bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automating proton treatment planning with beam angle selection using Bayesian optimization
Authors: Taasti Vicki T. , Hong Linda , Shim Jin Sup(Andy) , Deasy Joseph O. , Zarepisheh Masoud 
Published: May 2020

PurposeTo present a fully automated treatment planning process for proton therapy including beam angle selection using a novel Bayesian optimization approach and previously developed constrained hierarchical fluence optimization method.MethodsWe adapted our in‐house automated intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning system, which is based on constrained hierarchical optimization and referred to as ECHO (expedited constrained hierarchical optimization), for proton therapy. To couple this to beam angle selection, we propose using a novel Bayesian approach. By integrating ECHO with this Bayesian beam selection approach, we obtain a fully automated treatment planning framework including beam angle selection. Bayesian optimization is a global optimization technique which only needs to search a small fraction of the search space for slowly varying objective functions (i.e., smooth functions). Expedited constrained hierarchical optimization is run for some initial beam angle candidates and the resultant treatment plan for each beam configuration is rated using a clinically relevant treatment score function. Bayesian optimization iteratively predicts the treatment score for not‐yet‐evaluated candidates to find the best candidate to be optimized next with ECHO. We tested this technique on five head‐and‐neck (HN) patients with two coplanar beams. In addition, tests were performed with two noncoplanar and three coplanar beams for two patients.ResultsFor the two coplanar configurations, the Bayesian optimization found the optimal beam configuration after running ECHO for, at most, 4% of all potential configurations (23 iterations) for all patients (range: 2%–4%). Compared with the beam configurations chosen by the planner, the optimal configurations reduced the mandible maximum dose by 6.6 Gy and high dose to the unspecified normal tissues by 3.8 Gy, on average. For the two noncoplanar and three coplanar beam configurations, the algorithm converged after 45 iterations (examining <1% of all potential configurations).ConclusionsA fully automated and efficient treatment planning process for proton therapy, including beam angle optimization was developed. The algorithm automatically generates high‐quality plans with optimal beam angle configuration by combining Bayesian optimization and ECHO. As the Bayesian optimization is capable of handling complex nonconvex functions, the treatment score function which is used in the algorithm to evaluate the dose distribution corresponding to each beam configuration can contain any clinically relevant metric.
Ex vivo perfusion of human lymph nodes†
Authors: Xu Qian , Moore James E 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn a recent study published in The Journal of Pathology, Barrow‐McGee et al described a feasibility study of a real‐time ex vivo perfusion model of the axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) from breast cancer patients for immune‐oncological investigations. The study showed that perfused ALNs remain viable for up to 24 h, and perfusion of therapeutic antibodies confirmed the ability to reach ALN‐resident cells. This work is a highly encouraging demonstration of feasibility for further research into lymphatic system function, with applications to immune function, vaccinations, and cancer. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Lessons learned from a prenatal diagnosis program for thalassemia in Thailand
Authors: Wong Peerapon , Suannum Pawanrat , Jermnim Sawichayaporn , Charoenporn Prissana , Chan‐In Monthira , Tapprom Akamon , Deoisares Rawisut 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the outcome of a thalassemia screening program at community hospitals by determining the proportion of at‐risk couples able to obtain a prenatal diagnosis (PND) in relation to gestational age (GA).MethodsWe accessed records documenting prenatal screening for thalassemia in lower northern Thailand between January 2014 and December 2016. The proportion of at‐risk pregnancies able to obtain a PND was determined and median GAs at the time of at‐risk notification were compared. Reasons for failures to obtain PNDs were analyzed.ResultsAmong 4633 screen‐positive couples, 259 (5.6%) were identified as at‐risk while 23 were excluded due to unconfirmed outcomes. Forty‐one declined a PND and were excluded from the final calculations. Of the 195 remaining couples, 140 (71.8%) obtained a PND. Their median GA at the time of at‐risk notification was 12.4 (5.6‐29.1) weeks, which was earlier than the median GA of 17.7 (6.9‐34.6) weeks for couples not undergoing PND (P < .001). Risks for various types of thalassemia and GA were associated with the chances of achieving a PND.ConclusionIn practice, one quarter of couples identified as at‐risk were unable to obtain a PND. Time‐influencing factors seem to be a major determinant.
