bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Region of interest optimization for surface guided radiation therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Sauer Tim‐Oliver , Ott Oliver J. , Lahmer Godehard , Fietkau Rainer , Bert Christoph 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeThe goal of this study was to investigate how the choice of the region of interest (ROI) affects the registration results of surface imaging for daily positioning of breast cancer patients.MethodsThe AlignRT system (VisionRT, London) and the XVI Cone beam CT (CBCT; Elekta, Stockholm) installed on two Versa HD linacs (Elekta) were used in this study, which included 28 patients (160 fractions). In the clinical workflow, patients were prepositioned with AlignRT and then shifted in 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) according to the CBCT. A new reference capture was taken immediately afterward. Retrospectively, the surface capture resulting from prepositioning was registered to the latest reference capture. By varying the ROI used for registration, the surface‐based results were optimized in terms of minimizing the deviation to the clinically applied CBCT shifts. Two sets of ROIs were used: one obtained by applying a variable margin to the breast surface, another by combining ROIs of anatomical structures, including the sternum and contralateral breast.ResultsRegistration results showed significant differences from one ROI to another. Generally, the results improved with increasing ROI size, especially for rotational DOFs. ROIs, including the axilla or supraclavicular lymph drainage region, did not yield an improved registration result. On the other hand, an ROI comprising the breast surface, sternum, and a belt caudal to the breasts decreased the average magnitude of the translational and rotational deviations by 6.6% and 30.8% (p < 0.01), respectively, compared to the breast surface only results.ConclusionThe influence of the ROI choice on surface imaging registration results was analyzed and the surface‐based shifts were compared to clinically applied CBCT shifts. An optimal ROI for the treatment of breast cancer patients, consisting of the breast surface, sternum, and a belt, was identified.
Freestanding Ferroelectric Bubble Domains
Authors: Bakaul Saidur R. , Prokhorenko Sergei , Zhang Qi , Nahas Yousra , Hu Yushi , Petford‐Long Amanda , Bellaiche Laurent , Valanoor Nagarajan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBubble‐like domains, typically a precursor to the electrical skyrmions, arise in ultrathin complex oxide ferroelectric–dielectric–ferroelectric heterostructures epitaxially clamped with flat substrates. Here, it is reported that these specially ordered electric dipoles can also be retained in a freestanding state despite the presence of inhomogeneously distributed structural ripples. By probing local piezo and capacitive responses and using atomistic simulations, this study analyzes these ripples, sheds light on how the bubbles are stabilized in the modified electromechanical energy landscape, and discusses the difference in morphology between bubbles in freestanding and as‐grown states. These results are anticipated to be the starting point of a new paradigm for the exploration of electric skyrmions with arbitrary boundaries and physically flexible topological orders in ferroelectric curvilinear space.
Fluorocarbon Vapors Slow Down Coalescence in Foams
Authors: Steck Katja , Hamann Martin , Andrieux Sébastien , Muller Pierre , Kékicheff Patrick , Stubenrauch Cosima , Drenckhan Wiebke 
Published: September 2021

AbstractControlling the stability of liquid foams is of the utmost importance for a wide range of applications. For decades, fluorocarbon vapors have been added to the gas phase of foams to ensure long‐term stability against bubble coarsening. However, it is shown here for the first time that they also have an unexpected and pronounced effect on bubble coalescence. This effect is quantified in detail for foams stabilized by the nonionic surfactant hexaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E6) at controlled fluorocarbon (perfluorohexane (C6F14)) concentrations, but it is observed for all investigated surfactants. Measuring surface tensions of the foaming solution with increasing fluorocarbon concentration, a synergy between the fluorocarbon and the surfactant is found which can be explained by a) the formation of mixed layers of both species at the gas/water interface at low fluorocarbon concentrations and b) the formation of a macroscopic fluorocarbon film if the gas phase is saturated with fluorocarbon vapor. The precise mechanism responsible for reducing coalescence, that is, film rupture, remains to be elucidated.
