Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical implementation and evaluation of the Acuros dose calculation algorithm

Abstract Purpose The main aim of this study is to validate the Acuros XB dose calculation algorithm for a Varian Clinac iX linac in our clinics, and subsequently compare it with the wildely used AAA algorithm. Methods and materials The source models for both Acuros XB and AAA were configured by importing the same measured beam data into Eclipse treatment planning system. Both algorithms were validated by comparing calculated dose with measured dose on a homogeneous water phantom for field sizes ranging from 6 cm × 6 cm to 40 cm × 40 cm. Central axis and off‐axis points with different depths were chosen for the comparison. In addition, the accuracy of Acuros was evaluated for wedge fields with wedge angles from 15 to 60°. Similarly, variable field sizes for an inhomogeneous phantom were chosen to validate the Acuros algorithm. In addition, doses calculated by Acuros and AAA at the center of lung equivalent tissue from three different VMAT plans were compared to the ion chamber measured doses in QUASAR phantom, and the calculated dose distributions by the two algorithms and their differences on patients were compared. Computation time on VMAT plans was also evaluated for Acuros and AAA. Differences between dose‐to‐water (calculated by AAA and Acuros XB) and dose‐to‐medium (calculated by Acuros XB) on patient plans were compared and evaluated. Results For open 6 MV photon beams on the homogeneous water phantom, both Acuros XB and AAA calculations were within 1% of measurements. For 23 MV photon beams, the calculated doses were within 1.5% of measured doses for Acuros XB and 2% for AAA. Testing on the inhomogeneous phantom demonstrated that AAA overestimated doses by up to 8.96% at a point close to lung/solid water interface, while Acuros XB reduced that to 1.64%. The test on QUASAR phantom showed that Acuros achieved better agreement in lung equivalent tissue while AAA underestimated dose for all VMAT plans by up to 2.7%. Acuros XB computation time was about three times faster than AAA for VMAT plans, and computation time for other plans will be discussed at the end. Maximum difference between dose calculated by AAA and dose‐to‐medium by Acuros XB (Acuros_Dm,m) was 4.3% on patient plans at the isocenter, and maximum difference between D100 calculated by AAA and by Acuros_Dm,m was 11.3%. When calculating the maximum dose to spinal cord on patient plans, differences between dose calculated by AAA and Acuros_Dm,m were more than 3%. Conclusion Compared with AAA, Acuros XB improves accuracy in the presence of inhomogeneity, and also significantly reduces computation time for VMAT plans. Dose differences between AAA and Acuros_Dw,m were generally less than the dose differences between AAA and Acuros_Dm,m. Clinical practitioners should consider making Acuros XB available in clinics, however, further investigation and clarification is needed about which dose reporting mode (dose‐to‐water or dose‐to‐medium) should be used in clinics.
The influence of ageism, experience, and relationships with older adults on physical therapy students’ perception of geriatrics

ABSTRACT Introduction: Increased exposure to geriatrics throughout a student’s professional education has been reported to improve the desire to work in this area; however, factors that influence the perception of geriatric physical therapy may prohibit students from actively seeking those experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of geriatric physical therapy by first-year graduate physical therapy students. Design: A qualitative case study research approach was performed. Method: Three focus groups were completed using students enrolled in their second semester of a graduate-level physical therapy program. Dialogue was reviewed and coded by three raters. Twenty-five subcategories of open-coding terms were triangulated and grouped into 4 themes via axial coding. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) ageism exists in health care, (2) personal and professional experiences serve as a framework for students’ perception of geriatrics, (3) interpersonal relationships formed within geriatric practice are highly valued, and (4) additional contextual barriers exist in geriatrics. Conclusions: To meet the needs of a highly skilled geriatric workforce, students should participate in enhanced geriatric experiences in didactic coursework as well as within interprofessional geriatric clinics throughout their education.
Examining Procrastination Across Multiple Goal Stages: A Longitudinal Study of Temporal Motivation Theory

