bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Neoadjuvant Docetaxel, Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil Regimen Superior to Classic Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil for Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma?
Authors: Zeli Huang  , Jiezhan Feng  , Shaoen Li  , Weihong Wei  , Guoyi Zhang  , Qiuxia Lu  , Yongfeng Wu  , Li Lin  , Tao Xu  
Published: November 2013

Objectives: We retrospectively compared the toxicity and efficacy of two neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens (docetaxel+cisplatin+5-fluorouracil vs. cisplatin+5-fluorouracil) followed by chemoradiotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients and Materials: We analysed 135 patients with stage III and IVA-B nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Forty-four patients were treated with docetaxel+cisplatin+5-fluorouracil and chemoradiotherapy (TPF group), and 91 were treated with cisplatin+5-fluorouracil and chemoradiotherapy (PF group). Chemoradiotherapy was administered with weekly cisplatin. Radical radiotherapy with total doses of 70-74Gy was administered using a conventional technique, over 7 weeks in 2.0Gy/fraction; boost doses of 6-10Gy were administered in 55.6% patients (n=75) with locally advanced cancer. Results: The median follow-up was 46.5 months (range, 9.8-62.8 months), and the follow-up rate was 95%. The TPF group had better 5-year estimated progression-free survival (77.0% vs. 73.5%; P = 0.510) and overall survival than the PF group (80.7% vs. 77.9%, P = 0.446); however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Toxicities in the two groups were similar; grade 3/4 oral mucositis was more common in the TPF group (27.3%) than in the PF group (15.3%) during chemoradiotherapy. Conclusions: The neoadjuvant docetaxel+cisplatin+5-fluorouracil chemotherapy led to satisfactory long-term survival and slight improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival as compared with the classic cisplatin+5-fluorouracil regimen; toxicity was tolerable. However, prospective trials are needed to prove whether docetaxel+cisplatin+5-fluorouracil is a substitute for cisplatin+5-fluorouracil.
Medicare Payment for Opioid Treatment Programs
Authors: Nakamoto Carter H. , Huskamp Haiden A. , Donohue Julie M. , Barnett Michael L. , Gordon Adam J. , Mehrotra Ateev 
Published: July 2024

ImportanceMedicare began paying for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) at opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that dispense methadone and other MOUD in January 2020. There has been little research describing the response to this payment change and whether it resulted in more patients receiving MOUD or just a shift in who pays for this care.ObjectiveTo describe how many and which Medicare beneficiaries receive care from OTPs and how this compares to those receiving MOUD in other settings.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study included all patients receiving MOUD care identified in 2019-2022 100% US Medicare Parts B and D claims. Patients receiving care in an OTP who were dually insured with Medicare and Medicaid in the 2019-2020 Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System were also included.ExposureReceiving MOUD care in an OTP.Main Outcomes and MeasuresComparisons of 2022 beneficiaries treated in OTPs vs other non-OTP settings in 2022.ResultsThe share of Medicare beneficiaries treated by OTPs rose steadily from 4 per 10 000 (14 160 beneficiaries) in January 2020 to 7 per 10 000 (25 596 beneficiaries) in August 2020, then plateaued through December 2022; of 38 870 patients (23% ≥66 years; 35% female) treated at an OTP in 2022, 96% received methadone. Patients in OTPs, compared to those receiving MOUD in other settings, were more likely be 65 years and younger (65% vs 62%; P &amp;lt; .001), less likely to be White (72% vs 82%; P &amp;lt; .001), and more likely to be an urban resident (86% vs 74%; P &amp;lt; .001). When Medicare OTP coverage began, there was no associated drop in the number of dually insured patients with Medicaid with an OTP claim. Of the 1854 OTPs, 1115 (60%) billed Medicare in 2022, with the share billing Medicare ranging from 13% to 100% across states.Conclusions and RelevanceThis study showed that since the initiation of Medicare OTP coverage in 2020, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Medicare beneficiaries with claims for OTP services for MOUD, and most OTPs have begun billing Medicare. Patients in OTPs were more likely to be urban residents and members of racial or ethnic minority groups than the patients receiving other forms of MOUD.
