cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A procedure for calculation of monitor units for passively scattered proton radiotherapy beams

The purpose of this study is to validate a monitor unit (MU) calculation procedure for passively scattered proton therapy beams. The output dose per MU (d/MU) of a therapeutic radiation beam is traditionally calibrated under specific reference conditions. These conditions include beam energy, field size, suitable depth in water or water equivalent phantom in a low dose gradient region with known relative depth dose, and source to point of calibration distance. Treatment field settings usually differ from these reference conditions leading to a different d/MU that needs to be determined for delivering the prescribed dose. For passively scattered proton beams, the proton specific parameters, which need to be defined, are related to the energy, lateral scatterers, range modulating wheel, spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) width, thickness of any range shifter, the depth dose value relative to the normalization point in the SOBP, and scatter both from the range compensator and inhomogeneity in the patient. Following the custom for photons or electrons, a set of proton dosimetry factors, representing the changes in the d/MU relative to a reference condition, can be defined as the relative output factor (ROF), SOBP factor (SOBPF), range shifter factor (RSF), SOBP off-center factor (SOBPOCF), off-center ratio (OCR), inverse square factor (ISF), field size factor (FSF), and compensator and patient scatter factor (CPSF). The ROF, SOBPF, and RSF are the major contributors to the d/MU and were measured using an ion chamber in water tank during the clinical commissioning of each beam to create a dosimetry beam data table to be used for calculating the monitor units. The following simple formula is found to provide an independent method to determine the d/MU at the point of interest (POI) in the patient, namely, (d/MU) = ROF SOBPF. RSF SOBPOCF.OCR.FSF.ISF.CPSF. The monitor units for delivering the intended dose (D) to the POI can be obtained from MU = D / (d/MU). The accuracy and robustness of the above formula were validated by calculating the d/MU in water for many different combinations of beam parameters and comparing it with the corresponding measured d/MU by an ion chamber in a water or water/plastic phantom. This procedure has been in use for MU calculation for patient treatment fields at our facility since May 2006. The differences in the calculated and measured values of the d/MU for 623 distinct fields used for patient treatment during the period of May 2006 to February 2007 are within 2% for 99% of these fields. The authors conclude that an intuitive formula similar to the one used for monitor unit calculation of therapeutic photon beams can be used to compute the monitor units of passively scattered proton therapy beams.
Frequency of Reading, Math, and Writing Disabilities in Children with Clinical Disorders.

Abstract Learning disabilities (LD) are common in clinical disorders, but no study has compared the relative prevalence in referred children with different diagnoses. Our sample comprised 949 children (6 to 16 years). LD percentages were highest for bipolar disorder (79%), ADHD combined type (71%), autism (67%), ADHD inattentive type (66%), and spina bifida (60%). Children with oppositional-defiant disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression had relatively low LD percentages (18–19%). LD in written expression was twice as common as LD in reading or math. Findings indicate that children with neurogenetic disorders should be assessed for possible LD because of the high potential yield and the need to intervene educationally if learning problems exist.
Effects of thermal spread on the space charge limit of an electron beam

Methode asymptotique d'estimation de la modification de la limite de charge d'espace due a une faible dispersion thermique. La limite de charge d'espace est affaiblie proportionnellement a la temperature du faisceau T pres de T=0
Public relations practitioners’ perception of the world wide web as a communications tool

Abstract Interviews with public relations practitioners in organizations with Web sites explored perceptions about the value of the World Wide Web as a communications tool, and how it fits into the communications mix. Practitioners believe a Web site symbolizes an organization’s competitiveness, enhances an organization’s image, and increases the practitioner’s personal sense of professionalism. However, they often have responsibility for a Web site without additional resources to maintain it and do not see it as a high priority on their to-do lists. Practitioners must juggle issues such as skepticism about the value of their site, inefficient evaluation methods, and control of the site. Laura Newland Hill is Development Researcher at Endicott College and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; this article is based on her master’s thesis research, directed by Candace White. Candace White is assistant professor of Public Relations at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Ground Penetrating Radar Soil Suitability Maps

The performance of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is dependent upon the electrical conductivity of soils. Soils having high electrical conductivity rapidly attenuate radar energy, restrict penetration depths, and severely limit the effectiveness of GPR. Factors influencing the electrical conductivity of soils include the amount and type of salts in solution and the clay content. Data on the clay and soluble salt contents of soils were used to develop thematic maps showing at different scales the relative suitability of soils for GPR applications. The United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) bases these maps on field experience and soil attribute data contained in the State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) and the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) databases. Attribute data used to determine the suitability of soils include clay content, electrical conductivity, sodium absorption ratio, and calcium carbonate content. Each soil attribute was rated and assigned a value...
Response surface methodology for optimization and characterization of limonene-based coenzyme Q10 self-nanoemulsified capsule dosage form.

