bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of metal artifact reduction on the retrieval of attenuation values
Authors: Ziemann Christian , Stille Maik , Cremers Florian , Rades Dirk , Buzug Thorsten M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe quality of CT slices can be drastically reduced in the presence of high‐density objects such as metal implants within the patients’ body due to the occurrence of streaking artifacts. Consequently, a delineation of anatomical structures might not be possible, which strongly influences clinical examination.PurposeThe aim of the study is to clinically evaluate the retrieval of attenuation values and structures by the recently proposed Augmented Likelihood Image Reconstruction (ALIR) and linear interpolation in the presence of metal artifacts.Material and MethodsA commercially available phantom was equipped with two steel inserts. At a position between the metal rods, which shows severe streaking artifacts, different human tissue‐equivalent inserts are alternately mounted. Using a single‐source computer tomograph, raw data with and without metal rods are acquired for each insert. Images are reconstructed using the ALIR algorithm and a filtered back projection with and without linear interpolation. Mean and standard deviation are compared for a region of interest in the ALIR reconstructions, linear interpolation results, uncorrected images with metal rods, and the images without metal rods, which are used as a reference. Furthermore, the reconstructed shape of the inserts is analyzed by comparing different profiles of the image.ResultsThe measured mean and standard deviation values show that for all tissue classes, the metal artifacts could be reduced using the ALIR algorithm and the linear interpolation. Furthermore, the HU values for the different classes could be retrieved with errors below the standard deviation in the reference image. An evaluation of the shape of the inserts shows that the reconstructed object fits the shape of the insert accurately after metal artifact correction. Moreover, the evaluation shows a drop in the standard deviation for the ALIR reconstructed images compared to the reference images while reducing artifacts and keeping the shape of the inserts, which indicates a noise reduction ability of the ALIR algorithm.ConclusionHU values, which are distorted by metal artifacts, can be retrieved accurately with the ALIR algorithm and the linear interpolation approach. After metal artifact correction, structures, which are not perceptible in the original images due to streaking artifacts, are reconstructed correctly within the image using the ALIR algorithm. Furthermore, the ALIR produced images with a reduced noise level compared to reference images and artifact images. Linear interpolation results in a distortion of the investigated shapes and features remaining streaking artifacts.
Quality assurance of a gimbaled head swing verification using feature point tracking
Authors: Miura Hideharu , Ozawa Shuichi , Enosaki Tsubasa , Kawakubo Atsushi , Hosono Fumika , Yamada Kiyoshi , Nagata Yasushi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo perform dynamic tumor tracking (DTT) for clinical applications safely and accurately, gimbaled head swing verification is important. We propose a quantitative gimbaled head swing verification method for daily quality assurance (QA), which uses feature point tracking and a web camera. The web camera was placed on a couch at the same position for every gimbaled head swing verification, and could move based on a determined input function (sinusoidal patterns; amplitude: ± 20 mm; cycle: 3 s) in the pan and tilt directions at isocenter plane. Two continuous images were then analyzed for each feature point using the pyramidal Lucas–Kanade (LK) method, which is an optical flow estimation algorithm. We used a tapped hole as a feature point of the gimbaled head. The period and amplitude were analyzed to acquire a quantitative gimbaled head swing value for daily QA. The mean ± SD of the period were 3.00 ± 0.03 (range: 3.00–3.07) s and 3.00 ± 0.02 (range: 3.00–3.07) s in the pan and tilt directions, respectively. The mean ± SD of the relative displacement were 19.7 ± 0.08 (range: 19.6–19.8) mm and 18.9 ± 0.2 (range: 18.4–19.5) mm in the pan and tilt directions, respectively. The gimbaled head swing was reliable for DTT. We propose a quantitative gimbaled head swing verification method for daily QA using the feature point tracking method and a web camera. Our method can quantitatively assess the gimbaled head swing for daily QA from baseline values, measured at the time of acceptance and commissioning.
