cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of BGO, GSO, MLS, LGSO, LYSO and LSO scintillation materials for high-spatial-resolution animal PET detectors

We are developing very-high resolution detector blocks for animal PET applications. We studied different scintillating crystals materials, BGO, GSO, LSO, MLS, LGSO, and LYSO, to determine the most suitable material for a low cost and high-resolution detector. In this study, we measured and evaluated two different light-output data from individual crystal samples (two different sizes of needles): the scintillation light output received by the PMT as used in PET (LOPET) and the intrinsic light output (ILO). The ILO data, were measured with the largest side of crystal needles coupled to the PMT (crystal needles "lying down onto the PMT"), the LOPET data, were measured with the smallest crystal end coupled to the PMT as used in a PET detector (the crystal is "standing up" on the PMT). The pulse-height spectra for both ILO and LOPET were acquired for all the individual crystal samples, for deducing the percentages of light loss from self-absorption (LLSA) in the PET detector configuration, and energy resolution in both positions (ILO-ER and LOPET-ER). With these crystals, four detectors blocks were also developed, and we measured the overall light output and the position-decoding maps to gauge the decoding capability (DC) of the crystals. We also compared the visual color and clarity of individual crystals and detector blocks. For the two different sizes of the crystal samples that we received, we have the following finding: (a) For the 1.3times1.3times10 mm3 crystals "standing up" as used in a PET camera, GSO, MLS and LYSO, lost almost half of the light while LSO lost more than 2/3 thereby ended up with the same light output as GSO. The energy resolution of LSO and GSO are quite similar (16% and 15%); but the light absorption is significant higher in LSO (71%) in comparison to GSO (54%), MLS (52%) and LYSO (48%). (b) For the 2times2times10 mm3, the light loss from self-absorption (LLSA) was less than the 1.3 mm samples. MLS has the lowest self-absorption (26%), while GSO and LSO have the highest light loss. LGSO and LSO have the lowest LOPET for all the lutetium crystals tested. (c) From the position-decoding results from the detector blocks, LYSO, MLS and GSO provided better position-decoding resolution than the LSO. (d) For the visually comparison, LSO were visually much darker than the other lutetium crystals
Correlation of Endothal and Fluorescent Dye Concentrations following Concurrent Application to Tidal Canals.

Herbicide residue samples are expensive and time-consuming to collect and analyze. The potential for using ‘Rhodamine WT’ to simulate endothal dissipation in moving water was tested in the weed-infested Three Sisters tidal canals (Citrus Co., FL). Concurrent applications were made using a variety of application techniques. Significant correlations between dye and endothal concentrations were found in each treatment, indicating that ‘Rhodamine WT’ concentrations can be used to predict endothal movement and concentrations. The ratios of endothal:dye half-lives were similar (0.2, 0.25, 0.17) for three of the application methods tested, indicating that estimations of dye half-lives could be used to predict those for endothal.
Initiation of replication in chromosomal DNA induced by extracts from proliferating cells.

Abstract Addition of an extract prepared from a proliferating cell line to nuclei isolated from resting tissues such as frog liver and spleen resulted in the stimulation of DNA synthesis as assayed by [3H]dTTP incorporation. This stimulated incorporation of [3H]dTTP required ATP and depended on Mg2+ and deoxynucleoside triphosphates. Pulse-chase experiments showed that the synthesis of DNA in this system was discontinuous, resulting in the appearance of approximately 4S fragments and their ligation to yield higher molecular weight DNA. In addition, electron microscopic analysis of the DNA molecules from the reaction mixture showed that the frequency of replication "eyes" in the extract-stimulated reaction was 10-fold higher than that observed in controls. All of these results strongly suggest that the extract stimulated initiation of DNA replication in the chromatin of normally resting cells. Preliminary characterization by dialysis, heating, and enzyme treatments indicated that the activity is associated with one or more proteins of high molecular weight (greater than 50,000). Comparison of the levels of stimulatory activity in extracts from various mammalian and avian sources showed that the activity was present in cells proliferating either in vivo or in tissue culture. In contrast, extracts from normally resting tissues and cells had no activity. The level of activity present did not appear to be directly related to the levels of DNA polymerase. These results suggest a use for this system in studying regulation of the initiation of DNA synthesis and control of the various phases of the cell cycle.
COMPARISON OF SERUM FATTY ACID ETHYL ESTERS AND URINARY 5-HYDROXYTRYPTOPHOL AS BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF RECENT ETHANOL CONSUMPTION