Procrastination is among the most common of motivational failures, putting off despite expecting to be worse off. We examine this dynamic phenomenon in a detailed and realistic longitudinal design (Study 1) as well as in a large correlational data set (N = 7400; Study 2). The results are largely consistent with temporal motivation theory. People’s pacing style reflects a hyperbolic curve, with the steepness of the curve predicted by self-reported procrastination. Procrastination is related to intention-action gaps, but not intentions. Procrastinators are susceptible to proximity of temptation and to the temporal separation between their intention and the planned act; the more distal, the greater the gap. Critical self-regulatory skills in explaining procrastination are attention control, energy regulation and automaticity, accounting for 74% of the variance. Future research using this design is recommended, as it provides an almost ideal blend of realism and detailed longitudinal assessment.
Synthesis and characterization of Co0.8Fe2.2O4 nano ferrite

Co0.8Fe2. 2O4 nano ferrite has been synthesized by sol gel auto-combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mossbauer spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized as burnt and thermally annealed (600 oC for 3 hours) samples. Both XRD and Mossbauer measurements confirm the formation of spinel phase with Scherrer's grain diameter (Ds) ≈ 37 nm. Presence of α-Fe and, Fe2O3 was also observed. Thermal annealing induced decrease of ρxrd (from 5267.9 to 5262.7 Kg/m3) for the annealed samples is ascribable to the fact that, increase of unit cell volume overtakes the increase in mass of the unit cell. Comparison of dry gel and thermally annealed sample shows that in dry gel, B site is more populated with Fe ions, whereas thermal annealing leads to migration of Co from A to B site with simultaneous migration of Fe from B to A site, thus dropping the Neel magnetic moment. Bond angle values clearly reveal that thermal annealing leads to strengthening of B-O-B interaction with simultaneous wreaking of A-O-B, and, A-O-A interaction.
Numerical estimation of wear in reciprocating tribological experiments

In order to numerically simulate the contact pressure distribution and area during sliding when wear occurs, the combined finite element method and boundary element method (FEM–BEM) developed by the authors is extended based on a linear wear law merged with the space- and time-resolved cumulative dissipated frictional energy. In each computed time step, the dissipated frictional energy and the wear rate are determined. Simultaneously, the topography of surfaces in contact are updated after every sliding cycle, providing for each sliding cycle a new input for BEM which is consequently used to redetermine the contact pressure distribution. The numerical results obtained with the proposed FEM–BEM algorithm are found to match qualitatively well with the amount of wear observed in high-frequency reciprocating rig experiments. This demonstrates the suitability of the FEM–BEM contact scheme for wear applications.
Evaluation of 4D CT acquisition methods designed to reduce artifacts

Four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) is used to account for respiratory motion in radiation treatment planning, but artifacts resulting from the acquisition and postprocessing limit its accuracy. We investigated the efficacy of three experimental 4D CT acquisition methods to reduce artifacts in a prospective institutional review board approved study. Eighteen thoracic patients scheduled to undergo radiation therapy received standard clinical 4D CT scans followed by each of the alternative 4D CT acquisitions: 1) data oversampling, 2) beam gating with breathing irregularities, and 3) rescanning the clinical acquisition acquired during irregular breathing. Relative values of a validated correlation‐based artifact metric (CM) determined the best acquisition method per patient. Each 4D CT was processed by an extended phase sorting approach that optimizes the quantitative artifact metric (CM sorting). The clinical acquisitions were also postprocessed by phase sorting for artifact comparison of our current clinical implementation with the experimental methods. The oversampling acquisition achieved the lowest artifact presence among all acquisitions, achieving a 27% reduction from the current clinical 4D CT implementation (95% confidence interval=34−20). The rescan method presented a significantly higher artifact presence from the clinical acquisition (37%; p<0.002), the gating acquisition (26%; p<0.005), and the oversampling acquisition (31%; p<0.001), while the data lacked evidence of a significant difference between the clinical, gating, and oversampling methods. The oversampling acquisition reduced artifact presence from the current clinical 4D CT implementation to the largest degree and provided the simplest and most reproducible implementation. The rescan acquisition increased artifact presence significantly, compared to all acquisitions, and suffered from combination of data from independent scans over which large internal anatomic shifts occurred. PACS numbers: 87.57. C‐, 87.57. cp, 87.57. Q‐, 87.55. Gh
Influencing College and Higher Education Choices in Disadvantaged Hispanic High School Students Through a School-Based Health Club

