bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric effects of multileaf collimator leaf width on intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Hong Chae‐Seon , Ju Sang Gyu , Kim Minkyu , Kim Jung‐in , Kim Jin Man , Suh Tae‐Suk , Han Youngyih , Ahn Yong Chan , Choi Doo Ho , Nam Heerim , Park Hee Chul
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

The authors evaluated the effects of multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf width (2.5 vs. 5 mm) on dosimetric parameters and delivery efficiencies of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (H&N) cancers.

Methods:

The authors employed two types of mock phantoms: large‐sized head and neck (LH&N) and small‐sized C‐shape (C‐shape) phantoms. Step‐and‐shoot IMRT (S&S_IMRT) and VMAT treatment plans were designed with 2.5‐ and 5.0‐mm MLC for both C‐shape and LH&N phantoms. Their dosimetric characteristics were compared in terms of the conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) for the planning target volume (PTV), the dose to organs at risk (OARs), and the dose‐spillage volume. To analyze the effects of the field and arc numbers, 9‐field IMRT (9F‐IMRT) and 13‐field IMRT (13F‐IMRT) plans were established for S&S_IMRT. For VMAT, single arc (VMAT1) and double arc (VMAT2) plans were established. For all plans, dosimetric verification was performed using the phantom to examine the relationship between dosimetric errors and the two leaf widths. Delivery efficiency of the two MLCs was compared in terms of beam delivery times, monitor units (MUs) per fraction, and the number of segments for each plan.

Results:

2.5‐mm MLC showed better dosimetric characteristics in S&S_IMRT and VMAT for C‐shape, providing better CI for PTV and lower spinal cord dose and high and intermediate dose‐spillage volume as compared with the 5‐mm MLC (p < 0.05). However, no significant dosimetric benefits were provided by the 2.5‐mm MLC for LH&N (p > 0.05). Further, beam delivery efficiency was not observed to be significantly associated with leaf width for either C‐shape or LH&N. However, MUs per fraction were significantly reduced for the 2.5‐mm MLC for the LH&N. In dosimetric error analysis, absolute dose evaluations had errors of less than 3%, while the Gamma passing rate was greater than 95% according to the 3%/3 mm criteria. There were no significant differences in dosimetric error between the 2.5‐ and 5‐mm MLCs.

Conclusions:

As compared with MLC of 5‐mm leaf widths, MLC with finer leaf width (2.5‐mm) can provide better dosimetric outcomes in IMRT for C‐shape. However, the MLC leaf width may only have minor effects on dosimetric characteristics in IMRT for LH&N. The results of the present study will serve as a useful assessment standard when assigning or introducing equipment for the treatment of H&N cancers.
A novel method for experimental characterization of large‐angle scattered particles in scanned carbon‐ion therapy
Authors: Hara Yousuke , Furukawa Takuji , Inaniwa Taku , Mizushima Kota , Shirai Toshiyuki , Noda Koji
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

It is essential to consider large‐angle scattered particles in dose calculation models for therapeutic carbon‐ion beams. However, it is difficult to measure the small dose contribution from large‐angle scattered particles. In this paper, the authors present a novel method to derive the parameters describing large‐angle scattered particles from the measured results.

Methods:

The authors developed a new parallel‐plate ionization chamber consisting of concentric electrodes. Since the sensitive volume of each channel is increased linearly with this type, it is possible to efficiently and easily detect small contributions from the large‐angle scattered particles. The parameters describing the large‐angle scattered particles were derived from pencil beam dose distribution in water measured with the new ionization chamber. To evaluate the validity of this method, the correction for the field‐size dependence of the doses, “predicted‐dose scaling factor,” was calculated with the new parameters.

Results:

The predicted‐dose scaling factor calculated with the new parameters was compared with the existing one. The difference between the new correction factor and the existing one was 1.3%. For target volumes of different sizes, the calculated dose distribution with the new parameters was in good agreement with the measured one.

Conclusions:

Parameters describing the large‐angle scattered particles can be efficiently and rapidly determined using the new ionization chamber. The authors confirmed that the field‐size dependence of the doses could be compensated for by the new parameters. This method makes it possible to easily derive the parameters describing the large‐angle scattered particles, while maintaining the dose calculation accuracy.
Intensity inhomogeneity correction for magnetic resonance imaging of human brain at 7T
Authors: Uwano Ikuko , Kudo Kohsuke , Yamashita Fumio , Goodwin Jonathan , Higuchi Satomi , Ito Kenji , Harada Taisuke , Ogawa Akira , Sasaki Makoto
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the performance and efficacy for intensity inhomogeneity correction of various sequences of the human brain in 7T MRI using the extended version of the unified segmentation algorithm.

Materials:

Ten healthy volunteers were scanned with four different sequences (2D spin echo [SE], 3D fast SE, 2D fast spoiled gradient echo, and 3D time‐of‐flight) by using a 7T MRI system. Intensity inhomogeneity correction was performed using the “New Segment” module in SPM8 with four different values (120, 90, 60, and 30 mm) of full width at half maximum (FWHM) in Gaussian smoothness. The uniformity in signals in the entire white matter was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV); mean signal intensities between the subcortical and deep white matter were compared, and contrast between subcortical white matter and gray matter was measured. The length of the lenticulostriate (LSA) was measured on maximum intensity projection (MIP) images in the original and corrected images.

