Evaluation Of Temporal Changes Research Articles

Three scans are better than two for follow-up: An automatic method for finding missed and misidentified lesions in cross-sectional follow-up of oncology patients

PurposeMissed and misidentified neoplastic lesions in longitudinal studies of oncology patients are pervasive and may affect the evaluation of the disease status. Two newly identified patterns of lesion changes, lone lesions and non-consecutive lesion changes, may help radiologists to detect these lesions. This study evaluated a new interpretation revision workflow of lesion annotations in three or more consecutive scans based on these suspicious patterns. MethodsThe interpretation revision workflow was evaluated on manual and computed lesion annotations in longitudinal oncology patient studies. For the manual revision, a senior radiologist and a senior neurosurgeon (the readers) manually annotated the lesions in each scan and later revised their annotations to identify missed and misidentified lesions with the workflow using the automatically detected patterns. For the computerized revision, lesion annotations were first computed with a previously trained nnU-Net and were then automatically revised with an AI-based method that automates the workflow readers’ decisions. The evaluation included 67 patient studies with 2295 metastatic lesions in lung (19 patients, 83 CT scans, 1178 lesions), liver (18 patients, 77 CECT scans, 800 lesions) and brain (30 patients, 102 T1W-Gad MRI scans, 317 lesions). ResultsRevision of the manual lesion annotations revealed 120 missed lesions and 20 misidentified lesions in 31 out of 67 (46%) studies. The automatic revision reduced the number of computed missed lesions by 55 and computed misidentified lesions by 164 in 51 out of 67 (76%) studies. ConclusionAutomatic analysis of three or more consecutive volumetric scans helps find missed and misidentified lesions and may improve the evaluation of temporal changes of oncological lesions.

Bayesian evaluation of temporal changes in sensitivity and specificity of three serological tests for multiple circulating strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus

Competition and indirect ELISAs are currently being used to monitor rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses (RHDV1 and RHDV2) in rabbits worldwide. Temporal changes in the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of RHDV1 competition-ELISA (cELISA1), RHDV2 competition-ELISA (cELISA2), and RHDV1 Immunoglobulin G (IgG1) ELISA, were investigated using Bayesian Latent Class models (BCLM) in the Australian wild rabbit population where both viruses circulate simultaneously and a long-term serological dataset exists. When cELISA1 was compared to IgG1 ELISA, the Se of cELISA1 improved while the Sp of IgG1 ELISA declined over the 2011–21. This corresponded with a decline in the true RHDV1 prevalence in 2018–21, suggesting that a large proportion of RHDV1 exposed rabbits survived the introduction and dominance of RHDV2 up to approximately 2017/2018, after which they died and were not replaced. The Se and Sp estimates for 2014–15 for both cELISA1 and IgG1 ELISA, and the true prevalence when analysing all three tests together were similar to those obtained from the analysis of cELISA1/IgG1 ELISA. The same was also true for the Se and Sp of cELISA2 and IgG1 ELISA estimates from 2018 onwards. This suggests that RHDV1 was the dominant infection type in 2014–15, but RHDV2 was the dominant infection type in 2018–21. Further, the increase in Se of cELISA2 and the low Sp of IgG1 ELISA in the cELISA2/IgG1 ELISA analysis, compared to the Se of cELISA2 and Sp of IgG1 ELISA when analysing all three tests together suggests that the underlying infection status was more influenced by RHDV2 and that the higher Se of IgG1 ELISA is due to cross-reaction of RHDV2 antibodies on IgG1 ELISA. The true prevalence data suggest that RHDV2 exposure peaked in 2017. Our findings show that test characteristics changed in response to the changing virus prevalences over time. IgG1 ELISA, currently having a high Se, should be used to monitor both viruses and will perform better than both cELISAs.