Aims: To examine the effects of an acute dose of ethanol on serum fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) concentration and urinary 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL)/5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) ratio. Methods: Sixteen (14 male, 2 female) heavy alcohol drinkers were tested in a single, 2-day long session. Six participants received 1.5 g/l of ethanol/l of body water (~0.75 g/kg of body weight, low dose group: LD) and 10 participants received 2.0 g/l of ethanol (~1.0 g/kg of body weight, high dose group: HD) in four divided doses every 20 min. Blood, urine, and breath samples were collected repeatedly over 36 h following the ingestion of ethanol and were analyzed for the presence of FAEE, 5-HTOL/5-HIAA, and ethanol, respectively. Serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), a marker of chronic ethanol use, was also included. Results: The breath ethanol level peaked ~1 h after the last dose, at 95 and 120 mg/dl for the LD and HD groups, respectively. The mean ratio of urinary 5-HTOL/5-HIAA was significantly elevated 5 and 9 h after ethanol administration, but returned to baseline 13 h after ethanol administration. This ratio was twice as high for the HD group compared with the LD group. Serum levels of FAEEs were significantly elevated at 5 h, but not 13 h after ethanol administration. There were no time-dependent changes in serum GGT levels. Conclusions: Measuring the levels of FAEE and 5-HTOL/5-HIAA ratio provides a convenient method to detect recent, particularly binge-type, ethanol use, but these measures may have limited applicability in detecting ethanol use in traditional clinical trial settings.
Role of Membrane Potential in the Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Biophysical signaling, an integral regulator of long-term cell behavior in both excitable and non-excitable cell types, offers enormous potential for modulation of important cell functions. Of particular interest to current regenerative medicine efforts, we review several examples that support the functional role of transmembrane potential (Vmem) in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation. Interestingly, distinct Vmem controls are found in many cancer cell and precursor cell systems, which are known for their proliferative and differentiation capacities, respectively. Collectively, the data demonstrate that bioelectric properties can serve as markers for cell characterization and can control cell mitotic activity, cell cycle progression, and differentiation. The ability to control cell functions by modulating bioelectric properties such as Vmem would be an invaluable tool for directing stem cell behavior toward therapeutic goals. Biophysical properties of stem cells have only recently begun to be studied and are thus in need of further characterization. Understanding the molecular and mechanistic basis of biophysical regulation will point the way toward novel ways to rationally direct cell functions, allowing us to capitalize upon the potential of biophysical signaling for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Scanning Speed Effect on Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Processed by Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing☆

Abstract In this study, mechanical properties in Ti-6Al-4 V samples built with the powder-bed electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) process over a range of beam scanning speeds were experimentally investigated. Four levels of speed functions were applied to build samples, which were used to prepare the specimens for the nanoindentation test to obtain their mechanical properties. The measured averaged Young's modulus and hardness are about 111.7∼119.0 GPa and 5.24∼6.52 GPa, respectively. It has been found that the Young's modulus and hardness increase with the increase of scanning speed in EBAM. The scanning surface presents more superior mechanical properties than those from side surface. The mechanical properties are also correlated to the microstructure characterization of EBAM components.
PHYSIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALUMINO-CALCIUM PHOSPHOROUS-OXIDE (ALCAP) CERAMICS

ABSTRACT Ceramics composed of aluminum, calcium and phosphorous oxides (ALCAP) were incubated for seven days in human plasma at 37°C. Incubation of ceramics in plasma did not induce morphological changes in the starting particle sizes of the ceramics. ALCAP ceramics significantly decreased the hydrogen ion concentration of plasma and the pH shifted from 7.34 ± 0.15 to 8.27 ± 0.03 by the end of the seven day incubation period. Significant amounts of calcium and phosphorous were transferred from the ceramic to the plasma. Incubation of ceramics in plasma significantly changes the aluminum content of the plasma. Results of this investigation suggest that ALCAP ceramics are composed of two oxide phases, one more reactive (resorbable) than the other.
Stress as a Normal Cue in the Symbiotic Environment.

All multicellular hosts form associations with groups of microorganisms. These microbial communities can be taxonomically diverse and dynamic, and their persistence is due to robust, and sometimes coevolved, host–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions. Chemical and physical sources of stress are prominently situated in this molecular exchange, as cues for cellular responses in symbiotic microbes. Stress in the symbiotic environment may arise from three sources: host tissues, microbe-induced immune responses, or other microbes in the host environment. The responses of microbes to these stresses can be general or highly specialized, and collectively may contribute to the stability of the symbiotic system. In this review, we highlight recent work that emphasizes the role of stress as a cue in the symbiotic environment of plants and animals.
G/U and Certain Wobble Position Mismatches as Possible Main Causes of Amino Acid Misincorporations

