bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of TG‐218 for patient‐specific quality assurance tolerance and action limits determination: Gamma passing rate evaluation using 3DVH software
Authors: Stasinou Despoina , Patatoukas George , Kollaros Nikos , Diamantopoulos Stefanos , Kypraiou Efrosyni , Kougioumtzopoulou Andromachi , Kouloulias Vasilios , Efstathopoulos Efstathios , Platoni Kalliopi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPurposeTo determine the tolerance limit (TL) and action limit (AL) of gamma passing rates (%GP) for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) according to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group (TG)‐218 recommendations, and to comparatively evaluate the clinical relevance of 2D %GP and 3D %GP.MethodsPSQA was performed for 100 head and neck (H&N) and 73 prostate cancer VMAT treatment plans. Measurements were acquired using a cylindrical water equivalent phantom, hollow in the center, allowing measurements with homogeneous or heterogeneous inserts. The LINAC‐delivered dose distributions were compared to those calculated from the treatment planning system through the gamma index. TL and AL were determined through the computation of two‐dimensional (2D) %GP using the recommended acceptance criteria. Dose–volume histograms were reconstructed from the measurements using a commercially available software to detect the dosimetric errors (%DE) between the compared dose distributions. Utilizing the estimated dose on the patient anatomy, structure‐specific %GP (3D %GP) were calculated. The 3D %GP were compared to the 2D %GP ones based on their correlation with the %DE. Each metric's sensitivity was determined through receiver operator characteristic analysis.ResultsTL and AL were in concordance with the universal ones, regarding the prostate cancer cases, but were lower for the H&N cases. Evaluation of %DE did not deem the plans unacceptable. The 2D %GP and the 3D %GP did not differ significantly regarding their correlation with %DE. For prostate plans, %GP sensitivity was higher than for H&N cases.ConclusionsDetermination of institutional‐specific TL and AL allows the monitoring of the PSQA procedure, yet for plans close to the limits, clinically relevant metrics should be used before they are deemed unacceptable for the process to be of higher sensitivity and efficiency.
Prioritisation of patients awaiting hip and knee arthroplasty: Lower pre‐operative EQ‐5D is associated with greater improvement in quality of life and joint function
Authors: Farrow Luke , Redmore James , Talukdar Partha , Clement Nick , Ashcroft George P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has led to unprecedented delays for those awaiting elective hip and knee arthroplasty. Current demand far exceeds available resource, and therefore it is integral that healthcare resource is fairly rationed to those who need it most. We therefore set out to determine if pre‐operative health‐related quality of life assessment (HRQoL) could be used to triage arthroplasty waiting lists.MethodsData regarding demographics, perioperative variables and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) (pre‐operative and 1‐year post‐operative EuroQOL five dimension (EQ‐5D‐3L) and Oxford hip and knee scores (OHS/OKS) were retrospectively extracted from electronic patient health records at a large university teaching hospital. Patients were split into two equal groups based on pre‐operative EQ‐5D TTO scores and compared (Group1 [worse HRQoL] = −0.239 to 0.487; Group2 [better HRQoL] = 0.516–1 [best]).Results513 patients were included. Patients in Group1 had significantly greater improvement in post‐operative EQ‐5D‐3L scores compared to Group2 (Median 0.67 vs. 0.19; p < 0.0001), as well as greater improvement in OHS/OKS (Mean 22.4 vs. 16.4; p < 0.0001). Those in Group2 were significantly less likely to achieve the EQ‐5D‐3L minimum clinically important difference (MCID) attainment (OR 0.13, 95%CI 0.07–0.23; p < 0.0001) with a trend towards lower OHS/OKS MCID attainment (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.37–1.19; p = 0.168). There was no clinically significant difference in length of stay (Median 3‐days both groups), and no statistically significant difference in adverse events (30 days and 1 year readmission/reoperation).ConclusionsA pre‐operative EQ‐5D‐3L cut‐off of ≤0.487 for hip and knee arthroplasty prioritisation may help to maximise clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness in a limited resource setting post COVID‐19.
