bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel multi‐channel applicator with a U‐shaped channel for vaginal intracavity brachytherapy
Authors: Lu Yanfei , Chen Jianhong , Wang Fangfang , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Xiang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundEndometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies in the world. Vaginal brachytherapy is an important postoperative adjuvant treatment for endometrial cancer. However, a common problem with existing applicators is insufficient dose at the vaginal apex.PurposeThis study describes the Hangzhou (HZ) cylinder, a novel 3D printed vaginal intracavity brachytherapy applicator, detailing its characteristics, dose distribution, and clinical applications.Methods and MaterialsThe HZ cylinder is distinguished by its unique structure: a U‐shaped channel with a 2 mm diameter, a straight central axis channel of the same diameter, and 10 parallel straight channels. For comparison, standard plans were employed, designed to ensure that a minimum of 95% of the prescribed dose reached 5 mm beneath the mucosal surface. We conducted comparative analyses of mucosal surface doses and doses at a 5 mm depth below the mucosa between the HZ cylinder and a conventional single‐channel cylinder across various treatment schemes. Additionally, the study examined dose differences in target volume and organs at risk (OARs) between actual HZ cylinder plans and hypothetical single‐channel plans.ResultsIn the standard plans, mucosal surface doses at the apex of the vagina were 209.32% and 200.61% of the prescribed dose with the HZ and single‐channel cylinders, respectively. The doses on the left and right wall mucosal surfaces varied from 149.26% to 178.13% and 142.98% to 180.75% of the prescribed dose, and on the anterior and posterior wall mucosal surfaces varied from 128.87% to 138.50% and 142.98% to 180.75% of the prescribed dose. Analysis of 24 actual treatment plans revealed that when the vaginal tissue volume dose covering 98% (vaginal D98%) was comparable between the HZ cylinder and virtual single‐channel plans (6.74 ± 0.07 Gy vs. 6.69 ± 0.10 Gy, p = 0.24), rectum doses of HZ cylinder plans were significantly lower than those of single‐channel plans (D1cc, 5.96 ± 0.56 Gy vs. 6.26 ± 0.71 Gy, p = 0.02 and D2cc, 5.26 ± 0.52 Gy vs. 5.56 ± 0.62 Gy, p = 0.02).ConclusionsThe HZ cylinder demonstrates a reduction in dose to the rectum and bladder while maintaining adequate target volume coverage. Its mucosal surface dose is comparable to that of the traditional single‐channel cylinder. These findings suggest that the HZ cylinder is a viable and potentially safer alternative for vaginal brachytherapy, warranting further investigation with larger sample sizes.
Technical Note: Investigating of dosimetric leaf gap and leaf transmission factor variations across gantry and collimator angles in volumetric modulation arc therapy
Authors: Rostami Aram , Barzegar Mojtaba , Usman Muhammad , Paloor Satheesh Prasad , Mkanna Abbass Yousef , Al‐Sabahi Alla Fuad , Hammoud Rabih Wafiq 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study investigates the influence of gantry and collimator angles on the dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) and leaf transmission factor (LTF) in a Varian LINAC equipped with rounded‐end multi‐leaf collimators (MLCs). While Varian guidelines recommend DLG measurements at zero degrees for both gantry and collimator, this research aims to address the knowledge gap by assessing DLG and LTF variations at different gantry and collimator angles.MethodsMeasurements were conducted using a Varian TrueBeam LINAC with a Millennium 120‐leaf MLC and Eclipse TPS version 16.1. The beams utilized in this study had energies of 6 MV, 10 MV, 6 FFF, and 10 FFF. LTF and DLG were determined using ionization chambers in solid water phantoms at various gantry angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, and 315°). For each gantry angle, measurements were also taken at various collimator angles (0°, 45°, 90°, and 315°). Dosimetric impacts were evaluated through VMAT Picket Fence tests and patient‐specific verification using portal dosimetry for 10 clinical VMAT plans.ResultsLTF values showed no significant variation across gantry and collimator angles. However, DLG values exhibited notable differences depending on the gantry angle and were independent of the collimator angle. The highest DLG value was observed at a gantry angle of 270 degrees, while the lowest was at 90 degrees. The AXB DLGAverage (averaging seven measurements of DLGs at different gantry angles) model demonstrated the best agreement between measured and calculated dose distributions, indicating the importance of considering averaged DLG values across multiple gantry angles for accurate dose calculations.ConclusionOur study highlights the variability of DLG with gantry angle alterations, contrary to Varian guidelines recommending DLG measurements at zero gantry angle only. We advocate for utilizing an averaged DLG value from measurements across multiple gantry angles, as outlined in our methodology.