Evaluation of radiotherapy planning approaches for head and neck patients with tumors close to the skin surface
Authors: Kirk Julie S. , Rowbottom Carl G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeIn radiotherapy of the head and neck (H&N) it is common for the clinical target volume (CTV) to extend to the patient's skin. Adding a margin for set‐up uncertainty and delivery creates a planning target volume (PTV) that extends beyond the patient surface. This can result in excessive fluence being delivered to the build‐up region and therefore the skin. This study evaluates four different planning methods used when inverse‐planning H&N radiotherapy treatments with CTV extending to the skin. The aim of the study was to determine which planning method gives superior plan quality.MethodTen H&N cancer patients with a CTV contoured to the skin were inverse‐planned using four planning methods. The planning methods compared were: cropping the optimization PTV back from the skin surface by 5.0, 3.0, and 0.0 mm and a virtual bolus method. For each planning method, the increased fluence at the skin surface was analyzed. The CTV coverage and skin doses were compared. Plan robustness was evaluated by applying an isocenter shift of ±3.0 mm in the major axes.ResultsThe planning method cropping the PTV 0.0 mm from the skin surface results in an increased fluence in the build‐up region. The average volume of CTV receiving 98% of the prescription dose was 89.6% ± 3.4%, 91.6% ± 2.4%, and 93.5% ± 1.7% when cropped 5.0, 3.0, and 0.0 mm, respectively, and 93.4% ± 2.1% for the virtual bolus method. Introducing plan uncertainty affects CTV coverage the most when cropping 5.0 mm. When plan uncertainties are considered the methods of cropping 5.0, 3.0 mm, and the virtual bolus method have the same average skin dose within ±0.3%.ConclusionThis study shows that a virtual bolus planning method results in no increased fluence at the patient's surface, improves CTV coverage, and is the most robust to changes in setup and patient anatomy.
CSF biomarkers of neurotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors after cranial radiotherapy or surgery
Authors: Fernström Erik , Jarfelt Marianne , Blomstrand Malin , Lannering Birgitta , Axelsson Markus , Wasling Pontus , Björk‐Eriksson Thomas , Zetterberg Henrik , Kalm Marie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTreatment of pediatric brain tumors is associated with potential long‐term cognitive sequelae. Patients treated with craniospinal irradiation for posterior fossa tumors are at high risk. New biomarkers that could help to differentiate treatment effects from other causes of cognitive dysfunction would be valuable in tailoring optimal survivorship care. Biomarkers that reflect biological mechanisms behind treatment‐associated cognitive decline would also be important in the evaluation of future treatment regimens for pediatric brain or skull base tumors.MethodsIn this biomarker‐finding study, 10 adult survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma, skull base tumors, and posterior fossa low‐grade glioma underwent study specific lumbar puncture at a minimum of 17 years following treatment. We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers reflecting neuron and astrocyte integrity, amyloid metabolism, inflammation, extracellular matrix, synaptic integrity, and blood–brain barrier function. The values were compared with biomarker levels in healthy controls of comparable age.ResultsBiomarkers reflecting neuronal injury (neurofilament light chain protein), astrocyte injury or activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein) as well as inflammation (YKL‐40) were significantly elevated in cancer survivors compared to controls. Biomarkers reflecting amyloid metabolism showed a pattern of decrease in patients treated for medulloblastoma.InterpretationThe results suggest a potential chronic low‐grade neurodegeneration and astrocyte activation in patients treated for pediatric brain or skull base tumors. Protein biomarkers of CNS disease could potentially be used to increase our understanding of the contribution from different tumor treatments with regard to long‐term symptoms in cancer patients.
Acquired Temozolomide Resistance Instructs Patterns of Glioblastoma Behavior in Gelatin Hydrogels
Authors: Kriuchkovskaia Victoria A. , Eames Ela K. , Riggins Rebecca B. , Harley Brendan A. C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAcquired drug resistance in glioblastoma (GBM) presents a major clinical challenge and is a key factor contributing to abysmal prognosis, with less than 15 months median overall survival. Aggressive chemotherapy with the frontline therapeutic, temozolomide (TMZ), ultimately fails to kill residual highly invasive tumor cells after surgical resection and radiotherapy. Here, a 3D engineered model of acquired TMZ resistance is reported using two isogenically matched sets of GBM cell lines encapsulated in gelatin methacrylol hydrogels. Response of TMZ‐resistant versus TMZ‐sensitive GBM cell lines within the gelatin‐based extracellular matrix platform is benchmarked and drug response at physiologically relevant TMZ concentrations is further validated. The changes in drug sensitivity, cell invasion, and matrix‐remodeling cytokine production are shown as the result of acquired TMZ resistance. This platform lays the foundation for future investigations targeting key elements of the GBM tumor microenvironment to combat GBM's devastating impact by advancing the understanding of GBM progression and treatment response to guide the development of novel treatment strategies.
