bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of soil compaction and rutting in managed forests through an airborne LiDAR technique
Authors: Mohieddinne Hamza , Brasseur Boris , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Lenoir Jonathan , Spicher Fabien , Kobaissi Ahmad , Horen Hélène
Published: November 2022

To ensure sustainable forest management, the assessment and monitoring of soil compaction and rutting are essential. Here, we used airborne light detection and ranging‐derived digital terrain model (LiDAR‐derived DTM), available for the forest of Compiègne in northern France, to compute a spatial index of soil rutting. Following an environmental systematic sampling design, we selected 45 plots representative of the forest stand conditions where we subsequently extracted information from the DTM to compute the cumulative length of ruts (CLR). To assess the quality of this LiDAR‐derived index, we related the CLR index to in‐situ soil and vegetation parameters such as soil texture, soil pH, and understory plant species composition. Floristic surveys were carried out across all 45 plots to generate plant species response curves along the CLR gradient. We found soil texture, soil type, and soil pH to be important determinants of CLR. For instance, CLR was the highest in soils with the highest clay content. A total of 22 out of the 94 understory plant species we analyzed showed a significant response curve along the CLR gradient. Most important, the occurrence probability of species associated with wet soils and stagnant waters (e.g., Juncus effusus), like those found in ruts, increased with CLR. Other species associated with dry soils (e.g., Hedera helix) showed a negative response curve along the CLR gradient. In conclusion, the proposed index (CLR) has proven useful to remotely assess soil compaction and rutting after logging operations.
Interactions between soil water and plant community during vegetation succession in the restored grasslands on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zou Hui , Gao Guangyao , Yuan Chuan , Yang Wenbin
Published: November 2022

Plant–soil water relations are important for understanding the development of plant communities, especially in arid and semiarid areas. However, the interactions between vegetation characteristics and soil water dynamics in the restored grasslands along succession chronosequence were limitedly understood. In this study, we measured the functional traits of dominant species, plant community characteristics and soil water dynamics in grasslands restored for 5, 15, and 30 years (RG5, RG15 and RG30, respectively), and investigated the linkage between plant traits and soil water at the community/plot scale. The results showed that soil water content was high at RG5, while soil water storage increment at RG5 was low. With soil water content highest at RG5 (16.25%), decreased at RG15 (14.81%), and then recovered in some degree at RG30 (15.2%), dominant plant species changed from pioneer species Artemisia capillaries to perennial legume Lespedesa davurica with high specific leaf area, and finally to perennial forb Stipa bungeana with low specific leaf area and low shoot/root ratio. Plant community characteristics including aboveground biomass, vegetation coverage, species diversity all increased with restoration and reached the highest value at RG15 or RG30. Aboveground biomass of perennial grass, as well as species richness showed a significantly positive relationship with soil water recharge and soil water storage increment at deeper layers (10–120 cm and 40–120 cm). Species diversity had positive correlations with soil water content in 0–10 cm layer, a negative correlation with soil water storage increment in 0–10 cm layer and no correlation in 10–20 cm layer. Our findings suggested that changes in soil water content might enhance perennial grass species in semiarid grasslands, and time lag also existed in the plant–soil water interactions.
In situ imaging across ecosystems to resolve the fine‐scale oceanographic drivers of a globally significant planktonic grazer
Authors: Greer Adam T. , Schmid Moritz S. , Duffy Patrick I. , Robinson Kelly L. , Genung Mark A. , Luo Jessica Y. , Panaïotis Thelma , Briseño‐Avena Christian , Frischer Marc E. , Sponaugle Su , Cowen Robert K.
Published: November 2022

Doliolids are common gelatinous grazers in marine ecosystems around the world and likely influence carbon cycling due to their large population sizes with high growth and excretion rates. Aggregations or blooms of these organisms occur frequently, but they are difficult to measure or predict because doliolids are fragile, under sampled with conventional plankton nets, and can aggregate on fine spatial scales (1–10 m). Moreover, ecological studies typically target a single region or site that does not encompass the range of possible habitats favoring doliolid proliferation. To address these limitations, we combined in situ imaging data from six coastal ecosystems, including the Oregon shelf, northern California, southern California Bight, northern Gulf of Mexico, Straits of Florida, and Mediterranean Sea, to resolve and compare doliolid habitat associations during warm months when environmental gradients are strong and doliolid blooms are frequently documented. Higher ocean temperature was the strongest predictor of elevated doliolid abundances across ecosystems, with additional variance explained by chlorophyll a fluorescence and dissolved oxygen. For marginal seas with a wide range of productivity regimes, the nurse stage tended to comprise a higher proportion of the doliolids when total abundance was low. However, this pattern did not hold in ecosystems with persistent coastal upwelling. The doliolids tended to be most aggregated in oligotrophic systems (Mediterranea and southern California), suggesting that microhabitats within the water column favor proliferation on fine spatial scales. Similar comparative approaches can resolve the realized niche of fast‐reproducing marine animals, thus improving predictions for population‐level responses to changing oceanographic conditions.
Anticorrosive performance and corrosion mechanisms of Zn–Mn‐coated steel
Authors: Stein Nicolas , Claudel Florian , Allain Nathalie , Tidu Albert , Close Damien
Published: November 2022

