bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reflector antenna shaping by regularized B‐spline in conjunction with one‐sided least square optimization
Authors: Mirhadi Salma , Aryanian Iman 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we have proposed to use regularized B‐spline for shaping a reflector antenna surface to realize a contoured beam for satellite applications. In order to meet fabrication constraints, this method allows the user to control the smoothness of the surface using only one parameter. In fact, instead of imposing constraints on the radius of curvature, for the selected points of the reflector surface, the whole smoothness of the surface can be controlled. For this purpose, a regularization term based on the strain energy of B‐spline functions must be added to the objective function of the optimization. Due to the fact that the regularization term is a quadratic function of the optimization variables, it is suggested to use one‐sided least square optimization. The results show the flexibility of the proposed method, in which the surface smoothness and performance goodness of the antenna can be tuned using only one parameter.
A compact circular polarized metamaterial‐inspired fabric antenna for WBAN applications
Authors: Pathan Tarannum , Karn Rajneesh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA compact textile antenna with circular polarization (CP) is implemented for Industrial, Scientific, and Medical applications for wireless body area network with radio band 2.4 GHz. A metamaterial‐inspired radiating element is used to achieve a size reduction of up to 85% against the conventional textile antenna. The CP is obtained by trimming the corners of the radiating element. A rectangular slot place with strip line construct a metamaterial‐inspired radiator and U‐slot is imparted below the radiator by using defected ground structure technique to enhance the antenna bandwidth. This antenna has a physical area of 0.25 × 0.22 × 0.016 λg and is implemented on denim jeans substrate of thickness h = 1.6 mm and εr = 1.6. With the presented design, measured bandwidth of 5.8% (2.37–2.51 GHz). The axial ratio bandwidth of 80 MHz (2.40−2.48 GHz), and a peak gain of 2.70 dBi has been acquired. A perfect matching is observed between measured and simulated results. This novel integrated design is suitable for all body area network communication systems where flexibility and compactness are desirable.
Interfractional diaphragmatic position variation according to stomach volume change during respiratory‐gated radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Tae Gyu , Kang Ki Mun , Park Byungdo , Park Jeehoon , Song Yun Gyu , Kim Kwang Min , Shim Sanggoon , Yu Kil Jong , Lee Hyoun Wook 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeWe evaluated the correlation between stomach volume change and interfractional baseline shifts of the diaphragm in image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methodsTwenty‐four patients with HCC underwent ten fractions of IGRT, and a total of 240 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and on‐board imager (OBI) kV image sets were acquired. These image sets were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline shifts of the diaphragm relative to bone and stomach volume change ratios were evaluated using four‐dimensional simulation CT, kV image, and CBCT images. Associations between baseline shifts and patient physiologic factors were investigated.ResultsThe average baseline shift of the diaphragm in the superior‐inferior (SI) direction was 1.5 mm (standard deviation 4.6 mm), which was higher than the shift in other directions (0.7, 2.0 mm and 0.9, 2.6 mm in right‐left (RL) and anterior‐posterior (AP) directions, respectively). Interfractional baseline shifts of the diaphragm in the SI and AP directions were positively correlated with the stomach volume change ratio (Pearson's r: 0.416 and 0.302, p‐value: <0.001 and <0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe interfractional baseline shifts of the diaphragm in the SI and AP directions correlated well with stomach volume changes. Efforts to maintain a constant stomach volume before the simulation and each treatment, such as fasting, may reduce interfractional baseline shifts of liver tumors.
