bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Gamma Knife dose planning using polygon clipping and adaptive simulated annealing
Authors: Leichtman Gregg S. , Aita Anthony L. , Goldman H. Warren
Published: July 2002

The Gamma Knife (Elekta Instruments, Inc., Norcross, GA), a neurosurgical, highly focused radiation delivery device, is used to eradicate deep‐seated anomalous tissue within the human brain by delivering a lethal dose of radiation to target tissue. This dose is the accumulated result of delivering sequential “shots” of radiation to the target, where each shot is approximately three‐dimensional (3‐D) Gaussian in shape. The size and intensity of each shot can be adjusted by varying the time of radiation exposure and by using one of four collimator sizes ranging from 4–18 mm. Current dose planning requires that the dose plan be developed manually to cover the target, and only the target, with a desired minimum radiation intensity using a minimum number of shots. This is a laborious and subjective process that typically leads to suboptimal conformal target coverage by the dose. We have previously presented a forward—direct—method, which, using adaptive simulated annealing and Nelder–Mead simplex optimizers, automates the selection and placement of generic Gaussian‐based kernels or “shots” to form a simulated dose plan. In order to make the computation of the problem tractable, the algorithm exploits 2‐D contouring and polygon clipping and takes a 2 ‐D approach to defining the problem. In the current paper we present the results of four experiments on two historical clinical datasets, where the generic kernels have been replaced by patient specific kernels calculated by Elekta's Leksell Gamma Plan software. For these experiments the user only selects the maximum number of shots to use and the optimizers are then given the freedom to vary the number of shots as well as the weight, collimator size, and 3‐D location of each shot. Highly conformal and competitive dose plans were generated for these two difficult cases.
Radiobiological significance of beamline dependent proton energy distributions in a spread‐out Bragg peak
Authors: Paganetti Harald , Goitein Michael
Published: July 2002

Similar target doses can be achieved with different mixed radiation fields, i.e., particle energy distributions, produced by a practical proton beam and a range modulator. The dose delivered in particle therapy can be described as the integral of fluence times the total mass stopping power over the particle energy distributions. We employed Monte Carlo simulations to explore the influence on the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the energy and the energy spread of the proton beam incident on a range modulator system. Using different beams, the conditions of beam delivery were adjusted so that similar spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) doses were delivered to a simulated water phantom. We calculated the RBE for inactivation of three different cell lines using the track structure model. The RBE depends on the details of the dose deposition and the biological characteristics of the irradiated tissue. Our calculations show that, for differing beam conditions, the corresponding differences in the total mass stopping power distributions are reflected in differences in the RBE. However, these differences are remarkable only at the very distal edge of the SOBP, for low doses, and/or for large differences in beam setup.
Faster, cheaper, safer optical tweezers for the undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Bechhoefer John , Wilson Scott
Published: July 2002

We describe an optical tweezers experiment suitable for a third-year undergraduate laboratory course. Compared to previous designs, it may be set up in about half the time and at one-third the cost. The experiment incorporates several features that increase safety. We also discuss how to use stochastic methods to characterize the trap’s strength and shape.
Capture of the lamb: Diffusing predators seeking a diffusing prey
Authors: Redner S. , Krapivsky P. L.
Published: July 2002

We study the capture of a diffusing “lamb” by diffusing “lions” in one dimension. The capture dynamics is exactly soluble by probabilistic techniques when the number of lions is very small, and is tractable by extreme statistics considerations when the number of lions is very large. However, the exact solution for the general case of three or more lions is still not known.
An automated procedure for identifying spontaneous otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Pasanen Edward G. , McFadden Dennis
Published: July 2002

An algorithm is described for objectively identifying and measuring spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) using the spectrum that results from transformation of the acoustic waveform measured in the outer ear canal. Prior to spectral analysis, the rms level is calculated for successive short segments of the waveform and only the weakest 25% of the segments are retained for the spectral analysis [the quietest 150 when using 16k-point fast Fourier transforms (FFTs)]. The resulting initial spectrum is scanned for peaks (potential SOAEs) which are then deleted from the spectrum. New values are estimated for the deleted values using linear extrapolations from frequency ranges on either side of the deleted values. The end result is a smoothed spectrum devoid of all local peaks. The initial spectrum is then compared peak-by-peak with the smoothed spectrum, and those peaks having differences that exceed an objectively determined decision criterion are identified as likely SOAEs. The effects of varying some of the important parameter values of the algorithm are described, and the sensitivity of the procedure is evaluated by measuring the detection rate for a Lorentzian peak of known amplitude added to a spectrum otherwise devoid of SOAEs.
Acoustic/elastic stop-band interaction in waveguides involving two periodicities
Authors: Hawwa Muhammad A.
Published: July 2002