A mass spectrometry-based method was developed to measure amino acid substitutions directly in proteins down to a level of 0.001%. When applied to recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli, monoclonal antibodies expressed in mammalian cells, and human serum albumin purified from three human subjects, the method revealed a large number of amino acid misincorporations at levels of 0.001–0.1%. The detected misincorporations were not random but involved a single-base difference between the codons of the corresponding amino acids. The most frequent base differences included a change from G to A, corresponding to a G(mRNA)/U(tRNA) base pair mismatch during translation. We concluded that under balanced nutrients, G(mRNA)/U(tRNA) mismatches at any of the three codon positions and certain additional wobble position mismatches (C/U and/or U/U) are the main causes of amino acid misincorporations. The hypothesis was tested experimentally by monitoring the levels of misincorporation at several amino acid site...
Investigation of Energy Efficiency in Force Control of Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic actuators, due to their unique features, have numerous industrial applications. However, when compared to electrical actuators, one of the major problems of the overall pneumatic system is low-efficiency. Thus it is important to develop control algorithms for force tracking of pneumatic actuators while minimizing the consumed energy. This paper presents three different approaches for force tracking of pneumatic cylinders. A dual-action pneumatic cylinder along with a real-time control platform were used to compare the energy efficiency and force tracking performance of these methods. Experiments with sinusoidal forces reveled that minimizing the chamber pressure gives the best tracking performance and energy efficiency in higher frequencies.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
MAPP in the classroom: oxymoron or opportunity?

s Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships(MAPP) becomes increasingly important for community^public health practice, it is critical to examine whatlearning MAPP entails as well as its barriers and benefits.Competency-based education and training interventions thatprepare public health workers to effectively contribute to theimplementation of MAPP in fheir communifies face significantobstacles. Current public health education and training programsare poorly positioned to enhance MAPP-related competenciesamong significant numbers of public health students andworkers. Establishing the communify as the classroom forlearning MAPP and forging links wifh professional education andlifelong professional development strategies are necessary forMAPP fo be successful in promoting healthy communifies.KEY WORDS: health departments, MAPP, public healthworkforce, trainingAs demonstrated throughout this special issue of thejournal, the Mobilizing for Action through Planningand Partnerships (MAPP) offers a framework for re-forming and advancing community public health prac-tice. Essential to this framework are strategies and toolsthat many public health professionals will need to mas-ter. MAPP looms as a virtual operating system forcommunity-wide health improvement activities, some-what analogous to the Microsoft and Apple operat-ing systems that power today's computers. Perhaps theLinux approach to computer operating systems is a bet-ter analogy, as it, like MAPP, employs an open-endedstrategy and encourages users to add enhancementsthat may benefit subsequent users. In any event, just ascomputer operating systems improve as new versionsreplace older ones, learning MAPP and its successorprocesses will become an ongoing challenge for current
Compensation Identification for Total Heat Exchange Factor

The total heat exchange factor(φCF) is the important parameter for the L2 control system of reheating furnace.φCFis influenced by the furnace structure parameters and operating parameters.So the compensation identification for φCF is very important.The solo ternary model based on the furnace temperature was developed.Taking any model section of a ternary model,the temperatures of the furnace and of the slab surface were used as input conditions,the thermocouple model was developed and the energy equations of the thermocouple and furnace wall were established.Finally,the heat flux of slab surface was solved.So the identification for φCF was researched.The influences for φCFby the temperature,size of slab and the temperature change of the slab were researched.The results demonstrated that the value of φCFdecreased with the increase of the slab temperature,when the furnace temperature was constant.When the slab temperature was closed to the furnace temperature,the absolute value of the gradient for the variation of φCF increased rapidly.While the slab temperature was constant,the value of φCF increased with the increase of furnace temperature.Moreover,the φCF increased with the increase of the length and width of the slab,and also increased with the increase of the emissivity for the slab.
Fitting the Cell Counter to the Bed Count

Technical advancements of hematology analyzers continue to improve the quality as well as the throughput of blood cell counting. A wide array of instrumentation is marketed and the essential features are outlined. The best match of instruments with needs can be determined after an analysis of the needs of the laboratory based on hospital size, patient mix, workload, and data management requirements.
Customer Retention: Reducing Online Casino Player Churn Through the Application of Predictive Modeling

With the potential expansion of legalized online gaming in the United States as well as in the global market, customer retention is critical to the continued growth and success of an online casino. While customer churn prediction can be an essential part of customer retention efforts, it has received very little attention in the gaming literature. Using historical online gaming data, this study examines whether player churn (attrition) can be predicted through an application of a decision tree data mining algorithm called Exhaustive CHAID (E-CHAID). The results of this empirical study suggest that the predictive model based on the E-CHAID method can be a valuable tool for identifying potential churners and understanding their churn behavior. Additionally, this study shows how the classification rules and propensity scores extracted from a decision tree churn model can be used to identify players at risk of churn. The patron play and visitation parameters that are closely associated with churn are also discussed. This study contributes to the gaming literatu1re by focusing on online players’ churn prediction through a data-driven approach. Finally, it discusses proactive approaches for churn prevention.
Electronic monitoring of the fetus.

