bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and comparison of synthetic computed tomography algorithms with 3T MRI for prostate radiotherapy: AI‐based versus bulk density method
Authors: Karhula Sakari S. , Karppinen Piia , Hietala Henna , Nikkinen Juha 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeSynthetic computed tomography (sCT)‐algorithms, which generate computed tomography images from magnetic resonance imaging data, are becoming part of the clinical radiotherapy workflow. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate and compare commercial bulk‐density‐method (BM)‐based and AI (artificial intelligence)‐based‐algorithms using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with patient data as part of the local clinical commissioning process.Methods44 prostate radiotherapy patients were subjected to MRI and treatment planning CT (TPCT) scans. From the MRI images, sCT images with two different sCT algorithms were generated. The sCT images were evaluated by visual inspection of artifacts. Both sCT methods were compared to TPCT, with Dice similarity score(DSC) of bone and body contours, DVH parameters for CTV, bladder and rectum, and gamma‐analysis. Accuracy for treatment alignment using sCT images was also tested. Various limits were used to define whether the differences between sCT methods to TPCT were clinically relevant (DVH parameters <2%, gamma‐analysis passing rates 90%, 95%, and 98%, and the DSC 0.98 for body and 0.7 for bone).ResultsOur results show that, differences in CTV‐dose coverage values were <2% in most of the patients with both sCT algorithms when compared to reference dose coverage. While AI‐sCT had mean dose coverage difference <0,5% and BM‐sCT <1%. Gamma‐analysis showed that the AI‐sCT mean passing rates were 95.4%, 98.6%, and 99.4% with 1mm1%, 2mm2%, and 3mm3% criteria, respectively. Similarly for BM‐sCT the mean passing rates were 93.4%, 98.2%, and 99.2%. For the treatment alignment accuracy, the mean difference in magnitude of the translational shifts was 1.43 mm for BM‐sCT and 1.57 mm for AI‐sCT. Even though AI‐sCT showed statistically better correspondence to TPCT, the differences were not clinically relevant with any of the limits. Visual evaluation showed artifacts in the AI‐sCT especially in the bowel area and fiducial markers were not generated with either of the sCT algorithms.ConclusionsIn conclusion, sCT‐algorithms were clinically usable on prostate treatments using 3T MR‐only workflow. While AI‐sCT showed better correspondence to TPCT than BM‐sCT, it generated characteristic artifacts. As sCT algorithms perform well, we still recommend testing the sCT‐algorithms with retrospective analyses from patient data prior to implementing sCT into the routine workflow to better understand the specific limitations and capabilities of these algorithms.
pH‐Responsive and Therapeutic Liposomes for Enhanced High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy in Gynecologic Malignancies
Authors: Zhang Lin , Gao Xiaoyan , Yuan Jiangjing , Sheng Yaru , Chen Linfu , Shen Jingjing , Xu Chen , Wang Qi , Xiao Zhisheng , Wang Chunjie , Liu Nanhui , Liu Zhuang , Chen Qian , Wang Yudong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractClinical evidence suggests that high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is emerging as an increasingly viable non‐invasive treatment for various gynecological diseases, demonstrating both high safety and effectiveness. Nevertheless, HIFU presents challenges in terms of energy dissipation and prolonged treatment time during the therapeutic process. In this study, liposomes containing ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) and paclitaxel (PTX), a first‐line chemotherapy drug, are utilized to enhance HIFU imaging and therapy. During HIFU treatment, the NH4HCO3 and PTX‐loaded liposomes (PTN@Lip) can release CO2 and NH3 in the tumor's acidic environment. These not only improve HIFU imaging but also regulate the tumor's acidic environment, thereby enhancing the uptake of PTX by tumor cells. Notably, the implementation of PTN@Lip and HIFU activates the immune system, leading to tumor inhibition or even elimination ultimately. This approach has the potential to address existing clinical treatment challenges and lay the groundwork for new directions in the treatment of gynecological tumors.
