bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Providing optimal cropping patterns and water consumption according to monitored and forecasted drought conditions
Authors: Khajehi Farzaneh , Moghimi Mohammad Mehdi , Zarei Abdol Rassoul
Published: July 2024

Drought management in the agricultural sector requires monitoring and prediction of this phenomenon, as well as providing a suitable cropping pattern. In this study, the reconnaissance drought index (RDI) was used for drought monitoring in Fars Province, Iran. The status of water resources was predicted using a model that matches the time series of the RDI and the groundwater level. The optimal cropping pattern was obtained according to the predicted available water resources using a genetic algorithm. Generally, the actual and predicted changes in groundwater levels indicate the critical conditions of groundwater resources in the study area. Groundwater resource consumption should be lowered by implementing deficit irrigation scenarios that result in keeping crops with lower sensitivity to water deficit in cropping patterns such as barley, wheat, canola, forage corn and potato. The cropping pattern optimization results suggest an increase in the area allocated to more economical crops in the northern half of Fars Province due to the better temporal distribution of annual rainfall and better water resource conditions. However, with increasing water costs, the cultivation area and the optimal water reduction fraction of these plants decreased.
A practical solution to improve the field of view in circular scanning‐based photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Ranjbaran Seyed Mohsen , Zafar Mohsin , Saint‐Martin Loïc , Islam Md Tarikuls , Avanaki Kamran
Published: July 2024

One of the primary challenges in ring single‐element photoacoustic tomography systems is the low image quality in areas away from the center of the ring. This is mainly due to the limited field of view (FOV) of each transducer, which in turn reduces the imaging FOV. To address this shortcoming, we have put forward a practical and straightforward solution to enhance the FOV of circular scanning‐based photoacoustic tomography (CS‐PAT). This is accomplished by placing transducers at different angles instead of using a single transducer placed at a normal angle to the imaging target. We also modified the ring scanner inner wall surface to significantly reduce photoacoustic reverberation. By imaging several phantoms, we show a significant improvement in the images generated by our system imaging from 4.1 to over 7 for the signal‐to‐noise ratio and structural similarity index increased from 41% to 70%.
Examining the mediating role of e‐health literacy in the relationship between COVID‐19 awareness and dispositional hope and the experiences of those who survived the disease
Authors: Gunlu Aykut
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of e‐health literacy levels on the relationship between individuals' awareness of COVID‐19 and dispositional hope during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The research was conducted with a mixed‐methods design. Quantitative data were collected for the study online using Google Forms and qualitative data were collected online with an interview technique. In this framework, the qualitative data were obtained from a total of 15 people who had been diagnosed with COVID‐19. These participants were selected using the snowball sampling method. A personal information form, e‐Health Literacy Scale, Coronavirus Awareness Scale, Dispositional Hope Scale, and semistructured interview form were utilized in the course of the research. As a result of, it was determined that there were significant relationships between coronavirus awareness and both e‐health literacy and dispositional hope, as well as between e‐health literacy and dispositional hope. The measurement model was found to have good fit values. Testing the structural equation model, it was determined that e‐health literacy had a full mediating role between coronavirus awareness and dispositional hope. In addition, this study showed that people who had COVID‐19 had increased awareness of COVID‐19 after contracting the disease.
Do phosphorus amendments enhance biodegradation activity in stalled petroleum hydrocarbon‐contaminated soil?
Authors: Schryer Aimée D. , Siciliano Steven D.
Published: July 2024

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers promote soil petroleum‐hydrocarbon (PHC) bioremediation by correcting carbon‐to‐P ratio imbalances. While these inputs create conditions favorable to microbial growth, areas of a site or an entire site with low degradation rates (i.e., “stalled”) occur for unknown reasons. We hypothesized that soil conditions limit P bioavailability, leading to stalls in PHC bioremediation, and adding the correct P amendment restarts microbial activity. Soils were collected and characterized from four cold calcareous PHC‐impacted sites in Saskatchewan, Canada, undergoing bioremediation. A generalized linear mixed model identified that regions with lower degradation rates possessed a neutral pH with high magnetic and salinity values. In a subsequent laboratory experiment, the proportion of benzene degraded at greater rates within active (i.e., higher degradation rates) than stalled soils, thereby following model predictions (p‐value = 0.19, Kruskal–Wallis). The PHC degradation efficiency of different P amendments was tested by doping stalled soils (n = 3) with one of five treatments: 0 (control), 0 (autoclaved control), or 50 mg phosphate kg−1 soil as sodium diphosphate, triethyl phosphate, or tripolyphosphate. Tripolyphosphate accelerated benzene degradation (75.5 ± 5.4%) in one stalled soil (Outlook 323) and increased degradation non‐significantly (43.9 ± 9.4%) in another (Allan 917). Alternatively, the final sample (Davidson 421) possessed the greatest benzene removal with no amendments. This implies that soil P bioavailability may not be the sole cause of decreased microbial activity. Accordingly, combining model outputs with mineralogy and microbiology investigations could enhance PHC biodegradation rates in these cold calcareous soils.
Mechanisms underlying episodic nitrate and phosphorus leaching from poorly drained agricultural soils
Authors: Lawrence Nathaniel C. , Hall Steven J.
Published: July 2024

