bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calculated and measured radiation dose in water for the low energy Xoft Axxent eBT X-ray source
Authors: CAN SUMEYRA , ATILLA OZGE , KARACETIN DIDEM 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at evaluating the functionality of different dose fractions for the Xoft Axxent electronic brachytherapy (eBT) system and analyzing the system in terms of radiation dosimetry in water.
Materials and Methods
Different dose fraction schemes for the Xoft Axxent eBT system were calculated for different balloon applicator volumes based on dwell positions and dwell times. EBT-XD Gafchromic film was calibrated at 6MV photon energy and a calibration curve was devised for it which were used for dosimetric measurements. In the first phase, a balloon applicator filled with 0.9% isotonic sodium chloride (NaCl) solution was used for dosimetric measurements with the ability to deliver 20 Gy, 16 Gy, 10 Gy radiation dose in one fraction. Afterward, the balloon applicator was filled with water and the same measurements were performed. Finally, the balloon applicator was irradiated at different distances in the water tank and the simulation of dose distribution in the water was obtained so as to analyze the dose distribution in the tissue.
Results
At the time the balloon applicator was filled with 0.9% NaCl solution, the absorbed dose was approximately 23 Gy for 30 cc balloon volume, 22.8 Gy for 35 cc and 22 Gy for 40 cc balloon volume. On the other side, when the applicator was filled with water, the absorbed dose is approximately 20.5 Gy for 30 cc, 21 Gy for 35 cc, and 20,7 Gy for 40 cc balloon applicator. As a result, provided the balloon applicator was filled with water, the difference between the planned dose and the absorbed dose was ~ 2% for 30 cc, ~ 5% for 35 cc and ~ 3,5% for 40 cc. Accordingly, the fact that 0.9% NaCl solution caused an increase in the absorbed dose from the photoelectric effect was determine. Finally, the absorbed dose at a distance of 1 cm from the applicator surface was measured as 9.63 Gy which was obtained in accordance with the manufacturer’s criteria.
Conclusion
Different dose fraction schemes were created in the Xoft Axxent eBT system based on the standard atlas plan. In addition, this study shows that photoelectric effect in low energy photons increases the difference between the planned dose and the absorbed dose depending on the effective atomic number. By measuring the dose distributions at different distances from the balloon applicator surface, the absorbed dose in tissue equivalent medium was determined and the dose distribution characteristics was simulated.
Performance estimation of optical skin probe in short wavelength infrared spectroscopy based on Monte-Carlo simulation
Authors: Lee June-Young , Ahn Sungmo , Nam Sung Hyun 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Optical throughput and optical path length are key parameters to obtain high signal to noise ratio and sensor sensitivity for the detection of skin tissue components based on short wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy. These parameters should be taken into account at the stage of optical system design. We aim to develop a method to estimate the optical efficiency and the effective water path length of a newly designed SWIR spectroscopy skin measurement system using Monte-Carlo photon migration simulation. To estimate the optical efficiency and the effective water path length, we investigated the characteristics of Monte-Carlo photon migration simulation utilizing one layered simple skin model. Simulation of photon transport in skin was conducted for transmission, transflection, and reflection optical configurations in both first overtone (1540 ~ 1820 nm) and combination (2040 ~ 2380 nm) wavelength ranges. Experimental measurement of skin spectrum was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy based system to validate the estimation performance. The simulated results for optical efficiency are in good agreements with the experimental measurements, which shows the suggested method can be used as a means for the performance estimation and the design optimization of various in-vivo SWIR spectroscopic system.
