bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear truss models for strain‐based seismic evaluation of planar RC walls
Authors: Deng Xianjue , Koutromanos Ioannis , Murcia‐Delso Juan , Panagiotou Marios
Published: June 2021

This paper introduces a new approach for the seismic performance evaluation of planar RC walls. Compared to existing assessment guidelines, such as those in ASCE/SEI 41‐17, where performance limits are described by plastic rotation or lateral drift, the proposed method uses local (strain) quantities, obtained from computational models. The analyses rely on a user‐friendly implementation of the nonlinear truss model for RC structures, which eliminates the need to manually create a line‐element representation of a wall and includes a material law for steel accounting for buckling and rupture of reinforcement. The capability of the models to capture common failure patterns for planar walls is validated for a set of six previously tested wall components which experienced a variety of damage modes (bar rupture, boundary element failure, diagonal compression and tension failures). The analytical models accurately predict the lateral strength, deformation capacity and failure modes observed in the tests. A set of acceptance criteria, based on the analytically obtained concrete and steel strains, is then established for the immediate occupancy, life safety and collapse prevention levels, consistent with different levels and types of damage. An initial calibration of the limit values associated with these criteria is proposed and verified using the analytical results for the six walls considered. The results of the proposed assessment methodology applied to the six walls are compared to those obtained using the nonlinear procedures in ASCE/SEI 41‐17. The results indicate that ASCE/SEI 41‐17 may not accurately describe the deformability of walls exhibiting mixed flexure‐shear inelastic deformations.
A mass and momentum‐conservative semi‐implicit finite volume scheme for complex non‐hydrostatic free surface flows
Authors: Ferrari Davide , Dumbser Michael
Published: June 2021

In this article, a novel mass and momentum conservative semi‐implicit method is presented for the numerical solution of the incompressible free‐surface Navier–Stokes equations. This method can be seen as an extension of the semi‐implicit mass‐conservative scheme presented by Casulli. The domain is covered by the fluid, by potential solid obstacles, and by the surrounding void via a scalar volume fraction function for each phase, according to the so‐called diffuse interface approach. The semi‐implicit finite volume discretization of the mass and momentum equations leads to a mildly nonlinear system for the pressure. The nonlinearity on the diagonal of the system stems from the nonlinear definition of the volume, while the remaining linear part of the pressure system is symmetric and at least positive semi‐definite. Hence, the pressure can be efficiently obtained with the family of nested Newton‐type techniques recently introduced and analyzed by Brugnano and Casulli. The time step size is only limited by the flow speed and eventually by the velocity of moving rigid obstacles contained in the computational domain, and not by the gravity wave speed. Therefore, the method is efficient also for low Froude number flows. Moreover the scheme is formulated to be locally and globally conservative: for this reason it fits well in the presence of shock waves, too. In the special case of only one grid cell in vertical direction, the proposed scheme automatically reduces to a mass and momentum conservative discretization of the shallow water equations. The proposed method is first validated against the exact solution of a set of one‐dimensional Riemann problems for inviscid flows. Then, some computational results are shown for non‐hydrostatic flow problems and for a simple fluid‐structure interaction problem.
Potential of rosmarinic acid to ameliorate toxic effects of diethyl methoxy thio‑phosphoryl thio‑succinate on albino wistar rats’ lung, mast cell infiltration inhibitory pathway
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed S. , Mona Marwa M. , Abdel‑Kareem Mona A. , Elsisy Rasha A.
Published: June 2021

Malathion (MA) is a widely used pesticide in agriculture. It can cause toxicity in different organs of the body. Rosmarinic acid (RO) is found in rosemary extract that can be absorbed through gastrointestinal tract mucosa with potent antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory potential. The current study is designed to investigate the potential of RO to protect the lung after MA administration. Forty albino rats were allocated equally to four groups. C‐group received corn oil. RO‐group received RO orally. MA‐group received MA. MA‐RO‐group received RO in addition to MA. After three weeks the lungs were dissected for histopathological and biochemical investigations. MA‐group showed manifestations of severe inflammation with inflammatory cells infiltration in the lung. MA‐RO‐group showed limited inflammatory cell infiltration. C‐group and RO‐group appeared with weak anti‐survivin immunoreactivity. MA‐group showed strong positive immunoreactivity. The reactivity was weakly positive in MA‐RO‐group. MA‐group showed a significant decrease in SP‐D gene expression in comparison to the C‐group, in addition, MA‐RO‐group showed a significant increase in SP‐D expression. In conclusion, the current study approves that oral administration of MA causes lung injury as it has inflammatory effects, caused by oxidative stress and reports the potential of RO to protect lung tissue against toxic effects of MA through its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐apoptotic potential.
Antiproliferative and antioxidant potentials of bioactive edible vegetable fraction of Achyranthes ferruginea Roxb. in cancer cell line
Authors: Reza A. S. M. Ali , Haque Md. Anwarul , Sarker Joy , Nasrin Mst. Samima , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Tareq Abu Montakim , Khan Zidan , Rashid Mamunur , Sadik Md. Golam , Tsukahara Toshifumi , Alam AHM Khurshid
Published: June 2021