Diffusion Enhancement to Stabilize Solid Electrolyte Interphase
Authors: Chen Yunyi , Huang Haoyang , Liu Lingli , Chen Yongxiu , Han Yongsheng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe damage of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during the stripping process in lithium secondary batteries causes the reduction of energy density. The stabilization of the solid electrolyte interphase is as important as the inhibition of lithium dendrites for lithium‐based batteries. But the former is largely underestimated, which leads to the unclear damage mechanism and the lack of effective solutions to suppress the damage. Here, in this paper a diffusion‐limited damage mechanism of the SEI layer is proposed. The inhomogeneity of the SEI layer results in region‐dependent diffusion kinetics of lithium ions (Li+) passing through the layer. The slip lines and kinks having a thicker SEI layer, show slower Li+ conduction than the smooth surface. The uneven stripping process leads to the formation of cracks at the boundary between the slip lines and the smooth surface, which further causes collapse and serious damage of SEI. Upon this assumption, it is proposed to enhance the diffusion of Li+ at the local areas of SEI layer by applying parallel magnetic fields on the outside of electrodes. Both the electrochemical characterizations and long‐term stability examination confirm the effectiveness of the magnetic field in enhancing the diffusion of Li+ and suppressing the damage of SEI.
Germination success of large‐seeded plant species ingested by howler monkeys in tropical rain forest fragments
Authors: González‐Di Pierro Ana María , Benítez‐Malvido Julieta , Lombera Rafael 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPremisePrimates are important seed dispersers, especially for large‐seeded (>1 cm long) tropical species in continuous and fragmented rainforests.MethodsIn three forest fragments within the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, southern Mexico, we investigated the effect of seed passage through the gut of howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) on the germination rate and maximum germination (%) of native, large‐seeded species. One group of howler monkeys, per fragment, was followed and fresh feces collected. Large seeds were removed to compare their germination success with non‐ingested seeds of the same species collected underneath parent plants.ResultsFeces contained large seeds from seven tree species (Ampelocera hottlei,Castilla elastica,Dialium guianense,Garcinia intermedia,Pourouma bicolor,Spondias mombin,Trophis racemosa) and one liana species (Abuta panamensis). Except forG. intermedia, ingested seeds germinated significantly faster than non‐ingested seeds, which had negligible germination. Ingested seeds ofD. guianense,P. bicolor,S. mombin,T. racemosa, andA. panamensishad significantly greater germination, whileG. intermediahad significantly lower germination and seed ingestion had no apparent effect forA. hottleiandC. elastica.ConclusionsIn general, seed ingestion by howler monkeys confers faster germination compared with non‐ingested seeds. Faster germination reduces predation probabilities and increases seedling establishment in forest fragments. Primate dispersal services contribute to germination heterogeneity within plant populations of old‐growth forest species and to their persistence in forest fragments.
Hawaiian Island endemic and indigenous plant species have higher mycorrhizal incidence than the global average
Authors: Koko Jerry H. , Swift Sean O. I. , Hynson Nicole A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPremisePrior efforts have shown that continents harbor a greater proportion of mycorrhizal hosts than on islands. However, in the Hawaiian Islands, estimates of the proportion of mycorrhizal plant species are higher than on continents (>90%), but there are few studies to support this claim. Concurrently, Hawaii's flora faces some of the greatest global risks of extinction, and significant efforts are aimed at restoring native vegetation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been shown to improve plant restoration success, but little work has been done in Hawaii to understand the extent of mycorrhizal associations among native plant populations.MethodsWe surveyed 35 native Hawaiian plant species in the wild, focusing on plant species that are reared for reintroduction. Roots from wild individuals were collected from 10 sites on Oahu to determine degree of mycorrhizal fungal colonization and how this varies across host populations.ResultsOf the species surveyed, 97% had evidence of mycorrhizal colonization, including 25 endemic and nine indigenous species from 23 families. The mycorrhizal status of 22 of the species surveyed was unknown before this study. For four species, the degree of colonization by AM fungi differed among sites, and these differences corresponded with variations in precipitation and temperature.ConclusionsThe high incidence of mycorrhizal colonization provides evidence that island flora can actually harbor more mycorrhizal hosts than species on mainlands and that future reintroduction projects should consider the potentially important roles of AM fungi for success of these hosts in the wild.
