Relative Volume Change Research Articles

Intensive complex physical therapy combined with intermittent pneumatic compression versus Kinesio taping for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema of the upper limb: A randomised cross-over clinical trial.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of complex physical therapy combined with intermittent pneumatic compression (CPT + IPC) versus Kinesio taping (KT) for breast cancer‐related lymphedema.MethodsA cross‐over clinical trial was conducted in 43 women with lymphedema. All participants received two interventions: CPT + IPC and KT, both lasting 3 weeks and a washout period. The main outcome variable was the relative volume change (RVC). The secondary variables were Satisfaction Questionnaire about Textile Therapeutic Devices used for Breast Cancer‐Related Lymphedema, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, motion range of upper limb and lymphedema‐related symptoms.ResultsThe RVC reduction was greater with CPT + IPC (−2.2%, SD = 4.7) versus KT (−0.9%, SD = 1.7) (P = 0.002). KT was more satisfactory than multilayer bandaging (8.9 points difference, P < 0.001) and improved DASH score more than CPT + IPC (14.3 points difference, P = 0.002). Regarding motion ranges, only shoulder movements showed significant improvement with CPT + IPC compared with KT (differences between 5.6° and 11.4°). Of the symptoms assessed, only pain reduction showed a significant improvement with KT versus CPT + IPC (0.5 points, P = 0.035).ConclusionsCPT + IPC achieved higher RVC and greater improvement in th shoulder motion range than KT. Conversely, KT was more satisfactory than multilayer bandaging, obtained better DASH scores and relieved pain more than CPT + IPC.Clinical RegistrationClinicalTrial registration number: NCT03051750 (date of registration 14 February 2017).

The effect of antibiotic changes during treatment of cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations

BackgroundAntibiotics are often changed during treatment of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have a poor clinical response. We aimed to characterize the reasons CF providers change antibiotics and examined the effects of antibiotic changes on lung function recovery. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using the Toronto CF Database from 2009 to 2015 of adults and children with CF PEx treated with intravenous antibiotics. The co-primary outcome measure was absolute and relative change in forced expiratory lung volume in 1 s (FEV1) at end of treatment and follow-up. Secondary outcome assessed the proportion of patients returning to > 90% or > 100% previous baseline FEV1. ResultsA total of 399 PEx were included of which 105 had antibiotic changes. Reasons for antibiotic changes included change in antibiotic route prior to discharge (26%), drug reactions (20%), poor FEV1 response (25%), targeting additional microbes (16%) and lack of symptom improvement (13%). In our multivariable analysis, among non-responders (< 90% FEV1 recovery to baseline or lack of symptom improvement at the interim time point), a change in antibiotics was not associated with any significant difference in absolute or relative FEV1 at end of treatment or at follow-up. Antibiotic change in non-responders was not associated with improved return to 90% or 100% baseline FEV1 at end of treatment or follow-up. ConclusionsChanging antibiotics during CF PEx treatment in those with poor clinical response was not associated with any improved FEV1 response or return to baseline lung function.

Improved volume variable cluster model method for crystal-lattice optimization: effect on isotope fractionation factor

