bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel treatment planning method via scissor beams for uniform‐target‐dose proton GRID with peak‐valley‐dose‐ratio optimization
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Traneus Erik , Lin Yuting , Chen Ronald C. , Gao Hao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundProton spatially fractionated RT (SFRT) can potentially synergize the unique advantages of using proton Bragg peak and SFRT peak‐valley dose ratio (PVDR) to reduce the radiation‐induced damage for normal tissues. Uniform‐target‐dose (UTD) proton GRID is a proton SFRT modality that can be clinically desirable and conveniently adopted since its UTD resembles target dose distribution in conventional proton RT (CONV). However, UTD proton GRID is not used clinically, which is likely due to the lack of an effective treatment planning method.PurposeThis work will develop a novel treatment planning method using scissor beams (SB) for UTD proton GRID, with the joint optimization of PVDR and dose objectives.MethodsThe SB method for spatial dose modulation in normal tissues with UTD has two steps: (1) a primary beam (PB) is halved with interleaved beamlets, to generate spatial dose modulation in normal tissues; (2) a complementary beam (CB) is added to fill in previously valley‐dose positions in the target to generate UTD, while the CB is angled slightly from the PB, to maintain spatial dose modulation in normal tissues. A treatment planning method with PVDR optimization via the joint total variation and L1 (TVL1) regularization is developed to jointly optimize PVDR and dose objectives. The plan optimization solution is obtained using an iterative convex relaxation algorithm.ResultsThe new methods SB and SB‐TVL1 were validated in comparison with CONV. Compared to CONV of relatively homogeneous dose distribution, SB had modulated spatial dose pattern in normal tissues with UTD and comparable plan quality. Compared to SB, SB‐TVL1 further maximized PVDR, with comparable dose‐volume parameters.ConclusionsA novel SB method is proposed that can generate modulated spatial dose pattern in normal tissues to achieve UTD proton GRID. A treatment planning method with PVDR optimization capability via TVL1 regularization is developed that can jointly optimize PVDR and dose objectives for proton GRID.
Acoustic noise reduction in the NexGen 7 T scanner
Authors: Boulant Nicolas , Ma Samantha , Walker Erica , Beckett Alexander , Vu An T. , Gunamony Shajan , Feinberg David A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeDriven by the Lorentz force, acoustic noise may arguably be the next physiological challenge associated with ultra‐high field MRI scanners and powerful gradient coils. This work consisted of isolating and mitigating the main sound pathway in the NexGen 7 T scanner equipped with the investigational Impulse head gradient coil.MethodsSound pressure level (SPL) measurements were performed with and without the RF coil to assess its acoustic impact. Vibration measurements were carried out on the gradient coil, the RF coil, and on the patient table to distinguish the different vibration mechanisms and pathways. Vibrations of the RF coil were modified by either making contact with the patient bore liner with padding material or by changing directly the RF shield with phosphor bronze mesh material.ResultsSPL and vibration measurements demonstrated that eddy‐currents induced in the RF shield were the primary cause of acoustic noise. Replacing the conventional solid copper shield with phosphor bronze mesh material altered the vibrations of the RF shield and decreased SPL by 6 to 8 dB at the highest frequencies in EPI, depending on the gradient axis, while boosting the transmit B1+ field by 15%. Padding led to slightly less sound reduction on the X and Z gradient axes, but with minimal impact for the Y axis.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the potential importance of eddy‐current induced vibrations in the RF coil in terms of acoustic noise and opens new horizons for mitigation measures.
Defining socioecological reciprocity: Intentionality, mutualism or collateral effect
Authors: Vaccaro Ismael 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This perspective piece discusses the history of the use of the term ‘reciprocity’ across environmental social sciences in the analysis of the interactions between the social and the natural systems.

Reciprocity, as a concept, these days, seems to be used in a rather uncritical fashion. These pages do not intend to be exhaustive, instead they focus on the role that the idea of explicit intentionality (or its absence) has had on the different ways reciprocity has been conceptualized.

