of FNH, the effect of GS immunohistochemistry on FNH diagnosis, and which histological features are most useful for the diagnosis of FNH.

Methods and results

The study included virtual needle biopsies generated from 75 resection specimens (30 FNHs, 15 hepatocellular adenomas, 15 hepatocellular carcinomas, and 15 non‐lesional liver specimens). Pathologists were reasonably accurate (83.1%) in the diagnosis of FNH with haematoxylin and eosin alone. Ductular reaction and nodularity had the highest sensitivity for a diagnosis of FNH (88.1% and 82.2%, respectively), whereas central scar was the most specific feature (90.6%). The presence of two or more of the classic histological features had 89.6% sensitivity and 86.2% specificity for a diagnosis of FNH. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher with the addition of a GS stain. A map‐like GS staining pattern was highly specific (99.3%) for FNH. However, GS staining was interpreted as non‐map‐like in 14.4% of reviews of true FNH cases, and overall interobserver agreement for interpretation of the GS staining pattern was only moderate (kappa = 0.42).

Conclusions

Pathologists are reasonably accurate in the diagnosis of FNH on virtual biopsies, and GS staining improves accuracy. However, a subset of FNH cases remain challenging. Steatosis and a pseudo‐map‐like GS staining pattern were associated with increased difficulty. Therefore, although a map‐like GS staining pattern is useful for confirmation of a diagnosis, the lack of a map‐like GS staining pattern on needle biopsy does not necessarily exclude a diagnosis of FNH.
High‐temperature strength of liquid‐phase‐sintered silicon carbide ceramics: A review
Authors: Maity Taraknath , Kim Young‐Wook
Published: June 2021

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising ceramic material for high‐temperature structural applications, owing to its high flexural strength and room temperature (RT) strength retention ability at elevated temperatures (≥1400°C). This study reviews the influence of critical factors (grain‐boundary structure, additive composition, additive content, microstructure, and testing atmosphere) on the RT strength retention at high temperatures and the high‐temperature strength of LPS‐SiC ceramics. The review suggests that (1) the minimization of additive content and careful selection of additive composition are crucial for achieving high flexural strength and excellent RT strength retention at ≥1500°C, and (2) additive compositions without Al compounds exhibit great potential to achieve excellent RT strength retention at ≥1500°C.
How to craft humorous advertisements across diverse cultures? Multi‐country insights from Brazilian, Chinese and American consumers
Authors: Zhu Ying , Lynette Wang Valerie , Wang Yong J. , Wei Joicey J.
Published: June 2021

In today's multicultural environment, the influence of cultural orientations on humorous advertising outcomes is increasingly significant for researchers and practitioners. Drawing on a theoretical framework from culture dimensions and theories of humour in advertising, this research examines the moderating role of cultural orientation on the relationship between humour styles and consumers' attitudes towards humorous ads. Empirical results from studies conducted in Brazil, China and the United States show that uncertainty avoidance moderates the effect of cognition‐evoking humorous ads on consumers' responses to the ads, while individualism–collectivism moderates the effect of affect‐evoking humorous ads on these responses. Specifically, consumers from countries with high uncertainty avoidance (e.g., Brazil) have more favourable attitudes towards and perceive greater humour from cognition‐evoking humorous ads with closure than those from countries with low uncertainty avoidance (e.g., China, United States). In addition, consumers from collectivist countries (e.g., China, Brazil) have more favourable attitudes towards and perceive greater humour from affect‐evoking humorous ads with closure than do those from individualist countries (e.g., United States).
Inhibiting Brd4 alleviated PTSD‐like behaviors and fear memory through regulating immediate early genes expression and neuroinflammation in rats
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Rui , Jiang Zhijun , Li Haonan , Zhu Zemeng , Khalid Arslan , Liu Dexiang , Pan Fang
Published: June 2021

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by depression/anxiety and memory failure, primarily fear memory. According to the reports, neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity can play a role in the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying PTSD. Bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (Brd4) intriguingly affects regulating of inflammatory responses and learning and memory. This study aimed to explore the effect of inhibiting Brd4 on depression/anxiety‐like behaviors, spatial and fear memory, and underlying mechanisms in a model of PTSD. Inescapable foot shocks (IFS) with a sound reminder in 6 days were used to induce PTSD‐like behaviors which were tested using contextual and cue fear tests, sucrose preference test, open‐field test, elevated plus maze test, and Y‐maze test. Meanwhile, the Brd4 inhibitor JQ1 was used as an intervention. The results found that IFS induced PTSD‐like behaviors and indicated obvious Brd4 expression in microglia of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and amygdala, pro‐inflammatory cytokines over‐expression, microglial activation, and nuclear factor‐kappa B over‐expression in PFC and hippocampus but not in amygdala. Meanwhile, the alterations of immediate early genes (IEGs) were found in PFC, hippocampus, and amygdala. Besides, dendritic spine density was reduced in PFC and hippocampus but was elevated in amygdala of rats with IFS. In addition, treatment with JQ1 significantly reduced freezing time in the contextual and cue fear test, reversed the behavioral impairment, decreased the elevated neuroinflammation, and normalized the alteration in IEGs and dendritic spine densities. The results suggested that Brd4 was involved in IFS‐induced PTSD‐like behaviors through regulating neuroinflammation, dynamics of IEGs, and synaptic plasticity.

