bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: Range verification of pulsed proton beams from fixed‐field alternating gradient accelerator by means of time‐of‐flight measurement of ionoacoustic waves
Authors: Nakamura Yuta , Takayanagi Taisuke , Uesaka Tomoki , Unlu Mehmet Burcin , Kuriyama Yasutoshi , Ishi Yoshihiro , Uesugi Tomonori , Kobayashi Masanori , Kudo Nobuki , Tanaka Sodai , Umegaki Kikuo , Tomioka Satoshi , Matsuura Taeko 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeIonoacoustics is one of the promising approaches to verify the beam range in proton therapy. However, the weakness of the wave signal remains a main hindrance to its application in clinics. Here we studied the potential use of a fixed‐field alternating gradient accelerator (FFA), one of the accelerator candidates for future proton therapy. For such end, magnitude of the pressure wave and range accuracy achieved by the short‐pulsed beam of FFA were assessed, using both simulation and experimental procedure.MethodsA 100 MeV proton beam from the FFA was applied on a water phantom, through the acrylic wall. The beam range measured by the Bragg peak (BP)‐ionization chamber (BPC) was 77.6 mm, while the maximum dose at BP was estimated to be 0.35 Gy/pulse. A hydrophone was placed 20 mm downstream of the BP, and signals were amplified and stored by a digital oscilloscope, averaged, and low‐pass filtered. Time‐of‐flight (TOF) and two relative TOF values were analyzed in order to determine the beam range. Furthermore, an acoustic wave transport simulation was conducted to estimate the amplitude of the pressure waves.ResultsThe range calculated when using two relative TOF was 78.16 ± 0.01 and 78.14 ± 0.01 mm, respectively, both values being coherent with the range measured by the BPC (the difference was 0.5‒0.6 mm). In contrast, utilizing the direct TOF resulted in a range error of 1.8 mm. Fivefold and 50‐fold averaging were required to suppress the range variation to below 1 mm for TOF and relative TOF measures, respectively. The simulation suggested the magnitude of pressure wave at the detector exceeded 7 Pascal.ConclusionA submillimeter range accuracy was attained with a pulsed beam of about 21 ns from an FFA, at a clinical energy using relative TOF. To precisely quantify the range with a single TOF measurement, subsequent improvement in the measuring system is required.
Generation of material‐specific energy deposition kernels for kilovoltage x‐ray dose calculations
Authors: Heidarloo Nematollah , Aghamiri Seyed Mahmoud Reza , Saghamanesh Somayeh , Azma Zohreh , Alaei Parham 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeDose calculation of kilovoltage x rays used in Image‐Guided Radiotherapy has been investigated in recent years using various methods. Among these methods are model‐based ones that suffer from inaccuracies in high‐density materials and at interfaces when used in the kilovoltage energy range. The main reason for this is the use of water energy deposition kernels and simplifications employed such as density scaling in heterogeneous media. The purpose of this study was to produce and characterize material‐specific energy deposition kernels, which could be used for dose calculations in this energy range. These kernels will also have utility in dose calculations in superficial radiation therapy and orthovoltage beams utilized in small animal irradiators.MethodsWater energy deposition kernels with various resolutions; and high‐resolution, material‐specific energy deposition kernels were generated in the energy range of 10–150 kVp, using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo toolkit. The generated energy deposition kernels were further characterized by calculating the effective depth of penetration, the effective radial distance, and the effective lateral distance. A simple benchmarking of the kernels against Monte Caro calculations has also been performed.ResultsThere was good agreement with previously reported water kernels, as well as between kernels with different resolution. The evaluation of effective depth of penetration, and radial and laterals distances, defines the relationship between energy, material density, and the shape of the material‐specific kernels. The shape of these kernels becomes more forwardly scattered as the energy and material density are increased. The comparison of the dose calculated using the kernels with Monte Carlo provides acceptable results.ConclusionsWater and material‐specific energy deposition kernels in the kilovoltage energy range have been generated, characterized, and compared to previous work. These kernels will have utility in dose calculations in this energy range once algorithms capable of employing them are fully developed.