A structure with two periodicities can couple up to six modes under a case of simultaneous resonance resulting in a stop-band interaction. The method of multiple scales is employed to analyze the modal coupling in a two-dimensional acoustic duct with rigid periodically undulated walls as well as in an elastic plate having periodically corrugated outerfaces, leading to the coupled-mode equations. The comparison between the three possible cases of interaction under simultaneous resonance are given in terms of the power reflection coefficient spectrum as a function of frequency. The strength of the stop-band interaction is found to be strongly related to the number of direct couplings between the incident and reflected modes.
A third note on the prediction of sound intensity
Authors: Pan J.
Published: July 2002

The modal expansion of the sound field in an enclosure often employs rigid-wall modes of the enclosure as base functions. Simple analytical expressions of the modal amplitudes can be obtained if the specific acoustic-impedance ratio of the enclosure boundary is large and the modal coupling among the rigid-wall modes is negligible. It has been demonstrated that the analytical expressions fail to give a correct prediction of sound intensity [J. Pan, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 93, 1641–1644 (1993)]. Even including the modal coupling, prediction error still exists as a result of the poor convergence inherited in the use of the rigid-wall mode [J. Pan, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 691–694 (1995)]. This note discusses a new approach of using the extended mode shape functions for the expansion of sound pressure. The new approach significantly improves the accuracy in the prediction of sound pressure and sound intensity in enclosures.
Computer identification of musical instruments using pattern recognition with cepstral coefficients as features
Authors: Brown Judith C.
Published: July 2002

Cepstral coefficients based on a constant Q transform have been calculated for 28 short (1–2 s) oboe sounds and 52 short saxophone sounds. These were used as features in a pattern analysis to determine for each of these sounds comprising the test set whether it belongs to the oboe or to the sax class. The training set consisted of longer sounds of 1 min or more for each of the instruments. A k-means algorithm was used to calculate clusters for the training data, and Gaussian probability density functions were formed from the mean and variance of each of the clusters. Each member of the test set was then analyzed to determine the probability that it belonged to each of the two classes; and a Bayes decision rule was invoked to assign it to one of the classes. Results have been extremely good and are compared to a human perception experiment identifying a subset of these same sounds.
Perfectly matched layers for elastic waves in cylindrical and spherical coordinates
Authors: Liu Q. H.
Published: July 2002

The perfectly matched layer (PML) for elastic waves in cylindrical and spherical coordinates is developed using an improved scheme of complex coordinates. As is known for electromagnetic waves, Berenger’s original PML scheme does not apply to cylindrical and spherical coordinates. The straightforward extension of the complex coordinates for elastic waves to cylindrical and spherical coordinates requires extra unknowns for time-domain solutions, wasting computer memory and computation time. The main idea of the improved scheme in this work is the use of integrated complex variables. It is shown that for three-dimensional cylindrical and spherical coordinates, this improved PML scheme requires no more unknowns than in Cartesian coordinates. The number of unknowns can be further reduced through the use of symmetry in the partial differential equations. The PML scheme allows an arbitrary inhomogeneity in the medium, and is suitable for numerical solutions of wave equations by finite-difference, finite-element, and pseudospectral methods for elastic waves in inhomogeneous media with cylindrical and spherical structures. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) results are shown to demonstrate the efficacy of the PML absorbing boundary condition.
On Low-Frequency Behavior in Superposed Flow
Authors: MacDonald I. F.
Published: July 2002

Certain low-frequency asymptotic relations originally derived from the K-BKZ model for parallel and orthogonal superposed flow are evaluated with experimental data and in terms of the predictions of six additional models. For orthogonal superposed flow, Tanner and Williams show that the data are consistent with the asymptotic relation, and it is shown here that all six additional models also predict this relation. For parallel superposed flow, the author's data are in conflict with the K-BKZ model relation, and it is shown that only three of the additional models correctly do not predict this relation. These models (the Bird-Carrreau model, the WJFLMB model, and the generalized pearl-necklace model of Booij) also are the only models not to predict the general relation between the complex moduli for parallel and orthogonal superposed flow derived for the K-BKZ theory by Yamamoto and Takano and by Bernstein. Analysis shows that the low-frequency asymptotic relations jointly can be considered a special case of the general relation, and that, therefore, it is expected that the general relation will be rejected when parallel and orthogonal superposed flow data become available for the same fluids.
Transient flow experiments in a model immiscible polymer blend
Authors: Minale Mario , Moldenaers Paula , Mewis Jan
Published: July 2002

The rheological and morphological changes that are induced in emulsions or simple polymer blends by simple flow histories are relatively well understood. Here these results are extended to more complex flow histories, which not only approach more closely real processing conditions but also provide more critical tests in model assessment. For this purpose, a semiconcentrated, incompatible, model blend is subjected to a stepwise increase in shear rate followed by a flow reversal. The blend morphology consists of droplets immersed in a matrix. Two different types of behavior are identified, depending on the instant at which the flow is reversed. When this occurs after the droplets are broken up, the stress transients resemble those of the corresponding step-up experiment. When flow is reversed prior to the droplet break-up, the stress transients are much longer than those in simple step-up experiments, the normal stress curves also become more complex. A model is presented for flow reversal prior to droplet break-up. A satisfactory agreement, albeit only qualitative, is obtained assuming that the drops deform affinely during the entire transient. As expected, tumbling of the droplets does not seem to provide an adequate description of the observed transients. The experimental results show that a residual interfacial stress is always present, thus indicating a residual mean deformation of the droplets in the flow direction during the whole transient. Polydispersity of the droplet population is proposed as a possible explanation for this phenomenon. Light scattering and conservative dichroism measurements, performed on a similar blend undergoing the same type of flow history, confirm indeed that a residual mean stretching of the drops persists throughout the flow reversal.
Comment on Part 2 NPRM: Concerns from addiction psychiatrist
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2023