Poorly drained depressions within tile‐drained croplands can have disproportionate environmental and agronomic impacts, but mechanisms controlling nutrient leaching remain poorly understood. We monitored nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) leaching using zero‐tension soil lysimeters across a depression to upland gradient over 2 years in a corn–soybean (Zea mays L.–Glycine max [L.] Merr.) field in Iowa. We also measured stable isotopes (δ15N and δ18O) of nitrate to examine its sources and transformations. SRP concentrations peaked during winter and early spring after phosphorus (P) fertilization (mean = 3 mg P L−1), with highest values in the depression, and SRP was relatively stable thereafter (mean = 0.3 mg P L−1) irrespective of periods of high soil moisture that led to widespread iron (Fe) reduction across the field. During a near‐average precipitation year, nitrate stable isotopes indicated direct leaching of fertilizer nitrate within days of application, followed by nitrification of fertilizer ammonium and several weeks of denitrification in depressional soils. Nevertheless, nitrate concentrations remained high (mean = 28 mg N L−1) in the depression despite strong isotopic evidence for denitrification (>48% N removal). During a wet year, nitrate concentrations were lower in the depression than upland and nitrate isotopes were highly variable, consistent with nearly complete nitrate removal by denitrification in the depression and significant denitrification in upland soils. We conclude that poorly drained depressional soils can potentially decrease nitrate leaching via denitrification under sustained wet conditions, but they inconsistently denitrify and are vulnerable to high nitrate and SRP losses when soils are not saturated, especially following fertilization.
The Diagnostic Value of Conventional MRI Combined With Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging in Microprolactinomas
Authors: Wang Min‐Yang , Yu Ying , Han Yu , Yang Yang , Jiang Wan , Liu Jin , Yan Lin‐Feng , Cui Guang‐Bin
Published: July 2024

Background

Turbo spin‐echo (TSE) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) sequences may reduce susceptibility artifacts and image distortion in sellar region, allowing better visualization of small pituitary lesions, and may be used to assist in the diagnosis of pituitary microadenomas.

Purpose

To explore the application value of conventional MRI combined with DWI sequences in the diagnosis of microprolactinomas.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Thirty‐four patients in microprolactinomas with high signal on T2WI (HT2‐PRL) group (34 females, 34 ± 7 years), 26 patients in microprolactinomas with equal or low signal on T2WI (ELT2‐PRL) group (21 females, 34 ± 7 years), 35 patients with hyperprolactinemia (33 females, 32 ± 8 years), and 30 normal controls (25 females, 31 ± 7 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

TSE sequence at 3 T.

Assessment

Pituitary morphological parameters (such as length and volume), dynamic contrast‐enhanced parameters (such as time to peak) and the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were measured in each group.

Statistical Tests

ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare parameters among groups. Spearman's coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between variables. ROC analysis was used to assess the performance of the parameters. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The pituitary volume of patients in HT2‐PRL, ELT2‐PRL, and hyperprolactinemia group were 831.00 (747.60, 887.60), 923.63 ± 219.34, and 737.20 (606.40, 836.80) mm3. The pituitary maximum height in these three groups were 7.03 (6.43, 8.63), 8.03 ± 1.41, and 6.63 ± 1.28 mm, respectively. The lesion ADC value was significantly correlated with T2 relative signal intensity (the ratio of signal intensity of microprolactinoma or anterior pituitary to left temporal cortex) (r = 0.821). Compared with patients with hyperprolactinemia, the diagnostic efficacy of T2 relative signal intensity was higher in HT2‐PRL group, with an AUC of 0.954, whereas the ADC value was the highest in ELT2‐PRL group, with an AUC of 0.924.

Conclusion

DWI sequences can be used to assist in the diagnosis of pituitary microadenomas.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Investigating the skills of HighResMIP in capturing historical and future mean precipitation shifts over Pakistan
Authors: Eman Kanzul , Chung Eun‐Sung , Ayugi Brian Odhiambo
Published: July 2024