Assessment of the impact of CT calibration procedures for proton therapy planning on pediatric treatments
Authors: Bär Esther , Collins‐Fekete Charles‐Antoine , Rompokos Vasilis , Zhang Ying , Gaze Mark N. , Warry Alison , Poynter Andrew , Royle Gary 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeRelative stopping powers (RSPs) for proton therapy are estimated using single‐energy computed tomography (SECT), calibrated with standardized tissues of the adult male. It is assumed that those tissues are representative of tissues of all age and sex. Female, male, and pediatric tissues differ from one another in density and composition. In this study, we use tabulated pediatric tissues and computational phantoms to investigate the impact of this assumption on pediatric proton therapy. The potential of dual‐energy CT (DECT) to improve the accuracy of these calculations is explored.MethodsWe study 51 human body tissues, categorized into male/female for the age groups newborn, 1‐, 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐year‐old children, and adult, with given compositions and densities. CT numbers are simulated and RSPs are estimated using SECT and DECT methods. Estimated tissue RSPs from each method are compared to theoretical RSPs. The dose and range errors of each approach are evaluated on three computational phantoms (Ewing's sarcoma, salivary sarcoma, and glioma) derived from pediatric proton therapy patients.ResultsWith SECT, soft tissues have mean estimation errors and standard deviation up to (1.96 ± 4.18)% observed in newborns, compared to (0.20 ± 1.15)% in adult males. Mean estimation errors for bones are up to (−3.35 ± 4.76)% in pediatrics as opposed to (0.10 ± 0.66)% in adult males. With DECT, mean errors reduce to (0.17 ± 0.13)% and (0.23 ± 0.22)% in newborns (soft tissues/bones). With SECT, dose errors in a Ewing's sarcoma phantom are exceeding 5 Gy (10% of prescribed dose) at the distal end of the treatment field, with volumes of dose errors >5 Gy of mm3. Similar observations are made in the head and neck phantoms, with overdoses to healthy tissue exceeding 2 Gy (4%). A systematic Bragg peak shift resulting in either over‐ or underdosage of healthy tissues and target volumes depending on the crossed tissues RSP prediction errors is observed. Water equivalent range errors of single beams are between −1.53 and 5.50 mm (min, max) (Ewing's sarcoma phantom), −0.78 and 3.62 mm (salivary sarcoma phantom), and −0.43 and 1.41 mm (glioma phantom). DECT can reduce dose errors to <1 Gy and range errors to <1 mm.ConclusionSingle‐energy computed tomography estimates RSPs for pediatric tissues with systematic shifts. DECT improves the accuracy of RSPs and dose distributions in pediatric tissues compared to the SECT calibration curve based on adult male tissues.
Fast dynamic brain PET imaging using stochastic variational prediction for recurrent frame generation
Authors: Sanaat Amirhossein , Mirsadeghi Ehsan , Razeghi Behrooz , Ginovart Nathalie , Zaidi Habib 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeWe assess the performance of a recurrent frame generation algorithm for prediction of late frames from initial frames in dynamic brain PET imaging.MethodsClinical dynamic18F‐DOPA brain PET/CT studies of 46 subjects with ten folds cross‐validation were retrospectively employed. A novel stochastic adversarial video prediction model was implemented to predict the last 13 frames (25–90 minutes) from the initial 13 frames (0–25 minutes). The quantitative analysis of the predicted dynamic PET frames was performed for the test and validation dataset using established metrics.ResultsThe predicted dynamic images demonstrated that the model is capable of predicting the trend of change in time‐varying tracer biodistribution. The Bland‐Altman plots reported the lowest tracer uptake bias (−0.04) for the putamen region and the smallest variance (95% CI: −0.38, +0.14) for the cerebellum. The region‐wise Patlak graphical analysis in the caudate and putamen regions for eight subjects from the test and validation dataset showed that the average bias forand distribution volume was 4.3%, 5.1% and 4.4%, 4.2%, (P‐value <0.05), respectively.ConclusionWe have developed a novel deep learning approach for fast dynamic brain PET imaging capable of generating the last 65 minutes time frames from the initial 25 minutes frames, thus enabling significant reduction in scanning time.
Evaluating the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or pelvic floor muscle training on sexual dysfunction in female multiple sclerosis patients reporting overactive bladder
Authors: Polat Dunya Cansu , Tülek Zeliha , Kürtüncü Murat , Gündüz Tuncay , Panicker Jalesh N. , Eraksoy Mefkure 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsSexual dysfunction (SD) is common in female patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with biofeedback on SD in female patients with MS reporting OAB symptoms.MethodsPatients with overactive bladder and SD were allocated to receive TTNS or PFMT daily. Overactive bladder symptoms, sexual functions, and sexual quality of life were assessed at baseline and 6th weeks. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABv‐8), and Sexual Quality of Life‐Female (SQoL‐F) questionnaires were used.ResultsThirty patients (TTNS = 10, PFMT = 20) were included in the study. Compared to baseline, total FSFIOABv‐8, and SQoL‐F scores improved in both TTNS (p = 0.005, p = 0.011, p = 0.444, respectively) and PFMT (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively) groups. Between‐group comparisons did not show any significant differences.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the efficacy of both TTNS and PFMT for improving sexual function in female MS patients with OAB symptoms, but did not show superiority of any particular method. Further studies are required to investigate the differences between these two non‐invasive methods.
