cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pulse-rate dependence of dose per monitor unit and its significant effect on wedged-shaped fields delivered with variable dose rate and a moving jaw.

Wedge-shaped dose distributions are delivered on some modern linear accelerators with a virtual wedge, combining variable dose rate and a moving jaw. Drift in the wedge factor and wedge angle of a 20 × 20 cm field for the 60 degree virtual wedge was found commonplace in several models of linear accelerator from one manufacturer. It was found that errors in dose delivery both on and off axis could exceed 5% if quality assurance checks are limited to 10 × 10 cm or smaller fields or wedge angles of 45 degrees or less. A procedure to easily identify and remedy the problem is presented. In each case the change was due to variation in dose per monitor unit (D/MU) with the electron beam pulse rate. The variation was traced to a pair of circuit boards in the dosimetry system, one for each output measurement channel. Wedge factors and dose profiles measured before and after board replacement on 4 accelerators, and for a set of defective boards placed on one of the accelerators, were compared. The effect was largest for the wedge with the steepest profile ( 60 degree wedge angle) and the largest field measured: 20 × 20 cm . In this case, a 1% variation in D/MU with a factor of 5 reduction in pulse rate corresponded to an average 0.8% change in wedge factor and 0.8% change in the off axis ratio at 8.5 cm off axis on the high dose side of the wedge field, 0.3% on the low dose side. After board replacement, wedge factors and profiles measured on the 4 machines generally agreed to 2% for the full range of wedge angles and field sizes.Quality assurance of virtual wedges is discussed in light of the new findings.
Molecular Population Genetics of Drosophila Subtelomeric DNA

DNA sequence surveys in yeast and humans suggest that the forces shaping telomeric polymorphism and divergence are distinctly more dynamic than those in the euchromatic, gene-rich regions of the chromosomes. However, the generality of this pattern across outbreeding, multicellular eukaryotes has not been determined. To characterize the structure and evolution of Drosophila telomeres, we collected and analyzed molecular population genetics data from the X chromosome subtelomere in 58 lines of North American Drosophila melanogaster and 29 lines of African D. melanogaster. We found that Drosophila subtelomeres exhibit high levels of both structural and substitutional polymorphism relative to linked euchromatic regions. We also observed strikingly different patterns of variation in the North American and African samples. Moreover, our analyses of the polymorphism data identify a localized hotspot of recombination in the most-distal portion of the X subtelomere. While the levels of polymorphism decline sharply and in parallel with rates of crossing over per physical length over the distal first euchromatic megabase pairs of the X chromosome, our data suggest that they rise again sharply in the subtelomeric region (≈80 kbp). These patterns of historical recombination and geographic differentiation indicate that, similar to yeast and humans, Drosophila subtelomeric DNA is evolving very differently from euchromatic DNA.
Stratocumulus-Topped Marine Boundary Layer Processes Revealed by the Absence of Profiler Reflectivity

AbstractStratocumulus (Sc) clouds occur frequently over the cold waters of the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Data collected during two Pan American Climate Study research cruises in the tropical eastern Pacific illuminate many aspects of this Sc-topped marine boundary layer (MBL). Here the focus is on understanding gaps in detectable wind-profiler reflectivities during two boreal autumn cruises. After rigorous quality control that included applying the Riddle threshold of minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) detectability, there are many instances with no measurable atmospheric signals through a depth of up to several hundred meters, often lasting for an hour or more. Rain gauge data from the autumn 2004 cruise are used to calibrate the profiler, which allows SNR to be converted to both equivalent reflectivity and the structure-function parameter of the index of refraction . Profiles of statistics from the two profiler modes (resolutions) highlight the wide range of during a 24-h period and bound the atmosph...
Chromosome conservation in the Bovidae.

The chromosomes of 12 bovid species were harvested from fibroblast cultures after incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into early replicating DNA. Q-band karyotypes were constructed, and, when possible, autosomal arms were numbered according to the cattle standard karyotype. Diploid chromosome number ranged from 30 to 60, yet, based on band similarity, chromosome-arm homologies were extensive. Employing the cattle karyotype as the standard, autosomal-arm differences indicative of possible syntenic disruption were noted for only chromosomes 3, 9, and 14. While chromosome-arm homologies were extensive, shared homologous biarmed chromosomes were rare. The commonness of monobrachially homologous biarmed chromosomes among some bovids (e.g., Antilopinae) suggested that reproductive isolation and speciation in some instances might have resulted from centric fusion events.
Videoradiographic, manometric, and electromyographic analysis of canine upper esophageal sphincter

