bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose–response linearization in radiochromic film dosimetry based on multichannel normalized pixel value with an integrated spectral correction for scanner response variations
Authors: Aldelaijan Saad , Devic Slobodan , Papaconstadopoulos Pavlos , Bekerat Hamed , Cormack Robert A. , Seuntjens Jan , Buzurovic Ivan M. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeTo introduce a model that reproducibly linearizes the response from radiochromic film (RCF) dosimetry systems at extended dose range. To introduce a correction method, generated from the same scanned images, which corrects for scanner temporal response variation and scanner bed inhomogeneity.MethodsSix calibration curves were established for different lot numbers of EBT3 GAFCHROMIC™ film model based on four EPSON scanners [10000XL (2 units), 11000XL, 12000XL] at three different centers. These films were calibrated in terms of absorbed dose to water based on TG51 protocol or TRS398 with dose ranges up to 40 Gy. The film response was defined in terms of a proposed normalized pixel value () as a summation of first‐order equations based on information from red, green, and blue channels. The fitting parameters of these equations are chosen in a way that makes the film response equal to dose at the time of calibration. An integrated set of correction factors (one per color channel) was also introduced. These factors account for the spatial and temporal changes in scanning states during calibration and measurements. The combination of and this “fingerprint” correction formed the basis of this new protocol and it was tested against net optical density () single‐channel dosimetry in terms of accuracy, precision, scanner response variability, scanner bed inhomogeneity, noise, and long‐term stability.ResultsIncorporating multichannel features (RGB) into the normalized pixel value produced linear response to absorbed dose (slope of 1) in all six RCF dosimetry systems considered in this study. The “fingerprint” correction factors of each of these six systems displayed unique patterns at the time of calibration. The application of to all of these six systems could achieve a level of accuracy of ± 2.0% in the dose range of interest within modeled uncertainty level of 2.0%–3.0% depending on the dose level. Consistent positioning of control and measurement film pieces and integrating the multichannel correction into the response function formalism mitigated possible scanner response variations of as much as ± 10% at lower doses and scanner bed inhomogeneity of ± 8% to the established level of uncertainty at the time of calibration. The system was also able to maintain the same level of accuracy after 3 and 6 months post calibration.ConclusionsCombining response linearity with the integrated correction for scanner response variation lead to a sustainable and practical RCF dosimetry system that mitigated systematic response shifts and it has the potential to reduce errors in reporting relative information from the film response.
Boosting‐based cascaded convolutional neural networks for the segmentation of CT organs‐at‐risk in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Tao , Huang Xia , Tang Fan , Liang Shujun , Deng Xiaogang , Zhang Yu 
Published: September 2019

PurposeAccurately segmenting organs‐at‐risk (OARs) is a key step in the effective planning of radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment. In OAR segmentation of the head and neck computed tomography (CT), the low‐contrast and surrounding adhesion tissues of the parotids, thyroids, and optic nerves result in the difficulty in segmentation and lower accuracy of automatic segmentation for these organs than the other organs. In this paper, we propose a cascaded network structure to delineate these three OARs for NPC radiotherapy by combining deep learning and Boosting algorithm.Materials and methodsThe CT images of 140 NPC patients treated with radiotherapy were collected, and each of the three OAR annotations was respectively delineated by an experienced rater and reviewed by a professional radiologist (with 10 yr of experience). The datasets (140 patients) were divided into a training set (100 patients), a validation set (20 patients), and a test set (20 patients). From the Boosting method for combining multiple classifiers, three cascaded CNNs for segmentation were combined. The first network was trained with the traditional approach. The second one was trained on patterns (pixels) filtered by the first net. That is, the second machine recognized a mix of patterns (pixels), 50% of which was accurately identified by the first net. Finally, the third net was trained on the new patterns (pixels) screened jointly by the first and second networks. During the test, the outputs of the three nets were considered to obtain the final output. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95th percentile of the Hausdorff distance (95% HD), and volume overlap error (VOE) were used to assess the method performance.ResultsThe mean DSC (%) values were above 92.26 for the parotids, above 92.29 for the thyroids, and above 89.37 for the optic nerves. The mean 95% HDs (mm) were approximately 3.08 for the parotids, 2.64 for the thyroids, and 2.03 for the optic nerves. The mean VOE (%) values were approximately 14.16 for the parotids, 14.94 for the thyroids, and 19.07 for the optic nerves.ConclusionsThe proposed cascaded deep learning structure could achieve high performance compared with existing single‐network or other segmentation algorithms.
