cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-pulse space-time photocurrent correlations at graphene p-n junctions reveal hot carrier cooling dynamics near the Fermi level

Two-pulse excitation at a graphene p-n junction generates a time-dependent photocurrent response that we show functions as a novel ultrafast thermometer of the hot electron temperature, Te(t) . The extracted hot electron cooling rates are consistent with heat dissipation near the Fermi level of graphene occurring by an acoustic phonon supercollision mechanism.
Method for Evaluating Patient Anxiety and the Interpersonal Effectiveness of Dental Personnel: An Exploratory Study

This study with 22 dental hygienists and 109 patients indicates that the personality of the dental professional has an effect on patient anxiety.
Accidental Over-Anticoagulation: Substitution Error by a Foreign Pharmacy

OBJECTIVE:To describe an episode of inadvertent and excessive anticoagulation caused by mistaken substitution of medication by a pharmacy outside the US.CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old white woman was found to have profound prolongation of her prothrombin time (56.9 sec) and international normalized ratio (22.18), with other coagulation parameters relatively normal. She had no prior history of bleeding diatheses and was not taking any prescribed anticoagulants. Her coagulopathy rapidly corrected with the administration of fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K. After her medications were visually inspected, it was discovered that she had purchased her prescription medications from a pharmacy in Mexico and that she inadvertently had been taking a preparation of warfarin (proprietary name in Mexico, “Romesa”) instead of the prescribed ramipril for her hypertension (proprietary name in Mexico, “Ramace”). After removal of the incorrect medication, she experienced no further prolongation of her coagulation parameters.D...
Optimization of Third Harmonic Conversion Efficiency in the Presence of a Spatially Localized Plasma

A computational optimization of parameters leading to maximal third harmonic conversion efficiency in the presence of a laser-induced plasma is introduced, building on previous experimental work. The model contains full spatial and temporal dynamics for nonlinear interaction and pulse dispersion. Optimization of a localized plasma for a significant further enhancement of conversion efficiencies is suggested by the modeling.
Secreted Molecules in Metanephric Induction

Nearly 50 yr. ago, Clifford Grobstein made the observation that the ureteric bud induced the nephrogenic mesenchyme to undergo tubulogenesis. Since that discovery, scientists have attempted to characterize the molecular nature of the inducer. To date, no single molecule that is both necessary and sufficient for nephric induction has been identified. Because of recent insights regarding the role of several secreted molecules in tubulogenesis, it has become necessary to revise the classic model of metanephric induction. The studies of the classic ureteric inducer performed to date have most likely been characterizations of a mesenchyme-specific inducer, Wnt-4, and its role in tubulogenesis. Ureteric induction most likely involves a series of distinct events that provide proliferative, survival, and condensation signals to the mesenchyme, integrating the growth of the ureteric system with tubulogenesis.
Polarized Positrons at a Future Linear Collider and the Final Focus Test Beam

Polarized positrons in addition to polarized electrons are a highly desirable feature of future linear e+e- colliders. The motivation for polarized positrons, and a demonstration experiment for the undulator-based production of polarized positrons are reviewed. This experiment ('E-166') uses the 50 GeV Final Focus Test electron beam at SLAC with a 1 m-long helical undulator to make ≈ 10MeV polarized photons. These photons are then converted in a thin (≈ 0.5 radiation length) target into positrons (and electrons) with about 50% polarization.
Fluid absorption in isolated perfused colonic crypts.

A spatial segregation of ion transport processes between crypt and surface epithelial cells is well-accepted and integrated into physiological and pathophysiological paradigms of small and large intestinal function: Absorptive processes are believed to be located in surface (and villous) cells, whereas secretory processes are believed to be present in crypt cells. Validation of this model requires direct determination of fluid movement in intestinal crypts. This study describes the adaptation of techniques from renal tubule microperfusion to hand-dissect and perfuse single, isolated crypts from rat distal colon to measure directly fluid movement. Morphologic analyses of the isolated crypt preparation revealed no extraepithelial cellular elements derived from the lamina propria, including myofibroblasts. In the basal state, crypts exhibited net fluid absorption (mean net fluid movement = 0.34 +/- 0.01 nl.mm-1.min-1), which was Na+ and partially HCO3- dependent. Addition of 1 mM dibutyryl-cyclic AMP, 60 nM vasoactive intestinal peptide, or 0.1 mM acetylcholine to the bath (serosal) solution reversibly induced net fluid secretion (net fluid movement approximately -0.35 +/- 0.01 nl.mm-1.min-1). These observations permit speculation that absorption is a constitutive transport function in crypt cells and that secretion by crypt cells is regulated by one or more neurohumoral agonists that are released in situ from lamina propria cells. The functional, intact polarized crypt described here that both absorbs and secretes will permit future studies that dissect the mechanisms that govern fluid and electrolyte movement in the colonic crypt.
Effects of estradiol-17ß administration on steady-state messenger ribonucleic acid (MRNA) encoding equine α and LH/CGß subunits in pituitaries of ovariectomized pony mares

