Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical characteristics of photon and electron beams from a radiotherapy accelerator

Introduction: Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. The radiation may be delivered by a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (brachytherapy). Many types of external-beam radiation therapy are delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator (also called a LINAC). The process of commissioning a linac for clinical use includes comprehensive measurements of dosimetric parameters that are necessary to validate the treatment planning systems used to select optimal radiation modality and treatment technique for individual patients. In the present study, clinically pertinent data for both the available photon and electron energies were investigated. Methods: For making measurements in water, a three dimensional radiation field analyzer RFA-300 (Scanditronix Wellhofer) and for absolute dosimetry and other measurements like relative output factors, wedge factors etc., a DOSE1 electrometer (Scanditronix Wellhofer) in a white polystyrene were employed. Results: The percentage depth dose data, wedge factors, output factors and cross beam profiles have been measured and compared with the other studies for photon beams and isodose plots, virtual source to surface distance, uniformity index for electron beams. Conclusion: All these measured data were utilized as input to the ECLIPSE treatment planning system for further clinical use. The characteristics of the electron beams are found to follow the trends experimentally observed by others, generally found to be different from the others theoretically predicted and depend on the model of the machine.
Contribution of animal models to the understanding of the metabolic syndrome: a systematic overview

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most important challenges to public health and biomedical research. Animal models of MetS, such as leptin‐deficient obese mice, obese spontaneously hypertensive rats, JCR: LA‐cp rats and the Ossabaw and Göttingen minipigs, have contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiological basis and the development of novel therapies. For a complex disease syndrome, no animal model can be expected to serve all needs of research. Although each animal model has limitations and strengths, used together in a complementary fashion, they are essential for research on the MetS and for rapid progress in understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis towards a cure. The purpose of this review is to assess how current animal models contributed to our knowledge of the human MetS, and to systematically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the currently available 78 animal models from 11 species.
Impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on reproductive tract infections during reproductive age group (18-45) years

Introduction: The Aims of this study were to identify the prevalence of reproductive tract infection in married women of reproductive age group (18-45 years), to analyse the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on reproductive tract infections, to treat the underlying cause. Materials and Methods: Total of 500 women were examined, out of those 300 women was found to have reproductive tract infections and were enrolled for further study and evaluation. Appropriate antibiotics were given to them and then followed. Results: The study results showed a high prevalence of RTI (60%). The highest prevalence was found among the age group between 26-29years followed by 30-33years and 34-37 years. The most affected women were from rural population (80%), low socioeconomic group (63.4%) and illiterate (59%). Conclusion: The present study showed high prevalence of RTI. It needs further depth study on their literacy and economic factors to evaluate and analyse the impact of these factors on reproductive tract infections. Keywords: Reproductive tract infection, Socioeconomic, Demographic, Symptoms.
Fuzzy Logic Adaptive Online Optimization of Sliding Mode Control with Boundary Layer Self-tuning

In this paper, we present a fuzzy logic adaptive online optimization method with a sliding mode control (SMC) and boundary layer self-tuning based on an approximate mode for nonlinear discrete systems. First, parameters of the sliding mode boundary layer are made with online adjustments through some adaptive law to get smooth sliding mode control. Second, a fuzzy logic system whose structure and rules take online optimization is applied to equivalent SMC with the boundary layer self-tuning, which includes the improvement of a cluster-learning algorithm. Simulation results have proved the correctness and superiority of the proposed online optimization method for the fuzzy logic system.
Multivariate Analysis of Crime Data using Spatial Outlier Detection Algorithm

: A spatial outlier is a spatially referenced object whose non spatial attribute value is signiﬁcantly different from the corresponding values in its spatial neighbourhood. In other words, a spatial outlier is a local instability, or an extreme observation which deviates signiﬁcantly in its spatial neighbourhood, but may not be in the entire data set. In this paper, we have applied the well-known mean algorithm for detecting spatial outliers in the multiple attributes state wise crime data and predicted which states need more attention from the government so as to reduce crimes there. We have also done regression analysis between the populations of age group 15-19 years and separately for population of age 15 years with the crimes data of all states.
THE ABDUS SALAM INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS CALIBRATED GEOMETRIES AND NON PERTURBATIVE SUPERPOTENTIALS IN M-THEORY

