bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulating Correlations of Structured Spontaneously Down‐Converted Photon Pairs
Authors: Trajtenberg‐Mills Sivan , Karnieli Aviv , Voloch‐Bloch Noa , Megidish Eli , Eisenberg Hagai S. , Arie Ady 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroducing structure into photon pair generation via spontaneous parametric down‐conversion (SPDC) is shown to be useful for controlling the output state and exploiting new degrees of freedom for quantum technologies. This paper presents a new method for simulating first‐ and second‐order correlations of the down‐converted photons in the presence of structured pump beams and shaped nonlinear photonic crystals. This method is nonperturbative, and thus accounts for high‐order effects, and can be made very efficient using parallel computing. Experimental results of photodetection and coincidence rates in complex spatial configurations are recovered quantitatively by this method. These include SPDC in 2D nonlinear photonic crystals, as well as with structured light beams such as Laguerre Gaussian and Hermite Gaussian beams. This simulation method reveals conservation rules for the down‐converted signal and idler beams that depend on the nonlinear crystal modulation pattern and the pump shape. This scheme can facilitate the design of nonlinear crystals and pumping conditions for generating non‐classical light with pre‐defined properties.
Block Copolymers Featuring Highly Photostable Photoacids Based on Vinylnaphthol: Synthesis and Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wendler Felix , Tom Jessica C. , Sittig Maria , Biehl Philip , Dietzek Benjamin , Schacher Felix H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe synthesis of a photoresponsive amphiphilic diblock quarterpolymer containing 5‐vinyl‐1‐naphthol (VN) as a photostable photoacidic comonomer is presented. The preparation is realized via a sequential reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization starting from a nona(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (MEO9MA/“O”) hydrophilic block, which is then used as a macro‐RAFT agent in the terpolymerization of styrene (S), 2‐vinylpyridine (2VP), and TBS‐protected VN (tVN). The terpolymerization proceeds in a controlled fashion and two diblock quarterpolymers, P(Om)‐b‐P(Sx‐co‐2VPy‐co‐VNz), with varying functional comonomer compositions are prepared. These diblock quarterpolymers form spherical core‐corona micelles in aqueous media according to dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM). Upon irradiation, the photoacids within the micellar core experience a drastic increase in acidity causing a proton transfer from the photoacid to neighboring 2VP units. As a result, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of the entire assembly is shifted, and the encapsulated cargo is released.
Debugging Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Little Simon , Brown Peter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is a successful treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease. In adaptive DBS, stimulation is titrated according to feedback about clinical state and underlying pathophysiology. This contrasts with conventional stimulation, which is fixed and continuous. In acute trials, adaptive stimulation matches the efficacy of conventional stimulation while delivering about half the electrical energy. The latter means potentially fewer side‐effects. The next step is to determine the long‐term efficacy, efficiency, and side‐effect profile of adaptive stimulation, and chronic trials are currently being considered by the medical devices industry. However, there are several different approaches to adaptive DBS, and several possible limitations have been highlighted. Here we review the findings to date to ascertain how and who to stimulate in chronic trials designed to establish the long‐term utility of adaptive DBS. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An optimization algorithm for dose reduction with fluence‐modulated proton CT
Authors: Dickmann J. , Rit S. , Pankuch M. , Johnson R. P. , Schulte R. W. , Parodi K. , Dedes G. , Landry G. 
