bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual source abdominal computed tomography: the effect of reduced X-ray tube voltage and intravenous contrast media dosage in patients with reduced renal function
Authors: Svensson Anders , Thor Daniel , Fischer Michael A , Brismar Torkel 
Published: June 2018

Background X-ray tube voltage (kVp) reduction increases intravenous contrast medium (CM) attenuation at computed tomography (CT), but tube output limits its use in large patients. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and image quality of reducing CM dose by low kVp and using dual X-ray source at liver CT. Material and Methods Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min (n = 43) aged 60–91 years (75 ± 7.7), weighing 42–114 kg (75 ± 15) were prospectively scanned using a reduced CM dose of 0.25 or 0.3 g iodine (I)/kg with 70 or 80 kVp respectively, using either single-source or dual-source CT depending on patient size. Liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), liver noise, and muscle noise were quantitatively compared with those of 43 consecutive patients aged > 65 years with eGFR > 45 mL/min scanned using a standard abdominal protocol at 120 kVp after receiving 0.5 gI/kg. Results There was no statistically significant difference in CNR, liver noise, or muscle noise at reduced CM protocols compared to the standard protocol: CNR was 4.6 (95% CI = 4.2–5.0) vs. 5.0 (95% CI = 4.5–5.5), liver noise was 11.1 (95% CI = 10.7–11.6) vs. 11.0 (95% CI = 10.5–11.6), muscle noise was 11.7 (95% CI = 11.2–12.1) vs. 10.8 (95% CI = 10.1–11.4). The mean SSDE was 70% higher with the reduced CM protocol. Conclusion CM dosage can be reduced by 40–50% with maintained measured noise and CNR in patients with BMIs of 15–36 kg/m2 by lowering the tube voltage and dual-source CT scanning of the liver.
Myocardial volume change during cardiac cycle derived from three orthogonal systolic strains: towards a quality assessment of strains
Authors: Bonnemains Laurent , Guerard Anne Sophie , Soulié Paul , Odille Freddy , Felblinger Jacques 
Published: June 2018

Background The relative modification of the myocardial volume between end-systole and end-diastole ([Formula: see text]) has already been assessed with different methods and falls in a range of 0.9–0.97 (mean value = 0.93). Purpose To estimate [Formula: see text] from the three longitudinal ([Formula: see text], circumferential ([Formula: see text]), and radial ([Formula: see text]) strains of the left ventricle using the formula: [Formula: see text] and to test whether this estimate of [Formula: see text] can be used as a marker of the echocardiography quality. Material and Methods Two hundred manuscripts, including a total of 34,690 patients or healthy volunteers, were identified in the Medline database containing values of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] measured from echocardiography. Results The median value of was 0.93, in accordance with the literature, with no significant difference between patients or healthy volunteers ( P = 0.38). The proportion of studies with [Formula: see text] was 79%. When only considering groups of healthy volunteers, the studies failing this test had higher standard deviations for the three individual strains: 0.038 vs. 0.029 ( P = 0.02) for [Formula: see text]; 0.060 vs. 0.034 ( P < 10–6) for [Formula: see text], and 0.243 vs. 0.101 ( P < 10–14) for [Formula: see text]. Conclusion The median ratio of the left ventricular myocardial volumes between end-systole and end-diastole in the investigated studies was [Formula: see text]. The formula [Formula: see text] could be used to detect studies with inaccurate strain measurements.
CT pulmonary angiography: dose reduction via a next generation iterative reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Sauter Andreas , Koehler Thomas , Brendel Bernhard , Aichele Juliane , Neumann Jan , Noël Peter B , Rummeny Ernst J , Muenzel Daniela 
Published: June 2018

