Total Number Of Fields Research Articles

Pastoralist herd size maintenance during drought with the use of reseeded fields near Lake Baringo, Kenya

Land degradation, loss of access to land resources, climate variability, socio-economic changes, and population increase are among the factors that contribute to forage shortage among the pastoral communities. The loss of forage is critical, especially when droughts are frequent and prolonged. Interventions to improve pastoralists’ resilience include policies that encourage livelihood diversification, that is, promoting enterprises that are less impacted by climate variability. This paper evaluates a reseeding project among pastoralists from Lake Baringo, Kenya, with the goal of rehabilitating degraded lands. Field owners participated in a survey and answered both quantitative and qualitative questions relating to their field and household characteristics. We use livestock herd size to assess households’ conditions. We hypothesize that field characteristics including total land size reseeded, the total number of fields and the number of field locations, years of experience of working in reseeded fields, type of management, fencing, and the number of income-generating activities have an effect on herd size maintenance during drought. We find that the total number of fields and the number of income-generating activities have significant explanatory power in predicting a household’s ability to maintain its herd size during drought. These factors are related to fine-scale control over land use which contributes to maintaining herd size. These findings suggest that reseeding by local pastoralists could be replicated and up-scaled into other dryland counties of Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa as a promising intervention to improve resilience to climate variability, alleviate poverty, and improve environmental conditions.

Quantitative assessment of tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia and mast cells in tumor proper and lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer of the oral cavity. Tumor stage, thickness, lymph node metastasis (LNM), extranodal spread, perineural invasion, tumor differentiation, mutations, human papillomavirus infection and tumor microenvironment are independent prognostic indicators of OSCC. However, clinically, among all factors, LNM is considered an important prognostic factor in OSCC as it not only determines the stage of disease but also the strongest independent factor which predicts recurrence of disease. Further research proves that there are several biologically important factors in tumor tissue and LNs which promote or defend LNM. While it is proposed that tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and mast cells (MCs) have “immuno-protective” effect, this remains unproven and various researchers have conflicting opinion.Aim:The aim is to determine the presence of TATE and MCs in OSCC and to evaluate if any association exists between them and LNM.Study Design:It is a comparative retrospective study between two groups including 35 OSCC cases positive and 35 negative for LNM.Materials and Methodology:Quantification of cells was done by counting total number of cells in 10 high-power fields under ×40 objective lens using “zigzag” method and dividing it by total number of fields. Eosinophils stained bright red with carbol chromotrope and MCs purple-violet with toluidine blue.Statistics:Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation were done using STATA IC 0.2 software. The level of significance was at 5%. Comparison of eosinophil and MC infiltration was done based on gender, metastatic, nonmetastatic LN and in tumor proper.Results and Conclusion:Our study showed weak positive correlation between mean eosinophils count in tumor and LNs which implies a definite association between the microenvironment of tumor, its progression and LNM. There was a significant association between MC density and decreased LNM also. We conclude that an increased number of immunological cells (TATE and MCs) are a favorable prognostic indicator in OSCC. There is evidence of reduction in LNM with increasing density of these immunological cells. Recognition of TATE and MCs as integral to tumor biology opens an avenue for novel approaches to cancer therapies.

Quantitative assessment of tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia and mast cells in tumor proper and lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer of oral cavity. Tumor stage, thickness, lymph node metastasis (LNM), extranodal spread, perineural invasion, tumor differentiation, mutations, human papillomavirus infection, and tumor microenvironment are independent prognostic indicators of OSCC. However, clinically, among all factors, LNM is considered an important prognostic factor in OSCC as it not only determines the stage of disease but also the strongest independent factor which predicts recurrence of disease. Further research proves that there are several biologically important factors in tumor tissue and LNs which promote or defend LNM. While it is proposed that tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and mast cells (MCs) have “immuno-protective” effect, this remains unproven and various researchers have conflicting opinion.Aim:The aim is to determine the presence of TATE and MCs in OSCC and to evaluate if any association exists between them and LNM.Study Design:It is a comparative-retrospective study between 2 groups including 35 OSCC cases positive and 35 negative for LNM.Materials and Methodology:Quantification of cells was done by counting total number of cells in 10 high-power fields under ×40 objective lens using “zigzag” method and dividing it by total number of fields. Eosinophils stained bright red with carbol chromotrope and MCs purple-violet with toluidine blue.Statistics:Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation were done using STATA IC 0.2 software. Level of significance was at 5%. Comparison of eosinophil and MC infiltration was done based on gender, metastatic, nonmetastatic LN, and in tumor proper.Results and Conclusion:This study showed weak positive correlation between mean eosinophils count in tumor and LNs. Recognition of TATE and MCs as integral to tumor biology opens an avenue for novel approaches to cancer therapies. We conclude that an increased number of immunological cells are a favorable prognostic indicator in OSCC.

