bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterização do Ecossistema de Inovação na Microrregião do IFPI em Angical do Piauí
Authors: Lopes Leonardo Ramon Rêgo Daltro , Vieira Eliciana Selvina Ferreira Mendes , Pinheiro Helano Diogenes
Published: October 2023

O empreendedorismo e a inovação são elementos cruciais nas conquistas econômicas e sociais do Brasil nos últimos anos e faz-se necessária a implementação de políticas que fomentem tais práticas criando um ecossistema favorável. As Instituições de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT) do país possuem o papel de agentes na missão de contribuir para o desenvolvimento tecnológico e social do país. O estudo utiliza o modelo iEcosystems do Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) e está dividido em quatro elementos principais que trabalham juntos para levar à vantagem comparativa e, finalmente, à busca de impacto no ecossistema, como objetivo central para compreender o contexto regional identificando suas potencialidades que possam levar à implementação de mecanismos de incentivo à inovação em ICT no município de Angical do Piauí em colaboração com outras entidades, constituindo, assim, um ecossistema apto a promover a inovação e o empreendedorismo na região. A análise se deu sob a cidade piauiense de Angical do Piauí, onde está instalado o Instituto Federal do Piauí (IFPI), e cidades circunvizinhas com a finalidade de elaborar projeto de implementação de mecanismo de fomento à inovação na instituição a fim de atender às demandas inovativas da região.
Transporte Hidroviário: uma análise de Revisão Sistemática Patentária e de Literatura (RSL) sobre os impactos da Internet das Coisas no contexto das cidades inteligentes pós-ODS 11
Authors: Barreto Wagner Alves , Quintella Cristina M.
Published: October 2023

As principais soluções tecnológicas no âmbito do transporte hidroviário estão alinhadas em atender às demandas das Cidades Inteligentes por meio da integração de serviços de mobilidade e Internet das Coisas. Portanto, foi realizada uma análise da literatura na base Scopus utilizando os termos "navegação", "hidroviário", "aquaviário" e "IoT", excluindo os termos "aéreo" e "aviação", no período de 1985 a 2022, resultando em 567 documentos. Também foram analisadas patentes obtidas pelo Orbit Intelligence com códigos de IPC semelhantes aos termos da literatura, como G21C 11/04, F21W 111/04, G16Y-010/75, G16Y-040/60 e B63B 23/46, limitando-se às patentes do primeiro ano de prioridade de 2000 a 2019, totalizando assim 1.076 patentes. Foram identificados o avançado progresso das IoTs nesse modal de transporte, a predominância da China, da controladora Eletronic Samsung, e o ápice que essas tecnologias alcançaram após os ODS 11, este, referente a cidades e comunidades resilientes.
Prospecção Tecnológica de Surfactantes Usados em Processos de Concentração Mineral
Authors: Ribeiro Wagner Alves , Silva Denilson da Costa , Rabelo Adriano Alves
Published: October 2023

O processamento mineral é considerado o coração do setor mineral, entretanto, processos de beneficiamento mineral são dispendiosos e quando não bem dimensionados interferem na produção e no planejamento econômico-financeiro das empresas. Os principais reagentes utilizados no processo de flotação são os surfactantes, moléculas anfipáticas muito eficientes na produção mineral. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar a prospecção tecnológica de surfactantes usados em processos de concentração mineral. Para tanto, foram executadas buscas de documentos de patentes com combinações de estratégias isoladas e uma combinação geral proporcionada pela base Questel – Orbit Intelligence, seguida de análise da maturidade da tecnologia, envolvendo o aspecto temporal, geográfico e os principais depositantes. O levantamento panorâmico do perfil dos depositantes de patentes no Brasil e no mundo de tecnologias relacionadas ao uso de surfactantes sintéticos e biológicos no setor mineral no período em estudo permitiu traçar um cenário favorável sob a visão de sistemas de patentes. Destaca-se a relevância das patentes em surfactantes biodegradáveis, contribuindo para a economia mundial, especialmente na área mineral.
Prospecção do Uso de Vitrine Virtual na Promoção de Acervo em Bibliotecas
Authors: Vieira Letycya Cristina Barbosa , Santos Davi Viana dos , Figueiredo Patrícia de Maria Silva
Published: October 2023

A pesquisa objetivou identificar as vitrines virtuais atuantes na promoção do acervo das bibliotecas, averiguando o uso do QR Code na interação do ambiente virtual e físico. Desenvolveu-se um estudo prospectivo na Base de Programas de Computador do Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) e nos sistemas de informação: Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD), Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect e Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). A maioria dos softwares é do campo de aplicação Marketing (34 citações) de 2019 (19 registros) e de pessoas jurídicas (75,7%). Quanto às publicações, a maioria pertence ao Portal de Periódicos da Capes (2.091 publicações). As vitrines virtuais apresentam potencial na promoção e na usabilidade do acervo, porém as experiências publicadas e/ou registradas são quase inexistentes, revelando a necessidade de realizar estudos in loco para conhecer melhor seu uso.
Algorithms at the Gate—Radiology’s AI Adoption Dilemma
Authors: Jha Saurabh
Published: October 2023

In this Viewpoint a radiologist surveys the ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging and what the future likely holds for AI in this discipline.
Educational Attainment and US Drug Overdose Deaths
Authors: Powell David
Published: October 2023

Importance

Educational attainment in the US is associated with life expectancy. As the opioid crisis worsens, it is critical to understand how overdose death rate trends evolve across education groups.