The isotopic fractionation factor and element partition coefficient can be calculated only after the geometric optimization of the molecular clusters is completed. Optimization directly affects the accuracy of some parameters, such as the average bond length, molecular volume, harmonic vibrational frequency, and other thermodynamic parameters. Here, we used the improved volume variable cluster model (VVCM) method to optimize the molecular clusters of a typical oxide, quartz. We documented the average bond length and relative volume change. Finally, we extracted the harmonic vibrational frequencies and calculated the equilibrium fractionation factor of the silicon and oxygen isotopes. Given its performance in geometrical optimization and isotope fractionation factor calculation, we further applied the improved VVCM method to calculate isotope equilibrium fractionation factors of Cd and Zn between the hydroxide (Zn–Al layered double hydroxide), carbonate (cadmium-containing calcite) and their aqueous solutions under superficial conditions. We summarized a detailed procedure and used it to re-evaluate published theoretical results for cadmium-containing hydroxyapatite, emphasizing the relative volume change for all clusters and confirming the optimal point charge arrangement (PCA). The results showed that the average bond length and isotope fractionation factor are consistent with those published in previous studies, and the relative volume changes are considerably lower than the results calculated using the periodic boundary method. Specifically, the average Si–O bond length of quartz was 1.63 Å, and the relative volume change of quartz centered on silicon atoms was − 0.39%. The average Zn–O bond length in the Zn–Al-layered double hydroxide was 2.10 Å, with a relative volume change of 1.96%. Cadmium-containing calcite had an average Cd–O bond length of 2.28 Å, with a relative volume change of 0.45%. At 298 K, the equilibrium fractionation factors between quartz, Zn–Al-layered double hydroxide, cadmium-containing calcite, and their corresponding aqueous solutions were Delta ^{30/28} {text{Si}}_{{{text{Qtz-H}}_{4} {text{SiO}}_{4} }} = 2.20{permil} , Delta^{18/16} {text{O}}_{ {text{Qtz}}{-} ( {text{H}}_{2} {text{O}} )_{text{n}}} = 36.05{permil}, Delta^{66/64} {text{Zn}}_{ {text{Zn}} {-} {text{Al LDH-Zn}} ( {text{H}}_{2} {text{O}} )_{text{n}}^{2+}} = 1.12{permil} and Delta^{114/110} {text{Cd}}_{ {text{(Cd--Cal)-Cd}} ( {text{H}}_{2} {text{O}} )_ {text{n}}^{2 +} } = - 0.26{permil} respectively. These results strongly support the reliability of the improved VVCM method for geometric optimization of molecular clusters.

A Pressure Responsive Artificial Interphase Layer of BaTiO3 against Dendrite Growth for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes

AbstractDevelopment of lithium (Li) metal anodes in high‐energy‐density batteries is considerably impeded by uncontrolled dendrite growth, side reactions, and related volume changes. In this work, a pressure responsive artificial interphase layer of piezoelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) is constructed on Li anodes to prevent the formation of Li dendrites. Once protruding Li buds compress the interfacial space, the extruded piezoelectric layer generates an internal electric field to effectively change the local electric field around the bud tips, thus promoting homogeneous plating/stripping of Li. The artificial interphase layer not only offers a physical protection to the Li anode, but also helps to regulate the Li flux at the Li/electrolyte interface, which then leads to the uniform Li deposition. Consequently, the BTO‐protected Li anode exhibits stable cycling and small polarization in both Li||Li and Li||Cu cells. When paired with S, LiFePO4 and Ni‐rich high‐voltage cathodes, the Li‐metal batteries also exhibit improved cycling stability and high Coulombic efficiency.

Quantitative inspiratory-expiratory chest CT findings in COVID-19 survivors at the 6-month follow-up.

We evaluated pulmonary sequelae in COVID-19 survivors by quantitative inspiratory–expiratory chest CT (QCT) and explored abnormal pulmonary diffusion risk factors at the 6-month follow-up. This retrospective study enrolled 205 COVID-19 survivors with baseline CT data and QCT scans at 6-month follow-up. Patients without follow-up pulmonary function tests were excluded. All subjects were divided into group 1 (carbon monoxide diffusion capacity [DLCO] < 80% predicted, n = 88) and group 2 (DLCO ≥ 80% predicted, n = 117). Clinical characteristics and lung radiological changes were recorded. Semiquantitative total CT score (0–25) was calculated by adding five lobes scores (0–5) according to the range of lesion involvement (0: no involvement; 1: < 5%; 2: 5–25%; 3: 26–50%; 4: 51–75%; 5: > 75%). Data was analyzed by two-sample t-test, Spearman test, etc. 29% survivors showed air trapping by follow-up QCT. Semiquantitative CT score and QCT parameter of air trapping in group 1 were significantly greater than group 2 (p < 0.001). Decreased DLCO was negatively correlated with the follow-up CT score for ground-glass opacity (r = − 0.246, p = 0.003), reticulation (r = − 0.206, p = 0.002), air trapping (r = − 0.220, p = 0.002) and relative lung volume changes (r = − 0.265, p = 0.001). COVID-19 survivors with lung diffusion deficits at 6-month follow-up tended to develop air trapping, possibly due to small-airway impairment.