Background Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the standard imaging modality for detection or rule out of pulmonary embolism (PE); however, radiation exposure is a serious concern. With iterative reconstruction algorithms a distinct dose reduction could be achievable. Purpose To evaluate a next generation iterative reconstruction algorithm for detection or rule-out of PE in simulated low-dose CTPA. Material and Methods Low-dose CT datasets with 50%, 25%, and 12.5% of the original tube current were simulated based on CTPA examinations of 92 patients with suspected PE. All datasets were reconstructed with two reconstruction algorithms: standard filtered back-projection (FBP) and iterative model reconstruction (IMR). In total, 736 CTPA datasets were evaluated by three blinded radiologists regarding image quality, diagnostic confidence, and detectability of PE. Furthermore, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. Results Images reconstructed with IMR showed better detectability of PE than images reconstructed with FBP, especially at lower dose levels. With IMR, sensitivity was over 95% for central and segmental PE down to a dose level of 25%. Significantly higher subjective image quality was shown at lower dose levels (25% and 12.5%) for IMR images whereas it was higher for FBP images at higher dose levels. FBP was rated as showing less artificial image appearance. CNR was significantly higher with IMR at all dose levels. Conclusion By using IMR, a dose reduction of up to 50% while maintaining satisfactory image quality seems feasible in standard clinical situations, resulting in a mean effective dose of 1.38 mSv for CTPA.
Beyond academic outcomes: Occupational profile and quality of life among college students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Goffer Ayelet , Cohen Maayan , Berger Itai , Maeir Adina 
Published: June 2018

Introduction The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe the occupational profile and quality of life among college students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Method Forty college students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 40 controls (mean age 25.81 years, SD = 3.02) were evaluated with the Occupational Questionnaire and the Adult ADHD Quality-of-Life scale. Results The two groups demonstrated similar amounts of time spent in occupational domains, as well as similar ratings of ‘perceived importance’. However, the ‘perceived competence’ and ‘perceived enjoyment’ were significantly lower in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group than in the control group in most occupational domains and in the total score. Significant differences, with very large effect sizes, were found between the groups on all measures of the Adult ADHD Quality-of-Life scale. A moderate significant correlation was found between the mean perceived competence score and Adult ADHD Quality-of-Life scale total score within the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group. Conclusion The results highlight the negative effect of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on quality of life among college students. The perception of competence and enjoyment in occupations may be optimal targets for therapeutic intervention.
Cluster headache is associated with unhealthy lifestyle and lifestyle-related comorbid diseases: Results from the Danish Cluster Headache Survey
Authors: Lund Nunu , Petersen Anja , Snoer Agneta , Jensen Rigmor H , Barloese Mads 
Published: June 2018

Aim To compare the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle factors and comorbid disorders in cluster headache patients with headache-free controls, in order to discuss pathophysiology and possible consequences. Methods Cluster headache patients from the Danish cluster headache survey aged 18–65 years, diagnosed according to ICHD-II, were compared to sex- and age-matched headache-free controls. Participants completed questionnaires and structured interviews. Results A total of 400 cluster headache patients and 200 controls participated. Patients had a more unhealthy lifestyle compared with controls in the form of current and current/former smoking (48.3% vs. 9.0%, p < 0.001 and 74.5% vs. 30.0%, p < 0.001, respectively), higher average alcohol intake per week (98.2 grams vs. 77.9 grams, p = 0.033) and BMI (26.1 vs. 24.2 kg/m2, p < 0.001), whereas coffee and energy drink consumption was equally distributed. Further, lifestyle-related, psychiatric and pain-related diseases were much more prevalent in patients compared with controls, except for diabetes. Sub-group analyses revealed that current/former smokers had a worse clinical presentation than never smokers. Conclusion Unhealthy lifestyle factors and lifestyle-related diseases were more prevalent in cluster headache patients compared to controls. As lifestyle-related diseases might have serious consequences in the management of cluster headache, it is key to inform patients at an early time point about the possible risks of their lifestyle choices.
Preliminary hazard analysis applied to outsourcing sterile chemotherapy preparations
Authors: Geraudie Bastien , Kabiche Sofiane , Rigal Marthe , Malki Myriam , Fontan Jean-Eudes , Jacolot Anne , Schlatter Joël 
Published: June 2018