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Neurobiological substrates underlying corpus callosum hypoconnectivity and brain metabolic patterns in the valproic acid rat model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Uccelli Nonthué Alejandra , Codagnone Martín Gabriel , Traetta Marianela Evelyn , Levanovich Nadia , Rosato Siri María Victoria , Urrutia Leandro , Falasco Germán , Vázquez Silvia , Pasquini Juana María , Reinés Analía Gabriela
Published: June 2021

Atypical connectivity between brain regions and altered structure of the corpus callosum (CC) in imaging studies supports the long‐distance hypoconnectivity hypothesis proposed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to unveil the CC ultrastructural and cellular changes employing the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of ASD. Male Wistar rats were exposed to VPA (450 mg/kg i.p.) or saline (control) during gestation (embryonic day 10.5), and maturation, exploration, and social behavior were subsequently tested. Myelin content, ultrastructure, and oligodendroglial lineage were studied in the CC at post‐natal days 15 (infant) and 36 (juvenile). As a functional outcome, brain metabolic activity was determined by positron emission tomography. Concomitantly with behavioral deficits in juvenile VPA rats, the CC showed reduced myelin basic protein, conserved total number of axons, reduced percentage of myelinated axons, and aberrant and less compact arrangements of myelin sheath ultrastructure. Mature oligodendrocytes decreased and oligodendrocyte precursors increased in the absence of astrogliosis or microgliosis. In medial prefrontal and somatosensory cortices of juvenile VPA rats, myelin ultrastructure and oligodendroglial lineage were preserved. VPA animals exhibited global brain hypometabolism and local hypermetabolism in brain regions relevant for ASD. In turn, the CC of infant VPA rats showed reduced myelin content but preserved oligodendroglial lineage. Our findings indicate that CC hypomyelination is established during infancy and prior to oligodendroglial pattern alterations, which suggests that axon–oligodendroglia communication could be compromised in VPA animals. Thus, CC hypomyelination may underlie white matter alterations and contribute to atypical patterns of connectivity and metabolism found in ASD.

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Who's in, who's out? Re‐evaluation of lipid raft residents
Authors: Mlinac‐Jerkovic Kristina , Ilic Katarina , Zjalić Milorad , Mandić Dario , Debeljak Željko , Balog Marta , Damjanović Vladimir , Maček Hrvat Nikolina , Habek Nikola , Kalanj‐Bognar Svjetlana , Schnaar Ronald L. , Heffer Marija
Published: June 2021

Lipid rafts, membrane microdomains enriched with (glyco)sphingolipids, cholesterol, and select proteins, act as cellular signalosomes. Various methods have been used to separate lipid rafts from bulk (non‐raft) membranes, but most often, non‐ionic detergent Triton X‐100 has been used in their isolation. However, Triton X‐100 is a reported disruptor of lipid rafts. Histological evidence confirmed raft disruption by Triton X‐100, but remarkably revealed raft stability to treatment with a related polyethylene oxide detergent, Brij O20. We report isolation of detergent‐resistant membranes from mouse brain using Brij O20 and its use to determine the distribution of major mammalian brain gangliosides, GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1b. A different distribution of gangliosides—classically used as a raft marker—was discovered using Brij O20 versus Triton X‐100. Immunohistochemistry and imaging mass spectrometry confirm the results. Use of Brij O20 results in a distinctive membrane distribution of gangliosides that is not all lipid raft associated, but depends on the ganglioside structure. This is the first report of a significant proportion of gangliosides outside raft domains. We also determined the distribution of proteins functionally related to neuroplasticity and known to be affected by ganglioside environment, glutamate receptor subunit 2, amyloid precursor protein and neuroplastin and report the lipid raft populations of these proteins in mouse brain tissue. This work will enable more accurate lipid raft analysis with respect to glycosphingolipid and membrane protein composition and lead to improved resolution of lipid–protein interactions within biological membranes.