Outcomes and prognostic variables of extracranial germ cell tumors in children and adolescents treated over a decade: A developing world perspective
Authors: Ramanathan Subramaniam , Prasad Maya , Vora Tushar , Parambil Badira C. , Kembhavi Seema , Ramadwar Mukta , Khanna Nehal , Laskar Siddhartha , Kurkure Purna , Qureshi Sajid , Banavali Shripad , Chinnaswamy Girish 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this single‐center study was to analyze the outcomes of extracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) in children treated on a multimodality regimen.MethodsRetrospective study of children (<18 years) with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of extracranial GCT over a period of 10 years (January 2009 to December 2018) treated on a uniform institution‐based protocol consisting of both cisplatin‐ and carboplatin‐based regimens. All completely excised teratomas and stage I gonadal tumors received no further therapy (low risk [LR]); stage IV ovarian, stage III–IV extragonadal GCTs received six cycles of chemotherapy (high risk [HR]), and the remaining received four cycles of chemotherapy (intermediate risk [IR]).ResultsA total of 297 children were treated with a female:male ratio of 1.72:1 and median age of 4 years. Forty‐three children had pure teratomas. Gonadal GCTs (N = 180) were more common than extragonadal GCTs (N = 117) with ovary as primary site in 128 children (43%) and sacrococcygeal site being the commonest extragonadal location (N = 41; 14%). LR, IR, and HR disease were noted in 60 (20.2%), 125 (42%), and 112 (37.8%) patients, respectively. Three‐fourths of ovarian tumors and half of testicular tumors operated prior to presentation needed upstaging. Forty‐one patients relapsed and 43 children expired (disease‐related: 33; toxic deaths: 9; unknown: 1). The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS)/overall survival (OS) of malignant GCT (n = 254) was 72.50%/82.70%, respectively, with gonadal site (p = .001), LR and IR (p = .001) and nonmetastatic disease (p = .001) being favorable prognostic variables.ConclusionsThe LR and IR GCTs in our cohort had an excellent outcome. A significant proportion of IR gonadal GCTs can be spared of systemic chemotherapy by adhering to strict surgical guidelines. In HR GCTs however, intensifying therapies to improve outcomes must be balanced against the risk of cumulative toxicity, more so in a resource‐limited setting.
Sampled‐data output feedback stabilization for a class of upper‐triangular nonlinear systems with input delay
Authors: Mao Jun , Xiang Zhengrong , Huang Shipei , Xiong Jing‐jing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article focuses on the sampled‐data output feedback stabilization for a class of upper‐triangular nonlinear systems with input delay and ‐normal structure, a reduced‐order observer with the detected sampled output measurement is constructed to evaluate the unavailable states of the considered system, and the backstepping method with adding a power integral technique are adopted to construct the sampled‐data output feedback stabilizer. By selecting a suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, we can demonstrate that the adverse effects caused by the uncertain input delay can be effectively constrained, and the resulting closed‐loop system with appropriate design constants and allowable sampling period can reach globally stable. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Finite‐time event‐triggered bumpless transfer control for switched systems
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Xinying , Zhao Ying , Chen Yuqing , Li Wenqing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study centers on the issue of finite‐time event‐triggered bumpless transfer (BT) control of switched systems. The aim is to suppress the undesirable control jumps at both switching and triggering time, and guarantee the finite‐time stability of switched systems. First, the property of BT is described from its original intention. Then, by co‐design of an improved switching function, an event‐triggered strategy combined with a series of controllers to achieve this objective. Also, the Zeno behavior is excluded. Further, a criterion to guarantee the BT property and the finite‐time stability under event‐triggered mechanism is established. Finally, a turbofan engine control system is taken as an example to testify the validity of the presented control scheme.