Background Our hospital organization raised the possibilities of outsourcing their sterile pediatric chemotherapy preparations to another hospital conditional on analyzing the potential hazardous events that need to be anticipated. Methods The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary working group from September 2015 to January 2016 with the support of a risk manager. A list of hazardous situations that could occur during outsourcing process was assessed. First, a map of hazardous situations was developed by crossing outsourcing processes divided into phases classified as critical or not. Second, a map of risk was established by crossing potential consequences of these hazardous situations and elaborating corrective actions to reduce the initial risks. Results The map of hazardous situations identified 183 relevant hazardous situations, 78 of which were considered high priority and 154 scenarios were developed. Slightly more than half of these hazardous situations concerned information system (30%), human resources (14%), and management (11%). The generic hazards of information system and human generated 37 (24%) and 41 (27%) scenarios, respectively. To reduce critical risks, 33 corrective actions were proposed. Working time required was estimated at 35 days. The subcontractor personnel for this new organization included an estimated extra time of 0.7-pharmacist working day and 1.4-pharmacy dispenser working day. Conclusions The preliminary hazard analysis method appeared to apply to our system of outsourcing sterile cytotoxic preparations in another hospital. Regardless, this analysis is complex and requires time and expertise.
What do Australian dermatologists expect to be paid for store-and-forward teledermoscopy? A preliminary investigation
Authors: Snoswell Centaine L , Whitty Jennifer A , Caffery Liam J , Finnane Anna , Soyer H Peter 
Published: June 2018

Introduction Determining appropriate remuneration for teledermoscopy service is important because inadequate remuneration can be a barrier to practitioner uptake and participation. This study explores dermatologist remuneration expectations for a single lesion store-and-forward teledermoscopy consultation. Methods Fourteen dermatologists participated in telephone interviews during May–June 2017. Questions regarding remuneration focused on a clinical scenario involving teledermoscopy of a single lesion suspected to be skin cancer. The initial scenario was an existing patient, with a provisional diagnosis of benign neoplasm from the images, to be followed-up with routine skin checks, taking three minutes to review. Participants indicated their remuneration expectation by selecting from an ascending array of pre-determined remuneration ranges. The question was repeated a further four times with one aspect of the scenario changed each time; consultation length, source (patient or general practitioner), required follow-up, and a new rather than existing patient. Participants were also asked how appropriate they thought teledermoscopy was for the scenario, and whether they would choose to undertake the consultation presented. Results Nine dermatologists selected the AU$61–90 or AU$91–120 remuneration ranges for the initial scenario. When given the opportunity to comment on teledermoscopy service provision in Australia, respondents reflected that it was a valuable, advanced dermatology service, but they would prefer face-to-face consultation with patients where possible to allow for a full body examination. Discussion Dermatologists expect to be remunerated in the range of AU$61–120 for a single lesion store-and-forward teledermoscopy consultation when face-to-face examination is not possible.
The development of agency in professional youth work with girls and young women in the Netherlands
Authors: Boomkens Cynthia , Metz Judith W , Van Regenmortel Tine MRF , Schalk René MJD 
Published: June 2018

