bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A modified formalism for electron beam reference dosimetry to improve the accuracy of linac output calibration
Authors: Muir Bryan R. 
Published: January 2020

PurposeTo present and demonstrate the accuracy of a modified formalism for electron beam reference dosimetry using updated Monte Carlo calculated beam quality conversion factors.MethodsThe proposed, simplified formalism allows the use of cylindrical ionization chambers in all electron beams (even those with low beam energies) and does not require a measured gradient correction factor. Data from a previous publication are used for beam quality conversion factors. The formalism is tested and compared to the present formalism in the AAPM TG‐51 protocol with measurements made in Elekta Precise electron beams with energies between 4 MeV and 22 MeV and with fields shaped with a 10 × 10 cm2 clinical applicator as well as a 20 × 20 cm2 clinical applicator for the 18 MeV and 22 MeV beams. A set of six ionization chambers are used for measurements (two cylindical reference‐class chambers, two scanning‐type chambers and two parallel‐plate chambers). Dose per monitor unit is derived using the data and formalism provided in the TG‐51 protocol and with the proposed formalism and data and compared to that obtained using ionization chambers calibrated directly against primary standards for absorbed dose in electron beams.ResultsThe standard deviation of results using different chambers when TG‐51 is followed strictly is on the order of 0.4% when parallel‐plate chambers are cross‐calibrated against cylindrical chambers. However, if parallel‐plate chambers are directly calibrated in a cobalt‐60 beam, the difference between results for these chambers is up to 2.2%. Using the proposed formalism and either directly calibrated or cross‐calibrated parallel‐plate chambers gives a standard deviation using different chambers of 0.4%. The difference between results that use TG‐51 and the primary standard measurements are on the order of 0.6% with a maximum difference in the 4 MeV beam of 2.8%. Comparing the results obtained with the proposed formalism and the primary standard measurements are on the order of 0.4% with a maximum difference of 1.0% in the 4 MeV beam.ConclusionsThe proposed formalism and the use of updated data for beam quality conversion factors improves the consistency of results obtained with different chamber types and improves the accuracy of reference dosimetry measurements. Moreover, it is simpler than the present formalism and will be straightforward to implement clinically.
Apoptosis in porcine cumulus‐oocyte complexes: Relationship with their morphology and the developmental competence
Authors: Tello Maria F. , Lorenzo María S. , Luchetti Carolina G. , Maruri Alejandro , Cruzans Paula R. , Alvarez Gabriel M. , Gambarotta Mariana C. , Salamone Daniel F. , Cetica Pablo D. , Lombardo Daniel M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the presence and distribution of apoptosis in porcine cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) and its relations with COC morphology and developmental competence. The COCs were obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries, classified into A1 (top category), A2, B1, B2, C, and D based on their morphology. A1, A2, and B1 were matured and fertilized in vitro, and blastocyst rate was compared among them. Before and after in vitro maturation (IVM), annexin‐V staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were performed to assess early and late apoptosis, respectively. There was a significant increase in both annexin‐V (+) oocytes and TUNEL (+) cumulus cells as morphology further deteriorated. There were no statistical differences regarding annexin‐V (+) oocytes within immature and post‐IVM COCs, but TUNEL (+) oocytes were only observed in post‐IVM COCs. Early and late apoptosis was detected in cumulus cells of all categories of immature and post‐IVM COCs. However, the difference was only significant for annexin‐V (+). There were no significant differences in embryo development. Therefore, apoptosis increases as the morphological features of the immature COCs decrease. In conclusion, the selection of COCs from Categories A1, A2, and B1 may be used as a selection criterion for in vitro development.