Predicting invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) spread using a traditional survey and river network simulation
Authors: Larson Courtney E. , Bo Tiziano , Candiotto Alessandro , Fenoglio Stefano , Doretto Alberto 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRivers are among the most vulnerable ecosystems to biological invasions. After introduction, predicting the timing and magnitude of population growth and range expansion is critical to decision making on where management tactics will be most efficient. Yet, management is often hindered by the lack of knowledge on species‐specific attributes and the spatially complex structure of river networks that influences connectivity between sites. We analysed the population structure and predicted the range expansion of signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), an invasive species in North‐western Italy which was first recorded in the Valla Stream in 2009 and then spread to adjacent rivers including Erro Stream in 2020. A total of 1,284 individual P. leniusculus crayfish were collected in the Valla Stream. No significant difference was found in density or body condition along a downstream gradient for different sex and maturity classes. These empirical data were combined with the available scientific literature to obtain key life‐history information for P. leniusculus, including carrying capacity, downstream versus upstream dispersion and proliferation rate. We used the OCNet R package to simulate the Erro Stream network and applied a meta‐population model to predict the range expansion of this species over time. Results indicate P. leniusculus may completely invade the Erro Stream network in 30–40 years, depending on the proliferation rate and without additional introductions. These findings represent one of the first attempts to use optimal channel networks simulation in R to predict the meta‐population dynamics of aquatic invasive species, a potential key tool to prevent invasive species spread.
The Risk of Subsequent Invasive Melanoma after a Primary in Situ or Invasive Melanoma in a High Incidence Country (New Zealand)
Authors: Win Myint Thu Thu , Selak Vanessa , Elwood Mark 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Patients with invasive melanoma are at increased risk of developing subsequent invasive melanoma, but the risks for those with primary in situ melanoma are unclear.

Objectives
To assess and compare the cumulative risk of subsequent invasive melanoma after primary invasive or in situ melanoma. To estimate the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of subsequent invasive melanoma compared to population incidence in both cohorts.

Methods
Patients with a first diagnosis of melanoma (invasive or in situ) between 2001 and 2017 were identified from the New Zealand national cancer registry, and any subsequent invasive melanoma during follow-up to the end of 2017 identified. Cumulative risk of subsequent invasive melanoma was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis separately for primary invasive and in situ cohorts. Risk of subsequent invasive melanoma was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. SIR was assessed, allowing for age, sex, ethnicity, year of diagnosis and follow up time.

Results
Among 33 284 primary invasive and 27 978 primary in situ melanoma patients, median follow up time was 5.5 and 5.7 years, respectively. A subsequent invasive melanoma developed in 1777 (5%) of the invasive and 1469 (5%) of the in situ cohort, with the same median interval (2.5 years) from initial to first subsequent lesion in both cohorts. The cumulative incidence of subsequent invasive melanoma at 5 years was similar in the two cohorts (invasive 4.2%, in situ 3.8%); the cumulative incidence increased linearly over time in both cohorts. The risk of subsequent invasive melanoma was marginally higher for primary invasive compared to in situ melanoma after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity and body site of the initial lesion (hazard ratio 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21). Compared to population incidence, the SIR of invasive melanoma was 4.6 (95% CI 4.3–4.9) for the primary invasive and 4 (95% CI 3.7–4.2) for the primary in situ melanoma cohorts.

Conclusions
The risk of subsequent invasive melanoma is similar whether patients present with in situ or invasive melanoma. Thus follow-up surveillance for new lesions should be similar, although patients with invasive melanoma require more surveillance for recurrence.
CoP Nanoparticle Confined in P, N Co‐Doped Porous Carbon Anchored on P‐Doped Carbonized Wood Fibers with Tailored Electronic Structure for Efficient Urea Electro‐Oxidation
Authors: Kang Jingfei , Yang Fan , Sheng Can , Xu Han , Wang Jiayi , Qing Yan , Wu Yiqiang , Lu Xihong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractElectronic structure optimization and architecture modulation are widely regarded as rational strategies to enhance the electrocatalysts catalytic performance. Herein, a hybridization of ZIF‐67‐derived CoP nanoparticles embedded in P, N co‐doped carbon matrix (PNC) and anchored on P‐doped carbonized wood fibers (PCWF) is constructed using a simple simultaneous phosphorization and carbonization strategy. Benefiting from the optimized surface/interface electronic structures, abundant exposed active sites, and outstanding conductivity, the CoP@PNC/PCWF can drive the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) with greater activity and better stability than most recently reported electrocatalysts, in which a potential as low as 1.32 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) is needed to reach 50 mA cm‐2 and shows excellent durability. Furthermore, for overall urea splitting, using the CoP@PNC/PCWF electrocatalyst as the anode and commercial Pt/C supported on nickel foam as the cathode, an ultralow cell voltage of 1.50 V (vs RHE) is expected to achieve the 50 mA cm‐2 and operate continuously for more than 50 h at 20 mA cm‐2. The reported strategy may shed light on the use of renewable resources to design and synthesize high‐performance non‐Ni‐based phosphides UOR electrocatalysts for energy‐saving H2 production.