This article examines some of the instrumentation used for fetal monitoring in the high-risk center, discusses what the equipment can do, and points out its limitations.
Quantitative protein analysis by mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is one of the most sensitive methods in analytical chemistry, and its application in proteomics has been rapidly expanded after sequencing the human genome. Mass spectrometry is now the mainstream approach for identification and quantification of proteins and posttranslational modifications, either in small scale or in the entire proteome. Shotgun proteomics can analyze up to 10,000 proteins in a comprehensive study, with detection sensitivity in the picogram range. In this chapter, we describe major experimental steps in a shotgun proteomics platform, including sample preparation in the context of studying protein-protein interaction, mass spectrometric data acquisition, and database search to identify proteins and posttranslational modification analysis. Proteome quantification strategies and bioinformatics analysis are also illustrated. Finally, we discuss the capabilities, limitations, and potential improvements of current platforms.
The Politics of Extremism in South Asia: Bangladesh: divided politics and geopolitics

Bangladesh's short history since independence in 1971 has produced several surprises. Economically, it has defied those who dismissed its prospects from the beginning and has even been an innovator in small-scale economic development. Politically, it has moved haltingly towards a democratic framework that has been durable, if turbulent. Bangladesh's society, too, has been notable for its pluralist ethos and religious co-existence. For the most part, it has also managed to remain relatively insulated from major geopolitical upheavals that have shaken the region and beyond. Since the elections of 2001, however, politics in Bangladesh has become unexpectedly divisive, exposing sharp polarizations on secular, religious and geopolitical identities. A critical question is whether the increasing violence in the political sphere is a reflection of these fundamental issues or, more simply, competition among parties for political spoils. The rise of Islamist extremism in the country and its implications beyond its borders suggests that we cannot ignore this question, despite the country's promising origins. In addition, as a Muslim majority country, Bangladesh has stood in some contrast to Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing us with a counter-example to developments in the region. For the purposes of this book, the focus here is on how the various identity strands in Bangladesh have interacted over time, with the country first escaping the worst forms of polarization, only to be confronted with them later. Unlike the other chapters, it is the potential for sustained violent extremism that is of concern.
Cystatin C and the Risk of Frailty and Mortality in Older Men

Background This study examines the association between cystatin C (cysC) levels and risks of progression of frailty status or death in older men. Methods Prospective study of 2,613 men without overt frailty aged 67 years and older enrolled in the MrOS ancillary sleep study. Baseline measurements included serum cysC, serum creatinine, and frailty status. Repeat frailty status, performed an average of 3.4 years later, was assessed as an ordinal outcome of robust, intermediate stage (prefrail), frail or dead. Results Mean age was 75.7 years. Men with higher cysC were older and had a higher comorbidity burden. After adjusting for age, clinical site, and race, higher cysC was associated with nearly twofold greater odds of being classified as intermediate stage versus robust (OR quartile 4 vs 1; 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-2.45), a threefold greater odds of frailty versus robust (OR quartile 4 vs 1; 3.13, 95% CI 2.03-4.82), and a more than fivefold greater odds of death versus robust (OR quartile 4 vs 1; 5.48, 95% CI 2.98-10.08). Results were similar for cysC-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This relationship was attenuated but persisted after adjusting for additional potential confounders including baseline frailty status, body mass index, smoking status, comorbidity burden, self-reported disability, and serum albumin. In contrast, neither serum creatinine nor creatinine-based eGFR was associated in a graded manner with higher risks of development of frailty or death. Conclusions In this cohort of older men without overt frailty, higher cysC and cysC-based eGFR, but not creatinine or creatinine-based estimates of GFR, were associated with increased risks of frailty or death. These findings suggest that higher cysC level may be a promising biomarker for unsuccessful aging as manifested by increased risks of frailty and death.
High frequency properties of high voltage barium titanate-ferrite multiferroic metamaterial composites

Permittivity and permeability parameters of dielectric composites made of ferrite particles coated in a barium titanate (BaTiO3) layer were analyzed and compared against composites of ferrite powders without a dielectric layer. A hydrothermal synthesis process combined barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to form the coating of barium titanate around a ferrite core. These barium titanate ferrite composites particles are then combined with a unique binder to form a metamaterial. Discs of the metamaterial are characterized with an Agilent coaxial airline and dielectric measurement software to determine the permittivity and permeability responses within a frequency range of 200 MHz to 4 GHz. By comparing these results to previous work on ferrite composites, the merit of insulating the magnetic particles with a dielectric layer is examined.
Competition between sports hurts TV ratings: How to shift league calendars to optimize viewership