The aim of this study was to systematically obtain a model of factors that would yield an optimized self-nanoemulsified capsule dosage form (SNCDF) of a highly lipophilic model compound, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ). Independent variables such as amount of R-(+)-limonene (X1), surfactant (X2), and cosurfactant (X3), were optimized using a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken statistical design. The dependent variables selected were cumulative percentage of drug released after 5 minutes (Y1) with constraints on drug release in 15 minutes (Y2), turbidity (Y3), particle size (Y4), and zeta potential (Y5). A mathematical relationship obtained,Y1=78.503+6.058X1 +13.738X2+5.986X3−25.831X12+9.12X1X2−26.03X1X3−38.67X22 +11.02X2X3−15.55X33 (r2=0.97), explained the main and quadratic effects, and the interaction of factors that affected the drug release. Response surface methodology (RSM) predicted the levels of factorsX1,X2, andX3 (0.0344, 0.216, and 0.240, respectively), for a maximized response ofY1 with constraints of >90% release onY2. The observed and predicted values ofY1 were in close agreement. In conclusion, the Box-Behnken experimental design allowed us to obtain SNCDF with rapid (>90%) drug release within 5 minutes with desirable properties of low turbidity and particle size.
Ultrasonography and CT scanning: a comparative study of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract CT scanning has been successfully used in the evaluation of the abdominal aorta in over 70 patients. Half of this group, with abdominal aneurysms, was also studied by ultrasonography and the results compared. Both techniques proved equally reliable in the diagnosis of this entity. Closer correlation to the aneurysmal diameter measured at surgery was obtained by CT scanning; underestimation of size by ultrasonography was a frequent finding. Aortic lumen and intra-aneurysmal thrombus were also more clearly demonstrated by CT when contrast enhancement was added. Evaluation of aneurysmal length is done more effectively by ultrasonography although sagittal reconstruction by CT has been now attempted.
Differences in accuracy of public and private judgments.

The purpose of the present study was to compare accuracy of judgmental behaviour when Ss responded before an audience of attentive but non-communicating peers, which was regarded as a condition of incidental group pressure, and when they responded alone. In a sample of twenty-five college students a highly significant increase in accuracy of response was found for both verbal and drawn estimates of the length of a line when there was incidental group pressure. It was suggested that incidental group pressure functions as a preliminary stage of communication.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF MANIPULATING LIGHT INTENSITY AND NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT ON THE STRUCTURE OF A SALT MARSH DIATOM COMMUNITY1,2

SUMMARY The long-term effects of manipulating light intensity and nutrient enrichment on the structural characteristics of a diatom community inhabiting the sediments beneath a pure stand of dwarf Spartina alterniflora Loisel. were investigated over a yearly cycle. Clipping or shading the cord grass cover, or phosphorus enrichment caused significant decreases in both species diversity (H') and the number of diatom species, whereas nitrogen enrichment only significantly decreased the latter parameter. Of the 105 diatom taxa identified, only 10 were restricted to certain of the 12 study areas; and of these, 8 occurred exclusively in the clipped habitats. An analysis of variance (light × nutrient × collection date) involving 19 of the most abundant taxa revealed that certain experimental treatments had significant effects on the relative abundances of each and every taxon. However, attempts to group taxa with similar response patterns proved unsuccessful because of the frequent significance of the 3-way interaction term. Synthesis of these results with earlier work by the author showed that differences in structure of diatom communities inhabiting the sediments beneath the 3 dominant marsh grasses were not primarily caused by differences in reduction of light intensity by their grass canopies, and that clipping of the cord grass produced a shift in community structure towards that characteristic of a salt panne algal mat.
Climatic influences on streamflow and sediment flux into Lake C2, northern Ellesmere Island, Canada

Streamflow, suspended sediment transport and meteorological variables at two elevations were measured through the 1990–1992 field seasons at Lake C2, Northern Ellesmere Island, as part of the Taconite Inlet Lakes Project. The objectives were to determine the extent to which suspended sediment flux responded to climatic variability, and to ascertain which meteorological variable was most strongly associated with daily discharge and sediment load. This study provided a partial test of our hypothesis that the annually-laminated sediments of Lake C2 contain a paleoclimate signal. Streamflow to the lake was almost exclusively the result of snowmelt, in response to inputs of atmospheric energy as measured by air temperature at the median watershed elevation (520 m). Sea-level air temperature, global solar and net all-wave irradiance were less clearly associated with discharge. Fluctuations of discharge and suspended sediment concentration were nearly synchronous, and non-linearly related. Daily sediment discharge was therefore linked by streamflow, with a time lag, to the energy available for snowmelt. Mean daily air temperature and cumulative degree-days above 0 °C, at 520 m elevation, were successfully used to predict the daily and seasonal discharge of runoff and sediment to the lake.
Small bandgap semiconductor infrared detectors

