bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automation of routine elements for spot‐scanning proton patient‐specific quality assurance
Authors: Hernandez Morales Danairis , Shan Jie , Liu Wei , Augustine Kurt E. , Bues Martin , Davis Michael J. , Fatyga Mirek , Johnson Jedediah E. , Mundy Daniel W. , Shen Jiajian , Younkin James E. , Stoker Joshua B. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeAt our institution, all proton patient plans undergo patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) prior to treatment delivery. For intensity‐modulated proton beam therapy, quality assurance is complex and time consuming, and it may involve multiple measurements per field. We reviewed our PSQA workflow and identified the steps that could be automated and developed solutions to improve efficiency.MethodsWe used the treatment planning system's (TPS) capability to support C# scripts to develop an Eclipse scripting application programming interface (ESAPI) script and automate the preparation of the verification phantom plan for measurements. A local area network (LAN) connection between our measurement equipment and shared database was established to facilitate equipment control, measurement data transfer, and storage. To improve the analysis of the measurement data, a Python script was developed to automatically perform a 2D–3D γ‐index analysis comparing measurements in the plane of a two‐dimensional detector array with TPS predictions in a water phantom for each acquired measurement.ResultsDevice connection via LAN granted immediate access to the plan and measurement information for downstream analysis using an online software suite. Automated scripts applied to verification plans reduced time from preparation steps by at least 50%; time reduction from automating γ‐index analysis was even more pronounced, dropping by a factor of 10. On average, we observed an overall time savings of 55% in completion of the PSQA per patient plan.ConclusionsThe automation of the routine tasks in the PSQA workflow significantly reduced the time required per patient, reduced user fatigue, and frees up system users from routine and repetitive workflow steps allowing increased focus on evaluating key quality metrics.
The effect of low resolution and coverage on the accuracy of susceptibility mapping
Authors: Karsa Anita , Punwani Shonit , Shmueli Karin 
Published: October 2018

PurposeQuantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has found increasing clinical applications. However, to reduce scan time, clinical acquisitions often use reduced resolution and coverage, particularly in the through‐slice dimension. The effect of these factors on QSM has begun to be assessed using only balloon phantoms and downsampled brain images. Here, we investigate the effects (and their sources) of low resolution or coverage on QSM using both simulated and acquired images.MethodsBrain images were acquired at 1 mm isotropic resolution and full brain coverage, and low resolution (up to 6 mm slice thickness) or coverage (down to 20 mm) in 5 healthy volunteers. Images at reduced resolution or coverage were also simulated in these volunteers and in a new, anthropomorphic, numerical phantom. Mean susceptibilities in 5 brain regions, including white matter, were investigated over varying resolution and coverage.ResultsThe susceptibility map contrast decreased with increasing slice thickness and spacing, and with decreasing coverage below ~40 mm for 2 different QSM pipelines. Our simulations showed that calculated susceptibility values were erroneous at low resolution or very low coverage, because of insufficient sampling and overattenuation of the susceptibility‐induced field perturbations. Susceptibility maps calculated from simulated and acquired images showed similar behavior.ConclusionsBoth low resolution and low coverage lead to loss of contrast and errors in susceptibility maps. The widespread clinical practice of using low resolution and coverage does not provide accurate susceptibility maps. Simulations in images of healthy volunteers and in a new, anthropomorphic numerical phantom were able to accurately model low‐resolution and low‐coverage acquisitions.
