HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF CONTAMINANT AND ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN NEW BEDFORD HARBOR, MASSACHUSETTS

EPA Science Inventory

One problem encountered when trying to establish goals for remediation or restoration of contaminated waterways is the determination of appropriate reference conditions. As an alternative to comparison of reference sites with contaminated waterways, historical reconstruction of p...

Integrated Software Development System/Higher Order Software Conceptual Description (ISDS/HOS)

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-11-01

Structured Flowchart Conventions 270 6.3.5.3 Design Diagram Notation 273 xii HIGHER ORDER SOFTWARE, INC. 843 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE. CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS...associated with the process steps. They also reference other HIPO diagrams as well an non-HIPO documentation such as flowcharts or decision tables of...syntax that is easy to learn and must provide the novice with some prompting to help him avoid classic beginner errors. Desirable editing capabilities

The PDA as a reference tool: libraries' role in enhancing nursing education.

PubMed

Scollin, Patrick; Callahan, John; Mehta, Apurva; Garcia, Elizabeth

2006-01-01

"The PDA as a Reference Tool: The Libraries' Role in Enhancing Nursing Education" is a pilot project funded by the University of Massachusetts President's Office Information Technology Council through their Professional Development Grant program in 2004. The project's goal is to offer faculty and students in nursing programs at two University of Massachusetts campuses access to an array of medical reference information, such as handbooks, dictionaries, calculators, and diagnostic tools, on small handheld computers called personal digital assistants. Through exposure to the variety of information resources in this digital format, participants can discover and explore these resources at no personal financial cost. Participants borrow handhelds from the University Library's circulation desks. The libraries provide support in routine resynchronizing of handhelds to update information. This report will discuss how the projects were administered, what we learned about what did and did not work, the problems and solutions, and where we hope to go from here.

Genetics Home Reference: neurofibromatosis type 2

MedlinePlus

... neurofibromatosis type 2 are called vestibular schwannomas or acoustic neuromas. These growths develop along the nerve that ... Boston Children's Hospital GeneReview: Neurofibromatosis 2 MedlinePlus ... Encyclopedia: Neurofibromatosis 2 Neurofibromatosis Clinic, Massachusetts ...

Adsorption/Desorption Measurements of Nitroglycerin and Dinitrotoluene in Camp Edwards, Massachusetts Soil

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

87 8 References...without biocide to K7 soil. ................................................ 31 Figure 8 . The 2,4-DNT concentration in the measured aqueous phase (C...28 Table 8 . Adsorption and desorption partitioning

On-site availability of selected antidotes: results of a survey of Massachusetts hospitals.

PubMed

Woolf, A D; Chrisanthus, K

1997-01-01

Hospital pharmacies in Massachusetts were surveyed to determine their patterns of stocking antidotes. Mailed questionnaires were completed by hospital pharmacy directors at 82 of 93 acute care institutions (87% response rate). Results confirmed great variability in on-site accessibility of antidotes. Only 8 of the 82 hospitals (9.8%) stocked all of 14 common antidotes inventoried by the survey. Even fewer hospital pharmacies stocked specific antidotes (eg, Crotalid anti-venin, digoxin-specific Fab antibodies, pyridoxine) in an adequate quantity to treat one poisoned adult. Larger hospitals and those with a 24-hour pharmacy were more likely to have certain antidotes than smaller institutions. We conclude that Massachusetts hospitals do not carry complete inventories of 14 common antidotes. It is important that poisoned patients be referred to medical centers with adequate toxicological care. Improved guidelines for the accessibility of antidotes need to be developed and made available to hospital pharmacies and emergency departments.

Two Schools: Two Approaches to Personalized Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, John M.; Keefe, James W.

2002-01-01

Describes how two secondary schools implemented the six basic elements of personalized instruction: The Thomas Haney Secondary Centre in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, and the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devens, Massachusetts. (Contains 14 references.) (PKP)

Characteristics of Fentanyl Overdose - Massachusetts, 2014-2016.

PubMed

Somerville, Nicholas J; O'Donnell, Julie; Gladden, R Matthew; Zibbell, Jon E; Green, Traci C; Younkin, Morgan; Ruiz, Sarah; Babakhanlou-Chase, Hermik; Chan, Miranda; Callis, Barry P; Kuramoto-Crawford, Janet; Nields, Henry M; Walley, Alexander Y

2017-04-14

Opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts increased 150% from 2012 to 2015 (1). The proportion of opioid overdose deaths in the state involving fentanyl, a synthetic, short-acting opioid with 50-100 times the potency of morphine, increased from 32% during 2013-2014 to 74% in the first half of 2016 (1-3). In April 2015, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and CDC reported an increase in law enforcement fentanyl seizures in Massachusetts, much of which was believed to be illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) (4). To guide overdose prevention and response activities, in April 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner collaborated with CDC to investigate the characteristics of fentanyl overdose in three Massachusetts counties with high opioid overdose death rates. In these counties, medical examiner charts of opioid overdose decedents who died during October 1, 2014-March 31, 2015 were reviewed, and during April 2016, interviews were conducted with persons who used illicit opioids and witnessed or experienced an opioid overdose. Approximately two thirds of opioid overdose decedents tested positive for fentanyl on postmortem toxicology. Evidence for rapid progression of fentanyl overdose was common among both fatal and nonfatal overdoses. A majority of interview respondents reported successfully using multiple doses of naloxone, the antidote to opioid overdose, to reverse suspected fentanyl overdoses. Expanding and enhancing existing opioid overdose education and prevention programs to include fentanyl-specific messaging and practices could help public health authorities mitigate adverse effects associated with overdoses, especially in communities affected by IMF.

75 FR 3922 - Notice of Availability of the Revised Minerals Management Service Documentation of Section 106...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-25

... megawatt (MW) wind turbine generators, each with a maximum blade height of 440 feet, to be arranged in a... cables running through Massachusetts territorial waters ashore. For reference, the northernmost turbines...

Hunt for Federal Funds Gives Classified Research a Lift

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Basken, Paul

2012-01-01

For some colleges and professors, classified research promises prestige and money. Powerhouses like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Johns Hopkins University have for decades run large classified laboratories. But most other universities either do not allow such research or conduct it quietly, and in small doses. The…

Medical Errors: Tips to Help Prevent Them

MedlinePlus

... consider A study by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences found that 88% of medical errors involve the wrong drug or the wrong dose. This is one more reason why you should be a ... up refills at the pharmacy. In the hospital, have in writing the medicine ...

Vernal Pools Detection Using High-Resolution LiDAR Data and Aerial Imagery in Hubbardston, Massachusetts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jiaxin

Vernal pool refers to temporary or semi-permanent pools that occur in surface depressions without permanent inlets or outlets. Because they periodically dry out, vernal pools are free of fish and essential to amphibians, some reptiles, birds, and mammals for breeding habitats. In Massachusetts, vernal pool habitats are found in woodland depressions, swales or kettle holes where water is contained for at least two months in most years. However, vernal pools are delicate ecosystems. These systems are fragile to human activities such as urbanization. Understanding the current situation of vernal pools helps city planners make wiser decisions. This study focuses on identifying vernal pools in the state of Massachusetts with high-resolution light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and aerial imagery. By using high-resolution light detection and ranging data, aerial imagery, land use data, the MassDEP Hydrography layer and the Soil Survey Geographic Database, the approach located over 1800 potential vernal pools in a 108 km 2 study area in Massachusetts. The assessment of the study result shows the commission rate was 5.6% and omission rate was 7.1%. This method provides an efficient way of locating vernal pools over large areas.

75 FR 23798 - Environmental Assessment Prepared for Proposed Cape Wind Energy Project in Nantucket Sound...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-04

... calls for 130, 3.6 megawatt (MW) wind turbine generators, each with a maximum blade height of 440 feet... transmission cables, which would run through Massachusetts' territory to shore. For reference, the northernmost...

Description of a Ground Facility for Conducting Ionospheric Scintillation Measurements with the ATS-5 Spacecraft

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-07-01

Some of the capabilities of the DOT/TSC Westford Propagation Facility located in Westford Massachusetts as they relate to ionospheric measurements will be described. A detailed bibliography of over 400 references is supplied.

The legacy of contaminated sediments in Boston Harbor

USGS Publications Warehouse

Manheim, Frank T.

Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have assembled a significant body of data that is now in a usable form. The USGS adopted an interdisciplinary approach to begin the pioneering effort at data rescue. This work involved collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). More than 100,000 sediment chemistry analyses from over 1,500 samples were gleaned from 500 references, compiled, and scientifically edited by the USGS and other workers for use in studies of the distribution and fate of contaminants.

Maps and diagrams showing acoustic and textural characteristics and distribution of bottom sedimentary environments, Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay

USGS Publications Warehouse

Knebel, Harley J.; Circe, Ronald C.

1995-01-01

This report illustrates, describes, and briefly discusses the acoustic and textural characteristics and the distribution of bottom sedimentary environments in Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. The study is an outgrowth of a larger research program designed to understand the regional processes that distribute sediments and related contaminants in the area. The report highlights the major findings presented in recent papers by Knebel and others (1991), Knebel, (1993), and Knebel and Circe (1995). The reader is urged to consult the full text of these earlier papers for a more definitive treatment of the data and for appropriate supporting references.

Focus On: Classroom Energy Materials. Publication Number 11895.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kocsis, Mitzie

The Massachusetts Dissemination Project presents this compendium of energy-related educational resources as a reference guide for persons interested in exploring energy problems, conservation techniques, and alternate energy sources with their students. Provided are brief descriptions of available bibliographies, classroom materials, publications,…

Intergenerational Celebrations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Barbara M.

1988-01-01

Many children in our mobile society are growing up with little contact with, and limited understanding of, elderly people. In 1983, the Westwood (Massachusetts) Public Schools initiated a successful structured interactions program between its fourth grade students and senior citizens from Westwood and nearby towns. Includes two references. (MLH)

An analysis of reference laboratory (send out) testing: an 8-year experience in a large academic medical center.

PubMed

MacMillan, Donna; Lewandrowski, Elizabeth; Lewandrowski, Kent

2004-01-01

Utilization of outside reference laboratories for selected laboratory testing is common in the United States. However, relatively little data exist in the literature describing the scope and impact of these services. In this study, we reviewed use of reference laboratory testing at the Massachusetts General Hospital, a large urban academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. A retrospective review of hospital and laboratory administrative records over an 8-year period from fiscal years (FY) 1995-2002. Over the 8 years studied, reference laboratory expenses increased 4.2-fold and totaled 12.4% of the total laboratory budget in FY 2002. Total reference laboratory test volume increased 4-fold to 68,328 tests in FY 2002 but represented only 1.06% of the total test volume in the hospital. The menu of reference laboratory tests comprised 946 tests (65.7% of the hospital test menu) compared to 494 (34.3%) of tests performed in house. The average unit cost of reference laboratory tests was essentially unchanged but was approximately 13 times greater than the average unit cost in the hospital laboratory. Much of the growth in reference laboratory cost can be attributed to the addition of new molecular, genetic, and microbiological assays. Four of the top 10 tests with the highest total cost in 2002 were molecular diagnostic tests that were recently added to the test menu. Reference laboratory testing comprises a major component of hospital clinical laboratory services. Although send out tests represent a small percentage of the total test volume, these services account for the majority of the hospital laboratory test menu and a disproportionate percentage of laboratory costs.

Unifying dose specification between clinical BNCT centers in the Americas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Riley, K. J.; Binns, P. J.; Harling, O. K.

2008-04-15

A dosimetry intercomparison between the boron neutron capture therapy groups of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica (CNEA), Argentina was performed to enable combined analyses of NCT patient data between the different centers. In-air and dose versus depth measurements in a rectangular water phantom were performed at the hyperthermal neutron beam facility of the RA-6 reactor, Bariloche. Calculated dose profiles from the CNEA treatment planning system NCTPlan that were calibrated against in-house measurements required normalizations of 1.0 (thermal neutrons), 1.13 (photons), and 0.74 (fast neutrons) to match the dosimetry of MIT.

Managing Stress for At-Risk Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spiegel, Ellen J.

2017-01-01

The BRIDGE Alternative Middle School in Lowell, Massachusetts, serves students ages 12-16 who have exhibited behavioral problems in traditional school settings, including problems such as truancy, multiple suspensions, mental health issues, peer conflicts, family dysfunction, academic problems, and gang involvement. Students referred to BRIDGE are…

Increased incidence and altered risk demographics of childhood lead poisoning: predicting the impacts of the CDC’s 5 µg/dL reference value in Massachusetts (USA).

PubMed

Handler, Phoebe; Brabander, Daniel

2012-10-30

In May 2012, the CDC adopted a new sliding scale reference value for childhood lead poisoning, reducing the former 10 μg/dL benchmark by half. Using Massachusetts (MA) as a model state, we estimated the change in the population of 9-47 month-olds at risk for lead poisoning. We then examined the impact of the 5 µg/dL reference value on the demographic characteristics of lead risk in MA communities. We find that the new CDC benchmark will lead to a 1470% increase in childhood lead poisoning cases among 9-47 month-olds in MA, with nearly 50% of the examined communities experiencing an increased prevalence of lead poisoning. Further, the top 10 MA communities with BLLs ≥5 μg/dL have significantly fewer foreign-born residents and significantly larger white populations than the highest risk communities formerly identified by the MA Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. The CDC's new 5 μg/dL lead poisoning benchmark will drastically increase the number of children with elevated BLLs and alter the distribution and demographics high-risk communities in MA.

Metrics of Software Quality.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

Systems: A Raytheon Project History", RADC-TR-77-188, Final Technical Report, June 1977. 4. IBM Federal Systems Division, "Statistical Prediction of...147, June 1979. 4. W. D. Brooks, R. W. Motley, "Analysis of Discrete Software Reliability Models", IBM Corp., RADC-TR-80-84, RADC, New York, April 1980...J. C. King of IBM (Reference 9) and Lori A. Clark (Reference 10) of the University of Massachusetts. Programs, so exercised must be augmented so they

Estimate of radiation release from MIT reactor with un-finned LEU core during Maximum Hypothetical Accident

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Kaichao; Hu, Lin-wen; Newton, Thomas

2017-05-01

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor (MITR-II) is a research reactor in Cambridge, Massachusetts designed primarily for experiments using neutron beam and in-core irradiation facilities. At 6 MW, it delivers neutron flux and energy spectrum comparable to light water reactor (LWR) power reactors in a compact core using highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel. In the framework of nonproliferation policy, the international community aims to minimize the use of HEU in civilian facilities. Within this context, research and test reactors have started a program to convert HEU fuel to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. A new type of LEU fuel basedmore » on a high density alloy of uranium and molybdenum (U-10Mo) is expected to allow the conversion of U.S. domestic high performance reactors like MITR. The current study focuses on the impacts of MITR Maximum Hypothetical Accident (MHA), which is also the Design Basis Accident (DBA), with LEU fuel. The MHA for the MITR is postulated to be a coolant flow blockage in the fuel element that contains the hottest fuel plate. It is assumed that the entire active portion of five fuel plates melts. The analysis shows that, within a 2-h period and by considering all the possible radiation sources and dose pathways, the overall off-site dose is 302.1 mrem (1 rem ¼ 0.01 Sv) Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) at 8 m exclusion area boundary (EAB) and a higher dose of 392.8 mrem TEDE is found at 21 m EAB. In all cases the dose remains below the 500 mrem total TEDE limit goal based on NUREG-1537 guidelines.« less

To authorize the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the town of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Delahunt, Bill [D-MA-10

2009-10-07

House - 10/08/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Managing Information Technology in Open and Distance Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holt, Dale M.; Thompson, Diane J.

1998-01-01

This paper uses the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Management in the 1990s Research Framework as a basis for examining the challenges of managing information technology in higher education, with particular reference to open and distance education. Budgeting, technology trends, centralization, prototyping, staff, and competition versus…

Passive PE Sampling in Support of In Situ Remediation of Contaminated Sediments: Standard Operating Procedure for PED Deployment

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

mineral and organic materials situated beneath an aqueous layer. PEDs assembled, installed, and retrieved following these procedures will be suitable...at a minimum, wearing adequate protective equipment, flotation devices, and making use of lifelines. 8.0 References Massachusetts Institute of

78 FR 24333 - Cranberries Grown in States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-25

... York, hereinafter referred to as the ``order.'' The order is effective under the Agricultural Marketing... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 929 [Doc. No. AMS-FV-12-0002... Reporting Requirements AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as...

The Brave Black Regiment: The Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers (Colored) January 1863 - September 1864.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

additional references.. The material contained in this thesis was compiled from numerous books, magazines, official military records, pamphlets...Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 13. Cynthia E. Williams 318 Petunia Path Chesapeake, VA 2332 5 14. Sandra K. Alston 17409 Park Lane

Unifying dose specification between clinical BNCT centers in the Americas.

PubMed

Riley, K J; Binns, P J; Harling, O K; Kiger, W S; González, S J; Casal, M R; Longhino, J; Larrieu, O A Calzetta; Blaumann, H R

2008-04-01

A dosimetry intercomparison between the boron neutron capture therapy groups of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Argentina was performed to enable combined analyses of NCT patient data between the different centers. In-air and dose versus depth measurements in a rectangular water phantom were performed at the hyperthermal neutron beam facility of the RA-6 reactor, Bariloche. Calculated dose profiles from the CNEA treatment planning system NCTPlan that were calibrated against in-house measurements required normalizations of 1.0 (thermal neutrons), 1.13 (photons), and 0.74 (fast neutrons) to match the dosimetry of MIT.

High-Risk Prescribing to Medicaid Enrollees Receiving Opioid Analgesics: Individual- and County-Level Factors.

PubMed

Heins, Sara E; Sorbero, Mark J; Jones, Christopher M; Dick, Andrew W; Stein, Bradley D

2018-01-05

Prescription opioid overdoses have increased dramatically in recent years, with the highest rates among Medicaid enrollees. High-risk prescribing includes practices associated with overdoses and a range of additional opioid-related problems. To identify individual- and county-level factors associated with high-risk prescribing among Medicaid enrollees receiving opioids. In a four-states, cross-sectional claims data study, Medicaid enrollees 18-64 years old with a new opioid analgesic treatment episode 2007-2009 were identified. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with high-risk prescribing, defined as high-dose opioid prescribing (morphine equivalent daily dose ≥100 mg for >6 days), opioid overlap, opioid-benzodiazepine overlap. High-risk prescribing occurred in 39.4% of episodes. Older age, rural county of residence, white race, and major depression diagnosis were associated with higher rates of all types of high-risk prescribing. Individuals with prior opioid, alcohol, and hypnotic/sedative use disorder diagnoses had lower odds of high-dose opioid prescribing but higher odds of opioid overlap and opioid-benzodiazepine overlap than individuals without such disorders. High-dose opioid prescribing in Massachusetts was less common than in California, Illinois, and New York, whereas the rate of benzodiazepine overlap in Massachusetts was more common than in other states. Conclusions/Importance: High-risk prescribing was common and associated with several important demographic, clinical, and community factors. Findings can be used to inform targeted interventions designed to reduce such prescribing, and given state variation observed, further research is needed to better understand the effects of state policies on high-risk prescribing.

Relationship between leukemia incidence and residing and/or working near the Pilgrim 1 nuclear power plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morris, M.S.

1992-01-01

To determine whether a strong association between leukemia incidence between 1978 and 1986 and potential for exposure to radiation emitted from the Pilgrim 1 nuclear power plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts was a spurious finding resulting from either (1) failure to account for temporal variation in the level of radioactivity released from the plant or (2) inattention to certain potentially confounding factors, additional age/sex-matched case-control analyses controlled for the effects of socioeconomic status (SES), work history, and cigarette smoking were performed with data collected in the Southeastern Massachusetts Health Investigation -- a study of leukemia among residents aged 13 and oldermore » of 22 southeastern Massachusetts towns. None of the additional analyses, including incorporation of emissions data into the exposure-assessment scheme and crude attempts to control for (1) medical-radiation exposure, (2) potential for exposure to pesticides sprayed on cranberry bogs, or (3) workplace exposure to radiation, chemical solvents, dust, or fumes, altered the finding of a statistically significant dose-response relationship between leukemia incidence and potential for exposure to radioactive emissions. The trend in the association over time was not entirely consistent, however, with the hypothesis that unusually large amounts of radioactivity reportedly released from the plant during the mid-1970s were responsible for the observed effects. Recommendations were made for further study of the Plymouth-area population for studies of this problem elsewhere.« less

31 CFR Appendix A to Part 356 - Bidder Categories

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Bidder Categories A Appendix A to Part 356 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FISCAL... Massachusetts or Delaware business trust, to be a corporation. We use the term “corporate structure” to refer to...

Retrieval of the 1964 Laser Literature Using MIT's Project Tip.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keenan, Stella; Terry, Edward

Reported are the performance characteristics of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Technical Information Program (TIP) system based on a study involving three search strategies in retrieval o f laser articles published in 1964. The TIP system provides access to (1) title, (2) author(s), (3) bibliographic references, and (4) literature…

NASIC at MIT. Final Report, 1 March 1974 through 28 February 1975.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benenfeld, Alan R.; And Others

Computer-based reference search services were provided to users on a fee-for-service basis at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the first, and experimental, note in the development of the Northeast Academic Science Information Center (NASIC). Development of a training program for information specialists and training materials is…

Delineation of groundwater recharge areas, western Cape Cod, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Masterson, John P.; Walter, Donald A.

2000-01-01

For additional information on the hydrology and geology of western Cape Cod, the reader is referred to the following reports: LeBlanc and others (1986), Barlow and Hess (1993), Masterson and others (1997a), Masterson and others (1997b), Masterson and others (1998), Ogden Environmental and Energy Services, Inc. (1998) and Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (1999).

Health in Day Care: A Guide for Day Care Providers in Massachusetts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kendrick, Abby Shapiro, Ed.; Messenger, Katherine P., Ed.

This reference manual and resource guide describes high standards for health policies and day care procedures that reflect current research and recommendations of experts. Chapters 1 and 2, which concern day care's role in health, cover health education in day care and the basics relating to policies, providers, and records. Chapters 3-5 concern…

Groundwater-quality data for a treated-wastewater plume near the Massachusetts Military Reservation, Ashumet Valley, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 2006-08

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savoie, Jennifer G.; LeBlanc, Denis R.; Fairchild, Gillian M.; Smith, Richard L.; Kent, Douglas B.; Barber, Larry B.; Repert, Deborah A.; Hart, Charles P.; Keefe, Steffanie H.; Parsons, Luke A.

2012-01-01

A plume of contaminated groundwater extends from former disposal beds at the Massachusetts Military Reservation's wastewater-treatment plant toward Ashumet Pond, coastal ponds, and Vineyard Sound, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Treated sewage-derived wastewater was discharged to the rapid-infiltration beds for nearly 60 years before the disposal site was moved to a different location in December 1995. Water-quality samples were collected from monitoring wells, multilevel samplers, and profile borings to characterize the nature and extent of the contaminated groundwater and to observe the water-quality changes after the wastewater disposal ceased. Data are presented here for water samples collected in 2007 from 394 wells (at 121 well-cluster locations) and 780 multilevel-sampler ports (at 42 locations) and in 2006-08 at 306 depth intervals in profile borings (at 20 locations) in and near the treated-wastewater plume. Analyses of these water samples for field parameters (specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen and phosphate concentrations, and alkalinity); absorbance of ultraviolet/visible light; and concentrations of nitrous oxide, dissolved organic carbon, methylene blue active substances, selected anions and nutrients, including nitrate and ammonium, and selected inorganic solutes, including cations, anions, and minor elements, are presented in tabular format. The natural restoration of the sand and gravel aquifer after removal of the treated-wastewater source, along with interpretations of the water quality in the treated-wastewater plume, have been documented in several published reports that are listed in the references.

The Massachusetts Sustainable-Yield Estimator: A decision-support tool to assess water availability at ungaged stream locations in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Archfield, Stacey A.; Vogel, Richard M.; Steeves, Peter A.; Brandt, Sara L.; Weiskel, Peter K.; Garabedian, Stephen P.

2010-01-01

Federal, State and local water-resource managers require a variety of data and modeling tools to better understand water resources. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, has developed a statewide, interactive decision-support tool to meet this need. The decision-support tool, referred to as the Massachusetts Sustainable-Yield Estimator (MA SYE) provides screening-level estimates of the sustainable yield of a basin, defined as the difference between the unregulated streamflow and some user-specified quantity of water that must remain in the stream to support such functions as recreational activities or aquatic habitat. The MA SYE tool was designed, in part, because the quantity of surface water available in a basin is a time-varying quantity subject to competing demands for water. To compute sustainable yield, the MA SYE tool estimates a daily time series of unregulated, daily mean streamflow for a 44-year period of record spanning October 1, 1960, through September 30, 2004. Selected streamflow quantiles from an unregulated, daily flow-duration curve are estimated by solving six regression equations that are a function of physical and climate basin characteristics at an ungaged site on a stream of interest. Streamflow is then interpolated between the estimated quantiles to obtain a continuous daily flow-duration curve. A time series of unregulated daily streamflow subsequently is created by transferring the timing of the daily streamflow at a reference streamgage to the ungaged site by equating exceedence probabilities of contemporaneous flow at the two locations. One of 66 reference streamgages is selected by kriging, a geostatistical method, which is used to map the spatial relation among correlations between the time series of the logarithm of daily streamflows at each reference streamgage and the ungaged site. Estimated unregulated, daily mean streamflows show good agreement with observed unregulated, daily mean streamflow at 18 streamgages located across southern New England. Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency goodness-of-fit values are between 0.69 and 0.98, and percent root-mean-square-error values are between 19 and 283 percent. The MA SYE tool provides an estimate of streamflow adjusted for current (2000-04) water withdrawals and discharges using a spatially referenced database of permitted groundwater and surface-water withdrawal and discharge volumes. For a user-selected basin, the database is queried to obtain the locations of water withdrawal or discharge volumes within the basin. Groundwater and surface-water withdrawals and discharges are subtracted and added, respectively, from the unregulated, daily streamflow at an ungaged site to obtain a streamflow time series that includes the effects of these withdrawals and discharges. Users also have the option of applying an analytical solution to the time-varying, groundwater withdrawal and discharge volumes that take into account the effects of the aquifer properties on the timing and magnitude of streamflow alteration. For the MA SYE tool, it is assumed that groundwater and surface-water divides are coincident. For areas of southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod where this assumption is known to be violated, groundwater-flow models are used to estimate average monthly streamflows at fixed locations. There are several limitations to the quality and quantity of the spatially referenced database of groundwater and surface-water withdrawals and discharges. The adjusted streamflow values do not account for the effects on streamflow of climate change, septic-system discharge, impervious area, non-public water-supply withdrawals less than 100,000 gallons per day, and impounded surface-water bodies.

Doctor discontent. A comparison of physician satisfaction in different delivery system settings, 1986 and 1997.

PubMed

Murray, A; Montgomery, J E; Chang, H; Rogers, W H; Inui, T; Safran, D G

2001-07-01

To examine the differences in physician satisfaction associated with open- versus closed-model practice settings and to evaluate changes in physician satisfaction between 1986 and 1997. Open-model practices refer to those in which physicians accept patients from multiple health plans and insurers (i.e., do not have an exclusive arrangement with any single health plan). Closed-model practices refer to those wherein physicians have an exclusive relationship with a single health plan (i.e., staff- or group-model HMO). Two cross-sectional surveys of physicians; one conducted in 1986 (Medical Outcomes Study) and one conducted in 1997 (Study of Primary Care Performance in Massachusetts). Primary care practices in Massachusetts. General internists and family practitioners in Massachusetts. Seven measures of physician satisfaction, including satisfaction with quality of care, the potential to achieve professional goals, time spent with individual patients, total earnings from practice, degree of personal autonomy, leisure time, and incentives for high quality. Physicians in open- versus closed-model practices differed significantly in several aspects of their professional satisfaction. In 1997, open-model physicians were less satisfied than closed-model physicians with their total earnings, leisure time, and incentives for high quality. Open-model physicians reported significantly more difficulty with authorization procedures and reported more denials for care. Overall, physicians in 1997 were less satisfied in every aspect of their professional life than 1986 physicians. Differences were significant in three areas: time spent with individual patients, autonomy, and leisure time (P < or =.05). Among open-model physicians, satisfaction with autonomy and time with individual patients were significantly lower in 1997 than 1986 (P < or =.01). Among closed-model physicians, satisfaction with total earnings and with potential to achieve professional goals were significantly lower in 1997 than in 1986 (P < or =.01). This study finds that the state of physician satisfaction in Massachusetts is extremely low, with the majority of physicians dissatisfied with the amount of time they have with individual patients, their leisure time, and their incentives for high quality. Satisfaction with most areas of practice declined significantly between 1986 and 1997. Open-model physicians were less satisfied than closed-model physicians in most aspects of practices.

Doctor Discontent

PubMed Central

Murray, Alison; Montgomery, Jana E; Chang, Hong; Rogers, William H; Inui, Thomas; Safran, Dana Gelb

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVE To examine the differences in physician satisfaction associated with open- versus closed-model practice settings and to evaluate changes in physician satisfaction between 1986 and 1997. Open-model practices refer to those in which physicians accept patients from multiple health plans and insurers (i.e., do not have an exclusive arrangement with any single health plan). Closed-model practices refer to those wherein physicians have an exclusive relationship with a single health plan (i.e., staff- or group-model HMO). DESIGN Two cross-sectional surveys of physicians; one conducted in 1986 (Medical Outcomes Study) and one conducted in 1997 (Study of Primary Care Performance in Massachusetts). SETTING Primary care practices in Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS General internists and family practitioners in Massachusetts. MEASUREMENTS Seven measures of physician satisfaction, including satisfaction with quality of care, the potential to achieve professional goals, time spent with individual patients, total earnings from practice, degree of personal autonomy, leisure time, and incentives for high quality. RESULTS Physicians in open- versus closed-model practices differed significantly in several aspects of their professional satisfaction. In 1997, open-model physicians were less satisfied than closed-model physicians with their total earnings, leisure time, and incentives for high quality. Open-model physicians reported significantly more difficulty with authorization procedures and reported more denials for care. Overall, physicians in 1997 were less satisfied in every aspect of their professional life than 1986 physicians. Differences were significant in three areas: time spent with individual patients, autonomy, and leisure time (P ≤ .05). Among open-model physicians, satisfaction with autonomy and time with individual patients were significantly lower in 1997 than 1986 (P ≤ .01). Among closed-model physicians, satisfaction with total earnings and with potential to achieve professional goals were significantly lower in 1997 than in 1986 (P ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS This study finds that the state of physician satisfaction in Massachusetts is extremely low, with the majority of physicians dissatisfied with the amount of time they have with individual patients, their leisure time, and their incentives for high quality. Satisfaction with most areas of practice declined significantly between 1986 and 1997. Open-model physicians were less satisfied than closed-model physicians in most aspects of practices.

Influence of Neutron Sources and 10B Concentration on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Shallow and Deeper Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

PubMed

Yu, Haiyan; Tang, Xiaobin; Shu, Diyun; Liu, Yuanhao; Geng, Changran; Gong, Chunhui; Hang, Shuang; Chen, Da

2017-03-01

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy that combines biological targeting and high Linear Energy Transfer (LET). It is considered a potential therapeutic approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It could avoid the inaccurate treatment caused by the lung motion during radiotherapy, because the dose deposition mainly depends on the boron localization and neutron source. Thus, B concentration and neutron sources are both principal factors of BNCT, and they play significant roles in the curative effect of BNCT for different cases. The purpose was to explore the feasibility of BNCT treatment for NSCLC with either of two neutron sources (the epithermal reactor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology named "MIT source" and the accelerator neutron source designed in Argentina named "MEC source") and various boron concentrations. Shallow and deeper lung tumors were defined in the Chinese hybrid radiation phantom, and the Monte Carlo method was used to calculate the dose to tumors and healthy organs. The MEC source was more appropriate to treat the shallow tumor (depth of 6 cm) with a shorter treatment time. However, the MIT source was more suitable for deep lung tumor (depth of 9 cm) treatment, as the MEC source is more likely to exceed the skin dose limit. Thus, a neutron source consisting of more fast neutrons is not necessarily suitable for deep treatment of lung tumors. Theoretical distribution of B in tumors and organs at risk (especially skin) was obtained to meet the treatable requirement of BNCT, which may provide the references to identify the feasibility of BNCT for the treatment of lung cancer using these two neutron sources in future clinical applications.

A Guidance Program to Increase Sexism and Racism Awareness among High School Students and Staff.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riccelli, Carlene

Chapter 622 refers to a Commonwealth of Massachusetts law enacted in 1971 which guarantees access to all public schools and public school programs without regard to race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Despite the literal compliance with Chapter 622 by the Amherst Regional Schools, Third World and/or female students continued to make…

Primary Science Curriculum Development in Africa--Strategies, Problems and Prospects with Particular Reference to the African Primary Science Programme.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bajah, Sam Tunde

1981-01-01

The African Primary Science Programme (APSP) was one of the three major projects in Africa sponsored by Educational Services Incorporated (ESI), later the Educational Development Center (EDC), Newton, Massachusetts. The problems of introducing this programme in the anglophone African States and its implications for science education are discussed.…

Breast cancer risk from low-dose exposures to ionizing radiation: results of parallel analysis of three exposed populations of women

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Land, C.E.; Boice, J.D. Jr.; Shore, R.E.

1980-08-01

Breast cancer incidence data were analyzed from three populations of women exposed to ionizing radiation: survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs, patients in Massachusetts tuberculosis sanitoria who were exposed to multiple chest fluoroscopies, and patients treated by X-rays for acute postpartum mastitis in Rochester, New York. Parallel analyses by radiation dose, age at exposure, and time after exposure suggested that risk of radiation-induced cancer increased approximately linearly with increasing dose and was heavily dependent on age at exposure; however, the risk was otherwise remarkably similar among the three populations, at least for ages 10 to 40 years atmore » exposure, and followed the same temporal pattern of occurrence as did breast cancer incidence in nonexposed women of similar ages.« less

Documentation of Decision-Aiding Software: Introductory Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-01

for the Manager ( New York: Holt, ’ 6 ( Simply put, the discipline assists planners and deci- sion makers in choosing between alternative courses of...con- ducting international negotiations on tanker safety; g. use by Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps as an orga- nizing vehicle for the preparation of...literature on decision analysis. For an introductory treatment the reader should refer to Howard Raiffa, Decision Analysis (Reading, Massachusetts

Proceedings of International Conference on Oral Education of the Deaf. Volume II (Northampton, Massachusetts, June 17-21, 1967; New York, New York, June 22-24, 1967).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke School for the Deaf, Northampton, MA.

Papers from five plenary sessions and a number of sectional meetings consider oral education of the deaf. Elementary and secondary deaf education programs are discussed with reference to teaching the multiply handicapped, curriculum development, programed instruction, and teaching methods and materials. The following are also treated: the subject…

Reserve Component Programs, Fiscal Year 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-28

Medical at Fort United States, and European Command Devens , Massachusetts, conducted its initial Casualty Receiving Hospitals, as well as, new...Berkman United States Army Militar% Lxcutic, Rcscrsc Fortes Polity Board Chief, AriN Rescrse. 19𔄃-1980 Attorney-at-Law, Morrison & Foerster San...the Selected Reserve componeit personnel categories. Reserve Component Programs FY 1991 Refere Fortes Polt) Board 3 Table 1-2 COMPOSITION OF THE READY

Proton Radiotherapy for Pediatric Bladder/Prostate Rhabdomyosarcoma: Clinical Outcomes and Dosimetry Compared to Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cotter, Shane E.; Herrup, David A.; Friedmann, Alison

Purpose: In this study, we report the clinical outcomes of 7 children with bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treated with proton radiation and compare proton treatment plans with matched intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans, with an emphasis on dose savings to reproductive and skeletal structures. Methods and Materials: Follow-up consisted of scheduled clinic appointments at our institution or direct communication with the treating physicians for referred patients. Each proton radiotherapy plan used for treatment was directly compared to an IMRT plan generated for the study. Clinical target volumes and normal tissue volumes were held constant to facilitate dosimetric comparisons. Each plan wasmore » optimized for target coverage and normal tissue sparing. Results: Seven male patients were treated with proton radiotherapy for bladder/prostate RMS at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 2002 and 2008. Median age at treatment was 30 months (11-70 months). Median follow-up was 27 months (10-90 months). Four patients underwent a gross total resection prior to radiation, and all patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Radiation doses ranged from 36 cobalt Gray equivalent (CGE) to 50.4 CGE. Five of 7 patients were without evidence of disease and with intact bladders at study completion. Target volume dosimetry was equivalent between the two modalities for all 7 patients. Proton radiotherapy led to a significant decrease in mean organ dose to the bladder (25.1 CGE vs. 33.2 Gy; p = 0.03), testes (0.0 CGE vs. 0.6 Gy; p = 0.016), femoral heads (1.6 CGE vs. 10.6 Gy; p = 0.016), growth plates (21.7 CGE vs. 32.4 Gy; p = 0.016), and pelvic bones (8.8 CGE vs. 13.5 Gy; p = 0.016) compared to IMRT. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of significant dose savings to normal structures with proton radiotherapy compared to IMRT and is well tolerated in this patient population. The long-term impact of these reduced doses can be tested in future studies incorporating extended follow-up, objective outcome measures, and quality-of-life analyses.« less

Photo-Activated Synthesis of Functional Oxide Thin Films

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

Sponsored Research 1350 Massachusetts Ave. Holyoke 727 Cambridge, MA 02138 - REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE b . ABSTRACT UU c. THIS PAGE UU 2. REPORT TYPE...including journal references, in the following categories: ( b ) Papers published in non-peer-reviewed journals or in conference proceedings (N/A for...minimize the roughness. Figure 1 ( b ) shows the XRR spectra of ~ 100 Å YDZ film grown on Ge. Interestingly, the effect of UV irradiation was more

Massachusetts | Midmarket Solar Policies in the United States | Solar

Science.gov Websites

Research | NREL Massachusetts Massachusetts An arrow graphic shows that Massachusetts's retail rate. State Incentive Programs Program Administrator Incentive Leading By Example Solar PV Canopy Environmental Affairs: Leading by Example Program Other MassSolar: Solar Policies and Resources Massachusetts

75 FR 33328 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-11

... Tribe, Massachusetts; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of Massachusetts; and the Assonet Band of... Wampanoag Tribe, Massachusetts; and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of Massachusetts; and that... objects to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Massachusetts; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of...

Environmental Assessment for Boston Harbor Maintenance Dredging, Boston, Massachusetts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

Harbor was developed by Jerome et al (1966), Chesmore et al (1971) and Iwanowicz et al. (1973). The studies on the Lower Mystic River were concentrated in... Iwanowicz et al. (1973) and this data should be referred to for detailed information. Waters overlying the shellfish beds are contaminated by wastes...DMRP Technical Report DS-78-5, Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Iwanowicz , H. R., R D

"It's Not Their Job to Share Content": A Case Study of the Role of Senior Students in Adapting Teaching Materials as Open Educational Resources at the University of Cape Town

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl; Paskevicius, Michael

2013-01-01

Inspired by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's landmark decision to make its teaching and learning materials freely available to the public as OpenCourseWare (OCW), many other higher education institutions have followed suit sharing resources now more generally referred to as Open Educational Resources (OER). The University of Cape Town…

Expressing condolences to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, commending the resiliency of the people of New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Delaware, and committing to stand by them in the relief and recovery effort.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-8

2012-11-28

House - 11/29/2012 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Ground-Water-Quality Data for a Treated-Wastewater Plume Undergoing Natural Restoration, Ashumet Valley, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 1994-2004

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savoie, Jennifer G.; Smith, Richard L.; Kent, Douglas B.; Hess, Kathryn M.; LeBlanc, Denis R.; Barber, Larry B.

2006-01-01

A plume of contaminated ground water extends from former disposal beds at the Massachusetts Military Reservation wastewater-treatment plant toward Ashumet Pond, and farther southward toward coastal ponds and Vineyard Sound, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Treated sewage-derived wastewater was discharged to the rapid-infiltration beds for nearly 60 years before the disposal site was moved to a different location in December 1995. Water-quality samples were collected periodically from monitoring wells and multilevel samplers during and after the disposal period to characterize the nature and extent of the contaminated ground water and to observe the water-quality changes after the wastewater disposal ceased. Data are presented here for water samples collected from 1994 through 2004 from 16 wells (at 2 locations) and 14 multilevel samplers (at 9 locations) along a longitudinal transect that extends through one of the disposal beds. Data collected from the treated-wastewater plume are presented in tabular format. These data include field parameters; concentrations of cations, anions, nitrate, ammonium, and organic and inorganic carbon species; and ultraviolet/visible absorbance. The natural restoration of the sand and gravel aquifer after removal of the nearly 60-year-long treated-wastewater source, along with interpretations of the water quality in the treated-wastewater plume on Cape Cod, have been documented in several published reports that are listed in the references.

Population-based trends in pregnancy hypertension and pre-eclampsia: an international comparative study

PubMed Central

Ford, Jane B; Algert, Charles S; Antonsen, Sussie; Chalmers, James; Cnattingius, Sven; Gokhale, Manjusha; Kotelchuck, Milton; Melve, Kari K; Langridge, Amanda; Morris, Carole; Morris, Jonathan M; Nassar, Natasha; Norman, Jane E; Norrie, John; Sørensen, Henrik Toft; Walker, Robin; Weir, Christopher J

2011-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to compare international trends in pre-eclampsia rates and in overall pregnancy hypertension rates (including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia). Design Population data (from birth and/or hospital records) on all women giving birth were available from Australia (two states), Canada (Alberta), Denmark, Norway, Scotland, Sweden and the USA (Massachusetts) for a minimum of 6 years from 1997 to 2007. All countries used the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, except Massachusetts which used the 9th revision. There were no major changes to the diagnostic criteria or methods of data collection in any country during the study period. Population characteristics as well as rates of pregnancy hypertension and pre-eclampsia were compared. Results Absolute rates varied across the populations as follows: pregnancy hypertension (3.6% to 9.1%), pre-eclampsia (1.4% to 4.0%) and early-onset pre-eclampsia (0.3% to 0.7%). Pregnancy hypertension and/or pre-eclampsia rates declined over time in most populations. This was unexpected given that factors associated with pregnancy hypertension such as pre-pregnancy obesity and maternal age are generally increasing. However, there was also a downward shift in gestational age with fewer pregnancies reaching 40 weeks. Conclusion The rate of pregnancy hypertension and pre-eclampsia decreased in northern Europe and Australia from 1997 to 2007, but increased in Massachusetts. The use of a different International Classification of Diseases coding version in Massachusetts may contribute to the difference in trend. Elective delivery prior to the due date is the most likely explanation for the decrease observed in Europe and Australia. Also, the use of interventions that reduce the risk of pregnancy hypertension and/or progression to pre-eclampsia (low-dose aspirin, calcium supplementation and early delivery for mild hypertension) may have contributed to the decline. PMID:22021762

SU-G-BRB-14: Uncertainty of Radiochromic Film Based Relative Dose Measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Devic, S; Tomic, N; DeBlois, F

2016-06-15

Purpose: Due to inherently non-linear dose response, measurement of relative dose distribution with radiochromic film requires measurement of absolute dose using a calibration curve following previously established reference dosimetry protocol. On the other hand, a functional form that converts the inherently non-linear dose response curve of the radiochromic film dosimetry system into linear one has been proposed recently [Devic et al, Med. Phys. 39 4850–4857 (2012)]. However, there is a question what would be the uncertainty of such measured relative dose. Methods: If the relative dose distribution is determined going through the reference dosimetry system (conversion of the response bymore » using calibration curve into absolute dose) the total uncertainty of such determined relative dose will be calculated by summing in quadrature total uncertainties of doses measured at a given and at the reference point. On the other hand, if the relative dose is determined using linearization method, the new response variable is calculated as ζ=a(netOD)n/ln(netOD). In this case, the total uncertainty in relative dose will be calculated by summing in quadrature uncertainties for a new response function (σζ) for a given and the reference point. Results: Except at very low doses, where the measurement uncertainty dominates, the total relative dose uncertainty is less than 1% for the linear response method as compared to almost 2% uncertainty level for the reference dosimetry method. The result is not surprising having in mind that the total uncertainty of the reference dose method is dominated by the fitting uncertainty, which is mitigated in the case of linearization method. Conclusion: Linearization of the radiochromic film dose response provides a convenient and a more precise method for relative dose measurements as it does not require reference dosimetry and creation of calibration curve. However, the linearity of the newly introduced function must be verified. Dave Lewis is inventor and runs a consulting company for radiochromic films.« less

Environmental Assessment: Grade and Pave Shoulders on Runway 15/33 Westover Air Reserve Base, MA

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-09

Pesticide spraying. • In areas overpopulated with deer, excessive grazing of larval host plants. 55 -Reference Massachusetts Natural Heritage...cover area is consistent with Bird/Wi ldli fe Aircraft Strike !Iazard ( BASil ) directives and our Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan INRMP...The W ARB BASil Mowing Map and rNRMP usc a consensus date of 31 July each year as the end of the grassland bird breeding season to allow the

Proton Testing of nVidia GTX 1050 GPU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyrwas, E. J.

2017-01-01

Single-Event Effects (SEE) testing was conducted on the nVidia GTX 1050 Graphics Processor Unit (GPU); herein referred to as device under test (DUT). Testing was conducted at Massachusetts General Hospitals (MGH) Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center on April 9th, 2017 using 200-MeV protons. This testing trip was purposed to provide a baseline assessment of the radiation susceptibility of the DUT as no previous testing had been conducted on this component.

Proton Testing of nVidia Jetson TX1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyrwas, Edward J.

2017-01-01

Single-Event Effects (SEE) testing was conducted on the nVidia Jetson TX1 System on Chip (SOC); herein referred to as device under test (DUT). Testing was conducted at Massachusetts General Hospitals (MGH) Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center on October 16th, 2016 using 200MeV protons. This testing trip was purposed to provide a baseline assessment of the radiation susceptibility of the DUT as no previous testing had been conducted on this component.

77 FR 5841 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-06

...: Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology has... contact the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology. Repatriation of the human...

75 FR 435 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-05

... Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice... and control of the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. The human... Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst professional staff in consultation with representatives of...

78 FR 59962 - Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-30

....R50000] Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology... Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology, has completed an inventory of human remains and associated... request to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology. If no additional...

76 FR 14067 - Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Massachusetts, Department of Anthropology, Amherst...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-15

... Repatriation Confederation, representing the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Massachusetts; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay... the Wampanoag Nation are the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Massachusetts; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head... funerary object and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Massachusetts; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of...

Sea-floor texture and physiographic zones of the inner continental shelf from Salisbury to Nahant, Massachusetts, including the Merrimack Embayment and Western Massachusetts Bay

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pendleton, Elizabeth E.; Barnhardt, Walter A.; Baldwin, Wayne E.; Foster, David S.; Schwab, William C.; Andrews, Brian D.; Ackerman, Seth D.

2015-10-26

A series of maps that describe the distribution and texture of sea-floor sediments and physiographic zones of Massachusetts State waters from Nahant to Salisbury, Massachusetts, including western Massachusetts Bay, have been produced by using high-resolution geophysical data (interferometric and multibeam swath bathymetry, lidar bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and seismic reflection profiles), sediment samples, and bottom photographs. These interpretations are intended to aid statewide efforts to inventory and manage coastal and marine resources, link with existing data interpretations, and provide information for research focused on coastal evolution and environmental change. Marine geologic mapping of the inner continental shelf of Massachusetts is a statewide cooperative effort of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.

75 FR 48361 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-10

.... Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (``MBTA'') and Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company, L.L.C... Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (``MBTA'') and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company, L.L.C... and MBCR will: (1) Install sufficient electric plug-in stations throughout the MBTA's commuter rail...

