bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast radiotherapy planning: A decision‐making framework using deep learning
Authors: Gallego Pedro , Ambroa Eva , PérezAlija Jaime , Jornet Nuria , Anson Cristina , Tejedor Natalia , Vivancos Helena , Ruiz Agust , Barceló Marta , Dominguez Alejandro , Riu Victor , Roda Javier , Carrasco Pablo , Balocco Simone , Díaz Oliver 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundEffective breast cancer treatment planning requires balancing tumor control while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues. Choosing between intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D‐CRT) remains pivotal, influenced by patient anatomy and dosimetric constraints.PurposeThis study aims to develop a decision‐making framework utilizing deep learning to predict dose distributions, aiding in the selection of optimal treatment techniques.MethodsA 2D U‐Net convolutional neural network (CNN) model was used to predict dose distribution maps and dose‐volume histogram (DVH) metrics for breast cancer patients undergoing IMRT and 3D‐CRT. The model was trained and fine‐tuned using retrospective datasets from two medical centers, accounting for variations in CT systems, dosimetric protocols, and clinical practices, over 346 patients. An additional 30 consecutive patients were selected for external validation, where both 3D‐CRT and IMRT plans were manually created. To show the potential of the approach, an independent medical physicist evaluated both dosimetric plans and selected the most appropriate one based on applicable clinical criteria. Confusion matrices were used to compare the decisions of the independent observer with the historical decision and the proposed decision‐making framework.ResultsEvaluation metrics, including dice similarity coefficients (DSC) and DVH analyses, demonstrated high concordance between predicted and clinical dose distribution for both IMRT and 3D‐CRT techniques, especially for organs at risk (OARs). The decision‐making framework demonstrated high accuracy (90), recall (95.7), and precision (91.7) when compared to independent clinical evaluations, while the historical decision‐making had lower accuracy (50), recall (47.8), and precision (78.6).ConclusionsThe proposed decision‐making model accurately predicts dose distributions for both 3D‐CRT and IMRT, ensuring reliable OAR dose estimation. This decision‐making framework significantly outperforms historical decision‐making, demonstrating higher accuracy, recall, and precision.
Direct minimization of normal‐tissue toxicity via an NTCP‐based IMPT planning method
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Wangyao , Li Jiaxin , Lin Yuting , Liu Xu , Qin Bin , Gao Hao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) planning often relies on physical dose constraints to balance tumor control and sparing of organs at risk (OARs). However, focusing solely on these dose objectives does not always minimize the normal‐tissue toxicity, which is quantified as normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). NTCP is also a quantitative criterion for patient selection between proton and photon treatments.PurposeThis study introduces an NTCP‐based IMPT planning (NTCP‐IMPT) method designed to directly minimize normal‐tissue toxicity while maintaining tumor coverage.MethodsNTCP‐IMPT simultaneously optimizes NTCP and dose‐volume histogram (DVH)‐based physical dose objectives while adhering to the minimum‐monitor‐unit (MMU) constraint for plan deliverability. The optimization problem is solved by the interior‐point method. To assess its efficacy in reducing normal‐tissue toxicity, NTCP‐IMPT is compared with standard IMPT (without NTCP optimization) for four head‐and‐neck (HN) cancer patients in terms of physical dose quality and NTCP of xerostomia and dysphagia.ResultsAcross all four patients, NTCP‐IMPT plans met target dose criteria (D95% ≥ 100% and D2% ≤ 110%) while maintaining maximum doses to the spinal cord and brainstem comparable to standard IMPT. NTCP‐IMPT also reduced mean doses to parotid glands, submandibular glands, oral cavity, and pharyngeal constrictor muscles (PCMs). Compared to the standard IMPT, NTCP‐IMPT achieved average reductions in NTCP for xerostomia (grade ≥ 2: 3.67%; grade ≥3: 1.07%) and dysphagia (grade ≥ 2: 7.54%; grade ≥ 3: 3.72%).ConclusionsNTCP‐IMPT effectively minimizes normal‐tissue toxicity and improves the sparing of OARs associated with side effects while maintaining comparable tumor coverage compared to standard IMPT.