In the present study, the aerial parts of Achyranthes ferruginea underwent investigation of their in vitro antioxidant and free radical‐scavenging activities in cell‐free conditions, their phytoconstituents using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and their cytotoxic activity in HeLa cells. A. ferruginea was extracted with 80% methanol and successively fractionated with solvents to yield petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF), and aqueous (AQF) fractions. GC‐MS analysis revealed that CHF contained ten phytoconstituents, including different forms of octadecanoic acid methyl esters. The total antioxidant and ferric‐reducing antioxidant capacities of the extracts and the standard catechin (CA) were as follows: CA >CHF >PEF >CME (crude methanolic extract) >EAF >AQF, and CA >CHF >EAF >PEF >AQF >CME, respectively. CHF showed the highest DPPH‐free radical‐scavenging activity, with a median inhibitory concentration of 10.5 ± 0.28 µg/ml, which was slightly higher than that of the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (12.0 ± 0.09 µg/ml). In the hydroxyl radical‐scavenging assay, CHF showed identical scavenging activity (9.25 ± 0.73 µg/ml) when compared to CA (10.50 ± 1.06 µg/ml). Moreover, CHF showed strong cytotoxic activity (19.95 ± 1.18 µg/ml) in HeLa cells, which was alike to that of the standards vincristine sulfate and 5‐fluorouracil (15.84 ± 1.64 µg/ml and 12.59 ± 1.75 µg/ml, respectively). The in silico study revealed that identified compounds were significantly linked to the targets of various cancer cells and oxidative enzymes. However, online prediction by SwissADME, admetSAR, and PASS showed that it has drug‐like, nontoxic, and potential pharmacological actions.
Feature selection framework for functional connectome fingerprinting
Authors: Li Kendrick , Wisner Krista , Atluri Gowtham
Published: June 2021

The ability to uniquely characterize individual subjects based on their functional connectome (FC) is a key requirement for progress toward precision psychiatry. FC fingerprinting is increasingly studied in the neuroimaging community for this purpose, where a variety of approaches have been developed for effective FC fingerprinting. Recent independent studies showed that fingerprinting accuracy suffers at large sample sizes and when coarser parcellations are used for computing the FC. Quantifying this problem and understanding the reasons these factors impact fingerprinting accuracy is crucial to develop more accurate fingerprinting methods for large sample sizes. Part of the challenge in fingerprinting is that FC captures both generic and subject‐specific information. A systematic approach for identifying subject‐specific FC information is crucial for making progress in addressing the fingerprinting problem. In this study, we addressed three gaps in our understanding of the FC fingerprinting problem. First, we studied the joint effect of sample size and parcellation granularity. Second, we explained the reason for reduced fingerprinting accuracy with increased sample size and reduced parcellation granularity. To this end, we used a clustering quality metric from the data mining community. Third, we developed a general feature selection framework for systematically identifying resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) elements that capture information to uniquely identify subjects. In sum, we evaluated six different approaches from this framework by quantifying both subject‐specific fingerprinting accuracy and the decrease in accuracy with an increase in sample size to identify which approach improved quality metrics the most.
Induced astigmatism biases the orientation information represented in multivariate electroencephalogram activities
Authors: Son Sangkyu , Moon Joonsik , Kang Hyungoo , Kim Yee‐Joon , Lee Joonyeol
Published: June 2021

A small physical change in the eye influences the entire neural information process along the visual pathway, causing perceptual errors and behavioral changes. Astigmatism, a refractive error in which visual images do not evenly focus on the retina, modulates visual perception, and the accompanying neural processes in the brain. However, studies on the neural representation of visual stimuli in astigmatism are scarce. We investigated the relationship between retinal input distortions and neural bias in astigmatism and how modulated neural information causes a perceptual error. We induced astigmatism by placing a cylindrical lens on the dominant eye of human participants, while they reported the orientations of the presented Gabor patches. The simultaneously recorded electroencephalogram activity revealed that stimulus orientation information estimated from the multivariate electroencephalogram activity was biased away from the neural representation of the astigmatic axis and predictive of behavioral bias. The representational neural dynamics underlying the perceptual error revealed the temporal state transition; it was transiently dynamic and unstable (approximately 350 ms from stimulus onset) that soon stabilized. The biased stimulus orientation information represented by the spatially distributed electroencephalogram activity mediated the distorted retinal images and biased orientation perception in induced astigmatism.
Evaluating the generality and social acceptability of early friendship skills
Authors: McKeown Ciobha A. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Lehardy Robert K.
Published: June 2021