Transatlantic Comparison of CT Radiation Doses in the Era of Radiation Dose-Tracking Software.

PubMed

Parakh, Anushri; Euler, Andre; Szucs-Farkas, Zsolt; Schindera, Sebastian T

2017-12-01

The purpose of this study is to compare diagnostic reference levels from a local European CT dose registry, using radiation-tracking software from a large patient sample, with preexisting European and North American diagnostic reference levels. Data (n = 43,761 CT scans obtained over the course of 2 years) for the European local CT dose registry were obtained from eight CT scanners at six institutions. Means, medians, and interquartile ranges of volumetric CT dose index (CTDI vol ), dose-length product (DLP), size-specific dose estimate, and effective dose values for CT examinations of the head, paranasal sinuses, thorax, pulmonary angiogram, abdomen-pelvis, renal-colic, thorax-abdomen-pelvis, and thoracoabdominal angiogram were obtained using radiation-tracking software. Metrics from this registry were compared with diagnostic reference levels from Canada and California (published in 2015), the American College of Radiology (ACR) dose index registry (2015), and national diagnostic reference levels from local CT dose registries in Switzerland (2010), the United Kingdom (2011), and Portugal (2015). Our local registry had a lower 75th percentile CTDI vol for all protocols than did the individual internationally sourced data. Compared with our study, the ACR dose index registry had higher 75th percentile CTDI vol values by 55% for head, 240% for thorax, 28% for abdomen-pelvis, 42% for thorax-abdomen-pelvis, 128% for pulmonary angiogram, 138% for renal-colic, and 58% for paranasal sinus studies. Our local registry had lower diagnostic reference level values than did existing European and North American diagnostic reference levels. Automated radiation-tracking software could be used to establish and update existing diagnostic reference levels because they are capable of analyzing large datasets meaningfully.

A shift in referral patterns for HIV/AIDS patients.

PubMed

Fournier, Phillip O; Savageau, Judith A; Baldor, Robert A

2008-02-01

With the rapid development (and complex prescribing patterns) of drugs for HIV/AIDS care, it is challenging for physicians to keep current. We conducted a follow-up study to a 1994 cohort study to see how care and referral patterns have changed over the last decade. In this study, we examined how family physicians in Massachusetts were caring for their HIV-infected patients, and to see whether FPs were referring more patients to specialists for care compared with a decade ago. We designed a cross-sectional survey as an 11-year follow-up to a previous study. It was mailed in 2005 to the active membership of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians. Compared with the cohort of 1994, the number of HIV+ patients in individual practices remained about the same, but the number of practices with no AIDS patients was significantly higher. 85.3% of FPs noted that they were more likely to refer HIV/AIDS patients immediately compared with their own practice patterns a decade ago. In this study, 39.0% of current respondents referred HIV+ patients immediately, 57.0% co-managed patients, and 4.1% managed these patients alone (the data for the 1994 cohort was 7.0%, 45.8%, and 47.2%, respectively; P<.0001). Similar changes were seen in regard to care patterns for AIDS patients. Among the current cohort, 61.7% reported that they referred patients immediately, compared with only 18.3% in 1994; 36.8% noted that they co-managed these patients (vs 74.3% in 1994); and only 1.5% reported that they managed these patients alone (vs 7.4% in 1994; P<.0001). A significant shift amongst FPs with regard to their referral patterns for patients with HIV/AIDS has occurred over the last decade. The community health center has emerged as a resource for patients with HIV/AIDS. Funding for specific training programs on HIV/AIDS care should be targeted to community health centers.

A bill to amend title 32, United States Code, the body of laws of the United States dealing with the National Guard, to recognize the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA

2011-12-16

Senate - 12/16/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.1339, which became Public Law 112-241 on 1/10/2013. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

All States Income Tax Guide. Information for Service Personnel 1985 Edition for 1984 Returns.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

tax unnecessary. As a number of states have adopted the Federal income tax law as the basis upon which state income taxes are collected, so have they...taxpayers should file on Form 40. Nonresident Taxpayers having income from Alabama should file on Form 40NR. Under Alabama Income Tax Law , unless proved...G.I. Bill education payments; workmen’s or unemployment compensation (Massachusetts income tax law references to the Internal Revenue Code apply to

Boosting Social and Emotional Development In and Out of School.

PubMed

Wallace, Ashley; Palmer, Jennifer

2017-11-01

(1) Illinois' state ESSA plan reflects the state’s whole-child approach, adding references to the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students, along with high expectations for student achievement. (2) Massachusetts' state ESSA plan lists supporting socialemotional learning, health and safety as among the state's core educational strategies. (3) South Carolina's ESSA plan develops a framework identifying self-direction, perseverance, global perspective and interpersonal skills to be among the characteristics that every student should have when he or she graduates from high school.

Access to healthcare insurance and healthcare services among syringe exchange program clients in Massachusetts: qualitative findings from health navigators with the iDU ("I do") Care Collaborative.

PubMed

Stopka, Thomas J; Hutcheson, Marguerite; Donahue, Ashley

2017-05-18

Little is known about access to health insurance among people who inject drugs (PWID) who attend syringe exchange programs (SEPs). The goal of the current study was to assess perceptions of SEP staff, including health navigators and program managers, on access to health insurance and healthcare access among SEP clients following implementation of state and federal policies to enhance universal healthcare access in Massachusetts. Between December 2014 and January 2015, we conducted in-depth interviews (n = 14) with SEP staff, including both program managers and health navigators, to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to health insurance enrollment and access to enhanced referrals among SEP clients. We developed a preliminary coding scheme from the interview guide and used a grounded theory approach to guide inclusion of subsequent thematic codes that emanated from the data. We analyzed the coded data thematically in an iterative fashion using a consensus-based approach. We identified five primary themes that emerged from the qualitative interviews, including high levels of health insurance enrollment among SEP clients; barriers to enrolling in health insurance; highly needed referrals to services, including improved access to substance use disorder treatment and hepatitis C virus treatment; barriers to referring clients to these highly needed services; and recommendations for policy change. While barriers to enrollment and highly needed referrals remain, access to and enrollment in healthcare insurance plans among PWID at SEPs in Massachusetts are high. With the uncertain stability of the Affordable Care Act following the US presidential election of 2016, our findings summarize the opportunities and challenges that are connected to health insurance and healthcare access in Massachusetts. SEPs can play an important role in facilitating access to health insurance and enhancing access to preventive health and primary care.

Prevalence of Tumors in Brown Bullhead from Three Lakes in Southeastern Massachusetts, 2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baumann, Paul C.; LeBlanc, Denis R.; Blazer, Vicki; Meier, John R.; Hurley, Stephen T.; Kiryu, Yasu

2008-01-01

The Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) has been a military base on western Cape Cod since the early 1900s. Contaminated surface water and ground water from the MMR have discharged into several kettle lakes on or near the base. To discover whether the prevalences of tumors and other lesions in brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) in these lakes, particularly Ashumet Pond, were elevated above normal, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), assisted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MADFW), conducted a study in 2002 of brown bullhead in Ashumet Pond and in two reference lakes, Santuit Pond (on Cape Cod) and Great Herring Pond (on the mainland of Massachusetts). Brown bullhead from Great Herring Pond had few external raised lesions (2.8 percent), a low prevalence of liver neoplasms (5 percent), and little genetic damage to their red blood cell nuclei. Brown bullhead from Ashumet Pond had a high prevalence of raised lesions (62.1 percent), which included histopathologically verified papillomas and squamous carcinoma; an elevated incidence of liver neoplasms (16.7 percent); and an elevated level of genetic damage to their red blood cell nuclei. Because red blood cells in fish have a lifespan of about 100 days, these results indicate an ongoing exposure to genotoxins in Ashumet Pond. Brown bullhead from Santuit Pond also had elevated prevalences of raised lesions (48.3 percent) and liver neoplasms (15 percent), although the prevalences of large and multiple lesions were significantly lower than those in fish from Ashumet Pond. These differences may indicate differing causes of pathology in the two lakes. The high prevalence of melanistic lesions on brown bullhead from Ashumet Pond, combined with the tumor pathology and genetic damage, implicates chemical carcinogens as one of the causal factors in that lake.

Children without Homes. A Report by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts State Dept. of Education, Boston.

This annual report on the numbers of homeless children in Massachusetts and their educational experiences is based on information from the following six sources: (1) family, adolescent, and battered women shelters; (2) the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare (Welfare); (3) the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS); (4) school…

Health and Risk Behaviors of Massachusetts Youth, 2007: The Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2008

2008-01-01

This paper presents the results of two coordinated surveys of Massachusetts adolescents, the 2007 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey (ESE) and the Massachusetts Youth Health Survey (DPH). These two surveys were supported by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and administered in a random selection of 124 public…

Giving It Our Best Shot? Human Papillomavirus and Hepatitis B Virus Immunization Among Refugees, Massachusetts, 2011-2013.

PubMed

Berman, Rachel Stein; Smock, Laura; Bair-Merritt, Megan H; Cochran, Jennifer; Geltman, Paul L

2017-06-22

The receipt rate of hepatitis B virus vaccine among adolescents in the United States is high, while the receipt rate of human papillomavirus vaccine is low. Rates have not been closely studied among refugees, whose home countries have high rates of disease caused by these viruses. We examined human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus immunization rates among 2,269 refugees aged 9 to 26 years who resettled in Massachusetts from 2011 through 2013. This was a secondary analysis of data from their medical screenings. We used binary logistic regression to assess characteristics associated with immunization and bivariate analyses to compare refugee immunization rates with those of the general US population. Forty-five percent of US adolescents aged 13 to 17 years received 1 dose of human papillomavirus vaccine, compared with 68% of similarly aged refugees. Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.74), refugees older than 13 years (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.93), and refugees not from Sub-Saharan Africa (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.92) were less likely to receive human papillomavirus vaccine, while arrivals in 2012 through 2013 were more likely (aOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9) than those arriving in 2011. Refugees older than 13 years were less likely to receive 2 doses of hepatitis B virus vaccine (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37-0.63) than older refugees. Specialized post-arrival health assessment may improve refugees' immunization rates.

SU-E-P-10: Establishment of Local Diagnostic Reference Levels of Routine Exam in Computed Tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yeh, M; Wang, Y; Weng, H

Introduction National diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) can be used as a reference dose of radiological examination can provide radiation dose as the basis of patient dose optimization. Local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) by periodically view and check doses, more efficiency to improve the way of examination. Therefore, the important first step is establishing a diagnostic reference level. Computed Tomography in Taiwan had been built up the radiation dose limit value,in addition, many studies report shows that CT scan contributed most of the radiation dose in different medical. Therefore, this study was mainly to let everyone understand DRL’s international status. Formore » computed tomography in our hospital to establish diagnostic reference levels. Methods and Materials: There are two clinical CT scanners (a Toshiba Aquilion and a Siemens Sensation) were performed in this study. For CT examinations the basic recommended dosimetric quantity is the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI). Each exam each different body part, we collect 10 patients at least. Carried out the routine examinations, and all exposure parameters have been collected and the corresponding CTDIv and DLP values have been determined. Results: The majority of patients (75%) were between 60–70 Kg of body weight. There are 25 examinations in this study. Table 1 shows the LDRL of each CT routine examination. Conclusions: Therefore, this study would like to let everyone know DRL’s international status, but also establishment of computed tomography of the local reference levels for our hospital, and providing radiation reference, as a basis for optimizing patient dose.« less

Universal Health Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts Did Not Change the Trajectory of Arthroplasty Use or Costs.

PubMed

Kurtz, Steven M; Lau, Edmund; Ong, Kevin L; Katz, Jeffrey N; Bozic, Kevin J

2016-05-01

The state of Massachusetts enacted universal health insurance in 2006. However it is unknown whether the increased access to care resulted in changes to surgical use or costs. We asked the following related research questions: compared with the United States as a whole, how did the (1) number of cases (as a percentage of the overall population, to account for changes in the overall population during the time surveyed), (2) payer mix, and (3) inpatient costs for arthroplasty change in Massachusetts after introduction of health insurance reform? We analyzed the use and cost of primary THAs and TKAs in Massachusetts using the State Inpatient Database (SID) between 2002 and 2011 compared with the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) during the same years. The SID captures 100% of inpatient procedures in Massachusetts, while the NIS is a nationally representative database of inpatient procedures for the United States. The SID and NIS are publicly available data sources from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and include information regarding procedure volumes, payer mixes, and costs. Inpatient costs were defined similarly in both databases by using hospital charges and an average cost-to-charge ratio that is unique for each hospital. The incidence of arthroplasties was calculated by dividing the procedure volume by the relevant population (either for Massachusetts or the entire country) based on public data from the United States Census bureau. The incidence of THAs and TKAs performed in Massachusetts increased steadily throughout the study period, and paralleled a similar increase in the United States as a whole. In Massachusetts, the incidence of THAs increased by 59% between 2002 and 2011, and the incidence of TKAs likewise increased by 80%. The trends for the incidence in total joint arthroplasties were similar to those for Massachusetts for the United States as a whole. The period of health insurance reform in Massachusetts was associated with a greater proportion of patients covered by Medicaid, Commonwealth Care, or Health Safety Net for THAs and TKAs. By 2011, universal health insurance in Massachusetts covered 2.45% of primary THAs and 2.77% of primary TKAs. Coverage for Medicaid in Massachusetts increased from 3.23% and 3.04% of THAs and TKAs in 2002 to 4.06% and 4.34% respectively in 2011. On average, Medicaid coverage was greater for TKAs in Massachusetts than across the United States during the study period. The introduction of health insurance reform had a minimal effect on the cost of total joint arthroplasties in Massachusetts. Although the costs of total joint arthroplasties in the United States were higher than those in Massachusetts, this difference narrowed substantially from 2002 to 2011, with the Massachusetts cost trending upward and the overall United States cost trending downward. Despite extending insurance coverage to the entire state of Massachusetts, there was little change in actual utilization trends for joint replacement. The enactment of universal health insurance coverage in Massachusetts appears to have been a nonevent insofar as the use and cost of total hip and knee surgeries is concerned in the state. Factors other than health insurance reform appear to be driving the growth in demand for arthroplasties in Massachusetts and are likely to do so as well in the United States under the Affordable Care Act of 2010.

Massachusetts English Language Learners' Profiles and Progress: A Report for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slama, Rachel; Haynes, Erin; Sacks, Lynne; Lee, Dong Hoon; August, Diane

2015-01-01

The present study was commissioned by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) to provide a profile of Massachusetts English Language Learners (ELLs) and policy recommendations for improving their outcomes. ESE was concerned about previous study findings that most of these learners exited ELL instructional programs…

Mental health issues among college students: who gets referred for psychopharmacology evaluation?

PubMed

Kirsch, Daniel J; Doerfler, Leonard A; Truong, Debbie

2015-01-01

To describe diagnostic and psychotropic medication prescription characteristics among college students referred by college counseling centers for psychopharmacologic evaluation. Participants were 540 college students referred by 6 college counseling centers in Massachusetts between November 2005 and May 2011. Students completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and attempts, and substance use. Information regarding DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition) diagnosis, previous history of medication prescription, and current psychotropic medication(s) prescribed by the consulting psychiatrist was obtained from medical records. Depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were the most common psychiatric problems identified in students. Half of these students had been prescribed mediation prior to evaluation. Antidepressant medication was the most frequently prescribed medication. A large proportion of students reported previous thoughts of suicide, and 12% had made at least 1 suicide attempt. Depression, anxiety, and ADHD are common among students referred by college counseling centers for medication evaluation and treatment.

Reference Levels for Patient Radiation Doses in Interventional Radiology: Proposed Initial Values for U.S. Practice1

PubMed Central

Miller, Donald L.; Kwon, Deukwoo; Bonavia, Grant H.

2009-01-01

Purpose: To propose initial values for patient reference levels for fluoroscopically guided procedures in the United States. Materials and Methods: This secondary analysis of data from the Radiation Doses in Interventional Radiology Procedures (RAD-IR) study was conducted under a protocol approved by the institutional review board and was HIPAA compliant. Dose distributions (percentiles) were calculated for each type of procedure in the RAD-IR study where there were data from at least 30 cases. Confidence intervals for the dose distributions were determined by using bootstrap resampling. Weight banding and size correction methods for normalizing dose to patient body habitus were tested. Results: The different methods for normalizing patient radiation dose according to patient weight gave results that were not significantly different (P > .05). The 75th percentile patient radiation doses normalized with weight banding were not significantly different from those that were uncorrected for body habitus. Proposed initial reference levels for various interventional procedures are provided for reference air kerma, kerma-area product, fluoroscopy time, and number of images. Conclusion: Sufficient data exist to permit an initial proposal of values for reference levels for interventional radiologic procedures in the United States. For ease of use, reference levels without correction for body habitus are recommended. A national registry of radiation-dose data for interventional radiologic procedures is a necessary next step to refine these reference levels. © RSNA, 2009 Supplemental material: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.2533090354/-/DC1 PMID:19789226

30 CFR 921.700 - Massachusetts Federal program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... INTERIOR PROGRAMS FOR THE CONDUCT OF SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS WITHIN EACH STATE MASSACHUSETTS § 921.700... the nature of Massachusetts' terrain, climate, biological, chemical or other relevant physical...

30 CFR 921.700 - Massachusetts Federal program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... INTERIOR PROGRAMS FOR THE CONDUCT OF SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS WITHIN EACH STATE MASSACHUSETTS § 921.700... the nature of Massachusetts' terrain, climate, biological, chemical or other relevant physical...

30 CFR 921.700 - Massachusetts Federal program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... INTERIOR PROGRAMS FOR THE CONDUCT OF SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS WITHIN EACH STATE MASSACHUSETTS § 921.700... the nature of Massachusetts' terrain, climate, biological, chemical or other relevant physical...

30 CFR 921.700 - Massachusetts Federal program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... INTERIOR PROGRAMS FOR THE CONDUCT OF SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS WITHIN EACH STATE MASSACHUSETTS § 921.700... the nature of Massachusetts' terrain, climate, biological, chemical or other relevant physical...

Time for a Change: The Promise of Extended Time Schools for Promoting Student Achievement. Executive Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farbman, David; Kaplan, Claire

2005-01-01

Massachusetts 2020 is a nonprofit operating foundation with a mission to expand educational and economic opportunities for children and families across Massachusetts. Massachusetts 2020, with support from the L.G. Balfour Foundation, a Bank of America Company, set out to understand how a select group of extended-time schools in Massachusetts and…

TH-E-209-01: Fluoroscopic Dose Monitoring and Patient Follow-Up Program at Massachusetts General Hospital

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, B.

2016-06-15

Radiation dose monitoring solutions have opened up new opportunities for medical physicists to be more involved in modern clinical radiology practices. In particular, with the help of comprehensive radiation dose data, data-driven protocol management and informed case follow up are now feasible. Significant challenges remain however and the problems faced by medical physicists are highly heterogeneous. Imaging systems from multiple vendors and a wide range of vintages co-exist in the same department and employ data communication protocols that are not fully standardized or implemented making harmonization complex. Many different solutions for radiation dose monitoring have been implemented by imaging facilitiesmore » over the past few years. Such systems are based on commercial software, home-grown IT solutions, manual PACS data dumping, etc., and diverse pathways can be used to bring the data to impact clinical practice. The speakers will share their experiences with creating or tailoring radiation dose monitoring/management systems and procedures over the past few years, which vary significantly in design and scope. Topics to cover: (1) fluoroscopic dose monitoring and high radiation event handling from a large academic hospital; (2) dose monitoring and protocol optimization in pediatric radiology; and (3) development of a home-grown IT solution and dose data analysis framework. Learning Objectives: Describe the scope and range of radiation dose monitoring and protocol management in a modern radiology practice Review examples of data available from a variety of systems and how it managed and conveyed. Reflect on the role of the physicist in radiation dose awareness.« less

Conversion of ICRP male reference phantom to polygon-surface phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeom, Yeon Soo; Han, Min Cheol; Kim, Chan Hyeong; Jeong, Jong Hwi

2013-10-01

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference phantoms, developed based on computed tomography images of human bodies, provide much more realism of human anatomy than the previously used MIRD5 (Medical Internal Radiation Dose) mathematical phantoms. It has been, however, realized that the ICRP reference phantoms have some critical limitations showing a considerable amount of holes for the skin and wall organs mainly due to the nature of voxels of which the phantoms are made, especially due to their low voxel resolutions. To address this problem, we are planning to develop the polygon-surface version of ICRP reference phantoms by directly converting the ICRP reference phantoms (voxel phantoms) to polygon-surface phantoms. The objective of this preliminary study is to see if it is indeed possible to construct the high-quality polygon-surface phantoms based on the ICRP reference phantoms maintaining identical organ morphology and also to identify any potential issues, and technologies to address these issues, in advance. For this purpose, in the present study, the ICRP reference male phantom was roughly converted to a polygon-surface phantom. Then, the constructed phantom was implemented in Geant4, Monte Carlo particle transport code, for dose calculations, and the calculated dose values were compared with those of the original ICRP reference phantom to see how much the calculated dose values are sensitive to the accuracy of the conversion process. The results of the present study show that it is certainly possible to convert the ICRP reference phantoms to surface phantoms with enough accuracy. In spite of using relatively less resources (<2 man-months), we were able to construct the polygon-surface phantom with the organ masses perfectly matching the ICRP reference values. The analysis of the calculated dose values also implies that the dose values are indeed not very sensitive to the detailed morphology of the organ models in the phantom for highly penetrating radiations such as photons and neutrons. The results of the electron beams, on the other hand, show that the dose values of the polygon-surface phantom are higher by a factor of 2-5 times than those of the ICRP reference phantom for the skin and wall organs which have large holes due to low voxel resolution. The results demonstrate that the ICRP reference phantom could provide significantly unreasonable dose values to thin or wall organs especially for weakly penetrating radiations. Therefore, when compared to the original ICRP reference phantoms, it is believed that the polygon-surface version of ICRP reference phantoms properly developed will not only provide the same or similar dose values (say, difference <5 or 10%) for highly penetrating radiations, but also provide correct dose values for the weakly penetrating radiations such as electrons and other charged particles.

Implementation of a cardiac surgery report card: lessons from the Massachusetts experience.

PubMed

Shahian, David M; Torchiana, David F; Normand, Sharon-Lise T

2005-09-01

Demand is increasing for public accountability in health care. In 2000, the Massachusetts legislature mandated a state report card for cardiac surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions. During the planning and implementation of this report card, a number of observations were made that may prove useful to other states faced with similar mandates. These include the necessity for constructive, nonadversarial collaboration between regulators, clinicians, and statisticians; the advantages of preemptive adoption of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons [STS] National Cardiac Database, preferably before a report card is mandated; the support and resources available to cardiac surgeons through the STS, the National Cardiac Database Committee, and the Duke Clinical Research Institute; the value of a state STS organization; and the importance of media education to facilitate fair and dispassionate press coverage. Some important features of report cards may vary from state to state depending on the legislative mandate, local preferences, and statistical expertise. These include the choice of a statistical model and analytical technique, national versus regional reference population, and whether individual surgeon profiling is required.

Forest statistics for Massachusetts

Treesearch

John R. Peters; Teresa M. Bowers

1977-01-01

This report contains data from the second inventory of the forest resources of Massachusetts. The inventory was completed in 1971 by the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources.

Microdosimetric intercomparison of BNCT beams at BNL and MIT.

PubMed

Burmeister, Jay; Riley, Kent; Coderre, Jeffrey A; Harling, Otto K; Ma, Ruimei; Wielopolski, Lucian; Kota, Chandrasekhar; Maughan, Richard L

2003-08-01

Microdosimetric measurements have been performed at the clinical beam intensities in two epithermal neutron beams, the Brookhaven Medical Research Reactor and the M67 beam at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor, which have been used to treat patients with Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). These measurements offer an independent assessment of the dosimetry used at these two facilities, as well as provide information about the radiation quality not obtainable from conventional macrodosimetric techniques. Moreover, they provide a direct measurement of the absorbed dose resulting from the BNC reaction. BNC absorbed doses measured within this study are approximately 15% lower than those estimated using foil activation at both MIT and BNL. Finally, an intercomparison of the characteristics and radiation quality of these two clinical beams is presented. The techniques described here allow an accurate quantitative comparison of the physical absorbed dose as well as a measure of the biological effectiveness of the absorbed dose delivered by different epithermal beams. No statistically significant differences were observed in the predicted RBEs of these two beams. The methodology presented here can help to facilitate the effective sharing of clinical results in an effort to demonstrate the clinical utility of BNCT.

Insertion of Foreign Bodies (polyembolokoilamania): Underpinnings and Management Strategies

PubMed Central

Unruh, Brandon T.; Nejad, Shamim H.; Stern, Thomas W.

2012-01-01

LESSONS LEARNED AT THE INTERFACE OF MEDICINE AND PSYCHIATRY The Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital sees medical and surgical inpatients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms and conditions. Such consultations require the integration of medical and psychiatric knowledge. During their twice-weekly rounds, Dr Stern and other members of the Consultation Service discuss the diagnosis and management of conditions confronted. These discussions have given rise to rounds reports that will prove useful for clinicians practicing at the interface of medicine and psychiatry. Dr Unruh is an attending psychiatrist at McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, and an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Dr Nejad is an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, an attending physician on the Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and the director of the Burns and Trauma Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Mr Stern is a research assistant in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Dr Stern is chief of the Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Dr Stern is an employee of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, has served on the speaker's board of Reed Elsevier, is a stock shareholder in WiFiMD (Tablet PC), and has received royalties from Mosby/Elsevier and McGraw Hill. Drs Unruh and Nejad and Mr Stern report no financial or other affiliations relevant to the subject of this article. PMID:22690353

Transportation and Travel: Travel Overseas

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-20

FORT LEANORD WOOD OSCEOLA OFFUTT AFB NE FORT LEANORD WOOD PAGE OFFUTT AFB NE FORT LEANORD WOOD PALO OFFUTT AFB NE FORT LEANORD WOOD PLYMOUTH OFFUTT...goods—Continued COUNTY HHG ORDERS ADAIR FORT KNOX KY ALLEN FORT KNOX KY ANDERSON LEXINGTON BLUE GRASS ARMY DEPOT BALLARD FORT CAMPBELL KY BARREN FORT...MASSACHUSETTS FORT DEVENS MA PLYMOUTH JPPSO–MASSACHUSETTS FORT DEVENS MA SUFFOLK JPPSO–MASSACHUSETTS FORT DEVENS MA WORCESTER JPPSO–MASSACHUSETTS FORT DEVENS

Agreement between the Board of Regents of Higher Education and the Massachusetts Society of Professors at the University of Lowell, July 1, 1983-June 30, 1986.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowell Univ., MA.

The collective bargaining agreement between the Massachusetts Board of Regents of Higher Education and the Massachusetts Society of Professors at the University of Lowell covering the period July 1, 1983-June 30, 1986 is presented. An affiliate of the National Education Association and the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the unit has 423…

A resolution commending the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of Sean Collier, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department, Martin Richard, an 8-year-old resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Krystle Campbell, a native of Medford, Massachusetts, Lu Lingzi, a student at Boston University, and all the victims who are recovering from injuries caused by the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, including Richard Donohue, Jr., an officer in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA

2013-04-25

Senate - 04/25/2013 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

EPA Provides Brownfields Grants to Western Massachusetts Communities

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrated the recipients of seven Brownfields grants in western Massachusetts. This year, entities in western Massachusetts received $2.4 million for assessment and cleanup of Brownfields sites.

A national patient dose survey and setting of reference levels for interventional radiology in Bulgaria.

PubMed

Zotova, R; Vassileva, J; Hristova, J; Pirinen, M; Järvinen, H

2012-06-01

A national study on patient dose values in interventional radiology and cardiology was performed in order to assess current practice in Bulgaria, to estimate the typical patient doses and to propose reference levels for the most common procedures. Fifteen units and more than 1,000 cases were included. Average values of the measured parameters for three procedures-coronary angiography (CA), combined procedure (CA + PCI) and lower limb arteriography (LLA)--were compared with data published in the literature. Substantial variations were observed in equipment and procedure protocols used. This resulted in variations in patient dose: air-kerma area product ranges were 4-339, 6-1,003 and 0.2-288 Gy cm(2) for CA, CA + PCI and LLA respectively. Reference levels for air kerma-area product were proposed: 40 Gy cm(2) for CA, 140 Gy cm(2) for CA + PCI and 45 Gy cm(2) for LLA. Auxiliary reference intervals were proposed for other dose-related parameters: fluoroscopy time, number of images and entrance surface air kerma rate in fluoroscopy and cine mode. There is an apparent necessity for improvement in the classification of peripheral procedures and for standardisation of the protocols applied. It is important that patient doses are routinely recorded and compared with reference levels. • Patient doses in interventional radiology are high and vary greatly • Better standardisation of procedures and techniques is needed to improve practice • Dose reference levels for most common procedures are proposed.

Patient turnover and nursing employment in Massachusetts hospitals before and after health insurance reform: implications for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

PubMed

Shindul-Rothschild, Judith; Gregas, Matt

2013-01-01

The Affordable Care Act is modeled after Massachusetts insurance reforms enacted in 2006. A linear mixed effect model examined trends in patient turnover and nurse employment in Massachusetts, New York, and California nonfederal hospitals from 2000 to 2011. The linear mixed effect analysis found that the rate of increase in hospital admissions was significantly higher in Massachusetts hospitals (p<.001) than that in California and New York (p=.007). The rate of change in registered nurses full-time equivalent hours per patient day was significantly less (p=.02) in Massachusetts than that in California and was not different from zero. The rate of change in admissions to registered nurses full-time equivalent hours per patient day was significantly greater in Massachusetts than California (p=.001) and New York (p<.01). Nurse staffing remained flat in Massachusetts, despite a significant increase in hospital admissions. The implications of the findings for nurse employment and hospital utilization following the implementation of national health insurance reform are discussed.

40 CFR 52.1126 - Control strategy: Sulfur oxides.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... granted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering.) Massachusetts Mutual Life... stack). Central Massachusetts APCD Borden, Inc., Chemical Division, Leominster (conditioned upon first... Department of Environmental Quality Engineering.). Gardner State Hospital, Gardner. Grafton State Hospital...

40 CFR 52.1126 - Control strategy: Sulfur oxides.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... granted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering.) Massachusetts Mutual Life... stack). Central Massachusetts APCD Borden, Inc., Chemical Division, Leominster (conditioned upon first... Department of Environmental Quality Engineering.). Gardner State Hospital, Gardner. Grafton State Hospital...

40 CFR 52.1126 - Control strategy: Sulfur oxides.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... granted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering.) Massachusetts Mutual Life... stack). Central Massachusetts APCD Borden, Inc., Chemical Division, Leominster (conditioned upon first... Department of Environmental Quality Engineering.). Gardner State Hospital, Gardner. Grafton State Hospital...

No Further Action Decision Under CERCLA, Study Area 43B, Historic Gas Station Sites, Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

I U.S. Army EnvironmentalCenter NO FURTHER ACTION DECISION UNDER CERCLA * STUDY AREA 43B HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES U FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS I I... FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS I I i * Prepared for: U.S. Army Environmental Center Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland Contract DAAA15-91-0008 I Prepared...HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title Page No. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OSA (Optical Society of America) Proceedings on Short Wavelength Coherent Radiation: Generation and Applications Held in North Falmouth, Massachusetts on 26-29 September 1988. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-01

obtained using CVI 6d-2p line 142 Axial as a reference line[5]. The maximum en- hancement factor of 4.2 and corresponding cv1 gain length product of...C. Solem, and C. K. Rhodes ..... .............. 220 Multiphoton Ionization for the Production of X-Ray Laser Plasmas by P. B. Corkum and N. H...Diffraction Using Synchrotron Radiation by Rudolf Ruffer ......... ............................... 400 The Production of Long Coherence-Length Hard X

Molecular Biology and Functions of Carrier Proteins. Annual Symposium (46th) of the Society of General Physiologists held in Woods Hole, Massachusetts on September 10-13, 1992. Volume 48

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-13

grants from the NIH, NSF. and National Foundation for Cancer Research. M. A. Lemmon is supported by a predoctoral fellowship from the Howard Hughes...American Cancer Society Research Professor. References Ahmad. M.. and H. Bussey. 1988. Topology of membrane insertion in vitro and plasma membrane assembly...Beckwith. 1989. Genetic studies on the inabilitv of beta -galactosidase to be translocated across thc E. coli cytoplasmic membrane. Journal of Bactenoloi

Atomic-Scale Imaging of Surfaces and Interfaces. Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings Held in Boston, Massachusetts on November 30-December 2, 1992. Volume 295

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

basic reference structure, changes to which can be studied as a function of doping and/or processing parameters . and correlated to electrical and...MICROSCOPY CHARACTERIZATION OF EPITAXIAL GROWTH OF Ag DEPOSITED ON MgO MICROCUBES 127 J. Liu, M. Pan, and GE. Spinnler REAL-TIME VIEWING OF DYNAMIC...IMAGING OF GRAIN BOUNDARIES IN Pr- DOPED ZnO CERAMICS 189 I.G. Solorzano, J.B. VanDer Sande, K.K. Baek, and H.L. Tuller ATOMIC STRUCTURES AND DEFECTS OF

Proceedings of the 1996 Space Surveillance Workshop Held in Lexington, Massachusetts on 2-4 April 1996. Volume 1,

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-04-04

of multi-spectral SOI data. These spectra are for blue (B), visible (V), red (R) and infrared (I). Broadband SOI can also be collected in the open...the etalon is of order 200nm with a finesse of order 20, three spectral channels in blue , red and near-IR can be created and separated using a low...References 1 Lincoln Labs. J. 5 (1992) Nol. 2 Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics Workshop, Vols 1&2, R Q Fugate (Ed), SOR, Phillips Lab/LITE

Immigration Reporting Laws: Ethical Dilemmas in Pediatric Practice

PubMed Central

Geltman, Paul L.; Meyers, Alan F.

1998-01-01

Objectives. This study assessed the potential impact of immigration reporting requirements on pediatricians' referrals to child protective services. Methods. A random sample of 200 Massachusetts pediatricians were surveyed. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results. Asked whether potential deportation of the family would cause them to question or alter a decision to refer, 50% of the respondents said yes. Conclusions. Pediatricians, as mandated reporters of child abuse, will face ethical dilemmas if laws requiring reporting of immigration status are enacted. (Am J Public Health. 1998;88:967-968) PMID:9618632

Proceedings of the MIT Student Workshop on VLSI and Parallel Systems Held in Dedham, Massachusetts on 21 July 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-07-01

don’t multiplez the host References wtres, then neither does E., ® El. By repeated application of Theorem 1, using a leveled [1] D. S. Greenberg and S. N...1900, David Hilbert proposed twenty-three problems covering all areas of mathematics that guided the field for decades. These problems served a driving...session was to propose several grand challenge problems, similar in spirit to those of Hilbert [W1: [A] problem should be difficult in order to entice us

Giving It Our Best Shot? Human Papillomavirus and Hepatitis B Virus Immunization Among Refugees, Massachusetts, 2011–2013

PubMed Central

Smock, Laura; Bair-Merritt, Megan H.; Cochran, Jennifer; Geltman, Paul L.

2017-01-01

Introduction The receipt rate of hepatitis B virus vaccine among adolescents in the United States is high, while the receipt rate of human papillomavirus vaccine is low. Rates have not been closely studied among refugees, whose home countries have high rates of disease caused by these viruses. Methods We examined human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus immunization rates among 2,269 refugees aged 9 to 26 years who resettled in Massachusetts from 2011 through 2013. This was a secondary analysis of data from their medical screenings. We used binary logistic regression to assess characteristics associated with immunization and bivariate analyses to compare refugee immunization rates with those of the general US population. Results Forty-five percent of US adolescents aged 13 to 17 years received 1 dose of human papillomavirus vaccine, compared with 68% of similarly aged refugees. Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–0.74), refugees older than 13 years (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60–0.93), and refugees not from Sub-Saharan Africa (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59–0.92) were less likely to receive human papillomavirus vaccine, while arrivals in 2012 through 2013 were more likely (aOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3–1.9) than those arriving in 2011. Refugees older than 13 years were less likely to receive 2 doses of hepatitis B virus vaccine (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37–0.63) than older refugees. Conclusion Specialized post-arrival health assessment may improve refugees’ immunization rates. PMID:28641071

Designing an effective statewide tobacco control program--Massachusetts.

PubMed

Connolly, G; Robbins, H

1998-12-15

Smoking-related illnesses kill > 10,000 Massachusetts residents each year and cost hundreds of millions of dollars of public and private expenditures for health care. To combat this public health problem, in 1992 Massachusetts voters approved a referendum question calling for an increased excise tax on tobacco products, with the revenue supporting a Health Protection Fund. Approximately 40% of the fund is used to finance the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program (MTCP), administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. During the first 3 fiscal years (FY), the MTCP budget has averaged just over $40 million annually, declining during that period from approximately $43 million in FY 1995 to < $37 million in FY 1997.

Expedition_55_Education_In-flight_UMASS-Dartmouth_2018_065_1730_625583_625583_hires

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

SPACE STATION CREW MEMBER DISCUSSES LIFE IN SPACE WITH MASSACHUSETTS STUDENTS--------------------------------------- Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 55 Flight Engineer Scott Tingle of NASA discussed life and research on the orbital complex during an educational in-flight event March 6 with students at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Tingle, who is a native of Massachusetts, is in the midst of a five-and-a-half month mission on the station.

No Further Action Decision Under CERCLA Study Area 43N Historic Gas Station Sites Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS CONTRACT DAAA15-91-0008 U.S. ARMY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MARYLAND JANUARY 1995 PRINTED ON...HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS I . Prepared for: U.S. Army Environmental Center Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland Contract DAAA15-91...DECISION UNDER CERCLA STUDY AREA 43N HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS U Section Title Page No. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

77 FR 76584 - Massachusetts Disaster # MA-00051

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-28

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13420 and 13421] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00051 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 12/12/2012. Incident...

76 FR 30748 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00033

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-26

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declarations 12597 and 12598] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00033 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 05/19/2011. Incident...

75 FR 25305 - Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00025

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-07

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12100 and 12101] Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00025 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 1. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (FEMA...

77 FR 76585 - Massachusetts Disaster # MA-00052

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-28

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13417 and 13418] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00052 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 12/11/2012. Incident...

78 FR 25336 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00054

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-30

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13549 and 13550] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00054 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...

77 FR 12350 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00047

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-29

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13021 and 13022] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00047 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 02/21/2012. Incident...

75 FR 79064 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00030

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-17

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12407 and 12408] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00030 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 12/07/2010. Incident...

75 FR 39059 - Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00025

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-07

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12100 and 12101] Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00025 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 3. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (FEMA...

76 FR 40766 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00035

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-11

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12658 and 12659] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00035 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 06/29/2011. Incident...

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Residential Provisions of the 2015 IECC for Massachusetts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mendon, Vrushali V.; Zhao, Mingjie; Taylor, Zachary T.

2016-02-15

The 2015 IECC provides cost-effective savings for residential buildings in Massachusetts. Moving to the 2015 IECC from the 2012 IECC base code is cost-effective for residential buildings in all climate zones in Massachusetts.

Exploring Massachusetts Health Care Reform Impact on Fee-for-Service-Funded Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers.

PubMed

Fields, Dail; Pruett, Jana; Roman, Paul M

2015-01-01

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is forecast to increase the demand for and utilization of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Massachusetts implemented health reforms similar to the ACA in 2006-2007 that included expanding coverage for SUD treatment. This study explored the impact of Massachusetts health reforms from 2007 to 2010 on SUD treatment providers in Massachusetts, who relied on fee-for-service billings for more than 50% of their revenue. The changes across treatment facilities located in Massachusetts were compared to changes in other similar fee-for-service-funded SUD treatment providers in Northeast states bordering Massachusetts and in all other states across the US. From 2007-2010, the percentage changes for Massachusetts based providers were significantly different from the changes among providers located in the rest of the US for admissions, outpatient census, average weeks of outpatient treatment, residential/in-patient census, detoxification census, length of average inpatient and outpatient stays, and provision of medication-assisted treatment. Contrary to previous studies of publicly funded treatment providers, the results of this exploratory study of providers dependent on fee-for-service revenues were consistent with some predictions for the overall effects of the ACA.

Direct dose mapping versus energy/mass transfer mapping for 4D dose accumulation: fundamental differences and dosimetric consequences.

PubMed

Li, Haisen S; Zhong, Hualiang; Kim, Jinkoo; Glide-Hurst, Carri; Gulam, Misbah; Nurushev, Teamour S; Chetty, Indrin J

2014-01-06

The direct dose mapping (DDM) and energy/mass transfer (EMT) mapping are two essential algorithms for accumulating the dose from different anatomic phases to the reference phase when there is organ motion or tumor/tissue deformation during the delivery of radiation therapy. DDM is based on interpolation of the dose values from one dose grid to another and thus lacks rigor in defining the dose when there are multiple dose values mapped to one dose voxel in the reference phase due to tissue/tumor deformation. On the other hand, EMT counts the total energy and mass transferred to each voxel in the reference phase and calculates the dose by dividing the energy by mass. Therefore it is based on fundamentally sound physics principles. In this study, we implemented the two algorithms and integrated them within the Eclipse treatment planning system. We then compared the clinical dosimetric difference between the two algorithms for ten lung cancer patients receiving stereotactic radiosurgery treatment, by accumulating the delivered dose to the end-of-exhale (EE) phase. Specifically, the respiratory period was divided into ten phases and the dose to each phase was calculated and mapped to the EE phase and then accumulated. The displacement vector field generated by Demons-based registration of the source and reference images was used to transfer the dose and energy. The DDM and EMT algorithms produced noticeably different cumulative dose in the regions with sharp mass density variations and/or high dose gradients. For the planning target volume (PTV) and internal target volume (ITV) minimum dose, the difference was up to 11% and 4% respectively. This suggests that DDM might not be adequate for obtaining an accurate dose distribution of the cumulative plan, instead, EMT should be considered.

Direct dose mapping versus energy/mass transfer mapping for 4D dose accumulation: fundamental differences and dosimetric consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Haisen S.; Zhong, Hualiang; Kim, Jinkoo; Glide-Hurst, Carri; Gulam, Misbah; Nurushev, Teamour S.; Chetty, Indrin J.

2014-01-01

The direct dose mapping (DDM) and energy/mass transfer (EMT) mapping are two essential algorithms for accumulating the dose from different anatomic phases to the reference phase when there is organ motion or tumor/tissue deformation during the delivery of radiation therapy. DDM is based on interpolation of the dose values from one dose grid to another and thus lacks rigor in defining the dose when there are multiple dose values mapped to one dose voxel in the reference phase due to tissue/tumor deformation. On the other hand, EMT counts the total energy and mass transferred to each voxel in the reference phase and calculates the dose by dividing the energy by mass. Therefore it is based on fundamentally sound physics principles. In this study, we implemented the two algorithms and integrated them within the Eclipse treatment planning system. We then compared the clinical dosimetric difference between the two algorithms for ten lung cancer patients receiving stereotactic radiosurgery treatment, by accumulating the delivered dose to the end-of-exhale (EE) phase. Specifically, the respiratory period was divided into ten phases and the dose to each phase was calculated and mapped to the EE phase and then accumulated. The displacement vector field generated by Demons-based registration of the source and reference images was used to transfer the dose and energy. The DDM and EMT algorithms produced noticeably different cumulative dose in the regions with sharp mass density variations and/or high dose gradients. For the planning target volume (PTV) and internal target volume (ITV) minimum dose, the difference was up to 11% and 4% respectively. This suggests that DDM might not be adequate for obtaining an accurate dose distribution of the cumulative plan, instead, EMT should be considered.

75 FR 3764 - Massachusetts Disaster # MA-00024

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-22

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12020 and 12021] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00024 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 01/15/2010. Incident: Mystic...

75 FR 30872 - Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00025

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-02

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12100 and 12101] Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00025 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 2. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA-1895-DR...

76 FR 65557 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00043

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-21

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12884 and 12885] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00043 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 10/13/2011. [[Page 65558...

76 FR 53019 - Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00036

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-24

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12637 and 12638] Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00036 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 1. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA-1994-DR...

77 FR 2600 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00046

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-18

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12984 and 12985] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00046 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA...

77 FR 33263 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00048

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-05

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13078 and 13079] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00048 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 05/29/2012. Incident: Lake...

76 FR 13697 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00032

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-14

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12484 and 12485] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00032 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA...

76 FR 36952 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00037

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-23

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12639 and 12640] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00037 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA...

75 FR 45681 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00028.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-03

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12246 and 12247] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00028. AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS dated 07/27/2010. Incident: Severe...

77 FR 66214 - Massachusetts Disaster # MA-00049

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-02

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13348 and 13349] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00049 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated 10/22/2012. Incident: Severe...

76 FR 56859 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00039

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-14

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12799 and 12800] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00039 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (FEMA-4028-DR), dated 09/03...

75 FR 22874 - Massachusetts Disaster # MA-00027

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12138 and 12139] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00027 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA...

Reference dosimetry using radiochromic film

PubMed Central

Girard, Frédéric; Bouchard, Hugo

2012-01-01

The objectives of this study are to identify and quantify factors that influence radiochromic film dose response and to determine whether such films are suitable for reference dosimetry. The influence of several parameters that may introduce systematic dose errors when performing reference dose measurements were investigated. The effect of the film storage temperature was determined by comparing the performance of three lots of GAFCHROMIC EBT2 films stored at either 4°C or room temperature. The effect of high (>80%) or low (<20%) relative humidity was also determined. Doses measured in optimal conditions with EBT and EBT2 films were then compared with an A12 ionization chamber measurement. Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy quality controls using EBT2 films were also performed in reference dose. The results obtained using reference dose measurements were compared with those obtained using relative dose measurements. Storing the film at 4°C improves the stability of the film over time, but does not eliminate the noncatalytic film development, seen as a rise in optical density over time in the absence of radiation. Relative humidity variations ranging from 80% to 20% have a strong impact on the optical density and could introduce dose errors of up to 15% if the humidity were not controlled during the film storage period. During the scanning procedure, the film temperature influences the optical density that is measured. When controlling for these three parameters, the dose differences between EBT or EBT2 and the A12 chamber are found to be within ±4% (2σ level) over a dose range of 20–350 cGy. Our results also demonstrate the limitation of the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm for dose calculation of highly modulated treatment plans. PACS numbers: 87.55.Qr; 87.56.Fc PMID:23149793

Is ICRP guidance on the use of reference levels consistent?

PubMed

Hedemann-Jensen, Per; McEwan, Andrew C

2011-12-01

In ICRP 103, which has replaced ICRP 60, it is stated that no fundamental changes have been introduced compared with ICRP 60. This is true except that the application of reference levels in emergency and existing exposure situations seems to be applied inconsistently, and also in the related publications ICRP 109 and ICRP 111. ICRP 103 emphasises that focus should be on the residual doses after the implementation of protection strategies in emergency and existing exposure situations. If possible, the result of an optimised protection strategy should bring the residual dose below the reference level. Thus the reference level represents the maximum acceptable residual dose after an optimised protection strategy has been implemented. It is not an 'off-the-shelf item' that can be set free of the prevailing situation. It should be determined as part of the process of optimising the protection strategy. If not, protection would be sub-optimised. However, in ICRP 103 some inconsistent concepts have been introduced, e.g. in paragraph 279 which states: 'All exposures above or below the reference level should be subject to optimisation of protection, and particular attention should be given to exposures above the reference level'. If, in fact, all exposures above and below reference levels are subject to the process of optimisation, reference levels appear superfluous. It could be considered that if optimisation of protection below a fixed reference level is necessary, then the reference level has been set too high at the outset. Up until the last phase of the preparation of ICRP 103 the concept of a dose constraint was recommended to constrain the optimisation of protection in all types of exposure situations. In the final phase, the term 'dose constraint' was changed to 'reference level' for emergency and existing exposure situations. However, it seems as if in ICRP 103 it was not fully recognised that dose constraints and reference levels are conceptually different. The use of reference levels in radiological protection is reviewed. It is concluded that the recommendations in ICRP 103 and related ICRP publications seem to be inconsistent regarding the use of reference levels in existing and emergency exposure situations.