Improving rigor and reproducibility in nonhuman primate research
Authors: Bliss‐Moreau Eliza , Amara Rama R. , Buffalo Elizabeth A. , Colman Ricki J. , Embers Monica E. , Morrison John H. , Quillen Ellen E. , Sacha Jonah B. , Roberts Charles T. ,   National Primate Research Center Consortium Rigor and Reproducibility Working Group
Published: September 2021

AbstractNonhuman primates (NHPs) are a critical component of translational/preclinical biomedical research due to the strong similarities between NHP and human physiology and disease pathology. In some cases, NHPs represent the most appropriate, or even the only, animal model for complex metabolic, neurological, and infectious diseases. The increased demand for and limited availability of these valuable research subjects requires that rigor and reproducibility be a prime consideration to ensure the maximal utility of this scarce resource. Here, we discuss a number of approaches that collectively can contribute to enhanced rigor and reproducibility in NHP research.
Kontrollierbare Zeitverzögerung beim Aufplatzen von oxidationsempfindlichen, mittels PISA synthetisierten Polymersomen
Authors: Sobotta Fabian H. , Kuchenbrod Maren T. , Gruschwitz Franka V. , Festag Grit , Bellstedt Peter , Hoeppener Stephanie , Brendel Johannes C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractReaktive Polymersomen sind ein vielseitiges künstliches Nanotransportsystem, das eine Freisetzung als Reaktion auf einen bestimmten Stimulus ermöglichen kann. Die vorgestellten oxidationsempfindlichen Polymersomen zeigen einen zeitlich verzögerten Freisetzungsmechanismus in einer oxidativen Umgebung, der durch Anpassung der Membrandicke oder partielle Voroxidation variierbar ist. Diese polymeren Vesikel werden mittels PISA hergestellt, wodurch eine direkte, effektive In‐situ‐Einkapselung von Molekülen ermöglicht wird, wie z. B. für Farbstoffe und Enzyme gezeigt wurde. Kinetische Studien ergaben, dass ein kritischer Oxidationsgrad die Destabilisierung der Membran bewirkt, während vorab keine Freisetzung der Ladung erfolgt. Die Einkapselung von Glukoseoxidase verwandelt diese Polymersomen direkt in glukoseempfindliche Vesikel, da kleine Moleküle, wie Zucker, ihre Membran passiv durchdringen können. Dank der einfachen Herstellung bieten die Polymersomen eine vielseitige Plattform für den Einschluss und die Freisetzung von Molekülen nach einer genau einstellbaren Zeitspanne in Gegenwart spezifischer Verbindungen wie H2O2 oder Glukose.
Cathodic Electrodeposition of MOF Films Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Xie Sijie , Monnens Wouter , Wan Kai , Zhang Wei , Guo Wei , Xu MaoWen , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Zhang Xuan , Fransaer Jan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMetal–organic framework (MOF) films can be made by cathodic electrodeposition, where a Brønsted base is formed electrochemically which deprotonates the MOF linkers that are present in solution as undissociated/partially dissociated weak acids. However, the co‐deposition of metal and the narrow range of possible metal nodes limit the scope of this method. In this work, we propose the use of hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide assisted cathodic deposition or HPACD), to overcome these limitations. Electrochemical measurements indicate that in DMF, hydrogen peroxide is reduced to superoxide anions that deprotonate the carboxylic ligands. This single‐electron reduction happens at much higher potentials than all previous reported methods. This prevents the co‐deposition of metal and extends the range of possible metal nodes. Various pure MOF films (HKUST‐1, MIL‐53(Fe) and MOF‐5) were prepared via this approach. HPACD was also used for the preparation of patterned MOF films and of flexible Cu‐BTC coated paper membranes which reject 99.1 % of Rose Bengal from water with a permeance of 8.4 L m−2 h−1 bar−1.