The development of prosocial skills is considered pivotal to childhood development. The friendship unit of the Preschool Life Skills program teaches early prosocial skills likely to facilitate socially desirable behaviors in young children; however, the friendship unit is the most understudied unit and has produced modest, inconsistent outcomes across children. The current study aimed to evaluate procedures necessary to (a) teach friendship skills to 4 children, with and without developmental disabilities, in an applied context and (b) promote the use of these skills with a same‐aged peer. Teaching 5 friendship skills in a 1‐to‐1 format with the addition of tangible reinforcement, if necessary, was efficacious at increasing the children's friendship skills with an adult. Additional tactics were necessary to promote prosociality with a peer. We discuss refinements to the teaching procedures and additional considerations to improve the social acceptability and durability of prosocial skills.
Immune and repair responses in joint tissues and lymph nodes after knee arthroplasty surgery in mice
Authors: Xia Yunwei , Sokhi Upneet K. , Bell Richard D. , Pannellini Tania , Turajane Kathleen , Niu Yingzhen , Frye Laura , Chao Max , Ayturk Ugur , Otero Miguel , Bostrom Mathias , Oliver David , Yang Xu , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: June 2021

The importance of a local tissue immune response in healing injured tissues such as skin and lung is well established. Little is known about whether sterile wounds elicit lymph node (LN) responses and inflammatory responses after injury of musculoskeletal tissues that are mechanically loaded during the repair response. We investigated LN and tissue immune responses in a tibial implant model of joint replacement surgery where wounded tissue is subjected to movement and mechanical loading postoperatively. Draining inguinal and iliac LNs expanded postoperatively, including increases in regulatory T cells and activation of a subset of T cells. Thus, tissue injury was actively sensed in secondary lymphoid organs, with the potential to activate adaptive immunity. Joint tissues exhibited three temporally distinct immune response components, including a novel interferon (IFN) response with activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and interferon regulatory factor (IRF) pathways. Fibrovascular tissue formation was not associated with a macrophage type 2 (M2) reparative immune response, but instead with delayed induction of interleukin-1 family (IL-1β, IL-33, IL-36), IL-17, and prostaglandin pathway genes concomitant with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and growth factor signaling, fibroblast activation, and tissue formation. Tissue remodeling was associated with activity of the HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) pathway. These results provide insights into immune responses and regulation of tissue healing after knee arthroplasty that potentially can be used to develop therapeutic strategies to improve healing, prevent arthrofibrosis, and improve surgical outcomes. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and lipopolysaccharide mutually augment inflammation via adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mediated and interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-mediated production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)
Authors: Bando Kanan , Kuroishi Toshinobu , Tada Hiroyuki , Oizumi Takefumi , Tanaka Yukinori , Takahashi Tetsu , Mizoguchi Itaru , Sugawara Shunji , Endo Yasuo
Published: June 2021

Among the bisphosphonates (BPs), nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs) have much stronger anti–bone-resorptive actions than non-N–BPs. However, N-BPs have various side effects such as acute influenza-like reactions after their initial administration and osteonecrosis of the jawbones after repeated administration. The mechanisms underlying such effects remain unclear. To overcome these problems, it is important to profile the inflammatory nature of N-BPs. Here, we analyzed the inflammatory reactions induced in mouse ear pinnae by the N-BPs alendronate (Ale) and zoledronate (Zol). We found the following: (i) Ale and Zol each induced two phases of inflammation (early weak and late strong ear swelling); (ii) both phases were augmented by lipopolysaccharides (LPSs; cell-surface constituent of gram-negative bacteria, including oral bacteria), but prevented by inhibitors of the phosphate transporters of solute carrier 20/34 (SLC20/SLC34); (iii) macrophages and neutrophils were involved in both phases of Ale+LPS–induced ear-swelling; (iv) Ale increased or tended to increase various cytokines, and LPS augmented these effects, especially that on interleukin 1β (IL-1β); (v) adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was involved in both phases, and Ale alone or Ale+LPS increased ATP in ear pinnae; (vi) the augmented late-phase swelling induced by Ale+LPS depended on both IL-1 and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs; neutrophil-derived net-like complexes); (vii) neutrophils, together with macrophages and dendritic cells, also functioned as IL-1β–producing cells, and upon stimulation with IL-1β, neutrophils produced NETs; (viii) stimulation of the purinergic 2X7 (P2X7) receptors by ATP induced IL-1β in ear pinnae; (ix) NET formation by Ale+LPS was confirmed in gingiva, too. These results suggest that (i) N-BPs induce both early-phase and late-phase inflammation via ATP-production and P2X7 receptor stimulation; (ii) N-BPs and LPS induce mutually augmenting responses both early and late phases via ATP-mediated IL-1β production by neutrophils, macrophages, and/or dendritic cells; and (iii) NET production by IL-1β–stimulated neutrophils may mediate the late phase, leading to prolonged inflammation. These results are discussed in relation to the side effects seen in patients treated with N-BPs. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Utilization of breast cancer risk prediction models by cancer genetic counselors in clinical practice predominantly in the United States
Authors: Park Min Seon , Weissman Scott M. , Postula Kristen J. Vogel , Williams Carmen S. , Mauer Caitlin B. , O’Neill Suzanne M
Published: June 2021