The ALMA Patchy Deep Survey: a blind search for [C ii] emitters at z ∼ 4.5

We present a result of a blind search for [CII] 158 $\mu$m emitters at $z\sim 4.5$ using ALMA Cycle~0 archival data. We collected extra-galactic data covering at 330-360 GHz (band~7) from 8 Cycle~0 projects from which initial results have been already published. The total number of fields is 243 and the total on-source exposure time is 19.2 hours. We searched for line emitters in continuum-subtracted data cubes with spectral resolutions of 50, 100, 300 and 500 km/s. We could not detect any new line emitters above a 6-$\sigma$ significance level. This result provides upper limits to the [CII] luminosity function at $z\sim 4.5$ over $L_{\rm [CII]} \sim 10^8 - 10^{10} L_{\odot}$ or star formation rate, SFR $\sim$ 10-1000 M$_{^\odot}$/yr. These limits are at least 2 orders of magnitude larger than the [CII] luminosity functions expected from the $z \sim 4$ UV luminosity function or from numerical simulation. However, this study demonstrates that we would be able to better constrain the [CII] luminosity function and to investigate possible contributions from dusty galaxies to the cosmic star-formation rate density by collecting Cycle~1+2 archival data as the ALMA Patchy Deep Survey.

Adverse drug reaction reporting by patients: an overview of fifty countries.

The modalities and contributions to drug safety of patient adverse drug reaction reporting systems in 50 countries have been reviewed and analysed. The means made available by National Health Competent Authorities (NCAs) for patients to report drug side effects were compared through literature review and questionnaire. Among the 50 countries included in this study, we found that direct patient reporting systems exist in 44 countries and represent 9% of total reports, the rest coming from healthcare professionals. Australia was the first, in 1964, and the United States has the system in which patients are the most involved. A total of 27 countries have a patient-specific reporting form, and 31 countries provide a form to complete online. In order to help patients, four countries constrain the description of the reaction and 12 constrain the choice of drug on the reporting form. Most of the surveyed countries request the patient's medical history (30 countries) and concomitant therapies (41 countries). The total number of fields per form ranges from 6 to 59, with a mean of 36 items. Most of the surveyed countries have implemented a patient adverse drug reaction reporting system. From this study, it seems that an online reporting form increases the rate of reporting. Currently, many different forms exist worldwide; these should be harmonized by considering the strengths and weaknesses of all existing forms. But above all, to increase the number of reports, each country should promote NCA-initiated adverse drug reactions reporting systems.

Clinical Outcomes in Adult and Pediatric Ewing Sarcoma: A Single Institution Comparative Study

oncology web page to an encrypted database. Forms initially were reviewed at monthly quality assurance meetings. Starting in May 2010, a process improvement team consisting of physician, physicist, dosimetrist, therapist, and nursing group representative met weekly to improve workflow and decrease errors. This group was expanded to non-clinical staff in 2011. Form review priority criteria, solution criteria, and meeting ground rules were set in advance of the first team meeting. Spreadsheets were used to present the forms. Actions, owners, and completion dates were assigned at each meeting. Results: Over 1,182 process improvement reports were recorded. Efforts resulted in many operational changes in the department. In addition to first day therapist chart checklists, physics and dosimetry chart checklists were added and electronically recorded in the every patient’s chart. Table indexing was developed for all patients to minimize potential for wrong site treatment. A Linear Accelerator Field Definition Chart was created to include unique differences in treatment parameters and a Field Definition Chart was created showing screen capture examples of different linear accelerator parameters. Machine parameter spreadsheets were created and are being used by dosimetrists and physicists. Data demonstrated increased adoption by staff over time with increased PIF submission. Forms for incidents reaching the patient decreased, during the same time period that total number of fields treated and complexity of patient set-up increased (Table). Conclusions: The number of errors reaching patients can be positively affected by a continuous improvement program. A continuous quality improvement program can be implemented at a large tertiary teaching institution that can be adapted for smaller radiation oncology departments. Author Disclosure: T. Meier: None. B. Hugebeck: None. T. Kovacs: None. C. Belfi: None. J. Suh: G. Consultant; Abbott Oncology. M. Kolar: None. S. Chao: None.

