bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulation of electron modes of a Siemens Primus linac (8, 12 and 14 MeV)
Authors: Bahreyni Toossi Mohammad Taghi , Ghorbani Mahdi , Akbari Fateme , Sabet Leila Sobhkhiz , Mehrpouyan Mohammad 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundElectron mode is used for treatment of superficial tumours in linac-based radiotherapy.PurposeThe aim of present study is simulation of 8, 12 and 14 MeV electrons from a Siemens Primus linac using MCNPX Monte Carlo (MC) code and verification of the results based on comparison of the results with the measured data.Materials and methodsElectron mode for 8, 12 and 14 MeV electron energies of a Siemens Primus linac was simulated using MCNPX MC code. Percent depth dose (PDD) data for 10 × 10, 15 × 15 and 25 × 25 cm2 applicators obtained from MC simulations were compared with the corresponding measured data.ResultsGamma index values were less than unity in most of points for all the above-mentioned energies and applicators. However, for 25 × 25 cm2 applicator in 8 MeV energy, 10 × 10 cm2 applicator and 15 × 15 cm2 applicator in 14 MeV energy, there were four data points with gamma indices higher than unity. However among these data points, there are a number of cases with relatively large value of gamma index, these cases are positioned on the bremsstrahlung tail of the PDD curve which is not normally used in treatment planning.ConclusionThere was good agreement between the results of MC simulations developed in this study and the measured values. The obtained simulation programmes can be used in dosimetry of electron mode of Siemens Primus linac in the cases in which it is not easily feasible to perform experimental in-phantom measurements.
‘Callback’: increasing access to, and improving choice in, a multi-level, multi-purpose low-intensity service
Authors: White Jim , Ross Michael , Richards Carol , Manson Vicky , Johnston Sandra 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn a previous paper auditing individual therapy in the STEPS team, we demonstrated a significant problem with attrition for both CBT and person-centred therapy. We argued that a root-and-branch change to the referral process was needed. This paper looks at the system which replaced it. ‘Callback’ allows self-referral with service users able to leave a phone message at any time. Clinicians call back and carry out a protocol-driven assessment, arranging, where appropriate, services at the end of the call. Reporting on the first 2500 calls, 92% of callers were successfully called back. Individuals were, on average, called back in 8.4 hours. Eighty-six percent of callers were offered an intervention within the STEPS service. They entered these STEPS services, on average, 9.4 days after the initial phone call. Of all callers 15.6% were offered individual therapy. Of these, 93% attended the first appointment and 82% completed a course of treatment. The results suggest that Callback is a significant improvement on the GP-referral system it replaced and provide evidence supporting the utility of ‘multi-level, multi-purpose’ services in primary care.
Millimeter-wave coplanar stripline power dividers
Authors: Li Chong , Lok Lai Bun , Khalid Ata , Papageorgiou Vasileios , Grant James , Cumming David R. S. 
Published: May 2013

We present the design, fabrication, and measurement of a 2-way modified Wilkinson divider constructed in a coplanar geometry exhibiting ultra wideband isolation, transmission, and port matching in the millimeter-wave frequency range. The proposed divider replaces the lumped resistor in the conventional Wilkinson divider with two quarter-wave length transmission lines, a phase inverter, and two 2Z0 resistors. Except for the three ports that are coplanar waveguides (CPWs), the main body of the divider uses coplanar striplines (CPS). The phase inverter is realized using a simple airbridge-based crossover which is compatible with a modern monolithic microwave integrated circuit process. The divider has a ring-like configuration fabricated on a 620 µm thick semi-insulating GaAs wafer using electron beam lithography (EBL) technology. Three-dimensional (3D) full-wave electromagnetic simulations have been carried out to optimize the design and investigate the possible effect of fabrication tolerance on the performance of the crossover and the divider. Two dividers working at center frequencies of 25 and 80 GHz have been designed, fabricated, and tested. They all show consistent performance in terms of bandwidth, isolation, and port matching. Experimental and simulation results are in excellent agreement.
A universal open-source Electronic Laboratory Notebook
Authors: Voegele Catherine , Bouchereau Baptiste , Robinot Nivonirina , McKay James , Damiecki Philippe , Alteyrac Lucile 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Motivation: Laboratory notebooks remain crucial to the activities of research communities. With the increase in generation of electronic data within both wet and dry analytical laboratories and new technologies providing more efficient means of communication, Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) offer equivalent record keeping to paper-based laboratory notebooks (PLN). They additionally allow more efficient mechanisms for data sharing and retrieval, which explains the growing number of commercial ELNs available varying in size and scope but all are increasingly accepted and used by the scientific community. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) having already an LIMS and a Biobank Management System for respectively laboratory workflows and sample management, we have developed a free multidisciplinary ELN specifically dedicated to work notes that will be flexible enough to accommodate different types of data.
Availability and implementation: Information for installation of our freeware ELN with source codes customizations are detailed in supplementary data.
Contact: voegele@iarc.fr
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Central sleep apnoea and inflammation are independently associated with arrhythmia in patients with heart failure
Authors: Sano Kan , Watanabe Eiichi , Hayano Junichiro , Mieno Yuuki , Sobue Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Mayumi , Ichikawa Tomohide , Sakakibara Hiroki , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi , Ozaki Yukio 
Published: May 2013