Evaluation of an educational course for primary care physiotherapists on comorbidity‐adapted exercise therapy in knee osteoarthritis: an observational study
Authors: de Rooij Mariëtte , van der Leeden Marike , van der Esch Martin , Lems Willem F. , Meesters Jorit J.L. , Peter Wilfred F. , Roorda Leo D. , Terbraak Michel S. , Vredeveld Tom , Vliet Vlieland Thea P.M. , Dekker Joost 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of the present study were to: (1) evaluate the effect of an educational course on competence (knowledge and clinical reasoning) of primary care physical therapists (PTs) in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and comorbidity according to the developed strategy; and (2) identify facilitators and barriers for usage.MethodThe present research was an observational study with a pretest‐posttest design using mixed methods. PTs were offered a postgraduate course consisting of e‐learning and two workshops (blended education) on the application of a strategy for exercise prescription in patients with KOA and comorbidity. Competences were measured by questionnaire on knowledge (administered before and 2 weeks after the course), and a patient vignette to measure clinical reasoning (administered before the course and after a 6 month period of treating patients). Facilitators and barriers for using the strategy were assessed by a questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews.ResultsThirty‐four PTs were included. Competence (knowledge and clinical reasoning) improved significantly (p < 0.01). Fourteen out of 34 PTs had actually treated patients with KOA and comorbidity, during a 6‐month period. The strategy was found to be feasible in daily practice. The main barriers included the limited number of (self‐) referrals of patients, limited number of reimbursed treatment sessions by insurance companies and a suboptimal collaboration with (referring) physicians.ConclusionA blended course on exercise therapy for patients with KOA and comorbidity seems to improve PTs' competence through increasing knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. Identified barriers should be solved before large‐scale implementation of exercise therapy can take place in these complex patients.
Rapid Migration and High Survival of Adult Pacific Lampreys in Reservoirs
Authors: Keefer Matthew L. , Noyes Christopher J. , Clabough Tami S. , Joosten Daniel C. , Caudill Christopher C. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Dams and reservoirs present diverse hazards for riverine fishes, including slowed migration, reduced or blocked access to essential habitats, and direct and delayed mortality risks. Many of these hazards are evident for Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus in the heavily dammed Columbia River basin, where the species’ distribution and abundance has sharply declined. In a 3-year study, we used acoustic telemetry to investigate behavior and apparent survival of 784 adult Pacific Lampreys in Columbia River reservoirs and turbulent dam tailraces, two environments where previous monitoring efforts have been somewhat ineffectual. We released Pacific Lampreys upstream and downstream from Bonneville Dam to test whether Pacific Lamprey passage at one dam negatively affected upstream dam and reservoir passage metrics (i.e., delayed effects on migration rate or reach passage success) and whether upstream-released groups migrated further than their downstream-released counterparts. Overall, results showed that Pacific Lampreys migrated very rapidly (median rates = 50–62 km/d) in reservoir reaches and slowly (1–3 km/d) in reaches with tailraces or fishways. Pacific Lampreys also had much higher passage success in reservoir reaches (reach × year estimates = 0.93–0.99) than in reaches with tailraces or fishways (most estimates = 0.58–0.82). We found little statistical evidence for negative delayed effects of dam passage. Pacific Lampreys released in the Bonneville forebay were far more likely to pass upstream dams (~26–57%) than were those released in the Bonneville tailrace (~20–36%). We conclude that tailraces and fishways constrained the upstream distribution of adult Pacific Lampreys, that reservoirs were not associated with high mortality during active upstream migration, and that translocation past individual dams can increase the upstream migration distance of individuals and population distribution. Areas of continuing uncertainty include behavior and survival during overwintering (i.e., prespawn holding) and the potential delayed effects of tailrace and fishway passage on Pacific Lamprey fitness.
