bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Markerless tracking of tumor and tissues: A motion model approach
Authors: Cheung Ling Fung , Fujitaka Shinichirou , Fujii Takaaki , Miyamoto Naoki , Takao Seishin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory motion management is essential in order to achieve high‐precision radiotherapy. Markerless motion tracking of tumor can provide a non‐invasive way to manage respiratory motion, thereby enhancing treatment accuracy. However, the low contrast in real‐time x‐ray images for image guidance limits the application of markerless tracking.PurposeWe present a novel approach based on a motion model to perform markerless tracking of tumor and surrounding tissues even when they have low contrast in real‐time x‐ray images.MethodsA proof‐of‐concept validation of the method has been performed using digital and physical phantoms at breathing conditions that are significantly different than the planning stage. A motion model is first constructed by performing principal component analysis (PCA) on the planning 4DCT. During treatment, the motion of a surrogate is tracked and used as the input of the motion model, which generates a 3D real‐time volume estimation. Such 3D estimation is then projected to 2D to create digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). The relationships between the real‐time DRRs, reference DRRs, and reference x‐ray images are first established to simulate 2D real‐time images from the real‐time volume. The registration between the simulated 2D real‐time images and real‐time x‐ray images corrects the initial motion model estimation to ensure the estimated volume matches the real‐time condition.ResultsIn digital phantom, the Dice index of pancreas was improved from 0.74 to 0.78 after correction using real‐time DRRs in fully inhaled phase. Validation on lung and pancreas is performed in physical phantom with two motion traces. The surrogate‐tumor relationships were intentionally altered to generate large target localization errors due to the differences in body condition between treatment planning stage and during treatment. The real‐time correction for the estimated 3D real‐time volume was performed using a pair of 2D x‐ray images. For the deep breathing motion trace, the tumor localization mean absolute error (MAE) throughout the tracking decreases from around 3 mm to less than 1 mm after correction. For the shallow breathing motion trace with a 1.7 mm baseline shift, the tumor localization MAE throughout the tracking decreases from around 1.5 mm to less than 1 mm after correction.ConclusionThe method combines the detailed structural information from planning 4DCT and real‐time information from real‐time x‐ray images through a motion model. The matching between the real‐time model estimation and 2D real‐time images is performed in the same modality so that it can be applied to regions with low contrast in the images. The real‐time images successfully corrected the initial motion model estimations in our proof‐of‐concept validation. This suggests the potential to perform markerless tracking in low‐contrast region using a motion model.
Stress‐Confinement Effect on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Heterogeneous Granite Under Impact Loading: Experimental and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Gong Hangli , Wang Mingyang , Luo Yi , Liu Tingting , Fan Ran , Li Xinping 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTo investigate the stress‐confinement effect on the dynamic crack propagation and energy evolution characteristics of heterogeneous granite under impact loading, a three‐dimensional equivalent grain‐based model (3D‐GBM) and FLAC3D‐PFC3D coupled modeling technique was used to establish a numerical model of a full‐scale true triaxial Hopkinson test system. The results indicate that: (1) A rate‐effect model of the dynamic strength enhancement factor for heterogeneous rocks under multiaxial static and dynamic combined loading was constructed, with lateral stress confinement enhancing the sensitivity of dynamic strength to the strain rate. (2) Axial stress reduces the crack initiation stress ratio (σci/σd) and damage stress threshold ratio (σcd/σd), reducing the time to their onset, while lateral stress has the opposite effect. (3) Lateral stress confinement helps dynamically adjust the types of microcracks within the rock, restricts the relative slip friction between particles, and decreases the kinetic energy of failure. (4) At approximately the same strain rate, the strain energy and slip friction energy sequentially increase under uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial stress confinement. The mutual slip friction and movement between rock particles are more intense under biaxial stress confinement compared to uniaxial conditions.
Factors Associated With Attrition Among Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residents: A 10‐Year Analysis
Authors: Ezeh Uche C. , Charles‐Obi Kenechukwu , Green Carlos , Nicolli Elizabeth , Gurayah Aaron A. , Willey Brea C. , Balumuka Darius , Yarholar Lauren M. , Gosman Amanda , Sargi Zoukaa 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the risk factors for Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) resident attrition.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAnnual Graduate Medical Education track survey.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of OHNS residents who matriculated between 2006 and 2015. Variables analyzed included age at matriculation, sex, race/ethnicity, medical degree type, program location, attrition status, and matriculation year period (2006‐2010, 2011‐2015). A logistic regression model was used to determine factors predictive of attrition, with a significance level set at P < .05.ResultsA total of 3073 residents were analyzed. The overall attrition rate was 3.7%. Multivariable regression showed older residents (≥30 years) had a 2.1 times higher risk of attrition compared to younger residents (≤29 years) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval, CI [1.383‐3.316], P < .001). Underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) residents had a 3.5 times higher risk of attrition compared to whites (aOR: 3.5; 95% CI [1.823‐6.806], P < .001). Southern US programs had a 2.5 times higher risk of attrition compared to northeastern programs (aOR: 2.5; 95% CI [1.480‐4.315], P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in attrition based on sex, medical degree type, or matriculation year period.ConclusionA higher risk of attrition was found among OHNS trainees who were older, self‐identified as URiM, and in the southern US programs. There was no significant difference in attrition risk based on gender, medical degree type, or matriculation period. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for attrition and to develop strategies to promote inclusion and diversity in OHNS.
