EI Values Research Articles

Is decreased tissue elasticity more important than histopathological changes in ruptures of ascending aortic aneurysms?

In this study, we aimed to investigate the natural properties of ascending aortic aneurysms and to compare dilated aortic tissues of patients with ascending aortic aneurysms and the non-pathological aortic tissues of cadavers. Between January 2017 and January 2020, a total of 14 patients (12 males, 2 females; mean age: 66.6±8.4 years; range, 54 to 77 years) who underwent elective ascending aortic surgery without genetic disease or family history in the etiology were included in the study. Aortic tissues taken from the patients with ascending aortic aneurysms and cadavers without any aortic pathology were compared histopathologically and biomechanically. An experienced pathologist performed a histological evaluation with appropriate staining and scoring. In the biomechanical examination, stress-strain curves were created with the uniaxial tensile test. The instantaneous elastic modulus was calculated based on the first regions of the curves (Ei) and the slopes of the linear region close to rupturing (Es). In the pathological examination, there was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of both the patient and control groups (p>0.05). In the biomechanical examination, Ei values were significantly higher in the patients with ascending aortic aneurysms, while Es values were comparable between the groups (p=0.028 and p=0.609, respectively). Our study results showed that the tissues of the ascending aortic aneurysm were much more rigid, although no significant histopathological changes were detected. These findings are meaningful in understanding the structure of normal and pathological aortic tissue.

Eu3+ ions as a crystal-field probe for low-symmetry sites in doped phosphors - a case study: Eu3+ at triclinic sites in Li6RE(BO3)3 (RE = Y, Gd), YBO3 and ZnO and at trigonal sites in YAl3(BO3)4.

We present crystal-field (CF) calculations of energy levels (Ei) of Eu3+ ions doped in various hosts aimed at exploring the low-symmetry properties of CF parameters (CFPs) and reliability of CFP modelling with decreasing site symmetry. The hosts studied are: Li6Y(BO3)3, Li6Gd(BO3)3, YBO3, and ZnO with Eu3+ at triclinic sites; YAl3(BO3)4 with Eu3+ ions at trigonal D3 symmetry. Two independent CFP modelling approaches utilizing the hosts' structural data are employed: the exchange charge model (ECM) and the superposition model (SPM). We adopt the Eu3+ actual site symmetry and not the approximated one. The Ei values calculated using CFPs modelled by the ECM and SPM mutually agree with the observed ones. For triclinic symmetry, the ECM/CFPs and SPM/CFPs were numerically distinct, yet turned out to be physically equivalent yielding identical rotational invariants, Sk (k = 2, 4, 6) and Ei. For trigonal symmetry, both CFP sets agree numerically, thus Sk and Ei are identical. This disparity poses a dilemma, since the modified crystallographic axis system was used in both approaches. The standardization of the triclinic CFPs using the 3DD package was performed to solve this dilemma. It has enabled discussing standardization aspects in experimental and computed CFP sets and elucidating intricate low-symmetry aspects inherent in CFP sets. Understanding of low-symmetry aspects in CF studies may bring about a better interpretation of the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of rare-earth ion doped host crystals. Thus, our study could provide more deep insights into the importance of clear definitions of axis systems and adequate treatment of actual site symmetry in the modelling of CFPs for low-symmetry cases which is essential for technological applications and engineering of rare-earth activated phosphor materials.

Can evaporation from urban impervious surfaces be ignored?

