bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive beam delivery latency evaluation for gated proton therapy system using customized multi‐channel signal acquisition platform
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Pan Lingjing , Ma Tao , Lu Hsiao‐Ming , Wang Yuanyuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeBeam delivery latency in respiratory‐gated particle therapy systems is a crucial issue to dose delivery accuracy. The aim of this study is to develop a multi‐channel signal acquisition platform for investigating gating latencies occurring within RPM respiratory gating system (Varian, USA) and ProBeam proton treatment system (Varian, USA) individually.MethodsThe multi‐channel signal acquisition platform consisted of several electronic components, including a string position sensor for target motion detection, a photodiode for proton beam sensing, an interfacing board for accessing the trigger signal between the respiratory gating system and the proton treatment system, a signal acquisition device for sampling and synchronizing signals from the aforementioned components, and a laptop for controlling the signal acquisition device and data storage. RPM system latencies were determined by comparing the expected gating phases extracted from the motion signal with the trigger signal's state turning points. ProBeam system latencies were assessed by comparing the state turning points of the trigger signal with the beam signal. The total beam delivery latencies were calculated as the sum of delays in the respiratory gating system and the cyclotron proton treatment system. During latency measurements, simulated sinusoidal motion were applied at different amplitudes and periods for complete beam delivery latency evaluation under different breathing patterns. Each breathing pattern was repeated 30 times for statistical analysis.ResultsThe measured gating ON/OFF latencies in the RPM system were found to be 104.20 ± 13.64 ms and 113.60 ± 14.98 ms, respectively. The measured gating ON/OFF delays in the ProBeam system were 108.29 ± 0.85 ms and 1.20 ± 0.04 ms, respectively. The total beam ON/OFF latencies were determined to be 212.50 ± 13.64 ms and 114.80 ± 14.98 ms.ConclusionWith the developed multi‐channel signal acquisition platform, it was able to investigate the gating lags happened in both the respiratory gating system and the proton treatment system. The resolution of the platform is enough to distinguish the delays at the millisecond time level. Both the respiratory gating system and the proton treatment system made contributions to gating latency. Both systems contributed nearly equally to the total beam ON latency, with approximately 100 ms. In contrast, the respiratory gating system was the dominant contributor to the total beam OFF latency.
A robust adaptive decomposable Volterra filter based on the hyperbolic tangent Leclerc function and its performance analysis
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Li Zhigang , He Yigang 
Published: March 2024

SummaryMost of the existing adaptive filter algorithms pay more attention to improving performance while ignoring the computational complexity and the impact of the impulsive environment. When encountering the impulsive noise environments, the performance of traditional nonlinear adaptive filter may be significantly reduced and usually needs high computational cost. Therefore, this article proposes a hyperbolic tangent Leclerc robust nonlinear adaptive filter based on the low complexity decomposable Volterra model (HTLNAF‐DVM). The filter is implemented by imposing a rank‐one structure on the full Volterra model to get a product of linear filters, and employs a hyperbolic tangent Leclerc function as a robust norm to effectively improve the robustness against the impulsive noise. In addition, we give the theoretical analyses of the steady‐state mean‐square performance of the proposed HTLNAF‐DVM. Finally, the simulation results prove that the proposed HTLNAF‐DVM algorithm has better performance than the existing algorithms and fit well with the theory.
Tas1R3 Dependent and Independent Recognition of Sugars in the Urethra and the Role of Tuft Cells in this Process
Authors: Schmidt Patricia , Perniss Alexander , Bodenbenner‐Tuerich Martin , Wiegand Silke , Briand Loic , Deckmann Klaus 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIncreased sugar concentrations on mucosal surfaces display risk factors for infections. This study aims to clarify sugar monitoring in the urethra. Urethral tuft cells (UTC) are known sentinels monitoring the urethral lumen for potentially harmful substances and initiating protective mechanisms. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS), RT‐PCR, and immunohistochemistry show expression of the taste receptor Tas1R3 in murine UTC, a crucial component of the classical sweet detection pathway. Isolated UTC respond to various sugars with an increase of intracellular [Ca2+]. The Tas1R3 inhibitor gurmarin and Tas1R3 deletion reduces these responses. Utilizing mice lacking UTC, glibenclamide, a K+‐ATP channel antagonist, and phlorizin, a SGLT1 inhibitor, reveal an additional Tas1R3 independent sweet detection pathway. Inhibition of both pathways abrogates the sugar responses. Rat cystometry shows that intraurethral application of sucrose and glucose increases detrusor muscle activity Tas1R3 dependently. Sugar monitoring in the urethra occurs via two distinct pathways. A Tas1R3 dependent pathway, exclusive to UTC, and a Tas1R3 independent sweet detection pathway, which can be found both in UTC and in other urethral epithelial cells.