Mathematical foundation of the master‐slave elimination for arbitrary nonlinear multi‐point constraints
Authors: Boungard Jonas , Ortleb Sigrun , Wackerfuß Jens 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNonlinear multi‐point constraints are essential in modeling various engineering problems, for example, joints undergoing large rotations or coupling of different element types in finite element analysis. They can be handled using Lagrange multipliers, the penalty method, or master‐slave elimination. The latter satisfies the constraints exactly and reduces the dimension of the resulting system of equations, which is particularly advantageous when a large number of constraints have to be considered. However, the existing schemes in literature are limited to linear constraints. Therefore, the authors introduced an extension of the method to arbitrary nonlinear constraints. A mathematically rigorous derivation of this new method is presented. The starting point is the optimization problem with constraints. It is transformed into a modified optimization problem without constraints using the implicit function theorem. For this, an appropriate selection of slave degrees of freedom (dofs) is crucial, ensuring that the Jacobian constraints meets specific conditions. This implies the consideration of three aspects: The handling of redundant constraints, the automatic selection of slave dofs, and the change of slave dofs in the context of large deformations. Additionally, it allows for the combination of the new method with existing constraint methods.
Heart rate variability in schizophrenia: A comparative analysis before and after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Yoshida Noriko , Miyajima Miho , Suzuki Yoko , Matsushima Eisuke , Watanabe Takafumi , Omoya Rie , Fujiwara Mayo , Nakamura Mitsuru , Takahashi Hidehiko , Takeuchi Takashi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate autonomic nervous system imbalance in schizophrenia by comparing heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls, and to assess changes in HRV in patients before and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).MethodsHRV was compared between patients with schizophrenia (n = 17) and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (n = 34). Changes in HRV were also assessed in patients pre‐ and post‐ECT. Additionally, the relationship between HRV and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) scores in patients with schizophrenia was investigated.ResultsPatients with schizophrenia showed significantly lower high‐frequency (HF) and low‐frequency (LF) power compared with healthy controls, with a trend towards a higher LF/HF ratio. Following ECT, HF power increased significantly while the LF/HF ratio decreased significantly, resulting in no significant differences between patients and controls for these HRV parameters. The associations between HRV and symptoms observed before ECT were largely diminished after ECT, with only changes in the LF component correlating with changes in PANSS scores.ConclusionFollowing ECT, we observed a shift in autonomic balance from sympathetic dominance towards increased parasympathetic activity and a state more closely resembling that in healthy controls.
Thermal behavior of polymers and copolymers based on plant oils with differing saturated and monounsaturated content
Authors: Chebotar Anastasiia , Domnich Bohdan , Panchenko Yurij , Donchak Volodymyr , Stetsyshyn Yurij , Voronov Andriy 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPlant oil‐based acrylic monomers from hydrogenated sunflower (HFM), palm (PMM) and castor (CSM) oils were polymerized to investigate the effect of chemical composition on polymer phase transitions at temperatures relevant to physiological range. While HFM and PMM possess a highly differing content of saturated palmitic and stearic acids combined with unsaturated fatty acids, CSM contains primarily fragments based on monounsaturated ricinoleic hydroxy acid (up to 90%). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements indicate that polymers from PMM and HFM are both semicrystalline (with Tm = −6 and −13 °C, respectively), while poly(CSM) appears to be amorphous (Tg = −49 °C). Considering the similarity in polymers' molar mass (Mn = 16 000–20 000 g mol−1), the observed thermal transitions can be explained by the formation of ordered morphological domains due to the presence of saturated palmitic and stearic acid fractions in poly(PMM) and poly(HFM). For copolymers of CSM, PMM and HFM (80 wt% of monomer feed) with styrene, DSC data show two transitions corresponding to the mobility of long alkyl fatty acid side fragments and the macromolecular backbone. For copolymers of PMM and