Abstract The process of sexual recrudescence in the springtime in mares is characterized by renewal of follicular growth and acquisition of steroidogenic competence. Concomitant with renewal of follicular steroidogenesis is re-establishment of LH biosynthesis and secretion. Research results from our laboratory indicate that increased estradiol and LH secretion occur in close temporal association before the first ovulation of the year. Therefore, the hypothesis tested in this experiment was that estrogen administration to ovariectomized pony mares during the equivalent time of early vernal transition would enhance LH biosynthesis as monitored by messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding for the pituitary subunits of LH (α and LH/CGβ). Mares were administered either sesame oil vehicle control, or estradiol (5 mg i.m. twice daily in sesame oil) for 3, 6 or 9 days, beginning on February 2. The pituitary glands were harvested, and examined for LH subunit mRNA by Northern Blot and slot blot analysis. There was a significant increase in LH secretion after 6 days of estradiol secretion compared with control vehicle administration. Similarly, there was a significant increase in both α and LH/CGβ subunit mRNA when estradiol was administered for 9 days. These data indicate that estrogen stimulates LH subunit formation in mares during early equivalent vernal transition. These data do not, however, discriminate between a direct pituitary effect of estrogen, and a hypothalamic effect. Whether the surge of estradiol just prior to the first ovulation of the year is essential for the renewed biosynthesis of LH subunits cannot be determined from these data. However an important role of estrogen in the final stages of sexual recrudescence is indicated.
The Motion Control System For The Large Optics Diamond Turning Machine (LODTM)

LODTM, built by LLNL for DOD, is a precision vertical lathe used to diamond turn large optical parts (to 64" diameter) to 1 μinch rms figure error. The LODTM motion controls require precision sensors, precision servos, and a wideband (330 Hz) real time computer. Position is sensed to 1/40 μinch resolution by laser interferometers and differential capacitance gauges. Precision servos operating at 1/10 μinch resolution and at low velocities with zero backlash are required. A unique Fast Tool Servo (FTS), located close to the diamond tool, adjusts the final tool position. The LODTM controls coordinate the X, Z, and FTS servos to cause the tool to move on a specified contour and at a specified feedrate in the X-Z plane. The part floppy diskette commands this motion with a linear CNC and real time (32-bit) computer. During each 1.5 ms sample time, the computer must DMA 14 sensor readings into memory, calculate the X and Z Tool Coordinates, calculate the FTS input, output the following errors, output the FTS input, store "flight recorder" information, and check for anomalies.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lipopolysaccharide-activated SHP-1-deficient motheaten microglia release increased nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-1β

Accumulating evidence suggests a deleterious role for activated microglia in facilitating neuronal death by producing neurocytotoxic substances during injury, infection, or neurodegenerative diseases. After cochlear ablation, abnormal microglial activation accompanied by increased neuronal loss within the auditory brainstem occurs in motheaten (me/me) mice deficient in the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. To determine whether abnormally activated microglia contribute to neuronal death in me/me mice, primary microglial cultures from me/me and wild-type mouse cortices were stimulated by the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the secretion of the neurotoxic mediators nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Me/me microglia release significantly greater amounts of all three mediators compared with wild-type microglia. However, the increased release of these compounds in microglia lacking SHP-1 does not appear to occur through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 kinase subgroups of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, or increases in NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK). These results suggest that abnormal microglial activation and release of neurotoxic compounds may potentiate neuronal death in deafferented cells and can thus potentiate neurodegeneration in the me/me brainstem. Our data also indicate that SHP-1 is engaged in signaling pathways in LPS-activated microglia, but not through regulation of the ERK and p38 MAP kinases. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Beam-target interaction experiments for multipulse bremsstrahlung converters applications

As part of the Dual Axis Radiography Hydrotest Facility, Phase II (DARHT II) Multipulse Bremsstrahlung Target effort, we have been performing an investigation of (1) the possible adverse effects of backstreaming ion emission from the bremsstrahlung converter target and (2) the hydrodynamic behavior of the target after the electron beam interaction. Theory predictions show that the first effect would primarily be manifested in the static focusing system as a rapidly varying X-ray spot. From experiments performed on ETA-II, we have shown that the first effect is not strongly present when the beam initially interacts with the target. Electron beam pulses delivered to the target after formation of a plasma are strongly affected, however. Secondly, we have performed measurements of the time varying target density after disassembly was initiated by the electron beam. The measurements presented show that the target density as a function of time compares favorably with our LASNEX models.
Water solubility and macromolecular properties of corn meal extrudates as affected by epichlorohydrin