An in‐house protocol for improved flood field calibration of TrueBeam FFF cine imaging
Authors: Faught Austin M. , Yin Fang‐Fang , Adamson Justus 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeTrueBeams equipped with the 40 × 30 cm2 Electronic Portal Imaging Devices (EPIDs) are prone to image saturation at the image center when used with flattening filter free (FFF) photon energies. While cine imaging during treatment may not saturate because the beam is attenuated by the patient, the flood field calibration is affected when the standard calibration procedure is followed. Here, we describe the hardware and protocol to achieve improved image quality for this model of TrueBeam EPID.Materials & methodsA stainless steel filter of uniform thickness was designed to have sufficient attenuation to avoid panel saturation. The cine imaging flood field calibration was acquired with the filter in place for the FFF energies under the standard calibration geometry (SID = 150 cm). Image quality during MV cine was assessed with & without the modified flood field calibration using a low contrast resolution phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom.ResultsWhen the flood field is acquired without the filter in place, a pixel gain artifact is clearly present in the image center which may be mis‐attributed to panel saturation in the subject image. At the image center, the artifact obscured all low contrast inserts and was also visible on the anthropomorphic phantom. Using the filter for flood field calibration eliminates the artifact.ConclusionTrueBeams equipped with the 40 × 30 cm2 IDU can utilize a modified flood field calibration procedure for FFF photon energies that improves image quality for cine MV imaging.
Assessing Extracellular Vesicles in Human Biofluids Using Flow‐Based Analyzers
Authors: Yim Kevin Ho Wai , Krzyzaniak Olga , Al Hrout Ala'a , Peacock Ben , Chahwan Richard 
Published: October 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly being analyzed by flow cytometry. Yet their minuscule size and low refractive index cause the scatter intensity of most EVs to fall below the detection limit of most flow cytometers. A new class of devices, known as spectral flow analyzers, are becoming standards in cell phenotyping studies, largely due to their unique capacity to detect a vast panel of markers with higher sensitivity for light scatter detection. Another class of devices, known as nano‐analyzers, provides high‐resolution detection of sub‐micron‐sized particles. Here, the EV phenotyping performance between the Aurora (Cytek) spectral cell analyzer and the NanoFCM (nFCM) nanoflow analyzer are compared. These two devices are specifically chosen given their lead in becoming gold standards in their respective fields. Immune cell‐derived EVs remain poorly characterized despite their clinical potential. Therefore, B‐ and T‐cell line‐derived EVs and donor‐matched human biofluid‐derived EVs from plasma, urine, and saliva are used in combination with a panel of established immune markers for this comparative study. A comparative evaluation of both cytometry platforms is performed, discussing their potential and suitability for different applications. It is found that nFCM can accurately i) analyze small EVs (40−200 nm) matching the size accuracy of electron microscopy; ii) measure the concentration of a single EV particle per volume; iii) identify underrepresented EV marker subsets; and iv) provide co‐localization of EV surface markers. It can also be shown that human sample biofluids have unique EV marker signatures that can have future clinical relevance. Finally, nFCM and Aurora have their unique strength, preferred fashion of data acquisition, and visualization to fit different research interests.
An Integrative Bioorthogonal Nanoengineering Strategy for Dynamically Constructing Heterogenous Tumor Spheroids
Authors: Xu Yurui , Zhou Anwei , Chen Weiwei , Yan Yuxin , Chen Kerong , Zhou Xinyuan , Tian Zihan , Zhang Xiaomin , Wu Heming , Fu Zhen , Ning Xinghai 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlthough tumor models have revolutionized perspectives on cancer aetiology and treatment, current cell culture methods remain challenges in constructing organotypic tumor with in vivo‐like complexity, especially native characteristics, leading to unpredictable results for in vivo responses. Herein, the bioorthogonal nanoengineering strategy (BONE) for building photothermal dynamic tumor spheroids is developed. In this process, biosynthetic machinery incorporated bioorthogonal azide reporters into cell surface glycoconjugates, followed by reacting with multivalent click ligand (ClickRod) that is composed of hyaluronic acid‐functionalized gold nanorod carrying dibenzocyclooctyne moieties, resulting in rapid construction of tumor spheroids. BONE can effectively assemble different cancer cells and immune cells together to construct heterogenous tumor spheroids is identified. Particularly, ClickRod exhibited favorable photothermal activity, which precisely promoted cell activity and shaped physiological microenvironment, leading to formation of dynamic features of original tumor, such as heterogeneous cell population and pluripotency, different maturation levels, and physiological gradients. Importantly, BONE not only offered a promising platform for investigating tumorigenesis and therapeutic response, but also improved establishment of subcutaneous xenograft model under mild photo‐stimulation, thereby significantly advancing cancer research. Therefore, the first bioorthogonal nanoengineering strategy for developing dynamic tumor models, which have the potential for bridging gaps between in vitro and in vivo research is presented.