Introduction: Statistics representing professional health care providers do not adequately reflect the shift in the nation’s diverse population. Latinos are significantly underrepresented at all levels of appropriate academic programs critical for entry to health profession careers. This project describes the implementation of a student-run, faculty-facilitated Future Nurse and Health Club at a school (with majority Latino students) to emphasize the importance of higher education in health care. Demographic and psychosocial profiles of club members were also developed to understand community needs. Method: The Future Nurse and Health Club was established in partnership with faculty and researchers representing a university-based nursing program, school officials, and community leaders. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from club members and their parents using a variety of techniques including questionnaires and focus groups. Results: The findings of the study highlighted a variety of student- and parent-related factors including poor lifestyle habits and perceptions of support that could potentially influence Latino high school students’ interest and progress in health care–related higher education. Conclusion: A school-based health career club involving active participation of parents and students with support from health care professionals such as academic nursing faculty has the potential to simultaneously raise student interest in health-related careers and health needs of their community.
Equivalence of mother and father ratings of ADHD in children

ABSTRACT Obtaining data from multiple informants provides a more comprehensive diagnostic picture in the assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Differences in symptom ratings have been observed between parent- and teacher-report scales, though less information is available regarding differences between mothers and fathers. To address this gap, this study examines the rater agreement between mothers and fathers on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) ADHD Symptom Rating Scale (DSM-ADHD-SRS). The participants consisted of 337 children diagnosed with ADHD who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Confirmatory factor analysis indicates that a three-factor model comprising inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms provides the best fit for both mothers’ and fathers’ ratings. Mothers provided higher mean ratings for the inattention scale. These results suggest that the factor structure for the DSM-ADHD-SRS is the same, regardless of parent gender. However, symptoms of inattention may vary depending upon which parent completes the ratings. This discrepancy could lead to differences in diagnostic impressions in clinical evaluations.
Adoptive Transfer of Regulatory T Cells Protects against Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis

Background Cardiac fibrogenesis in the late stage of viral myocarditis causing contractile dysfunction and ventricular dilatation, is a major pathogenic factor for the progression of myocarditis to serious cardiovascular diseases including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and congestive heart failure (HF). Recent studies indicate that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in the fibrotic process of liver and lung fibosis. However, the role of Tregs in the development of viral myocarditis-caused cardiac fibrosis and their therapeutic potential remains unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings Myocardial fibrosis was induced in BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injection of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) assessed by picrosirius red staining and detection of expression levels of collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). Myocardial Treg frequency was down-regulated during the course of viral myocarditis and a negative correlation with the severity of cardiac fibrosis was found. To explore the role of Tregs in CVB-induced cardiac fibrosis, Treg was in vivo depleted by injecting anti-CD25 mAb which resulted in aggravation of cardiac fibrosis. In consistent with that, after adoptive transfer of isolated Tregs into mice, significant amelioration of CVB3-induced cardiac fibrosis was confirmed. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) neutralizing antibodies were used in vivo and in vitro to explore the molecular mechanism of the therapeutic effect of Treg. It was found that administration of anti-IL-10 mAb after Treg transfer abrogated Treg’s treating effect and the inhibition of Treg on collagen production by cardiac fibroblasts was mediated mainly through IL-10. Conclusion/Significance Our data suggested that Tregs have a protective role in the fibrotic process of CVB3-induced cardiac fibrosis via secreting IL-10 and might provide an alternative option for the future treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
Optimal asymmetric resource allocation with limited feedback for OFDM based relay systems

