cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modelling of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth and treatment in the cystic fibrosis lung

Lung failure due to chronic bacterial infection is the leading cause of death for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is thought that the chronic nature of these infections is, in part, due to the increased tolerance and recalcitrant behaviour of bacteria growing as biofilms. Inhalation of silver carbene complex (SCC) antimicrobial, either encased in polymeric biodegradable particles or in aqueous form, has been proposed as a treatment. Through a coordinated experimental and mathematical modelling effort, we examine this proposed treatment of lung biofilms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms grown in a flow-cell apparatus irrigated with an artificial CF sputum medium are analysed as an in vitro model of CF lung infection. A 2D mathematical model of biofilm growth within the flow-cell is developed. Numerical simulations demonstrate that SCC inactivation by the environment is critical in aqueous SCC, but not SCC-polymer, based treatments. Polymer particle degradation rate is shown to be an important parameter that can be chosen optimally, based on environmental conditions and bacterial susceptibility.
Factors That Increase the Effective Concentration of CXCR4 Dictate Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Tropism and Kinetics of Replication

The surface glycoprotein (gp95) of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) binds in a strain-specific manner to several cell surface molecules, including CXCR4, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), DC-SIGN, and a 43-kDa cell surface receptor on T cells recently identified as CD134 by M. Shimojima et al. (Science 303:1192-1195, 2004). CXCR4 is the entry receptor in all known cases, and the other molecules act as binding receptors to help facilitate infection. In this report, we confirm and extend the findings regarding CD134 as a primary receptor for FIV. In addition, we show that temperature critically influences the binding properties of FIV gp95 to CXCR4 and HSPGs. The data show that gp95 of the field strain FIV-PPR bound to CXCR4 at 22°C, whereas binding was not detected at 4°C. In contrast, binding of the laboratory adapted FIV-34TF10 gp95 was observed at either 4°C or 22°C, albeit at increased levels at the higher temperature. The level of CXCR4 increased after the temperature was switched from 4 to 22°C, whereas the level of HSPGs decreased, resulting in higher binding of gp95 from both strains to CXCR4 and lower binding of gp95 of FIV-34TF10 to HSPGs (FIV-PPR gp95 does not bind to these molecules). The findings also show that HSPGs facilitate the CXCR4-mediated infectivity of CrFK and G355-5 cells by FIV-34TF10. These two nonlymphoid cell lines express very low levels of CXCR4 and are permissive to FIV-34TF10 but not to productive infection by FIV-PPR. However, overexpression of human CXCR4 in CrFK or G-355-5 cells resulted in extensive cell fusion and infection by FIV-PPR. Taken together, these findings indicate that factors that increase the effective concentration of CXCR4 enhance FIV infectivity and may involve (i) temperature or ligand-induced conformational changes in CXCR4 that enhance SU binding, (ii) coreceptor interactions with gp95 that either alter gp95 conformation to enhance CXCR4 binding and/or raise the localized concentration of receptor or ligand, or (iii) direct increase in CXCR4 concentration via overexpression.
Inflammatory Disorders of the Orbit in Childhood: A Case Series

Purpose To describe a series of cases of orbital inflammatory disorders in children. Design Retrospective case series. Methods The medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with orbital inflammation between September 1, 2002, and December 31, 2008, at Texas Children's Hospital were reviewed. Data collected included age at presentation, final diagnosis, treatment, workup and evaluation, need for biopsy and biopsy results, and involvement of lacrimal gland and muscles. Results Twelve cases were identified. Six cases were males and 6 were females with age at presentation ranging from 1.3 to 16.2 years (mean, 11.9 years). The most common presentation was lacrimal gland enlargement, which was bilateral in 3 cases. Other common presenting signs were proptosis, extraocular motility limitation, and pain on eye movement. Half of our patients had systemic complaints at presentation, the most common of which was fever. Four patients were diagnosed as having a systemic cause and 2 of these patients had systemic symptoms. Conclusions Idiopathic orbital inflammatory conditions in children are uncommon, but can be associated with systemic conditions. Patients typically have lacrimal gland involvement, pain with eye movement, proptosis, and motility deficits at presentation. Bilateral cases may have a higher incidence of systemic disease.
Measuring Resident and Family Member Determinants of Satisfaction With Assisted Living

Purpose: This study developed measures of satisfaction with assisted living from residents' and family members' perspectives. Design and Methods: We collected survey data from 204 residents and 232 family members associated with 11 assisted living facilities. We used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the goodness of fit of a priori measurement models. Results: Iterative analysis to improve measurement models resulted in a multifaceted unidimensional model of resident satisfaction and a 5-factor model of family member satisfaction. The scales are both comprehensive and parsimonious and display strong scalar properties. Implications: These scales provide tools for estimating the impact of assisted living on various relevant domains for residents and their family members. These measures should prove useful to administrators attempting to meet the needs of their clients and to potential clients of assisted living attempting to judge the appropriateness of specific assisted living facilities.
Tannic acid-iron alum reactions: stain of choice for macroscopic sections of brain to be embedded in plastic.