Kairomone‐assisted trap cropping for protecting spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus) from pollen beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)
Authors: Thöming Gunda , Solhaug Knut A , Norli Hans R 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPollen beetles are key pests in oilseed rape (OSR) production. These beetles use visual and olfactory cues to locate their host plants at specific phenological stages, hence trap cropping may represent an alternative pest control strategy. In this study, a trap crop strategy for spring OSR was developed. To elaborate such a trap cropping system, a pest control measure that eradicates the attracted beetles in the trap crop before they migrate further into the main crop was included in the final trap cropping strategy.RESULTSTesting yellow‐flowering turnip rape and one yellow‐ and two cream‐coloured flowering OSR cultivars as potential crops in different trap cropping strategies, we found that pollen beetles clearly preferred turnip rape over the cream‐coloured and yellow OSR cultivars, and preferred the yellow OSR cultivar over the two cream‐coloured cultivars. This behaviour was related to the plant growth stage and associated volatile and colour signals of the tested cultivars. Using turnip rape as a trap crop and testing kairomone‐ or insecticide‐assisted trap cropping as the pest control strategy was as effective as compared with whole fields treated with a standard pesticide.CONCLUSIONCombining a turnip rape cultivar as trap crop with kairomone traps placed in the trap crop as a killing agent may enable renunciation of pesticides in spring OSR production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The Generation and Study of a Gold‐Based Chemobrionic Plant‐Like Structure
Authors: Zissi Georgia D. , Angelis George , Pampalakis Georgios 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe generation of chemical gardens based on tetrachloroauric acid and silicate is presented. The structures were studied with SEM, XRD and micro‐Raman spectroscopy and a new mechanism that participates in their development was revealed. Specifically, the structures were decorated with metallic Au that is derived during the process of plant‐like growth. Probably, the instability of gold salts and hydroxides on silica templates accounts for their reduction to metallic Au.
Research progress in endogenous H2S‐activatable nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Authors: Feng Lili , Zhao Yanli 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a critical signaling molecule that exists in a wide variety of organizational categories, which has significant influences on several physiological functions containing vasodilatory modulation and neurotransmitter regulation. Dysregulated production and abnormal contents of H2S are considered to be the characteristics of different types of disease occurrence; the detection and real‐time monitoring of endogenous H2S in tissues and living cells is of great significance. However, most conventional H2S detection methods still suffer from some inevitable drawbacks including low bioavailability, accuracy, and sensitivity, making them difficult to apply in visualizing endogenous H2S in vivo. Optical probes constructed with the features of fast responsive time, excellent selectivity and sensitivity, as well as noninvasive performance, providing the possibility of detecting and monitoring H2S in real‐time at the cellular and mouse levels. Such methods show the application prospect, which could avoid the defects of conventional detection approaches. Furthermore, a certain concentration of H2S can influence the therapeutic efficacy, for example, anti‐inflammation and protection against oxidative stress, during the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Because the generation of overexpressed exogenous H2S is closely tied to the tumor formation, the development of H2S‐responsive theranostic nanoplatforms is highly needed for H2S‐related tumor diagnosis and treatment. The theranostic nanoplatforms are expected to maximize therapeutic effectiveness and minimize side effects to normal tissues. In this review article, the current research progress, challenges, and future possibilities of H2S‐activatable nanoplatforms for H2S detection and malignant tumor theranostics are summarized.
Lu–Hf geochronology of ultra-high-pressure eclogites from the Tromsø-Nappe, Scandinavian Caledonides: evidence for rapid subduction and exhumation
Authors: Fassmer K. , Martinet I. , Miladinova I. , Sprung P. , Froitzheim N. , Fonseca R. O. C. , Münker C. , Janák M. , Kullerud K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGeochronology of ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks is able to constrain the timing and rates of subduction-zone processes. Lu–Hf garnet dating has the potential to yield information about the timing of the prograde evolution of subducting rocks under increasing pressure. In combination with other methods, it thus allows constraining the complete P–T–t path with high precision. Ultra-high-pressure eclogites from the Tromsø Nappe, the structurally highest tectonic unit of the Scandinavian Caledonides in northern Norway, were dated using Lu–Hf geochronology on garnet. A sample from Tromsdalstind yielded an age of 448.3 ± 3.6 Ma, interpreted as dating prograde garnet growth due to preserved zoning in the major-element and Lu contents of garnet grains. A sample from the diamond-bearing locality Tønsvika yielded an identical age of 449.4 ± 3.3 Ma. Garnet from this sample shows a weak zoning in Ca content and near-homogeneous Lu content. These ages are identical within error among each other and with published U–Pb ages of peak-eclogite-facies zircon and rutile/titanite from exhumation-related leucosome veins. Consequently, the entire subduction–exhumation cycle leading to the ultra-high-pressure eclogites lasted only very few millions of years during the Late Ordovician.
