cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐GG‐T‐363: 3D Dosimetric Verification of Ir‐192 HDR Brachytherapy Source Irradiation

Purpose: Experimental verification of brachytherapydose distributions, especially closer than 1 cm from the source, is very difficult with current dosimetry tools. PRESAGE, a 3D radio‐chromic plastic, has already shown promise in the realm of high energy clinical radiation dosimetry. We present a 3D verification of an IR‐192 HDR brachytherapydose distribution based on the PRESAGE/Optical‐CT dosimetry system. Method and Materials: A 6cm diameter by 10cm height cylinder of PRESAGE was made with a 7cm long by 2mm diameter channel in the center. Irradiation took place using a GammaMed 12i HDR source, and one dwell position for total irradiation time of 37.8 seconds. Measurement of the dose distribution consisted of using an in‐house optical‐CT scanner with reconstructed pixel size of .6mm. The following parameters were used for image acquisition: 900 projections at .2 degree spacing, 5 exposure averages per projection, and 0.0774mm pixel size. Reconstructed resolution was 1.2mm. Comparisons were made of the measured dose distribution from PRESAGE with Eclipse treatment plan for a single dwell irradiation. Results: Eclipse data and PRESAGE data were normalized to relative dose distributions to the point 1cm from the transverse bisector. PRESAGE profiles in transverse plane agree with Eclipse profiles to ∼5% between .6 cm and 2 cm from the source position. There was a loss in PRESAGE measurement data due to edge reconstruction artifacts extending to 3mm on either side of the channel. Conclusion: We have shown that the PRESAGE/Optical‐CT system is capable of providing a 3D dose distribution Eclipse verification of a simple Ir‐192 HDR irradiation. The unique features of the system are very high spatial resolution isotropically in 3D, simplicity (lack of need for an external container) and robustness (e.g. lack of sensitivity to oxygen contamination).
The eternal quest of paying properly for healthcare

This editorial refers to ‘Acute myocardial infarction and diagnosis-related groups: patient classification and hospital reimbursement in 11 European countries’[†][1], by W. Quentin et al. , on page 1972 Probably since the first time one human being sought to improve the health status of another, in return for a material reward, there has been head scratching over how best to compensate the would-be-healer and how much. The fascinating paper by Quentin et al. on drug-related groups (DRGs) for acute myocardial infarctions in 11 European countries continues the quest.1 The most famous formal expression of concern over paying for healthcare goes back close to 4 millennia, to the Code of Hammurabi2 promulgated by the Babylonian King Hammurabi's sometime around 1700 BC. It sets forth a rudimentary malpractice code and a fee schedule for physicians—with fees varying according to the socio-economics status of the patient (see codes 215–225 in the Code of Hammurabi 3). That feature, incidentally, survives to this day in the USA, where hospital and physician fees for patients covered by the government-run Medicaid programme for the poor are significantly lower than those for the government's Medicare programme for the elderly of all socio-economic strata and for commercially insured patients, just as they were lower for patients of lower socio-economic status in ancient Babylonia. Luke 8:43 of the New Testament reports on ‘a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any.’4 There is a hint in the language that something was wrong here with how much money physicians extracted from society. In his The Wealth of Nations , however, Adam Smith leans toward the medieval doctrine of just price5 to defend high physician incomes when he writes on the appropriate level of payment for … [1]: #fn-2
Structural Energies of A1 Deposited on the GaAs(110) Surface

Major controversies over the structure of A1 atoms deposited on the GaAs(110) surface have been resolved by using a first-principles energy-minimization method. The most stable configuration is that of A1 atoms replacing the second layer Ga atoms beneath the surface. At temperatures where this reaction cannot be activated, two important processes are found to exist. In the low-coverage limit, A1 atoms favor twofold sites to form strong bonds with the substrate atoms. At higher coverages, A1 atoms tend to cluster and make new bonds among themselves.
Evaluability assessment of the adult education program (AEP): The results and their use

Abstract This paper describes the conduct and the results of an evaluability assessment (EA) of the Adult Education Program (AEP), PL 91-230, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1201–1211c). It presents the findings on the intended program, the actual program, the plausibility of the objectives, the measurement of the objectives, and the program evaluability and options for improvement. The paper concludes with a discussion of the management use of the results following the study and within the current context for the program.
The Functional Role of Basic Patch, a Structural Element ofEscherichia coli Transcript Cleavage Factors GreA and GreB