AimsWe examined whether the severity of central sleep apnoea (CSA) and the level of C‐reactive protein are associated with the prevalence and complexity of arrhythmias, and whether these factors contribute to increased risk of nocturnal sudden death.Methods and resultsWe prospectively examined 178 patients (age 70 ± 1 years) who were admitted to our hospital due to worsening heart failure. We recorded a simultaneous overnight cardiorespiratory polygraph and Holter ECG. Obstructive sleep apnoea was excluded and patients were dichotomized based on the median value of the central apnoea index (CAI) of 7.5/h. The prevalence and complexity of arrhythmias were compared between daytime (06:00 h to 15:00 h) and night‐time (21:00 h to 06:00 h). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the CAI was associated with prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) [odds ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.51)] and sinus pause during the night‐time period (1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.35). The CAI and C‐reactive protein were independently associated with non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia during both daytime (1.22, 95% CI 1.00–6.92; and 5.82, 2.58–56.1, respectively) and night‐time periods (3.57, 95% CI 1.06–13.1; and 10.7, 3.30–44.4, respectively). During a mean follow‐up period of 22 months, 30 (17%) patients had cardiovascular deaths and the CSA was an independent predictor (hazard ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–2.32); only 5 (2.8%) of them died due to ventricular tachyarrhythmia, occurring during wakefulness.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the severity of CSA and C‐reactive protein levels are independently associated with the prevalence and complexity of arrhythmias. CSA was associated with increased mortality risk, but it was not related directly to nocturnal death due to ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
The role of solar wind electrons at the solar wind termination shock
Authors: Chalov S. V. , Fahr H. J. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Voyager 2 plasma observations have recently revealed that, as predicted by theory, there exists a solar wind termination shock at 87 au. However, it is evidently different from classical expectations, for instance revealing the downstream solar wind protons still to be in a supersonic mode. In this paper we show that in order to explain the non-classical structure and facts of this shock, one has to start from a multi-fluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approach describing the shock transition. Different from our earlier attempt, here we consider solar wind electrons as an additional extra fluid and allow for preferential heating of electrons compared to thermal solar wind protons at the shock. As we can then show, with this enlargement of the MHD theory by a separate electron fluid we are able to describe observed features of the solar wind termination shock. We arrive at the conclusion that the downstream solar wind thermal plasma is energetically dominated by the pressure of quasi-mass-less electrons.
Different Propofol–Remifentanil or Sevoflurane–Remifentanil Bispectral Index Levels for Electrocorticographic Spike Identification during Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Dahaba Ashraf A. , Yin Jian , Xiao Zhaoyang , Su Jing , Bornemann Helmar , Dong Hailong , Xiong Lize 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background:
Medical therapy, the cornerstone of managing epilepsy, still fails a substantial portion of patients. Little information is available regarding the potential impact of different bispectral index (BIS) levels on electrocorticographic spike identification for surgical epileptic foci resection.