Radiation Dose Reduction Strategy for SPECT/CT Bone Scan
Authors: ALEZZI MANAL Ahmed , Kotbi Owais , Hammid Gihad , Fouda Ashraf , Zabarmawi Yusra 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to introduce the optimization method of CT parameters to reduce patient radiation exposure in bone SPECT/CT while maintaining image quality. The results of the new protocol were then compared to the results of the standard protocol saved in the nuclear medicine department`s data at King Abdullah Medical City.Methodology: First part: Using Deluxe Jaszczak Phantom. The cylindrical phantom consisted of six bottles in a pie arrangement. These bottles were placed in the source tank. SPECT/CT scans were carried out with different x-ray tube current values (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mA) at three different slices of thicknesses (2.5, 3.75, and 5mm). The contrast ratio (CR) and coefficients of variation (COV) in the SPECT images as well as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and were all measured. An optimal acquisition protocol of SPECT/CT images with no artifacts on both CT and SPECT images, and acceptable CR, COV, and SNR values were obtained. Second part: The study was done on patients who required a SPECT/CT bone scan of the spine area (thoracic spine (T1-T12) and lumbar spine (L1-L5)). Some patients were excluded from this study because of the image quality that was affected by several factors. Different parameters obtained from the new reduced protocol were compared to old historical data saved in the system for patients who did the same image using the old standard protocol. The difference between the two systems was only in the current of the X-ray tube (the old 60 mA versus the new 40 mA).Result: The optimal set of parameters for bone SPECT/CT was determined based on a phantom part that has been implemented in clinical practice. Two groups of patients were examined according to the baseline and optimized protocols, respectively. The new SPECT/CT protocol substantially reduced patients’ radiation exposure as compared to the old protocol, while also maintaining the required diagnostic quality of SPECT and CT images.Conclusions: The newly established bone scan SPECT/CT protocol was implemented into clinical practice. It has significantly reduced patients’ exposure dose as compared to the old protocol while maintaining the required diagnostic quality of SPECT and CT images.
Optical Genome Mapping Identifies a Novel Pediatric Embryonal Tumor Subtype with a ZNF532-NUTM1 Fusion
Authors: Bornhorst Miriam , Eze Augustine , Bhattacharya Surajit , Putnam Ethan , Almira-Suarez M. Isabel , Rossi Christopher , Kambhampati Madhuri , Almalvez Miguel , Barseghyan Mariam , Risco Nicole Del , Dotson David , Turner Joyce , Myseros John , Vilain Eric , Packer Roger , Nazarian Javad , Rood Brian , Barseghyan Hayk 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Molecular characteristics of pediatric brain tumors have not only allowed for tumor subgrouping but have introduced novel treatment options for patients with specific tumor alterations. Therefore, an accurate histologic and molecular diagnosis is critical for optimized management of all pediatric patients with brain tumors, including central nervous system embryonal tumors. We present a case where optical genome mapping identified a ZNF532-NUTM1 fusion in a patient with a unique tumor best characterized histologically as a central nervous system embryonal tumor with rhabdoid features. Additional analyses including immunohistochemistry for NUT protein, methylation array, whole genome, and RNA-sequencing was done to confirm the presence of the fusion in the tumor. This is the first description of a pediatric patient with a ZNF532-NUTM1 fusion, yet the histology of this tumor is similar to that of adult cancers with ZNF-NUTM1 fusions and other NUTM1-fusion positive brain tumors reported in literature. Although rare, the distinct pathology and underlying molecular characteristics of these tumors separate them from other embryonal tumors. Therefore, the NUTM-rearrangement appears to define a novel subgroup of pediatric central nervous system embryonal tumors with rhabdoid/epithelioid features that may have a unique response to treatment. Screening for a NUTM1-rearrangement should be considered for all patients with unclassified central nervous system tumors with rhabdoid features to ensure accurate diagnosis so this can ultimately inform therapeutic management for these patients.