The transcript cleavage factors GreA and GreB of Escherichia coli are involved in the regulation of transcription elongation. The surface charge distribution analysis of their three-dimensional structures revealed that the N-terminal domains of GreA and GreB contain a small and large basic "patch," respectively. To elucidate the functional role of basic patch, mutant Gre proteins were engineered in which the size and charge distribution of basic patch were modified and characterized biochemically. We found that Gre mutants lacking basic patch or carrying basic patch of decreased size bind to RNA polymerase and induce transcript cleavage reaction in minimally backtracked ternary elongation complex (TEC) with the same efficiency as the wild type factors. However, they exhibit substantially lower readthrough and cleavage activities toward extensively backtracked and arrested TECs and display decreased efficiency of photocross-linking to the RNA 3'-terminus. Unlike wild type factors, basic patch-less Gre mutants are unable to complement the thermosensitive phenotype of GreA(-):GreB(-) E. coli strain. The large basic patch is required but not sufficient for the induction of GreB-type cleavage reaction and for the cleavage of arrested TECs. Our results demonstrate that the basic patch residues are not directly involved in the induction of transcript cleavage reaction and suggest that the primary role of basic patch is to anchor the nascent RNA in TEC. These interactions are essential for the readthrough and antiarrest activities of Gre factors and, apparently, for their in vivo functions.
Dimension reduction via marginal high moments in regression

Abstract Yin and Cook [2002. Dimension reduction for the conditional k-th moment in regression. J. Roy. Statist. Soc. B 64, 159–175] established a general equivalence between sliced inverse regression ( sir ) and a marginal moment method called Cov k . In this note, we form a new marginal method called p H d k and establish a general equivalence between sliced average variance estimation save , and Cov k and p H d k . We also show that in the population save is the most comprehensive method among all dimension reduction methods using the first two inverse moments. However, no similar relation was found for dimension reduction methods based on third inverse moments.
Ultrastructure of thymic myoid cells.

Mature myoid cells in the parenchyma of reptilian thymus contain all the organelles typical of striated muscle. The presence of both immature and degenerating stages indicates a turnover of myoid cells in the adult thymus. In the earlier stages of differentiation myoid cells resemble thymic epithelial cells. A close parallel exists between developing myoid cells, skeletal muscle differentiating in vitro, rhabdomyoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Elaborate lattice-like structures are formed by transverse tubules. These structures are compared with similar configurations which have been described in muscle and mitochondrial cristae.
Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy: Experimental Transmission to the Squirrel Monkey

A progressive, fatal spongiform encephalopathy developed in three squirrel monkeys 11 months after inoculation with primate-passaged transmissible mink encephalopathy agent. The clinical symptoms and histopathologic and electron microscopic findings suggest that this naturally occurring disease of mink has been transmitted experimentally to squirrel monkeys.
Supersymmetric theory of flavor with radiative fermion masses.

Supersymmetric theories involving a spontaneously broken flavor symmetry can lead to fermion masses which vanish at the tree level but are generated by radiative corrections. In the context of supersymmetric theories with minimal low energy field content we discuss which fermion masses and mixings may be obtained radiatively, and find that constraints from flavor-changing phenomenology imply that only the first generation fermion masses and some (but not all) CKM mixings can naturally come from radiative corrections. We also consider general conditions on theories of flavor which guarantee the existence of tree-level massless fermions while having nontrivial CKM matrix elements at the tree level. Two complete models of flavor are presented. In the first model, all first generation fermion masses are radiatively generated. In the second model, the electron and up quark mass are due to radiative corrections whereas the down mass appears at the tree level, as does a successful prediction for the Cabibbo angle ${sin\ensuremath{\theta}}_{C}=\sqrt{\frac{{m}_{d}}{{m}_{s}}}$.
Impact of urbanization on high-salinity estuaries in the southeastern United States

Abstract To assess the impact of urbanization on small high-salinity estuaries, studies were initiated which had a broad temporal and spatial base. These studies utilize a geographic information system and a global positioning system technology, as well as new data collection and analytical techniques to characterize the relationship between land-use patterns, nutrient loading, water quality, chemical contaminants, bacteriology, toxicology, hydrodynamics, and primary and secondary production. Thirty monitoring stations at both an urbanized estuary (Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, U.S.A.) and a nearby, similar-sized, relatively pristine estuary (North Inlet, SC) were established. Results indicate the following trends. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in seawater and oyster tissue were higher in Murrells Inlet, and the specific PAHs found in higher concentrations in seawater are similar to the PAH composition in urban air. Copper concentrations were higher in Murrells Inlet with the highest concentrations found in oysters located near human habitation. Although total coliform levels in surface waters at both estuaries were not different, faecal coliform levels in Murrells Inlet were generally higher, particularly in oysters. Nitrate and phosphate concentrations were higher in water from Murrells Inlet but, in contrast, ammonium concentrations when significantly different were higher at North Inlet landward stations. The variability in dissolved oxygen was much greater in North Inlet and may be due to the greater marsh/creek drainage in North Inlet. Chlorophyll a values tended to be higher and more variable for North Inlet water samples but no significant differences were observed between the two estuaries during the peak of the growing season. Lower biomass was observed in Murrells Inlet when similar creeks from the two estuaries were sampled by seines.
Heuristic solution procedures for a mixed‐integer programming discriminant model