We assessed upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function in dogs by concurrent recording of cricopharyngeal electromyographic (EMG) activity, intraluminal pressure, and dimensional changes of the pharyngoesophageal junction at rest and during swallowing. Radial and axial pressure profiles of the UES were determined by continuous pull-through manometry. EMG activity of the cricopharyngeus and thyropharyngeus muscles were correlated with UES pressure under static conditions. We also quantified the temporal relationships among EMG activity of the cricopharyngeus, UES pressure, and pharyngoesophageal junction dimensional changes during swallowing of 2, 4, and 6 ml of barium. When the dogs were prone, the anterior and posterior UES pressures were about twice the lateral pressures and the axial length of the UES was approximately 4 cm. All radial pressures equalized to approximately 20 mmHg when the dogs lay on their sides. The peak pressure zone of the UES corresponded closely with the level of the cricopharyngeal electrode, and resting UES pressure correlated closely with cricopharyngeal but not thyropharyngeal EMG activity. During swallowing, the cricopharyngeus relaxed approximately 200 ms before UES opening and 100 ms before UES relaxation. Superior movement of the hyoid and the larynx was associated temporally with UES relaxation, while anterior movement was associated with UES opening. Increases in bolus volume significantly increased maximal sagittal UES diameter during UES opening but did not alter temporal changes in UES function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Chemical reactions of atomic lithium and molecular calcium monohydride at 1 K.

Using cryogenic helium buffer-gas cooling, we have prepared dense samples of atomic lithium and molecular calcium monohydride at temperatures as low as 1 K. We have measured the $\mathrm{Li}+\mathrm{CaH}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{LiH}+\mathrm{Ca}$ chemical reaction, observed in both the accelerated disappearance of CaH in the presence of high densities of lithium and in the appearance of the LiH molecule.
Effect of pituitary growth hormone on transplantable mouse tumors.

Summary1. Growth hormone was assayed for potency by its effect on body weights of adult hypopituitary dwarf mice. Their body weights increased by more than a factor of 2 during 4 weeks'administration of the hormone. 2. Four different transplantable tumors responded to growth hormone administered to the host mice. The latent period of the tumor is reduced and the mass of the tumor is much greater than that of the controls. 3. Tumor bearing host mice showed a significant body weight increase under action of growth hormone. Enhanced tumor growth due to the hormone did not reduce the host body weight. 4. Maximum average tumor mass attained by the 4 different tumors is independent of the host body weight. While growth hormone increases the tumor as well as the hosts weight, average mass of tumor grown is constant and characteristic of the tumor-host combination. 5. Data suggest that growth hormone plays a supportive role in mammary carcinoma.
Johnson v. United States: A Breach in the Social Contract?

John Adams once said, “It is more important that innocence be protected than it is that guilt be punished, for guilt and crimes are so frequent in this world that they cannot all be punished.” It is highly doubtful however, that Mr. Adams had a defendant like Samuel Johnson in mind when he spoke of the less important task of punishing the guilty. Last term, the Supreme Court reversed decades of its own holdings when it declared the residual clause of the Armed Career Criminal Act (“ACCA”) void for vagueness in Johnson v. United States. In one fell swoop, the Supreme Court’s bold move in conjunction with Congress’s failure to amend the statute placed American society unnecessarily exposed and at risk. This article examines the four previous cases brought before the Supreme Court along with the analysis and subsequent determinations of constitutionality. Additionally, this author turned to Congress’s intent and research behind the creation of the ACCA and the problems it was designed to address. The author in this case note addresses the Court’s responsibility to enforce democratically enacted legislation when at all possible, despite any extra effort it may require.
Validation and Uncertainty Quantification of a Multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics Model

We describe the application of a validation and uncertainty quantification methodology to multiphase computational fluid dynamics modeling, demonstrating the methodology with simulations of a pilot-scale circulating fluidized bed. The overall pressure drop is used as the quantity of interest (QoI); the solids circulation rate and the superficial gas velocity are chosen as the uncertain input quantities. The uncertainty in the QoI, caused by uncertainties in input parameters, surrogate model, spatial discretization, and time averaging, is calculated, and the model form uncertainty is estimated by comparing simulation results with experimental data. The spatial discretization error was determined to be the most dominant source of uncertainty, but the applicability of the method used to calculate that uncertainty needs to be further investigated. The results of the analysis are expressed as a probability box (p-box) plot. A p-box similarly constructed for predictive simulations will give the design engineer ...
Commercial thermal process for inactivating Salmonella Poona on surfaces of whole fresh cantaloupes