Evaluation of temporal changes in fracture transmissivity in an excavation damaged zone after backfilling a gallery excavated in mudstone

Evaluation of temporal changes in fracture transmissivity in an excavation damaged zone after backfilling a gallery excavated in mudstone

Evaluation of temporal changes in methane content in the atmosphere for areas with a very high rice concentration based on Sentinel-5P data

Rice cultivation is one of the main sources of methane (CH4) emission into the atmosphere. The research aimed to assess long–term and seasonal changes in CH4 content in the atmosphere in areas where rice production exceeds 30% of the area. These areas include India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indonesia. CH4 content was evaluated using the Sentinel–5P TROPOMI sensor on a monthly basis from February 2019 to January 2022. Long–term and seasonal changes were assessed using statistical methods such as regression analysis and time–series analysis. The results showed that the long-term trend indicates an increase in CH4 concentration. In the analyzed period, the average annual increase in the CH4 content in the atmosphere was highest in eastern India (Bihar and West Bengal areas) and Bangladesh, from 15.9 to 19.6 ppb per year, while in Myanmar (Ayeyarwady) and Indonesia (Java) it was much lower, 3.7 and 9.9 ppb, respectively. Seasonal variability in CH4 content in the atmosphere was characterized by a large annual amplitude in the rice regions of India (from 47 to 58 ppb) and was consistent with CH4 emissions during a typical rice growth cycle. The highest CH4 content was observed in late summer i.e., before rice harvest. The results of the Sentinel–5P measurements confirm the spatial–temporal variability of atmospheric CH4 content in regions with a high share of rice production.

Testate Amoeba and Chironomid assemblages from Balma Lake (Piedmont, Italy): a multi-proxy record to identifying recent climate and environmental changes in alpine areas

Alpine lakes are well known as “environmental sentinels”, which are sensitive to anthropogenic impacts, and paleoecological studies provide useful information regarding the effects of local and global changes. In the present study we investigate, for the first time, the temporal variations in testate amoeba assemblages in relation to environmental factors and anthropogenic impacts in a high-altitude lake located in the Italian Alps (Balma Lake, Piedmont, Italy). The testate amoebae are well-suited as bioindicators and have been employed to reconstruct past climate and environmental changes from lake sediments. However, these organisms have not been thoroughly studied in alpine lakes, especially in Europe. We detected significant changes in testate amoeba assemblages along an alpine lake sedimentary profile over the last 2000 years. These changes were mainly associated with variations of trace elements, nutrients, and grain size. Moreover, five different time periods were identified and related to pluvial/drought events of the last 2000 years and to the “Late Antique Little Ice Age” (LALIA). Alpine lakes are originally fishless and fish introductions for recreational purposes could cause important changes in these ecosystems. However, the introduction of brook trout in Balma Lake during the 1970s seems to have had little influence on testate amoeba assemblages. The present work provides new insights for the evaluation of temporal changes in testate amoebae through paleoecological investigations. Similarly, the comparison of testate amoeba and chironomid proxies offered an important tool for analyzing recent climatic and environmental changes in alpine lakes (in lacustrine environments), especially for the European Alps.

High‐Frequency 4D Ultrasound Evaluation of Temporal Changes in Endocardial Surface Strain after Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death and accurate assessment of cardiac function after MI is critical for understanding mechanisms of post‐MI remodeling, recovery and treatment. Most previous studies assessed cardiac function using echocardiographic images of only one section of the heart. Newly developed high‐frequency 4D ultrasound (4DUS) may provide more accurate evaluation of cardiac function, especially after MI when geometry of the heart is abnormal. We investigated left ventricle (LV) endocardial surface peak systolic strain (SPSS) using 4DUS images (VEVO‐3100) before (baseline) and 24‐hr, 72‐hr and 1‐week post‐MI in male Sprague‐Dawley rats (n=5) subjected to left descending coronary artery ligation. Full‐length LV short‐axis ECG‐gated cine loops were acquired with ~11 µm stepwise increments. Compared to baseline, ejection fraction was significantly reduced 24‐hr, 72‐hr and 1‐week post‐MI (65±1 vs. 35±1, 34±3 and 31±2%, respectively). We also observed that SPSS showed different contractility patterns in the base, mid and apical heart regions. Among 17 myocardial segments analyzed, only septal segments were not affected by MI, with the exception of base anterior septal segment which showed reduced SPSS 72‐hr post‐MI (‐4.3 ± 2%) compared to baseline (‐26.5 ± 3%), indicating that the base is more sensitive to MI injury than mid‐LV. Since cardiac global and regional metrics are usually estimated in the mid‐LV, conventional methods may underestimate cardiac function in MI models. Thus, 4DUS with 3D‐strain analysis appears to be a valuable and sensitive tool for improved detection of cardiac disease progression.