Fabricating the Strongest and Toughest Aramid Fibers by Small Addition of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Jin , Luo Jiajun , Wen Yeye , Jia Xiangzheng , Lei Xudong , Gao Zhenfei , Jian Muqiang , Xiao Zhihua , Zhang Jiangwei , Li Tao , Wu Xianqian , Gao Enlai , Jiao Kun 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Synthetic high-performance fibers, such as polyaramid fibers, have attracted particular attention owing to their excellent mechanical properties and promising applications in safety protection fields. However, fabricating fibers with high strength and toughness is challenging due to their intrinsic conflicts. Herein, we report a simultaneous improvement in strength and toughness of heterocyclic aramid fibers by 26% and 66%, respectively, via in situ polymerizing small amount (0.05 wt%) of short aminated single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) into heterocyclic aramid fibers, yielding 6.44 ± 0.11 GPa in tensile strength and 184.0 ± 11.4 MJ m−3 in toughness. Combined experimental evidences and atomistic simulations, it was uncovered that short aminated SWNTs with favorable dispersity and alignment significantly improve the crystallinity and orientation degree of heterocyclic aramid chains by a scope of 8.6 nm, and the in situ polymerization between short aminated SWNTs and heterocyclic aramid monomers increases the length of polymer chains and the interfacial interaction therein to promote stress transfer and suppress the strain localization. These two effects account for the simultaneous improvement in strength and toughness of heterocyclic aramid fibers via small addition of short aminated SWNTs. This composite manner of “small addition, big gains” through global optimization should guide further work on improving the strength and toughness of composites.
D-Psicose intake exacerbates DSS-induced colitis in mice through alteration in the gut microbiota and dysfunction of mucosal barrier
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Xuejiao , Li Ang , Wang Yuanyifei , Wang Jin , Zhang Bowei , Zhang Yan , Liu Jingmin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
D-Psicose, as a low-calorie rare sugar, has attracted a lot of attention in recent years for alternating to sucrose. The anti-obesity effect of D-Psicose has been extensively confirmed in previous studies, however, the impact of D-Psicose on colitis remains vague. Here, we firstly evaluated the effect of 21 days of D-Psicose prophylactic intervention on DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice. The pathological symptoms, inflammatory cytokines levels, gut microbiota composition, short chain fatty acids production and colonic barrier integrity were comprehensively evaluated. The results confirmed that D-Psicose intervention aggravated colitis, characterized by the exacerbation of colon shortening, increase of colonic inflammatory infiltration, and marked exaltation of disease activity indices and IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels. Further, the dysfunction of gut microbiota was identified in the Psicose group. The abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was significantly up-regulated while the abundance of probiotics Akkermansia and Lactobacillus were significantly down-regulated in the Psicose group compared to the Model group. Moreover, the production of short chain fatty acids was suppressed in the Psicose group, accompanied by a decrease in the level of Muc-2. Collectively, the underlying mechanism of the exacerbation of colitis by D-Psicose intervention might be attributed to microbiota dysfunction accompanied by the reduction of short chain fatty acids, which leads to the damage of the mucosal barrier and the intensification of inflammatory invasion.
Different responses of Japanese Encephalitis to weather variable among eight climate subtypes in Gansu China, 2005-2019
Authors: Li Ruifen , Zhao Xiaohong , Tian Yu , Shi Yanjun , Gu Xueyan , Wang Shuang , Zhang Rui , An Jing , Su Li , Wang Xuxia 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This study evaluated epidemic temporal aspects of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and investigated the weather threshold of JE response across eight climate subtypes between 2005 and 2019 in Gansu. Data were from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of Gansu. Three epidemic temporal indices (frequency index (α), duration index (β), and intensity index (γ)) were adopted for the comparison of epidemic features among different climate subtypes. In addition, the local indicators of spatial association technique (LISA) and category and regression tree model (CART) were used to detect the response threshold of weather variables in hot-spot areas across climate subtypes. Among eight climate subtypes in Gansu, a hot-spot(high-high cluster) of α, β, and γ were detected in the climate subtype of subtropical winter dry (Cwa), temperate oceanic continental (Cwb), and continental winter dry (Dwa, and the Dwb). CART analysis showed that the average temperature at a 1-month lag for JE may be the strongest predictor of JE response in Cwa. However, the maximum temperature at a 1-month lag for JE may be the strongest predictor of JE response in Cwb, Dwa, and Dwb.The climate subtypes of temperate arid (BWk) and subpolar winter dry (Dwc) in Gansu may be at the epicenter of an emerging pandemic. It is critical to increase preventive and control efforts in these areas. Cwa, Cwb, Dwa, and Dwb are the high-risk JE epidemic areas, where JE temperature at the lag of 1 month is the predominant variable of JE response.