Multi‐Dimensional Physically Unclonable Functions: Optoelectronic Variation‐Induced Multi‐Key Generation from Small Molecule PN Heterostructures
Authors: Shin Jihyun , Ko Raksan , Park Taehyun , Kim Yeong Jae , Jang Byung Chul , Yoo Hocheon 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this era of demanding invulnerable security systems against the threat of hacking, physically unclonable functions (PUFs), especially in which can spawn multiple security keys within a single device, has gained attention. This investigation explores the multi‐key generable PUF devices employing organic small molecules, specifically C8‐BTBT and PTCDI‐C13. The variation stems from the formation of irregular PN junctions, haphazardly configured grain boundaries of C8‐BTBT. A comprehensive analysis including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), impedance spectroscopy (IS), and optical simulation, has been substantiated the underlying mechanisms. Exploiting the photo‐responsive characteristics within the light wavelength spectrum of 660 and 530 nm, alongside the electrical characteristics, the capability to generate a total of 30 distinct multi‐security keys in a single device is been successfully. These keys, distinguished by variable parameters such as voltage, light wavelength, and the calculated photo‐to‐dark current ratio (PDCR), manifest novel quantitative and qualitative dimensions in security protocol customization. Inter‐Hamming distance and entropy of these cryptographic keys exhibit commendable averages of 51.9–53.1%, and 0.81, respectively. Moreover, a noteworthy average bit‐aliasing mean value of 51.9%, derived from four distinct batches, underscores the pragmatic feasibility of the proposed conceptual framework for PUF devices.
Substrate Engineering toward Selective Growth of Ultrathin WC Crystals and Heterostructures via Liquid Cu‐Zn Catalyst
Authors: Li Minghui , Zhang Qing , Li Lin , Han Ziyi , Gao Wei , Ren Hechen , Geng Dechao , Hu Wenping 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTransition metal carbides (TMCs) grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) offer promise for numerous novel phenomena and applications in the 2D limit. Despite considerable efforts thus far, the flexible customization of TMCs and their heterostructures still remains challenging. Herein, a substrate engineering is developed to achieve customized manufacturing of ultrathin WC single crystals and WC/graphene (WC‐G) heterostructures by varying the concentration of Zn in Cu‐Zn alloy substrate. It is worth noting that Zn atoms can remarkably reduce the nucleation density of graphene and promote the nucleation of WC. Thus, an increasing Zn content is applied to synergistically modulate the growth of graphene and WC, enabling the controllable fabrication of WC and WC‐G heterostructures. The synthesized WC crystals exhibit an ultrathin nature down to 3 nm, as well as high crystalline, ultra‐clean surface, and superb chemical stability. Based on that, the typical metallic properties with a temperature‐dependent resistance (nearly 1.30 Ω at 300 K and nearly 0.08 Ω at 1.7 K) and low resistance as well as excellent nonlinear optical performance of WC are demonstrated. This work provides fresh insights into regulating the growth behavior of multiblock‐structured carbides and promotes the study of their optic and electronic properties.