Summary Young people living in north-west European welfare states are challenged to develop their individual strength. This is especially difficult for girls living in vulnerable circumstances, because they face a form of marginalization. Girls work is a method of professional youth work that supports girls in their identity development, making them more capable of shaping their own lives now and as adults. This is conceptualized as agency, which consist of the properties: intentionality, forethought, self-reactiveness, self-reflection. This paper examines the extent to which girls work helps girls living in vulnerable circumstances to develop their individual strength. Findings The article is based on a questionnaire filled out by 393 girls who participate in 59 girls work activities in the Netherlands. This study shows that participation in girls work contributes to the development of intentionality of these girls (F(3,387) = 4.60, p = .004). Furthermore, girls who received an individual approach are better capable of reflecting on their actions than girls who only participated in group activities (F(2,388) = 3.10, p = .046). Applications The findings suggest that participation in girls work contributes to the intentionality of girls in vulnerable circumstances, which is an important step in the development of agency. But to accomplish this, girls need to learn how to act upon their personal intentions. However, the findings do not show that girls work contributes to the other properties of agency, suggesting that to support girls in shaping their own lives, youth workers need to contribute more to the other levels of agency.
Cost-effective inhaler device prescribing for COPD
Authors: Gundry Stephen 
Published: June 2018

Pharmacological treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is typically focused on the use of inhaled medication. Treatment is expensive and there is an imperative to provide medication that yields maximum therapeutic benefit with the least cost. With an increasing number of inhaler devices available, selecting suitable inhalers for individual patients involves ever more complex decision-making. The challenge for prescribers is to ensure that patients have the right medication delivered with a competent inhaler technique. This requires a detailed understanding of the mechanics of inhaler devices as well as an understanding of an individual patients capacity to use an inhaler effectively.
Rare diseases of bone
Authors: Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Igoumenou Vasilios G. , Antoniadou Thekla , Megaloikonomos Panayiotis D. , Agrogiannis George , Foukas Periklis , Papageorgiou Sotirios G. 
Published: June 2018

Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (N-LCH) summarizes a group of rare diseases with different clinical presentations, pathogenesis and morphology. These include primary cutaneous N-LCH, cutaneous N-LCH with systemic involvement, and primary extracutaneous systemic forms with occasional cutaneous involvement. The juvenile (JXG) and non-juvenile xanthogranuloma (N-JXG) family of histiocytoses are N-LCH: the JXG family consisting of the JXG (cutaneous), xanthoma disseminatum (cutaneous and systemic) and Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD; systemic); and the N-JXG family consisting of the solitary reticulohistiocytoma (cutaneous), multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (cutaneous and systemic) and Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD; systemic). ECD is a clonal disorder from the JXG family of N-LCH; RDD is a reactive proliferative entity from the non-juvenile xanthogranuloma family of N-LCH. ECD and RDD N-LCH are rare disorders, which are difficult to diagnose, with multi-organ involvement including bone and systemic symptoms, and which respond to therapy in an unpredictable way. The key to successful therapy is accurate identification at tissue level and appropriate staging. Patients should be observed and monitored in a long-term pattern. Prognosis depends on disease extent and the organs involved; it is generally good for RDD disease and variable for ECD. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:381-390. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170047
On Monitoring and Self-Adaptation to Dynamic Nature of SOA in ReServE Environment
Authors: Kobusinska Anna 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Reliability is one of the bigest challenges faced by service-oriented systems. Therefore, to solve this problem, we have proposed ReServE - Reliable Service Environment. ReServE increases fault-tolerance of SOA systems and ensures consistent processing despite failures. However, the proposed environment imposes also the performance overhead. Thus, in this paper, we extended ReServE and added a monitoring feature provided by the M3 service. As a consequence, the extended environment can adjust appropriately the load of its modules to the changing interaction and behaviour patterns of service oriented systems. We have experimentally shown that the proposed solution, while providing the required level of reliability, decreases significantly the performance overhead.
Finding the Adequate Location Scenario After the Merger of Fire Brigades Thanks to Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis Methods
Authors: Aldabbas Mohammad , Venteicher Francesca , Gerber Lenna , Widmer Marino 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper addresses the issue of selecting a suitable location for a fire station in canton of Fribourg, as a result of a fire brigades’ merger, by applying Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods. Solving the problem of determining fire station locations through various methods has been analyzed in-depth by researchers. However, a different approach, based on application of ELECTRE I and ELECTRE II methods is advanced in this paper. The selection of the most suitable fire station site is obtained by applying the designated methods to five distinctive alternatives (called scenarios), taking into consideration the relatively limited information and specifics, and the extensive number of relevant criteria that summed up to sixty-one. Taking the merger of the three local fire departments as an example, the proposed methods for selecting a suitable location for the fire station demonstrate and justify the reason behind this choice. Research shows that the applied methods have been proven to be useful and powerful tools that exhibited acceptable levels of consistency when selecting the best project. The main finding is that one scenario in particular proved to be preferred over the others and most suitable in determining the fire station location.
The transition from incoherent to coherent random laser in defect waveguide based on organic/inorganic hybrid laser dye
Authors: Xia Jiangying , Xie Kang , Ma Jiajun , Chen Xianxian , Li Yaxin , Wen Jianxiang , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Junxi , Wu Sizhu , Cheng Xusheng , Hu Zhijia 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This paper systematically demonstrated a variety of experimental phenomena of random lasers (RLs) of N,N′-di-(3-(isobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes)propyl) perylene diimide (DPP) organic/inorganic hybrid laser dye, which is composed of perylene diimide (PDI) as gain media and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) as scattering media at a mole ratio of 1:2. In this work, we observe the transition from incoherent RL in the DPP-doped solutions and polymer membrane systems using dip-coating method to coherent RL in the polymer membrane system with defect waveguide using semi-polymerization (SP) coating method. Meanwhile, we found that the hybrid dye-DPP has a long lasing lifetime compared with the traditional laser dyes, which indicates that the POSS group can suppress the photo-bleaching effect to extend the working life of laser dyes.
Electrically tuned whispering gallery modes microresonator based on microstructured optical fibers infiltrated with dual-frequency liquid crystals
Authors: Yang Chengkun , Zhang Hao , Liu Bo , Liu Haifeng , Wang Chao , Lin Shiwei 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
An electrically tunable whispering gallery mode (WGM) microresonator based on an HF-etched microstructured optical fiber (MOF) infiltrated with dual-frequency liquid crystals (DFLCs) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for the investigation of the crossover frequency and Freedericksz transition of DFLCs. Experimental results indicate that for applied electric field with operation frequency below the crossover frequency, WGM resonance wavelength decreases with the increment of applied electric field strength. On the contrary, for applied electric field with operation frequency beyond the crossover frequency, WGM resonance dips show red shift as the applied electric field intensity increases. The proposed electrically tunable microcavity integrated with DFLCs is anticipated to find potential applications in optical filtering, all-optical switching, and electrically manipulated bi-directional micro-optics devices.
Between Givers and the Poor: Managing Charity in the Portuguese Empire
Authors: Pinto Sara 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
In the 16th century the Portuguese monarchy established its key charity institution: the Misericórdias. Created to perform the fourteen Works of Mercy, these laic brotherhoods were financially sustained by testamentary legacies and proved to be a very successful mechanism of providing assistance – spiritual and material; becoming the midway between the wills of givers (privileged men and women that looked for spiritual redemption and forgiveness of their souls) and the poor and sick. As the Misericórdias started to spread within the Empire, soon they became a well-functioning network that connected a truly global charity system. They played a role in empire formation as they started to perform as banks, transferring funds, assuming debts and conceding credit. This article analyzes the roles that Misericórdias played, not only in establishing charity but also in establishing the Portuguese’s global empire.
An effective technique for the conformable space-time fractional EW and modified EW equations
Authors: Hosseini K. , Bekir A. , Rabiei F. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe current work deals with the fractional forms of EW and modified EW equations in the conformable sense and their exact solutions. In this respect, by utilizing a traveling wave transformation, the governing space-time fractional models are converted to the nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NLODEs); and then, the resulting NLODEs are solved through an effective method called the exp(−ϕ(ϵ))-expansion method. As a consequence, a number of exact solutions to the fractional forms of EW and modified EW equations are generated.