75 FR 17177 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00025

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-05

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12100 and 12101] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00025 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA-1895-DR), dated 03/29/ 2010...

76 FR 36953 - Massachusetts Disaster #MA-00036

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-23

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12637 and 12638] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00036 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Massachusetts (FEMA--1994--DR), dated 06/15/ 2011...

30 CFR 921.700 - Massachusetts Federal program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 921.700 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PROGRAMS FOR THE CONDUCT OF SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS WITHIN EACH STATE MASSACHUSETTS § 921.700 Massachusetts Federal program. (a) This part contains all rules that are applicable to surface coal mining...

46 CFR 15.1040 - Massachusetts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Massachusetts. 15.1040 Section 15.1040 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN MANNING REQUIREMENTS Vessels in Foreign Trade § 15.1040 Massachusetts. The following U.S. navigable waters located within the...

46 CFR 15.1040 - Massachusetts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Massachusetts. 15.1040 Section 15.1040 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN MANNING REQUIREMENTS Vessels in Foreign Trade § 15.1040 Massachusetts. The following U.S. navigable waters located within the...

46 CFR 15.1040 - Massachusetts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Massachusetts. 15.1040 Section 15.1040 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN MANNING REQUIREMENTS Vessels in Foreign Trade § 15.1040 Massachusetts. The following U.S. navigable waters located within the...

46 CFR 15.1040 - Massachusetts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Massachusetts. 15.1040 Section 15.1040 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN MANNING REQUIREMENTS Vessels in Foreign Trade § 15.1040 Massachusetts. The following U.S. navigable waters located within the...

46 CFR 15.1040 - Massachusetts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Massachusetts. 15.1040 Section 15.1040 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN MANNING REQUIREMENTS Vessels in Foreign Trade § 15.1040 Massachusetts. The following U.S. navigable waters located within the...

75 FR 32177 - Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Petition for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-07

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy [Docket Number EERE-BT-PET-0024] Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Petition for Exemption From Federal Preemption of Massachusetts' Energy Efficiency Standard for Residential Non...

77 FR 74868 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-18

... Inventory Completion: Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA AGENCY: National... Anthropology has completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes... the human remains may contact the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology...

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Massachusetts Sees Significant Growth in

Science.gov Websites

Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure Massachusetts Sees Significant Growth in Electric Vehicles Significant Growth in Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: Massachusetts Sees Significant Growth in Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure on Twitter Bookmark

Evaluation of the Massachusetts Competency-Based Vocational Education Program. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swartz, Janet P.

A study obtained information about implementation and impact of competency-based vocational education (CBVE) in Massachusetts secondary schools. Information was collected from teachers, administrators, Division of Occupational Education staff, the State Leadership Team, and staff at the Massachusetts Vocational Curriculum Resource Center. Findings…

76 FR 31241 - Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Program; Massachusetts; Announcing Delegation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-31

... Deterioration (PSD) Program; Massachusetts; Announcing Delegation Agreement Between EPA and Massachusetts... authority to implement and enforce the Federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program to the MassDEP. Therefore, effective that date, MassDEP is the implementing authority for the PSD program in...

75 FR 5898 - Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-05

... Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Changes to Reporting Dates AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service... States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon...

77 FR 13633 - Notice of Lodging Proposed Consent Decree

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-07

... wetlands in southeastern Massachusetts and to restore and perform compensatory mitigation at three existing... Protection Agency, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-3912. In addition, the... with the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in United States v. Charles...

78 FR 5350 - Adequacy of Massachusetts Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Permit Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-25

...] Adequacy of Massachusetts Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Permit Program AGENCY: Environmental Protection... modification of its approved Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Program. On March 22, 2004, EPA issued final... solid waste landfills by approved states. On December 7, 2012 Massachusetts submitted an application to...

78 FR 69404 - Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; Notice of Preliminary Determination of a Qualifying...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-19

... Water Resources Authority; Notice of Preliminary Determination of a Qualifying Conduit Hydropower... along the proposed McLaughlin Fish Hatchery Pipeline at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's..., Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, 100 First Avenue, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129, Phone No...

Characterization of a gated fiber-optic-coupled detector for application in clinical electron beam dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tanyi, James A.; Nitzling, Kevin D.; Lodwick, Camille J.

2011-02-15

Purpose: Assessment of the fundamental dosimetric characteristics of a novel gated fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system for clinical electron beam irradiation. Methods: The response of fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system to clinical electron beam, with nominal energy range of 6-20 MeV, was evaluated for reproducibility, linearity, and output dependence on dose rate, dose per pulse, energy, and field size. The validity of the detector system's response was assessed in correspondence with a reference ionization chamber. Results: The fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system showed little dependence to dose rate variations (coefficient of variation {+-}0.37%) and dose per pulse changes (with 0.54% of reference chamber measurements). The reproducibilitymore » of the system was {+-}0.55% for dose fractions of {approx}100 cGy. Energy dependence was within {+-}1.67% relative to the reference ionization chamber for the 6-20 MeV nominal electron beam energy range. The system exhibited excellent linear response (R{sup 2}=1.000) compared to reference ionization chamber in the dose range of 1-1000 cGy. The output factors were within {+-}0.54% of the corresponding reference ionization chamber measurements. Conclusions: The dosimetric properties of the gated fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system compare favorably to the corresponding reference ionization chamber measurements and show considerable potential for applications in clinical electron beam radiotherapy.« less

Incorporation of detailed eye model into polygon-mesh versions of ICRP-110 reference phantoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tat Nguyen, Thang; Yeom, Yeon Soo; Kim, Han Sung; Wang, Zhao Jun; Han, Min Cheol; Kim, Chan Hyeong; Lee, Jai Ki; Zankl, Maria; Petoussi-Henss, Nina; Bolch, Wesley E.; Lee, Choonsik; Chung, Beom Sun

2015-11-01

The dose coefficients for the eye lens reported in ICRP 2010 Publication 116 were calculated using both a stylized model and the ICRP-110 reference phantoms, according to the type of radiation, energy, and irradiation geometry. To maintain consistency of lens dose assessment, in the present study we incorporated the ICRP-116 detailed eye model into the converted polygon-mesh (PM) version of the ICRP-110 reference phantoms. After the incorporation, the dose coefficients for the eye lens were calculated and compared with those of the ICRP-116 data. The results showed generally a good agreement between the newly calculated lens dose coefficients and the values of ICRP 2010 Publication 116. Significant differences were found for some irradiation cases due mainly to the use of different types of phantoms. Considering that the PM version of the ICRP-110 reference phantoms preserve the original topology of the ICRP-110 reference phantoms, it is believed that the PM version phantoms, along with the detailed eye model, provide more reliable and consistent dose coefficients for the eye lens.

Ionization chamber-based reference dosimetry of intensity modulated radiation beams.

PubMed

Bouchard, Hugo; Seuntjens, Jan

2004-09-01

The present paper addresses reference dose measurements using thimble ionization chambers for quality assurance in IMRT fields. In these radiation fields, detector fluence perturbation effects invalidate the application of open-field dosimetry protocol data for the derivation of absorbed dose to water from ionization chamber measurements. We define a correction factor C(Q)IMRT to correct the absorbed dose to water calibration coefficient N(D, w)Q for fluence perturbation effects in individual segments of an IMRT delivery and developed a calculation method to evaluate the factor. The method consists of precalculating, using accurate Monte Carlo techniques, ionization chamber, type-dependent cavity air dose, and in-phantom dose to water at the reference point for zero-width pencil beams as a function of position of the pencil beams impinging on the phantom surface. These precalculated kernels are convolved with the IMRT fluence distribution to arrive at the dose-to-water-dose-to-cavity air ratio [D(a)w (IMRT)] for IMRT fields and with a 10x10 cm2 open-field fluence to arrive at the same ratio D(a)w (Q) for the 10x10 cm2 reference field. The correction factor C(Q)IMRT is then calculated as the ratio of D(a)w (IMRT) and D(a)w (Q). The calculation method was experimentally validated and the magnitude of chamber correction factors in reference dose measurements in single static and dynamic IMRT fields was studied. The results show that, for thimble-type ionization chambers the correction factor in a single, realistic dynamic IMRT field can be of the order of 10% or more. We therefore propose that for accurate reference dosimetry of complete n-beam IMRT deliveries, ionization chamber fluence perturbation correction factors must explicitly be taken into account.

Effect of Study Design on Sample Size in Studies Intended to Evaluate Bioequivalence of Inhaled Short‐Acting β‐Agonist Formulations

PubMed Central

Zeng, Yaohui; Singh, Sachinkumar; Wang, Kai

2017-01-01

Abstract Pharmacodynamic studies that use methacholine challenge to assess bioequivalence of generic and innovator albuterol formulations are generally designed per published Food and Drug Administration guidance, with 3 reference doses and 1 test dose (3‐by‐1 design). These studies are challenging and expensive to conduct, typically requiring large sample sizes. We proposed 14 modified study designs as alternatives to the Food and Drug Administration–recommended 3‐by‐1 design, hypothesizing that adding reference and/or test doses would reduce sample size and cost. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate sample size. Simulation inputs were selected based on published studies and our own experience with this type of trial. We also estimated effects of these modified study designs on study cost. Most of these altered designs reduced sample size and cost relative to the 3‐by‐1 design, some decreasing cost by more than 40%. The most effective single study dose to add was 180 μg of test formulation, which resulted in an estimated 30% relative cost reduction. Adding a single test dose of 90 μg was less effective, producing only a 13% cost reduction. Adding a lone reference dose of either 180, 270, or 360 μg yielded little benefit (less than 10% cost reduction), whereas adding 720 μg resulted in a 19% cost reduction. Of the 14 study design modifications we evaluated, the most effective was addition of both a 90‐μg test dose and a 720‐μg reference dose (42% cost reduction). Combining a 180‐μg test dose and a 720‐μg reference dose produced an estimated 36% cost reduction. PMID:29281130

75 FR 68629 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor Notice of Issuance of Renewed Facility Operating...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-08

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50-020; NRC-2010-0313] Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor Notice of Issuance of Renewed Facility Operating; License No. R-37 The U.S. Nuclear... Institute of Technology (the licensee), which authorizes continued operation of the Massachusetts Institute...

District, Union, and Community Collaboration: Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Dianne; Fearing, Erik

2017-01-01

While Massachusetts has received accolades for its high scores on the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests, absolute results from standardized tests tend to correlate strongly with family income and parental education. The Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education…

Child Abuse and Neglect: Protecting Massachusetts Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts KIDS COUNT, Boston.

This Massachusetts Kids Count report focuses on child abuse and neglect in the state of Massachusetts and presents recommendations for alleviating stressors contributing to child maltreatment. The report presents incidence information and identifies the impact of child abuse on future risk status. In addition, the report differentiates the 12…

Evaluation of the Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Initiative: Final Study Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Checkoway, Amy; Gamse, Beth; Velez, Melissa; Linkow, Tamara

2013-01-01

The Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time (ELT) initiative provides grants to selected schools to redesign their schedules by adding 300-plus instructional hours to the school year to improve outcomes, broaden enrichment opportunities, and provide teachers with more planning and professional development time. The Massachusetts Department of…

76 FR 16322 - Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-23

...; FV11-929-1] Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Continuance... Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and...

75 FR 18394 - Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-12

...; FV09-929-1 FR] Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Revised... Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and...

78 FR 73886 - Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., Paper Machine #21, Ancram, New York; Schweitzer-Mauduit...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-09

...., Columbia Mill, Lee, Massachusetts; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker... revealed that workers of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., Columbia Mill, Lee, Massachusetts are... working at Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., Columbia Mill, Lee, Massachusetts (TA-W-82,718A). The...

77 FR 6622 - Notice of Final Federal Agency Action on Proposed Bridge Replacement in Massachusetts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-08

... on Proposed Bridge Replacement in Massachusetts AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT... relates to the proposed Whittier Bridge (Interstate 95 over the Merrimack River) replacement/1-95... bridge/highway improvement project in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The proposed project involves as...

Nutrition Counts. Massachusetts Nutrition Surveillance System. FY90 Annual Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiecha, Jean L.; And Others

"Nutrition Counts," the pediatric portion of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's (MDPH) Nutrition Surveillance System, monitors and describes aspects of nutritional status among groups of young children in the state. This report presents cross-sectional data describing 5,176 infants and young children in Massachusetts. Of…

No Further Action Decision Under CERCLA Study Area 43E Historic Gas Station Sites Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

AREA 43E * HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES g FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS £ I CONTRACT DAAA15-91-D-0008I U.S. ARMY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER3 ABERDEEN PROVING...FURTHER ACTION DECISION UNDER CERCLA STUDY AREA 43E HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES I FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS i I 1 Prepared for: U.S. Army...7053-12 JANUARY 1995 I I. NO FURTHER ACTION DECISION UNDER CERCLA STUDY AREA 43E HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

High-resolution geophysical data from the Inner Continental Shelf: South of Martha's Vineyard and north of Nantucket, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ackerman, Seth D.; Brothers, Laura L.; Foster, David S.; Andrews, Brian D.; Baldwin, Wayne E.; Schwab, William C.

2016-10-28

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management have cooperated to map approximately 185 square kilometers of the inner continental shelf south of Martha’s Vineyard and north of Nantucket, Massachusetts. This report contains geophysical data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during a survey in 2013. The geophysical data include (1) swath bathymetry collected by using interferometric sonar, (2) acoustic backscatter from the interferometric sonar, and (3) seismic-reflection profiles from a chirp subbottom profiler. These spatial data support research on the Quaternary evolution of coastal Massachusetts, the influence of sea-level change and sediment supply on coastal evolution, and efforts to understand the type, distribution, and quality of subtidal marine habitats in the coastal ocean of Massachusetts.

A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.

PubMed

Dording, Christina M; Fisher, Lauren; Papakostas, George; Farabaugh, Amy; Sonawalla, Shamsah; Fava, Maurizio; Mischoulon, David

2008-01-01

We sought to determine whether maca, a Peruvian plant, is effective for selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced sexual dysfunction. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, parallel group dose-finding pilot study comparing a low-dose (1.5 g/day) to a high-dose (3.0 g/day) maca regimen in 20 remitted depressed outpatients (mean age 36+/-13 years; 17 women) with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ) were used to measure sexual dysfunction. Ten subjects completed the study, and 16 subjects (9 on 3.0 g/day; 7 on 1.5 g/day) were eligible for intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses on the basis of having had at least one postbaseline visit. ITT subjects on 3.0 g/day maca had a significant improvement in ASEX (from 22.8+/-3.8 to 16.9+/-6.2; z=-2.20, P=0.028) and in MGH-SFQ scores (from 24.1+/-1.9 to 17.0+/-5.7; z=-2.39, P=0.017), but subjects on 1.5 g/day maca did not. Libido improved significantly (P<0.05) for the ITT and completer groups based on ASEX item #1, but not by dosing groups. Maca was well tolerated. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and there may be a dose-related effect. Maca may also have a beneficial effect on libido.

[Diagnostic reference levels in interventional radiology].

PubMed

Vañó Carruana, E; Fernández Soto, J M; Sánchez Casanueva, R M; Ten Morón, J I

2013-12-01

This article discusses the diagnostic reference levels for radiation exposure proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) to facilitate the application of the optimization criteria in diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures. These levels are normally established as the third quartile of the dose distributions to patients in an ample sample of centers and are supposed to be representative of good practice regarding patient exposure. In determining these levels, it is important to evaluate image quality as well to ensure that it is sufficient for diagnostic purposes. When the values for the dose received by patients are systematically higher or much lower than the reference levels, an investigation should determine whether corrective measures need to be applied. The European and Spanish regulations require the use of these reference values in quality assurance programs. For interventional procedures, the dose area product (or kerma area product) values are usually used as reference values together with the time under fluoroscopy and the total number of images acquired. The most modern imaging devices allow the value of the accumulated dose at the entrance to the patient to be calculated to optimize the distribution of the dose on the skin. The ICRP recommends that the complexity of interventional procedures be taken into account when establishing reference levels. In the future, diagnostic imaging departments will have automatic systems to manage patient dosimetric data; these systems will enable continuous dosage auditing and alerts about individual procedures that might involve doses several times above the reference values. This article also discusses aspects that need to be clarified to take better advantage of the reference levels in interventional procedures. Copyright © 2013 SERAM. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Individualized adjustments to reference phantom internal organ dosimetry—scaling factors given knowledge of patient external anatomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wayson, Michael B.; Bolch, Wesley E.

2018-04-01

Internal radiation dose estimates for diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures are typically calculated for a reference individual. Resultantly, there is uncertainty when determining the organ doses to patients who are not at 50th percentile on either height or weight. This study aims to better personalize internal radiation dose estimates for individual patients by modifying the dose estimates calculated for reference individuals based on easily obtainable morphometric characteristics of the patient. Phantoms of different sitting heights and waist circumferences were constructed based on computational reference phantoms for the newborn, 10 year-old, and adult. Monoenergetic photons and electrons were then simulated separately at 15 energies. Photon and electron specific absorbed fractions (SAFs) were computed for the newly constructed non-reference phantoms and compared to SAFs previously generated for the age-matched reference phantoms. Differences in SAFs were correlated to changes in sitting height and waist circumference to develop scaling factors that could be applied to reference SAFs as morphometry corrections. A further set of arbitrary non-reference phantoms were then constructed and used in validation studies for the SAF scaling factors. Both photon and electron dose scaling methods were found to increase average accuracy when sitting height was used as the scaling parameter (~11%). Photon waist circumference-based scaling factors showed modest increases in average accuracy (~7%) for underweight individuals, but not for overweight individuals. Electron waist circumference-based scaling factors did not show increases in average accuracy. When sitting height and waist circumference scaling factors were combined, modest average gains in accuracy were observed for photons (~6%), but not for electrons. Both photon and electron absorbed doses are more reliably scaled using scaling factors computed in this study. They can be effectively scaled using sitting height alone as patient-specific morphometric parameter.

Individualized adjustments to reference phantom internal organ dosimetry-scaling factors given knowledge of patient external anatomy.

PubMed

Wayson, Michael B; Bolch, Wesley E

2018-04-13

Internal radiation dose estimates for diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures are typically calculated for a reference individual. Resultantly, there is uncertainty when determining the organ doses to patients who are not at 50th percentile on either height or weight. This study aims to better personalize internal radiation dose estimates for individual patients by modifying the dose estimates calculated for reference individuals based on easily obtainable morphometric characteristics of the patient. Phantoms of different sitting heights and waist circumferences were constructed based on computational reference phantoms for the newborn, 10 year-old, and adult. Monoenergetic photons and electrons were then simulated separately at 15 energies. Photon and electron specific absorbed fractions (SAFs) were computed for the newly constructed non-reference phantoms and compared to SAFs previously generated for the age-matched reference phantoms. Differences in SAFs were correlated to changes in sitting height and waist circumference to develop scaling factors that could be applied to reference SAFs as morphometry corrections. A further set of arbitrary non-reference phantoms were then constructed and used in validation studies for the SAF scaling factors. Both photon and electron dose scaling methods were found to increase average accuracy when sitting height was used as the scaling parameter (~11%). Photon waist circumference-based scaling factors showed modest increases in average accuracy (~7%) for underweight individuals, but not for overweight individuals. Electron waist circumference-based scaling factors did not show increases in average accuracy. When sitting height and waist circumference scaling factors were combined, modest average gains in accuracy were observed for photons (~6%), but not for electrons. Both photon and electron absorbed doses are more reliably scaled using scaling factors computed in this study. They can be effectively scaled using sitting height alone as patient-specific morphometric parameter.

Statewide water-quality network for Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Desimone, Leslie A.; Steeves, Peter A.; Zimmerman, Marc James

2001-01-01

A water-quality monitoring program is proposed that would provide data to meet multiple information needs of Massachusetts agencies and other users concerned with the condition of the State's water resources. The program was designed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Watershed Management, with input from many organizations involved in water-quality monitoring in the State, and focuses on inland surface waters (streams and lakes). The proposed monitoring program consists of several components, or tiers, which are defined in terms of specific monitoring objectives, and is intended to complement the Massachusetts Watershed Initiative (MWI) basin assessments. Several components were developed using the Neponset River Basin in eastern Massachusetts as a pilot area, or otherwise make use of data from and sampling approaches used in that basin as part of a MWI pilot assessment in 1994. To guide development of the monitoring program, reviews were conducted of general principles of network design, including monitoring objectives and approaches, and of ongoing monitoring activities of Massachusetts State agencies.Network tiers described in this report are primarily (1) a statewide, basin-based assessment of existing surface-water-quality conditions, and (2) a fixed-station network for determining contaminant loads carried by major rivers. Other components, including (3) targeted programs for hot-spot monitoring and other objectives, and (4) compliance monitoring, also are discussed. Monitoring programs for the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads for specific water bodies, which would constitute another tier of the network, are being developed separately and are not described in this report. The basin-based assessment of existing conditions is designed to provide information on the status of surface waters with respect to State water-quality standards and designated uses in accordance with the reporting requirements [Section 305(b)] of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Geographic Information System (GIS)-based procedures were developed to inventory streams and lakes in a basin for these purposes. Several monitoring approaches for this tier and their associated resource requirements were investigated. Analysis of the Neponset Basin for this purpose demonstrated that the large number of sites needed in order for all the small streams in a basin to be sampled (about half of stream miles in the basin were headwater or first-order streams) pose substantial resource-based problems for a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions. The many lakes pose similar problems. Thus, a design is presented in which probabilistic monitoring of small streams is combined with deterministic or targeted monitoring of large streams and lakes to meet CWA requirements and to provide data for other information needs of Massachusetts regulatory agencies and MWI teams.The fixed-station network is designed to permit the determination of contaminant loads carried by the State's major rivers to sensitive inland and coastal receiving waters and across State boundaries. Sampling at 19 proposed sites in 17 of the 27 major basins in Massachusetts would provide information on contaminant loads from 67 percent of the total land area of the State; unsampled areas are primarily coastal areas drained by many small streams that would be impossible to sample within realistic resource limitations. Strategies for hot-spot monitoring, a targeted monitoring program focused on identifying contaminant sources, are described with reference to an analysis of the bacteria sampling program of the 1994 Neponset Basin assessment. Finally, major discharge sites permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) were evaluated as a basis for ambient water-quality monitoring. The discharge sites are well distributed geographically among basins, but are primarily on large rivers (two-thirds or more

Behavioral Health Services Following Implementation of Screening in Massachusetts Medicaid Children

PubMed Central

Penfold, Robert B.; Arsenault, Lisa N.; Zhang, Fang; Murphy, Michael; Wissow, Lawrence S.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship of child behavioral health (BH) screening results to receipt of BH services in Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) children. METHODS: After a court decision, Massachusetts primary care providers were mandated to conduct BH screening at well-child visits and use a Current Procedural Terminology code along with a modifier indicating whether a BH need was identified. Using MassHealth claims data, a cohort of continuously enrolled (July 2007–June 2010) children was constructed. The salient visit (first use of the modifier, screening code, or claim in fiscal year 2009) was considered a reference point to examine BH history and postscreening BH services. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of postscreening BH services. RESULTS: Of 261 160 children in the cohort, 45% (118 464) were screened and 37% had modifiers. Fifty-seven percent of children screening positive received postscreening BH services compared with 22% of children screening negative. However, only 30% of newly identified children received BH services. The strongest predictors of postscreening BH services for children without a BH history were being in foster care (odds ratio, 10.38; 95% confidence interval, 9.22–11.68) and having a positive modifier (odds ratio, 3.79; 95% confidence interval, 3.53–4.06). CONCLUSIONS: Previous BH history, a positive modifier, and foster care predicted postscreening BH services. Only one-third of newly identified children received services. Thus although screening is associated with an increase in BH recognition, it may be insufficient to improve care. Additional strategies may be needed to enhance engagement in BH services. PMID:25225135

Characterizing the low wage immigrant workforce: a comparative analysis of the health disparities among selected occupations in Somerville, Massachusetts.

PubMed

Panikkar, Bindu; Woodin, Mark A; Brugge, Doug; Hyatt, Raymond; Gute, David M

2014-05-01

This study estimates job-related risks among common low wage occupations (cleaning, construction, food service, cashier/baggers, and factory workers) held by predominantly Haitian, El Salvadorian, and Brazilian immigrants living or working in Somerville, Massachusetts. A community-based cross-sectional survey on immigrant occupational health was conducted between 2006 and 2009 and logistic regression was used to assess the job-related risks among the most common low wage occupations. Construction workers reported significantly higher health risks, and lower access to occupational health services than the other occupations. Compared to cashier/baggers, the reference population in this study, cleaners reported significantly lower access to health and safety and work training and no knowledge of workers' compensation. Factory workers reported significantly lower work training compared to cashier/baggers. Food service workers reported the least access to doctors compared to the other occupations. We found significant variability in risks among different low wage immigrant occupations. The type of occupation independently contributed to varying levels of risks among these jobs. We believe our findings to be conservative and recommend additional inquiry aimed at assuring the representativeness of our findings. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Eleven-year descriptive analysis of closed court verdicts on medical errors in Spain and Massachusetts

PubMed Central

Giraldo, Priscila; Sato, Luke; Martínez-Sánchez, Jose M; Comas, Mercè; Dwyer, Kathy; Sala, Maria; Castells, Xavier

2016-01-01

Objectives To evaluate and compare the characteristics of court verdicts on medical errors allegedly harming patients in Spain and Massachusetts from 2002 to 2012. Design, setting and participants We reviewed 1041 closed court verdicts obtained from data on litigation in the Thomson Reuters Aranzadi Westlaw databases in Spain (Europe), and 370 closed court verdicts obtained from the Controlled Risk and Risk Management Foundation of Harvard Medical Institutions (CRICO/RMF) in Massachusetts (USA). We included closed court verdicts on medical errors. The definition of medical errors was based on that of the Institute of Medicine (USA). We excluded any agreements between parties before a judgement. Results Medical errors were involved in 25.9% of court verdicts in Spain and in 74% of those in Massachusetts. The most frequent cause of medical errors was a diagnosis-related problem (25.1%; 95% CI 20.7% to 31.1% in Spain; 35%; 95% CI 29.4% to 40.7% in Massachusetts). The proportion of medical errors classified as high severity was 34% higher in Spain than in Massachusetts (p=0.001). The most frequent factors contributing to medical errors in Spain were surgical and medical treatment (p=0.001). In Spain, 98.5% of medical errors resulted in compensation awards compared with only 6.9% in Massachusetts. Conclusions This study reveals wide differences in litigation rates and the award of indemnity payments in Spain and Massachusetts; however, common features of both locations are the high rates of diagnosis-related problems and the long time interval until resolution. PMID:27577585

Massachusetts Meets Education Guarantee, State High Court Says

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gehring, John

2005-01-01

Massachusetts is meeting its constitutional requirement to provide students with an adequate education and does not have to overhaul its school funding formula, the state's highest court ruled in a closely watched case in February 2005. The February 15 decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court surprised many observers, who had expected…

Massachusetts reservoir simulation tool—User’s manual

USGS Publications Warehouse

Levin, Sara B.

2016-10-06

IntroductionThe U.S. Geological Survey developed the Massachusetts Reservoir Simulation Tool to examine the effects of reservoirs on natural streamflows in Massachusetts by simulating the daily water balance of reservoirs. The simulation tool was developed to assist environmental managers to better manage water withdrawals in reservoirs and to preserve downstream aquatic habitats.

Education Funding in Massachusetts: The Effects of Aid Modifications on Vertical and Horizontal Equity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fahy, Colleen

2011-01-01

Public school funding in Massachusetts is based on foundation budget principles. However, funding formula modifications often create disparities between district foundation budgets and actual required spending levels. This study provides an in-depth look at Massachusetts' state aid formulas used between 2004 and 2009 and utilizes two approaches to…

77 FR 31496 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts and New Hampshire...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-29

...(b)(2)(A) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), that the Boston-Lawrence-Worcester (Eastern Massachusetts...) proposing its determination under section 181(b)(2) that the Boston-Lawrence- Worcester (Eastern... section 181(b)(2)(A), that the Boston-Lawrence- Worcester (Eastern Massachusetts) moderate 1997 eight-hour...

77 FR 14712 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Determination of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-13

... Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection performed a missing data analysis for each site with low... Massachusetts missing data analysis used a combination of meteorology and air quality data for ozone monitors... with missing ozone data, the ozone levels, if captured, would have been below the 1997 8-hour ozone...

Leveraging Research to Improve Massachusetts's Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Champagne, Erica; Therriault, Susan Bowles

2018-01-01

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) and the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are deeply committed to ensuring that every student in the state has access to a high-quality education, and they have combined this commitment with an openness to innovation. After just one year of School…

75 FR 20514 - Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-20

...; FV10-929-1 FR] Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Changes to... States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon...

75 FR 5900 - Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-05

...; FV09-929-1 PR] Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Revised... cranberries produced in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin...

75 FR 18518 - Massachusetts; Major Disaster and Related Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-12

... Stafford Act for Hazard Mitigation and Other Needs Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total... declaration of a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (FEMA-1895-DR), dated March 29, 2010... follows: I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts resulting...

30 CFR 921.773 - Requirements for permits and permit processing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... Laws Ch. 132, sections 40-46; of the Wetlands Protection Act Ch. 131, sections 40-46; statutes and... the State of Massachusetts, including: The Historic and Scenic Rivers Act, Mass. Ann. Laws Ch. 21... Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management Act Ch. 21C, sections 1-14; the Massachusetts Clean Water Act Ch. 21...

30 CFR 921.773 - Requirements for permits and permit processing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... Laws Ch. 132, sections 40-46; of the Wetlands Protection Act Ch. 131, sections 40-46; statutes and... the State of Massachusetts, including: The Historic and Scenic Rivers Act, Mass. Ann. Laws Ch. 21... Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management Act Ch. 21C, sections 1-14; the Massachusetts Clean Water Act Ch. 21...

30 CFR 921.773 - Requirements for permits and permit processing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... Laws Ch. 132, sections 40-46; of the Wetlands Protection Act Ch. 131, sections 40-46; statutes and... the State of Massachusetts, including: The Historic and Scenic Rivers Act, Mass. Ann. Laws Ch. 21... Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management Act Ch. 21C, sections 1-14; the Massachusetts Clean Water Act Ch. 21...

30 CFR 921.773 - Requirements for permits and permit processing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.... Laws Ch. 132, sections 40-46; of the Wetlands Protection Act Ch. 131, sections 40-46; statutes and... the State of Massachusetts, including: The Historic and Scenic Rivers Act, Mass. Ann. Laws Ch. 21... Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management Act Ch. 21C, sections 1-14; the Massachusetts Clean Water Act Ch. 21...

30 CFR 921.773 - Requirements for permits and permit processing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... Laws Ch. 132, sections 40-46; of the Wetlands Protection Act Ch. 131, sections 40-46; statutes and... the State of Massachusetts, including: The Historic and Scenic Rivers Act, Mass. Ann. Laws Ch. 21... Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management Act Ch. 21C, sections 1-14; the Massachusetts Clean Water Act Ch. 21...

Where Politics Is a Blood Sport: Restructuring State Higher Education Governance in Massachusetts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tandberg, David A.; Anderson, Christian K.

2012-01-01

The 1991 restructuring of Massachusetts system of higher education is explained and analyzed using McLendon's "Policy Stream Model of Decentralization Agenda Setting," a revised Garbage Can model, which proves useful insofar as the case is placed in its historical context. Public higher education in Massachusetts has suffered as a…

Massachusetts Adult Basic Education Curriculum Framework for Mathematics and Numeracy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts Department of Education, 2005

2005-01-01

Over the past number of years, several initiatives have set the stage for writing the Massachusetts ABE (Adult Basic Education) Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics and Numeracy. This current version of the "Massachusetts ABE Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks" is a second revision of that first framework, but it is heavily influenced by…

Race to the Top. Massachusetts Report. Year 2: School Year 2011-2012. [State-Specific Summary Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2013

2013-01-01

The State-specific summary report serves as an assessment of Massachusetts' Year 2 Race to the Top implementation, highlighting successes and accomplishments, identifying challenges, and providing lessons learned from implementation from approximately September 2011 through September 2012. In Year 2, Massachusetts continued to implement strong…

77 FR 37953 - Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Bridge Replacement in Massachusetts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-25

... Proposed Bridge Replacement in Massachusetts AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION... final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The action relates to the proposed Fore River Bridge..., 2012, the FHWA published ``Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Bridge in Massachusetts...

77 FR 1782 - Notice of Final Federal Agency Action on Proposed Bridge Replacement in Massachusetts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-11

... on Proposed Bridge Replacement in Massachusetts AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT... relates to the proposed Fore River Bridge (State Route 3A over the Weymouth Fore River) replacement...(l)(1) by issuing approval for the following bridge project in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The...

Best of Both Worlds: How Massachusetts Vocational Schools Are Preparing Students for College and Careers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bayerl, Katie

2015-01-01

"Best of Both Worlds: How Massachusetts Vocational Schools are Preparing Students for College and Careers," highlights the state's policies that promote strong programming. Massachusetts encourages the completion of MassCore, the state's college- and career-ready course of study, incentivizes rigorous academic standards through school…

International Conference on Indium Phosphide and Related Materials, Held in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on 11 - 15 May 1997.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-14

runaway cells are very uniform across the wafer. On-wafer active load- causing the so-called current collapse. Using a Au air- pull measurement was...Input Power [ dBm] support and encouragement. References Fig. 4: On-wafer load- pull measurement at 9 GHz. [1] P. M. Asbeck, M. C. F. Chang, J. A...Measured Load Pull Characteristics of the 0.15gm x 300gm GaInAs/InP HEMT at 7GHz. 160 exceeded 830 mS/mm for > 0.5V. The 140 small-signal output

Same-sex marriage and context-specific kinship terms.

PubMed

Ould, Patricia; Whitlow, C Julie

2011-01-01

This study investigates whether married gays and lesbians in Massachusetts are using the kinship terms commonly associated with marriage in referring to and introducing their marriage partners and, if not, whether alternative terms are being used in a variety of social contexts. We demonstrate through survey and interview data that marriage-related terms are used discriminately, are consciously chosen, and are context specific. Choices are dependent on a variety of factors related to personal demographics, speech community associations, intimacy, identity, and safety. A significant difference in the use of terms after legal marriage has occurred suggesting a shift in attitude.

Managing high-risk patients: the Mass General care management programme

PubMed Central

Kodner, Dennis L.

2015-01-01

The Massachusetts General Care Management Program (Mass General CMP or CMP) was designed as a federally supported demonstration to test the impact of intensive, practice-based care management on high-cost Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries—primarily older persons—with multiple hospitalisations and multiple chronic conditions. The Massachusetts General Care Management Program operated over a 6-year period in two phases (3 years each). It started during the first phase at Massachusetts General Hospital, a major academic medical centre in Boston, Massachusetts in collaboration with Massachusetts General Physicians Organisation. During the second phase, the programme expanded to two more affiliated sites in and around the Boston area, including a community hospital, as well as incorporated several modifications primarily focused on the management of transitions to post-acute care in skilled nursing facilities. At the close of the demonstration in July 2012, Mass General Massachusetts General Care Management Program became a component of a new Pioneer accountable care organisation (ACO). The Massachusetts General Care Management Program is focused on individuals meeting defined eligibility criteria who are offered care that is integrated by a case manager embedded in a primary care practice. The demonstration project showed substantial cost savings compared to fee-for-service patients served in the traditional Medicare system but no impact on hospital readmissions. The Massachusetts General Care Management Program does not rest upon a “whole systems” approach to integrated care. It is an excellent example of how an innovative care co-ordination programme can be implemented in an existing health-care organisation without making fundamental changes in its underlying structure or the way in which direct patient care services are paid for. The accountable care organisation version of the Massachusetts General Care Management Program includes the staffing structure, standards of practice, collaborative approach to care transitions and information technology tools that were used in the original demonstration project. PMID:26417211

Shallow geology, sea-floor texture, and physiographic zones of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foster, David S.; Baldwin, Wayne E.; Barnhardt, Walter A.; Schwab, William C.; Ackerman, Seth D.; Andrews, Brian D.; Pendleton, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-07

Geologic, sediment texture, and physiographic zone maps characterize the sea floor of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. These maps were derived from interpretations of seismic-reflection profiles, high-resolution bathymetry, acoustic-backscatter intensity, bottom photographs, and surficial sediment samples. The interpretation of the seismic stratigraphy and mapping of glacial and Holocene marine units provided a foundation on which the surficial maps were created. This mapping is a result of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management to characterize the surface and subsurface geologic framework offshore of Massachusetts.

Evaluation of dose-area product of common radiographic examinations towards establishing a preliminary diagnostic reference levels (PDRLs) in Southwestern Nigeria.

PubMed

Jibiri, Nnamdi N; Olowookere, Christopher J

2016-11-08

In Nigeria, a large number of radiographic examinations are conducted yearly for various diagnostic purposes. However, most examinations carried out do not have records of doses received by the patients, and the employed exposure parameters used are not documented; therefore, adequate radiation dose management is hin-dered. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dose-area product (DAP) of patients examined in Nigeria, and to propose regional reference dose levels for nine common examinations (chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP, skull AP, leg AP, knee AP, hand AP, and thigh AP) undertaken in Nigeria. Measurement of entrance surface dose (ESD) was carried out using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). Measured ESDS were converted into DAP using the beam area of patients in 12 purposely selected hospitals. Results of the study show that the maximum/ minimum ratio ranged from 3 for thigh AP to 57 in abdomen AP. The range of determined mean and 75th percentile DAPs were 0.18-17.16, and 0.25-28.59 Gy cm2, respectively. Data available for comparison show that 75th percentile DAPs in this study (in chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP) are higher than NRPB-HPE reference values. The DAP in this study is higher by factor of 31.4 (chest PA), 9.9 (abdomen AP), 2.2 (pelvis AP), and 2.1 (lumbar AP) than NRPB-HPE values. The relative higher dose found in this study shows nonoptimization of practice in Nigeria. It is expected that regular dose auditing and dose optimization implementation in Nigeria would lead to lower DAP value, especially in abdomen AP. The 75th percentile DAP distribution reported in this study could be taken as regional diagnostic reference level in the Southwestern Nigeria; however, a more extensive nationwide dose survey is required to establish national reference dose. © 2016 The Authors.

Expanding Access to Vocational-Technical Education in Massachusetts. White Paper No. 136

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ardon, Ken; Fraser, Alison L.

2015-01-01

It is clear from assessment, graduation, and follow-up data that career-vocational technical education (CVTE), as it is practiced in Massachusetts, is a success. CVTE is becoming so popular that there are up to 5,000 more applicants for places in Massachusetts' vocational technical schools than there are openings, creating waiting lists. This…

The Massachusetts Community Colleges Developmental Education Best Policy and Practice Audit: Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sperling, Charmian

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study, funded by Jobs for the Future through a grant to the Massachusetts Community Colleges Executive Office, was to: (1) provide an update on the status of developmental education within Massachusetts community colleges; (2) shed light on the alignment between research-based best practices to advance success among…

78 FR 6845 - Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Interchange Project in Massachusetts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-31

..., Cambridge, MA 02142, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 617-494-2419, [email protected]dot.gov . For the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division (MassDOT): Ms. Mary Hynes, Project Manager... on Proposed Interchange Project in Massachusetts AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT...

46 CFR 7.15 - Massachusetts Bay, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Massachusetts Bay, MA. 7.15 Section 7.15 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC BOUNDARY LINES Atlantic Coast § 7.15 Massachusetts Bay, MA. A line drawn from latitude 42°37.9′ N. longitude 70°31.2′ W. (Cape Ann...

46 CFR 7.15 - Massachusetts Bay, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Massachusetts Bay, MA. 7.15 Section 7.15 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC BOUNDARY LINES Atlantic Coast § 7.15 Massachusetts Bay, MA. A line drawn from latitude 42°37.9′ N. longitude 70°31.2′ W. (Cape Ann...

46 CFR 7.15 - Massachusetts Bay, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Massachusetts Bay, MA. 7.15 Section 7.15 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC BOUNDARY LINES Atlantic Coast § 7.15 Massachusetts Bay, MA. A line drawn from latitude 42°37.9′ N. longitude 70°31.2′ W. (Cape Ann...

46 CFR 7.15 - Massachusetts Bay, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Massachusetts Bay, MA. 7.15 Section 7.15 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC BOUNDARY LINES Atlantic Coast § 7.15 Massachusetts Bay, MA. A line drawn from latitude 42°37.9′ N. longitude 70°31.2′ W. (Cape Ann...

46 CFR 7.15 - Massachusetts Bay, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Massachusetts Bay, MA. 7.15 Section 7.15 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC BOUNDARY LINES Atlantic Coast § 7.15 Massachusetts Bay, MA. A line drawn from latitude 42°37.9′ N. longitude 70°31.2′ W. (Cape Ann...

School Awards Programs and Accountability in Massachusetts: Misusing MCAS Scores To Assess School Quality.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wheelock, Anne

Scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests are used to select exemplary schools in Massachusetts, and the schools thus identified can receive awards from three different programs. This study examined the evidence about the use of MCAS scores to assess school quality. These three programs use MCAS to identify exemplary…

Exploring the Real Thing: A Guide to Educational Programs at National Park Sites in Massachusetts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emerson, Rae; Hoermann, Elizabeth; Stearns, Liza

As the steward of the nation's premier historic, natural, and recreational resources, the National Park Service manages 15 unique areas within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each of these sites offers hands-on programs specifically geared to meet the needs of teachers and students. The programs support the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks…

Starting Young: Massachusetts Birth-3rd Grade Policies That Support Children's Literacy Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Shayna; Bornfreund, Laura

2015-01-01

Massachusetts is one of a handful of states that is often recognized as a leader in public education, and for good reason. The Commonwealth consistently outperforms most states on national reading and math tests and often leads the pack in education innovations. "Starting Young: Massachusetts Birth-3rd Grade Policies that Support Children's…

78 FR 55080 - Announcement of the Award of a Single-Source Program Expansion Supplement Grant to Massachusetts...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-09

... Grant to Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants in Boston, MA AGENCY: Office of Refugee... to Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants to provide refugee cash assistance to an... Office for Refugees and Immigrants, Boston, MA, in the amount of $325,000 under the Wilson- Fish Program...

Using spatial metrics to predict scenic perception in a changing landscape: Dennis, Massachusetts

Treesearch

James F. Palmer

2004-01-01

This paper investigates residents' perceptions of scenic quality in the Cape Cod community of Dennis, Massachusetts during a period of significant landscape change. In the mid-1970s, Chandler [Natural and Visual Resources, Dennis, Massachusetts. Dennis Conservation Commission and Planning Board, Dennis, MA, 1976] worked with a community group to evaluate the...

A Report on the Design and Construction of the University of Massachusetts Computer Science Center.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts State Office of the Inspector General, Boston.

This report describes a review conducted by the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General on the construction of the Computer Science and Development Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The office initiated the review after hearing concerns about the management of the project, including its delayed completion and substantial…

Analyzing Performance by Grade 10 Hispanic High School Students on the Massachusetts State Assessment. Issues & Answers. REL 2009-No. 071

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanchez, Maria Teresa; Ehrlich, Stacy; Midouhas, Emily; O'Dwyer, Laura

2009-01-01

Massachusetts policymakers recently expressed a desire to better understand Hispanic student achievement patterns in their state. Scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests have consistently revealed a gap in performance between Hispanic students and students from other subgroups, a gap corresponding to national…

Analyzing Performance by Grade 10 Hispanic High School Students on the Massachusetts State Assessment. Summary. Issues & Answers. REL 2009-No. 071

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanchez, Maria Teresa; Ehrlich, Stacy; Midouhas, Emily; O'Dwyer, Laura

2009-01-01

Massachusetts policymakers have expressed concern about the consistently lower scores of Hispanic students, compared to other subgroups, on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). This summary describes a larger report that examines Hispanic high school students' performance on the MCAS tests in English language arts and…

Saugus River and Tributaries, Lynn Malden, Revere and Saugus, Massachusetts. Flood Damage Reduction. Volume 4. Appendix G. Economics. Appendix H. Socioeconomic.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

is not accessible by subway from Boston. Policy guidance for evaluation of recreational facilities for structural flood reduction plans require that...Trapelo Road Waltham, Massachusetts Prepared By: IEP, Inc. P.O. Box 1840 90 Route 6A/Sextant Hill Sandwich , Massachusetts 02563 EPnc. Table of Contents

Massachusetts Higher Education in the Eighties: Proposals for Development. A White Paper. The Alden Seminars.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pile, Wilson, Ed.

Two position papers on higher education in Massachusetts in the 1980s, which were prepared by the Alden Seminar for Higher Education, are presented. In addition, an overview of the Alden Seminar meeting (Boston, Massachusetts, October 1983), which examined proposals for a Higher Education Development Corporation, is included. In "Adjusting to…

Eleven-year descriptive analysis of closed court verdicts on medical errors in Spain and Massachusetts.

PubMed

Giraldo, Priscila; Sato, Luke; Martínez-Sánchez, Jose M; Comas, Mercè; Dwyer, Kathy; Sala, Maria; Castells, Xavier

2016-08-30

To evaluate and compare the characteristics of court verdicts on medical errors allegedly harming patients in Spain and Massachusetts from 2002 to 2012. We reviewed 1041 closed court verdicts obtained from data on litigation in the Thomson Reuters Aranzadi Westlaw databases in Spain (Europe), and 370 closed court verdicts obtained from the Controlled Risk and Risk Management Foundation of Harvard Medical Institutions (CRICO/RMF) in Massachusetts (USA). We included closed court verdicts on medical errors. The definition of medical errors was based on that of the Institute of Medicine (USA). We excluded any agreements between parties before a judgement. Medical errors were involved in 25.9% of court verdicts in Spain and in 74% of those in Massachusetts. The most frequent cause of medical errors was a diagnosis-related problem (25.1%; 95% CI 20.7% to 31.1% in Spain; 35%; 95% CI 29.4% to 40.7% in Massachusetts). The proportion of medical errors classified as high severity was 34% higher in Spain than in Massachusetts (p=0.001). The most frequent factors contributing to medical errors in Spain were surgical and medical treatment (p=0.001). In Spain, 98.5% of medical errors resulted in compensation awards compared with only 6.9% in Massachusetts. This study reveals wide differences in litigation rates and the award of indemnity payments in Spain and Massachusetts; however, common features of both locations are the high rates of diagnosis-related problems and the long time interval until resolution. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

The accountable health care act of Massachusetts: mixed results for an experiment in universal health care coverage.

