bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel and clinically useful dynamic conformal arc (DCA)‐based VMAT planning technique for lung SBRT
Authors: Pokhrel Damodar , Visak Justin , Sanford Lana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeVolumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is gaining popularity for stereotactic treatment of lung lesions for medically inoperable patients. Due to multiple beamlets in delivery of highly modulated VMAT plans, there are dose delivery uncertainties associated with small‐field dosimetry error and interplay effects with small lesions. We describe and compare a clinically useful dynamic conformal arc (DCA)‐based VMAT (d‐VMAT) technique for lung SBRT using flattening filter free (FFF) beams to minimize these effects.Materials and MethodsTen solitary early‐stage I‐II non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were treated with a single dose of 30 Gy using 3–6 non‐coplanar VMAT arcs (clinical VMAT) with 6X‐FFF beams in our clinic. These clinically treated plans were re‐optimized using a novel d‐VMAT planning technique. For comparison, d‐VMAT plans were recalculated using DCA with user‐controlled field aperture shape before VMAT optimization. Identical beam geometry, dose calculation algorithm, grid size, and planning objectives were used. The clinical VMAT and d‐VMAT plans were compared via RTOG‐0915 protocol compliances for conformity, gradient indices, and dose to organs at risk (OAR). Additionally, treatment delivery efficiency and accuracy were recorded.ResultsAll plans met RTOG‐0915 requirements. Comparing with clinical VMAT, d‐VMAT plans gave similar target coverage with better target conformity, tighter radiosurgical dose distribution with lower gradient indices, and dose to OAR. Lower total number of monitor units and small beam modulation factor reduced beam‐on time by 1.75 min (P < 0.001), on average (maximum up to 2.52 min). Beam delivery accuracy was improved by 2%, on average (P < 0.05) and maximum up to 6% in some cases for d‐VMAT plans.ConclusionThis simple d‐VMAT technique provided excellent plan quality, reduced intermediate dose‐spillage, and dose to OAR while providing faster treatment delivery by significantly reducing beam‐on time. This novel treatment planning approach will improve patient compliance along with potentially reducing intrafraction motion error. Moreover, with less MLC modulation through the target, d‐VMAT could potentially minimize small‐field dosimetry errors and MLC interplay effects. If available, d‐VMAT planning approach is recommended for future clinical lung SBRT plan optimization.
An efficient fusion algorithm combining feature extraction and variational optimization for CT and MR images
Authors: Wang Qinxia , Yang Xiaoping 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn medical image processing, image fusion is the process of combining complementary information from different or multimodality images to obtain an informative fused image in order to improve clinical diagnostic accuracy. In this paper, we propose a two‐stage fusion framework for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. First, the intensity and geometric structure features in both CT and MR images are extracted by the saliency detection method and structure tensor, respectively, and an initial fused image is obtained. Then, the initial fused image is optimized by a variational model which contains a fidelity term and a regularization term. The fidelity term is to retain the intensity of the initial fused image, and the regularization term is to constrain the gradient information of the fused image to approximate the MR image. The primal‐dual algorithm is proposed to solve the variational problem. The proposed method is applied on five pairs of clinical medical CT and MR‐T1\MR‐T2 images, and the comparison metrics SF, MI,

,

, and VIFF are calculated for assessment. Compared with seven state‐of‐the‐art methods, the proposed method shows a comprehensive advantage in preserving the salient intensity features, as well as texture structure information, not only in visual effects but also in objective assessments.