Urban evapotranspiration is an important component linking the urban hydrological cycle and energy balance. Previous studies on urban evapotranspiration (ET) mainly focused on evaporation from the soil, vegetation, and water surfaces. However, the urban Ei process was overlooked mainly due to its low amount. In this study, the urban Ei was determined by eddy correlation (EC) observations combined with a flux footprint model and urban land use information for two urban EC sites. The evaluation of flux data quality indicated that more than 76 % of observed flux data can be used for Ei analysis at the two stations during rainy periods. The daily urban Ei exhibited high intermittent temporal patterns. The Ei value was 0 during the non-rainy period and peaked on the following 1–2 days after the rainy event, then gradually decreased to 0. The average daily Ei accounted for 11–14 % of the total ET for the two EC stations during the rainy period. Further analysis indicated that urban Ei significantly altered the urban energy balance and turbulent transport processes. The urban Ei reduced sensible heat flux (H) and Bowen ratio (BR) during the rainfall period, thereby playing a vital role in mitigating urban heat land effect. Moreover, urban Ei improved the turbulent transport efficiency of latent heat flux (rwq) and restored turbulent transport similarity in an urban area. The temporal characteristics of urban Ei exhibited a large discrepancy among different impervious surface materials, which mainly depend on the water retention and thermodynamic properties of the impervious surface. Gravel had the best water retention capability and resulted in the highest spatially averaged Ei, while the concrete surface had the best thermal storage capability and resulted in the longest duration time of Ei. The spatial average of urban Ei and its duration time were positively correlated with the water retention and heat storage capabilities of impervious surface materials. This study gained insight into urban Ei, including its determination method, temporal characteristics, controlling factors, and impacts of urban Ei on the regional energy balance and turbulent transport process.

DOSE OPTIMIZATION WITH mAs REDUCTION OF 15% USING COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY ON RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATIONS PELVIC AP PROJECTION

Background: Routine pelvic radiograph examination commonly performed in diagnostic radiology services is a pelvic examination of anteroposterior projection (AP). This results in direct exposure to ionizing radiation to the internal organs in the lower abdomen, especially the reproductive organs. Purpose: Optimizing the dosage of AP projection pelvic radiographs. Method: Research is conducted quantitatively and used experimental approach with an analysis of 15% mAs reduction from the standard mAs value on AP projection pelvic examination on radiation dose and image quality using anthropomorphic phantoms. The radiation dose analysis uses the exposure index indicator. In contrast, the image quality uses the Visual Grading Analysis method, then it was continued with the Kappa Cohens test to determine the level of agreement between 2 respondents. Result: The exposure factor with the mAs value reduced by 15% from the standard exposure factor on the AP projection pelvic radiography affected the decrease in the value exposure index. The EI value generated from the optimization exposure factor shows a decrease to 300 EI, which means the dose produced is only half of the standard exposure factor dose but still produces an acceptable image, as evidenced by the VGA score. As an assessment of image quality. In this study, there was no significant difference with range VGA scores 1,7. Besides that, the test had the Kappa Cohens level of agreement with a value of 0.5-0.8. Conclusion: All images resulting from the 15% mAs value reduction variation can be used as a diagnostic assessment.

Normal Echocardiographic Reference Values of the Right Ventricular to Left Ventricular Endsystolic Diameter Ratio and the Left Ventricular Endsystolic Eccentricity Index in Healthy Children and in Children With Pulmonary Hypertension.

BackgroundAn accurate assessment of the right and left ventricle and their interaction is important in pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our objective was to provide normal reference values for the right ventricular to left ventricular endsystolic (RV/LVes) ratio and the LV endsystolic eccentricity index (LVes EI) in healthy children and in children with PH.MethodsWe conducted an echocardiographic study in 769 healthy children (median age: 3.36 years; range: 1 day—18 years) and validated abnormal values in 44 children with PH (median age: 2.1 years; range: 0.1 months—17.7 years). We determined the effects of gender, age, body length, body weight, and body surface area (BSA) on RV/LVes ratio and LVes EI values. The RV/LVes ratio and LVes EI were measured from the parasternal short axis view between papillary muscle from the endocardial to endocardial surfaces.ResultsBoth, the RV/LVes ratio and the LVes EI were highly age-dependent: (i) neonates RV/LVes ratio [median 0.83 (range 0.53–1.37)], LVes EI [1.21 (0.92–1.45)]; (ii) 12–24 months old: RV/LVes ratio: [0.55 (0.35–0.80)], LVes EI: [1.0 (0.88–1.13)]; iii) 18th year of life RV/LVes ratio: [0.53 (0.32–0.74)], LVes EI: [1.0 (0.97–1.07)]. Healthy neonates had high LVes EI and RV/LVes ratios, both gradually decreased within the first year of life and until BSA values of about 0.5 m2, body weight to about 15 kg and body length to about 75 cm, but were almost constant thereafter. Children (>1 year) and adolescents with PH had significantly higher RV/LVes ratio (no PH: median 0.55, IQR 0.49–0.60; PH: 1.02, 0.87–1.26; p < 0.001) and higher LVes EI values (no PH: 1.00, 0.98–1.00; PH: 1.53, 1.26–1.71; p < 0.001) compared to those without PH. To predict the presence of PH in children > 1 year, we found the following best cutoff values: RV/LVes ratio ≥ 0.67 (sensitivity: 1.00, specificity: 0.95) and LVes EI ≥ 1.06 (sensitivity: 1.00, specificity: 0.97).ConclusionWe provide normal echocardiographic reference values of the RV/LVes ratio and LVes EI in healthy children, as well as statistically determined cutoffs for the increased values in children with PH.