A Melt Electrowriting Toolbox for Automated G‐Code Generation and Toolpath Correction of Flat and Tubular Constructs
Authors: Devlin Brenna L. , Kuba Shahak , Hall Patrick C. , McCosker Audrey B. , Pickering Edmund , Dalton Paul D. , Klein Travis J. , Woodruff Maria A. , Paxton Naomi C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite the growing significance of generating highly porous, high‐precision 3D printed scaffolds using melt electrowriting (MEW), the absence of easy‐to‐use and robust design and g‐code generation tools hinders its effectiveness and widespread adoption. This article introduces a versatile scaffold design workflow for MEW fabrication, drawing on learnings in scaffold design and fabrication optimization from pioneers in the field and unifies innovative approaches into one user‐friendly platform. The application contains a library of validated flat and tubular patterns, as well as incorporating automated solutions to common challenges such as scaffold dimension fitting and toolpath corrections previously reported in the literature and historically challenging to deploy into new g‐codes. Available to users via GitHub, this application readily generates a g‐code that compensates for MEW fiber lag across diverse geometries on a variety of flat and cylindrical collectors. The application's capabilities are demonstrated through proof‐of‐concept prints, including layer‐shifting strategies, and their effects on scaffold mechanical properties. By integrating design flexibility, layer‐shifting strategies, and advanced visualization, this application streamlines the MEW scaffold design process, offering a valuable tool for researchers and promises to both advance the field and enable greater access to tools required to produce high‐quality, reproducible scaffolds.
Extended Range of Ratiometric Luminescence Codes with Ce3+ Modified Gd2O2S:Er3+,Yb3+ Shortwave Infrared Phosphors
Authors: Cosgun Ergene Arzu , Madirov Eduard , Coetsee‐Hugo Elizabeth , Swart Hendrik , Richards Bryce S. , Turshatov Andrey 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLanthanide (Ln3+) based luminescent materials, with their distinctive emission spectra, offer opportunities to develop novel coding patterns for various applications, including Tracer Based Sorting (TBS). TBS uses trace amounts of inorganic phosphors and is a promising method for sorting plastics based on criteria beyond plastic type. This study investigates the synergistic effect of co‐doping with Ce3+ to enhance Er3+ luminescence at ≈1550 nm (with a maximum photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 5.7%) while significantly reducing Yb3+ luminescence at ≈1000 nm. The underlying mechanisms of these properties are analyzed using absolute PLQY measurements in an integrating sphere, luminescence decay studies, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Hyperspectral shortwave infrared imaging reveals an extended range of unique tracer combinations based on ratiometric intensity measurements, particularly when the Yb3+/Er3+/Ce3+ tracers are mixed with a single‐doped Yb3+ tracer, compared to simple mixtures of Ce3+‐free Yb3+/Er3+ and Yb3+ tracers. Therefore, the use of the tri‐doped Yb3+/Er3+/Ce3+ Gd2O2S tracer increases the diversity of available luminescent tracers that may be of potential interest in the identification and sorting of plastic waste using the TBS process.
Neighboring π‐Coordination in Palladium Catalyzed [4+4] Cycloaddition of γ‐Methylidene‐δ‐Valerolactones with Divinylketones
Authors: Wu Xiaoying , Feng Wei , Zhao Jiayi , Yang Daoshan , Song Ran , Si Wen , Lv Jian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA palladium‐catalyzed [4+4] cycloaddition of aryl‐substituted γ‐methylidene‐δ‐valerolactones (GMDVs) with divinylketones (DVKs) was developed, providing an approach to access various mono‐cyclic tetrahydro‐2H‐oxocines with diverse substituents in 41% to 95% yield with 81:19 to >20:1 dr. This reaction was facilitated by anchoring olefin (C=C), carbonyl (C=O), and arene (Ar) at the α‐position of carbonyls.
Synthesis of Acyl Halides from Carboxylic Acid Thioesters for Synthesis of Ketones, Esters, Amides and Peptides
Authors: Nagano Shuji , Maruoka Keiji 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA synthesis of acyl halides from the corresponding carboxylic acid thioesters was achieved using commercially available Selectfluor or NCS, and the acyl fluoride or chloride intermediates were transformed to the corresponding esters, amides, and several carbon‐carbon bond formation products. This approach can be applied to the peptide synthesis from functionalized amino acid thioesters.