Apoptotic changes in a full‐lengthened immobilization model of rat soleus muscle
Authors: Suh Hye Rim , Park Eui Ho , Moon Sun Wook , Kim Ji Won , Cho Hwi Young , Han Hee Chul 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Lengthened immobilization may prevent muscle shortening, and help maintain normal muscle length. However, its apoptotic effects remain unclear. We evaluated the effects of long‐term immobilization on apoptotic proteins. Methods: Rat soleus muscles were immobilized by casting in a neutral (NEUT) or lengthened (LENG) position for 21 days. We evaluated dynamic weight load and muscle atrophy following the 21‐day period using hematoxylin and eosin staining. We measured Bax (pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family member), MyoD (myogenic differentiation factor D), MYH (myosin heavy chain), and cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase levels and examined apoptotic nucleus expression. Results: Decreased dynamic weight load and muscle atrophy changes were observed in LENG. Both NEUT and LENG showed significantly reduced levels of MYH. LENG showed a significant increase in Bax and MyoD expression as well as in the number of apoptotic nuclei. Conclusions: Long‐term lengthened immobilization may increase apoptotic changes and decrease muscle formation proteins in muscle. Muscle Nerve 59:263–269, 2019
A pilot study of neuromuscular ultrasound as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Pathak Sapna , Caress James B. , Wosiski‐Kuhn Marlena , Milligan Carol , Williams Delaney , Cartwright Michael S. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: This study explores the reliability and responsiveness of neuromuscular ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Investigations were conducted with 10 healthy controls, 10 patients with ALS (single point in time), and 10 different patients with ALS (followed over 6 months; 4 completed follow‐up). Ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of the geniohyoid, bilateral biceps/brachialis, bilateral tibialis anterior, and bilateral hemidiaphragms (at inspiration and expiration). Interrater and intrarater reliability and change in muscle thickness over 6 months were measured. Results: Interrater correlation coefficients ranged between 0.80 and 0.99 in healthy controls and between 0.78 and 0.97 in patients with ALS. Intrarater correlation coefficients ranged between 0.83 and 0.98 in healthy controls. The mean percentage decline in muscle thickness over 6 months was 20.25%. Discussion: Muscle ultrasound appears to be a reliable technique for measuring important muscles in patients with ALS. Larger studies with age‐matched controls should be conducted to assess further the responsiveness of this biomarker in ALS. Muscle Nerve 59:181–186, 2019
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Impact of contemporary management strategies on perinatal outcomes
Authors: Lee Han‐Shin , Dickinson Jan E. , Tan Jason KG , Nembhard Wendy , Bower Carol 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to review temporal changes in perinatal management and 1‐year survival outcomes of cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) from 1996 to 2015 in Western Australia (WA).MethodThis research is a retrospective study of all cases of CDH in WA from 1996 to 2015 identified from five independent databases within the WA health network. Detailed information pertaining to pregnancy and survival outcomes were obtained from review of maternal and infant medical records.ResultsThere were 215 cases of CDH with 164 diagnosed prenatally. Between 1996 and 2010, a decline in live birth rates for CDH‐affected pregnancies was observed, reaching a nadir of 5.3 per 10 000 births before increasing to a peak of 9.73 per 10 000 births in 2011‐2015. A corresponding decline was seen in the number of pregnancies terminated in the same period from 8.3 to 4.6 per 10 000 births (P = 0.14) and an increase in survival of live births from 38.9% to 81.3% (P = 0.01).ConclusionThe improved overall survival rate in infants with CDH over the last 20 years may have resulted in an increased tendency for women to continue their pregnancy with a concomitant decline in termination rates. Information from this study will help in the counselling of women following prenatal detection of CDH.
Abnormal serum alanine transaminase levels in adult patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Das Gautam , Geen John , Johnson Rebekah , Abusahmin Hussam 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObesity in type 1 diabetes increases the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and greater susceptibility to fatty liver disease. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) and its likely predictors in patients with type 1 diabetes and also investigated its relationship with MetS.We undertook a retrospective analysis of 215 patients above 18 years of age with type 1 diabetes who attended our diabetes clinics from October 2014 to December 2017. Patients’ anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and radiological data were obtained from the hospital portal. Patients were stratified according to the presence of normal or elevated ALT and as per presence or absence of MetS.In all, 20.5% of patients had raised ALT levels. They had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP; p‐value for both: <0.0001), higher insulin requirement (p<0.007), lower HDL levels (p=0.01) and higher urine albumin excretion (UACR; p=0.004) in comparison to patients with normal ALT. In the raised ALT group, 56.8% had MetS in comparison to 16.4% in the normal ALT group as per WHO criteria. Overall, 57 patients had an ultrasound scan and only 10 patients had fatty liver (seven in the raised ALT group) radiologically. Linear regression showed correlation of ALT with female gender, SBP, DBP, insulin dose, HDL and UACR. In the raised ALT group, the predictors of ALT were gender, BMI and UACR.In conclusion, raised ALT is not uncommon in type 1 diabetes. These patients may often have underlying insulin resistance and higher risk of MetS and therefore should be assessed promptly to establish abnormalities which may be amenable to interventions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons.
