bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of radiochromic films as a micrometer‐resolution dosimeter by confocal Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mirza Jamal Ahmad , Hernández Millares Rodrigo , Kim Geon Il , Park So‐Yeon , Lee Jaegi , Ye Sung‐Joon 
Published: August 2019

PurposeMicrometer spatial resolution dosimetry has become inevitable for advanced radiotherapy techniques. A new approach using radiochromic films was developed to measure a radiation dose at a micrometer spatial resolution by confocal Raman spectroscopy.MethodsThe commercial radiochromic films (RCF), EBT3 and EBT‐XD, were irradiated with known doses using 50, 100, 200, and 300 kVp, and 6‐MV x rays. The dose levels ranged from 0.3 to 50 Gy. The Raman mapping technique developed in our early study was used to readout an area of 100 × 100 µm2 on RCF with improved lateral and depth resolutions with confocal Raman spectrometry. The variation in Raman spectra of C‐C‐C deformation and C≡C stretching modes of diacetylene polymers around 676 and 2060 cm−1, respectively, as a function of therapeutic x‐ray doses, was measured. The single peak (SP) of C≡C and the peak ratio (PR) of C≡C band height to C‐C‐C band height with a spatial resolution of 10 µm on both types of RCF were evaluated, averaged, and plotted as a function of dose. An achievable spatial resolution, clinically useful dose range, dosimetric sensitivity, dose uniformity, and postirradiation stability as well as the orientation, energy, and dose rate dependence, of both types of RCFs, were characterized by the technique developed in this study.ResultsA spatial resolution on RCF achieved by SP and PR methods was ~4.5 and ~2.9 µm, respectively. Raman spectroscopy data showed dose nonuniformity of ~11% in SP method and <3% in PR method. The SP method provided dose ranges of up to ~10 and ~20 Gy for EBT3 and EBT‐XD films, respectively while the PR method up to ~30 and ~50 Gy. The PR method diminished the orientation effect. The percent difference between landscape and portrait orientations for the EBT3 and the EBT‐XD films at 4 Gy had an acceptable level of 1.2% and 2.4%, respectively. With both SP and PR methods, the EBT3 and the EBT‐XD films showed weak energy (within ~10% and ~3% for SP and PR methods, respectively) and dose rate dependence (within ~5% and ~3% for SP and PR methods, respectively) and had a stable response after 24‐h postirradiation.ConclusionsA technique for micrometer‐resolution dosimetry was successfully developed by detecting radiation‐induced Raman shift on EBT3 and EBT‐XD. Both types of RCFs were suitable for micrometer‐resolution dosimetry using CRS. With CRS both lateral and depth resolutions on RCF were improved. The PR method provided superior characteristics in dose uniformity, dose ranges, orientation dependence, and laser effect for both types of RCFs. The overall dosimetric characteristics of the RCFs determined by this technique were similar to those known by optical density scanning. The CRS with the PR method is advantageous over other the traditional scanning systems as a spatial resolution of <10 µm on RCF can be achieved with less deviations.
Iterative correction of RF envelope distortion with GRATER‐measured waveforms
Authors: Landes Vanessa L. , Nayak Krishna S. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a method for RF envelope correction without extra hardware or synchronization.MethodsTransmitted RF waveforms are measured through a simple pulse sequence called the gradient reversal approach to evaluate RF (GRATER). The measured RF waveforms are used to compute predistorted RF waveforms. This process is repeated until a stopping criterion is met, for example, based on pulse performance or a maximum number of iterations. Excitation profiles and simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) image quality are compared before and after RF predistortion.ResultsThe proposed method improved the accuracy of multiband RF pulses, reducing normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) by >12‐fold, and reducing spurious side‐lobe excitation by >6‐fold. The reduction in unwanted side‐lobe signal is demonstrated using SMS bSSFP imaging at 3T in phantoms and in the heart.ConclusionIterative GRATER‐based predistortion is a practical, hardware‐free way to boost performance of short duration, low flip angle RF pulses, such as those used in SMS bSSFP imaging. Because of its efficiency, this technique could be included as part of an initial scan setup or for use with subsequent scans.
