bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and characterization of an aperture system and spot configuration for ocular treatments with a gantry‐based spot scanning proton beam
Authors: Hickling Susannah V. , Corner Stephen , Kruse Jon J. , Deisher Amanda J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeProton therapy is a key modality used in the treatment of ocular melanoma. Traditionally ocular sites are treated using a dedicated eyeline with a passively scattered proton beam and a brass aperture. This work aims to design and characterize a beam‐collimating aperture to treat ocular targets with a gantry‐based spot scanning proton beam.MethodsA plastic aperture system that slides into the gantry nozzle of a spot scanning proton beam was designed and constructed. It consists of an intermediate scraper layer to attenuate stray protons and a 3D‐printed patient‐specific aperture positioned 5.7 cm from the surface of the eye. The aperture system was modeled in TOPAS and Monte Carlo simulations were validated with film measurements. Two different spot configurations were investigated for treatment planning and characterized based on lateral penumbra, central axis (CAX) dose and relative efficiency. Alignment and leakage were investigated through experimental film measurements. Range was verified using a multi‐layer ionization chamber. Reference dose measurements were made with a PinPoint 3D ion chamber. Neutron dose was evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations.ResultsAperture alignment with radiation isocenter was determined to be within 0.31 mm at a gantry angle of 0°. A single‐spot configuration with a 10 mm diameter aperture yielded film‐measured lateral penumbras of 1 mm to 1.25 mm, depending on depth in the spread‐out Bragg peak. TOPAS simulations found that a single spot configuration results in a flat dose distribution for a 10 mm diameter aperture and provides a CAX dose of less than 106% for apertures less than 14 mm in diameter. For larger targets, adding four corner spots to fill in the dose distribution is beneficial. Trade‐offs between lateral penumbra, CAX dose and relative efficiency were characterized for different spot configurations and can be used for future clinical decision‐making. The aperture was experimentally determined to not affect proton beam range, and no concerning leakage radiation or neutron dose was identified. Reference dose measurements with a PinPoint ion chamber were within 2.1% of Monte Carlo calculated doses.ConclusionThe aperture system developed in this work provides a method of treating ocular sites on a gantry‐based spot scanning proton system. Additional work to develop compatible gaze tracking and gating infrastructure is ongoing.
Latent signal models: Learning compact representations of signal evolution for improved time‐resolved, multi‐contrast MRI
Authors: Arefeen Yamin , Xu Junshen , Zhang Molin , Dong Zijing , Wang Fuyixue , White Jacob , Bilgic Berkin , Adalsteinsson Elfar 
Published: April 2023

PurposeTo improve time‐resolved reconstructions by training auto‐encoders to learn compact representations of Bloch‐simulated signal evolution and inserting the decoder into the forward model.MethodsBuilding on model‐based nonlinear and linear subspace techniques, we train auto‐encoders on dictionaries of simulated signal evolution to learn compact, nonlinear, latent representations. The proposed latent signal model framework inserts the decoder portion of the auto‐encoder into the forward model and directly reconstructs the latent representation. Latent signal models essentially serve as a proxy for fast and feasible differentiation through the Bloch equations used to simulate signal. This work performs experiments in the context of T2‐shuffling, gradient echo EPTI, and MPRAGE‐shuffling. We compare how efficiently auto‐encoders represent signal evolution in comparison to linear subspaces. Simulation and in vivo experiments then evaluate if reducing degrees of freedom by incorporating our proxy for the Bloch equations, the decoder portion of the auto‐encoder, into the forward model improves reconstructions in comparison to subspace constraints.ResultsAn auto‐encoder with 1 real latent variable represents single‐tissue fast spin echo, EPTI, and MPRAGE signal evolution to within 0.15% normalized RMS error, enabling reconstruction problems with 3 degrees of freedom per voxel (real latent variable + complex scaling) in comparison to linear models with 4–8 degrees of freedom per voxel. In simulated/in vivo T2‐shuffling and in vivo EPTI experiments, the proposed framework achieves consistent quantitative normalized RMS error improvement over linear approaches. From qualitative evaluation, the proposed approach yields images with reduced blurring and noise amplification in MPRAGE‐shuffling experiments.ConclusionDirectly solving for nonlinear latent representations of signal evolution improves time‐resolved MRI reconstructions.