Racial disparity in taxane‐induced neutropenia among cancer patients
Authors: Zheng Neil S. , Wang Fei , Agarwal Rajiv , Carroll Robert J. , Wei Wei‐Qi , Berlin Jordan , Shu Xiao‐Ou 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundLarge interindividual variations have been reported in chemotherapy‐induced toxicities. Little is known whether racial disparities exist in neutropenia associated with taxanes.MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of primary cancer who underwent chemotherapy with taxanes were identified from Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Synthetic Derivative. Multinomial regression models were applied to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of neutropenia associated with race, with adjustments for demographic variables, baseline neutrophil count, chemotherapy‐related information, prior treatments, and cancer site.ResultsA total of 3492 patients were included in the study. Compared with White patients, grade 2 or higher neutropenia was more frequently recorded among Black patients who received taxanes overall (42.2% vs. 32.7%, p < 0.001) or paclitaxel (43.0% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.001) but not among those who received docetaxel (32.0% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.821). After adjustments for multiple covariates, Black patients who received chemotherapy with any taxanes had significantly higher risk of grade 2 (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.09–2.14) and grade 3 (OR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.36–2.67) neutropenia but comparable risk of grade 4 neutropenia (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.79–1.79). Similar association patterns were observed for Black patients who specifically received paclitaxel, but a null association was found for those treated with docetaxel.ConclusionBlack cancer patients treated with taxanes for any cancer had a higher risk of neutropenia compared with their White counterparts, especially those who received paclitaxel. More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) underlying this racial disparity in order to enhance the delivery of patient‐centered oncology.
Cre driver mouse lines for thalamocortical circuit mapping
Authors: Sokhadze Guela , Campbell Peter W. , Charalambakis Naomi , Govindaiah Gubbi , Guido William , McGee Aaron W. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSubpopulations of neurons and associated neural circuits can be targeted in mice with genetic tools in a highly selective manner for visualization and manipulation. However, there are not well‐defined Cre “driver” lines that target the expression of Cre recombinase to thalamocortical (TC) neurons. Here, we characterize three Cre driver lines for the nuclei of the dorsal thalamus: Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 3 (Olig3)‐Cre, histidine decarboxylase (HDC)‐Cre, and corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH)‐Cre. We examined the postnatal distribution of Cre expression for each of these lines with the Cre‐dependent reporter CAG‐tdTomato (Ai9). Cre‐dependent expression of tdTomato reveals that Olig3‐Cre expresses broadly within the thalamus, including TC neurons and interneurons, while HDC‐Cre and CRH‐Cre each have unique patterns of expression restricted to TC neurons within and across the sensory relay nuclei of the dorsal thalamus. Cre expression is present by the time of natural birth in all three lines, underscoring their utility for developmental studies. To demonstrate the utility of these Cre drivers for studying sensory TC circuitry, we targeted the expression of channelrhodopsin‐2 to thalamus from the CAG‐COP4*H134R/EYFP (Ai32) allele with either HDC‐Cre or CRH‐Cre. Optogenetic activation of TC afferents in primary visual cortex was sufficient to measure frequency‐dependent depression. Thus, these Cre drivers provide selective Cre‐dependent gene expression in thalamus suitable for both anatomical and functional studies.
Opportunistic control of fractal‐based MIMO antenna for sub‐6‐GHz 5G applications
Authors: Sree Gorre Naga Jyothi , Nelaturi Suman 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThe proposed research work is on fractal MIMO antenna with microstrip feeding for lower sub‐6 GHz. The design construct's goal is to improve the isolation among the patches and is constructed with a combination of circular strip and rectangular strip slots, and rectangular slots are introduced on the ground plane. The fractal‐shaped MIMO structure composes of FR‐4 material and compact size of 25 × 35 mm2. The current 2 × 1 fractal MIMO radiator resonates at a frequency 3.5 GHz for lower sub‐6‐GHz applications with directional radiation patterns. In this structure, the performance characteristics of design antenna parameters like S‐parameters, surface current distributions, and radiation pattern of the fractal MIMO radiator are investigated. In addition to antenna parameters, MIMO parameters like diversity gain (DG), mean effective gain (MEG), channel capacity loss (CCL), total active reflection coefficient (TARC), and time‐domain analysis parameters are also evaluated. It has been observed that the MIMO parameters of the antenna are in the acceptable range. Fractal‐based prototype MIMO structures are fabricated as well as tested for effective radiation and impedance. The improvised MIMO design that's been installed on a printed circuit board with connector, device housing, compact size, and various types of housing shows better performance compared to the conventionally designed antennas.