We consider non perturbative effects in M-theory compactifications on a seven-manifold of G2 holonomy arising from membranes wrapped on supersymmetric three-cycles. When membranes are wrapped on associative submanifolds they induce a superpotential that can be calculated using calibrated geometry. This superpotential is also derived from compactification on a sevenmanifold, to four dimensional Anti-de Sitter spacetime, of eleven dimensional supergravity with non vanishing expectation value of the four-form field strength. MIRAMARE TRIESTE December 1999 E-mail: rafa@ictp.trieste. it
Practical security of continuous-variable quantum key distribution under finite-dimensional effect of multi-dimensional reconciliation

The well-known multi-dimensional reconciliation is an effective method used in the continuous-variable quantum key distribution in the long-distance and the low signal-to-noise-ratio scenarios. The virtual channel employed to exchange data is generally established by using a finite-dimensional rotation in the reconciliation procedure. In this paper, we found that the finite dimension of the multi-dimensional reconciliation inevitably leads to the mismatch of the signal-to-noise-ratio between the quantum channel and the virtual channel, which may be called the finite-dimension effect. Such an effect results in an overestimation on the secret key rate, and subsequently induces vital practical security loopholes.
Fast Cylindrical Fitting Method Using Point Cloud’s Normals Estimation

Cylindrical fitting is an essential step in Large Process Pipeline’s measurement process, and precision of initial values of cylindrical fitting is a key element in getting a correct fitting result. In order to get well initial values, covariance matrixes of all points in cylinder’s three-dimensional laser scanning point cloud should be firstly established to estimate normals of all points, and then cylinder’s axis vector can be calculated by using least squares method. Secondly, remaining parameters’ initial values of the cylinder can be got by coordinate transformation. Finally, Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used in iterative optimization process to get fitting result by using the above values as initial values. Experiments demonstrate that this method can get precise initial values of cylindrical fitting and improve the accuracy and speed of cylindrical fitting.
Quasi-Static Fluid-Structure Interactions Based on a Geometric Description of Fluids

This thesis deals with the description of quasi-static fluid-structure interactions. Regarding an efficient computation of such kind of problems all relevant properties of the fluid, such as density, pressure or fluid level, will be captured using only the geometry of the surrounding wetted structure. This allows an analytical description of the fluid, with its strain energy implemented in a volume-dependent energetic equivalent loading acting on the structure. Thus, for the description of the interaction of the structure and the fluid only the structural geometry is necessary. Apart from providing the thermodynamical fundamentals a special focus of this work is on the geometrical capturing of all energetic terms (including the height of the fluid level and a possible overpressure) describing the state of equilibrium only in terms of the surrounding wetted structure. After a consistent linearization of the equations and their discretization with finite element mapping functions, several solution schemes for this kind of equations will be discussed. Further, the influence of such volume-dependent pressure loadings on the structural stability is investigated. Some practical examples covering the fields of hydraulic engineering, metal sheet forming and ship building complete this work. Although a reduction of the fluid – where the inner state variables are generally field quantities – to a single phase system with position-invariant state variables restricts the consideration to quasi-static applications, however, in the last numerical example the transition to acoustics is presented, in order to expand the applicability of the algorithms derived in this work.
Article (refereed) - postprint

The importance of managing land to optimise carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation is widely recognised, with grasslands being identified as having the potential to sequester additional carbon. However, most soil carbon inventories only consider surface soils, and most large scale surveys group ecosystems into broad habitats without considering management intensity. Consequently, little is known about the quantity of deep soil carbon and its sensitivity to management. From a nationwide survey of grassland soils to 1 m depth, we show that carbon in grasslands soils is vulnerable to management and that these management effects can be detected to considerable depth down the soil profile, albeit at decreasing significance with depth. Carbon concentrations in soil decreased as management intensity increased, but greatest soil carbon stocks (accounting for bulk density differences), were at intermediate levels of management. Our study also highlights the considerable amounts of carbon in sub-surface soil below 30cm, which is missed by standard carbon inventories. We estimate grassland soil carbon in Great Britain to be 2097 Tg C to a depth of 1 m, with ~60% of this carbon being below 30cm. Total stocks of soil carbon (t ha -1 ) to 1 m depth were 10.7% greater at intermediate relative to intensive management, which equates to 10.1 t ha -1 in surface soils (0-30 cm), and 13.7 t ha -1 in soils from 30-100 cm depth. Our findings highlight the existence of substantial carbon stocks at depth in grassland soils that are sensitive to management. This is of high relevance globally, given the extent of land cover and large stocks of carbon held in temperate managed grasslands. Our findings have implications for the future management of grasslands for carbon storage and climate
Optimizing the Patient-Centered Environment

