bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience with Intraoperative Radiation Therapy in an Urban Cancer Center
Authors: Andraos Therese Youssef , Skalina Karin A. , Feldman Sheldon , Mehta Keyur , Tome Wolfgang A. , McEvoy Maureen P. , Gupta Anjuli , Fox Jana L. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background/Objective:
Intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT) is a newer partial breast irradiation technique that has been well studied in 2 large, randomized trials, the TARGIT-A and ELIOT trials. We initiated our IORT program in 2018 in the context of a registry trial and aim to report our early results thus far.
Methods:
We instituted an IORT practice using Intrabeam® low energy 50kVp x-rays for selected breast cancer cases in 2018. Patients were enrolled on our institutional registry protocol which allowed for IORT in ER+ patients with grade 1-2 DCIS ≤ 2.5cm or invasive disease ≤ 3.5cm in patients of at least 45 years of age.
Results:
Between January 2018 and December 2021, 181 patients with clinical stage 0-IIA ER+ breast cancer were evaluated. One hundred sixty-seven patients ultimately received IORT to 172 sites.
The majority of patients received IORT at the time of initial diagnosis and surgery (160/167; 95.8%).
Re-excision post IORT occurred in 16/167 patients (9.6%) due to positive margins. Adjuvant RT to the whole breast +/- LN was ultimately given to 23/167 (13.8%) patients mainly due to positive sentinel LN found on final pathology (12/23; 52%); other reasons were close margins for DCIS (3/23; 13%), tumor size (3/23; 4.3%), and multifactorial (5/23; 17.4%).
Five patients (3%) had post-operative complications of wound dehiscence. There were 3 local recurrences (1.6%) at a median follow-up of 27.9 months (range: 0.7– 54.8 months).
Conclusions:
IORT has been proven to be a safe and patient-centered form of local adjuvant RT for our population, in whom compliance with a longer course of external beam radiation can be an issue. Long term efficacy remains to be evaluated through continued follow up. In the era of COVID-19 and beyond, IORT has been an increasingly attractive option, as it greatly minimizes toxicities and patient visits to the clinic.
Trial Registration: All patients were prospectively enrolled on an institutional review board-approved registry trial (IRB number: 2018-9409).
Mg Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH)-assisted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) grafting on poly-2-aminothiazole (PAT) /chitosan (CS)-blend matrix for Cd2+ removal and 4-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Rostami Mohammad Saeid , Khodaei Mohammad Mehdi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The present study evaluated the performance of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)@MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles loaded on poly-2 aminothiazole (PAT)/chitosan (CS) matrix to remove Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution. We created a new PAT-based adsorbent by mixing PAT and CS nanoparticles, and surface modification by MWCNT@LDHs. For preparing the adsorbent, first, the PAT surface was modified by CS as an excellent candidate with a large number of –OH functional groups for interfacial adhesion improvement of the composite and enhancing the adsorption of the polymer. Then, to the homogeneous distribution of MWCNT in the matrix (CS/PAT), the surface of the functionalized MWCNT (MWCNT-COOH) was covalently modified by LDHs. Finally, the nanocomposite (NC) films were fabricated by ultrasonication using various loadings (30–70 wt %) of MWCNT@LDH. The prepared films were labelled CP-30%, CP-50%, and CP-70%. By adding MWCNT@LDH to the matrix network, the removal efficiency was increased significantly compared to CS/PAT. The influence of heavy metal ion concentration, pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and contact time on the adsorption. The maximum absorption capacity of 1106.19 mg/g was measured for Cd2+. The pseudo-first-order kinetics (PFO) and the Langmuir model were selected as the best models for the adsorption process. Also, the NC was successfully tested for p-nitrophenol (p-NP) reduction in the presence of NaBH4. The reaction was nearly completed in 6 min. Studies showed that the fabricated NC could be reused for three consecutive cycles.
