Volume Curves Research Articles

Impact of collateral vessels on Fontan circulation by using 0-1 dimensional Fontan circulation model considering concepts of oxygen supply and consumption

Abstract Background/Purpose In patients with univentricular heart disease, the Fontan operation has played a significant role in improving cyanosis and reducing the volume load on the systemic ventricle. However, Fontan patients may develop various complications, and their hemodynamics may deteriorate gradually, resulting in a poor long-term survival rate. Development of collateral vessels before and/or after the Fontan operation is one of the significant problems, and the patients may suffer from advanced cyanosis and heart failure. Although recent studies about the collateral vessels by MRI showed that a significant amount of blood is flown through the collateral vessels, little is known about its effect on the Fontan circulation. Therefore, understanding the mechanism and impact of collateral vessels on the Fontan circulation is important. Methods A 0-1-dimensional Fontan circulation hemodynamic model was developed to reproduce the hemodynamic changes of the blood flow in the entire body by introducing two types of collateral vessels (VVC: veno-venous collateral, APC: aorto-pulmonary collateral) into the model considering clinical status. Also, giving various conditions by ranging catecholamine dose and introducing the concept of oxygen delivery and consumption by changing workloads, arterial and central venous oxygen saturations (SaO2 and SvO2) are predicted in the Fontan circulation models. To evaluate the cardiac function, considering the impact of collateral vessels, four representative values were examined: (1) cardiac output (CO) per minute; (2) Ees relative to arterial elastance (Ees/Ea); (3) ejection fraction; and (4) the stroke work (SW) to pressure-volume area (PVA) ratio (SW/PVA). Results SaO2 and SvO2 were less in Fontan circulations with both VVC and APC present (92% and 54%) than those without collateral vessels (96% and 62%). Also, with collateral vessels, Ees/Ea was decreased while SW/PVA was increased, leading to poor perfusion to the tissue. Regardless of the presence or absence of collateral circulation, SaO2 and SvO2, and systemic blood flow rate decreased when pulmonary vascular resistance was high. By administering catecholamine at 10 microgram/kg/min, in the presence of both VVC and APC, SvO2 was increased from 53% to 58%, while SaO2 was decreased from 92% to 88%. Conclusions The simulated results of arterial and venous blood oxygen saturations and systemic blood flow rate were well-reproduced, matching the previously reported clinical results. It is suggested that pulmonary vasodilators may be beneficial in increasing blood oxygen saturation and improving tissue perfusion, even in Fontan patients with collateral vessels. However, the catecholamine's positive effect is limited. For reproducing various conditions of Fontan circulations, it is necessary to collect actual measurement data from a variety of patients and validate the predicted value to increase the credibility of the model.Arterial and venous oxygen saturationsPressure and volume curves

Epicardial fat can predict the in-atrial thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Thromboprophylaxis is important in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is involved in the formation of the pre-thrombotic state. However, the potential of EAT in predicting the risk of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation remains unknown. Objective To study the imaging features of EAT and its potential in predicting the risk of in-atrial thrombus in atrial fibrillation. Methods Patients were divided into the group with (thrombus group) and without (non-thrombus group) intra-atrial thrombosis according to the results of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The EAT volume, mean EAT density and EAT volume/whole heart volume ratio measured on coronary artery CT angiography (CA-CTA) were compared between the two groups. Result A total of 347 atrial fibrillation patients undergoing both TEE and CA-CTA were included and 38 cases were complicated with in-atrial thrombus. Using quartile values, EAT volume, mean EAT density, the ratio of EAT volume/whole heart volume are divided into four grades according to the values. By analyzing the ROC curve and comparing the area under the curve of AUC, EAT volume and EAT volume/whole heart volume ratio show potential diagnostic value in predicting the risk of in-atrial thrombus in atrial fibrillation. In addition, 38 cases without in-atrial thrombus were included in the non-thrombotic group after matching the propensity score by age and gender. On multivariate analysis, patients in the thrombus group had the larger EAT volume (P=0.000, P<0.05) and higher ratio of EAT volume/whole heart volume ratio (P=0.004, P<0.05) when compared with patients in the non-thrombotic group, but there was no difference of mean EAT density (P=0.224, P>0.05) between the two groups. On logistic regression analysis, patients in the thrombus group had the larger EAT volume when compared with patients in the non-thrombotic group (P=0.003, P<0.05). Conclusions EAT may be a potential marker in predicting the risk of in-atrial thrombus in atrial fibrillation. However, much more efforts and testing would be needed before our conclusion could be tried in other people and to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms of EAT.Figure 1Epicardial fat measuremeFigure 2ROC curve

