bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schemes for the optimization of chest radiography using a computer model of the patient and x‐ray imaging system
Authors: Sandborg Michael , McVey Graham , Dance David R. , Carlsson Gudrun Alm
Published: July 2002

A computer program has been developed to model chest radiography. It incorporates a voxel phantom of an adult and includes antiscatter grid, radiographic screen, and film. Image quality is quantified by calculating the contrast (ΔOD) and the ideal observer signal‐to‐noise ratio for a number of relevant anatomical details at various positions in the anatomy. Detector noise and system unsharpness are modeled and their influence on image quality is considered. A measure of useful dynamic range is computed and defined as the fraction of the image that is reproduced at an optical density such that the film gradient exceeds a preset value. The effective dose is used as a measure of the radiation risk for the patient. A novel approach to patient dose and image quality optimization has been developed and implemented. It is based on a reference system acknowledged to yield acceptable image quality in a clinical trial. Two optimizations schemes have been studied, the first including the contrast of vessels as measure of image quality and the second scheme using also the signal‐to‐noise ratio of calcifications. Both schemes make use of our measure of useful dynamic range as a key quantity. A large variety of imaging conditions was simulated by varying the tube voltage, antiscatter device, screen‐film system, and maximum optical density in the computed image. It was found that the optical density is crucial in screen‐film chest radiography. Significant dose savings (30%–50%) can be accomplished without sacrificing image quality by using low‐atomic‐number grids with a low grid ratio or an air gap and more sensitive screen‐film system. Dose‐efficient configurations proposed by the model agree well with the example of good radiographic technique suggested by the European Commission.
Texture analysis in radiographs: The influence of modulation transfer function and noise on the discriminative ability of texture features
Authors: Veenland J. F. , Grashuis J. L. , Gelsema E. S.
Published: July 2002

Tissue structures, represented by textures in radiographs, can be quantified using texture analysis methods. Different texture analysis methods have been used to discriminate between different aspects of various diseases in primarily x rays of chest, bone, and breasts. However, most of these methods have not specifically been developed for use on radiographs. Certain characteristics of the radiographic process, e.g., noise and blurring, influence the visible texture. In order for a texture analysis method to be able to discriminate between different underlying textures, it should not be too sensitive for such processes as image noise and blur. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of four different texture analysis methods for image noise and blur. First, a baseline measurement was performed of the discriminative performance of the Spatial Gray‐Level Dependence method, the Fourier Power Spectrum, the Fractal Dimension, and the Morphological Gradient Method on images, which were not affected by radiographic noise and blur. Two types of images were used: fractal and Brodatz. Whereas the Brodatz images represent very different textures, the differences between the fractal images are more gradual. We assume that the behavior of the different texture analysis methods on the fractal images is representative for their performance on radiologic textures. On these types of images we simulated the effect of four different noise levels and the effect of two different modulation transfer functions, corresponding with different screen‐film combinations. The influence on the discriminative performance of the four texture analysis methods was evaluated. The influence of noise on the discriminative performance is, as expected, dependent on the image type used: the discrimination of more gradually different images, such as the fractal images, is already lowered for relatively low noise levels. In contrast, when the images are more different, only high noise levels decrease the discriminative performance. The discriminative power of the Morphological Gradient Method is least affected by image blur. We conclude that the discriminative performance of the Morphological Gradient Method is superior to that of other methods in circumstances which mimic the conditions prevailing in radiographs.
Megavoltage imaging with low Z targets: Implementation and characterization of an investigational system
Authors: Ostapiak O. Z. , O'Brien P. F. , Faddegon B. A.
Published: July 2002

The poor quality of stereotactic radiotherapy portal images is a limiting factor in precise image registration. To alleviate this problem, a low atomic number target was implemented on our Siemens MXE linear accelerator. This investigational system was used to assess the performance of various target materials by filming an aluminum contrast object. Beryllium, carbon and conventional target materials were studied. The bremsstrahlung spectra of these materials were simulated using Monte Carlo techniques. These spectra were used to calculate the dependence of narrow beam contrast on phantom thickness for verification of the data measured from film. A Monte Carlo simulation of the beryllium spectrum in a wide beam geometry was used to evaluate the effect of phantom‐to‐film distance on contrast. Although the same degree of contrast improvement with distance was not realized in practice, the improvement in image quality rivaled that achieved using a scatter reduction grid. A comparison of conventional localization images of the head and neck of an anthropomorphic phantom with images produced with a beryllium or carbon target and a mammography film and screen system supports earlier suggestions that the technique is clinically useful.
A calculation of the relative biological effectiveness of and brachytherapy sources using the concept of proximity function
Authors: Wuu C. S. , Zaider M.
Published: July 2002