Results:

In all sequences, the CV decreased as the FWHM value decreased. The differences of mean signal intensities between subcortical and deep white matter also decreased with smaller FWHM values. The contrast between white and gray matter was maintained at all FWHM values. LSA length was significantly greater in corrected MIP than in the original MIP images.

Conclusions:

Intensity inhomogeneity in 7T MRI can be successfully corrected using SPM8 for various scan sequences.
Teaching Resonance and Harmonics with Guitar and Piano
Authors: Sobel Michael
Published: January 2014

In a recent paper,2 Kasar, Yurumezoglu, and Sengoren show how to use a guitar, or two guitars, to demonstrate resonance. Here we extend this idea by showing how to use a guitar or a piano (both acoustic) to demonstrate resonance, harmonics, and the properties of the musical scale. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each instrument. Students who know something about music can get a little more out of these demonstrations than others, but all students will observe some important and interesting phenomena in an everyday setting.
Light-Emitting Diodes: A Hidden Treasure
Authors: Planinšič Gorazd , Etkina Eugenia
Published: January 2014

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are cheap, easy to purchase, and thus commonly used in physics instruction as indicators of electric current or as sources of light (Fig. 1). In our opinion LEDs represent a unique piece of equipment that can be used to collect experimental evidence, and construct and test new ideas in almost every unit of a general physics course (and in many advanced courses) either (I) as “black boxes” that allow students to study certain properties of a system of interest, (II) as physical systems that allow students to learn an astonishing amount of physics that they usually do not encounter in a regular introductory physics course, and (III) as non-traditional devices that allow students to construct concepts that are traditionally a part of a general physics course.
Using Simple Circuits as Thermal Models for Your Home
Authors: Poynor Adele
Published: January 2014

In 2009, President Obama proposed an initiative to decrease our country's energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels. One key to this plan was to decrease the amount of energy used to heat and cool our homes through government incentives. The EPA estimates that the average American household spends over $1000 annually for heating and cooling.1 One of the most cost-effective ways of decreasing energy use in your home is to stop air penetration and increase the amount of insulation by installing insulated doors, insulated windows, and cavity wall insulation. But not all options are equally effective, nor do they have equal costs. So how can consumers determine which option improves their homes' insulation the most? In this paper, I present an analogy to simple resistor circuits that can be used by introductory students to answer this question.
Revisiting a Problem of Two Freezers
Authors: Easton Don
Published: January 2014

The January 2013 Physics Challenge for Teachers and Students1 has some features that are surprising and worth a closer look. The problem concerns a Carnot-cycle refrigeration unit operating inside a tent. It achieves dynamic equilibrium with a freezer (“cold”) compartment temperature of TC=13°C, tent temperature of TH=1°C (the “hot” waste side of the freezer), and temperature “outside” the tent of TO=0°C. The problem is to find the equilibrium temperature inside the tent if an identical freezer is brought in and run simultaneously. As explained here, what constitutes an identical freezer is open to interpretation.
Analyzing collision processes with the smartphone acceleration sensor
Authors: Vogt Patrik , Kuhn Jochen
Published: January 2014

It has been illustrated several times how the built-in acceleration sensors of smartphones can be used gainfully for quantitative experiments in school and university settings (see the overview in Ref. 1). The physical issues in that case are manifold and apply, for example, to free fall,2 radial acceleration,3 several pendula,4,5 or the exploitation of everyday contexts.6 This paper supplements these applications and presents an experiment to study elastic and inelastic collisions. In addition to the masses of the two impact partners, their velocities before and after the collision are of importance, and these velocities can be determined by numerical integration of the measured acceleration profile.
No Improvement of Repeated-Sprint Performance With Dietary Nitrate
Authors: Martin Kristy , Smee Disa , Thompson Kevin G. , Rattray Ben
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

Nitrate supplementation improves endurance exercise and single bouts of high-intensity activity, but its effect on repeated sprints is unclear. This study is the first to investigate the effects of acute dietary nitrate supplementation during a high-intensity intermittent-sprint test to exhaustion.

Methods:

Team-sport athletes (9 male, age 22.3 ± 2.1 y, VO2max 57.4 ± 8.5 mL · kg−1 · min−1; 7 female, age 20.7 ± 1.3 y, VO2max 47.2 ± 8.5 mL · kg−1 · min−1) were assigned to a double-blind, randomized, crossover design. Participants consumed 70 mL of concentrated beetroot juice containing a minimum of 0.3 g of nitrate (NT) or 70 mL of placebo (PL) 2 h before a repeated-sprint protocol involving repeated 8-s sprints with 30-s recovery on a cycle ergometer to exhaustion.