Abstract 11578: Predicting 30- and 90-day Hospital Admission Rates Using 3-Dimensional Echocardiography Volume-Curve Parameters

Introduction: This study compares impact of 3D echocardiography-derived novel volume-time parameters to established diastolic dysfunction grades with the aim to improve diagnostic and prognostic prediction of hospital admissions. Methods: Subjects (100 heart-failure (HF) and 11 controls) completed 3D-echocardiograms. Under 2016 ASE Guidelines ‘normal’ and ‘grade 1’ were classified as ‘lower-grade’ (n=64), while ‘grade 2’ and ‘grade 3’ as ‘higher-grade’ (n=38). Early passive filling rate to late passive filling rate ratio was calculated, with early-filling and atrial contraction volumes normalized to total filling volume and body surface area. VC based analysis was classified into ‘normal’ (n=37; atrial contraction enhanced, normal, early enhanced) and ‘abnormal’ (n=74; mid-filling enhanced, delayed filling and restrictive-constrictive). Both methods were compared for 30- and 90-day hospital admissions. Results: The mean age is 67.4 years (SD: 11.1) with 51.4% male. Overall, 9.0% (n=10) and 16.2% (n=18) of the subjects were admitted within 30-days and 90- days, respectively. For 30-day admission, 60% and 40% were lower-grade and higher-grade groups by ASE, respectively, (hazard ratio [HR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 3.23, p-value = 0.89); For admission within 90-days, 50% were in lower-grade and 50% in higher-grade groups of ASE, respectively, (HR 1.37; 95% CI, 0.54 to 3.45, p-value = 0.51). Kaplan-Meier curves and log rank test showed significant differences between VC groups with (p-value =0.021 and p-value<0.001) in at risk of admission within 30- and 90-days, respectively. Conclusions: Volume curve analysis provides a better diagnostic and prognostic tool for predicting near term hospital admissions in HF patients. Kaplan-Meier Curves depicting admission within 30- and 90- days by VC and ASE Group

Nano-Scale Pore Structure Characterization and Its Controlling Factors in Wufeng and Longmaxi Shale in the Zigong Area, Southwest Sichuan Basin

The nano-scale pore systems in shale reservoirs control shale gas transportation and aggregation, which is of great significance for the resource evaluation of shale oil and gas and the selection of a “sweet spot”. Taking twelve marine shale samples from the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in the Zigong area, southwest Sichuan Basin, as the research target, we carried out a series of experiments, including total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas adsorption (CO2 + N2), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), to study the full-scale pore structure characterization and controlling factors of pore volume and specific surface area. The results presented the following findings. (1) Marine shale samples from the target area are rich in organic matter, with an average TOC value of 3.86%; additionally, the mineral composition was dominated by quartz and clay minerals, with average contents of 44.1% and 31.4%, respectively. (2) The full-scale pore size distribution curves of pore volume developed multimodally, with the main peaks at 0.5 nm–2 nm, 3 nm–6 nm, and 700 nm–2.2 um; moreover, the full-scale pore size distribution curves of a specific surface area developed unimodally, with the main peak ranging from 0.5 nm to 1.2 nm. (3) Pore volume was mainly contributed by mesopores and macropores, with an average contribution of 46.66% and 42.42%, respectively, while the contribution of micropores was only 10.91%. The specific surface area was mainly contributed by micropores and mesopores, with an average contribution of 64.63% and 29.22%, respectively, whereas the contribution of micropores was only 6.15%. (4) The TOC content mainly controlled the pore volume and specific surface area of micropores and mesopores, while the clay and feldspar content generally controlled the pore volume and specific surface area of macropores. Additionally, the quartz content had an inhibitory effect on the development of all pore types. These results will help researchers understand the laws of gas accumulation and migration.

Ab initio insight into the physical properties of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) lead-free perovskite for hydrogen storage application.