Whole brain P MRSI at 7T with a dual‐tuned receive array
Authors: Rowland Benjamin C. , Driver Ian D. , Tachrount Mohamed , Klomp Dennis W. J. , Rivera Debra , Forner Ria , Pham Anh , Italiaander Michel , Wise Richard G. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeThe design and performance of a novel head coil setup for P spectroscopy at ultra‐high field strengths (7T) is presented. The described system supports measurements at both the H and P resonance frequencies.MethodsThe novel coil consists of 2, actively detunable, coaxial birdcage coils to give homogeneous transmit, combined with a double resonant 30 channel receive array. This allows for anatomical imaging combined with P acquisitions over the whole head, without changing coils or disturbing the subject. A phosphate buffer phantom and 3 healthy volunteers were scanned with a pulse acquire CSI sequence using both the novel array coil and a conventional transceiver birdcage. Four different methods of combining the array channels were compared at 3 different levels of SNR.ResultsThe novel coil setup delivers significantly increased P SNR in the peripheral regions of the brain, reaching up to factor 8, while maintaining comparable performance relative to the birdcage in the center.ConclusionsThe new system offers the potential to acquire whole brain P MRSI with superior signal relative to the standard options.
Assessment of small sensory fiber function in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Boland‐Freitas Robert , Ng Karl 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystem disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. However, studies evaluating somatic small fiber sensory nerve function, which may contribute to pain in DM1, are lacking.MethodsUsing quantitative sensory testing of the hand and foot, we evaluated Aδ and C‐fiber function. Of 20 adult DM1 patients recruited, 16 were analyzed. Their results were compared with those of 32 age‐ and sex‐matched controls.ResultsNo DM1 patient had diabetes mellitus or clinical evidence of small fiber neuropathy. In DM1, hand (P < .01) and foot (P = 0.02) warm detection thresholds were higher than those of controls. Cool detection thresholds were lower in the foot (P < .001).ConclusionsSubclinical small sensory fiber dysfunction occurs in DM1 patients without large fiber neuropathy. Further research with other modalities is required to characterize these disturbances as disease modifying therapies are developed.
Safety of intravenous immune globulin in an outpatient setting for patients with neuromuscular disease
Authors: Waheed Waqar , Ayer Gretchen A. , Jadoo Cindy L. , Badger Gary J. , Aboukhatwa Marwa , Brannagan Thomas H. , Tandan Rup 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionAlthough intravenous immune globulin (IVIg) is used to treat patients in the outpatient setting, there is limited documentation addressing the safety of this practice.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 438 patients with neuromuscular diseases receiving IVIg in an outpatient setting.ResultsAdverse events (AE) overall occurred in 16.9% of patients. Headache was the most common AE, noted in 11.6% of patients. Serious AEs occurred in 0.91% of patients; aseptic meningitis was the only one noted. Multivariate analyses identified the following risk factors for AEs: first‐lifetime course of IVIg, higher dose per course of IVIg, diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, women, and younger age.DiscussionIntravenous immune globulin is generally safe to administer in an outpatient setting. Women, myasthenia gravis patients, and those receiving their first course or a higher total dose of IVIg are at an increased risk of experiencing an AE.
Probabilistic analysis of strip footings based on enhanced Kriging metamodeling
Authors: El Haj Abdul‐Kader , Soubra Abdul‐Hamid , Al‐Bittar Tamara 
Published: August 2019

SummaryTwo advanced Kriging metamodeling techniques were used to compute the failure probability of geotechnical structures involving spatially varying soil properties. These methods are based on a Kriging metamodel combined with a global sensitivity analysis that is called in literature Global Sensitivity Analysis‐enhanced Surrogate (GSAS) modeling for reliability analysis. The GSAS methodology may be used in combination with either the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) or importance sampling (IS) method. The resulting Kriging metamodeling techniques are called GSAS‐MCS or GSAS‐IS. The objective of these techniques is to reduce the number of calls of the mechanical model as compared with the classical Kriging‐based metamodeling techniques (called AK‐MCS and AK‐IS) combining Kriging with MCS or IS. The soil uncertain parameters were assumed as non‐Gaussian random fields. EOLE methodology was used to discretize these random fields. The mechanical models were based on numerical simulations. Some probabilistic numerical results are presented and discussed.