Lifetime of Sunspots and Pores
Authors: Tlatov Andrey 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The lifetime of individual sunspots and pores is analyzed according to the data of the processing of observations of the HMI/SDO space Observatory in the period 2010-2022. It is found that the lifetime of individual sunspots and pores differs from the Gnevyshev–Waldmeier rule formulated for groups of sunspots. The dependence of the lifetime has a different pattern for different types of spots. For pores, the lifetime does not depend on the polarity of the magnetic field and has a logarithmic form from the area: Tpr = 0.24(±0.01)+0.55(±0.14)·log(Smx). For regular sunspots with a developed penumbra, the dependence on the area has a linear form, but depends on the polarity of the magnetic field. For sunspots with a magnetic field of the leading polarity: Tldsp = −0.62 (±0, 2)+0.036 (±0.002)·Smx. For sunspots of trailing polarity: Ttrsp = 0.95(±0, 1) + 0.01(±0.001) · Smx.The decay time and the total lifetime of sunspots is related to the rate of matter flow in sunspots. The average vertical speed of matter in sunspots decreases with their increasing area. Moreover, the flow rate of matter in the sunspots of the trailing polarity is higher than in the sunspots of the leading polarity. This difference in the velocity of matter explains the difference in the lifetime of the sunspots of the leading and trailing magnetic polarity.
Different splice isoforms of peripheral TREM2 mRNA expressions are associated with cognitive decline in mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and reflect central microglia activation
Authors: Chiang Yi-Kuan , Lin Yung-Shuan , Chen Chun-Yu , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Yang Yu-Hsiu , Lee Wei-Ju , Fuh Jong-Ling 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is upregulated in activated microglia and may be related to cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is conflicting evidence regarding the association of peripheral levels of TREM2 mRNA expression and soluble TREM2 (the extracellular domain of TREM2) with cognitive function in patients with AD. The correlation between peripheral TREM2 mRNA expression and neuroinflammation is unclear.
Methods
We recruited subjects with mild dementia due to AD (clinical dementia rating = 0.5 or 1) and healthy controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed using two types of primers. One detects all peripheral TREM2 mRNA isoforms, and the other is specific for TREM2alt. In a subgroup of patients with AD, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to measure the myo-inositol (mI) level in the posterior cingulate cortex, which is considered a marker for microglial activation. We analyzed the difference in mRNA expression between the two groups and the association between mRNA expression and cognition and mI levels.
Results
We recruited 61 patients with AD and 51 healthy controls. A one-way analysis of covariance adjusted for covariates showed higher TREM2 and TREM2alt mRNA expression levels in the AD group than in the control group (p = 0.013 and p = 0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis and linear regression examining the association between the mRNA expression levels and mini-mental state examination score showed a positive correlation in patients with AD (TREM2, rs = 0.305, p = 0.017, adjusted p = 0.001; TREM2alt, rs = 0.302, p = 0.018, adjusted p = 0.009) but not in the control group. Subgroup analysis of 25 AD patients with MRS showed a negative correlation between mRNA expression and mI levels (TREM2, rs = -0.426, p = 0.034, adjusted p = 0.032; TREM2alt, rs = -0.447, p = 0.025, adjusted p = 0.028).
Conclusions
Increased TREM2 and TREM2alt mRNA expression is associated with AD pathogenesis at the mild dementia stage, thereby serving as a potential biomarker for the early symptomatic stage of AD. TREM2 may exert protective effects on both cognition and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.
Use of geochemical attributes to evaluate the authogenetic characteristics of Eocene coals from Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Srivast Manish Kumar , Kishor Kaushal , Kumar Manish , Nath Manabendra , Singh Alok K. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In Meghalaya, coal is present in the Lakadong sandstone formation (25 to 250 meters thick) of the Eocene epoch. The three major clusters of coalfields in Meghalaya are the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills. Based on petrographic studies, tectonics, and sulphur content, done by many scientists, it has been suggested that the coal-bearing strata of Jaintia Hills were formed from swamp forest on the platform areas and repeatedly subjected to marine transgression and regression. The present investigation is based upon geochemical attributes extracted from the inorganic component of coal to supplement the previous findings and also to develop a detailed understanding of the paleo deposition condition of these coals. Coal samples from two coal seams at nine locations of the Sampar coalfield of Jaintia Hills were collected and studied. The samples are subjected to X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction Analyses, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and ash analysis to study geochemical and mineralogical composition and ash yield. Mineralogical and geochemical data generated during the study were used to predict the autogenetic character of these coals. The study reveals that coals of Jaintia Hills deposited in coastal swamps and lagoons on stable platform areas with a minuscule grade of tectonic activity, which is influenced by the seawater incursion. These coals were deposited in reducing to significantly reducing conditions and warm and humid to semi-arid climatic conditions. No signature of geothermally active fluid has been found.