Climatic change over the globe due to global warming affects the characteristics of climate variables that have critical implications on large fraction of population that depends on agriculture for livelihood like Pakistan. Consequently, this study examined how high horizontal grid resolution CMIP6 models simulate the observed precipitation variability during 1981–2014 and further explored the future changes during 2017–2050 under high emission scenario SSP5‐8.5 over Pakistan region. The performances of 12 (CMIP6) High Resolution Model Inter‐comparison Project version 1.0 (hereafter; HighResMIP) GCMs and their ensemble means in reproducing the observed climate were calculated at each station in the study domain and formed the basis for deriving HighResMIP ranking. Further, the study employed Shannon's Entropy and a modified version of Criteria Importance through Inter‐Criteria Correlation (D‐CRITIC) method to build an ensemble mean from the best performing models. Evaluation of HighResMIP GCMs performance revealed that most models showed mixed signals in the region, with fewer models such as HadGEM3‐GC31‐HH, HadGEM3‐GC31‐HM and HadGEM3‐GC31‐MM showing good agreement with the observed precipitation. Overall, HighResMIP multi‐model ensemble outperforms precipitation distribution over individual models. D‐CRITIC based ensemble mean implies higher increase in precipitation than entropy approach. Future changes depict an increase in mean annual in the northern region relative to the historical period. A pronounced increase of about 16%–18% in precipitation was noted in HadGEM3‐GC31‐HH and HiRAM‐SIT‐HR. Conversely, FGOAL‐f3‐H project noteworthy reduction (21%) in precipitation in the near future (2017–2050). The projected seasonal precipitation shows upsurge pattern of 5%–28% in pre‐monsoon season, whereas the reduction in monsoon precipitation is projected to be 29%–40%. The findings of this study can help in building future climate resilience and developing strategic policies in Pakistan.
Bone remodeling after revision total hip arthroplasty for large acetabular defects
Authors: Ramesh Angelika , Di Laura Anna , De Angelis Sara , Henckel Johann , Hart Alister
Published: July 2024

Large acetabular bone defects are challenging in hip revision surgery. Clinical assessment is crucial to evaluate modern technologies in surgical reconstruction. We aimed to better understand the bone remodeling that occurs following acetabular reconstruction. Our objectives were: (1) To characterize changes in the shape of the pelvis by studying sequential computed tomography (CT) scans collected immediately and 1‐year postoperatively and (2) to identify which part of the pelvis is most susceptible to remodeling. We used the CT scans taken at two timepoints, of 24 patients with acetabular bone defects classified as Paprosky IIIB, treated with three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed custom‐made acetabular implants. Segmented 3D models of the bony pelvis were co‐registered using three different techniques. A global co‐registration of the full pelvis was conducted, followed by the co‐registration of the innominate bone and then ilium only, on the ipsilateral reconstructed side. The relative movements of the ilium, ischium, and pubis were analyzed from visual inspection and using co‐registration metrics (root mean square error and intersection over union). No bone remodeling was found in 14/24 patients (58%). The co‐registration of the innominate bone indicated bone remodeling in five cases (21%), while the remaining five cases (21%) presented remodeling in the global co‐registration but not the innominate bone co‐registration, suggestive of changes occurring at the sacroiliac joint. Changes in the pelvic shape were greatest at the pubis and ischium. Bone remodeling may occur in complex cases of Paprosky type IIIB defects, after acetabular reconstruction (occurrence of 21%, 5/24 cases). Surgeons and engineers should consider this when monitoring implant migration.
Consilience in practice: social–ecological dynamics of the Lake Volvi region (Greece) during the last two millennia
Authors: Masci Lucrezia , Liakopoulos Georgios C. , Gromig Raphael , Kolovos Elias , Kouli Katerina , Moros Matthias , Sadori Laura , Sarantis Alexander , Slavin Philip , Sypiański Jakub , Vidras Georgios , Vignola Cristiano , Wagner Bernd , Izdebski Adam , Masi Alessia
Published: July 2024

The Lake Volvi area, part of the region of Macedonia (northern Greece), is a biodiversity hotspot, located in the central part of a major communication corridor connecting the western and eastern parts of the Balkans. The sediment succession from Lake Volvi is investigated here to provide a unique high‐resolution pollen and geochemical record for the last 2000 years combining palaeoecological and historical methods, implementing the concept of consilience. The palaeoecological data document the environmental dynamics since the occupation of the area by the Romans. The vegetation changes reveal the development of wetland habitats and the variations of the mixed deciduous oak and thermophilous–mesophilous forests, as well as cereal cultivation, grazing and arboriculture, whose intensity varied over time. Archaeological data are available for the 1st millennium ce, but detailed historical evidence becomes accessible from the 13th century 
ce onwards through Byzantine and Ottoman documents. Both historical and palaeoecological data indicate that the 16th century was the period of strongest population pressure on the environment of the Volvi region. However, for other periods, it is possible to observe disagreements between the proxies. We demonstrate that these contradictions can be resolved with a more complex understanding of the region's social–ecological dynamics.
Inhibitory effects of essential oils on the growth of grain storage molds and the formation of aflatoxin in stored organic corn grains
Authors: Iwayemi Esther F. , Yu Jianmei , Rehrah Djaafar , Davis Shurrita S. , Williams Leonard L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mold contamination in post‐harvest grain storage degrades grain quality and produces mycotoxins, causing economic losses and health issues. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of six essential oils (cinnamon, clove, eugenol, orange terpenes, oregano, and thyme oil) on total and specific mold genera growth using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and selective media plates, respectively, at different concentrations of EOs (0–0.8 mg/mL). The antifungal index (AI) of each treatment were measured after 7 days incubation at 22°C. The fungicidal activity of EOs in stored organic corn grains was tested using a simulated fumigation method, and the aflatoxin contents in the corn grains were determined biweekly for 6 weeks.