CNT‐Strung LiMn2O4 for Lithium Extraction with High Selectivity and Stability
Authors: Shang Xiaohong , Liu Jianyun , Hu Bin , Nie Pengfei , Yang Jianmao , Zhang Boshuang , Wang Yiwen , Zhan Fei , Qiu Jieshan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLiMn2O4 is of great potential for selectively extracting Li+ from brines and seawater, yet its application is hindered by its poor cycle stability and conductivity. Herein a two‐step strategy to fabricate highly conductive and stable CNT‐strung LiMn2O4 (CNT‐s‐LMO) is reported, by first stringing Mn3O4 particles with multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT), then converting the hybrids into CNT‐s‐LMO through hydrothermal lithiation. The as‐synthesized CNT‐s‐LMO materials have a net‐like structure with CNTs threading through LMO particles. This unique structure has endowed the CNT‐s‐LMO electrode with excellent conductivity, high specific capacitance, and enhanced rate performance. Because of this, the CNT‐s‐LMO electrode in the hybrid capacitive deionization cell (HCDI) can deliver a high Li+ extraction percentage (≈84%) in brine and an outstanding lithium selectivity with a separation factor of ≈181 at the Mg2+/Li+ molar ratio of 60. Significantly, the CNT‐s‐LMO‐based HCDI cell has a high stability, evidenced by 90% capacity retention and negligible Mn loss in 100 cycles. This method has paved a new way to fabricate carbon‐enabled LMO‐based absorbents with tuned structure and superior capacity for electrochemical lithium extraction with high Li+ selectivity and exceptional cycling stability, which may help to tackle the shortage in supply of Li‐ion batteries in industry in the future.
Interface science in polymer‐based composite solid electrolytes in lithium metal batteries
Authors: Wu Lingqiao , Wang Yongtao , Guo Xianwei , Ding Peipei , Lin Zhiyuan , Yu Haijun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSolid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the most promising energy storage systems owing to their high safety and energy density. Solid electrolytes, particularly polymer‐based composite solid electrolytes (CSEs), are considered promising electrolyte candidates for SSLMBs. However, their wide application is inhibited by various electrochemical issues, such as low ionic conductivity, the growth of lithium dendrites, and poor cycling stability, which are related to interface issues within SSLMBs. In this review, the parameters related to various interfaces in the CSE of SSLMBs, including the interfaces between the polymer matrix and inorganic fillers, between the CSEs and the cathode, and between the CSEs and the lithium metal anode, are examined. Relevant issues and corresponding remediation strategies are proposed. Finally, future perspectives based on interfacial engineering and the characterization of polymer/inorganic filler interactions are proposed for building high‐performance CSEs for use in SSLMBs.
Generation of Chemobrionic Jellyfish‐Like Structures That Mechanically Divide and Exhibit Biomimetic “Symbiosis”
Authors: Angelis Georgios , Katsanou Maria‐Eleni , Giannopoulos‐Dimitriou Alexandros , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Pampalakis Georgios 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAddition of CaCl2into a highly alkaline phosphate buffer results in the generation of submerged transparent chemobrionic bubbles mimicking jellyfish that are stable and malleable. A compartmentalized O2‐generating reaction triggered the growth of regular vertical chemical gardens from the bubble through a gas micro‐rocket propelled mechanism. The bubbles can mechanically separate to yield two daughter bubbles in a process reminiscent of cytokinesis or natural jellyfish regeneration, and then re‐grow through new injection of CaCl2. Finally, loading ofE. colibacteria genetically engineered to exert green fluorescence inside the bubbles was demonstrated in a biomimetic analogue of “symbiosis”.