Abstract The development of small bandgap Pb 1− x Sn x Te and Hg 1− x Cd x Te semiconductor materials has brought about major advances in the area of infrared detection, particularly in the 8–14 μm wavelength region. The ability to change the energy gap by adjusting the composition x has made possible the fabrication of detectors with different cutoff wavelengths in the approximate range of 4–30 μm for Pb 1− x Sn x Te and 0.8–30 μm for Hg 1− x Cd x Te, thus permitting operation at the maximum possible temperature. Because of its more favorable metallurgical properties, Pb 1− x Sn x Te crystals can be grown from a vapour or from a liquid by a wide variety of techniques. Considerable progress has recently been also made in the crystal growth of Hg 1− x Cd x Te in spite of severe difficulties inherent in this alloy system. Although photoconductive detectors, particularly those of Hg 1− x Cd x Te have proven to be quite useful, recent trends in detector technology have been toward photovoltaic devices, both for applications in thermal detection and for 10.6 μm laser detection where high speed of response is needed. Devices which have been investigated include p-n junctions produced by diffusion, proton bombardment or ion implantation, and metal-semiconductor Schottky barrier devices. Response at frequencies up to 1 GHz has been observed in diodes designed for wide-band heterodyne detection at 10.6 μm, and room temperature background-noise limited operation has been achieved in thermal detectors operated at 77°K and lower temperatures.
HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION TREATMENT OF PULMONARY INTERSTITIAL EMPHYSEMA

Twenty-two neonates with pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) unresponsive to conventional forms of treatment, were ventilated with a high frequency jet ventilator (HFJV). Sixteen of 22 developed PIE subsequent to severe hyaline membrane disease (HMD), 5 were in association with bacterial pneumonia-septicemia, and 1 was associated with meconium aspiration syndrome. All but 1 patient (septicemia) showed temporary or permanent resolution of the PIE; however only 11 (50%) survived. The 16 patients with HMD-associated PIE had the most favorable outcome. In that group, switching from intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) to HFJV resulted in a mean drop in PaCO2 from 60 mmHg (range 29-192) to 37 mmHg (range 13-53) while operating at an intratracheal mean airway pressure (MAP) of 3.1 cm H2O less (0.3-7.6) and a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 9 cmH2O less (2-15) than on IMV. Of the 11 patients who died, 7 (64%) had pulmonary bacterial infection, either during life (n=3) or at postmortem (n=4). Factors significantly favoring survival included (1) lack of bacterial infection, (2) development of PIE after 48 hours of age, and (3) a drop of PaCO2 of over 30 mmHg on HFJV while maintaining a constant PaO2 using lower PIP and MAP than was required on IMV. We conclude that HFJV is effective in resolving PIE and improving survival in neonates with HMD-associated PIE.
Effect of various dairy packaging materials on the headspace analysis of ultrapasteurized milk.

Abstract Milk from three different dairies (each a separate trial: 1, 2, and 3) was standardized to 2% fat and processed at 140.6, 129.4, 118.3, and 107.2°C (temperatures 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) for 2s and packaged into six different packaging boards [standard (A) milk boards with standard seam, juice boards with standard (B) and J- bottom (D) seams, barrier boards with standard (C) and J-bottom (E) seams, and foil (F) boards with J-bottom seam] resulting in 24 different treatments. A Shimadzu 15A series chromatograph equipped with a Porapak-P column was used to measure the headspace of the milk stored at 6.7°C for 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15 wk of storage. Gas chromatographic headspace analysis for sulfur compounds showed that hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, and dimethyl sulfide were detected in milk processed at 140.6, 129.4, 118.3, and 107.2°C. In addition, dimethyl disulfide was detected in milk processed at 140.6 and 129.4°C, and dimethyl trisulfide was detected at 140.6°C. Milk processed at 140.6°C contained the most sulfur compounds. Samples C1, E1, and F1 retained the most hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol at 6 d of storage. Methanethiol appeared to be heat-induced. At wk 6, a slightly hammy or cardboardy flavor was detected for milk packaged in boards with standard seams (A, B, and C), and a slightly cooked flavor was detected for milk packaged in barrier and foil boards with J-bottom (E and F) seams. The hammy or cardboardy flavor intensified with storage time, and all of the cooked flavor dissipated at wk 10.
Benthic faunal assemblages off the Delmarva Peninsula

Abstract Based on 90 quantitative samples collected May and November 1973 the species composition, distribution and abundance of benthic invertebrates on the inner continental shelf off the Delmarva Peninsula (38 ° 23′N and 47 ° 15′W) were determined. A total of 149 species were identified. Thirty-five were found only in May and 65 only in November. In May the fauna consisted primarily of nearly equal numbers of polychaete and crustacean species with an increase in the number of polychaete species and a decrease in crustacean species in November. In May the polychaetes Goniadella gracilis and Lumbrineris acuta were co-dominants (Biological Index Value) while in November the archiannelid Polygordius sp. was strongly dominant. There was essentially no change in the number of deposit-feeding individuals from May to November. Even though the trophic structure remained unchanged, the species changed and the total number of individuals increased by 50% from May to November. The Delmarva assemblage was briefly compared to benthic assemblages closer to the Delaware Bay estuary. Comparison revealed the importance of estuaries and ridge and swale microtopography in influencing the distribution of the shelf fauna. It was concluded that the Delmarva assemblage belonged to a clean sand fauna which occurs throughout the inner continental shelf of the Middle Atlantic Bight. A number of species representing polychaetes, crustaceans, mollusks and echinoderms were proposed as characteristic sand fauna species.
Microwave gas discharge breakdown

