cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Production of Mesons

Cloud-chamber photographs and photographic emulsion events have been obtained which are interpreted in terms of multiple meson production. In some cases it can be shown by charge conservation and penetration of lead that a large number of the particles in hard showers are not nucleons or electrons. The results are compared with the predictions of Heisenberg and Leprince-Ringuet. By comparing the interactions in carbon and lead one is led to the conclusion that mesons are made at 55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} geomagnetic latitude with an average multiplicity of about five by protons of average energy about 8 Bev.
Positron emission tomography in cerebrovascular disorders

The introduction of positron emission tomography (PET) as a powerful imaging modality has played a major role in the understanding of the pathophysiological bases for cerebrovascular disorders. PET is the only technique that allows measurement of regional cerebral blood flow, blood volume, oxygen extraction fraction, and oxygen and glucose metabolism with detail and accuracy. Using PET, these physiological parameters can be measured to determine the extent of the disease from the early stages of cerebrovascular disorders to acute cerebral infarction. Significant hemodynamic and metabolic abnormalities are noted in chronic ischemia, but no structural changes are noted on anatomic images. PET studies have shown that in many patients in the early phases (10 to 12 hours) of clinically diagnosed acute stroke, a substantial area of ischemia exists, which, if untreated, will become irreversibly damaged. Similar to the results achieved in patients with acute myocardial infarction, appropriate intervention in patients with cerebrovascular disorders may significantly reduce the extent of injury to the brain. PET also has been useful in predicting functional recovery and monitoring the effects of various therapeutic approaches. Although functional imaging of the brain with single photon emission computed tomography can successfully be used in the investigation of several disorders of the brain, its role in cerebrovascular disorders is quite limited. PET is a unique modality that studies ischemic diseases of the brain, and it potentially could play a significant role in the management of patients with cerebrovascular disease. This will be further realized when aggressive approaches are used routinely in the future.
Geotail and LFM comparisons of plasma sheet climatology: 1. Average values

[1] We compare the statistics of central plasma sheet properties from 6 years of Geotail observations with 2 months of Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) global MHD simulations. This statistical validation effort represents an inherently new method of systematically characterizing and quantifying global MHD model performance. For our comparison, we identify the central plasma sheet in the observations and simulation by identical criteria and select the simulation interval to ensure statistically similar distributions of solar wind conditions in both studies. After verifying our plasma sheet selection by inspecting the magnetic signatures of both studies, we compare the resultant number densities, thermal pressures, thermal energies, and bulk flows as functions of position across the equatorial plane. We find that the LFM model successfully reproduces the gross features of the global plasma sheet in a statistical sense. However, our comparison also reveals certain systematic discrepancies between the model and the observations. The LFM predicts a plasma sheet which is too dense, too cool, and exhibits faster globally averaged bulk flows than the observed plasma sheet. By quantifying the LFM overestimate of ionospheric transpolar potential and showing that ΦPC correlates with plasma sheet flow speed, we demonstrate that 15% of the plasma sheet velocity discrepancy is reflected in a ΦPC overestimate. This statistical validation effort represents an essential first step toward the rigorous, quantitative evaluation of a global MHD model in the plasma sheet.
Thirty-six-month outcomes for families of children who have disabilities and participated in early intervention.

Objective. Infants and toddlers with disabilities in the United States and their families are eligible for early intervention services under Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. The purpose of this study was to assess family outcomes at the end of early intervention (near the child’s third birthday). Methods. A nationally representative sample of 2586 parents in 20 states completed a 40-minute telephone interview on or near their child’s third birthday. This article summarizes data related to perceived family outcomes at the end of early intervention. Results. At the end of early intervention, most parents felt competent in caring for their children, advocating for services, and gaining access to formal and informal supports. They also were generally optimistic about the future. Most (82%) parents believed that their family was better off as a result of early intervention. Parents were somewhat less positive in their perceived ability to deal with their child’s behavior problems or gain access to community resources, and lower family outcome scores were found for parents of minority children, children with health problems, and children who were living with a single adult. Conclusion. Results suggest that Part C early intervention provides important supports for families of young children with disabilities. The findings reinforce the need for experimental research to identify factors that are most likely to lead to successful outcomes for all families. In the meantime, early identification and expeditious referral are important so that maximum benefit can be realized for children with disabilities and their families.
DNA replication in human cells treated with methyl methanesulfonate.