Unraveling P‐Type and N‐Type Interfaces in Superconducting Infinite‐Layer Nickelate Thin Films
Authors: Raji Aravind , Gutiérrez‐Llorente Araceli , Zhang Dongxin , Li Xiaoyan , Bibes Manuel , Iglesias Lucia , Rueff Jean‐Pascal , Gloter Alexandre 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAfter decades of research, superconductivity is finally found in nickel‐based analogs of superconducting cuprates, with infinite‐layer (IL) structure. These results are so far restricted to thin films in the case of IL‐nickelates. Therefore, the nature of the interface with the substrate, and how it couples with the thin film properties is still an open question. Here, using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)‐ electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), a novel p‐type interface defined by SrO termination with the SrTiO3 substrate is observed in superconducting (SC) IL‐praseodymium nickelate samples. Its interfacial charge and polarity are compared with the previously reported n‐type interface characterized by TiO2 termination. In combination with ab‐initio calculations, it is found that the influence of the interface on the electronic structure is local and does not extend beyond 2–3 unit cells into the thin film. This decouples the direct influence of the interface in driving the superconductivity, and indicates that the IL‐nickelate thin films do not have a universal interface model. Insights into the spatial hole‐distribution in SC samples, provided by monochromated EELS and total reflection‐hard X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, suggest that this particular distribution might be directly influencing superconductivity.
Controlling Bicontinuous Polyelectrolyte Complexation for Membrane Selectivity: Redox‐Mediated Electrochemical Separation of Volatile Fatty Acids
Authors: Oh Wangsuk , Kim Nayeong , Kim Hyewon , Mackie Roderick Ian , Su Xiao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFermentative volatile fatty acid (VFA) production is a sustainable approach for waste valorization. However, selective product recovery remains challenging due to the range of VFAs produced and their dilute concentrations, requiring energy‐intensive purification. Membrane‐based electrochemical separations comprise an energy‐efficient and continuous platform for small molecule separations. At the same time, there is a lack of suitable ion‐exchange membranes for separating between structurally similar organic acids. Here, bicontinuous polyelectrolyte complex (PEC)‐layered nanofiltration membranes are designed for the selective recovery of VFAs using redox‐mediated electrodialysis. Hydrophobic modification of polyelectrolytes via aza‐Michael addition precisely tunes the complexation‐induced phase separation behaviors and the assembled nanostructures. Surface‐confined layer‐by‐layer complexation generates a nanoscale bicontinuous PEC active layer with tailored surface properties that is inaccessible through bulk complexation. Redox‐mediated electrodialysis using the nanostructured membrane exhibits enhancement of both ion permeability and selectivity toward VFAs, with notable reduction of energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional electrodialysis. Treatment of synthetic and cow manure fermentation effluents showcases 2 to 4‐fold enrichment of VFAs and simultaneous removal of co‐existing organic acids, with an energy consumption as low as 1.5 kWh kg−1. These findings advance the understanding of interfacial complexation‐induced phase separation of polyelectrolytes and the development of next‐generation nanostructured membranes for multicomponent separations.