The literature identifies two clusters of approaches to this subject. On the one hand, we encounter a group of schools in which the notion of reciprocity demands explicit intentionality, an articulation of the concept that requires intend and consciousness of the consequences of agency and the directionality of causality. On the other hand, a wider definition of reciprocity that does not depend on awareness has also been used to discuss the relationships between human and non‐human actors. Thanks to this wider definition, reciprocity has been used as well to describe interactions between human and non‐human entities in which one or both parties were not explicitly intending to benefit each other.

The aim of this article was not to determine which approach is correct and which is not. The goal was to underscore the significance of requiring or not requiring intentionality on the construction and use of the notion of reciprocity and the analytical and representational consequences of this choice.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Experimentation, identification, and simulation of polymer swelling at extrusion die outlets
Authors: Rabhi Faleh , de Larochelambert Thierry , Barriere Thierry , Ramel David , Cousin Thibault , Sahli Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe behavior of polyamide PA12 melt extrudates at die outlets is modeled to determine swelling process and rate. It is assessed as a function of imposed input parameters, process parameters, and die geometries. The modeling is carried out using Comsol Multiphysics® platform to simulate the swelling; in particular, its progression in time is investigated for different extrusion process parameters. The experimental swelling observed in extrusion lines tests is compared with the Tanner and Carreau‐Yasuda rheological models. A database is built up with all experiments carried out; the comparison between numerical and experimental results shows close agreement. A parametric analysis of the experimental and numerical swelling is performed. It confirms the important role of the die diameter on swelling rate, independently of shear rate. Increase in temperature lowers swelling rate at constant shear rates and geometric aspect ratio of the dies.Highlights
Experimental and numerical study of polymer swelling at capillary die outlets.
Behavior of PA12 polymer extrudate modeled to determine its swelling.
Rheological models implemented to simulate the swelling phenomenon.
Simulation results validated with experimental tests for two millimetric dies.
Influence of die geometrical parameters investigated and justified.
Filling the gaps in peptide maps with a platform assay for top‐down characterization of purified protein samples
Authors: Bailey Aaron O. , Durbin Kenneth R. , Robey Matthew T. , Palmer Lee K. , Russell William K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLiquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) intact mass analysis and LC‐MS/MS peptide mapping are decisional assays for developing biological drugs and other commercial protein products. Certain PTM types, such as truncation and oxidation, increase the difficulty of precise proteoform characterization owing to inherent limitations in peptide and intact protein analyses. Top‐down MS (TDMS) can resolve this ambiguity via fragmentation of specific proteoforms. We leveraged the strengths of flow‐programmed (fp) denaturing online buffer exchange (dOBE) chromatography, including robust automation, relatively high ESI sensitivity, and long MS/MS window time, to support a TDMS platform for industrial protein characterization. We tested data‐dependent (DDA) and targeted strategies using 14 different MS/MS scan types featuring combinations of collisional‐ and electron‐based fragmentation as well as proton transfer charge reduction. This large, focused dataset was processed using a new software platform, named TDAcquireX, that improves proteoform characterization through TDMS data aggregation. A DDA‐based workflow provided objective identification of αLac truncation proteoforms with a two‐termini clipping search. A targeted TDMS workflow facilitated the characterization of αLac oxidation positional isomers. This strategy relied on using sliding window‐based fragment ion deconvolution to generate composite proteoform spectral match (cPrSM) results amenable to fragment noise filtering, which is a fundamental enhancement relevant to TDMS applications generally.