Calculating the renormalisation group equations of a SUSY model with Susyno

Susyno is a Mathematica package dedicated to the computation of the 2-loop renormalisation group equations of a supersymmetric model based on any gauge group (the only exception being multiple U(1) groups) and for any field content.Program summaryProgram title: SusynoCatalogue identifier: AEMX_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEMX_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 30829No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 650170Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: Mathematica 7 or higher.Computer: All systems that Mathematica 7+ is available for (PC, Mac).Operating system: Any platform supporting Mathematica 7+ (Windows, Linux, Mac OS).Classification: 4.2, 5, 11.1.Nature of problem:Calculating the renormalisation group equations of a supersymmetric model involves using long and complicated general formulae [1, 2]. In addition, to apply them it is necessary to know the Lagrangian in its full form. Building the complete Lagrangian of models with small representations of SU(2) and SU(3) might be easy but in the general case of arbitrary representations of an arbitrary gauge group, this task can be hard, lengthy and error prone.Solution method:The Susyno package uses group theoretical functions to calculate the super-potential and the soft-SUSY-breaking Lagrangian of a supersymmetric model, and calculates the two-loop RGEs of the model using the general equations of [1, 2]. Susyno works for models based on any representation(s) of any gauge group (the only exception being multiple U(1) groups).Restrictions:As the program is based on the formalism of [1, 2], it shares its limitations. Running time can also be a significant restriction, in particular for models with many fields.Unusual features:Susyno contains functions that (a) calculate the Lagrangian of supersymmetric models and (b) calculate some group theoretical quantities. Some of these functions are available to the user and can be freely used. A built-in help system provides detailed information.Running time:Tests were made using a computer with an Intel Core i5 760 CPU, running under Ubuntu 11.04 and with Mathematica 8.0.1 installed. Using the option to suppress printing, the one- and two-loop beta functions of the MSSM were obtained in 2.5 s (NMSSM: 5.4 s). Note that the running time scales up very quickly with the total number of fields in the model.

SU‐E‐T‐855: The Correlation Analysis of IMRT Dosimetry Errors and Parameters of Beams

Purpose: To study the relationships of IMRT plansˈ beam characteristic parameters, furthermore in order to research the effect of parameters settings on the absolute dose accuracy. Methods: Forty‐three esophageal carcinoma cases were planned with the Pinnacle 7.6c TPS using appropriate optimization parameters and dose constraints. All the plans were transplanted into solid water phantom. DOSE1 dosimeter and 0.13cc ion Farmer Chamber (IBA Corp) were used to measure the absolute dose and obtained the dosimetry errors later. The parameters of the 43 casesˈ statistics were collected, and their relations were analyzed. Then we summarized the dosimetry errors, made comparison and analyzed the relativity between the beam parameters and absolute dose verification errors. Results: 1. The describing parameters of beams feature were related. (1) Beam numbers were significantly correlated with beam segment numbers and total MUs, both p‐values were equal to 0.000, but were not distinctly connected with average beam segment numbers and average MUs. (2) Beam segment numbers were prominently interrelated with average beam segment numbers, total MUs and average MUs. (3) Average beam segment numbers were negatively correlated with average MUs and the statistical correlation coefficient was −0.358, yet had no relationship with total MUs. (4) The relationship between total MUs and average MUs was significantly correlated, and the p‐value was 0.003. 2. There was an obvious interrelation between dose accuracy and parameter settings, all of the p‐values were almost 0.000. Dose deviation was positively correlated with the total number of fields, segments, MUs and average segment numbers, while was negatively connected with average MUs.Conclusions: For the purpose of decreasing the absolute dose verification errors, the quantity of beam angles and beam segments should be reduced, considered the aspect of the designing of treatment plans.

Gravitational waves in vector inflation

We discuss the gravitational waves (GW) in the context of vector inflation. We derive theaction for tensor perturbations and find that tachyonic instabilities are present in most(but not all) of the inflationary models with large fields. In contrast, the stability of thesmall field inflation () is ensured by the usual slow-roll conditions, whereN is the total number of fields. For example, the Coleman–Weinberg potential and thepower-law inflation are always stable in the small fields limit with an approximately flatspectrum of GW. We also provide some examples which lead to a rapid decay of GW andpredict the absence of tensor modes in the CMB.