Associations between blood biomarkers, cardiac function and adverse outcome in a young tetralogy of Fallot cohort

BackgroundTo determine the potential prognostic value and clinical correlations of blood biomarkers in a cohort of patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). MethodsIn the setting of multicenter prospective research studies TOF patients underwent blood sampling, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and low-dose dobutamine stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. In the blood sample NT-proBNP, GDF-15, Galectin-3, ST-2, DLK-1, FABP4, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-7, MMP-2, and vWF were assessed. During subsequent follow-up, patients were evaluated for reaching the study endpoint (cardiac death, arrhythmia-related hospitalization or cardioversion/ablation, VO2 max ≤65% of predicted). Regression analysis was used to explore the correlation between blood biomarkers (corrected for age and gender) and other clinical parameters. The potential predictive value of blood biomarkers and events were assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis. ResultsWe included 137 Fallot patients, median age 19.2 (interquartile range: 14.6–25.7) years, median age at TOF-repair 0.9 (0.5–1.9) years. After a median follow-up of 8.7 (6.3–10.7) years, 20 (14.6%) patients reached the composite endpoint. In a multivariable cox-regression analysis corrected for age at study baseline, elevated IGFBP-7 and MMP-2 levels were associated with the composite endpoint. We also noted a correlation between DLK-1 and relative change in right ventricular end systolic volume during dobutamine stress CMR (β = −0.27, p = 0.010), a correlation between FABP4 and Max VO2 (β = −0.41, p ≤0.001 and between MMP-2 and tricuspid valve E/A ratio (β = −0.15, p = 0.037). ConclusionsIGFBP-7, MMP-2 and DLK-1 levels are related to cardiac function and long-term outcome in TOF patients.

Prostate Volume Changes during Extreme and Moderately Hypofractionated Magnetic Resonance Image-guided Radiotherapy

AimsProstate morphological changes during external beam radiotherapy are poorly understood. Excellent soft-tissue visualisation offered by magnetic resonance image-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) provides an opportunity to better understand such changes. The aim of this study was to quantify prostate volume and dimension changes occurring during extreme and moderately hypofractionated schedules. Materials and methodsForty prostate cancer patients treated on the Unity 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MRL) were retrospectively reviewed. The cohort comprised patients treated with 36.25 Gy in five fractions (n = 20) and 60 Gy in 20 fractions (n = 20). The volume of the delineated prostates on reference planning computed tomography (fused with MRI) and daily T2-weighted 2-min session images acquired on Unity were charted. Forty planning computed tomography and 500 MRL prostate volumes were evaluated. The mean absolute and relative change in prostate volume during radiotherapy was compared using a paired t-test (P value <0.01 considered significant to control for multiple comparisons). The maximum dimension of the delineated prostate was measured in three isocentric planes. ResultsSignificant prostate volume changes, relative to MRL imaging fraction 1 (MRL#1), were seen at all time points for the five-fraction group. The peak mean relative volume increase was 21% (P < 0.001), occurring at MRL#3 and MRL#4 after 14.5 and 21.75 Gy, respectively. Prostate expansion was greatest in the superior–inferior direction; the peak mean maximal extension was 5.9 mm. The maximal extension in the left–right and anterior–posterior directions measured 1.1 and 2.2 mm, respectively. For the 20-fraction group, prostate volume increased relative to MRL#1, for all treatment time points. The mean relative volume increase was 11% (P < 0.001) at MRL#5 after 12 Gy, it then fluctuated between 8 and 13%. From MRL#5 to MRL#20, the volume increase was significant (P < 0.01) for 12 of 16 time points calculated. The peak mean maximal extension in the superior–inferior direction was 3.1 mm. The maximal extension in the left–right and anterior–posterior directions measured 1.7 and 3.7 mm, respectively. ConclusionSignificant prostate volume and dimension changes occur during extreme and moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy. The extent of change was greater during extreme hypofractionation. MRIgRT offers the opportunity to reveal, quantify and correct for this deformation.

Impact of 'infodemic in pandemic' on food and nutrition related perceptions and practices of Indian internet users.