The clinical application of encapsulated radioactive sources in brachytherapy plays an important role in the treatment of malignancy. and sources have been widely used in the permanent implant of prostate cancer. An important consideration for the choice of brachytherapy sources is their relative biological effectiveness (RBE). Previous calculations of this quantity have used the dose‐averaged lineal energy, as a measure of biological effectiveness. In this approach, however, the selection of a relevant site size remains an open question. Here we avoid this problem by using the generalized theory of dual radiation action to calculate the initial slope, α, of the dose‐effect curves using the proximity function, and the biological response function, At low doses and/or low dose rates (e.g., prostate implants) the parameter α determines the RBE. Proximity function, is the probability distribution function of distances between pairs of sublesions; and the biological function, is the probability that two sublesions at a distance x apart results in a lesion. Functions have been calculated for each source using the Monte Carlo transport codes PHOEL and PROTON5. The function has been taken from a published analysis. The RBE values thus obtained are: 1.5 for and 1.6 for The question of whether an “effective” site size exists where approximates best the variation of α with radiation quality is also addressed.
A new boundary-element method for predicting outdoor sound propagation and application to the case of a sound barrier in the presence of downward refraction
Authors: Premat Eric , Gabillet Yannick
Published: July 2002

A new boundary-element method for predicting outdoor sound propagation over uneven ground is presented. This allows the sound field around complex boundaries (various absorptive properties and shapes) and in the presence of refraction to be calculated accurately. The total sound pressure is expressed as the sum of the incident pressure and the pressure scattered by the obstacles in the propagation medium, involving layer potentials. The Green’s function used in this formulation takes meteorological and ground effects into account and relies on recent models for propagation in inhomogeneous media, such as normal modes, residue series, the parabolic equation, or the fast-field program. In this paper, this new method, called Meteo-BEM, is derived, based on both boundary-element methods (BEM) in a quiescent medium, and propagation models in inhomogeneous media. The hypothetical case of a rigid, thin noise barrier on a flat ground, under a known sound-speed gradient condition, is studied. Comparison of numerical simulations with experimental results shows that this new method is a powerful tool for outdoor sound propagation prediction, which gives rise to many applications and developments.
Time evolution of enhanced ultrasonic reflection using a fibrin-targeted nanoparticulate contrast agent
Authors: Hall Christopher S. , Marsh Jon N. , Scott Michael J. , Gaffney Patrick J. , Wickline Samuel A. , Lanza Gregory M.
Published: July 2002

Complex molecular signaling heralds the early stages of pathologies such as angiogenesis, inflammation, unstable atherosclerotic plaques, and areas of remote thrombi. In previous studies, acoustic enhancement of blood clot morphology was demonstrated with the use of a nongaseous, fibrin-targeted acoustic nanoparticle emulsion delivered to areas of thrombosis both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, a system was designed and constructed that allows visualization of the evolution of acoustic contrast enhancement. To evaluate the system, two targets were examined: avidin-complexed nitrocellulose membrane and human plasma clots. The time evolution of enhancement was visualized in 10-min increments for 1 h. A monotonic increase was observed in ultrasonic reflection enhancement from specially treated nitrocellulose membranes for targeted emulsions containing perfluorooctylbromide (1.30±0.3 dB) and for perfluorooctane (2.64±0.5 dB) within the first 60 min of imaging. In comparison, the inherently nonechogenic plasma clots showed a substantial increase of 12.0±0.9 dB when targeted with a perfluoro-octane emulsion. This study demonstrates the concept of molecular imaging and provides the first quantifiable time-evolution report of the binding of a site-targeted ultrasonic contrast agent. Moreover, with the incorporation of specific drug treatments into the nanoparticulate contrast agent, ultrasonic molecular imaging may yield reliable detection and quantification of nascent pathologies and facilitate targeted drug therapy.
Frequency analysis of the acoustic signal transmitted through a one-dimensional chain of metallic spheres
Authors: de Billy Michel
Published: July 2002

This work investigates the propagation of acoustic pulses through a chain of elastic spheres embedded in air. This study is an extension of the works realized on individual sphere by several authors for measuring elastic constant and internal friction with a monofrequential acoustic excitation. The frequency analysis of the experimental transmitted train waves exhibit maxima which were correlated to different types of free vibration modes: the Rayleigh modes (Rnl), the torsional modes (Tnl), and the spheroidal modes (Snl). These resonances may be generated separately according to the polarization of the excitation pulse.
Acoustic scattering by inhomogeneous spheres
Authors: Martin P. A.
Published: July 2002

Acoustic scattering problems are considered when the material parameters (density ρ and speed of sound c) are spherically symmetric functions of position. Explicit separated solutions are derived (i) when ρ(r)=exp(βr) and c−2 is a linear function of r−1, and (ii) when ρ(r)=exp(−βr2) and c−2 is a linear function of r2. In both cases, the radial parts of the solutions are given in terms of Coulomb wave functions or Whittaker functions; these are well-studied special functions, closely related to confluent hypergeometric functions. Two problems are discussed in detail: scattering by an inhomogeneous sphere embedded in a homogeneous fluid, and scattering by a homogeneous sphere with a concentric inhomogeneous coating.
A spark-generated bubble model with semi-empirical mass transport
Authors: Cook Jeffrey A. , Gleeson Austin M. , Roberts Randy M. , Rogers Robert L.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the time evolution of bubbles generated by underwater electrical discharges. The oscillations of these high-temperature vapor and plasma bubbles generate acoustic signatures similar to the signatures generated by air guns, underwater explosions, and combustible sources. A set of model equations is developed that allows the time evolution of the bubble generated by a spark discharge to be calculated numerically from a given power input. The acoustic signatures produced by the model were compared to previously recorded experimental data, and the model was found to agree over wide ranges of energy and ambient pressure on several characteristic values of the acoustic signatures. The bubble period in particular matched very well between model and experiment, indicating that the total energy losses predicted by the model over the oscillation of the bubble were approximately correct, although no reliable information was gained about the relative magnitudes of the individual energy loss mechanisms examined. The bubble period and the minimum rarefaction pressure were found to depend on depth, while the peak pressures in the expansion and collapse pulses and the acoustic energy in the expansion pulse were not found to depend on depth over the parameter ranges investigated.
A combined integro-modal approach for predicting acoustic properties of irregular-shaped cavities
Authors: Missaoui J. , Cheng L.
Published: July 2002