Results

Results indicate that the tested EOs, except orange terpenes, significantly inhibited mold growth. Overall, eugenol demonstrated the highest effectiveness against total mold growth with cinnamon oil following closely behind. The cinnamon oil also consistently showed highest AI and lowest IC50 (0.065 mg/mL) against the growth of Aspergillus and Penicillium followed by clove oil with IC50 being 0.12 mg/mL. The Fusarium spp. was more sensitive to EOs, particularly cinnamon oil (IC50 = 0.006 mg/mL), and eugenol and oregano oil (IC50 = 0.01 mg/mL). In the simulated fumigation tests, cinnamon, oregano, and thyme oils at 0.05 mL/25 g corn significantly inhibited the mold growth and aflatoxin production at water activity 0.85, and temperature 25 and 35°C over a period of 42 days storage.

Conclusion

The EOs tested in this study except orange terpenes can potentially serve as alternatives to toxic synthetic fungicides/fumigants for organic corn grain protection during storage.
Release of CM‐12 from A2‐type casein by the cleavage of Ser–Leu–Xaa at the C‐terminus using Aspergillus oryzae alkaline protease
Authors: Yingjie Cui , Fukunaga Moe , Hayashi Nobuhiro , Orihara Kanami , Miyanaga Kazuhiko , Yamamoto Naoyuki
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus oryzae protease can release the opioid peptide β‐casomorphin‐10 (CM‐10, YPFPGPIPNS, 60–69) from A2‐type casein. However, not only is the yield of the active peptide low, but the key enzyme involved in processing has yet to be identified.

RESULTS

A significant amount of the opioid peptide 60YPFPGPIPNSLP71 (CM‐12) was produced from the A2‐type casein peptide 53AQTQSLVYPFPGPIPNSLPQNIPPLTQTPV82 when the active protease in A. oryzae protease extract was fractionated with DEAE‐Sepharose. The fractionated enzyme produced CM‐12 from bovine A2‐type casein but not from bovine A1 casein. A major protein of 34 kDa was purified and identified as an alkaline protease (Alp). Motif prediction of the Alp cleavage site using Multiple EM for Motif Elicitation analysis revealed preferable cleavage at the C‐terminal end of Ser–Leu–Xaa for the release of CM‐12. A2‐type casein hydrolysate by Alp exhibited similar levels of opioid activity to that of synthetic CM‐12 in cAMP‐Glo assays with μ‐opioid receptor‐expressing HEK293 cells. These results suggest that CM‐12 is a major opioid peptide in the casein hydrolysate.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that Alp fractionated from A. oryzae protease extract produced the opioid peptide CM‐12 from A2‐type casein as a result of preferential cleavage at the C‐terminal end of Ser–Leu–Xaa and the removal of coexisting enzymes. Moreover, docking predictions suggested a stable interaction between CM‐12 and the 3D structure of Alp. Casein hydrolysate with Alp‐containing CM‐12 has the potential for use as a bioactive peptide material with opioid activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sphenoid Sinus Fungal Ball and Reestablishing Sinus Function
Authors: Meerwein Christian M. , Seresirikachorn Kachorn , Lindsay Blake , Sacks Peta‐Lee , Kalish Larry , Campbell Raewyn G. , Sacks Ray R. , Harvey Richard J.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The aim was to assess the developmental attributes of sphenoid sinuses affected by fungal balls and describe a surgical approach which reestablishes gravity‐dependent drainage to compensate for any mucociliary dysfunction.

Methods

A within‐patient case–control analysis was performed on sphenoid sinus dimensions from patients with sphenoid sinus fungal ball (SSFB). Radiological dimensions were assessed to determine the dominant or larger sinus by volume and width. Pneumatization in the sagittal and lateral extent was assessed. The influence of sinus size and pneumatization variants within a patient was analyzed. Patency and the presence of mucostasis from radical reshaping of the sinus cavity were documented at least 3 months after surgery. Complications (bleeding, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and cranial nerve palsy) were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐three patients (59 ± 19 years, 86% female, 46 sphenoid sinuses) were assessed. Fungal ball was more common in the smaller (non‐dominant) sinus, by width (78% vs. 22%, p < 0.01) and by proportion of total sphenoid volume (0.39 ± 0.16 vs. 0.61 ± 0.16, p < 0.01). Pneumatization variants did not influence the development of SSFB within a patient. All patients had patency and the absence of mucostasis or persistent inflammation at last follow‐up. No complications were reported.

Conclusion

The smaller or nondominant sphenoid sinus is more affected by SSFB. Surgical reshaping of the sphenoid to prevent mucostasis is favorable in managing the smaller affected sinus cavity.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4888–4892, 2024
Combined CO2 Laser Vaporization and Bleomycin Injection to Treat Huge Adult Laryngeal Vascular Anomalies: Innovative Application of CO2 Laser in Otolaryngology
Authors: Wu Xiufa , Zhang Jing , Fang Rui , Wei Chunsheng
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the value of CO2 laser vaporization in treating huge adult laryngeal vascular anomalies (HALVAs) by combining it with bleomycin injection.

Materials and Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the records of 13 adult patients who underwent 18 different procedures. Methods to treat HALVAs include traditional bleomycin injection and CO2 laser vaporization combined with bleomycin injection between September 2009 and January 2023. Treatment results were evaluated by the grade of lumen constriction.