Outbreaks of salmonellosis by Salmonella Poona and listeriosis by Listeria monocytogenes have been associated with the consumption of cantaloupes. Commercial washing processes for cantaloupes are limited in their ability to inactivate and/or remove this human pathogen. Our objective was to develop a commercial-scale surface pasteurization process for enhancing microbiological safety of cantaloupes. Whole cantaloupes, surface inoculated with Salmonella Poona RM 2350, were stored at 32°C for 24 h prior to processing. Temperature-penetration profiles indicated that the surface temperature of the whole cantaloupe was 26 and 30°C below that of the hot water temperature after 2 min of immersion at 82 and 92°C, respectively. Hot water treatments at 92°C for 60 and 90 s reduced Salmonella Poona populations in excess of 5 log CFU/g of rind. Cantaloupes that were treated and stored at 4°C for 9 days retained their firmness quality and maintained nondetectable levels of Salmonella Poona as compared with the controls. Also, levels of Salmonella Poona on fresh-cut cantaloupe prepared from hot water-treated cantaloupes and stored for 9 days at 4°C were nondetectable as compared with the controls. These results indicate that surface pasteurization at 92°C for 90 s will enhance the microbiological safety of cantaloupes and will extend the shelf life of this commodity as well. The process parameter of 90 s or less falls within the commercial requirements of the whole-cantaloupe processor-packer industry.
A Theatrical Turing Test: An Encounter of Telematic Bodies

In our daily interactions with technology, we have accepted digital reproductions of others' voice and image as alternatives to the real ones. This paper examines human perception and sensitivity towards detecting the immediacy and relevance of responses in telecommunication. We studied participant interactions in our participatory performance piece, "The Body is Present" (2015). We sought to quantify the participants' ability to correctly identify whether or not they were interacting with live or recorded video streams when presented with a sequence of both stimuli. Our study explores the new dynamics of human interaction in telecommunication and the significance of the co-presence of another human on the other end.
Preventing relapse. Guidelines for the pediatrician.

Preventing relapse into substance use means first helping the teenager to develop a state of recovery. This involves completing a First Step of a 12-Step program, whereby the teenager accepts that drugs and alcohol have been destructive in his or her life and that moderate use is impossible. Thus, abstinence is necessary in a productive life. Parental support is also established. The two more common causes of relapse are being in the presence of a1cohol- and drug-using peers and the presence of co-existing psychiatric problems.
Thick Film YBCO for Wires and Tapes: Scale-up Issues and Cost Estimates

The achievement in a number of laboratories of critical currents in excess of a MA/cm2 at 77 K in YBCO deposited on nickel alloy tape using Ion Beam Assisted Deposition (IBAD) induced biaxial growth in an oxide buffer, has stimulated interest in the potential applications of tape at high temperatures and magnetic fields. This paper discusses the scale-up issues and cost estimates of this technology.
Valproate Metabolites and Hyperammonemia

The association between valproate metabolism (VPA) and VPA induced hyperammonemia was studied at Hirosaki University Hospital, Japan.
An Energy-Efficient Mobile Memory I/O Interface Using Simultaneous Bidirectional Multilevel Dual-Band Signaling

An energy-efficient and high-speed mobile memory interface using a novel multilevel dual-band (MDB) signaling is demonstrated. The proposed MDB memory interface that incorporates pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) and RF-band signaling enables simultaneous bidirectional data links through a shared single-ended off-chip transmission line. The PAM and RF-band carries 9.2 and 4.2 Gb/s/pin, respectively. Each RF-band and PAM transceiver consumes 12.6 and 18.4 mW at 1.2 V supply, respectively. The proposed transceiver operates at 13.4 Gb/s/pin with a power efficiency of 2.3 pJ/b/pin and achieves a bit error rate $ with $2^{ {23}} {-}1$ PRBS over a distance of 5 cm. The prototype chip is fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS process with a total area of 0.13 mm $^{2}$ .
Geminin Regulates Hematopoietic Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation.

Abstract 1478 Poster Board I-501 Hematopoietic stem cells supply the circulation with mature blood cells throughout life. Progenitor cell division and differentiation must be carefully balanced in order to supply the proper numbers and proportions of mature cells. The mechanisms that control the choice between continued cell division and terminal differentiation are incompletely understood. The unstable regulatory protein Geminin is thought to maintain cells in an undifferentiated state while they proliferate. Geminin is a bi-functional protein. It limits the extent of DNA replication to one round per cell cycle by binding and inhibiting the essential replication factor Cdt1. Loss of Geminin leads to replication abnormalities that activate the DNA replication checkpoint and the Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway. Geminin also influences patterns of cell differentiation by interacting with Homeobox (Hox) transcription factors and chromatin remodeling proteins. To examine how Geminin affects the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, we created a mouse strain in which Geminin is deleted from the proliferating cells of the bone marrow. Geminin deletion has profound effects on all three hematopoietic lineages. The production of mature erythrocytes and leukocytes is drastically reduced and the animals become anemic and neutropenic. In contrast, the population of megakaryocytes is dramatically expanded and the animals develop thrombocytosis. Interestingly, the number of c-Kit+ Sca1+ Lin- (KSL) stem cells is maintained, at least in the short term. Myeloid colony forming cells are also preserved, but the colonies that grow are smaller. We conclude that Geminin deletion causes a maturation arrest in some lineages and directs cells down some differentiation pathways at the expense of others. We are now testing how Geminin loss affects cell cycle checkpoint pathways, whether Geminin regulates hematopoietic transcription factors, and whether Geminin deficient cells give rise to leukemias or lymphomas. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Osmoregulatory Systems of Birds

