Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards real-time photon Monte Carlo dose calculation in the cloud

Near real-time application of Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation in clinic and research is hindered by the long computational runtimes of established software. Currently, fast MC software solutions are available utilising accelerators such as graphical processing units (GPUs) or clusters based on central processing units (CPUs). Both platforms are expensive in terms of purchase costs and maintenance and, in case of the GPU, provide only limited scalability. In this work we propose a cloud-based MC solution, which offers high scalability of accurate photon dose calculations. The MC simulations run on a private virtual supercomputer that is formed in the cloud. Computational resources can be provisioned dynamically at low cost without upfront investment in expensive hardware. A client-server software solution has been developed which controls the simulations and transports data to and from the cloud efficiently and securely. The client application integrates seamlessly into a treatment planning system. It runs the MC simulation workflow automatically and securely exchanges simulation data with the server side application that controls the virtual supercomputer. Advanced encryption standards were used to add an additional security layer, which encrypts and decrypts patient data on-the-fly at the processor register level. We could show that our cloud-based MC framework enables near real-time dose computation. It delivers excellent linear scaling for high-resolution datasets with absolute runtimes of 1.1 seconds to 10.9 seconds for simulating a clinical prostate and liver case up to 1% statistical uncertainty. The computation runtimes include the transportation of data to and from the cloud as well as process scheduling and synchronisation overhead. Cloud-based MC simulations offer a fast, affordable and easily accessible alternative for near real-time accurate dose calculations to currently used GPU or cluster solutions.
J an 2 01 7 Conformal and projective symmetries in Newtonian cosmology

Definitions of non-relativistic conformal transformations are considered both in the Newton-Cartan and in the Kaluza-Klein-type Eisenhart/Bargmann geometrical frameworks. The symmetry groups that come into play are exemplified by the cosmological, and also the Newton-Hooke solutions of Newton’s gravitational field equations. It is shown, in particular, that the maximal symmetry group of the standard cosmological model is isomorphic to the 13-dimensional conformalNewton-Cartan group whose conformal-Bargmann extension is explicitly worked out. Attention is drawn to the appearance of independent space and time dilations, in contrast with the Schrödinger group or the Conformal Galilei Algebra. duval@cpt.univ-mrs.fr G.W. Gibbons@damtp.cam. ac.uk horvathy@lmpt.univ-tours.fr
Wear resistance of cast irons used in brake disc rotors

The wear resistance of three different types of gray cast iron (gray iron grade 250, high-carbon gray iron and titanium alloyed gray iron), used in brake disc rotors, was studied and compared with the results obtained with a compact graphite iron (CGI). The wear tests were carried out in a pin-on-disc wear-testing machine, the pin being manufactured from friction material usually used in light truck brake pads. The rotating discs (500 rpm) were subjected to cyclical pressures of 0.7, 2 and 4 MPa and forced cooled. The wear was measured by weighing discs and pads before and after the test. The operating temperatures and friction forces were also monitored during each test. The results showed that compact graphite iron reached higher maximum temperatures and friction forces as well as greater mass losses than the three gray irons at any pressure applied. However, when compact graphite iron was tested with lower applied pressures and same friction forces sustained by the gray iron rotors, CGI presented the same performance, as did the gray cast iron. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Sensitivity to stress among the offspring of parents with bipolar disorder: a study of daytime cortisol levels

Background It is well known that the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is compromised in major depression and bipolar disorder. There is increasing evidence that subtle HPA abnormalities, such as elevated cortisol levels, precede the development of an affective disorder. Interpersonal stress is also associated with the development of affective disorders. The present study sought to determine whether interpersonal chronic and episodic stress moderated the relationship between cortisol levels in the natural environment and risk status, defined as having a parent with bipolar disorder. Method Sixty-two offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (OBD) and 60 offspring with no family history of affective disorders (OFH−), aged 19.48 years (s.d.=3.38, range 14–28), completed interviews assessing mental disorders and chronic and episodic stress, and provided saliva samples over 3 days. Results Regression analyses revealed that the OBD who experienced high interpersonal chronic stress displayed a larger cortisol rise following awakening than the OBD reporting low interpersonal chronic stress. The same relationship was also found for levels of non-interpersonal chronic stress. The OBD who reported experiencing severe interpersonal episodic stress exhibited higher levels of daytime cortisol than the OBD reporting interpersonal episodic stress of mild severity. Importantly, none of the above relationships were detected in the OFH−. Each of the interactions between family history of affective disorders and stress remained after controlling for age, gender and offspring lifetime affective disorders and current non-affective disorders. Conclusions A biological sensitivity to stress may underlie the susceptibility to affective disorders among the OBD.
Hypothyroxinemia induced by maternal mild iodine deficiency impairs hippocampal myelinated growth in lactational rats