Business analytics in service operations—Lessons from healthcare operations
Authors: Baron Opher 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe present an expanded framework for the use of business analytics in projects. To the commonly used descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, we add comparative analytics, wherein we compare the performance of systems under different interventions. This framework provides a conceptual roadmap for the implementation of business analytics projects. We then demonstrate this framework using recent operations research literature on analytics in healthcare, summarizing papers focusing on one of these aspects. Next, we discuss queue mining as an example of theory and practice illustrative of these aspects. We conclude there is room for further work by operations researchers and management scientists within business analytics projects generally and the healthcare industry more specifically. We argue future work should consider both theory and practice, especially within prescriptive analytics projects, where analysis through the lens of operations research and management science is imperative. We provide some thoughts on the current and future state of operations research and management science in business analytics.
Local response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: The case of Nepal
Authors: Mainali Raju , Tosun Mehmet S. , Yilmaz Serdar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOutbreak of the coronavirus pandemic is testing governments' capacity. Generally, considerable attention is paid to the capacity and response of the central or national governments; however, COVID‐19 pandemic is local in nature. Although central authorities have important roles to play in COVID‐19 response, local governments, being closer to people, are best‐positioned to form the first line of defense.
Single‐cell analysis of mouse and human prostate reveals novel fibroblasts with specialized distribution and microenvironment interactions
Authors: Joseph Diya B , Henry Gervaise H , Malewska Alicia , Reese Jeffrey C , Mauck Ryan J , Gahan Jeffrey C , Hutchinson Ryan C , Malladi Venkat S , Roehrborn Claus G , Vezina Chad M , Strand Douglas W 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStromal–epithelial interactions are critical to the morphogenesis, differentiation, and homeostasis of the prostate, but the molecular identity and anatomy of discrete stromal cell types is poorly understood. Using single‐cell RNA sequencing, we identified and validated the in situ localization of three smooth muscle subtypes (prostate smooth muscle, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle) and two novel fibroblast subtypes in human prostate. Peri‐epithelial fibroblasts (APOD+) wrap around epithelial structures, whereas interstitial fibroblasts (C7+) are interspersed in extracellular matrix. In contrast, the mouse displayed three fibroblast subtypes with distinct proximal–distal and lobe‐specific distribution patterns. Statistical analysis of mouse and human fibroblasts showed transcriptional correlation between mouse prostate (C3+) and urethral (Lgr5+) fibroblasts and the human interstitial fibroblast subtype. Both urethral fibroblasts (Lgr5+) and ductal fibroblasts (Wnt2+) in the mouse contribute to a proximal Wnt/Tgfb signaling niche that is absent in human prostate. Instead, human peri‐epithelial fibroblasts express secreted WNT inhibitors SFRPs and DKK1, which could serve as a buffer against stromal WNT ligands by creating a localized signaling niche around individual prostate glands. We also identified proximal–distal fibroblast density differences in human prostate that could amplify stromal signaling around proximal prostate ducts. In human benign prostatic hyperplasia, fibroblast subtypes upregulate critical immunoregulatory pathways and show distinct distributions in stromal and glandular phenotypes. A detailed taxonomy of leukocytes in benign prostatic hyperplasia reveals an influx of myeloid dendritic cells, T cells and B cells, resembling a mucosal inflammatory disorder. A receptor–ligand interaction analysis of all cell types revealed a central role for fibroblasts in growth factor, morphogen, and chemokine signaling to endothelia, epithelia, and leukocytes. These data are foundational to the development of new therapeutic targets in benign prostatic hyperplasia. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adrenocortical tumours in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations
Authors: Virgone Calogero , Roganovic Jelena , Vorwerk Peter , Redlich Antje , Schneider Dominik T. , Janic Dragana , Bien Ewa , López‐Almaraz Ricardo , Godzinski Jan , Osterlundh Gustaf , Stachowicz‐Stencel Teresa , Brugières Laurence , Brecht Ines B. , Thomas‐Teinturier Cécile , Fresneau Brice , Surun Aurore , Ferrari Andrea , Bisogno Gianni , Orbach Daniel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAdrenocortical tumours (ACTs) are rare during childhood. A complete surgical resection provides the best chance of cure, but the role and efficacy of the adjuvant therapy are still controversial. Various histologic criteria of malignancy for ACTs adopted in children do not facilitate comparative studies and are not completely shared. Therefore, a sharp demarcation between benign and malignant lesions has not been recognised, making it difficult to identify who potentially needs perioperative therapy. This manuscript presents the internationally harmonised recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of ACTs in children and adolescents, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Paediatric Rare Tumours (EXPeRT) group within the EU‐funded project PARTNER (Paediatric Rare Tumours Network ‐ European Registry).