Printable self‐heating coatings based on the use of carbon nanoreinforcements
Authors: Prolongo Silvia G. , Moriche Rocío , Jiménez‐Suárez Alberto , Delgado Andrea , Ureña Alejandro 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGraphitic nanofillers reinforced epoxy coatings have been manufactured using UV‐photopolymerized resin. These materials present effective low‐power resistive heating, which can be potentially useful for deicing and anti‐icing devices. During the optimization of UV‐3D manufacturing printing process, it was confirmed that the coating thickness strongly depends on the nature and content of graphitic nanofillers. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) strongly inhibit the photopolymerization because of the UV light dispersion, which competes with the light absorption of the photoinitiator, decreasing the coating thickness. Thermo‐mechanical behavior of the doped coatings has been analyzed together with their efficiency as de‐icing materials. The highest self‐heating achieved by Joule's effect was measured for the coating doped with the lower studied content of CNTs, close to electrical percolation. This is explained by its high‐electrical conductivity and the higher contribution of tunneling effect regard to the electrical conduction by direct contact.
Development of new high‐performance visible light photoinitiators based on carbazole scaffold and their applications in 3d printing and photocomposite synthesis
Authors: Abdallah Mira , Magaldi Diego , Hijazi Akram , Graff Bernadette , Dumur Frédéric , Fouassier Jean‐Pierre , Bui Thanh‐Tuân , Goubard Fabrice , Lalevée Jacques 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTIn this article, new compounds based on the carbazole scaffold (DMs = DM1 and DM2, constituted by a carbazole unit connected on positions 3 and 6 to a two 4,4′‐dimethoxydiphenylamine groups and differing by the substituent present on the nitrogen heteroatom of the carbazole core) were synthesized and proposed as high‐performance visible light photoinitiators/photosensitizers for both the free‐radical polymerization of methacrylates and the cationic polymerization of epoxides upon visible light exposure using LED@405 nm. Remarkably, DM2 leads to higher final conversions than DM1. In order to study the photophysical and photochemical properties of the carbazole derivatives, different parameters were taken into account such as the light absorption, the steady‐state photolysis, and the fluorescence spectroscopy. Using different techniques such as fluorescence quenching, redox behavior, and cyclic voltammetry, we are able to discuss the photosensitization/photoinitiation reactions providing a full coherent picture of the involved chemical mechanisms. The photosensitization of the carbazole derivatives occurred predominantly via singlet excited states at the rate of the diffusion limit. Upon exposure to laser diode at 405 nm, DMs show high performance in initiating systems for 3D resins. Remarkably, DM2 can also be used in photocomposite synthesis using light‐emitting diode conveyor. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2081–2092
Fertility knowledge and associated empowerment following an educational intervention for adolescent cancer patients
Authors: Borgmann‐Staudt Anja , Kunstreich Marina , Schilling Ralph , Balcerek Magdalena , Dirksen Uta , Cario Holger , Kepakova Katerina , Klco‐Brosius Stephanie , Korte Elisabeth , Kruseova Jarmila , Lackner Herwig , Langer Thorsten , Roslan Katarzyna‐Muszynska , Stefanowicz Joanna , Strauß Gabriele , Byrne Julianne ,   on behalf of PanCareLIFE
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroduction/ObjectivesFertility preservation is a major concern for adolescent cancer patients; yet, educational gaps remain. Our intervention study examined whether specially designed educational materials regarding fertility preservation increase knowledge and empowerment of patients and parents.MethodsEleven paediatric‐oncological centres in four European countries agreed to enrol all eligible patients and parents in a questionnaire survey at 3 and 6 months after diagnosis. Treating physicians were surveyed on their medical consultation regarding fertility.ResultsEducational intervention increased knowledge in both patients (n = 113 and n = 101 in the control and intervention groups, respectively) and parents (n = 111 and n = 99 in the control and intervention groups, respectively), but the difference did not achieve statistical significance (knowledge difference patients: 5.6% (t0)/13.1% (t1); parents: 6.4% (t0)/3.8% (t1)). Parents of older patients (OR = 1.3, 95%CI = 1.1‐1.7) and higher educational groups (OR = 6.2, 95%CI = 2.1‐18.3) in the intervention group (OR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.03‐3.7) achieved higher knowledge levels. Empowerment was significantly improved in both patients (p = 0.046, d = 0.27) and parents (p = 0.046, d = 0.48) in the intervention group.Discussion/ConclusionsIn our study, the use of specifically prepared flyers and brochures successfully raised the level of fertility preservation knowledge in parents of older patients as well as parents with higher educational levels. Overall, the intervention improved patient and parent empowerment. Subsequent projects will include simpler information and digital material to particularly reach out to younger and less educated individuals.