Objective: To examine providers’ perspectives on the care environment and patient-centered care (PCC) through the eyes of the veteran patient, using guided tours qualitative methodology. Background: Environmental factors, such as attractiveness and function, have the potential to improve patients’ experiences. Participatory qualitative methods allow researchers to explore the environment and facilitate discussion. Methods: Guided tours were conducted with 25 health care providers/employees at two Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities. In guided tours, participants lead the researcher through an environment, commenting on their surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. The researcher walks along with the participant, asking open-ended questions as needed to foster discussion and gain an understanding of the participant’s view. Participants were asked to walk through the facility as though they were a veteran. Tours were audio recorded, with participant permission, and transcribed verbatim by research assistants. Three qualitative researchers were responsible for codebook development and coding transcripts and used data-driven coding approaches. Results: Participants discussed physical appearance of the environment and how that influences perceptions about care. Overall, participants highlighted the need to shed the “institutional” appearance. Differences between VA and non-VA health care facilities were discussed, including availability of private rooms and staff to assist with navigating the facility. They reviewed resources in the facility, such as the information desk to assist patients and families. Finally, they offered suggestions for future improvements, including improvements to waiting areas and quiet areas for patients to relax and “get away” from their rooms. Conclusions: Participants highlighted many small changes to the care environment that could enhance the patient experience. Additionally, they examined the environment from the patient's perspective, to identify elements that enhance, or detract from, the patient's care experience.
Fungal Systematics and Evolution

: This study investigated the incidence and diversity of Tolypocladium within trunks of south Florida slash pines ( Pinus densa ). Thirty-five isolates were recovered from trunk tissue including living phloem, cambium, and sapwood. Two novel species of Tolypocladium ( T. subtropicale and T. trecense ) are described here based on morphological and molecular analysis of concatenated LSU, ITS, tef -1, tub , and RPB1 sequences. Our findings expand our understanding of the distribution, diversity, and ecology of this genus and confirm that it is widely spread as an endophyte across ecosystems and hosts. Strains collected in this survey will be used in future bioassays to determine their potential ecological roles as mycoparasites or entomopathogens.
Fungal Systematics and Evolution

: Three new genera, six new species, three combinations, six epitypes, and 25 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera: Neoleptodontidium (based on Neoleptodontidium aquaticum ), and Nothoramularia (based on Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola ). New species: Acremonium aquaticum (from cooling pad water, USA, Cladophialophora laricicola (on dead wood of Larix sp., Netherlands), Cyphellophora neerlandica (on lichen on brick wall, Netherlands), Geonectria muralis (on moss growing on a wall, Netherlands), Harposporium illinoisense (from rockwool, USA), and Neoleptodontidium aquaticum (from hydroponic water, USA). New combinations: Cyphellophora deltoidea (based on Anthopsis deltoidea ), Neoleptodontidium aciculare (based on Leptodontidium aciculare ), and Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola (based on Ramularia ragnhildianicola ). Epitypes: Cephaliophora tropica (from water, USA), Miricatena prunicola (on leaves of Prunus serotina , Netherlands), Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola (on Ragnhildiana ferruginea , parasitic on Artemisia vulgaris , Germany), Phyllosticta multicorniculata (on needles of Abietis balsamea , Canada), Thyronectria caraganae (on twigs of Caragana arborescens , Ukraine), and Trichosphaeria pilosa (on decayed Salix branch, Netherlands). Furthermore, the higher order phylogeny of three genera regarded as incertae sedis is resolved, namely Cephaliophora ( Ascodesmidaceae, Pezizales ), Miricatena ( Helotiales , Leotiomycetes ), and Trichosphaeria ( Trichosphaeriaceae , Trichosphaeriales ), with Trichosphaeriaceae being an older name for Plectosphaerellaceae.
Effects of different bile salts on steady-state mRNA levels and transcriptional activity of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase.

Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the bile acid synthesis pathway, is down-regulated by taurocholate by way of negative feedback control at the level of gene transcription. The molecular basis of regulation of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase by other hydrophobic bile salts and under more physiological conditions is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of regulation of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase by several naturally occurring bile salts in rats with intact enterohepatic circulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed for 14 days normal chow (control), cholestyramine (5% of diet), cholic acid (1%), chenodeoxycholic acid (1%) or deoxycholic acid (0.25%). When rats were killed, livers were harvested and HMG-CoA reductase specific activity and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase specific activities, steady-state mRNA levels and transcriptional activity were determined and compared with those of control rats fed normal chow. Compared with results in paired controls, cholestyramine feeding led to an approximate threefold increase in HMG-CoA reductase specific activity. Feeding of hydrophobic bile salts profoundly decreased the specific activity of HMG-CoA reductase. Cholestyramine led to a three-fold increase in cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase specific activity, steady-state mRNA levels and gene transcriptional activity. The feeding of cholic (1%), chenodeoxycholic (1%) and deoxycholic acid (0.25%) led to significant decreases in cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase specific activities (62%, 84% and 97%, respectively), steady-state mRNA levels (72%, 29% and 61%, respectively) and transcriptional activities (44%, 43% and 54%, respectively). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Other Musculoskeletal Conditions

PLEASE NOTE: Contracts exclude from coverage, among other things, services or procedures that are considered investigational or cosmetic. Providers may bill members for services or procedures that are considered investigational or cosmetic. Providers are encouraged to inform members before rendering such services that the members are likely to be financially responsible for the cost of these services.
Numerical study on an optical waveguide cantilever sensor

Abstract. An optical waveguide cantilever sensor is introduced, which is determined by monitoring the coupling efficiency between a waveguide cantilever and a waveguide receptor through the cantilever bending. A straightforward model is developed for an optical waveguide cantilever sensor, in which the coupling efficiency between the cantilever and receptor is calculated using the overlap integral. An effective index is introduced to analyze the thickness of input/output waveguides and cantilever for a maximum coupling with a fiber keeping the single-mode operation. The relationship of the optical waveguide sensor (cantilever, gap, and output waveguide) and the sensitivity is presented. As a consequence, we take an optical waveguide cantilever sensor structure of Si3N4/SiO2/Si as an example, and an optimized design is reported. Moreover, the analysis model is compared with a finite-difference beam propagation method. The result means that our model has a similar accuracy but is more simple, intuitive, and time-saving.
ACR–NASCI–SPR PRACTICE PARAMETER FOR THE PERFORMANCE AND INTERPRETATION OF CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

Cardiac MRI / 1 The American College of Radiology, with more than 30,000 members, is the principal organization of radiologists, radiation oncologists, and clinical medical physicists in the United States. The College is a nonprofit professional society whose primary purposes are to advance the science of radiology, improve radiologic services to the patient, study the socioeconomic aspects of the practice of radiology, and encourage continuing education for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and persons practicing in allied professional fields.
Ajustement de faisceaux du SLAM revisité en utilisant un capteur RGB-D

Nous presentons dans ce papier une methode qui integre l'information de profondeur fournie par un capteur RGB-D, pour la cartographie et la localisation simultanee ou (Simultanuous Localization And Mapping, SLAM) afin d'ameliorer la precision de la localisation. Nous presentons un nouvel ajustement de faisceaux local qui permet de combiner des donnees ayant une information de profondeur et des donnees visuelles dans une meme fonction de cout totalement exprimee en pixels. L'approche proposee est evaluee sur des sequences de benchmark et comparee aux methodes de l'etat de l'art
Investigation of Moment Method Solutions Based on Impulse Expansion Functions

The Method of Moments (MM) is a numerical method for solving electromagnetic problems. It is popular because of its simplicity and most important because it can give very accurate results [1]. Inclusion of the edge behaviour of the fields in the expansion functions leads to more accurate and fast converging solution [2]. [3] deals with the characterization of an infinite array microstrip elements, and it is shown that a complete set of trigonometric functions which do not enforce the correct edge behaviour slows significantly the rate of solution convergence. The convergence of the MM is closely related to the choice of expansion functions and, although to a lesser extent to the choice of testing functions. Different expansion and test functions were checked during the last years in order to get more accurate and fast converging solutions. Expansion function consideration for the MM using a lot of different models and techniques. In general, expansion functions can be classified into entire domain expansion functions and sub–domain expansion functions (rectangular, triangular, etc). Investigation of MM solutions using impulse function defined in infinite domain is illustrated by solving simple electromagnetic problem for which the analytic solution is known. In this paper we check the efficiency of a MM solution when expansion functions contain impulse functions and obey to known physical behaviour of the fields near the edges of the disk and at infinity. The structure of the paper is as follows: chapter 2 describes the formulation of the problem and includes the analytical solution and the MM solutions. Chapter 3 deals with the selection of the expansion functions and numerical results are presented in chapter 4. The conclusions are discussed in chapter 5.