bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increase of the transmission and emittance acceptance through a cyclotron‐based proton therapy gantry
Authors: Maradia Vivek , Giovannelli Anna Chiara , Meer David , Weber Damien Charles , Lomax Antony John , Schippers Jacobus Maarten , Psoroulas Serena 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeIn proton therapy, the gantry, as the final part of the beamline, has a major effect on beam intensity and beam size at the isocenter. Most of the conventional beam optics of cyclotron‐based proton gantries have been designed with an imaging factor between 1 and 2 from the coupling point (CP) at the gantry entrance to the isocenter (patient location) meaning that to achieve a clinically desirable (small) beam size at isocenter, a small beam size is also required at the CP. Here we will show that such imaging factors are limiting the emittance which can be transported through the gantry. We, therefore, propose the use of large beam size and low divergence beam at the CP along with an imaging factor of 0.5 (2:1) in a new design of gantry beam optics to achieve substantial improvements in transmission and thus increase beam intensity at the isocenter.MethodsThe beam optics of our gantry have been re‐designed to transport higher emittance without the need of any mechanical modifications to the gantry beamline. The beam optics has been designed using TRANSPORT, with the resulting transmissions being calculated using Monte Carlo simulations (BDSIM code). Finally, the new beam optics have been tested with measurements performed on our Gantry 2 at PSI.ResultsWith the new beam optics, we could maximize transmission through the gantry for a fixed emittance value. Additionally, we could transport almost four times higher emittance through the gantry compared to conventional optics, whilst achieving good transmissions through the gantry (>50%) with no increased losses in the gantry. As such, the overall transmission (cyclotron to isocenter) can be increased by almost a factor of 6 for low energies. Additionally, the point‐to‐point imaging inherent to the optics allows adjustment of the beam size at the isocenter by simply changing the beam size at the CP.ConclusionWe have developed a new gantry beam optics which, by selecting a large beam size and low divergence at the gantry entrance and using an imaging factor of 0.5 (2:1), increases the emittance acceptance of the gantry, leading to a substantial increase in beam intensity at low energies. We expect that this approach could easily be adapted for most types of existing gantries.
Efficient co‐solution of time step size and independent state in simulations of fluid‐driven fracture propagation with embedded meshes
Authors: Ren Guotong , Younis Rami M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe present an efficient time‐continuation scheme for fluid‐driven fracture propagation problems in the extended finite element method framework. The approach applies a monolithic solution strategy to a fully coupled and implicit approximation of hydro‐mechanical systems in conjunction with simultaneous linear elastic propagation of multiple fractures. At the end of each time step, the process ensures that the weakest fracture tip is in an equilibrium propagation regime. Furthermore, the solution process provides an initialization procedure for the newly created fracture spaces and an a priori estimate of the stress intensity factor growth rate, improving simulation robustness, and efficiency. The solution process is validated using the Kristianovich‐Geertsma‐de Klerk analytical solution under the toughness‐ and viscosity‐dominated regimes. It is also extended to and demonstrated on problems with multiple fractures undergoing simultaneous propagation with stress shadow interactions. Numerical examples demonstrate that the solution process can reduce the required computational cost by one order of magnitude compared to other existing methods.
Numerical simulation of two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional generalizedKlein–Gordon–Zakharovequations with power law nonlinearity via a meshless collocation method based on barycentric rational interpolation
Authors: Oruç Ömer 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study presents numerical simulations of generalized two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) Klein–Gordon–Zakharov (KGZ) equations with power law nonlinearity, which are coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. A meshless collocation method based on barycentric rational interpolation is developed for space variable of the KGZ equations. For time discretization, an explicit low storage fourth order Runge Kutta method is proposed after transforming KGZ equations to system of ordinary differential equations by introducing auxiliary variables.L∞andL2error norms for some test problems are computed. Obtained numerical results and comparisons with finite element methods indicate that barycentric rational interpolation method is an efficient method for solving multidimensional generalized KGZ system numerically.