At the end of last month, when the comment period closed for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33628), ADAW started obtaining some of the comments that were filed. We are printing some of them here, as the last time there was a big NPRM on this rule, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was highly selective in its summary of the comments, leaving out some of the most poignant and articulate concerns and focusing on ones that supported its proposal to weaken the rule.
Surge in sports betting challenges backers of help for gambling problems
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2023

As fast as revenue from sports betting is soaring in a country with all signs of an insatiable appetite for this form of gambling, so too are hopes plummeting for any significant turnaround from the harms this brings to many. Efforts in prevention and treatment at the state level continue to pale in comparison to the pace at which dollars from legal sports betting are filling state coffers.
New grants: Residential SUD treatment for pregnant women
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2023

Last month the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced funding opportunities for grants for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery among pregnant and postpartum women.
NY treatment advocates to Hochul: 2.5% increase not enough
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2023

In a move uniting addiction and mental health treatment providers, advocates for New Yorkers with mental health and addiction needs, and the community‐based agencies that serve them acknowledge the overall and unprecedented support for mental health services in New York Governor Hochul's Executive Budget proposal, but say it's not enough.
An End‐Fed Programmable Metasurface Based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide for Novel Phased Array
Authors: Yang Fei , Huang Rui , Wang Zi Qiang , Zhang Han , Peng Shuang , Liu Chen Xi , Fu Xiao Jian , Wu Jun Wei
Published: February 2023

A programmable metasurface antenna based on electrically tunable elements operating in 5G millimeter‐wave band, which has the features of low cost, easy manufacturing, low profile, easy integration with planar circuits, is proposed herein. The prototype consists of a 128‐element metasurface array, an 8‐channel beamforming chip as equal amplitude power divider networks, and a control network. Elements mounted with varactors to realize different states are controlled by DC bias signal from the back of a printed circuit board (PCB). By assigning different voltage values, array coding can be dynamically changed, thereby realizing beam steering. Both element dimensions and its location along substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) are optimized to better antenna performance. Experiment results show that the proposed metasurface can achieve not only the scanning range of ±70° for unidirectional beam in azimuth and ±40° in elevation but also ±50° for dual beam in azimuth. The whole prototype is fabricated based on PCB technologies, and good agreements among simulated and measured results are obtained. The proposed electrically tunable metasurface array is a good alternative to the traditional expensive phased array and has a great potential application prospect in radar and communication systems.
Even–Odd‐Layer‐Dependent Ferromagnetism in 2D Non‐van‐der‐Waals CrCuSe2
Authors: Peng Jing , Su Yueqi , Lv Haifeng , Wu Jiajing , Liu Yuhua , Wang Minghao , Zhao Jiyin , Guo Yuqiao , Wu Xiaojun , Wu Changzheng , Xie Yi
Published: February 2023

Van der Waals (vdW) layered materials with strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy have attracted significant interest as the long‐range magnetic order in these systems can survive even when their thicknesses is reduced to the 2D limit. Even though the interlayer coupling between the neighboring magnetic layers is very weak, it has a determining effect on the magnetism of these atomic‐thickness materials. Herein, a new 2D ferromagnetic material, namely, non‐vdW CuCrSe2 nanosheets with even–odd‐layer‐dependent ferromagnetism when laminated from an antiferromagnetic bulk is reported. Monolayer and even‐layer CuCrSe2 exhibit the anomalous Hall effect and a significantly enhanced magnetic ordering temperature of more than 125 K. In contrast, the linear Hall effect exists in the odd‐layer samples. Theoretical calculations indicate that the layer‐dependent magnetic coupling is attributable to the orbital shift of the Cr atoms in the CrSe2 layers owing to the Cu‐induced breaking of the centrosymmetry. Thus, this work sheds light on the exotic magnetic properties of layered materials that exhibit phenomena beyond weak interlayer interactions.
Nanozymes: Definition, Activity, and Mechanisms
Authors: Zandieh Mohamad , Liu Juewen
Published: February 2023