Renewable energy systems are vital for a sustainable future, where solid-state hydrogen storage can play a crucial role. Perovskite hydride materials have attracted the scientific community for hydrogen storage applications. The current work focuses on the theoretical study using density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the characteristics of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) hydrides. The structural, vibrational, electronic, mechanical, thermodynamic, and hydrogen storage properties of these hydrides were investigated. The equilibrium lattice parameters were calculated using the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state-to-energy volume curves. The elastic constants (Cij) and relevant parameters, such as Born criteria, were calculated to confirm the mechanical stability of the hydrides. The Cauchy pressure (Cp) revealed brittle or ductile behavior. The outcomes of the Pugh ratio, Poisson ratio, and anisotropy were also calculated and discussed. The absence of negative lattice vibrational frequencies in phonon dispersion confirmed the lattice's dynamic stability. The heat capacity curves of thermodynamic properties revealed that hydrides can conduct thermal energy. The metallic character and ample interatomic distances of hydrides were confirmed by the band structure and population analysis, which confirmed that hydrides can conduct electrical energy and adsorb hydrogen. The density of state (DOS) and partial DOS unveiled the role of specific atoms in the DOS of the crystal. The calculated gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity of MgCoH3, MgCuH3, and MgNiH3 hydrides was 3.64, 3.32, and 3.49wt%, respectively. Our results provide a deeper understanding of its potential for hydrogen storage applications through a detailed analysis of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) perovskite hydride material.

A multi-scale model for use in hydrodynamic simulations of impacts and hypervelocity penetrations into porous silica aerogel

Low-density silica aerogel is an ideal material for capturing hypervelocity interplanetary dust. To investigate the behavior of hypervelocity shock waves at different particle velocities using silica aerogel densities ranging from 80 kg/m3 to 320 kg/m3, a multi-scale Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) approach is employed. The simulation results demonstrate a good agreement with the macroscopic experimental findings across a wide range of particle velocities, from 0.5 km/s to 20 km/s, while considering the shock wave velocities of the porous material and their linear variation. In addition, simulations of pressure-specific volume curves were conducted using the microscopic model. According to the simulation results, we present a novel compression model of silica aerogel materials regarding the classical form of the P−V relationship for porous materials. Building upon the microscopic model, we propose a macroscopic equivalent model for dynamic compression of low-density aerogel, which is subsequently incorporated into the hydrodynamic calculation of interplanetary dust hypervelocity penetration into aerogel. The results of the simulation of hypervelocity penetration indicate that the multi-scale model presented in this work can be used to simulate the macroscopic mechanical behavior of aerogels in a non-uniform field.

Study on the mechanism of local compression bruising in kiwifruit based on FEM

AbstractThis study focuses on the relationship between local compression and local bruise volume of kiwifruits by means of finite element method (FEM). The effects of four indenter shapes and three compression directions on the local kiwifruit bruise were considered. The local bruise volume and the irregular cross section area of kiwifruit were calculated. Multi‐scale kiwifruit 3D modelling based on irregular cross‐sectional area computed by slice‐integration method. Local compression bruise was simulated by FEM. The results of the local bruise test show that the contact force and the bruise volume of kiwifruit are positive linear correlation. Comparing the simulation with the experimental, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the reconstructed model is 0.0394, and the R2 of contact force–bruise volume curve is 0.8203. The maximum equivalent forces and abrasions occur in the 0° and 90° loading directions with the square indenter has been showed by FEM results.Practical applicationsSe‐enriched kiwifruit has high nutrition and economic value. Kiwifruits are often influenced by a variety of factors and processes from harvest to consumption time. Cleaning, transport, and various processing operations including peeling and slicing in the kiwifruit industry are responsible for local bruise to kiwifruit. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of local bruise caused by local contact force of kiwifruit plays an important role in reducing kiwifruit waste in the postharvest stage. Local bruise mechanisms can be used in harvesting and post‐harvest mechanical design and product transportation and positioning equipment.