As a macroscopic stain for gross brain sections to be embedded in plastic, tannic acid-iron alum is superior to the generally recommended LeMasurier's variation of the Berlin blue technique because of its greater permanency in plastic. However, as originally adopted for use with brain tissue by Mulligan, the intense black staining of gray matter is too dark for plastic embedded specimens. A modification of this method designed to overmme this difficulty is described. Staining procedure: Wash formalin-fixed brain slices overnight in running water. Wash in distilled water, 2 changes, 30 minutes each. Place slices individually in Mulligan's solution at a temperature of 60-65 C for 4 minutes. Rinse in ice water for 10 seconds. Mordant in 0.4% tannic acid in distilled water for 1 minute. Wash in running tap water for 1 minute. Develop in 0.08% ferric ammonium sulfate in distilled water until gray matter is light gray, about 10-15 seconds. Wash in lukewarm running water for 1 hour, then gently hand-rub whitish ...
Charged Polymers as Osmotic Agents for Peritoneal Dialysis

A sustained ultrafiltration during long-dwell peritoneal dialysis exchanges cannot be achieved with rapidly absorbable small molecular weight substances such as commonly used glucose. Uncharged polymeric substances are absorbed slower, but yield insufficient osmotic driving force because osmolality is inversely proportional to the molecular weight. Charged polymers induce colloid osmotic pressure not only because of the molecules themselves, but also by ions kept in the peritoneal cavity by opposite charges of polymers. In an in vitro model of peritoneal dialysis, a sustained ultrafiltration has been achieved with several synthetic polymers including polyacrylate, dextran sulfate and polyethylenimine. However, these polymers were locally toxic to the peritoneal membrane when tested in rats and rabbits. Chemically modified gelatin derivatives, such as polygelin, exypolygelatin, and succinylated gelatin are widely used in Europe as plasma substitutes. They are metabolized and have proven to be systemically non-toxic. These gelatin derivative solutions were tested in rat models of peritoneal dialysis. Up to 10% solutions achieved sustained ultrafiltration at the rate proportional to the concentration and no untoward systemic or local effects on the peritoneum were observed. Absorption of gelatin molecules ranged from 40–60% of the infused amounts. The results of the studies indicate that gelatin derivitives have potential for clinical use as osmotic agents in long-dwell peritoneal dialysis exchanges if the absorption rates in humans are markedly lower than in rats.
Dual-specificity phosphatases as targets for antineoplastic agents

Dual-specificity protein phosphatases are a subclass of protein tyrosine phosphatases that are uniquely able to hydrolyse the phosphate ester bond on both a tyrosine and a threonine or serine residue on the same protein. Dual-specificity phosphatases have a central role in the complex regulation of signalling pathways that are involved in cell stress responses, proliferation and death. Although this enzyme family is increasingly the target of drug discovery efforts in pharmaceutical companies, a summary of the salient developments in the biology and medicinal chemistry of dual-specificity phosphatases has been lacking. We hope that this comprehensive overview will stimulate further progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors that could form the basis for a new class of target-directed therapeutic agents.
Much ADO About Nothing? Revisionists and Traditionalists Choose an Introductory English Syllabus

One perspective on social conflict asserts that attitudes and behavior are relatively independent, thus suggesting that opposing partisans may differ minimally in concrete actions, but may assume great differences in attitude and ideology Alternatively, we proposed that partisans' concrete preferences are linked to ideology, and that partisans would exaggerate the ideological extremity of their opposition These hypotheses were tested within the “Western Canon debate” by asking revisionist and traditionalist partisans (English faculty) to select from a list of 50 books a syllabus of 15 books they would teach in an introductory course and 15 books that they believed their ideological counterparts would choose Consistent with the hypotheses, traditionalists selected books of more traditionalist ideology than did revisionists (who chose more books by female and minority authors) and exaggerated the extremity of revisionists' preferences Revisionists made less ideological book selections and judged traditional...
An in vitro analysis of patellofemoral contact areas and pressures following procurement of the central one-third patellar tendon:

Patients have complained of pain after the use of the central one-third patellar tendon for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee. This study investigated the effect on patellofemoral contact areas and pressures of harvesting the central 10 mm of the patellar tendon in five cadaveric knees. Isometric quad riceps forces were applied to produce approximately 30% of reported maximum voluntary extension mo ments at the knee. Using Fuji pressure-sensitive film, measurements were recorded for three states: the normal knee, after the graft removal, and after the tendon was closed. Contact areas and pressures were measured at 20°, 30°, 60°, and 80° of knee flexion in each specimen. Tests of the reproducibility of our meth ods were performed.Average patellofemoral contact areas for three states ranged from 1.6 cm2 at 20° of knee flexion to 3.0 cm2 at 60°. The average patellofemoral contact pressures ranged from 1.9 MPa at 20° of knee flexion to 3.0 MPa at 30°. At each flexion angle there ...
Efficient generation of RF using a biased soliton generating nonlinear transmission line with a bipolar input