Mixed-integer programming models for the two-group discriminant problem appear to be more promising, in terms of accuracy, than are linear programming models, but at a substantial computational cost. This paper poses a particular mixed-integer model and suggests heuristics, based on linear programming, for obtaining suboptimal but “good” solutions to it. The heuristics are compared to the mixed-integer model using Monte Carlo simulation with Gaussian data.
Design and Development of a Vector Thrusting Quadrotor for Minimally Induced Pitch and Roll Motions

Due to its hovering capabilites and maneuverability, the quadrotor provides an excellent platform for unmanned systems and robotics research. Localization of the vehicle is typically done via laser ranging or photometric and depth cameras. The design of the quadrotor introduces a problem, however, when it is to travel parallel to the ground plane. Due to the rigid body of the quadrotor and the fixed orientation of the thrusters it is impossible for the quadrotor to undergo this motion without inducing a change in the pitch and/or roll orientation. This introduces a problem in finding the true orientation at which sensor measurements are taken, requiring advanced computer vision algorithms, mechanical gimbal systems or other means to compensate for the motion. This paper focuses on the design of a quadrotor that has the capability to travel parallel to the ground plane while minimizing the induced pitch and roll motion. The unique contribution to the quadrotor design is to allow each of the quadrotor arms to rotate about their respective horizontal axis in order to accomplish thrust vectoring of the individual motors. By controlling both the magnitude and direction of each of the motor thrusts, pure translational maneuvers are possible without inducing pitch and/or roll motions. Simulation results are presented as well as the controller used to govern the behavior of the craft.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Foaming Properties of Selected Plant and Animal Proteins

The foaming properties of proteins are important in predicting their fnnctionality in aerated foods. In model aqueous systems, foam expansion (FE) and foam stability (FS) of commercial plant proteins, wheat germ protein flour (WGPF), corn germ protein flour (CGPF), and soy flour (SF), were compared with those of nonfat dried milk (NFDM) and egg white powder (EWP) at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8% using one- and two-way analyses of variance. The effects of pH 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 on FE and FS of WGPF were also measured. The highest overall FE and FS were obtained for EWP. Among plant proteins, FE and FS were maximum for CGPF and SF, respectively. FS was lowest for NFDM. Except for SF, FE and FS increased with increasing protein concentration. The FE and FS of WGPF were highest at pH 8, lowest at pH 7, and intermediate at pH 4–6.
Predictors of Neurocardiogenic Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose— Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) frequently results in myocardial necrosis with release of cardiac enzymes. Historically, this necrosis has been attributed to coronary artery disease, coronary vasospasm, or oxygen supply-demand mismatch. Experimental evidence, however, indicates that excessive release of norepinephrine from the myocardial sympathetic nerves is the most likely cause. We hypothesized that myocardial necrosis after SAH is a neurally mediated process that is dependent on the severity of neurological injury. Methods— Consecutive patients admitted with SAH were enrolled prospectively. Predictor variables reflecting demographic (age, sex, body surface area), hemodynamic (heart rate, systolic blood pressure), treatment (phenylephrine dose), and neurological (Hunt-Hess score) factors were recorded. Serial cardiac troponin I measurements and echocardiography were performed on days 1, 3, and 6 after enrollment. Troponin level was treated as a dichotomous outcome variable. We per...
Classroom Performance of Students with Serious Emotional Disturbance A Comparative Study of Evaluation Methods for Behavior Management

The treatment effects of three types of behavior management evaluation methods—teacher evaluation, self-evaluation, and group evaluation—were investigated. Effects on both the academic and behavioral performance of students with serious emotional disturbance (SED) were examined using an alternating treatments design. Results differentiated among the three methods, indicating significantly improved academic performance when either the self- or group evaluation procedures were implemented. It could therefore be stated that students with SED can benefit from learning skills for managing their own behavior. Time spent actively engaged was found to be variable among treatments but to become consistent only during the optimal treatment phase (i.e., self-evaluation). Teacher acceptability data supported the use of all procedures although the data favored self-evaluation. The results of this initial comparative outcome study support the continued use of self- and group evaluation behavior management procedures fo...
Demonstration of parasites in Toxoplasma lymphadenitis by fine-needle aspiration cytology : Report of two cases