Enhancing foamability and flame‐retardancy of polylactic acid bead foams through inter‐beads bulk polymerization and continuous phase dispersion of LDHs
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Xian , Zhu Jigui , Chen Xiaocheng , Liu Shan , Li Yang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPoly (lactic acid) (PLA) bead foam has a promising application because of its renewable and naturally degradable nature. However, its processing is greatly limited by inherent shortcomings such as the complex polycrystals‐inducing strategy. Herein, we developed a strategy of bulk polymerization reaction of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) to sinter PLA beads to prepare EPLA foams accompanied by supercritical CO2 foaming technology. In order to enhance the sintering behavior and flame‐retardancy of EPLA foams, two‐dimensional nanolayered double hydroxides (LDHs) were introduced and dispersed in the continuous phase of the sintering layers. The formation of unique dispersion of LDHs and sintering structure of PVAc generated substantial increase in the crystallinity, melt elasticity, and sintering strength of EPLA foams, which facilitated the growth and stabilization of cells. Thus, the cell‐density and expansion ratio could be increased to 8.62 × 106 cell/cm3 to 9.31‐fold, respectively. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the EPLA foams were improved. The tensile strength and the compression strength increased to 2.96 and 62.5 MPa. Additionally, with adding 7 wt.% LDH, the EPLA foam reached UL‐94 V‐0 rating with high limiting oxygen index value of 29.1% and char residue of 20.4%. This study provides a novel strategy for the preparation of flame‐retardant EPLA foams with low density, three dimensional complex shapes, as well as excellent mechanical properties.
Old meets new: Innovative and evolving uses of herbaria over time as revealed by a literature review
Authors: Marín‐Rodulfo Macarena , Rondinel‐Mendoza Katy V. , Martín‐Girela Isabel , Cañadas Eva M. , Lorite Juan 
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact StatementHerbaria, as collections of preserved plants, contain large amounts of data both in the labels and the specimens themselves, which can be applied in different study fields. A literature review was conducted to discover how the uses of herbaria have evolved over time since records began. This analysis revealed insights into how herbaria are presently used. Uses include traditional taxonomic review, as well as advanced technological tools, which are being applied to herbaria material to address societal and global challenges and therefore contribute to decision‐making in conservation.SummaryHerbaria as collections of preserved plants contain large amounts of data and prominent information, both on the labels and on the specimens themselves. There are 400 million specimens preserved in herbaria worldwide, with great potential for studies in conservation and effects of global change on plants. (1) In this paper, we investigate the array of herbaria uses through a systematic review of the scientific literature in SCOPUS covering the period 1842–2022. (2) We reviewed a total of 2900 papers and classified them in different areas of knowledge, as well as the taxonomic level studied. (3) Our results show that taxonomic use is the most relevant over time. This taxonomic use, together with the use as primary source of plant diversity data, is essential for documenting, planning, and acting on the conservation of threatened plants. Furthermore, our results have shown that new and diverse uses have emerged since 1990, mostly related to ecological issues, as herbaria provide a historical record of plant diversity and distribution, as well as their ecological and evolutionary responses, allowing scientists to track changes over time. (4) This contributes to improve the knowledge of biodiversity and to increase the effectiveness of conservation strategies and policies, which are a priority to address on going global change. Therefore, our study shows the relevance and potential of herbaria in ecology, including new or forthcoming uses, which are different from the uses originally intended by collectors. Thus, their preservation is critical as the unique and exceptional record for the knowledge of changes in biodiversity over space and time.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia nodules in patients treated with celecoxib and/or finasteride have reduced levels of NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron‐sulfur protein 3, a mitochondrial protein essential for efficient function of the electron transport chain
Authors: Liu Teresa T. , Igarashi Taro , El‐Khoury Nathalie , Ihejirika Nnamdi , Paxton Kelsey , Jaumotte Juliann , Dhir Rajiv , Hudson Chandler N. , Nelson Joel B. , DeFranco Donald B. , Yoshimura Naoki , Wang Zhou , Pascal Laura E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition generally associated with advanced age in men that can be accompanied by bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including intermittency, weak stream, straining, urgency, frequency, and incomplete bladder voiding. Pharmacotherapies for LUTS/BPH include alpha‐blockers, which relax prostatic and urethral smooth muscle and 5ɑ‐reductase inhibitors such as finasteride, which can block conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone thereby reducing prostate volume. Celecoxib is a cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor that reduces inflammation and has shown some promise in reducing prostatic inflammation and alleviating LUTS for some men with histological BPH. However, finasteride and celecoxib can reduce mitochondrial function in some contexts, potentially impacting their efficacy for alleviating BPH‐associated LUTS.MethodsTo determine the impact of these pharmacotherapies on mitochondrial function in prostate tissues, we performed immunostaining of mitochondrial Complex I (CI) protein NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron‐sulfur protein 3 (NDUFS3) and inflammatory cells on BPH specimens from patients naïve to treatment, or who were treated with celecoxib and/or finasteride for 28 days, as well as prostate tissues from male mice treated with celecoxib or vehicle control for 28 days. Quantification and statistical correlation analyses of immunostaining were performed.ResultsNDUFS3 immunostaining was decreased in BPH compared to normal adjacent prostate. Patients treated with celecoxib and/or finasteride had significantly decreased NDUFS3 in both BPH and normal tissues, and no change in inflammatory cell infiltration compared to untreated patients. Mice treated with celecoxib also displayed a significant decrease in NDUFS3 immunostaining and no change in inflammatory cell infiltration.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that celecoxib and/or finasteride are associated with an overall decrease in NDUFS3 levels in prostate tissues but do not impact the presence of inflammatory cells, suggesting a decline in mitochondrial CI function in the absence of enhanced inflammation. Given that BPH has recently been associated with increased prostatic mitochondrial dysfunction, celecoxib and/or finasteride may exacerbate existing mitochondrial dysfunction in some BPH patients thereby potentially limiting their overall efficacy in providing metabolic stability and symptom relief.
