pD2 Values Research Articles

Technical Development and In Silico Implementation of SyntheticMR in Head and Neck Adaptive Radiation Therapy: A Prospective R-IDEAL Stage 0/1 Technology Development Report.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the technical feasibility of integrating the quantitative maps available from SyntheticMR into the head and neck adaptive radiation oncology workflow. While SyntheticMR has been investigated for diagnostic applications, no studies have investigated its feasibility and potential for MR-Simulation or MR-Linac workflow. Demonstrating the feasibility of using this technique will facilitate rapid quantitative biomarker extraction which can be leveraged to guide adaptive radiation therapy decision making. Two phantoms, two healthy volunteers, and one patient were scanned using SyntheticMR on the MR-Simulation and MR-Linac devices with scan times between four to six minutes. Images in phantoms and volunteers were conducted in a test/retest protocol. The correlation between measured and reference quantitative T1, T2, and PD values were determined across clinical ranges in the phantom. Distortion was also studied. Contours of head and neck organs-at-risk (OAR) were drawn and applied to extract T1, T2, and PD. These values were plotted against each other, clusters were computed, and their separability significance was determined to evaluate SyntheticMR for differentiating tumor and normal tissue. The Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient between the measured and phantom reference values was above 0.98 for both the MR-Sim and MR-Linac. No significant levels of distortion were measured. The mean bias between the measured and phantom reference values across repeated scans was below 4% for T1, 7% for T2, and 4% for PD for both the MR-Sim and MR-Linac. For T1 vs. T2 and T1 vs. PD, the GTV contour exhibited perfect purity against neighboring OARs while being 0.7 for T2 vs. PD. All cluster significance levels between the GTV and the nearest OAR, the tongue, using the SigClust method was p < 0.001. The technical feasibility of SyntheticMR was confirmed. Application of this technique to the head and neck adaptive radiation therapy workflow can enrich the current quantitative biomarker landscape.

Elevated asymmetric supercapacitor with the nickel-metal organic framework derived nickel oxide/nickel composite: Designed to optimize efficiency and reliability

In this study, a solvothermal method is used to synthesizes MOF-derived NiO/Ni composites and NiO samples at various calcination temperatures (350 °C, 450 °C, 550 °C, and 650 °C) and durations (4, 5, 6, and 7 h). The NiO/Ni sample calcined at 450 °C for 5 h (NiO/Ni-450) exhibits the highest specific capacitance (Cs) of 410 Fg⁻¹ at a scan rate of 5 mV s⁻¹. This superior performance results from the combined benefits of Ni's metallic conductivity and NiO's redox activity. In a 1 M KOH electrolyte, NiO/Ni-450 retains about 83 % of its initial capacitance after 2,000 cycles. The NiO sample formed by calcining NiO/Ni-450 for 5 h (H5) achieves a specific capacitance (Cs) of 371 Fg⁻¹ and retains 80 % of its capacitance after 2,000 cycles. NiO/Ni-450 and H5 demonstrate energy densities (Ed) of 8.58 and 5.48 Wh kg⁻¹, and power densities (Pd) of 608 and 500 W kg⁻¹, respectively. An asymmetric supercapacitor using NiO/Ni-450 and activated carbon (AC) shows an impressive 80 % capacitance retention after 9,000 cycles, with a Cs of 123 Fg⁻¹, and Ed and Pd values of 14.58 Wh kg⁻¹ and 4038 W kg⁻¹, respectively, highlighting the potential for industrial-scale production of these materials for energy storage.