Ultrafast Myoglobin Adsorption into Double‐Shelled Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres
Authors: Luo Leilei , Liang Yucang , Chassé Thomas , Anwander Reiner 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe fabrication of hollow mesoporous materials with hierarchical pore structures, regular shape, and uniform particle size via a simple and efficient approach is a major challenge. In this study, a facile preparation approach of hierarchically structured double‐shelled hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres (HS‐DS‐HMSN) is developed. Treatment of monodisperse nonporous silica spheres with CTAB and F127 as well as N,N‐dimethylhexadecylamine as a cosurfactant under basic conditions gives access to HS‐DS‐HMSNs of uniform particle size. Such HS‐DS‐HMSN‐type materials show a high monodispersibility in aqueous solution, a double‐shelled structure with hierarchically adjustable pore sizes, perpendicularly aligned mesochannels, and high surface areas as well as large pore volumes. On the basis of structure and morphology evolutions as well as unambiguous and reproducible experimental data, a micelle‐assisted self‐assembly process is proposed as a mechanism of formation, further involving cosurfactant‐expanded micelles and a heterogeneous nucleation deposition. The syntheses of a series of HS‐DS‐HMSNs with distinct particle sizes (162–364 nm) as well as distinct inner (range of thickness/pore size: 18–41 nm/3.1–3.7 nm) and outer shells (18–41 nm/3.7–8.0 nm) verify the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach. Such HS‐DS‐HMSNs show an ultrahigh adsorption rate (≈1.7 mg mg−1 min−1) and loading (≈300 mg g−1) for myoglobin.
Methodological diversity as an asset for transition‐focused higher education research with students from refugee backgrounds
Authors: Baker Sally , Irwin Evonne , Taiwo Mary , Singh Sonal , Gower Shelley , Dantas Jaya 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper discusses the methodological and logistical complexities that underpin multi‐method, multi‐sited, multi‐phased research with vulnerable communities. The project on which we draw was a 3‐year Australian government‐funded, longitudinal and cross‐sectional exploration of students from refugee backgrounds (SfRBs) as they moved into, through and out of higher education from three different contexts, educational pathways and localities in Australia. While all students entering and participating in higher education may experience challenges, for SfRBs these are compounded by their linguistic and cultural diversity, instability, possible trauma and disrupted schooling. In the project presented in this article, these complexities and their relationships with transitions to higher education were captured through diverse methods and methodologies at three research sites, including longitudinal research with repeat interviews and cross‐sectional, explorative methods. The opportunities provided by this methodological approach far outweighed the ethical and practical difficulties navigated by each of the research teams. The ‘thick’ data produced through prolonged and repeat engagements with a small cohort of participants at one site were made richer through explorations of differing social and geographical contexts across all three sites. Further, our collective interpretations of the data were made more robust through the reciprocity and reflexivity inherent in ethically researching with (not on) SfRBs and through multiple cross‐site research team interactions.