Public-Public Collaboration for Food Safety Risk Management: Essence, Modes, and Identification of Key Influencing Factors Using DANP.

ObjectiveFood safety risk management is an important cross-boundary issue from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Because food safety has the social attributes of public goods, public-public collaboration can be considered a particularly important mode of cross-boundary governance. The study aims to provide a theoretical basis for the Chinese government to promote public-public collaboration for food safety risk management by identifying key factors.MethodsBased on a review of literature across diverse fields, such as political science, sociology, and new public governance, this study discusses the essence, modes, and dilemma of public-public collaboration for food safety risk management using practical explorations in various countries as the main thread and taking into account the actual situation in China. Moreover, this study quantitatively analyzes the relationships between the dimensions and factors affecting public-public collaboration and identifies key dimensions and factors using the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory-based Analytic Network Process (DANP).ResultsAmong the 20 factors in the calculation results of DANP, Lawmaking has the highest value of (fi+ei) (7.022) and ranks sixth in terms of influence weight. The (fi+ei)value of Professionalism (6.993) ranks second and its influence weight ranks fourth. The (fi+ei) value of Administrative enforcement (6.722) ranks fifth, and its influence weight ranks seventh. The (fi+ei) value of Improvement of the social environment (6.699) ranks sixth, and its influence weight ranks fifth. The (fi+ei) value of Legal authorization (6.614) ranks seventh, and its influence weight ranks tenth. Data analysis indicated that these are the five key factors affecting the governance capacity in public-public collaboration for food safety risk management.ConclusionThe legal basis is the most important dimension affecting public-public collaboration. Legislation-based governance, administrative law enforcement–based governance, and social environment improvement–based governance in the behavior and capabilities dimension, professionalism in the basic characteristics dimension, and laws and regulations in the legal basis dimension are the five key factors.

Allocation Issue of Asteroid Mining: A Symbolization of Global Equity

Nowadays with the advance of the space exploration and the large-scale utilization of mineral resources, many nations begin to put their eyes on ‘Asteroid Mining’. In fact, the United Nations’ Outer Space Treaty was signed 55 years ago. But with new problems about global equity and interest protection popping up, it’s quite essential to update the original treaty. In order to structure a solid fundamental for our analysis, we firstly build a definition model to define the ‘Global Equity’. We use great amount of indicators searched from OECD and integrate them into four main factors:‘ Resource’, ‘Society’,‘ Economy’ and ‘History’. Through ‘AHP’ and ‘TOPSIS’, we work out the weights of every factor and their sub-indicators. We successfully build the Equity Assessment Model (EI model) and the importance of each factor appears immediately. Then we calculate the EI value of each nation which shows the overall condition of the nation in the course of resources allocation. Based on the data we get, we classify the nations into three grades: ‘Top Qualified Countries’, ‘Rest Qualified Countries’, ‘Unqualified Countries’. The explanation will be given later. So how are the mineral sources allocated in the market? We think the mining countries should get rewards to cover the cost of researching and exploring. Also, the ‘Unqualified Countries’ should be aided and given some welfare and discount. The rest countries purchase their share of minerals regularly. Different countries have different shares of mineral resources they can purchase based on the Allocation Model we build. We use the Regression Analysis of input-output and Copulglas functionto help build the model. The share scheme and welfare scheme are two features of our analysis. After that, we jump to the conclusion that the economy and even the whole world will get better after the asteroid mining is implemented.

