Volume Deviation Research Articles

Calibration and evaluation of the relative biological effectiveness for carbon-ion radiotherapy in a new relative to a clinically applied treatment planning system

BackgroundThe study objective was to validate the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in RayStation for carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) using the Syngo treatment planning system as reference.MethodsLocal effect model I was established in RayStation (Ray-LEM) with the same parameters as in LEM I in Syngo (Syngo-LEM). Three cube plans covering most of the tumors treated at our center were generated with Syngo-LEM. Ray-LEM re-calculated the Syngo plans and compared the RBEs to the Syngo counterparts. The results showed that RayStation RBE was smaller than Syngo RBE. To ensure that Ray-LEM reproduced Syngo RBE, the observed deviations were used to scale the maximum RBE (RBEmax) in Ray-LEM. After this calibration, we further compared the RayStation RBE to Syngo RBE using additional plans in both homogeneous phantoms and patients, to ensure that the calibrated Ray-LEM reproduced Syngo RBE even with more complex planning features.ResultsThe calibration increased the RBEmax by 2.3% to raise the Ray-LEM RBE. The target mean RBE deviations in the phantom evaluation plans were median: 0.0 (minimum: − 1.1 to maximum: 0.7) %, and the target mean RBE deviations of the clinical target volumes of 16 patient cases were − 0.4 (− 1.5 to 0.2) %.ConclusionsThe residual RBE difference between RayStation and Syngo was found to be ≤ 1.0%. Thus, we can propose to use RayStation for clinical CIRT treatment planning. However, the potential differences due to the absorbed beam model warrants further exploration.

TOOLKIT FOR IMPROVING FINANCIAL RESULTS IN THE SYSTEM FOR STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE ENTERPRISE

The article focuses on the relevance of planning and implementation of tools aimed at improving the financial condition and ensuring the economic security of the enterprise. The purpose of the study is to justify the tools for improving financial results in the system of strengthening the economic security of the enterprise. The method of planning and forecasting the volume and structure of the company’s income is applied based on the calculation of break-even points, minimum profitability, resource-backed profit. Based on the financial and economic reporting data of the seven enterprises analyzed in the study, the income, expenses and performance indicators (initial data for calculating break-even) of the enterprises were determined. Indicators of critical limits of economic activity (income) of enterprises are calculated and given. The coefficients of deviation of the values of income at the point of resource-supported profit from the actual income of enterprises, as well as the coefficients of deviation of the actual volumes of income of enterprises from the income at the break-even point were determined. The directions and tools for improving financial results in the system of strengthening the economic security of the enterprise are substantiated. Areas, measures and structural subdivisions of realizing the potential of improving financial results in the system of strengthening the economic security of the enterprise have been determined. It has been established that the improvement of the company’s financial results has a positive effect on the strengthening of all components of its economic security, including financial, intellectual and personnel, technical and technological, institutional and legal, marketing, logistics, information, security, etc. Improvement of financial results is achieved by increasing the company’s income, as well as reducing (optimizing) its costs. In terms of increasing income, it is important to find all possible alternatives, both in terms of internal and external sources. In order to optimize the costs of the enterprise, it is appropriate to implement a balanced set of measures in the following directions: (1) rationalization of contingent and fixed costs, (2) reduction of the level of variable costs, (3) improvement of the system of stimulating the work of personnel, (4) ensuring technical and technological modernization of production and business -processes, (5) optimization of circulation costs.

Assessment of Characteristics of Imaging Biomarkers for Quantifying Anterior Cingulate Cortex Changes: A Twin Study of Middle- to Advanced-Aged Populations in East Asia.

Background and Objectives: Our aim was to assess genetic and environmental effects on surface morphological parameters for quantifying anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) changes in middle- to advanced-age East Asians using twin analysis. Materials and Methods: Normal twins over 39 years old comprising 37 monozygotic pairs and 17 dizygotic pairs underwent 3-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted imaging of the brain at 3T. Freesurfer-derived ACC parameters including thickness, standard deviation of thickness (STDthickness), volume, surface area, and sulcal morphological parameters (folding, mean, and Gaussian curvatures) were calculated from 3D T1-weighted volume images. Twin analysis with a model involving phenotype variance components of additive genetic effects (A), common environmental effects (C), and unique environmental effects (E) was performed to assess the magnitude of each genetic and environmental influence on parameters. Results: Most parameters fit best with an AE model. Both thickness (A: left 0.73/right 0.71) and surface area (A: left 0.63/right 0.71) were highly heritable. STDthickness was low to moderately heritable (A: left 0.48/right 0.29). Volume was moderately heritable (A: left 0.37). Folding was low to moderately heritable (A: left 0.44/right 0.28). Mean curvature (A: left 0.37/right 0.65) and Gaussian curvature (A: right 0.79) were moderately to highly heritable. Right volume and left Gaussian curvature fit best with a CE model, indicating a relatively weak contribution of genetic factors to these parameters. Conclusions: When assessing ACC changes in middle- to advanced-age East Asians, one must keep in mind that thickness and surface area appear to be strongly affected by genetic factors, whereas sulcal morphological parameters tend to involve environmental factors.