Abstract Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) affects the production of DNA in human cells by reducing the rate of DNA synthesis and by causing the DNA to be synthesized in smaller than normal segments. DNA profiles from alkaline sucrose gradients from cells treated with MMS for 1 h and pulse-labeled at 2.5 h after treatment show more slow-sedimenting DNA than profiles from untreated cells or treated cells pulsed at 0.5 or 4 h after the 1-h treatment. Upon incubation of the pulse-labeled DNA there is an increase in the amount of fast-sedimenting DNA in each sample, indicating repair of the lesions. The amount of DNA synthesized is also reduced 2.5 h after a 1-h treatment but is at near normal levels at 0.5 and 4 h. The reduction in the size of the DNA segments synthesized and the reduction in the rate of DNA synthesis probably reflect the formation and repair of lesions in the parental DNA.
The Triple Bottom Line: A Framework for Sustainable Tourism Development

This conceptual article proposes that tourism development organizations adopt a triple bottom line (TBL) framework to enhance their sustainability. The TBL is a philosophical orientation whereby organizations develop and implement not just a traditional economically sustainable strategy, but also explicitly include environmental and social sustainability strategies. The history of TBL and its application to sustainable tourism development are offered and the development of a much-needed measurement instrument is described and the instrument is presented for discussion. The article concludes by presenting the benefits that can accrue to a sustainable tourism development organization through the adoption of a TBL philosophy and the use of a reliable instrument to measure TBL performance.
Selection of Teeth for Extraction as an Adjunct to Orthodontic Treatment

Indications for extraction and the selection of teeth to be extracted depend on specific aspects of the malocclusion. The decision to correct a malocclusion by extraction of teeth should be based on the ratio of arch size to tooth size, facial appearance and other factors derived from the diagnosis. Selection of the teeth to be extracted is determined by the location of the dentoalveolar dysplasias.
Hybrid DEM‐compartment modeling approach for granular mixing

A new hybrid approach to model powder mixing based on the use of discrete element method (DEM) and compartment modeling is presented. The main motivation behind the proposed approach is to reduce the computational expense of modeling powder mixing by partitioning the mixing system into high shear areas that are modeled using detailed DEM simulations, whereas the remaining process is simulated using stochastic models. The approach can, thus, be used to model complex geometries, as well as a large number of particles that is typically unfeasible with the existing approaches. The results of a horizontal convective mixing vessel are used to illustrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed approach. 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 53: 119–128, 2007
The direction of polarity of the mitochondrial trans-membrane potential.

Abstract The concentration of various anions in the sucrose impermeable space of ratliver mitochondria relative to the applied concentration can be used to calculate an equilibrium potential if one supposes that the anion distribution is passive. Values so calculated for anions of different net charge are about 30 mV, with the interior positive. The relative merits of the hypotheses that an internal positivity is generated by active cation movement or Mitchell 's chemiosmotic generation of an internal negativity coupled with hydroxyl-for-anion exchanges are examined.
Practicing memory retrieval improves long-term retention in rats.

Summary The view that the human mind is a repository of stored items dates at least to Aristotle and Plato and continues to dominate investigations of human memory [1]. This view fits with our intuitions that we study information as the optimal method to store information in memory and that retrieval of information functions only to assess what information was previously stored. Yet modern research on human memory suggests that retrieving information during a test facilitates later memory of that information [2–6]. Because human memory is intertwined with language, it is difficult to resist the conclusion that language is essential for this key aspect of human cognition. Here we show that practising memory retrieval improves long-term retention in a nonhuman species. We report evidence that rats' long-term memory performance is enhanced if they had previously retrieved specific items stored in memory.
Simulation of Benchmark Cases with the Terminal Area Simulation System (TASS)

The hydrodynamic core of the Terminal Area Simulation System (TASS) is evaluated against different benchmark cases. In the absence of closed form solutions for the equations governing atmospheric flows, the models are usually evaluated against idealized test cases. Over the years, various authors have suggested a suite of these idealized cases which have become standards for testing and evaluating the dynamics and thermodynamics of atmospheric flow models. In this paper, simulations of three such cases are described. In addition, the TASS model is evaluated against a test case that uses an exact solution of the Navier-Stokes equations. The TASS results are compared against previously reported simulations of these benchmark cases in the literature. It is demonstrated that the TASS model is highly accurate, stable and robust.
Sesquiterpene lactone patterns in diploid and polyploid Ambrosia dumosa

Abstract Diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid populations of Ambrosia dumosa yielded several different sesquiterpene lactone patterns. The distribution of chemical complements is useful in relating the different levels of this polyploid series.
Nonequilibrium morphology development in seeded emulsion polymerization. V. The effect of crosslinking agent