A brief survey of microwave gas discharge breakdown is given. The conditions for breakdown in electron attaching and non-attaching gases is discussed. Results for air show both electron attachment and diffusion are operating. Hydrogen is taken as an example of a gas in which electron attachment is absent. For this case, data in the low pressure region, in the diffusion controlled region, and in the mobility controlled region are discussed and the results of the many studies in these regions are shown to be consistent with each other.
Segregation of cohesive granular materials during discharge from a rectangular hopper

Granular materials may readily segregate due to differences in particle properties such as size, shape, and density. Segregation is common in industrial processes involving granular materials and can occur even after a material has been uniformly blended. The specific objective of this work is to investigate via simulation the effect of particle cohesion due to liquid bridging on particle segregation. Specifically, a bi-disperse granular material flowing from a 3-D hopper is simulated using the discrete element method (DEM) for cohesive particles and the extent of discharge segregation is characterized over time. The cohesion between the particles is described by a pendular liquid bridge force model and the strength of the cohesive bond is characterized by the Bond number determined with respect to the smaller particle species. As the Bond number of the system increases, the extent of discharge segregation in the system decreases. A critical value of Bo = 1 is identified as the condition where the primary mechanism of segregation in the cohesionless hopper system, i.e. gravity-induced percolation, is essentially eliminated due to the liquid bridges between particles.
Ethical responsibilities in nursing: Research findings and issues

Discussions in the literature assert that nurses are becoming increasingly cognizant of their ethical responsibilities, but that they are often ill prepared to participate in ethical decision making. A review of selected research literature from 1970 to 1987 was undertaken to validate these assertions. A total of 12 studies related to ethical responsibilities was identified in the review; all studies were published between 1980 and 1987. The majority of studies were at the descriptive and exploratory levels and employed Kohlberg's cognitive theory of moral development as their conceptual framework. Significant findings related to educational level and ethical responsibilities were consistent across studies. Findings related to age and clinical experience were mixed; the effects of economic level, religion-religiosity, ethnicity, and other variables on ethical responsibilities were not significant. Issues raised in the light of the existing research include the use of Kohlberg's theory as a conceptual orientation in nursing groups and limited data on the reliability and validity of instruments used in measuring ethical constructs. Recommendations for future research on ethical responsibilities include the validation of Kohlberg's theory for nursing investigations, exploration of other frameworks for developing a multidimensional view of ethical responsibilities, and the use of qualitative research designs.
Feature selection for improved classification

The authors apply the feature-selection technique of K. Fukunaga and W. Koontz (1970), an extension of the Karhunen-Loeve transformation, to spoken letter recognition. Feedforward networks trained for letter-pair discrimination with the new features showed up to 37% reduction in classifier error rate relative to networks trained with spectral coefficients. This performance increase was accompanied by a 91% reduction in feature dimension. For three-letter discrimination, the new features performed comparably to spectral coefficients, with a 90% reduction in feature dimension. >
Integrating practice issues in managed care into the curriculum: a Delphi survey.

Purpose: This project evolved from a partnership between an advanced practice nurse (APN) graduate program and a care management insurer. The purpose of this Delphi survey was to identify (a) role components germane to the practice of APNs in managed care and (b) topics reflecting these components in the curriculum. Data sources: Data were gathered from two expert panels, clinician preceptors and faculty members. Each panel had 11 members: 11.3% and 100%, respectively, of the target populations of clinicians and faculty in the partnering agencies. Conclusions: There was considerable congruence between the panels on the survey. Implications for practice: Case vignettes could be used as a vehicle for discussion of the broader issues of population approaches to specific problems. Faculty could partner with clinicians to develop cases for discussion of evidence-based practice. Faculty and clinicians could create preceptorships focused on business management, postgraduate fellowships within managed care systems, and regular opportunities to dialogue about curriculum and essential attributes of APN graduates.
Efficient finite field serial/parallel multiplication

Finite field has received a lot of attention due to its widespread applications in cryptography, coding theory, etc. Design of efficient finite field arithmetic architectures is very important and of great practical concern. In this paper, a new bit-serial/parallel finite field multiplier is presented with standard basis representation. This design is regular and well suited for VLSI implementation. As compared to existing serial/parallel finite field multipliers, it has smaller critical path, lower latency and can be easily pipelined. When it is used as a building block for large systems, it can achieve more savings in hardware in the broadcast structures by utilizing sub-structure sharing technique. This paper also presents two generalized algorithms for finite field serial/parallel multiplication. They can be used to derive efficient bit-parallel, digit-serial or bit-serial multiplication architectures. The optimal primitive polynomials over GF(2/sup m/) (for 2/spl les/m/spl les/9) are provided which will generate structures with minimum hardware complexity and relatively more flexibilities for feasible digit-sizes with respect to the proposed algorithms. Finally a multiplier over GF(2/sup 8/) is given as an example showing how to derive finite field multipliers using the proposed algorithms. This multiplier has less number of transistors, smaller critical path and consumes less power compared to the existing semi-systolic architecture.
Cross-Cultural Issues Arising for Four Science Teachers During Their International Migration to Teach in U.S. High Schools