PubMed

Norbash, Alexander; Hindson, David; Heineke, Janelle

2012-10-01

The affordable health care act of Massachusetts, signed into law in 2006, resulted in 98% of Massachusetts residents' having some form of insurance coverage by 2011, the highest coverage rate for residents of any state in the nation. With a strong economy, a low unemployment rate, a robust health care delivery system, an extremely low number of undocumented immigrants, and a low baseline uninsured rate, Massachusetts was well positioned for such an effort. Ingredients included mandates, the creation of separate insurance vehicles directed to both poverty-level and non-poverty-level residents, and the reallocation of the former free care pool. The mandates included consumer mandates and employer mandates; the consumer mandate applies to all Massachusetts residents at the risk of losing personal state tax exemptions, and the employer mandate applies to all Massachusetts businesses with 10 or more employees at the risk of per employee financial penalties. The insurance vehicles were created with premiums allocated on the basis of ability to pay by income classes. Unexpected effects included escalating taxpayer health care costs, with taxpayers shouldering the burden for the newly insured, continuing escalating health care costs at a rate greater than the national average, overburdening primary caregivers as newly insured sought new primary care gatekeepers in a system with primary caregiver shortages, and deprivation of support to the safety-net hospitals as a result of siphoned commonwealth free care pool funds. This exercise demonstrates specific benefits and shortfalls of the Massachusetts health care reform experiment, given the conditions and circumstances found in Massachusetts at the time of implementation. Copyright © 2012 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Massachusetts' Health Reform on Employer-Sponsored Insurance Premiums.

PubMed

Cogan, John F; Hubbard, R Glenn; Kessler, Daniel

2010-01-01

In this paper, we use publicly available data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey - Insurance Component (MEPS-IC) to investigate the effect of Massachusetts' health reform plan on employer-sponsored insurance premiums. We tabulate premium growth for private-sector employers in Massachusetts and the United States as a whole for 2004 - 2008. We estimate the effect of the plan as the difference in premium growth between Massachusetts and the United States between 2006 and 2008-that is, before versus after the plan-over and above the difference in premium growth for 2004 to 2006. We find that health reform in Massachusetts increased single-coverage employer-sponsored insurance premiums by about 6 percent, or $262. Although our research design has important limitations, it does suggest that policy makers should be concerned about the consequences of health reform for the cost of private insurance.

Massachusetts State Briefing Book for low-level radioactive waste management

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1981-03-12

The Massachusetts State Briefing Book is one of a series of State briefing books on low-level radioactive waste management practices. It has been prepared to assist State and Federal agency officials in planning for safe low-level radioactive waste disposal. The report contains a profile of low-level radioactive waste generators in Massachusetts. The profile is the result of a survey of NRC licensees in Massachusetts. The briefing book also contains a comprehensive assessment of low-level radioactive waste management issues and concerns as defined by all major interested parties including industry, government, the media, and interest groups. The assessment was developed throughmore » personal communications with representatives of interested parties, and through a review of media sources. Lastly, the briefing book provides demographic and socioeconomic data and a discussion of relevant government agencies and activities, all of which may impact waste management practices in Massachusetts.« less

Site-Specific Reference Person Parameters and Derived Concentration Standards for the Savannah River Site

DOE PAGES

Stone, Daniel K.; Higley, Kathryn A.; Jannik, G. Timothy

2014-05-01

The U.S. Department of Energy Order 458.1 states that the compliance with the 1 mSv annual dose constraint to a member of the public may be demonstrated by calculating dose to the maximally exposed individual (MEI) or to a representative person. Historically, the MEI concept was used for dose compliance at the Savannah River Site (SRS) using adult dose coefficients and adult male usage parameters. For future compliance, SRS plans to use the representative person concept for dose estimates to members of the public. The representative person dose will be based on the reference person dose coefficients from the U.S.more » DOE Derived Concentration Technical Standard and on usage parameters specific to SRS for the reference and typical person. Usage parameters and dose coefficients were determined for inhalation, ingestion and external exposure pathways. The parameters for the representative person were used to calculate and tabulate SRS-specific derived concentration standards (DCSs) for the pathways not included in DOE-STD-1196-2011.« less

Microionization chamber for reference dosimetry in IMRT verification: clinical implications on OAR dosimetric errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Doblado, Francisco; Capote, Roberto; Leal, Antonio; Roselló, Joan V.; Lagares, Juan I.; Arráns, Rafael; Hartmann, Günther H.

2005-03-01

Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has become a treatment of choice in many oncological institutions. Small fields or beamlets with sizes of 1 to 5 cm2 are now routinely used in IMRT delivery. Therefore small ionization chambers (IC) with sensitive volumes <=0.1 cm3are generally used for dose verification of an IMRT treatment. The measurement conditions during verification may be quite different from reference conditions normally encountered in clinical beam calibration, so dosimetry of these narrow photon beams pertains to the so-called non-reference conditions for beam calibration. This work aims at estimating the error made when measuring the organ at risk's (OAR) absolute dose by a micro ion chamber (μIC) in a typical IMRT treatment. The dose error comes from the assumption that the dosimetric parameters determining the absolute dose are the same as for the reference conditions. We have selected two clinical cases, treated by IMRT, for our dose error evaluations. Detailed geometrical simulation of the μIC and the dose verification set-up was performed. The Monte Carlo (MC) simulation allows us to calculate the dose measured by the chamber as a dose averaged over the air cavity within the ion-chamber active volume (Dair). The absorbed dose to water (Dwater) is derived as the dose deposited inside the same volume, in the same geometrical position, filled and surrounded by water in the absence of the ion chamber. Therefore, the Dwater/Dair dose ratio is the MC estimator of the total correction factor needed to convert the absorbed dose in air into the absorbed dose in water. The dose ratio was calculated for the μIC located at the isocentre within the OARs for both clinical cases. The clinical impact of the calculated dose error was found to be negligible for the studied IMRT treatments.

Defining Workplace Literacy Education in Massachusetts. A Survey of Workplace Literacy Education Programs in Massachusetts, Conducted in September and October 1989.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosen, David J.; Kale, Cerci

A survey of 42 Massachusetts workplace literacy programs was conducted in fall 1989 to determine whether the programs generally fit a standard definition of workplace literacy derived from "A Guide to Developing Instruction for Workforce Literacy Programs" by Jorie W. Philippi. The study's seven-item questionnaire included the definition…

Massachusetts Charter Public Schools: Best Practices in Curricular Innovation. White Paper No. 141

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Candal, Cara Stillings

2016-01-01

The ongoing push to raise or eliminate the charter school cap in Massachusetts provides an opportunity to reflect upon the purpose of charter schools. When the legislature created the Commonwealth's charter school law, as a part of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act (MERA), it clearly stated a main reason for these new schools was…

Massachusetts Libraries: An Alliance for the Future. [Final Report and Executive Summary] for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffiths, Jose-Marie; King, Donald W.

A comprehensive study of the current state of library services and library cooperative activities in Massachusetts found that the state's 2,796 public, academic, school, institutional and special libraries make a significant contribution to lifelong learning, to the economy, and to the quality of life. The libraries have a combined collection of…

77 FR 49459 - Notice of Extension to Public Comment Period for Consent Decree Lodged Under the Comprehensive...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-16

... Court for the District of Massachusetts in United States v. Bayer CropScience Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 1:12-cv-10847 and Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Bayer CropScience Inc. et al., Civil Action No... of Massachusetts against Bayer CropScience Inc. and Pharmacia Corporation in connection with the...

Rates of Femicide in Women of Different Races, Ethnicities, and Places of Birth: Massachusetts, 1993-2007

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azziz-Baumgartner, Eduardo; McKeown, Loreta; Melvin, Patrice; Dang, Quynh; Reed, Joan

2011-01-01

To describe the epidemiology of intimate partner violence (IPV) homicide in Massachusetts, an IPV mortality data set developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health was analyzed. The rates of death were estimated by dividing the number of decedents over the aged-matched population and Poisson regression was used to estimate the…

75 FR 61220 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-04

... renewed Facility Operating License No. R-37, to be held by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT... Identification of the Proposed Action The proposed action would renew Facility Operating License No. R-37 for a... License No. R-37 to allow continued operation of the MITR for a period of twenty years at an increased...

Forest-based biomass supply in Massachusetts: How much is there and how much is available

Treesearch

Marla Markowski-Lindsay; Paul Catanzaro; David Damery; David B. Kittredge; Brett J. Butler; Thomas Stevens

2012-01-01

Forest owners in Massachusetts (U.S.) live in a densely populated state and near forestland that is under pressure of development and characterized by small parcel size. Forest-based biomass harvesting in Massachusetts is a renewable energy topic generating a great deal of discussion among all constituents. To provide perspective on these discussions, our analysis asks...

THE IRONY OF URBAN SCHOOL REFORM, IDEOLOGY AND STYLE IN MID-NINETEENTH CENTURY MASSACHUSETTS. FINAL REPORT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

KATZ, MICHAEL B.

THE ORIGINS OF MASS POPULAR EDUCATION IN NINETEENTH-CENTURY MASSACHUSETTS ARE STUDIED IN TERMS OF THE RELATION BETWEEN REFORMER IDEOLOGY AND STYLE OF REFORM WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF FUNDAMENTAL ALTERATIONS IN THE LIFE CONDITIONS IN MASSACHUSETTS. THREE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS ARE ANALYZED IN DETAIL--(1) ABOLITION OF BEVERLY HIGH SCHOOL IN 1860, (2) ATTACK…

Satisficing Decision-Making in Supervisory Control. Part 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-31

purpose of the United States Government. C-P Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139...of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139 Satisficing Decision-Making in Supervisory Control Leonid Charny...example, that there are two attributes, speed and accuracy, and one is selecting a robot manipulator based -4n these two parameters. A set of alternatives

Balancing Quality Early Education and Parents' Workforce Success: Insights from the Urban Institute's Assessment of the Massachusetts Subsidized Child Care System. Research Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Gina; Katz, Michael

2015-01-01

This report examines the Massachusetts child care subsidy system's balance between providing quality early childhood education and providing workforce support for parents. It is based on qualitative and quantitative data and findings from several studies conducted as part of a legislatively mandated assessment of the Massachusetts subsidized child…

The State Dollar and the Schools. A Discussion of State Aid Programs in Massachusetts and Promising Reforms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryan, Charlotte

This report discusses the history and nature of State aid to education in Massachusetts. The report is both a summary and an update of information contained in four earlier studies that analyzed the economics of education in Massachusetts and the State's new equalizing education aid formula. The report recommends that the State adopt an…

What a Difference a Recession Makes: The Rise and Fall of Integrated Services for At-Risk Youth in Massachusetts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Useem, Elizabeth L.

This paper describes the implementation of an innovative integrated approach to the delivery of services for disadvantaged youth in Massachusetts, and examines the fiscal, political, and organizational factors that led to its subsequent demise. Massachusetts was one of the first states to envision and implement a statewide system of coordinated…

Mandatory insurance coverage and hospital productivity in Massachusetts: bending the curve?

PubMed

Thompson, Mark A; Huerta, Timothy R; Ford, Eric W

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine whether universal insurance coverage mandates lead to a more productive use of hospital resources. The American Hospital Association's Annual Survey and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' case mix index for fiscal years 2005 through 2008 were used. A Malmquist approach was used to assess hospitals' productivity in the United States and Massachusetts over the sample period. Propensity score matching is used to "simulate" a randomized control group of hospitals from other markets to compare with Massachusetts. Comparisons are then made to examine if productivity differences are due to universal health insurance coverage mandate. In the early stages, Massachusetts' coverage mandates lead to a significant drop in hospitals' productivity relative to comparable facilities in other states. In 2008, Massachusetts functioned 3.53% below its 2005 level, whereas facilities across the United States have seen a 4.06% increase over the same period. If the individual mandate is implemented nationwide, the Massachusetts' experience indicates that a near-term decrease in overall hospital productivity will occur. As such, current cost estimates of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's impact on overall health spending are potentially understated.

How accurately can the peak skin dose in fluoroscopy be determined using indirect dose metrics?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, A. Kyle, E-mail: kyle.jones@mdanderson.org; Ensor, Joe E.; Pasciak, Alexander S.

Purpose: Skin dosimetry is important for fluoroscopically-guided interventions, as peak skin doses (PSD) that result in skin reactions can be reached during these procedures. There is no consensus as to whether or not indirect skin dosimetry is sufficiently accurate for fluoroscopically-guided interventions. However, measuring PSD with film is difficult and the decision to do so must be madea priori. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of different types of indirect dose estimates and to determine if PSD can be calculated within ±50% using indirect dose metrics for embolization procedures. Methods: PSD were measured directly using radiochromicmore » film for 41 consecutive embolization procedures at two sites. Indirect dose metrics from the procedures were collected, including reference air kerma. Four different estimates of PSD were calculated from the indirect dose metrics and compared along with reference air kerma to the measured PSD for each case. The four indirect estimates included a standard calculation method, the use of detailed information from the radiation dose structured report, and two simplified calculation methods based on the standard method. Indirect dosimetry results were compared with direct measurements, including an analysis of uncertainty associated with film dosimetry. Factors affecting the accuracy of the different indirect estimates were examined. Results: When using the standard calculation method, calculated PSD were within ±35% for all 41 procedures studied. Calculated PSD were within ±50% for a simplified method using a single source-to-patient distance for all calculations. Reference air kerma was within ±50% for all but one procedure. Cases for which reference air kerma or calculated PSD exhibited large (±35%) differences from the measured PSD were analyzed, and two main causative factors were identified: unusually small or large source-to-patient distances and large contributions to reference air kerma from cone beam computed tomography or acquisition runs acquired at large primary gantry angles. When calculated uncertainty limits [−12.8%, 10%] were applied to directly measured PSD, most indirect PSD estimates remained within ±50% of the measured PSD. Conclusions: Using indirect dose metrics, PSD can be determined within ±35% for embolization procedures. Reference air kerma can be used without modification to set notification limits and substantial radiation dose levels, provided the displayed reference air kerma is accurate. These results can reasonably be extended to similar procedures, including vascular and interventional oncology. Considering these results, film dosimetry is likely an unnecessary effort for these types of procedures when indirect dose metrics are available.« less

Direct Measurement of Perchlorate Exposure Biomarkers in a Highly Exposed Population: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Wong, Michelle; Copan, Lori; Olmedo, Luis; Patton, Sharyle; Haas, Robert; Atencio, Ryan; Xu, Juhua; Valentin-Blasini, Liza

2011-01-01

Exposure to perchlorate is ubiquitous in the United States and has been found to be widespread in food and drinking water. People living in the lower Colorado River region may have perchlorate exposure because of perchlorate in ground water and locally-grown produce. Relatively high doses of perchlorate can inhibit iodine uptake and impair thyroid function, and thus could impair neurological development in utero. We examined human exposures to perchlorate in the Imperial Valley among individuals consuming locally grown produce and compared perchlorate exposure doses to state and federal reference doses. We collected 24-hour urine specimen from a convenience sample of 31 individuals and measured urinary excretion rates of perchlorate, thiocyanate, nitrate, and iodide. In addition, drinking water and local produce were also sampled for perchlorate. All but two of the water samples tested negative for perchlorate. Perchlorate levels in 79 produce samples ranged from non-detect to 1816 ppb. Estimated perchlorate doses ranged from 0.02 to 0.51 µg/kg of body weight/day. Perchlorate dose increased with the number of servings of dairy products consumed and with estimated perchlorate levels in produce consumed. The geometric mean perchlorate dose was 70% higher than for the NHANES reference population. Our sample of 31 Imperial Valley residents had higher perchlorate dose levels compared with national reference ranges. Although none of our exposure estimates exceeded the U. S. EPA reference dose, three participants exceeded the acceptable daily dose as defined by bench mark dose methods used by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. PMID:21394205

Effect of Study Design on Sample Size in Studies Intended to Evaluate Bioequivalence of Inhaled Short-Acting β-Agonist Formulations.

PubMed

Zeng, Yaohui; Singh, Sachinkumar; Wang, Kai; Ahrens, Richard C

2018-04-01

Pharmacodynamic studies that use methacholine challenge to assess bioequivalence of generic and innovator albuterol formulations are generally designed per published Food and Drug Administration guidance, with 3 reference doses and 1 test dose (3-by-1 design). These studies are challenging and expensive to conduct, typically requiring large sample sizes. We proposed 14 modified study designs as alternatives to the Food and Drug Administration-recommended 3-by-1 design, hypothesizing that adding reference and/or test doses would reduce sample size and cost. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate sample size. Simulation inputs were selected based on published studies and our own experience with this type of trial. We also estimated effects of these modified study designs on study cost. Most of these altered designs reduced sample size and cost relative to the 3-by-1 design, some decreasing cost by more than 40%. The most effective single study dose to add was 180 μg of test formulation, which resulted in an estimated 30% relative cost reduction. Adding a single test dose of 90 μg was less effective, producing only a 13% cost reduction. Adding a lone reference dose of either 180, 270, or 360 μg yielded little benefit (less than 10% cost reduction), whereas adding 720 μg resulted in a 19% cost reduction. Of the 14 study design modifications we evaluated, the most effective was addition of both a 90-μg test dose and a 720-μg reference dose (42% cost reduction). Combining a 180-μg test dose and a 720-μg reference dose produced an estimated 36% cost reduction. © 2017, The Authors. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wheeler, F.; Wessol, D.; Atkinson, C.

During the past few years, murine and large animal research, as well as human studies have provided data to the point where human clinical trials have been initiated at the BMRR using BPA-F for gliomas and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor (MITR) using BPA for melanomas of the extremeties. It is expected that glioma trials using BSH will proceed soon at the Petten High Flux Reactor (HFR) in the Netherlands. The first human glioma epithermal boron neutron capture therapy application was performed at the BMRR in the fall of 1994. This was a collaborative effort by BNL, Bethmore » Israel Manhattan hospital, and INEL. The INEL planning system was chosen to perform dose predictions for this application.« less

Availability and range of tobacco products for sale in Massachusetts pharmacies.

PubMed

Seidenberg, Andrew B; Hong, Weiwei; Liu, Jiayue; Noel, Jonathan K; Rees, Vaughan W

2013-11-01

New tobacco control policies have been introduced in Massachusetts which restrict tobacco product sales in pharmacies. The purpose of this investigation was to outline the scope of pharmacy involvement in the tobacco market by assessing the availability and range of tobacco products sold in Massachusetts pharmacies. Public listings of licenced pharmacies and tobacco retailers in Massachusetts were examined to determine the proportion of pharmacies licenced to sell tobacco, and the proportion of tobacco retailers possessing a pharmacy licence. Telephone interviews were conducted with a random sample (n=70) of pharmacies possessing a tobacco licence to assess the availability and range of tobacco products for sale. The availability of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products was assessed as a comparison. The majority of pharmacies in Massachusetts possessed a tobacco licence (69%), and pharmacies made up 9% of licenced tobacco retailers. Among pharmacies surveyed that reported selling tobacco (90%), cigarettes were the most available tobacco product for sale (100%), followed by cigars (69%), little cigars/cigarillos (66%), moist snuff (53%), pipe tobacco (49%), roll-your-own tobacco (34%), snus (14%), dissolvable tobacco (11%) and electronic cigarettes (2%). Nearly all pharmacies selling tobacco offered the nicotine patch (100%), gum (100%) and lozenge (98%). Tobacco-free pharmacy policies would affect a majority of Massachusetts pharmacies and remove a variety of tobacco products from their store shelves. Further, nearly one in ten tobacco retailers would be eliminated by prohibiting tobacco sales in Massachusetts pharmacies statewide.

Impact of legislation raising the legal drinking age in Massachusetts from 18 to 20.

PubMed

Hingson, R W; Scotch, N; Mangione, T; Meyers, A; Glantz, L; Heeren, T; Lin, N; Mucatel, M; Pierce, G

1983-02-01

On April 16, 1979, Massachusetts raised its legal drinking age from 18 to 20 years. Massachusetts was compared with New York State, exclusive of New York City and Nassau County. New York State retained an 18-year-old drinking age. Random telephone surveys with approximately 1,000 16-19 year olds in each state were undertaken prior to the law's enactment and twice at yearly intervals after the law to assess the law's impact on teenage drinking, driving after drinking, and non-fatal accident involvement. Fatal crash data reported to the US Department of Transportation by each state from April 16, 1976-April 15, 1981 were also analyzed. After the law, although the modes of procuring alcohol changed. No significant changes were observed in Massachusetts relative to New York in the proportion of surveyed teenagers who reported that they drank or in the volume of their consumption. The proportion of teenagers who drove after drinking heavily (six or more drinks at one time) did not decline in Massachusetts relative to New York. However, the frequency that teenagers reported driving after any drinking declined significantly in Massachusetts. Frequency of teenage driving after marijuana use and non-fatal teenage accidents declined at comparable rates in both states. The numbers of teenage nighttime single vehicle fatal accidents declined more in Massachusetts than New York, in the 18-19 year age group. Overall fatal accident trends among 16-19 year olds in the two states were similar.

TH-AB-207A-06: The Use of Realistic Phantoms to Predict CT Dose to Pediatric Patients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carver, D; Kost, S; Fraser, N

Purpose: To predict pediatric patient dose from diagnostic CT scans using Monte Carlo simulation of realistic reference phantoms of various ages, weights, and heights. Methods: A series of deformable pediatric reference phantoms using Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) was developed for a large range of ages, percentiles, and reference anatomy. Individual bones were modeled using age-dependent factors, and red marrow was modeled as functions of age and spatial distribution based on Cristy1. Organ and effective doses for the phantom series were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation of chest, abdominopelvic, and chest-abdomen-pelvis CT exams. Non-linear regression was performed to determine the relationshipmore » between dose-length-product (DLP)-normalized organ and effective doses and phantom diameter. Patient-specific voxel computational phantoms were also created by manual segmentation of previously acquired CT images for 40 pediatric patients (0.7 to 17 years). Organ and effective doses were determined by Monte Carlo simulation of these patient-specific phantoms. Each patient was matched to the closest pediatric reference phantom based primarily on age and diameter for all major organs within the torso. Results: A total of 80 NURBS phantoms were created ranging from newborn to 15 years with height/weight percentiles from 10 to 90%. Organ and effective dose normalized by DLP correlated strongly with exponentially decreasing average phantom diameter (R{sup 2} > 0.95 for most organs). A similar relationship was determined for the patient-specific voxel phantoms. Differences between patient-phantom matched organ-dose values ranged from 0.37 to 2.39 mGy (2.87% to 22.1%). Conclusion: Dose estimation using NURBS-based pediatric reference phantoms offers the ability to predict patient dose before and after CT examinations, and physicians and scientists can use this information in their analysis of dose prescriptions for particular subjects and study types. This may lead to practices that minimize radiation dose while still achieving high quality images and, ultimately, improved patient care. NIH/NCI 1 R01 CA155400-01A1.« less

Integrated protection of humans and the environment: a view from Japan.

PubMed

Sakai, K

2018-01-01

Six and a half years after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, an area of existing exposure situation remains. One of the main concerns of people is the higher level of ionising radiation than before the accident, although this is not expected to have any discernible health effect. Since the accident, several 'abnormalities' in environmental organisms have been reported. It is still not clear if these abnormalities were induced by radiation. It appears that the impact of the released radioactivity has not been sufficient to threaten the maintenance of biological diversity, the conservation of species, or the health and status of natural habitats, which are the focus in environmental protection. This highlights a difference between the protection of humans and protection of the environment (individuals for humans and populations/species for the environment). The system for protection of the environment has been developed with a similar approach as the system for protection of humans. Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs) were introduced to connect exposure and doses in a way similar to that for Reference Male and Reference Female. RAPs can also be used as a tool to associate the level of radiation (dose rate) with the biological effects on an organism. A difference between the protection of humans and that of the environment was identified: an effect on humans is measured in terms of dose, and an effect on the environment is measured in terms of dose rate. In other words, protection criteria for humans are expressed in term of dose (as dose limits, dose constraints, and reference levels), whereas those for the environment are expressed in terms of dose rate (as derived consideration reference levels).

Spectral changes in the zenith skylight during total solar eclipses.

PubMed

Hall, W N

1971-06-01

The relative spectral intensity of the zenith sky was measured with an optical scanning spectrometer at Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, during the total solar eclipse of 7 March 1970. The spectral ratios I(5100 A)/I(4300 A) and I(5900 A)/I(5100 A) at Nantucket remained unchanged for 96% or less obscuration of the sun by the moon. The results are compared with other recent relative spectral intensity measurements made during total solar eclipses. Comparison with other eclipse measurements for solar elevation angle at totality less than 45 degrees shows a blue color shift consistent with rayleigh scattering. Eclipses with solar elevation angles at totality greater than 45 degrees do not show consistent color shifts. This inconsistency may be due to difficulty in establishing a suitable reference spectrum for comparison with the spectral distribution of the zenith sky at totality. Selection of a suitable reference spectrum is discussed.

Bibliography on ground water in glacial-aquifer systems in the Northeastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wiltshire, Denise A.; Lyford, Forest P.; Cohen, A.J.

1986-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey established the Regional Aquifer-System Analysis (RASA) program to evaluate major interconnected aquifers or groups of aquifers that share similar characteristics within a region. One of the objectives of the Northeastern Glacial RASA is to provide information on the occurrence and quality of ground water in glacial deposits in ten States: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. To help meet the objectives of the RASA program, an automated bibliographic data base was developed. The data base contains references to ground-water resources of glacial-aquifer systems in the ten States listed above. This bibliography contains more than 700 ground-water related references that date from 1839 through 1984. The bibliography lists books, journal articles, conference proceedings, government and other technical reports, theses, and maps. Unpublished manuscripts, publications in press, newspaper articles, and book reviews are omitted from the bibliography.

The Cost and Quality of Full-Day Year-Round Early Care and Education in Massachusetts: Infant and Toddler Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marshall, Nancy L.; Creps, Cindy L.; Burstein, Nancy R.; Roberts, Joanne; Glantz, Frederic B.; Robeson, Wendy Wagner

2004-01-01

The Massachusetts Cost and Quality Study assessed the quality and costs of early care and education services in Massachusetts, the relationship between quality and costs, and the relationship between the family income of children served and the quality of care provided by early care and education programs. This report presents the findings from…

Every Child a Winner! A Proposal for a Legislative Action Plan for Systemic Reform of Massachusetts' Public Primary and Secondary Education System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts Business for Education, Worcester.

Impressed with the vital importance of an effective public education system to the future of the Commonwealth, a group of involved business activists formed the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE) in 1988. The purpose of the MBAE was to help bring about systematic improvement of Massachusetts' elementary and secondary education…

Influences On The Oceanic Biogeochemical Cycling Of The Hybrid-Type Metals: Cobalt, Iron, And Manganese

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

have been possible. We also thank Scot Birdwhistell in the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry...Cobalt, Iron, and Manganese MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/ Applied Ocean Science and Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Woods Hole...by Abigail Emery Noble Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole

Educational Horizons for Nursing in Massachusetts. A Report on Nursing Education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with Recommendations for the Future. Vol. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Malone, Mary F.

Recognizing the shortage of prepared nursing personnel in both service and educational institutions, the Advisory Committee on Nursing Education made a questionnaire survey of all state approved schools of nursing in Massachusetts to aid in planning for nursing education within the state's public educational institutions. Returns from all six…

What's under the Golden Dome? A Children's Guide to the Massachusetts State House. [Update.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston. Tours and Government Education Division.

This booklet takes children on a tour of one of the oldest and most historic State Houses in the nation, that of Massachusetts. The booklet explains that the State House is the workplace of the Governor, the Legislature, and constitutional officers. It offers a historical overview of the Massachusetts State House. The first one was built in 1712,…

Review of Massachusetts Child Care Subsidy Eligibility Policies and Practices: A Report for the Assessment of the Massachusetts Subsidized Child Care System. Research Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Gina; Katz, Michael

2015-01-01

This report summarizes findings from a review of Massachusetts' child care subsidy eligibility policies and implementation practices. The review included interviews and focus groups with approximately 60 experts and stakeholders with a broad range of perspectives on the system. It identifies several important issues that, if addressed, could…

Funding Site Cleanup at Closing Army Installations: A Stochastic Optimization Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-12-19

Devens Devens Massachusetts C 29 FORSCOM Hingham Annex Hingham Massachusetts C 30 FORSCOM Sudbury Training Annex Sudbury Massachusetts C 31 FORSCOM Fort ...RI 900 RD 200 RAC 1200 RAO...MINF efb COST y MAXF efa ∈ ∈ − ≤ ≤ +∑ ∑ ∀i,t (1) m i s mt mt ost os mt mt i FORT s SITE o OPTION

Recent resurgence of mumps in the United States.

PubMed

Dayan, Gustavo H; Quinlisk, M Patricia; Parker, Amy A; Barskey, Albert E; Harris, Meghan L; Schwartz, Jennifer M Hill; Hunt, Kae; Finley, Carol G; Leschinsky, Dennis P; O'Keefe, Anne L; Clayton, Joshua; Kightlinger, Lon K; Dietle, Eden G; Berg, Jeffrey; Kenyon, Cynthia L; Goldstein, Susan T; Stokley, Shannon K; Redd, Susan B; Rota, Paul A; Rota, Jennifer; Bi, Daoling; Roush, Sandra W; Bridges, Carolyn B; Santibanez, Tammy A; Parashar, Umesh; Bellini, William J; Seward, Jane F

2008-04-10

The widespread use of a second dose of mumps vaccine among U.S. schoolchildren beginning in 1990 was followed by historically low reports of mumps cases. A 2010 elimination goal was established, but in 2006 the largest mumps outbreak in two decades occurred in the United States. We examined national data on mumps cases reported during 2006, detailed case data from the most highly affected states, and vaccination-coverage data from three nationwide surveys. A total of 6584 cases of mumps were reported in 2006, with 76% occurring between March and May. There were 85 hospitalizations, but no deaths were reported; 85% of patients lived in eight contiguous midwestern states. The national incidence of mumps was 2.2 per 100,000, with the highest incidence among persons 18 to 24 years of age (an incidence 3.7 times that of all other age groups combined). In a subgroup analysis, 83% of these patients reported current college attendance. Among patients in eight highly affected states with known vaccination status, 63% overall and 84% between the ages of 18 and 24 years had received two doses of mumps vaccine. For the 12 years preceding the outbreak, national coverage of one-dose mumps vaccination among preschoolers was 89% or more nationwide and 86% or more in highly affected states. In 2006, the national two-dose coverage among adolescents was 87%, the highest in U.S. history. Despite a high coverage rate with two doses of mumps-containing vaccine, a large mumps outbreak occurred, characterized by two-dose vaccine failure, particularly among midwestern college-age adults who probably received the second dose as schoolchildren. A more effective mumps vaccine or changes in vaccine policy may be needed to avert future outbreaks and achieve the elimination of mumps. Copyright 2008 Massachusetts Medical Society.

An international dosimetry exchange for BNCT part II: computational dosimetry normalizations.

PubMed

Riley, K J; Binns, P J; Harling, O K; Albritton, J R; Kiger, W S; Rezaei, A; Sköld, K; Seppälä, T; Savolainen, S; Auterinen, I; Marek, M; Viererbl, L; Nievaart, V A; Moss, R L

2008-12-01

The meaningful sharing and combining of clinical results from different centers in the world performing boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) requires improved precision in dose specification between programs. To this end absorbed dose normalizations were performed for the European clinical centers at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Petten (The Netherlands), Nuclear Research Institute, Rez (Czech Republic), VTT, Espoo (Finland), and Studsvik, Nyköping (Sweden). Each European group prepared a treatment plan calculation that was bench-marked against Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) dosimetry performed in a large, water-filled phantom to uniformly evaluate dose specifications with an estimated precision of +/-2%-3%. These normalizations were compared with those derived from an earlier exchange between Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and MIT in the USA. Neglecting the uncertainties related to biological weighting factors, large variations between calculated and measured dose are apparent that depend upon the 10B uptake in tissue. Assuming a boron concentration of 15 microg g(-1) in normal tissue, differences in the evaluated maximum dose to brain for the same nominal specification of 10 Gy(w) at the different facilities range between 7.6 and 13.2 Gy(w) in the trials using boronophenylalanine (BPA) as the boron delivery compound and between 8.9 and 11.1 Gy(w) in the two boron sulfhydryl (BSH) studies. Most notably, the value for the same specified dose of 10 Gy(w) determined at the different participating centers using BPA is significantly higher than at BNL by 32% (MIT), 43% (VTT), 49% (JRC), and 74% (Studsvik). Conversion of dose specification is now possible between all active participants and should be incorporated into future multi-center patient analyses.

Report from Massachusetts: employers largely support health care reform, and few signs of crowd-out appear.

PubMed

Gabel, Jon R; Whitmore, Heidi; Pickreign, Jeremy

2008-01-01

Based on a 2007 survey of 1,056 randomly selected Massachusetts firms, this paper presents findings about employers' attitudes about, knowledge of, and responses to recently enacted reform legislation. A majority of Massachusetts employers agree that all employers bear some responsibility for providing health benefits, firms not offering benefits should be required to pay a "fair share" contribution up to $295 annually per employee, and employers with ten or fewer employees should not be exempt from this requirement. Only 24 percent of employers with 3-50 workers are familiar with the Connector purchasing pool. About 3 percent of Massachusetts small employers intend to drop coverage, similar to national figures.

Shallow geology, sea-floor texture, and physiographic zones of Vineyard and western Nantucket Sounds, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baldwin, Wayne E.; Foster, David S.; Pendleton, Elizabeth A.; Barnhardt, Walter A.; Schwab, William C.; Andrews, Brian D.; Ackerman, Seth D.

2016-09-02

Geologic, sediment texture, and physiographic zone maps characterize the sea floor of Vineyard and western Nantucket Sounds, Massachusetts. These maps were derived from interpretations of seismic-reflection profiles, high-resolution bathymetry, acoustic-backscatter intensity, bottom photographs/video, and surficial sediment samples collected within the 494-square-kilometer study area. Interpretations of seismic stratigraphy and mapping of glacial and Holocene marine units provided a foundation on which the surficial maps were created. This mapping is a result of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management to characterize the surface and subsurface geologic framework offshore of Massachusetts.

Reference dosimetry of proton pencil beams based on dose-area product: a proof of concept.

PubMed

Gomà, Carles; Safai, Sairos; Vörös, Sándor

2017-06-21

This paper describes a novel approach to the reference dosimetry of proton pencil beams based on dose-area product ([Formula: see text]). It depicts the calibration of a large-diameter plane-parallel ionization chamber in terms of dose-area product in a 60 Co beam, the Monte Carlo calculation of beam quality correction factors-in terms of dose-area product-in proton beams, the Monte Carlo calculation of nuclear halo correction factors, and the experimental determination of [Formula: see text] of a single proton pencil beam. This new approach to reference dosimetry proves to be feasible, as it yields [Formula: see text] values in agreement with the standard and well-established approach of determining the absorbed dose to water at the centre of a broad homogeneous field generated by the superposition of regularly-spaced proton pencil beams.

High-resolution geologic mapping of the inner continental shelf: Boston Harbor and approaches, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ackerman, Seth D.; Butman, Bradford; Barnhardt, Walter A.; Danforth, William W.; Crocker, James M.

2006-01-01

This report presents the surficial geologic framework data and information for the sea floor of Boston Harbor and Approaches, Massachusetts (fig. 1.1). This mapping was conducted as part of a cooperative program between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The primary objective of this project was to provide sea floor geologic information and maps of Boston Harbor to aid resource management, scientific research, industry and the public. A secondary objective was to test the feasibility of using NOAA hydrographic survey data, normally collected to update navigation charts, to create maps of the sea floor suitable for geologic and habitat interpretations. Defining sea-floor geology is the first steps toward managing ocean resources and assessing environmental changes due to natural or human activity. The geophysical data for these maps were collected as part of hydrographic surveys carried out by NOAA in 2000 and 2001 (fig. 1.2). Bottom photographs, video, and samples of the sediments were collected in September 2004 to help in the interpretation of the geophysical data. Included in this report are high-resolution maps of the sea floor, at a scale of 1:25,000; the data used to create these maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) format; a GIS project; and a gallery of photographs of the sea floor. Companion maps of sea floor to the north Boston Harbor and Approaches are presented by Barnhardt and others (2006) and to the east by Butman and others (2003a,b,c). See Butman and others (2004) for a map of Massachusetts Bay at a scale of 1:125,000. The sections of this report are listed in the navigation bar along the left-hand margin of this page. Section 1 (this section) introduces the report. Section 2 presents the large-format map sheets. Section 3 describes data collection, processing, and analysis. Section 4 summarizes the geologic history of the region and discusses geomorphic and anthropogenic features within the study area. Section 4 also provides references that contain additional information about the region. Appendix 1 provides GIS layers of all the data collected in this study, Appendix 2 contains the grain size textural analyses of sediment samples, and Appendix 3 contains bottom photographs of the sea floor in JPG format.

Measuring dose from radiotherapy treatments in the vicinity of a cardiac pacemaker.

PubMed

Peet, Samuel C; Wilks, Rachael; Kairn, Tanya; Crowe, Scott B

2016-12-01

This study investigated the dose absorbed by tissues surrounding artificial cardiac pacemakers during external beam radiotherapy procedures. The usefulness of out-of-field reference data, treatment planning systems, and skin dose measurements to estimate the dose in the vicinity of a pacemaker was also examined. Measurements were performed by installing a pacemaker onto an anthropomorphic phantom, and using radiochromic film and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters to measure the dose in the vicinity of the device during the delivery of square fields and clinical treatment plans. It was found that the dose delivered in the vicinity of the cardiac device was unevenly distributed both laterally and anteroposteriorly. As the device was moved distally from the square field, the dose dropped exponentially, in line with out-of-field reference data in the literature. Treatment planning systems were found to substantially underestimate the dose for volumetric modulated arc therapy, helical tomotherapy, and 3D conformal treatments. The skin dose was observed to be either greater or lesser than the dose received at the depth of the device, depending on the treatment site, and so care should be if skin dose measurements are to be used to estimate the dose to a pacemaker. Square field reference data may be used as an upper estimate of absorbed dose per monitor unit in the vicinity of a cardiac device for complex treatments involving multiple gantry angles. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Legal Officer Civil Law Study Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-01

OCCURRED IN WESTMINISTER , MASSACHUSETTS, ON 28 DECEMBER 19. a. The subject line which must be done in accordanre with OPNAVNOTE 5211, as in example 1. b...Doe, which occurred in Westminister , Massachusetts, on 28 December 19. 2. You are to investigate all facts and- circumstances surrounding the motor...AND INJURIES SUSTAINED BY, YNSN JANE E. DOE, USN, 111-11-1111, NAVAL JUSTICE SCHOOL, WHICH OCCURRED- IN WESTMINISTER , MASSACHUSETTS, ON 28 DECEMBER

Massachusetts wants a tougher federal oil spill control plan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

Massachusetts wants a tougher federal oil spill control plan and has petitioned the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The present oil spill contingency plan is inadequate, according to M. Dukakis (Gov. Mass.). The Massachusetts plan, which CEQ officials view favorably, would extend responsibility to the 200 mi fishing limit, provide for protection of birds, and set up an oil strike force on 24 hr alert.

Parallel Algorithms for Computer Vision.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

34 IEEE Tran. Pattern Ankyaij and Ma- Artifcial Intelligence , Tokyo, 1979. chine Intelligence , 6, 1984. Kirkpatrick, S., C.D. Gelatt, Jr. and M.P. Vecchi...MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH CAMBRIDGE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LAB T P06010 JAN 89 ETL-0529 UNCLASSIFIED DACA76-85-C-0010 F.’G 12/1I N mommiimmmiiso...PoggioI Massachusetts Institute of Technology i Artificial Intelligence Laboratory 545 Technology Square Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 DTIC January

Saugus River and Tributaries, Lynn Malden, Revere and Saugus, Massachusetts. Flood Damage Reduction. Volume 7. Appendix J. Feasibility Study and EIS/EIR Comments and Responses. Section B. Attachments

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

with the project the loss would be less than without it. 10. F&W Camment: If long term protection of the estuary storage area is essential for...Francis D. Doris Reqion Coord., Governor’s Massachusetts Senate Massachusetts Senate Office/ Ecnomic Devlop. State House State House State House - Room 109

Evaluation of dose‐area product of common radiographic examinations towards establishing a preliminary diagnostic reference levels (PDRLs) in Southwestern Nigeria

PubMed Central

Jibiri, Nnamdi N.

2016-01-01

In Nigeria, a large number of radiographic examinations are conducted yearly for various diagnostic purposes. However, most examinations carried out do not have records of doses received by the patients, and the employed exposure parameters used are not documented; therefore, adequate radiation dose management is hindered. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dose‐area product (DAP) of patients examined in Nigeria, and to propose regional reference dose levels for nine common examinations (chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP, skull AP, leg AP, knee AP, hand AP, and thigh AP) undertaken in Nigeria. Measurement of entrance surface dose (ESD) was carried out using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). Measured ESDS were converted into DAP using the beam area of patients in 12 purposely selected hospitals. Results of the study show that the maximum/minimum ratio ranged from 3 for thigh AP to 57 in abdomen AP. The range of determined mean and 75th percentile DAPs were 0.18–17.16, and 0.25–28.59 Gy cm2, respectively. Data available for comparison show that 75th percentile DAPs in this study (in chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP) are higher than NRPB‐HPE reference values. The DAP in this study is higher by factor of 31.4 (chest PA), 9.9 (abdomen AP), 2.2 (pelvis AP), and 2.1 (lumbar AP) than NRPB‐HPE values. The relative higher dose found in this study shows nonoptimization of practice in Nigeria. It is expected that regular dose auditing and dose optimization implementation in Nigeria would lead to lower DAP value, especially in abdomen AP. The 75th percentile DAP distribution reported in this study could be taken as regional diagnostic reference level in the Southwestern Nigeria; however, a more extensive nationwide dose survey is required to establish national reference dose. PACS number(s): 87.53.Bn, 87.59.B PMID:27929511

Contaminant transport and accumulation in Massachusetts Bay and Boston Harbor; a summary of U.S. Geological Survey studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butman, Bradford; Bothner, Michael H.; Hathaway, J.C.; Jenter, H.L.; Knebel, H.J.; Manheim, F.T.; Signell, R.P.

1992-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting studies in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay designed to define the geologic framework of the region and to understand the transport and accumulation of contaminated sediments. The region is being studied because of environmental problems caused by the introduction of wastes for a long time, because a new ocean outfall (to begin operation in 1995) will change the location for disposal of treated Boston sewage from Boston Harbor into Massachusetts Bay, and because of the need to understand the transport of sediments and associated contaminants in order to address a wide range of management questions. The USGS effort complements and is closely coordinated with the research and monitoring studies supported by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the Massachusetts Bays Program, and by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The USGS study includes (1) geologic mapping, (2) circulation studies, (3) long-term current and sediment transport observations, (4) measurements of contaminant inventories and rates of sediment mixing and accumulation, (5) circulation modeling, (6) development of a contaminated sediments data base, and (7) information exchange. A long-term objective of the program is to develop a predictive capability for sediment transport and accumulation.

Environmental and economic evaluation of the Massachusetts Smoke-Free Workplace Law.

PubMed

Alpert, Hillel R; Carpenter, Carrie M; Travers, Mark J; Connolly, Gregory N

2007-08-01

An environmental and economic evaluation of the smoke-free law in Massachusetts provides a broad appreciation of how a state-wide smoking ban affects the health of patrons and workers as well as the industries that are commonly concerned about the effects of smoking bans on business. The aim of this study is to evaluate environmental and economic effects of the statewide Massachusetts statewide Smoke-Free Workplace Law. Before and after the smoking ban, air quality testing was conducted in a sample (n = 27) of hospitality venues and state-wide economic changes were assessed. Compliance, in terms of patronage was measured by person-counts. Environmental outcomes were respirable suspended particles (RSP) less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). Economic outcomes were meals tax collections, employment in the food services and drinking places and accommodations industries. On average, levels of respirable suspended particles (RSPs) less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) decreased 93% in these venues after the Massachusetts Smoke-free Workplace Law went into effect. No statistically significant changes were observed among the economic indicators. This evaluation demonstrates that the state-wide Massachusetts law has effectively improved indoor air quality in a sample of Massachusetts venues and has not negatively affected several economic indicators.

Change in Health Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts and Other New England States by Perceived Health Status: Potential Impact of Health Reform

PubMed Central

Zack, Matthew M.; Strine, Tara W.; Druss, Benjamin G.; Simoes, Eduardo

2013-01-01

Objectives. We examined the impact of Massachusetts health reform and its public health component (enacted in 2006) on change in health insurance coverage by perceived health. Methods. We used 2003–2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. We used a difference-in-differences framework to examine the experience in Massachusetts to predict the outcomes of national health care reform. Results. The proportion of adults aged 18 to 64 years with health insurance coverage increased more in Massachusetts than in other New England states (4.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5%, 5.6%). For those with higher perceived health care need (more recent mentally and physically unhealthy days and activity limitation days [ALDs]), the postreform proportion significantly exceeded prereform (P < .001). Groups with higher perceived health care need represented a disproportionate increase in health insurance coverage in Massachusetts compared with other New England states—from 4.3% (95% CI = 3.3%, 5.4%) for fewer than 14 ALDs to 9.0% (95% CI = 4.5%, 13.5%) for 14 or more ALDs. Conclusions. On the basis of the Massachusetts experience, full implementation of the Affordable Care Act may increase health insurance coverage especially among populations with higher perceived health care need. PMID:23597359

Planetary Biology and Microbial Ecology: Molecular Ecology and the Global Nitrogen cycle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nealson, Molly Stone (Editor); Nealson, Kenneth H. (Editor)

1993-01-01

This report summarizes the results of the Planetary Biology and Molecular Ecology's summer 1991 program, which was held at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The purpose of the interdisciplinary PBME program is to integrate, via lectures and laboratory work, the contributions of university and NASA scientists and student interns. The goals of the 1991 program were to examine several aspects of the biogeochemistry of the nitrogen cycle and to teach the application of modern methods of molecular genetics to field studies of organisms. Descriptions of the laboratory projects and protocols and abstracts and references of the lectures are presented.

Bioequivalence of fixed-dose combination RIN®-150 to each reference drug in loose combination.

PubMed

Wang, H F; Wang, R; O'Gorman, M; Crownover, P; Damle, B

2015-03-01

RIN(®)-150 is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing rifampicin (RMP, 150 mg) and isoniazid (INH, 75 mg) developed for the treatment of tuberculosis. This study was conducted at a single center: the Pfizer Clinical Research Unit in Singapore. To demonstrate bioequivalence of each drug component between RIN-150 and individual products in a loose combination. This was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-way crossover study. Subjects received single doses of RIN-150 or two individual reference products under fasting conditions in a crossover fashion, with at least 7 days washout between doses. The primary measures for comparison were peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC). Of 28 subjects enrolled, 26 completed the study. The adjusted geometric mean ratios of Cmax and AUClast between the FDC and single-drug references and 90% confidence intervals were respectively 91.63% (90%CI 83.13-101.01) and 95.45% (90%CI 92.07-98.94) for RMP, and 107.58% (90%CI 96.07-120.47) and 103.45% (90%CI 99.33-107.75) for INH. Both formulations were generally well tolerated in this study. The RIN-150 FDC tablet formulation is bioequivalent to the two single-drug references for RMP and INH at equivalent doses.

A randomized, crossover pharmacokinetic study comparing generic tacrolimus vs. the reference formulation in subpopulations of kidney transplant patients.

PubMed

Bloom, R D; Trofe-Clark, J; Wiland, A; Alloway, R R

2013-01-01

An exploratory, post hoc analysis was performed using data from a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, two-period (14 d per period), two-sequence, crossover, steady-state pharmacokinetic study comparing generic tacrolimus (Sandoz) vs. reference tacrolimus in stable renal transplant patients receiving their pre-study twice-daily dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared in 68 patients according to gender, African American ethnicity, the presence or absence of diabetes, and use of steroids. The ratios of tacrolimus AUC0-12 h , Cmax , and C12 with generic vs. reference tacrolimus were calculated using the geometric mean (GM) of dose-normalized values at days 14 and 28. Mean (SD) tacrolimus dose at baseline was 5.7 (4.2) mg/d. There were no consistent differences in dose-normalized AUC0-12 h , C12 , Cmax, or tmax between the generic and reference preparations within subpopulations. The 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the ratios of dose-normalized AUC0-12 h and C12 with generic vs. reference tacrolimus were within 80-125% for all subpopulations, as were 90% CIs for Cmax other than for females, African Americans, and non-diabetics, which is not unexpected given the wide variability of tacrolimus Cmax and the small subpopulation sizes. These exploratory results suggest that this generic tacrolimus preparation would be expected to offer comparable bioavailability to the reference drug in these patient subpopulations. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Influence of Ultra-Low-Dose and Iterative Reconstructions on the Visualization of Orbital Soft Tissues on Maxillofacial CT.