Janus Hydrophobic Structural Gel with Asymmetric Adhesion in Air/Underwater for Reliable Mechanosensing
Authors: Zhou Rong , Jin Yong , Zeng Wenhua , Jin Hongyu , Li Yupeng , Mei Jiangyang , Liu Jie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractReliable interfacial bonding is an essential guarantee that flexible electronics can output realistic signals, especially for underwater scenes. However, conventional self‐adhesive materials usually suffer from underwater adhesion failure, conflict between adhesion and cohesion, as well as adverse effects of isotropous adhesion and residue, greatly limiting their applications in flexible electronics. Herein, a Janus hydrophobic structural gel (HSG) with asymmetric adhesion is fabricated by a “grafting one twig on another” approach (in situ constructing a hydrophobic anti‐adhesive gel on the top of a hydrophobic self‐adhesive gel). The hydrophobic adhesion layer with long C18 aliphatic chains achieves a reliable underwater bonding (interfacial toughness exceeds 80 J m−2) with the assistance of high mobility of polymer chains, multiple interfacial interactions, and effective removal of interfacial liquid. The hydrophobic anti‐adhesion layer containing poly(ionic liquid) is more robust due to electrostatic and ion‐dipole interactions, ensuring the mechanical strength of the integral HSG. Such asymmetric heterostructure avoids common nonessential adhesion and residue, facilitating operation. The intrinsic hydrophobicity of HSG also prevents water erosion, achieving reliable underwater adhesion and sensing. As a result, the assembled sensor based on HSG can stably monitor human motions and wirelessly transmit underwater information, exhibiting an enormous potential in wearable electronics.
Crucial Breakthrough of BODIPY‐Based NIR‐II Fluorescent Emitters for Advanced Biomedical Theranostics
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Fang Zhuting , Zhu Caijun , Yang Yanling , Yang Zhen , Huang Wei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) has aroused immense attention for biomedical applications, offering exceptional advantages such as ultra‐low photon scattering and increased tissue penetration. Among the NIR‐II‐emitted organic dyes, Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY), has emerged as a noteworthy candidate. BODIPY, distinguished by its controllable molecular structure and optical properties, outstanding fluorescence quantum yields, high molar absorption coefficients, and remarkable chemical stability, has undergone comprehensive investigation and extensive exploration within the realm of biological theranostics. This work aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the advancements in the development and design strategies of NIR‐II BODIPY fluorophores tailored for advanced biological phototheranostics. Initially, the work elucidates several representative and controllable strategies, concluding the electron‐programming strategy, extension of the conjugated backbone, J‐aggregation strategy, and strategic establishment of activatable fluorophores, which enhance the NIR‐II fluorescence of BODIPY skeletons. Subsequently, developments in NIR‐II fluorescent BODIPY‐based nanoplatforms for biological applications are intricately elaborated. In conclusion, this work outlines future efforts and directions for refining NIR‐II BODIPY to meet evolving clinical demands. It is anticipated that this contribution may provide a feasible reference for the strategic design of organic NIR‐II fluorophores, thereby advancing their potential in future clinical practices.
A Novel CRISPR/Cas9‐Encapsulated Biomimetic Manganese Sulfide Nanourchins for Targeted Magnetic Resonance Contrast Enhancement and Self‐Enhanced Chemodynamics‐Gene‐Immune Synergistic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Liu Hui , Mu Mengyao , Hou Yuebing , Gong Yufang , Wang Chenyu , Ma Guiqi , Guo Kai , Ma Ling , Sun Xiao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCRISPR/Cas9 gene editing systems are widely studied in cancer therapy, however, it is still challenging to improve the gene editing efficiency and enhance the anticancer efficacy. Herein, a novel self‐assembled manganese sulfide nanourchin with CRISPR/Cas9 and hybrid membrane encapsulation (MCRT) is developed to highlight the synergistic mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer therapy. The special structure and cationic surface of nanourchins facilitate the loading of CRISPR/Cas9 with the large size and the encapsulation of erythrocyte‐tumor cell hybrid membrane, endowing the nanoplatform with long circulation and precise tumor targeting. MCRT with pH‐response can effectively decompose into H2S and Mn2+, and release CRISPR/Cas9 in acidic tumor microenvironment. H2S can up‐regulate intracellular hydrogen peroxide level by inhibiting the activity of catalase, which enables self‐enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT) of Mn2+. In addition, H2S can synergize with the released CRISPR/Cas9, co‐downregulating the level of intracellular anti‐apoptotic protein survivin, achieving self‐enhanced gene therapy. Furthermore, systemic delivery of MCRT displays significantly tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement. Importantly, H2S‐enhanced CDT‐gene therapy simultaneously induces immunogenic cell death and triggered a robust anti‐tumor immune response. Thus, MCRT has a potential application for the targeted MRI and self‐enhanced CDT‐gene‐immune synergistic tumor therapy.