Kinetics of the anionic homopolymerizations of ß–myrcene and 4–methylstyrene in cyclohexane initiated by n–butyllithium
Authors: González‐Villa Jaime , Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique , de León‐Gómez Ramón Enrique Díaz , López González Héctor Ricardo , Infante‐Martínez José Ramiro 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThe kinetics of isothermal anionic homopolymerization of ß–myrcene (MYR) and 4–methylstyrene (4MS) in cyclohexane, initiated by n–butyllithium was studied at different temperatures (55, 63, and 71 ° C). The kinetic information obtained from the homopolymerizations was used to estimate the parameters of the Eyring equation,
ΔH‡= 84080 J/mol and
ΔS‡= −21.9 J/mol·K for the MYR, and
ΔH‡= 51250 J/mol and
ΔS‡= −116.8 J/mol·K for the 4MS, to calculate the apparent propagation coefficients as a function of temperature. Finally, the parameters obtained for the Eyring equation were validated by applying them in a mathematical model representing the kinetics of nonisothermal (quasi‐adiabatic) polymerization experiments of MYR and 4MS. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2157–2165
Fabrication of Carbon Dioxide‐based Amphiphilic Block Copolymers for Drug delivery
Authors: Wang Man , Niu Yongsheng , Ma Huixin , Wang Zhenglei , Li Hongchun 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this study, two types of carbon dioxide‐based amphiphilic block copolymers (CO2‐based copolymers), monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(propylene carbonate) (mPEG‐b‐PPC) and allyloxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(propylene carbonate) (aPEG‐b‐PPC), were synthesized by one step copolymerization. The structure of the copolymer was determined by FTIR spectrum and 1H NMR characterization. On this base, the development of the preparation and controlling capability of CO2‐based copolymers controlled‐release particles were studied. Drug‐loaded particles were formed by two types of CO2‐based copolymers, which possess sustained‐release function. Given that the surface layer of aPEG‐b‐PPC particles has double bonds, shell cross‐linked particles were prepared by cross‐linking reaction of the allyloxy. Compared with aPEG‐b‐PPC particles, aPEG‐b‐PPC shell cross‐linked particles showed that the release rate was more slowly and suppressed the phenomenon of an initial burst release.
An Adaptive Real‐Time 3D Single Particle Tracking Method for Monitoring Viral First Contacts
Authors: Hou Shangguo , Welsher Kevin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHere, an adaptive real‐time 3D single particle tracking method is proposed, which is capable of capturing heterogeneous dynamics. Using a real‐time measurement of a rapidly diffusing particle's positional variance, the 3D precision adaptive real‐time tracking (3D‐PART) microscope adjusts active‐feedback parameters to trade tracking speed for precision on demand. This technique is demonstrated first on immobilized fluorescent nanoparticles, with a greater than twofold increase in the lateral localization precision (≈25 to ≈11 nm at 1 ms sampling) as well as a smaller increase in the axial localization precision (≈ 68 to ≈45 nm). 3D‐PART also shows a marked increase in the precision when tracking freely diffusing particles, with lateral precision increasing from ≈100 to ≈70 nm for particles diffusing at 4 µm2 s−1, although with a sacrifice in the axial precision (≈250 to ≈350 nm). This adaptive microscope is then applied to monitoring the viral first contacts of virus‐like particles to the surface of live cells, allowing direct and continuous measurement of the viral particle at initial contact with the cell surface.