Methods:
Twenty-two intractable epilepsy subjects were randomly allocated to the propofol–remifentanil or sevoflurane–remifentanil groups, and were further randomized to four BIS85 (BIS 71–85), BIS70 (BIS 56–70), BIS55 (BIS 41–55), and BIS40 (BIS ≤40) sequence order.

Results:
Two-way ANOVA revealed no differences between groups in spike frequency (P = 0.720), spike amplitude (P = 0.647), or number of spiking leads (P = 0.653). In the propofol and sevoflurane groups, decreasing BIS levels increased mean ± SD spike/min frequency (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) at BIS85 (10 ± 12 and 10 ± 8), BIS70 (19 ± 17 and 17 ± 15), BIS55 (22 ± 17 and 18 ± 8), and BIS40 (25 ± 15 and 23 ± 17). Furthermore, in the propofol and sevoflurane groups, decreasing BIS levels increased spike microvolt amplitude (P = 0.006 and P = 0.009) at BIS85 (1,100 ± 400 and 750 ± 400), BIS70 (1,200 ± 460 and 850 ± 490), BIS55 (1,300 ± 560 and 940 ± 700), and BIS40 (1,400 ± 570 and 1,300 ± 700). Whereas, in the propofol and sevoflurane groups, there was no difference in the location or number of spiking leads (P = 0.057 and P = 0.109) at the four BIS levels. Compared with BIS85, spike frequency in the propofol and sevoflurane groups increased 100 and 170% at BIS70, 116 and 180% at BIS55, and 132 and 230% at BIS40. Compared with BIS85, spike amplitude increased 108 and 113% at BIS70, 121 and 125% at BIS55, and 128 and 170% at BIS40.

Conclusion:
Decreasing BIS levels in the propofol and sevoflurane groups enhanced epileptogenic spike frequency and amplitude with the same location and number of spiking leads.
Application of the Continual Reassessment Method to Dose-finding Studies in Regional Anesthesia
Authors: Kant Abhinav , Gupta Pawan Kumar , Zohar Sarah , Chevret Sylvie , Hopkins Philip M. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Previously reported estimates of the ED95 doses for local anesthetics used in brachial plexus blocks vary. The authors used the continual reassessment method, already established in oncology trials, to determine the ED95 dose for 0.5% bupivacaine for the ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block.

Methods
A double-blind, prospective trial was scheduled for 40 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists class I–III presenting for upper limb surgery and supraclavicular block. The study dose to be administered was arbitrarily divided into six dose levels (12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 ml) with a priori probabilities of success of 0.5, 0.75, 0.90, 0.95, 0.98, and 0.99 respectively. A continual reassessment method statistical program created a dose–response curve, which would shift direction depending on the success or failure of the block. Our starting dose was 21 ml and the next allocated dose was reestimated by the program to be the dose level with the updated posterior response probability closest to 0.95.

Results
After recruitment of eight patients, our initial dose levels and associated probabilities were deemed too low to determine the ED95. Updated a prioris were calculated from the statistical program, and the study recommenced with a new starting dose of 30 ml. On completion, the ED95 dose was estimated to be 27 ml (95% CI, 24–28 ml).

Conclusions
The continual reassessment method trial design provided a credible estimate for the ED95 dose for 0.5% bupivacaine for our technique of supraclavicular block and may be of value as a statistically robust method for dose-finding studies in anesthesiology.
Modelling and analysis of factors influencing surface roughness and delamination of milling of GFRP laminates using RSM
Authors: Jenarthanan M.P. , Jeyapaul R. , Naresh N. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for surface roughness and delamination through response surface methodology (RSM) and analyse the influences of the entire individual input machining parameters (cutting speed, fibre orientation angle, depth of cut and feed rate) on the responses in milling of glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) composites with solid carbide end mill cutter coated with PCD.Design/methodology/approachFour factors, five level central composites and a rotatable design matrix in response surface methodology were employed to carry out the experimental investigation. “Design Expert 8.0” software was used for regression and graphical analysis of the data were collected. The optimum values of the selected variables were obtained by solving the regression equation and by analyzing the response surface contour plots. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to check the validity of the model and for finding the significant parameters.FindingsThe developed second order response surface model was used to calculate the surface roughness and delamination of the machined surfaces at different cutting conditions with the chosen range with 95 per cent confidence intervals. Using such a model, remarkable savings in time and cost can be obtained.Originality/valueThe effect of fibre orientation during milling of GFRP laminates using RSM has not been previously attempted for analysis.
Non‐invasive cardiovascular profiling using combined electrocardiogram–Doppler ultrasonography and impedance cardiography: An experimental approach
Authors: Tomsin Kathleen , Vriens Annette , Mesens Tinne , Gyselaers Wilfried 
Published: May 2013