Objective

To investigate the association between educational attainment and overdose death rates, with emphasis on trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used National Vital Statistics System Mortality Multiple Cause-of-Death data describing overdose death rates in the US by educational attainment from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2021, with a focus on 2018 to 2021. Overdose deaths were aggregated by year and educational level for decedents aged 25 years or older.

Exposure

Educational attainment, categorized as no high school (HS) diploma, HS diploma (or General Educational Development) but no college, some college but no bachelor’s degree, and bachelor’s degree or more.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were rates of all overdose deaths, overdose deaths involving opioids, and overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids.

Results

Of 912 057 overdose deaths with education information from 2000 to 2021 (mean [SD] age at death, 44.9 [12.3] years; 64.1% male), there were 625 400 deaths (68.6%) among individuals with no college education and 286 657 deaths (31.4%) among those with at least some college. The overdose death rate was 19.9 per 100 000 population. From 2018 to 2021, there were 301 557 overdose deaths, including 58 319 (19.3%) among individuals without an HS diploma, 153 603 (50.9%) among people with an HS diploma, 64 682 (21.4%) among individuals with some college, and 24 953 (8.3%) among individuals with a bachelor’s degree. There were 3324 overdose deaths (1.1%) among American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, 2968 (1.0%) among Asian American or Pacific Islander individuals, 49 152 (16.3%) among Black individuals, 31 703 (10.5%) among Hispanic individuals, 211 359 (70.1%) among White individuals, and 3051 (1.0%) among multiracial individuals. From 2018 to 2021, the overdose death rate was 33.4 per 100 000 population, the opioid-related overdose death rate was 24.2 per 100 000 population, and the synthetic opioid overdose death rate was 19.1 per 100 000 population. From 2018 to 2021, the overdose death rate for those without a HS diploma increased by 35.4 per 100 000 population compared with 1.5 per 100 000 population for those with a bachelor’s degree. This differential growth was primarily due to increased rates of death involving synthetic opioids.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, lower educational attainment was found to be associated with higher growth in overdose deaths. As the opioid crisis has transitioned to fentanyl and polysubstance use, overdose deaths have become more prevalent in groups with lower socioeconomic status, potentially exacerbating existing life-expectancy disparities.
Improving the efficiency of breast radiotherapy treatment planning using a semi‐automated approach
Authors: Mitchell Robert A , Wai Philip , Colgan Ruth , Kirby Anna M , Donovan Ellen M
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To reduce treatment planning times while maintaining plan quality through the introduction of semi‐automated planning techniques for breast radiotherapy.

Methods

Automatic critical structure delineation was examined using the Smart Probabilistic Image Contouring Engine (SPICE) commercial autosegmentation software (Philips Radiation Oncology Systems, Fitchburg, WI) for a cohort of ten patients. Semiautomated planning was investigated by employing scripting in the treatment planning system to automate segment creation for breast step‐and‐shoot planning and create objectives for segment weight optimization; considerations were made for three different multileaf collimator (MLC) configurations. Forty patients were retrospectively planned using the script and a planning time comparison performed.

Results

The SPICE heart and lung outlines agreed closely with clinician‐defined outlines (median Dice Similarity Coefficient > 0.9); median difference in mean heart dose was 0.0 cGy (range −10.8 to 5.4 cGy). Scripted treatment plans demonstrated equivalence with their clinical counterparts. No statistically significant differences were found for target parameters. Minimal ipsilateral lung dose increases were also observed. Statistically significant (P < 0.01) time reductions were achievable for MLCi and Agility MLC (Elekta Ltd, Crawley, UK) plans (median 4.9 and 5.9 min, respectively).

Conclusions

The use of commercial autosegmentation software enables breast plan adjustment based on doses to organs at risk. Semi‐automated techniques for breast radiotherapy planning offer modest reductions in planning times. However, in the context of a typical department's breast radiotherapy workload, minor savings per plan translate into greater efficiencies overall.
Pixel response‐based EPID dosimetry for patient specific QA
Authors: Han Bin , Ding Aiping , Lu Minghui , Xing Lei
Published: October 2023

Increasing use of high dose rate, flattening filter free (FFF), and/or small‐sized field beams presents a significant challenge to the medical physics community. In this work, we develop a strategy of using a high spatial resolution and high frame rate amorphous silicon flat panel electronic portal imaging device (EPID) for dosimetric measurements of these challenging cases, as well as for conventional external beam therapy. To convert a series of raw EPID‐measured radiation field images into water‐based dose distribution, a pixel‐to‐pixel dose–response function of the EPID specific to the linac is essential. The response function was obtained by using a Monte Carlo simulation of the photon transport in the EPID with a comprehensive calibration. After the raw image was converted into the primary incident photon fluence, the fluence was further convolved into a water‐based dose distribution of the dynamic field by using a pregenerated pencil‐beam kernel. The EPID‐based dosimetric measurement technique was validated using beams with and without flattening filter of all energies available in Varian TrueBeam STx™. Both regularly and irregularly shaped fields measured using a PTW 729 ion chamber array in plastic water phantom. The technique was also applied to measure the distribution for a total of 23 treatment plans of different energies to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed approach. The EPID measurements of square fields of 4 × 4 cm2 to 20 × 20 cm2, circular fields of 2–15 cm diameters, rectangular fields of various sizes, and irregular MLC fields were in accordance with measurements using a Farmer chamber and/or ion chamber array. The 2D absolute dose maps generated from EPID raw images agreed with ion chamber measurements to within 1.5% for all fields. For the 23 patient cases examined in this work, the average γ‐index passing rate were found to be 99.2 ± 0.6%, 97.4 ± 2.4%, and 72.6 ± 8.4%, respectively, for criterions of 3 mm/3%, 2 mm/2%, and 1 mm/1%. The high spatial resolution and high frame rate EPID provides an accurate and efficient dosimetric tool for QA of modern radiation therapy. Accurate absolute 2D dose maps can be generated from the system for an independent dosimetric verification of treatment delivery.
Investigation of dosimetric variations of liver radiotherapy using deformable registration of planning CT and cone‐beam CT
Authors: Huang Pu , Yu Gang , Chen Jinhu , Ma Changsheng , Qin Shaohua , Yin Yong , Liang Yueqiang , Li Hongsheng , Li Dengwang
Published: October 2023