The anticorrosive performance of pulse electrodeposited Zn–Mn deposits was investigated according to the salt spray test DIN EN ISO 9227, commonly used in the automotive industry. A comprehensive analysis of the corrosion products was conducted on the surface and cross‐sections via X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to define the corrosion mechanisms involved. The results revealed a significant enhancement of the anticorrosive performance of Zn–Mn deposits over commercial Zn through a complex corrosion mechanism. The protective coating evolves continuously with exposition time. A preferential dissolution of Mn is observed leading to the formation of a compact layer of zinc hydroxychloride. Moreover, an overlayer of manganese oxide and zinc oxide is highlighted at prolonged exposures due to an increase in interface pH.
Thermoresponsive Microgels with High Loading of Zwitterions Exhibiting Superior Performance: A Macromonomer Approach
Authors: Ganguly Ritabrata , Saha Pabitra , Kringe Lea Antonia , Pich Andrij , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: November 2022

In this investigation, the synthesis of temperature‐responsive microgels containing high content of zwitterionic poly(phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) is reported. High loadings of polyzwitterionic chains are achieved by using PMPC‐based “macromonomers,” which are synthesized via a three‐step reaction process. The first step involves synthesis of PMPC homopolymers via reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization, followed by end‐group removal to generate reactive thiol groups, and last of all, introduction of polymerizable double bonds at the chain ends to provide PMPC‐based macromonomers. Macromonomers of three different molar masses (3000, 5000, and 10 000 g mol−1) are used in three different molar ratios (1, 3, and 5 mol%) to synthesize microgels using N‐vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) as the main co‐monomer in precipitation polymerization. It is observed that the extent of total incorporation of the zwitterionic moiety is a function of both the macromonomer molar mass as well as its molar fraction in the feed which has a direct effect on their solution properties such as hydrodynamic radii and volume phase transition temperature (VPTT). Interestingly, these microgels show unprecedented extent of protein‐repelling behavior owing to higher loading of zwitterionic moieties, what makes them interesting for the fabrication of protective coatings with anti‐fouling properties.
Facile Approach to Fabricate Oriented Porous PDMS Composites for Movements Monitoring and Identifying Motion Patterns
Authors: Li Shenglin , Hu Xintong , Zuo Shuangshuang , You Tianquan , Du Yangyang , Bu Ze , Mao Guoliang , Wang Jianhua , Song Shiqiang , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2022

The facile and rapid fabrication of oriented porous polymers is crucial for flexible pressure sensors. Herein, a pressure sensor is developed based on oriented porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites for detecting human motion and identifying joint motion patterns. The oriented porous PDMS composite is first constructed through thiol‐ene click chemistry and directional freezing within only 30 min, then fabricated by interfacial in situ polymerization of dopamine and pyrrole to generate robust interfaces. As a result, the as‐prepared oriented porous PDMS composite is assembled into a pressure sensor that shows potential applications in pressure and human motion detection. Interestingly, a sensor assembled by orthogonally stacking the PDMS composites can be used for joint motion pattern recognition with potential monitoring of football motion due to their directional structures. This facile strategy coupled with the oriented porous structure is expected to help design advanced wearable electronic devices.
Processing Properties and Thermal Stability of Poly(vinyl chloride‐co‐vinyl acetate) by Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Li Runyue , Lin Daolei , Xu Shiqin , Chen Xingzheng , Tian Guofeng , Wu Dezhen
Published: November 2022

The effects of copolymerized monomer vinyl acetate (VAc) on processing properties and thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVCA) are investigated via experiment and molecular dynamics simulation. Experimental results showed that PVCA with higher VAc content has larger loss tangent (tanδ), lower complex viscosity (η*), and glass transition temperature (Tg), which improved the processing properties of PVCA. A series of PVCA models are constructed to study the microstructure on the processing properties of PVCA, and the results showed the PVCA with higher VAc content exhibits larger molecular chain mobility and free volume fraction (FFV), smaller intermolecular interactions, and the mean square end‐to‐end distance (). Furthermore, the IR spectra of gas products indicated that thermal degradation of PVCA mainly generated hydrogen chloride (HCl), carboxylic acid, and aliphatic hydrocarbons between 200 and 500 °C, and the removal of HCl and carboxylic acid is almost simultaneous. The degradation models of PVCA chains demonstrated the CCl bond in vinyl chloride (VC) and CO bond in VAc have similar thermal stability, which corresponded to the experimental results. In a word, the work provides a promising technique to study the structure and property of PVCA at molecular dynamic level.
Multimodal Analysis of the Visual Pathways in Friedreich's Ataxia Reveals Novel Biomarkers
Authors: Thomas‐Black Gilbert , Altmann Daniel R. , Crook Harry , Solanky Nita , Carrasco Ferran Prados , Battiston Marco , Grussu Francesco , Yiannakas Marios C. , Kanber Baris , Jolly Jasleen K. , Brett Jon , Downes Susan M. , Moran Marni , Chan Ping K. , Adewunmi Emmanuel , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A.M. , Németh Andrea H. , Festenstein Richard , Bremner Fion , Giunti Paola
Published: November 2022

Background

Optic neuropathy is a near ubiquitous feature of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). Previous studies have examined varying aspects of the anterior and posterior visual pathways but none so far have comprehensively evaluated the heterogeneity of degeneration across different areas of the retina, changes to the macula layers and combined these with volumetric MRI studies of the visual cortex and frataxin level.