Volumetric assessment of paranasal sinus opacification on computed tomography can be automated using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Humphries Stephen M. , Centeno Juan Pablo , Notary Aleena M. , Gerow Justin , Cicchetti Giuseppe , Katial Rohit K. , Beswick Daniel M. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Alam Rafeul , Lynch David A. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundComputed tomography (CT) plays a key role in evaluation of paranasal sinus inflammation, but improved, and standardized, objective assessment is needed. Computerized volumetric analysis has benefits over visual scoring, but typically relies on manual image segmentation, which is difficult and time‐consuming, limiting practical applicability. We hypothesized that a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm could perform automatic, volumetric segmentation of the paranasal sinuses on CT, enabling efficient, objective measurement of sinus opacification. In this study we performed initial clinical testing of a CNN for fully automatic quantitation of paranasal sinus opacification in the diagnostic workup of patients with chronic upper and lower airway disease.MethodsSinus CT scans were collected on 690 patients who underwent imaging as part of multidisciplinary clinical workup at a tertiary care respiratory hospital between April 2016 and November 2017. A CNN was trained to perform automatic segmentation using a subset of CTs (n = 180) that were segmented manually. A nonoverlapping set (n = 510) was used for testing. CNN opacification scores were compared with Lund‐MacKay (LM) visual scores, pulmonary function test results, and other clinical variables using Spearman correlation and linear regression.ResultsCNN scores were correlated with LM scores (rho = 0.82, p < 0.001) and with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted (rho = −0.21, p < 0.001), FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio (rho = −0.27, p < 0.001), immunoglobulin E (rho = 0.20, p < 0.001), eosinophil count (rho = 0.28, p < 0.001), and exhaled nitric oxide (rho = 0.40, p < 0.001).ConclusionSegmentation of the paranasal sinuses on CT can be automated using a CNN, providing truly objective, volumetric quantitation of sinonasal inflammation.
Using clear plastic CD cases as low‐cost mini‐rhizotrons to phenotype root traits
Authors: Cassidy Steven T. , Burr Audrey A. , Reeb Rachel A. , Melero Pardo Ana L. , Woods Kamron D. , Wood Corlett W. 
Published: April 2020

PremiseWe developed a novel low‐cost method to visually phenotype belowground structures in the plant rhizosphere. We devised the method introduced here to address the difficulties encountered growing plants in seed germination pouches for long‐term experiments and the high cost of other mini‐rhizotron alternatives.Methods and ResultsThe method described here took inspiration from homemade ant farms commonly used as an educational tool in elementary schools. Using compact disc (CD) cases, we developed mini‐rhizotrons for use in the field and laboratory using the burclover Medicago lupulina.ConclusionsOur method combines the benefits of pots and germination pouches. In CD mini‐rhizotrons, plants grew significantly larger than in germination pouches, and unlike pots, it is possible to measure roots without destructive sampling. Our protocol is a cheaper, widely available alternative to more destructive methods, which could facilitate the study of belowground phenotypes and processes by scientists with fewer resources.
Using online discussions to connect theory and practice in core engineering undergraduate courses
Authors: Bosman Lisa , Roy Somesh , McDonald Walter , Ababei Cristinel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractProviding engineering undergraduate students opportunities to connect real‐world applications with a theory is key to preparing them for the workforce; however, this task often requires a balancing act between meeting course objectives in content‐heavy core engineering undergraduate courses and providing experiences that connect real‐world applications with theory. This study seeks to address this problem through the integration of online discussion prompts to promote a connection to real‐world practical applications. The study included undergraduate students enrolled in three engineering core courses. The hypothesis was that participation in online discussions (using prompts) would lead to (a) an increase in student empowerment towards self‐regulated learning and (b) enhanced student engagement and perception of participating in online discussions. Students participated in eight online discussions and were evaluated using pre‐ and post‐assessments. Findings show students across disciplines liked online discussions because they allowed enough time to develop thoughts and promote critical thinking through extending class topics, which increased the control of their own learning. In addition, students were more active in the course activities and offered useful feedback and reflection, which enhanced student engagement. Such feedback included ideas to improve the online discussion, for example, the need for clearer instructions and instructor feedback, better scheduling of due dates, and more engaging discussion prompt. In summary, integrating online discussions into core engineering courses, without sacrificing class content, can indeed have positive implications for self‐regulated learning and higher student engagement.