Two cases of toxoplasma lymphadenitis diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, in which the microorganisms were identified in the cytologic preparations, are presented. The first case was that of an 8-yr-old boy with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy of 2-mo duration, in which an FNA specimen of one of the lymph nodes in a Papanicolaou-stained smear disclosed a toxoplasma cyst, and in Wright-Giemsa preparation, dispersed tachyzoites and a pseudocyst. The second case was that of a 52-yr-old man with enlargement of a single lymph node in the neck, of 3-mo duration, FNA of which in Wright-Giemsa preparation disclosed numerous tachyzoites dispersed free in exudate, and also within cells, forming pseudocysts. In both cases, immunocytochemistry by the peroxidase method for Toxoplasma gondii antigen was positive. The tachyzoites seen in Wright-Giemsa preparations, when subjected to fluorescence microscopy, emitted autofluorescence, facilitating their identification. While the presence of parasites in toxoplasma lymphadenitis is quite unusual, having been reported occasionally in histologic preparations and only rarely in cytologic FNA materials, our 2 cases suggest that in active disease, tachyzoites may not be so uncommon in FNA specimens. Besides the use of immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of the disease, air-dried preparations stained by the Wright-Giemsa method are valuable for the demonstration of such parasites through careful search, along with the possible use of fluorescence microscopy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;22:11–15. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modulation of macrophage nitric oxide production by prostaglandin D2.

Background Nitric oxide and prostaglandins readily become activated in response to inflammatory events. The overproduction of nitric oxide is detrimental to the host. The present study was conducted to examine whether prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) modulates nitric oxide production in macrophages in response to an inflammatory stimulus. Methods Cultures of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were exposed to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.01 and 1.0 μg/ml) before and after exposure to PGD2 (0.01 to 10 nmol). After 24-h incubation, supernatants were collected and nitrite was quantitated by Greiss reaction as a measure of nitric oxide synthesis. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein was measured by Western blot analysis. Results Macrophages exposed to 0.01 and 1.0 μg/ml LPS produced 8.3 ± 0.2 and 15.0 ± 1.4 nmol/1.1 × 106 cells/24 h of nitrite, respectively. The simultaneous addition of PGD2 with LPS inhibited nitrite production in a dose-dependent fashion and suppressed iNOS protein expression. A strong time effect was also exhibited when macrophages were incubated with PGD2 1 hour before as compared to 7 hours after the addition of LPS (0.01 or 1.0 μg/ml), indicating that the earlier the time PGD2 was added to the culture media, the greater the inhibition. Prostaglandin D2 had the capacity to block nitrite synthesis even when added as much as 7 hours after an LPS challenge. Blocking endogenous prostaglandins, using indomethacin (10 μΜ), suppressed nitrite production. Conclusion Exogenous PGD2 caused dose- and time-dependent decreases in LPS-stimulated nitrite production by RAW 264.7 macrophages by hindering iNOS protein expression. Conversely, the endogenous prostaglandins released by these same cells in response to an LPS challenge stimulated nitrite production, which may consequently dampen the inhibitory actions of exogenous PGD2.
Structure theorem for six-dimensional estimation algebras

The problem of classification of finite-dimensional estimation algebras was formally proposed by Brockett in his lecture at International Congress of Mathematicians in 1983. Due to the difficulty of the problem, in the early 1990s Brockett suggested that one should understand the low-dimensional estimation algebras first. In this paper, We extend Yau and his coauthors' work of the Mitter conjecture for low dimensional estimation algebras in nonlinear filtering problem. And we apply the results to give classification of estimation algebras of dimension six.
TEACHING ENGINEERING COURSES WITH WORKBOOKS

Society expects that a modern college education will turn out students who are analytical, intellectually curious, culturally aware, employable, and capable of leadership. Some important skills needed for all degree programs are problem solving, communication (written and oral), team or group work, learning, and information processing and technology. Instructors feel rewarded and satisfied when they sense that they have made a difference in the life of a student.
The root surf ace and regeneration; present therapeutic limitations and future biologic potentials

Abstract An ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is predictable regeneration of a periodontium at the site of a previous marginal periodontitis. Current clinical therapeutic techniques result in repair, and not regeneration with formation of a new connective tissue attachment. Studies have indicated that surface demineralization of dentin from root surfaces predisposes toward a new connective tissue attachment, and this attachment may take place in an environment lacking periodontal progenitor cell populations. The role of the root surface is considered regarding inhibition and facilitation of these various connective tissue responses.
Learner Views of Using Authentic Audio to Aid Pronunciation: “You Can Just Grab Some Feelings”

TESOL Quarterly invites readers to submit short reports and updates on their work. These summaries may address any areas of interest to Quarterly readers.
Nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of rubber in shear