Reducing Surface Roughness to Achieve Li2CO3‐Existent Lithiophilic Interface in Garnet‐Type Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jiaxu , Wang Changhong , Fu Jiamin , Ye Minghao , Zhai Huiyu , Li Jun , Tan Gangjian , Tang Xinfeng , Sun Xueliang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe presence of Li2CO3 has been identified as the cause of poor lithophilicity in garnet‐type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid‐state batteries. A Li2CO3‐free garnet is expected to enhance the Li/LLZO interface contact. However, permanently eradicating regenerative Li2CO3 from the LLZO surface is extremely challenging and the influence of regenerated Li2CO3 is often ignored. Herein, it is found that glossy Li2CO3 pellets can also be perfectly wetted by molten Li, contradicting the common belief that Li2CO3 is lithiophobic. Therefore, reducing the surface roughness of LLZO allows it to be directly wetted by lithium metal, regardless of the presence of Li2CO3. Additionally, smooth LLZO exhibits better air stability due to its reduced active area. The symmetric cell with a smooth LLZO pellet shows a low interfacial impedance of 2 Ω cm2 and a high critical current density of 1.4 mA cm−2 at 25 °C. This work highlights the surface physics of garnet which significantly influences its interface properties, apart from surface chemistry.
Multifunctional Polymeric Nanoneedles with “Full‐Spectrum Intrinsic Internal Standard” for Precise SERS Biosensing
Authors: Wang Li , Li Chonghui , Cao Chongfeng , Lei Fengcai , Zhao Xiaofei , Li Zhen , Zhang Chao , Jiao Yang , Yu Jing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPolymeric micro and nanoneedles have an exceptionally flexible bio‐SERS structure. However, during detection, Raman signals from the polymer often overlap with those from the target molecules, which is unavoidable and severely compromises the accuracy of the results. To address this issue, this study designed and fabricated a silver (poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)‐coated, PVP)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/gold nanoneedles structure (Ag/PVDF/Au NNs) and proposed a full‐spectrum intrinsic internal standard (FS‐IS) analytical method. In this method, the entire spectra of PVP and PVDF within the Raman fingerprint region are used as an internal standard, and machine learning algorithms are employed to quantitatively analyze the relevant SERS detection from a statistical perspective. Both the experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that this method is more accurate than traditional analysis methods based on embedded or intrinsic internal standards. Using the FS‐IS analysis method, the Ag/PVDF/Au NNs are successfully applied to various biosensing applications, including cancer cell imaging and in situ monitoring of antibiotics in the urine of surgical patients. This study effectively addresses the issue of low detection accuracy in flexible nanoneedle SERS structures and provides valuable insights for the development of other high‐precision detection technologies based on flexible substrates.
Anomalous Electrochemical Aging Strengthening Behavior of MXene Electrodes for Synergistic Anion‐Cation Storage in Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Rui , Yang Rui , Zheng Yongping , Pan Qingguang , Zhang Fan , Tang Yongbing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractElectrochemical aging of electrode materials usually leads to capacity decay and voltage drop in conventional rocking‐chair batteries. Here we report an anomalous electrochemical aging strengthening behavior of Ti3C2Tx MXene electrode in a dual‐ion battery, whose capacity/power grows under cycling and eventually reaches an optimal state once the co‐storage of PF6− anion and Li+ cation is activated by a wide electrochemical aging window. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that there is anion‐cation synergy between PF6− and Li+ during co‐storage process in Ti3C2Tx electrodes, where small Li+ intercalation expands interlayer spacing of Ti3C2Tx at low discharge voltages, and the residual Li+ during charging can act as an anchor center to promote storage of large PF6− at high charging voltages; meanwhile, the residual PF6− during discharge in turn provides additional active sites to coordinate with Li+, raising Li+ intercalation voltage and capacity. Thereafter, Ti3C2Tx electrode offers a high capacity of 310 mAh/g, robust cycling stability over 800 cycles, and rate performance up to 1000 mA/g, which is among the best reported results of anion‐cation co‐storage. This counter‐intuitive discovery, resembling aging‐strengthening phenomenon in metallurgy, deepens our understanding of unconventional battery chemistry and provides a new avenue for design of high‐performance electrode materials.
Ubiquitous Liquid Metal 3D Printing: From Gas, Liquid to Rigid Media
Authors: Shan Xiaohui , Feng Weichen , Cui Ziliang , Guo Minghui , Huang Hongshi , Wang Jian , Zhu Xiyu , Yuan Ruizhi , Cao Yingjie , Wang Bo , Qiao Huiyu , Wang Xuelin , Liu Jing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLiquid metals (LMs) are opening large spaces for achieving functional 3D printing. However, previous fabrication strategies ever developed so far can only address a specific printing task that has yet to fulfill various needs. Conceiving that all fabrications and their output quality are dominated by the interactions between printing inks and their ambient environment, this review is dedicated to presenting a generalized framework toward the ubiquitous LM 3D printing and summarizing its fabrication category thus integrated. A panoramic view is provided that intentionally administrating the interfacial interactions among different media can guide ink modification and printing optimization. Further, the interactions between LM inks and various media are interpreted, ranging from gases, and liquids to soft matters, biological tissues, and even rigid materials, exploring key mechanisms such as oxidation facilitation, heat dissipation, structural support, modulus matching, strong wettability, and high reactivity. Following that, the LM inks, typical printing technologies, diverse working media, and enabled applications are reviewed. The elucidation of these interactions, particularly physical and chemical effects, can lead to the incubation of future LM 3D printing centers. It is expected that interactional LM 3D printing can mold additive manufacturing into ever‐powerful tools in the coming time.