Artification and Social Sustainability in Smart Energy Companies and Non‐profit Organizations. The ‘Time‐Lapse’ Creative Project
Authors: Addis Ginevra 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the role of artification in promoting social sustainability within smart energy companies and non‐profit organisations. Specifically, it explores how contemporary art‐based interventions foster social sustainability both internally and externally in corporate and non‐profit settings. It focuses on creative partnerships involving the Italian energy company Edison, the EOS Foundation and Kayròs, a non‐profit dedicated to protecting minors and vulnerable communities. This research employs a case study methodology, combining qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of project documentation to understand how these organisations integrate contemporary art into their sustainability initiatives. The findings demonstrate that partnerships with contemporary artists enhance social sustainability by engaging employees and communities in meaningful cultural projects. These collaborations have helped to create art‐centred solutions that address corporate social responsibility goals and community development. This has been achieved by incorporating art‐based initiatives both within company operations and through outreach programs aimed at external communities.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents with obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wentzel Annalie , Mabhida Sihle E. , Ndlovu Musawenkosi , Mokoena Haskly , Esterhuizen Bevan , Sekgala Machoene D. , Dludla Phiwayinkosi V. , Kengne André P. , Mchiza Zandile J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated the prevalence trends of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents with obesity by systematically analyzing global data. Additionally, it aimed to compare regional disparities and criteria used to identify at‐risk subpopulations among this demographic group.MethodsWe searched three major databases, i.e., PubMed‐Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to August 31, 2023, yielding 2432 articles. We included original research papers reporting MetS prevalence among children and adolescents with obesity, irrespective of their regions and MetS diagnostic criteria used. We aggregated prevalence estimates using random‐effects models to obtain the overall prevalence and conducted subgroup analyses for MetS criteria and study regions.ResultsWe included 57 studies, amounting to 27,923 participants. The overall prevalence of MetS in participants with obesity varied greatly across studies, ranging from 2.1% to 74.4%, with an average prevalence of 29.4%. This high prevalence of MetS was further supported by a meta‐analysis comprising 57 studies that further strengthened the observation of a high prevalence of MetS, revealing an overall prevalence of 26% (95% CI: 0.22–0.30; I2 = 98%).ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with obesity face a heightened risk of developing MetS. There is a pressing need for heightened attention to this issue, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries such as those in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Temporal Bone Aneurysmal Bone Cysts: Ambispective Study With Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Das K Nidhin , Mehrotra Anant , Keshri Amit , Sinha Mohit , Hameed Nazrin , Chidambaram Kalyan , Aqib Mohd , Kumar Jaiswal Awadesh , Manogaran Ravisankar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the clinical, radiological, and surgical management of temporal bone aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) and identify factors affecting outcomes.Study DesignAmbispective study.SettingA single tertiary care institution.MethodsThis study reviewed 6 cases of temporal bone ABCs treated between 2017 and 2024. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, surgical details, and outcomes were collected. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines, to compare institutional cases with published data. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of treatment success and recurrence.ResultsThe cohort had a mean age of 27.5 years. Presenting symptoms included scalp swelling, aural fullness, tinnitus, and hearing impairment. Imaging showed expansile lesions with fluid‐fluid levels and bone erosion. All patients underwent gross total excision, with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 230.6 ml. One patient experienced temporary grade III facial palsy, which resolved within 3 months. No recurrences were observed during a mean follow‐up of 35 months. A pooled analysis of 45 cases from the literature revealed that swelling in the temporal region was the most common presenting feature, and gross total resection was the most frequently employed treatment. Recurrences were rare and typically associated with subtotal resections or advanced‐stage tumors.ConclusionSurgical excision, particularly gross total resection, is the treatment of choice for temporal bone ABCs, with a low recurrence rate. Stage and extent of resection are critical factors in predicting outcomes. This study enhances understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this rare condition.