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Is intravesical prostatic protrusion associated with more complications in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients?
Authors: Eze Balantine Ugochukwu , Ani Chinenye Obiageli , Mbaeri Timothy Uzoma
Published: June 2021

Objective

Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) is a noninvasive parameter that can predict disease progression and development of complications in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study was to determine the relationship between IPP and the presence of complications in BPH patients.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of BPH patients at Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Patients were assessed for acute urinary retention (AUR), chronic urinary retention (CUR), epididymoorchitis, hematuria, hernia, urinary tract infection (UTI), serum creatinine, and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). They also had abdominal ultrasonography assessments for IPP, total prostate volume, bladder wall thickness (BWT), postvoid residual (PVR), hydronephrosis, bladder diverticulum, and urolithiasis using Sonoscape S11 with an abdominal‐probe frequency of 3.5 MHz. IPP was measured in millimeter and divided into <10 mm and ≥10 mm. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and were subjected to 1‐way analysis of variance, chi‐square test, and Pearson correlation. The odds ratios of development of complications at an IPP cutoff of 10 mm were calculated. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 118 patients with a mean age of 64.18 ± 10.96 years and a mean IPP of 14.29 ± 10.20 mm were included. Forty‐eight patients had IPP < 10 mm and seventy patients ≥10 mm. Patients with IPP ≥10 mm had significantly higher mean BWT, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), PSA, and PVR (P ≤ .05) and significantly more AUR, CUR, hematuria, hydronephrosis, and UTI (P ≤ .01).

Conclusion

Patients with IPP ≥ 10 mm have a significantly higher incidence of some complications.
Valganciclovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections in pediatric intestinal transplant recipients: A case series
Authors: Henry Molly , Leick Mary , Florescu Diana F. , Keck Megan
Published: June 2021

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common opportunistic infection post‐transplant and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no FDA dosing recommendations for the use of valganciclovir for the treatment of CMV infections in pediatric patients. This case series describes the use of valganciclovir for the treatment of CMV infections in nine pediatric intestinal transplant recipients (pITR).

Methods

Retrospective review of pITR between January 2004 and December 2016. The primary outcome was resolution of CMV viremia. Secondary outcomes included time‐to‐resolution of viremia, relapse rate, incidence of resistance, hematologic adverse effects, rejection, graft loss, and death.

Results

Of 214 pITR, ten CMV infections were treated with valganciclovir. One patient was lost to follow‐up while on treatment and was not included. Eight (89%) patients had resolution of CMV viremia. The average dose of valganciclovir was 14.3mg/kg (SD 0.82) twice daily. CMV resistance testing was completed in three (33.3%) patients; one patient had a documented mutation requiring leflunomide to clear viremia. Three (33.3%) patients experienced rejection within one month prior to or during treatment for CMV. Six (66.6%) experienced hematologic side effects. No patients died or experienced graft loss.

Conclusion

This is the first study to assess the use of valganciclovir for the treatment of CMV in pITR. Based on these results, weight‐based dosing of valganciclovir seems to be an appropriate option for the treatment of CMV in pITR. Given limited number of patients reviewed in this case series and the high incidence of hematologic side effects, further investigation is warranted.
Devonian–Early Carboniferous thrust tectonics in the Old Red Sandstone Molasse Basin, North‐East Greenland
Authors: Guarnieri Pierpaolo
Published: June 2021

In East Greenland, sedimentation during the Middle Devonian‐earliest Carboniferous interval was characterized by the Old Red Sandstone Molasse Basin deposits. The continental succession recorded folding and intrabasinal unconformities associated with the activation of extensional detachments and core complex formation which post‐dated high‐P granulite facies metamorphism at c. 403 Ma. The extensional collapse responsible for the initiation of the Devonian basin and associated bimodal magmatism must be understood in the context of continued continental convergence during the Early Carboniferous, required by ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism in North‐East Greenland at c. 355 Ma. Along a small nunatak within the Wordie Gletscher in Payer Land, NE Greenland (lat. 74°N), Precambrian gneisses recording Devonian granulite‐facies metamorphism are in tectonic contact with the molasse deposits along an ESE‐ward dipping thrust fault: the Scotstounhill Thrust. This paper will discuss the role of Devonian contractional structures and contemporaneous extensional faulting and present a new tectonic model that accounts for the exhumation of deep crustal rocks by these coupled mechanisms.
Three-Dimensional Force Perception of Robotic Bipolar Forceps for Brain Tumor Resection
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Heng , Zhang Heng , Li Zhen , Bian Gui-Bin
Published: June 2021

Three-dimensional force perception is critically important in the enhancement of human force perception to minimize brain injuries resulting from excessive forces applied by surgical instruments in robot-assisted brain tumor resection. And surgeons are not responsive enough to interpret tool-tissue interaction forces. In previous studies, various force measurement techniques have been published. In neurosurgical scenarios, there are still some drawbacks to these presented approaches to forces perception. Because of the narrow, and slim configuration of bipolar forceps, three-dimensional contact forces on forceps tips are not easy to be traced in real-time. Five fundamental acts of handling bipolar forceps are poking, opposing, pressing, opening, and closing. The first three acts independently correspond to the axial force of z, x, y. So, in this paper, typical interactions between bipolar forceps and brain tissues have been analyzed. A three-dimensional force perception technique to collect force data on bipolar forceps tips by installing three fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGs) on each prong of bipolar forceps in real-time is proposed. Experiments using a tele-neurosurgical robot were performed on an in vitro pig brain. In the experiments, three-dimensional forces were tracked in real-time. It is possible to experience forces at a minimum of 0.01 N. The three-dimensional force perception range is 0–4 N. The calibrating resolution on x, y, and z, is 0.01, 0.03, 0.1 N, separately. According to our observation, the measurement accuracy precision is over 95%.
Proactive Human Error Reduction Using the Systems Engineering Process
Authors: Corrado Jonathan K.
Published: June 2021