Fast Na+ Kinetics and Suppressed Voltage Hysteresis Enabled by a High‐Entropy Strategy for Sodium Oxide Cathodes
Authors: Wang Xian‐Zuo , Zuo Yuting , Qin Yuanbin , Zhu Xu , Xu Shao‐Wen , Guo Yu‐Jie , Yan Tianran , Zhang Liang , Gao Zhibin , Yu Lianzheng , Liu Mengting , Yin Ya‐Xia , Cheng Yonghong , Wang Peng‐Fei , Guo Yu‐Guo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractO3‐type layered transition metal cathodes are promising energy storage materials due to their sufficient sodium reservoir. However, sluggish sodium ions kinetics and large voltage hysteresis, which are generally associated with Na+ diffusion properties and electrochemical phase transition reversibility, drastically minimize energy density, reduce energy efficiency, and hinder further commercialization of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Here, this work proposes a high‐entropy tailoring strategy through manipulating the electronic local environment within transition metal slabs to circumvent these issues. Experimental analysis combined with theoretical calculations verify that high‐entropy metal ion mixing contributes to the improved reversibility of redox reaction and O3–P3–O3 phase transition behaviors as well as the enhanced Na+ diffusivity. Consequently, the designed O3‐Na0.9Ni0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Mn0.2Ti0.15Cu0.05O2 material with high‐entropy characteristic could display a negligible voltage hysteresis (<0.09 V), impressive rate capability (98.6 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and long‐term cycling stability (79.4% capacity retention over 2000 cycles at 5 C). This work provides insightful guidance in mitigating the voltage hysteresis and facilitating Na+ diffusion of layered oxide cathode materials to realize high‐rate and high‐energy SIBs.
Structurally Aligned Multifunctional Neural Probe (SAMP) Using Forest‐Drawn CNT Sheet onto Thermally Drawn Polymer Fiber for Long‐Term In Vivo Operation
Authors: Jeon Woojin , Lee Jae Myeong , Kim Yeji , Lee Yunheum , Won Joonhee , Lee Somin , Son Wonkyeong , Koo Yong Hoe , Hong Ji‐Won , Gwac Hocheol , Joo Jinmyoung , Kim Seon Jeong , Choi Changsoon , Park Seongjun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNeural probe engineering is a dynamic field, driving innovation in neuroscience and addressing scientific and medical demands. Recent advancements involve integrating nanomaterials to improve performance, aiming for sustained in vivo functionality. However, challenges persist due to size, stiffness, complexity, and manufacturing intricacies. To address these issues, a neural interface utilizing freestanding CNT‐sheets drawn from CNT‐forests integrated onto thermally drawn functional polymer fibers is proposed. This approach yields a device with structural alignment, resulting in exceptional electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties while retaining biocompatibility for prolonged periods of implantation. This Structurally Aligned Multifunctional neural Probe (SAMP) employing forest‐drawn CNT sheets demonstrates in vivo capabilities in neural recording, neurotransmitter detection, and brain/spinal cord circuit manipulation via optogenetics, maintaining functionality for over a year post‐implantation. The straightforward fabrication method's versatility, coupled with the device's functional reliability, underscores the significance of this technique in the next‐generation carbon‐based implants. Moreover, the device's longevity and multifunctionality position it as a promising platform for long‐term neuroscience research.
Printable Block Molecular Assemblies with Controlled Exciton Dynamics
Authors: Li Zongshang , Yang Jihyuk , Sun Fengke , Low Kam‐Hung , Tian Wenming , Jin Shengye , Kim Ji Tae , Che Chi‐Ming , Wan Qingyun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCreating hierarchical molecular block heterostructures, with the control over size, shape, optical, and electronic properties of each nanostructured building block can help develop functional applications, such as information storage, nanowire spectrometry, and photonic computing. However, achieving precise control over the position of molecular assemblies, and the dynamics of excitons in each block, remains a challenge. In the present work, the first fabrication of molecular heterostructures with the control of exciton dynamics in each block, is demonstrated. Additionally, these heterostructures are printable and can be precisely positioned using Direct Ink Writing‐based (DIW) 3D printing technique, resulting in programable patterns. Singlet excitons with emission lifetimes on nanosecond or microsecond timescales and triplet excitons with emission lifetimes on millisecond timescales appear simultaneously in different building blocks, with an efficient energy transfer process in the heterojunction. These organic materials also exhibit stimuli‐responsive emission by changing the power or wavelength of the excitation laser. Potential applications of these organic heterostructures in integrated photonics, where the versatility of fluorescence, phosphorescence, efficient energy transfer, printability, and stimulus sensitivity co‐exist in a single nanowire, are foreseen.
