bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D in‐system calibration method for PET detectors
Authors: Kuhl Yannick , Mueller Florian , Thull Julian , Naunheim Stephan , Schug David , Schulz Volkmar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundLight‐sharing detector designs for positron emission tomography (PET) systems have sparked interest in the scientific community. Particularly, (semi‐)monoliths show generally good performance characteristics regarding 2D positioning, energy‐, and timing resolution, as well as readout area. This is combined with intrinsic depth‐of‐interaction (DOI) capability to ensure a homogeneous spatial resolution across the entire field of view (FoV). However, complex positioning calibration processes limit their use in PET systems, especially in large‐scale clinical systems.PurposeThis work proposes a new 3D positioning in‐system calibration method for fast and convenient (re‐)calibration and quality control of assembled PET scanners. The method targets all kinds of PET detectors that achieve the best performance with individual calibration, including complex segmented detector designs. The in‐system calibration method is evaluated and empirically compared to a state‐of‐the‐art fan‐beam calibration for a small‐diameter proof of concept (PoC) scanner. A simulation study evaluates the method's applicability to different scanner geometries.MethodsA PoC scanner geometry of 120 mm inner diameter and 150 mm axial extent was set up consisting of five identical finely segmented slab detectors (one detector under test and four collimation detectors). A 22Na point source was moved in a circular path inside the FoV. Utilizing virtual collimation and by selecting gamma rays incident approximately perpendicular to the detector normal of the detector under test, training data was created for the training of a 2D positioning model with the machine‐learning technique gradient tree boosting (GTB). Data with oblique ray angles was acquired in the same measurement for subsequent angular DOI calibration. For this, a 2D position estimate in the detector under test was calculated first. On this basis, the DOI label was calculated geometrically from the ray path within the detector to finally establish up to 3D training data.ResultsWith a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.8 and 1.19 mm full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) along the planar‐monolithic slab dimension, the in‐system methods performed similarly within 1% to the fan‐beam collimator results. The DOI performance was at ∼90% with 1.13 mm MAE and 2.47 mm FWHM to the fan‐beam collimator. Analytical calculations suggest an improved performance for larger scanner geometries.ConclusionThe functionality of the 3D in‐system positioning calibration method was successfully demonstrated with the measurements within a PoC scanner configuration with similar positioning performance as the bench‐top fan‐beam setup. The in‐system calibration method can be used to calibrate and test fully assembled PET systems to enable more complex light‐sharing detector architectures in, for example, large PET systems with many detectors. The acquired data can further be used for more complex energy and time calibrations.
Monte Carlo modeling of a commercial machine and experimental setup for FLASH‐minibeam irradiations with electrons
Authors: Bonfrate Anthony , Ronga Maria Grazia , Patriarca Annalisa , Heinrich Sophie , De Marzi Ludovic 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundUltra‐high dose rate (UHDR/FLASH) irradiations, along with particle minibeam therapy (PMBT) are both emerging as promising alternatives to current radiotherapy techniques thanks to their improved healthy tissue sparing and similar tumor control.PurposeMonte Carlo (MC) modeling of a commercial machine delivering 5–7 MeV electrons at UHDR. This model was used afterward to compare measurements against simulations for an experimental setup combining both FLASH and PMBT modalities.MethodsWe modeled the main accelerator elements with TOPAS3.8/Geant4.10.07.p03, optimized the electron source parameters, and subsequently benchmarked this geometry against measurements. Minibeam experiments were performed by delivering 7 MeV electrons at UHDR on three different 65‐mm thick brass collimators as manufactured for protons with a 400‐µm slit width: single slit, 5 slits with a center‐to‐center (CTC) distance of 4 mm and 9 slits with CTC of 2 mm. Finally, complementary simulations were run by changing critical PMBT collimator parameters to assess their specific impact on peak‐to‐valley dose ratio (PVDR) as well as on the Bremsstrahlung photon contribution to the total dose.ResultsPercentage depth dose (PDD) distributions and lateral dose profiles showed a good agreement between simulations and measurements, with a maximum discrepancy of less than 4%. With the PMBT collimators in place, discrepancies between simulated and measured dose profiles, lateral and in‐depth in peaks and valleys, were within 3%. High PVDR between 5 and 26 were observed until 4 mm in the phantom. During the experiments, a mean dose rate of 167 Gy/s and an instantaneous dose rate of 1.2 × 105 Gy/s were obtained for the FLASH‐minibeam setup. PMBT collimator parameters need to be optimized to maximize PVDR while limiting Bremsstrahlung photon contribution to the total dose.ConclusionsThe validation of the MC model and the configuration of an electron FLASH‐minibeam setup were successfully completed, paving the way for future radiobiological investigations.