Layered Double Hydroxides for Radium‐223 Targeted Alpha Therapy with Elicitation of the Immune Response
Authors: Yang Mengdie , Li Jianguo , Han Zongtai , Luan Xiaohui , Zhang Xiaoyi , Gao Jie , Qin Shanshan , Yu Fei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTargeted Alpha therapy (TAT) has promising application prospects in tumor therapy. It is very appealing to design alpha‐emitting radiopharmaceuticals that can modulate the immune microenvironment to overcome the limitations of immunotherapy. Herein, Mg/Al layered double hydroxide nanomaterials (LDH) are utilized to load the alpha‐emitting nuclide Radium‐223 (223Ra), achieving precise delivery of 223Ra to the tumor microenvironment. Dual‐modal imaging is employed to dynamically monitor the in vivo distribution of 223Ra‐LDH, ensuring its prolonged retention at the tumor site. In vitro experimentsshowed that ionizing radiation from alpha‐emitting nuclides effectively reduced glutathione (GSH) and produced large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damaged mitochondria and released free calcium (Ca2+), thereby aggravating tumor cell death. Additionally, DNA double‐strand breaks induced by alpha‐emitting radiation triggered the STING signaling pathway, which in turn effectively induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promoted immune cell maturation and activation. The synergistic effect with immunotherapy triggered a powerful systemic antitumor immune response. Overall, this study develops a novel TAT therapeutic strategy with sufficient antitumor immunity.
Localized Hydrogel Microspheres for Osteoarthritis Treatment: Recruitment and Differentiation of Stem Cells
Authors: Pang Qiming , Chen Zhuolin , Zhan Jingdi , Liu Jiacheng , Liu Junyan , Zhao Weikang , Huang Wei , Dong Lili 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) represents a common degenerative joint disorder marked by progressive cartilage degradation, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches beyond symptom management. Here, this study introduces a novel strategy leveraging the regenerative capabilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by utilizing a bioactive extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from IFN‐γ‐stimulated MSCs, encapsulated within aldehyde‐ and methacrylic anhydride‐modified hyaluronic acid hydrogel microspheres (AH). This engineered scaffold effectively mimics the native cartilage microenvironment, promoting targeted adhesion and retention at damaged sites via spontaneous Schiff base reactions. Notably, the IFN‐γ‐ECM@AH microspheres facilitate the localized release of key chemokines, such as CXCL12, enhancing endogenous stem cell recruitment, and bioactive factors (e.g., TGF‐βI and TGF‐β3) to drive chondrogenic differentiation. Additionally, the scaffold possesses binding sites for cellular integrins, further augmenting the regenerative potential of stem cells. Collectively, the approach presents a dual‐action mechanism that supports efficient cartilage repair and regeneration, positioning this engineered microenvironment as a promising therapeutic avenue for OA and potentially other degenerative conditions.
Surface‐Assisted Passivation Growth of 2D Ultrathin β‐Bi2O3 Crystals for High‐Performance Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetectors
Authors: Guo Yang , Zhang Qing , Ren Zebin , Li Lin , Ma Weijie , Shen Xianfeng , Dong Jichen , Li Rongjin , Geng Dechao , Hu Wenping 
Published: December 2024

Abstract2D nonlayered materials (NLMs) have garnered considerable attention due to unique surface structure and bright application prospect. However, owing to the strong interatomic forces caused by intrinsic isotropic chemical bonds in all directions, the direct synthesis of ultrathin and large area 2D NLMs remains a tremendous challenge. Here, the surface‐assisted passivation growth strategy is designed to synthesize ultrathin and large size β‐Bi2O3 crystals with the thickness down to 0.77 nm and the lateral size up to 163 µm. These results are primarily ascribed to the bonding between Se atoms and the unsaturated Bi atoms on the surface of β‐Bi2O3, resulting in the surface passivation and promoting the obtaining of ultrathin β‐Bi2O3. Strikingly, the photodetectors based on β‐Bi2O3 flakes exhibit a high photoresponsivity of 71.91 A W−1, an excellent detectivity of 6.09 × 1013 Jones, a remarkable external quantum efficiency of 2.4 × 104%, an outstanding anisotropic photodetection and excellent UV imaging capability at 365 nm. This work sheds light on the synthesis of 2D ultrathin NLMs and promotes their applications in multifunctional optoelectronics.
