bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality assurance tests for the Gamma Knife® Icon™ image guidance system
Authors: AlDahlawi Ismail , Prasad Dheerendra , Podgorsak Matthew B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe Gamma Knife® Icon™ comes with an image guidance system for tracking patient motion and correcting for inter‐ and intrafractional shifts, mainly used with frameless thermoplastic immobilization. The system consists of a cone‐beam CT (CBCT) and a couch‐mounted infrared camera (IFMM). We report our quality assurance program for Icon's image guidance system.MethodsThe manufacturer‐provided tool is used for daily checks of CBCT positional precision. Catphan® phantom is used for monthly checks of CBCT image qualities (uniformity, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), and spatial resolution) for the two acquisition presets (low‐dose and high‐quality presets). On a semi‐annual schedule, we use a frame tool to check the agreement of CBCT‐based and Frame‐based stereotactic space coordinates by comparing the locations of five attached ball bearings in CT‐sim scans (Frame‐based coordinates determination) and in Icon's CBCT scans. On an annual basis, the accuracy of IFMM, image registration, and delivery‐after‐shift are tested using a translational stage. A weighted CT dose index is measured annually with a pencil chamber in CTDI head phantom.ResultsThe CBCT precision check: 0.12 ± 0.04 mm (maximum deviations average). CBCT image quality: spatial resolution range: [6,7] lp/cm (low), and [7,8] lp/cm (high); uniformity: 12.82 ± 0.69% (low), and 13.01 ± 0.69% (high); CNR: 1.07 ± 0.08 (low), and 1.69 ± 0.10 (high). Agreement of CBCT‐based with Frame‐based stereotactic coordinates range: [0.33, 0.66] mm. Accuracy of IFMM: 0.00 ± 0.12 mm (average) with 0.27 mm (max.); image registration: 0.03 ± 0.06 mm (average) with 0.23 mm (max.); and delivery‐after‐shift: 0.24 ± 0.09 mm (average) with 0.42 mm (max.). CTDIw: 2.3 mGy (low), and 5.7 mGy (high).ConclusionsThe manufacturer‐required QA checks together with additional user‐defined checks are an important combination for a robust quality assurance program ensuring the safe use of Gamma Knife® Icon™'s image guidance and motion management features.
Online daily assessment of dose change in head and neck radiotherapy without dose‐recalculation
Authors: Vickress Jason R. , Battista Jerry , Barnett Rob , Yartsev Slav 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundHead and neck cancers are commonly treated with radiation therapy, but due to possible volume changes, plan adaptation may be required during the course of treatment. Currently, plan adaptations consume significant clinical resources. Existing methods to evaluate the need for plan adaptation requires deformable image registration (DIR) to a new CT simulation or daily cone beam CT (CBCT) images and the recalculation of the dose distribution. In this study, we explore a tool to assist the decision for plan adaptation using a CBCT without re‐computation of dose, allowing for rapid online assessment.MethodsThis study involved 18 head and neck cancer patients treated with CBCT image guidance who had their treatment plan modified based on a new CT simulation (ReCT). Dose changes were estimated using different methods and compared to the current gold standard of using DIR between the planning CT scan (PCT) and ReCT with recomputed dose. The first and second methods used DIR between the PCT and daily CBCT with the planned dose or recalculated dose from the ReCT respectively, with the dose transferred to the CBCT using rigid registration. The necessity of plan adaptation was assessed by the change in dose to 95% of the planning target volume (D95) and mean dose to the parotids.ResultsThe treatment plans were adapted clinically for all 18 patients but only 7 actually needed an adaptation yielding 11 unnecessary adaptations. Applying a method using the daily CBCT with the planned dose distribution would have yielded only four unnecessary adaptations and no missed adaptations: a significant improvement from that done clinically.ConclusionUsing the DIR between the planning CT and daily CBCT can flag cases for plan adaptation before every fraction while not requiring a new re‐planning CT scan and dose recalculation.
