bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response characterization of radiochromic OC‐1 films in photon, electron, and proton beams
Authors: Chen Qinghao , Zhao Xiandong , Setianegara Jufri , Hao Yao , Zhao Tianyu , Zhang Tiezhi , Darafsheh Arash 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundRadiochromic film (RCF) dosimeters with their high spatial resolution and tissue equivalent properties are conveniently used for two‐dimensional and small‐field dosimetry. OC‐1 is a new model of RCF dosimeter that was commercially introduced recently. Due to its novelty there is a need to characterize its response in various radiation beam types.PurposeTo study the response of OC‐1 RCFs to megavoltage clinical x‐ray, electron, and proton beams, as well as kilovoltage x‐ray beams used in a small animal research irradiator.Materials and methodsOC‐1 RCFs were cut into ∼4 × 4 cm2 pieces. RCF samples were irradiated at various dose levels in the range 0.5–120 Gy using different modalities; a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) (220 kVp), a medical linear accelerator (6 MV, 10 MV, 15 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF photon beams, as well as 6 and 20 MeV electron beams), and a gantry‐mounted proton therapy synchrocyclotron. In order to study any dependency on the fractionation scheme, same dose was delivered at several fractions to a set of films. Different dose rates in the range 200–600 MU/min were delivered to a set of films to investigate any dose rate dependency. The films were scanned pre‐irradiation and at 48 h post‐irradiation using a flatbed scanner. The net optical density (OD) was measured for red, green, and blue color channel for each film. The orientation dependency was studied by scanning the films at eight different orientations. In order to study the temporal evolution of the response of the films, film samples were irradiated at 10 and 50 Gy using 6 MV photon beams and were scanned upon irradiation at certain time intervals up to 3 months. The spectral response of the films were studied over the visible range using a spectrometer.ResultsFor megavoltage photon, electron, and plateau region of the proton beams, we did not observe a significant dependency on the beam quality, dose rate, and fractionation scheme. At the kV beam, an unusual over‐response was observed in the films’ net OD. An orientation dependency in the response of the films with a sinusoidal trend was observed. The response of the films increased with time following a double or triple exponential trend. The spectral absorption peaks were blue‐shifted with dose.ConclusionOC‐1 RCFs were found to be reliable dosimeters with no significant energy dependency in MV range for photon and electron beams including the FFF beams. They over‐respond when irradiated by kV x‐ray beams compared to MV x‐ray beams. Caution must be exercised to maintain the orientation of the films when scanning. Due to the temporal growth in the net OD of the films, same post‐irradiation time interval must be used for scanning the calibration and test films.
Technical note: A software tool to extract complexity metrics from radiotherapy treatment plans
Authors: Cavinato Samuele , Scaggion Alessandro , Paiusco Marta 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundComplexity metrics are mathematical quantities designed to quantify aspects of radiotherapy treatment plans that may affect both their deliverability and dosimetric accuracy. Despite numerous studies investigating their utility, there remains a notable absence of shared tools for their extraction.PurposeThis study introduces UCoMX (Universal Complexity Metrics Extractor), a software package designed for the extraction of complexity metrics from the DICOM‐RT plan files of radiotherapy treatments.MethodsUCoMX is developed around two extraction engines: VCoMX (VMAT Complexity Metrics Extractor) for VMAT/IMRT plans, and TCoMX (Tomotherapy Complexity Metrics Extractor) tailored for Helical Tomotherapy plans. The software, built using Matlab, is freely available in both Matlab‐based and stand‐alone versions. More than 90 complexity metrics, drawn from relevant literature, are implemented in the package: 43 for VMAT/IMRT and 51 for Helical Tomotherapy.ResultsThe package is designed to read DICOM‐RT plan files generated by most commercially available Treatment Planning Systems (TPSs), across various treatment units. A reference dataset containing VMAT, IMRT, and Helical Tomotherapy plans is provided to serve as a reference for comparing UCoMX with other in‐house systems available at other centers.ConclusionUCoMX offers a straightforward solution for extracting complexity metrics from radiotherapy plans. Its versatility is enhanced through different versions, including Matlab‐based and stand‐alone, and its compatibility with a wide range of commercially available TPSs and treatment units. UCoMX presents a free, user‐friendly tool empowering researchers to compute the complexity of treatment plans efficiently.