Comparison of Static and Dynamic Navigation in Root End Resection Performed by Experienced and Inexperienced Operators: An In Vitro Study

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the effects of static navigation (SN), a dynamic navigation system (DNS), and the freehand (FH) technique in root end resection and the differences between these effects according to the level of experience of the operator. MethodsMaxillary models reconstructed with Mimics software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) were 3-dimensionally printed and divided according to the experimental technique (FH, SN, or DNS) and the operator (experienced or inexperienced). SN was designed using 3-matic Medical software (Materialise) and printed, and a surgical approach plan for DNS was established and performed using DCARER (Suzhou, China) software. The accuracy, efficiency, and safety of the resections were assayed. ResultsThe length, angle, volume, and depth deviations of the root end resections were significantly lower in the SN and DNS group compared with the FH group. SN significantly improved the efficiency of both operators, whereas DNS only improved the efficiency of the inexperienced operator. No difference between the SN and DNS groups was found, except for the time required for the surgery. No mishaps occurred during surgery in the SN or DNS group. The number of mishaps with the FH technique when used by the inexperienced operator was significantly higher than that registered for the rest of the groups. No interaction effect between technique and operator experience level was detected. ConclusionsRegardless of operator experience, both SN and DNS could improve the accuracy and safety of root end resection. SN significantly improved the chairside efficiency of both operators, whereas DNS was more helpful for the inexperienced operator.

Assessment of Regional Functional Effects of Surgical Treatment in Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome via Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Quantitative regional assessment of thoracic function would enable clinicians to better understand the regional effects of therapy and the degree of deviation from normality in patients with thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS). The purpose of this study was to determine the regional functional effects of surgical treatment in TIS via quantitative dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison with healthy children. Volumetric parameters were derived via 129 dynamic MRI scans from 51 normal children (November 2017 to March 2019) and 39 patients with TIS (preoperatively and postoperatively, July 2009 to May 2018) for the left and right lungs, the left and right hemi-diaphragms, and the left and right hemi-chest walls during tidal breathing. Paired t testing was performed to compare the parameters from patients with TIS preoperatively and postoperatively. Mahalanobis distances between parameters of patients with TIS and age-matched normal children were assessed to evaluate the closeness of patient lung function to normality. Linear regression functions were utilized to estimate volume deviations of patients with TIS from normality, taking into account the growth of the subjects. The mean Mahalanobis distances for the right hemi-diaphragm tidal volume (RDtv) were -1.32 ± 1.04 preoperatively and -0.05 ± 1.11 postoperatively (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean Mahalanobis distances for the right lung tidal volume (RLtv) were -1.12 ± 1.04 preoperatively and -0.10 ± 1.26 postoperatively (p = 0.01). The mean Mahalanobis distances for the ratio of bilateral hemi-diaphragm tidal volume to bilateral lung tidal volume (BDtv/BLtv) were -1.68 ± 1.21 preoperatively and -0.04 ± 1.10 postoperatively (p = 0.003). Mahalanobis distances decreased after treatment, suggesting reduced deviations from normality. Regression results showed that all volumes and tidal volumes significantly increased after treatment (p < 0.001), and the tidal volume increases were significantly greater than those expected from normal growth for RDtv, RLtv, BDtv, and BLtv (p < 0.05). Postoperative tidal volumes of bilateral lungs and bilateral hemi-diaphragms of patients with TIS came closer to those of normal children, indicating positive treatment effects from the surgical procedure. Quantitative dynamic MRI facilitates the assessment of regional effects of a surgical procedure to treat TIS. Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The gamma dose rate analysis method for the maintenance of China initiative accelerator driven subcritical system based on the voxelized algorithm