Many patients with technically unresectable or medically inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) had hepatic anatomy variations as a result of interfraction deformation during fractionated radiotherapy. We conducted this retrospective study to investigate interfractional normal liver dosimetric consequences via reconstructing weekly dose in HCC patients. Twenty‐three patients with HCC received conventional fractionated three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) were enrolled in this retrospective investigation. Among them, seven patients had been diagnosed of radiation‐induced liver disease (RILD) and the other 16 patients had good prognosis after treatment course. The cone‐beam CT (CBCT) scans were acquired once weekly for each patient throughout the treatment, deformable image registration (DIR) of planning CT (pCT) and CBCT was performed to acquire modified CBCT (mCBCT), and the structural contours were propagated by the DIR. The same plan was applied to mCBCT to perform dose calculation. Weekly dose distribution was displayed on the pCT dose space and compared using dose difference, target coverage, and dose volume histograms. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the significant dosimetric variations. Among the 23 patients, the three weekly normal liver D50 increased by 0.2 Gy, 4.2 Gy, and 4.7 Gy, respectively, for patients with RILD, and 1.0 Gy, 2.7 Gy, and 3.1 Gy, respectively, for patients without RILD. Mean dose to the normal liver (Dmean) increased by 0.5 Gy, 2.6 Gy, and 4.0 Gy, respectively, for patients with RILD, and 0.4 Gy, 3.1 Gy, and 3.4 Gy, respectively, for patients without RILD. Regarding patients with RILD, the average values of the third weekly D50 and Dmean were both over hepatic radiation tolerance, while the values of patients without RILD were below. The dosimetric consequence showed that the liver dose between patients with and without RILD were different relative to the planned dose, and the RILD patients suffered from liver dose over hepatic radiation tolerance. Evaluation of routinely acquired CBCT images during radiation therapy provides biological information on the organs at risk, and dose estimation based on mCBCT could potentially form the basis for personalized response adaptive therapy.
Organ motion in pediatric high‐risk neuroblastoma patients using four‐dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Kannan Sneha , Teo Boon‐Keng Kevin , Solberg Timothy , Hill‐Kayser Christine
Published: October 2023

Purpose/objective(s)

High‐risk neuroblastoma (HR‐NBL) requires multimodality treatment, including external beam radiation of the primary tumor site following resection. Radiotherapy planning must take into account motion of the target and adjacent normal anatomy, both of which are poorly understood in the pediatric population, and which may differ significantly from those in adults.

Methods/materials

We examined 4DCT scans of 15 consecutive pediatric patients treated for HR‐NBL, most with tumors in the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm and organs at risk were contoured at full inhale, full exhale, and on free‐breathing scans. Maximum displacement of organs between full inhale and full exhale was measured in the anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, left, and right directions, as was displacement of centroids in the A/P, S/I, and L/R axes. Contours on free‐breathing scans were compared to those on 4D scans.

Results

Maximum displacement was along the S/I axis, with the superior aspects of organs moving more than the inferior, implying organ compression with respiration. Liver and spleen exhibited the largest motion, which correlated strongly with the S/I motion of the diaphragm. The maximum organ motion observed in the abdomen and thorax were 4.5 mm and 7.4 mm, respectively, while maximum diaphragm displacement was 5.7 mm. Overall findings mirrored observations in adults, but with smaller magnitudes, as expected. No consistent margins could be added to the free‐breathing scans to encompass the motion determined using 4DCT.

Conclusions

Organ motion within the pediatric abdomen and pelvis is similar to that observed in adults, but with smaller magnitude. Precise margins to accommodate motion are patient‐specific, underscoring the need for 4DCT scanning when possible.
Evaluation of the TrueBeam machine performance check (MPC) beam constancy checks for flattened and flattening filter‐free (FFF) photon beams
Authors: Barnes Michael P , Greer Peter B
Published: October 2023