Morphological Innovation Drives Sperm Release in Bryophytes
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Bian Ang , Yang Junbo , Liang Ye , Zhang Zhe , Yan Meng , Yuan Siqi , Zhang Qun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPlant movements for survival are nontrivial. Antheridia in the moss Physcomitrium patens (P. patens) use motion to eject sperm in the presence of water. However, the biological and mechanical mechanisms that actuate the process are unknown. Here, the burst of the antheridium of P. patens, triggered by water, results from elastic instability and is determined by an asymmetric change in cell geometry. The tension generated in jacket cell walls of antheridium arises from turgor pressure, and is further promoted when the inner walls of apex burst in hydration, causing water and cellular contents of apex quickly influx into sperm chamber. The outer walls of the jacket cells are strengthened by NAC transcription factor VNS4 and serve as key morphomechanical innovations to store hydrostatic energy in a confined space in P. patens. However, the antheridium in liverwort Marchantia polymorpha (M. polymorpha) adopts a different strategy for sperm release; like jacket cell outer walls of P. patens, the cells surrounding the antheridium of M. polymorpha appear to play a similar role in the storage of energy. Collectively, the work shows that plants have evolved different ingenious devices for sperm discharge and that morphological innovations can differ.
Multiemitting Ultralong Phosphorescent Carbonized Polymer Dots via Synergistic Enhancement Structure Design
Authors: Zhang Qipeng , Xu Shihao , Zhang Lanpeng , Yang Liang , Jiang Changlong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdvancing a metal‐free room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) material that exhibits multicolor emission, remarkable RTP lifetime, and high quantum yield still faces the challenge of achieving intersystem crossing between singly and triplet excited states, as well as the rapid decay of triplet excited states due to nonradiative losses. In this study, a novel strategy is proposed to address these limitations by incorporating o‐phenylenediamine, which generates multiple luminescent centers, and long‐chain polyacrylic acid to synthesize carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). These CPDs are then embedded in a rigid B2O3 matrix, effectively limiting nonradiative losses through the synergistic effects of polymer cross‐linking and the rigid matrix. The resulting CPD‐based materials exhibit remarkable ultralong phosphorescence in shades of blue and lime green, with a visible lifetime of up to 49 s and a high phosphorescence quantum yield. Simultaneously, this study demonstrates the practical applicability of these excellent material properties in anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption.
Chronic Opioid Treatment Arrests Neurodevelopment and Alters Synaptic Activity in Human Midbrain Organoids
Authors: Kim Hye Sung , Xiao Yang , Chen Xuejing , He Siyu , Im Jongwon , Willner Moshe J. , Finlayson Michael O. , Xu Cong , Zhu Huixiang , Choi Se Joon , Mosharov Eugene V. , Kim Hae‐Won , Xu Bin , Leong Kam W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of long‐term opioid exposure on the embryonic brain is critical due to the surging number of pregnant mothers with opioid dependency. However, this has been limited by human brain inaccessibility and cross‐species differences in animal models. Here, a human midbrain model is established that uses hiPSC‐derived midbrain organoids to assess cell‐type‐specific responses to acute and chronic fentanyl treatment and fentanyl withdrawal. Single‐cell mRNA sequencing of 25,510 cells from organoids in different treatment groups reveals that chronic fentanyl treatment arrests neuronal subtype specification during early midbrain development and alters synaptic activity and neuron projection. In contrast, acute fentanyl treatment increases dopamine release but does not significantly alter gene expression related to cell lineage development. These results provide the first examination of the effects of opioid exposure on human midbrain development at the single‐cell level.