An evaluation of temporal changes in physicochemical properties of gully pot sediments

Diffuse pollution is recognised as a major challenge in achieving EU Water Framework Directive compliance, with urban runoff being a key pathway connecting various sources to receiving waters. Gully pots, as one of the ubiquitous urban drainage infrastructures, are placed at the inlets of piped drainage pipe network and actively drain runoff from urban catchment with suspended solids proportionally retained. The physiochemical properties of these retained solids reflect the activities within the catchment during the accumulation period. In this work, seven gully pots in two catchment types (highway and housing) in Luleå, Sweden were fully emptied and sediments analysed for total mass, particle size distribution and selected metal concentrations by six size fractions. The results of this sampling campaign are compared with the results of a 2005 study of the same gully pots to identify changes in the physicochemical properties of sediments over time and examine whether changes identified can be linked to changes in wider catchment management practices. The results highlight the potential impacts of winter road maintenance operations (e.g. up to a 15-fold higher solids loading rate in road catchment gully pots), reaching a normalised solids accumulation rate of 0.176–0.819 kg m2 year−1. An increase in tyre and road wear associated with winter road maintenance operations is also understood to contribute to the temporal increase of several metals including Cu, Zn, Co, Cr and V in the < 63-µm solids fraction in the road catchment gully pots. The concentrations of As and Pb decrease in all size fractions in both catchments, with the implementation of unleaded fuels (for Pb in housing catchment only), End-of-Life Vehicle Directive (Directive 2000/53/EC) (for Pb in both catchments), and strengthened industrial emission reduction measures suggested as possible drivers. The high contamination load for Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in < 63-µm sediments from low-traffic housing catchment also emphasised the necessity of tracing and restricting non-traffic-related metal sources. Further seasonal monitoring of gully pot sediments is recommended to fully follow up the development of metals loading in both catchments.

Trophic importance of small pelagic fish to marine predators of the Mediterranean Sea

Small pelagic fish (SPF) species such as European sardine Sardina pilchardus, European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, round sardinella Sardinella aurita and European sprat Sprattus sprattus play important ecological roles in the Mediterranean Sea marine ecosystem. However, changes in SPF abundance and biomass have recently been observed in the basin. Therefore, uncovering the trophic importance of SPF to their predators is key to unravelling potential ecological causes and consequences of SPF population changes related to predator dynamics. Here, we reviewed 101 published studies reporting the presence of the SPF species named above in the diet of marine predators inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. We found that the number of species preying on SPF was highest for teleost fish species, followed by elasmobranchs, seabirds, marine mammals, cephalopods and sea turtles. These predators were both commercial and non-commercial taxa, and vulnerability ranged from medium to very high. From a conservation point of view, most predator species were considered Least Concern by the IUCN, with few exceptions such as the Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus, a Critically Endangered species. Geographic information showed that the European sardine was more important in the diet of predators from the western Mediterranean basin, while European anchovy consumption was higher on the eastern side. Round sardinella was consumed in high amounts in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and European sprat was anecdotally consumed. The importance of SPF in the diet of Mediterranean predators may indicate bottom-up control of the marine ecosystem; however, limited temporal information precluded the evaluation of temporal changes, highlighting the need to develop new studies in this area.