Birds are unique among vertebrates in terms of osmoregulation as they do not possess a separate organ where urine can be stored until excreted or where post-renal modification of urine can be accomplished, i.e., birds do not have a urinary bladder. Birds utilize three organs or organ systems to maintain homeostasis of total body water: kidneys, lower gastrointestinal tract, and nasal or orbital salt glands. The kidneys by themselves do not conserve large amounts of water by elaborating urines that are significantly more concentrated than the plasma. In the absence of a urinary bladder, the renal output enters the lower gastrointestinal tract, where it can be significantly modified. Birds that consume prey that are high in salt content or that take in fluids high in salinity have functional salt glands that are capable of eliminating excess ions, usually sodium chloride, and in the process produce free water.
Prospective Randomized Study of Coronary Artery Disease: Nine year follow-up

ABSTRACT A randomized prospective study of coronary artery bypass surgery was started in 1972. A total of 116 patients with stable angina and operable critical coronary disease were entered into th...
Donald Trump as Authoritarian Populist

In this section, I want to discuss in detail how Erich Fromm’s categories can help describe Trump’s character, or “temperament,” a word used to characterize a major flaw in Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.
Effectiveness of Delaying Timestamp Computation

Practical algorithms for determining causality by assigning timestamps to events have focused on online algorithms, where a permanent timestamp is assigned to an event as soon as it is created. We address the problem of reducing size of the timestamp by utilizing the underlying topology (which is often not fully connected since not all processes talk to each other) and deferring the assignment of a timestamp to an event for a suitably chosen period of time after the event occurs. Specifically, we focus on inline timestamps, which are a generalization of offline timestamps that are assigned after the computation terminates. We show that for a graph with vertex cover VC, it is possible to assign inline timestamps which contains only 2|VC|+2 elements. By contrast, if online timestamps are desired, then even for a star network, vector timestamp of length n (for the case of integer elements) or n-1 (for the case of real-valued elements) is required. Moreover, in addition to being efficient, the inline timestamps developed can be used to solve typical problems such as predicate detection, replay, recovery that are solved with vector clocks.
Abstract T P82: The Role of the A2B Receptor in a Mouse Model Of Stroke

Introduction: Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and we currently spend $73.3 billion on stroke-related disability. A2B receptor agonists are strongly protective against is...
Data security and quality evaluation framework: Implementation empirical study on android devices

Tremendous growth of a number of mobile devices and amount of data produced by sensors embedded therein requires new approaches to sensor data management. The main feature of the novel approach proposed in this paper includes an assignment of security and data quality indicators to data entities. These indicators represent the trustworthiness level, which a data consumer may have. Employing them as filters would allow for an optimization of diverse sensors data processing and fusing with a significant reduction in data volumes. The paper describes the developed comprehensive methodology that resulted in the evaluation framework. Framework merges together sensor data collection and security and quality evaluation methods as well as procedures for calculating various data quality metrics such as sensor accuracy, reliability, timeliness, correctness and their integration. The paper desribes main features of this framework and examples of its implementation on Android based smartphone devices. It presents the results of an empirical study of the framework implementation and discusses its application for an anomaly detection in sensor data.
Abstract 12921: Role of Transesophageal Echocardiogram in Affecting Treatment in Older Adults Undergoing Evaluation for Transient Ischemic Attack or Stroke

Background: As the United States medical system transitions to value-based reimbursement, interested parties will increase scrutiny in testing that may not alter management or outcomes. We investigated whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provokes treatment alteration across age strata in hospitalized patients undergoing a TIA/stroke work-up. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to the Mayo Clinic Arizona healthcare system between 1/1/2010 and 2/9/2015 were evaluated. A total of 832 patients were identified of which 314 were excluded primarily due to the fact that the TEE was performed as an outpatient. Therefore, 518 subjects (mean age = 68.2 +/- 14.1 y, 42.5% female) were included. A change in treatment was defined a priori as: anticoagulation (AC) initiated for atrial fibrillation found on TEE only (i.e. not identified on telemetry), complex proximal aortic arch plaque, left atrial or left atrial appendage thrombus, intracardiac mass, intracardiac shunt (atrial septal defect (ASD)/ patent f...
SafeFlow: Authentication Protocol For Software Defined Networks