Operando Studies Redirect Spatiotemporal Restructuration of Model Coordinated Oxides in Electrochemical Oxidation
Authors: Guan Daqin , Xu Hengyue , Huang Yu‐Cheng , Jing Chao , Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Xu Xiaomin , Lin Zezhou , Tang Jiayi , Wang Zehua , Sun Xiao , Zhao Leqi , Liu Hanwen , Liu Shangheng , Chen Chien‐Te , Pao Chih‐Wen , Ni Meng , Hu Zhiwei , Shao Zongping 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTetrahedral, pyramidal, and octahedral metal‐oxygen coordinated ligands are fundamental components in all metal‐oxide structures. Understanding the impacts of their spatiotemporal behaviors during electrochemical oxidation is crucial for diverse applications, yet remains unsolved due to challenges in designing model oxides and conducting operando characterizations. Herein, combining a suite of advanced operando characterizations and systematic computations, a link between oxygen‐evolving performance and operational structural properties is established on model oxides. Compared with tetrahedral and octahedral structures, pyramidal structure is more susceptible to OH− attack due to its pristine unsaturated and asymmetric features and constant single‐electron occupancy on the active z2 orbital during reaction, leading to surface‐to‐bulk restructuration into active amorphous high‐valence CoOOHx with edge‐sharing configurations. This is accompanied by ion leaching to create nanoscale space, following a leaching tendency of Sr2+ > Ba2+ > La3+ > Y3+. Operando soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrates a harder non‐uniform dehydrogenation process over time (Co3+OOH → Co3+/4+OOHx → Co4+OO) because of the enhanced CoO covalency with higher energy barriers. Lattice oxygen participates in active CoOOHx formation but sacrifices stability. To address this activity‐stability trade‐off, an ion‐tuning strategy is proposed to simultaneously enhance both activity and stability in electrode and device.
Crystallinity‐Controlled Hexagonal Boron Nitride‐Based Memristors for Fully Integrated Reservoir Computing Processors
Authors: Ahn Wonbae , Lee Sejin , Oh Jungyeop , Lee Hyeonji , Choi Sung‐Yool 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMemristors based on 2D materials (2DMs) have attracted considerable research interest due to their excellent switching performance. Former synthesis methods for 2DMs aimed to synthesize 2DMs with a large grain size. However, these methods cause a stochastic distribution of defects in high‐density memristor arrays, resulting in device nonuniformity. Moreover, high synthesis temperatures and mechanical transfer make it difficult to implement large‐area memristor arrays and additional integration. Therefore, synthesis methods of nanocrystalline 2DMs for memristors are essential. In this study, crystallinity‐controlled hexagonal boron nitride is directly synthesized on metal electrodes, and a fully integrated memristor‐based reservoir computing processor is implemented. Memristors using nanocrystalline hexagonal boron nitride (NC h‐BN) exhibit volatile switching and reliable reservoir dynamics. Memristors using amorphous boron nitride (a‐BN) exhibit nonvolatile switching and linear potentiation/depression curves (αP = −0.475, αD = 0.656). By integrating NC h‐BN and a‐BN memristors in three dimensions, an efficient reservoir computing processor with integrated reservoir and readout layers is realized. Overall, the neural network of the integrated processor shows high accuracy for inferring temporal data. Hence, the crystallinity‐controlled hexagonal boron nitride synthesis method paves the way for the realization of fully integrated reservoir computing processors.