Spiderweb‐Mimicking Anion‐Exchanging Separators for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Lee Yong‐Hyeok , Kim Jung‐Hwan , Kim Jeong‐Hoon , Yoo Jong‐Tae , Lee Sang‐Young 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries have garnered considerable interest as a promising alternative to current state‐of‐the‐art Li‐ion batteries. However, the shuttle effect poses a formidable challenge to development of Li‐S batteries. Considering that all ions in electrolytes move through separators between electrodes, significant attention should be paid to separators to prevent the shuttle effect. Here, a new class of spiderweb‐mimicking, anion‐exchanging separators based on polyionic liquids (“spiderweb separators”) is demonstrated to address the aforementioned issue. The spiderweb separator consists of sandwich‐type functional nanomats (top/bottom layers = multi‐walled carbon nanotube‐wrapped polyetherimide nanomats, middle layer = poly(1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PVIm[TFSI], polyionic liquid)/poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) nanomat) on polyethylene separator. The middle nanomat layer enables (discharge voltage‐dependent) reversible trap/release of polysulfides via an anion exchange reaction between TFSI−anions (from PVIm[TFSI]) and polysulfides. The top/bottom nanomat layers respectively act as an upper current collector and a blocking layer to prevent crossover of polysulfides to Li anodes. Driven by its unique morphology and chemical functionalities, the spiderweb separator prevents the shuttle effect while ensuring facile ion transport, leading to exceptional improvement in the electrochemical performance (capacity = 819 mAh g−1 and cycling retention = 72% (at 2.0 C/2.0 C) after 300 cycles) of Li‐S batteries.
Rational Design of Nanoparticles with Deep Tumor Penetration for Effective Treatment of Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Wang Hong , Tan Tao , Li Jie , Wang Zhiwan , Li Yaping 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe limited penetration of nanoparticles in primary tumors and metastases remains a great challenge for effective treatment of tumor metastasis. This review outlines the current approaches and summarizes the rational design of nanoparticles with deep tumor penetration capacity for anti‐metastasis treatment. There are two ways to achieve better tumor penetration; through rational regulation of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and through remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, including the tumor vasculature and stromal environment. Moreover, biomimetic strategies that integrate the advantages of nanoparticles and metastasis‐homing molecules during cancer cell metastasis are discussed. These efforts have led to promising results in facilitating intratumoral permeation of various nanoparticles to enhance antitumor effects. The considerations and some feasible future directions for deep tumor penetration strategies are proposed to improve tumor metastasis therapies.
Assessment of the Factors Influencing Charge‐Carrier Mobility Measurements in Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Li Haoyuan , Tessler Nir , Brédas Jean‐Luc 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEvaluation of the charge mobilities is a critical link in the development of organic semiconductors and the associated devices. One of the most widely used measurements relies on an organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) configuration. It is based on a relationship between charge‐carrier mobility and current–voltage curves, which happens to often exclude factors that are extrinsic to the organic semiconductor but can in fact significantly affect the measured current. The consequence is that the actual meaning of the mobilities evaluated in this way remains ambiguous. As such, it is unclear how well OFET data represent the actual charge‐transport properties of the organic semiconductors. Here, by employing a molecular‐scale OFET device model that directly connects microscopic charge transfer to macroscopic current characteristics, the mobilities in an OFET configuration and their relationships to the bulk mobilities are investigated. Specifically, the role of disorder, nature of the semiconductor–dielectric interface, and presence of non‐Ohmic contacts are addressed. By explicitly including these factors that are frequently impeding a clear evaluation of the experimental data, the study represents a major step into a robust molecular‐scale description of OFET operation.
Precursor Engineering for All‐Inorganic CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells with 14.78% Efficiency
Authors: Yin Guannan , Zhao Huan , Jiang Hong , Yuan Shihao , Niu Tianqi , Zhao Kui , Liu Zhike , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe optoelectronic properties of perovskite films are closely related to the film quality, so depositing dense, uniform, and stable perovskite films is crucial for fabricating high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). CsPbI2Br perovskite, prized for its superb stability toward light soaking and thermal aging, has received a great deal of attention recently. However, the air instability and poor performance of CsPbI2Br PSCs are hindering its further progress. Here, an approach is reported for depositing high‐quality CsPbI2Br films via the Lewis base adducts PbI2(DMSO) and PbBr2(DMSO) as precursors to slow the crystallization of the perovskite film. This process produces CsPbI2Br films with large‐scale crystalline grains, flat surfaces, low defects, and long carrier lifetimes. More interestingly, PbI2(DMSO) and PbBr2(DMSO) adducts could significantly improve the stability of CsPbI2Br films in air. Using films prepared by this technique, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.78% is obtained in CsPbI2Br PSCs, which is the highest PCE value reported for CsPbI2Br‐based PSCs to date. In addition, the PSCs based on DMSO adducts show an extended operational lifetime in air. These excellent performances indicate that preparing high‐quality inorganic perovskite films by using DMSO adducts will be a potential method for improving the performance of other inorganic PSCs.