Gamma dose rate analysis is the important issue for the maintenance of China initiative accelerator driven subcritical system (CiADS), which has direct impact on the nuclear radiation protection and the safe working environment for operators. However, the gamma radiation assessment in CiADS facility is the complex and challenge task, since there are a lot of complicated geometries with large amount of high order curve surfaces that are difficult to describe in the simulation process. Additionally, the shielding design in maintenance scenario has the requirement of high efficient calculation with acceptable accuracy. In this context, the point kernel method and the model simplification procedure by means of the voxelized model description have been adopted in the dose rate analysis for the purpose of obtaining the required flexible and diverse features, where the complex three dimensional geometries constructed by computer aided design (CAD) tools can be automatically converted to the approximate voxelized structure, and the radiation sources with arbitrary shapes are sampled based on the basic units in the conversion model. Furthermore, the CAD geometry optimization method has been verified in considering the volume deviation between the original CAD structure and the voxelized model. The feasibility and applicability of the dose rate analysis method have been tested in comparison with the FLUKA code, where all the numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed assessment method has the potential in meeting the design requirements during the maintenance of CiADS facility.

Thermodynamic Properties of Binary Liquid Mixtures Containing Furfural with Chlorobenzene, Nitromethane, Diethylmalonate and 1-Butanol at 308.15K and 318.15K Supported by FTIR Spectral Studies

A study on thermodynamic properties of the liquid mixture is used in the industrial process, which often extends to solution chemistry. Density(ρ), Viscosity(η), and Ultrasonic velocity(U) were determined for binary liquid mixtures of furfural with chlorobenzene, nitromethane, diethyl malonate and 1- butanol at temperature of 308.15K and 318.15K at atmospheric pressure over the whole range of mole fractions. The calculated thermodynamic properties and some excess parameters such as Excess Volume(VE), Deviation in Isentropic Compressibility(∆KS), Deviation in Viscosity(∆η), Deviation in Intermolecular Free Length(∆LF), Deviation in Intermolecular Free Volume(∆VF), Deviation in Internal Pressure(∆π) and Deviation in Acoustic Impedance(∆Z) were calculated and applied to the Redlich-Kister type polynomial equation to determine the appropriate coefficients. The effects of composition and temperature on thermodynamic parameters have been studied in terms of molecule interaction in these liquid mixtures. Further, IR spectra of these liquid mixtures were recorded and the data were utilized to examine the mixing behavior of the components.

Depression in young adulthood to midlife and brain aging in midlife: A 30‐year follow‐up of The CARDIA Study

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests that depression is a risk factor for dementia in older adults, but the link between depressive symptoms and brain health earlier in life is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms in early adulthood through midlife and brain aging in midlife.MethodsFrom the prospective study of Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults, we identified 649 Black and White participants (age 18‐30 at baseline) with brain MRI and cognitive testing 30 years later (mean age 55, SD 3.5). The participants underwent 6 repeated assessments for depressive symptoms measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES‐D) over 30 years. The CES‐D range is 0‐60, a score of 16 points or more is considered depressed. Cumulative exposure of depressive symptoms was estimated by time‐weighted averages (TWA). We used a previously validated high dimensional neuroimaging pattern analysis, based on machine learning algorithms, that quantifies individual differences in age‐related atrophy using MRI‐derived structural brain characteristics. Linear regression was used to test the association between average cumulative depressive symptoms, brain aging, and cognition, adjusted chronological age, sex, race, education, intracranial volume, and scanning siteResultsEvery standard deviation (5‐points) higher average cumulative depression symptoms was associated with approximately one‐year greater brain age (Table 1). Participants with higher average cumulative depressive symptoms greater than the clinically significant cutoff of 16 points over the 30 years, had on average 3‐years greater brain age (95% CI: 0.74 to 4.96) compared to below the clinical cutoff. Adjusting for anti‐depressive medication use at any time during the follow‐up, slightly attenuated the association (Table 1).ConclusionHigher depressive symptoms across 30 years from early to mid‐adulthood are associated with accelerated brain aging in midlife. This suggests that elevated depressive symptoms in early adulthood can have implications for brain aging as early as in midlife.