Quantitative MRI by nonlinear inversion of the Bloch equations
Authors: Scholand Nick , Wang Xiaoqing , Roeloffs Volkert , Rosenzweig Sebastian , Uecker Martin 
Published: April 2023

PurposeDevelopment of a generic model‐based reconstruction framework for multiparametric quantitative MRI that can be used with data from different pulse sequences.MethodsGeneric nonlinear model‐based reconstruction for quantitative MRI estimates parametric maps directly from the acquired k‐space by numerical optimization. This requires numerically accurate and efficient methods to solve the Bloch equations and their partial derivatives. In this work, we combine direct sensitivity analysis and pre‐computed state‐transition matrices into a generic framework for calibrationless model‐based reconstruction that can be applied to different pulse sequences. As a proof‐of‐concept, the method is implemented and validated for quantitative and mapping with single‐shot inversion‐recovery (IR) FLASH and IR bSSFP sequences in simulations, phantoms, and the human brain.ResultsThe direct sensitivity analysis enables a highly accurate and numerically stable calculation of the derivatives. The state‐transition matrices efficiently exploit repeating patterns in pulse sequences, speeding up the calculation by a factor of 10 for the examples considered in this work, while preserving the accuracy of native ordinary differential equations solvers. The generic model‐based method reproduces quantitative results of previous model‐based reconstructions based on the known analytical solutions for radial IR FLASH. For IR bSFFP it produces accurate and maps for the National Insitute of Standards and Technology (NIST) phantom in numerical simulations and experiments. Feasibility is also shown for human brain, although results are affected by magnetization transfer effects.ConclusionBy developing efficient tools for numerical optimizations using the Bloch equations as forward model, this work enables generic model‐based reconstruction for quantitative MRI.
Spectrally selective bSSFP using off‐resonant RF excitations permits high spatiotemporal resolution 3D metabolic imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Pyruvate‐to‐[1‐13C]lactate conversion
Authors: Skinner Jason G. , Topping Geoffrey J. , Nagel Luca , Heid Irina , Hundshammer Christian , Grashei Martin , van Heijster Frits H. A. , Braren Rickmer , Schilling Franz 
Published: April 2023

PurposeTo develop a high spatiotemporal resolution 3D dynamic pulse sequence for preclinical imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate‐to‐[1‐13C]lactate metabolism at 7T.MethodsA standard 3D balanced SSFP (bSSFP) sequence was modified to enable alternating‐frequency excitations. RF pulses with 2.33 ms duration and 900 Hz FWHM were placed off‐resonance of the target metabolites, [1‐13C]pyruvate (by approximately −245 Hz) and [1‐13C]lactate (by approximately 735 Hz), to selectively excite those resonances. Relatively broad bandwidth (compared to those metabolites' chemical shift offset) permits a short TR of 6.29 ms, enabling higher spatiotemporal resolution. Bloch equation simulations of the bSSFP response profile guided the sequence parameter selection to minimize spectral contamination between metabolites and preserve magnetization over time.ResultsBloch equation simulations, phantom studies, and in vivo studies demonstrated that the two target resonances could be cleanly imaged without substantial bSSFP banding artifacts and with little spectral contamination between lactate and pyruvate and from pyruvate hydrate. High spatiotemporal resolution 3D images were acquired of in vivo pyruvate‐lactate metabolism in healthy wild‐type and endogenous pancreatic tumor‐bearing mice, with 1.212 s acquisition time per single‐metabolite image and (1.75 mm)3 isotropic voxels with full mouse abdomen 56 × 28 × 21 mm3 FOV and fully‐sampled k‐space. Kidney and tumor lactate/pyruvate ratios of two consecutive measurements in one animal, 1 h apart, were consistent.ConclusionSpectrally selective bSSFP using off‐resonant RF excitations can provide high spatio‐temporal resolution 3D dynamic images of pyruvate‐lactate metabolic conversion.
Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome: Hindi translation and validation
Authors: Madaan Aishwarya , Chhapola Viswas , Tiwari Soumya 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundBladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is a common problem in school‐aged children and is evaluated using questionnaires. Among available questionnaires, “Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome” (VSSDES) is considered superior in validity and reliability. We translated VSSDES into Hindi and performed validity and reliability testing of Hindi‐VSSDES in children aged 4–16 years with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, we followed Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments recommendation to develop Hindi‐VSSDES. Forward‐translation–harmonization–back‐translation–expert committee review–prefinal version sequence of translation was followed by cognitive debriefing. One hundred and sixteen children with symptoms suggestive of LUTD and 106 healthy controls were recruited. Construct validity of Hindi‐VSSDES was assessed via structural validity (factor analysis) and hypotheses testing. In addition, test–retest reliability and internal‐consistency reliability were assessed.ResultsHindi‐VSSDES had acceptable face validity. Factor analysis identified four factors representing three domains. All a priori hypotheses were met. The questionnaire displayed excellent convergent validity and discriminative ability (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.83). The cutoff scores for screening and diagnosis were 7 and 11, respectively. Scores were comparable whether children self‐filled the questionnaire or parents were proxy. Scores in girls were significantly higher. It had an excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) and Cronbach's ɑ was 0.62. The smallest detectable change was 4.1 points. Median time to complete the questionnaire was 7 min and majority (91%) rated it as easy.ConclusionsHindi‐VSSDES is the first validated and reliable Hindi questionnaire for children with BBD. Clinimetric properties of responsiveness and interpretability are yet to be tested.
Measurement of neuro‐energetics and neurotransmission in the rat olfactory bulb using 1H and 1H–[13C] NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Chowdhury Golam M. I. , Behar Kevin L. , Mason Graeme F. , Rothman Douglas L. , de Graaf Robin A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe olfactory bulb (OB) plays a fundamental role in the sense of smell and has been implicated in several pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease. Despite its importance, high metabolic activity and unique laminar architecture, the OB is not frequently studied using MRS methods, likely due to the small size and challenging location. Here we present a detailed metabolic characterization of OB metabolism, in terms of both static metabolite concentrations using 1H MRS and metabolic fluxes associated with neuro‐energetics and neurotransmission by tracing the dynamic 13C flow from intravenously administered [1,6‐13C2]‐glucose, [2‐13C]‐glucose and [2‐13C]‐acetate to downstream metabolites, including [4‐13C]‐glutamate, [4‐13C]‐glutamine and [2‐13C]‐GABA. The unique laminar architecture and associated metabolism of the OB, distinctly different from that of the cerebral cortex, is characterized by elevated GABA and glutamine levels, as well as increased GABAergic and astroglial energy metabolism and neurotransmission. The results show that, despite the technical challenges, high‐quality 1H and 1H–[13C] MR spectra can be obtained from the rat OB in vivo. The derived metabolite concentrations and metabolic rates demonstrate a unique metabolic profile for the OB. The metabolic model provides a solid basis for future OB studies on functional activation or pathological conditions.