It is understood that a major controlling factor in the development of latex particle morphology is the extent to which second stage oligomeric radicals can diffuse into the particles after entry from the aqueous phase. This leads to the expectation that any factor which decreases the diffusion rate of second stage radicals should decrease radical penetration, and thus favor the formation of core–shell type morphologies. The occurrence of crosslinking reactions during the second stage may be one such factor, since the branched and crosslinked chains diffuse much more slowly (if at all) than their linear counterparts. This paper addresses the effect of the addition of crosslinking agent (a divinyl monomer) during the second stage polymerization on particle morphology. It is shown experimentally that, contrary to what one might expect, crosslinking during the second stage has very little, if any, effect on morphology. Modeling suggests that the reason is that the probability for radicals to develop a branch before penetrating a significant distance into the particles is very low (under conditions where full penetration is possible in the absence of crosslinking agent), especially for what is considered to be typical concentrations of crosslinking agent. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 2043–2054, 2006
Identification of Tufted Cells in the Olfactory Bulb

WE do not know whether two different types of secondary olfactory neurones exist. Classical anatomical studies have separated secondary olfactory neurones into two types: tufted cells and mitral cells1. Mitral cells form a discrete layer in the olfactory bulb and send their axons by way of the lateral olfactory tract (LOT) to ipsilateral cortical structures. Tufted cells are smaller than mitral cells and are scattered throughout the external plexiform layer. The efferent path of tufted cell axons is not clear. Previously, tufted cell axons were thought to cross by way of the anterior limb of the anterior commissure (AAC) and terminate in the contralateral olfactory bulb1, but recent anatomical studies2,3 do not confirm the entrance of tufted cell axons into the AAC. There are now at least two different views about the projection of tufted cell axons. Lohman and Mentink4 propose that tufted cell axons enter the LOT and that, therefore, at least some tufted cells may be considered displaced mitral cells. Valverde5, however, states that tufted cell axons do not leave the olfactory bulb.
Electronic structure of zirconium hydride: A proton NMR study

The proton spin-lattice relaxation times (${T}_{1}$) and Knight shifts (${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{K}$) have been measured as a function of temperature in fcc ($\ensuremath{\delta}$ phase) and fct ($\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ phase) $\mathrm{Zr}{\mathrm{H}}_{x}$ for hydrogen concentrations $1.5\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}2.0$. Interactions with the conduction electrons were found to be the only important ${T}_{1}$ relaxation processes below 320 K for the high-purity $\mathrm{Zr}{\mathrm{H}}_{x}$ samples, and no anomalous temperature effects were observed between 320 and 100 K. The dominant hyperfine interaction for the protons was the transferred core-polarization term from the Zr $d$ band. Both ${({T}_{1e}T)}^{\frac{\ensuremath{-}1}{2}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{K}$ indicate that the density of electronic states $N({E}_{F})$ at the Fermi level is very dependent upon hydrogen content with a maximum occurring near Zr${\mathrm{H}}_{1.83}$. This behavior is ascribed to modifications in $N({E}_{F})$ through the fcc-fct distortion associated with a Jahn-Teller effect in the $d$ bands. The proton NMR results are consistent with a recent band-theory calculation of fcc Zr${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and photoemission spectroscopy studies of $\mathrm{Zr}{\mathrm{H}}_{x}$ when the changes in $d$ bands caused by the Jahn-Teller tetragonal distortion are included. The fcc-fct distortions and electronic structures of the $\mathrm{Zr}{\mathrm{H}}_{x}$ phases are compared with the corresponding properties of the $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{H}}_{x}$ system.
Thin-filament pyrometry in flickering laminar diffusion flames

This paper describes an experimental system for thin-filament pyrometry (TFP) in acoustically phase-locked flickering laminar methane/air diffusion flames. The physical basis of the technique is discussed. The experiment utilizes a 15- μ m β -SiC fiber, which is simultaneously imaged at 540 points over a length of 27,5 mm using a cooled CCD camera. This arrangement provides measurements over a 1200–2100-K temperature range having a spatial resolution of ∼ 100 μ m, a temporal resolution of 1.5 ms, and a precision of 1.5±1.0 K for temperatures on the order of 2000 K. The TFP is calibrated assuming that the strongest filament emission at a height 7 mm above the burner for a steady laminar flame corresponds to a temperature of 2000 K. Temperatures at different positions along the filament are then determined by recording relative emission intensities and assuming that the filament acts as a gray-body emitter. Measured filament temperature profiles are found to be in good agreement with earlier radiation-corrected thermocouple results by Richardson and Santoro for the same steady laminar flame. The calibrated TFP is then used to make filament temperature measurements at various heights and phases of a previously studied flickering flame entering a low-velocity air flow. The use of a two-dimensional CCD allows a baseline to be determined, and measurements can be made in the presence of background luminosity, which is observed in sooting regions. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, measurements are discussed for various heights above the burner and phases of the flickering flame. The need for an extremely well-characterized flame for calibrating TFP is discussed. Knowledge of flow velocities and molecular composition in both the calibration and flickering flames is required to improve the accuracy of flame temperature measurements using TFP.
Redox potential measurements of plasma in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft and its clinical significance.

