bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water equivalent PRESAGE® for synchrotron radiation therapy dosimetry
Authors: Gagliardi Frank M. , Day Liam , Poole Christopher M. , Franich Rick D. , Geso Moshi 
Published: January 2018

PurposeSynchrotron Radiation Therapy techniques are currently being trialed and commissioned at synchrotrons around the world. The patient treatment planning systems (TPS) developed for these treatments use simulated data of the synchrotron x‐ray beam to produce the dosimetry in the treatment plan. The purpose of this study was to investigate a water equivalent PRESAGE® dosimeter capable of 3D dosimetry over an energy range suitable for synchrotron x‐ray beams.MethodsWater equivalent PRESAGE® dosimeters were fabricated with a radiological effective atomic number similar to water over an energy range of 10 keV to 10 MeV. The dosimeters were irradiated at various energies, scanned using optical CT (OCT) scanning and compared to ion chamber measurements. Percentage depth dose and beam profiles of the synchrotron beam were compared to Monte Carlo (MC) model simulations.ResultsThe PDD profiles of the water equivalent PRESAGE® agreed with ion chamber measurements and MC calculations within 2% for all keV energies investigated. The PRESAGE® also showed good agreement to the MC model for depths below 5 mm of the synchrotron beam where ion chamber data do not exist. The spatial resolution of the OCT was not sufficient to accurately measure the penumbra of the synchrotron beams compared to MC calculations or EBT3 film; however, the water equivalent PRESAGE® was able to verify dose profile characteristics of the MC model.ConclusionsThe radiological response of a water equivalent PRESAGE® dosimeter has been validated for synchrotron x‐ray beam energies along with the ability to independently verify dose distributions of a MC model.
Protocol for Moving On: a randomized controlled trial to increase outcome expectations and exercise among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Hirschey Rachel , Kimmick Gretchen , Hockenberry Marilyn , Shaw Ryan , Pan Wei , Lipkus Isaac 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to test the feasibility and fidelity of an intervention, Moving On, aimed to increase outcome expectations OEs (i.e. what one expects to obtain or avoid as a result of a behaviour) and exercise among breast cancer survivors.DesignRandomized controlled trialMethodsIntervention arm participants will be given a theory‐guided booklet that was co‐created by the research team and three physically active breast cancer survivors who exercise to manage late and long‐term treatment effects. Attention control arm participants will be given a similar booklet focused on diet. Participants will have 1 week to complete reading, writing and reflecting activities in the booklets. Study outcomes will be measured through online surveys; exercise will also be measured objectively with a Fitbit®. Four weeks postintervention, participants’ thoughts about the usefulness, strengths and weakness of the intervention booklet will be assessed. OEs and exercise will be measured at baseline, 4‐, 8‐ and 12‐week postintervention.
SIOP PODC Adapted treatment guidelines for low grade gliomas in low and middle income settings
Authors: Hessissen Laila , Parkes Jeannette , Amayiri Nisreen , Mushtaq Naureen , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Anacak Yavuz , Mitra Dipayan , Figaji Anthony , Schouten‐van Meeteren Antoinette , Sullivan Michael , Burger Hester , Davidson Alan , Bouffet Eric , Bailey Simon 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEffective treatment of children with low grade glioma (LGG) requires a functioning multi‐disciplinary team with adequate neurosurgical, neuroradiological, pathological, radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities and personnel. In addition, the treating centre should have the capacity to manage a variety of LGG and treatment‐associated complications. These requirements have made it difficult for many centers in low and middle‐income countries (LMIC) to offer effective treatment and follow up. This article provides management recommendations for children with LGG according to the level of facilities available.
Novel Pentadecyl Phenol‐Tagged L‐Tryptophan Molecules: Synthesis, Self‐ Assembly and Liquid Crystalline Properties
Authors: Parappurath Akhil , Abraham Jancy Nixon 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe paper describes the self‐assembly and liquid crystalline properties of pentadecylphenol tagged L‐tryptophan molecules having ester and amide functionality. We have synthesized a series of molecules having mono and ditryptophan moieties attached to pentadecylphenol through amide or ester linkage. The fluorescence properties of the Boc‐L‐tryptophan‐pentadecylphenol molecules were measured in methanol and found to aggregate beyond the critical aggregation concentration and self‐assembled to give spherical structures. Upon deprotection of Boc group, the amine end group got involved in extended hydrogen bonding and fibril like structures were developed. These molecules also showed liquid crystalline behavior in hydrogen bonding solvents such as benzyl alcohol and showed needle like crystals in tert‐butanol, as analyzed by polarized optical light microscopy.
Obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound curriculum and competency assessment in residency training programs: consensus report
Authors: Abuhamad A. , Minton K. K. , Benson C. B. , Chudleigh T. , Crites L. , Doubilet P. M. , Driggers R. , Lee W. , Mann K. V. , Perez J. J. , Rose N. C. , Simpson L. L. , Tabor A. , Benacerraf B. R. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTUltrasound imaging has become integral to the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. With increasing educational demands and limited hours in residency programs, dedicated time for training and achieving competency in ultrasound has diminished substantially. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine assembled a multi‐Society Task Force to develop a consensus‐based, standardized curriculum and competency assessment tools for obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound training in residency programs. The curriculum and competency‐assessment tools were developed based on existing national and international guidelines for the performance of obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound examinations and thus are intended to represent the minimum requirement for such training. By expert consensus, the curriculum was developed for each year of training, criteria for each competency assessment image were generated, the pass score was established at or close to 75% for each, and obtaining a set of five ultrasound images with pass score in each was deemed necessary for attaining each competency. Given the current lack of substantial data on competency assessment in ultrasound training, the Task Force expects that the criteria set forth in this document will evolve with time. The Task Force also encourages use of ultrasound simulation in residency training and expects that simulation will play a significant part in the curriculum and the competency‐assessment process. Incorporating this training curriculum and the competency‐assessment tools may promote consistency in training and competency assessment, thus enhancing the performance and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound examination in obstetrics and gynecology. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Diffusion of solar PV in East Africa: What can be learned from private sector delivery models?
Authors: Muchunku Charles , Ulsrud Kirsten , Palit Debajit , Jonker‐Klunne Wim 
Published: January 2018