An integro-modal approach is presented in this paper for computing the acoustic properties of irregular-shaped cavities. The method consists of discretizing the whole cavity into a series of subcavities, whose acoustic pressure is decomposed either over a modal basis of regular subcavities or over that of the bounding cavities in the case of irregular-shaped boundaries. An integral formulation is then established to ensure continuity of both pressure and velocity between adjacent subcavities using a membrane with zero mass and stiffness. To some extent, the method provides a combined approach retaining the advantages of both the acoustoelastic method (AEM) and the Green’s function method (GFM). Numerical and experimental results are presented demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of the suggested technique. Comparisons with other existing methods are also made. It is shown that good accuracy on the computation of cavity modes can be obtained using a very limited number of subcavities.
The development of affordable constant beamwidth transducers using injection molded 1-3 piezoelectric composite
Authors: Benjamin Kim C. , Van Buren A. L. , Petrie Sheridan
Published: July 2002

The design, fabrication, and acoustic calibration results for a new class of constant beamwidth transducers (CBTs) is presented. This experimental study extends previously reported work by Van Buren et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 73 (1983)] in which a CBT was constructed using hundreds of individual end-capped PZT ceramic cylinders. Each ceramic element assembly was wrapped in corprene to provide mechanical isolation from the massive metal housing and to provide a pressure release boundary condition. This presentation describes a new design approach which employs injection molded piezocomposite which is curved to form a spherical cap. Design equations will be presented which allow one to dimension the active spherical section for a given application. Of key importance to a successful CBT design is the proper implementation of velocity amplitude shading. The current approach uses an area shading technique that is achieved through selective electroplating of copper. The design, construction, and measured results for three different geometries, including a 0.76-m (30″) diameter unit will be discussed.
Feedback mechanism of low-speed edgetones
Authors: Kwon Young-Pil
Published: July 2002

The feedback mechanism of low-speed edgetones is analyzed by using the jet–edge interaction model in which reaction of the edge is modeled by an array of dipoles. From the jet–edge interaction model the surface pressure of the edge and the upstream wave are estimated by assuming the downstream disturbance as a sinuously oscillating flow with a constant convection speed. The surface pressure distribution on the edge is found to increase from zero at the edge tip to a peak value around a quarter wavelength downstream, which may be regarded as the effective source point of the upstream-propagating sound wave. From the condition that the two wave trains should be phase-locked at the nozzle lip, p=−14 is obtained for low-speed edgetones in the phase criterion of the form, h/Λ+h/λ=n+p, where h is the stand-off distance, Λ and λ are the wavelengths of downstream and upstream, respectively, and n is the stage number. Based on the phase criterion, the ratio of the convection speed, Uc, to the jet speed, U0, is estimated from the experimental data for low-speed edgetones and found to be about Uc/U0=0.6 and to be almost independent of frequency. Finally, an approximate model for the frequency characteristics has been obtained in the form, St=(d/h)[(n−1/4)/(1/0.6+M0)], where d is the width of the two-dimensional nozzle, M0 the Mach number of the jet velocity, St is the Strouhal number, St=fd/U0, and f is the frequency. The present model is confirmed substantially in comparison with available experimental data.
Structural characterization of a new zinc phosphate: (ZnPO4)4(H3PO4)2(C4N2H14)2
Authors: Echavarría Adriana , Palacio Luz Amparo , Saldarriaga Carlos
Published: July 2002

A new zinc phosphate was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of zinc oxide and phosphoric acid in the presence of 1,4-diaminebutane. The formula of the product is (ZnPO4)4(H3PO4)2(C4N2H14)2 and crystallizes in the triclinic system with a=8.6590(3) Å, b=10.3467(3) Å, c=8.3910(3) Å, α=102.180(2)°, β=93.676(2)°, and γ=88.203(2)°.
Development of Interstitial Lung Disease Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Oral Anticoagulants in Taiwan
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsin , Chao Tze-Fan , Chen Shao-Wei , Lee Hsin-Fu , Chen Wei-Min , Li Pei-Ru , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Kuo Chi-Tai , See Lai-Chu , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: November 2022

Importance

There are emerging concerns from case reports and pharmacovigilance analyses of a possible risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with the use of factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors.

Objective

To evaluate the risk of incident ILD associated with the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide retrospective cohort study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with NVAF without preexisting lung disease who received OACs from June 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017, were included. Propensity score stabilized weighting (PSSW) was used to balance covariates across the medication groups (FXa inhibitors, dabigatran, and warfarin, with warfarin as the reference). Patients were followed up from the drug index date until the onset of ILD, death, or end of the study (December 31, 2019), whichever occurred first. Data were analyzed from September 11, 2021, to August 3, 2022.