Interference mitigation using optimised angle diversity receiver in LiFi cellular network

Light-fidelity (LiFi) is an emerging technology for high-speed short-range mobile communications. Inter-cell interference (ICI) is an important issue that limits the system performance in an optical attocell network. Angle diversity receivers (ADRs) have been proposed to mitigate ICI. In this paper, the structure of pyramid receivers (PRs) and truncated pyramid receivers (TPRs) are studied. The coverage problems of PRs and TPRs are defined and investigated, and the lower bound of field of view (FOV) for each PD is given analytically. It is shown that the lower bound of FOV for TPR and PR are 20° and 30°, respectively. The impact of random device orientation and diffuse link signal propagation are taken into consideration. The performances of PRs and TPRs are compared, and optimised ADR structures are proposed by jointly considering the impact of tilt angle, FOV, and the number of PDs. For a transmitter-bandwidth limited system, the optimal PD values are 6 for PR and 9 for TPR, whereas, for a receiver-bandwidth limited system, the optimal PD value is 15. In addition, the double source (DS) cell system, where each LiFi AP consists of two sources transmitting the same information signals but with opposite polarity, is proved to outperform the single source cell (SS) system in interference limited or noise-plus-interference limited scenario. However, the SS cell system outperforms the DS cell system in a noise-limited scenario.

Earthquake Magnitude Estimation through Mixed-Effects Ground-Motion Modeling of Early P-Wave Arrivals

Abstract A regional earthquake early warning system (EEWS) warrants potential predictive models to accurately extract earthquake parameters like magnitude and intensity from the first few seconds of a P-wave arrival. In this study, a maiden predictive model depicting the relationship between peak displacement amplitude (Pd) and magnitude (ML) is proposed for the western Himalayan region through a mixed-effects regression and compared with those from similar tectonic regimes. This model for EEWS is derived from the vertical-component waveforms with a high signal-to-noise ratio, using three different time-window lengths (Td) of 1, 2, and 3 s, just after the P onset. Waveforms from 83 earthquakes in the magnitude (ML) range of 3 and 5.5 registered at 27 strong motion seismic stations are used for this purpose. The hypocentral distance range varies between 5 and 264 km. A comparative analysis between the models obtained through linear and linear mixed-effects (lme) regression reveals that the latter is robust. It is observed that the intra-event uncertainties are significantly reduced after site corrections and contribute more toward the total variabilities, compared to the inter-event uncertainties. Based on the results from this study, it is emphasized that the local site effects should be incorporated while developing the predictive models for EEWS. Importantly, the displacement magnitude (Mpd) derived from Pd values, accurately matches with ML, even for the data not used to derive the model, lending credence to the final model. A scaling relation between the peak ground velocities (PGV) and Pd values is also established to evaluate the seismic hazard levels. Advocating that the adapted models should be calibrated for a targeted region, the dissimilarities among different models and the implications from epistemic uncertainties are also discussed in the present study.

Are adolescents with premenstrual disorder at risk for cardiac arrhythmias?

One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of premenstrual disorder (PMD) is anxiety, and there is a notable rise in sympathomimetic activity in this patient group. Studies have linked fluctuations in systemic autonomic tone to electrocardiography (ECG) changes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between anxiety, a common symptom of PMD, and alterations in QT dispersion (QTd) and P-wave dispersion (Pd) in adolescent females. This cross-sectional study included female adolescents aged 12-18 with regular menstruation for at least 3 months. Participants completed the premenstrual syndrome scale (PMSS) and were divided into two groups, PMD and control, according to the PMSS score. A standard 12-lead body surface ECG was performed and QTd and Pd values were determined in each participant. Of the 43 participants, 27 were categorized into the PMD group, with a mean age of 15.15 ± 1.43 years. Age at menarche and menstrual cycle patterns were comparable between the PMD and control groups. Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher Pmin (p = 0.010) and Pd values (p < 0.001) in the PMD group compared to controls. A positive correlation between PMSS scores and Pd (p = 0.049) was also observed. Changes in atrial conduction and ventricular repolarization due to the pathophysiology of PMD may increase the risk of developing atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias over time. Screening patients with PMD using an ECG may be useful in identifying potentially at-risk adolescents.

The Influence of Retinol Ointment on Rabbit Skin (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Ion Transport-An In Vitro Study.