A method of generating more efficient RF from a soliton generating nonlinear lumped element, transmission line (NLETL) is presented.A bipolar input is coupled into an NLETL, which is DC, biased to the amplitude of the input pulse. The input evolves into a soliton containing pulse that would take twice as much power to produce from a unipolar input. Simulations demonstrate that, this method increases the maximum RF generating efficiency of an NLETL from 1/3 for a unipolar input pulse to 2/3 for a bipolar input pulse to a biased line, in agreement with simple analytical arguments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1411–1413, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25170
Influence of Neutropenia on the Course of Serotype 8 Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Mice

Polymorphoneutrophils (PMNs) are important effector cells in host defense against pneumonia. However, PMNs can also induce inflammation and tissue damage. To investigate the contribution of PMNs to host defense against pneumococcal pneumonia, we determined the effect of the PMN-depleting rat monoclonal antibody RB6-8C5 (RB6) on survival and inflammatory and cellular response in the lungs to a lethal intranasal infection with a serotype 8 pneumococcus in BALB/c mice. Control mice received rat immunoglobulin G (rIgG). Strikingly, the survival of RB6-treated mice was significantly prolonged compared to that of rIgG-treated mice. Although the numbers of CFU in the lungs were statistically similar in both groups 4, 24, and 32 h after infection, rIgG-treated mice developed higher levels of bacteremia, and histopathological examination of the lungs of infected mice revealed marked differences between RB6- and rIgG-treated mice. RB6-treated mice had focal, perivascular lesions without accompanying parenchymal inflammation, and rIgG-treated mice had diffuse, interstitial parenchymal inflammation. Lung homogenates from the rIgG-treated mice had more leukocytes and significantly more total and apoptotic PMNs as determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis with Annexin V and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling staining of lung tissue samples. Studies with a pneumolysin-deficient mutant of the serotype 8 strain we used also demonstrated the prolonged survival of RB6- compared to rIgG-treated mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that PMNs enhance the likelihood of early death and alter the pathological response to pneumococcal lung infection in BALB/c mice with serotype 8 pneumonia without significantly affecting bacterial clearance or the cytokine response.
Augmentation of exercise ventilation by medroxyprogesterone acetate.

Summary. The influence of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on exercise performance was studied in a double-blind cross-over trial using six normal males to compare the exercise performance changes to those observed in a previous study of exercise responses of female subjects during the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. A maximal progressive work exercise test on a cycle ergometer was performed after 2 weeks of placebo or MPA administration. Although five of six subjects spontaneously complained of increased exertional dyspnoea on MPA, no significant decreases were documented in maximal exercise time or in maximal oxygen consumption. A mean increase in exercise ventilation of 19% at low levels of exertion and 26% at high levels of exertion was documented, but no subject demonstrated evidence of ventilatory limitation. The increases in exercise ventilation observed in these male subjects after MPA administration were larger than those observed in the previous study comparing exercise ventilatory responses during follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. It seems possible that some other exercise-related modulator of the ventilatory response to exercise under the influence of progesterone is present in either male subjects receiving MPA or women with normal hormonal cycles.
GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES OF THE GUENONS OF WESTERN UGANDA

From January 1998 to December 2002, we collected 293 fecal samples from free-ranging individuals of the 4 guenon species of western Uganda, i.e., redtail guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis), l'hoesti monkeys (Cercopithecus lhoesti), and vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), to quantify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Helminth eggs, larvae, and protozoan cysts were isolated by sodium nitrate flotation and fecal sedimentation. Helminth parasites were identified, and infection prevalence was determined for all 4 guenon species. Coprocultures facilitated identification of strongylate nematodes. For the most common species, the redtail guenon, we documented prevalence of protozoan parasites and examined the effect of season and host sex on infection prevalence. Six nematodes (Strongyloides fulleborni, Oesophagostomum sp., unidentified strongyle, Trichuris sp., Streptopharagus sp., and Enterobius sp.), 1 cestode (Bertiella sp.), 1 trematode (Dicrocoeliidae), and...
Maintaining trajectories of salient objects for robust visual tracking

This paper presents a robust approach to track multiple objects for low resolution, far-field visual surveillance applications. Multiple moving objects are detected by utilizing an adaptive background model and tracked by resolving the correspondence between their trajectory segments using proximity and appearance similarity measures. A new confidence measure is assigned to each possible match between objects and this information is maintained by a graph structure. This graph is utilized to prune and refine the trajectories. Kalman filter is used to handle discontinuities and occlusions. Proposed approach handles problems such as spurious objects, fragmentation, shadow, clutter and occlusions.
The interplay between family and emigration from Romania