Salivary gland carcinoma in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnosis and treatment recommendations
Authors: Surun Aurore , Schneider Dominik T. , Ferrari Andrea , Stachowicz‐Stencel Teresa , Rascon Jelena , Synakiewicz Anna , Agaimy Abbas , Martinova Kata , Kachanov Denis , Roganovic Jelena , Bien Ewa , Bisogno Gianni , Brecht Ines B. , Kolb Frédéric , Thariat Juliette , Moya‐Plana Antoine , Orbach Daniel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSalivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are rare during childhood and adolescence. Consequently, no standardized recommendations for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of pediatric SGC are available, and pediatric oncologists and surgeons generally follow adult guidelines. Complete surgical resection with adequate margins constitutes the cornerstone of treatment. However, the indications and modalities of adjuvant therapy remain controversial and may be challenging in view of the potential long‐term toxicities in the pediatric population. This paper presents the consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with SGCs, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) within the EU‐funded PARTNER project (Paediatric Rare Tumours Network ‐ European Registry).
Influence of the reinforcement on prepreg tack
Authors: Mbotto Tonye Desire , Buet Gautier Karine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn composite manufacturing processes, such as automated placement technologies, it is essential to master the tackiness of thermoset prepregs. Obviously, the resin is responsible of this character, however the present experimental work aims at highlighting the influence of the textile reinforcement. A rheometer is used to carry out a probe‐tack test on several industrial carbon/epoxy prepregs. The results are interpreted in a phenomenological point of view, and the relationship between the failure modes and the shape of the stress–displacement curve is established. Thus, it is shown that textile reinforcement plays a crucial role in tack properties, by means of its organization (fabric or UD), thickness, or the roughness it induces.
Major bleeding in users of direct oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation: A pooled analysis of results from multiple population‐based cohort studies
Authors: van den Ham Hendrika A. , Souverein Patrick C. , Klungel Olaf H. , Platt Robert W. , Ernst Pierre , Dell'Aniello Sophie , Schmiedl Sven , Grave Birgit , Rottenkolber Marietta , Huerta Consuelo , Martín Merino Elisa , León‐Muñoz Luz M. , Montero Dolores , Andersen Morten , Aakjær Mia , De Bruin Marie L. , Gardarsdottir Helga 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo establish the risk of major bleeding in direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) users (overall and by class) versus vitamin K antagonist (VKA) users, using health care databases from four European countries and six provinces in Canada.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed according to a similar protocol. First‐users of VKAs or DOACs with a diagnosis of non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were included. The main outcome of interest was major bleeding and secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). Incidence rates of events per 1000 person years were calculated. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazard regression model. Exposure and confounders were measured and analysed in a time‐dependant way. Risk estimates were pooled using a random effect model.Results421 523 patients were included. The risk of major bleeding for the group of DOACs compared to VKAs showed a pooled HR of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87–1.02). Rivaroxaban showed a modestly increased risk (HR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06–1.16). Apixaban and dabigatran showed a decreased risk of respectively HR 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69–0.84) and HR 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75–0.96).ConclusionsThis study confirms that the risk of major bleeding of DOACs compared to VKAs is not increased when combining all DOACs. However, we observed a modest higher risk of major bleeding for rivaroxaban, whereas for apixaban and dabigatran lower risks of major bleeding were observed compared to VKAs.