HFM, comparable values (−52.8 and −55.5 °C, respectively) were obtained, while the second transition for poly(CSM‐co‐styrene) appears at 35 °C. We attribute this higher value to the presence of hydroxyl groups in ricinoleic acid fragments of CSM serving as additional chain transfer sites and the formation of macromolecular fractions enriched with polystyrene fragments. We expect that the temperature transitions obtained can be relevant to the future use of these polymers for biomedical applications, including the synthesis of polymer brushes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Broad‐scale phenotyping in Arabidopsis reveals varied involvement of RNA interference across diverse plant‐microbe interactions
Authors: Ruf Alessa , Thieron Hannah , Nasfi Sabrine , Lederer Bernhard , Fricke Sebastian , Adeshara Trusha , Postma Johannes , Blumenkamp Patrick , Kwon Seomun , Brinkrolf Karina , Feldbrügge Michael , Goesmann Alexander , Kehr Julia , Steinbrenner Jens , Šečić Ena , Göhre Vera , Weiberg Arne , Kogel Karl‐Heinz , Panstruga Ralph , Robatzek Silke ,   the exRNA consortium
Published: November 2024

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is a crucial mechanism in immunity against infectious microbes through the action of DICER‐LIKE (DCL) and ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins. In the case of the taxonomically diverse fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea and the oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, plant DCL and AGO proteins have proven roles as negative regulators of immunity, suggesting functional specialization of these proteins. To address this aspect in a broader taxonomic context, we characterized the colonization pattern of an informative set of DCL and AGO loss‐of‐function mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana upon infection with a panel of pathogenic microbes with different lifestyles, and a fungal mutualist. Our results revealed that, depending on the interacting pathogen, AGO1 acts as a positive or negative regulator of immunity, while AGO4 functions as a positive regulator. Additionally, AGO2 and AGO10 positively modulated the colonization by a fungal mutualist. Therefore, analyzing the role of RNAi across a broader range of plant‐microbe interactions has identified previously unknown functions for AGO proteins. For some pathogen interactions, however, all tested mutants exhibited wild‐type‐like infection phenotypes, suggesting that the roles of AGO and DCL proteins in these interactions may be more complex to elucidate.
Agglomerating Agent Emulsions Synergistically Stabilized by Surfactants and SiO2 Nanoparticles: Stability, Mechanism, and Applications for PBL Agglomeration
Authors: Zhao Li , Lu Shulai , Chen Ming , Wang Yuchao , Zhao Shicheng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe stability of agglomerating agent is an important parameter to evaluate its value, which is of great significance for its subsequent transportation, storage, and practical application. In this study, a highly stable agglomerating agent synergistically stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and SiO2 was synthesized. The stabilization mechanism of the agglomerating agent and its agglomeration effect on polybutadiene latex (PBL) were studied. First, the mean particle size, particle size distribution, interfacial tension, and viscosity of the agglomerating agent emulsion stabilized by SDS/SiO2 has been investigated and compared with those of conventional emulsion stabilized by SDS. The results show that when the SDS concentration is lower than 0.125%, the presence of SiO2 can significantly increase the anticoagulation ability of agglomerating agent particles in the polymerization process. Furthermore, noting that agglomerating agent emulsions stabilized by SDS/SiO2 exhibited high stability even pH, centrifugation, storage, and temperatures changed in wide range. In addition, the stability of the agglomerating agents synergistically stabilized by surfactants and SiO2 nanoparticles is better than using them alone. Then, the stability mechanism of SiO2 in the agglomerating agent was investigated. The results revealed that the SiO2 particles are tightly adsorbed on the surface of the agglomerating agent particles through hydrogen bonding and play a physical isolation role. Finally, the 100 nm PBL was enlarged to 469 nm by a synthetic agglomerating agent. Surprisingly, the SiO2 particles show excellent physical isolation role, not only in agglomerating agent but also in agglomerated PBL. Our findings provide novel insights into the synthesis of highly stable agglomerating agent and improve the practical application significance of subsequent PBL agglomerations and ABS properties.