Methods

We investigated 62 genetically confirmed FRDA patients using an integrated approach as part of an observational cohort study. We included measurement of frataxin protein levels, clinical evaluation of visual and neurological function, optical coherence tomography to determine retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and macular layer volume and volumetric brain MRI.

Results

We demonstrate that frataxin level correlates with peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and that retinal sectors differ in their degree of degeneration. We also shown that retinal nerve fibre layer is thinner in FRDA patients than controls and that this thinning is influenced by the AAO and GAA1. Furthermore we show that the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers are affected in FRDA. Our MRI data indicate that there are borderline correlations between retinal layers and areas of the cortex involved in visual processing.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the uneven distribution of the axonopathy in the retinal nerve fibre layer and highlight the relative sparing of the papillomacular bundle and temporal sectors. We show that thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer is associated with frataxin levels, supporting the use the two biomarkers in future clinical trials design. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The discontinuous Galerkin and the nonconforming ECR element approximations for an MHD Stokes eigenvalue problem
Authors: Sun Lingling , Bi Hai , Yang Yidu
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we adopt the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method and the enriched Crouzeix‐Raviart finite element method to study the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Stokes eigenvalue problem describing the flow of a viscous and electrically conducting fluid in a duct under the influence of a uniform magnetic field. We give the convergence and error analysis for the approximations, and the theoretical analysis and numerical experiments show that the methods are effective and can be applied to general domains. We also explore the influence of the Hartmann number on the eigenpairs and the consequential variation of the eigenstructure with the magnetic field by numerical experiments.
A novel design of recta‐tri substrate integrated waveguide antenna for ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Balasundaram Gopi , Jeyapal Rajalakshmi , George Sugitha
Published: November 2022

In this paper low profile, low cost, and highly efficient antenna for ultra‐wideband (UWB) applications is presented. A novel shape of recta‐tri substrate integrated waveguide antenna is designed to achieve a wideband response and high efficiency. The proposed antenna is printed on FR4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm. The overall antenna dimension is 30 × 35 mm2. The frequency of the antenna bandwidth ranges from 3.64 to 14.17 GHz with a peak gain of 7.7 dB. The field distribution of the proposed antenna is observed. The fabricated antenna results are tested and compared, which well agree with the simulated results. The proposed antenna is suitable for Wi‐Fi, ISM, and UWB applications.
A planar antenna array with wide frequency band and wide end‐fire beam
Authors: Xiao Ke , Ding Liang , Chai Shunlian
Published: November 2022

A planar antenna array with wide frequency band and wide end‐fire radiation beam is proposed in this letter. The antenna element is composed of periodic structure, and its feeding position deviates from the center of symmetry, so end‐fire radiation is obtained. The measurement results show that the antenna array operates in the frequency range of 6.11−10.38 GHz with voltage standing wave ratio less than 2, and the corresponding impedance bandwidth is 51.7%. It exhibits a wide radiation beam of more than 80° at end‐fire direction and achieves realized gain of more than 8 dB in measured band.
A novel sensor system to detect cerebral hemorrhage in rabbits through MIPS
Authors: He Zhonghua , Chen Jingbo , Chen Mingsheng , Jin Gui , Zhuang Wei , Sun Jian , Zhao Shuanglin , Li Haocheng , Yang Wang , Zhou Lilong , Qin Mingxin
Published: November 2022

Background

Magnetic‐induction phase shift (MIPS) was rarely used in vivo and clinically because of low sensitivity and nonquantitative detection. The conventional single excitation coil and single detection coil (single coil–coil) generates divergent excitation magnetic field, resulting in different sensitivity of different object positions.

Purpose

To improve the sensitivity and linearity of MIPS and object volume to realize quantitative detection, a novel sensor system was proposed.

Methods

The novel sensor system adopted uniform rotating magnetic field replacing the divergent magnetic field for the first time integrated with primary field cancellation. The uniform rotating magnetic field was generated by a birdcage coil excited by two orthogonal current; the primary field cancellation was realized by a specially arranged solenoid receiver coil installed co‐axially with the birdcage coil detecting the z, not x and y‐component of the secondary magnetic field.

Results

The saltwater simulation experiment showed that MIPS changed high linearity with the injection volume of all four different conductivity solutions. The experimental results of rabbit cerebral hemorrhage (CH) revealed that with injected blood volume increased to 3 ml, the MIPS linearly decreased to ‐1.916°, which was 5.5 times higher than that of the single coil–coil method.