U.S. schools have experienced a perennial shortage of teachers. Recently, many school districts have been inviting foreign veteran teachers to help mitigate such teacher shortages. This study describes the initial cross-cultural issues four international science teachers encountered when they immigrated to teach in U.S. high schools. In-depth, semistructured interviews of four science teachers (from Ghana, Britain, and Germany) produced the main source of data. The international teachers faced a variety of support system problems, which were not directly classroom related, but nevertheless had an impact on their instructional effectiveness. They also faced teaching-related issues, including differences in school organization and structure, assessment and philosophical beliefs, communication, textbooks, teaching methods, and teacher-student relations. They all expressed a need to become active learners in order to function effectively in their new teaching contexts. The implications are discussed based on the findings.
NF2 Loss Promotes Oncogenic RAS-Induced Thyroid Cancers via YAP-Dependent Transactivation of RAS Proteins and Sensitizes Them to MEK Inhibition.

Ch22q LOH is preferentially associated with RAS mutations in papillary and in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC). The 22q tumor suppressor NF2 , encoding merlin, is implicated in this interaction because of its frequent loss of function in human thyroid cancer cell lines. Nf2 deletion or Hras mutation is insufficient for transformation, whereas their combined disruption leads to murine PDTC with increased MAPK signaling. Merlin loss induces RAS signaling in part through inactivation of Hippo, which activates a YAP–TEAD transcriptional program. We find that the three RAS genes are themselves YAP–TEAD1 transcriptional targets, providing a novel mechanism of promotion of RAS-induced tumorigenesis. Moreover, pharmacologic disruption of YAP–TEAD with verteporfin blocks RAS transcription and signaling and inhibits cell growth. The increased MAPK output generated by NF2 loss in RAS -mutant cancers may inform therapeutic strategies, as it generates greater dependency on the MAPK pathway for viability. Significance: Intensification of mutant RAS signaling through copy-number imbalances is commonly associated with transformation. We show that NF2 /merlin inactivation augments mutant RAS signaling by promoting YAP/TEAD-driven transcription of oncogenic and wild-type RAS , resulting in greater MAPK output and increased sensitivity to MEK inhibitors. Cancer Discov; 5(11); 1178–93. ©2015 AACR . This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, [p. 1111][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/5/1111?iss=11
Intensive care unit robotic telepresence facilitates rapid physician response to unstable patients and decreased cost in neurointensive care.

Abstract Background The timely assessment and treatment of ICU patients is important for neurosurgeons and neurointensivists. We hypothesized that the use of RTP can improve physician rapid response to unstable ICU patients. Methods This is a prospective study using a before-after, cohort-control design to test the effectiveness of RTP. Physicians used RTP to make rounds in the ICU in response to nursing pages. Data concerning several aspects of the RTP interaction including the latency of the response, the problem being treated, the intervention that was ordered, and the type of information gathered using the RTP were documented. The effect of RTP on ICU length of stay and cost was assessed. Results The use of RTP was associated with a reduction in latency of attending physician face-to-face response for routine and urgent pages compared to conventional care (RTP: 9.2 ± 9.3 minutes vs conventional: 218 ± 186 minutes). The response latencies to brain ischemia (7.8 ± 2.8 vs 152 ± 85 minutes) and elevated ICP (11 ± 14 vs 108 ± 55 minutes) were reduced ( P Conclusion The use of RTP enabled rapid face-to-face attending physician response to ICU patients and resulted in decreased ICU cost and LOS.
Underground wireless communications using high-temperature superconducting receivers

The authors have developed a method for communicating in underground areas with voice. This system utilizes low-frequency electromagnetic radiation and high-temperature superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) as receivers. The system is primarily used to communicate in underground areas using through-the-earth electromagnetic waves. The underground areas are typically mines, but the application is not restricted to that purpose. The communication channel is being used to send voice that has been digitally compressed. Typical rock masses do not allow conventional radio frequency electromagnetic waves to penetrate significant distances. Here, the authors use carrier frequencies of a few kilohertz that penetrate hundreds of meters into rock masses. They are using low-noise broadband superconducting receivers and have established that the signals propagate several hundred meters with modest power levels. Audio has been successfully received at distances in excess of 100 m through solid rock.
A model for the scattering current distribution on bent, lossy, loaded thin wires