Waste coconut leaf sheath as reinforcement composite material withphenol‐formaldehydematrix
Authors: Bharath K. N. , P. Madhu , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , S. Basavarajappa , Siengchin Suchart , Alexey Karfidov , Gorbatyuk Sergey 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article describes the development and characterization of mercerized and untreated naturally woven waste coconut leaf sheath (CLS) fiber‐reinforced phenol‐formaldehyde (PF) composites. The composites of CLS fiber with 60% and 40% PF were manufactured hand lay technique followed by compression molding method. The investigation of composites was performed by applying tensile, bending, impact test, and measurements of water absorption rate and biodegradability characteristics. The CLS was mercerized using 5% of NaOH. The results confirm the superiority in mechanical properties of treated CLS fiber composites in respect to the untreated ones. The better properties are driven by lower hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and reduced impurities detected on the CLS fibers, which in turn reveals stronger adhesion and superior compatibility between CLS fiber and PF matrix. The rate of water absorption was evaluated within four different types of water conditions such as normal water, bore, distilled, and sea water, respectively. A degradation test was carried to determine biodegradability properties of composites. The superior results of treated CLS fiber composites validate this composite as a good candidate material for domestic and structural applications.
Surface and subsurface AFM study of carbon‐implanted polyurethane
Authors: Morozov Ilya A. , Kamenetskikh Alexander S. , Beliaev Anton Y. , Izumov Roman I. , Scherban Marina G. , Kiselkov Dmitriy M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCarbon ions were implanted into polyurethane, a two‐phase polymer whose internal structure is naturally covered with a soft nanofilm. The surface and subsurface of the modified material were studied by atomic force microscopy. A wrinkled nanolayer of inhomogeneous stiffness appears on the surface. Initial treatment affects the outer soft fraction of the polyurethane, then the modified layer extends deeper and starts to grow towards the surface finally becoming homogeneous. The subsurface of the modified layer has local stack‐like fractures or mesh‐like nanostructures of increased activity. Stretching the treated material gives nanocracks in the subsurface area. The cracks are hidden by the outer layer and visible on the surface as bumps. The developed methods are easily applicable to study the subsurface features of plasma‐treated polymers.
Movements of a model fish, the common carp, through a generic Mississippi River lock and dam demonstrate how fish swimming performance, behavior, and discharge‐driven flow‐fields determine fish passage rates in ways that can be predicted and modified using fish passage models
Authors: Whitty Jeff Michael , Riesgraf Andrew Thomas , Zielinski Daniel Patrick , Sorensen Peter William 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe distribution of river fishes, including invasive species, is influenced by their abilities and tendencies to pass regulatory structures, which in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) are locks and dams (LDs). However, how and why fish approach and then pass through individual LDs and their structural components is presently unknown. In this study, groups of 25 common carp, a well‐understood model species, were acoustically tagged, transplanted, and released every other week for two summers below a generic UMR LD which has both tainter and roller spillway gates as well as a lock. Common carp distribution, passage routes, and rates were then monitored and analyzed with respect to discharge and gate settings. Although nearly all carp were detected below this LD, weekly passage rates through its spillway gates were negligible until discharge exceeded 85,000 cfs when the gates were ~2/3 open and weekly passage rates increased to ~50% for its tainter gates and ~8% for its rollers. In contrast, carp passed through its lock at a relatively constant and modest rate (~6%), seemingly uninfluenced by discharge. This increase in spillway gate passage, which occurred at discharges shy of open‐river, was predicted by a fish passage model which estimated spillway passage using swimming performance and estimated water velocity (flow‐fields). When observed passage routes were incorporated into another discharge‐based fish passage model, it accurately predicted total seasonal passage. These models could be improved and applied to determine which fish species will pass particular LDs and guide efforts to increase or decrease these rates.