Thermal Debinding Kinetics of Gelcast Ceramic Parts via a Modified Independent Parallel Reaction Model in Comparison with the Multiple Normally Distributed Activation Energy Model.

This work aims to provide useful insights into the thermal debinding kinetics of gelcast ceramic parts, especially for debinding kinetics prediction involving heat preservation. Debinding experiments were conducted in a differential thermogravimetric analyzer at five heating rates (5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 °C/min) in the temperature range of 35–900 °C under an air atmosphere. The conversion (α) and pyrolysis rate (dα/dT) data were simulated using a modified independent parallel reaction (IPR) model and a multiple normally distributed activation energy model (M-DAEM). Their validity was assessed and compared by checking the agreement between the experimental results and the prediction capability. The results showed that both the modified IPR model and M-DAEM had high predictability for thermal debinding kinetics under linear heating conditions. The fitting quality parameters (Fit) were less than 1.406 and 1.01%, respectively. The activation energies (Ei, i = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) calculated by the M-DAEM ranged from 153.312 to 217.171 kJ/mol. The relationships between Ei of pseudo components 1 to 5 calculated by the modified IPR model were a function of the conversion rate. The Ei values were E1(α) = 116.750 + 11.153α – 26.772α2 + 4.362α3 kJ/mol, E2(α) = 139.595 – 66.162α + 75.702α2 – 38.041α3 kJ/mol, E3(α) = 190.854 + 135.755α – 214.801α2 + 116.093α3 kJ/mol, E4(α) = 64.068 + 280.086α – 380.270α2 + 264.724α3 kJ/mol, and E5(α) = 188.257 – 77.086α + 74.129α2 – 48.669α3 kJ/mol, respectively. However, it is noteworthy that the α and dα/dT curves predicted by the modified IPR model with a deviation of less than 8% were better than those predicted by the M-DAEM for the linear thermal debinding process with the holding stage. Accordingly, it is believed that the proposed modified IPR model is suitable for describing the thermal debinding kinetics involving the heat preservation of gelcast green parts.

Comparison of conventional and through glass portable chest computed radiography: A Phantom study

Background: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, modified hospital unit or area for chest radiography of positive cases have become necessary. To date, relatively few studies have been investigated on the effects of portable chest radiography through glass barrier. Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate exposure technique and radiation dose between conventional and through glass portable chest computed radiography. Materials and methods: Experiments using an anthropomorphic phantom were performed for acquired portable chest PA radiography at SID 180 cm with glass door being open and closed. The EI and DI values were optimized to provide the appropriate exposure technique for glass barrier. Entrance surface air kerma and scatter survey were made to assess the radiation dose both inside and outside the room. Finally, HVL measurement of primary X-ray beam and after transmission through glass were determined. Results: Based on the fixed kVp and mAs technique, the EI value with glass barrier was less than the EI without the glass. Imaging through glass barrier showed the average EI reduction of 10.4% for Carestream and 37% for Konica. The average entrance surface air kerma reduction was 56.6% over a range of 90-120 kVp. The appropriate exposure technique for conventional portable chest PA using computed radiography was 100 kVp 2.5 mAs. With the same kVp setting, doubling the mAs is required for imaging through glass barrier to produce good diagnostic image quality (100 kVp and 4.0 mAs). The acceptable EI and DI ranges for CR used were EI=1742, DI=-0.02 (without glass) and EI=1795, DI=0.11 (with glass) for Carestream and EI=352, DI=-0.03 (without glass) and EI=373, DI=0.22 (with glass) for Konica respectively. The primary beam after transmission through the glass thickness 5 mm was 36%. The measured scatter of inside room compared to outside was very low at 1-2 meters. Increasing od HVL from 3.9 to 6.1 mm Al indicates the effect of beam hardening by glass. Conclusion: These experiments confirmed that through glass portable chest computed radiography are feasible and safe. The findings of this study have several practical implications which minimizes risk to radiographers during their work.