Economic Evaluation of Subsea Development Options in the North Sea

Summary New fields in the northern and central North Sea are decreasing in size as this major oil- and gas-producing region matures. This paper analyzes technical options and costs to develop these smaller fields. Introduction The northern and central North Sea are major oil and gas producing areas and will continue to be for some time, with undiscovered reserves estimated to be between 4 and 13 billion bbl. As the region matures, however, the sizes of the fields are decreasing, and it seems that it will be necessary to use subsea development techniques to develop the fields economically. This paper presents technoeconomic evaluation of the application of such techniques to develop small fields. The number of undiscovered fields and their fundamental characteristics (reserves, distance to existing facilities, and water depth) are identified from historical and statistical data. These characteristics are used to model typical fields, and then a range of potential subsea development schemes are evaluated for cost with typical (1989) cost data for the North Sea. Potential development schemes include fixed platforms, subsea tiebacks, semisubmersibles with a catenary anchor-leg moored buoy (CALM) and a floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit, semisubmersibles with pipeline export, and floating production, storage, pipeline export, and floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units. After base costs are established for each development, sensitivity analyses are performed t show the importance of the various technical and economic parameters involved in the cost estimation. Analysis of Field Characteristics In this section, we analyze published data for undeveloped fields and discoveries in the northern and central North Sea. From these data and the estimated undiscovered reserves, we develop an approximation for the numbe of undiscovered fields and their fundamental characteristics. Reserves. An estimated 4 to 13 billion bbl oil still remain undiscovered in the sedimentary basins of the northern and central North Sea. This estimate, of course, is updated continually and is based on analysis of exploration data and an ever-increasing understanding of the basins' geology. Analysis of discovered but undeveloped reserves data for the North Sea gives the distribution of small field sizes shown i Table 1. For the purposes of this paper, "small reservoirs" are purposes of this paper, "small reservoirs" are reservoirs containing less than 100 million bbl recoverable reserves. Table 1 shows that 75% of the undeveloped fields have less than 100 million recoverable oil, which corresponds with predictions 6 that 80% of future discoveries predictions 6 that 80% of future discoveries will have reserves of less than 100 million bbl. To obtain an approximation of the frequency distribution of future field sizes, and therefore a prediction of the total number of fields, the current field-size distribution was projected onto the estimated amount of undiscovered reserves. From the current statistics, 75% of the estimated reserves (3 to 9.75 billion bbl) will be found in reservoirs with less than 100 million bbl. Table 2 shows the projected reserves distributions for the minimum (3 billion bbl) and maximum (9.75 billion bbl) cases. These simple projections indicate that 69 to 226 small undiscovered fields exist in the northern and central North Sea, with 55% of these fields having recoverable reserves less than 60 million bbl. Depending on the type of analysis used, these estimates may vary widely, but on the basis of statistical analysis of the frequency distribution of reservoir size, the size of the fields predicted is, if anything, optimistic. Distance to Nearest Platform. One of the most popular methods of developing small reservoirs popular methods of developing small reservoirs in the British sector of th North Sea is to use satellite wells tied back to existing facilities with excess production capacity. Currently, 11 miles (between Don and Thistle oil fields) is the longest distance (in the British sector) over which an oil-producing satellite has been tied back with no primary processing of the well fluids. Thus, the proximity of a new field to existing facilities can hava large effect on its potential development. Table 3 shows that >50% of undeveloped fields (and discoveries) are >9 miles from a producing platform.

Scaling laws for large-momentum-transfer processes

Dimensional scaling laws are developed as an approach to understanding the energy dependence of high-energy scattering processes at fixed center-of-mass angle. Given a reasonable assumption on the short-distance behavior of bound states, and the absence of an internal mass scale, we show that at large $s$ and $t$, $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}}(AB\ensuremath{\rightarrow}CD)\ensuremath{\sim}{s}^{\ensuremath{-}n+2}f(\frac{t}{s})$; $n$ is the total number of fields in $A$, $B$, $C$, and $D$ which carry a finite fraction of the momentum. A similar scaling law is obtained for large-${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ inclusive scattering. When the quark model is used to specify $n$, we find good agreement with experiments. For instance, this accounts naturally for the ${({q}^{2})}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ asymptotic behavior of the proton form factor. We examine in detail the field-theoretic foundations of the scaling laws and the assumption which needs to be made about the short-distance and infrared behavior of a bound state.

Economics of Drilling for Cretaceous Oil on East Flank of Denver-Julesburg Basin

After a brief review of the results of the past drilling activity and the production history of the Denver-Julesburg basin to date, the merits of this play are discussed from an economic viewpoint. An analysis of the relative importance of stratigraphy and structure in forming the Lower Cretaceous traps is presented. The cost of drilling dry holes and producers in the basin is discussed and its effect on the economics of producing marginal wells analyzed. The Denver-Julesburg basin at present with its hundreds of Lower Cretaceous fields and thousands of wells represents a unique opportunity for statistical analysis. A of 5,700,000 acres was chosen on the east flank and a statistical correlation prepared of the estimated ultimate recovery per field and the number of delineating dry holes per field as a function of the productive field area. This correlation shows some well defined trends from which significant conclusions can be drawn. A frequency-density distribution of the fields found was then prepared and plotted versus ultimate field recovery, which again indicated a well defined pattern. A mathematical relation is presented, relating the number of fields of a given size found after drilling a known number of wildcats to the total number of fields of that size originally occurring in the sample area for the assumptions of: (a) random drilling in the productive trend; (b) pattern drilling in the productive trend; and (d) drilling on geophysical and geological leads in the trend. After computing the frequency-density of occurrence from the frequency-density distribution of fields found, it is shown how this mathematical relation can also be used to make a forecast of the average results to be expected from future drilling.