Retinoids are known to improve the condition of the skin. Transepithelial transport of sodium and chloride ions is important for proper skin function. So far, the effect of applying vitamin A preparations to the skin on ion transport has not been evaluated. In the study, electrophysiological parameters, including transepithelial electric potential (PD) and transepithelial resistance (R), of rabbit skin specimens after 24 h exposure to retinol ointment (800 mass units/g) were measured in a modified Ussing chamber. The R of the fragments incubated with retinol was significantly different than that of the control skin samples incubated in iso-osmotic Ringer solution. For the controls, the PD values were negative, whereas the retinol-treated specimens revealed positive PD values. Mechanical-chemical stimulation with the use of inhibitors of the transport of sodium (amiloride) or chloride (bumetanide) ions revealed specific changes in the maximal and minimal PD values measured for the retinol-treated samples. Retinol was shown to slightly modify the transport pathways of sodium and chloride ions. In particular, an intensification of the chloride ion secretion from keratinocytes was observed. The proposed action may contribute to deep hydration and increase skin tightness, limiting the action of other substances on its surface.

Metronidazole Modified-Release Therapy Using Two Different Polymeric Systems Gels or Films: Clinical Study for the Treatment of Periodontitis.

This study evaluated the efficacy of semisolid systems (gels) and films containing a combination of metronidazole (MTZ) and metronidazole benzoate after scaling and root-planing (SRP) for periodontitis. In total, 45 patients with stage I or II periodontitis were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: 1-SRP-control; 2-SRP + Film with MTZ; 3-SRP + Gel with MTZ. The pH of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) before/after treatments, MTZ concentrations, and drug release using high-performance liquid chromatography were investigated. The effects were evaluated by longitudinal monitoring of clinical parameters (probing depth-PD, clinical attachment level-CAL, and bleeding on probing-BP). MTZ and MTZ-benzoate concentrations in the periodontal pocket and pH showed no statistical difference after application. SRP + Gel presented the lowest CAL values. For SRP + Film and SRP + Gel, higher PD values were observed at T0 compared to all groups. A relevant reduction in BP was observed in SRP + Film and SRP + Gel groups at all times compared to T0. Both therapies improved periodontal health compared to SRP alone, reducing PD and BP, and increasing CAL for the gel group, suggesting they are promising for periodontal disease treatment.

The Correlation between Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness Measured by Echocardiography and P-Wave Dispersion and Atrial Fibrillation.

Recent studies have indicated a close relationship between the thickness of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and the occurrence as well as persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the pathogenesis of this association is still in the exploratory stage. The aim of this study is to explore the correlation EAT, as measured by echocardiography, and P-wave dispersion (Pd) in the context of atrial fibrillation. Additionally, the study seeks to analyze the utility of EAT at different anatomical sites in identifying individuals who are predisposed to atrial fibrillation. A total of 136 subjects were enrolled and categorized into groups based on the guidelines: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation group (PAF group), persistent atrial fibrillation group (AF group), and non-atrial fibrillation group. Comprehensive clinical data, including general information and medications that could impact the occurrence of atrial fibrillation, were gathered for all patients. Echocardiography was employed to measure the maximum EAT thickness near the apex of the heart on the anterior right ventricular wall and near the base of the right ventricle for each participant. Pd values were computed for each patient based on standard 12-lead synchronous electrocardiogram (ECG). The study involved comparing the disparity in EAT thickness between the two specified sites across the three groups. Additionally, correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between EAT thickness at the two sites and Pd. Regression analysis was applied to explore potential risk factors for atrial fibrillation. The diagnostic value of EAT at each site in predicting atrial fibrillation was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. EAT thickness of the anterior wall near the apex of the heart and near the base of the right ventricle were significantly positively correlated with Pd (p 0.05), EAT thickness near the base and left atrial diameter were independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation (OR = 13.673, 95% CI 2.819~66.316, p = 0.001; OR = 2.294, 95% CI 1.020~5.156, p = 0.045). ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve of EAT thickness near the heart base was 0.723, and the best threshold for predicting the occurrence of AF was 1.05 cm. The echocardiography-measured epicardial adipose tissue thickness, particularly in proximity to the heart base, exhibits a significant correlation with Pd. Notably, EAT thickness near the heart base demonstrates superior predictive capability for atrial fibrillation compared to thickness near the apex.