Published: February 2020

PurposeFluence‐modulated proton computed tomography (FMpCT) using pencil beam scanning aims at achieving task‐specific image noise distributions by modulating the imaging proton fluence spot‐by‐spot based on an object‐specific noise model. In this work, we present a method for fluence field optimization and investigate its performance in dose reduction for various phantoms and image variance targets.MethodsThe proposed method uses Monte Carlo simulations of a proton CT (pCT) prototype scanner to estimate expected variance levels at uniform fluence. Using an iterative approach, we calculate a stack of target variance projections that are required to achieve the prescribed image variance, assuming a reconstruction using filtered backprojection. By fitting a pencil beam model to the ratio of uniform fluence variance and target variance, relative weights for each pencil beam can be calculated. The quality of the resulting fluence modulations is evaluated by scoring imaging doses and comparing them to those at uniform fluence, as well as evaluating conformity of the achieved variance with the prescription. For three different phantoms, we prescribed constant image variance as well as two regions‐of‐interest (ROI) imaging tasks with inhomogeneous image variance. The shape of the ROIs followed typical beam profiles for proton therapy.ResultsPrescription of constant image variance resulted in a dose reduction of 8.9% for a homogeneous water phantom compared to a uniform fluence scan at equal peak variance level. For a more heterogeneous head phantom, dose reduction increased to 16.0% for the same task. Prescribing two different ROIs resulted in dose reductions between 25.7% and 40.5% outside of the ROI at equal peak variance levels inside the ROI. Imaging doses inside the ROI were increased by 9.2% to 19.2% compared to the uniform fluence scan, but can be neglected assuming that the ROI agrees with the therapeutic dose region. Agreement of resulting variance maps with the prescriptions was satisfactory.ConclusionsWe developed a method for fluence field optimization based on a noise model for a real scanner used in pCT. We demonstrated that it can achieve prescribed image variance targets. A uniform fluence field was shown not to be dose optimal and dose reductions achievable with the proposed method for FMpCT were considerable, opening an interesting perspective for image guidance and adaptive therapy.
Refinement of the Hounsfield look‐up table by retrospective application of patient‐specific direct proton stopping‐power prediction from dual‐energy CT
Authors: Wohlfahrt Patrick , Möhler Christian , Enghardt Wolfgang , Krause Mechthild , Kunath Daniela , Menkel Stefan , Troost Esther G. C. , Greilich Steffen , Richter Christian 
Published: February 2020

Background and PurposeProton treatment planning relies on an accurate determination of stopping‐power ratio (SPR) from x‐ray computed tomography (CT). A refinement of the heuristic CT‐based SPR prediction using a state‐of‐the‐art Hounsfield look‐up table (HLUT) is proposed, which incorporates patient SPR information obtained from dual‐energy CT (DECT) in a retrospective patient‐cohort analysis.Material and MethodsSPR datasets of 25 brain‐tumor patients, 25 prostate‐cancer patients, and three nonsmall cell lung‐cancer (NSCLC) patients were calculated from clinical DECT scans with the comprehensively validated DirectSPR approach. Based on the median frequency distribution of voxelwise correlations between CT number and SPR within the irradiated volume, a piecewise linear function was specified (DirectSPR‐based adapted HLUT). Differences in dose distribution and proton range were assessed for the nonadapted and adapted HLUT in comparison to the DirectSPR method, which has been shown to be an accurate and reliable SPR estimation method.ResultsThe application of the DirectSPR‐based adapted HLUT instead of the nonadapted HLUT reduced the systematic proton range differences from 1.2% (1.1 mm) to −0.1% (0.0 mm) for brain‐tumor patients, 1.7% (4.1 mm) to 0.2% (0.5 mm) for prostate‐cancer patients, and 2.0% (2.9 mm) to −0.1% (0.0 mm) for NSCLC patients. Due to the large intra‐ and inter‐patient tissue variability, range differences to DirectSPR larger than 1% remained for the adapted HLUT.ConclusionsThe incorporation of patient‐specific correlations between CT number and SPR, derived from a retrospective application of DirectSPR to a broad patient cohort, improves the SPR accuracy of the current state‐of‐the‐art HLUT approach. The DirectSPR‐based adapted HLUT has been clinically implemented at the University Proton Therapy Dresden (Dresden, Germany) in 2017. This already facilitates the benefits of an improved DECT‐based tissue differentiation within clinical routine without changing the general approach for range prediction (HLUT), and represents a further step toward full integration of the DECT‐based DirectSPR method for treatment planning in proton therapy.