Risk assessment in cancer genetic counseling is essential in identifying individuals at high risk for developing breast cancer to recommend appropriate screening and management options. Historically, many breast cancer risk prediction models were developed to calculate an individual's risk to develop breast cancer or to carry a pathogenic variant in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. However, how or when genetic counselors use these models in clinical settings is currently unknown. We explored genetic counselors’ breast cancer risk model usage patterns including frequency of use, reasons for using or not using models, and change in usage since the adoption of multi‐gene panel testing. An online survey was developed and sent to members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors; board‐certified genetic counselors whose practice included cancer genetic counseling were eligible to participate in the study. The response rate was estimated at 23% (243/1,058), and respondents were predominantly working in the United States. The results showed that 93% of all respondents use at least one breast cancer risk prediction model in their clinical practice. Among the six risk models selected for the study, the Tyrer‐Cuzick (IBIS) model was used most frequently (95%), and the BOADICEA model was used least (40%). Determining increased or decreased surveillance and breast MRI eligibility were the two most common reasons for most model usage, while time consumption and difficulty in navigation were the two most common reasons for not using models. This study provides insight into perceived benefits and limitations of risk models in clinical use in the United States, which may be useful information for software developers, genetic counseling program curriculum developers, and currently practicing cancer genetic counselors.
Ovary unusual colonic lesion
Authors: Mudaliar Sanjivan , Chetwood John D , Ghattas Samer , Choi Kevin , Kaffes Arthur , Liu Ken
Published: June 2021

We describe an unusual endoscopic finding, caused by a dominant ovarian follicle compressing a low‐lying ascending colon just inferior to a patulous retroverted cecum. Endoscopically detected extra‐colonic lesions represent a diverse group of pathologies, and it is important the endoscopist has an appreciation of the varied number of benign and malignant causes—including those of gynecological origin.
Global and Regional Test–Retest Reproducibility of Native T1 and T2 Mapping in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Böttcher Benjamin , Lorbeer Roberto , Stöcklein Sophia , Beller Ebba , Lang Cajetan I. , Weber Marc‐André , Meinel Felix G.
Published: June 2021

Background

Mapping of T1 and T2 relaxation times in cardiac MRI is an invaluable tool for the diagnosis and risk stratification of a wide spectrum of cardiac diseases.

Purpose

To investigate the global and regional reproducibility of native T1 and T2 mapping and to analyze the influence of demographic factors, physiological parameters, slice position, and myocardial regions on reproducibility.

Study Type

Prospective single‐center cohort‐study.

Population

Fifty healthy volunteers (29 female, 21 male) with a mean age of 39.4 ± 13.7 years.

Field strength/Sequence

Each volunteer was investigated twice at 1.5 T using a modified look‐locker inversion‐recovery (MOLLI) sequence (T1 mapping) and a T2‐prepared steady‐state free precession (SSFP) sequence (T2 mapping).

Assessment

Global T1 and T2 values were quantified for the entire left ventricle in three short‐axis slices. Regional T1 and T2 values were measured for each myocardial segment and for myocardial segments grouped by slice position and anatomical region.

Statistical Tests

Test–retest reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman statistics. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Reproducibility was good for global T1 values (ICC 0.88) and excellent for global T2 values (ICC 0.91). Reproducibility of T1 values was excellent (ICC 0.91) for midventricular slice and good for apical (ICC 0.86) and basal slice (ICC 0.81). Reproducibility of T1 mapping values was highest in the septum (ICC 0.90) compared to the anterior (0.81), lateral (0.86), and inferior (0.86) wall. For T2 mapping, reproducibility was good for all slice positions (ICC 0.86 for midventricular, 0.83 for basal, and 0.80 for apical slice). Reproducibility of T2 mapping was significantly lower for the inferior wall (ICC 0.58) than for septum (0.89), anterior (0.85), and lateral (0.87) wall.

Data Conclusion

Native T1 and T2 mapping has good to excellent reproducibility with significant regional differences.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Hippocampal correlates of episodic memory in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Pourzinal Dana , Yang Ji Hyun J. , Bakker Arnold , McMahon Katie L. , Byrne Gerard J. , Pontone Gregory M. , Mari Zoltan , Dissanayaka Nadeeka N.
Published: June 2021

The present review asks whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are able to define neural correlates of episodic memory within the hippocampus in Parkinson's disease (PD). Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, and EMBASE using search terms related to structural and functional MRI (fMRI), the hippocampus, episodic memory, and PD. Risk of bias was assessed for each study using the Newtown–Ottawa Scale. Thirty‐nine studies met inclusion criteria; eight fMRI, seven diffusion MRI (dMRI), and 24 structural MRI (14 exploring whole hippocampus and 10 exploring hippocampal subfields). Critical analysis of the literature revealed mixed evidence from functional and dMRI, but stronger evidence from sMRI of the hippocampus as a biomarker for episodic memory impairment in PD. Hippocampal subfield studies most often implicated CA1, CA3/4, and subiculum volume in episodic memory and cognitive decline in PD. Despite differences in imaging methodology, study design, and sample characteristics, MRI studies have helped elucidate an important neural correlate of episodic memory impairment in PD with both clinical and theoretical implications. Natural progression of this work encourages future research on hippocampal subfield function as a potential biomarker of, or therapeutic target for, episodic memory dysfunction in PD.
Spinal A3 adenosine receptor activation acutely restores morphine antinociception in opioid tolerant male rats
Authors: Leduc‐Pessah Heather , Xu Cynthia , Fan Churmy Y. , Dalgarno Rebecca , Kohro Yuta , Sparanese Sydney , Burke Nikita N. , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Altier Christophe , Salvemini Daniela , Trang Tuan
Published: June 2021