Structural optical design of multi-group, high zoom ratio optical systems

In this paper, we propose a method for the structural optical design of multi-group, high zoom ratio optical systems based on matrix optics and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. This method effectively addresses the problems of initial structural calculation difficulties, large volume, and unsmooth zoom curves with large inflection points in high zoom ratio optical systems. To design the zoom optical system, the matrix equations of the multi-group zoom system are derived using geometric optics; and a mathematical model is built to solve the initial structural parameters of the zoom system based on the matrix. Then, a new fitness function is introduced as an indicator to iteratively optimize the initial structural parameters of the system in multi-dimensional space, considering factors such as maximum zoom ratio, total optical length, and full field of view angle. Finally, this method is validated in two complex optical system designs including a 20x four-group and a 35x five-group zoom optical system, showing strong retrieval capabilities. Independent of traditional trial-and-error investigations for solutions, our method facilitates the automatic intelligent design of complex optical systems.

Relationship between quantitative epicardial adipose tissue based on coronary computed tomography angiography and coronary slow flow

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between quantitative epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and coronary slow flow (CSF).MethodsA total of 85 patients with < 40% coronary stenosis on diagnostic coronary angiography were included in this retrospective study between January 2020 and December 2021. A semi-automatic method was developed for EAT quantification on CCTA images. According to the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade, the patients were divided into CSF group (n = 39) and normal coronary flow group (n = 46). Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between EAT and CSF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of EAT in CSF.ResultsEAT volume in the CSF group was significantly higher than that of the normal coronary flow group (128.83± 21.59 mL vs. 101.87± 18.56 mL, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in epicardial fat attenuation index between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that EAT volume was independently related to CSF [odds ratio (OR) = 4.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.06–7.27, P < 0.001]. The area under ROC curve for EAT volume in identifying CSF was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77–0.95). The optimal cutoff value of 118.46 mL yielded a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.94.ConclusionsIncreased EAT volume based on CCTA is strongly associated with CSF. This preliminary finding paves the way for future and larger studies aimed to definitively recognize the diagnostic value of EAT in CSF.

Automated 2-D and 3-D Left Atrial Volume Measurements Using Deep Learning

Echocardiography, a critical tool for assessing left atrial (LA) volume, often relies on manual or semi-automated measurements. This study introduces a fully automated, real-time method for measuring LA volume in both 2-D and 3-D imaging, in the aim of offering accuracy comparable to that of expert assessments while saving time and reducing operator variability. We developed an automated pipeline comprising a network to identify the end-systole (ES) time point and robust 2-D and 3-D U-Nets for segmentation. We employed data sets of 789 2-D images and 286 3-D recordings and explored various training regimes, including recurrent networks and pseudo-labeling, to estimate volume curves. Our baseline results revealed an average volume difference of 2.9 mL for 2-D and 7.8 mL for 3-D, respectively, compared with manual methods. The application of pseudo-labeling to all frames in the cine loop generally led to more robust volume curves and notably improved ES measurement in cases with limited data. Our results highlight the potential of automated LA volume estimation in clinical practice. The proposed prototype application, capable of processing real-time data from a clinical ultrasound scanner, provides valuable temporal volume curve information in the echo lab.

Heart failure classifications via non-invasive pressure volume loops from echocardiography.

Left ventricular pressure-volume (LV-PV) loops provide comprehensive characterization of cardiovascular system in both health and disease, which are the essential element of the hemodynamic evaluation of heart failure (HF). This study attempts to achieve more detailed HF classifications by non-invasive LV-PV loops from echocardiography and analyzes contribution of parameters to HF classifications. Firstly, non-invasive PV loops are established by time-varying elastance model where LV volume curves were extracted from apical-four-chambers view of echocardiographic videos. Then, 16 parameters related to cardiac structure and functions are automatically acquired from PV loops. Next, we applied six machine learning (ML) methods to divide four categories. On this premise, we choose the best performing classifier among machine learning approaches for feature ranking. Finally, we compare the contributions of different parameters to HF classifications. By the experimental, the PV loops were successfully acquired in 1076 cases. When single left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is used for HF classifications, the accuracy of the model is 91.67%. When added parameters extracted from ML-derived LV-PV loops, the classification accuracy is 96.57%, which improved by 5.1%. Especially, our parameters have a great improvement in the classification of non-HF controls and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We successfully presented the classification of HF by machine derived non-invasive LV-PV loops, which has the potential to improve the diagnosis and management of heart failure in clinic. Moreover, ventriculo-arterial (VA) coupling and ventricular efficiency were demonstrated important factors for ML-based HF classification model besides LVEF.