Solar photovoltaic (PV) will play the leading role in addressing off‐grid electricity access; it can be applied almost anywhere and used in a wide range of applications for households, businesses, institutions and communities. However, to fully exploit this opportunity, off‐grid markets that need these solutions need to be effectively penetrated. This article focuses on delivery models for off‐grid solar PV solutions and how they address barriers such as awareness, acceptance, access and affordability. It is based on a survey of 13 solar PV businesses in East Africa, supported by the Energy and Environment Partnership Programme and implementing the following delivery models: Retail, Pay‐As‐You‐Go (PAYG), Consumer financing, Mini‐grid and Fee‐for‐service. The survey is complemented by supporting literature and incorporates experiences from a University of Oslo research project on a village scale energy access model in Kenya and case studies of solar PV mini‐grids in Senegal and India. Experiences from implementation of the different models are analyzed and generic descriptions provided. The models are compared to illustrate their suitability and effectiveness for delivering different levels of energy access. Retail and PAYG models are identified as effective at reaching scale, while the mini‐grid and fee‐for‐service models demonstrate good potential to affordably and sustainably deliver a wider range of electricity access. The limitations of conventional rural electrification strategies are also discussed and the potential to incorporate some delivery models into electrification programs assessed.This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Economics and Policy
Photovoltaics > Systems and Infrastructure
Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
Solar Heating and Cooling > Economics and Policy
Deaths in Incorrectly Identified Low‐Surgical‐Risk Patients
Authors: Jones C. R. , McCulloch G. A. J. , Ludbrook G. , Babidge W. J. , Maddern G. J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical classification system was developed for assessing anaesthetic risk, but is often also used to estimate surgical death risk. Patients with low ASA grades (ASA 1 or 2) are expected to have better surgical outcomes than patients with higher ASA grades (ASA ≥ 4). This study examined the course to death in patients classified as ASA 1 or 2 was examined, to investigate possible factors in unexpected deaths, in addition to evaluating the use of ASA grades by clinicians.
MethodsPatient data from the national surgical mortality audit of Australian hospitals were examined. The patient group was listed as ASA grade 1 or 2 by surgeons. Patients over 60 or under 20 were excluded in the final analysis, as were cases from New South Wales due to data not being available. A total of 357 cases were examined. Assessor summaries of the cases were examined, and ASA score reassessed to determine accuracy.
ResultsMore than 95% (n = 339) of cases listed as ASA 1 or 2 were found to have an incorrectly low grade, with 17.6% (n = 63) of cases listed as “expected” deaths.
ConclusionASA grades appear to be misunderstood in the reporting of patient surgical risk. Many patient summaries list patients with severe systemic disease or expected deaths as ASA 1 or 2, contrary to the intended use of this classification system. Improved education on the use of the ASA grading system would be beneficial to clinicians.
Transcriptome assembly and expression profiling of the molecular responses to cadmium toxicity in cerebral ganglia of wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: Yang Huilin , Peng Yuande , Shi Yixue , Tian Jianxiang , Wang Juan , Peng Xianjin , Xie Chunliang , Xu Xiang , Song Qisheng , Wang Zhi , Lv Zhiyue 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that can cause irreversible toxicity to animals, and is an environmental pollutant in farmlands. Spiders are considered to be an excellent model for investigating the impacts of heavy metals on the environment. To date, the changes at the molecular level in the cerebral ganglia of spiders are poorly understood. Cd exposure leads to strong damage in the nervous system, such as apoptosis and necrosis of nerve cells, therefore we conducted a transcriptomic analysis of Pardosa pseudoannulata cerebral ganglia under Cd stress to profile differential gene expression (DGE). We obtained a total of 123,328 assembled unigenes, and 1441 Cd stress-associated DEGs between the Cd-treated and control groups. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that many genes involved in calcium signaling, cGMP—PKG signaling, tyrosine metabolism, phototransduction–fly, melanogenesis and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis were up-regulated under Cd stress, whereas oxidative phosphorylation-related, nervous disease-associated, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-associated, and ribosomal-associated genes were down-regulated. Here, we provide a comprehensive set of DEGs influenced by Cd stress, and heavy metal stress, and provide new information for elucidating the neurotoxic mechanisms of Cd stress in spiders.
Chaotic whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Kaur Gaganpreet , Arora Sankalap 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is a recently developed meta-heuristic optimization algorithm which is based on the hunting mechanism of humpback whales. Similarly to other meta-heuristic algorithms, the main problem faced by WOA is slow convergence speed. So to enhance the global convergence speed and to get better performance, this paper introduces chaos theory into WOA optimization process. Various chaotic maps are considered in the proposed chaotic WOA (CWOA) methods for tuning the main parameter of WOA which helps in controlling exploration and exploitation. The proposed CWOA methods are benchmarked on twenty well-known test functions. The results prove that the chaotic maps (especially Tent map) are able to improve the performance of WOA.Highlights Chaos has been introduced into WOA to improve its performance. Ten chaotic maps have been investigated to tune the key parameter ‘ p’ of WOA. The proposed CWOA is validated on a set of twenty benchmark functions. The proposed CWOA is validated on a set of twenty benchmark functions. Statistical results suggest that CWOA has better reliability of global optimality.
Efficacy and Safety of MED2005, a Topical Glyceryl Trinitrate Formulation, in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Ralph David J. , Eardley Ian , Taubel Jorg , Terrill Paul , Holland Tim 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background
Current treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) have some limitations.