Robust arbitrary trajectory tracking of multiple heterogeneous Euler–Lagrange systems under directed graphs: A fully distributed event‐triggered control
Authors: Yang Yanhua , Mei Jie , Ma Guangfu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the robust arbitrary trajectory tracking problem of multiple heterogeneous Euler–Lagrange (EL) systems with disturbances under a directed graph is investigated via a novel fully distributed event‐triggered control (ETC) strategy. Firstly, for an arbitrary tracked trajectory, the Fourier transform technique is employed to approximately obtain its linear form, which represents the leader of multiple EL systems. Since the dynamics and state of the leader are not available to all followers, fully distributed adaptive ETC‐based observers are proposed for each follower to reconstruct the leader's trajectory, where the global information requirements are avoided, and the Zeno behavior is excluded by giving the minimum triggering intervals. Armed with the observed information, a robust adaptive ETC protocol is further developed such that the position‐like state of each follower can track the leader with the intermittent controller updating, where a minimum control update interval is obtained theoretically. Moreover, the adaptive technique is used to eliminate the influence of the parameter uncertainties of multiple EL systems, thus the tracking is achieved asymptotically. Finally, simulation results are illustrated to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Magnetic Tunability via Control of Crystallinity and Size in Polycrystalline Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Minh Dang , Deng Liangzi , Lee Jong Moon , Resendez Karla M. , Fuller Maggie , Hoijang Supawitch , Robles‐Hernandez Francisco , Chu Ching‐Wu , Litvinov Dmitri , Hadjiev Viktor G. , Xu Shoujun , Phan Manh‐Huong , Lee T. Randall 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are widely used for biomedical applications due to their unique magnetic properties and biocompatibility. However, the controlled synthesis of IONPs with tunable particle sizes and crystallite/grain sizes to achieve desired magnetic functionalities across single‐domain and multi‐domain size ranges remains an important challenge. Here, a facile synthetic method is used to produce iron oxide nanospheres (IONSs) with controllable size and crystallinity for magnetic tunability. First, highly crystalline Fe3O4 IONSs (crystallite sizes above 24 nm) having an average diameter of 50 to 400 nm are synthesized with enhanced ferrimagnetic properties. The magnetic properties of these highly crystalline IONSs are comparable to those of their nanocube counterparts, which typically possess superior magnetic properties. Second, the crystallite size can be widely tuned from 37 to 10 nm while maintaining the overall particle diameter, thereby allowing precise manipulation from the ferrimagnetic to the superparamagnetic state. In addition, demonstrations of reaction scale‐up and the proposed growth mechanism of the IONSs are presented. This study highlights the pivotal role of crystal size in controlling the magnetic properties of IONSs and offers a viable means to produce IONSs with magnetic properties desirable for wider applications in sensors, electronics, energy, environmental remediation, and biomedicine.
Synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 Nanocrystals in a Continuous Flow System
Authors: Arslanova Ksenija , Ganswindt Patrick , Lorenzen Tizian , Kostyurina Ekaterina , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Nickel Bert , Müller‐Caspary Knut , Urban Alexander S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAchieving the goal of generating all of the world's energy via renewable sources and significantly reducing the energy usage will require the development of novel, abundant, nontoxic energy conversion materials. Here, a cost‐efficient and scalable continuous flow synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals is developed as a basis for the rapid advancement of novel nanomaterials. Ideal precursor solutions are obtained through a novel batch synthesis, whose product served as a benchmark for the subsequent flow synthesis. Realizing this setup enabled a reproducible fabrication of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals. The effect of volumetric flow rate and temperature on the final product's morphology and optical properties are determined, obtaining 21% quantum yield with the optimal configuration. Consequently, the size and morphology of the nanocrystals can be tuned with far more precision and in a much broader range than previously achievable. The flow setup is readily applicable to other relevant nanomaterials. It should enable a rapid determination of a material's potential and subsequently optimize its desired properties for renewable energy generation or efficient optoelectronics.
Perfluoroalkyl Functionalized Superhydrophobic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Excellent Oil–Water Membrane Separation and Anhydrous Proton Conduction
Authors: Jiang Shaodong , Niu Hongyun , Gu Xiaoling , Cai Yaqi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRapid economic development has led to oil pollution and energy shortage. Membrane separation has attracted much attention due to its simplicity and efficiency in oil‐water‐separation. The development of membrane materials with enhanced separation properties is essential to improve the separation‐efficiency. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are expected to replace conventional engines due to their high‐power‐conversion rates and other favorable properties. Anhydrous‐proton‐conducting materials are vital components of PEMFCs. However, developing stable proton‐conducting materials that exhibit high conductivity at varying temperatures remains challenging. Herein, two covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with long‐side‐chains are synthesized, and their corresponding COF@SSN membranes. Both membranes can effectively separate oil–water mixtures and water‐in‐oil emulsions. The TFPT‐AF membrane achieves a maximum oil‐flux of 6.05 × 105 g h−1 m−2 with an oil–water separation efficiency of above 99%, which is almost unchanged after 20 consecutive uses. COF@H3PO4 doped with different ratios of H3PO4 is prepared, the results show that the perfluorocarbon‐chain system has excellent anhydrous proton conductivity , achieving an ultra‐high proton‐conductivity of 3.98 × 10−1 S cm−1 at 125 °C. This study lays the foundation for tailor‐made‐functionalization of COF through pre‐engineering and surface‐modification, highlighting the great potential of COFs for oil‐water separation and anhydrous‐proton‐conductivity.
Synergistic Linker and Linkage of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhancing Gold Capture
Authors: Yang Xiubei , Jiang Di , Fu Yubin , Li Xuewen , Liu Guojuan , Ding Xuesong , Han Bao‐Hang , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe tunable pore walls and skeletons render covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as promising absorbents for gold (Au) ion. However, most of these COFs suffered from low surface areas hindering binding sites exposed and weak binding interaction resulting in sluggish kinetic performance. In this study, COFs have been constructed with synergistic linker and linkage for high‐efficiency Au capture. The designed COFs (PYTA‐PZDH‐COF and PYTA‐BPDH‐COF) with pyrazine or bipyridine as linkers showed high surface areas of 1692 and 2076 m2 g‒1, providing high exposed surface areas for Au capture. In addition, the Lewis basic nitrogen atoms from the linkers and linkages are easily hydronium, which enabled to fast trap Au via coulomb force. The PYTA‐PZDH‐COF and PYTA‐BPDH‐COF showed maximum Au capture capacities of 2314 and 1810 mg g−1, higher than other reported COFs. More importantly, PYTA‐PZDH‐COF are capable of rapid adsorption kinetics with achieving 95% of maximum binding capacity in 10 min. The theoretical calculation revealed that the nitrogen atoms in linkers and linkages from both COFs are simultaneously hydronium, and then the protonated PYTA‐PZDH‐COF are more easily binding the AuCl4‒, further accelerating the binding process. This study gives the a new insight to design COFs for ion capture.