Random Number Generators and Spiking Neurons from Metal Oxide/Small Molecules Heterojunction N‐Shape Switching Transistors
Authors: Seo Juhyung , Kang Seungme , Kumar Divake , Shin Wonjun , Cho Jinill , Kim Taesung , Kim Yeongkwon , Jang Byung Chul , Trivedi Amit R. , Yoo Hocheon 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, a hybrid organic‐inorganic field‐effect transistor (FET) is proposed with n‐type zinc‐tin oxide (ZTO) and p‐type dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f] thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (DNTT), presenting two applications: (1) random number generator (RNG) and (2) spiking neuron. Interface challenges lead to operational instabilities such as bias stress and hysteresis due to trap site formation from oxide surface hydroxyl groups. However, these trap sites are utilized to produce unstable noise for RNG. Also, the impact of an internal interlayer is explored to mitigate instability in the negative transconductance (NTC) effect. This interlayer enhances material compatibility, improving turn‐on voltage, on‐off current ratio, and reducing hysteresis in the FET. These improvements highlight and maximize the robustness of NTC characteristics. Utilizing this behavior, a spiking neuron is demonstrated that emulates neuronal spiking and generates neuronal spike signals.
PEI‐Engineered Lipid@PLGA Hybrid Nanoparticles for Multimodal Delivery of Antigens and Immune Adjuvants to the Respiratory Mucosa
Authors: Brusco Susy , Conte Gemma , Corteggio Annunziata , Silvestri Teresa , Spitaleri Andrea , Brocca Paola , Miro Agnese , Quaglia Fabiana , d'Angelo Ivana , D'Apice Luciana , Italiani Paola , Costabile Gabriella , Ungaro Francesca 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAntigen delivery via respiratory mucosal surfaces is an interesting needle‐free option for vaccination. Nonetheless, it demands for the design of especially tailored formulations. Here, lipid/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) hybrid nanoparticles (hNPs) for the combined delivery of an antigen, ovalbumin (Ova), and an adjuvant, synthetic unmethylated cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG) motifs, is developed. A panel of Ova/CpG‐loaded lipid@PLGA hNPs with tunable size and surface is attained by exploiting two lipid moieties, 1,2 distearoil‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE‐PEG) and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), with or without polyethyleneimine (PEI). It is gained insights on the lipid@PLGA hNPs through a combination of techniques to analytically determine the specific moiety on the surface, the spatial distribution of the components and the internal structure of the nanoplatforms. The collected results suggest that PEI plays a role of paramount importance not only in promoting in vitro antigen escape from lysosomes and enhancing antigen cross‐presentation, but also in determining the arrangement of the moieties in the final architecture of the hNPs. Though multicomponent PEI‐engineered lipid@PLGA hNPs turn out as a viable strategy for delivery of antigens and adjuvant to the respiratory mucosa, tunable nanoparticle features are achievable only through the optimal selection of the components and their relative amounts.
Bioinks from All‐Natural Pickering Emulgels Co‐Stabilized by Cationic CNC and Inclusion Complexes Formed by α‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Jaekel Esther E. , Ajdary Rubina , Holwell Nathan , Mathew Sean , Amsden Brian G. , De France Kevin J. , Rojas Orlando J. , Antonietti Markus , Filonenko Svitlana 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDirect ink writing is especially relevant to the biomedical field due to the customizable extrusion and the possibility of creating pre‐designed architectures. Abundant natural polymers are sustainable and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic and persistent polymers. The printing of pure nanocellulose suspensions proves difficult due to low solid loadings, high shrinkage, as well as non‐fitting rheology. Emulsion gels (emulgel) alternatives gain attention in the field owing to their favorable viscoelastic properties and the possibility of creating multiphase systems. The authors’ sulfur‐free cationic cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) of low degree of substitution enable straightforward deployment in Pickering emulsions. An emulgel ink co‐stabilized by cationic CNC and α‐cyclodextrin is introduced as an interfacial inclusion complex. All ink components are natural and biodegradable compounds. The produced emulgel inks allow for high fidelity printing and minimum shrinkage upon drying that relaxes the need for supports, even in complex overhanging structures. A low yield stress (230–270 Pa) facilitates the inclusion of cells for biomedical applications into the formulation. The emulgel can be tuned to the desired rheological properties and be equipped with both polar and apolar compounds due to the biphasic system, making it a promising platform for biocompatible additive manufacturing.