Amorphous Ruthenium‐Sulfide with Isolated Catalytic Sites for Pt‐Like Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production Over Whole pH Range
Authors: Li Pengsong , Duan Xinxuan , Wang Shiyuan , Zheng Lirong , Li Yaping , Duan Haohong , Kuang Yun , Sun Xiaoming 
Published: September 2019

AbstractElectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is an efficient way to generate hydrogen fuel for the storage of renewable energy. Currently, the widely used Pt‐based catalysts suffer from high costs and limited electrochemical stability; therefore, developing an efficient alternative catalyst is very urgent. Herein, one pot hydrothermal synthesis is reported of amorphous ruthenium‐sulfide (RuSx) nanoparticles (NPs) supported on sulfur‐doped graphene oxide (GO). The as‐obtained composite serves as a Pt‐like HER electrocatalyst. Achieving a current density of −10 mA cm−2 only requires a small overpotential (−31, −46, and −58 mV in acidic, neutral, and alkaline electrolyte, respectively) with high durability. The isolated Ru active site inducing Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism in the RuSx NPs is demonstrated by the Tafel analysis and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy characterization. Theoretical simulation indicates the isolated Ru site exhibits Pt‐like Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (−0.21 eV) therefore generating high intrinsic HER activity. Moreover, the strong bonding between the RuSx and S–GO, as well as pH tolerance of RuSx are believed to contribute to the high stability. This work shows a new insight for amorphous materials and provides alternative opportunities in designing advanced electrocatalysts with low‐cost for HER in the hydrogen economy.
Chemical Modification of Cornstarch by Hydroxypropylation Enhances Cecal Fermentation‐Mediated Lipid Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Nagata Ryuji , Kamibayashi Ryohei , Bochimoto Hiroki , Fukuma Naoki , Shimada Kenichiro , Tachibe Makoto , Takaishi Yasuyuki , Han Kyu‐Ho , Fukushima Michihiro 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHydroxypropylated (HP)‐cornstarch is fed to rats for 4 weeks and the effects on cecal fermentation and lipid metabolism are evaluated. In the cecum of rats fed either HP‐normal cornstarch (NCS) or HP‐waxy cornstarch (WCS), microbial composition is altered and the relative abundances of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are decreased and increased, respectively, compared to high amylose cornstarch (HACS), NCS, and WCS groups. Cecal total‐short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the rats fed HP‐NCS and HP‐WCS is higher than the rats fed NCS and WCS. In HP‐NCS and HP‐WCS groups, cecal pH and mesenteric adipocyte area are decreased, and the plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) level and cecal mucin content are increased compared to HACS, NCS, and WCS groups. Plasma GLP‐1 level correlates positively with the cecal SCFA content and the serum insulin level, and negatively with the feed intake, while the adipocyte area positively correlates with the serum triglyceride level. Therefore, HP‐cornstarch may have possessed beneficial traits that enhance cecal fermentation and thereby influenced lipid metabolism, equally or greater than that of HACS.
Effects of Polymethacrylamide‐Grafted Branch on Mechanical Performances, Hydrophilicity, and Biodegradability of Thermoplastic Starch Film
Authors: Weerapoprasit Chayapa , Prachayawarakorn Jutarat 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTo overcome the shortcomings of brittleness and high water uptake of thermoplastic native starch (TPNS) film, thermoplastic‐grafted starch (TPGS) film is prepared and tested using starch‐g‐polymethacrylamide (PMAM) with different percentages of grafting. Starch‐g‐PMAM is compounded in an internal mixer and then shaped by a compression molding machine to produce a TPGS film. Functional group analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the graft copolymerization is successful, as evident from new characteristic infrared (IR) peaks of amide group (C═O stretching and N─H bending). TPGS films with MAM has more surface roughness than TPNS film does. With higher grafting percentages, the degrees of crystallinity and hydrophilicity of TPGS film reduce while the extensibility (based on strain at maximum load) and surface roughness increase, compared to that at lower percentages of grafting. The biodegradability of TPGS films grafted with MAM at different percentages is also examined.