A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies on pelvic organ prolapse for the development of core outcome sets
Authors: Rada Maria Patricia , Jones Stephanie , Falconi Gabriele , Milhem Haddad Jorge , Betschart Cornelia , Pergialiotis Vasilios , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. ,   CHORUS: An International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women's Health
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsIn the current climate of evidence‐based health care, the aim of this meta‐synthesis was to collect and systematically analyse data from primary qualitative studies on pelvic organ prolapse (POP), to identify patient‐centered perspectives on the natural course of POP. Information acquired in this study may be useful for ongoing research towards the development of core outcome sets (COS) in pelvic floor disorders.MethodsA CHORUS Working Group performed a standardized search of three different databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus), from inception to October 2019. We selected qualitative studies on women's perspectives on POP that were published in the English language. Three reviewers independently evaluated the quality of eligible papers and highlighted recurrent themes based on patient perspectives.ResultsEighteen qualitative studies including a total of 497 patients were assessed in this analysis. Our study revealed five superordinate themes, recurrently encountered in qualitative studies on POP: awareness of POP (6 studies), communication (9 studies), treatments (10 studies), effects on quality of life (6 studies), and self‐image (3 studies). Five out of 10 quality criteria were met by all the studies included, based on an assessment performed using the critical appraisal skills program.ConclusionsThis is the first synthesis of qualitative studies that address POP‐related experiences of women, highlighting five superordinate themes, of which treatment was the most commonly reported one. This synthesis' findings may guide quantitative research priorities and will hopefully contribute to the development of a COS for POP.
Is there enough evidence to justify the use of laser and other thermal therapies in female lower urinary tract dysfunction? Report from the ICI‐RS 2019
Authors: Robinson Dudley , Flint Richard , Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Araklitis George , Cardozo Linda 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsThere is increasing evidence to suggest that thermomodulation may have a role in the management of women with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and there has been widespread adoption of laser and radiofrequency (RF) therapies within clinical practice. However, in many areas of LUTD, the data are still limited and there remains a need for further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of thermal therapy. The aim of this study proposal is to report the findings of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society to clarify our current knowledge regarding the evidence for thermal therapy in LUTD and to set research priorities for the future.MethodsLiterature review based on the search terms: “laser,” “radiofrequency,” “genitourinary syndrome of the menopause” or “urogenital atrophy,” “stress urinary incontinence (SUI),” “pelvic organ prolapse,” “OAB” or “overactive bladder,” and “urinary tract infection.”ResultsThe current available evidence, though of low or very low quality, appears promising for the use of laser therapy in the management of genitourinary syndrome of the menopause, there are some data to suggest a possible role in SUI although very little evidence for urogenital prolapse. At present, the evidence supporting the use of laser in OAB and recurrent urinary tract infection is limited or lacking, while the available evidence for RF in the management of all forms of LUTD is much less robust.ConclusionsLaser and RF are being introduced clinically as a minimally invasive, low‐risk interventions for women with LUTD although at present, the evidence supporting usage is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need to demonstrate the safety and efficacy with prospective long‐term studies including sham studies and comparative studies with current standard therapy.
Elephants as refugees
Authors: Derham Tristan , Mathews Freya 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Habitat loss and climate change are displacing animals at alarming rates. In response, authors in the humanities and the sciences have described animals rhetorically as ‘refugees’. Such a description implies a strong call to action.

However, the term ‘refugee’ may serve as more than mere rhetoric, indicating in a more literal way the response most proper to some persecuted, traumatized and displaced animals, and prioritizing those animals.

We test the claim that animals can be refugees using widely accepted criteria in the Refugee Convention. If refugees are those who, due to a well‐founded fear of persecution for reasons of their group identity, are unwilling or unable to avail themselves of the protection of their country, then some animals may be refugees. Recent behavioural research on African elephants Loxodonta africana demonstrates that many elephants meet the criteria, even without recourse to the claim that they are persons.