Rapid monitoring of crop growth, grain exports, and fire patterns in Ukraine
Authors: Wellington Michael , Lawes Roger , Kuhnert Petra 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Ukraine is an important global exporter of grain, especially to several countries with vulnerable food systems. The war in Ukraine may disrupt global food supply by limiting the planting, growth, and harvest of crops, or limiting grain supply logistics. We apply a statistical inference method to satellite images of cropland in Ukraine to investigate progress of the 2022 season. We also present satellite-derived cropland fire data and cargo shipping activity. We show that crop growth in 2022 has progressed similarly to a historical baseline, though total production is expected to be lower than 2019-2021. Cropland fires are present but are not significantly greater in spatial extent than a historical baseline. However, cargo shipping activity from Ukrainian ports declined to zero between March and June. Restoring operations at Ukraine ports to enable grain transport through the Black Sea is critical to mitigating global food shortages and severe food insecurity.
Sigma-1R overexpression in PVN deteriorated heart injury by upregulating sympathetic nerve tone
Authors: Wu Rui , Yu tingting , Chen xianglin , Yu Tian , Zhang Hong , Wang Haiying , Xiao Zhi , Li Ke , Cheng Chi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Sympathetic nerve tone chronically maintains at high level is harmful to heart. However, little is known how to control sympathetic nerve tone. It has been reported that sigma-1 receptors played a multi-functional role in central nervous system diseases, but little is known about the function for adjusting sympathetic tone of sigma-1 receptors within paraventricular nucleus (PVN). We examined the effects of sigma-1 receptor within PVN on heart by two models: cardiopulmonary bypass model (CPB) and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) induced by bile duct ligation. It was found that sigma-1R overexpression in PVN aggravated brain inflammation and increased sympathetic output with more serious heart change. Right stellate ganglion block alleviated the cardiac damage caused by Sigma-1R overexpression in PVN during CPB. In CCM model, it was found that overexpression of sigma-1 receptor in PVN promoted occurrence of fibrosis and senescence in heart. These findings suggest that sigma-1R overexpression in PVN deteriorate heart injury by upregulating sympathetic nerve tone.
Clinical epidemiological characteristics of oral lichen planus and risk factors for erosive subtype: a multi-center cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Xu Hao , Chen Qianming , Dan Hongxia , Liu Jiaxin , Luo Xiaobo , Wang Jiongke , Zeng Xin , Jiang Lu , Zhou Y , Guoyao Tang , Liu Hongwei , Sun Zheng , Zhou Gang , Cheng Bin , Wang Wenmei , He Hong , Guo Bin , Meng Wenxia , Liu Qing 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common oral mucosal diseases, which is often persistent and has the risk of potential malignant transformation. To explore the clinical epidemiological characteristics of OLP in China and risk factors for erosive subtype of OLP. We collected information of patients who are diagnosed with OLP through clinical and histopathological examinations from 11 hospitals in different regions of China from 2015 to 2018. Then the descriptive statistical methods were used to explore the clinical epidemiological characteristics and logistic regression and subgroup analysis were utilized to explore the risk factors for erosive subtype of OLP. We found that the average age of patients was 49.2 ± 13.3 years, and 61.4% of the patients were women. The ratios of patients with reticular, atrophic and erosive lesions were 47.9%, 27.8% and 24.2%, respectively. Analysis of risk factors for erosive subtype identified the following variables: age, course of disease of 12 months or more, II°-III° dental calculus, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as regions of habitation. Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in risk factors for erosive subtypes in OLP patients with and without bad habits. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the clinical epidemiological characteristics of OLP patients in China and reflected a relationship between OLP erosive subtypes and epidemiological factors, providing a reference for prevention and treatment of erosive OLP.