PubMed

Widmann, G; Juranek, D; Waldenberger, F; Schullian, P; Dennhardt, A; Hoermann, R; Steurer, M; Gassner, E-M; Puelacher, W

2017-08-01

Dose reduction on CT scans for surgical planning and postoperative evaluation of midface and orbital fractures is an important concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variability of various low-dose and iterative reconstruction techniques on the visualization of orbital soft tissues. Contrast-to-noise ratios of the optic nerve and inferior rectus muscle and subjective scores of a human cadaver were calculated from CT with a reference dose protocol (CT dose index volume = 36.69 mGy) and a subsequent series of low-dose protocols (LDPs I-4: CT dose index volume = 4.18, 2.64, 0.99, and 0.53 mGy) with filtered back-projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR)-50, ASIR-100, and model-based iterative reconstruction. The Dunn Multiple Comparison Test was used to compare each combination of protocols (α = .05). Compared with the reference dose protocol with FBP, the following statistically significant differences in contrast-to-noise ratios were shown (all, P ≤ .012) for the following: 1) optic nerve: LDP-I with FBP; LDP-II with FBP and ASIR-50; LDP-III with FBP, ASIR-50, and ASIR-100; and LDP-IV with FBP, ASIR-50, and ASIR-100; and 2) inferior rectus muscle: LDP-II with FBP, LDP-III with FBP and ASIR-50, and LDP-IV with FBP, ASIR-50, and ASIR-100. Model-based iterative reconstruction showed the best contrast-to-noise ratio in all images and provided similar subjective scores for LDP-II. ASIR-50 had no remarkable effect, and ASIR-100, a small effect on subjective scores. Compared with a reference dose protocol with FBP, model-based iterative reconstruction may show similar diagnostic visibility of orbital soft tissues at a CT dose index volume of 2.64 mGy. Low-dose technology and iterative reconstruction technology may redefine current reference dose levels in maxillofacial CT. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Organ doses for reference adult male and female undergoing computed tomography estimated by Monte Carlo simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Choonsik; Kim, Kwang Pyo; Long, Daniel

2011-03-15

Purpose: To develop a computed tomography (CT) organ dose estimation method designed to readily provide organ doses in a reference adult male and female for different scan ranges to investigate the degree to which existing commercial programs can reasonably match organ doses defined in these more anatomically realistic adult hybrid phantomsMethods: The x-ray fan beam in the SOMATOM Sensation 16 multidetector CT scanner was simulated within the Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNPX2.6. The simulated CT scanner model was validated through comparison with experimentally measured lateral free-in-air dose profiles and computed tomography dose index (CTDI) values. The reference adult malemore » and female hybrid phantoms were coupled with the established CT scanner model following arm removal to simulate clinical head and other body region scans. A set of organ dose matrices were calculated for a series of consecutive axial scans ranging from the top of the head to the bottom of the phantoms with a beam thickness of 10 mm and the tube potentials of 80, 100, and 120 kVp. The organ doses for head, chest, and abdomen/pelvis examinations were calculated based on the organ dose matrices and compared to those obtained from two commercial programs, CT-EXPO and CTDOSIMETRY. Organ dose calculations were repeated for an adult stylized phantom by using the same simulation method used for the adult hybrid phantom. Results: Comparisons of both lateral free-in-air dose profiles and CTDI values through experimental measurement with the Monte Carlo simulations showed good agreement to within 9%. Organ doses for head, chest, and abdomen/pelvis scans reported in the commercial programs exceeded those from the Monte Carlo calculations in both the hybrid and stylized phantoms in this study, sometimes by orders of magnitude. Conclusions: The organ dose estimation method and dose matrices established in this study readily provides organ doses for a reference adult male and female for different CT scan ranges and technical parameters. Organ doses from existing commercial programs do not reasonably match organ doses calculated for the hybrid phantoms due to differences in phantom anatomy, as well as differences in organ dose scaling parameters. The organ dose matrices developed in this study will be extended to cover different technical parameters, CT scanner models, and various age groups.« less

College Readiness Policy Implementation in the Massachusetts Public Higher Education System from Policy to Practice: An Analysis of the Implementation of the State College Placement Testing (CPT) Policies at the Four Year Public Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Solomon, Jibril

2013-01-01

In 1998, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, with assistance from the Developmental Assessment and Placement Advisory Committee, adopted an assessment policy that set standards for college placement testing at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. The purposes of the policy were to place students more adequately suited for…

A Review of Faculty Workload Policies and Faculty Workloads at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Report of the Select Committee on Post Audit and Oversight. Senate No. 1785.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts State Legislature, Boston. Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight.

This Massachusetts Senate committee study examined the current policies and procedures used by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMA) to monitor, manage, and report on the activities of its faculty, in particular its faculty workload. The study had originally intended to analyze faculty workload in terms of instruction (teaching),…

Quantitative Analysis, Design, and Fabrication of Biosensing and Bioprocessing Devices in Living Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-10

AFRL-OSR-VA-TR-2015-0080 Biosensing and Bioprocessing Devices in Living Cells Domitilla Del Vecchio MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Final...Of Biosensing And Bioprocessing Devices In Living Cells FA9550-12-1-0129 D. Del Vecchio Massachusetts Institute of Technology -- 77 Massachusetts...research is to develop quantitative techniques for the de novo design and fabrication of biosensing devices in living cells . Such devices will be entirely

Predicting the visual quality impacts of development: a simulation of alternative policies for implementing the Massachusetts Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act

Treesearch

Carl Steinitz

1979-01-01

An implementation work program has been de-veloped by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (MASS D.E.M.) for the Massachusetts Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act, and the North River has been chosen as the pilot project area. The question which has been posed by MASS D.E.M. is: "What will be the impacts of eleven alternative implementation...

Photographs of the Sea Floor of Western Massachusetts Bay, Offshore of Boston, Massachusett, July 1999

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gutierrez, Benjamin T.; Butman, Bradford; Blackwood, Dann S.

2001-01-01

This CD-ROM contains photographs and sediment sample analyses of the sea floor obtained at 142 sites in western Massachusetts Bay (Figure 1) during a research cruise (USGS cruise ISBL99024) aboard the Fishing Vessel (FV) Isabel S. (Figure 2) conducted July 18-21, 1999. These photographs and samples provide critical ground truth information for the interpretation of shaded relief and backscatter intensity maps created using data collected with a multibeam echo sounder system (Butman and others, in press, a, b, c; Valentine and others, in press, a, b, c). Collection of these photographs and samples was undertaken in support of a large project whose overall objective is to map and describe the sea floor of Massachusetts Bay.

Tobacco-Free Pharmacy Laws and Trends in Tobacco Retailer Density in California and Massachusetts.

PubMed

Jin, Yue; Lu, Bo; Klein, Elizabeth G; Berman, Micah; Foraker, Randi E; Ferketich, Amy K

2016-04-01

To examine the impact of local laws prohibiting tobacco sales in pharmacies in California and Massachusetts, the only 2 US states in which such municipal laws exist. We analyzed longitudinally the tobacco retailer density at the city level from tobacco retailer license data in California (2005-2013) and Massachusetts (2004-2014). After adjustments, the reduction in tobacco retailer density over time was 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37, 1.51) to 3.18 (95% CI = 1.11, 5.25) times greater in cities with a tobacco-free pharmacy law than in cities without such a law. Tobacco-free pharmacy laws are associated with a greater reduction in tobacco retailer density over time in California and Massachusetts.

Threshold-driven optimization for reference-based auto-planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Troy; Chen, Mingli; Jiang, Steve; Lu, Weiguo

2018-02-01

We study threshold-driven optimization methodology for automatically generating a treatment plan that is motivated by a reference DVH for IMRT treatment planning. We present a framework for threshold-driven optimization for reference-based auto-planning (TORA). Commonly used voxel-based quadratic penalties have two components for penalizing under- and over-dosing of voxels: a reference dose threshold and associated penalty weight. Conventional manual- and auto-planning using such a function involves iteratively updating the preference weights while keeping the thresholds constant, an unintuitive and often inconsistent method for planning toward some reference DVH. However, driving a dose distribution by threshold values instead of preference weights can achieve similar plans with less computational effort. The proposed methodology spatially assigns reference DVH information to threshold values, and iteratively improves the quality of that assignment. The methodology effectively handles both sub-optimal and infeasible DVHs. TORA was applied to a prostate case and a liver case as a proof-of-concept. Reference DVHs were generated using a conventional voxel-based objective, then altered to be either infeasible or easy-to-achieve. TORA was able to closely recreate reference DVHs in 5-15 iterations of solving a simple convex sub-problem. TORA has the potential to be effective for auto-planning based on reference DVHs. As dose prediction and knowledge-based planning becomes more prevalent in the clinical setting, incorporating such data into the treatment planning model in a clear, efficient way will be crucial for automated planning. A threshold-focused objective tuning should be explored over conventional methods of updating preference weights for DVH-guided treatment planning.

Multiparameter optimization of mammography: an update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafroudi, Hamid; Muntz, E. P.; Jennings, Robert J.

1994-05-01

Previously in this forum we have reported the application of multiparameter optimization techniques to the design of a minimum dose mammography system. The approach used a reference system to define the physical imaging performance required and the dose to which the dose for the optimized system should be compared. During the course of implementing the resulting design in hardware suitable for laboratory testing, the state of the art in mammographic imaging changed, so that the original reference system, which did not have a grid, was no longer appropriate. A reference system with a grid was selected in response to this change, and at the same time the optimization procedure was modified, to make it more general and to facilitate study of the optimized design under a variety of conditions. We report the changes in the procedure, and the results obtained using the revised procedure and the up- to-date reference system. Our results, which are supported by laboratory measurements, indicate that the optimized design can image small objects as well as the reference system using only about 30% of the dose required by the reference system. Hardware meeting the specification produced by the optimization procedure and suitable for clinical use is currently under evaluation in the Diagnostic Radiology Department at the Clinical Center, NH.

A New Dual-purpose Quality Control Dosimetry Protocol for Diagnostic Reference-level Determination in Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Sohrabi, Mehdi; Parsi, Masoumeh; Sina, Sedigheh

2018-05-17

A diagnostic reference level is an advisory dose level set by a regulatory authority in a country as an efficient criterion for protection of patients from unwanted medical exposure. In computed tomography, the direct dose measurement and data collection methods are commonly applied for determination of diagnostic reference levels. Recently, a new quality-control-based dose survey method was proposed by the authors to simplify the diagnostic reference-level determination using a retrospective quality control database usually available at a regulatory authority in a country. In line with such a development, a prospective dual-purpose quality control dosimetry protocol is proposed for determination of diagnostic reference levels in a country, which can be simply applied by quality control service providers. This new proposed method was applied to five computed tomography scanners in Shiraz, Iran, and diagnostic reference levels for head, abdomen/pelvis, sinus, chest, and lumbar spine examinations were determined. The results were compared to those obtained by the data collection and quality-control-based dose survey methods, carried out in parallel in this study, and were found to agree well within approximately 6%. This is highly acceptable for quality-control-based methods according to International Atomic Energy Agency tolerance levels (±20%).

Association between intraoperative opioid administration and 30-day readmission: a pre-specified analysis of registry data from a healthcare network in New England.

PubMed

Long, D R; Lihn, A L; Friedrich, S; Scheffenbichler, F T; Safavi, K C; Burns, S M; Schneider, J C; Grabitz, S D; Houle, T T; Eikermann, M

2018-05-01

The use of intraoperative opioids may influence the rate of postoperative complications. This study evaluated the association between intraoperative opioid dose and the risk of 30-day hospital readmission. We conducted a pre-specified analysis of existing registry data for 153 902 surgical cases performed under general anaesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital and two affiliated medical centres. We examined the association between total intraoperative opioid dose (categorised in quintiles) and 30-day hospital readmission, controlling for several patient-, anaesthetist-, and case-specific factors. Compared with low intraoperative opioid dosing [quintile 1, median (inter-quartile range): 8 (4-9) mg morphine equivalents], exposure to high-dose opioids during surgery [quintile 5: 32 (27-41) equivalents] is an independent predictor of 30-day readmission [odds ratio (OR) 1.15 (95% confidence interval 1.07-1.24); P<0.001]. Ambulatory surgery patients receiving high opioid doses were found to have the greatest adjusted risk of readmission (OR 1.75; P<0.001) with a clear dose-response effect across quintiles (P for trend <0.05), and were more likely to be readmitted early (postoperative days 0-2 vs 3-30; P<0.001). Opioid class modified the association between total opioid dose and readmission, with longer-acting opioids demonstrating a stronger influence (P<0.001). We observed significant practice variability across individual anaesthetists in the utilisation of opioids that could not be explained by patient- and case-specific factors. High intraoperative opioid dose is a modifiable anaesthetic factor that varies in the practice of individual anaesthetists and affects postoperative outcomes. Conservative standards for intraoperative opioid dosing may reduce the risk of postoperative readmission, particularly in ambulatory surgery. Copyright © 2018 British Journal of Anaesthesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SITE SPECIFIC REFERENCE PERSON PARAMETERS AND DERIVED CONCENTRATION STANDARDS FOR THE SAVANNAH RIVER SITE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jannik, T.

2013-03-14

The purpose of this report is twofold. The first is to develop a set of behavioral parameters for a reference person specific for the Savannah River Site (SRS) such that the parameters can be used to determine dose to members of the public in compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) Order 458.1 “Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment.” A reference person is a hypothetical, gender and age aggregation of human physical and physiological characteristics arrived at by international consensus for the purpose of standardizing radiation dose calculations. DOE O 458.1 states that compliance with the annual dose limitmore » of 100 mrem (1 mSv) to a member of the public may be demonstrated by calculating the dose to the maximally exposed individual (MEI) or to a representative person. Historically, for dose compliance, SRS has used the MEI concept, which uses adult dose coefficients and adult male usage parameters. Beginning with the 2012 annual site environmental report, SRS will be using the representative person concept for dose compliance. The dose to a representative person will be based on 1) the SRS-specific reference person usage parameters at the 95th percentile of appropriate national or regional data, which are documented in this report, 2) the reference person (gender and age averaged) ingestion and inhalation dose coefficients provided in DOE Derived Concentration Technical Standard (DOE-STD-1196-2011), and 3) the external dose coefficients provided in the DC_PAK3 toolbox. The second purpose of this report is to develop SRS-specific derived concentration standards (DCSs) for all applicable food ingestion pathways, ground shine, and water submersion. The DCS is the concentration of a particular radionuclide in water, in air, or on the ground that results in a member of the public receiving 100 mrem (1 mSv) effective dose following continuous exposure for one year. In DOE-STD-1196-2011, DCSs were developed for the ingestion of water, inhalation of air and submersion in air pathways, only. These DCSs are required by DOE O 458.1 to be used at all DOE sites in the design and conduct of radiological environmental protection programs. In this report, DCSs for the following additional pathways were considered and documented: ingestion of meat, dairy, grains, produce (fruits and vegetables), seafood, submersion in water and ground shine. These additional DCSs were developed using the same methods as in DOE-STD-1196-2011 and will be used at SRS, where appropriate, as screening and reference values.« less

Organ dose conversion coefficients for voxel models of the reference male and female from idealized photon exposures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlattl, H.; Zankl, M.; Petoussi-Henss, N.

2007-04-01

A new series of organ equivalent dose conversion coefficients for whole body external photon exposure is presented for a standardized couple of human voxel models, called Rex and Regina. Irradiations from broad parallel beams in antero-posterior, postero-anterior, left- and right-side lateral directions as well as from a 360° rotational source have been performed numerically by the Monte Carlo transport code EGSnrc. Dose conversion coefficients from an isotropically distributed source were computed, too. The voxel models Rex and Regina originating from real patient CT data comply in body and organ dimensions with the currently valid reference values given by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for the average Caucasian man and woman, respectively. While the equivalent dose conversion coefficients of many organs are in quite good agreement with the reference values of ICRP Publication 74, for some organs and certain geometries the discrepancies amount to 30% or more. Differences between the sexes are of the same order with mostly higher dose conversion coefficients in the smaller female model. However, much smaller deviations from the ICRP values are observed for the resulting effective dose conversion coefficients. With the still valid definition for the effective dose (ICRP Publication 60), the greatest change appears in lateral exposures with a decrease in the new models of at most 9%. However, when the modified definition of the effective dose as suggested by an ICRP draft is applied, the largest deviation from the current reference values is obtained in postero-anterior geometry with a reduction of the effective dose conversion coefficient by at most 12%.

Diagnostic reference levels of paediatric computed tomography examinations performed at a dedicated Australian paediatric hospital.

PubMed

Bibbo, Giovanni; Brown, Scott; Linke, Rebecca

2016-08-01

Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) of procedures involving ionizing radiation are important tools to optimizing radiation doses delivered to patients and in identifying cases where the levels of doses are unusually high. This is particularly important for paediatric patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations as these examinations are associated with relatively high-dose. Paediatric CT studies, performed at our institution from January 2010 to March 2014, have been retrospectively analysed to determine the 75th and 95th percentiles of both the volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol ) and dose-length product (DLP) for the most commonly performed studies to: establish local diagnostic reference levels for paediatric computed tomography examinations performed at our institution, benchmark our DRL with national and international published paediatric values, and determine the compliance of CT radiographer with established protocols. The derived local 75th percentile DRL have been found to be acceptable when compared with those published by the Australian National Radiation Dose Register and two national children's hospitals, and at the international level with the National Reference Doses for the UK. The 95th percentiles of CTDIvol for the various CT examinations have been found to be acceptable values for the CT scanner Dose-Check Notification. Benchmarking CT radiographers shows that they follow the set protocols for the various examinations without significant variations in the machine setting factors. The derivation of DRL has given us the tool to evaluate and improve the performance of our CT service by improved compliance and a reduction in radiation dose to our paediatric patients. We have also been able to benchmark our performance with similar national and international institutions. © 2016 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, R; Zhu, X; Li, S

Purpose: High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy forward planning is principally an iterative process; hence, plan quality is affected by planners’ experiences and limited planning time. Thus, this may lead to sporadic errors and inconsistencies in planning. A statistical tool based on previous approved clinical treatment plans would help to maintain the consistency of planning quality and improve the efficiency of second checking. Methods: An independent dose calculation tool was developed from commercial software. Thirty-three previously approved cervical HDR plans with the same prescription dose (550cGy), applicator type, and treatment protocol were examined, and ICRU defined reference point doses (bladder, vaginalmore » mucosa, rectum, and points A/B) along with dwell times were collected. Dose calculation tool then calculated appropriate range with a 95% confidence interval for each parameter obtained, which would be used as the benchmark for evaluation of those parameters in future HDR treatment plans. Model quality was verified using five randomly selected approved plans from the same dataset. Results: Dose variations appears to be larger at the reference point of bladder and mucosa as compared with rectum. Most reference point doses from verification plans fell between the predicted range, except the doses of two points of rectum and two points of reference position A (owing to rectal anatomical variations & clinical adjustment in prescription points, respectively). Similar results were obtained for tandem and ring dwell times despite relatively larger uncertainties. Conclusion: This statistical tool provides an insight into clinically acceptable range of cervical HDR plans, which could be useful in plan checking and identifying potential planning errors, thus improving the consistency of plan quality.« less

Implementation of Competitive Food and Beverage Standards in a Sample of Massachusetts Schools: The NOURISH Study (Nutrition Opportunities to Understand Reforms Involving Student Health)

PubMed Central

Hoffman, Jessica A.; Rosenfeld, Lindsay; Schmidt, Nicole; Cohen, Juliana F. W.; Gorski, Mary; Chaffee, Ruth; Smith, Lauren; Rimm, Eric B.

2015-01-01

Background During 2012, Massachusetts adopted comprehensive school competitive food and beverage standards that closely align with Institute of Medicine recommendations and Smart Snacks in School national standards. Objective We examined the extent to which a sample of Massachusetts middle schools and high schools sold foods and beverages that were compliant with the state competitive food and beverage standards after the first year of implementation, and complied with four additional aspects of the regulations. Design Observational cohort study with data collected before implementation (Spring 2012) and 1 year after implementation (Spring 2013). Participants/setting School districts (N=37) with at least one middle school and one high school participated. Main outcome measures Percent of competitive foods and beverages that were compliant with Massachusetts standards and compliance with four additional aspects of the regulations. Data were collected via school site visits and a foodservice director questionnaire. Statistical analyses performed Multilevel models were used to examine change in food and beverage compliance over time. Results More products were available in high schools than middle schools at both time points. The number of competitive beverages and several categories of competitive food products sold in the sample of Massachusetts schools decreased following the implementation of the standards. Multilevel models demonstrated a 47-percentage-point increase in food and 46-percentage-point increase in beverage compliance in Massachusetts schools from 2012 to 2013. Overall, total compliance was higher for beverages than foods. Conclusions This study of a group of Massachusetts schools demonstrated the feasibility of schools making substantial changes in response to requirements for healthier competitive foods, even in the first year of implementation. PMID:26210085

Implementation of Competitive Food and Beverage Standards in a Sample of Massachusetts Schools: The NOURISH Study (Nutrition Opportunities to Understand Reforms Involving Student Health).

PubMed

Hoffman, Jessica A; Rosenfeld, Lindsay; Schmidt, Nicole; Cohen, Juliana F W; Gorski, Mary; Chaffee, Ruth; Smith, Lauren; Rimm, Eric B

2015-08-01

During 2012, Massachusetts adopted comprehensive school competitive food and beverage standards that closely align with Institute of Medicine recommendations and Smart Snacks in School national standards. We examined the extent to which a sample of Massachusetts middle schools and high schools sold foods and beverages that were compliant with the state competitive food and beverage standards after the first year of implementation, and complied with four additional aspects of the regulations. Observational cohort study with data collected before implementation (Spring 2012) and 1 year after implementation (Spring 2013). School districts (N=37) with at least one middle school and one high school participated. Percent of competitive foods and beverages that were compliant with Massachusetts standards and compliance with four additional aspects of the regulations. Data were collected via school site visits and a foodservice director questionnaire. Multilevel models were used to examine change in food and beverage compliance over time. More products were available in high schools than middle schools at both time points. The number of competitive beverages and several categories of competitive food products sold in the sample of Massachusetts schools decreased following the implementation of the standards. Multilevel models demonstrated a 47-percentage-point increase in food and 46-percentage-point increase in beverage compliance in Massachusetts schools from 2012 to 2013. Overall, total compliance was higher for beverages than foods. This study of a group of Massachusetts schools demonstrated the feasibility of schools making substantial changes in response to requirements for healthier competitive foods, even in the first year of implementation. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cigarette smoking before and after an excise tax increase and an antismoking campaign--Massachusetts, 1990-1996.

PubMed

1996-11-08

In November 1992, residents of Massachusetts approved a ballot petition (Question 1) that increased the tax on each pack of cigarettes from $.26 to $.51 beginning January 1, 1993, and requested that the legislature spend the proceeds on tobacco control and health education. The Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program (MTCP), administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), was established in response to the approval of the petition. In October 1993, MTCP initiated a statewide mass-media antismoking campaign. In early 1994, the program began funding local boards of health and school health and other youth programs to promote policies to reduce public exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and to restrict youth access to cigarettes. Efforts also included support to health education programs, primary-care providers, and other services to help smokers quit. Through June 1996, MTCP expenditures totaled $116 million, including $43 million for the mass-media campaign. To assess the effects of the excise tax increase and the antismoking campaign on cigarette smoking in Massachusetts, CDC and MDPH analyzed data about the number of packs of cigarettes taxed per capita and the prevalence of cigarette smoking during the period preceding (1990-1992) and following (1993-1996) implementation of the ballot petition. This report summarizes the findings of the assessment and compares trends in cigarette consumption (i.e., purchases) in Massachusetts, in California (where a voter-mandated cigarette tax increase in January 1989 funded a statewide antismoking campaign that began in April 1990, and in the 48 remaining states and the District of Columbia combined. The findings suggest that the number of packs of cigarettes taxed per capita declined substantially in Massachusetts after implementation of the ballot petition.

Medicaid Coverage for Tobacco Dependence Treatments in Massachusetts and Associated Decreases in Smoking Prevalence

PubMed Central

Land, Thomas; Warner, Donna; Paskowsky, Mark; Cammaerts, Ayesha; Wetherell, LeAnn; Kaufmann, Rachel; Zhang, Lei; Malarcher, Ann; Pechacek, Terry; Keithly, Lois

2010-01-01

Background Approximately 50% of smokers die prematurely from tobacco-related diseases. In July 2006, the Massachusetts health care reform law mandated tobacco cessation coverage for the Massachusetts Medicaid population. The new benefit included behavioral counseling and all medications approved for tobacco cessation treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Between July 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, a total of 70,140 unique Massachusetts Medicaid subscribers used the newly available benefit, which is approximately 37% of all Massachusetts Medicaid smokers. Given the high utilization rate, the objective of this study is to determine if smoking prevalence decreased significantly after the initiation of tobacco cessation coverage. Methods and Findings Smoking prevalence was evaluated pre- to post-benefit using 1999 through 2008 data from the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFSS). The crude smoking rate decreased from 38.3% (95% C.I. 33.6%–42.9%) in the pre-benefit period compared to 28.3% (95% C.I.: 24.0%–32.7%) in the post-benefit period, representing a decline of 26 percent. A demographically adjusted smoking rate showed a similar decrease in the post-benefit period. Trend analyses reflected prevalence decreases that accrued over time. Specifically, a joinpoint analysis of smoking prevalence among Massachusetts Medicaid benefit-eligible members (age 18–64) from 1999 through 2008 found a decreasing trend that was coincident with the implementation of the benefit. Finally, a logistic regression that controlled for demographic factors also showed that the trend in smoking decreased significantly from July 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008. Conclusion These findings suggest that a tobacco cessation benefit that includes coverage for medications and behavioral treatments, has few barriers to access, and involves broad promotion can significantly reduce smoking prevalence. PMID:20305787

Estimates of lifetime infertility from three states: the behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

PubMed

Crawford, Sara; Fussman, Chris; Bailey, Marie; Bernson, Dana; Jamieson, Denise J; Murray-Jordan, Melissa; Kissin, Dmitry M

2015-07-01

Knowledge of state-specific infertility is limited. The objectives of this study were to explore state-specific estimates of lifetime prevalence of having ever experienced infertility, sought treatment for infertility, types of treatments sought, and treatment outcomes. Male and female adult residents aged 18-50 years from three states involved in the States Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology Collaborative (Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan) were asked state-added infertility questions as part of the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based, health-related telephone survey. Analysis involved estimation of lifetime prevalence of infertility. The estimated lifetime prevalence of infertility among 1,285 adults in Florida, 1,302 in Massachusetts, and 3,360 in Michigan was 9.7%, 6.0%, and 4.2%, respectively. Among 736 adults in Florida, 1,246 in Massachusetts, and 2,742 in Michigan that have ever tried to get pregnant, the lifetime infertility prevalence was 25.3% in Florida, 9.9% in Massachusetts, and 5.8% in Michigan. Among those with a history of infertility, over half sought treatment (60.7% in Florida, 70.6% in Massachusetts, and 51.6% in Michigan), the most common being non-assisted reproductive technology fertility treatments (61.3% in Florida, 66.0% in Massachusetts, and 75.9% in Michigan). State-specific estimates of lifetime infertility prevalence in Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan varied. Variations across states are difficult to interpret, as they likely reflect both true differences in prevalence and differences in data collection questionnaires. State-specific estimates are needed for the prevention, detection, and management of infertility, but estimates should be based on a common set of questions appropriate for these goals.

Estimates of Lifetime Infertility from Three States: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

PubMed Central

Crawford, Sara; Fussman, Chris; Bailey, Marie; Bernson, Dana; Jamieson, Denise J.; Murray-Jordan, Melissa; Kissin, Dmitry M.

2016-01-01

Background Knowledge of state-specific infertility is limited. The objectives of this study were to explore state-specific estimates of lifetime prevalence of having ever experienced infertility, sought treatment for infertility, types of treatments sought, and treatment outcomes. Methods Male and female adult residents aged 18–50 years from three states involved in the States Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology Collaborative (Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan) were asked state-added infertility questions as part of the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based, health-related telephone survey. Analysis involved estimation of lifetime prevalence of infertility. Results The estimated lifetime prevalence of infertility among 1,285 adults in Florida, 1,302 in Massachusetts, and 3,360 in Michigan was 9.7%, 6.0%, and 4.2%, respectively. Among 736 adults in Florida, 1,246 in Massachusetts, and 2,742 in Michigan that have ever tried to get pregnant, the lifetime infertility prevalence was 25.3% in Florida, 9.9% in Massachusetts, and 5.8% in Michigan. Among those with a history of infertility, over half sought treatment (60.7% in Florida, 70.6% in Massachusetts, and 51.6% in Michigan), the most common being non–assisted reproductive technology fertility treatments (61.3% in Florida, 66.0% in Massachusetts, and 75.9% in Michigan). Conclusion State-specific estimates of lifetime infertility prevalence in Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan varied. Variations across states are difficult to interpret, as they likely reflect both true differences in prevalence and differences in data collection questionnaires. State-specific estimates are needed for the prevention, detection, and management of infertility, but estimates should be based on a common set of questions appropriate for these goals. PMID:26172998

An Examination of Change Resulting from a Public Policy Shift from "Falls the Shadow: Changes in Funding Massachusetts K12 Public Education in the First Decade of Proposition 2 1/2, 1982-91."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greyser, Linda L.

In November 1980, Massachusetts citizens voted to limit the allowable increase in local property tax revenue by supporting a state-ballot referendum named Proposition 2 1/2. This paper presents findings of a study that examined changes in both the sources and extent of funding for public education in Massachusetts communities during the first…

No Further Action Decision Under CERCLA Study 43R Historic Gas Station Sites Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

in accordance with the same. E Date RAC Environmental Coordinator m U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY JAMES P. BYRý% Date Fort Devens Remedial...CERCLA STUDY AREA 43R HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS CONTRACT DAAA15-91-D-0008 U.S. ARMY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING...ACTION DECISION UNDER CERCLA STUDY AREA 43R HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS I * Prepared for: U.S. Army Environmental Center

Opportunities and Challenges for Payment Reform: Observations from Massachusetts.

PubMed

Mechanic, Robert E

2016-08-01

Policy makers and private health plans are expanding their efforts to implement new payment models that will encourage providers to improve quality and deliver health care more efficiently. Over the past five years, payment reforms have progressed faster in Massachusetts than in any other state. The reasons include a major effort by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to implement global payment, the presence of large integrated systems willing to take on financial risk, and a supportive state policy environment. By 2014, thirty-seven percent of Massachusetts's residents enrolled in health plans were covered under risk-based payment models tied to global budgets. But the expansion of payment reform in Massachusetts slowed between 2012 and 2015 because some commercial enrollment shifted from risk-based health maintenance organization products to fee-for-service preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, and the state Medicaid program fell short of its payment reform goals. Provider groups will not fully commit to population-based clinical models if they believe it will result in large reductions in fee-for-service revenue. The use of alternative payment models will accelerate in 2016 when Blue Cross begins implementing PPO payment reforms, but it is unknown how quickly other payers will follow. Massachusetts's experience illustrates the complexity of payment reform in pluralistic health care markets and the need for complementary efforts by public and private stakeholders. Copyright © 2016 by Duke University Press.

Healthy Workplaces? A Survey of Massachusetts Employers

PubMed Central

Tremblay, Patricia A.; Nobrega, Suzanne; Davis, Letitia; Erck, Elizabeth; Punnett, Laura

2018-01-01

Purpose This study examines worksite health promotion (WHP) and occupational health and safety (OHS) activities by Massachusetts employers, and the extent to which workplaces with programming in one domain were more likely to have the other as well. Design In 2008, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health surveyed a stratified sample of Massachusetts worksites. Setting A mailed questionnaire to be completed by workplace representatives. Subjects Massachusetts worksites returning the questionnaire. Measures Questionnaire items about worksite characteristics, WHP, and some OHS practices. Analysis We scored levels of WHP and OHS activity; examined the relationship between activities in the two domains by employer characteristics; and assessed self-reported coordination between them. Results The 890 responding worksites had higher scores for OHS (mean = 48% of practices, SD = 24%) than WHP (mean = 20%, SD = 12%). The difference between these scores varied by a factor of two across industry sectors and was smallest for workforces of 100+ employees (p = .001). Employers with no unionized workers reported fewer activities in both domains (p < .0001). Only 28% of respondents reported always/often coordinating OHS and WHP efforts; these organizations had more activities overall in both domains. Conclusion Larger and unionized workplaces in Massachusetts were more likely to offer both WHP and OHS programming. Self-reported coordination was somewhat associated with more activity in both domains, although levels of WHP activity varied widely. PMID:23470184

Injury to apical meristem of cranberry by Dasineura oxycoccana (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) reduces production of floral-units in the next growing season.

PubMed

Tewari, S; Buonaccorsi, J P; Averill, A L

2012-08-01

Cranberry tipworm, Dasineura oxycoccana Johnson (a gall-making fly), disrupts normal growth of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) by injuring the apical meristem of shoots or uprights. The impact of larval feeding injury on reproductive parameters of cranberry was determined, from one growing season to next, at upright (Maine and Massachusetts, 2008-2009) and plot levels (Massachusetts, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011). We also estimated the proportions of uprights injured because of tipworm feeding at several cranberry production sites (Massachusetts and Maine) and the proportions of uprights that produced flowers and fruits in the next growing season. Tipworm-injured uprights tagged at the end of the growing season did not produce floral-units (following year) across sites in both Massachusetts and Maine. There was significant variation among the sampled sites in the proportions of tipworm-injured uprights and also in the proportions of uprights with flowers in the next growing season (Massachusetts and Maine). A trend was apparent wherein sites with higher tipworm injury levels had relatively lower flowering proportions in the next growing season. However, sites in Massachusetts did not differ in the proportions of uprights that set fruit and in a replicated study, significant reduction in tipworm injury at plot level (using insecticide) did not impact flower and fruit production in the next growing season.

Movement patterns of rural and suburban white-tailed deer in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gaughan, C.R.; DeStefano, S.

2005-01-01

We used satellite land cover data and the program FRAGSTATS toquantify land cover types and calculate the amount of forest edge available in suburban and rural regions of northeastern and northwestern Massachusetts. Cover categories included forest cover, open canopy vegetation, and non-deer habitat. We calculated all edge segments where forest cover abutted open canopy cover. Our open canopy vegetation category was calculated both with and without low intensity suburban development. We then compared these findings to movement data from 53 (13 males, 40 females) adult radio-marked white-tailed deerOdocoileus virginianusmonitored biweekly and diurnally from January 2001 to January 2003. The range of movements of suburban deer in eastern Massachusetts showed no difference to that of suburban deer in western Massachusetts (P = 0.7). However, the ranges for suburban deer in both eastern and western Massachusetts were 10 times less than those of deer in rural western Massachusetts (P = 0.001).Our findings suggest that landscape configuration, as described by the amount and distribution of edge due to suburban development, which is related to the amount and distribution of resources such as food and cover, affects migratory behavior of white-tailed deer, allowsdeer to have smaller ranges, and contributes to high deer densities.Inclusion of suburban edge in habitat models will increase our understanding of deer-habitat relationships for management of deer in urbanizing environments. ?? 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.

Eastern equine encephalitis--New Hampshire and Massachusetts, August-September 2005.

PubMed

2006-06-30

During August-September 2005, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported seven cases of human eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease, the first laboratory-confirmed, locally acquired cases of human EEEV disease reported from New Hampshire in 41 years of national surveillance. Also during August--September 2005, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported four cases of human EEEV disease, five times the annual average of 0.8 cases reported from Massachusetts during the preceding 10 years. Four of the 11 patients from New Hampshire and Massachusetts died. EEEV is transmitted in marshes and swamps in an enzootic bird-mosquito-bird cycle primarily by the mosquito Culiseta melanura. Bridge mosquito vectors (e.g., Coquillettidia perturbans, Aedes vexans, or Aedes sollicitans) transmit EEEV to humans and other mammals. This report summarizes the investigations of cases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts conducted by the two state health departments and CDC. The findings underscore the importance of surveillance for, and diagnostic consideration of, arboviral encephalitis in the United States and promotion of preventive measures such as local mosquito control and use of insect repellent.

Strange bedfellows: the history of collaboration between the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and the tobacco industry.

PubMed Central

Ritch, W A; Begay, M E

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVES: This article examines the historical relationship between the tobacco industry and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, a nonprofit trade association aligned with the food and beverage industry. METHODS: The study analyzed data from Web-based tobacco industry documents, public relations materials, news articles, testimony from public hearings, requests for injunctions, court decisions, economic impact studies, handbooks, and private correspondence. RESULTS: Tobacco industry documents that became public after various state lawsuits reveal that a long history of collaboration exists between the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and the tobacco industry. For more than 20 years, their joint efforts have focused primarily on the battle to defeat state and local laws that would restrict smoking in public places, particularly in beverage and food service establishments. The resources of the tobacco industry, combined with the association's grassroots mobilization of its membership, have fueled their opposition to many state and local smoke-free restaurant, bar, and workplace laws in Massachusetts. CONCLUSIONS: The universal opposition of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association to smoking bans in food and beverage establishments is a reflection of its historic relationship with the tobacco industry. PMID:11291372

Strange bedfellows: the history of collaboration between the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and the tobacco industry.

PubMed

Ritch, W A; Begay, M E

2001-04-01

This article examines the historical relationship between the tobacco industry and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, a nonprofit trade association aligned with the food and beverage industry. The study analyzed data from Web-based tobacco industry documents, public relations materials, news articles, testimony from public hearings, requests for injunctions, court decisions, economic impact studies, handbooks, and private correspondence. Tobacco industry documents that became public after various state lawsuits reveal that a long history of collaboration exists between the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and the tobacco industry. For more than 20 years, their joint efforts have focused primarily on the battle to defeat state and local laws that would restrict smoking in public places, particularly in beverage and food service establishments. The resources of the tobacco industry, combined with the association's grassroots mobilization of its membership, have fueled their opposition to many state and local smoke-free restaurant, bar, and workplace laws in Massachusetts. The universal opposition of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association to smoking bans in food and beverage establishments is a reflection of its historic relationship with the tobacco industry.

Proposed Oral Reference Dose (RfD) for Barium and Compounds (Final Report, 2004)

EPA Science Inventory

This document is the final report from the 2004 external peer review of the Proposed Oral Reference Dose (RfD) for Barium and Compounds, prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA), for the Integrated Risk...

ESTIMATION OF ADULT PATIENT DOSES FOR CHEST X-RAY EXAMINATIONS AND COMPARISON WITH DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS (DRLs).

PubMed

Bas Mor, H; Altinsoy, N; Söyler, I

2018-05-08

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation doses to patient during chest (posterior anterior/and lateral) examinations. The study was performed in three public hospitals of İstanbul province with a total of 300 adult patients. Entrance surface dose (ESD) measurements were conducted on computed radiography, digital radiography and screen film system. ESD was estimated by using International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) model and Davies model which are the common indirect models. Results were compared with diagnostic reference levels from the European Commission, IAEA and National Radiological Protection Board. Although the results are compatible with the international diagnostic reference levels, they present variations between the hospitals. Dose variations for the same type of X-ray examination support the idea that further optimization is possible.

Contaminant transport in Massachusetts Bay

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butman, Bradford

Construction of a new treatment plant and outfall to clean up Boston Harbor is currently one of the world's largest public works projects, costing about $4 billion. There is concern about the long-term impact of contaminants on Massachusetts Bay and adjacent Gulf of Maine because these areas are used extensively for transportation, recreation, fishing, and tourism, as well as waste disposal. Public concern also focuses on Stellwagen Bank, located on the eastern side of Massachusetts Bay, which is an important habitat for endangered whales. Contaminants reach Massachusetts Bay not only from Boston Harbor, but from other coastal communities on the Gulf of Maine, as well as from the atmosphere. Knowledge of the pathways, mechanisms, and rates at which pollutants are transported throughout these coastal environments is needed to address a wide range of management questions.

High-Resolution geophysical data from the inner continental shelf at Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Andrews, Brian D.; Ackerman, Seth D.; Baldwin, Wayne E.; Foster, David S.; Schwab, William C.

2013-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) have mapped approximately 340 square kilometers of the inner continental shelf in Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts, under a cooperative mapping program. The geophysical data collected between 2009 and 2011 by the U.S. Geological Survey as part of this program are published in this report. The data include (1) swath bathymetry from interferometric sonar, (2) acoustic backscatter from sidescan sonar, and (3) seismic-reflection profiles from a chirp subbottom profiler. These data were collected to support research on the influence of sea-level change and sediment supply on coastal evolution and sediment transport processes and to provide baseline seabed characterization information required for management of coastal and offshore resources within the coastal zone of Massachusetts.

Tobacco-Free Pharmacy Laws and Trends in Tobacco Retailer Density in California and Massachusetts

PubMed Central

Jin, Yue; Lu, Bo; Klein, Elizabeth G.; Berman, Micah; Foraker, Randi E.

2016-01-01

Objectives. To examine the impact of local laws prohibiting tobacco sales in pharmacies in California and Massachusetts, the only 2 US states in which such municipal laws exist. Methods. We analyzed longitudinally the tobacco retailer density at the city level from tobacco retailer license data in California (2005–2013) and Massachusetts (2004–2014). Results. After adjustments, the reduction in tobacco retailer density over time was 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37, 1.51) to 3.18 (95% CI = 1.11, 5.25) times greater in cities with a tobacco-free pharmacy law than in cities without such a law. Conclusions. Tobacco-free pharmacy laws are associated with a greater reduction in tobacco retailer density over time in California and Massachusetts. PMID:26890173

Research on Ratio of Dosage of Drugs in Traditional Chinese Prescriptions by Data Mining.

PubMed

Yu, Xing-Wen; Gong, Qing-Yue; Hu, Kong-Fa; Mao, Wen-Jing; Zhang, Wei-Ming

2017-01-01

Maximizing the effectiveness of prescriptions and minimizing adverse effects of drugs is a key component of the health care of patients. In the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is important to provide clinicians a reference for dosing of prescribed drugs. The traditional Cheng-Church biclustering algorithm (CC) is optimized and the data of TCM prescription dose is analyzed by using the optimization algorithm. Based on an analysis of 212 prescriptions related to TCM treatment of kidney diseases, the study generated 87 prescription dose quantum matrices and each sub-matrix represents the referential value of the doses of drugs in different recipes. The optimized CC algorithm can effectively eliminate the interference of zero in the original dose matrix of TCM prescriptions and avoid zero appearing in output sub-matrix. This results in the ability to effectively analyze the reference value of drugs in different prescriptions related to kidney diseases, so as to provide valuable reference for clinicians to use drugs rationally.

LACK OF CORRELATION BETWEEN OPIOID DOSE ADJUSTMENT AND PAIN SCORE CHANGE IN A GROUP OF CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS

PubMed Central

Chen, Lucy; Vo, Trang; Seefeld, Lindsey; Malarick, Charlene; Houghton, Mary; Ahmed, Shihab; Zhang, Yi; Cohen, Abigail; Retamozo, Cynthia; Hilaire, Kristen St.; Zhang, Vivian; Mao, Jianren

2013-01-01

Despite the increasing use of opioid analgesics for chronic pain management, it is unclear whether opioid dose escalation leads to better pain relief during chronic opioid therapy. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data collected from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Pain Medicine over a 7-year period. We examined 1) the impact of opioid dose adjustment (increase or decrease) on clinical pain score, 2) gender and age differences in response to opioid therapy, and 3) the influence of clinical pain conditions on the opioid analgesic efficacy. A total of 109 subjects met the criteria for data collection. We found that neither opioid dose increase, nor decrease, correlated with point changes in clinical pain score in a subset of chronic pain patients over a prolonged course of opioid therapy (an average of 704 days). This lack of correlation was consistent regardless of the type of chronic pain including neuropathic, nociceptive, or mixed pain conditions. Neither gender nor age differences showed a significant influence on the clinical response to opioid therapy in these subjects. These results suggest that dose adjustment during opioid therapy may not necessarily alter long-term clinical pain score in a group of chronic pain patients and that individualized opioid therapy based on the clinical effectiveness should be considered to optimize the treatment outcome. Perspectives The study reports a relationship, or lack thereof, between opioid dose change and clinical pain score in a group of chronic pain patients. The study also calls for further investigation into the effectiveness of opioid therapy in the management of chronic non-malignant pain conditions. PMID:23452826

Characterizing a proton beam scanning system for Monte Carlo dose calculation in patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grassberger, C.; Lomax, Anthony; Paganetti, H.

2015-01-01

The presented work has two goals. First, to demonstrate the feasibility of accurately characterizing a proton radiation field at treatment head exit for Monte Carlo dose calculation of active scanning patient treatments. Second, to show that this characterization can be done based on measured depth dose curves and spot size alone, without consideration of the exact treatment head delivery system. This is demonstrated through calibration of a Monte Carlo code to the specific beam lines of two institutions, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). Comparison of simulations modeling the full treatment head at MGH to ones employing a parameterized phase space of protons at treatment head exit reveals the adequacy of the method for patient simulations. The secondary particle production in the treatment head is typically below 0.2% of primary fluence, except for low-energy electrons (<0.6 MeV for 230 MeV protons), whose contribution to skin dose is negligible. However, there is significant difference between the two methods in the low-dose penumbra, making full treatment head simulations necessary to study out-of-field effects such as secondary cancer induction. To calibrate the Monte Carlo code to measurements in a water phantom, we use an analytical Bragg peak model to extract the range-dependent energy spread at the two institutions, as this quantity is usually not available through measurements. Comparison of the measured with the simulated depth dose curves demonstrates agreement within 0.5 mm over the entire energy range. Subsequently, we simulate three patient treatments with varying anatomical complexity (liver, head and neck and lung) to give an example how this approach can be employed to investigate site-specific discrepancies between treatment planning system and Monte Carlo simulations.