Non-contrast magnetic resonance evaluation of active multiple sclerosis lesions: Emerging role of quantitative synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

The current study aims to explore the utility of novel synthetic MRI-derived quantitative parameters including myelin-correlated volume (MyC) in identifying active MS lesions without injecting gadolinium contrast. 43 MS patients underwent institutional MS protocol including 3D FLAIR and post-contrast 3D T1VIBE sequence on a 1.5T MR Scanner in addition to synthetic MRI sequence. MS plaques were categorised into enhancing (C) and non-enhancing (N) lesions. They were also sub-categorised based on location into periventricular WM lesions (P), deep WM lesions (D), infratentorial lesions (I) and cortical-juxtacortical (C) lesions. ROIs were placed on Synthetic FLAIR images in MS lesions and quantitative parameters of R1, R2, PD and myelin-correlated volume (MyC) obtained. Sensitivity and specificity for various cut-off values to differentiate enhancing from non-enhancing multiple sclerosis lesions were calculated by performing ROC curve analysis and logistic regression analysis. Contrast enhancing lesions demonstrated significantly higher mean R1, R2 values and lower mean PD values in comparison to non-enhancing lesions (p < 0.05) but with limited specificity. Region-wise analysis revealed high AUC values for mean R1 and R2 at cortical-juxtacortical lesions (p < 0.001) followed by periventricular lesions (p < 0.003) for differentiating enhancing from non-enhancing lesions with no significant contribution from MyC and PD values. Synthetic MRI-derived quantitative parameters of mean R1, R2, MyC and PD hold value in differentiating contrast enhancing and non-enhancing MS lesions without administering gadolinium-based contrast agent. However, the current study did not achieve significant specificity for establishing the same.

Vasoconstrictor Effects of Trace Amine Associated Receptor Agonists in the Isolated Perfused Rat Kidney.

Endogenous trace amines such as tryptamine and 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM) are present in mammalian tissues at very low concentrations. They produce their actions by activating surface G protein-coupled receptors known as trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs). The study was designed to investigate the possible vasoconstrictor effects of tryptamine, T1AM, and the selective TAAR1 agonist RO5263397 in isolated perfused rat kidney. Renal vascular reactivity experiment using Male Wistar Kyoto (WKY, n = 82) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR, n = 89) were used in this study. Tryptamine, T1AM, and RO5263397 increased perfusion pressure in preparations from WKY rats and SHRs in a dose-dependent manner, with no significant difference between the agonist's pD2 values (P &gt; 0.05). EPPTB, a selective TAAR1 antagonist (1ηM), significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced agonist-induced increase in perfusion pressure in both WKY and SHRs, suggesting a role for TAAR1 activation in these responses. The vasoconstrictor responses in both groups were significantly reduced by L-type dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, Rho-kinase, and PKC inhibitors suggesting the involvement of extracellular calcium and enhanced calcium sensitization. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger significantly inhibited the agonist-induced increase in perfusion pressure in preparations from SHRs but not WKY. The agonist-induced increase in perfusion pressure in the kidney involves the influx of extracellular calcium, increased calcium sensitization, and ROS in SHRs only.

Rebuttal to the article Pathological crystal structures.

