bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brachytherapy evolution as seen today
Authors: Beaulieu Luc , Rivard Mark J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWhile brachytherapy is the oldest form of radiation therapy, it is also a very exciting field from both physics and clinical perspectives. From the physics standpoint, brachytherapy dosimetry is largely being governed by the inverse‐square law, leading to an unparalleled dose deposition kernel (dose emitted by a seed or single dwell position), even compared to proton or heavy‐ion beamlets. There is slightly more dose beyond the central deposition point, but comparatively very little prior to it, that is, little or no entrance dose! It is easy to sum multiple dwell positions that cover a tumor, and the intensity can be modulated quite effectively using dwell times. From a clinical perspective, what sets brachytherapy apart from other intraoperative modalities (e.g., laser, radiofrequency, cryogenic) is our ability to precisely calculate the energy deposited across the relevant patient geometry, anticipate the effect from known dose‐outcome relationships, and deliver that energy with exquisite control and selectively to the target volume while sparing organs at risks. This targeting ability has improved substantially over the last two decades. It is built upon key foundational elements, many of which stem from the research and development within our medical physics community. This article provides an overview of these elements that combine to make brachytherapy a successful and developing radiotherapy modality.
Evaluation of a calibration rig for stereo laparoscopes
Authors: Dowrick Thomas , Xiao Guofang , Nikitichev Daniil , Dursun Eren , van Berkel Niels , Allam Moustafa , Koo Bongjin , Ramalhinho Joao , Thompson Stephen , Gurusamy Kurinchi , Blandford Ann , Stoyanov Danail , Davidson Brian R. , Clarkson Matthew J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundAccurate camera and hand‐eye calibration are essential to ensure high‐quality results in image‐guided surgery applications. The process must also be able to be undertaken by a nonexpert user in a surgical setting.PurposeThis work seeks to identify a suitable method for tracked stereo laparoscope calibration within theater.MethodsA custom calibration rig, to enable rapid calibration in a surgical setting, was designed. The rig was compared against freehand calibration. Stereo reprojection, stereo reconstruction, tracked stereo reprojection, and tracked stereo reconstruction error metrics were used to evaluate calibration quality.ResultsUse of the calibration rig reduced mean errors: reprojection (1.47 mm [SD 0.13] vs. 3.14 mm [SD 2.11], p‐value 1e−8), reconstruction (1.37 px [SD 0.10] vs. 10.10 px [SD 4.54], p‐value 6e−7), and tracked reconstruction (1.38 mm [SD 0.10] vs. 12.64 mm [SD 4.34], p‐value 1e−6) compared with freehand calibration. The use of a ChArUco pattern yielded slightly lower reprojection errors, while a dot grid produced lower reconstruction errors and was more robust under strong global illumination.ConclusionThe use of the calibration rig results in a statistically significant decrease in calibration error metrics, versus freehand calibration, and represents the preferred approach for use in the operating theater.
Latent anxiety and depression dimensions differ amongst patients with eating disorders: A Swedish nationwide investigation
Authors: Hübel Christopher , Birgegård Andreas , Johansson Therese , Petersen Liselotte V. , Isomaa Rasmus , Herle Moritz 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveAnxiety and depression symptoms are common in individuals with eating disorders. To study these co‐occurrences, we need high‐quality self‐report questionnaires. The 19‐item self‐rated Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale for Affective Syndromes (CPRS‐S‐A) is not validated in patients with eating disorders. We tested its factor structure, invariance, and differences in its latent dimensions.MethodPatients were registered by 45 treatment units in the Swedish nationwide Stepwise quality assurance database for specialised eating disorder care (n = 9509). Patients self‐reported their anxiety and depression symptoms on the CPRS‐S‐A. Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in split samples, and testing of invariance and differences in subscales across eating disorder types.ResultsResults suggested a four‐factor solution: Depression, Somatic and fear symptoms, Disinterest, and Worry. Multigroup CFA indicated an invariant factor structure. We detected the following differences: Patients with anorexia nervosa binge‐eating/purging subtype scored the highest and patients with unspecified feeding and eating disorders the lowest on all subscales. Patients with anorexia nervosa or purging disorder show more somatic and fear symptoms than individuals with either bulimia nervosa or binge‐eating disorder.ConclusionOur four‐factor solution of the CPRS‐S‐A is suitable for patients with eating disorders and may help to identify differences in anxiety and depression dimensions amongst patients with eating disorders.