Abstract The apparent redox potentials (E m ) of plasma as a marker of oxidant injury during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is determined, and their clinical significance is discussed. We measured plasma E m of normal volunteers ( n = 20) and samples drawn at different time points from patients undergoing elective CABG ( n = 60) directly and by adding 5 μl (20 mM) oxidants or reductants with known redox potential to plasma (95 μl), using a micro Pt/AgCl combination redox electrode. The E m value stays elevated up to 30 min during the surgery, after the administration of protamine it came down toward a more reduced state. Similar changes are seen with the lactate pyruvate ratio. Smaller changes of E m than normal are observed in plasma samples from patients treated with Aprotinin (antiprotease), Carmeda (heparin-coated) circuit and aspirin reflecting their protective effect. Redox potential (E m ) measurements appear to be effective and useful in monitoring redox shifts wherever oxidative stress needs to be monitored.
The effect of machine saturation on small disturbance stability

Abstract The effect of machine saturation on small disturbance stability of a power system whose machine excitation is controlled by a fast-acting three-term automatic voltage regulator (AVR) has been investigated. It is seen that the system's stability limits were practically unaffected but the optimum settings of the AVR gain control parameters were affected significantly at the higher operating conditions.
SU-E-J-134: Motion Modeling of Non-Small Cell Lung Nodules Based on Respiratory Mechanics

Purpose: To quantify the movements of non‐small celllung nodules using 4D cone‐beam computed tomography (4D‐CBCT) that is automatically registered with planning CT, and to develop a mathematical model to predict the motion trajectory. Modeling the tumor motion may reduce the PTV and ultimately increase the therapeutic ratio. Methods: Absolute coordinates of the lung nodules in 15 patients were quantified for each phase of 4D‐CBCT scans using auto‐registration methods. Assuming respiration follows an elliptical pattern spatially in the lung, these coordinates were fitted to trigonometric functions in each x‐y‐z direction. Adjusting for phase dependence, the motion could be compared quantitatively for inter‐fractional and intra‐patient variations to determine if this model is universally applicable and has predictive value. Results: Examination of over 36 sets of 4D‐CBCT data shows acceptable agreement (< 2mm) with the elliptical model for both individual scans and over the course of treatment. Some inter‐fractional variations in amplitude and cycling periods indicate the need to remodel as patients' conditions change. The intra‐patient variations are significant and strongly dependent on the patient lung volume and tumor location, thus individual modeling of tumor motion is expected. Conclusions: The model indicates good agreement and clinical relevance with non‐small celllung nodule motion, and it appears to be potentially relevant over the course of treatment. Most re‐acquired 4D‐CBCT images inter‐fractionally were within the baseline spatial resolution of the auto‐ registration technique. However, if remodeling is necessary inter‐fractionally, this model still has the potential for significant motion margin reduction over the course of treatment.
Effect of Particle Presence on the Incompressible Inviscid Flow Through a Two Dimensional Compressor Cascade

A computational model is developed for calculating the flow field, in the presence of solid particles, through a two-dimensional compressor cascade. Results show that the effect of solid particles on the flow field contributes to the bending of the streamlines toward the blade suction surface. It is determined that the difference in the pressure coefficient for particulate flow, with 165 micron diameter for the particles, is of the order of 3 percent over the air only flow. The change in the pressure coefficients is shown to be much larger for very small particles. It was found that the total pressure loss associated with the particulate flow is very high for very small particles as compared with large particles. The total pressure loss is also shown to be higher for accelerating flow than for decelerating flow. The total pressure loss is shown to be directly proportional to the particle concentration. It is concluded that significant reductions in performance can occur in a real multistage machine due to the changes in the pressure ratios, particularly if the suspended matter is small particles.
Curvature-dependent surface energy and implications for nanostructures

Abstract At small length scales, several size-effects in both physical phenomena and properties can be rationalized by invoking the concept of surface energy. Conventional theoretical frameworks of surface energy, in both the mechanics and physics communities, assume curvature independence. In this work we adopt a simplified and linearized version of a theory proposed by Steigmann–Ogden to capture curvature-dependence of surface energy. Connecting the theory to atomistic calculations and the solution to an illustrative paradigmatical problem of a bent cantilever beam, we catalog the influence of curvature-dependence of surface energy on the effective elastic modulus of nanostructures. The observation in atomistic calculations that the elastic modulus of bent nanostructures is dramatically different than under tension – sometimes softer, sometimes stiffer – has been a source of puzzlement to the scientific community. We show that the corrected surface mechanics framework provides a resolution to this issue. Finally, we propose an unambiguous definition of the thickness of a crystalline surface.
Selective transcatheter ablation of the fast and slow pathways using radiofrequency energy in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