Low Temperature Probing of On-Surface Dynamical Fluctuations with Johnson-Nyquist and Delta-T Noises
Authors: Zhitlukhina Elena , Belogolovskii Mikhail , Seidel Paul 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
As microelectronics evolves into nanoelectronics with faster switching speeds and the associated energy dissipation, determining local temperature and temperature gradients becomes an increasingly important challenge for solving design and manufacturing problems as well as improving reliability. Recently, experimental studies of low-temperature quantum thermal phenomena, in which heat is ruled by quantum physics, have been developing at an ever-increasing pace. A fundamental issue posed by finite temperatures is spontaneous fluctuations of electric currents occurring inside electrical conductors even in equilibrium, regardless of any applied voltage (the Johnson-Nyquist noise). Recently, a new (previously overlooked) non-equilibrium contribution to noise in a temperature-biased nanoscale conductive structure was discovered and called delta-T noise. In this paper, we argue that, along with stationary characteristics, both techniques can be successfully used to reveal on-surface dynamic processes in a cryogenic environment when other thermodynamic techniques lose sensitivity or cease to operate. Our calculations based on the scattering theory of nonlinear ac electron quantum transport show that related frequency-dependent noise spectra and their derivatives over frequency directly reflect the amplitude and the frequency of periodic current fluctuations. For practical implementations, it is proposed to use a multi-tip scanning tunneling microscope technique, which in our case needs only two tips, in contrast to the four-contact probing currently being implemented. Such nanoscale measurements, which are most effective at cryogenic temperatures, can provide important information about local thermally induced nanoscale processes useful for such applications as nanoelectronics and sensing technologies.
Effective preparation of environmentally friendly polyglycolic acid (PGA) nanofibrous membrane with antibacterial property for high-efficiency and low-resistance air filtration
Authors: Yin Ni , Zhuge Yina , Ji Haixia , Liu Fujuan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn recent years, the antibacterial air filters have been crucial for protecting human health. However, most commercial filters are made of non-biodegradable petroleum polymers, which poses a great challenge for environment protection of recycling after large-scale use. Hence, the air filtration membrane, biodegradable polyglycolic acid loaded with antibacterial ε-polylysine-dialdehyde microcrystalline celluloses (PGA@EPL-DAMCs), was prepared by electrospinning. The incorporation of EPL-DAMCs varied the morphology of the resultant PGA@EPL-DAMCs and endowed them with good antibacterial activity. In addition, it was found that the PGA/EPL-DAMC-24% exhibited the best filtration efficiency (99.83%) and bacterial rate (up to 99.97% and 99.99% forE.coliandS.aureus, respectively). Finally, the degradation performance of the PGA electrospun membrane was also investigated, reflecting a good potential prospect of composite membranes in environmental biodegradable filtration material.
Probing Shannon entropy of semiconductor quantum well qubits using semi-relativistic quantum mechanics
Authors: Tshipa Moletlanyi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Electron states in GaAs, GaN and AlN quantum wells are studied by solving a semi-relativistic wave equation within the effective mass approximation. The quantum states are in turn used to probe the properties of two-level qubits formed in the different quantum wells at various temperatures. Results indicated that the period of oscillation between the quantum states increases with increasing width of the quantum wells, with AlN having the longest period and shortest for GaAs. Transition rates were also studied, since their product with the period of oscillation yield important information concerning the feasibility of carrying out a quantum computation. This product is equivalent to the ratio of the period of oscillation between states to the lifetime of an electron in an excited state. From the results, GaAs quantum wells may be preferable as they have the lowest ratio than the other quantum wells of other materials. AlN has the highest ratio of the three semiconductors considered here. Shannon entropy in the different quantum wells was studied also. It was found that the entropy in GaAs quantum wells varies rapidly through the passage of time, while those of GaN and AlN vary relatively slowly.