Opioids are potent analgesics, but their pain‐relieving effects diminish with repeated use. The reduction in analgesic potency is a hallmark of opioid analgesic tolerance, which hampers opioid pain therapy. In the central nervous system, opioid analgesia is critically modulated by adenosine, a purine nucleoside implicated in the beneficial and detrimental actions of opioid medications. Here, we focus on the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) in opioid analgesic tolerance. Intrathecal administration of the A3AR agonist MRS5698 with daily systemic morphine in male rats attenuated the reduction in morphine antinociception over 7 days. In rats with established morphine tolerance, intrathecal MRS5698 partially restored the antinociceptive effects of morphine. However, when MRS5698 was discontinued, these animals displayed a reduced antinociceptive response to morphine. Our results suggest that MRS5698 acutely and transiently potentiates morphine antinociception in tolerant rats. By contrast, in morphine‐naïve rats MRS5698 treatment did not impact thermal nociceptive threshold or affect antinociceptive response to a single injection of morphine. Furthermore, we found that morphine‐induced adenosine release in cerebrospinal fluid was blunted in tolerant animals, but total spinal A3AR expression was not affected. Collectively, our findings indicate that spinal A3AR activation acutely potentiates morphine antinociception in the opioid tolerant state.
Assessing the land degradation and greening response to changes in hydro‐climatic variables using a conceptual framework: A case‐study in central India
Authors: Palmate Santosh S. , Pandey Ashish , Pandey Rajendra P. , Mishra Surendra K.
Published: June 2021

Field‐based investigations of land use/cover changes are time‐consuming and challenging for large areas, where short‐ and long‐term changes in climatic and hydrologic variables affect ecosystem services. Thus, there is a substantial demand to boost the new modelling framework and employ remote sensing capabilities to quantify hydro‐climatic impacts on land dynamics. In this study, a conceptual framework has used to assess the climatic land greening, climatic land degradation, nonclimatic (hydrological) land greening, and nonclimatic (anthropogenic) land degradation responses with hydro‐climatic variables under dry and wet spells' effect in the Betwa River basin (BRB) of central India. Remotely sensed moderate‐resolution imaging spectro‐radiometer (MODIS) (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI] and land cover) time‐series datasets had been used to quantify spatiotemporal changes in major land use/cover classes. The standardized coefficients for rainfall (β = 0.62) and relative humidity (β = 0.32) showed their high relative importance in the relationship analysis performed using multiple linear regression (MLR). The result indicates that dominant agricultural cropland has been significantly impacted by changes in maximum and diurnal temperature, which affirm degradation, and positively responded by changes in rainfall, minimum temperature, and aridity index, which demonstrate greening wet period. Spatial analysis showed that land degradation affecting ecosystem services had been variedly distributed from the upper to lower basin due to more climatic impacts than anthropogenic disturbances. Thus, the developed conceptual framework can be adopted to discover dynamic land consequences and understand their responses for sustaining ecosystem services in the dominant agricultural region.
Chief editors in aquatic science and communication are more likely to oversee editorial boards from their own regions
Authors: Araújo Rafael J. , Shideler Geoffrey S. , Reamer Marcus B.
Published: June 2021

We examined editorial board composition for aquatic science (AS, n = 217) and communication (CM, n = 308) journals indexed in Scimago's database in 2017 to explore geographic diversity, relationship between location of editors and their board members, and geographical relationship between editors and scientific output. We found that most journals in both fields are published in Europe (AS 50%, CM 62.3%) yet editors in AS (n = 6,194) are based mostly in Europe (35.7%) whereas editors in CM (n = 13,687) are based mostly in Northern America (47.8%). Chief editors are inclined to choose board members from their own geographical region, and this is commonplace regardless of geographic region. Scientific output is greatest in Europe (28.6% AS, 30.4% CM) followed by Northern America. In general, the number of editors per region aligns with each region's scientific output, although we found editorial underrepresentation for East Asia (AS) and South Asia and Europe (CM). Per country, relationships are idiosyncratic for each field and nation with notable editorial surpluses (when paired to scientific output) in the United States and the United Kingdom (both fields) and editorial deficits in China and India (both fields).
Spatio‐temporal changes in dissolved organic matter composition along the salinity gradient of a marsh‐influenced estuarine complex
Authors: Letourneau Maria L. , Schaefer Sylvia C. , Chen Huan , McKenna Amy M. , Alber Merryl , Medeiros Patricia M.
Published: June 2021