Out-of-Field Dose Equivalents Delivered by Passively Scattered Therapeutic Proton Beams for Clinically Relevant Field Configurations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wroe, Andrew; Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong; Clasie, Ben

2009-01-01

Purpose: Microdosimetric measurements were performed at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, to assess the dose equivalent external to passively delivered proton fields for various clinical treatment scenarios. Methods and Materials: Treatment fields evaluated included a prostate cancer field, cranial and spinal medulloblastoma fields, ocular melanoma field, and a field for an intracranial stereotactic treatment. Measurements were completed with patient-specific configurations of clinically relevant treatment settings using a silicon-on-insulator microdosimeter placed on the surface of and at various depths within a homogeneous Lucite phantom. The dose equivalent and average quality factor were assessed as a function of both lateral displacement frommore » the treatment field edge and distance downstream of the beam's distal edge. Results: Dose-equivalent value range was 8.3-0.3 mSv/Gy (2.5-60-cm lateral displacement) for a typical prostate cancer field, 10.8-0.58 mSv/Gy (2.5-40-cm lateral displacement) for the cranial medulloblastoma field, 2.5-0.58 mSv/Gy (5-20-cm lateral displacement) for the spinal medulloblastoma field, and 0.5-0.08 mSv/Gy (2.5-10-cm lateral displacement) for the ocular melanoma field. Measurements of external field dose equivalent for the stereotactic field case showed differences as high as 50% depending on the modality of beam collimation. Average quality factors derived from this work ranged from 2-7, with the value dependent on the position within the phantom in relation to the primary beam. Conclusions: This work provides a valuable and clinically relevant comparison of the external field dose equivalents for various passively scattered proton treatment fields.« less

Characterizing a Proton Beam Scanning System for Monte Carlo Dose Calculation in Patients

PubMed Central

Grassberger, C; Lomax, Tony; Paganetti, H

2015-01-01

The presented work has two goals. First, to demonstrate the feasibility of accurately characterizing a proton radiation field at treatment head exit for Monte Carlo dose calculation of active scanning patient treatments. Second, to show that this characterization can be done based on measured depth dose curves and spot size alone, without consideration of the exact treatment head delivery system. This is demonstrated through calibration of a Monte Carlo code to the specific beam lines of two institutions, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). Comparison of simulations modeling the full treatment head at MGH to ones employing a parameterized phase space of protons at treatment head exit reveals the adequacy of the method for patient simulations. The secondary particle production in the treatment head is typically below 0.2% of primary fluence, except for low–energy electrons (<0.6MeV for 230MeV protons), whose contribution to skin dose is negligible. However, there is significant difference between the two methods in the low-dose penumbra, making full treatment head simulations necessary to study out-of field effects such as secondary cancer induction. To calibrate the Monte Carlo code to measurements in a water phantom, we use an analytical Bragg peak model to extract the range-dependent energy spread at the two institutions, as this quantity is usually not available through measurements. Comparison of the measured with the simulated depth dose curves demonstrates agreement within 0.5mm over the entire energy range. Subsequently, we simulate three patient treatments with varying anatomical complexity (liver, head and neck and lung) to give an example how this approach can be employed to investigate site-specific discrepancies between treatment planning system and Monte Carlo simulations. PMID:25549079

A Dosimetric Comparison of Proton and Intensity-Modulated Photon Radiotherapy for Pediatric Parameningeal Rhabdomyosarcomas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kozak, Kevin R.; Adams, Judith; Krejcarek, Stephanie J.

Purpose: We compared tumor and normal tissue dosimetry of proton radiation therapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for pediatric parameningeal rhabdomyosarcomas (PRMS). Methods and Materials: To quantify dosimetric differences between contemporary proton and photon treatment for pediatric PRMS, proton beam plans were compared with IMRT plans. Ten patients treated with proton radiation therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital had IMRT plans generated. To facilitate dosimetric comparisons, clinical target volumes and normal tissue volumes were held constant. Plans were optimized for target volume coverage and normal tissue sparing. Results: Proton and IMRT plans provided acceptable and comparable target volume coverage, with atmore » least 99% of the CTV receiving 95% of the prescribed dose in all cases. Improved dose conformality provided by proton therapy resulted in significant sparing of all examined normal tissues except for ipsilateral cochlea and mastoid; ipsilateral parotid gland sparing was of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.05). More profound sparing of contralateral structures by protons resulted in greater dose asymmetry between ipsilateral and contralateral retina, optic nerves, cochlea, and mastoids; dose asymmetry between ipsilateral and contralateral parotids was of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.05). Conclusions: For pediatric PRMS, superior normal tissue sparing is achieved with proton radiation therapy compared with IMRT. Because of enhanced conformality, proton plans also demonstrate greater normal tissue dose distribution asymmetry. Longitudinal studies assessing the impact of proton radiotherapy and IMRT on normal tissue function and growth symmetry are necessary to define the clinical consequences of these differences.« less

Superfund record of decision (EPA Region 1): Otis Air National Guard (USAF), Operable Unit 3, Falmouth, MA, September 30, 1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1999-03-01

The Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, lies within the boundaries of the towns of Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich, and Bourne. The Area of Contamination (AOC) known as Chemical Spill 3 United States Coast Guard (CS-3 (USCG)) is located on Lee Road, in the south central portion of the MMR. The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE) Installation Restoration Program Office at Otis Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Massachusetts.

Proceedings of Conference on Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils (3rd) Held in Amherst, Massachusetts on September 1989 (Petroleum Contaminated Soils. Volume 3)

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-01

Center Amherst, MA 01003-0081 REPORT DATE: October 1 , 1990 TYPE OF REPORT: Final Proceedings - PREPARED FOR: U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH AND...Environmental Health Sciences Program University of Massachusetts, Amherst 1 * LEWIS PUBLISHERS I Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data...and 30, 1987"-V. 1 , pref. "The proceedings of the Third National Conference on Petroleum Contami- nated Soils held at the University of Massachusetts

No Further Action Decision Under CERCLA, Study Area 14, Landfill No. 10, Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

I I I U.S. ArmyEnvironmentalCenter NO FURTHER ACTION DECISION UNDER 5 CERCLA * STUDY AREA 14 LANDFILL NO. 10 U FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS CONTRACT...45, 1 Feb 93 replaces THAMA Form 45 which is obsolete. U 1I NO FURTHER ACTION DECISION UNDER CERCLA STUDY AREA 14 LANDFILL NO. 10 3 FORT DEVENS ... FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title Page No. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................... ES-1 I 1.0

No Further Action Decision Under CERCLA Study Area 43Q Historic Gas Station Sites Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

the same. ,J ES C. CHAMBERS Date RAC Environmental Coordinator I U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY -t JAMES P. BYR4 Date3 Fort Devens Refiedial...CERCLA STUDY AREA 43Q HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS , CONTRACT DAAA15-91-D-0008 U.S. ARMY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING...ACTION DECISION UNDER CERCLA STUDY AREA 43Q HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES 5 FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS V a I i Prepared for: U.S. Army Environmental Center

No Further Action Decision Under CERCLA Study Area 43L Historic Gas Station Sites Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

AES C. CHAMBERS Date RAC Environmental Coordinator U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY JAMES P. BY/NE ) Date Fort Devens Remedial Project Manager...CERCLA STUDY AREA 43L HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS CONTRACT DAAA15-91-D-0008 U.S. ARMY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING...DECISION UNDER CERCLA STUDY AREA 43L HISTORIC GAS STATION SITES ! FORT DEVENS , MASSACHUSETTS I I I 5 Prepared for: U.S. Army Environmental Center I

Simmons Hall, Massachusetts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amelar, Sarah

2003-01-01

Describes the design of Simmons Hall, an undergraduate dormitory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the architects, as well as floor plans and photographs. (EV)

76 FR 5840 - Supermedia LLC, Formerly Known as Idearc Media LLC, Supermedia Information Services LLC, Client...

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2011-02-02

..., and Database; Middleton, Massachusetts; Notice of Revised Determination on Reconsideration By... from Advantage (TAC), Resprcconn, Tataconssv, Modis, Amdocs, and Database, Middleton, Massachusetts...

New shoreline change data and analysis for the Massachusetts shore with emphasis on Cape Cod and the islands: Mid-1800s to 1994

USGS Publications Warehouse

O'Connell, James F.; Thieler, E. Robert; Schupp, Courtney

2002-01-01

That shorelines change, oftentimes dramatically in short periods of time, is an accepted fact for those who live along the shore. However, when two-thirds or approximately 512 miles of a state's ocean-facing shore exhibits a long-term erosional trend, in some locations eroding at an average annual rate of 12 feet per year, as is the case in Massachusetts, shoreline property owners, prospective shorefront property owners, and coastal managers need to pay particular attention to the future location of the shoreline to avoid physical and economic disasters. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Sea Grant Program, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension recently completed an update and statistical analysis of historical shoreline change along approximately 1,000 miles of Massachusetts' ocean-facing shore, of which 754 miles were statistically analyzed (Thieler, O'Connell and Schupp, 2001; Schupp, Thieler & O'Connell, 2001). The project was funded by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. In general, four to five shoreline positions mapped between the mid-1800s to 1994 were used to analyze changes along the Massachusetts shore. Seventy-six shoreline change maps with accompanying data tables and a Technical Report were produced. The results of this study reveal that approximately two-thirds of the Massachusetts shore is eroding, with 68% of the shore exhibiting a long-term erosional trend, 30% showing long-term accretion, and 2% showing no net change. ln some areas, erosion rates have accelerated based on a comparison study of previous data that was conducted in 1997 (O'Connell, 1997). Ironically, coastal property that commands some of the highest real estate values in the Commonwealth also exhibits the highest consistent long-term average annual erosion rates. This paper describes the data sources used to map historic shorelines in Massachusetts, the methodology used to both plot a new shoreline and analyze the long-term historical data, and describes cautions necessary when interpreting and applying shoreline change data, with site-specific examples along the Massachusetts shore.

Effect of Massachusetts healthcare reform on racial and ethnic disparities in admissions to hospital for ambulatory care sensitive conditions: retrospective analysis of hospital episode statistics.

PubMed

McCormick, Danny; Hanchate, Amresh D; Lasser, Karen E; Manze, Meredith G; Lin, Mengyun; Chu, Chieh; Kressin, Nancy R

2015-04-01

To examine the impact of Massachusetts healthcare reform on changes in rates of admission to hospital for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs), which are potentially preventable with good access to outpatient medical care, and racial and ethnic disparities in such rates, using complete inpatient discharge data (hospital episode statistics) from Massachusetts and three control states. Difference in differences analysis to identify the change, overall and according to race/ethnicity, adjusted for secular changes unrelated to reform. Hospitals in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, United States. Adults aged 18-64 (those most likely to have been affected by the reform) admitted for any of 12 ACSCs in the 21 months before and after the period during which reform was implemented (July 2006 to December 2007). Admission rates for a composite of all 12 ACSCs, and subgroup composites of acute and chronic ACSCs. After adjustment for potential confounders, including age, race and ethnicity, sex, and county income, unemployment rate and physician supply, we found no evidence of a change in the admission rate for overall composite ACSC (1.2%, 95% confidence interval -1.6% to 4.1%) or for subgroup composites of acute and chronic ACSCs. Nor did we find a change in disparities in admission rates between black and white people (-1.9%, -8.5% to 5.1%) or white and Hispanic people (2.0%, -7.5% to 12.4%) for overall composite ACSC that existed in Massachusetts before reform. In analyses limited to Massachusetts only, we found no evidence of a change in admission rate for overall composite ACSC between counties with higher and lower rates of uninsurance at baseline (1.4%, -2.3% to 5.3%). Massachusetts reform was not associated with significantly lower overall or racial and ethnic disparities in rates of admission to hospital for ACSCs. In the US, and Massachusetts in particular, additional efforts might be needed to improve access to outpatient care and reduce preventable admissions. © McCormick et al 2015.

The impact of the 2006 Massachusetts health care reform law on spine surgery patient payer-mix status and age.

PubMed

Villelli, Nicolas W; Yan, Hong; Zou, Jian; Barbaro, Nicholas M

2017-12-01

OBJECTIVE Several similarities exist between the Massachusetts health care reform law of 2006 and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The authors' prior neurosurgical research showed a decrease in uninsured surgeries without a significant change in surgical volume after the Massachusetts reform. An analysis of the payer-mix status and the age of spine surgery patients, before and after the policy, should provide insight into the future impact of the ACA on spine surgery in the US. METHODS Using the Massachusetts State Inpatient Database and spine ICD-9-CM procedure codes, the authors obtained demographic information on patients undergoing spine surgery between 2001 and 2012. Payer-mix status was assigned as Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, uninsured, or other, which included government-funded programs and workers' compensation. A comparison of the payer-mix status and patient age, both before and after the policy, was performed. The New York State data were used as a control. RESULTS The authors analyzed 81,821 spine surgeries performed in Massachusetts and 248,757 in New York. After 2008, there was a decrease in uninsured and private insurance spine surgeries, with a subsequent increase in the Medicare and "other" categories for Massachusetts. Medicaid case numbers did not change. This correlated to an increase in surgeries performed in the age group of patients 65-84 years old, with a decrease in surgeries for those 18-44 years old. New York showed an increase in all insurance categories and all adult age groups. CONCLUSIONS After the Massachusetts reform, spine surgery decreased in private insurance and uninsured categories, with the majority of these surgeries transitioning to Medicare. Moreover, individuals who were younger than 65 years did not show an increase in spine surgeries, despite having greater access to health insurance. In a health care system that requires insurance, the decrease in private insurance is primarily due to an increasing elderly population. The Massachusetts model continues to show that this type of policy is not causing extreme shifts in the payer mix, and suggests that spine surgery will continue to thrive in the current US health care system.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING RADIATION DOSE TO PATIENTS IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY USING REFERENCE DOSE LEVELS.

PubMed

Almén, Anja; Båth, Magnus

2016-06-01

The overall aim of the present work was to develop a conceptual framework for managing radiation dose in diagnostic radiology with the intention to support optimisation. An optimisation process was first derived. The framework for managing radiation dose, based on the derived optimisation process, was then outlined. The outset of the optimisation process is four stages: providing equipment, establishing methodology, performing examinations and ensuring quality. The optimisation process comprises a series of activities and actions at these stages. The current system of diagnostic reference levels is an activity in the last stage, ensuring quality. The system becomes a reactive activity only to a certain extent engaging the core activity in the radiology department, performing examinations. Three reference dose levels-possible, expected and established-were assigned to the three stages in the optimisation process, excluding ensuring quality. A reasonably achievable dose range is also derived, indicating an acceptable deviation from the established dose level. A reasonable radiation dose for a single patient is within this range. The suggested framework for managing radiation dose should be regarded as one part of the optimisation process. The optimisation process constitutes a variety of complementary activities, where managing radiation dose is only one part. This emphasises the need to take a holistic approach integrating the optimisation process in different clinical activities. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

SU-F-T-428: An Optimization-Based Commissioning Tool for Finite Size Pencil Beam Dose Calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Y; Tian, Z; Song, T

Purpose: Finite size pencil beam (FSPB) algorithms are commonly used to pre-calculate the beamlet dose distribution for IMRT treatment planning. FSPB commissioning, which usually requires fine tuning of the FSPB kernel parameters, is crucial to the dose calculation accuracy and hence the plan quality. Yet due to the large number of beamlets, FSPB commissioning could be very tedious. This abstract reports an optimization-based FSPB commissioning tool we have developed in MatLab to facilitate the commissioning. Methods: A FSPB dose kernel generally contains two types of parameters: the profile parameters determining the dose kernel shape, and a 2D scaling factors accountingmore » for the longitudinal and off-axis corrections. The former were fitted using the penumbra of a reference broad beam’s dose profile with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Since the dose distribution of a broad beam is simply a linear superposition of the dose kernel of each beamlet calculated with the fitted profile parameters and scaled using the scaling factors, these factors could be determined by solving an optimization problem which minimizes the discrepancies between the calculated dose of broad beams and the reference dose. Results: We have commissioned a FSPB algorithm for three linac photon beams (6MV, 15MV and 6MVFFF). Dose of four field sizes (6*6cm2, 10*10cm2, 15*15cm2 and 20*20cm2) were calculated and compared with the reference dose exported from Eclipse TPS system. For depth dose curves, the differences are less than 1% of maximum dose after maximum dose depth for most cases. For lateral dose profiles, the differences are less than 2% of central dose at inner-beam regions. The differences of the output factors are within 1% for all the three beams. Conclusion: We have developed an optimization-based commissioning tool for FSPB algorithms to facilitate the commissioning, providing sufficient accuracy of beamlet dose calculation for IMRT optimization.« less

Dewatering General Permit (DGP) for Massachusetts & New Hampshire

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Documents, links & contacts for the Notice of Availability of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Dewatering Activity Discharges in Massachusetts (MAG070000) and New Hampshire (NHG070000).

SU-F-J-99: Dose Accumulation and Evaluation in Lung SBRT Among All Phases of Respiration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Azcona, JD; Barbes, B; Aristu, J

Purpose: To calculate the total planning dose on lung tumors (GTV) by accumulating the dose received in all respiration phases. Methods: A patient 4D planning CT (phase-binned, from a Siemens Somatom CT) was used to locate the GTV of a lung tumor in all respiratory phases with Pinnacle (v9.10). GTV contours defined in all phases were projected to the reference phase, where the ITV was defined. Centroids were calculated for all the GTV projections. No deformation or rotation was taken into account. The only GTV contour as defined in the reference phase was voxelized to track each voxel individually. Wemore » accumulated the absorbed dose in different phases on each voxel. A 3DCRT and a VMAT plan were designed on the reference phase fulfilling the ITV dosimetric requirements, using the 10MV FFF photon model from an Elekta Versa linac. ITV-to-PTV margins were set to 5mm. In-house developed MATLAB code was used for tumor voxeling and dose accumulation, assuming that the dose distribution planned in the reference phase behaved as a “dose-cloud” during patient breathing. Results: We tested the method on a patient 4DCT set of images exhibiting limited tumor motion (<5mm). For the 3DCRT plan, D95 was calculated for the GTV with motion and for the ITV, showing an agreement of 0.04%. For the VMAT plan, we calculated the D95 for every phase as if the GTV in that phase had received the whole treatment. Differences in D95 for all phases are within 1%, and estimate the potential interplay effect during delivery. Conclusion: A method for dose accumulation and assessment was developed that can compare GTV motion with ITV dosage, and estimate the potential interplay effect for VMAT plans. Work in progress includes the incorporation of deformable image registration and 4D CBCT dose calculation for dose reconstruction and assessment during treatment.« less

SU-G-TeP3-02: Determination of Geometry-Specific Backscatter Factors for Radiobiology Studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viscariello, N; Culberson, W; Lawless, M

2016-06-15

Purpose: Radiation biology research relies on an accurate radiation dose delivered to the biological target. Large field irradiations in a cabinet irradiator may use the AAPM TG-61 protocol. This relies on an air-kerma measurement and conversion to absorbed dose to water (Dw) on the surface of a water phantom using provided backscatter factors. Cell or small animal studies differ significantly from this reference geometry. This study aims to determine the impact of the lack of full scatter conditions in four representative geometries that may be used in radiobiology studies. Methods: MCNP6 was used to model the Dw on the surfacemore » of a full scatter phantom in a validated orthovoltage x-ray reference beam. Dw in a cylindrical mouse, 100 mm Petri dish, 6-well and 96-well cell culture dishes was simulated and compared to this full scatter geometry. A reference dose rate was measured using the TG-61 protocol in a cabinet irradiator. This nominal dose rate was used to irradiate TLDs in each phantom to a given dose. Doses were obtained based on TLDs calibrated in a NIST-traceable beam. Results: Compared to the full scattering conditions, the simulated dose to water in the representative geometries were found to be underestimated by 12-26%. The discrepancy was smallest with the cylindrical mouse geometry, which most closely approximates adequate lateral- and backscatter. TLDs irradiated in the mouse and petri dish phantoms using the TG-61 determined dose rate showed similarly lower values of Dw. When corrected for this discrepancy, they agreed with the predicted Dw within 5%. Conclusion: Using the TG-61 in-air protocol and given backscatter factors to determine a reference dose rate in a biological irradiator may not be appropriate given the difference in scattering conditions between irradiation and calibration. Without accounting for this, the dose rate is overestimated and is dependent on irradiation geometry.« less

Signal-to-noise ratio and dose to the lens of the eye for computed tomography examination of the brain using an automatic tube current modulation system.

PubMed

Sookpeng, Supawitoo; Butdee, Chitsanupong

2017-06-01

The study aimed to evaluate the image quality in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and dose to the lens of the eye and the other nearby organs from the CT brain scan using an automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) system with or without CT gantry tilt is needed. An anthropomorphic phantom was scanned with different settings including use of different ATCM, fixed tube current time product (mAs) settings and degree angles of gantry tilt. Gafchromic film XR-QA2 was used to measure absorbed dose of the organs. Relative doses and SNR for the various scan settings were compared with the reference setting of the fixed 330 mAs. Average absorbed dose for the lens of the eyes varied from 8.7 to 21.7 mGy. The use of the ATCM system with the gantry tilt resulted in up to 60% decrease in the dose to the lens of the eye. SNR significantly decreased while tilting the gantry using the fixed mAs techniques, compared to that of the reference setting. However, there were no statistical significant differences for SNRs between the reference setting and all ATCM settings. Compared to the reference setting of the fixed effective mAs, using the ATCM system and appropriate tilting, the gantry resulted in a substantial decrease in the dose to the lens of the eye while preserving signal-to-noise ratio. CT brain examination should be carefully controlled to optimize dose for lens of the eye and image quality of the examination.

Dose estimation for astronauts using dose conversion coefficients calculated with the PHITS code and the ICRP/ICRU adult reference computational phantoms.

PubMed

Sato, Tatsuhiko; Endo, Akira; Sihver, Lembit; Niita, Koji

2011-03-01

Absorbed-dose and dose-equivalent rates for astronauts were estimated by multiplying fluence-to-dose conversion coefficients in the units of Gy.cm(2) and Sv.cm(2), respectively, and cosmic-ray fluxes around spacecrafts in the unit of cm(-2) s(-1). The dose conversion coefficients employed in the calculation were evaluated using the general-purpose particle and heavy ion transport code system PHITS coupled to the male and female adult reference computational phantoms, which were released as a common ICRP/ICRU publication. The cosmic-ray fluxes inside and near to spacecrafts were also calculated by PHITS, using simplified geometries. The accuracy of the obtained absorbed-dose and dose-equivalent rates was verified by various experimental data measured both inside and outside spacecrafts. The calculations quantitatively show that the effective doses for astronauts are significantly greater than their corresponding effective dose equivalents, because of the numerical incompatibility between the radiation quality factors and the radiation weighting factors. These results demonstrate the usefulness of dose conversion coefficients in space dosimetry. © Springer-Verlag 2010

78 FR 2708 - Massachusetts Disaster # MA-00050

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-14

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13431 and 13432] Massachusetts Disaster MA-00050 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major [[Page 2709

76 FR 22396 - Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

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2011-04-21

... Officer) P.O. Box 55882, Boston, Massachusetts 02106-2204: 1. Mechanics Bancorp, MHC and Mechanics Bancorp... company, respectively, by acquiring Mechanics Co- operative Bank, Taunton, Massachusetts. Board of...

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... requirements. Examples of these requirements cited by Massachusetts include its Global Warming Solutions Act...), Bard Manufacturing Company Inc., Carrier Residential and Light Commercial Systems, Goodman Global Inc...

Toxics Use Reduction to Achieve Enhanced Pollution Prevention Success

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Training material from the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell. This training explains toxic use reduction, process mapping and materials accounting. Helps identify TUR opportunities and TUR options evaluation

78 FR 8131 - Federal Home Loan Bank Members Selected for Community Support Review

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... Union Chelsea Massachusetts. Pilgrim Bank Cohasset Massachusetts. Delta-Wye Federal Credit Union... Minnesota. The First State Bank of Red Wing......... Red Wing Minnesota. Eastwood Bank Rochester Minnesota...

75 FR 16463 - Federal Home Loan Bank Members Selected for Community Support Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-01

... Chelsea Massachusetts. Pilgrim Bank Cohasset Massachusetts. Delta-Wye Federal Credit Union Dorchester... Community Bank, National Preston Minnesota. Association. First State Bank of Red Wing (The)....... Red Wing...

Sea-floor geology and sedimentary processes in the vicinity of Cross Rip Channel, Nantucket Sound, offshore southeastern Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poppe, L.J.; McMullen, K.Y.; Ackerman, S.D.; Schaer, J.D.; Wright, D.B.

2012-01-01

Gridded multibeam bathymetry covers approximately 10.4 square kilometers of sea floor in the vicinity of Cross Rip Channel in Nantucket Sound, offshore southeastern Massachusetts. Although originally collected for charting purposes during National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hydrographic survey H12007, these acoustic data, and the sea-floor sediment sampling and bottom photography stations subsequently occupied to verify them, show the composition and terrain of the seabed and provide information on sediment transport and benthic habitat. This report is part of an expanding series of cooperative studies by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management that provide a fundamental framework for research and resource-management activities (for example, windfarms, pipelines, and dredging) along the inner continental shelf offshore of Massachusetts.

High-resolution geophysical data from the inner continental shelf—Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ackerman, Seth D.; Andrews, Brian D.; Foster, David S.; Baldwin, Wayne E.; Schwab, William C.

2012-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) have cooperated to map approximately 410 square kilometers (km²) of the inner continental shelf in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. This report contains geophysical data collected by the USGS on three cruises conducted in 2009, 2010, and 2011, and additional bathymetry data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2004. The geophysical data include (1) swath bathymetry using interferometric sonar and multibeam echosounder systems, (2) acoustic backscatter from sidescan sonar, and (3) seismic-reflection profiles from a chirp subbottom profiler. These spatial data support research on the Quaternary evolution of Buzzards Bay, the influence of sea-level change and sediment supply on coastal evolution, and efforts to understand the type, distribution, and quality of subtidal marine habitats in the coastal ocean of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts high court supports use of civil rights law to bar blockades.

PubMed

1994-04-15

In a 4-3 opinion issued on April 11, the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts affirmed a lower court order preventing anti-choice activists from blocking access to a facility providing abortion counseling or services. Granted under the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, the injunction also prohibits using force against anyone entering, leaving, or working at such a location (see RFN II/22). Several health care providers and pro-choice organizations obtained a preliminary injunction in 1989 against trespassing or blockading at specific clinics. The following year, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts intervened in the case and was granted a similar statewide order by Superior Court Judge Peter Lauriat. Upholding application of the civil rights statute in this context, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court found that the trial court "properly concluded that the defendants' conduct constituted threats, intimidation, and coercion" of women seeking to exercise their constitutional right to choose abortion. Moreover, the state High Court held that the trial court "did not abuse its discretion in denying disclosure of the identities of the women affected by the defendants' conduct." Anti-choice activists had claimed they needed to question patients to show that blockades--not threats, intimidation, or coercion--caused them to delay their abortion procedures. Congratulations to John Henn of Foley, Hoag and Eliot of Boston, who represented plaintiffs in Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts v. Blake. CRLP's Janet Benshoof, Catherine Albisa, and Priscilla Smith filed an amicus brief in the case (see RFN II/22). full text

Overview of causes and costs of injuries in Massachusetts: a methodology for analysis of state data.

PubMed Central

Schuster, M; Cohen, B B; Rodgers, C G; Walker, D K; Friedman, D J; Ozonoff, V V

1995-01-01

Massachusetts has developed the first State profile of the causes and costs of injury based on the national study, "Cost of Injury in the United States: A Report to Congress." Incidence of fatal injuries is based on Massachusetts data; nonfatal hospitalized injuries, on Massachusetts age and sex rates and U.S. cause data; and nonhospitalized injuries, on U.S. rates applied to Massachusetts census data. Lifetime costs per injured person are based on national data adjusted for higher personal health care expenditures and for higher mean annual earnings in Massachusetts. The estimated total lifetime cost for the 1.4 million injuries that occurred in 1989 is $4.4 billion--$1.7 billion for health care and $2.7 billion for lost earnings. Injuries attributed to motor vehicles and falls account for more than half of the total cost. The other cause categories are poisonings, fire-burns, firearms, drowings-near drownings, and other. For every person who dies from an injury, 17 people are hospitalized, and an estimated 535 people require outpatient treatment, consultation, or restricted activity. Development of a State-based cost report can be useful in monitoring the contribution of injuries to health status and in planning effective injury prevention strategies in a community-based health care system. The methodology described in this paper can be replicated by other States through accessing their State-specific mortality and hospital discharge data bases. PMID:7610211

Air kerma and absorbed dose standards for reference dosimetry in brachytherapy

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

This article reviews recent developments in primary standards for the calibration of brachytherapy sources, with an emphasis on the currently most common photon-emitting radionuclides. The introduction discusses the need for reference dosimetry in brachytherapy in general. The following section focuses on the three main quantities, i.e. reference air kerma rate, air kerma strength and absorbed dose rate to water, which are currently used for the specification of brachytherapy photon sources and which can be realized with primary standards from first principles. An overview of different air kerma and absorbed dose standards, which have been independently developed by various national metrology institutes over the past two decades, is given in the next two sections. Other dosimetry techniques for brachytherapy will also be discussed. The review closes with an outlook on a possible transition from air kerma to absorbed dose to water-based calibrations for brachytherapy sources in the future. PMID:24814696

Referral Strategies to a Tobacco Quitline and Racial and/or Ethnic Differences in Participation.

PubMed

Russo, Elizabeth T; Reid, Margaret; Taher, Rashida; Sharifi, Mona; Shah, Snehal N

2018-01-01

Tobacco use inflicts a disproportionate burden of disease on people of color. We evaluated the reach among African American and Hispanic smokers in Boston of 2 referral strategies to the Massachusetts quitline: (1) a provider-referred strategy based in pediatric and dental clinics and (2) a targeted media campaign to promote self-referral to the quitline. Selected demographic characteristics of Boston quitline participants during the study period (2010-2012) were compared between strategies. Self-referred smoker characteristics were also compared in the years before and after the media campaign. Finally, the characteristics of quitline participants were compared with smokers in the 2010 Boston Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. During the study period, 4066 smokers received cessation services from the quitline; 3722 (91.5%) were self-referred, and 344 (8.5%) were referred by pediatric and dental providers. The proportion of black (31.6%) and Hispanic (20.3%) participants referred by providers was higher than among self-referred participants (18.3% and 7.8%, respectively; P <.001). Overall, provider-referred participants were less likely to be white (17.9%) than to be people of color. Self-referred smokers were more likely to be white (68.0%) than the estimated population of Boston smokers overall (62.9%; P <.001). The large-scale media campaign, which promoted self-referral, was associated with higher quitline participation overall, but the provider-referred strategy based in community health centers yielded participation from a greater proportion of smokers of color. The 2 strategies reached different subpopulations of smokers, and their combined reach enhanced access to cessation services among smokers from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Copyright © 2018 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Melanism in Panthea furcilla (packard) (lepidoptera, noctuidae): field studies in central Massachusetts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, T.K.

1977-01-01

Field studies were undertaken to determine the nature and extent of melanism in two populations of the cryptic moth, Panthea furcilla. Melanic frequencies significantly increased over a three year period in both populations of P. furcilla sampled. Predation experiments showed that melanics suffer less predation than typicals. However, life expectancies for typical and melanic morphs were nearly equal as computed from mark-release-recapture data. Accordingly it is suggested that one advantage melanics enjoy is their greater vigor prior to the imaginal stage. Acid-rainfall, as a Northeast regional problem, is advanced as a possible cause for the increase in melanic frequencies. 22more » references, 9 tables.« less

A framework for estimating radiation-related cancer risks in Japan from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident.

PubMed

Walsh, L; Zhang, W; Shore, R E; Auvinen, A; Laurier, D; Wakeford, R; Jacob, P; Gent, N; Anspaugh, L R; Schüz, J; Kesminiene, A; van Deventer, E; Tritscher, A; del Rosarion Pérez, M

2014-11-01

We present here a methodology for health risk assessment adopted by the World Health Organization that provides a framework for estimating risks from the Fukushima nuclear accident after the March 11, 2011 Japanese major earthquake and tsunami. Substantial attention has been given to the possible health risks associated with human exposure to radiation from damaged reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. Cumulative doses were estimated and applied for each post-accident year of life, based on a reference level of exposure during the first year after the earthquake. A lifetime cumulative dose of twice the first year dose was estimated for the primary radionuclide contaminants ((134)Cs and (137)Cs) and are based on Chernobyl data, relative abundances of cesium isotopes, and cleanup efforts. Risks for particularly radiosensitive cancer sites (leukemia, thyroid and breast cancer), as well as the combined risk for all solid cancers were considered. The male and female cumulative risks of cancer incidence attributed to radiation doses from the accident, for those exposed at various ages, were estimated in terms of the lifetime attributable risk (LAR). Calculations of LAR were based on recent Japanese population statistics for cancer incidence and current radiation risk models from the Life Span Study of Japanese A-bomb survivors. Cancer risks over an initial period of 15 years after first exposure were also considered. LAR results were also given as a percentage of the lifetime baseline risk (i.e., the cancer risk in the absence of radiation exposure from the accident). The LAR results were based on either a reference first year dose (10 mGy) or a reference lifetime dose (20 mGy) so that risk assessment may be applied for relocated and non-relocated members of the public, as well as for adult male emergency workers. The results show that the major contribution to LAR from the reference lifetime dose comes from the first year dose. For a dose of 10 mGy in the first year and continuing exposure, the lifetime radiation-related cancer risks based on lifetime dose (which are highest for children under 5 years of age at initial exposure), are small, and much smaller than the lifetime baseline cancer risks. For example, after initial exposure at age 1 year, the lifetime excess radiation risk and baseline risk of all solid cancers in females were estimated to be 0.7 · 10(-2) and 29.0 · 10(-2), respectively. The 15 year risks based on the lifetime reference dose are very small. However, for initial exposure in childhood, the 15 year risks based on the lifetime reference dose are up to 33 and 88% as large as the 15 year baseline risks for leukemia and thyroid cancer, respectively. The results may be scaled to particular dose estimates after consideration of caveats. One caveat is related to the lack of epidemiological evidence defining risks at low doses, because the predicted risks come from cancer risk models fitted to a wide dose range (0-4 Gy), which assume that the solid cancer and leukemia lifetime risks for doses less than about 0.5 Gy and 0.2 Gy, respectively, are proportional to organ/tissue doses: this is unlikely to seriously underestimate risks, but may overestimate risks. This WHO-HRA framework may be used to update the risk estimates, when new population health statistics data, dosimetry information and radiation risk models become available.

The impact of anthropometric patient-phantom matching on organ dose: A hybrid phantom study for fluoroscopy guided interventions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Perry B.; Geyer, Amy; Borrego, David

Purpose: To investigate the benefits and limitations of patient-phantom matching for determining organ dose during fluoroscopy guided interventions. Methods: In this study, 27 CT datasets representing patients of different sizes and genders were contoured and converted into patient-specific computational models. Each model was matched, based on height and weight, to computational phantoms selected from the UF hybrid patient-dependent series. In order to investigate the influence of phantom type on patient organ dose, Monte Carlo methods were used to simulate two cardiac projections (PA/left lateral) and two abdominal projections (RAO/LPO). Organ dose conversion coefficients were then calculated for each patient-specific andmore » patient-dependent phantom and also for a reference stylized and reference hybrid phantom. The coefficients were subsequently analyzed for any correlation between patient-specificity and the accuracy of the dose estimate. Accuracy was quantified by calculating an absolute percent difference using the patient-specific dose conversion coefficients as the reference. Results: Patient-phantom matching was shown most beneficial for estimating the dose to heavy patients. In these cases, the improvement over using a reference stylized phantom ranged from approximately 50% to 120% for abdominal projections and for a reference hybrid phantom from 20% to 60% for all projections. For lighter individuals, patient-phantom matching was clearly superior to using a reference stylized phantom, but not significantly better than using a reference hybrid phantom for certain fields and projections. Conclusions: The results indicate two sources of error when patients are matched with phantoms: Anatomical error, which is inherent due to differences in organ size and location, and error attributed to differences in the total soft tissue attenuation. For small patients, differences in soft tissue attenuation are minimal and are exceeded by inherent anatomical differences. For large patients, difference in soft tissue attenuation can be large. In these cases, patient-phantom matching proves most effective as differences in soft tissue attenuation are mitigated. With increasing obesity rates, overweight patients will continue to make up a growing fraction of all patients undergoing medical imaging. Thus, having phantoms that better represent this population represents a considerable improvement over previous methods. In response to this study, additional phantoms representing heavier weight percentiles will be added to the UFHADM and UFHADF patient-dependent series.« less

Bioequivalence of generic alendronate sodium tablets (70 mg) to Fosamax® tablets (70 mg) in fasting, healthy volunteers: a randomized, open-label, three-way, reference-replicated crossover study

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yifan; Chen, Xiaoyan; Tang, Yunbiao; Lu, Youming; Guo, Lixia; Zhong, Dafang

2017-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of a generic product 70 mg alendronate sodium tablets with the reference product Fosamax® 70 mg tablet. Materials and methods A single-center, open-label, randomized, three-period, three-sequence, reference-replicated crossover study was performed in 36 healthy Chinese male volunteers under fasting conditions. In each study period, the volunteers received a single oral dose of the generic or reference product (70 mg). Blood samples were collected at pre-dose and up to 8 h after administration. The bioequivalence of the generic product to the reference product was assessed using the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) reference-scaled average bioequivalence (RSABE) methods. Results The average maximum concentrations (Cmax) of alendronic acid were 64.78±43.76, 56.62±31.95, and 60.15±37.12 ng/mL after the single dose of the generic product and the first and second doses of the reference product, respectively. The areas under the plasma concentration–time curves from time 0 to the last timepoint (AUC0–t) were 150.36±82.90, 148.15±85.97, and 167.11±110.87 h⋅ng/mL, respectively. Reference scaling was used because the within-subject standard deviations of the reference product (sWR) for Cmax and AUC0–t were all higher than the cutoff value of 0.294. The 95% upper confidence bounds were −0.16 and −0.17 for Cmax and AUC0–t, respectively, and the point estimates for the generic/reference product ratio were 1.08 and 1.00, which satisfied the RSABE acceptance criteria of the FDA. The 90% CIs for Cmax and AUC0–t were 90.35%–129.04% and 85.31%–117.15%, respectively, which were within the limits of the EMA for the bioequivalence of 69.84%–143.19% and 80.00%–125.00%. Conclusion The generic product was bioequivalent to the reference product in terms of the rate and extent of alendronate absorption after a single 70 mg oral dose under fasting conditions. PMID:28744102

Cost-effectiveness of the U.S. Geological Survey's stream-gaging programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gadoury, R.A.; Smath, J.A.; Fontaine, R.A.

1985-01-01

The report documents the results of a study of the cost-effectiveness of the U.S. Geological Survey 's continuous-record stream-gaging programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Data uses and funding sources were identified for 91 gaging stations being operated in Massachusetts are being operated to provide data for two special purpose hydrologic studies, and they are planned to be discontinued at the conclusion of the studies. Cost-effectiveness analyses were performed on 63 continuous-record gaging stations in Massachusetts and 15 stations in Rhode Island, at budgets of $353,000 and $60,500, respectively. Current operations policies result in average standard errors per station of 12.3% in Massachusetts and 9.7% in Rhode Island. Minimum possible budgets to maintain the present numbers of gaging stations in the two States are estimated to be $340,000 and $59,000, with average errors per station of 12.8% and 10.0%, respectively. If the present budget levels were doubled, average standards errors per station would decrease to 8.1% and 4.2%, respectively. Further budget increases would not improve the standard errors significantly. (USGS)

Legislation raising the legal drinking age in Massachusetts from 18 to 20: effect on 16 and 17 year-olds.

PubMed

Smith, R A; Hingson, R W; Morelock, S; Heeren, T; Mucatel, M; Mangione, T; Scotch, N

1984-11-01

The 1979 Massachusetts law raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 20 is examined--the effects on the drinking, drinking and driving, and nonfatal and fatal crash involvement of 16-17 yr-olds, teenagers immediately younger than those targeted by the law. Data from Massachusetts are compared with those from New York State, where the drinking age remained at 18. A total of 3 yr of survey data from the two states and 6 yr of data from the Department of Transportation's Fatal Accident Reporting System provide for pre- and postlaw comparisons. The findings suggest that raising the drinking age had minimal effects on the drinking behavior of Massachusetts teenagers. Although there was a significant reduction in nonfatal crashes in Massachusetts compared with New York, no decline in single-vehicle nighttime fatal crashes or in overall fatal crashes was observed. It is suggested that changes in the drinking age may offer some reduction in teenage driving after drinking and traffic crash involvement, but that teenage drinking and driving after drinking remain serious problems even in states that raise their drinking ages.

Massachusetts Dental Schools Respond to the Prescription Opioid Crisis: A Statewide Collaboration.

PubMed

Keith, David A; Kulich, Ronald J; Bharel, Monica; Boose, Robert E; Brownstein, Jennifer; Da Silva, John D; D'Innocenzo, Richard; Donoff, R Bruce; Factor, Ellen; Hutter, Jeffrey W; Shaefer, Jeffry R; Karimbux, Nadeem Y; Jack, Helen; Thomas, Huw F

2017-12-01

The prescription opioid crisis has involved all sectors of U.S. society, affecting every community, socioeconomic group, and age group. While federal and state agencies are actively working to deal with the epidemic, medical and dental providers have been tasked to increase their awareness of the issues and consider ways to safely prescribe opioids and, at the same time, effectively treat their patients' pain. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, under the leadership of Governor Charles D. Baker and his administration, challenged the state's four medical schools and three dental schools to improve their curricula to prepare the next generation of clinicians to deal with this crisis in an evidence-based, effective, and sympathetic way. This Perspectives article outlines the national prescription opioid crisis, details its effects in Massachusetts, and describes the interdisciplinary collaboration among the Commonwealth, the three dental schools, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and a concerned student group. The article also describes the efforts each dental school is undertaking as well as an assessment of the challenges and limitations in implementing the initiative. The authors hope that the Massachusetts model will be a useful resource for dental schools in other states.

Physical Habitat and Energy Inputs Determine Freshwater Invertebrate Communities in Reference and Cranberry Farm Impacted Northeastern Coastal Zone Streams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lander, D. M. P.; McCanty, S. T.; Dimino, T. F.; Christian, A. D.

2016-02-01

The River Continuum Concept (RCC) predicts stream biological communities based on dominant physical structures and energy inputs into streams and predicts how these features and corresponding communities change along the stream continuum. Verifying RCC expectations is important for creating valid points of comparison during stream ecosystem evaluation. These reference expectations are critical for restoration projects, such as the restoration of decommissioned cranberry bogs. Our research compares the physical habitat and freshwater invertebrate functional feeding groups (FWIFFG) of reference, active cranberry farming, and cranberry farm passive restoration sites in Northeastern Coastal Zone streams of Massachusetts to the specific RCC FWIFFG predictions. We characterized stream physical habitat using a semi-quantitative habitat characterization protocol and sampled freshwater invertebrates using the U.S. EPA standard 20-jab multi-habitat protocol. We expected that stream habitat would be most homogeneous at active farming stations, intermediate at restoration stations, and most heterogeneous at reference stations. Furthermore, we expected reference stream FWIFFG would be accurately predicted by the RCC and distributions at restoration and active sites would vary significantly. Habitat data was analyzed using a principle component analysis and results confirmed our predictions showing more homogeneous habitat for the active and reference stations, while showing a more heterogeneous habitat at the reference stations. The FWIFFG chi-squared analysis showed significant deviation from our specific RCC FWIFFG predictions. Because published FWIFFG distributions did not match our empirical values for a least disturbed Northeastern Coastal Zone headwater stream, using our data as a community structure template for current and future restoration projects is not recommend without further considerations.

Potable Water Treatment Facility General Permit (PWTF GP) for Massachusetts & New Hampshire

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Documents, links & contacts for the Notice of Availability of the draft NPDES General Permit for Discharges from Potable Water Treatment Facilities in Massachusetts (MAG640000) and New Hampshire (NHG640000).

A Context Note: Choice, Diversity and Desegregation in Massachusetts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zerchykov, Ross

1986-01-01

Presents and discusses enrollment statistics for nine Massachusetts school systems undergoing desegregation. Focuses on Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and Cambridge. Describes each system as successfully promoting desegregation through magnet schools and parental choice. (KH)

MASSACHUSETTS DEP EELGRASS

EPA Science Inventory

Field verified points showing presence or absence of submerged rooted vascular plants along Massachusetts coastline. In addition to the photo interpreted eelgrass coverage (EELGRASS), this point coverage (EGRASVPT) was generated based on field-verified sites as well as all field...

Higher-order ionospheric error at Arecibo, Millstone, and Jicamarca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matteo, N. A.; Morton, Y. T.

2010-12-01

The ionosphere is a dominant source of Global Positioning System receiver range measurement error. Although dual-frequency receivers can eliminate the first-order ionospheric error, most second- and third-order errors remain in the range measurements. Higher-order ionospheric error is a function of both electron density distribution and the magnetic field vector along the GPS signal propagation path. This paper expands previous efforts by combining incoherent scatter radar (ISR) electron density measurements, the International Reference Ionosphere model, exponential decay extensions of electron densities, the International Geomagnetic Reference Field, and total electron content maps to compute higher-order error at ISRs in Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Jicamarca, Peru; and Millstone Hill, Massachusetts. Diurnal patterns, dependency on signal direction, seasonal variation, and geomagnetic activity dependency are analyzed. Higher-order error is largest at Arecibo with code phase maxima circa 7 cm for low-elevation southern signals. The maximum variation of the error over all angles of arrival is circa 8 cm.

Sexual and general offending trajectories of men referred for civil commitment.

PubMed

Francis, Brian; Harris, Danielle Arlanda; Wallace, Stephanie; Knight, Raymond A; Soothill, Keith

2014-08-01

Policies aimed at managing high-risk offenders, which include sex offenders, often assume they are a homogeneous population. These policies also tend to assume the pattern of offending is the same for all sex offenders, and is stable. This study challenges these assumptions by examining the life course offending trajectories of 780 convicted adult male sexual offenders. The men were referred to the Massachusetts Treatment Center for civil commitment between 1959 and 1984. The changing number of both sexual and any offenses were examined by age using Group-Based Trajectory Modeling. We identified a four-trajectory model for all offending and a four-trajectory model for sexual offending. The identified groups varied in several offending patterns including criminal onset, length of criminal careers, age of peak offending, and time of entry into the treatment center. Late adult onset of sex offending was found to be associated with child molestation, whereas early-onset trajectories were associated with rape. Implications for future research and policy are discussed. © The Author(s) 2013.

Dosimetric evaluation of high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy boost treatments for localized prostate cancer.

PubMed

Fröhlich, Georgina; Agoston, Péter; Lövey, József; Somogyi, András; Fodor, János; Polgár, Csaba; Major, Tibor

2010-07-01

To quantitatively evaluate the dose distributions of high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate implants regarding target coverage, dose homogeneity, and dose to organs at risk. Treatment plans of 174 implants were evaluated using cumulative dose-volume histograms (DVHs). The planning was based on transrectal ultrasound (US) imaging, and the prescribed dose (100%) was 10 Gy. The tolerance doses to rectum and urethra were 80% and 120%, respectively. Dose-volume parameters for target (V90, V100, V150, V200, D90, D(min)) and quality indices (DNR [dose nonuniformity ratio], DHI [dose homogeneity index], CI [coverage index], COIN [conformal index]) were calculated. Maximum dose in reference points of rectum (D(r)) and urethra (D(u)), dose to volume of 2 cm(3) of the rectum (D(2ccm)), and 0.1 cm(3) and 1% of the urethra (D(0.1ccm) and D1) were determined. Nonparametric correlation analysis was performed between these parameters. The median number of needles was 16, the mean prostate volume (V(p)) was 27.1 cm(3). The mean V90, V100, V150, and V200 were 99%, 97%, 39%, and 13%, respectively. The mean D90 was 109%, and the D(min) was 87%. The mean doses in rectum and urethra reference points were 75% and 119%, respectively. The mean volumetric doses were D(2ccm) = 49% for the rectum, D(0.1ccm) = 126%, and D1 = 140% for the urethra. The mean DNR was 0.37, while the DHI was 0.60. The mean COIN was 0.66. The Spearman rank order correlation coefficients for volume doses to rectum and urethra were R(D(r),D(2ccm)) = 0.69, R(D(u),D0.(1ccm)) = 0.64, R(D(u),D1) = 0.23. US-based treatment plans for HDR prostate implants based on the real positions of catheters provided acceptable dose distributions. In the majority of the cases, the doses to urethra and rectum were kept below the defined tolerance levels. For rectum, the dose in reference points correlated well with dose-volume parameters. For urethra dose characterization, the use of D1 volumetric parameter is recommended.