“Nanozyme” is used to describe various catalysts from immobilized inorganic metal complexes, immobilized enzymes to inorganic nanoparticles. Here, the history of nanozymes is dvescribed in detail, and they can be largely separated into two types. Type 1 nanozymes refer to immobilized catalysts or enzymes on nanomaterials, which were dominant in the first decade since 2004. Type 2 nanozymes, which rely on the surface catalytic properties of inorganic nanomaterials, are the dominating type in the past decade. The definition of nanozymes is evolving, and a definition based on the same substrates and products as enzymes are able to cover most currently claimed nanozymes, although they may have different mechanisms compared to their enzyme counterparts. A broader definition can inspire application‐based research to replace enzymes with nanomaterials for analytical, environmental, and biomedical applications. Comparison with enzymes also requires a clear definition of a nanozyme unit. Four ways of defining a nanozyme unit are described, with iron oxide and horseradish peroxidase activity comparison as examples in each definition. Growing work is devoted to understanding the catalytic mechanism of nanozymes, which provides a basis for further rational engineering of active sites. Finally, future perspective of the nanozyme field is discussed.
Unconventional Giant “Magnetoresistance” in Bosonic Semiconducting Diamond Nanorings
Authors: Zhang Gufei , Zulkharnay Ramiz , Ke Xiaoxing , Liao Meiyong , Liu Liwang , Guo Yujie , Li Yejun , Rubahn Horst‐Günter , Moshchalkov Victor V. , May Paul W.
Published: February 2023

The emergence of superconductivity in doped insulators such as cuprates and pnictides coincides with their doping‐driven insulator–metal transitions. Above the critical doping threshold, a metallic state sets in at high temperatures, while superconductivity sets in at low temperatures. An unanswered question is whether the formation of Cooper pairsin a well‐established metal will inevitably transform the host material into a superconductor, as manifested by a resistance drop. Here, this question is addressed by investigating the electrical transport in nanoscale rings (full loops) and half loops manufactured from heavily boron‐doped diamond. It is shown that in contrast to the diamond half‐loops (DHLs) exhibiting a metal–superconductor transition, the diamond nanorings (DNRs) demonstrate a sharp resistance increase up to 430% and a giant negative “magnetoresistance” below the superconducting transition temperature of the starting material. The finding of the unconventional giant negative “magnetoresistance”, as distinct from existing categories of magnetoresistance, that is, the conventional giant magnetoresistance in magnetic multilayers, the colossal magnetoresistance in perovskites, and the geometric magnetoresistance in semiconductor–metal hybrids, reveals the transformation of the DNRs from metals to bosonic semiconductors upon the formation of Cooper pairs. DNRs like these could be used to manipulate Cooper pairs in superconducting quantum devices.
Perovskite Grain‐Boundary Manipulation Using Room‐Temperature Dynamic Self‐Healing “Ligaments” for Developing Highly Stable Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with 23.8% Efficiency
Authors: Chen Ziyuan , Cheng Qinrong , Chen Haiyang , Wu Yeyong , Ding Junyuan , Wu Xiaoxiao , Yang Heyi , Liu Heng , Chen Weijie , Tang Xiaohua , Lu Xinhui , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2023

Flexible perovskite solar cells (pero‐SCs) are the best candidates to complement traditional silicon SCs in portable power applications. However, their mechanical, operational, and ambient stabilities are still unable to meet the practical demands because of the natural brittleness, residual tensile strain, and high defect density along the perovskite grain boundaries. To overcome these issues, a cross‐linkable monomer TA‐NI with dynamic covalent disulfide bonds, H‐bonds, and ammonium is carefully developed. The cross‐linking acts as “ligaments” attached on the perovskite grain boundaries. These “ligaments” consisting of elastomers and 1D perovskites can not only passivate the grain boundaries and enhance moisture resistance but also release the residual tensile strain and mechanical stress in 3D perovskite films. More importantly, the elastomer can repair bending‐induced mechanical cracks in the perovskite film because of dynamic self‐healing characteristics. The resultant flexible pero‐SCs exhibit promising improvements in efficiency, and record values (23.84% and 21.66%) are obtained for 0.062 and 1.004 cm2 devices; the flexible devices also show overall improved stabilities with T90 >20 000 bending cycles, operational stability with T90 >1248 h, and ambient stability (relative humidity = 30%) with T90 >3000 h. This strategy paves a new way for the industrial‐scale development of high‐performance flexible pero‐SCs.
GaN as a Material Platform for Single‐Photon Emitters: Insights from Ab Initio Study
Authors: Yuan Junxiao , Hou Yidong , Yang Zenghui , Chen Feiliang , Li Qian
Published: February 2023

GaN with atom defects is a rising material platform for single‐photon emitter (SPE) recently due to their room‐temperature working conditions, high emission rate, narrow emission line‐width and mature processing technology. However, the SPE mechanism still remains unclear to date, which greatly hinders the progress of GaN based SPE. Herein, systematic ab initio calculations predict and identify two kinds of intrinsic point defects NGa and NGaVN in GaN, which can be response for the widely observed SPEs. The formation energy, band structure, transition mechanism, and orbital composition are systematically investigated. The results indicate that NGaVN° possesses a large zero‐phonon line (ZPL) of 1.98 eV and a short lifetime of 3.56 ns, which may be one of the most possible origins of SPEs in visible wavelengths. The calculation results coincide well with our measured ZPL (1.92 eV) and lifetime (1.14 ns), as well as the experimental results reported previously. This work also predicts that NGa0 and NGaVN+1 can produce SPEs at fiber telecommunications band (0.84 and 0.94 eV, respectively). These results give deep insights into the SPE emission mechanism in GaN and bridge the gap between the realized SPEs and the underlying physical mechanism.
A Wearable Flexible Tactile Sensor with Textile Microstructure for Wirelessly Recognizing Human Activity
Authors: Du Yi , Sun Lin , Yang Lu , Xu Wentao
Published: February 2023