BACKGROUND The safety and efficacy of selective fast versus slow pathway ablation using radiofrequency energy and a transcatheter technique in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) were evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-nine consecutive patients with symptomatic AVNRT were included. There were 37 women and 12 men (mean age, 43 +/- 20 years). The first 16 patients underwent a fast pathway ablation with radiofrequency current applied in the anterior/superior aspect of the tricuspid annulus. The remaining 33 patients initially had their slow pathway targeted at the posterior/inferior aspect of the right interatrial septum. The fast pathway was successfully ablated in the initial 16 patients and in three additional patients after an unsuccessful slow pathway ablation. A mean of 10 +/- 8 radiofrequency pulses were delivered; the last (successful) pulse was at a power of 24 +/- 7 W for a duration of 22 +/- 15 seconds. Four of these 19 patients developed complete atrioventricular (AV) block. In the remaining 15 patients, the post-ablation atrio-His intervals prolonged from 89 +/- 30 to 138 +/- 43 msec (p less than 0.001), whereas the shortest 1:1 AV conduction and effective refractory period of the AV node remained unchanged. Ten patients lost their ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction, and the other five had a significant prolongation of the shortest cycle length of 1:1 VA conduction (280 +/- 35 versus 468 +/- 30 msec, p less than 0.0001). Slow pathway ablation was attempted initially in 33 patients and in another two who developed uncommon AVNRT after successful fast pathway ablation. Of these 35 patients, 32 had no AVNRT inducible after 6 +/- 4 radiofrequency pulses with the last (successful) pulse given at a power of 36 +/- 12 W for a duration of 35 +/- 15 seconds. After successful slow pathway ablation, the shortest cycle length of 1:1 AV conduction prolonged from 295 +/- 44 to 332 +/- 66 msec (p less than 0.0005), the AV nodal effective refractory period increased from 232 +/- 36 to 281 +/- 61 msec (p less than 0.0001), and the atrio-His interval as well as the shortest cycle length of 1:1 VA conduction remained unchanged. No patients developed AV block. Among the last 33 patients who underwent a slow pathway ablation as the initial attempt and a fast pathway ablation only when the former failed, 32 (97%) had successful AVNRT abolition with intact AV conduction. During a mean follow-up of 6.5 +/- 3.0 months, none of the 49 patients had recurrent tachycardia. Forty patients had repeat electrophysiological studies 4-8 weeks after their successful ablation, and AVNRT could not be induced in 39 patients. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that both fast and slow pathways can be selectively ablated for control of AVNRT: Slow pathway ablation, however, by obviating the risk of AV block, appears to be safer and should be considered as the first approach.
Genetic compatibility and virulence of reassortants derived from contemporary avian H5N1 and human H3N2 influenza A viruses.

The segmented structure of the influenza virus genome plays a pivotal role in its adaptation to new hosts and the emergence of pandemics. Despite concerns about the pandemic threat posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses, little is known about the biological properties of H5N1 viruses that may emerge following reassortment with contemporary human influenza viruses. In this study, we used reverse genetics to generate the 63 possible virus reassortants derived from H5N1 and H3N2 viruses, containing the H5N1 surface protein genes, and analyzed their viability, replication efficiency, and mouse virulence. Specific constellations of avian–human viral genes proved deleterious for viral replication in cell culture, possibly due to disruption of molecular interaction networks. In particular, striking phenotypes were noted with heterologous polymerase subunits, as well as NP and M, or NS. However, nearly one-half of the reassortants replicated with high efficiency in vitro, revealing a high degree of compatibility between avian and human virus genes. Thirteen reassortants displayed virulent phenotypes in mice and may pose the greatest threat for mammalian hosts. Interestingly, one of the most pathogenic reassortants contained avian PB1, resembling the 1957 and 1968 pandemic viruses. Our results reveal the broad spectrum of phenotypes associated with H5N1/H3N2 reassortment and a possible role for the avian PB1 in the emergence of pandemic influenza. These observations have important implications for risk assessment of H5N1 reassortant viruses detected in surveillance programs.
Experimental constraints on the origin of lunar high-Ti ultramafic glasses