ABSTRACT Degermed corn meal adjusted to 18% moisture content (db) with epichlorohydrin (ECH) content at 0, 0.5, 1, or 2% (w/w) were extruded with a twin-screw laboratory extruder at a screw speed of 140 rpm. Compression and metering barrel zones were set at 100, 120, or 140°C. Water solubility (WS) of ground extrudates ranged from 7.6 ± 1.1% to 14.3 ± 1.3%. ECH content had a significant (P 0.05). Presumably, ECH reduced WS of extrudates through cross-linking between hydroxyl groups on starch and protein molecules. Gel-permeation chromatography patterns for both 100 and 140°C barrel temperatures showed that high molecular weight carbohydrates in the extrudates decreased with increasing ECH content without a simultaneous increase in low molecular weight carbohydrates. This suggested that the decrease in high molecular weight fractions was due to insolubilization by...
Reversible Bone Marrow Edema of the Hip Due to Severe Hypothyroidism

A 32-yr-old man presented with a 3to 4-month history of left hip discomfort. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study (Fig. 1A) of the left hip revealed bone marrow edema of the femoral epiphyses. No other possible causes of bone marrow edema or avascular necrosis were identified. Specifically, he had no history of excessive alcohol use, trauma to the hip, or exogenous corticosteroid use. Late-night salivary cortisol levels were normal. He was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who suspected early avascular necrosis, and surgical intervention was being considered. In addition, he had noted fatigue, a 20-lb weight gain, and cold intolerance. His physical examination was remarkable for periorbital and pretibial pitting edema, as well as myotonic deep tendon reflexes. Initial laboratory studies showed profound primary hypothyroidism with a free T4 of 0.1 ng/dl (0.89–1.76) and a TSH of 460 mIU/ml (0.35–5.50). After 3 months of levothyroxine therapy, the patient had complete resolution of his hip discomfort. One year later there was radiographic reversal (Fig. 1B) of the bone marrow edema, and his thyroid function was normal: TSH 3.2 mIU/ml and free T4 1.1ng/dl. Fuller Albright (1) initially described the reversible radiographic epiphyseal changes in hypothyroidism in a 13-yr-old hypothyroid boy with growth retardation and a diagnosis of Legg-Perthes disease. After increasing the thyroid hormone medication in this young man, his hip and bone age showed marked improvement. In the adult population, there are two additional cases of severe hypothyroidism associated with radiographic changes in the femoral head that have been reversed with thyroid hormone supplementation. Femoral epiphyseal changes have also been demonstrated in patients with congenital hypothyroidism (2, 3). Transient osteoporosis of the hip may have a similar course to our patient; however, osteopenic changes were not observed on standard hip radiographs in our patient. In summary, this report provides further evidence that severe hypothyroidism may cause reversible bone marrow edema that may mimic avascular necrosis.
Ultra-smooth platinum surfaces for nanoscale devices fabricated using chemical mechanical polishing

A technique involving two steps of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) has been developed to produce ultra-smooth metal surfaces with an RMS roughness better than 0.1 nm. A figure of merit termed degree of smoothness (DOS) is proposed for the purpose of quantifying the extent of smoothness of a polished metal surface. A post CMP metal slurry cleaning solution was used for cleaning Pt slurry for the first time and by applying special techniques, a very high quality clean surface was attained. Applications of the polished Pt electrodes in interfacing molecular switching devices with self-assembled monolayers of molecules have been found to dramatically improve the packing and orientation of the molecular monolayer with a huge improvement in the molecular electronics device yields. These smooth metal surfaces may open doors for new opportunities in future nanoscale devices.
Performing longitudinal measurements in rodents using small animal PET imaging

Although tremendous effort and finances were spent in developing small animal PET scanners, this technology remains under utilized as a research tool to study disease states. To advance this goal, we previously developed a microfluidic blood sampling device to overcome the problem of blood sampling and fluid volume loss when performing quantitative PET studies. The device was previously shown to be reliable for deriving input function without changing the physiological stability of a mouse. In this study, we improved methodologies and optimized the animal surgical preparation necessary for prolonging the patency of chronic indwelling catheters. We have also added several features to improve functionality and ease of use for a new prototype of a microfluidic blood sampler and tested this device for accuracy in determining FDG blood curves in rats with a chronic indwelling catheter. We modified the hardware and software of the previous blood sampling device to reduce the cost and provide a more user-friendly interface. We successfully prepared the animal for deriving input functions for multiple microPET studies. Our results suggest that longitudinal microPET imaging in the same animal is possible. These new developments should increase the use of PET imaging in drug development and translational research using small animals.
Are all koi ulcer cases associated with infection by atypical Aeromonas salmonicida? Polymerase chain reaction assays of koi carp skin swabs submitted by hobbyists.