The WFS1‐ZnT3‐Zn2+ Axis Regulates the Vicious Cycle of Obesity and Depression
Authors: Gong Mengting , Fang Yulin , Yang Kaijiang , Yuan Fei , Hu Rui , Su Yajuan , Yang Yiling , Xu Wenjun , Ma Qing , Cha Jiaxue , Zhang Ru , Zhang Zhen‐Ning , Li Weida 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObesity, a growing global health concern, is closely linked to depression. However, the neural mechanism of association between obesity and depression remains poorly understood. In this study, neural‐specific WFS1 deficiency exacerbates the vicious cycle of obesity and depression in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD), positioning WFS1 as a crucial factor in this cycle. Through human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs) neural differentiation, it is demonstrated that WFS1 regulates Zn2+ homeostasis and the apoptosis of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and cerebral organoids by inhibiting the zinc transporter ZnT3 under the situation of dysregulated lipid metabolism. Notably, riluzole regulates ZnT3 expression to maintain zinc homeostasis and protect NPCs from lipotoxicity‐induced cell death. Importantly, riluzole, a therapeutic molecule targeting the nervous system, in vivo administration prevents HFD‐induced obesity and associated depression. Thus, a WFS1‐ZnT3‐Zn2+ axis critical is demonstrated for the vicious cycle of obesity and depression and that riluzole may have the potential to reverse this process against obesity and depression.
Transcriptional Regulation of De Novo Lipogenesis by SIX1 in Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Ling , Zhang Xiujuan , Xu Guang , Xue Rui , Li Shuo , Wu Shumeng , Yang Yuanjun , Lin Yanni , Lin Jing , Liu Guoxiao , Gao Shan , Zhang Youzhi , Ye Qinong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDe novo lipogenesis (DNL), a hallmark of cancer, facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. Therapeutic drugs targeting DNL are being developed. However, how DNL is directly regulated in cancer remains largely unknown. Here, transcription factor sine oculis homeobox 1 (SIX1) is shown to directly increase the expression of DNL‐related genes, including ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), via histone acetyltransferases amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) and lysine acetyltransferase 7 （HBO1/KAT7）, thus promoting lipogenesis. SIX1 expression is regulated by insulin/lncRNA DGUOK‐AS1/microRNA‐145‐5p axis, which also modulates DNL‐related gene expression as well as DNL. The DGUOK‐AS1/microRNA‐145‐5p/SIX1 axis regulates liver cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In patients with liver cancer, SIX1 expression is positively correlated with DGUOK‐AS1 and SCD1 expression and is negatively correlated with microRNA‐145‐5p expression. DGUOK‐AS1 is a good predictor of prognosis. Thus, the DGUOK‐AS1/microRNA‐145‐5p/SIX1 axis strongly links DNL to tumor growth and metastasis and may become an avenue for liver cancer therapeutic intervention.
A Novel Engineering Cell Therapy Platform Mimicking the Immune Thrombocytopenia‐Derived Platelets to Inhibit Cytokine Storm in Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Du Ying , Zhou Tong , Qin Ting , Yuan Yining , Xu Weilu , Fang MengKun , Wang Xuemei , Chen Bing , Xu Peipei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a common and highly fatal hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by the aberrant activation of macrophages. To date, there is a lack of targeted therapies for HLH. It is validated that macrophages in HLH efficiently phagocytose anti‐CD41‐platelets (anti‐CD41‐PLTs) from immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients in previous research. Hence, the pathological mechanisms of ITP are mimicked and anti‐CD41‐PLTs are utilized to load the macrophage‐toxic drug VP16 to construct macrophage‐targetable engineered platelets anti‐CD41‐PLT‐VP16, which is a novel targeted therapy against HLH. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that anti‐CD41‐PLT‐VP16 has excellent targeting and pro‐macrophage apoptotic effects. In HLH model mice, anti‐CD41‐PLT‐VP16 prevents hemophagocytosis and inhibits the cytokine storm. Mechanistic studies reveal that anti‐CD41‐PLT‐VP16 increases the cytotoxicity of VP16, facilitating precise intervention in macrophages. Furthermore, it operates as a strategic “besieger” in diminishing hyperinflammation syndrome, which can indirectly prevent the abnormal activation of T cells and NK cells and reduce the Ab‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity effect. The first platelet‐based clinical trial is ongoing. The results show that after treatment with anti‐CD41‐PLT‐VP16, HLH patients have a threefold increase in the overall response rate compared to patients receiving conventional chemotherapy. In conclusion, anti‐CD41‐PLT‐VP16 provides a general insight into hyperinflammation syndrome and offers a novel clinical therapeutic strategy for HLH.