On generalized Jacobians in the sense of Clarke for the inverse of a bi‐Lipschitz map and applications in relaxation theory
Authors: Behr Florian , Dolzmann Georg 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRelaxed variational problems in the scalar case involving functions are frequently characterized by the convex envelope of the energy density . For functions with superlinear growth and Lipschitz continuous gradient, a formula for is presented in an open neighborhood of any maximal phase simplex provided that is and strictly convex close to the vertices of the phase simplex. This formula involves a carefully chosen parameterization of which identifies those subsets in in which may be written as a convex combination of a prescribed number of function values.
Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis in Children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Clinical trial
Authors: Elkady Reem E. , Khedr Reham , Hassan Mohammed , Bayoumy Samy El , Mahmoud Sonia , Hanafy Ebtisam , ElAraby Salam , Haddad Alaa El 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundMany preventive modalities have been advocated to reduce the incidence and severity of chemotherapy‐induced Oral Mucositis (OM). Photobiomodulation, also known as Low‐Level laser. Therapy, has shown promising results. This clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis (OM) in children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).Patients and methodsA double‐blinded randomized clinical trial was performed, including forty‐two children diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) admitted to receiving chemotherapy (CT) at Children's Cancer Hospital 57357, Cairo, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control or test group. Both groups followed the standard preventive protocol for oral mucositis. In the control group I sham therapy, while in the Laser group I had Photobiomodulation sessions for five consecutive days once a day performed by Diode laser (Sirrolaser Blue ™, USA) 660nm, 15watt, 10 s. Laser sessions began on day 1 of chemotherapy and were repeated on days 2,3, 4, and 5. The response to both groups was evaluated according to the development of oral mucositis; graded using the classification criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cancer Institute scale (NCI – Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0). Incidence of oral mucositis was evaluated from baseline to 5, 12, 19, and 30 days after treatment.ResultsA clinical significant difference between the laser and control group was observed. The laser group showed a higher prevalence of no oral mucositis with decreased incidence of OM, while on day 12, the control group showed a higher prevalence of grades I and II (P‐value <0.001, effect size = 0.796). However, the laser group showed higher prevalence of mucosa free of OM; on day 19, the control group showed higher rates of grades II and III, (P‐value <0.001, effect size = 0.670). while on day 30 there was higher rates of grades I and II (P‐value <0.001, effect size = 0.576) with higher rates of healthy oral mucosa in the laser group.ConclusionPhotobiomodulation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in pediatric patients diagnosed with AML.