East European migration became a significant feature in the post 1990 Europe. Although migration based on family connections is the most frequently used form of legal entry into the European Union, and family structure influences (and it is influenced by) migration, in the European literature more attention has been paid to individual (labour) migration rather than family migration. This paper intends to be a review of studies on family migration from Romania. Through this study, ‘family migration’ is used to understand not only the migration of the whole family unit but also migration of individuals within the context of family
Clinical feasibility of various optical instruments for quantitative evaluation of pulsed-dye laser treatment of port wine stain skin

For quantitative prediction and evaluation of pulsed dye laser therapy of port wine stain (PWS) skin, the CIE L*a*b* color difference, ΔE*, has been utilized to characterize numerically the color differences between normal untreated and treated PWS skin. Three optical instruments (Minolta chromameter CR-200, a cross-polarized diffuse reflectance imaging system, and visual reflectance spectrometers) are compared to investigate their clinical feasibility for quantitative color assessment. Compared to the chromameter as a standard measurement instrument, other instruments also provide valuable measurements of skin color for the relative quantification of PWS treatment outcome. The fiber-optic visual reflectance spectrometer is preferable for continuous measurement of a small area of skin. The cross-polarized imaging system is useful as a simple non-contact measurement technique to provide spatially resolved color difference images.
Effect of dietary folic acid levels and gestational ethanol consumption on tissue folate contents and rat fetal development

Abstract It has been shown that folate deficiency potentiates the teratogenicity/embryotoxicity of ethanol. In this study the degree of folate deficiency in exacerbating ethanol's teratogenic/embryotoxic potential was assessed. Four levels of folate were tested. Female rats were deprived of folate for three weeks to lower their folate stores. They were then divided into four groups and fed diets containing 0.05, 0.20, 0.50 or 2.00 mg folic acid/kg diet (1% succinylsulfathiazole). After two weeks they were mated and were continued on their respective diets during pregnancy. On day 11, ethanol (5 g/kg body weight in two divided doses four hrs apart) was administered to half of the rats in each group intragastrically. The other half of the rats that served as controls were given isocaloric sucrose in the same manner. Food intakes were similar in all groups. Rats were killed on day 21. Folate levels were determined in six tissues: maternal liver and plasma, placenta, fetal liver, brain and plasma. Folate deficient, ethanol-treated groups produced less viable fetuses that were correlated with tissue folate levels (L. casei procedure), which, in turn, correlated with folate levels in the diets. There is a relationship between the degree of folate deficiency and the ethanol's adverse effect: the more severe the folate deficiency the more potent the teratogenic/embryotoxic effect of ethanol. The numbers of dead and resorbed fetuses expressed as a percentage of total implants were (ethanol vs control): 0.05 mg folate/kg diet, 38.9 vs 18.9; 0.20 mg/kg, 23.1 vs 6.8; 0.50 mg/kg, 16.7 vs 8.4. But when rats were fed sufficient folic acid (2 mg/kg diet), ethanol treatment had no effect on fetal outcome. These observations strongly suggest that maternal folate deficiency may play an important role in the fetal alcohol syndrome.
Increasing Surface Hydrophilicity in Poly(Lactic Acid) Electrospun Fibers by Addition of Pla-b-Peg Co-Polymers:

Poly (lactic acid) – b – poly (ethylene glycol) (PLAb-PEG) co-polymers with block lengths of 1000-750, 5000-1000, 1000-5000, and bulk PEG were added to PLA electrospinning dopes to create hydrophilic but non-water soluble nanofibers. PLA-b-PEG block lengths strongly affected the total amount of PEG that could be incorporated, as well as spinnability and fiber morphology. Solutions containing >1% w/w of the lowest molecular weight co-polymer PLA (1000) – b – PEG (750) formed an unspinnable, cloudy gel. Addition of the PLA (5000) – b – PEG (1000) to the base spinning solution influenced fiber diameters and spinnability in the same manner as simply increasing PLA concentration in the spinning dope. Addition of PLA (1000) – b – PEG (5000) resulted in decreased fiber diameters, and allowed for the highest overall co-polymer loading. In final fiber formulations, maximums of 0.9, 2.9 and 9.3 wt% PEG could be achieved using the PLA-b-PEG 1000-750, 5000-1000 and 1000-5000 respectively. PEG (MW = 3350 g/mol) homopolymer was added to the spinning dopes to prepare fibers with 1.0 and 5.0 wt% PEG. The resulting fibers had non-uniform morphology and more variable diameter size than occurred with the addition of PEG in block co-polymer form. Water absorbance by electrospun nonwoven fabrics increased by four times over the control PLA with the addition of 1.0 wt% PEG, and by eighteen times with the addition of 9.3 wt% PEG with the block copolymers. At similar overall PEG loadings, the addition of PLA-b-PEG resulted in a two to four fold increase in water wicking over the addition of PEG homopolymer.
Transient Changes in Excitability of Rabbit CA3 Neurons With a Time Course Appropriate to Support Memory Consolidation

1. The excitability of CA3 pyramidal neurons was assessed with intracellular recordings in hippocampal slices from behaviorally naive rabbits. CA3 pyramidal neurons had large (-13.1 +/- 0.3 mV; mea...
Cooperative Task Allocation for Unmanned Vehicles with Communication Delays and Conflict Resolution