Aim
This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of MED2005, a 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate topical gel, formulated into an enhanced absorption topical delivery system (DermaSys), administered on demand, in the treatment of ED.

Methods
This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase II crossover trial involved 232 men with ED (231 treated, 230 assessed for efficacy) and their partners. After a 4-week run-in period, patients were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment sequences, MED2005-placebo or placebo-MED2005. Each treatment was given for 4 weeks, separated by a 1-week washout interval. Efficacy was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Sexual Encounter Profile, a Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ), and specific questions about the onset and offset of action and treatment preferences (patients and partners).

Outcomes
The primary outcome measure was the IIEF erectile function domain (IIEF-EF) score. Other efficacy assessments were secondary outcomes.

Results
The mean baseline IIEF-EF score was 17.1 (SD = 5.7), and this increased to 19.6 (SD = 7.5) after MED2005 treatment and 18.5 (SD = 6.7) after placebo (P = .0132). Overall, 23.1% of patients showed a clinically relevant (≥4-point) increase in IIEF-EF scores after treatment with MED2005 only compared with 14.5% who responded after MED2005 and placebo, 14.0% who responded after placebo only, and 48.4% who did not respond after either treatment (P = .0272). MED2005 also was associated with significant improvements compared with placebo in the other IIEF domains, and this was consistent with patients’ and partners’ responses to the GAQ. For all assessments, significant effects of MED2005 were seen primarily in patients with mild ED. The start of erection was noticed within 5 and 10 minutes in 44.2% and 69.5%, respectively, of all intercourse attempts with MED2005. Patients and partners showed significant preferences for MED2005 over placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events during MED2005 treatment were headache (patients, n = 18 [7.9%]; partners, n = 3 [1.3%]) and nasopharyngitis (patients, n = 13 [5.7%]; partners, n = 2 [0.9%]).

Clinical Implications
These findings suggest that topical glyceryl trinitrate could be a useful treatment option in ED.

Strengths and Limitations
Strengths of this study include the use of a validated outcome measure. Limitations include the use of only 1 dosage.