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is being widely implemented by critical infrastructure networks, however providing security features still a challenge. In this work, we present SafeFlow an Automatic Trust Negotiation Protocol for SDN, a first line of defense and fine-grained authentication protocol, in order to deny the access of OpenFlow switches without valid digital credentials. Traditional security approaches based on identity or capabilities do not solve the problem of establishing trust between strangers. One alternative approach to mutual trust establishment is Trust Negotiation, the bilateral exchange of digital credentials to establish trust gradually. The proposed protocol describes Trust Negotiation in OpenFlow protocol, an extension to the OpenFlow handshake protocol. In this paper, we describe the implementation of SafeFlow. The proposed protocol ensures the security of the infrastructure itself, as there are also other proposals for developing security application on OpenFlow network infrastructure.
Two Group Reactor Kinetics

A study is made of the kinetics equations associated with two group reactor theory. The method involves expansions of each of the fluxes in an infinite series, each term of which is a product of a ...
Chemical Growth Regulation

Growth regulator chemicals have been defined as organic compounds, other than nutrients, which, in small amounts, promote, inhibit, or otherwise modify any physiological process in plants. Control of growth in horticulture is usually practiced through temperature, water, feeding, photoperiod, and pruning. Chemical growth regulators give us one more set of tools for making adjustments to plant growth and development.
Ethical Aspects of Face Transplantation

To date, ten face transplants have been performed around the world with two deaths neither of which was directly caused by the transplant. So, while this procedure is still innovative, it is clearly technically feasible, though it is fraught not only with risk, but ethical concerns. In the end, whether face transplantation will become a regular reconstructive surgical alternative for severe facial deformity will depend not only on scientific and technical issues, but the degree to which the clinical ethical problems are identified and addressed. In this chapter, I will focus on the concrete ways that these issues need to be addressed in developing and implementing face transplantation protocols.
DFT-Focused Chip Testers - What Can They Do?

DFT-focused or structured testers are becoming the latest thrusts in the ATE industry. They represent a major departure from the last thrust towards SOC testers. An SOC tester is a test engineer’s dreamhigh performance digital test capability with lots of pattern memory, racks of mixed signal tools, and at least some token memory test capability thrown in for good measure. So who wants a DFT-focused tester that’s probably simple enough to be built in someone’s garage?
Failure Analysis Case Studies on Wafer Edge Failure due to Process Uniformity Issue

In modern foundry industry, capacity and yield are the two very important indicators to show how good the foundry is. In the past decades, the size of silicon wafer has been increased from 100nm to current 300nm, so that more dies can be packed the wafer. However, due to process constrains and increasing in the wafer dimension, the yield loss on wafer edge becomes more severe. Failure analysis acts as a powerful tool to help Fab in identifying the root cause of the wafer edge failure. In this paper, several wafer edge cases caused by different process modules were presented. The FA findings provided the evidence to show how the process uniformity limitation can cause the failure on wafer edge. Hence, Fab can take the corresponding actions to solve the issue, also continuously process tuning activities can be carried out, hence the yield loss on wafer edge can be reduced.
Characterization of the Continuous Elastic Parameters of Porcine Vocal Folds.

Summary This paper presents an evaluation of the elastic properties of porcine vocal folds through uniaxial tensile tests. Inferior vocal fold tissue samples were subjected to tension in the longitudinal direction while digital image correlation techniques were employed to determine strain values throughout the tests. The stress-strain results showed a low-strain linear region, followed by both a nonlinear exponential and then a higher strain linear region. Data from 16 porcine vocal fold samples were analyzed following a similar optimization method as proposed in prior studies [1] to yield continuous model parameters which describe the elastic properties of the tissue. The average low and high strain linear modulus values were found to be 17.86 kPa and 609.27 kPa, respectively. The model also identified the location of two transition points: p1, describing the transition from the low-strain linear region to an exponential region at 0.122 ± 0.058 mm/mm and p2, describing the transition from the exponential to the high strain linear region at 0.308 ± 0.069 mm/mm. The exponential region of the averaged data set was found to be described by the relationship σ m ( ϵ x x ) = 0.083 e 19.32 ϵ x x + 2.0951 kPa. In addition to locating transition points, the optimization method maintained modulus continuity across all strain values. Averaged elastic modulus values across strain from 0 to 0.40 mm/mm were compared to representative low and high strain linear modulus which were measured at 0.05 and 0.35 mm/mm, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found among all strain intervals between the two transition points and the linear modulus values. These results indicate the need to consider the location of transition points and further highlight the nonlinearity and changes in elastic modulus which are especially important when using excised porcine vocal folds as a model for phonation. The results quantify continuous linear and nonlinear parameters describing the elastic properties which can be used as a framework for future excised larynx tests and while evaluating the dynamics of sound production, which rely heavily on the elastic properties of the tissue.
Pricing Callable Quanto CMS Spread Range Accruals Under Three Factor Gaussian Affine Models

This document describes the formulae and input generation for pricing callable quanto CMS spread range accruals under a three factor Gaussian affine framework.
The intersection of women’s sexual pleasure and injection drug use