Evaluation of the strategy for insecticidal crystal encapsulation with cell wall in industrial processes
Authors: Hou Yujia , Zhang Xin , Zhou Li , Xu Yanrong , Zhu Yuanhong , Yan Tinglu , Peng Qi , Liu Huamei , Song Fuping 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can produce insecticidal crystal proteins during sporulation, and these are the basis of the most successful microbial insecticides in use today. However, the susceptibility of insecticidal crystal proteins to inactivation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight causes damage to the insecticidal crystals and subsequent loss of toxicity. The deletion of the mclX gene, an unknown functional gene, can make the insecticidal crystal proteins become encapsulated by the cell wall which provides some protection against UV radiation. This study evaluates the potential of this innovative strategy during the industrial process of commercial strain KN11.RESULTSGene mclX was deleted from a commercial Bt strain KN11 successfully, and the mutant strain was cultured under different conditions, including laboratory and industrial fermentation conditions. The mother cells of the mclX mutant strain remained nonlysed after industrial processes. The deletion of mclX had no adverse effects on the production of Cry1Ac protein and no impact on the insecticidal activity. Most noteworthy, the ΔmclX mutant had improved UV resistance and insecticidal activity compared to the wild‐type KN11 strain.CONCLUSIONThis finding suggests that commercial strains can be genetically modified to encapsulate insecticidal crystal in Bt products using the mclX mutation strategy. This study evaluated the ability of commercial strains lacking the mclX gene to encapsulate crystals giving resistance to UV radiation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of intercropping apple trees with basil (Ocimum basilicum) or French marigold (Tagetes patula) on the rosy apple aphid regulation (Dysaphis plantaginea) and the abundance of its natural enemies
Authors: Rizzi Louna , Rafiq Muhammad , Cabrol Mélanie , Simon Sylvaine , Gomez Laurent , Lavigne Claire , Franck Pierre , Gautier Hélène 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn a global context of pesticide reduction, the sustainable management of aphids is a major challenge in maintaining economically viable fruit production. Intercropping with companion plants (CPs) that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with repellent or attractive properties could be successful in the laboratory. Still, their effects on the orchard have been little documented. We tested in 2018 and 2019 the hypotheses that the introduction of basil or French marigold, decreases the populations of Dysaphis plantaginea Passerini, the rosy apple aphid (RAA) and increases the abundance of its natural enemies (NEs) in an apple orchard in the south of France.RESULTSLaboratory tests confirmed that both CPs altered RAA reproduction performance. In orchards, they attracted more NEs around the pots and at some dates in the aphid colonies near the pots in both years (apart from basil in 2019), without a significant reduction in aphid populations in 2018. In contrast, in 2019, the number and spatial expansion of aphid colonies were significantly lower, close to basil.CONCLUSIONFurther investigation is needed to disentangle the mechanisms explaining the observed effects (e.g., repellent action in autumn, etc.) but the results highlight the potential of CPs to control aphids in orchards and contribute to agroecological production of apple. Thus, this study shows the potential of CPs in a strategy combining aphid repellency and NEs attraction to control aphids in orchards, provided that CP installation lasts over several consecutive years. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Generative artificial intelligence and evaluating strategic decisions
Authors: Doshi Anil R. , Bell J. Jason , Mirzayev Emil , Vanneste Bart S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryStrategic decisions are uncertain and often irreversible. Hence, predicting the value of alternatives is important for strategic decision making. We investigate the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in evaluating strategic alternatives using business models generated by AI (study 1) or submitted to a competition (study 2). Each study uses a sample of 60 business models and examines agreement in business model rankings made by large language models (LLMs) and those by human experts. We consider multiple LLMs, assumed LLM roles, and prompts. We find that generative AI often produces evaluations that are inconsistent and biased. However, when aggregating evaluations, AI rankings tend to resemble those of human experts. This study highlights the value of generative AI in strategic decision making by providing predictions.Managerial SummaryManagers are seeking to create value by integrating generative AI into their organizations. We show how managers can use generative AI to help evaluate strategic decisions. Generative AI's single evaluations are often inconsistent or biased. However, if managers aggregate many evaluations across LLMs, prompts, or roles, the results show that the resulting evaluations tend to resemble those of human experts. This approach allows managers to obtain insight on strategic decisions across a variety of domains with relatively low investments in time or resources, which can be combined with human inputs.
Combination Nanodrug Delivery Systems Facilitate the Syncretism of Chemotherapy with Immunotherapy to Promote Cancer Treatment
Authors: Guo Zishuo , Zheng Haocheng , Wang Tieshan , Han Ning , Zhang Haitong , Li Jialing , Cheng Xuehao , Ye Jinhong , Du Shouying , Li Pengyue 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCancer has emerged as a significant threat that gravely endanger human health. Anti‐tumor immunotherapy has now emerged as an important treatment for cancer. However, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment limits the antitumor immunity. The importance of the immune system in the cancer treatment process must be emphasized. Herein, two precision‐targeted nanoparticles PD‐L1@Cur‐NPs and PD‐1@AS‐NPs are constructed for cancer treatment. PD‐L1@Cur‐NPs can precisely target tumor cells in vivo to eradicate tumor cells or induce them apoptosis. PD‐1@AS‐NPs can precisely target T cells in vivo to activate the T cell‐mediated immune system and induce antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, these two nanoparticles have good synergistic effect and show stronger antitumor effect after combination. After treatment with the combination of two nanoparticles, the tumor volumes of C57BL/6 tumor‐bearing mice are significantly reduced. Moreover, the percentage of CD8+T cells and CD4+T cells in the tumor significantly increased, and the percentage of regulatory T cells significantly decreased. The percentage of memory T cells and memory effector T cells in the spleen also significantly increased after treatment, suggesting that the antitumor immunity is activated after treatment. This study provides a new antitumor treatment strategy combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which has good application prospect.