Student interactions in a flipped classroom‐based undergraduate engineering statistics course
Authors: Kayaduman Halil 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to explore student–content, student–interface, student–instructor, and student–student interactions in a flipped classroom (FC)‐based undergraduate engineering course using the transactional distance (TD) theory. Understanding student interactions that occur in and out of the classroom to reduce the TD can help one design and develop high‐quality FC‐based courses and, thus, produce better learning outcomes and teaching experiences. A mixed‐methods case study was implemented in a Probability and Statistics course, and 37 undergraduate students from a developing university's faculty of engineering participated in the study. Data were collected via an anonymous online survey and focus group interviews. The initial findings indicated that the FC approach facilitated the students’ learning process and increased their interest in the course. Furthermore, the students found favorable student–content, student–instructor, student–interface, and student–student interactions. Based on the findings, all interaction types and their relationship with each other in the scope of the FC approach were discussed. Recommendations for reducing the TD include preparing videos that are understandable and comprehensive enough to be studied by students, provision of sufficient support, and positive attitude to students by instructors, encouraging collaboration among students, and utilizing easy‐to‐use digital platforms.
Analysis of a hybrid distillation‐pervaporation column in a single unit: Intermediate membrane section in the rectifying and stripping section
Authors: León Juan A. , Fontalvo Javier 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDistillation‐pervaporation in a single unit (DPSU) column can perform separations that are not possible in conventional distillation by overcoming distillation boundaries. Unlike conventional hybrid distillation‐pervaporation columns, in a DPSU system the pervaporation membrane is located inside the column. The separation by distillation and pervaporation is carried out simultaneously inside the same column section. In a previous work, a simplified model was used to design and analyze distillation‐pervaporation in a single unit (DPSU) systems with a hybrid rectifying‐pervaporation section, where the membrane constitutes the whole section. In this study, this simplified model is applied to DPSU columns where the membrane partially constitutes the rectifying or the stripping sections, including the model derivation of the stripping section and the operation leaves. The simplified model is applied for the separation of two mixtures with different Serafimov's topology classifications: acetone‐isopropanol‐water (topology type 1.0‐2) and ethyl acetate‐ethanol‐methanol (topology type 2.0‐2b). Thermodynamic limitations are identified for the separation of the ethyl acetate‐ethanol‐methanol mixture. Multiple operation leaves are produced depending on the liquid composition at the beginning of the membrane section, hindering the conditions that help to overcome the distillation boundary through a DPSU column. For some conditions, a section that is partially constituted by a membrane performs better than if the membrane constitutes the whole section.
Synergistic Catalysis of Se and Cu for the Activation of α‐H of Methyl Ketones with Molecular Oxygen/Alcohol to Produce α‐Keto Acetals†
Authors: Chen Chao , Cao Zhicheng , Zhang Xu , Li Yiming , Yu Lei , Jiang Xuefeng 
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionSelenium and copper synergistically catalyzed the oxidation/alkoxylation of methyl ketones to synthesize α‐keto acetals directly. Using O2 as oxidant and alcohol as solvent and alkoxylation reagent, the reaction is practical from industrial viewpoint. Mechanistic studies revealed that copper promoted the oxidation of organoselenium intermediates with O2 to allow the key rearrangement and selenoxide syn‐elimination regenerating the catalytically active organoselenium species.
Rapid Access to Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane Skeleton through Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Generation and Trapping of Vinyl‐o‐quinodimethanes (Vinyl‐o‐QDMs)†
Authors: Luo Hejiang , He Chuan , Jiang Huanfeng , Zhu Shifa 
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionA Cu(I)‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of terminal enynals/enynones, diazo compounds, and alkenes has been developed. With this method, a series of oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes were effectively synthesized in high yields under mild reaction conditions. This transformation is proposed to proceed through trapping of the cyclic vinyl‐o‐quinodimethanes (vinyl‐o‐QDMs) species, which were generated from terminal enynals/enynones and diazo compounds by alkenes. The obvious advantages of wide substrate scopes, mild reaction conditions, and high seteroselectivity and atom efficiency make this reaction highly appealing for construction of highly rigid [2.2.2]octane skeleton.