Results:

Fewer sprints (NT = 13 ± 5 vs PL = 15 ± 6, P = .005, d = 0.41) and less total work (NT = 49.2 ± 24.2 kJ vs PL = 57.8 ± 34.0 kJ, P = .027, d = 0.3) were completed in NT relative to PL. However there was no difference in overall mean power output or the mean power output for each individual 8-s sprint.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that dietary nitrate is not beneficial for improving repeated-sprint performance, at least when such sprints are near-maximal and frequent in nature. The lack of an effect of nitrate at near-maximal oxygen uptake supports the suggestion that at greater exercise intensities nitrate does not have an ergogenic effect.
Btk29A Promotes Wnt4 Signaling in the Niche to Terminate Germ Cell Proliferation in
Drosophila
Authors: Hamada-Kawaguchi Noriko , Nore Beston F. , Kuwada Yusuke , Smith C. I. Edvard , Yamamoto Daisuke
Published: January 2014

Wnt–β-Catenin in Germ Cells

The Wnt–β-catenin pathway contributes to many signaling mechanisms during organismal development and carcinogenesis by regulating both transcription and cell adhesion.

Hamada-Kawaguchi
et al.

(p.
294
) demonstrate that this pathway must be activated in ovarian somatic cells to stop proliferation of germ cells in
Drosophila.
Phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue on β-catenin by the tyrosine kinase Btk turns on signaling in the niche cells by promoting transcriptional activity of β-catenin. Failure in this process resulted in ovarian tumors in the flies.
Nonenzymatic Sugar Production from Biomass Using Biomass-Derived γ-Valerolactone
Authors: Luterbacher Jeremy S. , Rand Jacqueline M. , Alonso David Martin , Han Jeehoon , Youngquist J. Tyler , Maravelias Christos T. , Pfleger Brian F. , Dumesic James A.
Published: January 2014

Renewable Breakdown Routine

In order to transform cellulose-containing biomass into liquid fuels such as ethanol, it is first necessary to break down the cellulose into its constituent sugars. Efforts toward this end have focused on chemical protocols using concentrated acid or ionic liquid solvents, and on biochemical protocols using cellulase enzymes.

Luterbacher
et al.

(p.
277
) now show that γ-valerolactone, a small molecule solvent that can itself be sourced renewably from biomass, promotes efficient and selective thermal breakdown of cellulose in the presence of dilute aqueous acid.
One Tongue to Rule Them All?
Does Science Need a Global Language?
English and the Future of Research

by Scott L. Montgomery

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2013. 240 pp. $22.50, £16. ISBN 9780226535036.
Authors: Peled Yael
Published: January 2014

Montgomery examines the benefits and costs of English's position as the global language of science.
A Clear Path for Polymer Crystallization
Authors: Goroff Nancy S.
Published: January 2014

Visible light polymerizes aggregates of colored organic molecules to create transparent polymer microcrystals.

[Also see Report by

Dou
et al.

]
Guinea Worm Eradication at Risk in South Sudanese War
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: January 2014

Case numbers of guinea worm disease are at an all-time low, but violence in South Sudan could lead to a resurgence next year.
Star-Crossing Planets Literally Strut Their Stuff
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: January 2014

A new technique for calculating the masses of extrasolar planets is beginning to bear fruit.
The Second Act
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: January 2014

After his first turn on the world stage ended in scandal, Woo Suk Hwang has quietly rebuilt his scientific career.
Sequence Conservation of the Region Targeted by the Abbott RealTi
m
e HCV Viral Load Assay
Authors: Cloherty Gavin , Parkin Neil , Rhoads James , Esping Claudia , Steinhart Corklin , Schneider George , Yuen Lily , Hackett John
Published: January 2014

The Abbott RealTi
m
e (RT) HCV assay targets the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the HCV genome. Here, we analyzed the sequence variability of the assay target regions from 1,092 specimens. Thermodynamic modeling of the percentage of primers/probes bound at the assay annealing temperature was performed to assess the potential effect of sequence variability. An analysis of this large data set revealed that the primer and probe binding sites of the RealTi
m
e HCV viral load assay are highly conserved and that naturally occurring sequence polymorphisms are not expected to discernibly impact assay performance.
Detection of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli ST131 and ST405 Clonal Groups by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Matsumura Yasufumi , Yamamoto Masaki , Nagao Miki , Tanaka Michio , Machida Kiyomasa , Ito Yutaka , Takakura Shunji , Ichiyama Satoshi
Published: January 2014

Escherichia coli
sequence type 131 (ST131) and ST405 are important clonal groups, because they are associated with the global increase of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is emerging as a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate method for bacterial identification. We investigated the detection performance of MALDI-TOF for the ST131 and ST405 clonal groups using 41 ST131-O25b, 26 ST131-O16, and 41 ST405 ESBL-producing isolates and 41 ESBL-producing isolates frrom other STs. The main spectra representing each clonal group were used for classification with Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics GmbH, Bremen, Germany). The peak that had the highest area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve generated by ClinProTools (Bruker) was detected with FlexAnalysis (Bruker), and an optimal signal-to-noise ratio cutoff was determined. The optimal detection models were generated by ClinProTools. Classification by Biotyper could detect the ST131-whole (O25b and O16 together) group with a sensitivity of 98.5% and a specificity of 93.9%. With FlexAnalysis, a peak of 9,720 Da detected the ST131-whole group with a sensitivity of 97.0% and a specificity of 91.5% at a cutoff value of 8.0. The ClinProTools models exhibited good performance for the detection of the ST131-whole group (sensitivity and specificity, 94.0% and 92.7%, respectively), the ST131-O25b group (95.1% and 98.2%, respectively), and the ST405 group (90.2% and 96.3%, respectively). MALDI-TOF MS had high detection performance for the ST131-whole, ST131-O25b, and ST405 clonal groups. MALDI-TOF MS should be considered as an alternative method to monitor the epidemiology of the ESBL-producing
E. coli
ST131 and ST405 clonal groups.
Sequence-Based Optimization of a Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae
Authors: Phuong Melissa , Lau Rachel , Ralevski Filip , Boggild Andrea K.
Published: January 2014