The uncontrolled spread of (mis)information, news and propaganda related to COVID 19 created an ‘infodemic’ leading to panic and unscientific practices among the mass. With the largest number of internet users in the world, India has witnessed a steep rise in the number of people seeking information on social media related to COVID-19, which reached a staggering 22.3 million by March, 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the trend of COVID-19 associated food and nutrition news search by Indian internet users between 27th January 2020 to 30th June 2021 (time period between the first detected COVID-19 case and the end of the second wave in India) and its impact on their perceptions and practices. The association between the change in Relative Search Volume (RSV) on Google Trends (GT) of 34 popularly searched keywords classified by the researchers under 5 different categories—“Immunity”, “Eating behavior”, “Food safety”, “Food scares and concerns” and “Covid scare” showed a steep rise in search for immunity boosters, vitamin supplement brands “ayush kadha (ayurvedic decoction) during the first wave (April- August 2020). With a brief period of decline in the search trend, it again hiked correspondingly with the growing number of positive cases during the second wave in India. An online survey conducted on adult Indian internet users (n = 572) reported high (71.9%) consumption of Vitamin C rich fruits as well as Vitamin C (68.2%) and Zinc (61.4%) supplements to boost immunity. Traditional Indian spices like ginger and garlic were used by 62.9% and 50.9% respondents respectively. Most respondents reported to rely on social media for gathering COVID-19 associated tips for boosting immunity, however those with history of COVID-19 infection reported to rely more on doctors and health professionals for information. This study highlights the need of media and health literacy to advocate for the use of health information cautiously.

Cerebral desaturation during neonatal congenital heart surgery is associated with perioperative brain structure alterations but not with neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year.

The significance of intraoperative cerebral desaturation (CD) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict neurological outcome after congenital heart surgery is uncertain. The goal of this study was to compare brain structure changes and neurodevelopmental outcome in patients with severe congenital heart disease with and without intraoperative CD. Neonates requiring congenital heart surgery were enrolled in a cohort study. NIRS data from their first cardiac operation were collected. Pre- and postoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging results and Bayley-III scores at 1 year were compared between patients with and without CD, defined by 2 NIRS thresholds: regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) of 45% (45%rSO2) and rSO2 below 20% of baseline value (20%BLrSO2). Thirty-two patients (72% male) with d-transposition of the great arteries (n = 24, 75%) and other complex types of congenital heart diseases (n = 8, 25%) were analysed. Perioperative relative lateral ventricle volume change was increased in patients with versus without intraoperative CD (P = 0.003 for 45%rSO2, P = 0.008 for 20%BLrSO2). For 45%rSO2, the effect of CD remained significant after adjusting for age at postoperative scan, time between scans and cardiac diagnosis (P = 0.019). New intracranial lesions occurred predominantly in CD groups (6/6 patients for 45%rSO2, 5/6 patients for 20%BLrSO2). Neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year was not associated with intraoperative CD. This study demonstrates the clinical relevance of NIRS monitoring during congenital heart surgery. The occurrence of intraoperative CD is associated with perioperative lateral ventricle volume change and new intracranial lesions.

Abstract GS4-01: Impact of race and ethnicity on incidence and severity of breast cancer related lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection: Results of a prospective screening study

Abstract GS4-01: Impact of race and ethnicity on incidence and severity of breast cancer related lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection: Results of a prospective screening study

Feasibility of Dialysate Bolus-Based Absolute Blood Volume Estimation in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

BackgroundAbsolute blood volume (ABV) is a critical component of fluid status, which may inform target weight prescriptions and hemodynamic vulnerability of dialysis patients. Here, we utilized the changes in relative blood volume (RBV), monitored by ultrasound (BVM) upon intradialytic 240 mL dialysate fluid bolus-infusion 1 h after hemodialysis start, to calculate the session-specific ABV. With the main goal of assessing clinical feasibility, our sub-aims were to (i) standardize the BVM-data read-out; (ii) determine optimal time-points for ABV-calculation, “before-” and “after-bolus”; (iii) assess ABV-variation.MethodsWe used high-level programming language and basic descriptive statistics in a retrospective study of routinely measured BVM-data from 274 hemodialysis sessions in 98 patients.ResultsRegarding (i) and (ii), we automatized the processing of RBV-data, and determined an algorithm to select the adequate RBV-data points for ABV-calculations. Regarding (iii), we found in 144 BVM-curves from 75 patients, that the average ABV ± standard deviation was 5.2 ± 1.5 L and that among those 51 patients who still had ≥2 valid estimates, the average intra-patient standard deviation in ABV was 0.8 L. Twenty-seven of these patients had an average intra-patient standard deviation in ABV <0.5 L.ConclusionsWe demonstrate feasibility of ABV-calculation by an automated algorithm after dialysate bolus-administration, based on the BVM-curve. Based on our results from this simple “abridged” calculation approach with routine clinical measurements, we encourage the use of multi-compartment modeling and comparison with reference methods of ABV-determination. Hopes are high that clinicians will be able to use ABV to inform target weight prescription, improving hemodynamic stability.