Nicotinamide riboside targets mitochondrial unfolded protein response to reduce alcohol‐induced damage in Kupffer cells
Authors: Lee Jaeeun , Woo Hayoung , Kang Hyunju , Park Young‐Ki , Lee Ji‐Young 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe pathogenesis of alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired cellular energy metabolism. In this study, we explored how ethanol triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in Kupffer cells, i.e.hepatic resident macrophages, primarily focusing on the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) using immortalized mouse Kupffer cells (ImKCs) and mouse primary KCs. The UPRmt is a cellular defense mechanism activated in response to the perturbation of mitochondrial proteostasis to maintain mitochondrial integrity and function by upregulating the expression of mitochondrial chaperones and proteases. We also determined whether nicotinamide riboside (NR), a NAD+ precursor, could mitigate ethanol‐triggered cellular damage. When ImKCs were exposed to 80 mm ethanol for 72 h, they displayed inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired mitochondrial function with decreased mitochondrial content and deformed mitochondrial crista structure. NR, however, counteracted the effects of ethanol. Furthermore, ethanol increased mRNA and protein levels of UPRmt genes, such as mitochondrial chaperones and proteases, which were attenuated by NR. Notably, the ethanol‐induced shift in the entry of activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5), a putative transcriptional regulator of UPRmt, to the nucleus from the mitochondria was abolished by NR. The induction of UPRmt genes by ethanol was significantly repressed when Atf5 was knocked down, indicating the role of ATF5 in the induction of UPRmt genes in ImKCs exposed to ethanol. We also confirmed the induction of UPRmt gene expression in mouse and human livers exposed to alcohol. Our findings demonstrate the ability of NR to alleviate ethanol‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, partly by modulating the ATF5‐dependent UPRmt pathway in ImKCs, suggesting its potential for ALD therapy. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Review: The potential of nanocellulose composites for sustainable food packaging applications
Authors: Nasra Abd El Salam , Hasanien Yasmeen A. , El Mogy Soma A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis work addresses the innovative use of nanocellulose (NC) as an environmentally friendly and sustainable substitute for conventional food packaging made of polymers. The review delves into the synthesis approaches of NC/polymer‐mixed composites. The characterization of these composites is discussed, highlighting their mechanical properties, biodegradability, and characteristics of a barrier toward oxygen, moisture, and oil resistance. The review further explores the development of active packaging, which utilizes NC's capacity to preserve and release active ingredients like antioxidants and antimicrobials to lengthen the amount of time that food supplies can be stored. The evolution of intelligent and smart packaging is also explored, showcasing how NC‐based packaging can incorporate indicators for freshness, temperature, pH, and spoilage, offering customers and retailers knowledge accessibility in real time. The opportunities and problems facing NC in food packaging are discussed, and the need for more study and advancement is highlighted to reach its full potential. For those interested in sustainable food packaging solutions, researchers, business professionals, and policymakers will find this thorough review to be highly insightful.Highlights
It covers examples of polymer composites filled with NC.
Mention the preparation methods and characterization of NC‐based composites.
Highlight the promising areas of NC/polymer composite applications in smart food packaging
Concludes the challenges and prospects of NC composite in food packaging.