Machine Performance Check (MPC) is an automated and integrated image‐based tool for verification of beam and geometric performance of the TrueBeam linac. The aims of the study were to evaluate the MPC beam performance tests against current daily quality assurance (QA) methods, to compare MPC performance against more accurate monthly QA tests and to test the sensitivity of MPC to changes in beam performance. The MPC beam constancy checks test the beam output, uniformity, and beam center against the user defined baseline. MPC was run daily over a period of 5 months (n = 115) in parallel with the Daily QA3 device. Additionally, IC Profiler, in‐house EPID tests, and ion chamber measurements were performed biweekly and results presented in a form directly comparable to MPC. The sensitivity of MPC was investigated using controlled adjustments of output, beam angle, and beam position steering. Over the period, MPC output agreed with ion chamber to within 0.6%. For an output adjustment of 1.2%, MPC was found to agree with ion chamber to within 0.17%. MPC beam center was found to agree with the in‐house EPID method within 0.1 mm. A focal spot position adjustment of 0.4 mm (at isocenter) was measured with MPC beam center to within 0.01 mm. An average systematic offset of 0.5% was measured in the MPC uniformity and agreement of MPC uniformity with symmetry measurements was found to be within 0.9% for all beams. MPC uniformity detected a change in beam symmetry of 1.5% to within 0.3% and 0.9% of IC Profiler for flattened and FFF beams, respectively.
Development and performance evaluation of a high‐speed multileaf collimator
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Ye Peiqing , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2023

Multileaf collimator (MLC) tracking represents a promising technique for motion management in radiotherapy. However, the conflict between limited leaf speed/acceleration and the demand for tracking fast target motion is now a prominent issue. Conventional MLCs typically have a maximum leaf speed of 3–4 cm/s and a maximum leaf acceleration of 50–70 cm/s2, which are inadequate to track fast target motion. To cope with this problem, we have recently developed a high‐speed multileaf collimator (HS‐MLC) prototype, which employs linear motors instead of rotary motors to drive leaves. Consequently, it inherits various benefits of linear motors, including direct drive and high dynamics. The primary aim of this paper was to introduce the development and performance evaluation of the HS‐MLC. The evaluation includes Monte Carlo simulations of the basic dosimetric properties, camera‐based measurements of the mechanical properties and tracking experiments for 25 sets of patient‐measured motion data. The Monte Carlo simulation results show that the maximum leakage at 6MV is 1.29% and the average is 0.61%. The end‐to‐end leakage is 3.96% for 5 cm offset and is 1.75% for 10 cm offset. The penumbra for a standard 10 × 10 cm2 field ranges from 4.8 mm to 5.4 mm across the full range of leaf motion. The mechanical property measurements demonstrate that the maximum leaf speed is 40 cm/s, the maximum leaf acceleration is 1000 cm/s2, and the geometric accuracy can be kept within 0.5 mm. Regarding the tracking experiments for a wide range of motion patterns (fast breathing, irregular breathing, etc.), a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of less than 0.19 mm was achieved. In conclusion, the HS‐MLC is able to well track fast target motion that is beyond the capability of conventional MLCs due to its superior mechanical properties. The new MLC design provides a feasible solution to make high‐accuracy and high‐efficiency motion management possible.
Commissioning, clinical implementation, and performance of the Mobetron 2000 for intraoperative radiation therapy
Authors: Wootton Landon S. , Meyer Juergen , Kim Edward , Phillips Mark
Published: October 2023

The Mobetron is a mobile electron accelerator designed to deliver therapeutic radiation dose intraoperatively while diseased tissue is exposed. Experience with the Mobetron 1000 has been reported extensively. However, since the time of those publications a new model, the Mobetron 2000, has become commercially available. Experience commissioning this new model and 3 years of data from historical use are reported here. Descriptions of differences between the models are emphasized, both in physical form and in dosimetric characteristics. Results from commissioning measurements including output factors, air gap factors, percent depth doses (PDDs), and 2D dose profiles are reported. Output factors are found to have changed considerably in the new model, with factors as high as 1.7 being measured. An example lookup table of appropriate accessory/energy combinations for a given target dimension is presented, and the method used to generate it described. Results from 3 years of daily QA measurements are outlined. Finally, practical considerations garnered from 3 years of use are presented.
Helical tomotherapy to LINAC plan conversion utilizing RayStation Fallback planning
Authors: Zhang Xin , Penagaricano Jose , Narayanasamy Ganesh , Corry Peter , Liu TianXiao , Sanjay Maraboyina , Paudel Nava , Morrill Steven
Published: October 2023

RaySearch RayStation Fallback (FB) planning module can generate an equivalent backup radiotherapy treatment plan facilitating treatment on other linear accelerators. FB plans were generated from the RayStation FB module by simulating the original plan target and organ at risk (OAR) dose distribution and delivered in various backup linear accelerators. In this study, helical tomotherapy (HT) backup plans used in Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator were generated with the RayStation FB module. About 30 patients, 10 with lung cancer, 10 with head and neck (HN) cancer, and 10 with prostate cancer, who were treated with HT, were included in this study. Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy Fallback plans (FB‐IMRT) were generated for all patients, and three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy Fallback plans (FB‐3D) were only generated for lung cancer patients. Dosimetric comparison study evaluated FB plans based on dose coverage to 95% of the PTV volume (R95), PTV mean dose (Dmean), Paddick's conformity index (CI), and dose homogeneity index (HI). The evaluation results showed that all IMRT plans were statistically comparable between HT and FB‐IMRT plans except that PTV HI was worse in prostate, and PTV R95 and HI were worse in HN multitarget plans for FB‐IMRT plans. For 3D lung cancer plans, only the PTV R95 was statistically comparable between HT and FB‐3D plans, PTV Dmean was higher, and CI and HI were worse compared to HT plans. The FB plans using a TrueBeam linear accelerator generally offer better OAR sparing compared to HT plans for all the patients. In this study, all cases of FB‐IMRT plans and 9/10 cases of FB‐3D plans were clinically acceptable without further modification and optimization once the FB plans were generated. However, the statistical differences between HT and FB‐IMRT/3D plans might not be of any clinically significant. One FB‐3D plan failed to simulate the original plan without further optimization.
Room scatter effects in Total Skin Electron Irradiation: Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Nevelsky Alexander , Borzov Egor , Daniel Shahar , Bar‐Deroma Raquel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Total Skin Electron Irradiation (TSEI) is a complex technique which usually involves the use of large electron fields and the dual‐field approach. In this situation, many electrons scattered from the treatment room floor are produced. However, no investigations of the effect of scattered electrons in TSEI treatments have been reported. The purpose of this work was to study the contribution of floor scattered electrons to skin dose during TSEI treatment using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.