Comprehensive characterization of myeloid cells during wound healing in healthy and healing‐impaired diabetic mice
Authors: Joshi Natasha , Pohlmeier Lea , Ben‐Yehuda Greenwald Maya , Haertel Eric , Hiebert Paul , Kopf Manfred , Werner Sabine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWound healing involves the concerted action of various lymphoid and in particular myeloid cell populations. To characterize and quantitate different types of myeloid cells and to obtain information on their kinetics during wound healing, we performed multiparametric flow cytometry analysis. In healthy mice, neutrophil numbers increased early after injury and returned to near basal levels after completion of healing. Macrophages, monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs), and eosinophils were abundant throughout the healing phase, in particular in early wounds, and Langerhans cells increased after wounding and remained elevated after epithelial closure. Major differences in healing‐impaired diabetic mice were a much higher percentage of immune cells in late wounds, mainly as a result of neutrophil, macrophage, and monocyte persistence; reduced numbers and percentages of macrophages and monocyte‐derived DCs in early wounds; and of Langerhans cells, conventional DCs, and eosinophils throughout the healing process. Finally, unbiased cluster analysis (PhenoGraph) identified a large number of different clusters of myeloid cells in skin wounds. These results provide insight into myeloid cell diversity and dynamics during wound repair and highlight the abnormal inflammatory response associated with impaired healing.
Clinical potential of introducing next‐generation sequencing in patients at relapse of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Flach Johanna , Shumilov Evgenii , Wiedemann Gertrud , Porret Naomi , Shakhanova Inna , Bürki Susanne , Legros Myriam , Joncourt Raphael , Pabst Thomas , Bacher Ulrike 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRelapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a major determinant of outcome. A number of molecularly directed treatment options have recently emerged making comprehensive diagnostics an important pillar of clinical decision making at relapse. Acknowledging the high degree of individual genetic variability at AML relapse, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has opened the opportunity for assessing the unique clonal hierarchy of individual AML patients. Knowledge on the genetic makeup of AML is reflected in patient customized treatment strategies thereby providing improved outcomes. For example, the emergence of druggable mutations at relapse enable the use of novel targeted therapies, including FLT3 inhibitors or the recently approved IDH1/2 inhibitors ivosidenib and enasidenib, respectively. Consequently, some patients may undergo novel bridging approaches for reinduction before allogeneic stem cell transplantation, or the identification of an adverse prognostic marker may initiate early donor search. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of NGS in identifying clonal stability, clonal evolution, and clonal devolution in the context of AML relapse. In light of recent improvements in AML treatment options, NGS‐based molecular diagnostics emerges as the basis for molecularly directed treatment decisions in patients at relapse.