Flexible tactile sensors have attracted special attention in the detection of human posture and activity. However, achieving multiple stimulus responses is particularly challenging in terms of structural design and has not been fully addressed. Herein, a novel structural design inspired by combining the characteristics of a strain sensor and e‐textile into a hybrid interface to obtain stretchable multiple stimulus‐responsive tactile sensors (stretching stimulus, pressing stimulus, and bending stimulus) is proposed. The sensitive layer of the sensor is designed as a textile microstructure. The sensor, which has a stable performance with excellent ohm property and durability (>2 years), possesses an extraordinary gauge factor (≈200) and a fast response time (≈2.48 ms) under tensile strain, a high sensitivity (≈2.35 kPa−1) in a low‐pressure range (≈9 kPa) under pressure. It has excellent performance for Human Activity Recognition by being attached to human skin. In addition, a Bluetooth device that tracks muscle activity in real‐time and transmits the output signals to a smartphone application is utilized. These results imply the utility of this sensor for a diverse application of robotic e‐skins or e‐muscles.
Biodegradable Polyester Nanoparticle Vaccines Deliver Self‐Amplifying mRNA in Mice at Low Doses
Authors: Wilson David R. , Tzeng Stephany Y. , Rui Yuan , Neshat Sarah Y. , Conge Marranne J. , Luly Kathryn M. , Wang Ellen , Firestone Jessica L. , McAuliffe Josie , Maruggi Giulietta , Jalah Rashmi , Johnson Russell , Doloff Joshua C. , Green Jordan J.
Published: February 2023

Delivery of self‐amplifying mRNA (SAM) has high potential for infectious disease vaccination due to its self‐adjuvanting and dose‐sparing properties. Yet a challenge is the susceptibility of SAM to degradation and the need for SAM to reach the cytosol fully intact to enable self‐amplification. Lipid nanoparticles are successfully deployed at incredible speed for mRNA vaccination, but aspects such as cold storage, manufacturing, efficiency of delivery, and the therapeutic window can benefit from further improvement. To investigate alternatives to lipid nanoparticles, a class of >200 biodegradable end‐capped lipophilic poly(beta‐amino ester)s (PBAEs) that enable efficient delivery of SAM in vitro and in vivo as assessed by measuring expression of SAM encoding reporter proteins is developed. The ability of these polymers to deliver SAM intramuscularly in mice is evaluated, and a polymer‐based formulation that yields up to 37‐fold higher intramuscular (IM) expression of SAM compared to injected naked SAM is identified. Using the same nanoparticle formulation to deliver a SAM encoding rabies virus glycoprotein, the vaccine elicits superior immunogenicity compared to naked SAM delivery, leading to seroconversion in mice at low RNA injection doses. These biodegradable nanomaterials may be useful in the development of next‐generation RNA vaccines for infectious diseases.
Racial reckoning, resistance, and the revolution: A call to community psychology to move forward
Authors: Martin Pamela P. , Lewis Rhonda K. , Guzmán Bianca L.
Published: February 2023

This article introduces a special issue of the American Journal of Community Psychology that features racial reckoning, resistance and the revolution in the context of a syndemic, the historical subjugation of communities of Color (COC) to racial hierarchies and the coronavirus (COVID‐19). More specifically, this special issue underscores the need for community psychology and other allied disciplines to address this syndemic facing COC. The special issue delivers on the stories of the lived experiences from researchers and community members as it relates to COVID‐19 and COC. Twelve articles are illuminated to challenge the field to create social change.
Fetal size at the 32nd gestational week is associated with the risk of breech presentation at term birth
Authors: Kirchengast Sylvia , Hartmann Beda
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The association patterns between breech presentation at birth and fetal biometry at the first, second, and third trimesters, newborn size but also maternal age, body height, prepregnancy weight status as well as gestational weight gain, were analyzed using a dataset of 4501 singleton term birth in Vienna, Austria.

Methods

In this medical record‐based study, fetal biometry was reconstructed based on the results of three ultrasound examinations conducted at the 11th/12th, 20th, and 32nd gestational weeks. Head dimensions, abdominal dimensions, and femur length were determined by sonography. Birth weight, birth length, and head circumference were measured immediately after birth.

Results

The total breech presentation rate at birth was 6.2%. Breech newborns were significantly (p < 0.001) shorter and lighter at the time of birth, their head circumferences, however, were significantly larger (p = 0.001). At the 32nd week, breech fetuses showed significantly smaller biparietal breadths, but highly significantly longer heads. Their abdominal dimensions were significantly smaller, and their femora were shorter. Higher maternal age, and a longer, but narrower fetal head as well as smaller abdominal dimensions at the 32nd gestational week were independently related to a higher risk of breech presentation at the time of birth.