Many existing simple systems are incapable of meeting current demand and are quickly becoming obsolete, indicating that more challenging systems and designs will exist in the future. If new technologies are not implemented correctly, human error in operation can quickly manifest. The pattern of human performance degradation when novel technologies are introduced has been found in a wide range of endeavors. For example, the Three Mile Island nuclear accident was a consequence of unanticipated interaction of multiple failures in a system of immense complexity in addition to inadequate training and human factors, such as human–computer interaction design oversight relating to ambiguous control room indicators. To combat the negative effects, advancing technologies may have on plant operations; this study discusses several concepts: operator involvement in the systems engineering process; human performance integration with system operational requirements and system testing, evaluation, and validation; and procedures and training development in the systems engineering process. The isolation and bolstering of human performance improvement within the systems engineering process pose a novel approach to moderating human error associated with incorporating advanced technology in nuclear facilities.
Utilization of Self-Consolidating Concrete Technology for Large Placements in New Nuclear Construction: A Study on Self-Consolidating Concrete Stability and Constructability
Authors: Haranki Boris , Dilek Ufuk
Published: June 2021

This paper discusses the use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), in a large-scale placement during new nuclear plant construction. SCC has provided cost and labor savings and construction process improvements. Use of SCC has been effective in schedule acceleration by reducing placement durations and early curing termination with rapid strength gain. Self-consolidating properties were particularly of value at placements of poor access as internal vibrators were not effective and large surface area made form vibrators ineffective beyond the perimeter. This paper provides a discussion of technical challenges encountered in development of a properly functioning SCC mixture, and testing performed to overcome these challenges. The paper discusses the engineering considerations and laboratory and field trials preparing for a 3950 m3 placement for the base of a nuclear plant. The placement was anticipated to take 35 h at 110 m3/h batch plant output. Overview of mix design specifications and mix development is provided. The mixture satisfied the laboratory test parameters including SCC tests; stability and column segregation. However, the mixture had to undergo rounds of constructability testing beyond laboratory development prior to the large placement. Among the constructability properties was the distance SCC will move with the stone before stopping. A long trough was filled as a mockup for and subsequently cored. The number of pumps and pump nozzle placement spacing was determined as a result. Slump flow retention as the polycarboxylate loses effectiveness and foaming of the mixture when pumped were also investigated. Foaming was attributed to viscosity, air entrainer, and pump pressures or rate of pumping. Laboratory trials with various admixtures and pumping studies in the field were conducted to achieve a mixture that retains slump flow and can be pumped at the desired rates without instability or excessive foaming. The placement was completed successfully in 35 h over multiple shifts.
Multiphysics Integrated Computational Materials Engineering Linking Additive Manufacturing Process Parameters with Part Performance
Authors: Michopoulos John , Iliopoulos Athanasios , Steuben John , Birnbaum Andrew , Apetre Nicole , Song Jeong-Hoon , Fu Yao , Achuthan Ajit , Saunders Robert , Bagchi Amit , Fonda Richard , Rowenhorst David , Olig Scott , Martin Farrel , Moran James , Ntiros Adelina
Published: June 2021

The central goal of this chapter is to present an outline of the plan and current status of an effort to connect Additive Manufacturing (AM) process parameters with parameters describing the functional performance of produced parts. The term “functional performance” here represents primarily mechanical or thermal or electrochemical performance. The described effort represents an overview of the main research activities within a new multi-year grand-challenge project initiated at the US Naval Research Laboratory (US-NRL) in late 2016, in collaboration with groups from various academic institutions.
A Connected Autonomous Vehicle Emulator (CAVE) for Testing Multi-agent, Conventional–Autonomous Mixed Vehicle Traffic Scenarios
Authors: Negrut Dan , Elmquist Asher , Serban Radu , Hatch Dylan , Ramanathan Parmesh
Published: June 2021

We discuss a software infrastructure that provides a virtual proving ground for designing, training, and auditing the computer programs used to pilot connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs). This effort does not concentrate on developing the piloting computer programs (PCPs) responsible for path planning in autonomous vehicles (AVs). Instead, we have established a first version of an emulation platform that changes the PCP design/test/improve process, which is often times carried out covertly [46], or in actual traffic conditions with potentially fatal consequences [45, 47].
System Design Analytics with Low-Fidelity Models
Authors: Ellman Asko , Krus Petter
Published: June 2021