Sensitivity analysis of models of gas exchange for lung hyperpolarised 129Xe MR
Authors: Taylor Yohn , Wilson Frederick J. , Kim Mina , Parker Geoff J. M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSensitivity analysis enables the identification of influential parameters and the optimisation of model composition. Such methods have not previously been applied systematically to models describing hyperpolarised 129Xe gas exchange in the lung. Here, we evaluate the current 129Xe gas exchange models to assess their precision for identifying alterations in pulmonary vascular function and lung microstructure. We assess sensitivity using established univariate methods and scatter plots for parameter interactions. We apply them to the model described by Patz et al and the Model of Xenon Exchange (MOXE), examining their ability to measure: i) importance (rank), ii) temporal dependence and iii) interaction effects of each parameter across healthy and diseased ranges. The univariate methods and scatter plot analyses demonstrate consistently similar results for the importance of parameters common to both models evaluated. Alveolar surface area to volume ratio is identified as the parameter to which model signals are most sensitive. The alveolar‐capillary barrier thickness is identified as a low‐sensitivity parameter for the MOXE model. An acquisition window of at least 200 ms effectively demonstrates model sensitivity to most parameters. Scatter plots reveal interaction effects in both models, impacting output variability and sensitivity. Our sensitivity analysis ranks the parameters within the model described by Patz et al and within the MOXE model. The MOXE model shows low sensitivity to alveolar‐capillary barrier thickness, highlighting the need for designing acquisition protocols optimised for the measurement of this parameter. The presence of parameter interaction effects highlights the requirement for care in interpreting model outputs.
Free‐breathing time‐resolved 4D MRI with improved T1‐weighting contrast
Authors: Chen Jingjia , Xia Ding , Huang Chenchan , Shanbhogue Krishna , Chandarana Hersh , Feng Li 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis work proposes MP‐Grasp4D (magnetization‐prepared golden‐angle radial sparse parallel 4D) MRI, a free‐breathing, inversion recovery (IR)‐prepared, time‐resolved 4D MRI technique with improved T1‐weighted contrast. MP‐Grasp4D MRI acquisition incorporates IR preparation into a radial gradient echo sequence. MP‐Grasp4D employs a golden‐angle navi‐stack‐of‐stars sampling scheme, where imaging data of rotating radial stacks and navigator stacks (acquired at a consistent rotation angle) are alternately acquired. The navigator stacks are used to estimate a temporal basis for low‐rank subspace‐constrained reconstruction. This allows for the simultaneous capture of both IR‐induced contrast changes and respiratory motion. One temporal frame of the imaging volume in MP‐Grasp4D MRI is reconstructed from a single stack and an adjacent navigator stack on average, resulting in a nominal temporal resolution of 0.16 seconds per volume. Images corresponding to the optimal inversion time (TI) can be retrospectively selected for providing the best image contrast. Reader studies were conducted to assess the performance of MP‐Grasp4D MRI in liver imaging across 30 subjects in comparison with standard Grasp4D MRI without IR preparation. MP‐Grasp4D MRI received significantly higher scores (P < 0.05) than Grasp4D in all assessment categories. There was a moderate to almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficient from 0.42 to 0.9) between the two readers for image quality assessment. When the scan time is reduced, MP‐Grasp4D MRI preserves image contrast and quality, demonstrating additional acceleration capability. MP‐Grasp4D MRI improves T1‐weighted contrast for free‐breathing time‐resolved 4D MRI and eliminates the need for explicit motion compensation. This method is expected to be valuable in different MRI applications such as MR‐guided radiotherapy.
