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• Pub. Date : 2025
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• Pub. Date : 2025
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• Pub. Date : 2025
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Objective: This study evaluated the effect of an accelerated three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted pediatric brain MRI protocol using a deep learning (DL)-based reconstruction algorithm on scan time and image quality.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 46 pediatric patients who underwent conventional and accelerated, pre- and post-contrast, 3D T1-weighted brain MRI using a 3T scanner (SIGNA Premier; GE HealthCare) at a single tertiary referral center between March 1, 2023, and April 30, 2023. Conventional scans were reconstructed using intensity Filter A (Conv), whereas accelerated scans were reconstructed using intensity Filter A (Fast_A) and a DL-based algorithm (Fast_DL). Image quality was assessed quantitatively based on the coefficient of variation, relative contrast, apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR), and apparent contrast-to-noise ratio (aCNR) and qualitatively according to radiologists’ ratings of overall image quality, artifacts, noisiness, gray-white matter differentiation, and lesion conspicuity.Results: The acquisition times for the pre- and post-contrast scans were 191 and 135 seconds, respectively, for the conventional scan. With the accelerated protocol, these were reduced to 135 and 80 seconds, achieving time reductions of 29.3% and 40.7%, respectively. DL-based reconstruction significantly reduced the coefficient of variation, improved the aSNR, aCNR, and overall image quality, and reduced the number of artifacts compared with the conventional acquisition method (all P < 0.05). However, the lesion conspicuity remained similar between the two protocols.Conclusion: Utilizing a DL-based reconstruction algorithm in accelerated 3D T1-weighted pediatric brain MRI can significantly shorten the acquisition time, enhance image quality, and reduce artifacts, making it a viable option for pediatric imaging.

• Book : 26(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.180-192
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Abstract In vertebrates and plants, dsRNA plays crucial roles as PAMP and as a mediator of RNAi. How higher fungi respond to dsRNA is not known. We demonstrate that Magnaporthe oryzae (Mo), a globally significant crop pathogen, internalizes dsRNA across a broad size range of 21 to about 3000 bp. Incubation of fungal conidia with 10 ng/µL dsRNA, regardless of size or sequence, induced aberrant germ tube elongation, revealing a strong sequence-unspecific effect of dsRNA in this fungus. Accordingly, the synthetic dsRNA analogue poly(I:C) and dsRNA of various sizes and sequences elicited canonical fungal stress pathways, including nuclear accumulation of the stress marker mitogen-activated protein kinase Hog1p and production of ROS. Leaf application of dsRNA to the cereal model species Brachypodium distachyon suppressed the progression of leaf blast disease. Notably, the sequence-unspecific effect of dsRNA depends on higher doses, while pure sequence-specific effects were observed at low concentrations of dsRNA ( < 0.03 ng/µL). The protective effects of dsRNA were further enhanced by maintaining a gap of at least seven days between dsRNA application and inoculation, and by stabilising the dsRNA in alginate-chitosan nanoparticles. Overall, our study opens up additional possibilities for the development and use of dsRNA pesticides in agriculture.

• Book : 8(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
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• Pub. Date : 2025
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This technical report aims to provide energy developers and policymakers with information and preliminary analyses on the potential for Texas coal plant sites to be repurposed for nuclear power. Investigation into coal-to-nuclear (C2N) has shown that constructing a nuclear reactor on the site of a retired coal plant has both economic and environmental benefits. The data presented includes operational details of the coal power plants, the presence of nearby hazards, geological and hydrological data, and population statistics. This information was gathered for 19 coal powered electricity generation sites in Texas. Thirteen of the sites assessed have no hazards or other factors that would disqualify them from hosting a Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Of these, 11 sites are also suitable for a Light Water Reactor (LWR). The smaller size and power output of SMRs makes these additional 2 sites possible, even near a population center. The remaining 6 coal plant sites would require more specific on-site analysis or potential adjustments to the reactor design to be considered for licensing. These findings exhibit the potential for cost effective nuclear development to benefit grid stability and provide baseload power to Texas.

• Book : 3()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.3-3
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Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) often undergo aging as a result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which significantly impacts their performance and durability. This paper investigated the alterations in the microstructure and macroscopic properties of epoxy resin and its composite used in overhead wires during UV aging. Furthermore, the mechanism of UV aging for both resin and composite was revealed. The results showed that UV aging predominantly affected the properties of the surface layer resin. UV aging can induce molecular chain scission, which leads to resin weight change, color deepening, microcrack formation, a decline in mechanical properties, and other performance degradation behaviors under the combined action of many factors. With the increase in aging time, the weight change rate and hardness of the resin increased first and then decreased, while the mechanical properties of the composite decreased rapidly first and gradually tended to be constant. The bending strength and impact strength of the composite decreased by 6.0% and 12.8%, respectively, compared with the initial values. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively understand the UV aging behaviors of epoxy resins and their composites employed in overhead wires, and it also provides essential data for advancing the utilization and durability of epoxy resins and composites across aerospace, marine, and other outdoor applications.

• Book : 17(3)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.294-294
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• Pub. Date : 2025
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On August 24, 2023, Japan controversially decided to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, initiating intense domestic and global debates. This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative evolutionary game theory and qualitative data analysis to explore the strategic dynamics among Japan, other nations, and the Japan Fisheries Association regarding this decision. The data includes international environmental reports and economic statistics, served as the basis for simulating decision-making processes under various legal, economic, and environmental pressures. The evolutionary game theory model is used to predict and analyze three evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS), detailing the transition from the initiation to cessation of wastewater discharge. These strategies highlight the necessity for international cooperation, rigorous scientific research, public education, and effective wastewater treatment methods. This study aims to provide both a theoretical framework and practical guidance to foster a global consensus on nuclear wastewater management, which is vital for marine conservation and sustainable development.

• Book : 20(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.e0317419-e0317419
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