A new re-encoding ECOC using reject option
Authors: Lei Lei , Song Yafei , Luo Xi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhen training base classifier by ternary Error Correcting Output Codes (ECOC), it is well know that some classes are ignored. On this account, a non-competent classifier emerges when it classify an instance whose real label does not belong to the meta-subclasses. Meanwhile, the classic ECOC dichotomizers can only produce binary outputs and have no capability of rejection for classification. To overcome the non-competence problem and better model the multi-class problem for reducing the classification cost, we embed reject option to ECOC and present a new variant of ECOC algorithm called as Reject-Option-based Re-encoding ECOC (ROECOC). The cost-sensitive classification model and cost-loss function based on Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve are built respectively. The optimal reject threshold values are obtained by combing the condition to be met for minimizing the loss function and the ROC convex hull. In so doing, reject option (t1, t2) provides a three-symbol output to make dichotomizers more competent and ROECOC more universal and practical for cost-sensitive classification issue. Experimental results on two kinds of datasets show that our scheme with low-degree freedom of initialized ECOC can effectively enhance accuracy and reduce cost.
Improved sampling strategies for ensemble-based optimization
Authors: Ramaswamy K. R. , Fonseca R. M. , Leeuwenburgh O. , Siraj M. M. , Van den Hof P. M. J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe are concerned with the efficiency of stochastic gradient estimation methods for large-scale nonlinear optimization in the presence of uncertainty. These methods aim to estimate an approximate gradient from a limited number of random input vector samples and corresponding objective function values. Ensemble methods usually employ Gaussian sampling to generate the input samples. It is known from the optimal design theory that the quality of sample-based approximations is affected by the distribution of the samples. We therefore evaluate six different sampling strategies to optimization of a high-dimensional analytical benchmark optimization problem, and, in a second example, to optimization of oil reservoir management strategies with and without geological uncertainty. The effectiveness of the sampling strategies is analyzed based on the quality of the estimated gradient, the final objective function value, the rate of the convergence, and the robustness of the gradient estimate. Based on the results, an improved version of the stochastic simplex approximate gradient method is proposed based onUE(s2) sampling designs for supersaturated cases that outperforms all alternative approaches. We additionally introduce two new strategies that outperform theUE(s2) designs previously suggested in the literature.
Sorption of anthropogenic radionuclides onto river sediments and suspended solids: dependence on sediment composition
Authors: Juranová Eva , Hanslík Eduard , Dulanská Silvia , Grísa Tomáš , Sedlářová Barbora , Marešová Diana 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to explore the sorption behaviour of anthropogenic radionuclides in the Vltava River catchment in the Czech Republic, which could be influenced by an assumptive severe nuclear accident. Radionuclide sorption was described by distribution coefficients between water and sediment or suspended solids, respectively. Then, possible correlations between radionuclide sorption and sediment properties were investigated using simple and multiple regressions. The sorption of radionuclides was affected by sediment granularity and mineralogical composition, each radionuclide having its group of influencing sediment parameters.
Does globalization in Turkey induce increased energy consumption: insights into its environmental pros and cons
Authors: Etokakpan Mfonobong Udom , Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Vedat Yorucu , Bekun Festus Victor 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGlobalization is the paradigm shift to a more integrated world economy broadly shaping economies and societies around the globe. The wave of globalization is much more eminent on its impact on increased energy demand, knowledge and technology transfer, trade, and financial capital flows. The present study focuses on Turkey, a fast-emerging economy that is no exception to the wave of globalization. This current study explores the dynamics between ecological footprints, energy consumption, and real income level for the case of Turkey in a carbon-income function while accounting for other covariate like globalization to avoid omitted variable bias. The study data spans from 1970 to 2017 on an annual frequency basis. The stationarity properties of the outlined variables were investigated. Subsequently, the equilibrium relationship between the variables is confirmed by the battery of recent robust estimation techniques. While to detect the causality of direction among the variables, the Modified Wald test causality test is utilized. This study reveals that an increase in energy consumption in Turkey reduces environmental pollution by a magnitude of 0.37% in the short run and 0.43% long run, while an increase in economic expansion dampens the quality of the environment 0.42% and 0.72% on both short and long-run basis. This is indicative given that Turkey is more energy conscious and energy efficient, while a positive statistically significant relationship is observed between real income level and ecological footprint and globalization index. The causality analysis also supports the growth-induced energy consumption hypothesis. The study further offers policy direction for the energy sector in Turkey in the face of global interconnectedness.
Ecotoxicity screening evaluation of selected pharmaceuticals and their transformation products towards various organisms
Authors: Grabarczyk Łukasz , Mulkiewicz Ewa , Stolte Stefan , Puckowski Alan , Pazda Magdalena , Stepnowski Piotr , Białk-Bielińska Anna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe intensive development of medical science has led to an increase in the availability and use of pharmaceutical products. However, nowadays, most of scientific attention has been paid to the native forms of pharmaceuticals, while the transformation products (TPs) of these substances, understood herein as metabolites, degradation products, and selected enantiomers, remain largely unexplored in terms of their characterization, presence, fate and effects within the natural environment. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of seven native compounds belonging to different therapeutic groups (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioid analgesics, beta-blockers, antibacterial and anti-epileptic drugs), along with the toxicity of their 13 most important TPs. For this purpose, an ecotoxicological test battery, consisting of five organisms of different biological organization was used. The obtained data shows that, in general, the toxicity of TPs to the tested organisms was similar or lower compared to their parent compounds. However, for example, significantly higher toxicity of the R form of ibuprofen to algae and duckweed, as well as a higher toxicity of the R form of naproxen to luminescent bacteria, was observed, proving that the risk associated with the presence of drug TPs in the environment should not be neglected.
