Calculation of alpha particle single-event spectra using a neural network.

Introduction: A neural network was trained to accurately predict the entire single-event specific energy spectra for use in alpha-particle microdosimetry calculations.

Methods: The network consisted of 4 inputs and 21 outputs and was trained on data calculated using Monte Carlo simulation where input parameters originated both from previously published data as well as randomly generated parameters that fell within a target range. The 4 inputs consisted of the source-target configuration (consisting of both cells in suspension and in tissue-like geometries), alpha particle energy (3.

Technical note: TIGRE-DE for the creation of virtual monoenergetic images from dual-energy cone-beam CT.

Background: Dual-energy (DE)-CBCT represents a promising imaging modality that can produce virtual monoenergetic (VM) CBCT images. VM images, which provide enhanced contrast and reduced imaging artifacts, can be used to assist in soft-tissue visualization during image-guided radiotherapy.

Purpose: This work reports the development of TIGRE-DE, a module in the open-source TIGRE toolkit for the performance of DE-CBCT and the production of VM CBCT images.

Development and implementation of an automated and highly accurate reporting process for NGS-based clonality testing.

B and T cells undergo random recombination of the VH/DH/JH portions of the immunoglobulin loci (B cell) and T-cell receptors before becoming functional cells. When one V-J rearrangement is over-represented in a population of B or T cells indicating an origin from a single cell, this indicates a clonal process. Clonality aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of lymphoproliferative disorders and evaluation of disease recurrence.

Effect of scattered megavoltage x-rays on markerless tumor tracking using dual energy kilovoltage imaging.

Purpose: To determine the effect of megavoltage (MV) scatter on the accuracy of markerless tumor tracking (MTT) for lung tumors using dual energy (DE) imaging and to consider a post-processing technique to mitigate the effects of MV scatter on DE-MTT.

Methods: A Varian TrueBeam linac was used to acquire a series of interleaved 60/120 kVp images of a motion phantom with simulated tumors (10 and 15 mm diameter). Two sets of consecutive high/low energy projections were acquired, with and without MV beam delivery.

Spatiotemporal assessment of immunogenomic heterogeneity in multiple myeloma.

Spatial heterogeneity is a common phenomenon in metastatic solid tumors and an evolving concept in multiple myeloma (MM). The interplay between malignant plasma cells (PCs) and the microenvironment has not yet been analyzed in MM. For this purpose, we performed bone marrow aspirates and imaging-guided biopsies of corresponding lesions in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) and relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) patients.

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario: Development and initial implementation of integrated youth services in Ontario, Canada.

Aim: The need for youth-friendly early intervention services to meet the mental health, substance use, primary care, and other social needs of adolescents and young adults is well-documented. This article describes Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, a province-wide initiative in Ontario, Canada to build and implement a one-stop-shop model of integrated youth services.

Methods: We describe the development of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, in the context of global youth mental health system transformation, as well as pan-Canadian youth mental health system change.

Impact of the Kerr effect on FM-to-AM conversion in high-power lasers.

In order to smooth the focal spot of high-power energetic lasers, pulses are phase-modulated. However, due to propagation impairments, phase modulation is partly converted into power modulation. This is called frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM conversion).

Thermal lens in diode-pumped square-section rods of Nd-doped phosphate glass and 0.5%Nd:5%Lu:CaF crystal: simulations and experiments.

We performed simulations and experiments of wavefront distortions induced by propagating through diode-pumped square-section amplifying laser rods of Nd-doped phosphate glass and 0.5:5:. We observed that depending on the material, wavefront distortions' profile can vary from a circular lens-like distortion to a complex astigmatic distortion.

Interference filters and their impact on FM-to-AM conversion: a method for investigation and characterization.

High-power nanosecond laser pulses are usually spectrally broadened via temporal phase modulations to tackle the issue of stimulated Brillouin scattering and to achieve optical smoothing of the focal spot. While propagating along the beamline, such pulses can undergo frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM) conversion. This phenomenon induces modulations of the optical power that can have a strong impact on laser performance.

Mercy TAPE for Calculation-Free Height Estimation in Pediatric Rehabilitation Patients.

Background: In children, height is an essential element of a pediatric assessment, yet this measure is less likely to occur in nonambulatory children or those with unique disabilities. There is compelling support for surrogate measures; however, many of these are accompanied by limitations.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate whether the U.

Implications of laser beam metrology on laser damage temporal scaling law for dielectric materials in the picosecond regime.

We report on the implications that the temporal and spatial beam metrologies have on the accuracy of temporal scaling laws of Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) for dielectric materials in the picosecond regime. Thanks to a specific diagnostic able to measure the temporal pulse shape of subpicosecond and picosecond pulses, we highlight through simulations and experiments how the temporal shape has to be taken into account first in order to correctly understand the temporal dependency of dielectrics LIDT. This directly eases the interpretation of experimental temporal scaling laws of LIDT and improves their accuracy as a prediction means.