Human activities uncouple the cascading effects of hydrological gradients on plant diversity and ecosystem functions in the Lake Dongting wetland
Authors: Fu Hui , Wang Xiaoyan , Ge Dabing , Li Wei , Tan Xiaoyao , Yuan Guixiang , Jeppesen Erik 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHuman activities markedly modify diversity patterns of plant communities and their response to environmental conditions, with subsequent consequences for ecosystem functions. We measured 11 key functional traits of 47 plant species and assessed both taxonomic and functional composition as well as above‐ground biomass (AGB) of plant communities from 127 plots in the Lake Dongting wetland. Using a generalized multilevel path model, we examined the cascading effects of hydrological gradients on plant diversity and ecosystem functions in two distinct habitat types (short grassland with a natural community dominated by Carex spp. and tall grassland with a managed artificial community dominated by Triarrhena lutarioriparia and Phragmites australis). We found significant differences in the response of plant diversity and AGB to hydrological gradients. Species richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity, multiple‐trait functional diversity measures (i.e., functional richness, functional dispersion & Rao's quadratic entropy) and community‐weighted mean (CWM) of shoot height were all significantly higher and functional divergence and CWM of tuber significantly lower in tall grassland. AGB was significantly higher in short grassland, largely driven by variations of functional diversity rather than of taxonomic diversity. Moreover, we found a significant cascading effect of elevation and soil moisture on AGB, directly or indirectly induced by changes in functional diversity in the short grassland, while only direct effects of elevation on AGB were observed in the tall grassland. Therefore, our study provides strong evidence that human‐induced changes in habitat types uncoupled the cascading effects of hydrological gradients on ecosystem functions mediated by either the taxonomic or the functional diversity.
Left ventricular dimensions and cardiovascular outcomes in systolic heart failure: the WARCEF trial
Authors: Ito Kazato , Li Siyuan , Homma Shunichi , Thompson John L.P. , Buchsbaum Richard , Matsumoto Kenji , Anker Stefan D. , Qian Min , Di Tullio Marco R. ,   for the WARCEF Investigators
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsThere is limited information on the association between left ventricular (LV) dimensions and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced LV ejection fraction (HFrEF) receiving recommended HF treatment. We investigated the association between LV dimensions and CV outcomes in HFrEF patients receiving recommended HF treatment.Methods and resultsWe investigated the association between LV echocardiographic dimensions and CV outcomes using conventional Cox models in 1138 HFrEF patients in sinus rhythm randomized to warfarin or aspirin treatment in the Warfarin vs. Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial. LV enlargement, whether by diameter [LV end‐diastolic diameter index (LVEDDI) and LV end‐systolic diameter index (LVESDI)] or volume [LV end‐diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and LV end‐systolic volume index (LVESVI)], was independently associated with all‐cause death [LVEDDI: hazard ratio (HR) per cm/m2 1.53, LVESDI: HR per cm/m2 1.65, LVEDVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.07, and LVESVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.10; all P values < 0.001], CV death (HR 1.68, 1.79, 1.09, and 1.12, respectively; all P values < 0.001), and HF hospitalization (HR 1.59, 1.79, 1.06, and 1.08, respectively; all P values < 0.001). No association was observed with myocardial infarction or stroke. The associations were independent of LV ejection fraction values, and incremental to them. LV volumes conferred additional predictive value over LV diameters.ConclusionsLeft ventricular enlargement is an independent predictor of CV events in patients with HFrEF and recommended HF treatment. LV dimensions should be considered in the risk assessment.