bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of couch angles and number of arcs in non-coplanar VMAT for pituitary adenomas
Authors: Limpichotikul N , Yongvithisatid P , Pairat K , Dechsupa P , Changkaew P , Suphaphong S , Stansook N , savaphatiboon S , Tangboonduangjit P 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Non-coplanar VMAT spares critical organs with short delivery time while maintaining PTV coverage. Due to the growth patterns of pituitary adenoma, the beam angle selection step was simplified by finding the optimal couch angles and number of arcs. The 2 clinical cases with difference PTV sizes were selected to study the results of dose distribution between coplanar and non-coplanar techniques. Later, couch angles were varied from 30° to 90° and 270° to 330° with a 15° interval. The numbers of arcs were varied from 3 to 4 arcs. Then, the selected protocol was applied to 5 pituitary adenoma patients. It was found that 90° and 270° couch angle showed the highest scores. However, these beams passed directly through the body, so the second couch angles of 75° and 285° were selected instead. For number of arcs optimization, 3-arc plan and 4-arc plan demonstrated a similar score. However, the 3-arc plan illustrated an obviously shorter treatment time. After the selection was proven to the 5 patients, there were 4 patients who passed the criteria, while 1 patient did not pass the hippocampal planning criteria. In conclusion, the suggested couch angles were 75° and 285°. The optimal number of arcs for pituitary adenoma was 3 arcs.
The sensitivity of patient-specific IMRT QA methods in detecting systematic errors: field-by-field versus single-gantry-angle composite
Authors: Alaswad M , Coleman L 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of small systematic errors, such as those from a multileaf collimator (MLC), on the quality of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plan delivery. Two IMRT quality assurance (QA) verification techniques, field-by-field (FBF) and singe-gantry-angle composite (SGAC), were performed to evaluate both original and modified plans using a 2D ion chamber array detector. The dose distributions measured by the array detector for both FBF and SGAC were compared with the dose distribution calculated by the treatment planning system (TPS). FBF was found to be more sensitive than SGAC at detecting small systematic errors such as the opening and closing of the MLC’s segments, which were evaluated with respect to a gamma-index of 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm. The systematic errors involved in closing the segments of the anterior field by 2 mm and 3 mm showed a significant difference compared with the original field (unmodified): 83.1 ± 1.7% and 42.9 ± 1.9% gamma-index passing rates, respectively, for FBF. For SGAC, the magnitude of closing the MLC by 2 mm remained unnoticed and resulted in a 95.1 ± 2.61% gamma-index passing rate. Opening the MLC by 2 mm gave a false negative, but more than 5% of the rectum received 75 Gy, which exceeded the tolerance radiation dose recommended by the Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC).
Radiosensitization characteristic of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in electron beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy
Authors: Rahman WN , Kadian SNM , Ab Rashid R , Abdullah R , Abdul Razak K , Pham BTT , Hawkett BS , Geso M 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) has been the focus in medical imaging as MRI contrast agents. SPIONs demonstrate intriguing properties that not only advantageous in diagnostic imaging but also for therapeutic application. In this study, the radiosensitization characteristic of SPIONs in electron beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy were investigated. This study was conducted in-vitro using HeLa cells with SPIONs (15 nm) concentration of 1, 2 and 3 mMol/L. Irradiations were done at doses ranging from 0 to 10 Gy using electron beams of energy 6 and 12 MeV as well as 0.38 MeV 192Ir brachytherapy source. Cell survivals were determined from clonogenic assay. Radiosensitization characterization was performed by analyzing the sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) expolated from the survival curves. The results show SPIONs induce radiosensitization effects in electron beams especially at lower energy with SER value obtained up to 1.5. The radiosensitization is more prominent for brachytherapy with SER value around 2. Concentrations of SPIONs also play important roles in which higher SPIONs concentration are more likely to increase radiosensitization effects. In conclusion, radiosensitization are dependent on radiation energy and concentration of the SPIONs. Further characterization of the radiosensitization induced by SPIONs may enable clinical translation of SPIONs as radiosensitizer in radiotherapy.