An evaluation of temporal changes in the trophic structure of Gulf of Maine ecosystem

The Gulf of Maine (GOM) ecosystem has experienced significant changes in the last few decades with a great increase in the American lobster Homarus americanus population and substantial reduction in some groundfish populations like Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. This study evaluated and compared the energy flows and trophic structures of the GOM ecosystem in the mid-2000s and mid-2010s. Following an early study, two mass-balance ecosystem models, each of which include 25 functional groups, were updated for the mid-2000s and mid-2010s using Ecopath. Fishing efforts were used as forcing drivers to simulate the variation of the GOM ecosystem in the mid-2000s to mid-2010s. Similar to the GOM ecosystem from the 1980s to 1990s found in a previous study, dominant species in both the mid-2000s and mid-2010s ecosystems were transferred from top predators to crustacean species in the last decade. However, food web structure of the GOM ecosystem became more complex, stable, and flexible to perturbations, indicating that the GOM ecosystem is moving toward a more mature stage. Simulation results indicated that fishing activities were considered to be the main driver to the variations dynamics of most species in the GOM ecosystem, while some species like Atlantic herring Clupea harengus might also suffer from changes in environmental conditions. This study provides a comprehensive overview on the changes in the GOM ecosystem in the last two decades.

Evaluation of temporal changes in the sexual function among Japanese women using the female sexual function index: An Internet survey.

Objectives:Female sexual dysfunction is an underestimated problem that negatively affects women’s quality of life. Although the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women is high, only a few studies have focused on this problem. In Japan, an index of female sexual function has not been clearly defined. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the sexual function of normal Japanese women and the temporal changes they experienced using the Female Sexual Function Index administered online in 2012 and 2019.Methods:The subjects were Japanese women aged 20–79 years registered in an Internet research company. We collected data of 1034 and 2031 women in 2012 and 2019, respectively, based on Japan’s population distribution according to age. Subsequently, we analyzed the collected data using a Japanese version of the Female Sexual Function Index. We investigated the temporal changes in the Female Sexual Function Index total score, the ratio of women who did not engage in sexual activities and women having “no sexual activity” with their partners, and the total Female Sexual Function Index scores according to age.Results:The average Female Sexual Function Index total score decreased from 14.6 in 2012 to 12.5 in 2019 (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the average Female Sexual Function Index score of the group with sexual activity between 2012 (22.2) and 2019 (22.4). The ratio of women not engaging in sexual activities increased from 42.2% in 2012 to 54.0% in 2019. The ratio of women having “no sexual activity” with their partners increased by 10%.Conclusion:Comparison of data between 2012 and 2019 indicated that Japanese women have become less sexually active. The average Female Sexual Function Index total score of 22 may be useful as a reference value for diagnosing female sexual dysfunction in Japan.

Evaluation of temporal changes in longitudinal strain distribution during the systolic period to determine left ventricular activation sequence: a study using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography

Abstract Background Evaluation of two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking longitudinal strain (LS) is useful for assessing global and regional left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that temporal changes in regional 2D-LS distribution, (i.e., changes in area and intensity of the negative strain), during the systolic period may reflect the LV activation sequence. Methods We studied 52 patients with an ejection fraction &amp;lt;35% who were classified into four groups: complete left bundle branch block (LBBB, QRS 162±17 ms, n=17); right ventricular pacing from inferior septum (RVP, QRS 180±29 ms, n=16); left VP from lateral branch of the coronary sinus (LVP, QRS 182±21 ms, n=9); and no conduction block (Narrow QRS, QRS 100±9 ms, n=19). Longitudinal strain was evaluated in three standard apical views, and then bulls-eye distribution maps were constructed every 50 ms from the QRS onset to aortic valve closing (AVC) and at the time of the end of QRS. Segments indicating negative strain at the end of QRS were regarded as an early contraction site. Segments with intensifying negativity of strain as it got closer to the AVC were regarded as a late contraction site. Results In patients with LBBB, negative strain appeared initially in the septum region. Then, the contracted area enlarged including the apical region, and the basal lateral region contracted late. On the other hand, Narrow QRS showed a few regional differences in strain at the end of QRS (standard deviation in 17-segments: Narrow QRS 1.3±0.4%*, LBBB 3.3±1.1%, RVP 3.2±1.0%, LVP 3.3±1.1%, *p&amp;lt;0.001), and contracted homogeneously during the systolic period. RVP and LVP showed negative strain at the end of QRS in septum and lateral regions respectively, with the contracted area becoming enlarged towards the opposite regions of the early contracted regions. Conclusion The 2D-LS distribution during the systolic period reflects the LV contraction process in patients with an altered ventricular activation sequence, and may have potential for identifying the regions of early activation site and subsequent activation propagation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