Effects of Home-Based Baduanjin Exercise on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With Acute Anterior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a major pathological basis associated with heart failure and increased mortality. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has been verified to significantly improve prognosis and quality of life. As a traditional Chinese Qigong, Baduanjin exercise has effectively alleviated adverse LV remodeling in STEMI patients. Despite this, participation in exercise rehabilitation remains low, and home-based exercise rehabilitation may be an alternative approach. Besides, anterior STEMI is reported to have higher risk of adverse LV remodeling. However, the efficiency regarding home-based Baduanjin exercise on LV remodeling in anterior STEMI patients remains uncertain currently.Methods/DesignA single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to explore the efficacy and safety of home-based Baduanjin exercise in anterior STEMI patients compared with moderate intensity aerobic walking. A total of 114 participants were assigned randomly to the Baduanjin group or walking control group at a 1:1 ratio. Eligible participants practiced Baduanjin or walking exercise (5 times a week) for 12 weeks, and then followed up for another 12 weeks. The primary outcome is a relative change in the LV end-diastolic volume. The secondary outcomes include the plasma levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein and interleukin 6, health-related quality of life measured by EQ-5D-5L, LV ejection fraction, patient health questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder screener-7, short physical performance battery score, and clinical endpoint events. The proportion of circulating regulatory T-cells were also assessed. Adverse events were recorded throughout the trial for safety evaluation. Data were be analyzed by researchers blinded to the treatment allocation.DiscussionThis study provided powerful evidence for the use of home-based Baduanjin exercise in anterior STEMI patients in alleviating LV remodeling and improving clinical outcomes.Trial RegistrationThe Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine has approved this study (ZYYECK[2020]045). Written informed consent of patients were required. This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100047298).DisseminationOur results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through academic conferences and the Internet.

Partial atomic volumes of early transition metals in A10 metal-based solid solutions

Abstract Unit-cell parameters were measured for the A10 metal-based (= Ni, Pd, Pt) solid solutions (Pearson symbol cF4, space group Fm 3 ¯ ${\bar 3}$ m, Cu type) with the A5 transition metals (V, Nb, Ta) in the whole range of homogeneity. Composition dependence both of the average atomic volume and the enthalpy of formation were investigated for the A10 metal-based solid solutions with the A5 and A6 transition metals; the partial atomic volume and the partial molar enthalpy of formation of the A5 and A6 transition were determined for the A10-rich terminal phases. Among the systems investigated, only the solid solutions Pd(Cr) and Pt(Cr) show partial atomic volume of chromium larger than the chromium atomic volume. In the nickel-based solid solution, the partial atomic volume of chromium is equal to the chromium atomic volume. The partial molar enthalpy of formation for the A5 transition metals – in the nickel, palladium and platinum-rich alloys – shows larger negative values than values evaluated for the A6 transition metals. An enlarged investigation of the data available in literature shows that both the relative volume change, resulting from the dissolving process of the early transition metals in the A10 metal-based alloys, and the negative values of the partial molar enthalpy of formation increase with decreasing number of the 3d and 4d electrons of the early transition elements. For the 5d quasihomologous transition metals, this observation is valid for the A4 . . . A6 elements as well.

Application of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Predicting and Monitoring Early Efficacy of Anti-Angiogenic Therapy in the C6 Glioma Rat Model.

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating early effects of anti-angiogenic therapy in the C6 glioma rat model.MethodsTwenty-six rats of the C6 glioma model were randomly divided into a treatment group (received bevacizumab) and a control group (physiological saline). IVIM-DWI was performed on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 after anti-angiogenic therapy and tumor growth and IVIM-DWI parameters were dynamically observed. Hematoxylin and eosin, CD34 microvessel density (MVD), proliferation of cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Hif-α staining were performed on day 7. One-way ANOVA was used to compare intra-group differences and an independent-samples t-test was used to compare inter-group differences of MRI parameters. Correlations between IVIM-DWI parameters, tumor size, and pathological results were analyzed.ResultsThe relative change in tumor volume (ΔVolume) in the two groups differed significantly on days 5 and 7 (p = 0.038 and p < 0.001). The perfusion-related parameters D*- and f-values decreased in the treatment group and demonstrated significant differences compared with the control group on days 3, 5, and 7 (p = 0.033, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The diffusion-related parameters ADC and D-values increased in the treatment group and were found to be significantly differently different from the control group on days 5 and 7 (both p < 0.001). The initial D-value showed a negative correlation with ΔVolume (γ = −0.744, p < 0.001), whereas the initial D*-value and relative change of D-value had a positive correlation with ΔVolume (γ = 0.718, p < 0.001 and γ = 0.800, p < 0.001, respectively). MVD was strongly positively correlated with D*-value (r = 0.886, p = 0.019), PCNA was negatively correlated with ADC- and D-values (r = −0.848, p = 0.033; and r = −0.928 p = 0.008, respectively), and Hif-1α was strongly negatively correlated with D*-value (r = −0.879, p = 0.010).ConclusionIVIM-DWI was sensitive and accurate in predicting and monitoring the effects of early anti-angiogenesis therapy in a C6 glioma rat model.