Exposures

Patients with NVAF were treated with FXa inhibitors, dabigatran, or warfarin.

Main Outcomes and Measures

New-onset idiopathic ILD.

Results

Among the 106 044 patients (mean [SD] age, 73.4 [11.9] years; 59 995 men [56.6%]) included in the study, 64 555 (60.9%) received FXa inhibitors (apixban [n = 15 386], edoxaban [n = 12 413], and rivaroxaban [n = 36 756]), 22 501 (21.2%) received dabigatran, and 18 988 (17.9%) received warfarin at baseline. The FXa inhibitors were associated with a higher risk of incident ILD (0.29 vs 0.17 per 100 patient-years; hazard ratio, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.22-1.94]; P < .001), whereas dabigatran was associated with a nonsignificant difference in risk of incident ILD compared with warfarin (reference) after PSSW. The higher risk of incident ILD for FXa inhibitors vs warfarin was consistent with several high-risk subgroups.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this study suggest that FXa inhibitors were associated with lung injury among patients with NVAF who were treated with OACs. Physicians should be vigilant in monitoring for any potential adverse lung outcomes associated with the use of these drugs.
Low-Value Prostate-Specific Antigen Test for Prostate Cancer Screening and Subsequent Health Care Utilization and Spending
Authors: Kim David D. , Daly Allan T. , Koethe Benjamin C. , Fendrick A. Mark , Ollendorf Daniel A. , Wong John B. , Neumann Peter J.
Published: November 2022

Importance

Delivering low-value care can lead to unnecessary follow-up services and associated costs, and such care cascades have not been well examined in common clinical scenarios.

Objective

To evaluate the utilization and costs of care cascades of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer screening, as the routine use of which among asymptomatic men aged 70 years and older is discouraged by multiple guidelines.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included men aged 70 years and older without preexisting prostate conditions enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during January 2016 to December 2018 with at least 1 outpatient visit. Medical billing claims data from the deidentified OptumLabs Data Warehouse were used. Data analysis was conducted from September 2020 to August 2021.

Exposures

At least 1 claim for low-value PSA tests for prostate cancer screening during the observation period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Utilization of and spending on low-value PSA cancer screening and associated care cascades and the difference in overall health care utilization and spending among individuals receiving low-value PSA cancer screening vs those who did not, adjusting for observed characteristics using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Results

Of 995 442 men (mean [SD] age, 78.0 [5.6] years) aged 70 years or older in a Medicare Advantage plan included in this study, 384 058 (38.6%) received a low-value PSA cancer screening. Utilization increased for each subsequent cohort from 2016 to 2018 (49 802 of 168 951 [29.4%] to 134 404 of 349 228 [38.5%] to 199 852 of 477 203 [41.9%]). Among those receiving initial low-value PSA cancer screening, 241 188 of 384 058 (62.8%) received at least 1 follow-up service. Repeated PSA testing was the most common, and 27 268 (7.1%) incurred high-cost follow-up services, such as imaging, radiation therapy, and prostatectomy. Utilization and spending associated with care cascades also increased from 2016 to 2018. For every $1 spent on a low-value PSA cancer screening, an additional $6 was spent on care cascades. Despite avoidable care cascades, individuals who received low-value PSA cancer screening were not associated with increased overall health care utilization and spending during the 1-year follow-up period compared with an unscreened population.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, low-value PSA tests for prostate cancer screening remained prevalent among Medicare Advantage plan enrollees and were associated with unnecessary expenditures due to avoidable care cascades. Innovative efforts from clinicians and policy makers, such as payment reforms, to reduce initial low-value care and avoidable care cascades are warranted to decrease harm, enhance equity, and improve health care efficiency.
Automated testing platform for radiotherapy treatment planning scripts
Authors: Lucido Joseph John , Shiraishi Satomi , Seetamsetty Srinivas , Ellerbusch David C. , Antolak John A. , Moseley Douglas J.
Published: November 2022

Realizing the potential of user‐developed automation software interacting with a treatment planning system (TPS) requires rigorous testing to ensure patient safety and data integrity. We developed an automated test platform to allow comparison of the treatment planning database before and after the execution of a write‐enabled script interacting with a commercial TPS (Eclipse, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) using the vendor‐provided Eclipse Scripting Application Programming Interface (ESAPI). The C#‐application known as Write‐Enable Script Testing Engine (WESTE) serializes the treatment planning objects (Patient, Structure Set, PlanSetup) accessible through ESAPI, and then compares the serialization acquired before and after the execution of the script being tested, documenting identified differences to highlight the changes made to the treatment planning data. The first two uses of WESTE demonstrated that the testing platform could acquire and analyze the data quickly (<4 s per test case) and facilitate the clinical implementation of write‐enabled scripts.
Multiple sclerosis clinical decision support system based on projection to reference datasets
Authors: Ed‐driouch Chadia , Chéneau Florent , Simon Françoise , Pasquier Guillaume , Combès Benoit , Kerbrat Anne , Le Page Emmanuelle , Limou Sophie , Vince Nicolas , Laplaud David‐Axel , Mars Franck , Dumas Cédric , Edan Gilles , Gourraud Pierre‐Antoine
Published: November 2022

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease with increasingly complicated management. Our objective is to use on‐demand computational power to address the challenges of dynamically managing MS.