A section in the Acta Crystallographica Section C article by Raymond & Girolami [Acta Cryst. (2023), C79, 445-455] stated that the product of the reaction of [(Cp*Rh)2(μ-OH)3]+ (Cp* is 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadiene) with 1-methylthymine (1-MT) at pH 10 and 60 °C, to synthesize the anionic component [RhI(η1-N3-1-MT)2]-, was not an RhI complex, but rather an AgI complex, due to the use of silver triflate (AgOTf) to remove Cl- from [Cp*RhCl2]2 to synthesize [Cp*Rh(H2O)3](OTf)2, a water-soluble crystalline complex. We will clearly show that this premise, as stated, is invalid, while the authors have simply avoided several important facts, including that Cp*OH, a reductive elimination product, at pH 10 and 60 °C, was unequivocally identified, thus leading to the RhI anionic component [RhI(η1-N3-1-MT)2]-. More importantly, AgOH, from the reaction of NaOH at pH 10 with any potentially remaining AgOTf, after the AgCl was filtered off, would be insoluble in water. Furthermore, a control experiment with the inorganic complex Rh(OH)3, reacting with 1-methylthymine at pH 10, provided no product, and this bodes well for a similar fate with AgOTf and 1-methylthymine, i.e. at pH 10, AgOTf would again be converted to the water-insoluble AgOH; therefore, no reaction would occur! Finally, a 1H NMR spectroscopy experiment was carried out with synthesized and crystallized [Cp*Rh(H2O)3](OTf)2 in D2O at various pD values; at pD 8.65 no reaction took place, while at pD 13.6, and at 60 °C for 2 h, a reductive elimination reaction caused the precipitation of Cp*OH. The subsequent 1H NMR spectrum clearly demonstrated, in the absence of any AgI complexes, that the solution structure and the X-ray crystals in D2O were similar. A postulated mechanism for this novel anionic component structure, as published previously [Smith et al. (2014). Organometallics, 33, 2389-2404], will be presented, along with the experimental data, to insure the credibility of our results. We will also answer the comments in the response of Drs Raymond and Girolami to this rebuttal.

Correlations between intravascular pressure gradients and cerebral blood flow in patients with symptomatic, medically refractory, anterior circulation artery stenosis: an exploratory study

BackgroundFractional flow reserve is widely used in coronary disease management, with a threshold of 0.80. However, similar thresholds are unclear in functional assessment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).ObjectiveTo investigate the...

Synthetic MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging for differentiating nasopharyngeal lymphoma from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: combination with morphological features.

To investigate the feasibility of synthetic MRI (syMRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and their combination with morphological features for differentiating nasopharyngeal lymphoma (NPL) from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Sixty-nine patients with nasopharyngeal tumours (NPL, n = 22; NPC, n = 47) who underwent syMRI and DWI were retrospectively enrolled between October 2020 and May 2022. syMRI and DWI quantitative parameters (T1, T2, PD, ADC) and morphological features were obtained. Diagnostic performance was assessed by independent sample t-test, chi-square test, logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and DeLong test. NPL has significantly lower T2, PD, and ADC values compared to NPC (all P < .05), whereas no significant difference was found in T1 value between these two entities (P > .05). The morphological features of tumour type, skull-base involvement, Waldeyer ring involvement, and lymph nodes involvement region were significantly different between NPL and NPC (all P < .05). The syMRI (T2 + PD) model has better diagnostic efficacy, with AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.875, 77.27%, 89.36%, and 85.51%. Compared with syMRI model, syMRI + Morph (PD + Waldeyer ring involvement + lymph nodes involvement region), syMRI + DWI (T2 + PD + ADC), and syMRI + DWI + Morph (PD + ADC + skull-base involvement + Waldeyer ring involvement) models can further improve the diagnostic efficiency (all P < .05). Furthermore, syMRI + DWI + Morph model has excellent diagnostic performance, with AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.986, 95.47%, 97.87%, and 97.10%, respectively. syMRI and DWI quantitative parameters were helpful in discriminating NPL from NPC. syMRI + DWI + Morph model has the excellent diagnostic efficiency in differentiating these two entities. syMRI + DWI + morphological feature method can differentiate NPL from NPC with excellent diagnostic performance.

Self-pulsing of dielectric barrier discharges at low driving frequencies

This paper investigates the self-pulsing of dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) at low driving frequencies. In particular, (a) the dependence of current on the product pd of gas pressure p and the gas gap length d, (b) the effects of lossy dielectrics (in resistive discharges) and large dielectric permittivity (in ferroelectrics) on current dynamics, (c) the transition from Townsend to a dynamic capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) discharge with changing pd values, and (d) the transition from Townsend to a high-frequency CCP regime with increasing the driving frequency. A one-dimensional fluid model of argon plasma is coupled to an equivalent RC circuit for lossy dielectrics. Our results show multiple current pulses per AC period in Townsend and CCP discharge modes which are explained by uncoupled electron–ion transport in the absence of quasineutrality and surface charge deposition at dielectric interfaces. The number of current pulses decreases with an increasing applied frequency when the Townsend discharge transforms into the CCP discharge. The resistive barrier discharge with lossy dielectrics exhibits Townsend and glow modes for the same pd value (7.6 Torr cm) for higher and lower resistances, respectively. Finally, we show that ferroelectric materials can amplify discharge current in DBDs. Similarities between current pulsing in DBD, Trichel pulses in corona discharges, and subnormal oscillations in DC discharges are discussed.