Pilot study protocol of a mHealth self‐management intervention for family members of pediatric transplant recipients
Authors: Lerret Stacee M. , White‐Traut Rosemary , Medoff‐Cooper Barbara , Simpson Pippa , Adib Riddhiman , Ahamed Sheikh Iqbal , Schiffman Rachel 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSolid‐organ transplantation is the treatment of choice for end‐stage organ failure. Parents of pediatric transplant recipients who reported a lack of readiness for discharge had more difficulty coping and managing their child's medically complex care at home. In this paper, we describe the protocol for the pilot study of a mHealth intervention (myFAMI). The myFAMI intervention is based on the Individual and Family Self‐Management Theory and focuses on family self‐management of pediatric transplant recipients at home. The purpose of the pilot study is to test the feasibility of the myFAMI intervention with family members of pediatric transplant recipients and to test the preliminary efficacy on postdischarge coping through a randomized controlled trial. The sample will include 40 family units, 20 in each arm of the study, from three pediatric transplant centers in the United States. Results from this study may advance nursing science by providing insight for the use of mHealth to facilitate patient/family–nurse communication and family self‐management behaviors for family members of pediatric transplant recipients.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Quality of Life Index for patients with cancer
Authors: Mizuno Michiyo , Munezawa Noriko , Yamashita Michiyo , Sasahara Tomoyo , Mayers Thomas , Park Chang , Ferrans Carol Estwing 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly completed Japanese translation of the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index Cancer Version III (QLI). Using a cross‐sectional descriptive design, 136 ambulatory patients with gastrointestinal cancer (55 receiving chemotherapy, 76 with stable health status after treatment, and five status not known) completed a questionnaire at a one‐time point, and 26 patients (stable health status) completed the questionnaire again 2 weeks later. Internal consistency reliability was supported by Cronbach's α of .96 for the total scale, with subscales ranging from .83 to .93. A test–retest correlation of 0.76 (total scale) provided evidence of stability reliability over a 2‐week period, with subscale retest correlations ranging from 0.70 to 0.83. Confirmatory factor analysis showed the same four domains for the Japanese translation as the original QLI, supporting construct validity. We also assessed construct validity by examining the relationships between the Japanese QLI and six other concepts known to be related to the quality of life. As hypothesized, all correlations were moderate and in the expected direction (pain −0.39, anxiety −0.54, depression −0.63, stress −0.51, pain interfering with functioning −0.52, and general health 0.62). This evidence of the reliability and validity of the Japanese translation of the QLI supports its use in research and clinical practice to evaluate the impact of cancer and treatment. This new translation can be used to assess the patient's perspective of their quality of life, both within Japan and in cross‐cultural studies with the QLI in other languages.
Animal use in the late second millennium BCE in northern China: Evidence from Zaoshugounao and Zaolinhetan in the Jing River valley
Authors: Li Yue , Zhang Chengrui , Wang Zhen , Dou Haifeng , Liu Huan , Hou Furen , Ma Mingzhi , Qian Yaopeng , Chen Honghai 
Published: January 2020

AbstractZooarchaeological research has contributed greatly to our understanding of animal use in the Bronze Age Central Plains in northern China, where remarkable social transformations occurred in the second millennium BCE. However, limited work has been done for the contemporaneous Jing and Wei River valleys, another crucial region in dynastic and imperial history of China that witnessed the political transition from the Shang Dynasty to the Zhou Dynasty (ca. 1050 BCE). In particular, the Zhou subsistence economy leading up to the emergence of the region as a centre of Zhou political authority is still poorly understood. Here, we present a zooarchaeological analysis of Zaoshugounao and Zaolinhetan, two sites associated with the predynastic Zhou, in present‐day central Shaanxi dating to before and around the Shang–Zhou transition. Results show that the Zaoshugounao and Zaolinhetan residents practiced intensive farming and animal husbandry in and around the settlements complemented by extensive caprine management on marginal lands. Along with other lines of archaeological evidence, our zooarchaeological data demonstrate that the economic developments in the Jing River valley in the late second millennium BCE, in terms of the diversified use of animal resources, underpinned the economic foundation behind the Zhou rise and their eventual conquest of the Shang.