Methods

All MC simulations were performed with the EGSnrc code. Influence of beam energy, dual‐field angle, and floor material on the contribution of floor scatter was investigated. Spectrum of the scattered electrons was calculated. Measurements of dose profile were performed in order to verify MC calculations.

Results

Floor scatter dependency on the floor material was observed (at 20 cm from the floor, scatter contribution was about 21%, 18%, 15%, and 12% for iron, concrete, PVC, and water, respectively). Although total dose profiles exhibited slight variation as functions of beam energy and dual‐field angle, no dependence of the floor scatter contribution on the beam energy or dual‐field angle was found. The spectrum of the scattered electrons was almost uniform between a few hundred KeV to 4 MeV, and then decreased linearly to 6 MeV.

Conclusions

For the TSEI technique, dose contribution due to the electrons scattered from the room floor may be clinically significant and should be taken into account during design and commissioning phases. MC calculations can be used for this task.
Effects of model size and composition on quality of head‐and‐neck knowledge‐based plans
Authors: Kaderka Robert , Dogan Nesrin , Jin William , Bossart Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Knowledge‐based planning (KBP) aims to automate and standardize treatment planning. New KBP users are faced with many questions: How much does model size matter, and are multiple models needed to accommodate specific physician preferences? In this study, six head‐and‐neck KBP models were trained to address these questions.

Methods

The six models differed in training size and plan composition: The KBPFull (n = 203 plans), KBP101 (n = 101), KBP50 (n = 50), and KBP25 (n = 25) were trained with plans from two head‐and‐neck physicians. KBPA and KBPB each contained n = 101 plans from only one physician, respectively. An independent set of 39 patients treated to 6000–7000 cGy by a third physician was re‐planned with all KBP models for validation. Standard head‐and‐neck dosimetric parameters were used to compare resulting plans. KBPFull plans were compared to the clinical plans to evaluate overall model quality. Additionally, clinical and KBPFull plans were presented to another physician for blind review. Dosimetric comparison of KBPFull against KBP101, KBP50, and KBP25 investigated the effect of model size. Finally, KBPA versus KBPB tested whether training KBP models on plans from one physician only influences the resulting output. Dosimetric differences were tested for significance using a paired t‐test (p < 0.05).

Results

Compared to manual plans, KBPFull significantly increased PTV Low D95% and left parotid mean dose but decreased dose cochlea, constrictors, and larynx. The physician preferred the KBPFull plan over the manual plan in 20/39 cases. Dosimetric differences between KBPFull, KBP101, KBP50, and KBP25 plans did not exceed 187 cGy on aggregate, except for the cochlea. Further, average differences between KBPA and KBPB were below 110 cGy.

Conclusions

Overall, all models were shown to produce high‐quality plans. Differences between model outputs were small compared to the prescription. This indicates only small improvements when increasing model size and minimal influence of the physician when choosing treatment plans for training head‐and‐neck KBP models.
Utilization of an Artery‐on‐a‐Chip to Unravel Novel Regulators and Therapeutic Targets in Vascular Diseases
Authors: Paloschi Valentina , Pauli Jessica , Winski Greg , Wu Zhiyuan , Li Zhaolong , Botti Lorenzo , Meucci Sandro , Conti Pierangelo , Rogowitz Felix , Glukha Nadiya , Hummel Nora , Busch Albert , Chernogubova Ekaterina , Jin Hong , Sachs Nadja , Eckstein Hans‐Henning , Dueck Anne , Boon Reinier A. , Bausch Andreas R. , Maegdefessel Lars
Published: October 2023

In this study, organ‐on‐chip technology is used to develop an in vitro model of medium‐to‐large size arteries, the artery‐on‐a‐chip (AoC), with the objective to recapitulate the structure of the arterial wall and the relevant hemodynamic forces affecting luminal cells. AoCs exposed either to in vivo‐like shear stress values or kept in static conditions are assessed to generate a panel of novel genes modulated by shear stress. Considering the crucial role played by shear stress alterations in carotid arteries affected by atherosclerosis (CAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) disease development/progression, a patient cohort of hemodynamically relevant specimens is utilized, consisting of diseased and non‐diseased (internal control) vessel regions from the same patient. Genes activated by shear stress follow the same expression pattern in non‐diseased segments of human vessels. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) enables to discriminate the unique cell subpopulations between non‐diseased and diseased vessel portions, revealing an enrichment of flow activated genes in structural cells originating from non‐diseased specimens. Furthermore, the AoC served as a platform for drug‐testing. It reproduced the effects of a therapeutic agent (lenvatinib) previously used in preclinical AAA studies, therefore extending the understanding of its therapeutic effect through a multicellular structure.
Exchange Bias Between van der Waals Materials: Tilted Magnetic States and Field‐Free Spin–Orbit‐Torque Switching
Authors: Cham Thow Min Jerald , Dorrian Reiley J. , Zhang Xiyue S. , Dismukes Avalon H. , Chica Daniel G. , May Andrew F. , Roy Xavier , Muller David A. , Ralph Daniel C. , Luo Yunqiu Kelly
Published: October 2023