Methods

A phase 3 clinical trial data (NCT00906399) were used to contextualize the medication efficacy of peg‐interferon beta‐1a vs placebo on patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). Using a set of reference patients (PORs), selected based on adequate features similar to those of an individual patient, we visualize disease activity by measuring the percentage of relapses, accumulation of new T2 lesions on MRI, and worsening EDSS during the clinical trial.

Results

We developed MS Vista, a functional prototype of clinical decision support system (CDSS), with a user‐centered design and distributed infrastructure. MS Vista shows the medication efficacy of peginterferon beta‐1a versus placebo for each individual patient with RRMS. In addition, MS Vista initiated the integration of a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) viewer and interactive dual physician‐patient data display to facilitate communication.

Interpretation

The pioneer use of PORs for each individual patient enables personalized analytics sustaining the dialog between neurologists, patients and caregivers with quantified evidence.
Bio‐inspired Copper Kirigami Motifs Leading to a 2D–3D Switchable Structure for Programmable Fog Harvesting and Water Retention
Authors: Yu Zhihua , Zhang Jichao , Li Shuhui , Zhou Zhijuan , Qin Ziqi , Liu Hui , Lai Yuekun , Fu Shaohai
Published: November 2022

Bio‐inspired fog harvesting devices (FHDs) have been exploited to address water shortages. Despite the advances achieved, efficient and continuous fog harvesting is still hindered by some challenges: 1) a single mechanism appears to be insufficient to achieve optimal water collection efficiency; 2) the re‐evaporation of the harvested water results in decreased water collection. In this study, inspired by the unique feature of cacti, Nepenthes alata, lotus leaves, and pinecones, a 2D–3D switchable copper sheet (SLP‐SHL@SP‐Cu) is reported, which results in excellent fog capture and water transport rates. During the fog harvesting process, the captured droplets transport from the tip of the top surface to the bottom under the Laplace forces (cacti spine), capillary forces (lotus leaves), and low surface energy (Nepenthes alata). Notably, the novel FHD responds in a preprogrammed manner to changes in humidity and performs a dynamic transformation from a 2D planar structure to a 3D helical structure (and in reverse), enabling efficient fog harvesting (in the 3D geometry) and water storage (in its 2D form). Thus, this study opens a new avenue for the practical applications of highly effective FHDs with increased water retention abilities.
2D‐Layered Manganese Perovskite with High Mobility
Authors: Cai Yangyang , Yan Siyu , Du Xinran , Lin Tingting , Lin Yue‐jian , Qiu Longzhen , Wang Weizhi
Published: November 2022

2D perovskite is an organic–inorganic hybrid material with good photoelectric properties, generally prepared by using organic groups as isolation molecules. In this study, using manganese chloride and potassium halide as raw materials, all‐inorganic 2D lead‐free perovskites are prepared by the Bridgeman melting and cooling method. Different from the 2D perovskites synthesized by organic spacer molecules, the prepared all‐inorganic 2D perovskites have smaller layer spacings and good crystallization performance due to the use of potassium halide as spacer molecules. They are direct bandgap semiconductors and their energy bandgaps are tuned by the different types of potassium halides. High degree orientation crystal thin films with (001) lattice plane parallel to silicon wafer substrate are prepared by double‐source evaporation. The physical morphology of the films is characterized by grazing angle X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction. The field effect transistors prepared from these 2D films show excellent electronic characteristics. The mobility of the optimized device is ≈24 cm2 v−1 s−1 and the on/off ratio reaches 105. This study reveals the potential of lead‐free manganese 2D perovskite as a high‐performance perovskite field effect transistor.
Metal‐Perturbed Multiresonance TADF Emitter Enables High‐Efficiency and Ultralow Efficiency Roll‐Off Nonsensitized OLEDs with Pure Green Gamut
Authors: Wang Junjie , Li Nengquan , Zhong Cheng , Miao Jingsheng , Huang Zhongyan , Yu Mingxin , Hu Yu Xuan , Luo Sai , Zou Yang , Li Kai , Yang Chuluo
Published: November 2022

Multiresonance (MR)‐induced thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters based on B‐ and N‐embedded polycyclic aromatics are desirable for ultrahigh‐definition organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and narrow bandwidth. But the reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) rates of MR‐TADF emitters are usually small, resulting in severe device efficiency roll‐off at high brightness. To solve this issue, a sensitizer for the MR‐TADF emitter has been required. Herein, a new MR‐TADF emitter is developed through coordination of Au with B/N‐embedded polycyclic ligand. Benefitting from the Au perturbation, the RISC rate is dramatically accelerated to 2.3 × 107 s−1, leading to delayed fluorescence lifetime as short as 4.3 µs. Meanwhile, the PLQY of 95% and full width at half maximum of 39 nm (0.18 eV) are essentially unchanged after metal coordination. Therefore, a high PLQY, short delayed fluorescence lifetime, and high color purity are concurrently realized in a single TADF emitter. Accordingly, vacuum‐deposited OLEDs exhibit high‐performance electroluminescence with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 35.8% without sensitization. The EQE is maintained as high as 32.3% at 10 000 cd m−2. Furthermore, solution‐processed OLED based on the emitter also achieves excellent performance with a maximum EQE of 25.7% and a small efficiency roll‐off.
Ultrasound‐Amplified Enzyodynamic Tumor Therapy by Perovskite Nanoenzyme‐Enabled Cell Pyroptosis and Cascade Catalysis
Authors: Chang Meiqi , Wang Zeyu , Dong Caihong , Zhou Ruirui , Chen Liang , Huang Hui , Feng Wei , Wang Ziliang , Wang Yin , Chen Yu
Published: November 2022