Hypothyroxinemia induced by maternal mild iodine deficiency causes neurological deficits and impairments of brain function in offspring. Hypothyroxinemia is prevalent in developing and developed countries alike. However, the mechanism underlying these deficits remains less well known. Given that the myelin plays an important role in learning and memory function, we hypothesize that hippocampal myelinated growth may be impaired in rat offspring exposed to hypothyroxinemia induced by maternal mild iodine deficiency. To test this hypothesis, the female Wistar rats were used and four experimental groups were prepared: (1) control; (2) maternal mild iodine deficiency diet inducing hypothyroxinemia; (3) hypothyroidism induced by maternal severe iodine deficiency diet; (4) hypothyroidism induced by maternal methimazole water. The rats were fed the diet from 3 months before pregnancy to the end of lactation. Our results showed that the physiological changes occuring in the hippocampal myelin were altered in the mild iodine deficiency group as indicated by the results of immunofluorescence of myelin basic proteins on postnatal day 14 and postnatal day 21. Moreover, hypothyroxinemia reduced the expressions of oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 and myelin‐related proteins in the treatments on postnatal day 14 and postnatal day 21. Our data suggested that hypothyroxinemia induced by maternal mild iodine deficiency may impair myelinated growth of the offspring. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1264–1274, 2015.
An epidemiologic model to project the impact of changes in glomerular filtration rate on quality of life and survival among persons with chronic kidney disease

Purpose Predicting the timing and number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cases from a population of individuals with pre-ESRD chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not previously been reported. The objective is to predict the timing and number of cases of ESRD occurring over the lifetime of a cohort of hypothetical CKD patients in the US based on a range of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values and varying rates of eGFR decline. Methods A three-state Markov model – functioning kidney, ESRD, and death – with an annual cycle length is used to project changes in baseline eGFR on long-term health outcomes in a hypothetical cohort of CKD patients. Using published eGFR-specific risk equations and adjusting for predictive characteristics, the probability of ESRD (eGFR <10), time to death, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for hypothetical treatments (costing US$10, $5, and $2/day), are projected over the cohort’s lifetime under two scenarios: an acute drop in eGFR (mimicking acute kidney injury) and a reduced hazard ratio for ESRD (mimicking an effective intervention). Results Among CKD patients aged 50 years, an acute eGFR decrement from 45 mL/minute to 35 mL/minute yields decreases of 1.6 life-years, 1.5 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), 0.8 years until ESRD, and an increase of 183 per 1,000 progressing to ESRD. Among CKD patients aged 60 years, lowering the hazard ratio of ESRD to 0.8 yields values of 0.2, 0.2, 0.2, and 46 per 1,000, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios are higher (ie, less favorable) for higher baseline eGFR, indicating that interventions occurring later in the course of disease are more likely to be economically attractive. Conclusion Both acute kidney injury and slowing the rate of eGFR decline produce substantial shifts in expected numbers and timing of ESRD among CKD patients. This model is a useful tool for planning management of CKD patients.
Correlates of fruit and vegetable intake among Norwegian schoolchildren: parental and self-reports

Abstract Objectives: To identify correlates of 6th and 7th graders' (age 10–12 years) fruit and vegetable intake, to investigate parent–child correlations of fruit and vegetable intake, and to compare parents' and children's reports of children's accessibility, skills and preferences with respect to fruit and vegetables. Design: The results presented are based on the baseline survey of the ‘Fruits and Vegetables Make the Marks Project’, where 38 schools participated. Setting: Fruit and vegetable intake was measured by food frequency questions. Theoretical factors, based on Social Cognitive Theory, potentially correlated to intake were measured, including behavioural skills, accessibility, modelling, intention, preferences, self-efficacy and awareness of 5-a-day recommendations. Subjects: In total, 1950 (participation rate 85%) 6th and 7th graders and 1647 of their parents participated. Results: Overall, 34% of the variance in the pupils' reported fruit and vegetable intake was explained by the measured factors. The strongest correlates to fruit and vegetable intake were preferences and accessibility. The correlation between the children's and their parents' fruit and vegetable intake was 0.23. The parents perceived their children's accessibility to be better than what was reported by the children (P<0.01), while the children reported their skills to be better than what was perceived by their parents (P<0.01). Conclusion: The results from this study clearly point to a need for nutrition interventions aimed at parents. An important next step will be to investigate whether the identified correlates predict future fruit and vegetable intake, and whether they mediate any changes in intake in an intervention study.
Earnings and the Value of Voting Rights

We examine the impact of earnings announcements on the value of shareholder voting rights (i.e., voting premium) estimated using a new technique that exploits option prices. We find voting premium is negatively related to earnings surprises. This relation is primarily driven by unfavorable earnings surprises, strengthened in the presence of impending shareholder meetings, and attenuated when managerial incentives are aligned with shareholders. Variation in voting premium around earnings announcements predicts future exercises of control rights in firms, such as CEO turnovers, takeovers, and corporate restructurings. Our results highlight a strong link between control rights and information disseminated in earnings announcements.
11748 - Análise da diversidade de variedades locais de arroz de sequeiro do Oeste de Santa Catarina