Long‐term rice cultivation promoted microbial mineralization of organic P in a black soil
Authors: Yu Xin , Tong Deli , Wang ShenQiang , Wang Dengjun , Xu Lu , Li Bo , Sun Wentao , Wang Yu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInformation on the microbiological process in paddy soil is essential to understand phosphorus (P) transformation, due to the special biogeochemical change of P in flooded rice (Oryza sativa L.)‐growing environment. However, relatively few references have been focused on this process in long‐term cultivation of black paddy soil. In this study, we investigated the effect of microbial community and phoD gene on changes in soil P fractions in a black paddy soil. The results showed that, compared with 1‐yr soil, long‐term cultivation (35‐yr rice growth) significantly increased the concentration of soil P pool (P < .05). In detail, the soil available‐P increased from 15.4 to 34.8 mg kg−1, and primary‐P, secondary‐P, occluded‐P and organic‐P increased from 41.4 to 73.6 mg kg−1, 7.60 to 18.9 mg kg−1, 57.6 to 106.1 mg kg−1, and 13.7 to 29.1 mg kg−1, respectively. Notably, the microbial biomass C/P ratio decreased from 190.8 (1‐yr) to 56.2 (35‐yr), indicating that the mineralization of organic P (Po) by microorganisms played a dominant role in long‐term cultivation. The results were further verified by significantly increased soil microorganism concentration, copy number of phoD gene, and strong interaction in phoD‐harboring bacteria. The change of soil P pool was significantly affected by soil properties and phoD gene community through variance partitioning analysis, and Streptomyces and Cupriavidus were the main biomarkers affecting Po mineralization through linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis. The results will be helpful to understand the microbial process of P transformation (especially for Po) and to guide the management of P fertilizer in black soil area.
Adversarial learning techniques for security and privacy preservation: A comprehensive review
Authors: Hathaliya Jigna J. , Tanwar Sudeep , Sharma Priyanka 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn recent years, the use of smart devices has increased exponentially, resulting in massive amounts of data. To handle this data, effective data storage and management has required. Cloud computing (CC) is a promising solution to deal with this huge amount of data. Electronic devices are collecting real‐time data from sensors and applications through a wireless communication channel in the digital era. In some cases, CC cannot protect against various malicious attacks in the wireless communication channel. To address this issue, we have used machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques for attack detection in a wireless channel on an early basis. It trains a model to predict malicious activities of attackers, which aids in the security of CC's sensitive data. We employed adversarial learning techniques (AL) to add fake data into the model to ensure that the trained model was correct. The trained model can distinguish between the fake and real data from the training samples and improve the training samples' performance. AL provides different defense mechanisms to preserve the privacy of ML‐ and DL‐based model but does not ensure the system's robustness. To improve the system's robustness, we have used federated learning with blockchain technology to make a system more robust, reliable, accurate, and transparent. This integration aids in providing high‐graded security against adversarial attacks. This paper presents a comprehensive review to highlight the recent improvements in AL techniques. Moreover, we explored the various AL applications in security and privacy preservation. Finally, open research issues and future directions are discussed to show future research avenues.
Characterization and radioactive evaluation of the concrete from a radiotherapy bunker
Authors: Torres‐González Marta , Mantero Juan , Hurtado Santiago , Flores‐Alés Vicente , Alejandre Francisco J. , Alducín‐Ochoa Juan M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe construction of concrete structures for radiological protection in sanitary facilities requires a series of constructive conditions that guarantee safety. The influence of the correct bunkers design, wall thicknesses and the type of materials used is essential to ensure effective protection. The use of barite aggregate concrete is a common resource to improve the radiation attenuation capacity of concrete walls. The present study analyses the structure of a bunker during a renovation work, studying the construction characteristics of the chamber, the state of its elements, the characterization of materials, the identification of the emissions of the possible isotopes present, beta radioactive contamination and the measurement of equivalent dose rates at different points in the concrete. The results made it possible to determine the use of conventional concrete and barite concrete, the latter presenting a BaO content of around 40% and particularly low resistance values, not observing alteration processes in the materials.