REMOTE SENSING APPROACH TO EVALUATE POST-FIRE VEGETATION STRUCTURE

Abstract. Spain is included in the top five European countries with the highest number of wildfires. Forest fire can produce significant impacts on the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems. After a forest fire, the evaluation of the damage severity and spatial patterns are important for forest recovery planning, which plays a critical role in the sustainability of the forest ecosystem. The process of forest recovery and the ecological and physiological functions of the burned forest area should be continuously monitored. Remote sensing technologies and in special LiDAR are useful to describe the structure of vegetation. The vegetation modelling and the initial changes of forest plant composition are studied in the forest after mapping the burned areas using Landsat-7 images and Sentinel-2 images. Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) index and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NVVI) is calculated as well as the difference before and after fire. The evaluation of temporal changes of vegetation are analysed by statistical variables of the point cloud, average height, standard deviation and variance. Fraction Canopy Cover (FCC) also is calculated and the point cloud is classified following the fuel model by Prometheus. An analysis method based on satellite images was completed in order to analyse the evolution of vegetation in areas that suffer forest fire.

Association Between Community Social Capital and Suicide Mortality in Rural Areas of Japan: An Evaluation of Temporal Changes

Background: Although previous studies have reported that suicide mortality was associated with social capital, the relation between social capital and suicide mortality has remained controversial. Thus, we evaluated the relation between social capital and suicide mortality in rural areas of Japan, and examined the association between temporal changes in social capital and suicide mortality over the last ten years. Methods: We examined the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) for suicide for 26 municipalities of Miyazaki Prefecture and used the data to calculate the average suicide SMRs for two five-year periods: an earlier period, 2004–2008; and a later period, 2012–2016. Social capital (social cohesion and social participation of older people) was measured using information from questionnaire surveys. A multiple linear regression analysis of suicide SMR was conducted for each social capital variable, adjusting for potential confounding factors (population density, the proportion of older people, annual divorce rate, unemployment rate, and proportion of workers engaged in primary industries). Results: We demonstrated that male suicide SMR for the earlier period was significantly and positively associated with social cohesion after the adjustment of confounding factors. Temporal changes in male suicide SMRs were significantly and negatively associated with temporal changes in the social participation of older people in the adjusted model. No association was found for female suicide SMRs in either period. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that the social participation of older people might reduce suicide among males.

Wearable multiplexed biosensor system toward continuous monitoring of metabolites

Comprehensive metabolic panels are the most reliable and common methods for monitoring general physiology in clinical healthcare. Translation of this clinical practice to personal health and wellness tracking requires reliable, non-invasive, miniaturized, ambulatory, and inexpensive systems for continuous measurement of biochemical analytes. We report the design and characterization of a wearable system with a flexible sensor array for non-invasive and continuous monitoring of human biochemistry. The system includes signal conditioning, processing, and transmission parts for continuous measurement of glucose, lactate, pH, and temperature. The system can operate three discrete electrochemical cells. The system draws 15 mA under continuous operation when powered by a 3.7 V 150 mAh battery. The analog front-end of the electrochemical cells has four potentiostats and three multiplexers for multiplexed and parallel readout from twelve working electrodes. Utilization of redundant working electrodes improves the measurement accuracy of sensors by averaging chronoamperometric responses across the array. The operation of the system is demonstrated in vitro by simultaneous measurement of glucose and lactate, pH, and skin temperature. In benchtop measurements, the sensors are shown to have sensitivities of 26.31 μA mM−1·cm−2 for glucose, 1.49 μA mM−1·cm−2 for lactate, 54 mV·pH−1 for pH, and 0.002 °C-1 for temperature. With the custom wearable system, these values were 0.84 ± 0.03 mV μM−1·cm−2 or glucose, 31.87 ± 9.03 mV mM−1·cm−2 for lactate, 57.18 ± 1.43 mV·pH−1 for pH, and 63.4 μV·°C−1 for temperature. This miniaturized wearable system enables future evaluation of temporal changes of the sweat biomarkers.