Surfacing Response Thresholds of Blue Catfish Exposed to Low-Frequency Electrofishing
Authors: Montague Graham F. , Shoup Daniel E. , Zentner Douglas L. , Snow Richard A. , Cooney Patrick B. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Increasingly, management efforts are being directed at Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus native and invasive populations; however, a lack of standardized sampling procedures using low-frequency electrofishing (LFE) has hampered the ability to collect comparable data across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, we conducted wetlab LFE trials to determine optimal power densities that elicit a capture-prone surfacing response by Blue Catfish. We tested power density applied to the fish (Dm) from 4.69 × 10−6 to 3.65 μW/cm3 and trials with at least one surfacing fish occurred between Dm values of 2.144 × 10−5 and 0.854 μW/cm3. Trials in which ≥50% of fish surfaced all occurred at Dm values between 9.29 × 10−5 and 0.2084 μW/cm3. Even within this narrower range, responses were variable and included trials where no fish surfaced, indicating a wide range of response rates across all power levels tested. Our results suggest that a power density applied to the fish (Dm) between 9.29 × 10−5 and 0.2084 μW/cm3 is most likely to elicit a surfacing response in Blue Catfish, thus exposing them for capture. Further research is needed to map power densities over a range of distances from the electrode (i.e., relating power at the electrode [Pa] with power density in the water [Da]) before standard power tables can be produced. Until this information becomes available, we recommend using the power tables from Bonar et al. (2009) because these allow effective capture of catfishes and will standardize the effectiveness until a better power table could be produced for LFE. Additional research is needed to better understand the Blue Catfish's unique electroreceptive mechanism that drives variability in the response to LFE and whether the proportion of fish surfacing is consistent enough to use catch per unit effort as an index of abundance.
Classifying metal‐binding sites with neural networks
Authors: Oostrom Marjolein , Akers Sarah , Garrett Noah , Hanson Emma , Shaw Wendy , Laureanti Joseph A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTo advance our ability to predict impacts of the protein scaffold on catalysis, robust classification schemes to define features of proteins that will influence reactivity are needed. One of these features is a protein's metal‐binding ability, as metals are critical to catalytic conversion by metalloenzymes. As a step toward realizing this goal, we used convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to enable the classification of a metal cofactor binding pocket within a protein scaffold. CNNs enable images to be classified based on multiple levels of detail in the image, from edges and corners to entire objects, and can provide rapid classification. First, six CNN models were fine‐tuned to classify the 20 standard amino acids to choose a performant model for amino acid classification. This model was then trained in two parallel efforts: to classify a 2D image of the environment within a given radius of the central metal binding site, either an Fe ion or a [2Fe‐2S] cofactor, with the metal visible (effort 1) or the metal hidden (effort 2). We further used two sub‐classifications of the [2Fe‐2S] cofactor: (1) a standard [2Fe‐2S] cofactor and (2) a Rieske [2Fe‐2S] cofactor. The accuracy for the model correctly identifying all three defined features was >95%, despite our perception of the increased challenge of the metalloenzyme identification. This demonstrates that machine learning methodology to classify and distinguish similar metal‐binding sites, even in the absence of a visible cofactor, is indeed possible and offers an additional tool for metal‐binding site identification in proteins.
Clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of amphicrine prostate cancer
Authors: Graham Laura S. , Haffner Michael C. , Sayar Erolcan , Gawne Agnes , Schweizer Michael T. , Pritchard Colin C. , Coleman Ilsa , Nelson Peter S. , Yu Evan Y. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundAmphicrine prostate carcinoma (AMPC) is a poorly defined subset of prostate cancer in which cells co‐express luminal prostate epithelial and neuroendocrine markers. The optimal treatment strategy is unknown. We sought to further characterize the clinical, histomorphologic, and molecular characteristics of AMPC and to identify areas of potential future treatment investigations.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 17 cases of AMPC at a single institution, defined as synaptophysin expression in >70% of cells and co‐expression of androgen receptor (AR) signaling markers (either AR, PSA, or NKX3.1) in >50% of cells. Clinical and histologic features of AMPC cases as well as response to treatment and clinical outcomes were described.ResultsFive AMPC cases arose de novo in the absence of prior systemic treatment and behaved distinctly from cases that were treatment‐emergent. In these de novo cases, despite expression of neuroendocrine markers, prognosis appeared more favorable than high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, with two (40%) patients with de novo metastatic disease, universal response to androgen deprivation therapy, and no deaths at a median follow‐up of 12.3 months. Treatment‐emergent AMPC arose a median of 41.1 months after androgen deprivation therapy initiation and was associated with poor response to therapy.ConclusionsWe show that amphicrine prostate cancer is a unique entity and differs in clinical and molecular features from high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinomas of the prostate. Our study highlights the need to recognize AMPC as a unique molecularly defined subgroup of prostate cancer.