New thermoplastic carbon fiber reinforced polymer rebars and stirrups
Authors: Apitz Andreas , Schmitz Jonas , Hückler Alex , Schlaich Mike 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAttributed to its extraordinary strength and durability, the future of reinforcing and prestressing material in reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures most likely belongs to carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). However, CFRPs are rarely employed in real structures till now, since the technology to manufacture CFRP rebars and stirrups is still evolving. This is especially applicable for manufacturing of rebars with surface profiles (ribs) and bent sections for stirrups. Unlike thermoset polymers, thermoplastic polymers are highly viscous prior to curing and can be melted and cured again. This creates possibilities for the production technology as well as recyclability. In this paper, new thermoplastic CFRP rebars and stirrups are introduced, which are manufactured in a novel way. The rips are engraved directly after pultrusion and the stirrups are thermoformed out of a straight and already profiled bar. A holistic approach is applied, which enables to evaluate the mechanical overall performance and to compare it with existing products in a reasonable way. This requires the introduction of new parameters, for example the fiber utilization rate. The novel CFRP reinforcement is investigated through tensile tests on bars and stirrups as well as bond tests. The bond performance is quite similar to existing products. Especially while considering how efficient the fibers are utilized in the CFRP bar, the tensile performance and the quality of the stirrups is excellent.
Repro‐protective role of royal jelly in phenylhydrazine‐induced hemolytic anemia in male mice: Histopathological, embryological, and biochemical evidence
Authors: Anbara Hojat , Shahrooz Rasoul , Razi Mazdak , Malekinejad Hassan , Najafi Gholamreza , Shalizar‐Jalali Ali 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo estimate the repro‐protective effect of royal jelly (RJ) on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)‐induced anemia's detrimental effects, 24 mature mice were divided into control group (0.10 mL normal saline; intra‐peritoneally), RJ group (100 mg/kg/day; orally), experimental anemia (EA) group that received only PHZ (6 mg/100 g/48 h; intra‐peritoneally), and RJ + EA (according to the previous prescription) group. After 35 days, testicular histoarchitecture, RNA damage in germinal cells, sperm characteristics, testicular total anti‐oxidant capacity and malondialdehyde as well as serum testosterone levels, pre‐implantation embryo development and cyclin D1 and c‐myc mRNA levels at two‐cell, morula and blastocyst stages were analyzed. Spermatogenesis indices were ameliorated following RJ co‐administration. Moreover, RJ co‐treatment reduced germinal cells RNA damage, improved sperm characteristics, boosted pre‐implantation embryo development and restored androgenesis, and oxidant/anti‐oxidant status. Co‐administration of RJ also decreased mRNA levels of cyclin D1 and up‐regulated those of c‐myc in two‐cell embryos, morulas and blastocysts. The findings suggest that RJ can play a repro‐protective role in PHZ‐induced anemia in mice through anti‐oxidant defense system reinforcement and androgenesis restoration as well as cyclin D1 and c‐myc expressions regulation.