Magnetic van der Waals heterostructures provide a unique platform to study magnetism and spintronics device concepts in the 2D limit. Here, studies of exchange bias from the van der Waals antiferromagnet CrSBr acting on the van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) are reported. The orientation of the exchange bias is along the in‐plane easy axis of CrSBr, perpendicular to the out‐of‐plane anisotropy of the FGT, inducing a strongly tilted magnetic configuration in the FGT. Furthermore, the in‐plane exchange bias provides sufficient symmetry breaking to allow deterministic spin–orbit torque switching of the FGT in CrSBr/FGT/Pt samples at zero applied magnetic field. A minimum thickness of the CrSBr of >10 nm is needed to provide a non‐zero exchange bias at 30 K.
Multimodal Tetrahedral DNA Nanoplatform for Surprisingly Rapid and Significant Treatment of Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Wei Hongyan , Yi Ke , Li Fenfang , Li Di , Yang Jiazhen , Shi Run , Jin Yuanyuan , Wang Haixia , Ding Jianxun , Tao Yu , Li Mingqiang
Published: October 2023

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life‐threatening disease associated with the rapid development of inflammatory storms, level elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hepatocyte necrosis, which results in high short‐term mortality. Except for liver transplantation, no effective strategies are available for ALF therapy due to the rapid disease progression and narrow window of therapeutic time. Therefore, there is an urgent demand to explore the fast and effective modalities for ALF treatment. Herein, a multifunctional tetrahedral DNA nanoplatform (TDN) is constructed by incorporating tumor necrosis factor‐α siRNA (siTNF‐α) through DNA hybridization and antioxidant manganese porphyrin (MnP4) via π–π stacking interaction with G‐quadruplex (G4) for surprisingly rapid and significant ALF therapy. TDN‐siTNF‐α/‐G4‐MnP4 silences TNF‐α of macrophages by siTNF‐α and polarizes them to the anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype, providing appropriate microenvironments for hepatocyte viability. Additionally, TDN‐siTNF‐α/‐G4‐MnP4 scavenges intracellular ROS by MnP4, protecting hepatocytes from oxidative‐stress‐associated cell death. Furthermore, TDN itself promotes hepatocyte proliferation by modulating the cell cycle. TDN‐siTNF‐α/‐G4‐MnP4 shows almost complete liver accumulation after intravenous injection and exhibits excellent therapeutic efficacy of ALF within 2 h. The multifunctional DNA nanoformulation provides an effective strategy for rapid ALF therapy, expanding its application for innovative treatments of liver diseases.
Acetamide‐Caprolactam Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Based Electrolyte for Stable Zn‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Shihe , Liu Ganxiong , Wan Wang , Li Xueyang , Li Ju , Wang Chao
Published: October 2023

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for grid‐scale energy storage. However, conventional AZIBs face challenges including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), leading to high local pH, and by‐product formation on the anode. Hereby the hydrogen bonds in the aqueous electrolyte are reconstructed by using a deep eutectic co‐solvent (DES) made of acetamide (H‐bond donor) and caprolactam (H‐bond acceptor), which effectively suppresses the reactivity of water and broadens the electrochemical voltage stability window. The coordination between Zn2+ and acetamide‐caprolactam in DES‐based electrolytes produces a unique solvation structure that promotes the preferential growth of Zn crystals along the (002) plane. This will inhibit the formation of Zn dendrites and ensure the uniform deposition of Zn‐ions on the anode surface. In addition, it is found that this DES‐based electrolyte can form a protective membrane on the anode surface, reducing the risks of Zn corrosion. Compared to conventional electrolytes, the DES‐based electrolyte shows a long‐term stable plating/stripping performance with a significantly improved Coulombic efficiency from 78.18% to 98.37%. It is further demonstrated that a Zn||VS2 full‐cell with the DES‐based electrolyte exhibits enhanced stability after 500 cycles with 85.4% capacity retention at 0.5 A g−1.
Tunable Optical Forces Enabled by Bilayer van der Waals Materials
Authors: Cai Ziqiang , Jin Renchao , Xu Yihao , Liu Yongmin
Published: October 2023