The interconnected estuarine complex of the Altamaha River and adjacent sounds located in Georgia (USA) functions as a hotspot for organic matter transformation as it is transported to the Atlantic Ocean. Here, we investigated how dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition changes both spatially and seasonally along the estuary and how it influences bacterial processing. Surface samples were collected during high tide at fifteen stations throughout the estuary in April, July, October 2017, and January 2018. Bulk, optical, and molecular analyses were conducted on samples before and after dark incubations to assess DOM sources and transformation patterns in the system. The dominant driver of change in DOM composition was found to be the terrigenous‐marine gradient in organic matter sources. Six distinct clusters were identified based on the terrigenous signature of the DOM pool, explaining 45% of the variance in DOM composition in the system. Bacterial consumption of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was strongly influenced by DOM composition, with increased degradation rates for DOM with a larger terrigenous character. However, changes in optical properties suggested that less aromatic DOM that co‐varied with the terrigenous material was preferentially degraded. The passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017 resulted in a 27% ± 7% increase in DOC content, likely due to inundation associated with storm surge and increased local precipitation, and DOC biodegradation was 17% ± 8% higher than during summer. These effects lasted for at least one month after the storm, revealing that hurricanes can have a large impact on DOM composition and cycling in coastal systems.
Visualization ability and the elaborations that sustain product desire
Authors: Richins Marsha L. , Balducci Bitty
Published: June 2021

Although product desire is a central force driving consumption, much remains unknown about the internal processes that contribute to consumers' desires to purchase a product. This study focuses on these internal processes and draws on elaborated intrusion theory to understand how product desire develops and is reinforced by mental elaborations. Extant theory is extended to better fit consumption contexts by introducing transformation expectations as the mediator through which elaborations impact product desire, and visualization ability is identified as an important moderator of the elaboration process. Across two surveys and two experiments, findings show that thinking about or visualizing ownership of a desired product increases expectations about transformations that will occur as a result of product acquisition. However, this result is not constant across consumers but rather occurs only for those high in visualization ability. Findings also show that the effect of elaboration on desire appears to accumulate over time, but that even a single visual elaboration serves to increase product desire among those high in visualization ability. Results also indicate that the elaboration‐desire sequence can influence consumers' willingness to take on debt to purchase a wished‐for product, especially for those with high visualization ability.
Miniaturized dual‐mode ultra‐wideband filter using sector substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Zhang Yonghong , Wan Xiang , Jing Huaishu
Published: June 2021

A miniaturized dual‐mode ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter employing a single sector substrate integrated waveguide (SSIW) is proposed and designed. In this design, a SSIW cavity with a significantly small angle 2.2° introduces the filter to be realizable for UWB characteristics, and further miniaturized size. Moreover, this structure permits the locations of the transmission zeros to be controlled independently, thus enhancing the proposed filter selectivity and flexibility. This filter with great performances has been designed and fabricated, and it possesses obvious advantages of low loss, compact size, and wide bandwidth.
Fast interrogation of dynamic low‐finesse Fabry‐Perot interferometers: A review
Authors: Liu Qiang , Peng Wei
Published: June 2021

Low‐finesse fiber‐optic Fabry–Perot (F‐P) interferometric sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, anti‐electromagnetic interference, and compact size, and is one of the most widely used optical fiber sensors. With the development of sensor design and demodulation algorithms, F‐P sensing technique plays an increasingly important role in high‐speed dynamic measurement, such as dynamic temperature or pressure, acoustic vibration, dynamic displacement, and distance. Signal demodulation methods largely determine the performance of the entire sensing system. Compared with quasi‐static measurement, high‐precision measurement of dynamic F‐P cavity is more challenging. The advancement of fast tunable laser technology in telecommunication field provides novel perspectives for demodulation methods and dynamic applications based on F‐P sensors. This article reviews the latest developments in fast interrogation techniques for dynamic low‐finesse F‐P sensors, including intensity demodulation, quadrature phase demodulation and absolute cavity length demodulation. In addition, array multiplexing and multi‐parameter measurement techniques are also involved.
Impact of iterative reconstruction algorithms on the applicability of Fourier‐based detectability index for x‐ray CT imaging
Authors: Pouget Eléonore , Dedieu Véronique
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The increasing application of iterative reconstruction algorithms in clinical computed tomography to improve image quality and reduce radiation dose, elicits strong interest, and needs model observers to optimize CT scanning protocols objectively and efficiently. The current paradigm for evaluating imaging system performance relies on Fourier methods, which presuppose a linear, wide‐sense stationary system. Long‐range correlations introduced by iterative reconstruction algorithms may narrow the applicability of Fourier techniques. Differences in the implementation of reconstruction algorithms between manufacturers add further complexity. The present work set out to quantify the errors entailed by the use of Fourier methods, which can lead to design decisions that do not correlate with detectability.

Methods

To address this question, we evaluated the noise properties and the detectability index of the ideal linear observer using the spatial approach and the Fourier‐based approach. For this purpose, a homogeneous phantom was imaged on two scanners: the Revolution CT (GE Healthcare) and the Somatom Definition AS+ (Siemens Healthcare) at different exposure levels. Images were reconstructed using different strength levels of IR algorithms available on the systems considered: Adaptative Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASIR‐V) and Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE).