Conclusions

Fetuses who remain in a breech presentation until term birth (≥37 gestational weeks) differed significantly in head and abdominal dimensions from cephalic fetuses from the 32nd gestational week onwards.
Exploring the role of place‐based arts initiatives in addressing social inequity in Australia: A systematic review
Authors: Heard Emma , Bartleet Brydie‐Leigh , Woolcock Geoff
Published: February 2023

The arts remain largely absent from place‐based policy, planning and programming in Australia, despite a long history of working in place‐based ways to create positive social change in communities. This systematic review aimed to address this absence, by providing a synthesis of evidence about the role that place‐based arts can play in advancing social equity and addressing social disadvantage. Findings reveal a potential for the arts to create change across individual, community and societal levels, yet empirical evidence to support this potential is weak. Stronger evaluation frameworks that can support capturing the impact of localised place‐based arts initiatives for translation into policy and practice are discussed.
Preclinical and translational models for delirium: Recommendations for future research from the NIDUS delirium network
Authors: Vasunilashorn Sarinnapha M. , Lunardi Nadia , Newman John C. , Crosby Gregory , Acker Leah , Abel Ted , Bhatnagar Seema , Cunningham Colm , de Cabo Rafael , Dugan Laura , Hippensteel Joseph A. , Ishizawa Yumiko , Lahiri Shouri , Marcantonio Edward R. , Xie Zhongcong , Inouye Sharon K. , Terrando Niccolò , Eckenhoff Roderic G. ,   for the NIDUS Delirium Network
Published: February 2023

Delirium is a common, morbid, and costly syndrome that is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD‐related dementias (ADRD) as a risk factor and outcome. Human studies of delirium have advanced our knowledge of delirium incidence and prevalence, risk factors, biomarkers, outcomes, prevention, and management. However, understanding of delirium neurobiology remains limited. Preclinical and translational models for delirium, while challenging to develop, could advance our knowledge of delirium neurobiology and inform the development of new prevention and treatment approaches. We discuss the use of preclinical and translational animal models in delirium, focusing on (1) a review of current animal models, (2) challenges and strategies for replicating elements of human delirium in animals, and (3) the utility of biofluid, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging translational markers in animals. We conclude with recommendations for the development and validation of preclinical and translational models for delirium, with the goal of advancing awareness in this important field.
Polyoxometalates (POMs) with Ion/Electron‐Sponge Properties and Abundant Active Sites as Emerging Electrode Materials for Secondary Batteries: A Review
Authors: Wang Jinkun , Wang Li , Yang Yang , Xu Hong , He Xiangming
Published: February 2023

Faced with the increasingly severe energy and environment issues, eco‐friendly and efficient energy storage/transformation technology has become a research hotspot. Due to the ion/electron‐sponge properties and superior catalytic performance, polyoxometalates (POMs) have broad prospects in improving the performance of electrodes and batteries. In this paper, the structural characteristics and physical/chemical properties of POMs are introduced, and the recent research progresses of POM‐electrodes for various battery systems are reviewed. By analyzing the relationship between the composition, structure and electrochemical performance of POMs, the advantages and challenges of applying POMs as electrode materials are explained, and the practical modification strategies for improving the performance of POM‐electrode are proposed, aiming to provide reference for the further investigation and application of POMs in energy storage field.
Übersicht über die im CUBE verwendeten Materialien
Authors: Frenzel Michael , Scheerer Silke , Schmidt Angela
Published: February 2023

Im Beitrag werden die Baumaterialien, die für die beiden Gebäudeteile BOX und TWIST des Carbonbetongebäudes CUBE verwendet wurden, grundlegend beschrieben. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Vorstellung und Darlegung der maßgebenden Materialeigenschaften von denjenigen Baustoffen, die noch keiner Produktnorm unterliegen und deren Anwendung damit einer Zustimmung im Einzelfall (ZiE) unterlag. Darunter fielen sieben verschiedene Betone, drei Carbongelege, zwei unterschiedliche Carbonstäbe, Glasfaserstäbe und drei Hochleistungsdämmstoffe.
Development and validation of LC–MS/MS methods for the simultaneous quantification of sofosbuvir and its major metabolite (GS‐331007) in blood plasma and cerebrospinal and seminal fluid: Application to a pilot clinical trial with a focus on Zika
Authors: Vilhena Leandro Schiavo , de Azevedo da Silva Aline Campos , dias da Silva Diego Medeiros , Pinto Douglas Pereira , Coelho Estephane Fernandes , de Araújo João Felipe Garcia Medeiros , da Silveira Gabriel Parreiras Estolano , Pereira Heliana Martins , da Silva Letícia de Sá Fernandes Vallim , Estrela Marins Rita de Cássia Elias , Bortolini Roberta Ghilosso , Souza Thiago Moreno L. , dos Santos Valdiléa Gonçalves Veloso , de Assis Nascimento Viviane , Amendoeira Fábio Coelho , da Fonseca Laís Bastos
Published: February 2023