Improved first-principles electronic band structure for cubic (Pm [formula omitted] m) and tetragonal (P4mm, P4/mmm) phases of BaTiO3 using the Hubbard U correction

The influence of Hubbard U potential on crystal structure and electronic properties of the cubic (Pm 3¯ m) and the two tetragonal (P4mm, P4/mmm) phases of BaTiO3 (BTO) perovskite has been investigated for the first time, using GGA-PBE approximation. Through the application of the GGA-PBE + U approximation, our results highlighted that the deviation of both lattice parameters and volume versus the experimental measurements is approximately less than 1%, and the calculated indirect band gaps of the three phases of BTO are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The electronic investigations demonstrate that the band gap values of the three BTO polytypes, Pm 3¯ m, P4mm and P4/mmm phases, are 3.200 eV, 3.404 eV and 3.104 eV, respectively. On the other hand, the chemical bonds coupled with the DOS analysis suggest that the Ba-O and Ti-O bonds are mainly ionic and covalent, respectively. These results highlight that GGA-PBE approximation with Hubbard U correction could be an efficient method to achieve reliable band gap predictions with moderate computational cost. Hence, these findings could also be used as a theoretical reference for future research on these three phases of BTO perovskite.

Micro-Computed Tomography with 3D Image Analysis to Reveal Firing Temperature Effects on Pore Systems in Archaeological and Ethnographic Ceramics

Understanding the firing regimes of archaeological ceramics reveals clues about the history of technological developments, but current methods for determining firing history have limitations. We experimented with non-destructive micro-CT combined with 3D image analysis to collect data on 42 pore variables, hypothesizing that pore systems are affected by ceramic firing temperatures. Analysis of variance showed that 26 of the variables are significantly related to firing temperature. Total volume porosity (open and closed pores) goes down with increased firing temperature, as does the fraction of pores accessible to a surface. Maximum pore volume, maximum and standard deviation of pore surface area, and pore elongation measures all decrease with higher firing temperatures while shape factors indicating greater sphericity increase. Pore connectivity measures decrease with higher firing temperatures, and variation in pore and connection lengths increases. The highest fired ceramics have low connection tortuosity. Three-dimensional image analysis of micro-CT data can augment existing methods of archaeothermometry, and since many pore characteristics impact the functional properties of ceramics (density, durability, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, permeability, and diffusion), firing temperature studies of pore systems can inform wider archaeological ceramics research.

Low-cost 3D-printed anthropomorphic cardiac phantom, for computed tomography automatic left ventricle segmentation and volumetry – A pilot study

IntroductionAccurate cardiac left ventricle (LV) delineation is essential to CT-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). To evaluate dose-reduction potential, an anatomically accurate heart phantom, with realistic X-ray attenuation is required. We demonstrated and tested a custom-made phantom using 3D-printing, and examined the influence of image noise on automatically measured LV volumes MethodsA single coronary CT angiography (CCTA) dataset was segmented and converted to Standard Tessellation Language (STL) mesh, using open-source software. A 3D-printed model, with hollow left heart chambers, was printed and cavities filled with gelatinized contrast media. This was CT-scanned in an anthropomorphic chest phantom, at different exposure conditions. LV and “myocardium” noise and attenuation was measured. LV volume was automatically measured using two different methods. We calculated Spearmans’ correlation of LV volume with noise and contrast-noise ratio respectively om 486 scans of the phantom. Source images were compared to one phantom series with similar parameters. This was done using Dice coefficient on LV short-axis segmentations. ResultsPhantom “Myocardium” and LV attenuation was comparable to measurements on source images. Automatic volume measurement succeeded, with mean volume deviation to patient images less than 2 ml. There was a moderate correlation of volume with CNR, and strong correlation of volume with image noise. With papillary muscles included in LV volume, the correlation was positive, but negative when excluded. Variation of volumes was lowest at 90–100 kVp for both methods in the 486 repeat scans. The Dice coefficient was 0.87, indicating high overlap between the single phantom series and source scan. Cost of 3D-printer and materials was 400 and 30 Euro respectively. ConclusionBoth anatomically and radiologically the phantom mimicked the source scans closely. LV volumetry was reliably performed with automatic algorithms. Implications for practicePatient-specific cardiac phantoms may be produced at minimal cost and can potentially be used for other anatomies and pathologies. This enables radiographic phantom studies without need for dedicated 3D-labs or expensive commercial phantoms.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Vomer Volume and Deviation in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Alveolus.