The evolving epidemic of breast cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa: Results from the African Cancer Registry Network
Authors: Joko‐Fru Walburga Yvonne , Jedy‐Agba Elima , Korir Anne , Ogunbiyi Olufemi , Dzamalala Charles P. , Chokunonga Eric , Wabinga Henry , Manraj Shyam , Finesse Anne , Somdyala Nontuthuzelo , Liu Biying , McGale Paul , Jemal Ahmedin , Bray Freddie , Parkin Donald Maxwell 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) with rapidly increasing incidence rates reported in Uganda and Zimbabwe. However, the magnitude of these rising trends in premenopausal and postmenopausal women is unknown in most African countries. We used data from the African Cancer Registry Network on incident breast cancers in women from 11 population‐based cancer registries in 10 countries representing each of the four SSA regions. We explored incidence changes among women before and after age 50 by calendar period and, where possible, generational effects in this unique sub‐Saharan African cohort. Temporal trends revealed increasing incidence rates in all registries during the study period, except in Nairobi where rates stabilised during 2010 to 2014 after rapidly increasing from 2003 to 2010 (APC = 8.5 95%, CI: 3.0‐14.2). The cumulative risk varied between and within regions, with the highest risks observed in Nairobi‐Kenya, Mauritius and the Seychelles. There were similar or more rapidly increasing incidence rates in women aged 50+ compared to women <50 years in all registries except The Gambia. Birth cohort analyses revealed increases in the incidence rates in successive generations of women aged 45 and over in Harare‐Zimbabwe and Kampala‐Uganda. In conclusion, the incidence of BC is increasing rapidly in many parts of Africa; however, the magnitude of these changes differs. These results highlight the need for urgent actions across the cancer continuum from in‐depth risk factor studies to provision of adequate therapy as well as the necessity of supporting the maintenance of good quality population‐based cancer registration in Africa.
Fluorine as a Lewis acid: A symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory based on density functional theory and interacting quantum atoms study of noncovalent interactions in the NCF⋯NH3 complex
Authors: Orangi Nasim , Eskandari Kiamars 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDifferent computational methods are used to investigate the nature of interaction in the NCF⋯NH3 model complex, in which the fluorine atom acts as a Lewis acid and forms a noncovalent bond with the ammonia (Lewis base). Symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory based on density functional theory (SAPT(DFT)) indicates that the noncovalent interaction in the NCF⋯NH3 complex is mainly electrostatics. However, dispersion and induction terms also play important roles. Although fluorine noncovalent interactions are typically classified as halogen bonds, they are somewhat different from the well‐known halogen bonds of iodine, bromine, and chlorine. The halogen bonds of NCCl⋯NH3 and NCBr⋯NH3 are directional and the C  X  N (X = Cl or Br) angle tends to be linear. In contrast, the fluorine interaction in NCF⋯NH3 is not directional; the interaction energy shows no sensitivity to the angular (C  F  N) distortions, and the energy profile is flat over a wide angular range (from 180° to about 140°). However, for the angles less than 130°, the energy curve shows a clear angular dependence and the interaction between NCF and NH3 becomes stronger as the C  F  N angle decreases. It seems that at the tighter angles, a tetrel‐bonded NCF⋯NH3 complex is preferred. Moreover, interacting quantum atoms (IQA) analysis shows that the competition between different intra‐atomic and interatomic interactions determines the geometry of NCF⋯NH3 complex.
Silver nanoparticles synthesis using Wedelia urticifolia (Blume) DC. flower extract: Characterization and antibacterial activity evaluation
Authors: Rather Mohd Yousuf , Shincy Maroli , Sundarapandian Somaiah 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized by green methods with the property to kill microbes, are highly valuable in medical sciences. So, the current study was aimed at using the flower extract of Wedelia urticifolia for synthesizing AgNPs with antibacterial properties. The AgNPs were produced by adding the extract to three different AgNO3 concentrations (1, 10, and 100 mM) in nine possible flower extract to metal salt ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8, and 1:9). The formation of brown color and the presence of a peak at 431 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum of the colloidal solution indicates the synthesis of AgNPs, which were also characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The DLS results exposed that the smallest sized AgNPs were obtained in 10 mM AgNO3 solution and 4E6M was the optimized extract to metal salt solution ratio. The characterization techniques revealed that the synthesized AgNPs were spherical shaped and crystalline with a diameter of less than 30 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles were tested against two Gram‐positive (Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacterial strains for their antibacterial efficiency. Although the studied strains showed limited growth, overall, the effect of nanoparticles was found to be insignificant. It is concluded that the current study is advantageous over other previous studies because the AgNPs were synthesized at room temperature from 10 mM AgNO3 concentration in only 2 hours. Additionally, the present work is simple, ecofriendly, and in‐expensive.