Results

Our findings highlight that the spatial domain estimate of the detectability index is higher than the Fourier domain estimate. This trend is found to be dependent on the specific regularization used by IR algorithms as well as the signal to be detected. The eigenanalysis of the noise covariance matrix and of its circulant approximation yields explanation about the evoked trends. In particular, this analysis suggests that the predictive power of the Fourier‐based ideal linear observer depends on the ability of each basis analyzed to be relevant to the signal to be detected.

Conclusion

The applicability of Fourier techniques is dependent on the specific regularization used by IR algorithms. These results argue for verifying the assumptions made when using Fourier methods since Fourier‐task‐based detectability index does not always correlate with signal detectability.
A pilot study: Quantify lung volume and emphysema extent directly from two‐dimensional scout images
Authors: Pu Jiantao , Sechrist Jacob , Meng Xin , Leader Joseph K. , Sciurba Frank C.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The potential to compute volume metrics of emphysema from planar scout images was investigated in this study. The successful implementation of this concept will have a wide impact in different fields, and specifically, maximize the diagnostic potential of the planar medical images.

Methods

We investigated our premise using a well‐characterized chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cohort. In this cohort, planar scout images from computed tomography (CT) scans were used to compute lung volume and percentage of emphysema. Lung volume and percentage of emphysema were quantified on the volumetric CT images and used as the “ground truth” for developing the models to compute the variables from the corresponding scout images. We trained two classical convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including VGG19 and InceptionV3, to compute lung volume and the percentage of emphysema from the scout images. The scout images (n = 1,446) were split into three subgroups: (1) training (n = 1,235), (2) internal validation (n = 99), and (3) independent test (n = 112) at the subject level in a ratio of 8:1:1. The mean absolute difference (MAD) and R‐square (R2) were the performance metrics to evaluate the prediction performance of the developed models.

Results

The lung volumes and percentages of emphysema computed from a single planar scout image were significantly linear correlated with the measures quantified using volumetric CT images (VGG19: R2 = 0.934 for lung volume and R2 = 0.751 for emphysema percentage, and InceptionV3: R2 = 0.977 for lung volume and R2 = 0.775 for emphysema percentage). The mean absolute differences (MADs) for lung volume and percentage of emphysema were 0.302 ± 0.247L and 2.89 ± 2.58%, respectively, for VGG19, and 0.366 ± 0.287L and 3.19 ± 2.14, respectively, for InceptionV3.

Conclusions

Our promising results demonstrated the feasibility of inferring volume metrics from planar images using CNNs.
Range probing as a quality control tool for CBCT‐based synthetic CTs: In vivo application for head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Seller Oria Carmen , Thummerer Adrian , Free Jeffrey , Langendijk Johannes A. , Both Stefan , Knopf Antje C. , Meijers Arturs
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Cone‐beam CT (CBCT)‐based synthetic CTs (sCT) produced with a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) show high image quality, suggesting their potential usability in adaptive proton therapy workflows. However, the nature of such workflows involving DCNNs prevents the user from having direct control over their output. Therefore, quality control (QC) tools that monitor the sCTs and detect failures or outliers in the generated images are needed.

This work evaluates the potential of using a range‐probing (RP)‐based QC tool to verify sCTs generated by a DCNN. Such a RP QC tool experimentally assesses the CT number accuracy in sCTs.

Methods

A RP QC dataset consisting of repeat CTs (rCT), CBCTs, and RP acquisitions of seven head and neck cancer patients was retrospectively assessed. CBCT‐based sCTs were generated using a DCNN. The CT number accuracy in the sCTs was evaluated by computing relative range errors between measured RP fields and RP field simulations based on rCT and sCT images.

Results

Mean relative range errors showed agreement between measured and simulated RP fields, ranging from −1.2% to 1.5% in rCTs, and from −0.7% to 2.7% in sCTs.

Conclusions

The agreement between measured and simulated RP fields suggests the suitability of sCTs for proton dose calculations. This outcome brings sCTs generated by DCNNs closer toward clinical implementation within adaptive proton therapy treatment workflows. The proposed RP QC tool allows for CT number accuracy assessment in sCTs and can provide means of in vivo range verification.
Motion‐insensitive susceptibility weighted imaging
Authors: Berglund Johan , Sprenger Tim , van Niekerk Adam , Rydén Henric , Avventi Enrico , Norbeck Ola , Skare Stefan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To enable SWI that is robust to severe head movement.

Methods

Prospective motion correction using a markerless optical tracker was applied to all pulse sequences. Three‐dimensional gradient‐echo and 3D EPI were used as reference sequences, but were expected to be sensitive to motion‐induced B0 changes, as the long TE required for SWI allows phase discrepancies to accumulate between shots. Therefore, 2D interleaved snapshot EPI was investigated for motion‐robust SWI and compared with conventional 2D EPI. Repeated signal averages were retrospectively corrected for motion. The sequences were evaluated at 3 T through controlled motion experiments involving two cooperative volunteers and SWI of a tumor patient.