Characterisation of delaminated GAFCHROMIC™ EBT3 films in clinical photon, proton and 192Ir brachytherapy source
Authors: Tagiling N , Ab Rashid R , Abdullah R , Dollah N , Geso M , Tominaga T , Akasaka H , Kie K , Rahman WN 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This paper aims to assess the dose-response characteristics of delaminated GAFCHROMIC™ EBT3 films for radiotherapy beams. Delaminated EBT3 films were produced by peeling off the top polyester substrate of original EBT3 using surgical precision forceps. The films were irradiated to 500 cGy with photon beams of 6 MV and 10 MV, while proton and 192Ir exposures were conducted at nominal energies of 150 MeV and 0.38 MeV respectively. Digitisations were made using a flatbed scanner in Red-channel for optimum sensitivity. Analyses of data fitting, reading reproducibility, film integrity and energy dependency were then implemented for comparison with original EBT3 films. Results of R2 in each curve suggested that the selected non-linear function appropriately fits the data with low reduced chi-square. However, the delaminated films experience integrity degradation of up to 13% due to active layer distress, affecting the reading reproducibility with values extending to 1.0%. Plus, the mean relative response ratio of energy dependency for delaminated EBT3 in photon irradiations was observed at 0.97, which is inferior to their original counterpart. In summary, the delaminated EBT3 yields comparable dose-response behaviour despite integrity deterioration. It is important to factor film delamination uncertainties into existing uncertainty budget as it is instrumental in reading dose-response deviations. Accurate evaluation together with reliable fabrication processes could make delaminated EBT3 attractive in specific applications including α-particles dosimetry and ultraviolet radiation monitoring.
Microwave–assisted precipitation of carbonated hydroxyapatite
Authors: Pebriani C P , Nurlely  , Sari Y W 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) is a bone implant material that has good solubility and resorption. In this study, CHA was synthesized and characterized using microwave–assisted precipitation method under different irradiation power and time. CHA powder was synthesized starting from calcium hydroxide, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and calcium hydroxide. Chemical and physical analyses, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX, were applied to investigate the composition, crystallinity, crystallite size and morphology of CHA powder. XRD patterns showed that CHAs had low characteristic peaks that indicating poor crystallinity. According to the crystallinity index, 450 W 30 minutes CHA with CI = 35.3% and SF = 2.908 was chosen as the best result because it was the closest result to the bone crystallinity reference. The crystallite size for all CHA samples reached 19.386 – 24.019 nm, were almost similar to the crystallite size for bone. FTIR and EDX affirmed that CHA bond existed. The carbonated hydroxyapatite was formed B type CHA with some additional A and AB type. CHA crystal was formed of nanorod particle. Hence the physical and chemical analyses suggest that CHA powder can be obtained using a microwave-assisted precipitation method with good results
Assessing landscape potential for human sustainability and ‘attractiveness’ across Asian Russia in a warmer 21st century
Authors: Parfenova Elena , Tchebakova Nadezhda , Soja Amber 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn the past, human migrations have been associated with climate change. As our civilizations developed, humans depended less on the environment, in particular on climate, because technological and economic development in the span of human history allowed us to adapt to and overcome environmental discomfort. Asian Russia (east of the Urals to the Pacific) is known to be sparsely populated. The population is concentrated along the forest-steppe in the south, with its comfortable climate and thriving agriculture on fertile soils. We use current and predicted climate scenarios to evaluate the climate comfort of various landscapes to determine the potential for human settlers throughout the 21st century. Climate change scenarios are taken from 20 CMIP5 general circulation models. Two CO2Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios, RCP 2.6 representing mild climate change and RCP 8.5 representing more extreme changes, are applied to the large subcontinental territory of Asian Russia. The ensemble January and July temperature anomaly means and annual precipitation are calculated with respect to the baseline 1961–1990 climate. Three climate indices, which are important for human livelihood and well-being, are calculated based on January and July temperatures and annual precipitation: Ecological Landscape Potential, winter severity, and permafrost coverage. Climates predicted by the 2080s over Asian Russia would be much warmer and milder. Ensemble means do not show extreme aridity. The permafrost zone is predicted to significantly shift to the northeast. Ecological Landscape Potential would increase 1–2 categories from ‘low’ to ‘relatively high’ which would result in a higher capacity for population density across Asian Russia. Socio-economic processes and policy choices will compel the development that will lead to attracting people to migrate throughout the century. Therefore, understanding ecological landscape potential is crucial information for developing viable strategies for long-term economic and social development in preparation for climate migration and strategic adaptation planning.
What Humeans should say about tied best systems
Authors: Loew Christian , Jaag Siegfried 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe Humean best systems account (BSA) identifies laws of nature with the regularities in a system of truths that, as a whole, best conforms to scientific standards for theory-choice. A principled problem for the BSA is that it returns the wrong verdicts about laws in cases where multiple systems, containing different regularities, satisfy these standards equally well. This problem affects every version of the BSA because it arises regardless of which standards for theory-choice Humeans adopt. In this paper, we propose a Humean response to the problem. We invoke pragmatic aspects of Humean laws to show that the BSA, despite violating some of our intuitive judgements, can capture everything that is relevant for scientific practice.