Fertility preservation and pregnancy outcomes in adolescent and young adult male patients with cancer
Authors: Ukita Yuji , Wakimoto Yu , Sugiyama Yukiko , Fujii Yuta , Fukui Atsushi , Hasegawa Akiko , Kondoh Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Shingo , Shibahara Hiroaki 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeSperm cryopreservation is the gold standard for maintaining fertility in male survivors of cancer. In order to help increase the future success of fertility preservation in these patients, the present state of sperm cryopreservation was examined at the current institution and its challenges were discussed.MethodsBetween January, 2004 and February, 2017, 31 male patients with cancer were introduced to the center for fertility preservation. The ages and semen characteristics of these patients were examined and compared between those whose sperm were cryopreserved before (the pretreatment group) and after (the post‐treatment group) cancer treatment.ResultsThe mean sperm concentration of the pretreatment group was significantly higher than that of the post‐treatment group. Normozoospermia was found in eight and three patients in the pretreatment and the post‐treatment groups, respectively, albeit this difference was not significant. In contrast, the prevalence of azoospermia was higher in the post‐treatment group (five patients) than in the pretreatment group (one patient).ConclusionAs many patients possibly suffer from infertility following chemotherapy, it is necessary to provide fertility preservation opportunities to young male patients with cancer prior to the commencement of cancer treatment.
Periodic event‐triggered control for distributed networked multiagents with asynchronous communication: A predictive control approach
Authors: Zhou Yuanqiang , Li Dewei , Xi Yugeng , Gan Zhongxue 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper investigates the periodic event‐triggered control problem for distributed networked multiagent systems with interconnected nonlinear dynamics subject to asynchronous communication. A method of state trajectory estimation for the interconnected neighboring agents over each prediction horizon with guaranteed error bounds is addressed to handle the asynchronous communication. Based on it, a distributed robust model predictive control (MPC) is proposed with a distributed periodic event‐triggered scheme for each agent. According to this algorithm, each subsystem generates presumed state trajectories for all its upstream neighbors and computes its own control locally. By checking the designed triggering condition periodically, the optimization problem of MPC will be implemented and solved when the local error of the subsystem exceeds a specified threshold. Then, the optimized control input will be determined and applied until the next time instant when the triggering condition is invoked. Moreover, sufficient condition for ensuring feasibility of the designed algorithm is conducted, along with the analysis of asymptotic stabilization of the closed‐loop system. The illustrative example for a set of coupled Van der Pol oscillators is reported to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Finite‐time stability of linear fractional‐order time‐delay systems
Authors: Naifar Omar , Nagy A. M. , Makhlouf Abdellatif Ben , Kharrat Mohamed , Hammami Mohamed Ali 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a finite‐time stability results of linear delay fractional‐order systems is investigated based on the generalized Gronwall inequality and the Caputo fractional derivative. Sufficient conditions are proposed to the finite‐time stability of the system with the fractional order. Numerical results are given and compared with other published data in the literature to demonstrate the validity of the proposed theoretical results.
On the performance of UNB for machine‐to‐machine low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications
Authors: Anteur Mehdi , Thomas Nathalie , Deslandes Vincent , Beylot André‐Luc 
Published: October 2018

SummaryUltra narrow band (UNB) is a widely used technology for machine‐to‐machine and low‐power wide‐area communications. Its properties, long range with small RF power, make it naturally attractive for satellite communications but also draw new challenges compared with terrestrial systems where this technology is already deployed. Indeed, the main advantage of UNB signals, their small bandwidth, makes them more sensitive to frequency drifts that are particularly present in the case of LEO satellite systems. It also implies the use of a random access method in which the carrier frequency is a parameter unknown by the receiver. In this paper, we propose a general semianalytical model to evaluate the performance of a terrestrial or satellite system using UNB technology, taking into account the multiuser interference and the frequency drift. This model is then used to assess the performance (packet loss ratio and throughput) on the return link medium access control (MAC) of a representative LEO satellite system. With our model, we analyze the effect of frequency drift on the system performance. This paper also proposes to investigate more deeply the multiuser interference modeling in order to estimate accurately the performances of a UNB system in terms of bit error rate (BER). We propose a semianalytical approach to study the interference in presence of arbitrary power imbalance that includes the effect of frequency offset and frequency drift and applicable for any linear modulation and any pulse‐shaping filter. The expression of the multiuser interference is established in the general case. We then propose a methodology to compare this exact model to the Gaussian interference approximation (mainly used through the central limit theorem) in order to assess its accuracy.