Use of a human wrist blood pressure monitor for arterial blood pressure measurements in normotensive conscious dogs in comparison to veterinary high‐definition oscillometry
Authors: Martinelli Elisa , Ferriani Riccardo , Zanaboni Annamaria , Toschi Corneliani Roberto , Locatelli Chiara 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe gold standard in canine blood pressure (BP) measurement is the invasive method; however, non‐invasive blood pressure measurement techniques (NIBP) are more commonly used. The lack of small, lightweight, cheap, fast and portable NIBP still remains a point to improve in the emergency setting.Key FindingsA human wrist blood pressure (WBP) device was evaluated in comparison with the veterinary high‐definition oscillometry (HDO) in conscious normotensive dogs. Systolic and diastolic BPs were evaluated in two groups of dogs. The bias, the limits of agreement and correlation between variables were calculated. Twenty‐five and 36 dogs were, respectively, included in Study No. 1 (dogs weighting ≥10 kg) and 2 (dogs weighting ≥20 kg). In both studies, correlation between the two devices was moderate. A better agreement was displayed for diastolic pressure and poor precision for both systolic and diastolic pressures measurements (as determined by wide limits of agreement). The WBP method underestimated both the systolic and diastolic BP with respect to the HDO method. The inclusion of bigger dogs (Study No. 2) with limb circumference more like to human limb dimension did not improve the agreement between considered methods.SignificanceThe human WBP monitor considered is not suitable to replace the commonly used veterinary HDO for in‐clinic BP monitoring in normotensive conscious dogs.
Metabolic bone disease in a white‐faced saki (Pithecia pithecia)
Authors: Minich David J. , Henry Barbara A. , Levens Gregory P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNon‐human New World primates are recognized as particularly susceptible to metabolic bone disease. Improper UV light exposure and/or insufficient dietary levels of vitamin D can lead to poor bone development and skeletal mineralization deficits. This report documents the clinical progression of rickets, a type of metabolic bone disease, in a white‐faced saki (Pithecia pithecia), presenting the first documented case, to our knowledge, of this condition in this primate species. Because inconsistent feeding habits and seasonality are believed to have contributed to the development of rickets in this individual, adequate UV light exposure and adequate levels of dietary vitamin D are important considerations for individuals housed indoors and during periods of growth, ensuring adequate calcium regulation and prevention of sequela associated with low calcium and vitamin D levels. Through a multi‐faceted approach targeting medical, dietary, and husbandry changes, primate species exhibiting signs of metabolic bone diseases can be successfully managed to allow for a good quality of life.
Cutaneous mastocytosis in a dog
Authors: Ramos Sofia Chichorro , Macfarlane Michael John 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is a rare disease of dogs. A 1‐year‐old neutered female crossbreed dog was presented with multiple cutaneous non‐pigmented papules. Cytological and histological examination of the lesions revealed well‐differentiated mast cells (MC). Clinical staging revealed that the disease was confined to the skin. A diagnosis of CM‐like disease was confirmed. The clinical findings of this case and treatment are discussed.
Machine intelligence in dynamical systems: \A state‐of‐art review
Authors: Sahoo Arup Kumar , Chakraverty Snehashish 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article is dedicated to study the impact of machine intelligence (MI) methods viz. various types of Neural models for investigating dynamical systems arising in interdisciplinary areas. Different types of artificial neural network (ANN) methods, viz., recurrent neural network, functional‐link neural network, convolutional neural network, symplectic artificial neural network, genetic algorithm neural network, and so on, are addressed by different researchers to investigate these problems. Although various traditional methods have been developed by researchers to solve these dynamical problems but the existing traditional methods may sometimes be problem dependent, require repetitions of the simulations, and fail to solve nonlinearity behavior. In this regard, neural network model based methods are more general and solutions are continuous over the given domain of integration, self‐adaptive and can be used as a black box. As such, in this article, we have reviewed and analyzed different MI methods, which are applied to investigate these problems.This article is categorized under:
Technologies > Computational Intelligence
Technologies > Machine Learning
Application Areas > Science and Technology