Results

A total of five males and eight females, with an average age of 46.3 years (range, 22–66 years), were included in the study. The huge adult laryngeal vascular anomalies in our study were greater than 1633.71 mm3, and the long diameters of the bases were longer than 15 mm. Compared with the bleomycin injection‐only group, the results with the CO2 laser vaporization and bleomycin injection combined were better.

Conclusions

Both bleomycin injection and CO2 laser vaporization are safe treatment methods. Their combination may produce better results for huge adult laryngeal vascular anomalies.
Power from words: The influence of brand activism message framing on consumer purchase intention
Authors: Xie Shengcheng , Wei Haiying , Chen Siyun
Published: July 2024

Brand activism is a widespread phenomenon, yet strategies for leveraging activism messages to yield positive consumer responses and enhance brand equity are not well understood. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of activism message framing (hope vs. frustration) from the perspectives of message and inspiration. The results of five experimental studies revealed that (hope‐framed vs. frustration‐framed) activism messages can inspire consumers and enhance their purchase intentions towards related brands. The stimulation of growth mindsets among consumers amplifies the positive effects of activism message framing, while the salience of activism issues can reverse the negative reactions caused by frustrating messages and consumers' fixed mindsets. These insights not only contribute to existing brand activism literature by explaining the psychological mechanisms and influential elements of activism message framing effects, but also provide valuable guidance to marketers in developing brand activism strategies and effectively communicating relevant information.
Can enterprise digital transformation improve ESG performance?
Authors: Liu Ziming , Chen Zhao , Hu Ling
Published: July 2024

Regarding China's A‐share‐listed companies as research samples, we construct an empirical model to test the impact of corporate digital transformation on ESG performance. We find that a corporate digital transformation improves its ESG performance. Moreover, the higher the quality of environmental information and the efficiency of external resource allocation, the greater the role of digital transformation on ESG performance. Finally, the ESG performance ameliorates the financing and green performance of enterprises. Our research shows a new perspective for study on the digital transformation and sustainable development of enterprises, meanwhile experience summary for improving China's ESG scoring system and governance.
Decision‐making for others: Ambiguity attitudes
Authors: Mercer Antonio Carlos , Póvoa Angela Cristiane Santos , Pech Wesley
Published: July 2024

We investigated decision‐making for others in ambiguous settings. In an online survey, subjects were asked to make decisions for themselves, and for other people. In Experiment 1, ambiguity was conveyed in numerical ranges. In Experiment 2, we used verbal probabilities expressions to convey uncertainty. Decisions encompass three degrees of ambiguity (low, moderate, and high). Consistent with previous literature findings, our results showed no significant differences between self‐other decision‐making on ambiguity. We build on the existing literature on ambiguity attitudes, emphasizing the use of verbal probability expressions to measure ambiguity, and provide novel evidence into decision‐making for others.
Solitons for a generalized reaction–diffusion equation with the higher‐order power‐law nonlinearity in (1+1)‐ and (2+1)‐dimensional systems
Authors: Tang Xiaogang , Wang Daju , Bao Keyu , Wang Ying , Ye Hui
Published: July 2024

For the systems modeled by a generalized reaction–diffusion equation with the higher‐order quintic nonlinearity, we explore the soliton dynamics via the F‐expansion method. By the novel F‐base function ansatz, we first derived the bright soliton and kink soliton solutions for the one‐dimensional case of the reaction–diffusion equation with quintic nonlinearity. Furthermore, we employed self‐similar techniques to analyze the higher‐dimensional dynamics of bright soliton and kink soliton solutions supported by the (2+1)‐dimensional reaction–diffusion equation system with quintic nonlinearity. Additionally, we conducted stability analysis of derived soliton solutions. Our theoretical results demonstrate that under certain parametric setting, the reaction–diffusion equation model with higher‐order nonlinearity supports bright soliton and kink soliton in higher‐dimensional as well as lower dimensional setting, which provides guidance for observing and investigating soliton behavior in systems modeled by the reaction–diffusion equation with higher‐order quintic nonlinearity.
How to accurately quantify brain magnetic susceptibility in the context of Parkinson's disease: Validation on phantoms and healthy volunteers at 1.5 and 3 T
Authors: Hervouin Aurélien , Bézy‐Wendling Johanne , Noury Fanny
Published: July 2024