The behavior in creep under constant load and recovery following removal of load is considered for certain nonlinear mechanical models. These models consist of a linear dashpot in parallel with a non-Hookean spring for which the ratio deformation/stress increases with stress. Some data are presented on the nonlinear creep and recovery behavior in shear of raw and vulcanized rubbers. One of the models represents to a first approximation the deviations from linear viscoelastic behavior manifested by the rubber tested.
BIST testability enhancement using high level test synthesis for behavioral and structural designs

In this paper we will show how high level test synthesis can achieve higher testability for BIST oriented test methodologies. Our results show considering testability during high-level synthesis, better testability can be obtained when compared to DFT at low level.
A novel non‐upwind, interconnected, multi‐grid, overlapping numerical procedure for problems involving fluid flow

A novel numerical procedure for heat, mass and momentum transfer in fluid flow is presented. The new scheme is passed on a non-upwind, interconnected, multi-grid, overlapping (NIMO) finite-difference algorithm. In 2D flows, the NIMO algorithm solves finite-difference equations for each dependent variable on four overlapping grids. The finite-difference equations are formulated using the control-volume approach, such that no interpolations are needed for computing the convective fluxes. For a particular dependent variable, four fields of values are produced. The NIMO numerical procedure is tested against the exact solution of two test problems. The first test problem is an oblique laminar 2D flow with a double step abrupt change in a passive scalar variable for infinite Peclet number. The second test problem is a rotating radial flow in an annular sector with a single step abrupt change in a passive scalar variable for infinite Peclet number. The NIMO scheme produced essentially the exact solution using different uniform and non-uniform square and rectangular grids for 45 and 30° angle of inclination. All other schemes were unable to capture the exact solution, especially for the rectangular and non-uniform grids. The NIMO scheme was also successful in predicting the exact solution for the rotating radial flow, using a uniform cylindrical-polar coordinate grid. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation for Mass Casualty Incidents

Mass casualty incidents are events where the number of injured patients exceeds the resources of the health care institution to the degree that care may not be available or may be limited for a portion of the casualties. Mass casualty incidents are increasing in frequency throughout the United States. Managing mass casualty incidents has not traditionally been part of the nursing curriculum; however, our changing world requires us to become educated and prepared to respond to these scenarios. This article focuses on intentional explosive disasters and the nursing and institutional response to these incidents. This information is of value to nursing professionals and other health care providers.
Effect of gradient noise on the adaptive cancellation of a sinusoid in white noise

It is demonstrated that for applications in which adaptive cancellation of sinusoids, rather than enhancement, is desired, the effect of gradient noise is negligible when operating within the stability range of the filter.
Amortization, lazy evaluation, and persistence: lists with catenation via lazy linking

Amortization has been underutilized in the design of persistent data structures, largely because traditional accounting schemes break down in a persistent setting. Such schemes depend on saving "credits" for future use, but a persistent data structure may have multiple "futures", each competing for the same credits. We describe how lazy evaluation can often remedy this problem, yielding persistent data structures with good amortized efficiency. In fact, such data structures can be implemented purely functionally in any functional language supporting lazy evaluation. As can example of this technique, we present a purely functional (and therefore persistent) implementation of lists that simultaneously support catenation and all other usual list primitives in constant amortized time. This data structure is much simpler than the only existing data structure with comparable bounds, the recently discovered catenable lists of Kaplan and Tarjan, which support all operations in constant worst-case time.
Application of Scale-Selective Data Assimilation to Regional Climate Modeling and Prediction

A method referred to as scale-selective data assimilation (SSDA) is designed to inject the large-scale components of the atmospheric circulation from a global model into a regional model to improve regional climate simulations and predictions. The SSDA is implemented through the following procedure: 1) using a low-pass filter to extract the large-scale components of the atmospheric circulation from global analysis or model forecasts; 2) applying the filter to extract the regional-scale and the large-scale components of the atmospheric circulation from the regional model simulations or forecasts; 3) assimilating the large-scale circulation obtained from the global model into the corresponding component simulated by the regional model using the method of three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) while maintaining the small-scale components from the regional model during the assimilation cycle; 4) combining the small-scale and the assimilated large-scale components as the adjusted forecasts by the regional climate model and allowing the two components to mutually adjust outside the data assimilation cycle. A case study of summer 2005 seasonal climate hindcasting for the regions of the Atlantic and the eastern United States indicates that the large-scale components from the Global Forecast System (GFS) analysis can be effectively assimilated into the regional model using the scale-selective data assimilation method devised in this study, resulting in an improvement in the overall results from the regional climate model.
Blood Levels of Mercury Are Related to Diagnosis of Autism : A Reanalysis of an Important Data Set