Background: There is a dearth of literature concerning the sexual behaviors of women who inject drugs. The existing literature emphasizes the violence, trauma, and social disadvantage experienced by these women and obscures any sense of agency or sexual pleasure. This omission imperils our ability to develop effective interventions for women, ignores the true context of their sexual and injection practices, and presumes women to be free of agency and thus at the will of external social, environmental, and economic factors. This qualitative study strives to extend the boundaries of conventional risk-focused research to understand the complex and multidimensional sexual practices of women who inject drugs. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select women who inject drugs from a syringe exchange program in New York City. The principal investigator and trained study staff conducted interviews with 26 women. The interview transcripts were thematically coded in Atlas.ti with a grounded theory approach to understand the concerns, actions, and practices to further explain patterns. Results: Four themes emerged with respect to women's descriptions of their sexual and injection experiences: (a) linguistic parallels of sexual and injection experiences, (b) substituting sex with injection drug use, (c) pleasure, and (d) injection drug use as intimacy. Our findings indicated that there was much positive discourse about sexual experiences and injection drug practices, with some women describing injecting as a substitute for negative sexual experiences and others noting that injection drug use served as a foundation for intimacy and eroticism in a relationship. Conclusions: In contrast to the literature, women who inject drugs demonstrated power and agency and discussed pleasurable sexual experiences. Ultimately, interventions should recognize the realities of women's experiences to help empower them to practice safer sexual and injection practices.
Human Rights Violations Against Street Children Working in the Informal Economy in Bangladesh: Findings from a Qualitative Study

In Bangladesh, there are an estimated 1.5 million children who are forced to live and/or work on the streets. These children are commonly referred to as street-connected children, children in street situations, or street children. The present article draws on findings related to Bangladeshi street children’s income-generating activities (IGAs) in the informal economy, from a larger qualitative study, in which 75 street children participated in in-depth interviews. The authors explored street children’s experiences of human rights violations while working in the informal economy and the nature of their employment including employment-related risks, abuse, and exploitation. The following questions were considered: what types of jobs did street children secure?; what were the risks involved in these jobs?; and what types of human rights abuses and exploitation did children encounter in these jobs? Findings indicated that the IGAs most available to street children were “3-D” jobs (dirty, dangerous, and demanding), which placed children at greater risk for abuse, including sexual abuse, and exploitation, while the conditions faced by street children involved in IGAs violated their human rights on a daily basis. In order to protect these vulnerable children, policy and program interventions are urgently needed, as well as the strict enforcement of human rights instruments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Fusions ending at the thoracolumbar junction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: comparison of lower instrumented vertebrae.

Retrospective cohort study. To compare clinical outcomes and radiographic parameters between patients treated with a posterior spinal fusion that had a lower instrumented vertebra at T11, T12, and L1. Posterior instrumented fusions are well established for treating patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Fusions limited to the thoracic spine can adequately correct a spinal deformity while preserving lumbar segmental mobility. However, fusions that end at the thoracolumbar junction have been proposed to cause adjacent segment complications. Studies comparing outcomes between patients who were treated with fusions that end at the thoracolumbar junction with varying LIVs are limited. A multicenter database was queried for patients with AIS that had Lenke Type 1 and 2 curves treated with a fusion that had an LIV at T11, T12, or L1. Coronal curve magnitude, degree of junctional kyphosis, C7–central sacral line, thoracic apical translation, and sagittal stable vertebrae were measured. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and lumbar flexibility testing. The lower instrumented level was below the sagittal stable vertebrae in 22.7%, 40%, and 66.2% of patients in the LIV-T11, T12, and L1 groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The 5-year postoperative lumbar curve magnitudes were 20.3°, 16.3°, and 14.0° for T11, T12, and L1-LIV, respectively (p < 0.001). No patients in the T11 group (0%), two patients in the T12 group (2.5%), and one patient in the L1 (0.8%) group developed distal junctional kyphosis (p = 0.5). The 5-year postoperative total SRS-22 scores were 4.21, 4.50, and 4.38 (p = 0.029). Lumbar flexion decreased by 0.78 cm in the T11-LIV group, increased by 0.01 cm in the T12-LIV group, and decreased by 0.15 cm in the L1-LIV group (p = 0.434). There was no significant difference in SRS-22 scores, development of distal junctional kyphosis or loss of lumbar mobility between patients treated with a spinal fusion that had an LIV at T11, T12, or L1. Level III.
Using Biotensegrity to Explain the Mechanically-Induced Lesions in Navicular Disease

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), the most common disease affecting humans and animals, has long been believed to result from failure of the joints from ‘wear and tear’ in which damage exceeds repa...
Model uncertainty in accelerator application simulations