Abstract Infection by atypical Aeromonas salmonicida is regarded as the cause of ulcer disease (KUD) in koi carp Cyprinus carpio and goldfish Carassius auratus. However, other causes—including parasites, viral infection, and fungi—have been proposed. In our diagnostic work, we often fail to isolate A. salmonicida even when clear clinical signs of KUD are present. This failure may be because these fastidious and slow-growing bacteria are difficult to isolate in culture or because the bacteria are not actually present in the lesions. In this study, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect A. salmonicida in DNA samples swabbed from koi carp ulcers. These alcohol-preserved samples were collected and submitted by hobbyists and included 40 separate cases from 12 different states. We identified atypical A. salmonicida by PCR in 52 of 62 samples submitted and in 33 of 40 unique cases. The negative findings for A. salmonicida by PCR could all be attributed to high water temperatures, prior antibiotic use,...
The Integration of Early Palliative Care With Oncology Care: The Time Has Come for a New Tradition

The past decade has brought forth innovative research that questions the traditional oncology care model for patients with advanced cancer. Through integrating palliative care (PC) early into the disease course for patients with a poor-prognosis cancer, 3 seminal studies showed improvements in outcomes, ranging from quality of life, mood, patient satisfaction, prognostic understanding, health service use, and possibly survival. The results of these paradigm-changing studies generate questions about the mechanisms through which early PC improves patient outcomes and about how best to disseminate early PC models. This article reviews the 3 studies, examines challenges to conducting PC research, and considers future directions in the field.
Thermally Driven Mechanical Actuators by Using Absorption/Desorption of Metal Hydrides: A Comprehensive Simulation

Metal hydrides have been investigated for use in a number of applications, such as heat regenerators, thermal compressors, and hydrogen storage. McKibben actuators are pneumatic actuators that have unique characteristics, such as biomimeticity (having force/deflection characteristics similar to natural muscles), compactness, high force-to-mass ratios, and moreover are lubricationless, noiseless, soft actuating, and environmentally benign. Actuators with these characteristics are ideal for many industrial, space, defense, robotic, and biomedical applications. The combination of metal hydride technology with McKibben actuators builds on the advantages of both technologies, while mitigating the deficiencies of each. In this paper, we report results from a comprehensive simulation strategy for a LaNi4.3 Al0.7 based McKibben actuator. The simulations are able to predict and characterize the performance bounds of the actuator in terms of actuator time/thermal input, power/efficiency and force/displacement diagrams. The advantages and disadvantages of the design are discussed from these perspectives.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Multifunction of Aluminum Nitride Thin Films Deposited on MoSi2 Substrates

Highly oriented AlN thin films were prepared on polycrystalline MoSi2 substrates by rf magnetron sputtering. The films responded to mechanical impact and produced voltage. The maximum produced voltage increased almost linearly with the impact intensity. Furthermore, the capacitance of the films increased almost linearly with applied pressure, indicating that the films can measure the pressure. The films responded to thermal shock. These results suggested that the films possessed various functions like human skin.
Sex Pheromone of the Grape Leaffolder, Desmia funeralis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Laboratory and Field Evaluation

Studies conducted with virgin females of Desmia funeralis (Hubner) indicated the presence of a female sex pheromone. Laboratory tests indicated no significant difference between the attractiveness of 5 and 10 virgin females, and a slight difference between the attractiveness of one and 2 females. Field tests showed considerable difference between one and 2 females. However, the differences among 2, 5, and 10 females were not clear cut. Two types of sticky traps, “open traps” and “closed traps,” were tested in the field, and closed traps were more efficient in trapping attracted males. One- to 2-day-old females were most attractive, followed by 3-, 4-, and 5-day-old females. Seven- and 8-day old females were nonattractive. The adults of D. funeralis are nightflyers. Under central California conditions, they were active between 10 PM and 4 AM, with a sharp peak at about midnight. Readings taken in the experimental vineyard at 2-hour intervals indicated that temperatures fluctuated between 13.2 and 29.4°C during moth flights. Most mating in the field was observed from 10 PM–2 AM.
Ultrathin AlN/GaN Heterojunctions by MBE for THz Applications

High electron mobility transistor (NEMT) based on AlN/GaN can be the source to generate terahertz (THz) radiation. The basic requirements are that a) the electron density in the 2DEG should be large enough for ensuring that the electron-electron scattering mean-free path is much shorter than the distance between the contacts to ensure a viscous, fluid-like flow, and b) the mobility should be high enough such that the possible plasma modes are not strongly damped. To show AlN/GaN HEMT is a qualified candidate for THz generation, we have calculated the plasma frequency for the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the GaN channel and compared it with other material, such as Si, GaAs and InAs. 3nm AlN has been grown on the GaN substrate by Nitrogen-source radio-frequency molecular-beam expitaxy (RFMBE). The growth temperature has been optimized and found to be 730C. Results from Hall measurement show the electron charge is ∼2.5*1013 cm−2 with the mobility of 530 cm2/Vs (room temperature) and 860 cm2/Vs (77K). A series AlN samples have been grown and studied by AFM, which shows the critical thickness of AlN on GaN is between 4nm and 5nm.
Integrated Multimodality Intravascular Imaging System