Registration of ‘ND Victory’ green field pea
Authors: Bandillo Nonoy , Worral Hannah , Forster Shana M. , Stefaniak Thomas , Piche Lisa , Ross Andrew , Jain Shalu , Pasche Julie S. , Kalil Audrey , Wunsch Michael , Ebert Malaika , Rao Jiajia , Ostlie Michael H. , Schatz Blaine G. , Rickertsen John R. , Wahlstrom Cameron , Miller Meridith , Jacobs Justin , Hanson Bryan K. , Martin Glenn B. , Franck William , Chen Chengci , McPhee Kevin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract‘ND Victory’ (Reg. no. CV‐31, PI 701908) is the first semi‐leafless, green cotyledon field pea cultivar (Pisum sativum L.) developed by the North Dakota State University Pulse Crops Breeding Program and approved for release by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. It has white flowers, opaque seed coat, and smooth, round seed. It is semi‐dwarf, with lodging score of 3.3/9 and canopy height of 57 cm. Based on 30 environments (location‐year) of replicated yield trials in North Dakota, seed yield of ND Victory (2847 kg ha−1) was similar to commercial cultivar ‘CDC Striker’ (2819 kg ha−1) but significantly greater than ‘Cruiser’ (2653 kg ha−1) and ‘Aragorn’ (2639 kg ha−1) by 7.3 and 7.9%, respectively. ND Victory was also tested across 14 environments in Montana, where it had an average seed yield of 3264 kg ha−1, which was similar to ‘Hampton’ (3355 kg ha−1) but significantly greater than Aragorn (3110 kg ha−1) by 4.9%. ND Victory matures in approximately 90 days. ND Victory is a high protein cultivar, with protein content of 25.2%, exceeding the premium protein threshold of 24%. ND Victory (20%) is resistant to powdery mildew and performed similarly with resistant check ‘Spider’ (15%) and had significantly lower disease severity than ‘Salamanca’ (97%, susceptible check) and CDC Striker (82%). In irrigated field trials conducted under high Ascochyta blight pressure, ND Victory (5%) had lower disease severity than ‘AC Agassiz’ (10%) and CDC Striker (14%). ND Victory and CDC Striker exhibited similar response but significantly lower severity than AC Agassiz to Fusarium root rot inoculated with multiple Fusarium species pathogenic to pea.
Access to psychosocial support for people with brain tumor and family members: Healthcare professional perspectives
Authors: Lion Katarzyna M. , Pike Kerryn E. , Dhillon Haryana M. , Koh Eng‐Siew , Pinkham Mark B. , Shaw Joanne , Halkett Georgia K. B. , Ownsworth Tamara 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesOngoing access to psychosocial support is important to maintain the well‐being of people with brain tumor (PwBT) and their families; yet, there is limited knowledge of psychosocial care access. This qualitative study aimed to develop an understanding of psychosocial support pathways specific to PwBT from the perspectives of Australian healthcare professionals.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 healthcare professionals working in hospital and community services supporting PwBT and their family members. Transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed thematically.ResultsThe three major themes identified were: (1) Challenges in fitting people into the care system within existing pathways; (2) Benefits of longer‐term care coordination and interdisciplinary connections; and (3) Brain tumor affects the whole family. Despite established psychosocial care pathways, service access varied and lacked continuity for individuals with lower‐grade glioma and benign tumors across the illness trajectory.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals recognize the need for improved access to care coordination and multidisciplinary psychosocial care tailored to the varying needs of PwBT and their families.
Pomegranate polyphenol punicalagin improves learning memory deficits, redox homeostasis, and neuroinflammation in aging mice
Authors: Chen Peng , Chen Fuchao , Lei Jiexin , Zhou Benhong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder characterized by loss of memory and cognitive dysfunction in the aged. Despite remarkable advances in drug therapy, effective pharmacological interventions are rare. Punicalagin (PU) is an active antioxidant polyphenol found in pomegranates, raspberries, blueberries, and chestnuts that has attracted considerable attention owing to its strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The current study focused on the neuroprotective effect of PU on aging mice and its potential mechanisms. In this study, we first evaluated the protective effect of PU on neuro‐2a (N2a) cell damage mediated by BV2 microglia‐induced neuroinflammation. The in vivo D‐galactose (D‐gal)‐induced brain aging model demonstrated that PU ameliorated deficits in learning and memory and prevented neuroinflammation, which was evident from the decrease in microglial activation and astrocytosis. Furthermore, PU reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐a), interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) in both accelerated aging and naturally senescent mouse models. PU effectively improved neuroinflammation, learning and memory deficits, and redox homeostasis in aging mice, and it could be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
Quantitative description and characteristics of submeso motion and turbulence intermittency