The current distribution on a straight, perfectly conducting thin wire illuminated by a plane wave can be expressed as a sum of traveling current waves. Through the use of a simple model, this traveling wave theory can be extended to finding the current distribution on bent, lossy, loaded thin wires situated in a homogeneous conducting medium. If it is assumed that these waves are TEM (transverse electromagnetic) in nature, familiar transmission line theory can be used to model them. When the effects of radiation loss and mutual coupling are ignored, the expressions are greatly simplified and are surprisingly accurate when compared to a moment method solution. The results obtained from Richmond's moment method code (1973) and the transmission line model for several cases are discussed. >
Scattering-based interactive hair rendering

Simulating fast and realistic complex light effect within hair is one of the most challenging problems in the field of virtual humans, both in terms of research and of development. In this paper we propose a scattering-based fast and efficient algorithm that handles both the local specular highlights and global self-shadow in animated hair at interactive rates. We introduce a fast refinement technique for incorporating illumination variations in animated hair from the encoded hair density changes considering the spatial coherency in hair data. Our method does pre-computations for any static hairstyle, optimizes it and then efficiently utilizes it along with the refined data for the animated hairstyle. The various optimizations implemented result in interactive simulation while maintaining the aesthetic visual appearance of the hair.
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor stimulates androgen-independent prostate tumor growth and antagonizes androgen receptor function.

Peptide growth factors have been implicated in progression of prostate cancer (PCa) to the androgen-independent state; however, much of the evidence linking diffusible mitogens and survival factors to this process remains circumstantial. Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a prostate stroma-derived factor, promotes survival, proliferation, and neuroendocrine differentiation of androgen-dependent LNCaP PCa cells in vitro. To test whether sustained exposure to HB-EGF can confer an androgen-independent phenotype, we generated stable populations of LNCaP cells that express constitutively a secreted form of HB-EGF (LNCaP/sHB). LNCaP/sHB cells proliferated more rapidly under androgen-depleted conditions in vitro and formed larger tumors with higher frequency in intact and castrated severe combined immunodeficient mice, in comparison to control cells. LNCaP/sHB tumors also expressed higher levels of the neuroendocrine marker, neuron-specific enolase, compared with control tumors....
Metrics and models for reordering transformations

Irregular applications frequently exhibit poor performance on contemporary computer architectures, in large part because of their inefficient use of the memory hierarchy. Run-time data, and iteration-reordering transformations have been shown to improve the locality and therefore the performance of irregular benchmarks. This paper describes models for determining which combination of run-time data- and iteration-reordering heuristics will result in the best performance for a given dataset. We propose that the data- and iteration-reordering transformations be viewed as approximating minimal linear arrangements on two separate hypergraphs: a spatial locality hypergraph and a temporal locality hypergraph. Our results measure the efficacy of locality metrics based on these hypergraphs in guiding the selection of data-and iteration-reordering heuristics. We also introduce new iteration- and data-reordering heuristics based on the hypergraph models that result in better performance than do previous heuristics.
Raman Microscopy based on Doubly-Resonant Four-Wave Mixing (DR-FWM)

Doubly-resonant four-wave mixing (DR-FWM) is a nondegenerate four-wave mixing process in which four photons interact to coherently probe two distinct Raman resonances. We demonstrate DR-FWM microscopy as a label-free and nondestructive molecular imaging modality with high chemical specificity on the submicron scale by imaging alkyne-substituted oleic acid in both aqueous and lipid-rich environments. DR-FWM microscopy is contrasted to coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy and it is shown that the coherent addition of two simultaneously probed Raman resonances leads to a significant increase in signal without increasing the non-resonant background. Thus, this scheme enables the detection of weak Raman signals through amplification by a strong Raman resonance, potentially increasing the overall detection sensitivity beyond what has been demonstrated by either CARS or stimulated Raman scattering (SRS).
Cytodiagnosis in the Autopsy Suite: A Tool for Improving Autopsy Quality and Resident Education

Abstract Context.—Despite several publications attesting to its accuracy and value, cytology is rarely used for preliminary autopsy diagnosis in the United States. Postmortem cytodiagnosis has the potential to increase the accuracy and specificity of the provisional and final autopsy diagnoses, increase resident interest in cytodiagnostic techniques, and direct pathologists to request pertinent special studies, such as microbial cultures and special stains. Objective.—To assess and illustrate the value of cytodiagnostic techniques for improving autopsy quality assurance and resident education. Design.—Eighty-five samples were evaluated from 49 nonconsecutive autopsies. Sixty-five focal lesions were sampled by direct scraping. Diffuse lung consolidation was sampled by fine-needle aspiration (20 samples). Smears and cytocentrifuge preparations of fine-needle aspirations were routinely stained by both Papanicolaou and Romanowski methods. Cytologic diagnoses were compared with final autopsy diagnoses, and bot...
Processes of State Formation in the Inca Heartland (Cuzco, Peru)