Overcoming apoptosis resistance to achieve efficient breast cancer treatment remains a challenge. The precise induction of another form of programmed cell death, pyroptosis, is an excellent alternative for treating cancer. Ultrasound (US)‐enhanced enzyme dynamic (enzyodynamic) therapy is developed by employing LaFeO3 (LFO) perovskite nanocrystals as a substrate to increase the rate of deleterious reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for intensive cell pyroptosis. LFO nanocrystals possess quadruple enzyme‐mimicking activities, including oxidase‐, peroxidase‐, glutathione peroxidase‐, and catalase‐mimicking activities, which undertake the dominant therapeutic task through cascade catalytic reactions, including the reversal of hypoxic microenvironment, depletion of endogenous glutathione, and continuous output of ROS. US exogenous stimulation increases the transition rate of the intermediate complex to Fe (II) and favors incremental ROS production, by which the ROS burst‐induced pyroptosis process is accomplished through the ROS‐TXNIP‐NLRP3‐GSDMD pathway. Both in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic outcomes affirm the ascendancy of LFO nanozyme‐induced pyroptosis. This work highlights the critical role of US coupled with nanocatalytic reactors in pyroptosis‐dominant breast cancer treatment with the apoptosis resistance circumvention feature.
Ternary All‐Polymer Solar Cells with Efficiency up to 18.14% Employing a Two‐Step Sequential Deposition
Authors: Yang Xinrong , Sun Rui , Wang Yuheng , Chen Mingxia , Xia Xinxin , Lu Xinhui , Lu Guanghao , Min Jie
Published: November 2022

Achieving a finely tuned active layer morphology with a suitable vertical phase to facilitate both charge generation and charge transport has long been the main goal for pursuing the highly efficient bulk heterojunction all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). Herein, a solution to address the above challenge via synergistically combining the ternary blend strategy and the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) procedure is proposed. By introducing a synthesized polymer acceptor (PA), PY‐Cl, with higher crystallinity into the designed host acceptor PY‐SSe‐V, vertical phase distribution and molecular ordering of the LbL‐type ternary all‐PSCs can be improved in comparison to the LbL‐type PM6/PY‐SSe‐V binary all‐PSCs. The formation of the superior bulk microstructure can not only promote charge transport and extraction properties but also reduce energetic disorder and non‐radiative recombination loss, thus improving all three photovoltaic parameters simultaneously. Consequently, the PM6/(PY‐SSe‐V:PY‐Cl) ternary all‐PSCs show the best efficiency of 18.14%, which is among the highest values reported to date for all‐PSCs. This work provides a facile and effective LbL‐type ternary strategy for obtaining high‐efficiency all‐PSCs.
Blood‐Coagulation‐Inspired Dynamic Bridging Strategy for the Fabrication of Multiscale‐Assembled Hierarchical Porous Material
Authors: Zhang Lin , Sun Yuxin , Peng Li , Fang Wenzhang , Huang Qiao , Zhang Jie , Zhang Ziyan , Li Hang , Liu Yingjun , Ying Yibin , Fu Yingchun
Published: November 2022

Porous materials, from macroscopic bulk materials (MBs) with (sub‐)millimeter‐scale pores to tiny particles (TPs) with (sub‐)nanometer‐scale pores, have attracted ever‐growing interest in various fields. However, the integration of multi‐scale pores in one composite is promising but challenging, owing to the considerable gap in the scale of the pores. Inspired by blood coagulation, a fibrin‐based dynamic bridging strategy is developed to fabricate a multiscale‐assembled hierarchical porous material (MHPM), in which fibrin formed as the sub‐framework for the weaving‐narrow of MBs and the enwinding‐load of TPs. The bio‐polymerization nature makes the fabrication rapid, facile, and universal for the customizable integration of seven kinds of TPs and four kinds of MBs. Besides, the integration is controllable with high load capacity of TPs and is stable against external shock forces. The unique multi‐level structure endows the MHPM with large and accessible surface area, and efficient mass transfer pathways, synergistically leading to high adsorption capacity and rapid kinetics in multiple adsorption models. This work suggests a strategy for the rational multi‐level design and fabrication of hierarchical porous architectures.
Neuropathological Insights into Unexpected Cognitive Decline in Epilepsy
Authors: Reimers Annika , Helmstaedter Christoph , Elger Christian E. , Pitsch Julika , Hamed Motaz , Becker Albert J. , Witt Juri‐Alexander
Published: November 2022

Objective

Some patients unexpectedly display an unfavorable cognitive course after epilepsy surgery subsequent to any direct cognitive sequelae of the surgical treatment. Therefore, we conducted in‐depth neuropathological examinations of resective specimens from corresponding patients to provide insights as to the underlying disease processes.