Although microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of malaria, molecular detection using PCR is becoming increasingly popular. Due to discrepant PCR and microscopy results, we aimed to optimize our detection assays for
Plasmodium malariae
and
Plasmodium ovale
by sequencing the 18S rRNA region and developing a new primer and probe set for real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Clinical specimens positive for
P. malariae
(
n
= 15) or
P. ovale
(
n
= 33) underwent amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA region. Based on sequence discrepancies between our current primer/probe and clinical isolates, degenerate
P. ovale
primer and probe were developed to determine if their performance characteristics improved. The reference (gold) standard was microscopy. No 18S sequence heterogeneity was observed among the
P. malariae
isolates, and the sensitivity and specificity of our current
P. malariae
qPCR assay were both 100%. Compared to microscopy, the sensitivity and specificity of our current
P. ovale
qPCR assay were 72.7% and 100%, respectively. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in
P. ovale
. The sensitivity of the new
P. ovale
assay increased to 100% with 100% specificity. We therefore improved the performance characteristics of our
P. ovale
molecular detection assay through the development of a degenerate primer and probe set which accommodates 18S SNPs among the 2 subspecies of
P. ovale
. Given the suboptimal sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests for non-
falciparum
malaria and the typically low parasitemia of
P. malariae
and
P. ovale
, a well-performing confirmatory molecular assay is imperative for clinical laboratories.
Long-Distance Interferon Signaling within the Brain Blocks Virus Spread
Authors: van den Pol Anthony N. , Ding Siyuan , Robek Michael D.
Published: January 2014

Serious permanent neurological or psychiatric dysfunction may result from virus infections in the central nervous system (CNS). Olfactory sensory neurons are in direct contact with the external environment, making them susceptible to infection by viruses that can enter the brain via the olfactory nerve. The rarity of full brain viral infections raises the important question of whether unique immune defense mechanisms protect the brain. Here we show that both RNA (vesicular stomatitis virus [VSV]) and DNA (cytomegalovirus [CMV]) virus inoculations of the nasal mucosa leading to olfactory bulb (OB) infection activate long-distance signaling that upregulates antiviral interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in uninfected remote regions of the brain. This signaling mechanism is dependent on IFN-α/β receptors deep within the brain, leading to the activation of a distant antiviral state that prevents infection of the caudal brain. In normal mice, VSV replication is limited to the OB, and these animals typically survive the infection. In contrast, mice lacking the IFN-α/β receptor succumbed to the infection, with VSV spreading throughout the brain. Chemical destruction of the olfactory sensory neurons blocked both virus trafficking into the OB and the IFN response in the caudal brain, indicating a direct signaling within the brain after intranasal infection. Most signaling within the brain occurs across the 20-nm synaptic cleft. The unique long-distance IFN signaling described here occurs across many millimeters within the brain and is critical for survival and normal brain function.

IMPORTANCE
The olfactory mucosa can serve as a conduit for a number of viruses to enter the brain. Yet infections in the CNS rarely occur. The mechanism responsible for protecting the brain from viruses that successfully invade the OB, the first site of infection subsequent to infection of the nasal mucosa, remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that the protection is mediated by a long-distance interferon signaling, particularly IFN-β released by infected neurons in the OB. Strikingly, in the absence of neurotropic virus infection, ISGs are induced in the posterior regions of the brain, activating an antiviral state and preventing further virus invasion.
Adenovirus Serotype 26 and 35 Vectors Induce Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific T Lymphocyte Responses in Foreskin in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Balandya Emmanuel , Miller Andrew D. , Beck Matthew , Liu Jinyan , Li Hualin , Borducchi Erica , Smith Kaitlin , Cabral Crystal , Stanley Kelly , Maxfield Lori F. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: January 2014

Foreskin is the principal site of heterosexual HIV-1 infection in men. However, little is known about HIV-1-specific immune responses or inflammation in foreskin. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have assessed immune responses to candidate HIV-1 vaccines in foreskin. Using the rhesus monkey model, we show that intramuscular immunization with adenovirus serotype 26 and 35 vectors expressing SIV antigens elicited durable SIV Gag-specific CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell responses in foreskin that were detectable for more than 1 year following vaccination. Gag-specific CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells were also detectable in foreskin of SIV- and SHIV-infected animals and were at least comparable in magnitude to those in peripheral blood. However, unlike peripheral blood T cells, the majority of foreskin T cells exhibited transitional memory or effector memory phenotype and expressed higher levels of the activation markers CD69, HLA-DR, and CCR5, although vaccination did not further enhance foreskin CD4
+
T cell activation. These findings suggest that systemic vaccination strategies can elicit potentially important SIV-specific cellular immunity in foreskin. Further characterization of vaccine-elicited immune responses and inflammation in foreskin is warranted.