Manipulation of nanoparticles by light induced forces is widely used in nanotechnology and bioengineering. In normal cases, when a nanoparticle is illuminated by light waves, the transfer of momentum from light to the nanoparticle can push it to move along the light propagation direction. On the other hand, the lateral optical force can transport an object perpendicular to the light propagation direction, and the optical pulling force can attract an object toward the light source. Although these optical forces have drawn growing attention, in situ tuning of them is rarely explored. In this paper, tuning of both lateral optical forces and optical pulling forces is numerically demonstrated via a graphene/α‐phase molybdenum trioxide (α‐MoO3) bilayer structure. Under plane‐wave illumination, both the amplitude and direction of the optical forces exerted on a nanoparticle above this bilayer structure can be tuned in the mid‐infrared range. The underlying mechanism can be understood by studying the corresponding isofrequency contours of the hybrid plasmon‐phonon polaritons supported by the graphene/α‐MoO3 bilayer. The analytical study using the dipole approximation method reproduces the numerical results, revealing the origin of the optical forces. This work opens a new avenue for engineering optical forces to manipulate various objects optically.
Stress‐Induced Multi‐Stimulus‐Responsive Mechanoluminescence in Mn2+ Doped Double Perovskite Compound
Authors: Wang Zhiduo , Xiao Yao , Liu Bingjun , Chen Kang , Shao Peishan , Chen Zhicong , Xiong Puxian , Gan Jiulin , Chen Dongdan
Published: October 2023

Multi‐mode mechanoluminescence (ML) materials are have applications such as anti‐counterfeiting, stress sensing, and information security. There is limited general consensuses on the luminescent mechanisms, even though exploring ML mechanism based on defects has shown significance in further studies exploring both ML materials design and application. Here, a deep‐red to near‐infrared (NIR) ML material is reported in a Mn2+‐activated double perovskite‐type compound (CaZnGe2O6: Mn2+). The abundant lattice sites within the crystal structure have enabled Mn2+ doping and defects. Two different photoluminescence (PL) emission bands peaked at 536 and 676 nm from 4T1(4G)→6A1(6S) are observed, which are attributed to the substitution of Zn2+ and Ca2+ sites by Mn2+, respectively. Hence, tunable emissions from green to red are realized in single Mn2+ doping, which can be further regulated by varying the Mn2+ concentration. Electrons and holes are captured by cation and anion defects ( and , , vacancy of Zn, Ca and O ions), followed by the combination of such carriers to transfer energy to the Mn2+ 3d states to produce ML/persistent luminescence (PersL) under mechanical/thermal stimuli. Proof‐of‐concept applications in multi‐mode anti‐counterfeiting, temperature sensing, and X‐ray imaging fields are demonstrated. These results will deepen the understanding of single Mn2+‐doped multi‐stimulus‐responsive ML materials, inspiring the development of more high‐performance ML phosphors for practical applications.
Transcutaneous Immunotherapy for RNAi: A Cascade‐Responsive Decomposable Nanocomplex Based on Polyphenol‐Mediated Framework Nucleic Acid in Psoriasis
Authors: Zhang Mei , Qin Xin , Gao Yang , Liang Jiale , Xiao Dexuan , Zhang Xiaolin , Zhou Mi , Lin Yunfeng
Published: October 2023

Skin is the first barrier against external threats, and skin immune dysfunction leads to multiple diseases. Psoriasis is an inflammatory, chronic, common, immune‐related skin disease that affects more than 125 million people worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi) therapy is superior to traditional therapies, but rapid degradation and poor cell uptake are the greatest obstacles to its clinical transformation. The transdermal delivery of siRNA and controllable assembly/disassembly of nanodrug delivery systems can maximize the therapeutic effect. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) is undoubtedly the best carrier for the transdermal transport of genes due to its excellent noninvasive transdermal effect and editability. The authors combine acid‐responsive tannic acid (TA), RNase H‐responsive sequences, siRNA, and tFNA into a novel transdermal RNAi drug with controllable assembly and disassembly: STT. STT has heightened resistance to enzyme, serum, and lysosomal degradation, and its size is similar to that of tFNA, enabling easy transdermal transport. After transdermal administration, STT can specifically silence nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) p65, thereby maintaining the stability of the skin's microenvironment and reshaping normal skin immune defense. This work demonstrates the advantages of STT in RNAi therapy and the potential for future treatment of skin‐related diseases.
Correlation between Electronic Structure, Microstructure, and Switching Mode in Valence Change Mechanism Al2O3/TiOx‐Based Memristive Devices
Authors: Aussen Stephan , Cüppers Felix , Funck Carsten , Jo Janghyun , Werner Stephan , Pratsch Christoph , Menzel Stephan , Dittmann Regina , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal , Waser Rainer , Hoffmann‐Eifert Susanne
Published: October 2023

Memristive devices with valence change mechanism (VCM) show promise for neuromorphic data processing, although emulation of synaptic behavior with analog weight updates remains a challenge. Standard filamentary and area‐dependent resistive switching exhibit characteristic differences in the transition from the high to low resistance state, which is either abrupt with inherently high variability or gradual and allows quasi‐analog operation. In this study, the two switching modes are clearly correlated to differences in the microstructure and electronic structure for Pt/Al2O3/TiOx/Cr/Pt devices made from amorphous layers of 1.2 nm Al2O3 and 7 nm TiOx by atomic layer deposition. For the filamentary mode, operando spectromicroscopy experiments identify a localized region of ≈50 nm in diameter of reduced titania surrounded by crystalline rutile‐like TiO2, highlighting the importance of Joule heating for this mode. In contrast, both oxide layers remain in their amorphous state for the interfacial mode, which proves that device temperature during switching stays below 670 K, which is the TiO2 crystallization temperature. The analysis of the electronic conduction behavior confirms that the interfacial switching occurs by modulating the effective tunnel barrier width due to accumulation and depletion of oxygen vacancies at the Al2O3/TiOx interface. The results are transferable to other bilayer stacks.
Coupling Magnetic Torque and Force for Colloidal Microbot Assembly and Manipulation
Authors: Zimmermann Coy J. , Petruska Andrew J. , Neeves Keith B. , Marr David W. M.
Published: October 2023