Establishing product requirements for the customer is usually the first step in the product development process. Indeed, identifying and fulfilling customer requirements is the key for successful product development. However, satisfying all the customer requirements is not always possible. Therefore, the best design is the design that fulfils a set of the most important customer requirements. Due to this, design process needs to be agile and iterative. Design and its requirements need to be effectively iterated.
Identifying Design Analogies thru Models of Function, Flow and Performance
Authors: Turner Cameron J. , Linsey Julie , Lucero Briana , Agyemang Malena
Published: June 2021

Design by analogy demonstrates itself as a powerful, yet very cognitively challenging approach for innovative design. Highly effective computational tools with well-structured repositories of analogues are needed to support this cognitively difficult task and to further spur innovation building effectively on past solutions. The majority of tools have focused on linguistic computational tools. This chapter seeks to support the development of highly effective computational tools that employ a functional modeling basis.
Property-Based Interoperability of CAD Systems
Authors: Behandish Morad , Shapiro Vadim
Published: June 2021

Limited or lacking interoperability has emerged as a central unsolved technical problem in computational design and manufacturing. In addition to being a significant technological barrier, it has become a major economic problem within the past two decades, costing the US manufacturing industry billions of dollars every year.
Volume Integral Equation Method (VIEM)
Authors: Lee Jungki
Published: June 2021

A number of analytical techniques are available for the stress analysis of inclusion problems when the geometries of inclusions are simple (e.g., cylindrical, spherical or ellipsoidal) and when they are well separated [9, 41, 52]. However, these approaches cannot be applied to more general problems where the inclusions are anisotropic and arbitrary in shape, particularly when their concentration is high. Thus, stress analysis of heterogeneous solids or analysis of elastic wave scattering problems in heterogeneous solids often requires the use of numerical techniques based on either the finite element method (FEM) or the boundary integral equation method (BIEM). However, these methods become problematic when dealing with elastostatic problems or elastic wave scattering problems in unbounded media containing anisotropic and/or heterogeneous inclusions of arbitrary shapes. It has been demonstrated that the volume integral equation method (VIEM) can overcome such difficulties in solving a large class of inclusion problems [6,10,20,21,28–30]. One advantage of the VIEM over the BIEM is that it does not require the use of Green’s functions for anisotropic inclusions. Since the elastodynamic Green’s functions for anisotropic media are extremely difficult to calculate, the VIEM offers a clear advantage over the BIEM. In addition, the VIEM is not sensitive to the geometry or concentration of the inclusions. Moreover, in contrast to the finite element method, where the full domain needs to be discretized, the VIEM requires discretization of the inclusions only.
A Computational Framework for Antibiofouling System Design
Authors: Iliopoulos Athanasios P. , Michopoulos John G. , Komninelli Foteini , DeGiorgi Virginia , Policastro Steven
Published: June 2021

The term ”Biofouling” expresses the growth of microorganisms, plants and algae that accumulate on the hull surface of ships with time. Biofouling leads to increased hydrodynamic drag leading to reduced flow performance and therefore to unnecessarily increased fuel consumption that can have a significant impact on the financial aspects associated with platform operations and maintenance.
Quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography following living donor liver transplantation: early diagnosis of middle hepatic venous occlusion
Authors: Im Jiun , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Lee Min Woo , Kim Young Kon , Min Ji Hye , Kim Jong Man , Choi Gyu Seong , Joh Jae Won
Published: June 2021

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate whether a quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) study is feasible to diagnose middle hepatic venous occlusion after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).Materials and methods: From December 2018 to July 2019, the CEUS study on the first postoperative day had been conducted in patients who underwent LDLT. 46 patients were finally included in the study. To obtain CEUS parameters from time-intensity curves (TICs) on the hepaticparenchyma, the two regions of interests (ROIs) were located in the right hepatic vein (RHV) territory and middle hepatic vein (MHV) territory of the right hepatic graft. The measured CEUS parameters were wash-in slope (WIS), peak intensity (PI), time to peak (TTP), and area under the curve (AUC). The subjects were classified into the occlusion and non-occlusion groups. In each group, the parameters measured in the RHV and MHV territories were compared with paired-sample Student’st-tests.Results: Hepatic venous occlusion was diagnosed in 25 patients (54%). The WIS, TTP, and AUC of the MHV territory (2.95 dB/sec; 22.39 sec; 204.27 dB·sec, respectively) were significantly different from those of the RHV territory (2.16 dB/sec; 25.81 sec; 165.66 dB·sec; all p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in PI between the MHV and RHV territories (19.08 dB vs. 18.27 dB, respectively; p=0.259). In the non-occlusion group, there was no parameter which was significantly different between MHV and RHV territories (p>0.05).Conclusion: The parametric analysis of CEUS can helpdiagnose middle hepatic venous occlusion after LDLT.
Automated tracking of multiple acoustic sources with towed hydrophone arrays
Authors: Gruden Pina , Nosal Eva-Marie , Oleson Erin M.
Published: June 2021