Abstract Monte-Carlo nuclear reaction and transport codes are widely used to devise accelerator-based nuclear physics experiments; at the same time, many experiments are performed to validate the Monte-Carlo codes, which can be used for the design of full-scale nuclear power applications or the design of new benchmark experiments. Dedicated model benchmark studies investigate a broad range of nuclear reactions and quantities. Examples of these include isotope formation or secondary particle fluxes that result from the interactions of GeV-range hadrons with monoisotopic targets, which can be used to assess the respective systematic uncertainty of models. Such benchmark studies, as well as many nuclear application experiments and simulations carried out by various groups over the last few decades, enable us to draw methodological lessons. In this work, model uncertainty determined based on available experimental data allow us to identify the effects of practitioner expertise as well as the design of codes (user access to micro-scale parameters) on the range of uncertainties. We found that in cases when simulations are performed by code developers or users that are very experienced in performing simulations, the model to experiment quantity ratios generally agree with the limits determined by dedicated benchmark studies. In other cases, the ratios generally tend to be either smaller (underestimation of model error) or larger (overestimation of model error). A plausible explanation of the aforementioned effects is suggested.
Low-Complexity Architectures for Parallel Long BCH Encoders

Long BCH codes are broadly used in digital communication systems and memory storage, and parallel encoders are needed to achieve high throughput. A three-step approach can be used to eliminate the fanout bottleneck in parallel long BCH encoders achieved through unfolding, and further modifications have been developed to reduce the iteration bound. However, previous designs have high complexity, and the complexity also increases rapidly with the parallelism. In this paper, a novel encoding scheme is proposed to transform the computation so that the iteration bound of the third step can be reduced to an arbitrary value with low complexity. Besides, the proposed scheme requires low overhead to achieve higher parallelism and/or further apply the look-ahead scheme to reduce the iteration bound of the second step and hence the overall encoder. For (8191, 7684) BCH encoders with higher parallelisms, the proposed design achieves more than 50% area saving and 10% iteration bound reduction compared to the best existing design.
Nocardia Choroidal Abscess: Risk Factors, Treatment Strategies, and Visual Outcomes

PURPOSE To describe the risk factors, clinical course, ancillary test findings, treatment strategies, and visual outcomes of a series of patients with choroidal abscesses caused by endogenous Nocardia. METHODS This retrospective, consecutive noncomparative case series included all patients with Nocardia ocular infections at 3 tertiary medical centers over the past 20 years. RESULTS Five eyes in 5 patients were identified with choroidal abscesses because of Nocardia. All patients were immunocompromised: one suffered from AIDS and four had autoimmune disorders. Three of the 5 patients (60%) underwent systemic evaluation, and in all 3, nonocular nocardiosis was identified. Four patients (80%) underwent diagnostic ophthalmic surgery and received systemic and intravitreal antibiotics. The final patient deferred these interventions. Outcomes at the last follow-up examination were 20/25, 1/200, hand motion at 1 foot, and 2 patients underwent enucleation. Mean follow-up (± standard deviation) was 159 (± 103) days. CONCLUSION Immunosuppression is the most significant risk factor for developing Nocardia choroidal abscesses. Definitive diagnosis generally requires subretinal biopsy, which is also critical to implementing appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Medium Modification of the Proton Form Factor

I argue that the double ratio of proton-recoil polarization-transfer coefficients, P'_x and P'_z, of the quasielastic 4He(e,e'p)3H reaction with respect to the elastic 1H(e,e'p) reaction is sensitive to possible medium modifications of the proton form factor in 4He. Recent measurements at both Mainz and Jefferson Lab of this double ratio at four-momentum transfers squared between between 0.4 GeV2 and 2.6 GeV2 are discussed. I show that the data challenge state-of-the-art conventional meson-nucleon calculations, as these are unable to describe the results. The data hint at the need to include medium modifications of the proton form factor, as predicted by a quark-meson-coupling model, in the calculations. A recently approved follow-up experiment at a Q2 of 0.8 GeV2 and 1.3 GeV2 with unprecedented precision will provide one of the most stringent tests of the applicability of various calculations.
The role of age in the physiological adaptations and psychological responses in bikini-physique competitor contest preparation: a case series.