We outline the essential requirements of an animal refugee policy. We find that current biodiversity conservation policy is likely inadequate to provide for animal refugees, although important lessons can be taken from the collective experience of conservation scientists and managers.

An obligation to animal refugees poses new challenges, both theoretical and practical, for ecological restoration, conservation and human–animal relations.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Prenatal sonographic features can accurately determine parental origin in triploid pregnancies
Authors: Lugthart Malou A. , Horenblas Judith , Kleinrouweler Emily C. , Engels Melanie , Knegt Alida C. , Huijsdens Karin , van Leeuwen Elisabeth , Pajkrt Eva 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the prenatal sonographic features and maternal biochemical markers in triploid pregnancies and to assess whether prenatal phenotype can determine genetic origin.MethodsWe performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study that included all triploid pregnancies diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 in two Fetal Medicine Units in Amsterdam. Fetal growth, presence of structural anomalies, extra‐fetal anomalies, and maternal biochemical markers were retrieved. Asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction was diagnosed when the head‐to‐abdominal circumference (HC/AC) ratio was >95th centile. Parental origin was analyzed via molecular genotyping in 46 cases (38.3%).ResultsOne hundred and twenty triploid pregnancies were identified, of which 86 cases (71.6%) were detected before 18 weeks of gestation. Triploidy of maternal origin was found in 32 cases (69.6%) and was associated with asymmetrical growth restriction, a thin placenta, and low pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A and free beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) levels. Triploidy of paternal origin was found in 14 cases (30.4%) and was associated with an increased nuchal translucency, placental molar changes, and a high free β‐hCG. Prospective prediction of the parental origin of the triploidy was made in 30 of the 46 cases based on phenotypical ultrasound presentation, and it was correct in all cases.ConclusionAsymmetrical growth restriction with severe HC/AC discrepancy is pathognomonic of maternal triploidy. Placental molar changes indicate a paternal triploidy. Moreover, triploidy can present with an abnormal first trimester combined test, with serum levels on the extreme end. When available results of maternal serum markers can support the diagnosis of parental origin of the triploidy, an accurate assessment of the parental origin based on prenatal sonographic features is possible, making DNA analysis redundant.
A randomized pilot study of mindfulness‐based stress reduction in a young adult cancer sample: Feasibility, acceptability, and changes in patient reported outcomes
Authors: Victorson David , Murphy Karly , Benedict Catherine , Horowitz Bruriah , Maletich Carly , Cordero Evelyn , Salsman John M. , Smith Kristin , Sanford Stacy 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe primary purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of participation in a randomized waitlist‐controlled intervention of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) in a young adult cancer sample. A secondary aim was to examine patterns of change in patient reported outcomes (PROs) of physical, social, and emotional functioning.MethodsParticipants were enrolled at a large Midwestern comprehensive cancer center and randomized to MBSR or a waitlist control. Feasibility and acceptability were examined through enrollment metrics and a survey. PROs were gathered at baseline, 8‐weeks, and 16‐weeks. Descriptive statistics and mixed models were used in analyses.ResultsOf 597 eligible participants, 151 (26.5%) consented from which 126 (83.4%) completed baseline measures. Sixty‐seven participants were randomized to MBSR, and 59 to the waitlist. Immediately following MBSR, the majority of respondents (72%‐78%) reported their experience with mindfulness was very logical and useful to increasing their wellbeing. Compared to waitlist members, MBSR participant's scores on PROs improved in expected directions.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that recruitment for an intensive, in‐person, multi‐week supportive intervention can be challenging with young adults with cancer, similar to other cancer survivor populations; however once enrolled, feasibility and acceptability of MBSR was supported. Further, initial evidence on the role of MBSR on short‐term changes in select PROs with this population was also demonstrated.