We report on the development of an integrated multimodality imaging system that combines optical coherence tomography with ultrasound imaging. We demonstrate the application of the intravascular OCT/US system for in vivo imaging and classification of atherosclerotic plaques.
Determination of F-in toothpaste by on-line ultrafiltration-Ion chromatography

Objective:To establish a method for determination of F-in toothpaste by on-line ultrafiltration-Ion chromatography.Methods: Conductance-Ion chromatography and Metrosep A Supp 4-250 separation column were employed and 1.8 mmol/L Na2CO3/1.7 mmol/L NaHCO3 was used as the eluent,the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min.F-in the samples soaked in the purified water was extracted by ultrasonic microwave,then injected,on-line ultrafiltered,determined.Results:The detection limit was 3.1×10-3 mg/L,the linear range was 0.1 mg/L～10.0 mg/L,relative standard deviation was 0.22%,r=0.9999,the recovery rate was 97.0%～101.2%.Conclution:The method is rapid,sensitive,accurate and suitable for determination of F-in toothpaste.
ACL Injuries in the Female Athlete

Injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament are the most common ligament injuries in the knee joint that require surgery for treatment. Their incidence is particularly high in adolescent female athletes that are involved in sports including soccer and basketball. As muscular imbalances at this particular age are likely contributors to the increased risk of injury in this group, specific exercise regimens can be actively pursued by the adolescent female athlete to prevent ACL injury from occurring. ACL injuries have potential immediate and long-term consequences, including surgery and lengthy rehabilitation as well as the development of osteoarthritis. The current gold standard of treatment involves replacement of the injured anterior cruciate ligament with a tendon graft to reestablish gross stability of the knee joint. Most commonly, sections of the hamstring tendon or the middle third of the patella tendon are used as the graft material. Recovery can be lengthy and contributes to the financial burden that comes with this injury. The long and intensive physical therapy that is needed after surgery focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee to minimize the chance of reinjury. In the future, focus will be set on further improving injury prevention and the development of less invasive surgical techniques.
Urban Informatics: Critical Data and Technology Considerations

Cities around the world are investing significant resources toward making themselves smarter. In most cases, investments focus on leveraging data through emerging technologies that enable more real-time, automated, predictive, and intelligent decision-making by agents (humans) and objects (devices) within the city. Increasing the connectivity between the various systems and sub-systems of the city through integrative data and information management is also a critical undertaking towards making cities more intelligent. In this chapter, we frame cities as platforms. Specifically, we focus on how data and technology management is critical to the functioning of a city as an agile, adaptable, and scalable platform. The objective of this chapter is to raise your awareness of critical data and technology considerations that still need to be addressed if we are to realize the full potential of urban informatics.
Cytochrome P450 Dynamics

The unique P450 architecture is designed, in part, to enable the structure to adopt open and closed conformations. These changes are required to provide substrate access to the active site. Some of these motions also appear to be important in proton-coupled electron transfer associated with O2 activation. Solvent protons must have access to the active site to properly protonate the iron-linked O2 molecule, so a shift from the totally closed to at least partially open conformations is required. Such dynamics are probably shared by all P450s. Unique to drug-metabolizing P450s is the requirement that the active site adapt to substrates of very different sizes and shapes. Crystal structures, biophysical studies, and molecular dynamics have provided important insights into how drug-metabolizing P450s, especially CYP3A4, structurally adapt to a variety of inhibitors and substrates.
The Mississippi River: Engineered Routes to the Sea

Among the major rivers in the temperate and tropical areas of the world the Mississippi River was one of the last to be densely populated and intensively utilized. Other rivers, such as the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Ganges-Brahmaputra and Yangtze, have been centers of dense population for millennia. The Mississippi River and delta only began to be utilized intensively after becoming a center for colonization in the 18th and 19th centuries and as a major transportation route only after the passes at the river’s mouth were opened to commercial traffic in the mid-19th century.
Three-Dimensional Dosimetric Validation of a Magnetic Resonance Guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy System