Line transect surveys often incorporate a towed hydrophone array to detect and localize marine mammals. The animals are typically tracked based on the estimated time difference of arrivals (TDOAs) of their calls between pairs of hydrophones. The estimated TDOAs or bearings are then tracked through time to obtain animal or group positions, a process often performed manually. This process can be especially challenging in the presence of multiple animal groups that are vocalizing simultaneously, but at the same time do not emit signals consistently through time. In addition, the process is hindered by missed detections and false alarms (false TDOAs). Here, an automated approach to TDOA tracking is outlined, based on a multi-target Bayesian framework, that incorporates target appearance, disappearance, missed detections and false alarms. The method is demonstrated on examples of line transect surveys from Western Canada [Norris et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am.146, 2805 (2019)] and from Hawaii, USA. [In memory of Thomas F. Norris.]
Considerations for neuronavigation-guided blood–brain barrier opening in humans
Authors: Pouliopoulos Antonios , Yousefian Omid , Bae Sua , Kamimura Hermes , Ji Robin , Murillo Maria , Weber Rachel , Batts Alec , Lynn Noel Rebecca , Konofagou Elisa
Published: June 2021

In this talk, I will discuss the challenges of performing neuronavigation-guided blood–brain barrier opening in human subjects. I will describe the simulation framework required for treatment planning and the hardware needed to achieve targeted therapies.
Transcranial radiation characteristics of leaky Lamb waves in different regions of a human skull
Authors: Kohtanen Eetu , Mazzotti Matteo , Ruzzene Massimo , Erturk Alper
Published: June 2021

Guided (Lamb) waves in the human skull have received attention as a promising alternative to conventional ultrasound techniques for transcranial transmission, especially to access the brain periphery efficiently and thereby to increase the treatment envelope. We present detailed investigations of transcranial leaky Lamb waves and their radiation characteristics for degassed slices of a human skull through finite-element simulations based on microcomputed tomography scans (that account for high resolution diploë porosity) as well as rigorous experiments to extract the radiation angle dispersion spectra.
Acoustic environments and Soundscapes in London during the Spring 2020 Lockdown
Authors: Kang Jian , Aletta Francesco , Oberman Tin , Mitchell Andrew , Tong Huan
Published: June 2021

Three studies in London are presented about the changes of the acoustic environment and its perception, triggered by the first lockdown measures imposed during Spring 2020 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The first study compared short-term binaural recordings performed pre- and during-lockdown at 11 public locations. Results revealed the decreases in sound levels varied from 1.2 to 10.7 dB(A) depending on the urban setting type. The second study made use of soundscape data gathered from users on site for the pre-lockdown survey to construct a model to predict how the lockdown soundscapes of the same locations (which were impossible to assess due to lack of people) would be experienced. A further validation listening experiment confirmed that lowering levels was not always followed up by improved experience. The third study looked at changes in noise complaints reported by residents to local authorities across the London boroughs and highlighted an increase of 47.5%, with neighborhood noise being the most relevant category. Taken together, the results from these studies demonstrate reduced urban activity leads to uneven sound level reduction across urban spaces and that significant sound level reductions do not universally result in improvements to the soundscape, whether in public spaces or at home.
Industrial pipe acoustic treatments investigation per ISO 15665
Authors: Herreman Kevin M.
Published: June 2021

Reducing noise levels in industrial environments are critical as exposure to high noise levels has been related to health issues like fatigue and stress that can compromise safety of workers. Many types of acoustic products can be applied to various noise emitting equipments in an effort to reduce the noise levels in industrial spaces. Jacketed pipe insulation is one such product applied across many industries for controlling pipe emitted noise emission. As with most products, standards for evaluating performance have been created to validate performance claims by manufacturer’s. For jacketed pipe insulation ISO 15665, an international standard defining a testing process for measurement of the acoustical performance of installed and jacketed pipe insulation systems, is the accepted testing method. The measurement process provides for the determination of the insertion loss of jacketed insulation applied to a pipe. A recently conducted study to identify the performance of over 30 variations of jacketed pipe insulation, including combinations of two types of insulation material, is presented herein.
What does multiple scattering tell us about rheology?
Authors: Povey Professor M.
Published: June 2021