Dezessete variedades locais de arroz de sequeiro conservadas por agricultores familiares do Oeste de Santa Catarina foram avaliadas em Guaraciaba-SC, Brasil. As variedades locais analisadas mostraram ampla diversidade para um conjunto de caracteres morfologicos, fenologicos e agronomicos. Dentre as mais promissoras, destaca-se um grupo com elevado potencial para uso comercial e outro com valores particulares para ser usado como fonte de genes em programas de melhoramento participativo.
Building Empowering Work Environments That Foster Civility And Organizational Trust: Testing an Intervention

Background:Creating supportive and empowering workplace conditions is important, not only because these conditions are related to improved nurse health and well-being but also because they are important for retaining top performing nurses. The current nursing shortage emphasizes the need to create such conditions. Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a workplace intervention (Civility, Respect, and Engagement in the Workplace [CREW]) on nurses’ empowerment, experiences of supervisor and coworker incivility, and trust in nursing management. Methods:Registered nurses (Time 1, n = 755; Time 2, n = 573) working in 41 units across five hospitals in two provinces completed measures of workplace empowerment, supervisor and coworker incivility, and trust in management before and after a 6-month intervention. Eight units participated in the intervention, and 33 units were control groups. Multilevel modeling was used to test the impact of the intervention. Results:A significant interaction of time by intervention was found for the access to support and resources empowerment structures, total empowerment, supervisor incivility, and trust in management. Discussion:Compared with the control group, nurses who experienced the intervention program reported significant improvements in empowerment, supervisor incivility, and trust in management. Despite methodological challenges experienced in this study, the CREW process appears to be a promising intervention approach to enhance quality of nursing work environments, which may contribute to the retention of the nursing workforce.
The effects of prolonged CO2 insufflation on kidney function in a rat pneumoperitoneum model

Introduction Pneumoperitoneum (PP) is known to cause ischemia in kidneys and other intra-abdominal organs because of decreased splanchnic blood flow. Aim We aimed to determine the degree of renal injury that occurs due to a PP and prolonged PP. We measured renal injury biomarkers and made a histopathological evaluation to estimate the degree of injury and assessed the correlation of biomarkers with histopathological findings. Material and methods Twenty-one female Sprague Dawley rats were separated randomly into three groups. Group 1 was the control group and was given anesthesia for 3 h. In group 2, a PP was administered under anesthesia for 1 h. A pneumoperitoneum was administered under anesthesia to animals in group 3 for 3 h. Results Pathological analysis showed a significant statistical difference between the 3 groups. In particular, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C (Cys C) levels at the 24th h and preoperative mean urea levels showed a significant difference between the groups. The 24th-hour NGAL level in group 3 was significantly higher than that of group 1. The preoperative Cys C level was higher in group 1 than in either group 2 or 3. Cys C was decreased significantly in group 1 and increased significantly in both groups 2 and 3. Conclusions The increase in NGAL and Cys C levels directly correlated with the duration of PP and intra-abdominal pressure, and they are therefore good biomarkers in diagnosing acute renal injury in the early phase. Serum creatinine level is not a good biomarker in the early phase of renal injury.
Experiences of Young Parents with Perinatally Acquired HIV