Experience replay based online adaptive robust tracking control for partially unknown nonlinear systems with asymmetric constrained‐input
Authors: Liu Chong , Li Yalun , Duan Zhongxing , Chu Zhousheng , Ma Zongfang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article solves the robust tracking problem (RTP) for a type of partially unknown nonlinear systems with asymmetric constrained‐input by utilizing an improved adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) method based on experience replay (ER) technique and critic‐only neural network (NN). Initially, an identifier neural network (INN) is used to identify the unknown part of the system dynamics. Subsequently, the tracking error and the desired trajectory are used to construct an augmented system, so that the robust tracking problem (RTP) is transformed into a constrained optimal control problem (OCP). It is proved that the designed control policy of OCP can make the tracking error to be uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Then, using the framework of ADP and critic‐only NN to solve the derived Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation (HJBE). The NN weight regulation law is partially derived by using gradient descent algorithm (GDA) and then is improved by using the ER technique and the Lyapunov stability theory, which no longer need the conditions of persistence of excitation (PE) and the initial admissible control. Besides, the total system states and NN weights are proved to be closed‐loop stable by utilizing the Lyapunov technique. Finally, through two simulation examples, it is demonstrated that the proposed control scheme is effective.
Sustainable Wastewater Treatment with Bi2MoO6/Cellulose Acetate Photocatalytic Membranes
Authors: Sasikala Velusamy , Sarala Sakarapani , Karthik Palani , Natarajan Prakash , Mukkannan Azhagurajan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA major challenge for modern society is securing quality water for various uses. Membrane water treatment will be crucial for drinking water, desalination, and wastewater reuse. The development of bismuth molybdate (Bi2MoO6) nanoparticles has enabled the production of novel Bi2MoO6‐incorporated cellulose acetate (CA) membrane nanocomposite. The synthesized Bi2MoO6/CA nanocomposites are thoroughly examined for their structural, morphological, and photocatalytic characteristics using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The photocatalytic properties are determined by evaluating the degradation of Malachite Green (MG) and Rose Bengal (RB) by the nanocomposite membranes under the illumination of a UV light simulator. Notably, the Bi2MoO6/CA nanocomposite membrane displays exceptional and sustained photocatalytic efficiency (78%) and (84%) in MG and RB dye degradation, respectively. Moreover, the effective loading of the Bi2MoO6 onto the CA membrane enhances electron and hole adsorption while facilitating carrier movement. Furthermore, the stability exhibited by the Bi2MoO6/CA nanocomposite photocatalysts remains impressive even after multiple cycles, demonstrating their durability. This research introduces a cutting‐edge semiconductor‐based hybrid nanocomposite material that proves highly efficient in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes, showcasing promising advancements in environmental remediation strategies.
Better efficacy of sequential combination with balloon pulmonary angioplasty after long‐term riociguat for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Jianfeng , Yang Suqiao , Kuang Tuguang , Li Yidan , Gong Juanni , Yang Yuanhua 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of long‐term riociguat sequentially combined with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Eight inoperable CTEPH patients were enrolled in this study, who have been administrated riociguat 2.5 mg three times daily for about 8 years, then underwent several sessions of BPA procedures. Data are prospectively collected to evaluate clinical outcomes, hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and right heart size and function by echocardiography at baseline, 8 years after riociguat, and 3 months after the final BPA. Eight patients (mean age 54.9 ± 11.4 years) were treated with riociguat 2.5 mg three times daily for 95.0 ± 10.7 months. Cardiac index (CI) (1.5 ± 0.5 L/min/m2 to 2.4 ± 0.6 L/min/m2, p = 0.005), 6 min walking distance (6MWD) (329.6 ± 87.5 m to 418.1 ± 75.8 m, p = 0.016), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (1336.9 ± 320.2 dyn·s·cm−5 to 815.4 ± 195.6 dyn·s·cm−5, p = 0.008) were significant improvement after riociguat treatment. Mean 4.1 ± 1.6 additional combinational BPA sessions and mean 18.8 ± 8.1 balloon dilations were performed. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (54.1 ± 11.1 mmHg to 33.6 ± 7.7 mmHg, p = 0.002) and PVR (815.4 ± 195.6 dyn·s·cm−5 to 428.3 ± 151.2 dyn·s·cm−5, p＜0.001) were further decreased. CI (2.4 ± 0.6 L/min/m2 to 2.7 ± 0.7 L/min/m2, p = 0.028) and 6MWD (418.1 ± 75.8 m to 455.7 ± 100.0 m, p = 0.038) were increased significantly. After long‐term riociguat treatment, sequential combination with BPA delivered considerably incremental benefits on exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics, as well as right heart size and function of technically inoperable CTEPH patients.