This paper presents a framework for multi-agent cooperative decision making under communication constraints. Piece-wise optimal decentralized allocation of tasks for a group of unmanned aerial vehicles is considered. Each vehicle estimates the position of all teammates in order to assign tasks based on these estimates, and it also implements event-based broadcasting strategies that allow the group of agents to use communication resources more efficiently. The agents implement a simple decentralized auction scheme in order to resolve possible conflicts. This framework is extended to re-plan assignments when a sequence of tasks is disrupted by wind disturbance. Further, the effects of wind disturbance are also included in the task assignment process by assuming a fixed steady wind value. The overall framework provides a robust and communication-efficient approach for decentralized task allocation in the presence of communication constraints and external uncertainties.
Testing and Analysis of Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems Using the Euro NCAP Vehicle Target

Passenger cars are increasingly available equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). AEB systems detect likely forward collisions and apply the vehicle’s brakes if the driver fails to do so, reducing vehicle speed in order to mitigate or potentially avoid a collision. The performance of these systems is experimentally evaluated in tests including those specified by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) and by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In both of these testing programs the subject vehicle is driven towards a Euro NCAP Vehicle Target, an inflatable device designed to have visual and radar reflective characteristics similar to the rear of a compact car.The results reported by Euro NCAP and the IIHS have revealed significant differences in the AEB test results achieved by various AEB-equipped vehicles. Such differences exist even between vehicles with similar sensing technologies, suggesting that the source of such disparities may be differences in sensor data processing methods or differences in collision mitigation and avoidance strategies. This paper details the performance of AEB as well as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems when tested with the Euro NCAP Vehicle Target. These results are analyzed, exploring the differences in the performance of these systems under the test conditions and discussing possible reasons for the observed disparities.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Difference equations by differential equations methods

From a historical perspective, difference equations have a longer history than differential equations, dating back to the work of Fibonacci if not earlier. But the invention of calculus in the 17th...
The Interpretive Stasis of Assimilation: Evangelical Arguments against the “Magical” Use of The Prayer of Jabez

In his bestselling book The Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson claims that believers can reap guaranteed blessings from God by praying an obscure biblical prayer. But for many evangelicals, Wilkinson’s book teaches magic not prayer. At issue is the appropriate use of this biblical prayer. How might rhetoricians and other scholars of religion analyze this biblical debate? This article argues that the legal or interpretive stases, a neglected part of stasis theory, constitute an important rhetorical method for analyzing arguments over the meaning of texts, religious or not, thereby shedding light on the nature, motivations, and implications of such debates.
Competitive Bidding for Marketing Research Services: Fact or Fiction?

tively unchanged from the original study, these shoppers are much more likely to be categorized as personalizing or apathetic shoppers than their Chicago counterparts of the previous generation. While the differences in shopping orientations between Anglo and Mexican-American shoppers are striking, care must be used in developing generalizations based upon these findings from a single geographic area. But should further replicative studies produce the same conclusions, several prospects for market segmentation emerge. Tauber has suggested that retailers should distinguish shopper segments based upon the alternative benefits they obtain from shopping rather than focus solely on product-related patronage factors.6 Retailers who choose to segment markets on the basis of the shopper typology might stress an optimal price/quality balance for the economic shopper; those aspects of the retail mix that accommodate fast, effortless shopping might be mphasized in catering to the apathetic shopper. Such specifi items as credit purchases, telephone shopping and home delivery, multiple store locations centered in population clusters, and extend store hours might serve as cornerstones of the retailer's strategy aimed at the apathetic shopper. The manufacturer who views the shopper typology as a potential basis for market segmentation may choose multiple distribution channels since his products are likely to be typically purchased by more than one shopper type. Should his products be purchased primarily by apathetic and personalizing shoppers, for example, one channel might be oriented toward ease of purchase and a second channel could focus on retailers who emphasize the maintenance of personal service for their customers.
MO-FG-BRB-03: Debater

Building on the energy and excitement of Washington DC in a presidential election year, AAPM will host its own Presidential Debate to better understand the views of the AAPM membership! Past presidents of the AAPM, Drs. Bayouth, Hazle, Herman, and Seibert, will debate hot topics in medical physics including issues facing education, professional practice, and the advancement of science. The moderators, Drs. Brock and Stern, will also draw in topics from Point-Counterpoint articles from the Medical Physics Journals. Wrapping up the debate, the audience will have the opportunity to question the candidates in a town hall format. At the conclusion of this lively debate, the winner will be decided by the audience, so bring your Audience Response Units! Be part of Medical Physics - Decision 2016! Learning Objectives: 1. Understand AAPM members’ views and opinions on issues facing medical physics education 2. Learn AAPM members’ views and opinions on issues facing professional practice 3. Identify AAPM members’ view and opinions on issues facing the advancement of science in medical physics J. Bayouth, Funding support from NCI;Scientific Advisory Board member - ViewRay
A 19-Element Shock Sensor Array for Bi-Directional Substrate-Plane Sensing Fabricated by Sacrificial LIGA

