Compressed SENSE in Pediatric Brain Tumor MR Imaging

Purpose To compare the image quality, examination time, and total energy release of a standardized pediatric brain tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol performed with and without compressed sensitivity encoding (C-SENSE). Recently introduced as an acceleration technique in MRI, we hypothesized that C‑SENSE would improve image quality, reduce the examination time and radiofrequency-induced energy release compared with conventional examination in a pediatric brain tumor protocol. Methods This retrospective study included 22 patients aged 2.33–18.83 years with different brain tumor types who had previously undergone conventional MRI examination and underwent follow-up C‑SENSE examination. Both examinations were conducted with a 3.0-Tesla device and included pre-contrast and post-contrast T1-weighted turbo-field-echo, T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences. Image quality was assessed in four anatomical regions of interest (tumor area, cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and posterior fossa) using a 5-point scale. Reader preference between the standard and C‑SENSE images was evaluated. The total examination duration and energy deposit were compared based on scanner log file analysis. Results Relative to standard examinations, C‑SENSE examinations were characterized by shorter total examination times (26.1 ± 3.93 vs. 22.18 ± 2.31 min; P = 0.001), reduced total energy deposit (206.0 ± 19.7 vs. 92.3 ± 18.2 J/kg; P < 0.001), and higher image quality (overall P < 0.001). Conclusion C‑SENSE contributes to the improvement of image quality, reduction of scan times and radiofrequency-induced energy release relative to the standard protocol in pediatric brain tumor MRI.

Predicting the Delamination Mechanisms of Multidirectional Laminates Using the Energy Release Rate Obtained from AE Monitoring

This study investigates delamination damage mechanisms during the double cantilever beam standard test using the strain energy release rate. The acoustic emission parameter is used to replace the original calculation method of measuring crack length to predict delamination. For this purpose, 24-layer glass/epoxy multidirectional specimens with different layups, and interface orientations of 0°, 30°, 45°, and 60°, were fabricated based on ASTM D5528 (2013). Acoustic emission testing (AE) is used to detect the damage mechanism of composite multidirectional laminates (combined with microscopic real-time observation), and it is verified that the strain energy release rate can be used as a criterion for predicting delamination damage in composite materials. By comparing the AE results with the delamination expansion images observed by microvisualization in real time, it is found that the acoustic emission parameters can predict the damage of laminates earlier. Based on the data inversion of the acoustic emission parameters of the strain energy release rate, it is found that the strain energy release rate of the specimens with different fiber interface orientations is consistent with the original calculated results.

Mechanical Behavior, Energy Release, and Crack Distribution Characteristics of Water-Saturated Phyllite under Triaxial Cyclic Loading

Many geological engineering hazards are closely related to the dynamic mechanical behaviors of rock materials. However, the dynamic mechanical behaviors of phyllite are less studied. In this study, we have carried out a series of triaxial cyclic tests on dry and water-saturated phyllite by employing the MTS 815 servohydraulic testing system and AE testing equipment to reveal the mechanical behavior, energy release, and crack distribution characteristics of phyllite. Results show that phyllite is a water-sensitive rock. Water and cyclic loading substantially affect the compressive strength, crack damage stress, deformation parameters, dilatancy, energy release, and crack distribution characteristics of phyllite. Furthermore, based on the dissipated energy, a new damage variable for phyllite is established. The critical damage variable for phyllite is approximately 0.80; this variable can be used as an index to predict the failure of phyllite. The water saturation effect of phyllite is very obvious; that is, it results in the weakness of mechanical properties of phyllite and changes the AE energy release and crack distribution characteristics of phyllite. This research can provide guidance for engineering construction and disaster prevention and control.