A Different Scintigraphic Perspective on the Systolic Function of the Left Ventricle-1.

The aim of this study was to analyze the systolic part of the left ventricular (LV) volume curve obtained by gated myocardial perfusion imaging with the formula used in exponential decay and to investigate the clinical value of the results. One hundred fifty eight patients were retrospectively enrolled in the study. The study group was divided into three groups as normal, ischemia, and infarct. The systolic portion of the LV volume curve was also analyzed using the exponential decay formula. The scintigraphic parameter obtained using this formula is called the ejection constant (Ec). The Ec results were 1.8±0.8, 2.7±0.9, 3.5±1 in infarct, ischemia, and normal groups, respectively, and the difference in Ec results between the groups was statistically significant (p≤0.001). It appears that Ec may play a clinical role as a scintigraphic parameter in the evaluation of systolic functions of the left ventricle.

Myocardial perfusion imaging with retrospective gating and integrated correction of attenuation, scatter, respiration, motion, and arrhythmia

BackgroundAbsolute quantitative myocardial perfusion SPECT requires addressing of aleatory and epistemic uncertainties in conjunction with providing image quality sufficient for lesion detection and characterization. Iterative reconstruction methods enable the mitigation of the root causes of image degradation. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a new SPECT/CT method with integrated corrections attempting to enable absolute quantitative cardiac imaging (xSPECT Cardiac; xSC).MethodsWe compared images of prototype xSC and conventional SPECT (Flash3DTM) acquired at rest from 56 patients aged 71 ± 12 y with suspected coronary heart disease. The xSC prototype comprised list-mode acquisitions with continuous rotation and subsequent iterative reconstructions with retrospective electrocardiography (ECG) gating. Besides accurate image formation modeling, patient-specific CT-based attenuation and energy window-based scatter correction, additionally we applied mitigation for patient and organ motion between views (inter-view), and within views (intra-view) for both the gated and ungated reconstruction. We then assessed image quality, semiquantitative regional values, and left ventricular function in the images.ResultsThe quality of all xSC images was acceptable for clinical purposes. A polar map showed more uniform distribution for xSC compared with Flash3D, while lower apical count and higher defect contrast of myocardial infarction (p = 0.0004) were observed on xSC images. Wall motion, 16-gate volume curve, and ejection fraction were at least acceptable, with indication of improvements. The clinical prospectively gated method rejected beats ≥20% in 6 patients, whereas retrospective gating used an average of 98% beats, excluding 2% of beats. We used the list-mode data to create a product equivalent prospectively gated dataset. The dataset showed that the xSC method generated 18% higher count data and images with less noise, with comparable functional variables of volume and LVEF (p = ns).ConclusionsQuantitative myocardial perfusion imaging with the list-mode-based prototype xSPECT Cardiac is feasible, resulting in images of at least acceptable image quality.

Biological Rotation Age of Community Teak (Tectona grandis) Plantation Based on the Volume, Biomass, and Price Growth Curve Determined through the Analysis of Its Tree Ring Digitization

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a deciduous tree producing a popular, expensive, fancy timber with versatile utilization. The teak population and its habitats in the natural forest have been decreasing consistently; thus, the IUCN Red List classifies it as an endangered species. Teak tree logging from its native natural forest is banned, and commercial teak timber can only be harvested from the plantation. People plant teak on their private lands or in the community forest to meet the increasing demand. This study analyzed the annual tree rings of a teak disk taken from the community plantation and aimed to determine its biological rotation age. Tree ring interpretation provides the increment and growth that are mandatory fundamental components of knowledge in sustainable forest management. It may also decipher the tree’s biography, which contains information about past climate and future predictions responding to climate change. All of the disk’s annual tree rings were digitized, transformed, and then curve-fitted using an elliptical polar form of non-linear regression. The best-fitted curve estimation of every annual tree ring was employed to determine their age-related diameter and basal area, and then allometric equations estimated the above-ground biomass and clear-bole volume. The continuous and discrete formula fit the growth curve well, and this study determined that Chapman-Richards is the best fit among others. The growth curve, current annual increment (CAI), and mean annual increment (MAI) were graphed based on the clear-bole volume, above-ground biomass, and log timber price. The CAI and MAI intersections result in 28, 30, and 86 years of optimum harvesting periods when the growth calculation is based on volume, above-ground biomass, and log timber price, respectively. These results identified that the teak plantation is a sustainable and highly valuable asset to inherit with long-term positive benefits. The sociocultural provision of teak plants as an inheritance gift for the next generation has proven to be economically and ecologically beneficial.