The design, fabrication and testing of a micromachined shock sensor array is described. The sense elements are cantilevers which deflect parallel to the substrate and close a switch when a threshold acceleration is detected. Criteria for their dimensional optimization are presented. The dynamic range for the array is 10 g to 150 g, with a resolution of 10 g. Provisions for electrostatic self-testing are included. With triple redundancy at the 20 g and 100g thresholds, the total area occupied is <21 mm2. Measurement results are presented for arrays fabricated by the sacrificial LIGA process. Electrostatic self-testing shows that actuated with a 100V pulse, a dynamic self-test gives a typical closure time of less than 1 ms.
Search for Negative Refraction in the Visible Region of Light by Fluorescent Microscopy of Quantum Dots Infiltrated into Regular and Inverse Synthetic Opals

In this chapter, regular and inverse synthetic opals are examined experimentally by infiltrating them with CdSe quantum dots (QDs). Confocal microscopy measurements in which we track the infiltration of QDs inside the regular and inverse opals show indications of focusing of light emitted by QDs, which can be due to negative refraction occurring at the opal–glass interface. The formation of a focus can be an indication of the left-handed behavior of these synthetic opals in the [111] direction in its higher photonic band, above the photonic band gap (PBG). This result can be very promising because, until now, left-handed behavior has not been demonstrated in 3D photonic crystals in the visible region of light. This result was made possible due to the use of infiltrated QDs as internal light sources inside the porous photonic crystal, which appears to be a very useful technique for the study of other negative-index materials (NIM) effects.
Synthesis and characterization of complexes formed by transition metal ions with thiophene imides as potential precursors to metal ion uptake and release agents

Abstract It was found that methyl-2-thienylimide ( L 1 ), C 4 H 3 SC(O)NHC(O)CH 3 , could act as a ligand and combine with metal(II) perchlorates (Ni 2+ , Mn 2+ , and Co 2+ ) to produce complexes for potential use as metal ion uptake and release agents in polymer form. Methyl-3-thienylimide ( L 2 ) formed a similar complex with Co 2+ . The synthesis and structures obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction data are reported. The carbonyl groups in the ligands are cis / trans with respect to the N-H group in the solid state but are necessarily trans-trans in the complex. The ligands are bidentate, forming bonds to the metal ions through the imide oxygen atoms; the imide ligands are protonated. The cobalt and nickel complexes have two bidentate ligands in the equatorial positions and two water molecules in the apical positions with the ligands cis to each other in the case of methyl-2-thienylimide while they are trans in the cobalt complex formed by methyl-3-thienylimide. The manganese complex is seven coordinate with three bidentate ligands and one water molecule. Significant hydrogen bonding is present in all of the complexes leading to the formation of 2D networks in two cases and an infinite chain in one. IR, and UV–Visible spectroscopy along with elemental analyses are also presented.
Radiographic characterization of the B2 glenoid: is inclusion of the entirety of the scapula necessary?

Background Computed tomography (CT) scans are often obtained before total shoulder arthroplasty to assess glenoid deformity. To allow correction of the slice axis into the plane of the scapula, these scans have typically required inclusion of the entirety of the scapula. The purpose of this study was to determine whether inclusion of the medial border and inferior angle is necessary for accurate measurement of scapular version, inclination, and humeral subluxation. Methods Fourteen CT scans in preoperative total shoulder arthroplasty patients with Walch B2 type glenoids underwent a standardized measurement protocol. Glenoid version, inclination, depth, and humeral subluxation were measured on 2-dimensional CT images corrected to the plane of the scapula. These measurements were then repeated in randomized, blinded fashion after subtracting 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of the scapula from the medial border and 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of the scapula from the inferior angle. Results Measurement of retroversion did not significantly differ between measurement of the full scapula and measurement of any of the incomplete scapulas, with the exception of the subtraction of 50% of the scapular width, which caused retroversion to be overestimated by 4.7° ( P = .006) and led to inaccurate measurement of subluxation and glenoid depth. Conclusion If at least 8 cm of scapular width is imaged on a CT scan, accurate glenoid measurements can be made. Even if 50% of scapular height is not imaged, accurate measurements can be made. Failure to include the medial border or inferior angle does not preclude accurate glenoid measurement.
A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials to Assess Outcomes of Genetic Counseling