Enhanced properties of PAN‐derived carbon fibres and resulting composites by active screen plasma surface functionalisation
Authors: Liang Yana , Li Xiaoying , Semitekolos Dionisis , Charitidis Costas A. , Dong Hanshan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdvanced active screen plasma (ASP) technology is used to modify polyacrylonitrile‐derived carbon fibre (CF) surfaces using gas mixtures of N2–H2 and N2–H2–Ar. Unlike conventional plasma treatments, ASP treatment can reduce the structural disorder of CF surfaces and increase the surface crystallite size. Moreover, ASP treatment can lead to an increased single fibre tensile strength. This is mainly because the post‐plasma nature of the ASP technology can effectively eliminate ion‐bombardment‐induced degradation while providing radicals necessary for surface modification. The addition of argon to the nitrogen–hydrogen gas mixture contributes to a more ordered graphitic structure on CF surfaces and further increases the single fibre tensile strength. The interfacial properties (interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength) of the resulting composites are improved.
Investigation of noncovalent interactions between peptides with potential intrinsic sequence patterns by mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Shutong , Guo Qi , Wu Fangling , Chu Yanqiu , Wang Yuhong , Zhou Mingfei , Ding Chuan‐Fan 
Published: February 2020

RationaleThe conformation of a protein largely depends on the interactions between peptides. Specific and intrinsic sequence peptide patterns, such as DNA double helix backbones, may be present in proteins. A computational statistical deep learning method has supported this assumption, but it has not been experimentally proven. Mass spectrometry, as a fast and accurate experimental method, could be used to evaluate the interaction of biomolecules. The results would be of great value for further study of the mechanism of protein folding.MethodsSeveral potential intrinsic peptides were chosen by the deep learning method, including seven groups of pentapeptides and five groups of nonapeptides. The noncovalent interactions between mixed polypeptides were investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) in full‐scan and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) modes. Molecular dynamics and molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MD‐MM/PBSA) analyses were also performed to support the results.ResultsThe ESI‐MS spectra showed that 11 of the 12 groups of mixed polypeptides formed binary and ternary complexes with relatively high stability. The binding between nonapeptide groups was stronger than that between pentapeptide groups according to the relative intensity. The binding energies calculated by the MM/PBSA binding energy tool also provided strong evidence for the combination of the complexes. Electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces were thought to stabilize the complexes according to the binding models.ConclusionsThe results implied the formation of stable complexes between polypeptides and identified their noncovalent interactions, proving that specific sequences and combinations with relatively strong binding ability exist in potential intrinsic sequences of peptides in protein structures.
Progesterone improves survival in hepatoma cachexia rat model
Authors: Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Ebner Nicole , Palus Sandra , von Haehling Stephan , Springer Jochen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundMedroxyprogesterone and megestrol acetate are synthetic progesterone derivatives. Progestagen is an approved drug for cancer cachexia in the USA and in some European countries. These agents have been described to increase appetite and to lead to weight gain. However, the effects on survival are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of progesterone on survival, cardiac function, and appetite and body weight in the Yoshida hepatoma AH‐130 rat cancer cachexia model.Methods and ResultsIn this study, the effects of progesterone were tested in cachectic tumour‐bearing rats. Rats were treated with 0.5, 5 or 50 mg/kg/day, respectively, or placebo daily, starting 1 day after tumour inoculation for a period of 16 days. Cardiac function was analysed by echocardiography at baseline and at day 11. Food intake was assessed before tumour inoculation and at day 11. Body weight and body composition were evaluated at the beginning and the end of study or the day of euthanasia. Survival was significantly improved by 5 mg/kg/day (hazard ratio: 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.24–0.95, P = 0.0356). However, there was no significant difference between the progesterone treatment groups compared with placebo in body weight change and body composition, as well as food intake on day 11. Cardiac function also showed no significant difference compared with placebo.ConclusionsProgesterone improves survival but has no beneficial effects on cardiac function, body weight, and food intake in this aggressive hepatoma cancer cachexia rat model. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of the survival benefit.