Longitudinal viscosity can be obtained at all frequencies directly from measurements of ultrasound/acoustic attenuation and sound velocity. The bulk viscosity can then be obtained from the longitudinal viscosity provided a measure of the shear viscosity is available. Unfortunately, the shear viscosity values chosen may be entirely inappropriate because the viscosity experienced by an oscillating particle need not be the same as that determined by low frequency oscillatory rheology. The relationships between acoustical/ultrasound parameters such as attenuation and sound velocity, bulk and shear viscosity will be presented and the role of multiple scattering in these measurements discussed. The use of dispersed phase particles, visco-inertial scattering and multiple scattering will then be considered as a possible way of determining high frequency shear viscosity.
Reconsidering methods for automatic speech processing: The case of the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) system
Authors: Dilley Laura
Published: June 2021

Starting around a decade ago, the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system for automatic speech processing began to be used widely by both researchers and clinicians in order to derive estimates of numbers of adult words or child vocalizations during day-long audio recordings in naturalistic environments. Widespread adoption was spurred in part by a number of studies of correlational evidence of LENA’s reliability. However, confidence in reliable and valid measurement of metrics of conversational interactions entails consideration of both true accuracy (cf. false positive and false negative rates) for frame-based classification, as well as variability in error rates in counts of communicative vocalizations. This talk reviews evidence indicating highly variable error rates across naturalistic recordings for both frame-based classification and counts of communicative vocalizations. Such findings prompt reconsideration of conditions under which LENA can be used with confidence of both high reliability and high validity for measuring communicative interactions.
New methodologies for research in bilingual speech processing
Authors: Spinu Laura
Published: June 2021

Findings in bilingual cognition have long been undermined by conflicting results attributed, among others, to our inability to adequately describe and quantify bilingual knowledge in the context of experimental work. In this presentation, I will discuss the necessity of standardizing experimental paradigms involving bilinguals through the collaborative development of partly automated proficiency testing tools for a variety of languages.
Transient speech processing costs depend on accent type and talker variability
Authors: Yu Madeleine E. , Chambers Craig
Published: June 2021

In a dual-task paradigm, native English-speaking listeners (N=55) made judgments about visually presented digits while simultaneously listening to speech that varied by talkers-per-accent (between-subjects: 1 vs 3) and accent type (within-subjects: native[Canadian]/regional[Australian]/nonnative[Mandarin]). Adaptation occurred within only six exposures but was only observed for nonnative and native-accented speech (p < 0.05) and was also dependent on talkers-per-accent, indicating that transient speech processing demands are uniquely impacted by the interactions between accent type and talker variability.
Are there no back vowels?
Authors: Xu Angela , Ross Dylan , Zhou Z.L.
Published: June 2021

Esling (2005)'s Laryngeal Articulator model of vowels and the traditional grouping of vowels make different predictions for the effects of front and back vowels on non-contrastive rounding in adjacent [∫]. We experimentally measured the rounding of [∫] (operationalized as center of gravity) neighboring different vowels and compared two mixed error-component models representing the theories; we find no significant evidence favoring the retraction model over the traditional model.
Social priming or not? Investigating generalizability via individual variation
Authors: Cheng Lauretta S. P.
Published: June 2021

Although the effects of social priming-where social information about a speaker influences linguistic decisions-have long been accepted (e.g., Niedzielski, 1999; Strand, 1999; Hay et al., 2006), recent studies call attention to a lack of generalizability across contexts (e.g., Lawrence, 2015; Chang, 2017; Walker et al., 2019). The current study finds that social priming, in the case of /a℧/-raising in Michigan and Canadian English, is primarily observed for individuals who scored high on both stereotype awareness and cognitive perspective-taking, suggesting that aspects of both the sociolinguistic context and participant sampling can impact when and why social priming effects do not occur.
Improving data labeling efficiency for deep learning-facilitated bioacoustics monitoring
Authors: Morgan Mallory , Braasch Jonas
Published: June 2021

Over the last decade, deep learning has proven invaluable for classifying data with complex spatial and temporal relationships. Unfortunately, its utility in the context of bioacoustics monitoring has been limited by the unavailability of large, labeled datasets of species vocalizations. To explore solutions to this problem, various deep learning architectures and techniques were evaluated for their ability to reduce the data labeling efforts required to characterize the distinct sound stimuli present in two different acoustic environments. Located around Lake George, NY, these sites were acoustically monitored nearly continuously for 12 months. Commonly employed techniques such as transfer and semi-supervised learning were then analyzed for their ability to reduce the amount of labeled data necessary to achieve state-of-the-art classification results. Meanwhile, cross-corpus training was used to provide automatic “pre-labels” for these datasets, reducing the amount of total time associated with data labeling efforts. A hierarchical neural network was also implemented in order to reduce the performance costs associated with encountering sound stimuli in the test dataset that was not captured in the training dataset, perhaps as a result of the reduction techniques outlined.
Tracking surface waves in bi-static geometries with Doppler sensitive probe signals
Authors: Richards Edward
Published: June 2021