A contextually adapted model of school engagement in Kazakhstan
Authors: Winter Liz , Hernández-Torrano Daniel , McLellan Ros , Almukhambetova Ainur , Brown-Hajdukova Eva 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study introduces a culturally adapted 17-item scale of school engagement. It offers an important contribution to the international literature by seeking to measure the school engagement of young people in a society undergoing transition from a collectivist to individualist mind-set alongside an education system focused on improving performance in international benchmarks such as those from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD Programme for International Student Assessment, PISA) and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA Trends In International Mathematics And Science Study, TIMSS). To date, little has been written on how intra-individual and inter-individual factors contribute to young people’s engagement in education as societal and systemic educational reform occurs. The school engagement scale is validated by testing the empirical fit of a second-order multidimensional factor model of school engagement taken from the Western literature to large-scale data in Kazakhstan. Culturally relevant features are added such as the strong influence of ‘important others’. The model tested was formed from 1) an individual’s cognitions and behaviours associated with school and 2) the social influences of parents, peers, and teachers. 1767 secondary education students in Kazakhstan participated in the study. Confirmatory analyses supported the hypothesized additional contributory factors to school engagement. Use of the overall model indicated differences in means across gender, grade, school-type, and geographic location to show: (1) higher cognitive engagement for young women; (2) rural students with higher levels of behavioural engagement; and (3) substantial differences in social support by grade and rurality.
Ego-depletion or invigoration in solving the tower of Hanoi? Action orientation helps overcome planning deficits
Authors: Kazén Miguel , Kuhl Julius 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPersonality systems interaction (PSI) theory postulates two executive control modes: Self-control and self-regulation. Self-control, typical of state oriented persons, should result in “ego depletion” whereas self-regulation, typical of action oriented persons, should result in invigoration. State- and action-oriented participants performed the Plan-a-Day and the 5-disk Tower-of-Hanoi tasks. There were no differences between them on the first task, but action had better performance than state oriented in terms of number of moves and solution time on the second task, independently of differences in self-determination. Better performance in the Tower of Hanoi correlated positively with activation, and negatively with apathy. We conclude that whereas self-control is associated with depletion, self-regulation is associated with invigoration in performing the Tower of Hanoi task.
FINAL MOMENTS: CONTEXTUALIZING ON-FLOOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS FROM CARACOL, BELIZE
Authors: Chase Arlen F. , Chase Diane Z. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe description and analysis of materials from on-floor deposits that reflect the final activity before site abandonment are key to making a determination as to what happened during the Maya collapse arounda.d.900. On-floor deposits recovered at Caracol, Belize indicate that factors like warfare, the breakdown of the site's market system, and heightened social tensions were in play prior to the abandonment of the site. In an attempt to understand the meaning of these deposits, we first examine why on-floor remains constitute an important data class for archaeology. We next look at the kinds of artifactual materials that are recovered in these deposits and then at the locations and nature of on-floor deposits at Caracol. Finally, we offer our thoughts on what they represent in the broader Maya context.
POINT COUNTER POINT: INTERPRETING CHIPPED CHERT BIFACES IN TERMINAL CLASSIC “PROBLEMATIC” ON-FLOOR DEPOSITS FROM STRUCTURES A2 AND A3 AT CAHAL PECH, BELIZE
Authors: Stemp W. James , Awe Jaime J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProblematic deposits, containing different types of artifacts and skeletal remains, are typically recovered on or near the surfaces of the terminal phase of elite civic-ceremonial architecture at ancient Maya sites. These contexts often date to the Terminal Classic period (~a.d.750–900). They have been variously interpreted as evidence for site abandonment, squatting, warfare, or dedication or termination rituals. Sixteen chert bifaces were recovered from problematic deposits at the bases of Structures A2 and A3 in the elite Plaza A at Cahal Pech, Belize. Stone tools from problematic deposits are rarely examined in significant detail. Based on stylistic, metric, and use-wear analyses, the bifaces were likely produced locally, used during important hunting or warfare activities, and then ritually deposited in the Terminal Classic. These bifaces were likely hafted to spearthrower darts and represented “success” at hunting or fighting. The recovery of weaponry in problematic deposits that is not the direct result of warfare is an important observation because Mayanists have generally interpreted their presence in these contexts as evidence of warfare. The fact that the points were recovered in groups of seven and nine may indicate that they had important symbolic meanings that connected them to supernatural or mythological places or entities.