Revelation, Consciousness+ and the Phenomenal Powers View
Authors: Goff Philip 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Revelation is roughly the thesis that we have introspective access to the essential nature of our conscious states. This thesis is appealed to in arguments against physicalism. Little attention has been given to the problem that Revelation is a source of pressure in the direction of epiphenomenalism, as introspection does not seem to reveal our conscious states as being essentially causal. I critique Hedda Hassel Mørch’s ‘phenomenal powers view’ response to this difficulty, before defending a form of the ‘consciousness+’ response.
Using cyber insurance to run virtuous circles around cyber risk
Authors: Lloyd Mike 
Published: October 2018

In 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote to his friend, the French physicist and Encylopédiste Jean-Baptiste Le Roy: “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency”. 1 Then he added: “But in this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” It seems a security breach is practically a certainty for most organisations. But that doesn't mean you should surrender – and insurance is a key way to manage risk. By pegging coverage qualification and cost to an organisation's resilience, it's possible to create a virtuous circle in which insurance products de-risk financial loss even as they de-risk the potential causes of that loss by incentivising more resilient networks, explains Dr Mike Lloyd of RedSeal.
Religion and Constitutional Practices in Asia: Five ‘Cs’ for Reflection
Authors: JAMAL Arif A 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn considering the articles in this Special Issue, I am struck by the importance of a set of factors that, in my view, both run through the articles like a leitmotif, as well as shape the major ‘take away’ lesson(s) from the articles. In this short commentary, I elaborate on these factors and the lesson(s) to take from them through five ‘Cs’: context; complexity; contestation; the framework of constitutions; and the role of comparative law. The first three ‘Cs’ are lessons from the case studies of the articles themselves, while the second two ‘Cs’ are offered as lessons to help take the dialogue forward. Fundamentally, these five ‘Cs’ highlight the importance of the articles in this Special Issue and the conference from which they emerged on the one hand, while on the other hand, also making us aware of what are the limits of what we should conclude from the individual articles. In other words, taken together, the five ‘Cs’ are, one might say, lessons about lessons.
The motion of a buoyant vortex filament
Authors: Chang Ching , Llewellyn Smith Stefan G. 
Published: October 2018

We investigate the motion of a thin vortex filament in the presence of buoyancy. The asymptotic model of Moore &amp; Saffman (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond.A, vol. 272, 1972, pp. 403–429) is extended to take account of buoyancy forces in the force balance on a vortex element. The motion of a buoyant vortex is given by the transverse component of force balance, while the tangential component governs the dynamics of the structure in the core. We show that the local acceleration of axial flow is generated by the external pressure gradient due to gravity. The equations are then solved for vortex rings. An analytic solution for a buoyant vortex ring at a small initial inclination is obtained and asymptotically agrees with the literature.
Managing intensity in knowledge work: Self-leadership practices among Danish management consultants
Authors: Bäcklander Gisela , Rosengren Calle , Kaulio Matti 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the sources of knowledge workers’ work intensity and the self-leading strategies they apply to deal with it. The paper is based on focus group interviews with management consultants in a Danish management consultancy firm. Work intensity was identified as resulting from a combination of: (1) a results-only focus, (2) vagueness, (3) boundaryless work, and (4) low control of the quantitative load. A framework for self-leading strategies is developed based on the dimensions of reactive/proactive and self-focused/externally focused strategies in different combinations. The results indicate that while consultants expressed a belief in internal self-discipline strategies of a more reactive nature, in fact, external and proactive strategies were the most effective in practice. In conclusion, the paper contributes to an extension of self-leadership theory to better account for current research on self-control.