A Bioinspired Membrane with Ultrahigh Li+/Na+ and Li+/K+ Separations Enables Direct Lithium Extraction from Brine
Authors: Fan Faying , Ren Yongwen , Zhang Shu , Tang Zhilei , Wang Jia , Han Xiaolei , Yang Yuanyuan , Lu Guoli , Zhang Yaojian , Chen Lin , Wang Zhe , Zhang Kewei , Gao Jun , Zhao Jingwen , Cui Guanglei , Tang Bo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMembranes with precise Li+/Na+ and Li+/K+ separations are imperative for lithium extraction from brine to address the lithium supply shortage. However, achieving this goal remains a daunting challenge due to the similar valence, chemical properties, and subtle atomic‐scale distinctions among these monovalent cations. Herein, inspired by the strict size‐sieving effect of biological ion channels, a membrane is presented based on nonporous crystalline materials featuring structurally rigid, dimensionally confined, and long‐range ordered ion channels that exclusively permeate naked Li+ but block Na+ and K+. This naked‐Li+‐sieving behavior not only enables unprecedented Li+/Na+ and Li+/K+ selectivities up to 2707.4 and 5109.8, respectively, even surpassing the state‐of‐the‐art membranes by at least two orders of magnitude, but also demonstrates impressive Li+/Mg2+ and Li+/Ca2+ separation capabilities. Moreover, this bioinspired membrane has to be utilized for creating a one‐step lithium extraction strategy from natural brines rich in Na+, K+, and Mg2+ without utilizing chemicals or creating solid waste, and it simultaneously produces hydrogen. This research has proposed a new type of ion‐sieving membrane and also provides an envisioning of the design paradigm and development of advanced membranes, ion separation, and lithium extraction.
Design and Optimization for AlGaN‐Based Deep Ultraviolet Fabry–Perot Laser Diodes
Authors: Yang Jianyu , Tian Kangkai , Chu Chunshuang , Zhang Yonghui , Jiang Ke , Sun Xiaojuan , Li Dabing , Sun Xiao Wei , Zhang Zi‐Hui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this work, AlGaN‐based deep ultraviolet Fabry–Perot (FP) laser diodes (DUV LDs) are designed by using Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulations, and the physical models for DUV LDs are also developed. It is found that the optical absorption in the p‐region significantly increases the optical loss and reduces the laser power. Hence, properly increasing the Al composition for the p‐waveguide (p‐WG) and the p‐type cladding layer (CL) helps shift the optical field to the n‐region, which is effective in decreasing the free‐carrier absorption in the p‐region. However, if not properly optimized, this will decrease the optical confinement factor, which will decrease the stimulated recombination rate between electrons and holes. Then, the electron leakage becomes significant. The studies show that the p‐electron blocking layer (p‐EBL) will not strongly affect the optical field profiles. Hence, the Al composition in the p‐EBL has more freedom for electrical optimization. Therefore, a compromised design is required so that both the optical and the electrical properties can be improved.
Utility of genome sequencing in exome‐negative pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental phenotypes
Authors: Nomakuchi Tomoki T. , Teferedegn Eden Y. , Li Dong , Muirhead Kayla J. , Dubbs Holly , Leonard Jacqueline , Muraresku Colleen , Sergio Emily , Arnold Kaley , Pizzino Amy , Skraban Cara M. , Zackai Elaine H. , Wang Kai , Ganetzky Rebecca D. , Vanderver Adeline L. , Ahrens‐Nicklas Rebecca C. , Bhoj Elizabeth J. K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExome sequencing (ES) has emerged as an essential tool in the evaluation of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) of unknown etiology. Genome sequencing (GS) offers advantages over ES due to improved detection of structural, copy number, repeat number and non‐coding variants. However, GS is less commonly utilized due to higher cost and more intense analysis. Here, we present nine cases of pediatric NDD that were molecularly diagnosed with GS between 2017 and 2022, following non‐diagnostic ES. All individuals presented with global developmental delay or regression. Other features present in our cohort included epilepsy, white matter abnormalities, brain malformation and dysmorphic features. Two cases were diagnosed on GS due to newly described gene‐disease relationship or variant reclassification (MAPK8IP3, CHD3). Additional features missed on ES that were later detected on GS were: intermediate‐size deletions in three cases who underwent ES that were not validated for CNV detection, pathogenic variants within the non‐protein coding genes SNORD118 and RNU7‐1, pathogenic variant within the promoter region of GJB1, and a coding pathogenic variant within BCAP31 which was not sufficiently covered on ES. GS following non‐diagnostic ES led to the identification of pathogenic variants in this cohort of nine cases, four of which would not have been identified by reanalysis alone.