The accuracy of estimating equations for the evaluation of kidney function in adult survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non‐syndromic Wilms tumor: A pilot study from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Green Daniel M. , Wang Mingjuan , Krasin Matthew J. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Srivastava DeoKumar , Jay Dennis W. , Ness Kirsten K. , Shulkin Barry L. , Lanctot Jennifer Q. , Shelton Kyla C. , Brennan Rachel C. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Dixon Stephanie B. , Kurt Beth A. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Spunt Sheri L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundAdult survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non‐syndromic Wilms tumor (WT) treated with whole abdomen radiation therapy (WART) are at risk for impaired kidney function. The impact of bias and accuracy on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among adult survivors of WT has not been well documented.ProcedureWe clinically evaluated male and female WT survivors with creatinine and cystatin C, calculated eGFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease—Epidemiology equations with and without cystatin C, and measured 99mTc diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) plasma clearance. WT survivors treated with unilateral nephrectomy (UN), non‐nephrotoxic chemotherapy (NNC) and WART or treated with UN, no radiation therapy, and NNC were enrolled. Correlations between 99mTc DTPA clearance and eGFR were calculated. Bias and the percentage of eGFR calculations that differed from the 99mTc DTPA clearance by 10% or less (P10) or 30% or less (P30) (accuracy) were calculated.ResultsAmong female WT survivors, none of the eGFR calculations was statistically significantly correlated with 99mTc DTPA clearance. Among both unirradiated and WART‐treated male WT survivors, 99mTc DTPA clearance correlated well with eGFR calculations that included creatinine. eGFR calculations that included creatinine were positively biased among female participants compared to 99mTc DTPA clearance, and no P30 was greater than 90% among either irradiated males or females.ConclusionsAmong female survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non‐syndromic WT who have undergone UN, eGFR is poorly correlated with, is positively biased, and lacks sufficient accuracy, compared to 99mTc DTPA clearance.
PVDF‐based nanocomposite coatings with superhydrophobic and antibacterial properties on stainless steel surfaces
Authors: Azar Somayeh Jalilzadeh , Hosseini Farzaneh , Larypoor Mohaddeseh , Seyfi Javad , Khonakdar Hossein Ali 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this study, using a spray‐coating technique, stainless steel surfaces were coated with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and carbon soot nanoparticles. We imparted various surface properties onto the coatings' surfaces by varying the nanoparticle content and the preparation method. The main aim was to develop antibacterial surfaces by inducing superhydrophobic properties in stainless steel surfaces. In a one‐step preparation method, 5% and 10% of nanoparticles were insufficient to achieve superhydrophobicity, whereas 20% significantly increased the water contact angle to 153°. Morphological evaluations revealed the formation of a nano‐scale structure, which also led to a staggering antibacterial rate of 99.5% against Listeria monocytogenes. Using a two‐step preparation, soot nanoparticles were localized at the coating's top layer, which led to superhydrophobicity at a lower nanoparticle content (10%). However, the bacterial adhesion study showed a lower antibacterial rate (~93%). The difference in bacterial adhesion results was explained by various roughness structures according to the atomic force microscopy results. The developed system has a promising potential to be used as self‐cleaning and antibacterial coatings in the medical and food industries.Highlights
Stainless steel surfaces were coated with PVDF and carbon soot nanoparticles
Imparted various surface properties onto the coatings' surfaces
Developed antibacterial surfaces by inducing superhydrophobic properties
Using a two‐step, soot nanoparticles were localized at the coating's top layer
Bacterial adhesion study showed a lower antibacterial rate (~93%).
Efficacy of a prototype inspiratory‐synchronized small particle versus conventional vibrating mesh nebulizer during pediatric and neonatal mechanical ventilation
Authors: Li Jie , Karabelas Paul , Gong Lingyue , Sheridan Caylie A. , Fink James B. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundAn inspiration‐synchronized vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) has been reported to improve aerosol delivery during adult mechanical ventilation. A prototype VMN generating smaller particles was developed. We aimed to compare the aerosol delivery efficiency of small‐particle and conventional VMNs in inspiration‐synchronized and continuous modes during neonatal and pediatric mechanical ventilation.MethodsA critical care ventilator with heated humidified circuits connected to an endotracheal tube (ETT) and passive test lung was set to pediatric and neonate parameters. Albuterol (2.5 mg/ml, 1 ml) was administered using both small‐particle and conventional VMNs in inspiration‐synchronization and continuous modes. For the pediatric model, VMN was placed at the humidifier inlet, inspiratory limb at Y‐piece, and between Y‐piece and ETT (Y‐ETT). For the neonatal model, VMN was placed at the humidifier inlet and between Y‐ETT. Each setup was repeated five times. Albuterol collected on the filter distal to the ETT was eluted and assayed with UV spectrophotometry (276 nm).ResultsThe inspiration‐synchronized VMN generated higher inhaled doses compared to continuous VMN across all nebulizer placements, particle sizes, and aerosol generation models (all p < .05). The highest inhaled doses (42.2 ± 2.0% and 40.7 ± 1.0% for pediatric and neonate, respectively) were observed with the small‐particle inspiration‐synchronized VMN placed at Y‐ETT. In the pediatric model, the inhaled dose with inspiration‐synchronized conventional VMN was similar, independent of nebulizer placements (24.4 ~ 27.0%). In contrast, the inhaled dose was greatest with continuous VMN placed at the humidifier inlet. With the neonatal model, VMN placed at Y‐ETT yielded higher doses than the humidifier inlet, and small‐particle VMNs outperformed conventional VMNs across all settings (all p < .05).ConclusionThe prototype small‐particle VMN positioned between Y‐piece and ETT in an inspiration‐synchronized mode optimized aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation in both pediatric and neonatal models.