Aza‐Michaelsilicone cure is accelerated byβ‐hydroxyalkylesters
Authors: Lu Guanhua , Yepremyan Akop , Godfrey Simon , Mohr Corinne , Herrlein Mathias , Brook Michael A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aza‐Michael reaction is proving to be a practical, catalyst free method by which a variety of polymers, including silicones, can be cured. However, its adoption may be compromised by slow cure rates; for many applications is it not practical to accelerate cure by heating. OH groups on the amine, acrylate partner or solvent are known to lead to accelerated rates of aza‐Michael reactions. The impact of the location of OH groups on reaction partners is demonstrated using both small molecules and small molecules plus telechelic silicones. While all OH groups are shown to increase reaction rates, a special enhancement is provided by β‐hydroxyalkyl acrylate esters, which have significantly higher rates of reaction than simple acrylates per se, and yet higher reactivities in hydroxylic media. Using this motif, in the absence of solvents, silicone elastomer cure based on the β‐hydroxyalkyl acrylate motif is facile and complete in less than 30 min at room temperature.
Comparison of the reactivity of isomeric 2H‐ and 3H‐naphthopyran mechanophores
Authors: Osler Skylar K. , McFadden Molly E. , Robb Maxwell J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNaphthopyrans are molecular switches that produce highly colored merocyanine dyes upon photochemical or mechanochemical activation in polymers. The mechanochromic behavior of these molecular force probes enables the straightforward visualization of stress and/or strain in materials. To date, research on the mechanochemistry of naphthopyran has largely focused on the 3H‐naphtho[2,1‐b]pyran (3H) scaffold, whereas isomeric 2H‐naphtho[1,2‐b]pyrans (2H) exhibit complementary properties as suggested from their photochemical reactivity. Here we directly compare the reactivity of two isomeric 2H‐ and 3H‐naphthopyran mechanophores in solution‐phase ultrasonication experiments and in crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane elastomers subjected to uniaxial tensile deformation. The prototypical 3H‐naphthopyran mechanophore produces a yellow merocyanine dye that reverts quickly, while the 2H‐naphthopyran mechanophore generates a red merocyanine dye that reverts significantly slower. The trends in absorption and reversion measured in solution are also reflected in solid polymeric materials activated in tension. Building on recent research into substituent effects, this study identifies naphthopyran isomerism as a simple lever for modulating the mechanochromic properties of the naphthopyran mechanophore used in the development of force‐responsive polymers.
Overcoming the Inhibition Effects of Citrate: Precipitation of Ferromagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles with Tunable Morphology, Magnetic Properties, and Surface Charge via Ferrous Citrate Oxidation
Authors: Granath Tim , Mandel Karl , Löbmann Peer 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study demonstrates how the method of thermally assisted oxidative precipitation in water can be opened for—the so far neglected—metal organic iron(II) complexes (herein: citrate) in order to obtain, in one step, ferromagnetic magnetite nanoparticles, possessing essential ligand properties. Based on a dedicated analysis of the specific precursor in combination with the consideration of known properties of the ligand, it is possible to identify existing inhibition‐attributes of the iron organyl such that these can be overcome. Moreover, they can be exploited in a targeted manner; thus, simply by changing concentrations, a variety of magnetite nanoparticle morphologies with distinct properties can be obtained. In the case of the herein investigated ferrous citrate, three major inhibition effects are identified. While two of them efficiently prevent the formation of magnetite and need to be addressed to be overcome, the third can be exploited to selectively synthesize, for example, relatively stable carboxyl group‐bearing nuclei clusters, exhibiting the properties of magnetically responsive photonic crystals, or relatively large mesocrystals, whose intraparticular magnetic interactions are apparently disturbed.