Conclusion

Compared with the single coil–coil method, this novel detection system was more sensitive and linearly correlated for the detection of bleeding volume. It provided the probability of quantitative detection of the CH volume and a series of brain‐content diseases.
An efficient interactive segmentation framework for medical images without pre‐training
Authors: Sun Lei , Tian Zhiqiang , Chen Zhang , Luo Wenrui , Du Shaoyi
Published: November 2022

Background and Purpose

Accurate and efficient medical image segmentation plays an important role in subsequent clinical applications such as diagnosis and surgical planning. This paper proposes an efficient interactive framework based on a graph convolutional network (GCN) for medical image segmentation.

Methods

The initial segmentation results showed that a set of boundary control points can be generated for further interactive segmentation. We presented an adaptive interactive manner that allows the user to click on the boundary for fast interaction or drag the erroneous predicted control points for accurate correction. Furthermore, we proposed an interactive segmentation network (referred to as IVIF‐GCN) to learn user experience in the interactive process by transforming interactive cues into annotations. In IVIF‐GCN, a module of information fusion of image features and vertex position features (IVIF) is proposed to learn the location relationship between the current vertex and the neighboring vertices. Finally, the locations of control points around the interaction point is predicted and updated automatically.

Results

The proposed method achieves mean Dice of 96.6% and 91.3% on PROMISE12 and our in‐house nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) test sets, respectively. The experimental results showed that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art segmentation methods.

Conclusions

The proposed interactive medical image segmentation method can efficiently improve segmentation results for clinical applications in the absence of training data. The GUI tool based on our method is available athttps://github.com/Tian‐lab/IGMedSeg.
The innovative 52gMn for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging: Production cross section modeling and dosimetric evaluation
Authors: Barbaro Francesca , Canton Luciano , Carante Mario Pietro , Colombi Alessandro , De Nardo Laura , Fontana Andrea , Meléndez‐Alafort Laura
Published: November 2022

Background

Manganese is a paramagnetic element suitable for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of neuronal function. However, high concentrations of Mn2 + can be neurotoxic. 52gMn may be a valid alternative as positron
emission tomography (PET) imaging agent, to obtain information similar to that delivered by MRI but using trace levels of Mn2 + , thus reducing its toxicity. Recently, the reaction V(α,x)52gMn has been proposed as a possible alternative to the standard Cr(p,x)52gMn one, but improvements in the modeling were needed to better compare the two production routes.

Purpose

This work focuses on the development of precise simulations and models to compare the 52gMn production from both reactions in terms of amount of activity and radionuclidic purity (RNP), as well as in terms of dose increase (DI) due to the co‐produced radioactive contaminants, versus pure 52gMnCl2.

Methods

The nuclear code Talys has been employed to optimize the V(α,x)52gMn cross section by tuning the parameters of the microscopic level densities. Thick‐target yields have been calculated from the expression of the rates as energy convolution of cross sections and stopping powers, and finally integrating the time evolution of the relevant decay chains. Dosimetric assessments of [Mn]Cl2 have been accomplished with OLINDA software 2.2.0 using female and male adult phantoms and biodistribution data for 52gMnCl2 in normal mice. At the end, the yield of Mn radioisotopes estimated for the two production routes have been combined with the dosimetric results, to assess the DI at different times after the end of the irradiation.

Results

Good agreement was obtained between cross‐section calculations and measurements. The comparison of the two reaction channels suggests that V(α,x)52gMn leads to higher yield and higher purity, resulting in more favorable radiation dosimetry for patients.

Conclusions

Both V(α,x) and Cr(p,x) production routes provide clinically acceptable 52gMnCl2 for PET imaging. However, the V(α,x)52gMn reaction provides a DI systematically lower than the one obtainable with Cr(p,x)52gMn and a longer time window in which it can be used clinically (RNP ≥ 99%).
A contrast‐enhanced MRI‐based nomogram to identify lung metastasis in soft‐tissue sarcoma: A multi‐centre study
Authors: Hu Yue , Wang Hongbo , Yue Zhibin , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Yan , Luo Yahong , Jiang Wenyan
Published: November 2022

Background

Lung metastasis (LM) status is critical for making treatment decisions in soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS) patients, yet magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based prediction of LM in STSs has not been thoroughly investigated.

Purpose

This study aimed to develop MRI‐based radiomics models for identifying LM in STSs.

Methods

We enrolled 122 STS patients from our hospital to form a primary cohort. Thirty‐two patients from another hospital were included as an external validation cohort. All patients underwent T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced (T1‐CE) MRI scans before treatment. Radiomics features were extracted from T1‐CE MRI sequence and selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to build the radiomics signature. Clinical factors were evaluated using the univariate and multivariate analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to construct a clinical‐radiomics nomogram incorporating the radiomics signature with margin. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were plotted and area under the ROC curves (AUCs) were calculated to assess the predictive performance of nomogram, radiomics signature and margin.