One pot synthesis of nanostructured bismuth fluoride tailored for symmetric supercapacitor performance

Organic molecule stabilized face-centered cubic structured bismuth fluoride (BiF3) nanoparticles (NPs), space group: Fm-3 m, were prepared using a wet chemical synthesis route for symmetric supercapacitor application. For freestanding three electrode system, at current density (Cd) 3.3 A.g−1, the material displayed a maximum specific capacitance (SCp) value 717.3 F.g−1. The symmetric device based on BiF3 attained a maximum specific capacity (SC) value of 228.4 mAh.g−1 at 0.06 A.g−1. At the current density of 0.30 A.g−1, the device displayed the energy density (Ed) and power density (Pd) values of 0.17 Wh.kg−1 and 343.7 W.kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, the fabricated symmetric supercapacitor displayed 90% of capacity retention and 95% of coulombic efficiency at 0.12 A.g−1 for 1000 galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) cycles. The symmetric supercapacitor based on BiF3 NPs exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, which could be an appropriate choice for application in different integrated energy storage systems.

The effects of the urotensin-II receptor antagonist palosuran treatment on the corpora cavernosa of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of treatment with palosuran, a urotensin receptor blocker, on molecular changes in the corpora cavernosa (CC) and erectile function in diabetic rats. MethodsStreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with palosuran 300 mg/kg per day for 6 weeks. Contraction of CC induced by potassium chloride, phenylephrine, and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and relaxation of CC induced by electric field stimulation (EFS) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent stimuli, respectively), and Y-27632 (Rho-kinase inhibitor) were examined in organ baths. Direct contraction or relaxation induced by palosuran and urotensin-II (U-II) were also evaluated. Expressions of nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) enzymes, RhoA, oxidative stress regulators, and U-II were analyzed by Western blotting or immunohistochemisty. ResultsInduction of diabetes in rats resulted in decreased relaxant response to SNP, decreased pD2 value of SNP, attenuated relaxant response to Y-27632 as well as the decreased RhoA expression in CC. Palosuran treatment of diabetic rats reversed all of these parameters; however, it further impaired the already weakened relaxation of diabetic CC in response to EFS. Although induction of diabetes did not change U-II expression in CC significantly, palosuran treatment reduced U-II expression in diabetic CC. The expression level of nNOS was lowered in diabetic CC; however palosuran treatment did not change the decreased nNOS expression. In vitro exposure of diabetic CC strips to palosuran produced a direct relaxant response. ConclusionPalosuran treatment did not affect the expression of NOS enzymes or reduced nitrergic conduction induced by EFS stimulation in diabetic CC. However, while directly triggering a relaxant response, it did not induce a prominent contraction either by decreasing U-II expression, or increasing the sensitivity of CC to NO which suggested that palosuran has the potential to support erectile function. Further and comprehensive studies are required to clarify this issue.

The quantitative parameters based on marrow metabolism derived from synthetic MRI: A pilot study of prognostic value in participants with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

The value of SyMRI-derived parameters from lumbar marrow for predicting early treatment response and optimizing the risk stratification of the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) in participants with multiple myeloma (MM) is unknown. We prospectively enrolled participants with newly diagnosed MM before treatment. The SyMRI of lumbar marrow was used to calculate T1, T2, and PD values and the clinical features were collected. All participants were divided into good response (≥VGPR) and poor response (<VGPR) groups after four treatment cycles. Univariate, multivariate analyses and ROC were used to identify prognostic significance. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare the SyMRI parameters between genders. The value of optimizing the risk stratification was analyzed by Fisher's exact tests at each R-ISS stage. Fifty-nine participants (good response, n = 33; poor response, n = 26) were evaluated. The bone marrow plasma cell percentage, β2-microglobulin, T1 and T2 value were difference between two groups (all p < 0.05). The T1 (odds ratio 1.003, p = 0.005) and T2 values (odds ratio 0.910, p = 0.002) were independent predictors and the AUC and cut-off values were 0.787, 967.2 ms and 0.784, 75.9 ms, respectively. There were no significant differences in SyMRI parameters between genders. Participants with both T1 value ≥967.2 ms and T2 value ≤75.9 ms in the R-ISS II stage were potentially to get poor response. Synthetic MRI is a promising tool for predicting early treatment response to MM and promoting R-ISS II stage risk stratification.