This talk describes a method of estimating the position and velocity of surface waves that uses the delay and Doppler shift of observed scatter arrivals, and does not need a receiving array with high spatial resolution. This method is demonstrated using data collected during the at-sea KAM11 experiment, similar to data that has been previously analyzed using Doppler insensitive linear frequency modulated waveforms [e.g., M. Badiey, A. Song, and K. Smith, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132(4), EL290–EL295 (2012)]. An analysis of Doppler sensitive maximum length sequence transmissions is presented for the same experimental geometry as the previous studies. The Doppler sensitive analysis shows additional scatter arrivals previously not reported with distinct Doppler shifts. A simple travel time argument is then used to explain the observed Doppler of the scatter arrivals, and infer the time-varying position of waves traveling along the sea surface.
A hydroacoustic approach to oil detection in ice covered water
Authors: Shull Veronica , Niemiec Lauren , Wertz Bryan , Suddon Brennan , Hildebrand Robert , Baumann David , Sarda Edoardo
Published: June 2021

A method of detecting oil spills in ice-covered lakes and seas, by observing changes in underwater acoustic reverberation time, had earlier been proposed; testing in a small tank environment showed it to hold some promise. Work now continues to improve the method, to further validate it, and to extend it to large bodies of water. The current work carries such scale testing further, establishing, by hypothesis testing, the level of confidence with which the presence of an oil layer underlying the ice can be discerned. Moreover, it expands the study to full scale experimentation in lakes and seas, including a portion of the Great Lakes across which a pipeline lies. These experiments seek to determine representative reverberation times (albeit without oil contamination, for obvious ethical reasons), and to explore whether natural impulsive sounds from ice fissuring may serve as a basis for passive hydroacoustic monitoring. The experiments at both scales are mutually complementary; while the tank tests serve to more rigorously validate that reverberation time is measurably affected by an oil layer, the lake-scale tests suggest those frequency bands an eventual passive monitoring using naturally arising sound would actually use, and establish the “control case” (oil-free) reverberation times.
Long-term acoustic monitoring and tracking of natural hydrocarbon seeps from an offshore oil platform in the Coal Oil Point seep field
Authors: Padilla Alexandra M. , Kinnaman Franklin , Valentine David , Weber Thomas C.
Published: June 2021

The Coal Oil Point (COP) seep field, located offshore of Santa Barbara, California, is known for its prolific, natural hydrocarbon seepage activity. The COP seep field has been active for decades and previous research indicates both spatial and temporal variability in seep activity across the area. An offshore oil platform within the COP seep field, known as Platform Holly, has extracted oil and gas in the area since the late 1960s, which has been linked to a reduction in natural seep activity. In recent years, Platform Holly has been decommissioned, and anecdotal observations indicate a subsequent resurgence in natural seep activity in the vicinity. In early September 2019, a Simrad ES200 split-beam echosounder was mounted to one of the cross-members of the platform to collect acoustic measurements of the seepage activity west of the platform. This long-term time series of acoustic measurements will provide insight on the spatial and temporal variability of seepage activity in the region and how said variability is affected by external physical processes such as atmospheric pressure, currents, and tides.
Effect of retraction time and thrombin concentration on porcine whole blood clot elasticity and rt-PA susceptibility
Authors: Zemzemi Chadi , Phillips Matthew , Bader Kenneth B. , Haworth Kevin J. , Holland Christy K.
Published: June 2021

In vitro porcine blood clots mimicking deep vein thrombosis were formed in glass pipettes using 2.5 U/ml or 15 U/ml bovine thrombin and incubated at 37°C for 15, 30, 60, or 120 min. Clot stiffness, measured by shear wave elastography, increased and rt-PA susceptibility decreased with incubation time until 3-day old highly retracted clot characteristics were recapitulated.
Alleviating the tradeoffs between spatial and temporal resolution in super-resolution ultrasound
Authors: Arvanitis Costas , Schoen Scott D.
Published: June 2021

Despite the rapid progress of super-resolution ultrasound, tradeoffs between spatial and temporal resolution may challenge the translation of this promising technology to the clinic. To temper these tradeoffs, we propose a new and computationally efficient method that can extract hundreds of micro-bubble peaks from ultra-fast contrast-enhanced US images and demonstrate its potential to augment the abilities of SR-US in imaging micro-vascular structure and function.
High-frame rate cavitation observation of a blunt impact on a hydrogel cranial phantom
Authors: Galindo Eric , Welsh Kiri J. , Tartis Michaelann
Published: June 2021

In order to better understand the damage mechanisms involved in traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to blunt and blast impacts, high frame rate ultrasound was used in conjunction with high speed-optical imaging to observe potential cavitation, deformation, and shear wave propagation. We present early findings using a cranial phantom with hydrogels tuned to represent grey and white matter tissue during high-rate blunt loading. Ultimately, the developed techniques could be employed in blast chambers to understand the differences between blast- and blunt-TBI.