Development of a model for ultra‐precise surface machining of N‐BK7® using microwave‐driven reactive plasma jet machining
Authors: Kazemi Faezeh , Boehm Georg , Arnold Thomas 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this paper, extensive studies are conducted as key to overcoming several challenging limitations in applying fluorine‐based reactive plasma jet machining (PJM) to surface machining of N‐BK7®, particularly regarding the manufacture of freeform optical elements. The chemical composition and lateral distributions of the residual layer are evaluated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis aiming at clarifying the exact chemical kinetics between plasma generated active particles and the N‐BK7 surface atoms. Subsequently, a model is developed by performing static etchings to consider the time‐varying nonlinearity of the material removal rate and estimate the local etching rate function. Finally, the derived model is extended into the dynamic machining process, and the outcomes are compared with the experimental results.
Features of molecular recognition of intrinsically disordered proteins via coupled folding and binding
Authors: Yang Jing , Gao Meng , Xiong Junwen , Su Zhengding , Huang Yongqi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe sequence–structure–function paradigm of proteins has been revolutionized by the discovery of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). In contrast to traditional ordered proteins, IDPs/IDRs are unstructured under physiological conditions. The absence of well‐defined three‐dimensional structures in the free state of IDPs/IDRs is fundamental to their function. Folding upon binding is an important mode of molecular recognition for IDPs/IDRs. While great efforts have been devoted to investigating the complex structures and binding kinetics and affinities, our knowledge on the binding mechanisms of IDPs/IDRs remains very limited. Here, we review recent advances on the binding mechanisms of IDPs/IDRs. The structures and kinetic parameters of IDPs/IDRs can vary greatly, and the binding mechanisms can be highly dependent on the structural properties of IDPs/IDRs. IDPs/IDRs can employ various combinations of conformational selection and induced fit in a binding process, which can be templated by the target and/or encoded by the IDP/IDR. Further studies should provide deeper insights into the molecular recognition of IDPs/IDRs and enable the rational design of IDP/IDR binding mechanisms in the future.
Pre‐ and post‐docking sampling of conformational changes using ClustENM and HADDOCK for protein‐protein and protein‐DNA systems
Authors: Kurkcuoglu Zeynep , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIncorporating the dynamic nature of biomolecules in the modeling of their complexes is a challenge, especially when the extent and direction of the conformational changes taking place upon binding is unknown. Estimating whether the binding of a biomolecule to its partner(s) occurs in a conformational state accessible to its unbound form (“conformational selection”) and/or the binding process induces conformational changes (“induced‐fit”) is another challenge. We propose here a method combining conformational sampling using ClustENM—an elastic network‐based modeling procedure—with docking using HADDOCK, in a framework that incorporates conformational selection and induced‐fit effects upon binding. The extent of the applied deformation is estimated from its energetical costs, inspired from mechanical tensile testing on materials. We applied our pre‐ and post‐docking sampling of conformational changes to the flexible multidomain protein‐protein docking benchmark and a subset of the protein‐DNA docking benchmark. Our ClustENM‐HADDOCK approach produced acceptable to medium quality models in 7/11 and 5/6 cases for the protein‐protein and protein‐DNA complexes, respectively. The conformational selection (sampling prior to docking) has the highest impact on the quality of the docked models for the protein‐protein complexes. The induced‐fit stage of the pipeline (post‐sampling), however, improved the quality of the final models for the protein‐DNA complexes. Compared to previously described strategies to handle conformational changes, ClustENM‐HADDOCK performs better than two‐body docking in protein‐protein cases but worse than a flexible multidomain docking approach. However, it does show a better or similar performance compared to previous protein‐DNA docking approaches, which makes it a suitable alternative.