2D Group IVB Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Yan Chaoyi , Gong Chuanhui , Wangyang Peihua , Chu Junwei , Hu Kai , Li Chaobo , Wang Xuepeng , Du Xinchuan , Zhai Tianyou , Li Yanrong , Xiong Jie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSemiconductor technology is currently impaired by the surface dangling bond of materials, which introduces scattering and interface traps. 2D materials, especially transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with different main groups, have settled this issue by utilizing unique atomically smooth surfaces and van der Waals (vdW) structures. Over the past few decades, many processes for exploring new materials, manipulating physical properties, and synthesizing single crystals have been developed. Among these 2D materials, group IVB TMDs are distinguished for their splendid physical properties, including ultrahigh mobility, charge density wave, superconducting transitions, etc. Here, the recent advances in group IVB TMDs are reviewed, which offer easy access to next generation nano‐, opto‐, thermal‐electronic, energy storage and conversion applications. Both the advantages and challenges of these studies are summarized to further clarify existing problems.
Liquid Metal Droplets Wrapped with Polysaccharide Microgel as Biocompatible Aqueous Ink for Flexible Conductive Devices
Authors: Li Xiankai , Li Mingjie , Zong Lu , Wu Xiaochen , You Jun , Du Peikang , Li Chaoxu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNanometerization of liquid metal in organic systems can facilitate deposition of liquid metals onto substrates and then recover its conductivity through sintering. Although having broader potential applications, producing stable aqueous inks of liquid metals keeps challenging because of rapid oxidation of liquid metal when exposing to water and oxygen. Here, a biocompatible aqueous ink is produced by encapsulating alloy nanodroplets of gallium and indium (EGaIn) into microgels of marine polysaccharides. During sonicating bulk EGaIn in aqueous alginate solution, alginate not only facilitates the downsizing process via coordination of their carboxyl groups with Ga ions but also forms microgel shells around EGaIn droplets. Due to the deceasing oxygen‐permeability of microgel shells, aqueous ink of EGaIn nanodroplets can maintain colloidal and chemical stability for a period of >7 d. Crosslinked alginate‐gel with tunable thickness can retard the generation and release of toxic cations, thereby affording high biocompatibility. The soft alginate shells also enable to recover electric conductivity of EGaIn layers by “mechanical sintering” for applications in microcircuits, electric‐thermal actuators, and wearable sensors, offering huge potential for electronic tattoos, artificial limbs, electric skins, etc.
Electrostatic Force–Driven Oxide Heteroepitaxy for Interface Control
Authors: Ren Zhaohui , Wu Mengjiao , Chen Xing , Li Wei , Li Ming , Wang Fang , Tian He , Chen Junze , Xie Yanwu , Mai Jiangquan , Li Xiang , Lu Xinhui , Lu Yunhao , Zhang Hua , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Zhang Ze , Han Gaorong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOxide heterostructure interfaces create a platform to induce intriguing electric and magnetic functionalities for possible future devices. A general approach to control growth and interface structure of oxide heterostructures will offer a great opportunity for understanding and manipulating the functionalities. Here, it is reported that an electrostatic force, originating from a polar ferroelectric surface, can be used to drive oxide heteroepitaxy, giving rise to an atomically sharp and coherent interface by using a low‐temperature solution method. These heterostructures adopt a fascinating selective growth, and show a saturation thickness and the reconstructed interface with concentrated charges accumulation. The ferroelectric polarization screening, developing from a solid–liquid interface to the heterostructure interface, is decisive for the specific growth. At the interface, a charge transfer and accumulation take place for electrical compensation. The facile approach presented here can be extremely useful for controlling oxide heteroepitaxy and producing intriguing interface functionality via electrostatic engineering.