With the advancements in precision medicine and health care reform, it is critical that genetic counseling practice respond to emerging evidence to maximize client benefit. The objective of this review was to synthesize evidence on outcomes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of genetic counseling to inform clinical practice. Seven databases were searched in conducting this review. Studies were selected for inclusion if they were: (a) RCTs published from 1990 to 2015, and (b) assessed a direct outcome of genetic counseling. Extracted data included study population, aims, and outcomes. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidelines. A review of 1654 abstracts identified 58 publications of 54 unique RCTs that met inclusion criteria, the vast majority of which were conducted in cancer genetic counseling setting. Twenty-seven publications assessed 'enhancements' to genetic counseling, and 31 publications compared delivery modes. The methodological rigor varied considerably, highlighting the need for attention to quality criteria in RCT design. While most studies assessed several client outcomes hypothesized to be affected by genetic counseling (e.g., psychological wellbeing, knowledge, perceived risk, patient satisfaction), disparate validated and reliable scales and other assessments were often used to evaluate the same outcome(s). This limits opportunity to compare findings across studies. While RCTs of genetic counseling demonstrate enhanced client outcomes in a number of studies and pave the way to evidence-based practice, the heterogeneity of the research questions suggest an important need for more complementary studies with consistent outcome assessments.
Emergency Preparedness Hub: Designing Decentralized Systems for Disaster Resilience

While advocating for designers as key contributors to disaster resilience, this article proposes an alternative infrastructural model through community-specific design. The design and prototyping of Emergency Preparedness Hubs, or PREPHubs, proposes a new model for disaster infrastructure that is dispersed, off-grid, and locally adapted, while operating as a system. Instead of single-function technocratic objects, they are designed as cultural objects and multi-use systems which provide an alternative to lifeline infrastructures that are often disrupted during natural disasters. As dual-function systems, PREPHubs operate on a daily basis as interactive public space architectures, becoming embedded in the daily lives of local communities.
Prelude to Alliance: Britons and Yankees in the Far Northwest, 1867–1917

The Northern Review 44 (2017): 293–326 In the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries the United States became a significant imperial power with which an overstretched British Empire did not want conflict. The planting of numerous American flags in the Canadian Yukon, and especially in Dawson City, symbolized this dynamic, which was accompanied by some tension and apprehension on the part of British-Canadian authorities. At the same time, hints at a future friendly alliance between the United States and Britain can be seen in the mingling, in the Yukon Territory, of Yankees, Britons, and Canadians who all shared (among other things) a common literary heritage. Among these hints was an implausible but sincere proposal on the part of a US Congressman for the United States to cede the Alaska Panhandle to Canada. This article is part of a special collection of papers originally presented at a conference on “The North and the First World War,” held May 2016 in Whitehorse, Yukon. https://doi.org/10.22584/nr44.2017.013
The application of computational fluid dynamics to vibratory finishing processes

Abstract Vibratory finishing processes are finding increased application in the finishing of high value metallic components. Despite the growth of these processes, few models exist to predict workpiece material removal variations and surface finish uniformity. This paper explores the potential of modelling the media as a continuum and utilizing commercial computational fluid dynamic (CFD) packages to predict local velocity and pressure fields around stationary workpieces. Predicted 2D velocity fields are compared to those measured via Particle Image Velocimetry. Initial insights are provided on how local media fields and the system’s driving frequency combine to affect the resulting workpiece topography.
Chalcogenide-based 2D materials: Intrinsic nanoscale patterning

A method to realize regular patterns with nanometre precision during the synthesis of PtSe2 and CuSe monolayers has been developed.
State-of-charge estimation of Lithium-ion batteries by Lebesgue sampling-based EKF method

Estimation State-of-Charge (SOC) of Lithium-ion batteries is a main function of battery management system (BMS), which play critical roles in the application of batteries. The applications in electrical vehicles and consumer electronics require a time efficient algorithm to produce accurate SOC estimation. Extended Kalman filter (EKF) is widely used in state estimation because it provides a simple and efficient solution for nonlinear systems. In order to further reduce the computation cost, Lebesgue sampling based EKF (LS-EKF) is developed, which is able to eliminate unnecessary computations. In this paper, the SOC is estimated by the proposed LS-EKF method based on an equivalent circuit model. By this means, the SOC estimation is much faster than traditional EKF method, which makes it feasible for online applications. This method is verified by SOC experimental results. The results show that the LS-EKF based algorithm has good performance and low computation cost.
A novel integrated strategy for the detection and quantification of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in environmental samples.

We describe a set of new tools for the detection and quantification of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) which includes a novel stable isotope-labeled BMAA standard (13C3,15N2) and a chip-based capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry platform for separation and detection. Baseline resolution of BMAA from its potentially confounding structural isomers N-2-aminoethylglycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) is achieved using the chip-based CE-MS system in less than 1 min. Detection and linearity of response are demonstrated across > 3.5 orders of dynamic range using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The lower limit of detection and quantification were calculated for BMAA detection at 40 nM (4.8 ng/mL) and 400 nM (48 ng/mL), respectively. Finally, the strategy was applied to detect BMAA in seafood samples purchased at a local market in Raleigh, NC where their harvest location was known. BMAA was detected in a sea scallop sample. Because the BMAA/stable isotope-labeled 13C3,15N2-BMAA (SIL-BMAA) ratio in the scallop sample was below the limit of quantification, a semiquantitative analysis of BMAA content was carried out, and BMAA content was estimated to be approximately 820 ng BMAA/1 g of wet scallop tissue. Identification was verified by high mass measurement accuracy of precursor (< 5 ppm) and product ions (< 10 ppm), comigration with SIL-BMAA spike-in standard, and conservation of ion abundance ratios for product ions between BMAA and SIL-BMAA. Interestingly, BMAA was not identified in the free protein fraction but only detected after protein hydrolysis which suggests that BMAA is tightly bound by and/or incorporated into proteins.
Comparison of standard (0.02%) and low dose (0.002%) mitomycin C in the prevention of corneal haze following surface ablation for myopia.