Results

A total of five features was finally identified highly related to the LM status to develop the radiomics signature. The nomogram integrating the radiomics signature and margin achieved the best prediction performance in the training (AUCs, nomogram vs. radiomics signature vs. margin, 0.918 vs. 0.894 vs. 0.609), internal validation (AUCs, nomogram vs. radiomics signature vs. margin, 0.864 vs. 0.841 vs. 0.666) and external validation (AUCs, nomogram vs. radiomics signature vs. margin, 0.843 vs. 0.800 vs. 0.643) sets.

Conclusions

The developed nomogram was a promising tool to help make preoperative treatment strategies for STSs.
The clinical & economic burden of treatment‐resistant depression in the Gulf‐Cooperation Council: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Akram Aly , Al‐Sabahy Medhat , Al‐Jedai Ahmed , Almudaiheem Hajer , Farghally Mohamed , Fallata Ebtihaj , Alibrahim Osama , Shoukry Tarek , Basu Sujata , Chalouhi Danielle , Elsharkawy Amr , Mohamed Omneya
Published: November 2022

Objective

The current analysis assessed the economic and clinical burden of treatment‐Resistant Depression (TRD) imposed on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait and United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the societal perspective.

Methods

A Microsoft Excel® based Markov model was developed to estimate the overall burden of disease imposed by TRD across KSA, Kuwait and UAE. Data for the models' adaptation were retrieved from literature and validated by country‐specific key opinion leaders. The cycle length and time horizon used in the model were 4 weeks and 1 year, respectively.

Results

The study results estimated that at the end of 1‐year time horizon, overall burden imposed by TRD was 3994, 982 and 670 million USD in KSA, Kuwait, and UAE, respectively. This can be attributed to the high cost incurred due to non‐responsive health state (ranging from 44% to 47%). The productivity loss was either the greatest or second greatest component of TRD's burden in the countries of interest (ranging from 32% to 43%).

Conclusions

TRD represents a large clinical and economic burden on both individual patients and society. Hence, noval and innovative treatments are especially required for the management of TRD patients.
A 3D stack‐of‐spirals approach for rapid hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation mapping in pediatric cystic fibrosis lung disease
Authors: Zanette Brandon , Munidasa Samal , Friedlander Yonni , Ratjen Felix , Santyr Giles
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of a rapid 3D stack‐of‐spirals (3D‐SoS) imaging acquisition for hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation mapping in healthy pediatric participants and pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) participants, in comparison to conventional Cartesian multislice (2D) gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) imaging.

Methods

The 2D‐GRE and 3D‐SoS acquisitions were performed in 13 pediatric participants (5 healthy, 8 CF) during separate breath‐holds. Images from both sequences were compared on the basis of ventilation defect percent (VDP) and other measures of image similarity. The nadir of transient oxygen saturation (SpO2) decline due to xenon breath‐holding was measured with pulse oximetry, and expressed as a percent change relative to baseline.

Results

129Xe ventilation images were acquired in a breath‐hold of 1.2–1.8 s with the 3D‐SoS sequence, compared to 6.2–8.8 s for 2D‐GRE. Mean ± SD VDP measures for 2D‐GRE and 3D‐SoS sequences were 5.02 ± 1.06% and 5.28 ± 1.08% in healthy participants, and 18.05 ± 8.26% and 18.75 ± 6.74% in CF participants, respectively. Across all participants, the intraclass correlation coefficient of VDP measures for both sequences was 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.99). The percent change in SpO2 was reduced to −2.1 ± 2.7% from −5.2 ± 3.5% with the shorter 3D‐SoS breath‐hold.

Conclusion

Hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation imaging with 3D‐SoS yielded images approximately five times faster than conventional 2D‐GRE, reducing SpO2 desaturation and improving tolerability of the xenon administration. Analysis of VDP and other measures of image similarity demonstrate excellent agreement between images obtained with both sequences. 3D‐SoS holds significant potential for reducing the acquisition time of hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI, and/or increasing spatial resolution while adhering to clinical breath‐hold constraints.
Development of a booster intervention for graded sensorimotor retraining (RESOLVE) in people with persistent low back pain: A nested, randomised, feasibility trial
Authors: O'Hagan Edel T. , Cashin Aidan G. , Rizzo Rodrigo R. N. , Leake Hayley B. , Zahara Pauline , Bagg Matthew K. , Wand Benedict M. , McAuley James H.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Low back pain contributes to an increasing global health burden exacerbated by unsustained improvements from current treatments. There is a need to develop, and test interventions to maintain initial improvements from low back pain treatments. One option is to implement a booster intervention. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of implementing a booster intervention delivered remotely to supplement the benefits from a complex intervention for chronic low back pain.