The question of what is leading to the apparent increase in autism is of great importance. Like the link between aspirin and heart attack, even a small effect can have major health implications. If there is any link between autism and mercury, it is absolutely crucial that the first reports of the question are not falsely stating that no link occurs. We have reanalyzed the data set originally reported by Ip et al. in 2004 and have found that the original p value was in error and that a significant relation does exist between the blood levels of mercury and diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, the hair sample analysis results offer some support for the idea that persons with autism may be less efficient and more variable at eliminating mercury from the blood.
Trade-Based Carbon Sequestration Accounting

This article describes and illustrates an accounting method to assess and compare “early” carbon sequestration investments and trades on the basis of the number of standardized CO2 emission offset credits they will provide. The “gold standard” for such credits is assumed to be a relatively riskless credit based on a CO2 emission reduction that provides offsets against CO2 emissions on a one-for-one basis. The number of credits associated with carbon sequestration needs to account for time, risk, durability, permanence, additionality, and other factors that future trade regulators will most certainly use to assign “official” credits to sequestration projects. The method that is presented here uses established principles of natural resource accounting and conventional rules of asset valuation to “score” projects. A review of 20 “early” voluntary United States based CO2 offset trades that involve carbon sequestration reveals that the assumptions that buyers, sellers, brokers, and traders are using to characterize the economic potential of their investments and trades vary enormously. The article develops a “universal carbon sequestration credit scoring equation” and uses two of these trades to illustrate the sensitivity of trade outcomes to various assumptions about how future trade auditors are likely to “score” carbon sequestration projects in terms of their “equivalency” with CO2 emission reductions. The article emphasizes the importance of using a standard credit scoring method that accounts for time and risk to assess and compare even unofficial prototype carbon sequestration trades. The scoring method illustrated in this article is a tool that can protect the integrity of carbon sequestration credit trading and can assist buyers and sellers in evaluating the real economic potential of prospective trades.
THE CHINESE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: LESSONS FOR OTHER NATIONS

This paper examines China's health care from a system perspective and draws some lessons for less developed nations. A decade ago, Chinese macro-health policy shifted its health care financing and delivery toward a free market system. It encouraged all levels of health facilities to rely on user fees to support their operations. However, China continued its administered prices and hospitals continued to be operated by the government. These financing, pricing and organizational policies were not coordinated. The author found these uncoordinated policies created serious dissonance in the system. Irrational prices distorted medical practices which resulted in overuse of drugs and high technology tests. Market-based financing created more unequal access to health care between the rich and poor. Public control of hospitals and poor management caused inefficiency, waste and poor quality of care. The disarray of the Chinese health system, however, had not caused a measurable decline in health status of the Chinese people. One explanation was that the government had maintained its level of funding (per capita) for public health and prevention. Another possible explanation was that rapid rising income in China had improved nutrition, clean water and education which offset any adverse impacts of poorer medical services to the low-income populations. Nonetheless, the Chinese experience showed that its increasing expenditure per person for health care through user fees and insurance had not produced commensurate improvement in health status. China'a experience holds several lessons for less developed nations. First, there is a close linkage between financing, price and organization of health care. Uncoordinated policies could exacerbate inequity and inefficiency in health care.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Turn-Based Language Modeling for spoken dialog systems

In this paper I we propose a turn-based language modeling (TurnLM) technique for spoken dialog systems. This technique utilizes the time dependent nature of a dialog aimed at accomplishing a task. As opposed to the dialog state based language modeling techniques which depend on the information in the system prompt, TurnLM does not require any information from the dialog manager. As such, TurnLM can be used not only for human-machine dialogs but also human-human dialogs. We report performance improvement compared to the baseline system on the IBM DARPA Communicator spoken dialog system. Experimental results also suggest that TurnLM is a viable alternative to dialog state based language modeling technique.
Return on Investment for Digital Behavioral Counseling in Patients With Prediabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction We calculated the health and economic impacts of participation in a digital behavioral counseling service that is designed to promote a healthful diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with prediabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors (Prevent, Omada Health, San Francisco, California). This program enhances the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program. Participants completed a 16-week core program followed by an ongoing maintenance program. Methods Analysis was conducted for 2 populations meeting criteria for lifestyle intervention: 1) prediabetes (n = 1,663), and 2) high cardiovascular disease risk (n = 2,152). The Markov-based model simulated clinical and economic outcomes related to obesity and diabetes annually over 10 years for the 2 defined populations. Comparisons were made between participants and propensity-matched controls from the community. Results The return-on-investment break-even point was 3 years in both populations. Simulated return on investment for the population with prediabetes was $9 and $1,565 at years 3 and 5, respectively. Simulated return on investment for the population with cardiovascular disease risk was $96 and $1,512 at years 3 and 5, respectively. Results suggest that program participation reduces diabetes incidence by 30% to 33% and stroke by 11% to 16% over 5 years. Conclusion Digital Behavioral Counseling provides significant health benefits to patients with prediabetes and cardiovascular disease and a positive return on investment.
Leslie Model for the Population Dynamics of Corn Earworm in Soybean