Summary

In the present study, the feasibility of cardiovascular profiling using both combined electrocardiogram (ECG)–Doppler ultrasonography and impedance cardiography (ICG) was evaluated.

Fourteen non‐pregnant healthy women received 500 mL saline solution (NaCl 0.9% at 999 mL/h) intravenously by steady state infusion. Before and after this acute volume loading, we measured orthostatic‐challenged cardiac and arterial characteristics using ICG and assessed venous characteristics by combined ECG–Doppler before and during the Valsalva manoeuvre. Changes are expressed as the mean ± SEM and were evaluated by the one‐sample Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

After volume loading, the observed fall in stroke volume after postural change from supine to standing decreased (–14 ± 3 vs –23 ± 2%; P = 0.011). Hepatic A wave velocity increased 63 ± 28% after volume loading (P = 0.007) and decreased during the Valsalva manoeuvre (–205 ± 21%; P = 0.001). Volume loading raised the thoracic fluid content index in both the supine and standing positions (7 ± 2% and 10 ± 1%, respectively; P ≤ 0.014).

Combined ECG–Doppler ultrasonography and ICG enables the non‐invasive identification of concomitant haemodynamic changes at the level of the heart, the arterial bed and the venous compartment. Our data support the view that non‐invasive cardiovascular profiling is feasible, which seems particularly useful for the evaluation of patients who are not critically ill, such as pregnant women.
Transverse uterine fundal incision for placenta praevia with accreta, involving the entire anterior uterine wall: a case series
Authors: Kotsuji F , Nishijima K , Kurokawa T , Yoshida Y , Sekiya T , Banzai M , Minakami H , Udagawa Y 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility and safety of transverse fundal incision with manual placental removal in women with placenta praevia and possible placenta accreta.DesignCase series.SettingFour level‐three Japanese obstetric centres.PopulationThirty‐four women with prior caesarean section and placenta praevia that widely covers the anterior uterine wall, in whom placenta accreta cannot be ruled out.MethodsA transverse fundal incision was performed at the time of caesarean section and manual placental removal was attempted under direct observation.Main outcome measureOperative fluid loss.ResultsThe total volume of fluid lost during our operative procedure compares favourably with the volume lost during our routine transverse lower‐segment caesarean sections performed in patients without placenta praevia or accreta. The average fluid loss was 1370 g. No patients required transfer to intensive care, and there were no cases of fetal anaemia.ConclusionsThis procedure has the potential to reduce the heavy bleeding that arises from caesarean deliveries in women with placenta praevia and placenta accreta.
Longitudinal analysis of cardiovascular risk parameters in women with a history of hypertensive pregnancy disorders: the Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Drost JT , van der Schouw YT , Maas AHEM , Verschuren WMM 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveWomen with hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPD) are at increased risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life; however, it is not known how cardiovascular risk develops throughout life. We evaluated the longitudinal trends in cardiovascular risk factors in women after hypertensive pregnancy disorders compared with women with normotensive pregnancies.Design and populationAll women of the Doetinchem Cohort Study (1987–91), a population‐based cohort study, were included.MethodsWomen were examined (questionnaires and physical examination) four times at 5‐year intervals. History of HPD was assessed from questionnaires. We compared 5‐year changes in risk factors between women with and without HPD, by analysing longitudinal trends using generalised estimating equation analysis to estimate the effects of HPD and mean age, adjusting for treatment, body mass index (BMI), smoking and socio‐economic status.Main outcome measuresChange over time in traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), BMI, total and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol for women with and without a history of HPD.ResultsA total of 2703 women with normotensive pregnancies (mean age 40.5 years, SD 10.4) and 689 women with a history of HPD (mean age 38.4 years, SD 9.5) were included. Compared with normotensive women, in women with a history of HPD, SBP was 2.8 mmHg higher (95% CI 1.7–3.9), DBP was 2.3 mmHg higher (95% CI 1.6–3.0) and BMI was 0.7 kg/m2 higher (95% CI 0.4–1.1). Total cholesterol (−0.05; 95% CI −0.1 to 0.0) and HDL cholesterol (0.02; 95% CI −0.0 to 0.1) were similar in both groups. No difference in annual change in blood pressure or in the other risk factors was observed between women with and without a history of HPD.ConclusionWomen with a history of HPD have higher levels of SBP, DBP and BMI compared with normotensive women, but the increase with ageing is similar in both groups.
Localized treatments using commercial dust and liquid formulations of fipronil against Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Gautam Bal K. , Henderson Gregg , Wang Cai 
Published: May 2013