Timing is everything: Rethinking flexible hydropower operations for the economy and environment
Authors: Pfeifle Sarah , Kennedy Katie , Palmer Richard 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHydropower facilities can alter river flow regimes, leading to ecological degradation and conflicts between revenue generation and ecological objectives. This study develops a new and unique framework (FREE—Flexible Releases for Economics and the Environment) for hydropower management that uses operational flexibility to balance economic and ecological objectives that are, respectively, maximized through unrestricted hydropeaking and maintaining natural flows. FREE integrates flexibility by permitting reservoir releases to deviate from inflows when power generation is most economically valuable. Operational flexibility is characterized by the magnitude and frequency of deviations from an inflow‐equals‐outflow (IEO) regime and is applied seasonally to reflect varying economic and ecological needs throughout the year. FREE is implemented using an optimization model applied to three hydropeaking facilities on the mainstem Connecticut River that are currently in a relicensing process. Estimated impacts of operational flexibility are quantified on annual and seasonal scales, with economic goals measured by power and revenue, and ecological goals by a proxy measure: the Richard‐Baker flashiness (RBF) index. To explore operational flexibility, two inflow regimes are investigated: existing inflows, which are altered by upstream hydropower operations, and estimated unaltered inflows. FREE was presented to interested parties engaged in the Connecticut River relicensing process, where it was applied in collaborative negotiations designed to develop integrated, dynamic, economically viable, and ecologically supportive hydropower operations. Trade‐offs between estimated revenue generation and RBF, as applicable to these interested parties, were presented along a Pareto frontier.
Activating Redox Kinetics of Li2S via Cu+, I− Co‐Doping Toward High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Sulfide‐Based Batteries
Authors: Gao Jing , Gao Yuan , Hao Jinghua , Sun Xiaolin , Zhao Fuhua , Zhang Yuan , Si Wenyan , Wu Jianfei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAll‐solid‐state lithium sulfide‐based batteries (ASSLSBs) have drawn much attention due to their intrinsic safety and excellent performance in overcoming the polysulfide shuttle effect. However, the sluggish kinetics of Li2S cathode severely impede commercial utilization. Here, a Cu+, I− co‐doping strategy is employed to activate the kinetics of Li2S to construct high‐performance ASSLSBs. The electronic conductivity and Li‐ion diffusion coefficient of the co‐doped Li2S are increased by five and two orders of magnitude, respectively. Cu+ as a redox medium greatly improves the reaction kinetics, which is supported by ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculation (DFT) shows that Cu+, I− co‐doping reduces the Li‐ions diffusion energy barrier. The co‐doped Li2S exhibits a remarkable improvement in capacity (1165.23 mAh g−1 (6.65 times that of pristine Li2S) at 0.02 C and 592.75 mAh g−1 at 2 C), and excellent cycling stability (84.58% capacity retention after 6200 cycles at 2 C) at room temperature. Moreover, an ASSLSB, fabricated with a lithium‐free (Si─C) anode, obtains a high specific capacity of 1082.7 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C and 97% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 0.5 C. This work provides a broad prospect for the development of ASSLSBs with practical energy density exceeding that of traditional lithium‐ion batteries.
3D Printing of Metals with sub‐10 µm Resolution
Authors: Wang Jizhe , Shou Jiajun , Liu Dongna , Yao Yuan , Qian Qilin , Wang Zhenhua , Ren Jingbo , Zhang Boyu , Chen Hehao , Yu Yetian , He Ziyi , Zhou Nanjia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe ability to manufacture 3D metallic architectures with microscale resolution is greatly pursued because of their diverse applications in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) including microelectronics, mechanical metamaterials, and biomedical devices. However, the well‐developed photolithography and emerging metal additive manufacturing technologies have limited abilities in manufacturing micro‐scaled metallic structures with freeform 3D geometries. Here, for the first time, the high‐fidelity fabrication of arbitrary metallic motifs with sub‐10 µm resolution is achieved by employing an embedded‐writing embedded‐sintering (EWES) process. A paraffin wax‐based supporting matrix with high thermal stability is developed, which permits the printed silver nanoparticle ink to be pre‐sintered at 175 °C to form metallic green bodies. Via carefully regulating the matrix components, the printing resolution is tuned down to ≈7 µm. The green bodies are then embedded in a supporting salt bath and further sintered to realize freeform 3D silver motifs with great structure fidelity. 3D printing of various micro‐scaled silver architectures is demonstrated such as micro‐spring arrays, BCC lattices, horn antenna, and rotatable windmills. This method can be extended to the high‐fidelity 3D printing of other metals and metal oxides which require high‐temperature sintering, providing the pathways toward the design and fabrication of 3D MEMS with complex geometries and functions.