Label‐Free Optical Single‐Molecule Micro‐ and Nanosensors
Authors: Subramanian Sivaraman , Wu Hsin‐Yu , Constant Tom , Xavier Jolly , Vollmer Frank 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLabel‐free optical sensor systems have emerged that exhibit extraordinary sensitivity for detecting physical, chemical, and biological entities at the micro/nanoscale. Particularly exciting is the detection and analysis of molecules, on miniature optical devices that have many possible applications in health, environment, and security. These micro‐ and nanosensors have now reached a sensitivity level that allows for the detection and analysis of even single molecules. Their small size enables an exceedingly high sensitivity, and the application of quantum optical measurement techniques can allow the classical limits of detection to be approached or surpassed. The new class of label‐free micro‐ and nanosensors allows dynamic processes at the single‐molecule level to be observed directly with light. By virtue of their small interaction length, these micro‐ and nanosensors probe light–matter interactions over a dynamic range often inaccessible by other optical techniques. For researchers entering this rapidly advancing field of single‐molecule micro‐ and nanosensors, there is an urgent need for a timely review that covers the most recent developments and that identifies the most exciting opportunities. The focus here is to provide a summary of the recent techniques that have either demonstrated label‐free single‐molecule detection or claim single‐molecule sensitivity.
Selectivity of Threefold Symmetry in Epitaxial Alignment of Liquid Crystal Molecules on Macroscale Single‐Crystal Graphene
Authors: Shen Tian‐Zi , Hong Seung‐Ho , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Kang Seog‐Gyun , Lee Bomi , Whang Dongmok , Song Jang‐Kun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEpitaxial alignment of organic liquid crystal (LC) molecules on single‐crystal graphene (SCG), an effective epitaxial molecular assembly template, can be used in alignment‐layer‐free liquid crystal displays. However, selectivity among the threefold symmetric easy axes of LCs on graphene is not well understood, which limits its application. Here, sixfold symmetric radial LC domains are demonstrated by dropping an LC droplet on clean SCG, which reveals that the graphene surface does not have an intrinsic preferential direction. Instead, the first contact geometry of the LC molecules determines the direction. Despite its strong anchoring energy on graphene, the LC alignment direction is readily erasable and rewritable, contrary to previous understanding. In addition, the quality of the threefold symmetric alignment is sensitive to alien residue and graphene imperfections, which can be used to detect infinitesimal impurities or structural defects on the graphene. Based on this unique epitaxial behavior of LCs on SCG, an alignment‐layer‐free electro‐optical LC device and LC alignment duplication, which can result in practical graphene‐based flexible LC devices, are realized.
Anisotropic Magneto‐Coulomb Properties of 2D–0D Heterostructure Single Electron Device
Authors: Mouafo Louis Donald Notemgnou , Godel Florian , Melinte Georgian , Hajjar‐Garreau Samar , Majjad Hicham , Dlubak Bruno , Ersen Ovidiu , Doudin Bernard , Simon Laurent , Seneor Pierre , Dayen Jean‐Francois 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFabrication and spintronics properties of 2D–0D heterostructures are reported. Devices based on graphene (“Gr”)–aluminium nanoclusters heterostructures show robust and reproducible single‐electron transport features, in addition to spin‐dependent functionality when using a top magnetic electrode. The magnetic orientation of this single ferromagnetic electrode enables the modulation of the environmental charge experienced by the aluminium nanoclusters. This anisotropic magneto‐Coulomb effect, originating from spin–orbit coupling within the ferromagnetic electrode, provides tunable spin valve‐like magnetoresistance signatures without the requirement of spin coherent charge tunneling. These results extend the capability of Gr to act both as electrode and as a platform for the growth of 2D–0D mixed‐dimensional van der Waals heterostructures, providing magnetic functionalities in the Coulomb blockade regime on scalable spintronic devices. These heterostructures pave the way towards novel device architectures at the crossroads of 2D material physics and spin electronics.