Nudging Cooperation in Networks
Authors: Jensen Gorm Gruner , Busch Martin Benedikt , Piovesan Marco , Haerter Jan O. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We investigate the development of cooperative behavior in networks over time. In our controlled laboratory experiment, subjects can cooperate by sending costly messages that contain valuable information for the receiver or other subjects in the network. Any message sent can increase the chance that subjects find the information they are looking for and consequently their profit. We find that cooperation emerges spontaneously and remains stable over time. In an additional treatment, we provide a non-binding suggestion about who to contact at the beginning of the experiment. We find that subjects partially follow our recommendation, and this increases their own and others’ profit. Despite the removal of suggestions, subjects build long-lasting relationships with the suggested contacts.
Clinical proof of concept for anti-FGF2 therapy in exudative age-related macular degeneration: phase 1 and phase 2 trials in treatment-naïve and anti-VEGF pretreated patients
Authors: Nakamura Yoshikazu , Pereira Daniel , Maturi Raj , Akita Kazumasa , Bhisitkul Robert , Nishihata Toshiaki , Sakota Eri , Ali Yusuf , Nakamura Emiko , Bezwada Padma 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are the first-line treatment for exudative/wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Alternative mechanisms of action may be helpful for treatment of this very common disease. Here we investigated an anti-fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) aptamer, RBM-007, a next generation therapeutic for the treatment of wet AMD. First, a phase 1 (SUSHI) study confirmed the safety, tolerability and bioactivity of a single intravitreal injection of RBM-007. Second, a phase 2 (TOFU) study did not show any improvement in patients, who had previously undergone anti-VEGF treatment, however it did prevent disease progression. Third, in a phase 2 (TEMPURA) study patients treated with RBM-007, who had not received any prior anti-VEGF treatment, showed improvement and no further macular degeneration, with striking improvement of visual acuity and central subfield thickness in some of the patients. These results demonstrate clinical proof of concept for aptamer based anti-FGF2 therapy of wet AMD.
Ten-Year Outcomes of IMRT With Chemotherapy Versus IMRT Alone for Stage Ⅱ-Ⅳa Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiao-li Wang , Da-qing Sun , Hui Yang , Yang Li , Xiu-feng Li , Xiao-long Chang , Xiang-di Meng , Ya-nan Zhang , Yun-xiang Zhang , Fu-rong Hao , Jian-wen Li 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, a 10-year survival rate was rarely reported.
Methods
Clinical efficacies and acute hematologic toxicities of 177 patients newly diagnosed with locoregionally moderate or advanced NPC and treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups: IMRT alone, CCRT [neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) + CCRT, CCRT, NC + CCRT + adjuvant chemotherapy (AC)], and non-CCRT (NC + IMRT + AC, IMRT + AC).
Results
The median follow-up time was 48.4 months (range, 3.0–178.9 months). The most common acute hematologic toxicities were limited to grade 0–2 (153 cases, 86.4%). The 10-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were 66.6%, 77.9%, 92.9%, and 83.0%, respectively. A significant difference in OS among the three groups was observed (P = 0.01). CCRT and non-CCRT significantly improved OS compared with IMRT alone, with a 29.9% and 25.8% increase in 10-year OS (P = 0.01), respectively.
Conclusions
In the era of IMRT, acute hematologic toxicities were well tolerated with chemoradiotherapy for treating NPC, while distant metastasis was the most common failure pattern, especially for patients with N3 stage disease. Compared with IMRT alone, the CCRT scheme (CCRT, NC + CCRT + AC, NC + CCRT) may improve the OS of patients newly diagnosed with locoregionally moderate or advanced NPC, and non-CCRT (NC + IMRT + AC, IMRT + AC) may be an alternative scheme. Additional randomized trials are warranted to confirm the findings.