Methods for Extracting Cereal Starches from Different Sources: A Review
Authors: El Halal Shanise Lisie Mello , Kringel Dianini Hüttner , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe versatility of starch products is such that they are used as ingredients and functional supplements in a variety of food, nonfood, and feed applications. As starch is the largest constituent of cereal grains, there is an increasing interest in the isolation of the product from starch sources. Besides that, cereals are the main raw material used for the isolation and extraction of starch. The method of cereal starch isolation is influenced mainly by protein solubility, the level of protein–starch interaction, and characteristics of the starch granules. This review discusses traditional methods as well as recent advances in the extraction of cereal starches. The present review is important for understanding the effects of the particular characteristics of each cereal source in the starch extraction, including the size and morphology of starch granules, the composition of proteins with different solubilities, and protein–starch interactions. This information may avoid waste of reagents and unnecessary steps and facilitate the starch extraction process
The role of fixation disengagement in the parallel programming of sequences of saccades
Authors: McSorley Eugene , Gilchrist Iain D. , McCloy Rachel 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
One of the core mechanisms involved in the control of saccade responses to selected target stimuli is the disengagement from the current fixation location, so that the next saccade can be executed. To carry out everyday visual tasks, we make multiple eye movements that can be programmed in parallel. However, the role of disengagement in the parallel programming of saccades has not been examined. It is well established that the need for disengagement slows down saccadic response time. This may be important in allowing the system to program accurate eye movements and have a role to play in the control of multiple eye movements but as yet this remains untested. Here, we report two experiments that seek to examine whether fixation disengagement reduces saccade latencies when the task completion demands multiple saccade responses. A saccade contingent paradigm was employed and participants were asked to execute saccadic eye movements to a series of seven targets while manipulating when these targets were shown. This both promotes fixation disengagement and controls the extent that parallel programming can occur. We found that trial duration decreased as more targets were made available prior to fixation: this was a result both of a reduction in the number of saccades being executed and in their saccade latencies. This supports the view that even when fixation disengagement is not required, parallel programming of multiple sequential saccadic eye movements is still present. By comparison with previous published data, we demonstrate a substantial speeded of response times in these condition (“a gap effect”) and that parallel programming is attenuated in these conditions.
Comparative clinical and cost analysis between surgical and non-surgical intervention for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Mahendira Luxme , Jones Caroline , Papachristos Angelo , Waddell James , Rubin Laurence 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the management and costs of osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK), a progressive joint disease due to bone and cartilage degeneration, with significant personal and societal impact.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes and quantifiable cumulative direct costs of patients with OAK referred to our multidisciplinary OA program over a two year time period. One hundred thirty-one subjects were assessed. All demonstrated radiographic criteria for moderate to severe OAK. Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Minimal Clinically Important Improvement (MCII), and change in BMI were recorded and analyzed. Total medical and surgical direct costs for all subjects during the two year time period were determined.ResultsFive patients underwent total joint replacement during the two years of study. Among the group as a whole, a significant overall improvement in WOMAC scores was noted at the two year time point follow-up. After dividing the group into tertiles by baseline WOMAC scores, 46% achieved MCII. Significant weight loss was noted for individuals with baseline BMI of > 30. As all patients were considered “de facto” surgical candidates at referral, an average net savings of $9551.10 of direct costs per patient, or a potential total of $1,203,438.60 for the entire group, could be inferred as a result of medical as opposed to surgical management.ConclusionThese findings support the benefits of multidisciplinary medical management for patients with significant OAK. This approach is clinically beneficial and may provide significant cost savings. Such models of care can substantially improve the long-term outcome of this highly prevalent condition and reduce societal and financial burdens.