Since almost all patients with an alveolar cleft have a deviated and thickened vomer bone, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the vomer shape and the size of the alveolar cleft in patients with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (CLA). A total of 40 adult patients with unilateral CLA were enrolled, and 40 normal adults without CLA were enrolled as controls. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography scans and analysis by computer-aided engineering software to obtain the vomer volume (VV), deviated septal angle (DSA), and alveolar cleft volume (ACV). An independent-sample t test or nonparametric test was used to compare the VV and DSA between the unilateral CLA and control groups. The correlation between ACV, VV, and DSA in the unilateral CLA group was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis or Spearman correlation analysis. Vomer volume was significantly higher in patients with CLA (1595.35±48.45mm3) than in the control group (1043.2±164.976mm3) (P<0.001), as was DSA (13.099±7.0 versus 3.4398±1.74 degrees) (P<0.001). In the CLA group, VV and DSA were significantly associated with ACV (VV and ACV: r=0.886, P<0.001; DSA and ACV: r=0.543, P<0.001), and VV was significantly correlated with DSA (VV and DSA: r=0.582, P<0.001). In conclusion, the vomer is thicker and more convex in patients with unilateral CLA than in people without, and the vomer angle and degree of volume deviation correlate with alveolar cleft severity.

Tumor Volume Regression of Rectal Cancer in Daily MRI during Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy with Capecitabine

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Although cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been available for over a decade, the pattern of tumor volume change in rectal cancer during preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has been under the veil due to poor soft tissue contrast of registration CBCT. This study was conducted to investigate daily rectal tumor volume change using registration magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Patients diagnosed with cT3-4 and/or cN+ rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing preoperative CCRT with capecitabine on the pelvis up to 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions from November 2018 to June 2019 were consecutively included. Rectal tumor volume was uniformly measured by single physician (YKK) in daily 0.35T MRI obtained with MR-guided linear accelerator. The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) of daily tumor volume (cc), difference of tumor volume between first fraction and daily fraction (baseline tumor volume at first fraction – daily tumor volume), and tumor volume reduction rate (%, [baseline tumor volume at first fraction – daily tumor volume]/baseline tumor volume at first fraction x 100) were calculated. Statistical significance of differences were tested using the Wilcoxon's signed rank test and paired t-test. <h3>Results</h3> Twenty patients were included. Median age was 64 and majority of the patients were male (90%). Most tumors were T3 (70%) and N1-2 (95%). Tumors were located median 6.9 cm (range: 1 – 12) above anal verge. Median follow-up was 32 months (range: 2.5 – 36.8) and 4 patients had recurred at the time of analysis (2 local and 2 distant). Tumor volume steadily regressed with daily administration of CCRT (mean 2.47 +/- 4.46 cc; Figure 1). Significant tumor volume reduction compared to baseline was observed from 4^th fraction (mean 13.95 +/- 17.78 cc; <i>P</i> < 0.0001). The difference of tumor volume between baseline and the last fraction was mean 46.62 +/- 56.01 cc (<i>P</i> < 0.0001). The tumor volume reduction rate was significantly increased since 4^th fraction (mean 16.64 +/- 10.9 %; <i>P</i> < 0.0001). The tumor volume reduction rate at the last fraction was – 68.18 +/- 15.68 % (<i>P</i> < 0.0001). <h3>Conclusion</h3> For the first time, this study demonstrated daily tumor volume regression in preoperative rectal CCRT with capecitabine using daily MRI. Steady pattern of tumor regression may be explained in part by daily administration of capecitabine. Based on the hypothesis-generating observation, this study may warrant initiation of further investigations on rectal tumor volume change with CCRT using daily MRI.

Tracking OAR Volume and DVH Variability in the Initial Cohort of Pelvic Patients Treated with CBCT-Guided, Online Adaptive Therapy