Phase equilibria and dissolution rate experiments are used to develop a petrogenetic model for the high-Ti lunar ultramafic glasses. Near-liquidus phase relations of the Apollo 14 black glass, the most Ti-rich lunar ultramafic glass, are determined to 2.2-GPa. The liquidus is saturated with Cr-spinel at 1-atm, olivine between approximately 0.5- and 1.5-GPa, and low-Ca pyroxene + Cr-spinel above 1.5-GPa. Ilmenite does not crystallize near the liquidus and implies that high-Ti ultramafic glasses are not produced by melting of an ilmenite-saturated source. We infer that high-Ti ultramafic magmas are derived from low-Ti ultramafic parent magmas by assimilation of ilmenite +/- clinopyroxene +/- urKREEP +/- pigeonite in the shallow lunar interior. Heat is provided by adiabatic ascent of the low-Ti ultramafic primary magmas from the deeper lunar interior and crystallization of olivine during assimilation. The assimilation reaction is modeled by mass balance and requires that ilmenite and high-Ca pyroxene are assimilated in a approximately 3:1 ratio, a much higher ratio than the proportion in which these minerals are thought to exist in the lunar interior. In an effort to understand the kinetic controls on this reaction, the dissolution of ilmenite is examined experimentally in both low- and high-Ti lunar magmas. We find that ilmenite dissolves incongruently to Cr-spinel and a high-Ti melt. The dissolution reaction proceeds by a diffusion-controlled mechanism. An assimilation model for the origin of high-Ti melts is developed that leaves the magma ocean cumulates in their initial stratigraphic positions and obviates source hybridization models that require lunar overturn.
SU‐E‐T‐216: A Clinical Dosimetry Analysis of Total Body Irradiation for Leukemia Patients

Purpose: Perform a retrospective dosimetry study of total body irradiation (TBI) on leukemia and bone marrow transplant patients. Methods: The in vivo dosimetry data of 129 patients treated with TBI between 2008 and 2011 were retrieved from the database and analyzed. These patients were mostly treated with the regime of a single fraction or 6 fractions with some exceptions of 8‐fraction or 2‐fraction treatments depending on the protocols that were applied. For every fraction of treatment, 10 pairs of diode dosimeters were used to monitor the doses to the mid‐line of head, neck, arms, mediastinum, left lung, right lung, umbilicus, thigh, knee, and angle for both AP and PA fields. The doses to the midline of the above body parts were considered to be the average of the AP and PA readings of each diode pair. Dose deviation from the prescribed value for each body part was studied by plotting the histogram of the frequency versus deviation and comparing this with the dose delivered to the midline of the umbilicus to where the dose was prescribed. The correlation of dose deviation to body part thickness was also studied. Results: The dose differences between measurement and prescription for all body parts are mostly less than 10%. The dose inhomogeneity on different body parts could be manually improved by using compensators but the method is cumbersome. The dose deviation in many histograms ranging from about −10% to 10% indicates some incongruity of dose distribution. This could be due to the method of using lead compensators for a manual dose adjustment which could not ideally compensate different body thicknesses everywhere. Conclusion: The conventional TBI could give uniform dose to the major body parts under the in vivo dosimetry monitoring at the level of 10%, but the treatment procedure is cumbersome and time consuming.
Just what the doctor ordered?: The role of cognitive decision support systems in clinical decision-making & patient safety

Human expertise is limited by both cognitive workload and the boundaries of attention. With the spread and integration of healthcare informatics, cognitive decision support (CDS) technologies have been suggested as a means for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare. The current panel brings together leading human factors and medical experts in the fields of decision-making, design, and human-system interaction to provide their insight and perspective on the following question: What contributions can human factors science bring to bear on (1) the design, (2) integration, and (3) training necessary for effective CDS implementation?
The controversial echinoid heart and hemal system—function effectiveness in respiratory exchanges

Abstract 1. 1. The axial complex (including the “heart”) and the hemal system do not serve, to any significant extent, the general transport of respiratory gases and cannot be considered a functional circulatory system in the adult regular echinoid. 2. 2. The coelomic fluid is the medium for the transport of respiratory gases and nutrients. 3. 3. A marginal long-term transport function for the translocation of elaborated moleculaes may be assigned to the hemal system. A decontaminating function may be assigned to the axial organ.
Trends in decreased hospitalization for anterior cruciate ligament surgery: Double-incision versus single-incision reconstruction

Over a 4-year period, hospital charges of 151 consecutive anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions were retrospectively evaluated. Eighty-one patients who underwent a two-incision ACL central third autogenous patellar bone tendon bone reconstruction were compared with 72 patients who had a single-incision endoscopic reconstruction with a similar graft. Charges were adjusted for inflation. There was a statistically significant difference in hospital days (2.8 v 1.57, P = .0001), total hospital charges ($15,063 v $13,520, P = .0001), as well as operating room/hospital ward charges (P = .0001), pharmacy charges (P = .035), and physical therapy charges (P = .001). No statistical difference was observed for anesthesia or laboratory charges. A matched comparison of patients from each group who were in the hospital for 2 days showed a statistically significant reduction in operating room/hospital ward charges (P = .037), but no significant reduction in total costs. There was a trend in both groups toward shorter hospital stays in each successive year. The reduction in charges observed for the endoscopic procedure correlated with a reduction in postoperative hospital days.
The tan h method: solitons and periodic solutions for the Dodd–Bullough–Mikhailov and the Tzitzeica–Dodd–Bullough equations