Impact of Radial Position on Iron Ore Sinter Reduction and Microstructure at 700–1100 °C
Authors: Abdelrahim Ahmed , Iljana Mikko , Aula Matti , Fabritius Timo 
Published: August 2024

In this research, the reduction of iron ore sinter in a blast furnace (BF) simulator in CO–CO2–N2‐reducing gas, simulating conditions at the BF center and wall, is investigated. Measurements from an operating BF guide the study, ensuring realistic reduction parameters. Reduction rate and extent, along with physical properties, are assessed under a temperature range of 700–1100 °C. In isothermal reduction experiments, the BF center exhibits superior conditions, particularly at 900 °C, achieving an 83.78% reduction degree compared to 27.17% at the wall for the same temperature. In this study, it is highlighted that basic iron ore sinter demonstrates higher reduction efficiency compared to acid iron ore pellets under identical BF center reducing conditions. Specific surface area and porosity measurements unveil a contrasting trend in specific surface area and porosity evolution between the BF wall and center. Surface morphology analysis reveals that the reduction in specific surface area and porosity of sinter samples at the BF center conditions at 1000–1100 °C is attributed to the sintering of the formed metallic iron. Carbon analysis confirms no carbon deposition took place during reduction. Mineralogical and physical property analyses provide detailed insights into the evolving phase composition during sinter reduction.
Methodische Zugänge, epistemische Konsequenzen
Authors: Mueller Nicole Marion 
Published: August 2024

ZusammenfassungIm zweiten Kapitel wird die auf Themenmodellen basierende digitale Methode vorgestellt, ihre Grundcharakteristiken erläutert sowie ihre Anschlussfähigkeit an die literarische Textinterpretation i. A. und an den literarischen Übersetzungsvergleich im Besonderen diskutiert. Zusammengeführt werden diese Überlegungen im für den digital gestützten Übersetzungsvergleich entwickelten Analyseverfahren.
Long-Term Assessment of Aesthetic Results in Omphalocele Repair with POSAS Scale
Authors: Thomas Eduje , De Benedetti Lorenzo , Parente Giovanni , Di Mitri Marco , Cravano Sara Maria , D’Antonio Simone , Gargano Tommaso , Lima Mario 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Omphalocele (OM) is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall. The main goal of the
surgical management is the survival of the neonate. However, the residual scar
following the surgery can be extremely burdensome and negatively impact the quality
of life (QoL) of these patients. The aim of this study is to assess the cosmetic results of
the surgical treatment, the level of satisfaction of patients and surgeons, and the
influence of the scar on the QoL of the patient.

Materials and methods
We conducted an observational retrospective cross-sectional study collecting all data
regarding patients born with OM, operated at our Centre between 1998 and 2021. The
cosmetic results of the surgical repair were evaluated using the validated Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assessment of the quality of life
determined by the presence of the scar was conducted using PedQL 4.0. At last, the
patients were visited by two paediatric surgeons and a medical student, which then
scored the cosmetic result of the scar. Statistical analysis was conducted with
Spearman linear correlation and Mann–Whitney test. A P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
In our study, we included a total of 19 patients, with a mean of 12 years of age at the
time of the evaluation. The parameters with the major influence on the patient’s general
opinion of the scar were stiffness, thickness, and irregularity. We discovered significant
differences in median values of all scores between the giant OM group and the nongiant
OM group, in favour of the latter. Finally, we found a low grade of concordance
between PedsQL filled by parents and patients.

Conclusion
The POSAS scale is a valid, feasible, and reliable tool for the assessment of the aesthetic outcome of surgical procedures. The original size of the defect is the most important factor acting on the result. However, it is crucial that any decision on plastic surgery to improve the looks of the scar must be postponed to the adult age of the patient.

Level of Evidence IV
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.