Child Tax Credit and Maternal Labor Supply
Authors: Zheng Wei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Child Tax Credit (CTC) gives partially refundable tax credit to filers who have children younger than 17 years old and who owe tax. For individuals whose income is within the subsidy range, the trapezoid structure of CTC provides work incentives when the substitution effects outweigh the income effects. In this paper, I examine the effects of CTC on maternal labor supply by difference-in-difference design and simulation method. I show that \$1000 increase in average CTC are associated with 1.13 percentage points increase in labor force participation and 0.37 hour increase in weekly working hours for single mothers. This labor supply effect is driven by mothers whose youngest child is between 3 and 5 years old. I didn't find any impacts on the labor supply of single mothers from higher socioeconomic status, implying no negative effect on employment.
JEL Classification: I12 , I18 , J18
Photoadsorption and reaction mechanism of periwinkle shell ash in the removal of hazardous dye
Authors: Nkwoada Amarachi , Onyedika Gerald , Oguzie Emeka , Ogwuegbu Martin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCombined adsorption and photocatalysis synergy was explored in this research because the porosity of activated carbon and hydroxyl radicals' generation are the main drivers of the adsorption and photodecomposition efficiency of dyes. In this study, periwinkle shell ash (PSA) activated at 800 °C was used for the adsorption of toxic crystal violet (CRV) dyes. The PSA was characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Findings showed that CRV adsorption was dependent on the dosage, pH, contact time, and initial concentration. The adsorption capacity was 46.82 at pH (9) for CRV, dosage amount of 0.2 g/L, and an adsorbate concentration of 70 mg/L. Pseudo-second order gave a perfect fitting-chemisorption mechanism with values &gt;0.98 (R2). Maximum photodegradation (93–98%) was achieved when the catalyst dosage increased to 0.75 g. Thermodynamics confirmed a spontaneous/exothermic process. The photocatalysis process confirmed that the combined process was effective and determined to be the rate-determining step by Langmuir–Hinshelwood. The study concluded that PSA was an efficient adsorbent, and TiO2 was a key factor in the reaction mechanism and recommended for potential synthesis of membrane substrates, high performance, efficiency, and cost reduction.
Variations of residual trihalomethane concentration in pipe-borne water during different in-house practices
Authors: Jayasinghe Nepali Sewwandi , Herath Dilini Chandima , Weerasekara Lalith Indranath , Weragoda Sujithra Kaushalya , Amarasooriya A. A. Gayan Darshana 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different in-house practices on trihalomethane (THM) level fluctuations in pipe-borne water. Common in-house practices such as boiling, unboiling, boiling water with headspace/non-headspace, storage vessels materials, storage practices, and storage time were investigated to study residual THM and their percentage. Vessels made of plastic (P), clay (C), stainless steel (SS), glass (G), and aluminium (Al) were used for the study. Prime trihalomethanes of CHCl3, CHBrCl2, CHBr2Cl, CHBr3, and total of those four THMs (TTHMs) were measured, and removal/formation percentages were calculated. Results revealed that the percent change of TTHM varies based on the boiling practice as follows: open boiling TTHM &gt; close boiling with headspace TTHM &gt; close boiling without headspace (CBWH) TTHM. The following order was observed for residual TTHM for 6 h storage in the vessels; for CBWH water storage in open vessels C &lt; G &lt; P &lt; SS &lt; Al and close vessels C &lt; G &lt; P &lt; SS &lt; Al; and for unboiled water storage in open vessels SS &lt; C &lt; Al &lt; P &lt; G and close vessels C &lt; P &lt; Al &lt; SS &lt; G. In conclusion, the lowest concentration of residual TTHM was found in the boiled water stored in a clay pot and recommended as an in-house practice to reduce TTHM.