We propose an optimal asymmetric resource allocation scheme with limited feedback for wireless relay systems based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. Unlike the previous work, we assume that the bits transmitted over the same subchannel from the source to the relay may be distributed over different subchannels when being forwarded from the relay to the destination. This not only increases the degree of freedom for transmission, but also reduces the transmission overhead significantly because the amount of feedback information required is independent of the number of subchannels. Furthermore, the transmission durations at the source and the relay are designed to be asymmetric, which also enhances the degree of freedom for transmission. Simulation results show that the proposed optimal asymmetric resource allocation scheme achieves a higher system capacity, and has less sensitivity to channel estimation errors than the previous work. It also demonstrates a fast convergence speed.
Using the Raspberry Pi and Docker for Replicable Performance Experiments: Experience Paper

Replicating software performance experiments is difficult. A common obstacle to replication is that recreating the hardware and software environments is often impractical. As researchers usually run their experiments on the hardware and software that happens to be available to them, recreating the experiments would require obtaining identical hardware, which can lead to high costs. Recreating the software environment is also difficult, as software components such as particular library versions might no longer be available. Cheap, standardized hardware components like the Raspberry Pi and portable software containers like the ones provided by Docker are a potential solution to meet the challenge of replicability. In this paper, we report on experiences from replicating performance experiments on Raspberry Pi devices with and without Docker and show that good replication results can be achieved for microbenchmarks such as JMH. Replication of macrobenchmarks like SPECjEnterprise 2010 proves to be much more difficult, as they are strongly affected by (non-standardized) peripherals. Inspired by previous microbenchmarking experiments on the Pi platform, we furthermore report on a systematic analysis of response time fluctuations, and present lessons learned on dos and don»ts for replicable performance experiments.
ESPnet: End-to-End Speech Processing Toolkit

This paper introduces a new open source platform for end-to-end speech processing named ESPnet. ESPnet mainly focuses on end-to-end automatic speech recognition (ASR), and adopts widely-used dynamic neural network toolkits, Chainer and PyTorch, as a main deep learning engine. ESPnet also follows the Kaldi ASR toolkit style for data processing, feature extraction/format, and recipes to provide a complete setup for speech recognition and other speech processing experiments. This paper explains a major architecture of this software platform, several important functionalities, which differentiate ESPnet from other open source ASR toolkits, and experimental results with major ASR benchmarks.
Characterization of dose impact on IMRT and VMAT from couch attenuation for two Varian couches

In intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT), the use of posterior oblique beams has become common. Beam attenuation by the treatment couch is not negligible when the couch is in the beam portal. In this study, we established the relationship of relative dose vs. beam angle for two Varian 21EX linacs, one equipped with the Exact couch (standard couch) with sliding side support rails, and the other equipped with the Exact image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) carbon fiber couch. Measurements were performed using an ion chamber placed at the center of an acrylic cylindrical phantom positioned at the linac isocenter for 6 MV and 18 MV photon beams. Measurements were performed at three different field sizes (3×3,5×5, and 10×10 cm2, and were repeated with the phantom positioned at different longitudinal locations on the couches. To evaluate beam attenuation by the standard couch in a clinical setting, two test IMRT plans and two test VMAT plans on the standard couch were delivered. The plans were generated with the sliding rails at the “in” position and delivered with the rails at both “in” and “out” positions. The dose difference to the ion chamber was determined. For oblique fields with 6 MV photons, the standard couch attenuated the radiation beam by up to 26.8%, while the carbon fiber IGRT couch attenuated the beam by up to 4.1%. In the clinical evaluation, the highest dose difference between rails set at the “in” and “out” positions was 2.6% in the IMRT case and 2.1% in the VMAT case. The magnitude of potential dose difference has been quantified and could be used for a quick estimation of dose difference due to couch attenuation in IMRT and VMAT. PACS number: 87.56. ‐v
Index coronary angiography use in Manitoba, Canada: a population-level descriptive analysis of First Nations and non-First Nations recipients