The combined effects of microbial insecticides and sodium chloride on the development and emergence of Chironomus xanthus
Authors: Dornelas Aline Silvestre Pereira , Pestana João L.T. , de Souza Saraiva Althiéris , Barbosa Rone Silva , Cavallini Grasiele Soares , Gravato Carlos , da Maia Soares Amadeu Mortágua Velho , Sarmento Renato Almeida 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundFreshwater organisms are facing increasing salinity levels, not only due to natural environmental processes, but also human activities, which can cause several physiological adaptations to osmotic stress. Additionally, these organisms might also have to deal with contamination by microbial insecticides. Our main goal was to use Chironomus xanthus to assess the chronic effects of increasing the salinity and commercial formulations of the microbial insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis subs. kurstaki (Btk) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) as active ingredients, respectively.ResultsA significant interaction of growth was observed between the biopesticide based on Bb and NaCl on the larvae of C. xanthus. Single exposure to NaCl and each one of the formulations demonstrated deleterious impacts not only on larval development, but also on the emergence success and emergence time of this nontarget insect, with potential consequences for freshwater ecosystems due to cascading effects.ConclusionThe chronic effects induced by both bioinsecticides show that these formulations can have environmental impacts on nontarget freshwater insects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Metallomics in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients
Authors: El‐Kersh Karim , Hopkins C. Danielle , Wu Xiaoyong , Rai Shesh N. , Cave Matthew C. , Smith M. Ryan , Go Young‐Mi , Jones Dean P. , Cai Lu , Huang Jiapeng 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prevalence is increasing worldwide, and the prognosis is poor with 5‐year survival < 50% in high risk patients. The relationship between metal exposure/essential metal dyshomeostasis and PAH/right ventricular dysfunction is less investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate vegetable consumptions and metal levels between PAH patients and controls. This was a prospective, single center pilot study. Questionnaires were completed by all study subjects (20 PAH patients and 10 healthy controls) on smoking, metal exposure risks, metal supplements, and vegetable consumptions. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure 25 metal levels in blood, plasma, and urine using an X Series II quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS 9.5 and results with p value < 0.05 were considered significant. Vegetables consumptions (broccoli risk ratio [RR] = 0.4, CI = (0.2, 0.9)], cabbage [RR = 0.2, CI = (0.1, 0.8)], and brussel sprouts [RR = 0.2, CI = (0.1, 0.5)]) are associated with less risks of PAH. In the plasma samples, silver (p < 0.001), and copper (p = 0.002) levels were significantly higher in PAH patients. There was significant positive correlation between cardiac output and cardiac index with plasma levels of silver (r = 0.665, p = 0.001 and r = 0.678 p = 0.001), respectively. There was significant correlation between mixed venous saturation, 6‐min walk distance, and last BNP with plasma levels of chromium (r = −0.520, p = 0.022; r = −0.55, p = 0.014; r = 0.463, p = 0.039), respectively. In conclusion, there are significant differences between PAH and control groups in terms of vegetable consumptions and metal concentrations. Silver and chromium levels are correlated with clinical indicators of PAH severities.