Oxymorphone and Oxycodone Pharmacy Purchases in US Counties: Prelude to the Largest Rural Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outbreak in US History
Authors: Delcher Chris , Smith Anna L. , Romanelli Frank , Gaskill Logan , Surratt Hilary L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeThe largest rural outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the US was centered in Scott County, Indiana, and linked to injection practices involving the opioid Opana ER (oxymorphone extended release [ER] reformulated). We examined supply trends using pharmacy transactions of Opana ER in Scott and all US counties from January 2007 to December 2019.MethodsWe calculated the monthly morphine milligram equivalents (MME) of Opana ER (and its competitor OxyContin) in pharmacies using the Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) database from the Washington Post. We modeled the MME rate per capita in Scott County and five geographic comparators in seven distinct time periods including the market introduction of abuse deterrent formulations of both drugs and the HIV outbreak period (circa 2014).ResultsAfter Opana ER introduction, transaction rates surged in Scott County, where annual OxyContin MMEs were already seven‐fold higher than Indiana overall (CY2009: 46.8 vs. 6.8 MME/pop., respectively). Immediately after OxyContin's reformulation, the Opana ER growth rate in Scott County surpassed all geographic comparators modeled (~27 times faster than the US, 1.28 vs. 0.047 MME/pop/month, respectively). By 2012, prior to the outbreak, MMEs from Opana ER almost perfectly replaced the diminishing OxyContin supply. When Opana ER with INTAC was subsequently introduced, pharmacy transactions declined precipitously by nearly 50%, persisting through the HIV outbreak period and market withdrawal.ConclusionsOpana ER rapidly supplanted OxyContin in a vulnerable population that was at heightened risk for HIV who subsequently faced an immediate supply shock after its reformulation. Pharmacy transactions are critical for suspicious order monitoring and pharmacovigilance by US and international agencies especially during deleterious supply shocks in legal and illicit drug markets.
Nanolayered Films of Spin‐Coated, Covalently‐Assembled Poly(Vinylpyrrolidone)‐ and Poly(Vinylpyridine)‐Based Copolymers
Authors: Tasso Mariana , Tuninetti Jimena S. , Pissinis Diego E. , Moya Sergio , Azzaroni Omar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSequential deposition of polymer layers of very diverse characteristics has been applied to produce nanoassemblies of well‐controlled thickness and physico‐chemical properties. While conventional layer‐by‐layer approaches are based on the sequential deposition of distinct, mutually interacting materials, nanoassemblies formed by a single, unique polymer are challenged by the need of chemically interacting units to ensure layer‐to‐layer binding. Here, pyrrolidone and pyridine‐containing polymers are mixed with the bifunctional crosslinker 1,6‐dibromohexane and sequentially spin‐coated as single, neutral polymers. The incorporation of the crosslinker within each deposited layer enables stepwise covalent bond formation while the nanofilm is being assembled. N‐alkylation of amine groups by the crosslinker's alkyl halides during thermal annealing post‐layer deposition ensures both intra and interlayer crosslinking with a single formulation. Thickness, growth profile, surface roughness, and wettability of the covalently bound nanoassemblies are evaluated together with their interaction with
Staphylococcus aureus
and HeLa cancer cells. The antibacterial and non‐adhesive properties of a set of nanofilms are investigated and discussed in light of the physico‐chemical characteristics of the films.
Biaxial Thermo–Mechanical Response of ABS Sheet Above Tg Using DIC–Based Bubble Inflation Technique
Authors: Varedi S. Rasoul , Buffel Bart , Desplentere Frederik 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, we examine the biaxial, large, and rapid deformation characteristics of heavy‐gauge ABS sheets within the temperature range of 120°C to 160°C, relevant to the industrial forming process. A custom‐built bubble inflation apparatus with a 300 mm diameter was designed for this purpose. Temperature uniformity across the sheet was verified using a thermal camera, while the temperature profile through the material's thickness was monitored during the heating using thermocouples near the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. The bubble inflation test, combined with displacement, strain fields, and deformation rates at different locations, enables detailed characterization of the bubble's shape under large deformation. To address early‐stage geometric instabilities due to sagging from thermal expansion, airflow was regulated with a precise flow control valve before inflation, while 3D‐DIC monitored the real‐time displacements to correct for sag deformation. The inflation pressure profile was recorded and synchronized with 3D‐DIC strain evolution data for each test, allowing for analysis of the characteristic stress–strain curve at the pole. By evaluating the material's equi‐biaxial properties at the pole and biaxial strain measurements away from the pole, the collected data provides a strong basis for future calibration of constitutive material models through an inverse approach, enabling accurate integration into process simulations.