Behavioral epigenetics

PubMed Central

Lester, Barry M.; Tronick, Edward; Nestler, Eric; Abel, Ted; Kosofsky, Barry; Kuzawa, Christopher W.; Marsit, Carmen J.; Maze, Ian; Meaney, Michael J.; Monteggia, Lisa M.; Reul, Johannes M. H. M.; Skuse, David H.; Sweatt, J. David; Wood, Marcelo A.

2013-01-01

Sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the University of Massachusetts Boston, “Behavioral Epigenetics” was held on October 29–30, 2010 at the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus Center, Boston, Massachusetts. This meeting featured speakers and panel discussions exploring the emerging field of behavioral epigenetics, from basic biochemical and cellular mechanisms to the epigenetic modulation of normative development, developmental disorders, and psychopathology. This report provides an overview of the research presented by leading scientists and lively discussion about the future of investigation at the behavioral epigenetic level. PMID:21615751

Saugus River and Tributaries, Lynn Malden, Revere and Saugus, Massachusetts. Flood Damage Reduction. Volume 6. Appendix I. Planning Correspondence: Lynn, Malden, Revere, Saugus, Interest Groups, and News Articles

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

Development Representative Alfred 9. Saggesse Mabel Voodcock Robert Fox Fred Milton G73 PINES RIVERSIDE ASSOCIATION REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS 02151 April...28 Rice Ave. Revere, Massachusetts 02151 Dear Mr. Piccinni: I appreciate your willingness to sit on the Citizens’ Steering Comittee for the Saugus...Pint t/ nej sack 6 I 9nc. 2S RICE AVENUE, REVERE, MASS. 02151 Telephone 284-9717 Mr. Joseph L. Ignazio March 30, 1987 Chief, Planning Division New

Commissioning and comprehensive evaluation of the ArcCHECK cylindrical diode array for VMAT pretreatment delivery QA.

PubMed

Chaswal, Vibha; Weldon, Michael; Gupta, Nilendu; Chakravarti, Arnab; Rong, Yi

2014-07-08

We present commissioning and comprehensive evaluation for ArcCHECK as a QA equipment for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), using the 6 MV photon beam with and without the flattening filter, and the SNC patient software (version 6.2). In addition to commissioning involving absolute dose calibration, array calibration, and PMMA density verification, ArcCHECK was evaluated for its response dependency on linac dose rate, instantaneous dose rate, radiation field size, beam angle, and couch insertion. Scatter dose characterization, consistency and symmetry of response, and dosimetry accuracy evaluation for fixed aperture arcs and clinical VMAT patient plans were also investigated. All the evaluation tests were performed with the central plug inserted and the homogeneous PMMA density value. Results of gamma analysis demonstrated an overall agreement between ArcCHECK-measured and TPS-calculated reference doses. The diode based field size dependency was found to be within 0.5% of the reference. The dose rate-based dependency was well within 1% of the TPS reference, and the angular dependency was found to be ± 3% of the reference, as tested for BEV angles, for both beams. Dosimetry of fixed arcs, using both narrow and wide field widths, resulted in clinically acceptable global gamma passing rates on the 3%/3mm level and 10% threshold. Dosimetry of narrow arcs showed an improvement over published literature. The clinical VMAT cases demonstrated high level of dosimetry accuracy in gamma passing rates.

A logistic regression equation for estimating the probability of a stream flowing perennially in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bent, Gardner C.; Archfield, Stacey A.

2002-01-01

A logistic regression equation was developed for estimating the probability of a stream flowing perennially at a specific site in Massachusetts. The equation provides city and town conservation commissions and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection with an additional method for assessing whether streams are perennial or intermittent at a specific site in Massachusetts. This information is needed to assist these environmental agencies, who administer the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act of 1996, which establishes a 200-foot-wide protected riverfront area extending along the length of each side of the stream from the mean annual high-water line along each side of perennial streams, with exceptions in some urban areas. The equation was developed by relating the verified perennial or intermittent status of a stream site to selected basin characteristics of naturally flowing streams (no regulation by dams, surface-water withdrawals, ground-water withdrawals, diversion, waste-water discharge, and so forth) in Massachusetts. Stream sites used in the analysis were identified as perennial or intermittent on the basis of review of measured streamflow at sites throughout Massachusetts and on visual observation at sites in the South Coastal Basin, southeastern Massachusetts. Measured or observed zero flow(s) during months of extended drought as defined by the 310 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 10.58(2)(a) were not considered when designating the perennial or intermittent status of a stream site. The database used to develop the equation included a total of 305 stream sites (84 intermittent- and 89 perennial-stream sites in the State, and 50 intermittent- and 82 perennial-stream sites in the South Coastal Basin). Stream sites included in the database had drainage areas that ranged from 0.14 to 8.94 square miles in the State and from 0.02 to 7.00 square miles in the South Coastal Basin.Results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that the probability of a stream flowing perennially at a specific site in Massachusetts can be estimated as a function of (1) drainage area (cube root), (2) drainage density, (3) areal percentage of stratified-drift deposits (square root), (4) mean basin slope, and (5) location in the South Coastal Basin or the remainder of the State. Although the equation developed provides an objective means for estimating the probability of a stream flowing perennially at a specific site, the reliability of the equation is constrained by the data used to develop the equation. The equation may not be reliable for (1) drainage areas less than 0.14 square mile in the State or less than 0.02 square mile in the South Coastal Basin, (2) streams with losing reaches, or (3) streams draining the southern part of the South Coastal Basin and the eastern part of the Buzzards Bay Basin and the entire area of Cape Cod and the Islands Basins.

Definition of Local Diagnostic Reference Levels in a Radiology Department Using a Dose Tracking Software.

PubMed

Ghetti, C; Ortenzia, O; Palleri, F; Sireus, M

2017-06-01

Dose optimization in radiological examinations is a mandatory issue: in this study local Diagnostic Reference Levels (lDRLs) for Clinical Mammography (MG), Computed Tomography (CT) and Interventional Cardiac Procedures (ICP) performed in our Radiology Department were established. Using a dose tracking software, we have collected Average Glandular Dose (AGD) for two clinical mammographic units; CTDIvol, Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE), Dose Length Product (DLP) and total DLP (DLPtot) for five CT scanners; Fluoro Time, Fluoro Dose Area Product (DAP) and total DAP (DAPtot) for two angiographic systems. Data have been compared with Italian Regulation and with the recent literature. The 75th percentiles of the different dosimetric indices have been calculated. Automated methods of radiation dose data collection allow a fast and detailed analysis of a great amount of data and an easy determination of lDRLs for different radiological procedures. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effects of healthcare reforms on coverage, access, and disparities: quasi-experimental analysis of evidence from Massachusetts.

PubMed

Pande, Aakanksha H; Ross-Degnan, Dennis; Zaslavsky, Alan M; Salomon, Joshua A

2011-07-01

The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has been controversial. The potential impact of national healthcare reform may be considered using a similar set of state-level reforms including exchanges and a mandate, enacted in 2006 in Massachusetts. To evaluate the effects of reforms on healthcare access, affordability, and disparities. Interrupted time series with comparison series. Longitudinal survey data from 2002 to 2009 from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System including 178,040 nonelderly adults residing in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Analysis was conducted from January to August 2010. Massachusetts 2006 healthcare reform, which included an individual health insurance mandate. Being uninsured, having no personal doctor, and forgoing care because of cost, evaluated in Massachusetts and four comparison states before (2002-2005) and after (2007-2009) the healthcare reform. Effects on disparities defined by race, education, income, and employment also were assessed. Living in Massachusetts in 2009 was associated with a 7.6 percentage point (95% CI=3.9, 11.3) higher probability of being insured; 4.8 percentage point (-0.9, 10.6) lower probability of forgoing care because of cost; and a 6.6 percentage point (1.9, 11.3) higher probability of having a personal doctor, compared to expected levels in the absence of reform, defined by trends in control states and adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The effects of the reform on insurance coverage attenuated from 2008 to 2009. In a socioeconomically disadvantaged group, the reforms had a greater effect in improving outcomes on the absolute but not relative scale. Healthcare reforms in Massachusetts, which included a health insurance mandate, were associated with significant increases in insurance coverage and access. The absolute effects of the reform were greater for disadvantaged populations. This is important evidence to consider as debate over national healthcare reform continues. Copyright © 2011 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bioavailability of sediment-associated mercury to Hexagenia mayflies in a contaminated floodplain river

USGS Publications Warehouse

Naimo, T.J.; Wiener, J.G.; Cope, W.G.; Bloom, N.S.

2000-01-01

We examined the bioavailability of mercury in sediments from the contaminated Sudbury River (Massachusetts, U.S.A.). Mayfly nymphs (Hexagenia) were exposed in four 21-day bioaccumulation tests to contaminated and reference sediments (treatments) from reservoirs, flowing reaches, palustrine wetlands, and a riverine lake. Mean total mercury (Sigma Hg) ranged from 880 to 22 059 ng.g dry weight(-1) in contaminated sediments and from 90 to 272 ng.g(-1) in reference sediments. Mean final concentrations of methyl mercury (MeHg) in test water were greatest (8-47 ng Hg.L-1) in treatments with contaminated wetland sediments, which had mean Sigma Hg ranging from 1200 to 2562 ng.g(-1). In mayflies, final mean concentrations of MeHg were highest in treatments with contaminated wetland sediments (122-183 ng Hg.g(-1)), intermediate in treatments with contaminated sediments from reservoirs, flowing reaches, and a riverine lake (75-127 ng Hg.g(-1)), and lowest in treatments with reference sediments (32-41 ng Hg.g(-1)). We conclude that the potential entry of MeHg into the benthic food chain was greater in contaminated palustrine wetlands than in the contaminated reservoirs, which had the most contaminated sediments.

Birth Outcomes by Infertility Diagnosis Analyses of the Massachusetts Outcomes Study of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (MOSART).

PubMed

Luke, Barbara; Stern, Judy E; Kotelchuck, Milton; Declercq, Eugene R; Cohen, Bruce; Diop, Hafsatou

2015-01-01

To evaluate assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy outcomes by infertility diagnosis. ART data on women who were treated and gave birth in Massachusetts were linked to vital records and hospital utilization data. Live births were categorized by 8 mutually exclusive ART diagnoses. Risks of prematurity, low birthweight (LBW), small-for-gestational age (SGA), large-for-gestational age (LGA), pregnancy hypertension, gestational diabetes, prenatal hospitalizations, and primary cesarean delivery were modeled using logistic regression, adjusted for parental characteristics, treatment parameters, and plurality (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] and 95% confidence intervals); the reference group were pregnancies with the diagnosis of malefactor. Among the 7,354 singleton and twin pregnancies, there were nonsignificant differences in the risks for LBW, SGA, or LGA. Significantly increased risks included gestational diabetes (ovulation disorders, AOR 1.80, 1.35-2.41), prematurity (ovulation disorders, AOR 1.36, 1.08-1.71; other factors, AOR 1.33, 1.05-1.67), prenatal hospital admissions (endometriosis, tubal and other factors, ovulation disorders, and uterine factors, AORs ranging from 1.66-2.68), and primary cesarean section (uterine factors, AOR 1.96, 1.15-3.36). Although the infant outcomes of LBW, SGA, and LGA were generally similar across diagnosis groups, specific diagnoses had greater risks for prematurity, gestational diabetes, prenatal hospital utilization, and primary cesarean delivery. (J Reprod Med 2015;

Water-quality data from shallow pond-bottom groundwater in the Fishermans Cove area of Ashumet Pond, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 2001–2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCobb, Timothy D.; LeBlanc, Denis R.

2011-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected water-quality data between 2001 and 2010 in the Fishermans Cove area of Ashumet Pond, Falmouth, Massachusetts, where the eastern portion of a treated-wastewater plume, created by more than 60 years of overland disposal, discharges to the pond. Temporary drive points were installed, and shallow pond-bottom groundwater was sampled, at 167 locations in 2001, 150 locations in 2003, and 120 locations in 2004 to delineate the distribution of wastewater-related constituents. In 2004, the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE) installed a pond-bottom permeable reactive barrier (PRB) to intercept phosphate in the plume at its discharge point to the pond. The USGS monitored the performance of the PRB by collecting samples from temporary drive points at multiple depth intervals in 2006 (200 samples at 76 locations) and 2009 (150 samples at 90 locations). During the first 5 years after installation of the PRB, water samples were collected periodically from five types of pore-water samplers that had been permanently installed in and near the PRB during the barrier's emplacement. The distribution of wastewater-related constituents in the pond-bottom groundwater and changes in the geochemistry of the pond-bottom groundwater after installation of the PRB have been documented in several published reports that are listed in the references.

EPA Brownfields Grants Will Assist Massachusetts Communities with Site Assessments and Clean-up

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that five Massachusetts communities are among 144 communities across the United States to benefit from EPA funding for brownfield site revitalization efforts.

Managing Change: Converting the Defense Industry

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

concerned 16 BuzzeUl, Robert D., John A. Quelch, and Christopher Bartlett, Global Marketing Management, Cases and Readings, (Reading, Massachusetts...Christopher Bartlett. 1992. Global Marketing Management, Cases and Readings. Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company. Byrne, John A

High-Tech Opens Doors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eichleay, Kristen; Pressman, Harvey

1987-01-01

Exemplary projects which help disabled people use technology (particularly computers) expand their employment opportunities include: Project Entry (Seattle); Georgia Computer Programmer Project (Atlanta); Perkins Project with Industry (Watertown, Massachusetts); Project Byte (Newton Massachusetts); Technology Relevant to You (St. Louis); Special…

Field Monitoring of Experimental Hot Mix Asphalt Projects Placed in Massachusetts

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-06-30

Since 2000, Massachusetts has been involved with numerous field trials of experimental hot mix asphalt mixtures. These experimental mixtures included several pilot projects using the Superpave mixture design methodology, utilization of warm mix aspha...

Validity of linear measurements of the jaws using ultralow-dose MDCT and the iterative techniques of ASIR and MBIR.

PubMed

Al-Ekrish, Asma'a A; Al-Shawaf, Reema; Schullian, Peter; Al-Sadhan, Ra'ed; Hörmann, Romed; Widmann, Gerlig

2016-10-01

To assess the comparability of linear measurements of dental implant sites recorded from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images obtained using standard-dose filtered backprojection (FBP) technique with those from various ultralow doses combined with FBP, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) techniques. The results of the study may contribute to MDCT dose optimization for dental implant site imaging. MDCT scans of two cadavers were acquired using a standard reference protocol and four ultralow-dose test protocols (TP). The volume CT dose index of the different dose protocols ranged from a maximum of 30.48-36.71 mGy to a minimum of 0.44-0.53 mGy. All scans were reconstructed using FBP, ASIR-50, ASIR-100, and MBIR, and either a bone or standard reconstruction kernel. Linear measurements were recorded from standardized images of the jaws by two examiners. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the measurements were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha and inter-item correlation. Agreement between the measurements obtained with the reference-dose/FBP protocol and each of the test protocols was determined with Bland-Altman plots and linear regression. Statistical significance was set at a P-value of 0.05. No systematic variation was found between the linear measurements obtained with the reference protocol and the other imaging protocols. The only exceptions were TP3/ASIR-50 (bone kernel) and TP4/ASIR-100 (bone and standard kernels). The mean measurement differences between these three protocols and the reference protocol were within ±0.1 mm, with the 95 % confidence interval limits being within the range of ±1.15 mm. A nearly 97.5 % reduction in dose did not significantly affect the height and width measurements of edentulous jaws regardless of the reconstruction algorithm used.

High-resolution geophysical data from the sea floor surrounding the Western Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pendleton, Elizabeth A.; Twichell, David C.; Foster, David S.; Worley, Charles R.; Irwin, Barry J.; Danforth, William W.

2011-01-01

Geophysical and geospatial data were collected in the nearshore area surrounding the western Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts on the U.S. Geological Survey research vessel Rafael during September 2010 in a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts, Office of Coastal Zone Management. This report describes the results of the short-term goals of this collaborative effort, which were to map the geology of the inner shelf zone of the western Elizabeth Islands and study the geologic processes that have contributed to its evolution. Data collected during the survey include: Bathymetric and sidescan-sonar data, chirp seismic-reflection data , sound velocity profiles, and navigation data. The long-term goals of this project are to provide high-resolution geophysical data that will support research on the influence of sea-level change and sediment supply on coastal evolution and inventory subtidal marine habitat type and distribution within the coastal zone of Massachusetts.

Quality control and quality assurance plan for bridge channel-stability assessments in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parker, Gene W.; Pinson, Harlow

1993-01-01

A quality control and quality assurance plan has been implemented as part of the Massachusetts bridge scour and channel-stability assessment program. This program is being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts-Rhode Island District, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Highway Department. Project personnel training, data-integrity verification, and new data-management technologies are being utilized in the channel-stability assessment process to improve current data-collection and management techniques. An automated data-collection procedure has been implemented to standardize channel-stability assessments on a regular basis within the State. An object-oriented data structure and new image management tools are used to produce a data base enabling management of multiple data object classes. Data will be reviewed by assessors and data base managers before being merged into a master bridge-scour data base, which includes automated data-verification routines.

Parental consent for abortion: impact of the Massachusetts law.

PubMed Central

Cartoof, V G; Klerman, L V

1986-01-01

This study assessed the impact of Massachusetts' parental consent law, which requires unmarried women under age 18 to obtain parental or judicial consent before having an abortion. Data were analyzed on monthly totals of abortions and births to Massachusetts minors prior to and following the April 1981 implementation of the law. Findings indicate that half as many minors obtained abortions in the state during the 20 months after the law went into effect as had done so previously. More than 1,800 minors residing in Massachusetts traveled to five surrounding states during these 20 months to avoid the statute's mandates. This group accounts for the reduction in in-state abortions. A small number of minors (50 to 100) bore children rather than aborting during 1982, perhaps because of the law. Findings suggest that this state's parental consent law had little effect on adolescent's pregnancy-resolution behavior. PMID:3953915

Geophysical and sampling data from the inner continental shelf: Duxbury to Hull, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnhardt, Walter A.; Ackerman, Seth D.; Andrews, Brian D.; Baldwin, Wayne E.

2010-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) have cooperated to map approximately 200 km² of the Massachusetts inner continental shelf between Duxbury and Hull. This report contains geophysical and geological data collected by the USGS on three cruises between 2006 and 2007. These USGS data are supplemented with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hydrographic survey conducted in 2003 to update navigation charts. The geophysical data include (1) swath bathymetry from interferometric sonar and multibeam echosounders, (2) acoustic backscatter from sidescan sonar and multibeam echosounders, and (3) subsurface stratigraphy and structure from seismic-reflection profilers. The geological data include sediment samples, seafloor photographs, and bottom videos. These spatial data support research on the influence sea-level change and sediment supply have on coastal evolution, and on efforts to understand the type, distribution, and quality of subtidal marine habitats in the Massachusetts coastal ocean.

Support for smoke-free restaurants among Massachusetts adults, 1992-1999.

PubMed Central

Brooks, D R; Mucci, L A

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVES: The authors examined trends and predictors of public support for smoke-free restaurants in Massachusetts. METHODS: Since 1992, the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System has asked survey respondents about their attitudes toward smoking in restaurants. Analyses using data from 1992 to 1999 characterized changes over time in support for smoke-free restaurants and the role of demographic and smoking-related factors in predicting support. RESULTS: During 1992 to 1999, the rate of support for smoke-free restaurants increased from 37.5% to 59.8%, with similar increases among current, former, and never smokers. After adjustment for smoking status, support was associated with socioeconomic characteristics, race/ethnicity, and household smoking rules. Among current smokers, lighter smokers and those who were trying to quit were more likely to endorse smoke-free restaurants. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a substantial increase in support for smoke-free restaurants among both smokers and nonsmokers in Massachusetts. PMID:11211644

Patient radiation doses in interventional cardiology in the U.S.: Advisory data sets and possible initial values for U.S. reference levels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Donald L.; Hilohi, C. Michael; Spelic, David C.

2012-10-15

Purpose: To determine patient radiation doses from interventional cardiology procedures in the U.S and to suggest possible initial values for U.S. benchmarks for patient radiation dose from selected interventional cardiology procedures [fluoroscopically guided diagnostic cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)]. Methods: Patient radiation dose metrics were derived from analysis of data from the 2008 to 2009 Nationwide Evaluation of X-ray Trends (NEXT) survey of cardiac catheterization. This analysis used deidentified data and did not require review by an IRB. Data from 171 facilities in 30 states were analyzed. The distributions (percentiles) of radiation dose metrics were determined for diagnosticmore » cardiac catheterizations, PCI, and combined diagnostic and PCI procedures. Confidence intervals for these dose distributions were determined using bootstrap resampling. Results: Percentile distributions (advisory data sets) and possible preliminary U.S. reference levels (based on the 75th percentile of the dose distributions) are provided for cumulative air kerma at the reference point (K{sub a,r}), cumulative air kerma-area product (P{sub KA}), fluoroscopy time, and number of cine runs. Dose distributions are sufficiently detailed to permit dose audits as described in National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No. 168. Fluoroscopy times are consistent with those observed in European studies, but P{sub KA} is higher in the U.S. Conclusions: Sufficient data exist to suggest possible initial benchmarks for patient radiation dose for certain interventional cardiology procedures in the U.S. Our data suggest that patient radiation dose in these procedures is not optimized in U.S. practice.« less

Savings in acute care costs if all older adults treated for fall-related injuries completed matter of balance.

PubMed

Howland, Jonathan; Shankar, Kalpana Narayan; Peterson, Elizabeth W; Taylor, Alyssa A

Falls among older adults are a common and serious public health problem. Evidence-based fall prevention programs delivered in community settings and targeting older adults living independently are increasingly deployed throughout the nation. These programs tend to be offered by public and private organizations that serve older adults, and recruitment usually occurs through direct marketing to the target population, rather than through referrals from healthcare providers. Matter of Balance , a program developed to reduce fear of falling and associated activity restriction in community-dwelling older adults, is currently being delivered in 38 of the 50 United States. In this study, we estimate the one-year medical care cost savings if older adults treated at Massachusetts hospitals for fall-related injuries were referred by healthcare providers to participate in Matter of Balance . Data from several sources were used for this study. We estimated annual cost savings in older adult falls recidivism for a hypothetical 100 patients presenting at an emergency department for a fall-related injury, assuming that all were referred to, and 50 % completed, Matter of Balance . This cost-saving estimate was subsequently expanded based on the actual number (43,931) of older adult patients presenting at, and discharged from Massachusetts emergency departments for all fall-related injuries in 2012. Cost savings were calculated for two additional participation rates: 25 % and 75 %. The return on investment (ROI), was calculated based on the percentage of return per each dollar invested. The calculated ROI for Matter of Balance was 144 %. Statewide savings ranged from $2.79 million assuming a 25 % participation rate to $8.37 million, assuming a 75 % participation rate. Referral to evidence-based falls prevention programs of older adult patients presenting at EDs with a fall-related injury could reduce subsequent falls and associated treatment costs.

Time of travel and dispersion of a dye plume in the Blackstone River, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 2009

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parker, Gene W.; Breault, Robert F.; Waite, Andrew M.; Hartman, Elaine

2011-01-01

To obtain copies of this report, please contact: Director, Division of Watershed Management, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 8 New Bond St., Worcester, MA 01608, (508) 792–7650

The Paleohydrology of Sluice Pond, NE Massachusetts, and its Regional Significance

EPA Science Inventory

Seismic, pollen, stable isotope and lithologic stratigraphies of Sluice Pond, northeastern Massachusetts, were investigated to reconstruct local climate conditions fromthe latest Pleistocene to present. We present a new lake-level curve, constrained largely by acoustic reflectors...

75 FR 51239 - University of Massachusetts Amherst, et al.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-19

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration University of Massachusetts Amherst, et... Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue., NW., Washington, DC. Docket Number: 10-044. Applicant: University.... Applicant: Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer...

Community noise survey of Medford, Massachusetts

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1971-08-31

A noise measurement survey was conducted in Medford, Massachusetts, in order to assess the effect of transporation noise sources on the noise levels in a typical small city, and to obtain data to validate a mathematical simulation model developed for...

Impact of the 2006 Massachusetts health care insurance reform on neurosurgical procedures and patient insurance status.

PubMed

Villelli, Nicolas W; Das, Rohit; Yan, Hong; Huff, Wei; Zou, Jian; Barbaro, Nicholas M

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE The Massachusetts health care insurance reform law passed in 2006 has many similarities to the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). To address concerns that the ACA might negatively impact case volume and reimbursement for physicians, the authors analyzed trends in the number of neurosurgical procedures by type and patient insurance status in Massachusetts before and after the implementation of the state's health care insurance reform. The results can provide insight into the future of neurosurgery in the American health care system. METHODS The authors analyzed data from the Massachusetts State Inpatient Database on patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures in Massachusetts from 2001 through 2012. These data included patients' insurance status (insured or uninsured) and the numbers of procedures performed classified by neurosurgical procedural codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). Each neurosurgical procedure was grouped into 1 of 4 categories based on ICD-9-CM codes: 1) tumor, 2) other cranial/vascular, 3) shunts, and 4) spine. Comparisons were performed of the numbers of procedures performed and uninsured patients, before and after the implementation of the reform law. Data from the state of New York were used as a control. All data were controlled for population differences. RESULTS After 2008, there were declines in the numbers of uninsured patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures in Massachusetts in all 4 categories. The number of procedures performed for tumor and spine were unchanged, whereas other cranial/vascular procedures increased. Shunt procedures decreased after implementation of the reform law but exhibited a similar trend to the control group. In New York, the number of spine surgeries increased, as did the percentage of procedures performed on uninsured patients. Other cranial/vascular procedures decreased. CONCLUSIONS After the Massachusetts health care insurance reform, the number of uninsured individuals undergoing neurosurgical procedures significantly decreased for all categories, but more importantly, the total number of surgeries performed did not change dramatically. To the extent that trends in Massachusetts can predict the overall US experience, we can expect that some aspects of reimbursement may be positively impacted by the ACA. Neurosurgeons, who often treat patients with urgent conditions, may be affected differently than other specialists.

Patient dose measurement in common medical X-ray examinations and propose the first local dose reference levels to diagnostic radiology in Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasuli, Behrouz; Tabari Juybari, Raheleh; Forouzi, Meysam; Ghorbani, Mohammad

2017-09-01

Introduction: The main purpose of this study was to investigate patient dose in pelvic and abdomen x-ray examinations. This work also provided the LDRLs (local diagnostic reference levels) in Khuzestan region, southwest of Iran to help establish the NDRLs (national diagnostic reference levels). Methods: Patient doses were assessed from patient's anatomical data and exposure parameters based on the IAEA indirect dosimetry method. With regard to this method, exposure parameters such as tube output, kVp, mAs, FFD and patient anatomical data were used for calculating ESD (entrance skin dose) of patients. This study was conducted on 250 standard patients (50% men and 50% women) at eight high-patient-load imaging centers. Results: The results indicate that mean ESDs for the both pelvic and abdomen examinations were lower than the IAEA and EC reference levels, 2.3 and 3.7 mGy, respectively. Mean applied kVps were 67 and 70 and mean FFDs were 103 and 109, respectively. Tube loadings obtained in this study for pelvic examination were lower than all the corresponding values in the reviewed literature. Likewise, the average annual patient load across all hospitals were more than 37000 patients, i.e. more than 100 patients a day. Conclusions: The authors recommend that DRLs (diagnostic reference levels) obtained in this region, which are the first available data, can be used as local DRLs for pelvic and abdomen procedures. This work also provides that on-the-job training programs for staffs and close cross collaboration between physicists and physicians should be strongly considered.

NCICT: a computational solution to estimate organ doses for pediatric and adult patients undergoing CT scans.

PubMed

Lee, Choonsik; Kim, Kwang Pyo; Bolch, Wesley E; Moroz, Brian E; Folio, Les

2015-12-01

We developed computational methods and tools to assess organ doses for pediatric and adult patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations. We used the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference pediatric and adult phantoms combined with the Monte Carlo simulation of a reference CT scanner to establish comprehensive organ dose coefficients (DC), organ absorbed dose per unit volumetric CT Dose Index (CTDIvol) (mGy/mGy). We also developed methods to estimate organ doses with tube current modulation techniques and size specific dose estimates. A graphical user interface was designed to obtain user input of patient- and scan-specific parameters, and to calculate and display organ doses. A batch calculation routine was also integrated into the program to automatically calculate organ doses for a large number of patients. We entitled the computer program, National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for CT(NCICT). We compared our dose coefficients with those from CT-Expo, and evaluated the performance of our program using CT patient data. Our pediatric DCs show good agreements of organ dose estimation with those from CT-Expo except for thyroid. Our results support that the adult phantom in CT-Expo seems to represent a pediatric individual between 10 and 15 years rather than an adult. The comparison of CTDIvol values between NCICT and dose pages from 10 selected CT scans shows good agreements less than 12% except for two cases (up to 20%). The organ dose comparison between mean and modulated mAs shows that mean mAs-based calculation significantly overestimates dose (up to 2.4-fold) to the organs in close proximity to lungs in chest and chest-abdomen-pelvis scans. Our program provides more realistic anatomy based on the ICRP reference phantoms, higher age resolution, the most up-to-date bone marrow dosimetry, and several convenient features compared to previous tools. The NCICT will be available for research purpose in the near future.

Changes in radiation dose with variations in human anatomy: moderately and severely obese adults.

PubMed

Clark, Landon D; Stabin, Michael G; Fernald, Michael J; Brill, Aaron B

2010-06-01

The phantoms used in standardized dose assessment are based on a median (i.e., 50th percentile) individual of a large population, for example, adult males or females or children of a particular age. Here we describe phantoms that model instead the influence of obesity on specific absorbed fractions (SAFs) and dose factors in adults. The literature was reviewed to evaluate how individual organ sizes change with variations in body weight in mildly and severely obese adult men and women. On the basis of the literature evaluation, changes were made to our deformable reference adult male and female total-body models. Monte Carlo simulations of radiation transport were performed. SAFs for photons were generated for mildly and severely obese adults, and comparisons were made to the reference (50th) percentile SAF values. SAFs studied between the obese phantoms and the 50th percentile reference phantoms were not significantly different from the reference 50th percentile individual, with the exception of intestines irradiating some abdominal organs, because of an increase in separation between folds caused by an increase in mesenteric adipose deposits. Some low-energy values for certain organ pairs were different, possibly due only to the statistical variability of the data at these low energies. The effect of obesity on dose calculations for internal emitters is minor and may be neglected in the routine use of standardized dose estimates.

Calculation of conversion coefficients using Chinese adult reference phantoms for air submersion and ground contamination.

PubMed

Lu, Wei; Qiu, Rui; Wu, Zhen; Li, Chunyan; Yang, Bo; Liu, Huan; Ren, Li; Li, Junli

2017-03-21

The effective and organ equivalent dose coefficients have been widely used to provide assessment of doses received by adult members of the public and by workers exposed to environmental radiation from nuclear facilities under normal or accidental situations. Advancements in phantom types, weighting factors, decay data, etc, have led to the publication of newer results in this regard. This paper presents a new set of conversion coefficients for air submersion and ground contamination (with the use of Geant4) for photons from 15 keV to 10 MeV using the Chinese and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) adult reference male and female phantoms. The radiation fields, except for energy spectrum at low energies, were validated by the data obtained from the Monte Carlo code YURI. The effective dose coefficients of monoenergetic photons, obtained for the ICRP adult reference phantoms, agree well with recently published data for air submersion and ground contamination with a plane source at a depth of 0.5 g cm -2 in soil, but an average difference of 36.5% is observed for ground surface contamination with the abovementioned radiation field. The average differences in organ equivalent dose coefficients between the Chinese and the ICRP adult reference phantoms are within 6% for most organs, but noticeable differences of up to 70% or even higher are found at photon energies below 30 keV under air submersion. The effective dose coefficients obtained with the Chinese adult reference phantoms are greater than those of the ICRP adult reference phantoms above 30 keV and 0.5 MeV for ground contamination and air submersion, respectively; the average differences from the Chinese adult reference phantoms are about 3.6% and 0.4% in the whole energy range with maximum differences of 31.8% and 27.6% at 15 keV for air submersion and ground contamination respectively. These differences are attributed to anatomical discrepancies in overlying tissue mass of an individual organ and the body mass between the Chinese and the ICRP adult reference phantoms. These monoenergetic photon conversion coefficients are subsequently used to evaluate radionuclides with decay data from ICRP publication 107.

Calculation of conversion coefficients using Chinese adult reference phantoms for air submersion and ground contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Wei; Qiu, Rui; Wu, Zhen; Li, Chunyan; Yang, Bo; Liu, Huan; Ren, Li; Li, Junli

2017-03-01

The effective and organ equivalent dose coefficients have been widely used to provide assessment of doses received by adult members of the public and by workers exposed to environmental radiation from nuclear facilities under normal or accidental situations. Advancements in phantom types, weighting factors, decay data, etc, have led to the publication of newer results in this regard. This paper presents a new set of conversion coefficients for air submersion and ground contamination (with the use of Geant4) for photons from 15 keV to 10 MeV using the Chinese and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) adult reference male and female phantoms. The radiation fields, except for energy spectrum at low energies, were validated by the data obtained from the Monte Carlo code YURI. The effective dose coefficients of monoenergetic photons, obtained for the ICRP adult reference phantoms, agree well with recently published data for air submersion and ground contamination with a plane source at a depth of 0.5 g cm-2 in soil, but an average difference of 36.5% is observed for ground surface contamination with the abovementioned radiation field. The average differences in organ equivalent dose coefficients between the Chinese and the ICRP adult reference phantoms are within 6% for most organs, but noticeable differences of up to 70% or even higher are found at photon energies below 30 keV under air submersion. The effective dose coefficients obtained with the Chinese adult reference phantoms are greater than those of the ICRP adult reference phantoms above 30 keV and 0.5 MeV for ground contamination and air submersion, respectively; the average differences from the Chinese adult reference phantoms are about 3.6% and 0.4% in the whole energy range with maximum differences of 31.8% and 27.6% at 15 keV for air submersion and ground contamination respectively. These differences are attributed to anatomical discrepancies in overlying tissue mass of an individual organ and the body mass between the Chinese and the ICRP adult reference phantoms. These monoenergetic photon conversion coefficients are subsequently used to evaluate radionuclides with decay data from ICRP publication 107.

Archive of single-beam bathymetry data collected during USGS cruise 07CCT01 nearshore of Fort Massachusetts and within Camille Cut, West and East Ship Islands, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi, July 2007

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeWitt, Nancy T.; Flocks, James G.; Reynolds, B.J.; Hansen, Mark

2012-01-01

The Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS) is composed of a series of barrier islands along the Mississippi - Alabama coastline. Historically these islands have undergone long-term shoreline change. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 prompted questions about the stability of the barrier islands and their potential response to future storm impacts. Additionally, there was concern from the National Park Service (NPS) about the preservation of the historical Fort Massachusetts, located on West Ship Island. During the early 1900s, Ship Island was an individual island. In 1969 Hurricane Camille breached Ship Island, widening the cut and splitting it into what is now known as West Ship Island and East Ship Island. In July of 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was able to provide the NPS with a small bathymetric survey of Camille Cut using high-resolution single-beam bathymetry. This provided GUIS with a post-Katrina assessment of the bathymetry in Camille Cut and along the northern shoreline directly in front of Fort Massachusetts. Ultimately, this survey became an initial bathymetry dataset toward a larger USGS effort included in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) Ecosystem Change and Hazard Susceptibility Project (http://ngom.usgs.gov/gomsc/mscip/). This report serves as an archive of the processed single-beam bathymetry. Data products herein include gridded and interpolated digital depth surfaces and x,y,z data products. Additional files include trackline maps, navigation files, geographic information system (GIS) files, Field Activity Collection System (FACS) logs, and formal Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) metadata. Scanned images of the handwritten FACS logs and digital FACS logs are also provided as PDF files. Refer to the Acronyms page for description of acronyms and abbreviations used in this report or hold the cursor over an acronym for a pop-up explanation. The USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center assigns a unique identifier to each cruise or field activity. For example, 07CCT01 tells us the data were collected in 2007 for the Coastal Change and Transport (CCT) study and the data were collected during the first (01) field activity for that project in that calendar year. Refer to http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/infobank/programs/html/definition/activity.html for a detailed description of the method used to assign the field activity ID. Data were collected using a 26-foot (ft) Glacier Bay catamaran. The single-beam transducers were sled mounted on a rail attached between the catamaran hulls. Navigation was acquired using HYPACK, Inc., Hypack version 4.3a.7.1 and differentially corrected using land-based GPS stations. See the digital FACS equipment log for details about the acquisition equipment used. Raw datasets were stored digitally and processed systematically using NovAtel's Waypoint GrafNav version 7.6, SANDS version 3.7, and ESRI ArcGIS version 9.3.1. For more information on processing refer to the Equipment and Processing page.

Dosimetric impact of applicator displacement during high dose rate (HDR) Cobalt-60 brachytherapy for cervical cancer: A planning study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yong, J. S.; Ung, N. M.; Jamalludin, Z.; Malik, R. A.; Wong, J. H. D.; Liew, Y. M.; Ng, K. H.

2016-02-01

We investigated the dosimetric impact of applicator displacement on dose specification during high dose rate (HDR) Cobalt-60 (Co-60) brachytherapy for cervical cancer through a planning study. Eighteen randomly selected HDR full insertion plans were restrospectively studied. The tandem and ovoids were virtually shifted translationally and rotationally in the x-, y- and z-axis directions on the treatment planning system. Doses to reference points and volumes of interest in the plans with shifted applicators were compared with the original plans. The impact of dose displacement on 2D (point-based) and 3D (volume-based) treatment planning techniques was also assessed. A ±2 mm translational y-axis applicator shift and ±4° rotational x-axis applicator shift resulted in dosimetric changes of more than 5% to organs at risk (OAR) reference points. Changes to the maximum doses to 2 cc of the organ (D2cc) in 3D planning were statistically significant and higher than the reference points in 2D planning for both the rectum and bladder (p<0.05). Rectal D2cc was observed to be the most sensitive to applicator displacement among all dose metrics. Applicator displacement that is greater than ±2 mm translational y-axis and ±4° rotational x-axis resulted in significant dose changes to the OAR. Thus, steps must be taken to minimize the possibility of applicator displacement during brachytherapy.

Accountability Overboard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chieppo, Charles D.; Gass, James T.

2009-01-01

This article reports that special interest groups opposed to charter schools and high-stakes testing have hijacked Massachusetts's once-independent board of education and stand poised to water down the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests and the accountability system they support. President Barack Obama and Massachusetts…

Massachusetts Science and Technology Engineering Curriculum Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts Department of Education, 2006

2006-01-01

This 2006 "Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework" provides a guide for teachers and curriculum coordinators regarding specific content to be taught from PreK through high school. Following this "Organization" chapter, the "Framework" contains the following sections: (1) Philosophy and…

75 FR 25305 - Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00027

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-07

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12138 and 12139] Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00027 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 1. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the...

Hydroelectric Generating Facilities General Permit (HYDROGP) for Massachusetts & New Hampshire

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Documents, links & contacts for the Notice of Availability of the Final NPDES General Permits (HYDROGP) for Discharges at Hydroelectric Generating Facilities in Massachusetts (MAG360000) and New Hampshire (NHG360000) and Tribal Lands in the State of MA.

76 FR 58558 - Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00040

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-21

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12803 and 12804] Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00040 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 1. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the...

76 FR 67245 - Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00040

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-31

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Disaster Declaration 12803 and 12804 Massachusetts Disaster Number MA-00040 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 2. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the...

Corridor Transportation Management For Highway Reconstruction, Southeast Expressway, Massachusetts 1984-1985

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-05-01

THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BEGAN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTHEAST EXPRESSWAY IN MARCH OF 1984. TO EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, AN EXTENSIVE MONITORING PROGRAM WAS DEVELOPED, WHOSE RESULTS WERE REPORTED IN N...

75 FR 50932 - Massachusetts: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-18

... town of Gay Head (Aquinnah), Massachusetts, taken into trust by the Department of the Interior for the Wampanoag Tribal Council of Gay Head, Inc., as authorized by the Wampanoag Tribal Council of Gay Head, Inc...

Evaluation of Phase II of the SmarTraveler advanced traveler information system : operational test

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-07-31

Under contract to the Massachusetts Highway Department, the Central Transportation : Planning Staff (technical staff to the Boston MPO) chose Multisystems, Inc. of : Cambridge, Massachusetts, to perform an evaluation of Phase II of the SmarTraveler :...

Noise test-resilient wheels Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority green line

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1982-11-30

This document presents the results of noise and ground-borne vibration measurements made for three rail transit vehicles operating on the Green Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The purpose of these measurements was to as...

76 FR 62396 - Martha Coakley, Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Connecticut Public...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-07

..., Inc., Industrial Energy Consumer Group v. Bangor Hydro-Electric Company, Central Maine Power Company... Massachusetts Electric Company, Public Service Company of New Hampshire, NSTAR Electric & Gas Corporation, The United Illuminating Company, Unitil Energy [[Page 62397

Quantitative Models for the Narragansett Bay Estuary, Rhode Island/Massachusetts, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Multiple drivers, including nutrient loading and climate change, affect the Narragansett Bay ecosystem in Rhode Island/Massachusetts, USA. Managers are interested in understanding the timing and magnitude of these effects, and ecosystem responses to restoration actions. To provid...

Forest Statistics for Massachusetts--1972 and 1985

Treesearch

David R. Dickson; Carol L. McAfee; Carol L. McAfee

1988-01-01

A statistical report on the third forest survey of Massachusetts (1984). Findings are displayed in 76 tables containing estimates of forest area, numbers of trees, timber volume, tree biomass, and timber products output. Data are presented at two levels: state and county.

10. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, Courtesy, The Cosmos Club PROPOSED FLOOR PLANS, 2121 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W., BLUEPRINT #11, THIRD FLOOR PLAN - Townsend House, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

11. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

11. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, Courtesy, The Cosmos Club PROPOSED FLOOR PLANS, 2121 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W., BLUEPRINT #11, FOURTH FLOOR PLAN - Townsend House, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

9. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, Courtesy, The Cosmos Club PROPOSED FLOOR PLANS, 2121 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W., BLUEPRING #11, SECOND FLOOR PLAN - Townsend House, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

8. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

8. Historic American Buildings Survey Photocopy of Unsigned, Undated Drawing, Courtesy, The Cosmos Club PROPOSED FLOOR PLANS, 2121 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W., BLUEPRINT #11, FIRST-FLOOR PLAN - Townsend House, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

General Education in the University of Massachusetts Amherst: A New Rationale.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, John A.

2002-01-01

Describes the University of Massachusetts Amherst's commitment to and program of general education for undergraduates, asserting that a curriculum balanced between professional specialization and general education provides the most practical education for a life of visionary leadership. (EV)

The first decade of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program.

PubMed Central

Koh, Howard K.; Judge, Christine M.; Robbins, Harriet; Celebucki, Carolyn Cobb; Walker, Deborah K.; Connolly, Gregory N.

2005-01-01

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the first decade of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program (MTCP). Born after Massachusetts passed a 1992 ballot initiative raising cigarette excise taxes to fund the program, MTCP greatly reduced statewide cigarette consumption before being reduced to a skeletal state by funding cuts. The article describes the program's components and goals, details outcomes, presents a summary of policy accomplishments, and reviews the present status of MTCP in the current climate of national and state fiscal crises. The first decade of the MTCP offers many lessons learned for the future of tobacco control. PMID:16224981

The first decade of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program.

PubMed

Koh, Howard K; Judge, Christine M; Robbins, Harriet; Celebucki, Carolyn Cobb; Walker, Deborah K; Connolly, Gregory N

2005-01-01

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the first decade of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program (MTCP). Born after Massachusetts passed a 1992 ballot initiative raising cigarette excise taxes to fund the program, MTCP greatly reduced statewide cigarette consumption before being reduced to a skeletal state by funding cuts. The article describes the program's components and goals, details outcomes, presents a summary of policy accomplishments, and reviews the present status of MTCP in the current climate of national and state fiscal crises. The first decade of the MTCP offers many lessons learned for the future of tobacco control.

Geology of Massachusetts and Rhode Island

USGS Publications Warehouse

Emerson, Benjamin Kendall

1917-01-01

In preparing the present treatise and the accompanying geologic map of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (PI. X, in pocket) I have endeavored to use all the material available. The matter has been greatly condensed, for the detailed geology of a considerable part of the area will be described in a number of forthcoming folios of the Geologic Atlas of the United States. The Holyoke folio, published in 1898, covered the major part of the Triassic rocks in Massachusetts, but as those rocks have since been more thoroughly studied they are here treated in greater detail to bring their discussion up to date.

Massachusetts Fuel Cell Bus Project: Demonstrating a Total Transit Solution for Fuel Cell Electric Buses in Boston

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

The Federal Transit Administration's National Fuel Cell Bus Program focuses on developing commercially viable fuel cell bus technologies. Nuvera is leading the Massachusetts Fuel Cell Bus project to demonstrate a complete transit solution for fuel cell electric buses that includes one bus and an on-site hydrogen generation station for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). A team consisting of ElDorado National, BAE Systems, and Ballard Power Systems built the fuel cell electric bus, and Nuvera is providing its PowerTap on-site hydrogen generator to provide fuel for the bus.

An Analysis of the Massachusetts Healthcare Law.

PubMed

Stephens, James H; Ledlow, Gerald R; Sach, Michael V; Reagan, Julie K

2017-01-01

Healthcare in the United States has been one topic of the debates and discussion in the country for many years. The challenge for affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for most Americans has been on the agenda of federal and state legislatures. There is probably no other state that has drawn as much individual attention regarding this challenge as the state of Massachusetts. While researching the topic for this article, it was discovered that financial and political perspectives on the success or failure of the healthcare model in Massachusetts vary depending on the aspect of the system being discussed. In this article the authors give a brief history and description of the Massachusetts Healthcare Law, explanation of how the law is financed, identification of the targeted populations in Massachusetts for which the law provides coverage, demonstration of the actual benefit coverage provided by the law, and review of the impact of the law on healthcare providers such as physicians and hospitals. In addition, there are explanations about the impact of the law on health insurance companies, discussion of changes in healthcare premiums, explanation of costs to the state for the new program, reviews of the impact on the health of the insured, and finally, projections on the changes that healthcare facilities will need to make to maintain fiscal viability as a result of this program.

The Distribution and Habitat Affinities of the Invasive Ant Myrmica rubra (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Southern New England.

PubMed

Chen, Wen; Adams, Eldridge S

2018-06-06

The Eurasian ant Myrmica rubra (L.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was first discovered in North America in the early 1900s in Massachusetts. Populations have since appeared in at least seven states within the United States and in seven Canadian provinces. We conducted a systematic search for the ant across southern New England-the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island-where M. rubra is spreading from multiple loci. The species occurs in two large regions in Massachusetts, each spanning approximately 75 km, and in several smaller populations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. No populations were discovered anywhere in Connecticut or across large expanses of central Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island, despite the presence of apparently favorable habitat. This pattern of distribution suggests a combination of long-distance dispersal by human transport coupled with slow local spread. Resurveys of sites previously known to support M. rubra showed that populations persist for decades. Within invaded areas, M. rubra was strongly associated with particular habitats. Colonies were most prevalent in freshwater wetlands and in moist forests near wetlands and water; they were uncommon in drier forests and were rare in open habitats outside of wetlands. The slow rate of spread over the last 110 yr suggests that the ants do not easily disperse between patches of suitable habitat.

Round-robin study of arsenic implant dose measurement in silicon by SIMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simons, D.; Kim, K.; Benbalagh, R.; Bennett, J.; Chew, A.; Gehre, D.; Hasegawa, T.; Hitzman, C.; Ko, J.; Lindstrom, R.; MacDonald, B.; Magee, C.; Montgomery, N.; Peres, P.; Ronsheim, P.; Yoshikawa, S.; Schuhmacher, M.; Stockwell, W.; Sykes, D.; Tomita, M.; Toujou, F.; Won, J.