IMPORTANCE
We demonstrate here the induction of SIV-specific cellular immune responses in foreskin by adenovirus serotype 26 and 35 vaccine vectors. Foreskin T cells were more activated than peripheral blood T cells, but foreskin T cells were not further activated by vaccination. These findings suggest that alternative serotype adenovirus vectors induce potentially important immune responses in foreskin.
Resilience does matter: evidence from a 10-year cohort record linkage study
Authors: Elliott Alison M , Burton Christopher D , Hannaford Philip C
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To examine 10-year mortality and hospital use among individuals categorised as resilient and vulnerable to the impact of chronic pain.

Design

A cohort record linkage study.

Setting

Grampian, Scotland.

Participants

5858 individuals from the Grampian Pain Cohort, established in 1996, were linked, by probability matching, with national routinely collected datasets.

Main outcome measures

HRs for subsequent 10-year mortality and ORs/incidence rate ratios for subsequent 10-year hospital use, each with adjustment for potential confounding variables.

Results

36.5% of those with high pain intensity reported a low pain-related disability (categorised resilient) and 7.1% of those reporting low pain intensity reported a high pain-related disability (categorised vulnerable). Sex, age, housing, employment and long-term limiting illness were independently associated with being vulnerable or resilient. After adjustment for these variables, individuals in the resilient group were 25% less likely to die within 10 years of the survey compared with non-resilient individuals: HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.91 and vulnerable individuals were 45% more likely to die than non-vulnerable individuals: HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.11. Resilient individuals were less likely to have had an outpatient or day-case visit for anaesthetics: OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.79, but no other clinical specialities. Vulnerable individuals were significantly less likely to have had any outpatient or day-case visit (OR 0.43, 0.25 to 0.75); but more likely to have had a psychiatric visit (OR 1.96, 1.06 to 3.61). No significant differences in likelihood of any inpatient visits were found.

Conclusions

Resilient individuals have a better 10-year survival than non-resilient individuals indicating that resilience is a phenomenon worth researching. Further research is needed to explore who is likely to become resilient, why and how, as well as to tease out the internal and external factors that influence resilience.
Does legislation to prevent alcohol sales to drunk individuals work? Measuring the propensity for night-time sales to drunks in a UK city
Authors: Hughes Karen , Bellis Mark A , Leckenby Nicola , Quigg Zara , Hardcastle Katherine , Sharples Olivia , Llewellyn David J
Published: January 2014

Background

By measuring alcohol retailers’ propensity to illegally sell alcohol to young people who appear highly intoxicated, we examine whether UK legislation is effective at preventing health harms resulting from drunk individuals continuing to access alcohol.

Methods

73 randomly selected pubs, bars and nightclubs in a city in North West England were subjected to an alcohol purchase test by pseudo-drunk actors. Observers recorded venue characteristics to identify poorly managed and problematic (PMP) bars.

Results

83.6% of purchase attempts resulted in a sale of alcohol to a pseudo-intoxicated actor. Alcohol sales increased with the number of PMP markers bars had, yet even in those with no markers, 66.7% of purchase attempts resulted in a sale. Bar servers often recognised signs of drunkenness in actors, but still served them. In 18% of alcohol sales, servers attempted to up-sell by suggesting actors purchase double rather than single vodkas.

Conclusions

UK law preventing sales of alcohol to drunks is routinely broken in nightlife environments, yet prosecutions are rare. Nightlife drunkenness places enormous burdens on health and health services. Preventing alcohol sales to drunks should be a public health priority, while policy failures on issues, such as alcohol pricing, are revisited.
A single burr hole approach for direct transverse sinus cannulation for the treatment of a dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Caplan Justin M , Kaminsky Ian , Gailloud Philippe , Huang Judy
Published: January 2014

A 55-year-old woman with a symptomatic Borden II/Cognard IIa+b transverse sinus dural arteriovenous fistula underwent an attempted percutaneous transvenous embolization which was ultimately not possible given the fistula anatomy. She then underwent a partial percutaneous transarterial embolization but the fistula recurred. Given the failed percutaneous interventions, the patient underwent a combined open surgical/transvenous embolization using neuronavigation and a single burr hole craniectomy. She has remained symptom free for 3 months. This case report illustrates the feasibility of combining minimally invasive open surgical access to allow for direct venous cannulation for endovascular embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula when traditional percutaneous methods are not an option.
Application of lipoarabinomannan antigen in tuberculosis diagnostics: current evidence
Authors: Sarkar Pronoti , Biswas Debasis , Sindhwani Girish , Rawat Jagdish , Kotwal Aarti , Kakati Barnali
Published: January 2014