Television is becoming an increasingly critical revenue stream in the sports industry, as media rights deals in the four major North American sports (NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL) continue to escalate by huge rates every time they are up for renewal. Live sports certainly captivate large numbers of viewers, and according to conventional wisdom, when two live events air at the same time, they compete head-to-head for those eyeballs. It is often discussed how NFL games allegedly crush ratings for the World Series or NBA playoff games devour the audience for their NHL playoff counterparts. If ratings are so critical to franchise bottom lines and competition does in fact hurt ratings, though, why then do so many sports willingly overlap while other parts of the year are left empty, flush with fans hungering for sports programming? This overlap can easily be prevented, as there is a vast stretch of the summer from mid-June to the end of August during which the only major sport in season is regular season MLB games—among the lowest rated programming of the four major sports. Would NHL or NBA playoff TV ratings increase if either pushed its calendar back and avoided directly competing with the other from April-June? Would World Series ratings cease their downward spiral if they moved up from October before getting caught in the supposed NFL black hole? In an industry where teams hire armies of statisticians, coaches, trainers, and scouts to claw at every last inch of competitive edge and where leagues squeeze out every last drop of revenue, one would think someone would notice if that were the case—or does programming competition from other sports simply have little effect on ratings? This paper attempts to isolate the effects of overlap from each sport, examine how that competition hurts viewership in each league, and quantify the value lost due to that overlap. We find that competition can have very damaging effects for TV viewership for every sport, most notably the NHL, and these losses can significantly diminish the value of a network’s investments in sports
The prediction of radiofrequency ablation zone volume using vascular indices of 3-dimensional volumetric colour Doppler ultrasound in an in vitro blood-perfused bovine liver model

Objective:To determine the most reliable predictor of radiofrequency (RF) ablation zone volume among three-dimensional (3D) volumetric colour Doppler vascular indices in an in vitro blood-perfused bovine liver model.Methods:3D colour Doppler volume data of the local hepatic parenchyma were acquired from 37 areas of 13 bovine livers connected to an in vitro oxygenated blood perfusion system. Doppler vascular indices of vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were obtained from the volume data using 3D volume analysis software. 37 RF ablations were performed at the same locations where the ultrasound data were obtained from. The relationship of these vascular indices and the ablation zone volumes measured from gross specimens were analyzed using a general linear mixed model fit with random effect for liver and backward stepwise regression analysis.Results:FI was significantly associated with ablation zone volumes measured on gross specimens (p = 0.0047), but explaine...
Down the Crater: Where Magmas are Stored and Why They Erupt

Magmas are erupted from a wide range of depths. Olivine compositions, for example, indicate magma storage in the lower crust and upper mantle, while clinopyroxene and amphibole record middle to upper crust storage. Pre-eruptive magmas also often cool by 100–300 °C, frequently at middle–upper crust depths, indicating clogged, ephemeral volcanic pathways. These coolings imply that mafic recharge is not a sufficient cause for eruption and that crystallization-induced vapor saturation is a more proximal eruption trigger. But an improved understanding of eruption mechanisms require precise identifications of what are herein termed “ultimate”, “proximal,” and “immediate” causes of eruption.
Self-Grading and Peer-Grading for Formative and Summative Assessments in 3rd through 12th Grade Classrooms: A Meta-Analysis.

The “assessment for learning” movement in education has increased attention to self-grading and peer-grading practices in primary and secondary schools. This research synthesis examined several questions pertaining to the use of self-grading and peer-grading in conjunction with criterion-referenced testing in 3rd- through 12th-grade-level classrooms. We investigated (a) the effects of students’ participation in grading on subsequent test performance, (b) the difference between grades when assigned by students or teachers, and (c) the correlation between grades assigned by students and teachers. Students who engaged in self-grading performed better (g = .34) on subsequent tests than did students who did not. Moderator analyses suggested that the benefits of self-grading were estimated to be greater when the study controlled for group differences through random assignment. Students who engaged in peer-grading performed better on subsequent tests than did students who did not (g = .29). On average, students did not grade themselves or peers significantly differently than teachers (self-grades, g = .04; peer-grades, g = .04) and showed moderate correlation (self-grading, r = .67; peer-grading, r = .68) with teacher grades. Further, other moderator analyses and examination of studies suggested that self- and peer-grading practices can be implemented to positive effect in primary and secondary schools with the use of rubrics and training for students in a formative assessment environment. However, because of a limited number of studies, these mediating variables need more research to allow more conclusive findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Technical Note: Is bulk electron density assignment appropriate for MRI-only based treatment planning for lung cancer?