High efficiency of left superior frontal gyrus and the symptom features of major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with anhedonia tend to have a poor prognosis. The underlying imaging basis for anhedonia in MDD remains largely unknown. The relationship between nodal properties and anhedonia in MDD patients need to be further investigated. Herein, this study aims to explore differences of cerebral functional node characteristics in MDD patients with severe anhedonia (MDD-SA) and MDD patients with mild anhedonia (MDD-MA) before and after the antidepressant treatment. Ninety participants with current MDD were recruited in this study. 24-Item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) were used to assess the severity of depression and anhedonia at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment. The MDD patients who scored above the 25th percentile on the SHAPS were assigned to an MDD-SA group (n=19), while those who scored below the 25th percentile were assigned to an MDD-MA group (n=18). All patients in the 2 groups received antidepressant treatment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images of all the patients were collected at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment. Graph theory was applied to analyze the patients' cerebral functional nodal characteristics, which were measured by efficiency (ei) and degree (ki). Repeated measures 2-factor ANCOVA showed significant main effects on group on the ei and ki values of left superior frontal gyrus (LSFG) (P=0.003 and P=0.008, respectively), and on the ei and ki values of left medial orbital-frontal gyrus (LMOFG) (P=0.004 and P=0.008, respectively). Compared with the MDD-MA group, the significantly higher ei and ki values of the LSFG (P=0.015 and P=0.021, respectively), and the significantly higher ei and ki values of the LMOFG (P=0.015 and P=0.037, respectively) were observed in the MDD-SA group at baseline. Meanwhile, higher SHAPS scores could result in higher ei and ki values of LSFG (P=0.019 and P=0.026, respectively), and higher ei value of LMOFG (P=0.040) at baseline; higher SHAPS scores could result in higher ei values of LSFG (P=0.049) at the end of 6-months treatment. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex were negatively correlated with the ei and ki values of LSFG (r= -0.014, P=0.004; r=-1.153, P=0.001, respectively). The onset age of MDD was negatively correlated with the ki value of LSFG (r=-0.420, P=0.034) at the end of 6-months treatment. We also found that SHAPS scores at baseline were positively correlated with the HAMD-24 scores (r=0.387, P=0.022) at the end of 6-months treatment. There are obvious differences in nodal properties between the MDD-SA and the MDD-MA patients, such as the high ei of LSFG in the MDD-SA patients, which may be associated with the severity of anhedonia. These nodal properties could be potential biomarkers for the prognosis of MDD. The increased ei and ki values in the LSFG of MDD-SA patients may underlie a compensatory mechanism or protective mechanism. The mechanism may be an important component of the pathological mechanism of MDD-SA. The poor prognosis in the MDD-SA patients suggests that anhedonia may predict a worse prognosis in MDD patients. Sex and onset age of MDD may affect the nodal properties of LSFG at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment.

Pollution Characteristics and Sources Analysis of Soil Heavy Metal in Taoyuan Coal Mine of Suzhou City

Soil is one of the most important resources and an important part of ecosystem in the development of human survival. The purposes of this study are to investigate concentration characteristics and sources analysis of heavy metals in Taoyuan coal mine of Suzhou City. 30 soil samples were collected and characterized for metal concentration (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn and As), then the heavy metal pollution was evaluated by using pollution load index and geoaccumulation index and the sources of heavy metals were analyzed. The results revealed that the mean concentrations, except Cr, were considerably higher the reference values, especially Cd, Cu Pb and Zn in study area soil, than non-mining soil in Suzhou. The results of the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed the following sequence: Cd>Cu>Pb>Zn>As>Cr. At the same time, Cr and As of all samples were not contaminated, Zn and Pb were non-pollution to light pollution, Cd and Cu were light pollution to moderate pollution. The potential ecological ecological risk (Ei) values of Cd had a strong risk pollution and the other five metals belonged to a light ecological risk, the potential ecological risk (RI) mean implied moderate pollution for samples in the study area. The correlation analysis declared that the first principal component is dominated by Cd, Zn and Pb and marked correlation indicate that they should be related to coal mining, smelting processing, weathering, leaching and coal transportation. The second principal component was occupied by Cr, Cu and As, the source of Cu may be affected by Zn and Pb, Cr and As can be regarded as from the soil parent materials. It was believed that the heavy metals in the soil of Taoyuan Coal Mine were polluted to a certain extent and the accumulation of Cd, Zn and Pb were mainly affected by mining activities.