Face Frontalization with Deep Gan via Multi-Attention Mechanism
Authors: Cao Jiaqian , Chen Zhenxue , Zhang Yujiao , Sun Luna , Chen Jiyang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In recent years, the development of deep learning has led to some advances in face synthesis approaches, but significant pose is remains one of the factors that is difficult to overcome. Benefiting from the proposal and development of generative adversarial network, the level of face frontalization technology has reached new heights. In this paper, we propose a deep generative adversarial network based on multi-attention mechanism (DMA-GAN) for multi-pose face frontalization. Specifically, we add a deep feature encoder based on the attention mechanism and residual block in the generator, which can deepen the network to extract more detailed features and make full use of the long-range dependencies between local features to generate better identity-preserving faces. Meanwhile, to carry the global and local facial information, the discriminator of our model consists of four independent discriminators. The self-attention mechanism is also added to these discriminators to provide more accurate synthesized details. The results from quantitative and qualitative experiments on CAS-PEAL-R1 dataset show that our model proves effective.
A Review of Sewerage and Drainage Systems Management in Sub-Saharan African Cities: Case of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Authors: OUATTARA ZIE ADAMA , Ouattara Zié Adama , Kabo-bah Amos T. , Dongo Kouassi , Akpoti Komlavi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The malfunction of sewerage systems and rain water drainage networks is perceived as a very crucial problem by authorities in Côte d'Ivoire, both from an environmental point of view as well as the associated maintenance costs. This paper discusses the state of the sewerage systems, the malfunctions and environmental concepts used to categorize the problems, and the methodological options to prioritize the various management solutions. This review also presents the selection of decision support tools for sewerage asset management. The tools were classified according to their capability and functionality. The working principle of each of these tools was described and the corresponding data requirements were determined. Moreover, the paper discussed the problems associated with the use of existing tools and presents a perspective on future research needs in the field of decision support tools. This paper represents a comprehensive review of the sewage systems management challenges and can serve as a reference document for other developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
miRNAs secreted by human blastocyst could be potential gene expression regulators during implantation
Authors: Eivazi Sadegh , Sabz Fatemeh Tanhaye Kalate , Amiri Sadegh , Zandieh Zahra , Bakhtiyari Mehrdad , Rashidi Mandana , Aflatoonian Reza , Mehraein Fereshteh , Amjadi Fatemehsadat 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground:Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs known as essential regulators of cell-cell communication. Recent studies have revealed that miRNAs secrete by a blastocyst in culture mediums. We hypothesized that endometrial epithelial cells take up embryo-derived miRNAs and other soluble factors and regulate their receptivity-related genes expression.Methods and Results:Blastocyst culture mediums (BCM) were collected from the individually cultured embryos and, human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs), were collected from healthy fertile volunteers. To evaluate the effect of BCM on the endometrial receptivity gene expression, HEECs were co-cultured with implanted BCM, non-implanted BCM, and a control culture medium. After determining altered gene expression in the HEECs, the miRNAs-related genes through bioinformatics databases were identified and evaluated in the BCM. Co-culture of primary HEECs with BCM significantly stimulated the expression levels of VEGFA, HBEGF, HOXA10, and LIF in the implanted group compared with non-implanted and control groups. The fold changes of miR‐195 significantly decreased in the implanted BCM group compared with the non-implanted BCM group. Also, we observed decreased fold changes of miR‐29b,145, and increased miR-223 in the implanted BCM group compared with the non-implanted ones.Conclusions:miRNAs' role as potential gene expression regulators during implantation. These molecules are secreted by human blastocyst, uptake by endometrial epithelial cells and cause a change in the endometrial function. We found that BCMs can be effective in implantation process by stimulating related receptivity gene expression, and BCM transfer with the embryo can be useful as an embryo implantation trigger.