Purpose To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of lower dose mitomycin C (MMC) (0.002%) to that of the standard dose (0.02%) in eyes treated with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia. Methods The clinical efficacy of 95 eyes receiving myopic PRK with a standard concentration of MMC (0.02%) is sequentially compared to 126 eyes receiving low dose MMC (0.002%). The topical exposure times for MMC varied between 30 seconds and 2 minutes in both groups, and direct contralateral eye comparison of these two exposure times was analyzed in a prospective subset of 39 patients from among the low dose group. Patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6-9, and 9-12 months. Haze, visual acuity, and efficacy ratio outcomes were analyzed. Results The preoperative findings were overall statistically similar, except for higher spherical equivalent refractive error (P = .007) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (P = .007) in the standard MMC group. Postoperatively, haze levels ranged from 0 to 4+. With multivariable analysis, significantly less haze was noted among the standard dose MMC eyes for high myopia and higher ablation depth at all postoperative time points. In contrast, the haze levels were statistically similar for moderate myopia and lower ablation depths at the latter postoperative time points. The subset of contralateral eyes randomly receiving low dose MMC (0.002%) at either 30 seconds or 2 minutes exposure showed no significant difference in haze between these exposure times. Conclusions The standard concentration of topical MMC (0.02%) is more effective than low dose MMC (0.002%) in preventing postoperative haze following surface ablation for myopia > or = -6.00 D and deeper ablation depth > or = 75 microm. However, for moderate myopia and shallow depth, low dosing appears to be equally effective. The duration of MMC exposure appears to be less important than its concentration.
Hierarchical computer systems for on-line applications

Experiments in the physical and biomedical sciences are becoming increasingly dependent on digital systems for on-line control and data gathering. This mode of operation has received enormous impetus from the advent of the minicomputer, functioning as a flexible and inexpensive control device. Although much has been accomplished in the development of efficient facilities for the off-line processing and analysis of experimental data, a comparable effort has been slow to develop for on-line digital systems forming part of an experimental setup.
The Hellmann-Feynman theorem: a perspective

The Hellmann-Feynman theorem has, with a few exceptions, not been exploited to the degree that it merits. This is due, at least in part, to a widespread failure to recognize that its greatest value may be conceptual rather than numerical, i.e., in achieving insight into molecular properties and behavior. In this brief overview, we shall discuss three examples of significant concepts that have come out of the Hellmann-Feynman theorem: (1) The forces exerted upon the nuclei in molecules are entirely Coulombic in nature. (2) The total energies of atoms and molecules can be expressed rigorously in terms of just the electrostatic potentials at their nuclei that are produced by the electrons and other nuclei. (3) Dispersion forces are due to the attractions of nuclei to their own polarized electronic densities. To summarize, energy and force analyses should not be viewed as competitive but rather as complementary.
Deciphering Steroid Receptor Crosstalk in Hormone-Driven Cancers

Steroid hormone receptors (SRs) have a multitude of functions in human biology and disease progression. The SR family of related ligand-activated transcription factors includes androgen, estrogen, glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and progesterone receptors. Antiestrogen or estrogen receptor (ER)-targeted therapies to block ER action remain the primary treatment of luminal breast cancers. Although this strategy is successful, ∼40% of patients eventually relapse due to endocrine resistance. The majority of hormone-independent tumors retain some level of SR expression, but sidestep hormone ablation treatments. SRs are known to crosstalk extensively with kinase signaling pathways, and this interplay has been shown to bypass ER-targeted therapies in part by providing alternative proliferation and survival signals that enable hormone independence. Modified receptors adopt alternate conformations that resist antagonism or promote agonism. SR-regulated transcription and SR-binding events have been classically studied as single receptor events using single hormones. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that individual steroids and SRs rarely act alone. Emerging evidence shows that coexpressed SRs crosstalk with each other in hormone-driven cancers, such as breast and prostate. Crosstalk between related SRs allows them to modulate signaling and transcriptional responses to noncognate ligands. This flexibility can lead to altered genomic binding and subsequent changes in SR target gene expression. This review will discuss recent mechanistic advances in elucidating SR crosstalk and the implications for treating hormone-driven cancers. Understanding this crosstalk (i.e., both opposing and collaborative) is a critical step toward expanding and modernizing endocrine therapies and will ultimately improve patient outcomes.