Thermosetting resins from a tetra‐functional vinylbenzene compound possessing cyclic siloxane cores
Authors: Lee Hsuan‐Wei , Chang Li‐Ming , Liu Ying‐Ling 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCyclic siloxane is an attractive building block for incorporation of silicon‐containing units as well as their distinguished properties to polymer materials. This work reports the synthesis and characterization of a tetra‐functional vinylbenzene compound possessing cyclic siloxane cores (cD4‐4VB). Synthesis of cD4‐4VB is carried out using cD4‐4SiH as the reactive precursor and multiple‐step reactions, including hydrosilylation, deacetylation, and SN2 substitution. cD4‐4VB is an effective monomer for preparation of the corresponding cyclic silicon‐based thermosetting resins (CR‐cD4‐4VB). CR‐cD4‐4VB shows attractive film formability and good thermo‐mechanical properties, including a storage modulus of 2.0 GPa, a glass transition temperature of 282°C, a thermal stability above 400°C, a high char yield (at 800°C in nitrogen) of 55 wt%, and a dielectric constant of 3.12 at 10 GHz. This kind of resins have potential of application for halogen‐free flame retardants and high‐performance polymer films.
From Bulk to Nanoparticles: An Overview of Antiviral Materials, Its Mechanisms, and Applications
Authors: Rodrigues Isabella C. P. , Campo Kaio N. , Arns Clarice W. , Gabriel Laís P. , Webster Thomas J. , Lopes Éder S. N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractInfectious diseases caused by viruses are a global health concern and have become prominent in light of the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. Considering the limitations of drugs and prophylactic methods used in current medicine, antiviral materials are a useful strategy in preventing the spread of viruses and enhancing treatment efficiency. Thus, this review highlights the state‐of‐the‐art antiviral materials, describes the scientific landscape of the primary antiviral materials used based on bibliometric analysis, presents their mechanisms of action, and discusses their clinical applications. The mechanisms of action underlying the broad‐spectrum antiviral properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites are also discussed. Polyanions, polycations, oxides, and metal‐based materials, from bulk to nanoparticles, have good potential in antiviral applications that may help prepare the world for future viral breakouts.
Shotgun reconstruction in the hypercube
Authors: Przykucki Michał , Roberts Alexander , Scott Alex 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMossel and Ross raised the question of when a random coloring of a graph can be reconstructed from local information, namely, the colorings (with multiplicity) of balls of given radius. In this article, we are concerned with random 2‐colorings of the vertices of the ‐dimensional hypercube, or equivalently random Boolean functions. In the worst case, balls of diameter are required to reconstruct. However, the situation for random colorings is dramatically different: we show that almost every 2‐coloring can be reconstructed from the multiset of colorings of balls of radius 2. Furthermore, we show that for , almost every ‐coloring can be reconstructed from the multiset of colorings of 1‐balls.
Continuous Monitoring Reveals Protective Effects of N‐Acetylcysteine Amide on an Isogenic Microphysiological Model of the Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Matthiesen Isabelle , Voulgaris Dimitrios , Nikolakopoulou Polyxeni , Winkler Thomas E. , Herland Anna 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMicrophysiological systems mimic the in vivo cellular ensemble and microenvironment with the goal of providing more human‐like models for biopharmaceutical research. In this study, the first such model of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB‐on‐chip) featuring both isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived cells and continuous barrier integrity monitoring with <2 min temporal resolution is reported. Its capabilities are showcased in the first microphysiological study of nitrosative stress and antioxidant prophylaxis. Relying on off‐stoichiometry thiol–ene–epoxy (OSTE+) for fabrication greatly facilitates assembly and sensor integration compared to the prevalent polydimethylsiloxane devices. The integrated cell–substrate endothelial resistance monitoring allows for capturing the formation and breakdown of the BBB model, which consists of cocultured hiPSC‐derived endothelial‐like and astrocyte‐like cells. Clear cellular disruption is observed when exposing the BBB‐on‐chip to the nitrosative stressor linsidomine, and the barrier permeability and barrier‐protective effects of the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine amide are reported. Using metabolomic network analysis reveals further drug‐induced changes consistent with prior literature regarding, e.g., cysteine and glutathione involvement. A model like this opens new possibilities for drug screening studies and personalized medicine, relying solely on isogenic human‐derived cells and providing high‐resolution temporal readouts that can help in pharmacodynamic studies.