Conclusion
Further studies are warranted to investigate the efficacy of topical glyceryl trinitrate to include higher doses, thereby improving clinical significance, especially in cases of moderate and severe ED.
Do leader expectations shape employee service performance? Enhancing self-expectations and internalization in employee role identity
Authors: Binyamin Galy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper expands the Theory of Planned Behavior to explore the role of leaders’ normative expectations in driving employees’ service performance. Two quantitative studies in the context of retailing indicate that leaders’ normative expectations for high-quality service are related to employee service performance, through employee self-expectations for quality service (Study 1;N=75), and service role identity (Study 2;N=226). Both studies apply Kelman’s Theory of Social Influence by exploring how leaders influence employees’ expectations and corresponding behaviors, through the three processes of social influence: compliance, identification, and internalization. Leaders’ normative expectations for high-quality service enhances employee service performance not only by adjusting self-expectations to comply with an authority figure’s expectations or by identification with the leader as a role model, but rather as a deep-rooted process where the leader’s normative expectations are internalized into employee’s role identity. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The re-co-construction of legitimacy of/through the Doing Business indicators
Authors: Perry-Kessaris Amanda 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe present paper argues that the Doing Business indicators, their legitimacy (their ability to be defended through some logic or justification arising from standards) and the wider notions of legitimacy (the standards) that they promulgate are all best understood as social or, better still, ‘econosociolegal’ constructions. It tracks their, primarily post-financial crisis, re-co-construction within and beyond the World Bank from servant of the private sector and discipliner of states to something approaching social champion. But it warns that the perceptions of legitimacy that have been generated by those indicators may well linger.
The Effect of Segregation on Intergroup Relations
Authors: Enos Ryan D. , Celaya Christopher 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInter-ethnic residential segregation is correlated with intergroup bias and conflict, poorly functioning states and civil societies, weak economic development, and ethnocentric political behavior. As such, segregation has been a subject of long-standing interest. However, segregation has not been assigned in randomized controlled trials, so the observed correlations may be spurious and the mechanism behind these correlations is poorly understood. In two experiments, we randomly assign segregation in a laboratory and demonstrate that segregation affects perceptions of other people and causes intergroup bias in costly decision-making. Rather than segregation merely inhibiting intergroup contact, we demonstrate that segregation directly affects perception and thus can affect intergroup relations even when holding contact constant.
GLP-1 release and vagal afferent activation mediate the beneficial metabolic and chronotherapeutic effects of D-allulose
Authors: Iwasaki Yusaku , Sendo Mio , Dezaki Katsuya , Hira Tohru , Sato Takehiro , Nakata Masanori , Goswami Chayon , Aoki Ryohei , Arai Takeshi , Kumari Parmila , Hayakawa Masaki , Masuda Chiaki , Okada Takashi , Hara Hiroshi , Drucker Daniel J. , Yamada Yuichiro , Tokuda Masaaki , Yada Toshihiko 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOvereating and arrhythmic feeding promote obesity and diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are effective anti-obesity drugs but their use is limited by side effects. Here we show that oral administration of the non-calorie sweetener, rare sugar d-allulose (d-psicose), induces GLP-1 release, activates vagal afferent signaling, reduces food intake and promotes glucose tolerance in healthy and obese-diabetic animal models. Subchronic d-allulose administered at the light period (LP) onset ameliorates LP-specific hyperphagia, visceral obesity, and glucose intolerance. These effects are blunted by vagotomy or pharmacological GLP-1R blockade, and by genetic inactivation of GLP-1R signaling in whole body or selectively in vagal afferents. Our results identify d-allulose as prominent GLP-1 releaser that acts via vagal afferents to restrict feeding and hyperglycemia. Furthermore, when administered in a time-specific manner, chronic d-allulose corrects arrhythmic overeating, obesity and diabetes, suggesting that chronotherapeutic modulation of vagal afferent GLP-1R signaling may aid in treating metabolic disorders.
Engineering human pluripotent stem cells into a functional skeletal muscle tissue
Authors: Rao Lingjun , Qian Ying , Khodabukus Alastair , Ribar Thomas , Bursac Nenad 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe generation of functional skeletal muscle tissues from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has not been reported. Here, we derive induced myogenic progenitor cells (iMPCs) via transient overexpression of Pax7 in paraxial mesoderm cells differentiated from hPSCs. In 2D culture, iMPCs readily differentiate into spontaneously contracting multinucleated myotubes and a pool of satellite-like cells endogenously expressing Pax7. Under optimized 3D culture conditions, iMPCs derived from multiple hPSC lines reproducibly form functional skeletal muscle tissues (iSKM bundles) containing aligned multi-nucleated myotubes that exhibit positive force–frequency relationship and robust calcium transients in response to electrical or acetylcholine stimulation. During 1-month culture, the iSKM bundles undergo increased structural and molecular maturation, hypertrophy, and force generation. When implanted into dorsal window chamber or hindlimb muscle in immunocompromised mice, the iSKM bundles survive, progressively vascularize, and maintain functionality. iSKM bundles hold promise as a microphysiological platform for human muscle disease modeling and drug development.