Heterogeneity in Reported Side Effects Following Initiation of Elexacaftor‐Tezacaftor‐Ivacaftor: Experiences at a Quaternary CF Care Center
Authors: Papadakis Lena , Stander Tayler , Mombourquette Jacqueline , Richards Christopher J. , Yonker Lael M. , Lawton Brenden , Hardcastle Margot , Zweifach Julia , Sicilian Leonard , Bringhurst Lindsay , Neuringer Isabel P. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe benefits of Elexecaftor‐Tezacaftor‐Ivacaftor (ETI) therapy on the health and wellbeing of people with CF (pwCF) are well documented. Since approval, however, a growing number of potential side effects have emerged in reports from clinical practice. With current understanding of ETI tolerability limited to data from clinical trials, the prevalence of side effects and their impact on care decision making remains poorly categorized.MethodsA 10‐question survey was developed and distributed to patients 18 years or older who were treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital CF centers. Reports of side effects were measured across 12 distinct categories, and dose adjustments and discontinuation due to side effects were collected. If a patient reported no side effects, they did not have to complete the entire survey.ResultsAmong 92 respondents initiated on ETI, 51 respondents (55.4%) reported potential side effects and 41 (44.5%) respondents reported no adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects were mental health, changes in appearance, and gastrointestinal complaints, which were reported by 22.8%, 30.4%, and 21.7% of patients, respectively. Eighteen (19.6%) respondents modified their dosing in response to side effects, and six discontinued treatment permanently (6.52%) due to persistent side effects.ConclusionsResponses demonstrated marked heterogeneity, with most respondents reporting at least one side effect following initiation. Dose modification was commonly utilized to mitigate adverse effects, however few respondents had to discontinue treatment. These findings demonstrate the importance of monitoring for potential drug‐related side effects of ETI in clinical settings.
NezhNPV, a new biocontrol agent for Nesodiprion zhejiangensis Zhou & Xiao (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), an emerging forest pest
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Zhao Jicheng , Li Enjie , Merchant Austin , Su Zhicheng , Liu Quanquan , Zhou Xuguo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDNesodiprion zhejiangensis, a multivoltine sawfly, is widely distributed in south China and has caused serious damage to forests. Historically, N. zhejiangensis management has relied heavily on synthetic chemicals. To reduce the reliance on chemical control, we previously isolated a nucleopolyhedrovirus, NezhNPV, from deceased N. zhejiangensis larvae. A subsequent pathogenicity assay confirmed its high virulence in a laboratory setting.RESULTSIn order to comprehensively examine the hypothesis that NezhNPV is an effective new biocontrol agent for N. zhejiangensis, we carried out a field test in Beijing, China, and characterized NezhNPV morphologically by electron microscopy and genetically by genome sequencing. Our field trials showed that NezhNPV was effective in controlling N. zhejiangensis in a naturally infested Himalayan blue pine forest. The occlusion bodies of NezhNPV consist of irregular polyhedra that occlude rod‐shaped enveloped virions with a single nucleocapsid per virion. The NezhNPV genome is 80 637 bp in length, and contains 90 open reading frames, including 38 core, eight lepidopteran baculovirus, 34 hymenopteran baculovirus and 10 unique baculovirus genes, representing the smallest known genome among baculoviruses. The combined results based on phylogenetic analyses, Kimura‐2‐parameter distances and biological characteristics indicate that NezhNPV is a novel gammabaculovirus and candidate for species status with the provisional name Gammabaculovirus nezhejiangensis. NezhNPV is highly collinear with other gammabaculoviruses and contains nonsyntenic regions with an inversion and rearrangement between orf3 and orf35.CONCLUSIONThe combined results from our field trials, coupled with morphological and genomic characterization clearly demonstrate the bioactivity of NezhNPV. This gammabaculovirus may be included in pest management practices against N. zhejiangensis as a novel biocontrol agent. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Watershed Grouping Based on Suspended Sediment Yield Using Morphological Criteria: A Comparison of Hierarchical and Nonhierarchical Techniques