Estimating the Impacts of Ungauged Reservoirs Using Publicly Available Streamflow Simulations and Satellite Remote Sensing

On the Korean Peninsula, the Imjin River is a transboundary river that flows from North Korea into South Korea. Therefore, human intervention activities in the upstream region can have a substantial impact on the downstream region of South Korea. In addition to climate impacts, there are increasing concerns regarding upstream man-made activities, particularly the operation of the Hwanggang dam located in the territory of North Korea. This study explored the feasibility of using the publicly available global hydrological model and satellite remote sensing imagery for monitoring reservoir dynamics and assessing their impacts on downstream hydrology. “Naturalized” streamflow simulation was obtained from the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Global Water Sustainability (GEOGloWS) European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Streamflow Services (GESS) model. To correct the biases of the GESS-based streamflow simulations, we employed quantile mapping using the observed streamflow from a nearby location. This method significantly reduced volume and variability biases by up to 5 times on both daily and monthly scales. Nevertheless, its effectiveness in improving temporal correlation on a daily scale in small catchments remained constrained. For the reservoir storage changes in the Hwanggang dam, we combined multiple remote sensing imagery, particularly cloud-free optical images of Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and snow-free Sentinel-1, with the area–elevation–volume (AEV) curves derived from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM). In assessing its hydrological impacts, the study found that overall impacts within the downstream catchment in Pilseung bridge of South Korea were generally less significant compared to the upstream Hwanggang catchment. However, there was a higher probability of experiencing water shortages during wet months due to the upstream dam’s operations. The study highlights the potential benefits of utilizing the publicly available hydrological model and satellite remote sensing imagery to supplement decision makers with important information for the effective management of the transboundary river basin in ungauged regions.

Leaf hydraulic distance is a good predictor of growth response to climate aridity within and across conifer species in a Taiga ecosystem

Despite inter-specific differences in hydraulic traits at broad scale have been comprehensively studied, intra-specific hydraulic variability in situ is less well known. Which hydraulic traits can better predict whole-plant performance in field both within and across species remains largely ambiguous. In the study, we conducted a field investigation on branch radial growth, leaf and branch anatomical traits related to hydraulics, as well as leaf pressure–volume curve parameters of two dominant conifer species (Larix sibirica and Picea obovata) at four sites over an aridity gradient across the Altay Mountain range, which locates at the southern edge of Taiga ecosystem, one of the largest and the most sensitive terrestrial biomes to climate change. L. sibirica is a generalist deciduous conifer species, while P. obovata is a specialist evergreen conifer species. It was found that: 1) P. obovata showed ten times higher slope of branch radial growth (RGRbranch) fitted to aridity than L. sibirica; 2) the hydraulic distance from the bundle sheath to the stomata (DMC) can predict the growth rate both within and across species; 3) earlywood and latewood anatomies showed different relations to RGRbranch within and across species; 4) leaf saturated osmotic potential (Ψsat) but not turgor loss osmotic potential (Ψtlp) was significantly and positively related to RGRbranch within species. Our results support the hypothesis that specialists are more sensitive in growth to climate change than generalists. Further, the results highlight DMC as a pivotal role in water transport and associated carbon assimilation both within and across species in Taiga ecosystem, therefore at the core of the structural adjustments to climate change in this largest and the most sensitive terrestrial biome.

Normal growth curve of choroid plexus in children: implications for assessing hydrocephalus due to choroid plexus hyperplasia.