Printing a Three‐Dimensional Patient‐Specific Safety Device for Reducing the Potential Risk of Mental Nerve Injury During Transoral Thyroidectomy
Authors: Yeh Yi‐Ting , Chen Jui‐Yu , Kuo Po‐Chung , Wang Tien‐Hsiang , Lee Hsin‐Chen , Chi Chin‐Wen , Lee Chen‐Hsen , Shyr Yi‐Ming , Wang Shyh‐Jen , Chen Wei‐Ming 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThyroidectomy transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a safe and cosmetically appealing alternative for well‐selected patients undergoing thyroidectomy. However, during TOETVA, placement of the two lateral trocars and/or manipulation of the surgical instruments through the trocars may potentially injure and/or compress the mental nerve (MN) because the actual location of the nerve foramen may vary among individuals. The MN injury rate was reported to be as high as 75% in the initial period of robotic‐assisted TOETVA. To reduce the potential risk of MN injury, we implemented a three‐dimensional printing technology to develop a safety device for TOETVA.MethodsThe patient‐specific safety device (PSSD) was a brace with an exact fit to the lower teeth and two safety markers on each side to indicate the location of the mental foramen. For patient in whom the brace would not be applicable, a 3D mandibular model was printed as a PSSD instead. We analyzed 66 patients undergoing TOETVA at our institution from March 2017 to March 2019. The preoperative details and complication profiles were also analyzed.ResultsWith incorporation of the PSSD into our TOETVA procedure, there have been no cases of MN injury.ConclusionsOur own TOETVA series has demonstrated that the implementation of the PSSD has been successful in preoperatively identifying and preventing the potential risk of MN injury. Although the additional requirements of preoperative CT and time for fabricating the device impose limitations, the influence of the PSSD in TOETVA is positive.
Surgical Resection of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas is Associated with Lower Cholesterol Levels
Authors: Good Meghan L. , Malekzadeh Parisa , Ruff Samantha M. , Gupta Shreya , Copeland Amy , Pacak Karel , Nilubol Naris , Kebebew Electron , Patel Dhaval 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundCatecholamine excess in patients with pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas (PPGLs) can lead to hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and the effect of surgical resection.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐two patients with PPGLs underwent an operation at the National Institutes of Health from 2009 to 2016, of which 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. Clinical demographics, BMI, genetic mutations, tumor size, perioperative catecholamine levels and perioperative lipid panels were retrospectively reviewed. Spearman correlation between catecholamines and lipid levels was evaluated. Paired Wilcoxon and paired t test were used to analyze differences in pre‐ and postoperative lipid levels.ResultsPreoperatively, 51 patients (94.4%) had elevated catecholamines, thirteen (24.1%) had elevated total cholesterol (TC) (>200 mg/dL), nine (16.6%) had elevated LDL (>130 mg/dL) and ten (18.5%) had elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL). Serum and urinary metanephrine levels were positively associated with TC (r = 0.2792, p = 0.0372 and r = 0.4146, p = 0.0031, respectively) and LDL levels (r = 0.2977, p = 0.0259 and r = 0.4434, p = 0.0014, respectively). Mean TC decreased from 176.4 to 166.3 mg/dL (p = 0.0064) and mean HDL decreased from 56.7 to 53.2 mg/dL (p = 0.0253) after PPGL resection (median 3.1 months (range 1.3–50.2) between lipid panels). Most patients with elevated TC (76.9%) had improvement with mean TC decreasing from 225 to 200.2 mg/dL (p = 0.0230). Of patients with elevated LDL, 66.7% had improvement with mean LDL decreasing from 149 to 131.1 mg/dL (p = 0.0313).ConclusionsThe prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with PPGLs is 46%. Future prospective studies are needed to determine whether surgical resection improves TC and/or LDL levels.
Fracture and mode mixity analysis of shear deformable composite beams
Authors: Kiss Balázs , Szekrényes András 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
To analyse delaminated composite beams with high accuracy under mixed-mode I/II fracture conditions first-, second-, third- and Reddy’s third-order shear deformable theories are discussed in this paper. The developed models are based on the concept of two equivalent single layers and the system of exact kinematic conditions. To deduce the equilibrium equations of the linearly elastic system, the principle of virtual work is utilised. As an example, a built-in configuration with different delamination position and external loads are investigated. The mechanical fields at the delamination tip are provided and compared to finite element results. To carry out the fracture mechanical investigation, the J-integral with zero-area path is introduced. Moreover, by taking the advantage of the J-integral, a partitioning method is proposed to determine the ratio of mode-I and mode-II in-plane fracture modes. Finally, in terms of the mode mixity, the results of the presented evaluation techniques are compared to numerical solutions and previously published models in the literature.