Creating a Dual‐Functional 2D Perovskite Layer at the Interface to Enhance the Performance of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Long Caoyu , Huang Keqing , Chang Jianhui , Zuo Chuantian , Gao Yuanji , Luo Xin , Liu Biao , Xie Haipeng , Chen Zhihui , He Jun , Huang Han , Gao Yongli , Ding Liming , Yang Junliang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFlexible perovskite solar cells (f‐PSCs) have been attracting tremendous attention due to their potentially commercial prospects in flexible energy system and mobile energy system. Reducing the energy barriers and charge extraction losses at the interfaces between perovskite and charge transport layers is essential to improve both efficiency and stability of f‐PSCs. Herein, 4‐trifluoromethylphenylethylamine iodide (CF3PEAI) is introduced to form a 2D perovskite at the interface between perovskite and hole transport layer (HTL). It is found that the 2D perovskite plays a dual‐functional role in aligning energy band between perovskite and HTL and passivating the traps in the 3D perovskite, thus reducing energy loss and charge carrier recombination at the interface, facilitating the hole transfer from perovskite to the Spiro‐OMeTAD. Consequently, the photovoltaic performance of f‐PSCs is significantly improved, leading to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.1% and a certified PCE of 20.5%. Furthermore, the long‐term stability of f‐PSCs is greatly improved through the protection of 2D perovskite layer to the underlying 3D perovskite. This work provides an excellent strategy to produce efficient and stable f‐PSCs, which will accelerate their potential applications.
Recent Advances in the Pd‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylhydrazines and Ammonium Salts via C−N Bond Cleavage
Authors: Tu Yongliang , Zhao Junfeng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBoth arylhydrazines and quaternary ammonium salts are readily accessible or commercially available chemicals that show versatile reactivity in Pd‐catalyzed coupling reactions via C−N bond cleavage. A tremendous array of coupling reactions involving reaction partners such as organoborons, aryl silanes, alkenes, alkynes, arylation or alkylation reagents in C−H functionalization and carbonylation reactions are summarized, in which arylhydrazines or quaternary ammonium salts function as aryl or alkyl donors. This account mainly focuses on recent advances in Pd‐catalyzed coupling reactions with arylhydrazines or quaternary ammonium salts via C−N bond cleavage, including mechanistic elucidations.
Enantioselective Heck‐Matsuda Reactions: From Curiosity to a Game‐Changing Methodology
Authors: Oliveira Caio C. , Correia Carlos Roque Duarte 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe enantioselective palladium‐catalyzed Heck arylation of olefins using arenediazonium salts is one of the last features in the evolution of a synthetic method known as the Heck‐Matsuda reaction. This personal account highlights the development of the enantioselective Heck‐Matsuda reaction in its initial stages, the challenges faced along the way, and the interesting findings that opened new synthetic opportunities, mainly from our laboratory, featuring the Heck‐Matsuda reaction as a central player in the synthesis of bioactive and functional molecules.
“I got to see, and I got to be a part of it”: How cued gesturing facilitates middle‐school students' explanatory modeling of thermal conduction
Authors: Mathayas Nitasha , Brown David E. , Lindgren Robb 
Published: June 2021

AbstractConstructing causal mechanistic explanations of observable phenomena is a key science practice that is often challenging for students as most mechanisms involve interactions of unobservable entities and activities. In this study, we examined how gesturing with a computer simulation that depicts the molecular mechanism of thermal conduction supported middle‐school students in constructing causal mechanistic explanations. We designed a gesture‐augmented computer simulation in which students were cued to use hand gestures to control the simulation. These cued gestures represent core causal interactions of conduction and they prompt students to physically engage with the simulation in conceptually meaningful ways. In this study, we examined how 21 students used the simulation and explained thermal conduction in a semi‐structured interview, followed by a mixed‐methods analysis. Quantitative analysis shows that students moved toward articulating the canonical causal mechanistic explanation of thermal conduction using the simulation. Three representative cases were identified to explore how students' explanations were facilitated by cued gestures. The analysis shows two main ways the cued gestures supported all students in the study: (a) by helping them attribute causal agency to molecules rather than an entity called Heat, and (b) by reifying the core mechanism of molecular collisions in conduction. Furthermore, the case studies show how each student's unique ways of sensemaking impacted their gesture use. Implications for instruction with gestures and design of augmented environments are discussed.