Validation of cardiac index measured by four‐dimensional cardiac magnetic resonance flow against the invasively measured cardiac index in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Romeih Soha , Elkafrawy Fatma , Shaaban Mahmoud , Hassan Ahmed , Samuel Irini , Gergis Micheal , El mozy Wesam , Yacoub Magdi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to validate cardiac index (CI) measured noninvasively by four‐dimensional (4D) and two‐dimensional (2D) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) flows against the invasively measured CI by right heart catheterization (RHC) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Thirty patients with PH (mean age: 32 ± 10 years) were included. 4D and 2D flow measured CI within 24 h from RHC measured CI invasively. Qualitative analysis of 4D pulmonary flow (vortex presence and eccentricity of flow) was performed.All patients had helical right‐sided flow with vortex formation; the mean vortex diameter was 29 ± 7 mm, occupying 69% of the main pulmonary artery (MPA) lumen. MPA was dilated (42 ± 9 mm). Mean CI measured by 4D flow CMR was closer to mean CI measured invasively (indirect Fick method CI = 2.1 ± 0.8 L/min/m2 vs. PA 4D flow = 2.3 ± 0.7 L/min/m2 “bias 0.22 ± 0.25 L/min, p = 0.001,” and Ao 4D flow = 2.3 ± 0.7 L/min/m2 “bias 0.2 ± 0.28 L/min, p = 0.001”), while 2D flow had a higher mean CI (PA 2D flow = 2.5 ± 0.7 L/min/m2 “bias 0.45 ± 0.7 L/min, p = 0.001” and Ao 2D flow = 2.5 ± 0.8 L/min/m2 “bias 0.45 ± 0.67 L/min, p = 0.001”). The correlation coefficients among the different comparisons of CI showed: a low correlation between the 2D flow‐indirect Fick method (Ao r2 = 0.37, PA r2 = 0.32) and a high correlation between the 4D flow‐indirect Fick method (Ao r2 = 0.86, PA r2 = 0.89).There is an excellent agreement between CI measured by 4D flow and CI measured invasively. 4D flow, a noninvasive imaging technique, could accurately measure CI better than the conventional 2D flow in patients with PH.
Electronic and Excitonic Properties of MSi2Z4 Monolayers
Authors: Woźniak Tomasz , Umm‐e‐hani  , Faria Junior Paulo E. , Ramzan Muhammad S. , Kuc Agnieszka B. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMA2Z4 monolayers form a new class of hexagonal non‐centrosymmetric materials hosting extraordinary spin‐valley physics. While only two compounds (MoSi2N4 and WSi2N4) are recently synthesized, theory predicts interesting (opto)electronic properties of a whole new family of such two‐dimensional (2D) materials. Here, the chemical trends of band gaps and spin‐orbit splittings of bands in selected MSi2Z4 (M = Mo, W; Z = N, P, As, Sb) compounds are studied from first‐principles. Effective Bethe–Salpeter‐equation‐based calculations reveal high exciton binding energies. Evolution of excitonic energies under external magnetic field is predicted by providing their effective g‐factors and diamagnetic coefficients, which can be directly compared to experimental values. In particular, large positive g‐factors are predicted for excitons involving higher conduction bands. In view of these predictions, MSi2Z4 monolayers yield a new platform to study excitons and are attractive for optoelectronic devices, also in the form of heterostructures. In addition, a spin‐orbit induced bands inversion is observed in the heaviest studied compound, WSi2Sb4, a hallmark of its topological nature.
Covalently Grafted Biomimetic Matrix Reconstructs the Regenerative Microenvironment of the Porous Gradient Polycaprolactone Scaffold to Accelerate Bone Remodeling
Authors: Liu Quanying , Chen Manyu , Gu Peiyang , Tong Lei , Wang Peilei , Zhu Jiayi , Xu Yang , Lu Gonggong , Luo En , Liang Jie , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong , Sun Yong 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntegrating a biomimetic extracellular matrix to improve the microenvironment of 3D printing scaffolds is an emerging strategy for bone substitute design. Here, a “soft–hard” bone implant (BM‐g‐DPCL) consisting of a bioactive matrix chemically integrated on a polydopamine (PDA)‐coated porous gradient scaffold by polyphenol groups is constructed. The PDA‐coated “hard” scaffolds promoted Ca2+ chelation and mineral deposition; the “soft” bioactive matrix is beneficial to the migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells in vitro, accelerated endogenous stem cell recruitment, and initiated rapid angiogenesis in vivo. The results of the rabbit cranial defect model (Φ = 10 mm) confirmed that BM‐g‐DPCL promoted the integration between bone tissue and implant and induced the deposition of bone matrix. Proteomics confirmed that cytokine adhesion, biomineralization, rapid vascularization, and extracellular matrix formation are major factors that accelerate bone defect healing. This strategy of highly chemically bonded soft–hard components guided the construction of the bioactive regenerative scaffold.