Currently, brain iron content represents a new neuromarker for understanding the physiopathological mechanisms leading to Parkinson's disease (PD). In vivo quantification of biological iron is possible by reconstructing magnetic susceptibility maps obtained using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Applying QSM is challenging, as up to now, no standardization of acquisition protocols and phase image processing has emerged from referenced studies. Our objectives were to compare the accuracy and the sensitivity of 10 QSM pipelines built from algorithms from the literature, applied on phantoms data and on brain data. Two phantoms, with known magnetic susceptibility ranges, were created from several solutions of gadolinium chelate. Twenty healthy volunteers from two age groups were included. Phantoms and brain data were acquired at 1.5 and 3 T, respectively. Susceptibility‐weighted images were obtained using a 3D multigradient‐recalled‐echo sequence. For brain data, 3D anatomical T1‐ and T2‐weighted images were also acquired to segment the deep gray nuclei of interest. Concerning in vitro data, the linear dependence of magnetic susceptibility versus gadolinium concentration and deviations from the theoretically expected values were calculated. For brain data, the accuracy and sensitivity of the QSM pipelines were evaluated in comparison with results from the literature and regarding the expected magnetic susceptibility increase with age, respectively. A nonparametric Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare the magnetic susceptibility quantification in deep gray nuclei between the two age groups. Our methodology enabled quantifying magnetic susceptibility in human brain and the results were consistent with those from the literature. Statistically significant differences were obtained between the two age groups in all cerebral regions of interest. Our results show the importance of optimizing QSM pipelines according to the application and the targeted magnetic susceptibility range, to achieve accurate quantification. We were able to define the optimal QSM pipeline for future applications on patients with PD.
Hyperpolarized 13C and 31P MRS detects differences in cardiac energetics, metabolism, and function in obesity, and responses following treatment
Authors: Lewis Andrew J. M. , Dodd Michael S. , Sourdon Joevin , Lygate Craig A. , Clarke Kieran , Neubauer Stefan , Tyler Damian J. , Rider Oliver J.
Published: July 2024

Obesity is associated with important changes in cardiac energetics and function, and an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Multi‐nuclear MRS and MRI techniques have the potential to provide a comprehensive non‐invasive assessment of cardiac metabolic perturbation in obesity. A rat model of obesity was created by high‐fat diet feeding. This model was characterized using in vivo hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and [2‐13C]pyruvate MRS, echocardiography and perfused heart 31P MRS. Two groups of obese rats were subsequently treated with either caloric restriction or the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue/agonist liraglutide, prior to reassessment. The model recapitulated cardiovascular consequences of human obesity, including mild left ventricular hypertrophy, and diastolic, but not systolic, dysfunction. Hyperpolarized 13C and 31P MRS demonstrated that obesity was associated with reduced myocardial pyruvate dehydrogenase flux, altered cardiac tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolism, and impaired myocardial energetic status (lower phosphocreatine to adenosine triphosphate ratio and impaired cardiac ΔG~ATP). Both caloric restriction and liraglutide treatment were associated with normalization of metabolic changes, alongside improvement in cardiac diastolic function. In this model of obesity, hyperpolarized 13C and 31P MRS demonstrated abnormalities in cardiac metabolism at multiple levels, including myocardial substrate selection, TCA cycle, and high‐energy phosphorus metabolism. Metabolic changes were linked with impairment of diastolic function and were reversed in concert following either caloric restriction or liraglutide treatment. With hyperpolarized 13C and 31P techniques now available for human use, the findings support a role for multi‐nuclear MRS in the development of new therapies for obesity.
Sequence comparison of spoiled gradient echo and balanced steady‐state free precession for pulmonary free‐breathing proton MRI in patients and healthy volunteers: Correspondence, repeatability, and validation with dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Hahn Jonah J. , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Behrendt Lea , Klimeš Filip , Pöhler Gesa H. , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: July 2024

Phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI is a proton‐based, contrast agent‐free technique derived from the Fourier decomposition approach to measure regional ventilation and perfusion dynamics during free‐breathing. Besides the necessity of extensive PREFUL postprocessing, the utilized MRI sequence must fulfill specific requirements. This study investigates the impact of sequence selection on PREFUL‐MRI–derived functional parameters by comparing the standard spoiled gradient echo (SPGRE) sequence with a lung‐optimized balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequence, thereby facilitating PREFULs clinical application in pulmonary disease assessment. This study comprised a prospective dataset of healthy volunteers and a retrospective dataset of patients with suspected chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Both cohorts underwent PREFUL‐MRI with both sequences to assess the correspondence of PREFUL ventilation and perfusion parameters (A). Additionally, healthy subjects were scanned a second time to evaluate repeatability (B), whereas patients received dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI, considered the perfusion gold standard for comparison with PREFUL‐MRI (C). Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), calculated from the unprocessed images, was compared alongside median differences of PREFUL‐MRI–derived parameters using a paired Wilcoxon signed rank test. Further evaluations included calculation of the Pearson correlation, intraclass‐correlation coefficient for repeatability assessment, and spatial overlap (SO) for regional comparison of PREFUL‐MRI and DCE‐MRI. bSSFP showed a clear SNR advantage over SPGRE (median: 23 vs. 9, p < 0.001). (A) Despite significant differences, parameter values were strongly correlated (r ≥ 0.75). After thresholding, binary maps showed high healthy overlap across both cohorts (SOHealthy > 86%) and high defect overlap in the patient cohort (SODefect ≥ 48%). (B) bSSFP demonstrated slightly higher repeatability across most parameters. (C) Both sequences demonstrated comparable correspondence to DCE‐MRI, with SPGRE excelling in absolute quantification and bSSFP in spatial agreement. Although bSSFP showed superior SNR results, both sequences displayed spatial defect concordance and highly correlated PREFUL parameters with deviations regarding repeatability and alignment with DCE‐MRI.
Parenteral nutrition compatibility and stability: Practical considerations
Authors: Boullata Joseph I. , Salman Genene , Mirtallo Jay M. , Canada Todd W. , Monczka Jessica , Gura Kathleen M. , Kiritsy Paul
Published: July 2024