AbstractUse of proper application methods and formulations of termiticides are important to reduce their negative impact to the environment. In this study, we conducted laboratory experiments to determine the effect of localized treatments with commercial dust and liquid formulations of fipronil against Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. The test arena consisted of a specially designed 16‐chambered structure with a center chamber connected to 5 foraging chambers that themselves were connected to 10 additional foraging chambers. One peripheral chamber received a liquid or dust treatment and termites were released in the center chamber. Results showed that >91% of the termites were dead within the 9‐d test period despite the localized treatment of only 1 foraging chamber. Termites that were still alive after 9 d were transferred to an untreated dish and held for 10 more days. The majority of those termites were dead and the rest were moribund on day 19. Regardless of the specific dish treated, both formulations of fipronil were found to be highly efficacious. Termites did not exhibit repellency to either formulation. Our results suggest that localized (or spot) treatment with either commercially available dust or liquid formulations of fipronil can be a viable option for control of a termite infestation where complete soil drenching is not desirable.
Prolonged lifespan with enhanced exploratory behavior in mice overexpressing the oxidized nucleoside triphosphatase hMTH1
Authors: De Luca Gabriele , Ventura Ilenia , Sanghez Valentina , Russo Maria Teresa , Ajmone‐Cat Maria Antonietta , Cacci Emanuele , Martire Alberto , Popoli Patrizia , Falcone Germana , Michelini Flavia , Crescenzi Marco , Degan Paolo , Minghetti Luisa , Bignami Margherita , Calamandrei Gemma 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe contribution that oxidative damage to DNA and/or RNA makes to the aging process remains undefined. In this study, we used the hMTH1‐Tg mouse model to investigate how oxidative damage to nucleic acids affects aging. hMTH1‐Tg mice express high levels of the hMTH1 hydrolase that degrades 8‐oxodGTP and 8‐oxoGTP and excludes 8‐oxoguanine from both DNA and RNA. Compared to wild‐type animals, hMTH1‐overexpressing mice have significantly lower steady‐state levels of 8‐oxoguanine in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA of several organs, including the brain. hMTH1 overexpression prevents the age‐dependent accumulation of DNA 8‐oxoguanine that occurs in wild‐type mice. These lower levels of oxidized guanines are associated with increased longevity and hMTH1‐Tg animals live significantly longer than their wild‐type littermates. Neither lipid oxidation nor overall antioxidant status is significantly affected by hMTH1 overexpression. At the cellular level, neurospheres derived from adult hMTH1‐Tg neural progenitor cells display increased proliferative capacity and primary fibroblasts from hMTH1‐Tg embryos do not undergo overt senescence in vitro. The significantly lower levels of oxidized DNA/RNA in transgenic animals are associated with behavioral changes. These mice show reduced anxiety and enhanced investigation of environmental and social cues. Longevity conferred by overexpression of a single nucleotide hydrolase in hMTH1‐Tg animals is an example of lifespan extension associated with healthy aging. It provides a link between aging and oxidative damage to nucleic acids.