Communicating Risk: Developing an "Efficiency Index" for Dementia Screening Tests.

Diagnostic and screening tests may have risks such as misdiagnosis, as well as the potential benefits of correct diagnosis. Effective communication of this risk to both clinicians and patients can be problematic. The purpose of this study was to develop a metric called the “efficiency index” (EI), defined as the ratio of test accuracy and inaccuracy, to evaluate screening tests for dementia. This measure was compared with a previously described “likelihood to be diagnosed or misdiagnosed” (LDM), also based on “numbers needed” metrics. Datasets from prospective pragmatic test accuracy studies examining four brief cognitive screening instruments (Mini-Mental State Examination; Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (MACE); and Free-Cog) were analysed to calculate values for EI and LDM, and to examine their variation with test cut-off for MACE and dementia prevalence. EI values were also calculated using a modification of McGee’s heuristic for the simplification of likelihood ratios to estimate percentage change in diagnostic probability. The findings indicate that EI is easier to calculate than LDM and, unlike LDM, may be classified either qualitatively or quantitatively in a manner similar to likelihood ratios. EI shows the utility or inutility of diagnostic and screening tests, illustrating the inevitable trade-off between diagnosis and misdiagnosis. It may be a useful metric to communicate risk in a way that is easily intelligible for both clinicians and patients.

Patient dose monitoring using exposure index against body mass index level on chest X-ray examination

The image quality factor is not merely a matter of whether the image is repeated or not, but also has a wide range of information and also has to maintain the protection method for the patient is the reception of the dose due to radiographic action. So it is necessary to monitor the patient's dose using the EI value. The factors that determine the EI value are the exposure factor and the thickness of the object or BMI (Body Mass Index). Exposure factors (kV and mAs) are factors that have been commonly used as patient dose monitoring, where the tube voltage is a component that changes more often with a relatively constant tube current. The study used data on patients with Thoracic examination at the age of 20-65 years which were then categorized into BMI. The analysis was carried out on the EI value contained in the radiographic image. The results showed that BMI in the normal, Light Grade Fat (LGF), Heavy Grade Fat (HGF) categories, respectively, the EI values were 1562, 1679, and 1955 for the female sex, and 1266, 1600, and 1821 for the male gender. Significantly (P?0.05) the EI value showed difference between female and male sexes.

Electronic Conductance and Current Modulation through Graphdiyne Nanopores for DNA Sequencing

Solid-state nanopore devices have emerged as one of the most promising technologies that may decode the sequence of DNA nucleobases by reading electronic conductance and electric current signals. Herein we study the potential of atomically thick graphdiyne (GDY) to act as an all-electronic nanopore (NP)-based DNA sequencing device. The first-principles density functional theory method is used to study the structural properties, interaction energy (Ei) values, translocation time (τ), charge transfer [Q(e)] values, charge density difference [Δρ(r)], molecular orbital (MO) positions, and electronic density of states (DOS) properties of the GDYNP and GDYNP + nucleobase (nucleobases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T), and cytosine (C)) systems. Our results suggest that the GDYNP system could be a suitable device for the detection of nucleobases due to their specific translocation times inside the GDYNP device. The Δρ(r) results reveal that the charge fluctuates around the GDYNP edges close to the target nucleobase. This charge reorganization causes the modulation of charge transport in the GDYNP device. Furthermore, the GDYNP device is used to read-out the conductance and current signals of each DNA nucleobase while located inside the GDYNP by using nonequilibrium Green’s functions formalism. Our findings show a change in conductance with respect to the reference bare “GDYNP” device for energy values below/above the Fermi energy. The conductance as well as current sensitivity (%) values (C > G > T > A) indicates that the nucleobases could possibly be sequenced through the GDYNP device. Further, each nucleobase transmits unique current signals when transported through the GDYNP device. A distinction between purine- and pyrimidine-type nucleobases seems possible due to their different current signals. Thus, our study highlights the potentials that would motivate research toward the development of the GDYNP device, which may be even a better DNA nucleobase detector compared to graphene-based devices.