Authors: Adhami Maryam , Hamdami Ghasem , Najafinejad Ali , Sadoddin Amir , Abghari Hirad 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTRegional sediment analysis methods have traditionally been used to reliably estimate sediment yield in ungauged watersheds with adequate hydrometric stations. Watershed‐grouping techniques are a suitable approach for estimating sediment load, which can be used to assess erosion processes, and surface water quality, and plan soil and water conservation measures. Additionally, the relationship between sediment yield and watershed characteristics can be used to identify different stages of erosion evolution and prioritize watersheds for conservation efforts. To this end, this study aimed to assess the applicability of various analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methods, including Ward's, Single linkage, and β‐flexible methods, as well as the nonhierarchical fuzzy C‐means (FCM) method in the Gorganroud and Qareh‐Sou watersheds of northern Iran based on hydrological, geological, climatic, physiographical, and land‐use characteristics. Furthermore, the study evaluated clustering methods to determine the optimal number of subwatershed clusters. The AHP methods identified two, three, or four clusters, while the FCM method identified three clusters as the best number of clusters. The results indicated that the FCM method had a well‐regionalized estimation in the study area with the maximum amount of validation indices (The highest Dunn coefficient 0.31–0.65, the lowest TESS 16.62–36.8, and acceptable Pseudo‐F coefficient 8.1–10.4). Notably, the fuzzy clustering methods associated each input sample with two or more clusters, which reduced the uncertainty of sediment yield estimation. The recommended clustering method can be used for regional sediment analysis in ungauged watersheds and evaluated against other hydrological variables in the study area.
Threat of Human Pathogens in Farmlands: A One Health Perspective
Authors: Jiang Gaofei , Yang Xinrun , Pommier Thomas , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong , Wei Zhong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA key aspect of “One Health” is to recognize that environmental health and human health are inseparable. In this interconnected network, farmland plays a crucial role, as it serves as a link connecting various ecosystems. However, the threat of human pathogens in farmlands is often overlooked despite growing evidence highlighting its importance as a pressing public health concern via direct and indirect pathways. To address this issue, we advocate the adoption of a “One Health” approach, which relies on strengthening the development of detection tools and emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices aimed at enhancing soil biodiversity. By doing so, we can effectively disrupt the transmission source and mitigate the risks posed by human pathogens in agricultural ecosystems, ultimately safeguarding both human health and agricultural sustainability.
Design and Application of Nuclear and Molecular Theragnostic Probes
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Chaturvedi Shubhra , Kaul Ankur , Pal Sunil , Singh V. P. , Mishra A. K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWith growing propensity towards personalised medication, the application and impact of molecular theragnostic (or, theranostic) is expected to increase dramatically. Molecular theragnostic is the combination of diagnostics and therapeutics in single targeted molecule. If successful, molecular theragnostic will determine the treatment strategy and therapeutic outcome apart from favourably influencing the time of treatment and comfort of the patient. Recent developments such as [64Cu]Cu‐ATSM for imaging tumor‐hypoxia, 99Y silicate for arthritis, 1⁷⁷Lu‐PSMA‐617 for prostate cancer etc has been discussed in detail in the literature.[1,2] This sectioned review deals in particular with the development of nuclear molecular theragnostic agents. The genesis and design strategies are presented after compiling recent reports.