The increased popularity of the bikini-physique competitions has not translated to greater research identifying the influence of age on adaptations during contest preparation. The purpose of this case series was to observe how age may influence the adaptations normally seen during preparation and the exploration of newer protocols to address adaptations more relative to the judging standards. Over a 16-week pre-contest preparation, a 32-y bikini competitor (BC) and 44-y master’s bikini competitor (MBC) visited the laboratory bi-weekly to observe changes in body fat mass (BF), lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral density (BMD), total body water (TBW); exploratory measures of deltoid cross-sectional area (DeltCSA), gluteus maximus muscle thickness (GMMT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SAT); reproductive hormones estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and energy balance hormones triiodothyronine (T3), leptin and ghrelin; hydration status during contest preparation and the week of competition; resting metabolic rate (RMR); psychometric data related to perceived anxiety, stress, and body image were assessed. No differences between BC and MBC were observed in BF, LBM, BMD, and TBW. Both competitors showed a small loss in LBM. Both BC and MBC showed a contrasting increase in DeltCSA and a loss in GMMT. MBC showed to be slightly more dehydrated (1.025 vs 1.021 g·mL− 1) than BC. Both competitors maintained a euhydration status the day of the competition. No time differences were found between BC and MBC during RMR. BC showed a higher mean difference RMR compared to MBC (2.66 ± 0.75 kcal·kgLBM− 1·d− 1). MBC showed a higher mean difference in LH concentration (84.6 ± 6.01 IU·L− 1), which may be explained by perimenopausal status. MBC had a higher mean difference concentration of leptin (2.51 ± 0.24 ng·mL− 1·kgFM− 1), which was unperturbed by fat loss may be interrelated LH. BC self-reported a higher mean energy intake (15.07 ± 3.43 kcal·kgLBM− 1·d− 1) and higher aerobic training volume (93.26 ± 40.68 min·d). BC and MBC showed similar composition changes, slightly differing metabolic rates, and differing hormonal LH and leptin responses. This finding is in contrast to previous work showing both LH inhibition and leptin diurnal disturbance in younger, female athletes with low energy availability. The exploratory measures may have some benefit for bikini-physique competitors related to the judging criteria. Age did not seem to play a role in contest preparation adaptations.
Drug-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy Caused by Ciprofloxacin Use in a Lung Transplant Recipient

Introduction Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (DITMA) is a potentially life-threatening condition causing hemolytic anemia with microvascular damage. DITMA is generally associated with calcineurin inhibitor use when observed in solid organ transplant recipients. Herein, we describe a rare case of ciprofloxacin-induced TMA in a lung transplant recipient who recovered immediately after discontinuation of the drug. Case Report A 67-year-old female bilateral lung transplant recipient presented 21 months post-transplant with a one-week history of weakness and increasing fatigue. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, prednisone, and mycophenolate mofetil. The patient was receiving antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin prior to admission for recent Nocardia infection. Physical exam revealed multiple ecchymoses on the bilateral upper extremities, attributed to frail skin in the setting of chronic prednisone use. Complete blood count on admission revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 7.6 g/dL), leukopenia (3 × 109/L), and thrombocytopenia (26 × 109/L). Urea and creatinine were elevated (36 mmol/L and 136 μmol/L, respectively). Coagulation panel was normal with no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Peripheral blood smear showed marked red cell fragmentation consistent with TMA. Further investigation revealed elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (560 U/L) and total bilirubin (39 μmol/L), with low haptoglobin levels ( Summary On review of literature, we identified a rare association of ciprofloxacin with DITMA, and thus this medication was discontinued immediately. Within 48 hours, platelet count and haptoglobin levels improved. Rarely, clinicians may need to consider other possible offending agents when TMA persists after discontinuing calcineurin inhibitor use in transplant recipients.
Structural Organization of the Multiple Tgf- ßGenes

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-s), a peptide first identified by its ability to cause phenotypic transformation of rodent fibroblasts1,2, and isolated from a variety of natural sources3-5,. has been shown to be a general regulator of cellular activities in both normal and neoplastic cells6-8. Our understanding of the chemistry and biology of TGF-s has increased substantially in recent years as our comprehension of the number of different cell types and physiological processes affected by TGF-s continues to expand. Many different types of cells have been demonstrated to synthesize TGF-s and essentially all cells have been shown to have a specific set of receptors for this peptide9-18. TGF-s is a multifunctional molecule, since it can either stimulate or inhibit proliferation, differentiation and other critical processes in cell function; the effect that predominates is dependent on the particular cell type and the other growth factors present’9,20 It is now well established that TGF-s plays a major role an adult physiology in processes such as inflammation and tissue repair, control of hematopoiesis and control of steroidogenesis21-26. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that TGF-s also controls differentiation and morphogenesis in embryonic development27-30. Studies have shown that TGF-s may play an important role in such processes as myogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, epithelial cell differentiation and adipogenesis, as well as in wound healing31-52 In addition to these processes, TGF-s also regulates the turnover of extracellular matrix. for instance, TGF-s stimulates production by fibroblasts of extracellular matrix components, such as type I, III and IV procollagen, fibronectin, and proteoglycan, and of cellular receptors for these proteins53-63. At the time, TGF-s inhibits production of enzymes catalyzing degradation of the extracellular matrix and stimulates production of inhibitors of these enzymes64-70. . TGF-s is thus a fundamental regulatory molecule, acting by both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. As is true for most polypeptide growth factors, the basic molecular mechanism of action of TGF-s is at present unknown. In spite of this, so many varied functions have been descibed for TGF-s and are continuing to be demonstrated, that TGF-s must be considered to be a general mediator of cell regulation, and one of importance for both positive and negative control of cell growth. In this brief review, our current understanding of the structural organization of the TGF-s genes will be discussed.