Biolistic Delivery of Photosensitizer‐Loaded Porous Si Carriers for Localized Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Haimov‐Talmoud Elina , Rosenberg Michal , Arshavsky‐Graham Sofia , Varon Eli , Shefi Orit , Segal Ester 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAmong numerous approaches for treating cancer, clinically approved photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered a promising non‐invasive therapeutic strategy for solid tumors. While PDT has distinct advantages over conventional cancer treatments, systemic exposure to the photosensitizer and its stability are some of the limitations of clinical PDT. Herein, a therapeutic strategy for highly localized focal PDT is introduced based on direct biolistic delivery of photosensitizer‐loaded carriers to cancerous tumors. Degradable porous silicon microparticles (PSiMPs) are used as efficient carriers for the photosensitizer, meso‐tetrahydroxy‐phenylchlorin (mTHPC), and its conjugates with gold nanoparticles (AuNP‐mTHPC conjugates). The loaded PSiMP carriers are successfully bombarded using a pneumatic gene gun to breast cancer cells in vitro and into tumor xenografts in vivo, and subsequent uptake of the released photosensitizer payload is demonstrated. PDT irradiation is commenced after 24 h based on the release profile, resulting in complete cell death in vitro and substantial inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. Notably, using empty PSiMP carriers also leads to some tumor growth inhibition, ascribing to its intrinsic photosensitizing activity. Treatment with AuNP‐mTHPC‐loaded PSiMPs exhibits a superior therapeutic effect in comparison to bombarded mTHPC‐loaded carriers and administration of free mTHPC. This biolistic delivery scheme may be advantageous for precision photodynamic therapy.
Temperate food forest soil and dead organic matter carbon content relative to adjacent land
Authors: Hald Lisa Mølgaard , Schafer Luke J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSoil is identified as the terrestrial carbon (C) pool with the highest potential for C sequestration. This study therefore examined the soil organic carbon (SOC) under four different but adjacent land‐use systems in the temperate climate zone: a food forest, redwood forest, pasture land and agricultural field in Dartington, UK. Soil samples were collected at 0‐ to 20‐cm and 20‐ to 40‐cm depth at all four sites. Two soil fractionation methodologies were applied as well as analysis for C content. Additionally, carbon content from dead organic matter (DOM) was estimated from the woody and non‐woody litter in the food forest and redwood forest. Similar total SOC was found between all four systems. However, due to the difference in turnover rates of C in different soil fractions, the food forest soil exhibited a similar long‐term storage of C as the redwood forest, while pasture land and agricultural field stored less C in the long term. The redwood forest exhibited a higher non‐woody litter C content than the food forest, but similar amounts of coarse and fine woody litter.
The IFITM5 Ser40Leu variant can manifest as prenatal Caffey disease
Authors: Yap Jia Ying Celeste , Lim Jiin Ying , Bhatia Anju , Tan Vic Khi June , Koo Stephanie , Nishimura Gen , Moosa Shahida , Koh Ai Ling , Tan Ene Choo , Fong Nikki , Jamuar Saumya Shekhar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe report on a female neonate with a clinico‐radiological presentation in keeping with a lethal form of prenatal Caffey disease (PCH). She had antenatal and postnatal features of severely bowed long bones, small chest, diaphyseal hyperostosis and polyhydramnios and died shortly after birth. Initial testing excluded COL1A1‐related PCH, as an OI gene panel, consisting of COL1A1, COL1A2, CRTAP, and P3H1 genes, was negative. Targeted sequencing using a gene panel was performed and a de novo heterozygous, likely pathogenic variant in IFITM5: c.119C > T(p.Ser40Leu) was identified, which was previously described to cause a severe form of progressively deforming osteogenesis imperfect (OI). To our knowledge, variants in IFITM5 have not been reported in infantile Caffey disease (ICH) or PCH. Given that the pathogenesis of PCH is largely unknown, we postulate that a subset of PCH may be associated with variants in IFITM5.