Methods

In this study, cases with significant cognitive deterioration following a previous postoperative assessment were extracted from the neuropsychological database of a longstanding epilepsy surgical program. An extensive reanalysis of available specimens was performed using current, state‐of‐the‐art neuropathological examinations. Patients without cognitive deterioration but matched in regard to basic pathologies served as controls.

Results

Among the 355 operated patients who had undergone more than one postoperative neuropsychological examination, 30 (8%) showed significant cognitive decline in the period after surgery. Of the 24 patients with available specimens, 71% displayed further neuropathological changes in addition to the typical spectrum (ie, hippocampal sclerosis, focal cortical dysplasias, vascular lesions, and low‐grade tumors), indicating (1) a secondary, putatively epilepsy‐independent neurodegenerative disease process; (2) limbic inflammation; or (3) the enigmatic pathology pattern of "hippocampal gliosis" without segmental neurodegeneration. In the controls, the matched individual principal epilepsy‐associated pathologies were not found in combination with the secondary pathology patterns of the study group.

Interpretation

Our findings indicate that patients who unexpectedly displayed unfavorable cognitive development beyond any direct surgical effects show rare and very particular pathogenetic causes or parallel, presumably independent, neurodegenerative alterations. A multicenter collection of such cases would be appreciated to discern presurgical biomarkers that help with surgical decision‐making. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:536–550
Multifunctional Thermally Conductive Composite Films Based on Fungal Tree‐like Heterostructured Silver Nanowires@Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Aramid Nanofibers
Authors: Han Yixin , Ruan Kunpeng , Gu Junwei
Published: November 2022

Thermal conduction for electronic equipment has grown in importance in light of the burgeoning of 5G communication. It is imperatively desired to design highly thermally conductive fillers and polymer composite films with prominent Joule heating characteristics and extensive mechanical properties. In this work, “solvothermal & in situ growth” method is carried out to prepare “Fungal tree”‐like hetero‐structured silver nanowires@boron nitride nanosheet (AgNWs@BNNS) thermally conductive fillers. The thermally conductive AgNWs@BNNS/ANF composite films are obtained by the method of “suction filtration self‐assembly and hot‐pressing”. When the mass fraction of AgNWs@BNNS is 50 wt%, AgNWs@BNNS/ANF composite film presents the optimal thermal conductivity coefficient of 9.44 W/(m ⋅ K) and excellent tensile strength of 136.6 MPa, good temperature‐voltage response characteristics, superior electrical stability and reliability, which promise a wide application potential in 5G electronic devices.
Achieving Control in Micro‐/Nanomotor Mobility
Authors: Fusi Alexander D. , Li Yudong , Llopis‐Lorente A. , Patiño Tania , van Hest Jan C. M. , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A.
Published: November 2022

Unprecedented opportunities exist for the generation of advanced nanotechnologies based on synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs), such as active transport of medical agents or the removal of pollutants. In this regard, great efforts have been dedicated toward controlling MNM motion (e.g., speed, directionality). This was generally performed by precise engineering and optimizing of the motors′ chassis, engine, powering mode (i.e., chemical or physical), and mechanism of motion. Recently, new insights have emerged to control motors mobility, mainly by the inclusion of different modes that drive propulsion. With high degree of synchronization, these modes work providing the required level of control. In this Minireview, we discuss the diverse factors that impact motion; these include MNM morphology, modes of mobility, and how control over motion was achieved. Moreover, we highlight the main limitations that need to be overcome so that such motion control can be translated into real applications.
Helical Bilayer Nonbenzenoid Nanographene Bearing a [10]Helicene with Two Embedded Heptagons
Authors: Yang Lin , Ju Yang‐Yang , Medel Miguel A. , Fu Yubin , Komber Hartmut , Dmitrieva Evgenia , Zhang Jin‐Jiang , Obermann Sebastian , Campaña Araceli G. , Ma Ji , Feng Xinliang
Published: November 2022

The precision synthesis of helical bilayer nanographenes (NGs) with new topology is of substantial interest because of their exotic physicochemical properties. However, helical bilayer NGs bearing non‐hexagonal rings remain synthetically challenging. Here we present the efficient synthesis of the first helical bilayer nonbenzenoid nanographene (HBNG1) from a tailor‐made azulene‐embedded precursor, which contains a novel [10]helicene backbone with two embedded heptagons. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis reveals its highly twisted bilayer geometry with a record small interlayer distance of 3.2 Å among the reported helical bilayer NGs. Notably, the close interlayer distance between the two layers offers intramolecular through‐space conjugation as revealed by in situ spectroelectrochemistry studies together with DFT simulations. Furthermore, the chiroptical properties of the P/M enantiomers of HBNG1 are also evaluated by circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence.
Construction of a MOF‐Supported Palladium Catalyst via Metal Metathesis
Authors: Liang Chenglong , Wu Fei , Miao Tingting , Zhang Peng , Zhang Weibing , Wu Fen , Shi Qian
Published: November 2022