Evaluation of Temporal Changes in Deep Well Water Quality in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State

The research work was carried out in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State. Thirty water samples from boreholes were randomly collected within the major towns in November to April (Dry), and May to October (Rainy season). The samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, and bacteriological parameters and to observe any changes in the groundwater quality of the area. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson Correlation were performed on the data obtained using SPSS 10.0 for a window for significant variations and inter-element relationship. High mean turbidity was recorded in boreholes in Danfili (12.2 NTU), Kwarau (6.2 NTU). Mean turbidity of 4.3 NTU was recorded in Dry season for wells with Rigachikun having 5.1 NTU. It was observed that a negative correlation exists between well depth and heavy metal concentration. There was also a linear relationship of 0.686 between well distance and nitrate (faecal contaminant). Mean value for Fluoride (0.22 mg/l), Sodium (20.78 mg/l), Calcium (15.7 mg/l), Iron (0.013 mg/l), Nitrate (3.69 mg/l), Cadmium (0.00102 mg/l) Chloride (22.107 mg/l) recorded for sampled wells were all within WHO standard. A high value of 24 mg/l and 25 mg/l for Nitrate was recorded in Saminaka Road and Danfili. An indication of contamination during the rainy season indicates surface-groundwater intrusion (influx). The results of the bacteriological analysis indicated that most wells sampled have a range of 1 cfu/100 ml to 7 cfu/100 ml with Danfili Mani having the highest value (7 cfu/100 ml) which make it unsaved (not Potable).

Motor Improvement-Related Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Changes in Parkinson's Disease in Response to Antiparkinsonian Drugs.

Little is known about the relationship between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) change and clinical improvement in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) measurement of cerebral blood flow allows evaluation of temporal changes in brain function, and using SPECT, we aimed to identify motor improvement-related rCBF changes in response to the administration of antiparkinsonian drugs. Thirty PD patients (16 without dementia; 14 with dementia) were scanned with technetium-99m labeled ethyl cysteinate dimer SPECT and were rated with the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III, both before and after a single administration of antiparkinsonian drugs. The SPECT data were processed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 2, the easy Z-score Imaging System, and voxel-based Stereotactic Extraction Estimation. The rCBF responses in the deep brain structures after administration of antiparkinsonian drugs tended to be larger than those in cortical areas. Among these deep brain structures, the rCBF increases in the substantia nigra (SN), lateral geniculate (LG) body, and medial geniculate (MG) body correlated with drug efficacy (p < 0.05, respectively). A subgroup analysis revealed that the motor improvement-related rCBF change in the MG was statistically significant, irrespective of cognitive function, but the significant changes in the LG and SN were not found in subjects with dementia. In conclusion, our SPECT study clearly exhibited drug-driven rCBF changes in PD patients, and we newly identified motor improvement-related rCBF changes in the LG and MG. These results suggest that rCBF changes in these regions could be considered as candidates for clinical indicators for objective evaluation of disease progression. Furthermore, functional studies focusing on the LG and MG, especially in relation to therapies using audio-visual stimuli, may bring some new clues to explain the pathophysiology of PD.

Evidence for Sexual Recombination in Didymella tanaceti Populations, and Their Evolution Over Spring Production in Australian Pyrethrum Fields.