PM2.5 induces endothelial dysfunction via activating NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Hu Tingting , Zhu Ping , Liu Yihai , Zhu Haoran , Geng Jin , Wang Bingjian , Yuan Guoliang , Peng Yuzhu , Xu Biao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPM2.5 (particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter) is proven to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial cell dysfunction is the initial step of atherosclerosis. The underlying mechanisms of endothelial cell damage exposed to PM2.5 are still obscure. In our study, PM2.5 was administrated to C57BL/6 male mice by intranasal instillation for 2 weeks. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also treated with PM2.5 to evaluate the adverse effect in vitro. The immunohistochemical staining of aortas showed that the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and endothelial adhesion markers were significantly increased in PM2.5‐exposed mice than that in saline‐exposed mice. In vitro, PM2.5 could inhibit HUVECs viability and impair cell migration in a concentration‐dependent manner. Besides, PM2.5 exposure downregulated eNOS expression while upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Mechanistically, PM2.5 activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in HUVECs while knockdown of NLRP3 could effectively reverse the downregulation of eNOS expression and production of ROS after PM2.5 exposure. In summary, our data showed that PM2.5 could cause endothelial dysfunction, and probably via NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Erk phosphorylation reduces the thymoquinone toxicity in human hepatocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Bin , Ting Wei‐Jen , Gao Jun , Kang Zhan‐Fang , Huang Chih‐Yang , Weng Yi‐Jiun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAlthough enormous achievements have been made in targeted molecular therapies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the treatments can only prolong the life of patients with extrahepatic metastases. We evaluated thymoquinone (TQ), a compound from Nigella sativa Linn., for its anti‐cancer effect on SK‐Hep1 cells and HCC‐xenograft nude mice. TQ effectively triggered cell death  and activated p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (Erk) pathways up to 24 h after treatment in cells. TQ‐induced cell death was reversed by p38 inhibitor; however, it was enhanced by si‐Erk. The caspase3 activation and TUNEL assay revealed a stronger toxic effect upon co‐treatment with TQ and si‐Erk. Our study suggested that phosphorylation of p38 in SK‐Hep1 cells constituted the major factor leading to cell apoptosis, whereas phosphorylation of Erk led to drug resistance. Furthermore, TQ therapeutic effect was improved upon Erk inhibition in HCC‐xenograft nude mice. TQ could present excellent anti‐HCC potential under suitable p‐Erk inhibiting conditions.
LINC01234 aggravates cell growth and migration of triple‐negative breast cancer by activating the Wnt pathway
Authors: Xiao Feng , Jia Hongyao , Wu Di , Zhang Zhiru , Li Sijie , Guo Jianjin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a common cancer with increasing incidence and mortality in female. Increasing studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are novel molecules regulating tumors. Long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 1234 (LINC01234) has been demonstrated to function as an oncogene in several tumors. However, the role of LINC01234 in TNBC remains unelucidated. Herein, RT‐qPCR showed that LINC01234 expression was upregulated in both TNBC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, knockdown of LINC01234 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and promoted apoptosis in TNBC cells. Xenograft mouse models revealed that LINC01234 downregulation inhibited TNBC tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, LINC01234 was transcriptionally elevated by Sp1 transcription factor (SP1) in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, LINC01234 interacted with miR‐525‐5p and miR‐525‐5p targeted MEIS2. Rescue assays manifested that MEIS2 overexpression rescued the cellular processes inhibited by silenced LINC01234. Moreover, we validated that LINC01234 regulated the activation of the Wnt pathway through modulating MEIS2 in TNBC cells. In conclusion, LINC01234 aggravated TNBC cell growth, migration, invasion and EMT by modulating the miR‐525‐5p/MEIS2 axis and activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Invertebrate zoogeomorphology: A review and conceptual framework for rivers
Authors: Mason Richard J. , Sanders Harry 
Published: June 2021