A Leslie model was developed for the population dynamics of corn earworm in soybean. In the model, survival rates are affected by predation, cannibalism, and chemical applications. The developmental transition probabilities in the Leslie model were obtained from experimental cumulative distributions. Corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), influx density is affected by crop growth stage and the attractiveness of the crop to moths. Analytic models for components of survival, for crop development, and for influx of adult moths were parametrized from process-level simulations, supplemented by field and laboratory observations. In these models, components are represented by continuous functions, which are at least piecewise analytic. The resulting Leslie model therefore lends itself more conveniently to study of the qualitative behavior of the system, to the design of sensitivity analyses, to incorporation into decision making and management models, and to study of the effects of parameter uncertainty.
Less death in the dying

Diseases associated with aging are now the primary causes of death in developed countries. This is in part due to the long recognized exponential association of cancer with age and perhaps to a deterioration of the immune system with advanced age. Both prevention of tumorigenesis and immune function are critically dependent on apoptosis. In this study we examined apoptosis in mice of various age following gamma irradiation. We found a striking age-dependent decrease in radiation-induced apoptosis in splenic lymphocytes but not in colorectal epithelial cells. These observations may therefore provide a clue to the decline of immune function with age.
Online Appendix, Codebook, Public Dataset, and Code, to Accompany Medical Liability Insurance Premia 1990-2015: Dataset, Literature Review, and Summary Information

This appendix offers a codebook for the MLM dataset available in “Medical Liability Insurance Premia 1990-2015: Dataset, Literature Review, and Summary Information,” plus detailed documentation on the procedures used to create the MLM dataset. We document features of the MLM and NAIC premium data with heat maps, comparing patterns in MLM premia to changes in tort reform laws and medical malpractice payout data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).You can download this Appendix, together with the Codebook, statistical code, and the public version of the dataset (which includes MLM data from 1990-2002) from http://ssrn.com/abstract=2716911. To obtain the full dataset, with MLM data through 2015, you must first purchase a subscription to MLM. To do so, please contact Michael Matray, the editor of MLM, at editor@medicalliabilitymonitor.com. The current cost is $395 for a one-year subscription. MLM will confirm your subscription to us, and we will then provide the link to the full dataset to you.The overview document, Medical Liability Insurance Premia 1990-2015: Dataset, Literature Review, and Summary Information is available on SSRN at http://ssrn.com/abstract=2477120
Quantifying hardware security using joint information flow analysis

Existing hardware design methodologies provide limited methods to detect security flaws or derive a measure on how well a mitigation technique protects the system. Information flow analysis provides a powerful method to test and verify a design against security properties that are typically expressed using the notion of noninterference. While this is useful in many scenarios, it does have drawbacks primarily related to its strict enforcement of limiting all information flows - even those that could only occur in rare circumstances. Quantitative metrics based upon information theoretic measures provide an approach to loosen such restrictions. Furthermore, they are useful in understanding the effectiveness of security mitigations techniques. In this work, we discuss information flow analysis using noninterference and qualitative metrics. We describe how to use them in a synergistic manner to perform joint information flow analysis. And we use this novel technique to analyze security properties across several different hardware cryptographic cores.
Fecal Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women: A Review

Pelvic floor dysfunction and fecal incontinence is a common and debilitating condition in women, particularly as women age, and often goes under-reported to health care providers. It is important for providers to ask patients about possible symptoms. An algorithm for evaluation and treatment is presented. Current and future therapies are described and discussed.
Direct transfer of HRPII-magnetic bead complexes to malaria rapid diagnostic tests significantly improves test sensitivity

The characteristic ease of use, rapid time to result, and low cost of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) promote their widespread use at the point-of-care for malaria detection and surveillance. However, in many settings, the success of malaria elimination campaigns depends on point-of-care diagnostics with greater sensitivity than currently available RDTs. To address this need, a sample preparation method was developed to deliver more biomarkers onto a malaria RDT by concentrating the biomarker from blood sample volumes that are too large to be directly applied to a lateral flow strip. In this design, Ni–NTA-functionalized magnetic beads captured the Plasmodium falciparum biomarker HRPII from a P. falciparum D6 culture spiked blood sample. This transfer of magnetic beads to the RDT was facilitated by an inexpensive 3D-printed apparatus that aligned the sample tube with the sample deposition pad and a magnet beneath the RDT. Biomarkers were released from the bead surface onto the lateral flow strip using imidazole-spiked running buffer. Kinetics of HRPII binding to the Ni–NTA beads as a function of blood sample volume were explored prior to determining the effect of the proposed method on the limit of detection of Paracheck RDTs. More than 80 % of HRPII biomarkers were extracted from blood sample volumes ranging from 25 to 250 µL. The time required to reach 80 % binding ranged from 5 to 60 min, depending on sample volume. Using 250 μL of blood and a 30-min biomarker binding time, the limit of detection of the Paracheck Pf RDT brand was improved by 21-fold, resulting in a limit of detection below 1 parasite/μL. This approach has the sensitivity and simplicity required to assist in malaria elimination campaigns in settings with limited access to clinical and laboratory resources.
Prinzipien und Anwendungen der Faktoranalyse zur Charakterisierung von Multikomponenten - Systemen Mit Hilfe Ihrer Infrarotspektren