Purpose To validate the dosimetric accuracy of a commercially available magnetic resonance guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (MRgIMRT) system using a hybrid approach: 3-dimensional (3D) measurements and Monte Carlo calculations. Methods and Materials We used PRESAGE radiochromic plastic dosimeters with remote optical computed tomography readout to perform 3D high-resolution measurements, following a novel remote dosimetry protocol. We followed the intensity modulated radiation therapy commissioning recommendations of American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 119, adapted to incorporate 3D data. Preliminary tests ("AP" and "3D-Bands") were delivered to 9.5-cm usable diameter cylindrical PRESAGE dosimeters to validate the treatment planning system (TPS) for nonmodulated deliveries; assess the sensitivity, uniformity, and rotational symmetry of the PRESAGE dosimeters; and test the robustness of the remote dosimetry protocol. Following this, 4 clinical MRgIMRT plans ("MultiTarget," "Prostate," "Head/Neck," and "C-Shape") were measured using 13-cm usable diameter PRESAGE dosimeters. For all plans, 3D-γ (3% or 3 mm global, 10% threshold) passing rates were calculated and 3D-γ maps were examined. Point doses were measured with an IBA-CC01 ionization chamber for validation of absolute dose. Finally, by use of an in-house-developed, GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo algorithm (gPENELOPE), we independently calculated dose for all 6 Task Group 119 plans and compared against the TPS. Results For PRESAGE measurements, 3D-γ analysis yielded passing rates of 98.7%, 99.2%, 98.5%, 98.0%, 99.2%, and 90.7% for AP, 3D-Bands, MultiTarget, Prostate, Head/Neck, and C-Shape, respectively. Ion chamber measurements were within an average of 0.5% (±1.1%) from the TPS dose. Monte Carlo calculations demonstrated good agreement with the TPS, with a mean 3D-γ passing rate of 98.5% ± 1.9% using a stricter 2%/2-mm criterion. Conclusions We have validated the dosimetric accuracy of a commercial MRgIMRT system using high-resolution 3D techniques. We have demonstrated for the first time that hybrid 3D remote dosimetry is a comprehensive and feasible approach to commissioning MRgIMRT. This may provide better sensitivity in error detection compared with standard 2-dimensional measurements and could be used when implementing complex new magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy technologies.
Computational Study of Amplitude-to-Phase Conversion in a Modified Unitraveling Carrier Photodetector

We calculate the amplitude-to-phase (AM-to-PM) noise conversion in a modified unitraveling carrier photodetector. We obtained two nulls as measured in the experiments, and we explain their origin. The nulls appear due to the transit time variation when the average photocurrent varies, and the transit time variation is due to the change of electron velocity when the average photocurrent varies. We also show that the AM-to-PM conversion coefficient depends only on the pulse energy and is independent of the pulse duration when the duration is less than 500 fs. When the pulse duration is larger than 500 fs, the nulls of the AM-to-PM conversion coefficient shift to larger average photocurrents. This shift occurs because the increase in that pulse duration leads to a decrease in the peak photocurrent. The AM-to-PM noise conversion coefficient changes as the repetition rate varies. However, the repetition rate does not change the AM-to-PM conversion coefficient as a function of input optical pulse energy. The repetition rate changes the average photocurrent. We propose a design that would in theory improve the performance of the device.
A 61-year-old male with generalised lymphadenopathy presenting with shortness of breath and infiltrates on chest radiography.

Can you diagnose this 61-year-old male with generalised lymphadenopathy, dyspnoea and radiographic infiltrates? http://ow.ly/AXDg306hfqo
Sleep and Quality of Life in Children

Sleep disorders are known to have a dramatic effect on the quality of life of children. They may present very differently from infancy through adolescence, which makes diagnosis and treatment of these conditions both challenging and complex. Pediatric sleep disorders constitute a variety of conditions including central apnea, acute life-threatening events (ALTEs), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and narcolepsy. However, the most common diagnosis is sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). SDB is associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and usually resolves after adenotonsillectomy. Children with SDB have scores on a global quality of life measure that are worse than those of children with asthma or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, dramatic improvements in quality of life scores for SDB have been shown in a number of studies after adenotonsillectomy. The improvements are comprehensive and include all domains of quality of life. Caregivers report improvements in sleep disturbance, physical suffering, emotional distress, and daytime problems in their children. These improvements in quality of life are maintained up to 18 months after surgery and are dramatic regardless of the severity of SDB. The prevalence of SDB in children with obesity, neuromuscular or craniofacial disorders, Down syndrome or mucopolysaccharidoses is higher than in the general pediatric population and is widely underestimated. Unfortunately, few studies on quality of life have included these “high-risk” children or children with sleep disorders other than SDB. In future studies of quality of life and sleep disorders in children there is a need to quantify the diagnosis of the sleep disorder on the basis of data from polysomnography so that selection criteria might be standardized, to include appropriate control groups in the study design, and to assess the impact of co-morbidities.
Resident participation is not associated with postoperative adverse events, reoperation, or prolonged length of stay following craniotomy for brain tumor resection

