Background: It is time-consuming for oncologists to delineate volumes for radiotherapy treatment in computer tomography (CT) images. Automatic delineation based on image processing exists, but with varied accuracy and moderate time savings. Using convolutional neural network (CNN), delineations of volumes are faster and more accurate. We have used CTs with the annotated structure sets to train and

In order to reduce cycle-to-cycle combustion phase fluctuations, a new control platform with functions of cylinder pressure acquisition, combustion states feedback, combustion control and engine control is developed. A novel Start of Combustion (SOC) detection algorithm based on the first derivative of the equivalent isentropic index is presented. Both next-cycle and in-cycle SOC control strategie

Background: Arterial haematocrit (Hct) has been shown to decrease after anaesthesia induction, most probably because of an increased plasma volume (PV). The primary objective was to quantify change in PV if mean arterial pressure (MAP) was kept at baseline level or allowed to decrease to 60 mm Hg. Our secondary objective was to evaluate underlying mechanisms of this response. Methods: Twenty-four

Explaining the evolutionary origin and maintenance of color polymorphisms is a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Such polymorphisms are commonly thought to reflect the existence of alternative behavioral or life-history strategies under negative frequency-dependent selection. The European common wall lizard Podarcis muralis exhibits a striking ventral color polymorphism that has been intens

Studies on predatory arthropods in agricultural areas seldom include Diptera other than hoverflies, partly because common sampling methods are less effective for capturing species that easily fly off when disturbed. To study the effect from this bias when describing the predator community, we compared traditional beat sampling of branches and suction sampling for describing the community of predat

The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in psychosocial well-being over time among young adults who participated in a support group after the death of a parent from cancer. Fifty-five young adults, aged 16–28 years, completed questionnaires that measured self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction at three time-points during the first year-and-one-half after the loss. R

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a disease that can have a high impact on quality of life, especially due to itch and skin pain. This paper utilizes expertise from members of the International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD)/Oriented Patient-Education Network in Dermatology (OPENED) task force to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and exacerbating factors of itch and pain in atopic dermatitis.

Purpose: The European Union Driver License Committee recently developed a questionnaire as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) named the European Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening (EUROSAS) questionnaire for drivers. We sought to address the reliability of the Turkish version of this questionnaire. Methods: The EUROSAS was translated into Turkish. Using a “test-retest approach”, dat

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are known to contribute to immune evasion in cancer. However, the function of the human granulocytic (G)-MDSC subset during tumor progression is largely unknown, and there are no established markers for their identification in human tumor specimens. Using gene expression profiling, mass cytometry, and tumor microarrays, we here demonstrate that human G-MDSC

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of three currently available drug coated balloons (DCB) for the treatment of de-novo coronary lesions. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry. Between 2009 and 2017, three currently available DCB brands used in the treatment of de novo lesions were includ

Background: The decision to admit into the hospital from the emergency department (ED) is considered to be important and challenging. The aim was to assess whether previously published results suggesting an association between hospital bed occupancy and likelihood of hospital admission from the ED can be reproduced in a different study population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of attendanc

In this paper, we propose a blind channel deconvolution method based on the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO). Using a Toeplitz structured formulation of the received signal, we form an iterative blind deconvolution scheme, alternatively estimating the underwater impulse response, and alternatively the transmitted waveform. The resulting optimizations are convex, and we formu

The subject of the analysis is constitutional judiciary in Azerbaijan. A thesis is put forward that it played a significant role in preserving the divided power and realizing the constitutional rights and freedoms of an individual.

Objective: Pre-clinical studies have identified marker- and tumor compartment-defined functionally distinct macrophage subsets. Our study analyzes marker-defined macrophage subsets in different tumor compartments of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Methods: A discovery cohort (N = 113) was subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses. CD68-positivity was confirmed for CD11c-, CD80- and

High energy use for space conditioning in residential buildings is a significant economic factor for owners and tenants, but also contributes to resource depletion and carbon emissions due to energy generation. Many existing dwellings should thus be retrofitted in order to fulfil the ambitious EU carbon emission mitigation goals by 2050. To investigate how future climate resilience can be implemen

Understanding about regional versus local changes in vegetation is critical in answering archaeological questions, in particular at a time when humans are assumed to have caused higher disturbances at local scales rather than regional scales; this is the case during the Neolithic. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of Neolithic land use on regional and local vegetation dynamics, plant c

Palaeoecological studies can identify past trends in vegetation communities and processes over long time scales. Pollen, plant macrofossils and charcoalanalyses are used to reconstruct vegetation over the last 6400 years and provide information about former human impact and disturbance regimesin Färnebofjärden National Park, Central Sweden. Three specific conservation planning topics were addresse

This monograph discusses the question of what it is to be a reason – mainly in practical ethics – and proposes an original contribution to metaethics.It critically examines theories of metaethical realism, constructivism and error theory and identifies several misunderstandings or unclarities in contemporary debates. Based on this examination, the book suggests a distinction between a conceptual q

Residual stress has become more important than ever with the increasing performance requirement of components especially for those applied in safety-critical areas. As the machining process is fundamentally correlated with the acquired component properties, it is essential to fully understand the formation mechanism of residual stresses in the cutting process and its influence on the performance o