Tests based on the detection of mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan (LAM) antigen in urine have emerged as potential point-of-care tests for tuberculosis (TB). We aimed to assimilate the current evidence regarding the diagnostic performance of LAM assays and to ascertain their clinical indication in settings with high and low prevalence of HIV-TB co-infection. Owing to suboptimal sensitivity, the urinary LAM assays are unsuitable as general screening tests for TB. However, unlike traditional diagnostic methods, they demonstrate improved sensitivity in HIV-TB co-infection which further increases with low CD4 counts. Accordingly, these assays are indicated as rule-in tests for TB in patients with advanced HIV-induced immunosuppression, and facilitate the early initiation of antituberculous treatment in them. They also offer incremental sensitivity and specificity when used as adjunct tests to smear microscopy and chest radiography in HIV-TB co-infection. They obviate the biohazards associated with sputum samples and provide an alternative diagnostic tool in sputum-scarce patients. Notwithstanding these advantages, the specificity of these assays is variable, which is mostly attributable to misclassification bias and cross-reactivity with non-tuberculous mycobacteria or other commensal flora. Furthermore, the inability to detect low titres of antigen in HIV-uninfected patients makes these assays unsuitable for use in settings with a low HIV prevalence. Future research targeted towards inclusion of specific monoclonal antibodies and more sensitive immunoassay platforms might help to improve the diagnostic performance of these assays and extend their applicability to the general population of patients with TB.
Impact of a smoking cessation lifestyle intervention on vascular mechanics in young women
Authors: Nielson Chantelle A. , Frances Maria F. , Fitzgeorge Lyndsay , Prapavessis Harry , Zamir Mair , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: January 2014

We tested the hypotheses that smoking-induced changes in vascular mechanics would be detected earlier in the lumped properties of peripheral vascular beds, which include the properties of microvasculature, than in the local properties of central conduits, and that such changes are reversible with lifestyle changes that include smoking cessation and exercise. Vascular measures were made in 53 young (18–40 years) female smokers and 25 age-matched non-smokers. Twenty-two of the smokers were tested before and after a 14-week smoking cessation program and, of these, 13 were tested again after 52 weeks of smoking cessation. Compared with non-smokers, lumped forearm vascular bed compliance (C: mL/mm Hg) was lower, while lumped viscoelasticity (K: mm Hg/(mL·min)) and resistance (R: mm Hg/(mL·min)) were higher in the smoker group. Neither the carotid-to-toe pulse wave velocity nor local carotid artery elasticity indices were different between groups. Compared with non-smokers, brachial artery distensibility was less, and other markers of stiffness higher, in the smoker group. At 14 and 52 weeks of smoking cessation, forearm vascular R was reduced and C was increased while K was unchanged. The changes in C and R occurred while maintaining a constant R×C value, which represents a dynamic time constant. Thus, early changes in K were observed in the forearm vascular bed of smokers, which were not reflected in the local properties of central conduit vessels. Forearm C, but not K, was reversed following smoking cessation, a finding that may represent a persistent effect of smoking on the intercellular matrix of the vessel wall.
Incorporating physical activity into the rehabilitation process after spinal cord injury
Authors: Pelletier Chelsea A.
Published: January 2014

It is well established that physical activity can improve aspects of physical fitness in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Despite reports of declining health and fitness post-discharge from rehabilitation, there is a limited amount of research exploring exercise status or interventions during this period. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the integration of structured exercise into the rehabilitation process following SCI, and to optimize exercise prescription in the community setting. Findings from the first study indicate that exercise is well tolerated among individuals with subacute SCI; performance of a peak exercise test on an arm ergometer was feasible for all injury types. At this stage post-injury, interventions should be mindful of the greater risk of orthostatic intolerance in individuals with complete tetraplegia and focus on building task-specific self-efficacy. The second study involved a direct referral and physical activity counselling intervention post-discharge. Adherence rates were excellent among those participants who received the intervention, suggesting that this model of care can facilitate adherence to community exercise after discharge. The final 2 studies took place in the community. Several modes of adapted exercise were compared and findings indicated that while there were no differences in measures of physiological intensity or enjoyment between the different modes, arm-only exercise was perceived as safer than passive hybrid (arm and leg) exercise. Further, the validity of using ratings of perceived exertion to attain prescribed exercise intensity was established. The efficacy of the physical activity guidelines for improving fitness in adults with SCI were evaluated in a community-based randomized controlled trial and the results revealed that the guidelines were effective in improving both aerobic capacity and muscle strength. Taken together, this series of studies describes a model of care that links rehabilitation with community exercise and suggests options for sustained engagement.
Optimization of a-Si1–xGex:H single-junction and a-Si:H/a-Si1–xGex:H tandem solar cells with enhanced optical management
Authors: Hsu Hung-Jung , Liang Shin-Wei , Hsu Cheng-Hang , Tsai Chuang-Chuang
Published: January 2014

This work aimed at improving the optical management of a-Si:H/a-Si1–xGex:H tandem cells and a-Si1–xGex:H single-junction cells. To improve the optical management, the effects of the a-Si1–xGex:H bandgap, the bandgap graded absorber and the n-type μc-SiOx:H back reflecting layer on the cell performance were investigated. Optical reflection spectra, internal quantum efficiency, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and cell performance were used to evaluate the improvement of the optical properties of solar cells. The tandem cells with a-Si1–xGex:H bandgap of 1.53 eV exhibited sufficient optical absorption from 630 to 900 nm and thus lead to higher JSC. Second, the EQE of a-Si1–xGex:H single-junction cell was significantly enhanced from 630 to 720 nm by employing bandgap graded absorber that relatively improved the JSC by 3.8% despite that the reduction in EQE from 720 to 900 nm compared to the cell without bandgap grading. Moreover, the μc-SiOx:H(n)/Ag back reflector showed higher optical reflection than a-Si:H(n)/Ag did, which relatively improved the JSC by 12.3%. The cell with μc-SiOx:H(n)/Ag back reflector exhibited a comparable JSC and efficiency to the cell with ITO–Ag. The previously mentioned approaches are relevant to enhance the optical management in cells and can be applied to silicon-based thin-film solar cells.
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY WITH VARYING COUPLINGS
Authors: CALCAGNI GIANLUCA , NARDELLI GIUSEPPE
Published: January 2014