Prior studies exploring the impact of resident involvement on complication and mortality rates in neurosurgery have evaluated heterogeneous cohorts. Since brain tumor resection is characterized by significant operative complexity, variety, and morbidity, intraoperative resident involvement has the potential to impact patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was thus to explore the relationship between resident involvement and patient outcomes following craniotomy for brain tumor resection. Data for adult patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor resection were extracted from the 2008–2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Resident involvement was determined for all included cases, and evaluated for association with patient outcomes via multivariable, binary logistic regression modeling while controlling for perioperative variables. Outcomes included death, prolonged length of stay (LOS), readmission, reoperation, and pertinent complications. A total of 3587 cases met the inclusion criteria, 2926 (81.6%) of which were supratentorial tumors and 661 (18.4%) were infratentorial lesions. Residents were involved in 63.6% of cases. Resident participation was associated with a reduced incidence of prolonged LOS (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.86, P = 0.001) and urinary tract infection (UTI) (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40–0.98, P = 0.038), and approached significance for reduced mortality rate (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.39–1.03, P = 0.064). These associations were observed for patients with supratentorial tumors but not for those with infratentorial lesions. Resident involvement was not significantly associated with any of the other outcome metrics. Resident involvement was not a risk factor for any adverse events, and was associated with reduced incidence of prolonged LOS and UTI. The observed relationships may be impacted by institution-level factors.
Fused local-global control of spatiotemporally-varying systems: A case study in airborne wind energy

This paper presents a real-time altitude optimization technique for airborne wind energy (AWE) systems that fuses a coarse, global optimization with a fine, local optimization. The ultimate goal is to maximize net energy consumption by operating at an altitude where the wind speed is closest to the turbine's rated wind speed. Without the use of auxiliary wind profiling equipment, this results in a challenging real-time optimization that must be performed over a spatiotemporally varying, partially observable environment. As a result of computational complexity, global optimization techniques must be performed over a very coarse grid. Local optimization techniques alone, on the other hand, are unlikely to yield convergence to the globally-optimal altitude trajectory. The fused control strategy proposed in this work overcomes the limitations that both strategies pose when used in isolation. Unlike traditional hierarchical control architectures, where the upper-level controller prescribes a setpoint to the lower-level, our proposed upper-level controller passes an advisory input to the lower level. This advisory input prevents the AWE system from getting stuck in non-global optima while still giving the lower level controller freedom to explore. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller using real wind data.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) detects fine roots of agricultural crops in the field

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a non-invasive technique is widely used in coarse root detection. However, the applicability of the technique to detect fine roots of agricultural crops is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of utilizing GPR to detect fine roots in the field. This study was conducted in four locations with different soil types and soil moisture conditions in Texas. Several varieties of winter wheat and energy cane were scanned with GPR (1600 MHz). Soil cores were collected immediately after scanning to measure root parameters. Using an image analysis software, four pixel indices with or without intensity threshold were used to assess the relationships between GPR signal and root parameters. There were significant relations between GPR indices and root parameters depending on soil conditions. The accuracy of root estimation was higher in wet clay soils than in dry sandy soils. Estimated root parameters from GPR had lower variation than measured roots. Average GPR pixel intensity without intensity threshold may be better to reflect root information than pixel indices with intensity threshold. This study demonstrates that GPR has the potential to predict bulk root biomass and diameter in winter wheat and energy cane.
Impact of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate on Blood Use, Cost, and Outcomes in Heart Transplantation

Background Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients undergoing heart transplantation have increased bleeding risk. We compared conventional warfarin reversal with fresh frozen plasma vs 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and the effect on transfusion requirements, blood bank costs, and clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective review identified 60 consecutive LVAD recipients undergoing heart transplantation divided into two groups: 30 (no PCC) received fresh frozen plasma and 30 (PCC) received PCC. Patient characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative transfusion requirements, short-term clinical outcomes, and blood bank costs were compared. PCC association with transfusion requirements was assessed by multivariate linear regression. Results Patients who received PCC were younger (50 ± 11 vs 57 ± 13 years, p = 0.02), fewer had ischemic cardiomyopathy (23% vs 60%, p = 0.01), had more than one prior sternotomy (7% vs 30%, p = 0.04), and had higher preoperative hemoglobin (11.8 ± 1.8 vs 10.4 ± 1.8 g/dL, p = 0.01). The PCC group had a significantly shorter bypass time (185 vs 217 minutes, p = 0.01), received less fresh frozen plasma (2 vs 5 units, p = 0.03), cryoprecipitate (0 vs 2 units, p = 0.05), and total blood products (9 vs 13.5 units, p = 0.03) intraoperatively, and was less likely to require delayed sternal closure (3% vs 23%, p = 0.05). On multivariate linear regression, PCC was significantly associated with decreased intraoperative transfusion (β = –6.09, p = 0.02). There was no difference in thromboembolic events or in-hospital death. Total blood bank costs were $4,949 for PCC and $3,677 for no PCC ( p = 0.01). Conclusions Although more costly, PCC reduced transfusion requirements and delayed sternal closure in heart transplant recipients bridged with LVAD, justifying its use over traditional warfarin reversal.
Chemical modification of membrane surface — overview