Highly‐Buckled Nanofibrous Ceramic Aerogels with Ultra‐Large Stretchability and Tensile‐Insensitive Thermal Insulation
Authors: Dang Shixuan , Guo Jingran , Deng Yuanpeng , Yu Hongxuan , Zhao Han , Wang Duola , Zhao Yingde , Song Chuanyun , Chen Jiali , Ma Minglei , Chen Wenshuai , Xu Xiang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCeramic aerogels have exhibited many superior characteristics with promising applications. As an attractive material system for thermal insulation under extreme conditions, ceramic aerogels are required to withstand complex thermomechanical stress to retain their super‐insulating properties but, they often suffer from severe fracture damage that can lead to catastrophic failure. Herein, inspired by the tendrils of Parthenocissus, we report a design and synthesis of ultra‐stretchable ceramic aerogels constructed by highly buckled nanofibers. The buckling of nanofibers is formed by asymmetric deformation through two‐component off‐axial electrospinning method. The resulting aerogels feature an ultra‐large stretchability with a tensile strain of up to 150% and high restorability with a tensile strain of up to 80%. They also display a near‐zero Poisson's ratio (4.3 × 10−2) and a near‐zero thermal expansion coefficient (2.6 × 10−7 per °C), resulting in excellent thermomechanical stability. Benefiting from this ultra‐stretchability, the aerogels exhibit a unique tensile‐insensitive thermal insulation performance with thermal conductivities remaining only ≈106.7 mW m−1 K−1 at 1000 °C. This work promotes the development of ceramic aerogels for robust thermal insulation under extreme conditions and establishes a set of fundamental considerations in structural design of stretchable aerogels for a wide spectrum of applications.
Asbestos Burden in Lungs of Subjects Deceased From Mesothelioma Who Lived in Proximity to an Asbestos Factory: A Topographic Post‐Mortem SEM‐EDS Study
Authors: Visonà Silvia Damiana , Untalan Matthew , Bertoglio Barbara , Capella Silvana , Belluso Elena , Billò Marco , Ivic‐Pavlicic Tara , Taioli Emanuela 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAsbestos exposure and its pathological consequences, especially malignant mesothelioma (MM) still represent a major public health problem on a global scale. After the ban of asbestos in most western countries, nonoccupational exposure plays an essential role in MM pathogenesis. However, few studies have quantified asbestos lung burden after environmental exposure. The main objective of this work is to understand if asbestos lung content is different between occupationally and environmentally exposed individuals, and if the distance between the subjects' residences and the source of exposure is significantly associated with the asbestos lung burden.MethodsIn this retrospective, observational study we quantified, with analytical scanning electron microscopy, asbestos content in lungs of individuals deceased from MM between 2005 and 2019, who were exposed to asbestos (occupationally and/or environmentally) in Broni, a small town in northern Italy where an important asbestos‐cement plant operated until 1993.ResultsWe analyzed asbestos lung content of 77 subjects. We found that the asbestos lung content in MM patients who lived around the asbestos factory was as high as that seen in occupationally exposed individuals; this holds true in residents up to 10 km radius from the factory. We found no significant associations between the residence duration/distance ratio and asbestos lung burden.ConclusionsThis study suggests that heavy asbestos pollution involves not only the area adjacent to the factory, but the entire town of Broni and the surroundings. This is alarming if we consider that most asbestos factories still active in some countries are located close to towns and dwellings.
Sex differences in the trajectories of plasma biomarkers, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline relative to amyloid onset
Authors: Joynes Cassandra M. , Bilgel Murat , An Yang , Moghekar Abhay R. , Ashton Nicholas J. , Kac Przemysław R. , Karikari Thomas K. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Thambisetty Madhav , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M. , Walker Keenan A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONThe factors that influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) after individuals become amyloid‐positive are poorly understood. This study examines how sex influences the longitudinal trajectories of plasma AD and neurodegenerative biomarkers in the years following a person's estimated onset of amyloid‐β.METHODSLinear mixed‐effects modeling investigated overall and sex‐specific longitudinal trajectories of plasma biomarkers, brain volumes, and cognition relative to the estimated age of amyloid onset in a cohort of 78 amyloid‐positive Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) participants (n = 45 male; follow‐up time: 6.8 years [SD 3.31]). Amyloid status was ascertained with 11C‐Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET imaging.RESULTSAfter amyloid onset, men displayed steeper increases in pTau181, pTau231, and neurofilament light (NfL) compared to women. In this same period, men demonstrated steeper declines in brain volume and cognitive performance.DISCUSSIONThese findings suggest that sex influences the trajectory of AD pathology, neuronal injury, and symptom progression after individuals become amyloid‐positive.Highlights
Steeper rates of increase in pTau and GFAP among amyloid‐positive individuals.
After amyloid onset, steeper increases in pTau and NfL concentrations in men than in women.
Steeper declines in brain volume and cognition in men corroborate biomarker results.