Impact of the nature of the capillary wall on plasma refilling during hemodialysis.

Our aim was to clarify the impact of the nature of the capillary wall, defined by the contribution of large (LP), small (SP), and ultrasmall (UP) pores, on plasma refilling in a hemodialysis session. This study included data from 78 patients. The relative blood volume change (ΔBV%) was monitored using a Crit-Line monitor. A bioimpedance device was used to measure extracellular and intracellular fluid volumes, and the excess fluid mass (MExF) was calculated. We simulated blood volume change (sΔBV%) based on a three-pore model. Hydraulic permeability of the capillary wall (LpS) and fractional contribution of LP to LpS (αLP) were determined by fitting sΔBV to ΔBV. The total refilling volume (TVref) was calculated from the total ultrafiltration volume and total blood volume change. Values were standardized to a body surface area of 1.73 m2 and are denoted by the subscript BSA. LpS and αLP were 3.09 (2.32, 4.68) mL/mmHg/min and 0.069 (0.023, 0.109), respectively. The standardized regression coefficient (β) of the ultrafiltration rate (UFRBSA) and initial excess fluid mass (MExF,BSA,0) by multiple linear regression analysis of TVref,BSA without (Model 1) and with (Model 2) αLP were as follows: UFRBSA, 0.714/<0.001 (β/p); MExF,BSA,0, 0.247/<0.001 (Model 1); UFRBSA, 0.799/<0.001; MExF,BSA,0, 0.066/0.237; and αLP, -0.327/<0.001 (Model 2). The impact of volume overload (MExF,BSA,0) on plasma refilling became insignificant with the addition of αLP in the model, suggesting that the nature of the capillary wall described by inter-endothelial gaps (LP) may have a greater impact on plasma refilling than volume overload.

Study of the effect of the impurity composition of silicon on the defectiveness of reaction-bonded silicon carbide samples

Large-sized complex-shaped silicon carbide products can be obtained via liquid silicon infiltration, however, the presence of free silicon in their composition limits the scope of their application. The silicon content can be reduced by forming a fine-grained porous structure of the material and control of the growth rate of the carbide layer on the pore walls during liquid-phase silicification. We present the results of studying the effect of the impurity composition of silicon grade KR00 on the appearance of defects in the structure of fine-grained reaction-bonded silicon infiltrated silicon carbide (The results obtained can be used in the production of tribotechnical parts, valves, etc. on the basis of RGCC.). It is shown that iron contained in industrial silicon KR00 exerted the greatest effect. At a content of Fe below 0.94 %wt., SiSiC samples are almost defect-free with the density not less than 3.00 ± 0.05 g/cm3. At a Fe content of 1.49 %wt., defects in SiSiC samples are observed in the form of under-impregnated regions, which are probably attributed to the increased solubility of carbon in the silicon melt upon impregnation with technical silicon with an increased iron content and, as a consequence, more intensive growth of the silicon carbide layer on the pore walls with their subsequent overlapping. As the melt moves deeper into the carbonized porous sample, it becomes depleted in silicon with an increase in the content of impurities, primarily Fe and Al, and the formation of SiC, Fe3C, and FeSi. The theoretical calculation showed that the relative changes in volume for the reactions of SiC and Fe3C formation upon interaction of 1 mole of carbon with silicon and iron are 134 and 339%, respectively. Moreover, with a significant content of iron in the melt, a significant role in the overlap of capillaries can be played by the volumetric change associated with the formation of Fe3C. The results obtained can be used in the production of SiSiC-based tribotechnical parts, valves, etc.

Spatiotemporal processing in photoplethysmography for skin microcirculatory perfusion imaging.