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> We have recently commissioned and began treatment using a novel, CBCT-guided, online adaptive radiotherapy (ART) platform. We have evaluated the volumetric and dosimetric variation in our initial cohort of patients. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> We have tracked our 6 initial online adaptive pelvis patients for 208 delivered fractions. A custom script was developed to extract volume and dosimetry data from our second check software. Target and organ-at-risk (OAR) volumes were gathered for every fraction. Structure volume variations were computed relative to the reference plan for each fraction and averaged per patient. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) data was collected for the primary treatment plan for our four prostate patients, all treated to 45 Gy in 25 fractions. The range of OAR DVH values at 20, 30, and 40 Gy and PTV V45 Gy over the primary course of each patient's treatment was computed for both scheduled and daily adapted plans. <h3>Results</h3> OAR variability was very patient dependent. Bladder volumes showed the largest variation, with most patients unable to replicate their bladder filling from simulation. Mean deviations in bladder volume ranged from -47% to +12%, with standard deviations >20% for two-thirds of patients. Rectal volume was also variable, but to a lesser extent, with mean variations ranging from -31% to +16%. DVH data demonstrates that ART produces a much tighter distribution of DVH curves compared to the scheduled plan for all structures while maintaining PTV coverage to within 1% of the reference value. The variability of V40Gy, V30Gy, and V20Gy showed reductions of 13.9%, 29.8%, 30.9% for bladder and 52.6%, 48.9%, and 24.6% for rectum relative to the scheduled plan, respectively. Using only the scheduled plan would result in reductions of up to 8% of target coverage compared to the reference plan. <h3>Conclusion</h3> We have observed considerable OAR interfraction volume variations during the course of pelvic radiation that can be highly patient dependent. Use of ART maintains adequate target coverage while reducing the variability in dose delivery to these nearby OARs. Combined with the large variability in OAR filling, we have demonstrated that ART enables clinicians to have a higher likelihood of delivering their intended doses to targets and OARs compared to standard-of-care radiotherapy.

Tissue Sealants for Facial Rhytidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: The aging face can be surgically treated with a face-lift (rhytidectomy); however, bleeding and hematoma are complications that surgeons seek to prevent. Objective: To compare the drainage volume and rate of hematoma in studies of rhytidectomy among those having tissue sealants and those without. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022325404). We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that the enrolled participants undergoing rhytidectomy and used tissue sealants as the intervention. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for the drainage volume; risk ratios (RRs) were used for hematoma incidents. Results: Seven RCTs were included. The drainage volume was significantly lower in the tissue sealant group than in the control group (mean difference [MD]: -11.01, confidence interval [95% CI]: -18.39 to -3.63, p < 0.00001). As for hematomas, the incidence was also lower in the tissue sealant group (RR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.08-0.99, p = 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that tissue sealants can be effective in reducing drainage volume and hematoma in face-lift; however, autologous and homologous tissue sealants can be further compared in future RCTs.

Deviations from a typical development of the cerebellum in youth are associated with psychopathology, executive functions and educational outcomes.

Understanding deviations from typical brain development is a promising approach to comprehend pathophysiology in childhood and adolescence. We investigated if cerebellar volumes different than expected for age and sex could predict psychopathology, executive functions and academic achievement. Children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Mental Conditions had their cerebellar volume estimated using Multiple Automatically Generated Templates from T1-weighted images at baseline (n = 677) and at 3-year follow-up (n = 447). Outcomes were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist and standardized measures of executive functions and school achievement. Models of typically developing cerebellum were based on a subsample not exposed to risk factors and without mental-health conditions (n = 216). Deviations from this model were constructed for the remaining individuals (n = 461) and standardized variation from age and sex trajectory model was used to predict outcomes in cross-sectional, longitudinal and mediation analyses. Cerebellar volumes higher than expected for age and sex were associated with lower externalizing specific factor and higher executive functions. In a longitudinal analysis, deviations from typical development at baseline predicted inhibitory control at follow-up, and cerebellar deviation changes from baseline to follow-up predicted changes in reading and writing abilities. The association between deviations in cerebellar volume and academic achievement was mediated by inhibitory control. Deviations in the cerebellar typical development are associated with outcomes in youth that have long-lasting consequences. This study highlights both the potential of typical developing models and the important role of the cerebellum in mental health, cognition and education.

Thermodynamics Properties and Internal Interactions of Ether-Group Functionalized Thiocyanate Ionic Liquid 1-(2-Methoxyethyl)-3-Methylimidazolium Thiocyanate and Its Mixtures with 1,4-Butyrolactone or Propylene Carbonate

In this paper, thermodynamic properties such as density, conductivity, and viscosity of an ether-based-functionalized ionic liquid (IL) 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazole thiocyanate [MOEMIM][SCN] was measured at temperatures from (288.15 to 343.15) K and at atmospheric pressure (101 KPa). Then, the mixture systems blends of [MOEMIM][SCN] + 1,4-butyrolactone (GBL) or propylene carbonate (PC) were also prepared and measured over the whole composition range at the same temperature and pressure conditions. The Vogel–Fulcher–Tamman (VFT) equation was employed to describe the temperature dependence of transport properties (viscosity and conductivity). The Casteel–Amis four-parameter (C–A) equation was used to explain the mole fraction dependence of ILs on the electrical conductivity. From the experimental density and viscosity, the excess molar volume (VE) and viscosity deviation (Δη) were obtained, and fitting results of the Redlich–Kister (R–K) polynomial equation showed that the changes of the excess properties were reasonable for the mixtures. Combined with the COSMO–RS model based on DFT calculation, the intermolecular interaction situations of the mixture systems were evaluated. Further, the σ-profile can provide the computational aspect of specific interactions between molecules or between solvent through H-bond donors and H-bond acceptors.