Generalized Rotating‐Wave Approximation for the Quantum Rabi Model with Optomechanical Interaction
Authors: Montaño Wallace H. , Maytorena Jesús A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe spectrum of energy and eigenstates of an hybrid cavity optomechanical system, where a cavity field mode interacts with a mechanical mode of a vibrating end mirror via radiation pressure and with a two level atom via electric dipole interaction are investigated. In the spirit of approximations developed for the quantum Rabi model beyond rotating‐wave approximation (RWA), the so‐called generalized RWA (GRWA) to diagonalize the tripartite Hamiltonian for arbitrary large couplings is implemented. Notably, the GRWA approach still allows to rewrite the hybrid Hamiltonian in a bipartite form, like a Rabi model with dressed atom‐field states (polaritons) coupled to mechanical modes through reparametrized coupling strength and Rabi frequency. A more accurate energy spectrum for a wide range of values of the atom‐photon and photon–phonon couplings, when compared to the RWA results is found. The fidelity between the numerical eigenstates and its approximated counterparts is also calculated. The degree of polariton‐phonon entanglement of the eigenstates presents a non‐monotonic behavior as the atom‐photon coupling varies, in contrast to the characteristic monotonic increase in the RWA treatment.
Nitrite and Nitric Oxide Interconversion at Mononuclear Copper(II): Insight into the Role of the Red Copper Site in Denitrification
Authors: Anju Balakrishnan S. , Nair Neeraja R. , Kundu Subrata 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNitrite (NO2−) and nitric oxide (NO) interconversion is crucial for maintaining optimum NO flux in mammalian physiology. Herein we demonstrate that [L2CuII(nitrite)]+ moieties (in 2 a and 2 b; where, L = Me2PzPy and Me2PzQu) with distorted octahedral geometry undergo facile reduction to provide tetrahedral [L2CuI]+ (in 3 a and 3 b) and NO in the presence of biologically relevant reductants, such as 4‐methoxy‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (4‐MeO‐2,6‐DTBP, a tyrosine model) and N‐benzyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinamide (BNAH, a NAD(P)H model). Interestingly, the reaction of excess NO gas with [L2CuII(MeCN)2]2+ (in 1 a) provides a putative {CuNO}10 species, which is effective in mediating the nitrosation of various nucleophiles, such as thiol and amine. Generation of the transient {CuNO}10 species in wet acetonitrile leads to NO2− as assessed by Griess assay and 14N/15N‐FTIR analyses. A detailed study reveals that the bidirectional NOx‐reactivity, namely, nitrite reductase (NIR) and NO oxidase (NOO), at a common CuII site, is governed by the geometric‐preference‐driven facile CuII/CuI redox process. Of broader interest, this study not only highlights potential strategies for the design of copper‐based catalysts for nitrite reduction, but also strengthens the previous postulates regarding the involvement of red copper proteins in denitrification.
Super‐fast Charging Biohybrid Batteries through a Power‐to‐formate‐to‐bioelectricity Process by Combining Microbial Electrochemistry and CO2 Electrolysis
Authors: Chu Na , Jiang Yong , Wang Donglin , Li Daping , Zeng Raymond Jianxiong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractExtensive study on renewable energy storage has been sparked by the growing worries regarding global warming. In this study, incorporating the latest advancements in microbial electrochemistry and electrochemical CO2 reduction, a super‐fast charging biohybrid battery was introduced by using pure formic acid as an energy carrier. CO2 electrolyser with a slim‐catholyte layer and a solid electrolyte layer was built, which made it possible to use affordable anion exchange membranes and electrocatalysts that are readily accessible. The biohybrid battery only required a 3‐minute charging to accomplish an astounding 25‐hour discharging phase. In the power‐to‐formate‐to‐bioelectricity process, bioconversion played a vital role in restricting both the overall Faradaic efficiency and Energy efficiency. The CO2 electrolyser was able to operate continuously for an impressive total duration of 164 hours under Gas Stand‐By model, by storing N2 gas in the extraction chamber during stand‐by periods. Additionally, the electric signal generated during the discharging phase was utilized for monitoring water biotoxicity. Functional genes related to formate metabolism were identified in the bioanode and electrochemically active bacteria were discovered. On the other hand, Paracoccus was predominantly found in the used air cathode. These results advance our current knowledge of exploiting biohybrid technology.