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a complex preparation that contains multiple component products with the associated risk for incompatibilities and diminished stabilities when combined together as an admixture. Significant patient harm can result from prescribing, preparing, and administering PN without confirming compatibility and stability. Incompatibility or instability is rarely obvious to the unaided eye, so safe PN admixture relies on incorporating physicochemical properties of the included components into compatibility and stability decisions. Practices include applying active ingredient concentration limits to reduce risk for incompatibilities and instabilities. The purpose of the current article is to distill the wide‐ranging information on PN compatibility and stability into a feasible blueprint that individual healthcare organizations can then use to design and implement practical initiatives. Compatibility and stability considerations can be incorporated into the routine tasks of PN prescribing, order reviewing, preparing, and administering. The focus of this review is on identifying potential physicochemical interactions that can be addressed at each step in the PN use process. Organizations should incorporate compatibility and stability considerations into the routine procedures and practices of all clinicians involved with PN therapy. Those clinicians in healthcare organizations and caregivers in the home should then be in a position to safely provide the appropriate PN admixtures in terms of compatibility and stability.
Testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Meaningful Activity for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC‐4‐BSD) intervention for residents with dementia in assisted living: Protocol description
Authors: Holmes Sarah D. , Scherr Susan , O'Brien Erin , Levy Sorah , Gurlu Merve , Zhu Shijun , Galik Elizabeth , Resnick Barbara
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the protocol for an Alzheimer's Association‐funded cluster randomized trial that focuses on engaging assisted living residents with dementia in meaningful activity to help address their behavioral symptoms of distress using a theoretically based approach, Meaningful Activity for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC‐4‐BSD). The development of MAC‐4‐BSD was based on the Social Ecological Model and Social Cognitive Theory. The MAC‐4‐BSD intervention includes the following four steps: (1) Assessment of the assisted living physical environment and policies to facilitate meaningful activity; (2) Education of staff about implementation of meaningful activity; (3) Assessment of resident preferences and goals for meaningful activity; (4) Mentoring and motivating staff and residents to facilitate engagement in meaningful activity. The overall aim of this study will be to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of implementing the MAC‐4‐BSD intervention and test whether it will improve residents' engagement in meaningful activity, behavioral symptoms of distress, and quality of life as well as the environment and policies to promote meaningful activity in assisted living.
Real‐time visual tracking design for an unmanned aerial vehicle in cluttered environments
Authors: Liang Juntao , Yi Peng , Li Wei , Zuo Jiaxuan , Zhu Bo , Wang Yong
Published: July 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are widely used in various fields, and autonomous tracking of UGV by UAV can significantly improve the collaborative capability and operational range of unmanned systems. In order to realize autonomous UAV tracking in complex and cluttered scenarios, this paper presents a vision‐based tracking system for UAV tracking UGV, integrating a visual target tracking model based on deep learning with a local path planning methodology. The system includes a deep learning‐based tracker, a state machine, and an obstacle avoidance planning algorithm. In addition, to improve the robustness of UAV onboard tracking, we introduce a lightweight tracking algorithm based on MobileNetV2 network, which ensures the tracking performance while improving the operation speed. Through real‐world experiments, it is demonstrated that our system can realize autonomous target tracking in cluttered environments without prior information. The proposed tracker exhibits a success rate of 61.7% on the UAV123 dataset and achieves a tracking speed of 45 frames per second (fps) on the NVIDIA Jetson TX2, demonstrating significant advancements in real‐time, efficient unmanned tracking technologies.
Exploring the influence of native minerals in coal gangue on CG/PE composite manufacturing and performance: Examining SiO2's role in interfacial compatibility
Authors: Li Chao , Liao Hongqiang , Gao Hongyu , Cheng Fangqin , Zhang Nong
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the influence of inherent minerals within coal gangue (CG) on the preparation and performance of coal gangue /polyethylene (CG/PE) composites, focusing on the role of SiO2 in interfacial compatibility. A systematic examination unveils the consequences of varying SiO2 content on physical, mechanical, thermal, and microstructural attributes of the composites. SiO2 incorporation significantly improves physical properties, boosting density and hardness but impacting tensile strength negatively. It enhances bending strength and modulus while diminishing tensile strength. Judicious SiO2 addition enhances thermal stability, but excess SiO2 may compromise thermal decomposition. Microstructural analysis, including SEM and FTIR, elucidates SiO2‐PE interactions, primarily through physical entanglement. SiO2 introduction promotes more ordered PE molecular chain arrangements, elevating composite crystallinity. In summary, this study provides in‐depth insights into SiO2's mechanistic impact on CG/PE composite properties, laying a robust foundation for designing environmentally friendly composites. These findings hold promise for advancing sustainable materials science and engineering. Future research may explore SiO2 optimization for specific applications and synergistic effects with other fillers in composites.