Wide‐gap (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with different buffer materials—A path to a better heterojunction
Authors: Keller Jan , Sopiha Kostiantyn V. , Stolt Olof , Stolt Lars , Persson Clas , Scragg Jonathan J.S. , Törndahl Tobias , Edoff Marika 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis contribution concerns the effect of the Ag content in wide‐gap AgwCu1‐wIn1‐xGaxSe2 (ACIGS) absorber films and its impact on solar cell performance. First‐principles calculations are conducted, predicting trends in absorber band gap energy (Eg) and band structure across the entire compositional range (w and x). It is revealed that a detrimental negative conduction band offset (CBO) with a CdS buffer can be avoided for all possible absorber band gap values (Eg = 1.0–1.8 eV) by adjusting the Ag alloying level. This opens a new path to reduce interface recombination in wide‐gap chalcopyrite solar cells. Indeed, corresponding samples show a clear increase in open‐circuit voltage (VOC) if a positive CBO is created by sufficient Ag addition. A further extension of the beneficial compositional range (positive CBO at buffer/ACIGS interface) is possible when exchanging CdS with Zn1‐ySnyOz, because of its lower electron affinity (χ). Nevertheless, the experimental results strongly suggest that at present, residual interface recombination still limits the performance of solar cells with optimized CBO, which show an efficiency of up to 15.1% for an absorber band gap of Eg = 1.45 eV.
A mixed‐methods evaluation of stakeholder perspectives on pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria—priorities, challenges, and champions
Authors: King Carina , Iuliano Agnese , Burgess Rochelle Ann , Agwai Imaria , Ahmar Samy , Aranda Zeus , Bahiru Solomon , Bakare Ayobami A. , Colbourn Tim , Shittu Funmilayo , Graham Hamish , Isah Adamu , McCollum Eric D. , Falade Adegoke G. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterventions to reduce pneumonia mortality exist; however, stakeholder engagement is needed to prioritize these. We explored diverse stakeholder opinions on current policy challenges and priorities for pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a mixed‐methods study, with a web‐survey and semi‐structured interviews, to explore stakeholder roles, policy barriers, opportunities, and priorities. Web‐survey participants were identified through stakeholder mapping, including researchers’ networks, academic and grey literature, and “Every Breath Counts” coalition membership. Stakeholders included actors involved in pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria from non‐governmental, government, academic, civil society, private, and professional organizations. Stakeholder interviews were conducted with local government, healthcare managers, professional associations, and local leaders in Lagos and Jigawa states. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic framework.ResultsOf 111 stakeholders, 38 (34%) participated in the web‐survey and 18 stakeholder interviews were conducted. Four thematic areas emerged: current policy, systems barriers, intervention priorities, and champions. Interviewees reported a lack of pneumonia‐specific policies, despite acknowledging guidelines had been adopted in their settings. Barriers to effective pneumonia management were seen at all levels of the system, from the community to healthcare to policy, with key issues of resourcing and infrastructure. Intervention priorities were the strengthening of community knowledge and improving case management, focused on primary care. While stakeholders identified several key actors for pediatric pneumonia, they also highlighted a lack of champions.ConclusionConsistent messages emerged to prioritize community and primary care initiatives, alongside improved access to oxygen, and pulse oximetry. There is a need for clear pneumonia policies, and support for adoption at a state level.