The structural details of the interaction of single‐stranded DNA binding protein hSSB2 (NABP1/OBFC2A) with UV‐damaged DNA
Authors: Lawson Teegan , El‐Kamand Serene , Boucher Didier , Duong Duc Cong , Kariawasam Ruvini , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. , Richard Derek J. , Gamsjaeger Roland , Cubeddu Liza 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSingle‐stranded DNA‐binding proteins (SSBs) are required for all known DNA metabolic events such as DNA replication, recombination and repair. While a wealth of structural and functional data is available on the essential human SSB, hSSB1 (NABP2/OBFC2B), the close homolog hSSB2 (NABP1/OBFC2A) remains relatively uncharacterized. Both SSBs possess a well‐structured OB (oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide‐binding) domain that is able to recognize single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) followed by a flexible carboxyl‐tail implicated in the interaction with other proteins. Despite the high sequence similarity of the OB domain, several recent studies have revealed distinct functional differences between hSSB1 and hSSB2. In this study, we show that hSSB2 is able to recognize cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) that form in cellular DNA as a consequence of UV damage. Using a combination of biolayer interferometry and NMR, we determine the molecular details of the binding of the OB domain of hSSB2 to CPD‐containing ssDNA, confirming the role of four key aromatic residues in hSSB2 (W59, Y78, W82, and Y89) that are also conserved in hSSB1. Our structural data thus demonstrate that ssDNA recognition by the OB fold of hSSB2 is highly similar to hSSB1, indicating that one SSB may be able to replace the other in any initial ssDNA binding event. However, any subsequent recruitment of other repair proteins most likely depends on the divergent carboxyl‐tail and as such is likely to be different between hSSB1 and hSSB2.
Switched adaptation strategies for integral sliding mode control: Theory and application
Authors: Incremona Gian Paolo , Strada Silvia Carla , Tanelli Mara , Ferrara Antonella 
Published: August 2019

SummaryIntegral sliding mode (SM) control is an interesting approach, as it can maintain the good chattering alleviation property of higher‐order SMs while making the reaching phase less critical and keeping the controlled system trajectory on a suitably selected sliding manifold since the initial time instant. In order to make such a method more robust and to improve its flexibility by the adaptation of its parameters to the current system condition, in this paper, a switched strategy is proposed. Specifically, the suboptimal Second‐order SM algorithm is considered as a basis in its integral formulation, and the switching strategy is designed by partitioning the so‐called auxiliary system state space in a finite number of regions. The proposed method allows one to improve the transient performance by adapting the gains through these regions, thus implying an energy saving capability. The proposal is theoretically analyzed and, in order to test its performance, the control of the lateral dynamics of ground vehicles is used as a case study. Specifically, yaw‐rate tracking is considered, as it is made difficult by parametric uncertainties and nonlinear effects that arise especially with large steering angles. Extensive simulation tests are carried out using standard validation maneuvers, which favorably witness the performance of the new control algorithm.
Factors affecting the adoption of systems thinking
Authors: Siriram Rajenlall 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSystems' thinking has received considerable attention over the last several decades; however, the adoption of systems thinking as an approach to creating competitive advantages is still lagging. The objective of this research is to test whether the adoption of systems thinking leads to an organization's competitive capabilities and the quality of the products produced. An investigative model linking the organizational factors of systems thinking (i.e., institutional efficacy, self‐efficacy, organizational and environmental evolution, and organizational culture and climate) to the organization's competitive capabilities and quality of the products is proposed. Structural equation modelling is used to test the model. Thirteen hypotheses are tested, of which seven are accepted. The sample consists of 130 organizations. Six constructs (i.e., institutional efficacy, self‐efficacy, organizational and environmental evolution, organizational culture and climate, competitive capabilities, and the quality off products) are tested, providing important lessons for managers and researchers in systems thinking.