Chelator‐Assisted Precipitation‐Based Separation of the Rare Earth Elements Neodymium and Dysprosium from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Licup Gerra L. , Bigham Nicholas P. , Cantu David C. , Wilson Justin J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe rare earth elements (REEs) are critical resources for many clean energy technologies, but are difficult to obtain in their elementally pure forms because of their nearly identical chemical properties. Here, an analogue of macropa, G‐macropa, was synthesized and employed for an aqueous precipitation‐based separation of Nd3+ and Dy3+. G‐macropa maintains the same thermodynamic preference for the large REEs as macropa, but shows smaller thermodynamic stability constants. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrate that the binding affinity differences of these chelators for Nd3+ and Dy3+ is a consequence of the presence or absence of an inner‐sphere water molecule, which alters the donor strength of the macrocyclic ethers. Leveraging the small REE affinity of G‐macropa, we demonstrate that within aqueous solutions of Nd3+, Dy3+, and G‐macropa, the addition of HCO3− selectively precipitates Dy2(CO3)3, leaving the Nd3+−G‐macropa complex in solution. With this method, remarkably high separation factors of 841 and 741 are achieved for 50 : 50 and 75 : 25 mixtures. Further studies involving Nd3+:Dy3+ ratios of 95 : 5 in authentic magnet waste also afford an efficient separation as well. Lastly, G‐macropa is recovered via crystallization with HCl and used for subsequent extractions, demonstrating its good recyclability.
Optimizing Upconversion Quantum Yield via Structural Tuning of Dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione Annihilators
Authors: Lyons Alexandra J. , Naimovičius Lukas , Zhang Simon K. , Pun Andrew B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTriplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) is a photophysical process in which two low‐energy photons are converted into one higher‐energy photon. This type of upconversion requires two species: a sensitizer that absorbs low‐energy light and transfers its energy to an annihilator, which emits higher‐energy light after TTA. In spite of the multitude of applications of TTA‐UC, few families of annihilators have been explored. In this work, we show dipyrrolonaphthyridinediones (DPNDs) can act as annihilators in TTA‐UC. We found that structural changes to DPND dramatically increase its upconversion quantum yield (UCQY). Our optimized DPND annihilator demonstrates a high maximum internal UCQY of 9.4 %, outperforming the UCQY of commonly used near‐infrared‐to‐visible annihilator rubrene by almost double.
High‐performance cross‐linked SiCOH/polyimide composite film with an ultralow dielectric constant at high frequency
Authors: Yang Qingbiao , Mei Xiangyu , Shi Shuaida , Peng Kun , Qi Xiaoming , Islam M. D. Zahidul , Yang Xinyan , Si Yinsong , Fu Yaqin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUltralow‐k materials with promising comprehensive performance to meet the increasing requirements of high‐frequency communication are highly desired. Here, a cross‐linked porous polymer SiCOH, synthesized via simple sol–gel method, was used as the filler to prepare SiCOH/PI composite films by physically blending, which demonstrates ultralow dielectric constant at high frequency. Notably, only 2.5% of SiCOH in the composite can significantly reduce the dielectric constant of PI from 3.0 to an ultralow value of 1.7 in the 9.5–12.4 GHz, together with a low dielectric loss of 0.029. Additionally, the SiCOH/PI composite maintains a high tensile strength of 82.4 MPa and a tensile modulus of 1.82 GPa, which is comparable to pure PI film. While the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases to 370°C and the linear expansion coefficient is reduced to 30.7 ppm/°C, both of which are superior to those of pure PI film. Moreover, by introducing the hydrophobic SiCOH into PI, the contact angle of the composite films increased to 92.0°–99.0°. This simple and low‐cost method not only effectively lowers the dielectric constant of PI but also improves the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and hydrophobic ability, greatly boosts the practical application of PI in high‐frequency communication in the future.