Membrane surface properties critically affect membrane performance as it is the membrane surface that contacts the feed. Chemical modification of membrane surfaces is an attractive method to impart desirable surface properties while retaining the desired bulk polymer properties such as mechanical and chemical resistance and membrane morphology. Fouling or adsorption of undesirable species onto the membrane surface affects membrane properties and leads to compromised performance. Consequently, a great deal of effort has focused on minimizing the unsought accumulation of molecules on the membrane surface. Hence, this review focuses on membrane surface modification for suppression of fouling. Recent progress in the field of chemical modification is highlighted along with challenges and future direction. In particular the development of controlled polymerization methods that permit better control of the three-dimensional structure of the grafted nanolayer has been a major focus of recent research.
Exchanging Land, Explaining Power: Land Consolidation in Peri-urban Hanoi

How do economic growth and the spread of housing and facilities affect cities’ peri-urban land and peoples? In many cases around the world, agricultural land is being converted and repurposed rapidly for urban uses through the process of land consolidation. However, how does land consolidation actually affect farmers and communities? What role do they have in the process? How do they evaluate results? Using participant observation and semi-structured interviews with thirteen local farmers in Soc Son, a peri-urban district of Vietnam undergoing land consolidation in 2010, this article illuminates four major conflicts that affect the outcome of land consolidation. These conflicts are (1) between the state’s strategy of decentralization and the disparate human resources on the ground, (2) between the ideology of equity and the efficiency of land redistribution, (3) between the promise of mechanization and unequal access to machines, and (4) between infrastructural improvements and actual needs. I argue that the failure of policymakers to account for existing inequalities and local context in Soc Son villages has led to unfulfilled promises of land consolidation and further stratification within the farmer community.
Membrane assembly and remodeling during reticulocyte maturation

Membrane skeletal and cytoskeletal remodeling occurs throughout erythroid maturation. Microtubules and microfilaments have been identified morphologically in the nucleated erythroblast but the functional capability of these cytoskeletal structures during reticulocyte maturation has not been studied. Reticulocytes are formed from orthochromatic normoblasts by the process of nuclear extrusion. Two recognizable stages of reticulocyte maturation follow. The least mature reticulocytes are motile and multilobular, while the more mature reticulocytes are cup-shaped and nonmotile. To study the respective roles of microtubules and microfilaments in nuclear extrusion and cell motility, experiments were performed with agents that perturb these structures. Following the injection into rats of colchicine, a microtubule-disrupting substance, the number of normoblasts arrested at the stage of nuclear extrusion increased linearly over four hours. Similar results were obtained when bone marrow cells were incubated in culture in the presence of colchicine. In contrast, cell motility was dramatically decreased by cytochalasin B, a microfilament-disrupting agent, but not by colchicine. These results imply that microtubules are essential for the nuclear extrusion process, while microfilaments are essential for cell motility. Simultaneous changes in membrane skeletal assembly were assessed by measuring membrane deformability and stability, two properties regulated by the skeletal proteins. In ektacytometric assays, membrane deformability and mechanical stability of immature reticulocytes were markedly decreased to approximately 10% of normal, while that of more mature reticulocytes were nearly normal. Since the skeletal protein organization regulates these membrane properties, our findings imply that substantial membrane skeletal remodeling occurs during reticulocyte maturation. Thus we have identified major remodeling of both skeletal and cytoskeletal components during reticulocyte maturation.
Consumer Research in Retrospect: An Analysis of the American Silver Market, 1750–1800

Both aggressive marketing practices and lively consumer markets have had a long history.Early luxury markets are particularly worthy of investigation because they set a general pattern for broader markets in later years.This paper analyzes the American silver market between 1750 and 1800. After first defining silver as a product class and briefly showing how it was marketed, the paper describes the market in terms of relevant geographic and demographic characteristics.The paper then segments the market with appropriate end uses and product benefits.The concluding section summarizes the findings and offers questions for further research.
Selective Immunotherapy with Transfer Factor

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses selective immunotherapy with transfer factor. The nature and extending the biological functions of transfer factor (TF) as a leukocytic moiety that initiates as well as augments delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in normal humans has set the stage for its application to the therapy of diseases either caused by or associated with defects in cellular immune responses. TF D has emerged as soluble cellular immunity—an immunologically specific recruiting agent—that converts both the recipient and the recipient's circulating lymphocytes to an antigen-responsive state. TF is recognized as one of the most potent immunological reagents currently available for the initiation, restoration, or augmentation cellular immunity and DTH. Thus, TF is key to the understanding and effective treatment of diseases that encompass allograft rejection, autoimmunity, surveillance of neoplastic cells, and infections caused by intracellular microbes such as viruses, fungi, and mycobacteria.