A new MOF‐supported heterogeneous palladium catalyst Pd/NBB‐1 has been synthesized successfully through the effective metal metathesis between Pd(CF3COO)2 and NBB‐1. NBB‐1 is a two‐dimensional zinc metal‐organic framework constructed from 2‐aminoterephthalate (NH2−H2BDC) and 2,2′‐bipyridine‐5‐carboxylate (HBPC) by solvothermal method. The replacement efficiency of Pd(II) to Zn(II) is up to 72% after only 24 hours, which is beneficial to the catalytic application. Pd/NBB‐1 with a low loading of 2 mol% works efficiently in the 1,4‐addition reaction of arylboronic acids with α,β‐unsaturated ketones in air, and its catalytic activity keeps unchanged after 3 reaction cycles. This work provides a new strategy to effectively prepare supported noble metal/MOF catalysts, which would further increase the practical applications of metal‐organic frameworks.
An urban versus rural comparison of obesity between youth with and without autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Garcia Jeanette M. , Odahowski Cassie L.
Published: November 2022

To examine obesity prevalence in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical (NT) youth living in rural and urban areas. Data is from the 2019 National Survey of Children's Health, a national dataset that collected information on child health and well‐being. Overweight/obesity status was based on parent/caregiver report of child height and weight. Urban and rural status was determined by whether children lived in/near a city. Chi‐square tests were conducted to examine differences in obesity prevalence in youth with ASD and NT youth living in rural and urban areas. Overall, 43.9% of youth with ASD were overweight/obese compared to 30.6% of NT youth (p < 0.001). There was a significantly higher proportion of NT youth living in rural areas (36.44%) who were overweight/obese compared to urban NT youth (30.35%, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the proportion of overweight/obese youth with ASD living in rural areas (44.02%) compared to urban areas (44.44%, p = 0.96). Urban residence reduced the odds of overweight/obese compared to rural residence among NT youth (aOR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.66–0.90) but urban/rural residence was not a significant factor in models for ASD youth (aOR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.63–2.48). In contrast to NT youth, there were no differences in levels of overweight/obesity in youth with ASD living in rural areas compared to urban areas. Further research on how sociodemographic factors and geographic location affect obesity in youth with ASD is warranted.
On target methods to induce abscopal phenomenon for Off‐Target effects: From happenstance to happenings
Authors: Nelson Blessie Elizabeth , Adashek Jacob J. , Lin Steven H. , Subbiah Vivek
Published: November 2022

Although the “abscopal phenomenon” has been described several decades ago, this phenomenon lately has been obtaining momentous traction with the dawn of immune‐based therapies. There has been increased cross talk among radiation oncologists, oncologists and immunologists and consequently a surge in the number of prospective clinical trials. This must be coupled with translation work from these clinical trials to aid in eventual identification of patients who may benefit. Abscopal effects may be induced by local and systemic methods, conventional radiotherapy, particle radiation, radionucleotide methods, cryoablation and brachytherapy. These approaches have all been reported to be stimulate abscopal effect. Immune induction by immune checkpoint therapy, immune adjuvants, cellular therapy including CAR and NK cell therapies may generate systemic abscopal response. With increasing recognition of this effect, there remains a lot of work to explore the modalities of inducing abscopal responses and ultimate prediction or prognostication on stratifying who may benefit. Ultimately, there is an urgent need for prospective studies and data to tease apart which one of these modalities can be applied to the appropriate candidate, to the appropriate cancer at the appropriate setting. This review seeks to elucidate readers on the different modalities of radiation, systemic therapies and other techniques rarely explored to potentiate the abscopal effect from a mere coincidence to a finite occurrence.
FLT3 inhibitors as maintenance therapy post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia patients with FLT3 mutations: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fei Xinhong , Zhang Shuqin , Gu Jiangying , Wang Jingbo
Published: November 2022

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with a Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation have a high incidence of relapse despite allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) and a subsequent poor prognosis. FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3i) have been suggested to reduce the post‐transplant relapse risk in recent studies. As more evidence is accumulated, we perform the present meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of FLT3i as post‐transplant maintenance therapy in AML patients.

Methods

Literature search was performed in public databases from inception to December 31, 2021. Overall survival (OS), relapse‐free survival (RFS), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), non‐relapse mortality (NRM), graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and adverse events were compared between FLT3i and control groups. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) or relative risk (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

We identified 12 eligible studies with 2282 FLT3‐mutated AML patients who had received HSCT. There was no between‐study heterogeneity and a fix‐effect model was used. Post‐transplant FLT3i maintenance significantly prolonged OS (HR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.32–0.52, p < 0.001) and RFS (HR = 0.39, 95%CI 0.31–0.50, p < 0.001), and reduced CIR (HR = 0.31, 95%CI 0.20–0.46, p < 0.001) as compared with control. There were no significant risk differences in NRM (RR = 0.69, 95%CI 0.41–1.17, p = 0.169), acute GVHD (RR = 1.17, 95%CI 0.93–1.47, p = 0.175), chronic GVHD (RR = 1.31, 95%CI 0.91–1.39, p = 0.276) and grade ≥3 adverse events between both groups, except for skin toxicity (RR = 5.86, 95%CI 1.34–25.57, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Post‐transplant FLT3i maintenance can improve survival and reduce relapse in FLT3‐mutated AML patients and is tolerable.