Method

This study was nested in the RESOLVE trial. The booster intervention was developed by an expert group, including a clinical psychologist, exercise physiologist and physiotherapists, and based on a motivational interviewing framework. We developed a conversational flow chart to support the clinician to guide participants towards achieving their pre‐specified personal goals and future low back pain self‐management. Participants with chronic low back pain who were aged over 18 years and fluent in English were recruited. The booster intervention was delivered in one session, remotely, by telephone. The intervention was considered feasible if: participants were able to be contacted or <3 contacts were necessary to arrange the booster session; there were sufficient willing participants (<15% of sample unwilling to participate); and participants and research clinicians reported a perceived benefit of >7/10.

Results

Fifty participants with chronic non‐specific low back pain were recruited to test the feasibility of implementing the booster intervention. Less than three contact attempts were necessary to arrange the booster session, only one participant declined to participate. Participants perceived the session to be beneficial; on a 0 to 10 scale of perceived benefit, the average score recorded was 8.3 (SD 2.0). Clinicians also reported a moderate perceived benefit to the participant; the average score recorded by clinicians was 6.3 (SD 1.6).

Conclusion

We developed a step by step, simple booster intervention that was perceived to be beneficial to participants with chronic low back pain. The booster can feasibly be delivered remotely following a complex intervention.
A longitudinal study of creatine kinase and creatinine levels in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zygmunt Alexander M. , Wong Brenda L. , Horn Paul S. , Lambert Joshua , Bange Jean E. , Rybalsky Irina , Chouteau Wendy , Tian Cuixia
Published: November 2022

Introduction/Aims

Management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has entered an era featuring novel treatments. Trackable noninvasive biomarkers could improve disease progression monitoring and drug effect detection. Our aim in this study was to measure changes in selected noninvasive biomarkers and assess their relationship to age and motor function.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 555 patients with DMD who had at least 12 months of treatment of glucocorticoids and were not enrolled in trials of potential disease‐modifying therapies. We extracted biomarker data of serum creatine kinase (CK), serum creatinine (Cr), urine Cr, and urine Cr/urine osmolality (osm), as well as functional data for age at loss of ambulation and Functional Motor Scale (FMS) values from patients’ clinical records. Data were analyzed using linear mixed‐model analyses.

Results

CK, serum Cr, urine Cr, and urine Cr/urine osm all decreased with declining motor function. CK consistently decreased and FMS score consistently worsened with age without clear inflection points. There was an increased odds ratio for LOA with lower values of CK, serum Cr, urine Cr, and urine Cr/urine osm, most notably for urine Cr.

Discussion

Although individual biomarker values are challenging to directly apply clinically, our study has demonstrated that trends over time may complement functional measures in the assessment of individuals with DMD. Future studies could elucidate predictive utility of these biomarkers in assessing motor function changes in DMD.
Long‐term results of artificial urinary sphincter implantation for urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency in children
Authors: Paret Fanny , Leclair Marc‐David , Karam Georges , Rigaud Jérôme , Baron Maximilien , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimée
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To report long‐term results of artificial urinary sphincter implantation for urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency in children.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective monocentric study included all patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter (AMS 800) implantation before 18 years of age between 1986 and October 2018 for intrinsic sphincter deficiency. The primary outcome was the continence rate at the last follow‐up, defined by the daily use of 0 pads.

The secondary outcome was the overall survival of the device, defined as the absence of any repeated surgery (revision or explantation) during follow‐up.

Reoperation‐free, revision‐free, and explantation‐free device survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Thirty‐six patients with a median age of 12 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 10–14) were included (15 females, 21 males). The median follow‐up was 18.7 years (IQR: 9–26). The main underlying condition was spinal dysraphism (n = 24; 67%).

The median time to the first reoperation was 9 years (IQR: 3.75–14.7). At the last follow‐up, survival rates without revision were 84%, 71%, 55%, and 33% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. Survival rates without explantation were 91%, 84%, 80%, and 72% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively.

At the last follow‐up, 29 patients had a functional device. The overall continence rate was 88%. All patients who had their device still in place were continent at the last follow‐up.

Conclusion

The artificial urinary sphincter is an effective long‐term treatment for urinary incontinence related to intrinsic sphincter deficiency in children, providing a high rate of continence, even if associated with a high rate of reoperation.
Perception and willingness of private secondary school students in forestry education and career: A case study from Nigeria
Authors: Oluwajuwon Tomiwa V. , Mewase Ademola O. , Olasuyi Kehinde E. , Adetula Olaoluwa I. , Adekunle Victor A. J.
Published: November 2022