CCCDTD5 recommendations on the deprescribing of cognitive enhancers in dementia
Authors: Herrmann Nathan , Ismail Zahinoor , Collins Rhonda , Desmarais Philippe , Goodarzi Zahra , Henri‐Bhargava Alexandre , Iaboni Andrea , Kirkham Julia , Massoud Fadi , Moser Andrea , Silvius James , Watt Jennifer , Seitz Dallas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionCognitive enhancers (ie, cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine) can provide symptomatic benefit for some individuals with dementia; however, there are circumstances in which the risks of continuing treatment may potentially outweigh benefits. The decision to deprescribe cognitive enhancers must consider each patient's preferences, treatment indications, current clinical status and symptoms, prognosis, and dementia type.MethodsThe 5th Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia (CCCDTD5) established a subcommittee of experts to review current evidence on the deprescribing of cognitive enhancers. The questions answered by this group included: When should cognitive enhancers be deprescribed in persons with dementia and mild cognitive impairment? How should cognitive enhancers be deprescribed? And, what clinical factors should be considered when deprescribing cognitive enhancers?ResultsPatient and care‐partner preferences should be incorporated into all decisions to deprescribe cognitive enhancers. Cognitive enhancers should be discontinued in individuals without ongoing evidence of benefit or when the indication for cognitive enhancer use was inappropriate (eg, mild cognitive impairment). Deprescribing should occur gradually and cognitive enhancers should be reinitiated if patients’ cognition or function deteriorates. Cognitive enhancers should be continued in individuals whose neuropsychiatric symptoms improve in response to treatment. Clinicians should not deprescribe cognitive enhancers in individuals with significant neuropsychiatric symptoms until symptoms have stabilized.ConclusionCCCDTD5 deprescribing recommendations provide evidence‐informed recommendations related to cognitive enhancer deprescribing that will facilitate shared decision making among patients, care partners, and clinicians.
Recent progress in organic field‐effect transistor‐based chem/bio‐sensors
Authors: Luo Liang , Liu Zitong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRecent decades have witnessed the huge successes of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) and their applications. Among them, OFET‐based sensors have shown promising applications in the field of food safety, industrial security, environmental, and health monitoring. This is due to their advantages in solution processability, flexibility, light weight, and variety in molecular design. This review highlights recent progress in OFET‐based chemical and biological sensors in gas and liquid phase, especially for the past 5 years. The analytes range from small molecules to large biomolecules. The optimizations of OFET devices for sensors, including the semiconducting layers, dielectric layers, electrodes, and their interfaces etc., are illustrated. And their relationships with sensing parameters (sensitivity, selectivity, and response time) as well as the sensing mechanisms are given. Finally, the remaining challenges are discussed. We expect that this review can offer inspiration for future design of OFET‐based sensors.
Synthesis and application of TiO2‐loaded ZnAlSn‐layered double hydroxide compounds as multifunctional nanofillers for polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Gao Li , Jin Dandan , Lu Yunhua , Khanal Santosh , Xu Shiai 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this study, binary‐ and ternary‐layered double hydroxides (LDHs) loaded with titanium dioxide (TiO2‐ZnAl and TiO2‐ZnAlSn) were synthesized by a one‐step in situ coprecipitation method and then used as thermal and light stabilizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). TiO2‐ZnAlSn has a unique nanostructure, high thermal stability, and good ultraviolet (UV)‐shielding property. The Congo red test shows that the static thermal stability time of PVC/TiO2‐ZnAlSn composite is 370% higher than that of pure PVC. The thermogravimetric analysis and accelerated weathering test suggest that the incorporation of TiO2‐ZnAlSn into the PVC matrix improves the thermal stability and anti‐UV‐aging property of the resulting composite, which is probably related to the lower photoluminescence intensity and formation of more O2−. This study provides a simple method to prepare TiO2‐loaded ZnAlSn‐LDH as multifunctional nanofillers for PVC.
The New Abundance of Policy Advice: The Advisory Roles of Political Scientists in Norway
Authors: Bleiklie Ivar , Michelsen Svein 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe chapter investigates the position of academic policy advice in Norway with an emphasis on political science, based on notions of politico-administrative systems and Scandinavian administrative traditions. We ask: What are the main access points for certified academics to bring their expertise to policymaking? What trends can be discerned? What is the position of Norwegian political scientists in emerging structures and processes of policy advice? The chapter identifies structures and processes in the provision of political science expert advice in Norway. Norwegian political scientists are heavily engaged in the provision of policy advice, at various levels of government as well as in public debate on relevant issues. There is also evidence which indicates strong involvement in policy advice in two areas: the Norwegian Research council and participation in ad hoc advisory bodies. Trends point towards a change in the forms of policy advice as well as a strengthening of the position of political science experts in the national policy advice system.