Impacts of building configurations on urban stormwater management at a block scale using XGBoost

Urban pluvial flooding has become a threatening hazard to ecosystem and human lives in recent years. Identifying its driving factors is essential for stormwater management. A significant underestimation of flood risk is caused by ignoring the coercive effects of building configuration on urban flooding. Data-driven machine learning algorithms provide insights into how building configurations affect urban flooding. This study utilized a cascade modelling chain comprising XGBoost, SHAP and PDP algorithms to determine the components of flooding risk and its impacts on local neighborhoods. It also provided practical guidance for city planners when planning from a building metrics perspective to mitigate pluvial flood risks. The result showed that building configuration plays an influential role in urban hydrology. The influence of Building Congestion Degree (BCD) on peak runoff became evident in an extreme rainstorm scenario, and especially in situations with low BCD. In addition, the Standard Deviation of Building Volume (SDBV) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had significant impacts on peak runoff. There was a significant inhibitory effect of SDBV on surface runoff when it is below 2.5 * 104 m3, as well as a suppression of flooding when the FAR is below the threshold of 2.8. The improvement strategy on building configuration for stormwater management can be carried out during urban renewal process or new district planning.

An Analysis of Major Target Deviations in Craniospinal Irradiation Treatment Plans for Patients With Intermediate-Risk Medulloblastoma Within a Phase 3 Clinical Trial (Children's Oncology Group Study ACNS0331)

PurposeCraniospinal irradiation remains an essential and yet difficult part of the treatment of patients with medulloblastoma. Whereas technological advances offer promise of increased conformity, realiance on advanced technology is not without risk, and it remains critical to carefully delineate targets. We describe examples of target deviations (TDs) in craniospinal irradiation treatment plans for postoperative patients with medulloblastoma in a phase 3 clinical trial (ACNS 0331). Methods and MaterialsThe principal investigator independently performed a review of the treatment plans and portal films of enrolled patients and evaluated the plans for TDs. TDs of dose, dose uniformity, and volume were defined as major or minor deviations. Major TDs scored as protocol violations. The effect of major TDs on event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using the stratified Cox proportional hazards model. ResultsOf the 549 patients enrolled, 461 were available for this analysis. Thirty-two (7%) plans did not have data sufficient for TD evaluation. Major TDs were found in 32 of the 461 plans (7%). Of those, 21 were deviations of target volume alone, 7 were deviations of target dose alone, and 4 were deviations of both target volume and dose. The 25 patients with TDs of volume involved 29 sites. The most common major TDs of volume involved the brain (9 of 29) and the posterior fossa (9 of 29). On Cox proportional hazards modeling, the presence of a major TD did not statistically significantly affect EFS (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-2.11; P = .9541) or OS (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-2.38; P = .8113). ConclusionsAlthough intensity modulated radiation therapy and proton therapy are promising in improving conformity and sparing organs at risk, technology does not substitute for careful anatomic definition of target volumes. The study was not powered to evaluate the effect of TDs on EFS and OS; therefore, the statistical analysis presented in this study must be interpreted with caution.

Size, electronic and magnetic effects on the deviation of Retgers’ law in binary FCC alloys

The volume of solid solutions mostly deviates from Retgers’ law, namely linearity of volume with respect to composition. Fundamental knowledge is demanded to reveal the regularity behind. In this work, we obtained the molar volume of a series of TM-Co and TM-Ni (TM ​= ​Transition Metals, including V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au) binary face-centered cubic (FCC) alloys by using first-principles calculations and CALPHAD modeling, and then compared to Retgers’ law. Results show that deviations from Retgers’ law exist for many systems, which can be caused by a range of factors from geometrical, to electronic, and magnetic parameters. The effects of these factors on the deviation from Retgers’ law were clarified. This work provides comprehensive understanding to the deviation of volume from Retgers’ law in the systems of binary FCC alloys.