One of the critical issues confronting forest sustainability is inadequate education about the need and actions to sustain these vital ecosystems. Notwithstanding, forestry education attracts low levels of interest and enrollment in Nigeria and globally. Unlike in public secondary schools, information on the perception and willingness toward forestry education and career among private school students is limited. Therefore, our study assessed the (un)willingness and perception toward forestry education and career through a survey of 160 students across eight private secondary schools in Akure metropolis, Nigeria. Descriptive and chi‐square statistics were used to analyze the responses. We found a relatively low interest and willingness in forestry education among the students (20%), despite their positive perceptions toward the profession's lucrativeness (73%), their relevant prior knowledge learnt through school's agriculture subject (88%), and their previous tree planting engagement (55%). None of the students’ demographics had significantly influenced their professional interest and choice besides having family relation(s) in forestry (χ2 = 5.731,p = .017). Likewise, only the availability of scholarships, accessible post‐study forestry jobs, and adequate integration of forestry into secondary school education could have significantly attracted the students to pursue forestry education or a career. Therefore, improving these key areas is recommended while also creating public awareness to facilitate more positive perceptions about the profession.
A stabilizer free weak Galerkin finite element method for second‐order Sobolev equation
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Deka Bhupen
Published: November 2022

In this study, we consider a stabilizer free weak Galerkin (SFWG) finite element method to solve a second‐order Sobolev equation. The SFWG method has various assets, including the support for higher order of accuracy and fewer coefficients. We have analyzed error estimates for both semidiscrete and fully discrete schemes using a non‐standard projection operator. The convergence rate of numerical error estimates of in norm and in norm are obtained, which are two order higher than the optimal order associated with WG finite element space At last, several numerical examples are reported to validate the supercloseness property and efficiency of the proposed SFWG method. These experiments confirm the accuracy of the theoretical findings.
Characterizing emotion profiles in non‐clinical population: A cluster analytical study
Authors: Wen Bao‐fang , Hu Hui‐xin , Zhang Yi‐jing , Wang Ling‐ling , Yang Han‐xue , Wang Yi , Wang Yanyu , Lui Simon S. Y. , Sun Hongwei , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: November 2022

Emotion processing and beliefs about pleasure can influence the development and severity of depressive symptoms. This cluster analysis study aimed to profile a large sample of college students using pleasure experience, emotion expression and regulation as well as beliefs about pleasure. We also aimed to validate the resultant clusters in terms of depressive symptoms. A set of checklists capturing beliefs about pleasure and the three facets of emotion processing was administered to 1028 college students. A two‐stage cluster analysis was used to analyze the profile of these emotional aspects in these college students. Our results showed that a three‐cluster solution best fit the data. Cluster 1 (n = 536) was characterized by moderate levels of beliefs about pleasure, pleasure experience, emotion expression, and regulation; Cluster 2 (n = 402) was characterized by generally high levels of beliefs about pleasure, pleasure experience, emotion expression, and regulation; Cluster 3 (n = 90) was characterized by relatively low levels of beliefs about pleasure, pleasure experience, emotion expression, and regulation. The three clusters differed significantly in the severity of depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest the existence of three emotional subtypes, which may be useful in early detection of youth at risk of developing depression.
Relationship between professional identity, career satisfaction, value of competence and growth, and job burnout: A cross‐sectional study of primary and secondary school teachers in China
Authors: Xu Luyun , Li Xinwei , Sun Changkang , Sun Binghai , Li Weijian
Published: November 2022

Teachers' job burnout is becoming increasingly common in China. Based on the Job Demands–Resources model and Social identity theory, this study aimed to assess the influence of professional identity on primary and secondary school teachers' job burnout, mediating effect of career satisfaction, and moderating role of the value of competence and growth in these relationships. The cross‐sectional design was conducted in this study with a total of 1362 teachers. The investigation materials included the Chinese versions of the teachers' professional identity scale, career satisfaction scale, value and experience scale, and professional quality of life scale. The results indicated that career satisfaction mediated the relationship between teachers' professional identity and job burnout. When the scores for competencies and growth were high, teachers' professional identity exhibited the greatest predictive effect on burnout through career satisfaction. These findings have implications for preventing burnout among teachers.
A shift towards succinate‐producing Prevotella in the ruminal microbiome challenged with monensin
Authors: Trautmann Andrej , Schleicher Lena , Koch Ariane , Günther Johannes , Steuber Julia , Seifert Jana
Published: November 2022

The time‐resolved impact of monensin on the active rumen microbiome was studied in a rumen‐simulating technique (Rusitec) with metaproteomic and metabolomic approaches. Monensin treatment caused a decreased fibre degradation potential that was observed by the reduced abundance of proteins assigned to fibrolytic bacteria and glycoside hydrolases, sugar transporters and carbohydrate metabolism. Decreased proteolytic activities resulted in reduced amounts of ammonium as well as branched‐chain fatty acids. The family Prevotellaceae exhibited increased resilience in the presence of monensin, with a switch of the metabolism from acetate to succinate production. Prevotella species harbour a membrane‐bound electron transfer complex, which drives the reduction of fumarate to succinate, which is the substrate for propionate production in the rumen habitat. Besides the increased succinate production, a concomitant depletion of methane concentration was observed upon monensin exposure. Our study demonstrates that Prevotella sp. shifts its metabolism successfully in response to monensin exposure and Prevotellaceae represents the key bacterial family stabilizing the rumen microbiota during exposure to monensin.
Psychological distress and bowel cancer screening participation
Authors: Anderson Laura E. , Ireland Michael J. , Myers Larry , Avenell Claire , Connaughton Tanaya , Goodwin Belinda C.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To better understand barriers to participation in mail‐out bowel cancer screening programs, two survey studies tested the relationship between psychological distress and self‐reported bowel cancer screening.