Rhenium Suppresses Iridium (IV) Oxide Crystallization and Enables Efficient, Stable Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Huo Wenjing , Zhou Xuemei , Jin Yuwei , Xie Canquan , Yang Shuo , Qian Jinjie , Cai Dong , Ge Yongjie , Qu Yongquan , Nie Huagui , Yang Zhi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIrO2as benchmark electrocatalyst for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) suffers from its low activity and poor stability. Modulating the coordination environment of IrO2by chemical doping is a methodology to suppress Ir dissolution and tailor adsorption behavior of active oxygen intermediates on interfacial Ir sites. Herein, the Re‐doped IrO2with low crystallinity is rationally designed as highly active and robust electrocatalysts for acidic OER. Theoretical calculations suggest that the similar ionic sizes of Ir and Re impart large spontaneous substitution energy and successfully incorporate Re into the IrO2lattice. Re‐doped IrO2exhibits a much larger migration energy from IrO2surface (0.96 eV) than other dopants (Ni, Cu, and Zn), indicating strong confinement of Re within the IrO2lattice for suppressing Ir dissolution. The optimal catalysts (Re: 10 at%) exhibit a low overpotential of 255 mV at 10 mA cm−2and a high stability of 170 h for acidic OER. The comprehensive mechanism investigations demonstrate that the unique structural arrangement of the Ir active sites with Re‐dopant imparts high performance of catalysts by minimizing Ir dissolution, facilitating *OH adsorption and *OOH deprotonation, and lowering kinetic barrier during OER. This study provides a methodology for designing highly‐performed catalysts for energy conversion.
A high‐safety, flame‐retardant cellulose‐based separator with encapsulation structure for lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Fu Jinzhou , Wang Hanwei , Du Zhichen , Liu Yao , Sun Qingfeng , Li Huiqiao 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe safety issues of lithium‐ion batteries have received attention because flammable organic electrolytes are used. Also, the commercial polyolefin separator will undergo severe thermal shrinkage when the internal temperature of the battery increases to 130–160°C, which increases the risk. Therefore, the development of a high thermal stability and high‐safety separator is an effective strategy to improve battery safety. Herein, we design a green, cellulose‐based separator (Cel@DBDPE) with a unique encapsulation structure for lithium‐ion batteries, in which functional flame retardants (DBDPE) are wrapped in microscrolls formed by the self‐rolling of 2D cellulose nanosheets upon freeze‐drying. This structure can firmly anchor DBDPE particles in the separator to prevent them from undergoing exfoliation and does not affect the properties of the separator, such as the thickness and the pore structure. Compared with commercial polypropylene, Cel@DBDPE has excellent thermal stability and flame retardancy. The former makes it less prone to thermal shrinkage and the latter can effectively prevent the combustion of the electrolyte, showing an efficient self‐extinguishing ability. Moreover, the Cel@DBDPE is only 15 μm in size and has competitive properties comparable to polypropylene. Thus, there is no sacrifice in the electrochemical performance of battery when the Cel@DBDPE is used as separator. This study provides a new structural design for the construction of a high‐safety separator.
Towards a sustainable integrated management approach to uncertainty surrounding COVID‐19
Authors: Nguyen Tiep , Hallo Leonie , Chileshe Nicholas , Nguyen Nghia Hoai 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTraditional approaches to system management are not suited to highly uncertain conditions. Hard system approaches with a top‐down management approach are often used to manage well‐defined systems that are not easily able to cope with uncertainty. Soft system approaches of the with bottom‐up or participative style may cause a lack of conformance to industry standards. Few studies have investigated these approaches within the context of COVID‐19 pandemic. Therefore, this paper aims to use the philosophy of Total Systems Intervention to investigate the applicability of an integrated management approach to cope with the uncertainty of COVID‐19. Three different countries from Europe, Oceania and Asia are selected as typical case studies to clarify the strengths and weaknesses of differing management approaches. The case studies demonstrate that using an integrated management approach can potentially assist decision‐makers to deal with crises and conclusively reveal the superiority of the integrated approach, independent of cultural milieu.