AbstractInvertebrates are important sediment engineers, making up for their small body size with abundance and behavioral diversity. However, despite the recognized importance of invertebrates as sediment engineers in terrestrial and marine environments, zoogeomorphology in rivers has primarily considered larger taxa, such as fish and beaver. This article reviews the zoogeomorphic effects of invertebrates in freshwater habitats, with a focus on rivers. To better synthesize current zoogeomorphic research and to help guide future studies we build a conceptual model considering biotic (behavior, abundance, body size, life history, and species invasions) and abiotic (geophysical energy and sediment grain size) controls on the direction and magnitude of zoogeomorphology. We also incorporate invertebrate engineers into conceptual sediment entrainment models, to understand their geomorphic role in the context of hydraulic power and sediment size. We structure our review around invertebrate behavior as a key control on whether invertebrates have a sediment destabilizing or stabilizing impact. Invertebrate zoogeomorphic behavior are diverse; the majority of research concernsbioturbation, a result of locomotion, foraging, and burrowing behaviors by many taxa. Similarly, burrowing into bedrock by a caddisfly and non‐biting midge larvae promotesbioerosion. Attachment to the substrate, (e.g., silk nets by caddisfly larvae or byssal threads by some mussels) can stabilize sediment, providingbioprotection.Bioconstructions(e.g., caddisfly cases and mussel shells) may have either stabilizing or destabilizing effects depending on their density and abiotic context. Interactions between lotic invertebrates and fluvial processes are complex and understudied, requiring further research across a greater range of taxa, behaviors, and spatiotemporal scales.This article is categorized under:Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater EcosystemsWater and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Theragnostic nanomotors: Successes and upcoming challenges
Authors: Vasantha Ramachandran Reshma , Bhat Ramray , Kumar Saini Deepak , Ghosh Ambarish 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe idea of “fantastic voyagers” carrying out medical tasks within the human body has existed as part of popular culture for many decades. The concept revolved around a miniaturized robot that can travel inside the human body and perform complicated functions such as surgery, navigation of otherwise inaccessible biological environments, and delivery of therapeutics. Since the last decade, significant developments have occurred in this arena that are yet to enter mainstream biomedical practises. Here, we define the challenges to make this fiction into reality. We begin by chalking the journey from pills, nanoparticles, and then to micro‐nanomotors. The review describes the principles, physicochemical contexts, and advantages that micro‐nanomotors provide. The article then describes micro‐nanomotors' obstacles such as maneuverability, in vivo imaging, toxicity, and biodistribution.This article is categorized under:
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Two-loop leading-color helicity amplitudes for three-photon production at the LHC
Authors: Chawdhry Herschel A. , Czakon Michał , Mitov Alexander , Poncelet Rene 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We calculate all planar contributions to the two-loop massless helicity amplitudes for the process $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

→ γγγ. The results are presented in fully analytic form in terms of the functional basis proposed recently by Chicherin and Sotnikov. With this publication we provide the two-loop contributions already used by us in the NNLO QCD calculation of the LHC process pp → γγγ [Chawdhry et al. (2019)]. Our results agree with a recent calculation of the same amplitude [Abreu et al. (2020)] which was performed using different techniques. We combine several modern computational techniques, notably, analytic solutions for the IBP identities, finite-field reconstruction techniques as well as the recent approach [Chen (2019)] for efficiently projecting helicity amplitudes. Our framework appears well-suited for the calculation of two-loop multileg amplitudes for which complete sets of master integrals exist.
A convexity enforcing $${C}^{{0}}$$ interior penalty method for the Monge–Ampère equation on convex polygonal domains
Authors: Brenner Susanne C. , Sung Li-yeng , Tan Zhiyu , Zhang Hongchao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe design and analyze a $$C^0$$

C
0

interior penalty method for the approximation of classical solutions of the Dirichlet boundary value problem of the Monge–Ampère equation on convex polygonal domains. The method is based on an enhanced cubic Lagrange finite element that enables the enforcement of the convexity of the approximate solutions. Numerical results that corroborate the a priori and a posteriori error estimates are presented. It is also observed from numerical experiments that this method can capture certain weak solutions.