Abstract This research explores the perceptions of adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) as they transition into parenthood. We conducted hour‐long, semistructured audio‐recorded interviews with a purposive sample of 17 AYA parents with PHIV who were current or former patients at two US pediatric/adolescent infectious diseases clinics. Participants were asked about challenges/rewards of parenting and anticipated future fertility desires/intentions. Analysis of the transcribed interviews was guided by grounded theory. Mean age of participants was 22 years. The majority were African American (n = 8) or Hispanic (n = 6) and female (n = 14). Two participants were pregnant and others had a range of 1‐3 children (mean = 1.4), one of whom was HIV positive. Analyses revealed that time with their child was a valuable commodity. Participants expressed concerns about not “being there” for their child due to sickness and worries that their child may experience HIV‐related discrimination once a parent's HIV status was disclosed. The importance of being a role model and present in their child's life over time was emphasized and served as motivation to pursue education and employment opportunities. Those parents who intended to have another child were motivated by a strong desire to create a legacy and a family of their own as a way to deal with HIV‐related losses and stigma. Participants reported the importance of emotional support offered by providers, as well as concrete social services available in that care setting even if they had transitioned to adult care. AYA also expressed parenting rewards/challenges similar to those of their uninfected peers. As youth with PHIV continue to mature, increasing numbers will become parents. It is incumbent upon both pediatric and adult providers to support newly formed families living in the context of intergenerational HIV infection.
Insights into cardiac involvement in ankylosing spondylitis from cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Objective To evaluate cardiac involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods Patients with ankylosing spondylitis without cardiovascular symptoms or known cardiovascular disease were screened by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for participation in this exploratory CMR study. We prospectively enrolled 15 ankylosing spondylitis patients with an abnormal TTE for further tissue characterisation using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping. T1 mapping was used to calculate myocardial extracellular volume (ECV). Disease activity was assessed by C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements. Results In the total of 15 included patients, 14 had a complete CMR exam (mean age 62 years, 93% male and mean disease duration 21 years). Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction was the most common finding on TTE (79%), followed by aortic root dilatation (14%), right ventricular (RV) dilatation (7%) and RV dysfunction (7%). CMR revealed focal hyperenhancement in three patients (21%), all with a particular pattern of enhancement. LV dysfunction, as defined by a LV ejection fraction below 55%, was observed in five patients (36%). Myocardial ECV was correlated with the CRP concentration (R=0.78, p<0.01) and ESR level (RS=0.73, p<0.01). Conclusions In patients with ankylosing spondylitis, CMR with cine imaging and LGE identified global LV dysfunction and focal areas of hyperenhancement. Myocardial ECV, quantified by CMR T1 mapping, was associated with the degree of disease activity. These results may suggest the presence of cardiac involvement in ankylosing spondylitis and may show the potential of ECV as a marker for disease monitoring.
Optimization of the Extraction in solid phase of Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Drinking Water , Using Graphitized Carbon Black Cartridges

The aim of this work was to optimize an analytical method to determine residues of 21 organophosphorus pesticides of different polarities in drinking water using graphitized carbon black extraction cartridges liquid-solid and gas chromatography. The extraction was performed passing 100 mL of sample at 5 mL/min through 250 mg black graphitized carbon previously conditioned. The elution was carried out with 2 x 0,5 mL of acetone (80:20) and 2 x 2,5 mL of ethyl acetate/acetone (80:20) in a normal position. The cartridge was then inverted and 2 x 2,5 mL of ethyl acetate/acetone (80:20) was added. The extracts were dried with Na2SO4 anhydrous, concentrated with nitrogen to 1 mL, triphenylphosphate was added as internal standard. Afterward, 1 mL of this was injected into Perkin Elmer chromatograph using nitrogen-phosphorus detector. At a concentration levels between 5mg/L to 100 mg/L the recovery percentages oscillated amid 2% and 104%, with variation coefficients between 1,66 and 8,25 %, recovering 17 of 21 pesticides. These results indicate that the liquid-solid extraction using black graphitized carbon cartridges is efficient and reproducible for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides in drinking water.
Characterizing knowledge management in the small business environment

Most of the literature on knowledge management (KM) and its application has, until recently, been centered on large organizations. Pertinent issues in small businesses have to a large extent been neglected. However, small businesses do not necessarily share the same characteristics and ideals as large ones. There are certain unique features of small businesses that need to be understood before KM is implemented in their environment. This paper aims to redress some of this imbalance in the literature by putting KM into the context of small businesses. It looks at their characteristics, their advantages and disadvantages, their strengths and weaknesses, and their key problems and issues, all associated with KM. Recognition of all these elements is crucial in order to provide a well‐suited KM approach for small businesses. The paper culminates with recommendations that will provide important insights to help them accomplish this.
Long-term sealing ability of Pulp Canal Sealer, AH-Plus, GuttaFlow and Epiphany.

AIM To evaluate the long-term sealing ability of four contemporary endodontic sealers [Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS), AH-Plus, GuttaFlow and Epiphany] using a fluid filtration technique. METHODOLOGY The palatal roots of 40 human maxillary molar teeth were selected and the root canal was prepared using a crown-down technique (apical size 40, 6% taper). Roots were irrigated with 3% NaOCl, 17% EDTA solution and rinsed with distilled water. Canals were filled with either PCS, AH-Plus, GuttaFlow or Epiphany using a single-cone technique (n = 8). Twenty-four hours after filling, the roots were connected to an automatic flow-recording device (Flodec System) filled with double-distilled water under pressure (0.2 bar) to measure leakage. Flow rates were assessed at 6, 12 or 24-h and after 1-year of storage. RESULTS None of the materials fully prevented fluid flow. Fluid flow decreased after 6 h and decreased further after 12 h. After 24 h, PCS and AH-Plus allowed significantly more fluid flow than GuttaFlow and Epiphany. After 1 year, PCS allowed significantly more fluid flow than the other materials. No significant changes in leakage occurred between 24 h and 1 year. CONCLUSIONS GuttaFlow and Epiphany allowed less fluid movement along filled straight roots.