A quantum scalar field theory with spacetime-dependent coupling is studied. Surprisingly, while translation invariance is explicitly broken in the classical theory, momentum conservation is recovered at the quantum level for some specific choice of the coupling's profile for any finite-order perturbative expansion. For one of these cases, some tree and one-loop diagrams are calculated. This is an example of a theory where violation of Lorentz symmetry is not enhanced at the quantum level. We draw some consequences for the renormalization properties of certain classes of fractional field theories.
SURFACE LOCALIZATION OF ELECTRONS IN ULTRATHIN CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURES
Authors: ŠETRAJČIĆ JOVAN P. , ARMAKOVIĆ STEVAN , ŠETRAJČIĆ IGOR J. , DŽAMBAS LJUBIŠA D.
Published: January 2014

Electron subsystem of ultrathin films was analyzed using Green's function method including quantum size effect and effect of boundaries on Hamiltonian parameters. We have calculated basic physical properties of electrons in crystalline films: energy spectra, possible states, space distribution of electrons and the position of Fermi level, which enabled the complete insight into the thermodynamic or conducting characteristics of observed film-structure. The comparison with crystal bulk have shown that electronic properties of the materials are strongly influenced by both the sample dimensions and boundary conditions. The numerical calculations performed for very thin crystalline metallic-like films show that localized states and spatial distribution of the (quasi)free electrons might be manipulated by varying the surface parameters which is significant for operation of devices based on thin films.
PYRAMID MATCH KERNEL AND CLASSIFIER ENSEMBLE-BASED MIL ALGORITHM FOR PORNOGRAPHIC IMAGES FILTERING
Authors: LI DAXIANG , WANG JING , LIU YING , ZHAO XIAOQIANG
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a novel multi-instance learning (MIL) algorithm based on pyramid match kernel (PMK) and classifier ensemble is proposed for recognizing pornographic scene from image database. First, an improved JSEG image segmentation technique is deployed for dividing every image into several regions, and regards the whole image as a "bag", the low-level visual features (i.e. color and texture) of each segmented region as "instance". As a result, the pornographic images filtering problem can be transferred into a typical MIL problem. Second, similarity between the multi-instance bags is measured by PMK method, which allows MIL problem to be solved directly by the support vector machine (SVM). Finally, many base classifiers based on PMK with different levels are constructed, and the performance weighting rule is used to dynamically determine the weights of them, so the strategy of classifier ensemble is used to improve the filtering accuracy. In a real condition image set that the ratio of normal image to pornographic image is 9:1, experimental results show that the proposed algorithm, named PMKCE-MIL, is robust, and its performance is superior to other algorithms.
Protein's native structure is dynamically stabilized by electronic polarization
Authors: Duan Li L. , Mei Ye , Zhang Qing G. , Tang Bo , Zhang John Z. H.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for a number of benchmark proteins using both the standard assisted model building with energy refinement (AMBER) charge and the dynamically adjusted polarized protein-specific charge (DPPC) from quantum fragment calculations to provide accurate electrostatic interactions. Our result shows that proteins' dynamic structures drifted away from the native structures in simulations under standard (nonpolarizable) AMBER force field. For comparison, proteins' native structures were dynamically stable after a long time simulation under DPPC. The free energy landscape reveals that the native structure is the lowest energy conformation under DPPC, while it is not under standard AMBER charge. To further investigate the polarization effect on the stability of native structures of proteins, we restarted from some decoy structures generated from simulations using standard AMBER charges and then carried out further MD simulation using DPPC to refine those structures. Our study shows that the native structures from these decoy structures can be mostly recovered using DPPC and that the dynamic structures with the highest population in cluster analysis are in close agreement with the corresponding native structures. The current study demonstrates the importance of electronic polarization of protein in stabilizing the native structure.
GENERATING EFFICIENT QUANTUM CIRCUITS FOR PREPARING MAXIMALLY MULTIPARTITE ENTANGLED STATES
Authors: SADOWSKI PRZEMYSŁAW
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we provide a genetic programming (GP) based method for generating quantum circuits preparing maximally multipartite entangled states (MMES). The presented method is faster that known realizations thanks to the applied fitness function and several modifications to the GP schema. Moreover, we enrich the described method by the unique possibility to define an arbitrary structure of a system. We use the developed method to find new quantum circuits, which are simpler from known results. We also analyze the efficiency of generating entanglement in the spin chain system and in the system of complete connections.
On the differences between two kinds of mean value formulas of number-theoretic error terms
Authors: Cao Xiaodong , Furuya Jun , Tanigawa Yoshio , Zhai Wenguang
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we shall consider differences between the "discrete" and the "continuous" mean value formulas for any number-theoretic error term. We first derive new type formulas of these differences, which are independent from the periodic Bernoulli function. As a direct consequence of this result, we shall give the alternative proofs of previous results in the case of the Dirichlet divisor and the circle problems, and improve the previous results of the differences in higher power cases. Furthermore, we apply our present result to the case of Rankin–Selberg's series.
Effects of wavelength, beam type and size on cerebral low-level laser therapy by a Monte Carlo study on visible Chinese human
Authors: Li Ting , Zhao Yue , Sun Yunlong , Li Kai
Published: January 2014