Pediatric hydrocephalus requires evaluation while accounting for growth of the intracranial structures, but information on choroid plexus growth in children is lacking. This study aimed to create normal growth curves for intracranial volume, choroid plexus volume, and lateral ventricles volume. Additionally, the authors aimed to objectively assess the degree of hydrocephalus caused by choroid plexus hyperplasia (CPH) and to examine the impact of surgical procedures. This retrospective study analyzed the head CT scans of pediatric patients with minor head trauma treated at Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital between March 2006 and May 2023. The study segmented and calculated intracranial, choroid plexus, and lateral ventricles volumes. The study also calculated the correlation coefficients among these 3 parameters. Patients aged 0 to 10 years were divided into 15 age-related clusters, and mean ± SD values were calculated for each cluster. Growth curves were created by plotting mean values sequentially. Volume obtained from patients with CPH were z-normalized using mean and SD values and compared. A total of 229 CT scans (94 from females) were analyzed, and positive correlations were observed among intracranial volume, choroid plexus volume, and lateral ventricles volume, with the strongest correlation between the choroid plexus and lateral ventricles volumes. The growth rate of intracranial volume was rapid until approximately 20 months of age, while those of choroid plexus volume and lateral ventricles volume increased rapidly until approximately 1 year of age. Subsequently, choroid plexus volume and lateral ventricles volume plateaued at 1.5 ml and 10 ml, respectively. Three patients with CPH were enrolled and quantitatively evaluated on the basis of the z-normalized volume. Notable abnormal volumes of the choroid plexus (range z-normalized values 24.11-51.17) and lateral ventricles (46.78-122.36) were observed. In 2 patients, improvements in the z-normalized values of intracranial volume and lateral ventricles volume were observed after surgical interventions. Additionally, in 1 patient, choroid plexus volume was reduced by approximately 24% (range z-normalized values 51.17-38.93) after bilateral endoscopic plexus coagulation. This study provides normal growth curves for intracranial volume, choroid plexus volume, and lateral ventricles volume. Knowledge of these normal values holds the potential for objective assessment of abnormal values associated with hydrocephalus and choroid plexus diseases such as CPH.

Reference centile curves for muscle volume and strength of lower-limb muscles of typically developing children aged 0.5-18 years

Reference centile curves for muscle volume and strength of lower-limb muscles of typically developing children aged 0.5-18 years

Fast 4D FEM Model for EIT Source Separation Benchmarking

Abstract The accurate separation of cardiac and ventilatory contributions to electrical impedance tomography signals is crucial for complete and non-invasive cardiorespiratory monitoring. However, no consensus on a suitable source separation algorithm was achieved despite several proposals due to lacking systematic evaluation. To address this, we propose a benchmarking 4D finite element method generative model for mixed, cardiac, and ventilatory signals. Our model implements dynamic modelling of the heart, lungs, and pulmonary arteries using realistic volume and flow curve templates, along with cardiac and respiratory frequency coupling.We also employed variable alveolar and blood conductivities. The model was able to obtain long recordings faster than comparably complex models while maintaining significant physiological effects and signal properties such as non-stationarity, spatial delays, time and frequency profiles. The realistic physiological model can be used to taxonomize and evaluate source separation algorithms, as well as aid in the development and training of new ones.

First-principles investigation of structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of a scintillating double perovskite halides (Cs[formula omitted]LiCeX[formula omitted]) with (X = F, Br, and I)

In this study, several physical properties (structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical) of a scintillating double perovskite halide Cs2LiCeX6 (X = F, Br, and I) are investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) within the Wien2k code. The optimized lattice parameter (a0) of Cs2LiCeBr6 agrees perfectly with the experimental results. The optimized ground state energy appears to confirm the cubic stability. The band structure and densities of states are explored using PBE-GGA coupled with Tb-mBJ approximation. In the spin-up channel, the compound Cs2LiCeX6 (X = F, Br, and I) has a Fermi level occupied, with a band gap of 1.966eV, 1.350eV, and 1.184eV, respectively. While in the spin-down channel, the double perovskite halide Cs2LiCeBr6 and Cs2LiCeI6 behave like a semiconductor, with a band gap of 3.293eV and 2.418eV, respectively. The asymmetric density of states in both spin channels and the optimized energy volume curve in spin-polarized calculation assert to the ferromagnetic nature. The optical properties are calculated, and it is revealed that Cs2LiCeBr6 and Cs2LiCeI6 has a high optical conductivity than Cs2LiCeF6. The absorption in the ultraviolet and gamma frequency range, along with the emittance in the visible light unlocks the door for various applications, like medical imaging, radiation detection and particle detection.