For targeted transport in the body, biomedical microbots (μbots) must move effectively in three‐dimensional (3D) microenvironments. Swimming μbots translate via asymmetric or screw‐like motions while rolling ones use friction with available surfaces to generate propulsive forces. Previously the authors have shown that planar rotating magnetic fields assemble μm‐scale superparamagnetic beads into circular μbots that roll along surfaces. In this, gravity is required to pull μbots near the surface; however, this is not necessarily practical in complex geometries. Here, the authors show that rotating magnetic fields, in tandem with directional magnetic gradient forces, can be used to roll μbots on surfaces regardless of orientation. Simplifying implementation, a spinning permanent magnet is used to generate differing ratios of rotating and gradient fields, optimizing control for different environments. This use of a single magnetic actuator sidesteps the need for complex electromagnet or tandem field setups, removes requisite gravitational load forces, and enables μbot targeting in complex 3D biomimetic microenvironments.
Entropy Confinement Promotes Hydrogenolysis Activity for Polyethylene Upcycling
Authors: Kang Qingyun , Chu Mingyu , Xu Panpan , Wang Xuchun , Wang Shiqi , Cao Muhan , Ivasenko Oleksandr , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Zhang Qiao , Sun Qiming , Chen Jinxing
Published: October 2023

Chemical upcycling that catalyzes waste plastics back to high‐purity chemicals holds great promise in end‐of‐life plastics valorization. One of the main challenges in this process is the thermodynamic limitations imposed by the high intrinsic entropy of polymer chains, which makes their adsorption on catalysts unfavorable and the transition state unstable. Here, we overcome this challenge by inducing the catalytic reaction inside mesoporous channels, which possess a strong confined ability to polymer chains, allowing for stabilization of the transition state. This approach involves the synthesis of p‐Ru/SBA catalysts, in which Ru nanoparticles are uniformly distributed within the channels of an SBA‐15 support, using a precise impregnation method. The unique design of the p‐Ru/SBA catalyst has demonstrated significant improvements in catalytic performance for the conversion of polyethylene into high‐value liquid fuels, particularly diesel. The catalyst achieved a high solid conversion rate of 1106 g ⋅ gRu−1 ⋅ h−1 at 230 °C. Comparatively, this catalytic activity is 4.9 times higher than that of a control catalyst, Ru/SiO2, and 14.0 times higher than that of a commercial catalyst, Ru/C, at 240 °C. This remarkable catalytic activity opens up immense opportunities for the chemical upcycling of waste plastics.
Water Activation Triggered by Cu−Co Double‐Atom Catalyst for Silane Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Liping , Li Teng , Dai Xingchao , Zhao Jian , Liu Ce , He Dongcheng , Zhao Kang , Zhao Peiqing , Cui Xinjiang
Published: October 2023

High‐performance catalysts sufficient to significantly reduce the energy barrier of water activation are crucial in facilitating reactions that are restricted by water dissociation. Herein we present a Cu−Co double‐atom catalyst (CuCo‐DAC), which possesses a uniform and well‐defined CuCoN6(OH) structure, and works together to promote water activation in silane oxidation. The catalyst achieves superior catalytic performance far exceeding that of single‐atom catalysts (SACs). Various functional silanes are converted into silanols with up to 98 % yield and 99 % selectivity. Kinetic studies show that the activation energy of silane oxidation by CuCo‐DAC is significantly lower than that of Cu single‐atom catalyst (Cu‐SAC) and Co single‐atom catalyst (Co‐SAC). Theoretical calculations demonstrate two different reaction pathways where water splitting is the rate‐determining step and it is accelerated by CuCo‐DAC, whereas H2 formation is key for its single‐atom counterpart.
Photo‐Induced Self‐assembly of Copolymer‐Capped Nanoparticles into Colloidal Molecules
Authors: Wu Yue , Yang Yanqiong , Zhang Yan , Dai Liwei , Dong Wenhao , He Huibin , Li Hao , Nie Zhihong , Sang Yutao
Published: October 2023

Colloidal molecules (CMs) are precisely defined assemblies of nanoparticles (NPs) that mimic the structure of real molecules, but externally programming the precise self‐assembly of CMs is still challenging. In this work, we show that the photo‐induced self‐assembly of complementary copolymer‐capped binary NPs can be precisely controlled to form clustered ABx or linear (AB)y CMs at high yield (x is the coordination number of NP‐Bs, and y is the repeating unit number of AB clusters). Under UV light irradiation, photolabile p‐methoxyphenacyl groups of copolymers on NP‐A*s are converted to carboxyl groups (NP‐A), which react with tertiary amines of copolymers on NP‐B to trigger the directional NP bonding. The x value of ABx can be precisely controlled between 1 and 3 by varying the irradiation duration and hence the amount of carboxyl groups generated on NP‐As. Moreover, when NP‐A* and NP‐B are irradiated after mixing, the assembly process generates AB clusters or linear (AB)y structures with alternating sequence of the binary NPs. This assembly approach offers a simple yet non‐invasive way to externally regulate the formation of various CMs on demand without the need of redesigning the surface chemistry of NPs for use in drug delivery, diagnostics, optoelectronics, and plasmonic devices.