Technological advances in the real-time visualization of cutaneous microcirculation aim to realize benefits including high-resolution imaging, suppressed noise, and robust temporal coherence. Photoplethysmography (PPG), a noninvasive technique that measures single or multiple points of relative blood volume changes in blood vessels under the skin, shows potential as a signal candidate for visualizing blood vessels and tracking blood flow. However, challenges still remain, such as extracting/image reconstruction of the blood vessel/flow signal in a precise frequency window (<0.2 Hz) from a noisy image that is caused by the loss of spatial coherence of the light source in a turbid biological tissue. We attempted to overcome this challenge by adopting a combination of direct-contact-type, lens-less, conformable imagers and singular value decomposition (SVD) in this study. We focused on the numerical analysis of SVD for discriminating the tissue and vein blood flow in PPG for reconstructing blood fluidic images, followed by a complete demonstration of skin microcirculation blood tracking in the vessel visualization process when applying our lens-less, conformable, wearable imagers.

METHODS FOR QUANTIFYING BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING A CONTRALATERAL PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY

Patients treated for breast cancer are at risk of developing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). A significant proportion of patients treated for breast cancer are opting to undergo a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). Currently, it remains unclear as to whether the relative volume change (RVC) equation may be used as an alternative to the weight adjusted change (WAC) equation to quantify BCRL in patients who undergo CPM. In order to simplify BCRL screening, our cohort of patients who underwent a CPM (n=310) was matched by BMI to a subset of patients who underwent unilateral breast surgery (n=310). Arm volume measurements were obtained via an optoelectronic perometer preoperatively, postoperatively, and in the follow-up setting every 6-12 months. The correlation of ipsilateral RVC and WAC values for those who underwent bilateral surgery was calculated (r=0.60). Contralateral WAC values for patients in both cohorts were compared, and there was no significant difference between the two distributions in variance (p=0.446). The RVC equation shows potential to be used to quantify ipsilateral postoperative arm volume changes for patients who undergo a CPM. However, a larger trial in which RVC and WAC values are prospectively assessed is needed.

Extreme fast charge aging: Correlation between electrode scale and heterogeneous degradation in Ni-rich layered cathodes

Extreme fast charging (XFC) is a key requirement for the adoption of battery-based electric vehicles by the transportation sector. However, XFC has been shown to accelerate degradation, causing the capacity, life, and safety of batteries to deteriorate. There are no systematic studies in the open literature regarding aging modes in Ni-rich LiyNi0.aMn0.bCo0.cO2 (NMCabc) cathodes caused by fast charging. Herein, we report the effects of cathode composition and electrode loading in pouch cells containing NMC532, 622 and 811 paired with graphite and cycled under XFC conditions. The relative anisotropic volume change in the unit cell increases with Ni content in low-loading cells, while it levels up for all three NMC cathodes in high-loading cells because of substantial Li plating. The amounts of lithium plating and heterogeneity on the anode, determined by crystallographic phase quantification, were found to be correlated with electrode loading and cathode heterogeneity. The concentrations of the transition metals deposited on the anodes depend on NMCabc composition in a complex way. More particle cracking and surface degradation was found in NMC811. The findings in this work provide a new understanding of the failure mechanisms and their practical implications for compositional tuning of future high-Ni NMCabc cathode materials during fast charging.

Nucleation centers for martensite with habitus {110} in the shape memory alloys

The dynamic theory of martensitic transformations (MT) considers the formation of habit planes of martensite crystals as a consequence of the propagation of a controlling wave process (CWP). The general ideology makes it possible, by comparing the observed habits with calculations of the elastic fields of defects (as a rule, dislocations), to identify nucleation centers. In a number of cases (In-Tl alloys, Ni50Mn50 alloys, Heusler alloys …) under MT in the shape memory alloys, {110} habits are observed (in the basis of the initial cubic phase), which often have a fine twin structure with twin boundaries of the same type. This highly symmetric structure is described by the CWP containing longitudinal waves (both relatively long-wavelength ℓ and short-wavelength s) propagating along the 4-order symmetry axes. In this paper, it is shown that such habits are associated with rectilinear segments of dislocation loops with directions Λ along <001> and Burgers vectors along <010> (or <110>) orthogonal to Λ, both for sliding and for prismatic loops. The tetragonality, the relative volume change during the MT, and the dependence of the start temperature M s on changes in the concentration of alloy components are also briefly discussed.