This article addresses Inca state formation in the central highlands of Peru. Using ethnohistoric materials and new archaeological survey data from three areas surrounding Cuzco, the capital of the Inca empire, we argue that rapid Inca expansion after C.E. 1400 was made possible by long-term processes of state formation and regional consolidation. From C.E. 1000-1400, a centralized state developed in the Cuzco Valley, extending its direct administrative control over numerous neighboring groups. Less powerful neighboring polities accepted Inca adm nistration early on, perhaps even n tiating Inca patronage. Strong rivals to Inca control maintained their independence, at times depopulating intermediate areas and settling in defensive sites to protect settlements and resources. Finally, groups of intermediate complexity used alliances and violence to align themselves with the strongest regional competitors. Such variability in regional integration strategies reveals how Inca state formation processes influenced later patterns of imperial conquest and administraton. [Keywords: inca, state formation, imperialism, archaeology, ethnicityl
Association of Escherichia coli O157:H7 tir polymorphisms with human infection

Background Emerging molecular, animal model and epidemiologic evidence suggests that Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157) isolates vary in their capacity to cause human infection and disease. The translocated intimin receptor (tir) and intimin (eae) are virulence factors and bacterial receptor-ligand proteins responsible for tight STEC O157 adherence to intestinal epithelial cells. They represent logical genomic targets to investigate the role of sequence variation in STEC O157 pathogenesis and molecular epidemiology. The purposes of this study were (1) to identify tir and eae polymorphisms in diverse STEC O157 isolates derived from clinically ill humans and healthy cattle (the dominant zoonotic reservoir) and (2) to test any observed tir and eae polymorphisms for association with human (vs bovine) isolate source.
A Case of Portal Venous Gas After Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy and Obstructive Pyelonephritis

The presence of gas in the portal venous system is considered an ominous sign often mandating immediate exploratory laparotomy; however, there are numerous reports of benign incidences of this finding. This report describes a case of portal venous gas after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. The patient had the rare complication of obstructive pyleonephritis that progressed to sepsis and subsequently underwent a negative exploratory laparotomy. It is suggested that the radiographic finding of portal venous gas should be correlated with the likely cause and overall clinical picture.
COMBINATION OF DITHIOTHREITOL AND SULFIDE AS REDUCTANTS IN NITROGEN‐FREE MINIMAL MEDIA FOR GROWTH OF ANAEROBIC RUMINAL BACTERIA AND PREVOTELLA RUMINICOLA STRAIN B14 ON AMMONIA

Cysteine is commonly employed as the medium reductant for ruminal bacteria, but many ruminal bacteria can use cysteine as a source of nitrogen as well as sulfur. The objective of the present study was to test a combination of dithiothreitol and sulfide as possible reductant substitutes for cysteine in anaerobic media containing ammonia as the nitrogen source. The type of reductant (cysteine versus dithiothreitol-sulfide) and ammonia concentration did not alter growth rates of Prevotella ruminicola strain B,4 (P>0.15). However, growth rates in dithiothreitol-sulfide reduced media varied tremendously between individual organisms ranging from 0.10 h−1 for Ruminococcus flavefaciens to 1.6 h−1 for Streptococcus bovis grown in 1 mM NH3-N. At both 1 and 11 mM NH4Cl, Str. bovis strain JB1 exhibited the greatest growth rate followed by Str. bovis strain C277. Megasphaera elsdenii strain T81 and Ruminococcus flavefaciens strain FD1 had the lowest growth rates at both NH4Cl concentrations. Increasing NH4Cl concentration from 1 to 11 mM resulted in increased growth rates for Ruminobacter amylophilus strains H18 and 70 and Str. bovis strain C277 (P<0.05), and decreased growth rates for S. ruminantium subsp. lactilytica strain HD4 and Str. bovis strain JB1 (P<0.01). These results indicate that dithiothreitol and sulfide can be combined as reductants in nitrogen-free basal media for most ruminal bacterial species.
Nutritional ecology of pastoralists in dry tropical Africa

African pastoralists inhabit a variety of environments within tropical arid to semiarid regions. Ecological and cultural factors as well as economic opportunities and constraints influence the amounts and types of foods available. The preferred staple of all pastoral populations is milk from livestock. Pastoral diets are low in energy, but apparently adequate in protein. Growth in children is slow until late adolescence when height approaches the 50th percentile of reference data. Adult pastoralists are correspondingly tall and lean. Maintenance of high human numbers within the economy is a common strategy among a variety of pastoralists. The result is that pastoralists appear to be near the lower threshold of reasonable nutritional status at most times. This occurs despite marked variation in such elements as livestock and human numbers, diet composition, and activity patterns.
Site-Specific Clear-Day Solar Irradiance Model from Long-Term Irradiance Data

Nomenclature A,B = empirical parameters c = scattered irradiance fraction F( )= function of ( ) G = global irradiance G0 = extraterrestrial normal irradiance Gb0 = beam normal irradiance Gd = scattered irradiance on the horizontal H = daily global irradiance H0 = daily global extraterrestrial irradiance Hc = clear day daily global irradiance k = extinction coefficient KT = daily clearness index KT = maximum expected clearness index m = air mass x — days after beginning of year GL — solar altitude angle 5 = solar declination
Family planning in a stemborer parasitoid: sex ratio, brood size and size-fitness relationships in Parallorhogas pyralophagus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and implications for biological control.