Methods

First, a nationally representative sample of Australians N = 5421 completed measures of bowel cancer screening and psychological distress (using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; K10). Second, N = 479 completed a survey measuring participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) and psychological distress using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. In both studies, logistic regressions were conducted to test relationships between psychological distress and self‐reported screening participation.

Results

Study one found that psychological distress had a significant quadratic effect on having ever screened for bowel cancer, where screening rates were similar for those with low, moderate, or high levels of distress, but were lower for those with very high levels of distress. In study two, depression scores had a negative linear relationship with NBCSP participation (higher depression levels were associated with lower screening participation), and anxiety had a quadratic effect whereby NBCSP participation rates were higher with increasing levels of anxiety except in the severe category, where participation was significantly lower.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that psychological distress has a complex relationship with screening, and those with extreme levels of distress consistently show lower participation rates. Special efforts to encourage screening may be required for those experiencing extreme psychological distress and mental health disorders.
The influence of different kVs and phantoms on computed tomography number to relative electron density calibration curve for radiotherapy dose calculation
Authors: Jaafar Ahmed Mousa , Elsayed Hussein , Khalil Magdy M. , Yaseen Mohamed Nabil , Alshewered Ahmed , Ammar Hany
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study was carried out to analyze the effect of varying kilovoltage peak (kVp) on Hounsfield unit (HU) for various tissue substitutes in two different phantoms and their dosimetric impact on dose calculation in Monaco treatment planning system version 5.11.02.

Methods

HU for different density materials was obtained from computed tomography images of the phantoms acquired at various kVps (80, 100, and 120). Two different phantoms (CatPhan 503 and CIRS 062 M) were used to construct their suitability for computed tomography. Both scan phantoms were used to perform 30 volumetric modulated arc therapy plans.

Results

No significant variation in the CatPhan phantom was observed for HU of different density materials with various kVp. In contrast, a direct relationship between kVp and HU was observed in the case of CIRS phantom, as increases in the kVp resulted in a corresponding decrease in HU. The maximum HU deviation was found in breast tissue. HU is inversely proportional to the kVp for tissues. There was a difference of ≥22% in HU values between the highest densities in CatPhan and CIRS phantoms.

Conclusion

CIRS 062 M was found more convenient for calibration than CatPhan 503, especially for high‐density material.
A rare case of pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma with liver metastases treated effectively with stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Hlaing Swe Swe , Lanciano Rachelle , Ugwuebulem Emeka , Arker Soe Htet , Sarvottam Kumar , Shore Stephen , Feng Jing
Published: November 2022

Pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma (PACC) is an extremely rare neoplasm. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) usually occurs in the salivary glands of the head and neck. Given its rare occurrence, there are no established guidelines for the treatment of progressive and/or relapsed disease. We herein report a case of a 57‐year‐old female who was incidentally found to have biopsy confirmed PACC following trauma diagnostic workup. She underwent pneumonectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy with an initial good response. On follow‐up a year later, she was noted to have two metastatic liver lesions treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and lenvatinib. This case report adds to the growing area of research on PACC, especially among patients requiring SBRT for oligometastatic disease.
Characterization of Italian Plasmopara viticola populations for resistance to oxathiapiprolin
Authors: Massi Federico , Torriani Stefano FF , Waldner‐Zulauf Maya , Bianco Piero A , Coatti Mauro , Borsa Paolo , Borghi Lorenzo , Toffolatti Silvia L
Published: November 2022

Background

Oxathiapiprolin is a novel fungicide and the first of the piperidinyl‐thiazole‐isoxazoline class to be discovered. This fungicide has been reported to have high activity against Plasmopara viticola, the grapevine downy mildew agent, and other plant‐pathogenic oomycetes. In this study, the baseline sensitivity of Italian P. viticola populations towards oxathiapiprolin was established on 29 samples collected in 10 different viticultural areas. Two insensitive strains were characterized for their mechanism of resistance.

Results

Oxathiapiprolin exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against 27 of the 29 populations tested, with EC50 values ranging from a minimum of under 4 × 10−5 mg L−1 to over 4 × 10−1 mg L−1, with an average value of 3.2 × 10−2 mg L−1. Two stable suspected oxathiapiprolin‐resistant mutants were isolated from population exhibiting reduced sensitivity, and sequenced for the oxathiapiprolin target gene PvORP1. The comparison with wild‐type isolates revealed that the resistant isolates possessed a heterozygous mutation causing the amino acid substitution N837I, recently reported in the literature.

Conclusion

The results obtained indicate a risk for Italian P. viticola populations to develop resistance to oxathiapiprolin in association with the N837I mutation at PvORP1. Anti‐resistance strategies should be carefully implemented and the sensitivity levels to this molecule should be monitored accurately in future to preserve its effectiveness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.