Targeting PARP and autophagy evoked synergistic lethality in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zai Wenjing , Chen Wei , Han Yuxuan , Wu Zimei , Fan Jiajun , Zhang Xuyao , Luan Jingyun , Tang Shijie , Jin Xin , Fu Xiang , Gao Hongjian , Ju Dianwen , Liu Hongrui 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, has limited efficient therapeutic options. Here, we first demonstrated that simultaneously targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and autophagy could evoke striking synergistic lethality in HCC cells. Specifically, we found that the PARP inhibitor Niraparib induced cytotoxicity accompanied by significant autophagy formation and autophagic flux in HCC cells. Further experiments showed that Niraparib induced suppression of the Akt/mTOR pathway and activation of the Erk1/2 cascade, two typical signaling pathways related to autophagy. In addition, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species was triggered, which was involved in Niraparib-induced autophagy. Blocking autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) in combination with Niraparib further enhanced cytotoxicity, induced apoptosis and inhibited colony formation in HCC cells. Synergistic inhibition was also observed in Huh7 xenografts in vivo. Mechanistically, we showed that autophagy inhibition abrogated Niraparib-induced cell-cycle arrest and checkpoint activation. Cotreatment with CQ and Niraparib promoted the formation of γ-H2AX foci while inhibiting the recruitment of the homologous recombination repair protein RAD51 to double-strand break sites. Thus, the present study developed a novel promising strategy for the management of HCC in the clinic and highlighted a potential approach to expand the application of PARP inhibitors.
Altered Sensitivity to Motion of Area MT Neurons Following Long-Term V1 Lesions
Authors: Hagan Maureen A , Chaplin Tristan A , Huxlin Krystel R , Rosa Marcello G P , Lui Leo L 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Primates with primary visual cortex (V1) damage often retain residual motion sensitivity, which is hypothesized to be mediated by middle temporal area (MT). MT neurons continue to respond to stimuli shortly after V1 lesions; however, experimental and clinical studies of lesion-induced plasticity have shown that lesion effects can take several months to stabilize. It is unknown what physiological changes occur in MT and whether neural responses persist long after V1 damage. We recorded neuronal responses in MT to moving dot patterns in adult marmoset monkeys 6–12 months after unilateral V1 lesions. In contrast to results obtained shortly after V1 lesions, we found that fewer MT neurons were direction selective, including neurons expected to still receive projections from remaining parts of V1. The firing rates of most cells increased with increases in motion strength, regardless of stimulus direction. Furthermore, firing rates were higher and more variable than in control MT cells. To test whether these observations could be mechanistically explained by underlying changes in neural circuitry, we created a network model of MT. We found that a local imbalance of inhibition and excitation explained the observed firing rate changes. These results provide the first insights into functional implications of long-term plasticity in MT following V1 lesions.
Observation Tree Approach: Active Learning Relying on Testing
Authors: Soucha Michal , Bogdanov Kirill 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The correspondence of active learning and testing of finite-state machines (FSMs) has been known for a while; however, it was not utilized in the learning. We propose a new framework called the observation tree approach that allows one to use the testing theory to improve the performance of active learning. The improvement is demonstrated on three novel learning algorithms that implement the observation tree approach. They outperform the standard learning algorithms, such as the L* algorithm, in the setting where a minimally adequate teacher provides counterexamples. Moreover, they can also significantly reduce the dependency on the teacher using the assumption of extra states that is well-established in the testing of FSMs. This is immensely helpful as a teacher does not have to be available if one learns a model of a black box, such as a system only accessible via a network.
Quantile-based smooth transition value at risk estimation
Authors: Hubner Stefan , Čížek Pavel 
Published: June 2019

SummaryValue at risk models are concerned with the estimation of conditional quantiles of a time series. Formally, these quantities are a function of conditional volatility and the respective quantile of the innovation distribution. The former is often subject to asymmetric dynamic behaviour, e.g., with respect to past shocks. In this paper, we propose a model in which conditional quantiles follow a generalised autoregressive process governed by two parameter regimes with their weights determined by a smooth transition function. We develop a two-step estimation procedure based on a sieve estimator, approximating conditional volatility by using composite quantile regression, which is then used in the generalised autoregressive conditional quantile estimation. We show that the estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal, and we complement the results with a simulation study. In our empirical application, we consider daily returns of the German equity index (DAX) and the USD/GBP exchange rate. Although only the latter follows a two-regime model, we find that our model performs well in terms of out-of-sample prediction in both cases.
Labour Market Effects of General and Vocational Education over the Life-Cycle and across Time: Accounting for Age, Period, and Cohort Effects
Authors: Rözer Jesper J , Bol Thijs 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
A recent literature argues that the labour market returns to vocational education vary over the life cycle. Graduates with an occupation-specific educational degree have a smooth transition into the labour market but experience difficulties later in their career when their specific skills become obsolete. This life course penalty to vocational education is expected to be particularly strong in periods of rapid technological change. Existing literature has mostly studied this topic from the perspective of age effects but focused less on cohort and period effects. Moreover, it is unclear to what extent lower returns to vocational education in the late career vary across time periods. Using Labour Force Survey data for the Netherlands (1996–2012) we find that having a more occupation-specific educational degree increases the likelihood of being employed in early life and lowers the average job status. This initial advantage of a higher employment probability declines with age, and the disadvantage in job status increases as workers grow older. We find that these life-cycle effects have not, or only marginally, changed over time.