Authors: Ren Yan , Zhang Hongsheng , Zhang Lei , Liang Jiening 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTurbulence intermittency driven by submeso motions limits the progress of turbulence theory. Field observations from the Horqin Atmospheric Boundary‐Layer and Environment Experimental Station, China were used to investigate turbulence intermittency. An automated algorithm to Separate and reconstruct Submeso and Turbulent motions (SST) was improved for more accurately extraction and quantitative characterization of submeso motions. The existing intermittency intensity indexes, the local intermittency strength of turbulence (LIST) and intermittency strength (IS), which are based on kinetic energy only, are revised by considering the potential energy of submeso and turbulent motions to quantify intermittency intensity more comprehensively. The analysis of eight cases revealed that turbulent intermittency events are characterized by quiescent (pulsation, material, and energy transportation are weak) and burst (pulsation, material, and energy transportation fluctuate violently) periods. The conversion of both the kinetic and potential energy of submeso to turbulent motion contributes to the transition from quiescent to burst periods. The transition always occurs after <0 (the total energy difference between the submeso motion and turbulence), followed by a significant increase in . Atmospheric stability decreases during the transition from quiescent to burst periods in most cases. In a totally intermittent night, the burst periods take up most of the material and energy transport, and the amount transported is not smaller than that during a totally turbulent night. The weaker the intermittency at night, the greater the capacity of turbulent transport. A comparison of five types of turbulence intermittency intensity indexes highlights the consistency and advantages between LIST (IS) and indexes in the literature. Finally, we found that turbulent intermittency events tended to occur more easily in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) with small winds (U < 2 m s−1) or stable stratification (Rib > 1), although they can also occur in ABL with unstable stratification and in the non‐stationary state of the day–night transition.
Recent Progress and Challenges in Faradic Capacitive Desalination: From Mechanism to Performance
Authors: Hao Zewei , Sun Xiaoqi , Chen Jiabin , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Yalei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDue to substantial consumption and widespread contamination of the available freshwater resources, green, economical, and sustainable water recycling technologies are urgently needed. Recently, Faradic capacitive deionization (CDI), an emerging desalination technology, has shown great desalination potential due to its high salt removal ability, low consumption, and hardly any co‐ion exclusion effect. However, the ion removal mechanisms and structure–property relationships of Faradic CDI are still unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the current research progress and challenges of Faradic CDI. In this review, the recent progress of Faradic CDI from five aspects is systematically reviewed: cell architectures, desalination mechanisms, evaluation indicators, operation modes, and electrode materials. The working mechanisms of Faradic CDI are classified as insertion reaction, conversion reaction, ion‐redox species interaction, and ion‐redox couple interaction in the electrolytes. The intrinsic and desalination properties of a series of Na+ and Cl− capturing materials are described in detail in terms of design concepts, structural analysis, and synthesis modulation. In addition, the effects of different cell architectures, operation modes, and electrode materials on the desalination performance of Faradic CDI are also investigated. Finally, the work summarizes the challenges remaining in Faradic CDI and provides the prospects and directions for future development.
Thermodynamically and Kinetically Stabilized Pt Clusters Against Sintering on CeO2 Nanofibers Through Enclosing CeO2 Nanocubes
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Suting , Tang Mingyu , Fu Wanlin , Wang Yunpeng , Yin Kuibo , Dai Yunqian 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSintering is a major concern for the deactivation of supported metals catalysts, which is driven by the force of decreasing the total surface energy of the entire catalytic system. In this work, a double‐confinement strategy is demonstrated to stabilize 2.6 nm‐Pt clusters against sintering on electrospun CeO2 nanofibers decorated by CeO2 nanocubes (m‐CeO2). Thermodynamically, with the aid of CeO2‐nanocubes, the intrinsically irregular surface of polycrystalline CeO2 nanofibers becomes smooth, offering adjacent Pt clusters with decreased chemical potential differences on a relatively uniform surface. Kinetically, the Pt clusters are physically restricted on each facet of CeO2 nanocubes in a nanosized region. In situ high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) observation reveals that the Pt clusters can be stabilized up to 800 °C even in a high density, which is far beyond their Tammann temperature, without observable size growth or migration. Such a sinter‐resistant catalytic system is endowed with boosted catalytic activity toward both the hydrogenation of p‐nitrophenol after being aged at 500 °C and the sinter‐promoting exothermic oxidation reactions (e.g., soot oxidation) at high temperatures over 700 °C. This work offers new opportunities for exploring sinter‐resistant nanocatalysts, starting from the rational design of whole catalytic system in terms of thermodynamic and kinetic aspects.