Atomic Fe–Nx Coupled Open‐Mesoporous Carbon Nanofibers for Efficient and Bioadaptable Oxygen Electrode in Mg–Air Batteries
Authors: Cheng Chong , Li Shuang , Xia Yi , Ma Lang , Nie Chuanxiong , Roth Christina , Thomas Arne , Haag Rainer 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe recently emerging metal–air batteries equipped with advanced oxygen electrodes have provided enormous opportunities to develop the next generation of wearable and bio‐adaptable power sources. Theoretically, neutral electrolyte‐based Mg–air batteries possess potential advantages in electronics and biomedical applications over the other metal–air counterparts, especially the alkaline‐based Zn–air batteries. However, the rational design of advanced oxygen electrode for Mg–air batteries with high discharge voltage and capacity under neutral conditions still remains a major challenge. Inspired by fibrous string structures of bufo‐spawn, it is reported here that the scalable synthesis of atomic Fe–Nx coupled open‐mesoporous N‐doped‐carbon nanofibers (OM‐NCNF‐FeNx) as advanced oxygen electrode for Mg–air batteries. The fabricated OM‐NCNF‐FeNx electrodes present manifold advantages, including open‐mesoporous and interconnected structures, 3D hierarchically porous networks, good bio‐adaptability, homogeneously coupled atomic Fe–Nx sites, and high oxygen electrocatalytic performances. Most importantly, the assembled Mg–air batteries with neutral electrolytes reveal high open‐circuit voltage, stable discharge voltage plateaus, high capacity, long operating life, and good flexibility. Overall, the discovery on fabricating atomic OM‐NCNF‐FeNx electrode will not only create new pathways for achieving flexible, wearable, and bio‐adaptable power sources, but also take a step towards the scale‐up production of advanced nanofibrous carbon electrodes for a broad range of applications.
One‐Step Assembly of a Biomimetic Biopolymer Coating for Particle Surface Engineering
Authors: Liu Ruirui , Zhao Jian , Han Qian , Hu Xinyi , Wang Dong , Zhang Xu , Yang Peng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdvances in material design and applications are highly dependent on the development of particle surface engineering strategies. However, few universal methods can functionalize particles of different compositions, sizes, shapes, and structures. The amyloid‐like lysozyme assembly‐mediated surface functionalization of inorganic, polymeric or metal micro/nanoparticles in a unique amyloid‐like phase‐transition buffer containing lysozyme are described. The rapid formation of a robust nanoscale phase‐transitioned lysozyme (PTL) coating on the particle surfaces presents strong interfacial binding to resist mechanical and chemical peeling under harsh conditions and versatile surface functional groups to support various sequential surface chemical derivatizations, such as radical living graft polymerization, the electroless deposition of metals, biomineralization, and the facile synthesis of Janus particles and metal/protein capsules. Being distinct from other methods, the preparation of this pure protein coating under biocompatible conditions (e.g., neutral pH and nontoxic reagents) provides a reliable opportunity to directly modify living cell surfaces without affecting their biological activity. The PTL coating arms yeasts with a functional shell to protect their adhered body against foreign enzymatic digestion. The PTL coating further supports the surface immobilization of living yeasts for heterogeneous microbial reactions and the sequential surface chemical derivatization of the cell surfaces, e.g., radical living graft polymerization.
Annealing of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers for Control over Ion Permeation
Authors: Reurink Dennis M. , Haven Jord P. , Achterhuis Iske , Lindhoud Saskia , Roesink (Erik) H. D. W. , de Vos Wiebe M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPolyelectrolyte multilayer based membranes are highly promising systems to create stable and versatile nanofiltration membranes. One very popular and well‐studied polyelectrolyte pair, is the polycation poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and polyanion poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS), due to its excellent separation properties and high chemical and physical stability. Membrane charge can be easily controlled by simply terminating the multilayer by either PDADMAC or PSS. Unfortunately, a phenomenon that occurs during multilayer coating, is overcompensation by PDADMAC. In this study, it is shown that overcompensation of PDADMAC results in a positive surface charge even when the multilayer is PSS‐terminated. In addition, it is shown that this leads to poorer membrane separation properties with sulfate retention decreasing from 94 to 39%. At the same time, it is demonstrated that a so‐called annealing cycle with a high salt concentration leads to recovery of the negative surface charge, increasing the sulfate retention from 39 to 95%. Even for multilayers at which no irreversible positive surface charge is measured, separation properties improved substantially (increasing sulfate retention from 94 to 97%, at a higher membrane permeability) after salt‐annealing. It is concluded that post‐treatment by salt‐annealing results in an improved membrane performance and allows an additional degree of control over the membrane separation properties.