Highlights

SiO2 greatly improves the properties of CG/PE composites with detailed exploration.

Reveals the specific SiO2‐PE interaction mechanism for a better comprehension.

Performs structural analysis via XRD with valuable findings presented.

Promotes pioneering advancements in eco‐friendly materials with broad significance.
Accuracy of fetal fraction measurements in a single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based noninvasive prenatal test
Authors: Benn Peter , Zhang Jingwen , Lyons Daniel , Xu Wenbo , Leonard Samantha , Demko Zachary
Published: July 2024

Background

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal aneuploidy relies on the analysis of fetoplacental cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) found in maternal plasma. A minimum cfDNA fetal fraction (FF) is required for reliable test performance, but some methods may have suboptimal accuracy for FF measurement. This study investigated the accuracy of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐ (SNP‐) based NIPT method to assess FF.

Methods

FF measurements using SNP‐based NIPT in consecutive samples from singleton male pregnancies were compared with FF measured using a “gold standard” Y‐chromosome method.

Results

In a cohort of 106,846 samples, the SNP‐based FF method showed a standard deviation (SD) of 0.42%. Compared to the Y chromosome FF method, a correlation coefficient, r, of 0.995, and bias of 0.17% were observed. The SD was not substantially different across specific FF ranges or for samples with high‐risk NIPT results.

Conclusions

The SNP‐based NIPT method estimates FF with good accuracy, with a SD three to eight times better than other NIPT methods (0.42% vs. 1.3%–3.4%). FF is an important quality control parameter and should be routinely reported as part of NIPT.
Class‐specific data augmentation for plant stress classification
Authors: Saleem Nasla , Balu Aditya , Jubery Talukder Zaki , Singh Arti , Singh Asheesh K. , Sarkar Soumik , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar
Published: July 2024

Data augmentation is a powerful tool for improving deep learning‐based image classifiers for plant stress identification and classification. However, selecting an effective set of augmentations from a large pool of candidates remains a key challenge, particularly in imbalanced and confounding datasets. We propose an approach for automated class‐specific data augmentation using a genetic algorithm. We demonstrate the utility of our approach on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] stress classification where symptoms are observed on leaves; a particularly challenging problem due to confounding classes in the dataset. Our approach yields substantial performance, achieving a mean‐per‐class accuracy of 97.61% and an overall accuracy of 98% on the soybean leaf stress dataset. Our method significantly improves the accuracy of the most challenging classes, with notable enhancements from 83.01% to 88.89% and from 85.71% to 94.05%, respectively. A key observation we make in this study is that high‐performing augmentation strategies can be identified in a computationally efficient manner. We fine‐tune only the linear layer of the baseline model with different augmentations, thereby reducing the computational burden associated with training classifiers from scratch for each augmentation policy while achieving exceptional performance. This research represents an advancement in automated data augmentation strategies for plant stress classification, particularly in the context of confounding datasets. Our findings contribute to the growing body of research in tailored augmentation techniques and their potential impact on disease management strategies, crop yields, and global food security. The proposed approach holds the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of deep learning‐based tools for managing plant stresses in agriculture.
Phase 1 pharmacokinetic and safety study of soticlestat in participants with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or normal hepatic function
Authors: Yin Wei , Mitra Pranab , Copalu Veronique , Marbury Thomas C. , Rondon Juan Carlos , Lawitz Eric J. , Lloyd Valerie , Baratta Mike , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Hui Tom , Khan Yasir
Published: July 2024

This phase 1, open‐label, three‐arm study (NCT05098054) compared the pharmacokinetics and safety of soticlestat (TAK‐935) in participants with hepatic impairment. Participants aged ≥18 to <75 years had moderate (Child‐Pugh B) or mild (Child‐Pugh A) hepatic impairment or normal hepatic function (matched to hepatic‐impaired participants by sex, age, and body mass index). Soticlestat was administered as a single oral 300 mg dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters of soticlestat and its metabolites TAK‐935‐G (M3) and M‐I were assessed and compared by group. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and other safety parameters were also monitored. The pharmacokinetic analyses comprised 35 participants. Participants with moderate hepatic impairment had lower proportions of bound and higher proportions of unbound soticlestat than participants with mild hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function. Total plasma soticlestat pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum observed concentration [Cmax], area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to time of last quantifiable concentration [AUClast], and AUC from time 0 to infinity [AUC∞]) were approximately 115%, 216%, and 199% higher with moderate and approximately 45%, 35%, and 30% higher with mild hepatic impairment, respectively, than healthy matched participants. Moderate hepatic impairment decreased the liver's ability to metabolize soticlestat to M‐I; glucuronidation to M3 was also affected. Mild hepatic impairment resulted in a lower total plasma M‐I exposure, but glucuronidation was unaffected. TEAEs were similar across study arms, mild, and no new safety findings were observed. A soticlestat dose reduction is required for individuals with moderate but not mild hepatic impairment.