Purpose MRI-based treatment planning in radiation therapy (RT) is prohibitive, in part, due to the lack of electron density (ED) information within the image. The dosimetric differences between MRI- and CT-based planning for intensity modulated RT (IMRT) of lung cancer were investigated to assess the appropriateness of bulk ED assignment. Methods Planning CTs acquired for six representative lung cancer patients were used to generate bulk ED IMRT plans. To avoid the effect of anatomic differences between CT and MRI, “simulated MRI-based plans” were generated by forcing the relative ED (rED) to water on CT-delineated structures using organ specific values from the ICRU Report 46 and using the mean rED value of the internal target volume (ITV) from the planning CT. The “simulated MRI-based plans” were generated using a research planning system (Monaco v5.09.07a, Elekta, AB) and employing Monte Carlo dose calculation. The following dose-volume-parameters (DVPs) were collected from both the “simulated MRI-based plans” and the original planning CT: D95, the dose delivered to 95% of the ITV & planning target volume (PTV), D5 and V5, the volume of normal lung irradiated > 5 Gy. The percent point difference and relative dose difference were used for comparison with the CT based plan for V5 and D95, respectively. A total of five plans per patient were generated; three with the ITV rED (rEDITV) = 1.06, 1.0 and the mean value from the planning CT while the lung rED (rEDlung) was fixed at the ICRU value of 0.26 and two with rEDlung = 0.1 and 0.5 while the rEDITV was fixed to the mean value from the planning CT. Results Noticeable differences in the ITV and PTV DVPs were observed. Variations of the normal lung V5 can be as large as 9.6%. In some instances, varying the rEDITV between rEDmean and 1.06 resulted in D95 increases ranging from 3.9-6.3%. Bulk rED assignment on normal lung affected the DVPs of the ITV and PTV by 4.0-9.8% and 0.3-19.6%, respectively. Dose volume histograms were presented for representative cases where the variations in the DVPs were found to be very large or very small. Conclusions The commonly-used bulk rED assignment in MRI-only based planning may not be appropriate for lung cancer. A voxel based method, e.g. synthetic CT generated from MRI data, is likely required for dosimetrically accurate MR-based planning for lung cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Significance of Inducible Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardias After Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Background Noninducibility of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT) postablation does not insure absence of later recurrence in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. This study aims to determine the relation between inducible nonsustained VT postablation and VT recurrences. Methods and Results One hundred sixty-five consecutive patients (156 male; age 68±9 years) underwent ablation for SMVT because of ischemic cardiomyopathy; 44 patients who did not have induction testing or in whom only ventricular fibrillation was induced after ablation were excluded. In 38 patients (23%), SMVT was inducible (group C). Of the 83 patients without inducible SMVT after ablation, nonsustained VT defined as ≥5 beats lasting for P =0.017 versus group A), and 38% in group C ( P =0.005 versus group A). In patients without inducible SMVT, inducible nonsustained VT and left ventricular ejection fraction was independently associated with VT recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.66 and 1.07; 95% CI, 1.3–11.1 and 1.01–1.14). Conclusions Inducible nonsustained VT postablation suggests the continued presence of functional arrhythmia substrate. Further trials are needed to assess whether additional ablation would improve outcome in this group.
Hemoglobin function during blood storage. XV. Effects of metabolic additives inosine and methylene blue on p50 and 2,3-DPG.

The major purpose of transfusing whole blood or red cells is to provide the recipient with an improved ability to transport oxygen to the tissues. Hemoglobin has this capability, but in most mammalian red cells-including the human-2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) is required for normal oxygen release to the tissues (Chanutin, 1966; Chanutin and Curnish, 1967; Benesch & Benesch, 1967). After the discovery of the mediator of-or cofactor for-normal hemoglobin function; that is, 2,3-DPG, the first studies which looked at this compound in the red cell and the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin during liquid blood storage showed that 2,3-DPG decreased very rapidly during storage in acid citrate dextrose (ACD). The oxygen affinity of hemoglobin increased at the same rate as shown by the decrease in p50 (an inverse though direct measure of oxygen affinity) which was similar in slope of decrease to the decrease in 2,3-DPG during the several weeks which were studied (Akerblom, et al, 1968; Bunn, H. F., et al, 1969). The early work of Chanutin and his coworkers which goes back to 1958, and other studies which relate to the importance of 2,3-DPG for the normal position of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve have been reviewed more thoroughly in the preceedings from the first International Symposium on Red Cell Metabolism and Function (Dawson, 1970).
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage without Extrapulmonary Manifestations: A Rare Presentation of Lupus

BACKGROUND Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening disorder resulting in hemorrhage into the lungs due to a variety of reasons. The underlying etiology for DAH is broadly divided into immune and non-immune mediated causes. Rheumatological disorders account for a small number of cases. Although hemoptysis is one of the alarming symptoms of DAH, it is absent in a third of the cases. Diagnosis often requires a conglomerate of history, clinical, and laboratory investigation and radiological studies. CASE REPORT We describe a case of a 31-year-old female who had an atypical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with primary lung involvement/DAH and no other organ involvement. CONCLUSIONS This case report illustrates the importance of awareness and early recognition of the complication that can prevent mortality.
Economic Design Optimization of the LiPb Blanket for the Mirror Advanced Reactor (MARS)