Ge Enrichment of Ge–Sb–Te Alloys as Keystone of Flexible Edge Electronics
Authors: Calvi Sabrina , Bertelli Marco , De Simone Sara , Maita Francesco , Prili Simone , Diaz Fattorini Adriano , De Matteis Fabio , Mussi Valentina , Righi Riva Flavia , Longo Massimo , Arciprete Fabrizio , Calarco Raffaella 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEdge computing architectures are intended to store and process data nearby the sensor, while ensuring fast and safe data processing, low power consumption and cost minimization. The stability, mechanical flexibility, huge computational and storage requirements needed for these applications are beyond the capability of current embedded devices. Memories based on phase‐change materials have the potential to overcome these issues. However, their behavior on flexible substrates is yet to be understood and alloys owning the required key features still need to be proposed. With this work, it is demonstrated that Ge–Sb–Te (GST) alloys are large‐area scalable and directly processable on flexible substrates, while their large resistance contrast enables the prospect of multilevel data encoding. Remarkably, the Ge enrichment acts as both thermal and mechanical stabilizer within the alloy. The highlighted features of Ge‐enriched GST alloys show their potential as new active materials for the most demanding flexible edge electronics applications.
Tuning the Resistance of a VO2 Junction by Focused Laser Beam and Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Fang Zhuoqun , Alzate‐Banguero Melissa , Rajapurohita Amit R. , Simmons Forrest , Carlson Erica W. , Chen Zhuoying , Aigouy Lionel , Zimmers Alexandre 
Published: September 2024

AbstractVanadium Dioxide (VO2) is a material that exhibits a phase transition from an insulating state to a metallic state at ≈68 °C. During a temperature cycle consisting of warming followed by cooling, the resistivity of VO2 changes by several orders of magnitude over the course of the hysteresis loop. Using a focused laser beam (λ = 532 nm), it is shown that it is possible to optically generate micron‐sized metallic patterns within the insulating phase of a VO2 planar junction which can be used to tune, on demand, the resistance of the VO2 junction. A resistor network simulation is used to characterize the resulting resistance drops in the devices. These patterns persist while the base temperature is held constant within the hysteretic region while being easily removed totally by simply lowering the base temperature. Surprisingly, it is also observed that the pattern can be partially erased using an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip on the submicron scale. This erasing process can be qualitatively explained by the temperature difference between the VO2 surface and the tip which acts as a local cooler. This optical and AFM resistive fine‐tuning offers the possibility of creating controllable synaptic weights between room‐temperature VO2 neuristors.
Coupled Photochemical Storage Materials in Solar Rechargeable Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Liu Hongmin , Gao Xinran , Lou Yitao , Liu Hua Kun , Dou Shi Xue , Bai Zhongchao , Wang Nana 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSolar rechargeable batteries (SRBs), as an emerging technology for harnessing solar energy, integrate the advantages of photochemical devices and redox batteries to synergistically couple dual‐functional materials capable of both light harvesting and redox activity. This enables direct solar‐to‐electrochemical energy storage within a single system. However, the mismatch in energy levels between coupled photochemical storage materials (PSMs) and the occurrence of side reactions with liquid electrolytes during charge‐discharge cycles lead to a decrease in solar energy conversion efficiency. This impedes the advancement of SRBs. This review comprehensively discusses of the latest advancements in PSMs, which are crucial for designing advanced SRBs. It delves into an extensive discussion of the design criteria for dual‐functional photochemical storage cathodes (PSCs) and elucidates the operational mechanism of SRBs. Additionally, it further discusses the performance, efficiency, and long‐term cycle stability of SRBs in relation to photoelectronic and photothermal mechanisms. Finally, an outlook on primary challenges and prospects that SRBs will encounter is provided to offer novel insights for their technological advancement.