Die Faktoranalyse von Infrarotspektren bietet einen interessanten Ansatz fur die quantitative Analyse von Mehrkomponenten - Systemen, insbesondere fur komplexe Mischungen. Bei diesem Verfahren werden anhand eines Satzes von Kalibrierungsspektren Korrelationen zwischen den Anderungen in diesen Spektren und den chemischen oder physikalischen Eigenschaften der zugehorigen Standardproben ermittelt, die dann auf die Analysenproben ubertragen werden konnen. Die Infrarotspektroskopie in Verbindung mit der Faktoranalyse ist in der Lage, andere physikalische oder chemische Untersuchungsmethoden, die oft zeitaufwendig und teuer sind, zu ersetzen. Die Anwendungen reichen von klassischen quantitativen Bestimmungen bis hin zur Ermittlung von physikalischen Eigenschaften.
Efficacy of a computer-assisted cognitive-behavior therapy program for treating youth with anxiety and co-occurring autism spectrum disorder: Camp Cope-A-Lot

Abstract Background In a crossover design the current study describes the efficacy of a computer-assisted intervention program for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who also experience co-occurring anxiety. Methods The computer-assisted cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program for treating anxiety, Camp Cope-A-Lot (CCAL) was compared to control intervention, another computer-assisted program, The Social Express (TSE), that does not employ CBT nor is targeted for the treatment of anxiety. TSE is designed to improve social skills in youth with ASD. Participants had a principal anxiety disorder and a current diagnosis of ASD. Participants received 12-sessions of CCAL or 12-sessions of TSE. Outcome measures were obtained at intake, upon completion of the first intervention of the trial and upon completion of the second intervention of the trial. Results CCAL was efficacious for treating anxiety. Participants who completed CCAL demonstrated significant and clinical reductions in anxiety when compared to participants who completed TSE. Both interventions, CCAL and TSE, resulted in some limited improvement in social skills. Conclusions The current study showed that anxiety symptoms in youth with ASD and co-occurring anxiety disorders can benefit from computer-assisted CBT employing CCAL. This expands previous literature employing computer-assisted CBT interventions in youth, and more specifically, youth with ASD.
O(α 2 ) corrections to muon lifetime, m W , and m Z in the SU(2) L ×U(1) theory

We derive formulas for ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$, ${m}_{W}$, and ${m}_{Z}$ in the $\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)$ theory which are valid through $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}\mathrm{ln}m)$, where $m$ is a generic fermion mass; terms of $O(\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}{{m}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}}^{2}}{{{m}_{W}}^{2}})$ are neglected. The emphasis of the analysis is on the role played by fermion mass singularities. The final results are very simple: the radiative correction of the local $V\ensuremath{-}A$ theory [through $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}\mathrm{ln}(\frac{{m}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}}{{m}_{e}}))$] factors out and the heavy particles induce a renormalization that can be expressed as an elementary function of the corresponding $O(\ensuremath{\alpha})$ contribution slightly modified by fourth-order vacuum-polarization effects.
(Almost) a slam dunk: Assessing the experiences and opinions of participants in a National Basketball Association (NBA)-funded dropout prevention program.

Abstract Researchers conducted an evaluation of participants’ perceptions of a dropout prevention program − the NBA High School program − involving a National Basketball Association (NBA) team, a high school located in downtown [City], and the College of Education (COE) at the local State University (SU). The program targeted “at-risk” high school students while utilizing student-teachers as tutors and mentors. Researchers utilized mixed methods to assess student, student-teacher, and high school teacher participants’ experiences with and opinions of the program. Researchers found (1) students enjoyed the program, especially given the involvement of the student-teachers; (2) students believed the program helped improve their grades; (3) student-teachers enjoyed working with their students, although student-teachers found some of the expectations surrounding their positions and roles as tutors/mentors within the high school to be unclear and frustrating; (4) high school teachers felt significantly better about the program than the student-teachers; and (5) overall, all sets of respondents categorically supported the program and its benefits. Findings indicated that the involvement of mentors or role models matters to students, and clear and organized logistics, planning, and communication are integral for program success.