Zika still poses a threat to global health owing to its association with serious neurological conditions and the absence of a vaccine and treatment. Sofosbuvir, an anti‐hepatitis C drug, has shown anti‐Zika effects in animal and cell models. Thus, this study aimed to develop and validate novel LC–MS/MS methods for the quantification of sofosbuvir and its major metabolite (GS‐331007) in human plasma and cerebrospinal (CSF) and seminal fluid (SF), and apply the methods to a pilot clinical trial. The samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction and separated using isocratic mode on Gemini C18 columns. Analytical detection was performed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source. The validated ranges for sofosbuvir were 0.5–2,000 ng/mL (plasma) and 0.5–100 ng/mL (CSF and SF), while for the metabolite they were 2.0–2,000 ng/mL (plasma), 5.0–200 ng/mL (CSF) and 10–1,500 ng/mL (SF). The intra‐day and inter‐day accuracies (90.8–113.8%) and precisions (1.4–14.8%) were within the acceptance range. The developed methods fulfilled all validation parameters concerning selectivity, matrix effect, carryover, linearity, dilution integrity, precision, accuracy and stability, confirming the suitability of the method for the analysis of clinical samples.
Dose–volume constraints for head‐and‐neck cancer in carbon ion radiotherapy: A literature review
Authors: Varnava Maria , Musha Atsushi , Tashiro Mutsumi , Kubo Nobuteru , Okano Naoko , Kawamura Hidemasa , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: February 2023

Background

Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has been applied in cancer treatment for over 25 years. However, guidelines for dose–volume constraints have not been established yet. The aim of this review is to summarize the dose–volume constraints in CIRT for head‐and‐neck (HN) cancer that were determined through previous clinical studies based on the Japanese models for relative biological effectiveness (RBE).

Methods

A literature review was conducted to identify all constraints determined for HN cancer CIRT that are based on the Japanese RBE models.

Results

Dose–volume constraints are reported for 17 organs at risk (OARs), including the brainstem, ocular structures, masticatory muscles, and skin. Various treatment planning strategies are also presented for reducing the dose delivered to OARs.

Conclusions

The reported constraints will provide assistance during treatment planning to ensure that radiation to OARs is minimized, and thus adverse effects are reduced. Although the constraints are given based on the Japanese RBE models, applying the necessary conversion factors will potentially enable their application by institutions worldwide that use the local effect model for RBE.
Electrodeposition of Ni−Rh Alloys and their Use as Cathodes for Nitrate Reduction in Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Mattarozzi Luca , Cattarin Sandro , Comisso Nicola , Musiani Marco , Vázquez‐Gómez Lourdes , Verlato Enrico
Published: February 2023

Compact Ni−Rh alloys are electrodeposited potentiostatically on rotating disk and sheet electrodes; film compositions are adjusted by varying bath composition and deposition potential Edep. SEM images of these alloys show a compact, globular morphology for Rh contents up to 30 at%, and a smoother aspect for films with a medium‐to‐high content of Rh. XRD spectra show the formation of a single crystalline phase, with diffraction peaks in intermediate positions between those of the constituent elements. Data analysis indicates that crystal lattice parameters vary with composition according to Vegard's law. Linear voltammetries of nitrate reduction in alkali highlight a maximum of activity, in terms of reduction current, for alloys in the range of 10–30 at.% Rh. Prolonged electrolysis at appropriate potential performed with Ni85Rh15 alloy shows, in comparison with pure Ni and pure Rh: much increased activity and faster abatement of nitrate; lower production of the undesired nitrite species; higher selectivity towards production of ammonia.
Carrier‐Free Enzyme Immobilizates for Flow Chemistry
Authors: Ölçücü Gizem , Krauss Ulrich , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: February 2023

For the development of efficient and green industrial processes, the combination of biocatalysis and flow chemistry holds great promises. Flow chemical utilization of biocatalysts, essentially made possible by the immobilization (or retention) of enzymes in flow reactors, has attracted increased academic attention during recent years. In the present review we present an overview of immobilization strategies suitable for flow chemistry, particularly focusing on recently developed carrier‐free immobilization methods, highlighting advances in the field and presenting future trends.
A Flexible and Wearable Strain Sensor from Polypyrrole‐Doped Elastomers with Dual Functions in Motion Monitoring and Thermotherapy†
Authors: Wei Wanyuan , Wu Mengjiao , Chen Yulan
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Flexible strain sensors are essential components of wearable electronic skins. Here we report a new kind of flexible strain sensor by filling conductive nanowires in elastomers featuring a concentration gradient. The fabrication method involves a fast photo‐induced copolymerization of acrylates in the presence of gradient deposited polypyrrole (PPy) nanowires, which is facile and cost‐effective in steadily doping PPy into elastomeric films. The combination of delicately selected polyacrylates as the matrix filled with entangled, nano‐sized PPy endows the sensor good stretchability, sensitive deformation‐electrical signal conversion and high fatigue resistance, which can be used repeatedly without scarifying the sensitivity of electrical signal. Besides, the lower side of the composite films exhibits high light absorption (> 98%) in a wide spectral range (250—2400 nm). Systematic characterizations of the sensors support that the excellent strain sensing and light‐heat conversion performances are essentially dependent on the gradient filling of PPy nanowires. Moreover, the applications of this flexible strain sensor for human motion monitoring and wearable thermotherapy are demonstrated, manifesting a promising option for wearable electronics and personalized healthcare.
Addressing current challenges in optimization of lipid management following an ACS event: Outcomes of the ACS EuroPath III initiative
Authors: Catapano Alberico L. , De Caterina Raffaele , Jukema J. Wouter , Klempfner Robert , Landmesser Ulf , Schiele François , Sionis Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Background

Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) lowering is key to reduce atherosclerotic disease progression and recurrent events for patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, LDL‐C management for post‐ACS patients remains challenging in clinical practice.

Hypothesis

The ACS EuroPath III project was designed to optimize LDL‐C management in post‐ACS patients by promoting guideline implementation and translating existing evidence into effective actions.

Methods

Three surveys targeting cardiologists (n = 555), general practitioners (GPs; n = 445), and patients (n = 662) were conducted in Europe, with the aim of capturing information on patient characteristics and treatment during acute phase, discharge and follow‐up. GPs’ and patients’ opinions on key treatment aspects were also collected. Based on survey results, international experts and clinicians identified areas of improvement and generated prototype solutions. Participants voted to select the most feasible and replicable proposals for co‐development and implementation.

Results

Five key areas of improvement were identified: (1) inappropriate treatment prescribed at discharge; (2) lack of lipid guidance in the discharge letter; (3) inadequate lipid‐lowering therapy (LLT) optimization; (4) gaps in guideline knowledge and lack of referral practices for GPs; (5) patients’ concerns about lipid management. Proposed solutions for these focus areas included development of a treatment algorithm for the acute phase, a standardized GP discharge letter, an assessment tool for LLT efficacy at follow‐up, an education plan for GPs/patients and a patient engagement discharge kit. The standardized GP discharge letter and treatment algorithm have been selected as the highest priority solutions for development.

Conclusion

These initiatives have the potential to improve adherence to guidelines and patient management after ACS.
Decoding post‐translational modifications of mammalian septins
Authors: Sharma Khushboo , Menon Manoj B.
Published: February 2023

Septins are cytoskeletal GTPases that form nonpolar filaments and higher‐ordered structures and they take part in a wide range of cellular processes. Septins are conserved from yeast to mammals but absent from higher plants. The number of septin genes vary between organisms and they usually form complex heteropolymeric networks. Most septins are known to be capable of GTP hydrolysis which may regulate septin dynamics. Knowledge on regulation of septin function by post‐translational modifications is still in its infancy. In this review article, we highlight the post‐translational modifications reported for the 13 human septins and discuss their implications on septin functions. In addition to the functionally investigated modifications, we also try to make sense of the complex septin post‐translational modification code revealed from large‐scale phospho‐proteomic datasets. Future studies may determine how these isoform‐specific and homology group specific modifications affect septin structure and function.
First person profile: Josep Tabernero, MD, PhD
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: February 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, Josep Tabernero, MD, PhD, shares his ardent belief that the only way to advance the care and treatment for patients with cancer is through translational and clinical research supported by broad and open collaboration. In addition, we review some of the most important studies presented at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
Biomechanical study of cornea response under orthokeratology lens therapy: A finite element analysis
Authors: Zhao Gai‐Ping , Zhai Hai‐Tao , Xiang Hua‐Zhong , Wu Li‐Ming , Chen Qi‐Ou , Chen Chi , Zhou Meng
Published: February 2023

Orthokeratology (OK) is becoming a mainstream modality for myopia correction and control, but its underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, the biomechanical response of cornea under the OK lens was investigated to further understand the mechanism of OK therapy. Numerical models of the cornea and OK lens with different corneal refractive powers and myopia degrees were established to analyze features and differences of the spatial displacement and stress distribution in different areas of the anterior corneal surface by finite element method. Displacement distributions on the anterior cornea surface with refractive powers of 39.5, 43, 46 D, and myopia degrees of −1.0, −3.0, −6.0 D demonstrate similar deformation trends and nearly rotationally symmetrical attributes of different corneal parameters. Displacement of mid‐peripheral cornea was significantly high compared with that of the central and peripheral cornea, peaking at ~2.4 mm off the corneal apex. The stress increased with the increase in myopia degrees and was significantly large for the myopia degrees of −6.0 D at S1; the stress at S2 and S6 was low and stable and did not differ much at S3; the stress at S4 and S5, however, was extremely high. In summary, simulation result of orthokeratology can effectively evaluate the performance of OK lens and it properly associates with the differential map of the corneal topography. The base curve of the OK lens may also play a role in mid‐peripheral corneal steepening. The design around the OK lens' alignment curve needs to be optimized.