Nonlinear FM-AM conversion due to stimulated Brillouin scattering.

We report an effect potentially harmful occurring in regenerative amplifiers due to stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). Most high energy laser facilities use phase-modulated pulses to prevent the transverse SBS effect in large optical components and to smooth the focal spot on target. However, this kind of pulse format may undergo a detrimental effect known as frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-AM) conversion in the presence of spectral distortions.

Comparison of SureSelect and Nextera Exome Capture Performance in Single-Cell Sequencing.

Background: Advances in single-cell sequencing provide unprecedented opportunities for clinical examination of circulating tumor cells, cancer stem cells, and other rare cells responsible for disease progression and drug resistance. On the genomic level, single-cell whole exome sequencing (scWES) started to gain popularity with its unique potentials in characterizing mutational landscapes at a single-cell level. Currently, there is little known about the performance of different exome capture kits in scWES.

Random and pseudo-random phase modulations for FM-to-AM reduction in high power lasers.

Frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM) conversion is an important issue that can prevent fusion ignition with high power lasers such as with the Laser Megajoule (LMJ). A way to reduce FM-to-AM conversion is to change the phase modulation (currently sinusoidal). In this paper, we study the case of random phase modulation.

Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques : Examining Collective Representation in Emerging Technologies Governance.

In this article, I draw on research carried out in Europe, primarily in Germany, on patients' and scientists' perspectives on mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) in order to explore some of the complexities related to collective representation in health governance, which includes the translation of emerging technologies into clinical use. Focusing on observations, document analyses, and interviews with eight mitochondrial disease patient organization leaders, this contribution extends our understanding of the logic and meanings behind the ways in which patient participation and collective representation in health governance initiatives take shape. My findings highlight the ways in which a commitment to a global mitochondrial disease patient community and a sense of patient solidarity influence expressions of support with regard to legalizing mitochondrial replacement techniques.

Cancer genetic counseling communication with low-income Chinese immigrants.

As genetics and genomics become part of mainstream medicine, these advances have the potential to either reduce or exacerbate health disparities. Relatively, little research has explored the quality of genetic counseling communication experienced by limited English proficiency patients, especially Chinese Americans. We observed and audio recorded genetic counseling appointments (n = 40) of low-income, limited English-proficient Chinese patients (n = 25) and conducted post-visit interviews (n = 17) using stimulated recall to examine patient understanding of the communication.

Post-Treatment Survivorship Care Needs of Spanish-speaking Latinas with Breast Cancer.

Background: A comprehensive assessment of Spanish-speaking breast cancer survivors' (SSBCS) survivorship needs is lacking.

Objective: Assess SSBCS' post-treatment symptom management, psychosocial, and informational needs.

Methods: 118 telephone surveys and 25 in-person semi-structured interviews with SSBCS, and semi-structured interviews with 5 support providers and 4 physicians who serve SSBCS from 5 Northern California counties.

1.15 PW-850 J compressed beam demonstration using the PETAL facility.

The Petawatt Aquitaine Laser (PETAL) facility was designed and constructed by the French Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) as an additional PW beamline to the Laser MegaJoule (LMJ) facility. PETAL energy is limited to 1 kJ at the beginning due to the damage threshold of the final optics. In this paper, we present the commissioning of the PW PETAL beamline.

Information Mismatch: Cancer Risk Counseling with Diverse Underserved Patients.

As genetics and genomics become part of mainstream Medicine, these advances have the potential to reduce or exacerbate health disparities. Gaps in effective communication (where all parties share the same meaning) are widely recognized as a major contributor to health disparities. The purpose of this study was to examine GC-patient communication in real time, to assess its effectiveness from the patient perspective, and then to pilot intervention strategies to improve the communication.

Survivorship Care Plan Information Needs: Perspectives of Safety-Net Breast Cancer Patients.

Purpose: Despite the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) 2005 recommendation, few care organizations have instituted standard survivorship care plans (SCPs). Low health literacy and low English proficiency are important factors to consider in SCP development. Our study aimed to identify information needs and survivorship care plan preferences of low literacy, multi-lingual patients to support the transition from oncology to primary care and ongoing learning in survivorship.

Long-term survival in AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Background: The optimal therapeutic approach for patients with AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma (AR-PCNSL) remains undefined. While its incidence declined substantially with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), AR-PCNSL remains a highly aggressive neoplasm for which whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is considered a standard first-line intervention.

Methods: To identify therapy-related factors associated with favorable survival, we first retrospectively analyzed outcomes of AR-PCNSL patients treated at San Francisco General Hospital, a public hospital with a long history of dedicated care for patients with HIV and AIDS-related malignancies.