Abstract The tan h method is applied to the Dodd–Bullough–Mikhailov and the Tzitzeica–Dodd–Bullough equations. Solitons and periodic solutions for these equations are formally derived. The Painleve property v = e ± u will be employed to back up our analysis and to emphasize the effectiveness of the presented method.
Age Differences in Foraging Behavior of the American Robin (Turdus Migratorius)

Comparison of feeding behavior of adult and juvenile American robins (Turdus migratorius) revealed significant differences in several measures of feeding efficiency and success. Adult robins captured larger food items, made more captures per unit time, took fewer steps, and made fewer unsuccessful attempts. Juveniles took 136% as long to capture each food item and required 161 % as many steps as adults, obtaining 25% less food per unit time. During the 10 weeks of the study foraging efficiency fluctuated, apparently reflecting differences in food availability, and we were unable to detect any improvement in efficiency of juveniles relative to adults during the course of the study. Three spot-classes of juvenile plumage were defined, and are believed to reflect slight average age differences, but no difference in foraging efficiency could be detected between the classes, indicating that between about 3 and 5 months of age, improvement must be subtle. This documentation of age differences between adult and juveniles that have been independent 1 to 4 months points to the importance of skill acquisition in foraging behavior in altricial birds.
Effect of 1,10-phenanthroline on acute liver injury induced by dimethylnitrosamine in the rat

Abstract Acute liver damage was induced in rats by intragastric doses of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN, 3 mg/100 g body weight) and measured 24 hours later by morphological and biochemical methods. 1, 10-Phenanthroline (1, 10-P, 2 mg/100 g) administered simultaneously with DMN prevented the development of the characteristic morphological picture of liver injury. At the same time, the amount and synthesis of total liver proteins, the activity and distribution of liver β-glucuronidase, and the level of seromucoid and isocitric dehydrogenase (ICDH) activity in the serum, significantly changed by DMN, was within the range of control values when 1, 10-P was simultaneously administered. The protective effect of 1, 10-P against acute DMN hepatotoxicity paralleled the inhibition of some liver microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes (aniline hydroxylase, morphine demethylase, content of cytochrome P-450). At higher doses of DMN (6 mg and 10 mg/100 g), the administration of 1, 10-P was no longer protective, although the content of cytochrome P-450 was only 20% of the value for normal liver microsomes. Therefore, in acute administration within a certain range of concentration of DMN, 1, 10-P might inhibit the microsomal drug-oxidizing enzymes, thus inhibiting the metabolism of the drug to a more toxic product.
A quantitative analysis of the single-word stage

A quantitative analysis of the single-word stage was performed by evaluating children's production of words, relative to nonwords, along a monthly developmental continuum. The vocalizations of six children were sampled over a period of one year, spanning the first two years of life. The development of word use was studied by calculating the ratio of words to nonwords in each child's monthly vocalization sample. Results of the analyses indicated that nonwords were present in the children's vocalizations throughout the single-word stage of development. Further, individual children had distinct 'word curves' defining their early lexical development. The resulting word curves are discussed in the context of stage models of vocalization development and existing measures of speech and language acquisition.
The fraying web of life and our future engineers

Evidence abounds that we are reaching the carrying capacity of the earth -- engaging in deficit spending. The amount of crops, animals, and other biomatter we extract from the earth each year exceeds wth the earth can replace by an estimated 20%. Additionally, signs of climate change are precursors of things to come. Global industrialization and the new technologies of the 20th century have helped to stretch the capacities of our finite natural system to precarious levels. Taken together, this evidence reflects a fraying web of life. Sustainable development and natural capitalism work to reverse these trends, however, we are often still wedded to the notion that environmental conservation and economic development are the 'players' in a zero-sum game. Engineering and its technological derivatives can also help remedy the problem. The well being of future generations will depend to a large extent on how we educate our future engineers. These engineers will be a new breed -- developing and using sustainable technology, benign manufacturing processes and an expanded array of environmental assessment tools that will simultaneously support and maintain healthy economies and a healthy environment. The importance of environment and sustainable development cosiderations, the need for their widespread inclusion in engineering education, the impediments to change, and the important role played by ABET will be presented.
Histopathological characteristics of explanted human prosthetic arterial grafts: implications for the prevention and management of graft infection