Various aspects were studied of the brood size and sex allocation strategies, and of size-fitness relationships in Parallorhogas pyralophagus (Marsh), a gregarious ectoparasitoid of Eoreuma loftini Dyar. Brood size was significantly correlated with host size; larger hosts were allocated larger broods. Brood sex ratios were fixed precisely at 1 male per 4 females, and eggs were likely to be deposited in that order; differential mortality did not contribute to this precise sex ratio. The sex allocation strategy of P. pyralophagus is likely to conform to strict, i.e. single foundress, local mate competition. Adoption of this strategy is probably influenced by a limited insemination capacity of males; a smaller proportion of females (0.09 vs. 0.21) remained virgin in broods with precise or higher sex ratios (> or = 0.20 males) relative to broods with lower than precise sex ratios (< 0.20 males). Moreover, all females were inseminated in most broods (60%) with precise or higher sex ratios, whereas this did not occur in broods with lower than precise sex ratios. The hypothesized occurrence of strict local mate competition in P. pyralophagus was supported also by observations that: (i) offspring brood sex ratios were independent of maternal brood sex ratios and number of parental females concurrently allocating offspring to a group of hosts, and; (ii) the rate of superparasitism under no-choice conditions was low (approximately 20%), suggesting that rates of outbreeding in the field are low. Other results suggested that fitness in P. pyralophagus was correlated with adult size; longevity and reproductive capacity both increased with adult size in males and females. However, adult size may be more important for females than for males because the differences in reproductive capacity between the largest and smallest individuals was up to 7.3 times greater in females versus < 2 times in males.
Comparison of methods for determining the capacitance of planar transmission lines with application to multichip module characterization

The techiques for determining the capacitance of embedded interconnects in an MCM-D MCM (multichip module) are compared. The error is estimating this capacitance in generally the greatest contributor to the overall error in determining the impedance of interconnects and discontinuities. Using in situ calibration microwave characterization of various MCM interconnects fabricated using an alumina on polyimide MCM-D process is reported. >
Charging Inmates Perpetuates Mass Incarceration

The American criminal justice system is replete with fees that attempt to shift costs from the government to those accused and convicted of breaking the law. Courts impose monetary sanctions on a “substantial majority of the millions of U.S. residents convicted of felony and misdemeanor crimes each year.” Every aspect of the criminal justice process has become ripe for charging a fee. In fact, an estimated 10 million people owe more than $50 billion in debt resulting from their involvement in the criminal justice system. In the last few decades, additional fees have proliferated, such as charges for police transport, case filing, felony surcharges, electronic monitoring, drug testing, and sex offender registration. Unlike fines, whose purpose is to punish, and restitution, which is intended to compensate victims of crimes for their loss, user fees are intended to raise revenue. The Justice Department’s March 2015 report on practices in Ferguson, Mo. highlights the overreliance on court fines as a primary source of revenue for the jurisdiction. The New York Times noted that the report found that “internal emails show city officials pushing for more tickets and fines.” Fees and debts are increasing partially because the criminal justice system has grown bigger. With 2.2 million people behind bars, courts — and all the relevant agencies — have expanded as well. Since the 1970s, incarceration in the U.S. has risen steeply, dwarfing the incarceration rate of any other nation on Earth. The U.S. added about 1.1 million incarcerated people, almost doubling the nation’s incarcerated population, in the past 20 years. The fiscal costs of corrections are high — more than $80 billion annually — about equivalent to the budget of the federal Department of Education. A recent report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that corrections is currently the third-largest category of spending in most states, behind education and health care. In fact, somewhat disconcertingly, 11 states spent more of their general funds on corrections than on higher education in 2013. Fees already on the books have increased. And, these fees are extending into state and local corrections. As a result of these runaway costs, counties and states continue to struggle with ways to increase revenue to pay for exorbitant incarceration bills. In 2010, the mean annual state corrections expenditure per inmate was $28,323, although a quarter of states spent $40,175 or more. Not surprisingly, departments of corrections and jails are increasingly authorized to charge inmates for the cost of their imprisonment. Although this policy is alarming, less widely understood but equally troubling is the reality that these incarceration fees perpetuate our nation’s addiction to incarceration. This policy brief exposes how the widespread nature of charging fees to those who are incarcerated connects to the larger problem of mass incarceration in this country.
IMPACT OF DEVICE TYPE ON RESIDUAL SHUNT FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT CLOSURE

Persistence of interatrial shunt after device closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and its clinical impact is unknown. From a prospective, single institution database of 408 patients, 215 had adequate agitated saline studies to assess shunt at 1 year (158 Amplatzer, 37 Helex and 20 with
Hot topics in postsmall bowel transplantation: Noninvasive graft monitoring including stool calprotectin and plasma citrulline

Purpose of reviewLong-term success in intestinal transplantation could be significantly improved by the development of a reliable noninvasive marker of rejection, allowing early diagnosis and treatment without the need for repeated biopsy procedures.Recent findingsAt present, no single test appears