A self-consistent procedure has been established for economic design optimization of the lithiumlead (LiPb) blanket for the MARS tandem mirror reactor. The procedure is necessarily iterative and enables progress in blanket design to be assessed in terms of the minimization of an economic figure of merit F for the complete reactor system. Typical economic design questions regarding blanket and central cell parameters such as tritium breeding ratio, neutron energy multiplication factor, thermal cycle efficiency, blanket radial thickness, magnet radii, etc., can then be addressed in terms of their influence on overall system costs. This procedure is not necessarily specific to MARS and has general applicability to fusion reactor blanket design optimization. Application of the procedure resulted in a blanket with small ( about 38 cm) radial thickness, highly enriched (90%) lithium, adequate tritium breeding ratio (1.14) and a neutron energy multiplication and thermal efficiency approaching those for blankets of considerably larger radial dimensions.
PRICE DISPERSION AND DEMAND UNCERTAINTY: EVIDENCE FROM U.S. SCANNER DATA

I use the Prescott (1975) hotels model to explain variations in price dispersion across items sold by supermarkets in Chicago. The effect of demand uncertainty on price dispersion is highly significant and quantitatively important: My estimates suggest that more than 40% of the cross sectional standard deviation of log prices is due to demand uncertainty. I also find that price dispersion measures are negatively correlated with the average price but are not negatively correlated with the revenues from selling the good (across stores and weeks) and with the number of stores that sell the good. Temporary sales are modeled as a reaction to "unwanted inventories" that are accumulated when the realization of demand is low. The effect of demand uncertainty on the frequency of temporary sales is also highly significant and quantitatively important: Items with more demand uncertainty tend to accumulate "unwanted inventories" more often and tend to have temporary sales more often.
The Tax Shelter Disclosure Act: The Next Battle in the Tax Shelter War

On August 3, 2001, Chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) and ranking minority member Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) released draft legislation in the Senate Finance Committee intended to strengthen the Internal Revenue Service's (Service) weaponry in the continued battle against abusive tax shelters. If, during the course of such structuring, a taxpayer reduces the tax burden in a legitimate manner and in reliance on the opinion of the taxpayer's independent tax advisor, one could still argue that the reduction of tax is "tax avoidance" and that a "significant purpose" of such structuring was such "tax avoidance." The NYSBA, the ABA, and the AICPA, comment that other changes should be made to the "tax shelter" definition. Many of these indicators already exist in corporate tax shelter law as indicators that a transaction must be reported as a "reportable transaction" by a corporate taxpayer. We agree with your draft legislation's basic premise that if there is an "applicable tax shelter understatement" (generally an increase in tax, arising from the incorrect treatment of a "tax shelter" item, unless there was (i) "substantial authority" for that treatment, (ii) "adequate disclosure" and (iii) a "reasonable belief" the tax treatment was more likely than not appropriate) a 40 percent penalty will be imposed. The NYSBA is incorrect that even if all of the conditions of the draft TSDA are met, the taxpayer should still suffer a twenty-percent penalty if the transaction is deemed a "tax shelter."
The Normal (or Gaussian) Distribution and Other Continuous Distributions

Now we will introduce continuous distributions. By far, the most important of these is the normal or gaussian distribution that appears almost everywhere in probability theory, partially because of the central limit theorem, which will be discussed in Chapter 11. In addition, we will introduce a few other distributions of considerable use. The chi-square distribution, in particular, as we will see later, plays a central role when we consider the statistical problem of estimating parameters from data.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancers in the Nonsmoker-Nondrinker

The vast majority of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) report a history of tobacco and alcohol use. The risk of oral cancer increases as a function of both intensity and duration of each exposure, indicating that alcohol and tobacco act synergistically to promote cancer development (1, 2, 3).
SpackDev: Multi-Package Development with Spack

High Energy Physics (HEP) software environments often involve ∼ hundreds of external packages and libraries, and similar numbers of experiment-specific, science-critical packages—many under continuous development. Managing coherent releases of the external software stack is challenging enough, but managing the highly-collaborative—and distributed—development of a large body of code against such a stack adds even more complexity and room for error.Spack is a popular Python-based package management tool with a specific focus on the needs of High Performance Computing (HPC) systems and system administrators whose strength is orchestrating the discrete download, build, testing, and installation of pre-packaged or tagged third-party software against similarly stable dependencies. As such it is becoming increasingly popular within HEP as that community makes increasing use of HPC facilities, and as efforts to develop future HPC systems utilize Spack to provide scientific software on those platforms [1].SpackDev is a system to facilitate the simultaneous development of interconnected sets of packages. Intended to handle packages without restriction to one internal build system, SpackDev is integrated with Spack as a command extension in order to leverage features such as dependency calculations and build system configuration, and is generally applicable outside HEP. We describe SpackDev’s features and development over the last two years, initial experience using SpackDev in the context of the LArSoft liquid argon detector toolkit, and work remaining before it can be considered a fully-functional multi-package build system for HEP experiments utilizing Spack.
International Platforms, International Prejudice in the Platformization of Crafting:

The platformization of crafting in an unequal world encourages discriminatory attitudes toward ethnic Others. Imagining that the “magic circle” of a subcultural platform can insulate users from rac...
Clinician Telemedicine Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Telemedicine utilization increased exponentially due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, most clinicians now have experience with telemedicine. Questions/Purposes: We studied factors independently associated with a clinician desiring to continue telemedicine services after the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondarily, we sought factors independently associated with clinician satisfaction with the quality of care provided through telemedicine and factors associated with telemedicine platform preference by clinicians. Methods: A large multispecialty medical group of physicians were invited to complete a survey, including demographics, telemedicine experience, satisfaction with various elements of telemedicine encounters, desired features in a telemedicine platform, personality traits, and preferences. A total of 220 complete responses were analyzed. Results: A desire to continue offering telemedicine visits after the COVID-19 pandemic was independently associated with a higher satisfaction with the quality of telemedicine care, endorsement of the ease of performing a physical examination with telemedicine, belief that adaptability is an important element of being a clinician, and less preference for in-person work meetings over virtual meetings. Higher satisfaction with the quality of telemedicine care was associated with belief that adaptability is an important element of being a clinician, clinicians who identify as being more perceiving (value flexibility) than judging (value organization), providers from relatively urban counties, and those with less preference for in-person work meetings over virtual meetings. Clinicians ranked ease of use for patients and physicians as the most important features of telemedicine platforms. Conclusions: The observed association of clinician personality and interpersonal preferences with the appeal, satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness of telemedicine merit additional study. Early implementation of telemedicine might be easiest with clinicians that take pride in their adaptability and value a technology-based workstyle.
Influence of algal strain on microalgal-bacterial bioflocculation rate and floc characteristics

Microalgal-bacterial (MaB) flocs are a promising route towards sustainable wastewater treatment, but the effects of algal species and algal abundance on MaB floc function are not yet understood. MaB flocs were created by inoculating activated sludge with several species of algae at different initial algal to bacterial biomass ratios (5:1, 2:1, 1:1, or 1:5 algae:activated sludge) to determine the effects on nutrient removal, lipid content, microalgal-bacterial bioflocculation rates, and settleability. The algal species Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana, Scenedesmus dimorphus, and Neochloris oleoabundans all formed MaB flocs within 2 h of inoculation with activated sludge. Chlorella vulgaris formed MaB flocs with the highest lipid content (11.1%), followed by S. dimorphus (8.2%), and N. oleoabundans (6.4%), for MaB flocs inoculated at 1:1 algae:activated sludge (w/w) ratio. Chlorella vulgaris incorporated into activated sludge to form MaB flocs to the greatest extent, and C. sorokiniana the least. Phosphorus removal was influenced by the species of microalgae used for MaB floc inoculum, with S. dimorphus showing highest P removal of up to 92–97% at 5:1 and 2:1 algae:activated sludge (w/w) ratios.
Treatment of small and medium retinoblastoma tumors with Iris diode laser.

Purpose:Differing techniques have been reported for focal laser therapy for patients with small and medium retinoblastoma. We report the technique used at our center; and report the functional and ...
UAS Sensor Deployment and Retrieval to the Underside of Structures

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, commonly known as aerial drones) are widely used for remote inspection and evaluation in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications. While in most cases the drone is only equipped with a camera and collects images and videos, there is a high interest for structural evaluation that goes beyond visual inspection and provides information on the internal structure. For the latter, specialized sensors need to be used which in many cases need to be attached to the structure. This work presents a low-cost autonomous UAS for attaching and retrieving sensor packages to the underside of structures for SHM applications. Such a system can be used for nondestructive evaluation of structures by deploying sensors like accelerometers on bridges or tunnels. The proposed system is experimentally evaluated and is shown to be capable of the task utilizing only onboard systems and an artificial landmark with an operator to change between deployment and retrieval missions.
Capitalization of Charter Schools into Residential Property Values

AbstractAlthough prior research has found clear impacts of schools and school quality on property values, little is known about whether charter schools have similar effects. Using sale price data for residential properties in Los Angeles County from 2008 to 2011 we estimate the neighborhood level impact of charter schools on housing prices. Using an identification strategy that relies on census-block fixed effects and variation in charter penetration over time, we find little evidence that the availability of a charter school affects housing prices on average. We do find, however, that when restricting to districts other than Los Angeles Unified and counting only charter schools located in the same school district as the household, housing prices fall in response to an increase in nearby charter penetration.