Women’s excess unhealthy life years: disentangling the unhealthy life years gap
Authors: Nusselder Wilma J , Cambois Emmanuelle M , Wapperom Dagmar , Meslé France , Looman Caspar W N , Yokota Renata T C , Van Oyen Herman , Jagger Carrol , Robine Jean Marie 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Compared to men, women live longer but have more years with disability. We assessed the contribution of gender differences in mortality and disability, total and by cause, to women’s excess unhealthy life years (ULYs).

Methods
We used mortality data for France 2008 from Eurostat, causes of death from the CépiDc-INSERM-database; and disability and chronic conditions data from the French Disability Health Survey 2008–09. ULYs were calculated by the Sullivan method. The contributions of mortality and disability differences to gender differences in ULY were based on decomposition analyses.

Results
Life expectancy of French women aged 50 was 36.3 years of which 19.0 were ULYs; life expectancy of men was 30.4 years of which 14.2 were ULYs. Of the 4.8 excess ULYs in women, 4.0 years were due to lower mortality. Of these 4.0 ULYs, 1.8 ULY originated from women’s lower mortality from cancer, 0.8 ULY from heart disease and 0.3 ULY from accidents. The remaining 0.8 excess ULY in women were from higher disability prevalence, including higher disability from musculoskeletal diseases (+1.8 ULY) and anxiety-depression (+0.6 ULY) partly offset by lower disability from heart diseases (−0.8 ULY) and accidents (−0.3 ULY).

Conclusion
Lower mortality and higher disability prevalence contributed to women’s longer life expectancy with disability. Women’s higher disability prevalence due to non-fatal disabling conditions was partly offset by lower disability from heart disease and accidents. Conditions differentially impact gender differences in ULY, depending on whether they are mainly life-threatening or disabling. The conclusions confirm the health-survival paradox.
Mouse models of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis have an early onset phenotype, the severity of which varies with genotype
Authors: Liu Yang , Kinoshita Junzo , Ivanova Elena , Sun Duo , Li Hong , Liao Tara , Cao Jingtai , Bell Brent A , Wang Jacob M , Tang Yajun , Brydges Susannah , Peachey Neal S , Sagdullaev Botir T , Romano Carmelo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is an early-onset inherited condition that affects primarily males and is characterized by cystic lesions of the inner retina, decreased visual acuity and contrast sensitivity and a selective reduction of the electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave. Although XLRS is genetically heterogeneous, all mouse models developed to date involve engineered or spontaneous null mutations. In the present study, we have studied three new Rs1 mutant mouse models: (1) a knockout with inserted lacZ reporter gene; (2) a C59S point mutant substitution and (3) an R141C point mutant substitution. Mice were studied from postnatal day (P15) to 28 weeks by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and ERG. Retinas of P21–22 mice were examined using biochemistry, single cell electrophysiology of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and by immunohistochemistry. Each model developed intraretinal schisis and reductions in the ERG that were greater for the b-wave than the a-wave. The phenotype of the C59S mutant appeared less severe than the other mutants by ERG at adult ages. RGC electrophysiology demonstrated elevated activity in the absence of a visual stimulus and reduced signal-to-noise ratios in response to light stimuli. Immunohistochemical analysis documented early abnormalities in all cells of the outer retina. Together, these results provide significant insight into the early events of XLRS pathophysiology, from phenotype differences between disease-causing variants to common mechanistic events that may play critical roles in disease presentation and progression.
Estimating purse seine volume during capture: implications for fish densities and survival of released unwanted catches
Authors: Tenningen Maria , Pobitzer Armin , Handegard Nils Olav , de Jong Karen 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
High fish densities negatively impact catch welfare and the survival of unwanted catches released from purse seines. To avoid overcrowding fish before being released, regulations have been implemented in the Northeast Atlantic mackerel and herring fisheries that limit the proportion of the seine that can be retrieved before catches are released. However, it is yet unknown how seine volume, and thus fish density, relates to proportion of seine retrieved. In this study, we have estimated the in-water volume of purse seines used in the Norwegian mackerel and herring fisheries as a function of proportion seine hauled and seine size. Purse seine geometry was monitored with multibeam sonar at sea and a log-linear mixed effects model was applied to the estimated seine volumes. The results indicate a 33-fold decrease in contained volume from 10 to 80% seine hauled and a threefold difference in volume between the largest and smallest measured seines. Fish densities in the seine were predicted to vary greatly depending on seine and catch size and under some conditions exceed safe crowding levels before the catch release limit is reached. This study questions the rationale of having the same catch release limit for all seine and catch sizes.