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been clinically utilized for many indications in medicine requiring protection from cell/tissue death, stimulation of healing and repair of injuries, pain reduction, swelling and inflammation. Presently, the use of LLLT to treat stroke, traumatic brain injury and cognitive dysfunction are attracting growing interest. Near-infrared light is capable of penetrating into the cerebral cortex, allowing noninvasive treatments to be carried out with few treatment-related adverse events. Optimization of LLLT treatment effect is a crucial issue of this field; however, only a few experimental tests on mice for wavelength selection have been reported. We addressed this issue by low-cost, straightforward and quantitative comparisons on light dosage distribution within visible Chinese human head by Monte Carlo modeling of near-infrared light propagation. Optimized selection in wavelength, beam type and size were given based on comparisons among frequently used setups (i.e., wavelengths: 660, 810 and 980 nm; beam type: Gaussian and flat beam; beam diameter: 2, 4 and 6 cm). This study provided an efficient way for guiding the optimization of LLLT setup and selection on wavelength, beam type and size for clinical brain LLLT.
A numerical approach for analyzing the transverse vibrations of an axially moving viscoelastic string
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhao Weijia , Zhu Jiang
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a fractional differential equation is introduced to describe the transverse vibrations of an axially moving viscoelastic string. An iterative algorithm is constructed to analyze the dynamical behavior. By conveying the memory effect of the fractional differential terms step by step, the computation cost can be greatly reduced. As a numerical example, the effects of the viscoelastic parameters on a moving string are investigated.
Finite element modeling and analysis of powder mixed electric discharge machining process for temperature distribution and volume removal considering multiple craters
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Bhattacharya Anirban , Batish Ajay
Published: January 2014

Powder mixed electric discharge machining (PMEDM) is one of the modern developments in electric discharge machining (EDM) process. In the present work, finite element modeling has been carried out considering randomly oriented multiple sparks during PMEDM. Transient thermal analysis is done to obtain temperature distribution, volume removal, and proportion of volume removed by melting and evaporation at different current, pulse on time and fraction of heat that enters to work piece. Gradually growing spark behavior and Gaussian distribution of heat source is used to simulate multiple craters. Temperature distribution along radial direction shows peak temperature at center of spark and thereafter a gradual decrease with increase in radial distance. Along depth direction temperature sharply decreases that forms wider craters with shallow depth in PMEDM. Peak temperature and volume removal increases with current more rapidly. Volume removal by melting is much higher than evaporation at lower current settings and with higher current almost equal amount of material is removed by melting and evaporation thus reducing the re-solidification of melted material. Current plays a significant role behind the contribution of material removal by evaporation followed by fraction of heat. Increase in pulse on duration increases the total volume of material removal however does not significantly increase the proportion of volume removal by vaporization.
Tectonic interleaving along the Main Central Thrust, Sikkim Himalaya
Authors: Mottram Catherine M. , Argles T. W. , Harris N. B. W. , Parrish R. R. , Horstwood M. S. A. , Warren C. J. , Gupta S.
Published: January 2014

Geochemical and geochronological analyses provide quantitative evidence about the origin, development and motion along ductile faults, where kinematic structures have been overprinted. The Main Central Thrust is a key structure in the Himalaya that accommodated substantial amounts of the India–Asia convergence. This structure juxtaposes two isotopically distinct rock packages across a zone of ductile deformation. Structural analysis, whole-rock Nd isotopes, and U–Pb zircon geochronology reveal that the hanging wall is characterized by detrital zircon peaks at
c
. 800–1000 Ma, 1500–1700 Ma and 2300–2500 Ma and an ϵ
Nd(0)
signature of −18.3 to −12.1, and is intruded by
c
. 800 Ma and
c
. 500–600 Ma granites. In contrast, the footwall has a prominent detrital zircon peak at
c
. 1800–1900 Ma, with older populations spanning 1900–3600 Ma, and an ϵ
Nd(0)
signature of −27.7 to −23.4, intruded by
c
. 1830 Ma granites. The data reveal a
c
. 5 km thick zone of tectonic imbrication, where isotopically out-of-sequence packages are interleaved. The rocks became imbricated as the once proximal and distal rocks of the Indian margin were juxtaposed by Cenozoic movement along the Main Central Thrust. Geochronological and isotopic characterization allows for correlation along the Himalayan orogen and could be applied to other cryptic ductile shear zones.

Supplementary material:

Zircon U–Pb geochronological data, whole-rock Sm–Nd isotopic data, sample locations, photomicrographs of sample thin sections, zircon CL images, and detailed analytical conditions are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18704
.