Investigation of Dielectric Properties and Structural Changes in XLPE Composite Insulation of Covered Conductor due to Thermal Aging

Investigating the dielectric characteristics and structural alterations in XLPE composites, commonly employed in the insulation of covered conductors, stands as a pivotal research focus. In this study, we examined the variation in dielectric loss (tanδ) concerning frequency and voltage, influenced by thermal aging in XLPE insulation. To achieve this, the samples underwent aging at 120°C for six periods, a total of 450 hours. Furthermore, we conducted PD tests, FTIR, and SEM assessments on the insulation both before and after the aging process. A comprehensive analysis of the material's property changes during thermal aging was performed by comparing the PD test results with the tanδ measurements. In order to delve deeper into the interpretation of these findings because of thermal aging, we explored both internal and surface structural modifications, which directly impact tanδ and PD values, utilizing FTIR and SEM techniques.

Experimental investigation to understand the effect of fracturing fluid on the geomechanical behavior of mowry shale

Hydraulic fracturing of shale reservoirs is one of the important technologies in the oil and gas industry. To ensure the safe operation of oil and gas recovery, it is important to study the shale-fluid interactions on the geomechanical behavior of shale. This study investigated the effect of fracturing fluid treatment on the mechanical and elastic properties of the Mowry Shale formation, Wyoming, USA. Cylindrical Mowry Shale specimens with a diameter of 12.5 mm collected from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and School of Energy Resources (SER) of the University of Wyoming were treated with brine and brine + stimulation fluid for one month each at pressures of 9 and 11.7 MPa and temperatures of 96 and 66 °C, respectively. Triaxial compression experiments were conducted on the specimens. Results showed that all Mowry Shale specimens experienced an increase in maximum volumetric strain with the increase in effective confining pressure (Pd). Regardless of aging fluids, the maximum deviatoric stress (Δσd) of most Mowry Shale specimens increases with the increase in Pd. At a lower Pd, the USGS specimen aged with brine and stimulation fluid exhibits higher maximum Δσd than those aged with brine only. However, at a higher Pd, the USGS specimen aged with brine exhibits a higher maximum Δσd. SER specimens aged with brine and stimulation fluid exhibit higher maximum Δσd values than those aged with brine for all three Pd values. Regardless of the aging fluids, most USGS specimens experience a brittle failure mode, while SER specimens aged with brine and stimulation fluid experienced a more ductile behavior.

Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in Biofilm Samples and Clinical Association in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Remission-A Pilot Study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that affects the central nervous system and can lead to neurological impairment. Our aim was to determine whether MS patients also show inflammatory changes in the oral cavity more frequently than healthy individuals. For this purpose, we examined plaque samples for various mediators and their correlation with clinical findings. A study group (MS) and a control group were examined and compared. The plaque samples were analyzed for the expression of interleukins (IL-2, -6, -10), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-7, MMP-9), and a surface antigen CD90 by quantitative real-time PCR. The clinical parameters examined were the Mombelli plaque index; bleeding on probing (BOP) index; periodontal pocket depth; and decayed, missing, and filled tooth (DMFT) index. The expression of MMP9 was significantly (p = 0.035) higher in the control group. The expression of IL-2 was increased four-fold in the MS group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The mean PD (p < 0.001) and BOP index (p = 0.029) values were increased in the study group. The clinical parameters of the BOP index and PD were significantly amplified in the MS patients. However, no causal relationship between the investigated inflammatory mediators and the clinical findings could be established in this case series.