Clinical Characteristics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Prediction of the KLF4K409Q Mutation in Meningioma

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. In recent years, several non-neurofibromin 2 mutations, i.e., AKT1, SMO, TRAF7, and KLF4 mutations, specific for meningioma have been identified. This study aims to analyze the clinical impact and imaging characteristics of the KLF4K409Q mutation in meningioma.Clinical, neuropathologic, and imaging data of 170 patients who underwent meningioma resection between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively collected and tumors were analyzed for the presence of the KLF4K409Q mutation. We collected imaging characteristics, performed volumetric analysis of tumor size and peritumoral edema (PTBE), and calculated the edema index (EI, i.e., ratio of PTBE to tumor volume). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify cut-off EI values to predict the mutational status of KLF4.Eighteen (10.6%) of the meningiomas carried the KLF4K409Q mutation; these were significantly associated with a secretory subtype (P < 0.001) and sphenoid wing location (P = 0.029). Smaller tumor size (P = 0.007), an increased PTBE (P = 0.012), and an increased EI (P = 0.001) proved to be significantly associated with the KLF4K409Q mutation. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, EI predicted the KLF4K409Q mutation with an area under the curve of 0.728 (P = 0.0016).The KLF4K409Q mutation is associated with a distinct small tumor subtype, prone to substantial PTBE. EI is a reliable parameter to predict the KLF4K409Q mutation in meningioma, thus providing a tool for improvement of pre- and perioperative medical management.

The accuracy of quantitative EEG biomarker algorithms depends upon seizure onset dynamics

ObjectiveTo compare the performance of different ictal quantitative biomarkers of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) across many seizures in a cohort of consecutive patients with a variety of seizure onset patterns. MethodsThe Epileptogenicity Index (EI, a measure of fast activity) and Slow Polarizing Shift index (SPS, a measure of infraslow activity) were calculated for 212 seizures (22 patients). After stratification by onset pattern, median index values inside and outside the SOZ were compared in aggregate and for each of the onset patterns. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to compare the performance of each index. ResultsMedian values of EI (0.056 vs 0.0087), SPS (0.27 vs 0.19), and CI (0.21 vs 0.12) were significantly higher for contacts inside the SOZ, all p < 0.0001. Analysis of AUC showed variable performance of these indices across seizure types, although AUC for EI and SPS was generally greatest for seizures with fast activity at onset. ConclusionsAll indices were significantly higher for contacts inside the SOZ; however, the performance of these indices varied depending on the pattern of seizure onset. SignificanceThese findings suggest that future studies of quantitative biomarkers of the SOZ should account for seizure onset pattern.

Derivation of Dielectric Constant and Debye Length of Amorphous Si–In–Zn–O by Analyzing Optical Coefficients

Highly transparent amorphous Si-doped InZnO (SIZO) thin film was deposited on glass substrate by RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The optical constants of SIZO thin film were measured by the ellipsometry. Various parameters were calculated that result from using refractive index and extinction coefficient. In SIZO material system, dielectric constant of real part (er) value are larger than dielectric constant of imaginary part (ei) value due to the low extinction coefficient (k) value. In addition, the optical bandgap also showed 3.45 eV calculated using the (αhv)2 vs hv plot. From this result, the transparency of the SIZO thin film in the visible light region was confirmed, the Debye length of the SIZO thin film transistor was calculated, and the change in the effective carrier concentration was confirmed.