Degradation of Micropollutants in Water by O Atoms Produced by an Atmospheric Pressure He/O2 Plasma Jet
Authors: Chen Changtao , Lukeš Petr , Jirásek Vít , Tarabová Barbora , Tian Ye , Demeestere Kristof , Nikiforov Anton , Van Hulle Stijn W. H. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAn atmospheric pressure He/O2 COST reference microplasma jet was used to study interactions of O atoms with four different organic micropollutants used as target compounds treated by plasma in water (atrazine, carbamazepine, 1,7‐α‐ethinylestradiol, and bisphenol A). Various ratios of O2 to He were used to achieve different exposures of reactive oxygen species to the plasma‐treated micropollutants, and their degradation efficiencies were determined. The degradation of all four micropollutants was merely associated with the variable exposure to the O atom, whereas the role of O3 was minimal. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the degradation pathways and toxicity reduction assessment of atrazine after the treatment by plasma.
Migration Infrastructure, Digital Connectivity and Porous Borders: Vietnamese Migration to Australia
Authors: Hoang Lan Anh 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe burgeoning literature on migration and information and communication technologies (ICTs) provides rich empirical evidence of how social media and networking platforms are becoming integral to cross‐border migration, increasingly blurring the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds. Drawing from a qualitative study conducted between 2019 and 2023 on the Vietnam–Australia migration corridor, I discuss how virtual communities and digitally mediated migration infrastructure shape the ways migrants navigate the restrictive, but also defective, neoliberal migration regimes in the Global North. Social media facilitate brokers' access to a wide range of potential clients but challenge their previously dominant position in migration mediation. Digital divides create uneven mobility pathways, reproducing and exacerbating social inequalities among people on the move. A focus on migration mediation at the intersection of social‐digital spheres generates vital insights into the continually evolving relationships between the state, market and migrants in the Digital Age.
Full‐Order and Reduced‐Order H∞ Filtering Syntheses of Uncertain Switched Systems via Event‐Triggered Strategy
Authors: He Ziyi , Wu Baowei , Liu Lili , He Mingfei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTVia event‐triggered strategy, full‐order and reduced‐order filtering syntheses are addressed for uncertain switched systems in the paper. Norm‐bounded uncertainty is considered in each switched subsystem. An event‐triggered strategy is primarily specified to determine whether the information of an uncertain switched system is transmitted or not. Full‐order and reduced‐order filters are considered on account of the outputs of the proposed event‐triggered strategy. By the merging switching signal technique, it can be established as a switched filtering error system with uncertain switched systems. Some sufficient conditions are subsequently presented to ensure exponential stability (ES) with weighted performance for the filtering error system. Moreover, some devised methods of full‐order and reduced‐order filters are also given, and therefore filters with different orders can be selected according to different needs in practical applications. A lower bound more than zero is found to exclude Zeno behavior on the event‐triggered intervals. Finally, the validity and feasibility of this study are illustrated by a practical example.
Finite‐Time Functional Interval Observer Design for Nonlinear Discrete‐Time Switched Descriptor Systems
Authors: Zhang Junchao , Huang Jun , Zhao Xudong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn this article, the finite‐time functional interval estimation method for nonlinear discrete‐time switched descriptor systems with perturbations is investigated. To deal with the nonlinear terms in the switched system, the nonlinear error system is converted into a linear parameter varying form using the reformulated Lipschitz property. Firstly, a functional observer with finite‐time gain is constructed for the nonlinear switched descriptor system. Then, based on the proposed finite‐time functional observer, the reachability analysis is applied to design a finite‐time functional interval observer. Finally, the superiority and effectiveness of the interval estimation method presented in this paper are verified through a simulation of the circuit system.