Time‐Resolved Product Observation for CO2 Electroreduction Using Synchronised Electrochemistry‐Mass Spectrometry with Soft Ionisation (sEC‐MS‐SI)
Authors: Zhang Guohui , Kucernak Anthony 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe mechanistic understanding of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) requires a rapid and accurate characterisation of product distribution to unravel the activity and selectivity, which is yet hampered by the lack of advanced correlative approaches. Here, we present the time‐resolved identification of CO2RR products by using the synchronised electrochemistry‐mass spectrometry (sEC‐MS). Transients in product formation can be readily captured in relation to electrochemical conditions. Moreover, a soft ionisation (SI) strategy is developed in MS for the direct observation of CO, immune to the interference of CO2 fragments. With the sEC‐MS‐SI, the kinetic information, such as Tafel slopes and onset potentials, for a myriad of CO2RR products are revealed and we show the hysteresis seen for the evolution of some species may originate from the potential‐driven changes in surface coverage of intermediates. This work provides a real‐time picture of the dynamic formation of CO2RR products.
The extreme heat wave of late July/early August 2021 in Greece under the context of the direct effect of anthropogenic greenhouse gases
Authors: Giannaros Christos , Dafis Stavros , Kotroni Vassiliki , Lagouvardos Konstantinos 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGreece is characterized by a significant warming trend in recent decades, accompanied by increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves (HWs). A particularly devastating HW that affected the country was the late July/early August 2021 event (JA2021HW), which lasted for 9 days (July 28–August 5). Focusing on the hottest day of the event (August 3), the main characteristics of JA2021HW are presented in the current study, using model reanalysis data and up to 11‐year observations derived from the dense network of ground‐based weather stations operated by the Meteo Unit at the National Observatory of Athens (NOA). This analysis highlights the severity of JA2021HW, especially in the central and southernmost regions of Greece. Most importantly, the impact of the direct effect of anthropogenic greenhouse gases to the examined extreme event, in terms of intensity and probability of occurrence, is examined by employing a regional 31‐member ensemble (ENS) modeling approach based on Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which is operationally used by NOA/Meteo. Firstly, WRF is validated under 7‐day lead‐time ENS simulations with current‐state greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations (GHG_2021 ENS), showing a robust model performance in replicating the JA2021HW's magnitude on August 3rd. Then, 7‐day lead‐time ENS simulations with the GHG concentrations reduced to the pre‐industrial (1854) levels (GHG_1854 ENS) are performed and compared to the GHG_2021 ENS experiment. The results reveal a contribution of the immediate anthropogenic warming due to the increased GHG concentrations to the JA2021HW intensity in West and South continental and insular Greece, which can be important in the framework of the human health impacts of extreme temperatures. For the event's occurrence probability, no robust evidence of any change could be derived. These statements are partially constrained by the fact that only the direct GHG effect on the timescale of a few days was examined.
Über einige Faktoren, welche die kathodische Überspannung bestimmen
Authors: Pring J. N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEs wurde: bewiesen, daß jene Prozesse, welche beim Uebergang vom ionisierten Zustand in den Molekularzustand oder in den freien Gaszustand bedingt sind, in dem Metallkörper vor sich gehen: die Ionen sind an das Metall bis in eine bestimmte Tiefe angelagert; daraus ergibt sich, daß die Polarisation ein Minimum aufweisen muß.Die Ergebnisse zeigen uns, daß eine gewisse Reaktion auf das Metall beim Uebergange vom ionisierten in den gasförmigen Zustand ausgeübt wird. Für eine Reihe von Metallen wurde auf einfache Weise die Tiefe, auf welche diese Reaktion beschränkt ist, direkt gemessen.Die Methode, welche zur Messung der Anodenpotentiale dient, wird weiterhin benutzt, um zu entscheiden, welcher Einfluß von den verschiedenen Gasen auf den Reaktionsraum ausgeübt wird, und um weitere Zahlenangaben über die Natur der Reaktionen zu erhalten, welche bei der Ionenentladung auftreten.Elektrochemisches Laboratorium der Universität Manchester.