Bovine serum albumin‐silica functionalized γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles (BSA‐Si@Fe2O3): A highly efficient and magnetically recoverable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of substituted pyrrole derivatives

The present study used silica functionalized bovine serum albumin as a bio‐support for γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) to synthesize a magnetically recoverable heterogeneous catalyst (BSA‐Si@Fe2O3). The structure of the catalyst was well established by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX), elemental mapping, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Thermogravimetric (TG), Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) analyses. The catalyst also possesses magnetic properties as shown by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The strong acidic properties of the catalyst was calculated using potentiometric titration showing Ei value in the range of 0 &lt; Ei &lt; 100 mV. The catalyst was found to be highly efficient for the synthesis of pyrroles affording high yield (87%–94%) in short reaction time period under environmentally feasible reaction conditions (high atom economy and low E‐factor). The BSA‐Si@Fe2O3 could be recycled up to six cycles with insignificant loss in catalytic potential.

Influence of time-dependency on elastic rock properties under constant load and its effect on tunnel stability

In structures excavated in rock mass, load progressively increases to a level and remains constant during the construction. Rocks display different elastic properties such as Ei and v under different loading conditions and this requires to use the true values of elastic properties for the design of safe structures in rock. Also, rocks will undergo horizontal and vertical deformations depending on the amount of load applied. However, under constant loads, values of Ei and v will vary in time and induce variations in the behavior of the rock mass. In some empirical equations in which deformation modulus of the rock mass is taken into consideration, elastic parameters of intact rock become functions in the equation. Hence, the use of time dependent elastic properties determined under constant loading will yield more reliable results than when only constant elastic properties are used. As well known, rock material will play an important role in the deformation mechanism since the discontinuities will be closed due to the load. In this study, Ei and v values of intact rocks were investigated under different constant loads for certain rocks with high deformation capabilities. The results indicated significant time dependent variations in elastic properties under constant loading conditions. Ei value obtained from deformability test was found to be higher than the Ei value obtained from the constant loading test. This implies that when static values of elastic properties are used, the material is defined as more elastic than the rock material itself. In fact, Ei and v values embedded in empirical equations are not static. Hence, this workattempts to emerge a new understanding in designing of safer structures in rock mass by numerical methods. The use of time-dependent values of Ei and v under different constant loads will yield more accurate results in numerical modeling analysis.

Water Benefit-Based Ecological Index for Urban Ecological Environment Quality Assessments

Urbanization and climate change cause the urban ecological environment to become increasingly dependent on water. However, open water areas and green spaces in cities are constantly decreasing, making water resources increasingly scarce. There is an urgent need for a method that aligns with the current urban status and can quickly assess the urban ecological–environmental quality (UEEQ). Traditional UEEQ methods have abandoned the water factor, neglecting the influence of water on the ecological environment. In modern cities, water, which guarantees the operation and maintenance of the urban ecological environment, must be considered in the UEEQ system. Therefore, we propose a water benefit-based ecological index (WBEI). In the formulation of the WBEI, we integrate a water ecofactor, the thermal environment, and the land cover type to represent the surface ecological environment. We first construct a surface potential water abundance index (SPWI) to describe the spatial distribution of water. The combination of the SPWI and the normalized difference latent heat index allows the WBEI to better evaluate the UEEQ around water areas. Then, we choose the land-surface temperature to represent the thermal environment. To represent the land cover type, the ratio vegetation index and the normalized difference soil index are adopted in the WBEI. Finally, we use an entropy-based fusion method to fuse these indicators and obtain the WBEI values. The performance of the WBEI is tested using eight datasets with a variety of environmental characteristics. The results show that 75% of the WBEI results are consistent with the EI values. The correlation coefficient between the WBEI and EI is 0.8883, which is significantly better than those of the other methods. The research shows that the UEEQ of the Qingdao West-Coast Economic New Zone is declining continuously at a rate of 3.7% per year. From 2013 to 2017, the percentage of areas with good environments decreased by 21.46%, and the percentage of areas with poor environments increased by 12.76%. The UEEQ inside the city deteriorated radially outward along the main traffic route, the UEEQ in the suburbs did not change significantly, and the UEEQ in the water areas deteriorated significantly. These relevant research results can provide quantitative information for the green sustainable development of cities.