Tan spot, caused by Didymella tanaceti, is one of the most important foliar diseases affecting pyrethrum in Tasmania, Australia. Population dynamics, including mating-type ratios and genetic diversity of D. tanaceti, was characterized within four geographically separated fields in both late winter and spring 2012. A set of 10 microsatellite markers was developed and used to genotype 774 D. tanaceti isolates. Isolates were genotypically diverse, with 123 multilocus genotypes (MLG) identified across the four fields. Fifty-eight MLG contained single isolates and Psex analysis estimated that, within many of the recurrent MLG, there were multiple clonal lineages derived from recombination. Isolates of both mating types were at a 1:1 ratio following clone correction in each field at each sampling period, which was suggestive of sexual recombination. No evidence of genetic divergence of isolates of each mating type was identified, indicating admixture within the population. Linkage equilibrium in two of the four field populations sampled in late winter could not be discounted following clone correction. Evaluation of temporal changes in gene and genotypic diversity identified that they were both similar for the two sampling periods despite an increased D. tanaceti isolation frequency in spring. Genetic differentiation was similar in populations sampled between the two sampling periods within fields or between fields. These results indicated that sexual reproduction may have contributed to tan spot epidemics within Australian pyrethrum fields and has contributed to a genetically diverse D. tanaceti population.

Evaluation of temporal changes in hydrostructural properties of regenerating permanent grassland soils based on shrinkage properties and μCT analysis

In this study, structural recovery of degraded cropland, which was converted to permanent grassland and managed under no-till and no-renovation condition, was evaluated. We combined hydrostructural parameters with shrinkage characteristics and X-ray computed microtomography (μCT) analysis at three depths, to determine the mechanism for soil structural recovery over a 19-year period. The results showed that the total porosity and hydraulic properties were improved, with the age of the regenerating grassland, due to a better rearrangement of soil particles which in combination with the shrinkage induced realignment of pores in the soil matrix, resulted in better pore continuity. Changes in hydraulic stresses were most pronounced in the intensely rooted soil layers with further enhancement of the soil structure during restoration. This was similarly observed in the reconstructed images, which further highlight the strong contribution from the root development and organic matter conversion to the improved pore networks. Our result also showed that ignoring the depth and time dependent shrinkage behaviour of within the soil matrix resulted in overestimation of water retention potential in the first 8 years since the commencement of the restoration programme, and in the underestimation of water retention in the structurally stable soil beyond this period The results from these combined analyses; allowed a more methodical, detailed, quantitative and qualitative assessment of temporal soil structural recovery in naturally recovering grassland soil.

Evaluation of temporal changes of small yellow croaker stock status in East China Sea using trawl survey indices

Evaluation of temporal changes of small yellow croaker stock status in East China Sea using trawl survey indices

Evaluation of Temporal Changes in Urine-based Metabolomic and Kidney Injury Markers to Detect Compound Induced Acute Kidney Tubular Toxicity in Beagle Dogs.

Urinary protein biomarkers and metabolomic markers have been leveraged to detect acute Drug Induced Kidney Injury (DIKI) in rats; however, the utility of these indicators to enable early detection of DIKI in canine models has not been well documented. Therefore, we evaluated temporal changes in biomarkers and metabolites in urine from male and female beagle dogs. Gentamicin- induced kidney lesions in male dogs were characterized by moderate to severe tubular epithelial cell degeneration/necrosis, epithelial cell regeneration and dilation; and a unique urinebased metabolomic fingerprint. These metabolite changes included time and treatment-dependent increases in lactate, taurine, glucose, lactate, alanine, and citrate as well as 9 other known metabolites. As early as 3 days post dose, gentamicin induced increases in urinary albumin, clusterin, neutrophil gelatinase associated protein (NGAL) and total protein concentrations. Urinary albumin, clusterin, and NGAL showed earlier and more robust elevations than traditional kidney safety biomarkers, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Elevations in urinary kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) were less reliable for detection of gentamicin nephrotoxicity in dogs based on values generated utilizing multiple first-generation, canine-specific KIM-1 immunoassays. The metabolic fingerprint was further evaluated in male and female dogs that received Compound A which induced slightly reversible renal tubular alterations characterized as degeneration/necrosis and concurrent significant increases in urinary taurine amongst other markers. These data support further investigations to demonstrate the value of urinary metabolites, albumin, clusterin, NGAL and taurine as promising markers to enable early detection of DIKI in dogs.