Objectives To investigate recipient characteristics and rates of index angiography among First Nations (FN) and non-FN populations in Manitoba, Canada. Setting Population-based, secondary analysis of provincial administrative health data. Participants All adults 18 years or older who received an index angiogram between 2000/2001 and 2008/2009. Primary and secondary outcome measures (1) Descriptive statistics for age, sex, income quintile by rural and urban residency and Charlson Comorbidity Index for FN and non-FN recipients. (2) Annual index angiogram rates for FN and non-FN populations and among those rates of ‘urgent’ angiograms based on acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-related hospitalisations during the previous 7 days. (3) Proportions of people who did not receive an angiogram in the 20 years preceding an ischaemic heart disease (IHD) diagnosis or a cardiovascular death; stratified by age (<65 or ≥65 years old). Results FN recipients were younger (56.3vs63.8 years; p<0.0001) and had higher Charlson Comorbidity scores (1.32vs0.78; p<0.001). During all years examined, index angiography rates were lower among FN people (2.67vs3.33 per 1000 population per year; p<0.001) with no notable temporal trends. Among the index angiogram recipients, a higher proportion was associated with an AMI-related hospitalisation in the FN group (28.8%vs25.0%; p<0.01) and in both groups rates significantly increased over time. FN people who died from cardiovascular disease or were older (65+years old) diagnosed with IHD were more likely to have received an angiogram in the preceding 20–30 years (17.8%vs12.5%; p<0.01 and 50.9%vs49.5%; p<0.03, respectively). FN people diagnosed with IHD who were under the age of 65 were less likely to have received an angiogram (47.8%vs53.1%; p<0.01) Conclusions Index angiogram use differences are suggested between FN and non-FN populations, which may contribute to reported IHD disparities. Investigating factors driving these rates will determine any association between ethnicity and angiography services.
There Is No Performance, There Is Just This Moment: The Role of Mindfulness Instruction in Promoting Health and Well-Being Among Students at a Highly-Ranked University in the United States

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to improve health outcomes across populations. We explored the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effects of a pilot MBSR program at a highly-ranked university in the United States. We conducted 23 in-depth interviews with 13 students. Interviews explored stressors and coping mechanisms, experiences with MBSR, and its reported impact and potential future use. Interviews were analyzed using thematic content and narrative analyses. Results indicated that students are exposed to a very high level of constant stress related to the sheer amount of work and activities that they have and the pervasive surrounding university culture of perfectionism. MBSR offered an opportunity to step back and gain perspective on issues of balance and priorities and provided concrete techniques to counter the effects of stressors. We conclude that MBSR and mindfulness programs may contribute to more supportive university learning environments and greater health and well-being among students.
Dyeing Properties of Polyester Microfibers

Sorption isotherms and dyeing rates of purified disperse dyes on polyester microfibers (fineness of 0.25-1.0 denier) from water have been measured at 95°C. The isotherms are curved and well described in terms of the dual-mode sorption model: Nemst-type partitioning and Langmuir sorption are concurrently operative. The effect of a diffusional boundary layer on the dyeing rate is small under the conditions; the microfibers were dyed in the form of a bulky two-ply yarn in a well stirred bath. Dyeing rates of a commercial dye are also measured at 110 and 130°C. For dyeing of a 0.32d fiber at 130°C, the amount of dye sorbed by the fibers attains a maximum value at an early stage and then decreases gradually. This phenomenon is explained in terms of the aqueous solubility of very fine dye particles. The relation between dye sorption behavior and the fine structure of the microfibers is discussed.