Objective: to study the histopathological characteristics of prosthetic vascular graft infection. Design: prospective clinical study over 2 years. Setting: University Hospital. Materials: 36 infected and 29 uninfected (control) chronically implanted vascular prostheses (half aortic) were removed and 352 sections prepared. Chief outcome measures: light microscopy (multiple stains), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and multiple culture techniques to identify characteristics of healing, infection, and microorganisms. Main results: Acute inflammation (AI) (neurophils, granulocytes and necrosis) were seen in 75% of infected grafts, were most prominent in the perigraft tissue and rarely seen on the luminal surface. These were usually well localised, leaving the remainder of a graft well incorporated with no signs of infection. In 25% of clinically infected, culture-positive grafts there was no significant acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation (CI) (macrophages, lymphocytes, monocytes, giant cells) was seen in 70% of both control and infected grafts. In 50% of both groups a significant lymphocytic population was composed exclusively of T-lymphocytes suggesting a true host vs. graft response. Unincorporated chronically implanted grafts (> 1 yr) were seen with equal frequency in the two groups although more diffusely unincorporated grafts were infected. Microorganisms were cultured from 23 infected grafts (64%) and were, at microscopy, mostly found outside the graft and nerves on the luminal side. Conclusions: This data cast doubt on criteria commonly used to distinguish graft infections and host vs. graft reactions from normal graft healing. Acute and chronic inflammation are not predictive of infection.
An event-related brain potential investigation of PTSD and PTSD symptoms in abused children.

We tested 186 children ranging in age from 6 years, 10 months to 13 years, 7 months; 174 suffered either physical and/or sexual abuse, and 12 were nonabused children. Abused subjects were grouped in four different ways. The primary grouping was based on whether subjects satisfied the DSM III-R criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Secondary groupings were based upon the three symptom clusters used to make the PTSD diagnosis (arousal, avaidance, and reexperiencing). In each of these groupings three separate subgroups were formed with approximately 25 percent in the high and low symptom count subgroups and the remaining 50 percent in the middle symptom count subgroup.
Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor is a secreted cytokine-like protein from the human amniotic epithelium.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor is a secreted cytokine in the human amnion and to study its chemotaxic and antiapoptotic properties. Study design Pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor secretion was studied from amniotic epithelial-like WISH cells and primary amniotic epithelial cells that were seeded on squares of immobilon-P membrane and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-α, respectively. The pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor protein was detected both intracellularly and after secretion, as bound to the membrane, by immunostaining and densitometry. Medium and cell lysates that were obtained from WISH cells that were treated with lipopolysaccharide alone or together with a pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor antisense oligonucleotide to block pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor translation were also analyzed for secreted pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor by Western blotting and densitometry. A chemotaxic effect of pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor on human neutrophils was compared with the chemoattractants interleukin-8 and N-Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe methyl ester in a rapid fluorescence-based neutrophil migration assay. Apoptosis was induced in primary amniotic epithelial cells and fibroblasts by actinomycin D (1 μg/mL); the antiapoptotic effects of pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor on early apoptosis were measured by the annexin V assay, and the late effects were determined by measurement of nuclear matrix protein in the media. Results Treatment of amnion cells that adhered to immobilon-P membrane to induce the secretion of pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor showed significantly ( P P P Conclusion Pre–B-cell colony–enhancing factor is a secreted protein from amniotic epithelial cells. Although it had no chemotaxic effects, it was antiapoptotic for both amniotic epithelial cells and fibroblasts and may protect these cells against apoptosis that is induced by chronic distension, labor, or infection.
A random parameter ordered probit model to understand the mobilization time during hurricane evacuation

This paper presents a random parameters ordered probit model to capture underlying unobserved characteristics in the timing behavior of the evacuees that elapses in between their evacuation decision and actual evacuation i.e. the mobilization time for an evacuee. The ordered probit model has been developed by using Hurricane Ivan data and the estimation findings suggest that the mobilization time involves a complex interaction of variables related to household location, evacuation characteristics, and socio-economic characteristics among others. In the model, six variables- source and time of evacuation notice received, work constraint, previous hurricane experience, race and income- were found to be random and the random parameters (all normally distributed) suggest that their effect varies across the observations. In addition, the model introduces some new factors that impact the mobilization time (for example, the mobilization time for evacuees evacuating to public shelters is significantly lower) which have not been found in the earlier literature to the best of our knowledge. The findings of this study are useful to determine different fractions of people evacuating early or delaying for some time once they actually decide to evacuate, for a given socio-demographic profile. These fractions can be used in the future to develop more accurate dynamic travel demands for use in traffic simulation models.
Optical and electronic transport anisotropies in plastically deformed CdS

Abstract Measurements of polarized optical transmission and reflectivity in the region of the fundamental gap, as well as of the electrical conductivity of plastically deformed CdS were made to probe the electronic properties of this material. From the observed anisotropies in the d.c. electrical conductivity and in optical absorption, a model is suggested to explain the observed features in terms of dislocation energy bands.