Community and caregivers’ perceptions of pneumonia and care‐seeking experiences in Nigeria: A qualitative study
Authors: Bakare Ayobami A. , Graham Hamish , Agwai Imaria C. , Shittu Funmilayo , King Carina , Colbourn Tim , Iuliano Agnese , Aranda Zeus , McCollum Eric D. , Isah Adamu , Bahiru Solomon , Valentine Paula , Falade Adegoke G. , Burgess Rochelle A. ,   the INSPIRING Project Consortium
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAppropriate and timely care seeking can reduce pneumonia deaths, but are influenced by caregivers and community norms of health and illness. We explore caregiver and community perceptions, and care‐seeking experience, of childhood pneumonia, to understand contexts that drive pediatric service uptake in Nigeria.MethodsCommunity group discussions and qualitative interviews with caregivers in Lagos and Jigawa states were completed between 1 November 2018 and 31 May 2019. Participants were recruited from purposively sampled health facility catchment areas with assistance from facility staff. We used episodic interviews, asking caregivers (Jigawa = 20; Lagos = 15) to recount specific events linked to quests for therapy. Community group discussions (n = 3) used four vignettes from real pneumonia cases to frame a discussion around community priorities for healthcare and community‐led activities to improve child survival. Data were analyzed using the framework method.ResultsWe found poor knowledge of pneumonia‐specific symptoms and risk factors among caregivers and community members, with many attributing pneumonia to cold air exposure. Interviews highlighted that care‐seeking decision making involved both husbands and wives, but men often made final decisions. In Lagos, older female relatives also shaped quests for therapy. Cost was a major consideration. In both states, there were accounts of dissatisfaction with health workers’ attitudes and a general acceptance of vaccination services.ConclusionThere is a need for community‐based approaches to improve caregiver knowledge and care seeking for under‐five children with pneumonia. Messaging should attend to knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, family dynamics, and community responsibilities in healthcare service delivery and utilization.
The burden and risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria: A desk‐based review of existing literature and data
Authors: Iuliano Agnese , Aranda Zeus , Colbourn Tim , Agwai Imaria C. , Bahiru Solomon , Bakare Ayobami A. , Burgess Rochelle A. , Cassar Christine , Shittu Funmilayo , Graham Hamish , Isah Adamu , McCollum Eric D. , Falade Adegoke G. , King Carina , on behalf of the INSPIRING Project Consortium  
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPneumonia is a leading killer of children under‐5 years, with a high burden in Nigeria. We aimed to quantify the regional burden and risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, and specifically the states of Lagos and Jigawa.MethodsWe conducted a scoping literature search for studies of pneumonia morbidity and mortality in under‐5 children in Nigeria from 10th December 2018 to 26th April 2019, searching: Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science. We included grey literature from stakeholders' websites and information shared by organizations working in Nigeria. We conducted multivariable logistic regression using the 2016 to 2017 Multiple Cluster Indicators Survey data set to explore factors associated with pneumonia. Descriptive analyses of datasets from 2010 to 2019 was done to estimate trends in mortality, morbidity, and vaccination coverage.ResultsWe identified 25 relevant papers (10 from Jigawa, 8 from Lagos, and 14 national data). None included data on pneumonia or acute respiratory tract infection burden in the health system, inpatient case‐fatality rates, severity, or age‐specific pneumonia mortality rates at state level. Secondary data analysis found that no household or caregiver socioeconomic indicators were consistently associated with self‐reported symptoms of cough and/or difficulty breathing, and seasonality was inconsistently associated, dependant on region.ConclusionThere is a clear evidence gap around the burden of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, and challenges with the interpretation of existing household survey data. Improved survey approaches are needed to understand the risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, alongside the need for investment in reliable routine data systems to provide data on the clinical pneumonia burden in Nigeria.
Recurrent endobronchial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors: Novel treatment options
Authors: Ramirez Ixsy A. , Rubalcava Nathan S. , Mychaliska George B. , Rabah Raja , Arteta Manuel 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEndobronchial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) rarely occur in children younger than 10 years of age and have intermediate malignant potential. A 7‐year‐old girl initially presented with pneumonia. After failing outpatient treatment, she re‐presented in status asthmaticus. Computed tomography showed a left mainstem endobronchial mass which was resected bronchoscopically. Pathology was consistent with IMT. Surveillance bronchoscopy identified a recurrence. Despite a left upper lobectomy, recurrence led to further treatment with celecoxib and argon plasma coagulation. Follow‐up bronchoscopy revealed complete resolution. She remains disease and symptom‐free at her six‐year follow‐up.