Results

The performed continuous head motion was in the range of 5–8° rotations. The image quality of the 3D sequences and conventional 2D EPI was poor unless the rotational motion axis was parallel to B0. Interleaved snapshot EPI had minimal intraslice phase discrepancies due to its small temporal footprint. Phase inconsistency between signal averages was well tolerated due to the high‐pass filter effect of the SWI processing. Interleaved snapshot EPI with prospective and retrospective motion correction demonstrated similar image quality, regardless of whether motion was present. Lesion depiction was equal to 3D EPI with matching resolution.

Conclusion

Susceptibility‐based imaging can be severely corrupted by head movement despite accurate prospective motion correction. Interleaved snapshot EPI is a superior alternative for patients who are prone to move and offers SWI which is insensitive to motion when combined with prospective and retrospective motion correction.
k‐Space‐based coil combination via geometric deep learning for reconstruction of non‐Cartesian MRSI data
Authors: Motyka Stanislav , Hingerl Lukas , Strasser Bernhard , Hangel Gilbert , Heckova Eva , Agibetov Asan , Dorffner Georg , Gruber Stephan , Trattning Siegfried , Bogner Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

State‐of‐the‐art whole‐brain MRSI with spatial‐spectral encoding and multichannel acquisition generates huge amounts of data, which must be efficiently processed to stay within reasonable reconstruction times. Although coil combination significantly reduces the amount of data, currently it is performed in image space at the end of the reconstruction. This prolongs reconstruction times and increases RAM requirements. We propose an alternative k‐space‐based coil combination that uses geometric deep learning to combine MRSI data already in native non‐Cartesian k‐space.

Methods

Twelve volunteers were scanned at a 3T MR scanner with a 20‐channel head coil at 10 different positions with water‐unsuppressed MRSI. At the eleventh position, water‐suppressed MRSI data were acquired. Data of 7 volunteers were used to estimate sensitivity maps and form a base for simulating training data. A neural network was designed and trained to remove the effect of sensitivity profiles of the coil elements from the MRSI data. The water‐suppressed MRSI data of the remaining volunteers were used to evaluate the performance of the new k‐space‐based coil combination relative to that of a conventional image‐based alternative.

Results

For both approaches, the resulting metabolic ratio maps were similar. The SNR of the k‐space‐based approach was comparable to the conventional approach in low SNR regions, but underperformed for high SNR. The Cramér‐Rao lower bounds show the same trend. The analysis of the FWHM showed no difference between the two methods.

Conclusion

k‐Space‐based coil combination of MRSI data is feasible and reduces the amount of raw data immediately after their sampling.
Small fiber neuropathy: Swiss cohort characterization
Authors: Bitzi Lorena M. , Lehnick Dirk , Wilder‐Smith Einar P.
Published: June 2021

Introduction/Aim

There is currently insufficient clinical and epidemiological data concerning small fiber neuropathy (SFN). This research analyzes data from medical records to determine epidemiology, demographics, clinical characteristics and etiology of SFN.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational study of sequential patients diagnosed with definite SFN (typical clinical features, normal nerve conduction studies, abnormal epidermal nerve fiber density) from the end of November 2016 to the middle of July 2019 at the Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, central Switzerland.

Results

A total of 84 patients (64.3% female) with a mean age of 54.7 y were analyzed. Symptoms had been present in patients for an average of 4.8 y when entering the study. A length dependent clinical pattern was seen in 79.8%. All patients had sensory discomfort. Etiology could not be determined in 35.7% of patients, who were diagnosed with idiopathic SFN; 34.5% of patients had an apparently autoimmune SFN, followed by14.3% of patients with metabolic causes. The estimated incidence was at least 4.4 cases/100.000 inhabitants/y. The minimum prevalence was 131.5 cases/100.000 inhabitants.

Discussion

This study indicates significant incidence and prevalence rates of SFN in Switzerland. SFN can vary greatly in its symptoms and severity. Extensive work‐up resulted in two thirds of the patients being assigned an etiological association. The largest group of patients could not be etiologically defined, underlining the importance of further research on etiologic identification. We expect increased awareness of the developing field of SFN.
Colloidal dispersion of poly(ionic liquid)/Cu composite particles for protective surface coating against SAR‐CoV‐2
Authors: Khorsand Kheirabad Atefeh , Pan Xuefeng , Long Siwen , Kochovski Zdravko , Zhou Shiqi , Lu Yan , McInerney Gerald , Yuan Jiayin
Published: June 2021

Herein, we report a waterproof anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 protective film prepared by spray‐coating of an aqueous colloidal dispersion of poly(ionic liquid)/copper (PIL/Cu) composite nanoparticles onto a substrate. The PIL dispersion was prepared by suspension polymerization of 3‐dodecyl‐1‐vinylimdiazolium bromide in water at 70°C. The copper acetate salt was added into the PIL nanoparticle dispersion and in situ reduced into copper nanoparticles anchoring onto the PIL nanoparticles. Despite being waterborne, the PIL in bulk is intrinsically insoluble in water and the formed coating is stable in water. The formed surface coating by PIL/copper composite nanoparticles was able to deactivate SARS‐CoV‐2 virions by 90.0% in 30 minutes and thus may effectively prevent the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 through surface contact. This method may provide waterborne dispersions for a broad range of antivirus protective surface coatings for both outdoor and indoor applications.