2006-07-01

An international round-robin study was undertaken under the auspices of ISO TC201/SC6 to determine the best analytical conditions and the level of interlaboratory agreement for the determination of the implantation dose of arsenic in silicon by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Fifteen SIMS laboratories, as well as two laboratories that performed low energy electron-induced X-ray emission spectrometry (LEXES) and one that made measurements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) were asked to determine the implanted arsenic doses in three unknown samples using as a comparator NIST Standard Reference Material ® 2134. The use of a common reference material by all laboratories resulted in better interlaboratory agreement than was seen in a previous round-robin that lacked a common comparator. The relative standard deviation among laboratories was less than 4% for the medium-dose sample, but several percent larger for the low- and high-dose samples. The high-dose sample showed a significant difference between point-by-point and average matrix normalization because the matrix signal decreased in the vicinity of the implant peak, as observed in a previous study. The dose from point-by-point normalization was in close agreement with that determined by INAA. No clear difference in measurement repeatability was seen when comparing Si 2- and Si 3- as matrix references with AsSi -.

SU-C-202-05: Pilot Study of Online Treatment Evaluation and Adaptive Re-Planning for Laryngeal SBRT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mao, W; Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI; Liu, C

Purpose: We have instigated a phase I trial of 5-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for advanced-stage laryngeal cancer. We conducted this pilot dosimetric study to confirm the potential utility of online adaptive re-planning to preserve treatment quality. Methods: Ten cases of larynx cancer were evaluated. Baseline and daily SBRT treatment plans were generated per trial protocol. Daily volumetric images were acquired prior to every fraction of treatment. Reference simulation CT images were deformably registered to daily volumetric images using Eclipse. Planning contours were then deformably propagated to daily images. Reference SBRT plans were directly copied to calculate delivered dose distributionsmore » on deformed reference CT images. In-house software platform has been developed to calculate cumulative dose over a course of treatment in four steps: 1) deforming delivered dose grid to reference CT images using deformation information exported from Eclipse; 2) generating tetrahedrons using deformed dose grid as vertices; 3) resampling dose to a high resolution within every tetrahedron; 4) calculating dose-volume histograms. Our inhouse software was benchmarked with a commercial software, Mirada. Results: In all ten cases including 49 fractions of treatments, delivered daily doses were completely evaluated and treatment could be re-planned within 10 minutes. Prescription dose coverage of PTV was less than intended in 53% of fractions of treatment (mean: 94%, range: 84%–98%) while minimum coverage of CTV and GTV was 94% and 97%, respectively. Maximum bystander point dose limits to arytenoids, parotids, and spinal cord remained respected in all cases, although variances in carotid artery doses were observed in a minority of cases. Conclusion: Although GTV and CTV coverage is preserved by in-room 3D image guidance of larynx SBRT, PTV coverage can vary significantly from intended plans. Online adaptive treatment evaluation and re-planning is potentially necessary and our procedure is clinically applicable to fully preserve treatment quality. This project is supported by CPRIT Individual Investigator Research Award RP150386.« less

SU-F-P-09: A Global Medical Physics Collaboration for Implementation of Modern Radiotherapy in Botswana

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Makufa, R; Bvochora-Nsingo, M; Karumekayi, T

2016-06-15

Purpose: The global burden of cancer is considerable, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute have partnered with the oncology community and government of Botswana to form BOTSOGO (BOTSwana Oncology Global Outreach) to address the rising burden of cancer in Botswana. Currently, radiation therapy (RT) is only available at a single linear accelerator (LINAC) in Gaborone Private Hospital (GPH). BOTSOGO worked to limit the absence of RT during a LINAC upgrade and ensure a safe transition to modern radiotherapy techniques. Methods: The existing Elekta Precise LINAC was decommissioned in November 2015 and replacedmore » with a new Elekta VERSA-HD with IMRT/VMAT/CBCT capability. Upgraded treatment planning and record-and-verify systems were also installed. Physicists from GPH and MGH collaborated during an intensive on-site visit in Botswana during the commissioning process. Measurements were performed using newly purchased Sun Nuclear equipment. Photon beams were matched with an existing model to minimize the time needed for beam modeling and machine down time. Additional remote peer review was also employed. Independent dosimetry was performed by irradiating OSLDs, which were subsequently analyzed at MGH. Results: Photon beam quality agreed with reference data within 0.2%. Electron beam data agreed with example clinical data within 3%. Absolute dose calibration was performed using both IAEA and AAPM protocols. Absolute dose measurements with OSLDs agreed within 5%. Quentry cloud-based software was installed to facilitate remote review of treatment plans. Patient treatments resumed in February 2016. The time without RT was reduced, therefore likely resulting in reduced patient morbidity/mortality. Conclusion: A global physics collaboration was utilized to commission a modern LINAC in a resource-constrained setting. This can be a useful model in other areas with limited resources. Further use of technology and on-site exchanges will facilitate the introduction of more advanced techniques in Botswana. We acknowledge funding support from the AAPM International Educational Activities Committee and the NCI Federal Share Proton Beam Program Income Grant.« less

ESTIMATION OF EXPOSURE DOSES FOR THE SAFE MANAGEMENT OF NORM WASTE DISPOSAL.

PubMed

Jeong, Jongtae; Ko, Nak Yul; Cho, Dong-Keun; Baik, Min Hoon; Yoon, Ki-Hoon

2018-03-16

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) wastes with different radiological characteristics are generated in several industries. The appropriate options for NORM waste management including disposal options should be discussed and established based on the act and regulation guidelines. Several studies calculated the exposure dose and mass of NORM waste to be disposed in landfill site by considering the activity concentration level and exposure dose. In 2012, the Korean government promulgated an act on the safety control of NORM around living environments to protect human health and the environment. For the successful implementation of this act, we suggest a reference design for a landfill for the disposal of NORM waste. Based on this reference landfill, we estimate the maximum exposure doses and the relative impact of each pathway to exposure dose for three scenarios: a reference scenario, an ingestion pathway exclusion scenario, and a low leach rate scenario. Also, we estimate the possible quantity of NORM waste disposal into a landfill as a function of the activity concentration level of U series, Th series and 40K and two kinds of exposure dose levels, 1 and 0.3 mSv/y. The results of this study can be used to support the establishment of technical bases of the management strategy for the safe disposal of NORM waste.

Commissioning and comprehensive evaluation of the ArcCHECK cylindrical diode array for VMAT pretreatment delivery QA

PubMed Central

Chaswal, Vibha; Weldon, Michael; Gupta, Nilendu; Chakravarti, Arnab

2014-01-01

We present commissioning and comprehensive evaluation for ArcCHECK as a QA equipment for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT), using the 6 MV photon beam with and without the flattening filter, and the SNC patient software (version 6.2). In addition to commissioning involving absolute dose calibration, array calibration, and PMMA density verification, ArcCHECK was evaluated for its response dependency on linac dose rate, instantaneous dose rate, radiation field size, beam angle, and couch insertion. Scatter dose characterization, consistency and symmetry of response, and dosimetry accuracy evaluation for fixed aperture arcs and clinical VMAT patient plans were also investigated. All the evaluation tests were performed with the central plug inserted and the homogeneous PMMA density value. Results of gamma analysis demonstrated an overall agreement between ArcCHECK‐measured and TPS‐calculated reference doses. The diode based field size dependency was found to be within 0.5% of the reference. The dose rate‐based dependency was well within 1% of the TPS reference, and the angular dependency was found to be ± 3% of the reference, as tested for BEV angles, for both beams. Dosimetry of fixed arcs, using both narrow and wide field widths, resulted in clinically acceptable global gamma passing rates on the 3%/3 mm level and 10% threshold. Dosimetry of narrow arcs showed an improvement over published literature. The clinical VMAT cases demonstrated high level of dosimetry accuracy in gamma passing rates. PACS numbers: 87.56.Fc, 87.55.kh, 87.55.Qr PMID:25207411

Individualized adjustments to reference phantom internal organ dosimetry—scaling factors given knowledge of patient internal anatomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wayson, Michael B.; Bolch, Wesley E.

2018-04-01

Various computational tools are currently available that facilitate patient organ dosimetry in diagnostic nuclear medicine, yet they are typically restricted to reporting organ doses to ICRP-defined reference phantoms. The present study, while remaining computational phantom based, provides straightforward tools to adjust reference phantom organ dose for both internal photon and electron sources. A wide variety of monoenergetic specific absorbed fractions were computed using radiation transport simulations for tissue spheres of varying size and separation distance. Scaling methods were then constructed for both photon and electron self-dose and cross-dose, with data validation provided from patient-specific voxel phantom simulations, as well as via comparison to the scaling methodology given in MIRD Pamphlet No. 11. Photon and electron self-dose was found to be dependent on both radiation energy and sphere size. Photon cross-dose was found to be mostly independent of sphere size. Electron cross-dose was found to be dependent on sphere size when the spheres were in close proximity, owing to differences in electron range. The validation studies showed that this dataset was more effective than the MIRD 11 method at predicting patient-specific photon doses for at both high and low energies, but gave similar results at photon energies between 100 keV and 1 MeV. The MIRD 11 method for electron self-dose scaling was accurate for lower energies but began to break down at higher energies. The photon cross-dose scaling methodology developed in this study showed gains in accuracy of up to 9% for actual patient studies, and the electron cross-dose scaling methodology showed gains in accuracy up to 9% as well when only the bremsstrahlung component of the cross-dose was scaled. These dose scaling methods are readily available for incorporation into internal dosimetry software for diagnostic phantom-based organ dosimetry.

MO-E-18A-01: Imaging: Best Practices In Pediatric Imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Willis, C; Strauss, K; MacDougall, R

This imaging educational program will focus on solutions to common pediatric imaging challenges. The speakers will present collective knowledge on best practices in pediatric imaging from their experience at dedicated children's hospitals. Areas of focus will include general radiography, the use of manual and automatic dose management in computed tomography, and enterprise-wide radiation dose management in the pediatric practice. The educational program will begin with a discussion of the complexities of exposure factor control in pediatric projection radiography. Following this introduction will be two lectures addressing the challenges of computed tomography (CT) protocol optimization in the pediatric population. The firstmore » will address manual CT protocol design in order to establish a managed radiation dose for any pediatric exam on any CT scanner. The second CT lecture will focus on the intricacies of automatic dose modulation in pediatric imaging with an emphasis on getting reliable results in algorithmbased technique selection. The fourth and final lecture will address the key elements needed to developing a comprehensive radiation dose management program for the pediatric environment with particular attention paid to new regulations and obligations of practicing medical physicists. Learning Objectives: To understand how general radiographic techniques can be optimized using exposure indices in order to improve pediatric radiography. To learn how to establish diagnostic dose reference levels for pediatric patients as a function of the type of examination, patient size, and individual design characteristics of the CT scanner. To learn how to predict the patient's radiation dose prior to the exam and manually adjust technique factors if necessary to match the patient's dose to the department's established dose reference levels. To learn how to utilize manufacturer-provided automatic dose modulation technology to consistently achieve patient doses within the department's established size-based diagnostic reference range. To understand the key components of an enterprise-wide pediatric dose management program that integrates the expanding responsibilities of medial physicists in the new era of dose monitoring.« less

Individualized adjustments to reference phantom internal organ dosimetry-scaling factors given knowledge of patient internal anatomy.

PubMed

Wayson, Michael B; Bolch, Wesley E

2018-04-13

Various computational tools are currently available that facilitate patient organ dosimetry in diagnostic nuclear medicine, yet they are typically restricted to reporting organ doses to ICRP-defined reference phantoms. The present study, while remaining computational phantom based, provides straightforward tools to adjust reference phantom organ dose for both internal photon and electron sources. A wide variety of monoenergetic specific absorbed fractions were computed using radiation transport simulations for tissue spheres of varying size and separation distance. Scaling methods were then constructed for both photon and electron self-dose and cross-dose, with data validation provided from patient-specific voxel phantom simulations, as well as via comparison to the scaling methodology given in MIRD Pamphlet No. 11. Photon and electron self-dose was found to be dependent on both radiation energy and sphere size. Photon cross-dose was found to be mostly independent of sphere size. Electron cross-dose was found to be dependent on sphere size when the spheres were in close proximity, owing to differences in electron range. The validation studies showed that this dataset was more effective than the MIRD 11 method at predicting patient-specific photon doses for at both high and low energies, but gave similar results at photon energies between 100 keV and 1 MeV. The MIRD 11 method for electron self-dose scaling was accurate for lower energies but began to break down at higher energies. The photon cross-dose scaling methodology developed in this study showed gains in accuracy of up to 9% for actual patient studies, and the electron cross-dose scaling methodology showed gains in accuracy up to 9% as well when only the bremsstrahlung component of the cross-dose was scaled. These dose scaling methods are readily available for incorporation into internal dosimetry software for diagnostic phantom-based organ dosimetry.

Comparison of current recommended regimens of atropinization in organophosphate poisoning.

PubMed

Connors, Nicholas J; Harnett, Zachary H; Hoffman, Robert S

2014-06-01

Atropine is the mainstay of therapy in organophosphate (OP) toxicity, though research and consensus on dosing is lacking. In 2004, as reported by Eddleston et al. (J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42(6):865-75, 2004), they noted variation in recommended regimens. We assessed revisions of original references, additional citations, and electronic sources to determine the current variability in atropine dosing recommendations. Updated editions of references from Eddleston et al.'s work, texts of Internal and Emergency Medicine, and electronic resources were reviewed for atropine dosing recommendations. For comparison, recommendations were assessed using the same mean dose (23.4 mg) and the highest dose (75 mg) of atropine as used in the original paper. Recommendations were also compared with the dosing regimen from the World Health Organization (WHO). Thirteen of the original recommendations were updated and 15 additional references were added giving a convenience sample of 28. Sufficient information to calculate time to targeted dose was provided by 24 of these samples. Compared to 2004, current recommendations have greatly increased the speed of atropinization with 13/24 able to reach the mean and high atropine dose within 30 min compared to 1/36 in 2004. In 2004, there were 13 regimens where the maximum time to reach 75 mg was over 18 h, whereas now, there are 2. While only one recommendation called for doubling the dose for faster escalation in 2004, 15 of the 24 current works include dose doubling. In 2004, Eddleston et al. called for an evidence-based guideline for the treatment of OP poisoning that could be disseminated worldwide. Many current recommendations can adequately treat patients within 1 h. While the WHO recommendations remain slow to treat patients with OP poisoning, other authorities are close to a consensus on rapid atropinization.

Water transportation planning for Eastern Massachusetts : a strategic assessment of passenger ferry services

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-03-01

A group of existing, proposed, and potential ferry services is the subject of a comprehensive assessment to assist the strategic planning process of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for its future transportation system. The Volpe Center developed a ...

Narragansett Bay

EPA Science Inventory

Narragansett Bay, situated on the eastern side of Rhode Island, comprises about 15% of the State’s total area. Ninety-five percent of the Bay’s surface area is in Rhode Island with the remainder in southeastern Massachusetts; 60% of the Bay’s watershed is in Massachusetts. At the...

Managing Process Improvement: A Guidebook for Implementing Change Version 01.00.06

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

and Competitive Position. Cambridge, 1982 Massachusetts: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Egan, Gerard Change-Agent Skills B: Managing ... Innovation & Change. San 1988 Diego, California: Pfeiffer & Company. Fowler, Priscilla, and Software Engineering Group Guide. CMU/SEI-90-TR-24. Stan Rifkin

75 FR 45092 - Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-02

... FY 2011 program, filed by the Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association on behalf of American lobster (Homarus americanus) fishermen who catch and market their lobster in Massachusetts. The FAS Administrator will determine within 40 days whether or not increasing imports of American lobster contributed...

Forest statistics for Massachusetts: 1985 and 1998

Treesearch

Carol L. Alerich; Carol L. Alerich

2000-01-01

A statistical report on the fourth forest inventory of Massachusetts (1997-1998.) Findings are dispayed in 67 tables containing estimates of forest area numbers of trees, wildlife habitat, timber volume, growth, change, and biomass. Data are presented at two levels: state and county.

APPLICATION OF COMPUTER AIDED TOMOGRAPHY (CAT) TO THE STUDY OF MARINE BENTIC COMMUNITIES

EPA Science Inventory

Sediment cores were imaged using a Computer-Aided Tomography (CT) scanner at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Procedures were developed, using the attenuation of X-rays, to differentiate between sediment and the water contained in macrobenthic...

40 CFR 52.1125 - Emission inventories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Emission inventories. 52.1125 Section...) APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF IMPLEMENTATION PLANS (CONTINUED) Massachusetts § 52.1125 Emission inventories... emission inventories for the Springfield nonattainment area and the Massachusetts portion of the Boston...

Datacomputer and SIP Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-20

Massachusetts. [ DORIN & EASTLAKE] R. H. Dorin and Donald E. Eastlake, III; "Use of the Datacomputer in the Vela Seismological Network" Technical Report No...CCA-77-08, Computer Corporation of America, 575 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, April 15, 1977. [ DORIN & SATTLEv ] Dorin , R.H. and

Global Petroleum Corporation (MA0003425) | NPDES | New ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-04-10

EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) have developed final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for seven bulk petroleum storage facilities located along Chelsea River (Creek) in Chelsea and Revere, Massachusetts to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Chelsea Sandwich, LLC (MA0003280) | Chelsea Creek ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-04-10

EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) have developed final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for seven bulk petroleum storage facilities located along Chelsea River (Creek) in Chelsea and Revere, Massachusetts to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to address nonlinear kinetics and changes in rodent physiology and metabolism due to aging and adaptation in deriving reference values for propylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether acetate.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kirman, C R.; Sweeney, Lisa M.; Corley, Rick A.

2005-04-01

Reference values, including an oral reference dose (RfD) and an inhalation reference concentration (RfC), were derived for propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME), and an oral RfD was derived for its acetate (PGMEA). These values were based upon transient sedation observed in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice during a two-year inhalation study. The dose-response relationship for sedation was characterized using internal dose measures as predicted by a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for PGME and its acetate. PBPK modeling was used to account for changes in rodent physiology and metabolism due to aging and adaptation, based on data collected during weeksmore » 1, 2, 26, 52, and 78 of a chronic inhalation study. The peak concentration of PGME in richly perfused tissues was selected as the most appropriate internal dose measure based upon a consideration of the mode of action for sedation and similarities in tissue partitioning between brain and other richly perfused tissues. Internal doses (peak tissue concentrations of PGME) were designated as either no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) or lowest-observed-adverse-effect levels (LOAELs) based upon the presence or absence of sedation at each time-point, species, and sex in the two year study. Distributions of the NOAEL and LOAEL values expressed in terms of internal dose were characterized using an arithmetic mean and standard deviation, with the mean internal NOAEL serving as the basis for the reference values, which was then divided by appropriate uncertainty factors. Where data were permitting, chemical-specific adjustment factors were derived to replace default uncertainty factor values of ten. Nonlinear kinetics are were predicted by the model in all species at PGME concentrations exceeding 100 ppm, which complicates interspecies and low-dose extrapolations. To address this complication, reference values were derived using two approaches which differ with respect to the order in which these extrapolations were performed: (1) uncertainty factor application followed by interspecies extrapolation (PBPK modeling); and (2) interspecies extrapolation followed by uncertainty factor application. The resulting reference values for these two approaches are substantially different, with values from the former approach being 7-fold higher than those from the latter approach. Such a striking difference between the two approaches reveals an underlying issue that has received little attention in the literature regarding the application of uncertainty factors and interspecies extrapolations to compounds where saturable kinetics occur in the range of the NOAEL. Until such discussions have taken place, reference values based on the latter approach are recommended for risk assessments involving human exposures to PGME and PGMEA.« less

Review of the Reference Dose and Reference Concentration Processes Document

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Summarizes the review and deliberations of the Risk Assessment Forum’s RfD/RfC Technical Panel and its recommendations for improvements in oral referencedose/inhalation reference concentration (RfD/RfC) process.

Emergency Department Involvement in Accountable Care Organizations in Massachusetts: A Survey Study.

PubMed

Ali, Nissa J; McWilliams, J Michael; Epstein, Stephen K; Smulowitz, Peter B

2017-11-01

We assess Massachusetts emergency department (ED) involvement and internal ED constructs within accountable care organization contracts. An online survey was distributed to 70 Massachusetts ED directors. Questions attempted to assess involvement of EDs in accountable care organizations and the structures in place in EDs-from departmental resources to physician incentives-to help achieve accountable care organization goals of decreasing spending and improving quality. Of responding ED directors, 79% reported alignment between the ED and an accountable care organization. Almost all ED groups (88%) reported bearing no financial risk as a result of the accountable care organization contracts in which their organizations participated. Major obstacles to meeting accountable care organization objectives included care coordination challenges (62%) and lack of familiarity with accountable care organization goals (58%). The most common cost-reduction strategies included ED case management (85%) and information technology (61%). Limitations of this study include that information was self-reported by ED directors, a focus limited to Massachusetts, and a survey response rate of 47%. The ED directors perceived that the majority of physicians were not familiar with accountable care organization goals, many challenges remain in coordinating care for patients in the ED, and most EDs have no financial incentives tied to accountable care organizations. EDs in Massachusetts have begun to implement strategies aimed at reducing admissions, utilization, and overall cost, but these strategies are not widespread apart from case management, even in a state with heavy accountable care organization penetration. Our results suggest that Massachusetts EDs still lack clear directives and direct involvement in meeting accountable care organization goals. Copyright © 2017 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characteristics and spending patterns of high cost, non-elderly adults in Massachusetts.

PubMed

Figueroa, Jose F; Frakt, Austin B; Lyon, Zoe M; Zhou, Xiner; Jha, Ashish K

2017-12-01

Given that health care costs in Massachusetts continue to grow despite great efforts to contain them, we seek to understand characteristics and spending patterns of the costliest non-elderly adults in Massachusetts based on type of insurance. We used the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) from 2012 and analyzed demographics, utilization patterns and spending patterns across payers (Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, and private insurers) for high cost patients (those in the top 10% of spending) and non-high cost patients (the remaining 90%). We identified 3,712,045 patients between the ages of 18-64 years in Massachusetts in 2012 who met our inclusion criteria. Of this group, 8.5% had Medicaid fee-for-service, 11.1% had Medicaid managed care, and 80.3% had private insurance. High cost patients accounted for 65% of total spending in our sample. We found that high cost patients were more likely to be older (median age 48 vs 40, p<0.001), female (60.2% vs. 51.2%, p<0.001), and have multiple chronic conditions (4.4 vs. 1.3, p<0.001) compared to non-high cost patient patients. Medicaid patients were the most likely to be designated high cost (18.1%) followed by Medicaid managed care (MCO) (13.9%) and private insurance (8.6%). High cost Medicaid patients also had the highest mean annual spending and incurred the most preventable spending compared to high cost MCO and high cost private insurance patients. We used 2012 claims data from Massachusetts to examine characteristics and spending patterns of the state's costliest patients based on type of insurance. Providers and policymakers seeking to reduce costs and increase value under delivery system reform may wish to target the Medicaid population. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influenza vaccination among pregnant women--Massachusetts, 2009-2010.

PubMed

2013-11-01

The emergence of the novel influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 (pH1N1) strain in 2009 required a coordinated public health response, especially among high-risk populations. Because pregnant women were at increased risk for influenza-related complications and hospitalization compared with the general population, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended pregnant women receive both the pH1N1 vaccine and the annual seasonal vaccine during the 2009-10 influenza season as a safe and effective way of protecting both mother and infant. To describe acceptance, predictors, and barriers to influenza vaccination among pregnant women in Massachusetts during the 2009-10 influenza season, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) analyzed data from supplemental influenza questions on the Massachusetts Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey. The results indicated that 67.5% of residents who had live births in Massachusetts during September 2009-May 2010 received the seasonal vaccine, and 57.6% received the pH1N1 vaccine. Women who were non-Hispanic blacks, aged <25 years, Medicaid beneficiaries, or lived in a household with an income at or below the federal poverty level were significantly less likely to receive the seasonal vaccine. For the pH1N1 vaccine, only being non-Hispanic black was associated with being less likely to have been vaccinated. Vaccination rates were significantly higher among women whose provider offered or recommended the seasonal (75.8%) and pH1N1 (68.1%) vaccines compared with those who did not receive a recommendation (32.4% and 8.6%, respectively). Coverage in Massachusetts was among the highest of 29 PRAMS sites and might have reflected strategic efforts by MDPH to support vaccine education and equity across the state.

A Qualitative Exploration of Low-Income Women's Experiences Accessing Abortion in Massachusetts.

PubMed

Dennis, Amanda; Manski, Ruth; Blanchard, Kelly

2015-01-01

At a time when most states are working to restrict abortion, Massachusetts stands out as one of the few states with multiple state-level policies in place that support abortion access for low-income women. In 2006, Massachusetts passed health care reform, which resulted in almost all residents having insurance. Also, almost all state-level public and subsidized insurance programs cover abortion and there are fewer restrictions on abortion in Massachusetts compared with other states. We explored low-income women's experiences accessing abortion in Massachusetts through 27 in-depth telephone interviews with a racially diverse sample of low-income women who obtained abortions. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Most women described having access to timely, conveniently located, affordable, and highly acceptable abortion care. However, a sizable minority of women had difficulty enrolling in or staying on insurance, making abortion expensive. A small minority of women said their abortion care could be improved by increasing emotional support and privacy, and decreasing appointment times. Some limited data also suggest that young women and immigrant women face specific barriers to care. This study provides important, novel information about the need for state-level policies that support access to health insurance and comprehensive abortion coverage. Such policies, along with a well-functioning health care environment, help to ensure that low-income women have access to abortion. However, not all abortion access challenges have been resolved in Massachusetts. More work is needed to ensure that all women can access affordable, confidential care that is responsive to their specific needs and preferences. Copyright © 2015 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Impact of the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Child Screening Policy on Service Utilization.

PubMed

Hacker, Karen; Penfold, Robert; Arsenault, Lisa N; Zhang, Fang; Soumerai, Stephen B; Wissow, Lawrence S

2017-01-01

In 2008, Massachusetts Medicaid implemented a pediatric behavioral health (BH) screening mandate. This study conducted a population-level, longitudinal policy analysis to determine the impact of the policy on ambulatory, emergency, and inpatient BH care in comparison with use of these services in California, where no similar policy exists. With Medicaid Analytic Extract (MAX) data, an interrupted time-series analysis with control series design was performed to assess changes in service utilization in the 18 months (January 2008-June 2009) after a BH screening policy was implemented in Massachusetts and to compare service utilization with California's. Outcomes included population rates of BH screening, BH-related outpatient visits, BH-related emergency department visits, BH-related hospitalizations, and psychotropic drug use. Medicaid-eligible children from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2009, with at least ten months of Medicaid eligibility who were older than 4.5 years and younger than 18 years were included. Compared with rates in California, Massachusetts rates of BH screening and BH-related outpatient visits rose significantly after Massachusetts implemented its screening policy. BH screening rose about 13 per 1,000 youths per month during the first nine months, and BH-related outpatient visits rose to about 4.5 per 1,000 youths per month (p<.001). Although BH-related emergency department visits, hospitalization and psychotropic drug use increased, there was no difference between the states in rate of increase. The goal of BH screening is to identify previously unidentified children with BH issues and provide earlier treatment options. The short-term outcomes of the Massachusetts policy suggest that screening at preventive care visits led to more BH-related outpatient visits among vulnerable children.

Scientific journals and their authors' financial interests: a pilot study.

PubMed

Krimsky, S; Rothenberg, L S; Stott, P; Kyle, G

1998-01-01

The credibility of modern science is grounded on the perception of the objectivity of its scientists, but that credibility can be undermined by financial conflicts of interest. The US Public Health Service and the National Science Foundation issued regulations effective October 1, 1995, regarding the disclosure of financial interests in the submission of grant proposals. Several scientific journals have also established pertinent policies for authors and editors. The objectives of this study were: (1) to select a set of published articles and observe the degree to which a sample of authors hold a financial interest in areas related to their research that are reportable under current standards, and (2) to examine the hypothesis that significant numbers of authors of articles in life science and biomedical journals have verifiable financial interests that might be important for journal editors and readers to know. This paper measures the frequency of selected financial interests held among lead authors of certain types of scientific publications and assesses disclosure practices of authors and journals. These objectives were applied to a pilot study of Massachusetts academic scientists who were cited as first or last author in at least one article published in 1992 in 14 leading journals of cell or molecular biology and medicine. We created a database of every original article published in 1992 by 14 leading life science and biomedical journals, supplemented by data sets consisting of (1) Massachusetts biotechnology firms, including their officers and scientific advisory boards, and (2) scientists listed as inventors on patents or patent applications registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization. We examined 1,105 university authors (first and last cited) from Massachusetts institutions whose 789 articles, published in 1992, appeared in 14 scientific and medical journals. Authors are said to 'possess a financial interest' if they are listed as inventors in a patent or patent application closely related to their published work; serve on a scientific advisory board of a biotechnology company; or are officers, directors, or major shareholders (beneficial owner of 10% or more of stock issued) in a firm that has commercial interests related to their research. Applying the criteria to the reference population of journals and Massachusetts academic authors, we measured the following frequencies for lead authors: 0.20 for serving on a scientific advisory board; 0.07 for being an officer, director, or major shareholder in a biotechnology firm, and 0.22 for being listed as an inventor in a related patent or patent application. The joint frequency of articles in the journals reviewed with a lead author that meets one of the three conditions is 0.34. One of every three articles in our sample has at least one Massachusetts-based author with a financial interest, and 15% of the authors in our sample have a financial interest relevant to one of their publications. For the year 1992, the rate of published voluntary disclosures of financial interest (as defined in our study) is virtually zero, but relatively few scientific and biomedical journals at that time required any such disclosure to journal editors and reviewers. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of mandatory disclosure requirements by some journals.

Outcomes After Whole Brain Reirradiation in Patients With Brain Metastases

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Son, Christina H.; Jimenez, Rachel; Niemierko, Andrzej

Purpose: Patients with brain metastases are often treated with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for purposes of palliation. The treatment of those who experience subsequent intracranial disease progression can include a second course of WBRT, although there is controversy surrounding its safety and efficacy. This study examines the outcomes in patients at Massachusetts General Hospital who underwent reirradiation. Patients and Methods: We examined the medical records of 17 patients at Massachusetts General Hospital with brain metastases who were initially treated with WBRT between 2002 and 2008 and were subsequently retreated with a second course of WBRT. The median dose formore » the first course of WBRT was 35 Gy (range, 28-40 Gy), with a fraction size of 2 to 3 Gy (median, 2.5 Gy). The median dose at reirradiation was 21.6 Gy (range, 14-30 Gy), with a fraction size of 1.5 to 2 Gy (median, 1.8 Gy). Results: The second course of WBRT was administered upon radiographic disease progression in all patients. Of 10 patients with complete follow-up data, 8 patients experienced complete or partial symptom resolution, and 2 did not show clinical improvement. The time to radiographic progression was 5.2 months. The median overall survival for all patients after diagnosis of metastases was 24.7 months. The median survival time after initiation of reirradiation was 5.2 months (95% CI, 1.3-8.7). In 6 patients with stable extracranial disease, the median survival time after retreatment was 19.8 months (95% CI, 2.7-{infinity}), compared with 2.5 months (95% CI, 0.8-5.5) for those with extracranial disease progression (p = 0.05). Acute adverse reactions occurred in 70.5% of patients but were mild to moderate in severity. Conclusion: In select patients and especially those with stable extracranial disease, reirradiation may be an appropriate and effective intervention to provide symptomatic relief and slow intracranial disease progression. Side effects were minimal and did not cause substantial changes in quality of life.« less

A formalism for reference dosimetry in photon beams in the presence of a magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Asselen, B.; Woodings, S. J.; Hackett, S. L.; van Soest, T. L.; Kok, J. G. M.; Raaymakers, B. W.; Wolthaus, J. W. H.

2018-06-01

A generic formalism is proposed for reference dosimetry in the presence of a magnetic field. Besides the regular correction factors from the conventional reference dosimetry formalisms, two factors are used to take into account magnetic field effects: (1) a dose conversion factor to correct for the change in local dose distribution and (2) a correction of the reading of the dosimeter used for the reference dosimetry measurements. The formalism was applied to the Elekta MRI-Linac, for which the 1.5 T magnetic field is orthogonal to the 7 MV photon beam. For this setup at reference conditions it was shown that the dose decreases with increasing magnetic field strength. The reduction in local dose for a 1.5 T transverse field, compared to no field is 0.51%  ±  0.03% at the reference point of 10 cm depth. The effect of the magnetic field on the reading of the dosimeter was measured for two waterproof ionization chambers types (PTW 30013 and IBA FC65-G) before and after multiple ramp-up and ramp-downs of the magnetic field. The chambers were aligned perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field. The corrections of the readings of the perpendicularly aligned chambers were 0.967  ±  0.002 and 0.957  ±  0.002 for respectively the PTW and IBA ionization chambers. In the parallel alignment the corrections were small; 0.997  ±  0.001 and 1.002  ±  0.003 for the PTW and IBA chamber respectively. The change in reading due to the magnetic field can be measured by individual departments. The proposed formalism can be used to determine the correction factors needed to establish the absorbed dose in a magnetic field. It requires Monte Carlo simulations of the local dose and measurements of the response of the dosimeter. The formalism was successfully implemented for the MRI-Linac and is applicable for other field strengths and geometries.

A formalism for reference dosimetry in photon beams in the presence of a magnetic field.

PubMed

van Asselen, B; Woodings, S J; Hackett, S L; van Soest, T L; Kok, J G M; Raaymakers, B W; Wolthaus, J W H

2018-06-11

A generic formalism is proposed for reference dosimetry in the presence of a magnetic field. Besides the regular correction factors from the conventional reference dosimetry formalisms, two factors are used to take into account magnetic field effects: (1) a dose conversion factor to correct for the change in local dose distribution and (2) a correction of the reading of the dosimeter used for the reference dosimetry measurements. The formalism was applied to the Elekta MRI-Linac, for which the 1.5 T magnetic field is orthogonal to the 7 MV photon beam. For this setup at reference conditions it was shown that the dose decreases with increasing magnetic field strength. The reduction in local dose for a 1.5 T transverse field, compared to no field is 0.51%  ±  0.03% at the reference point of 10 cm depth. The effect of the magnetic field on the reading of the dosimeter was measured for two waterproof ionization chambers types (PTW 30013 and IBA FC65-G) before and after multiple ramp-up and ramp-downs of the magnetic field. The chambers were aligned perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field. The corrections of the readings of the perpendicularly aligned chambers were 0.967  ±  0.002 and 0.957  ±  0.002 for respectively the PTW and IBA ionization chambers. In the parallel alignment the corrections were small; 0.997  ±  0.001 and 1.002  ±  0.003 for the PTW and IBA chamber respectively. The change in reading due to the magnetic field can be measured by individual departments. The proposed formalism can be used to determine the correction factors needed to establish the absorbed dose in a magnetic field. It requires Monte Carlo simulations of the local dose and measurements of the response of the dosimeter. The formalism was successfully implemented for the MRI-Linac and is applicable for other field strengths and geometries.

Hematology, plasma chemistry, serology, and Chlamydophila status of the waved albatross (Phoebastria irrorata) on the Galapagos Islands.

PubMed

Padilla, Luis R; Huyvaert, Kathryn P; Merkel, Jane; Miller, R Eric; Parker, Patricia G

2003-09-01

Venipuncture was performed on 50 adult, free-ranging waved albatrosses (Phoebastria irrorata) on Española, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, to establish hematologic and plasma biochemistry reference ranges and to determine the prevalence of exposure to important domestic avian pathogens. Weights and plasma creatine phosphokinase activities differed significantly between males and females. Serum was tested for evidence of exposure to avian influenza, avian paramyxoviruses 1, 2, and 3, avian cholera, adenovirus groups 1 and 2, avian encephalomyelitis, Marek's disease, infectious bursal disease, and infectious bronchitis virus (Connecticut and Massachusetts strains). Of 44 birds, 29 (66%) seroreacted to adenovirus group 1, and four seroreacted to avian encephalomyelitis. Cloacal swabs were negative for Chlamydophila psittaci DNA.

Calibration of helical tomotherapy machine using EPR/alanine dosimetry.

PubMed

Perichon, Nicolas; Garcia, Tristan; François, Pascal; Lourenço, Valérie; Lesven, Caroline; Bordy, Jean-Marc

2011-03-01

Current codes of practice for clinical reference dosimetry of high-energy photon beams in conventional radiotherapy recommend using a 10 x 10 cm2 square field, with the detector at a reference depth of 10 cm in water and 100 cm source to surface distance (SSD) (AAPM TG-51) or 100 cm source-to-axis distance (SAD) (IAEA TRS-398). However, the maximum field size of a helical tomotherapy (HT) machine is 40 x 5 cm2 defined at 85 cm SAD. These nonstandard conditions prevent a direct implementation of these protocols. The purpose of this study is twofold: To check the absorbed dose in water and dose rate calibration of a tomotherapy unit as well as the accuracy of the tomotherapy treatment planning system (TPS) calculations for a specific test case. Both topics are based on the use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using alanine as transfer dosimeter between the Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNHB) 60Co-gamma-ray reference beam and the Institut Curie's HT beam. Irradiations performed in the LNHB reference 60Co-gamma-ray beam allowed setting up the calibration method, which was then implemented and tested at the LNHB 6 MV linac x-ray beam, resulting in a deviation of 1.6% (at a 1% standard uncertainty) relative to the reference value determined with the standard IAEA TRS-398 protocol. HT beam dose rate estimation shows a difference of 2% with the value stated by the manufacturer at a 2% standard uncertainty. A 4% deviation between measured dose and the calculation from the tomotherapy TPS was found. The latter was originated by an inadequate representation of the phantom CT-scan values and, consequently, mass densities within the phantom. This difference has been explained by the mass density values given by the CT-scan and used by the TPS which were not the true ones. Once corrected using Monte Carlo N-Particle simulations to validate the accuracy of this process, the difference between corrected TPS calculations and alanine measured dose values was then found to be around 2% (with 2% standard uncertainty on TPS doses and 1.5% standard uncertainty on EPR measurements). Beam dose rate estimation results were found to be in good agreement with the reference value given by the manufacturer at 2% standard uncertainty. Moreover, the dose determination method was set up with a deviation around 2% (at a 2% standard uncertainty).

76 FR 81930 - Proposed Settlement Agreement, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-29

...) Boston- Lawrence-Worcester (Eastern Massachusetts), (2) Chicago-Gary-Lake County (Illinois portion), (3...) Springfield (Western Massachusetts), (5) St. Louis (Illinois and Missouri portions), (6) Charlotte-Gastonia... areas: New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island (NY, NJ, CT) Springfield (Western MA), Boston- Lawrence...

Thesaurus of DDC Descriptors

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-06-01

BIRDS BLASTOMYCES BLATTIDAE BOVINES CANDIDA CANNABIS CARNIVORA CATS CEPHALOPODA CEREALS CETACEA CHICKENS CHILDREN CHIMPANZEES CHLORELLA...POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS POX VIRUSES PROTEUS PROTEUS VULGAR1S PROTOZOA PSEUOOMONADACEAE PSEUUOMONADALES PSEUDOMONAS PSEUDOMONAS AEROGINOSA RABIES VIRUS...ISLANUS MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS BAY MEDITERRANEAN SEA MEDITERRANEAN SEA ISLANDS MELANESIA MEXICO MEXICO GULF MICHIGAN MICRONESIA

75 FR 43979 - Massachusetts Marine Sanitation Device Standard-Notice of Determination

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-27

... England Region, Office of Ecosystem Protection, Oceans and Coastal Protection Unit, Five Post Office... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-R01-OW-2010-0318, FRL-9180-3] Massachusetts Marine Sanitation Device Standard--Notice of Determination AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of...

76 FR 39395 - Massachusetts Marine Sanitation Device Standard-Notice of Determination

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-06

... England Region, Office of Ecosystem Protection, Oceans and Coastal Protection Unit, Five Post Office... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-R01-OW-2011-0364, FRL-9430-1] Massachusetts Marine Sanitation Device Standard--Notice of Determination AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of...

75 FR 38516 - Massachusetts Marine Sanitation Device Standard-Notice of Determination

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-02

... England Region, Office of Ecosystem Protection, Oceans and Coastal Protection Unit, Five Post Office... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-R01-OW-2010-0316, FRL-9170-4] Massachusetts Marine Sanitation Device Standard--Notice of Determination AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of...

78 FR 9016 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Revisions to Fossil...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-07

... Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Revisions to Fossil Fuel Utilization and..., inspection, maintenance and testing requirements for certain fossil fuel utilization facilities, rename and... fossil fuel utilization facility regulation, source registration regulation, and new industrial...

Industry-Education Partnerships: Massachusetts Case Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massachusetts State Dept. of Education, Quincy. Office of Community Education.

This document consists largely of descriptions of 15 industry-education partnerships in Massachusetts, selected on the basis of their creativity; the range of partnership organizations and activity they represent; the diversity of students, teachers, businesses, and communities they affect; and their innovative and efficient coordination and…

The National Parks of Massachusetts: Planning Studies for a Traveler Information System and Visitor Transportation Facilities

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-08-01

This report provides an analysis of new ways to facilitate visitation to the National Parks of Massachusetts through improved provision of traveler information. The report explores potential improvements to several elements of the region's Traveler I...

78 FR 10170 - Filing Dates for the Massachusetts Senate Special Elections

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-13

... FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION [Notice 2013-06] Filing Dates for the Massachusetts Senate Special Elections AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY... for the closing date for each report.) All principal campaign committees of candidates participating...

MODELING HOW A HURRICANE BARRIER IN NEW BEDFORD HARBOR, MASSACHUSETTS, AFFECTS THE HYDRODYNAMICS AND RESIDENCE TIMES

EPA Science Inventory

Two-dimensional hydrodynamic and transport models were used to simulate tidal and subtidal circulation, residence times, and the longitudinal distributions of conservative constituents in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, before and after a hurricane barrier was constructed. The...

Prevalence of Tumors in Brown Bullhead from Three Lakes in Southeastern Massachusetts, 2002

EPA Science Inventory

The Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) has been a military base on western Cape Cod since the early 1900s. Contaminated surface water and ground water from the MMR have discharged into several kettle lakes on or near the base.

40 CFR 81.142 - Central Massachusetts Intrastate Air Quality Control Region.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Central Massachusetts Intrastate Air Quality Control Region. 81.142 Section 81.142 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY...: Township—Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Auburn, Barre, Berlin, Blackstone, Boylston, Brookfield, Charlton...

Identification of a nucleopolyhedrovirus in winter moth populations from Massachusetts

Treesearch

John P. Burand; Anna Welch; Woojin Kim; Vince D' Amico; Joseph S. Elkinton

2011-01-01

The winter moth, Operophtera brumata, originally from Europe, has recently invaded eastern Massachusetts. This insect has caused widespread defoliation of many deciduous tree species and severely damaged a variety of crop plants in the infested area including apple, strawberry, and especially blueberry.

Small City Transit : Sudbury, Massachusetts : A Short-Lived Suburban Transit Service.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-03-01

Sudbury, Massachusetts, is an illustration of a over-extended fixed-route transit service which was rather short-lived. This case study is one of thirteen examples of a transit service in a small community. The background of the community is discusse...

Gulf Oil Limited Partnership (MA0001091) | Chelsea Creek ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-04-10

EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) have developed final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for seven bulk petroleum storage facilities located along Chelsea River (Creek) in Chelsea and Revere, Massachusetts to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Coastal Oil of New England, Inc. - Chelsea Terminal ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-04-10

EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) have developed final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for seven bulk petroleum storage facilities located along Chelsea River (Creek) in Chelsea and Revere, Massachusetts to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Global South Terminal, LLC (MA0000825) | Chelsea Creek ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-04-10

EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) have developed final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for seven bulk petroleum storage facilities located along Chelsea River (Creek) in Chelsea and Revere, Massachusetts to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Global REVCO Terminal, LLC (MA0003298) | Chelsea Creek ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-04-10

EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) have developed final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for seven bulk petroleum storage facilities located along Chelsea River (Creek) in Chelsea and Revere, Massachusetts to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Irving Oil Terminal - Revere (MA0001929) | Chelsea Creek ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-04-10

EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) have developed final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for seven bulk petroleum storage facilities located along Chelsea River (Creek) in Chelsea and Revere, Massachusetts to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Nurses Respond to Healthcare Restructuring: The Transformation of the Massachusetts Nurses Association

PubMed Central

Wilson, Beth; Slatin, Craig; O’Sullivan, Michael

2018-01-01

The most recent period of Massachusetts healthcare system reorganization began in the early 1980s. In part, this has been a response to soaring healthcare costs, countering them with diminished reimbursements. To decrease labor costs and survive in an increasingly competitive and market-driven healthcare environment, hospitals downsized and laid off nursing staff. Patient care and safety has concomitantly suffered. These efforts severely challenged nurses’ status. Radicalized rank and file members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association mobilized against the association leadership’s weak efforts to protect nurses’ social and economic interests and the deteriorating quality of care. They transformed an association whose main focus was supporting nursing’s professional image to one which became an activist labor union of professional workers. The history of this often contentious transformation is presented here within the context of these healthcare system changes. The MNA’s successes and pending challenges within the Massachusetts healthcare system are also discussed. PMID:16803745

A GIS Library of Multibeam Data for Massachusetts Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Offshore of Boston, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butman, Bradford; Valentine, Page C.; Middleton, Tammie J.; Danforth, William W.

2007-01-01

Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has mapped the sea floor of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and western Massachusetts Bay, offshore of Boston, Massachusetts (figure 1a, figure 1b). The mapping was carried out using a Simrad Subsea EM1000 Multibeam Echo Sounder (95 kHz) on the Frederick G. Creed on four cruises between 1994 and 1998. The mapping was conducted in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and with support from the Canadian Hydrographic Service and the University of New Brunswick. This GIS Library contains images and grids of bathymetry, shaded relief bathymetry, and backscatter intensity data from these surveys in an Environmental Systems Research Institute (http://www.esri.com) (ESRI) ArcMap 9.1 Geographic Information System (GIS) project. The shapefiles, images, grids and associated metadata may also be downloaded individually. Descriptions and interpretations of the data are available in a series of published maps.

Stream Stability and Scour Assessments at Bridges in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parker, Gene W.; Bratton, Lisa; Armstrong, David S.

1997-01-01

In 1989, the Federal Highway Administration mandated that every state establish a program to evaluate the vulnerability to floods of all bridges over water. The Massachusetts Highway Department entered into a cooperative effort with the U.S. Geological Survey to comply with this mandate. Geomorphic and hydraulic characteristics were collected and were used to assess the processes that affect stream stability and current scour problems and potential near 2,361 bridge sites in Massachusetts. As a result of these assessments, the Massachusetts Highway Department will prioritize the bridge inventory for action regarding scour safety. A data base was prepared that includes the geomorphic and hydraulic data collected during field assessments. In addition to the data base, this report includes the historical development of the bridge scour program, the methods used for data collection during assessments, the methods used for quality assurance and quality control, and how the data base was digitally formatted to be presented on a CD-ROM. A user's guide provides assistance in the use of this electronic data base and report.

Accuracy of a dose-area product compared to an absorbed dose to water at a point in a 2 cm diameter field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dufreneix, S.; Ostrowsky, A.; Rapp, B.

Purpose: Graphite calorimeters with a core diameter larger than the beam can be used to establish dosimetric references in small fields. The dose-area product (DAP) measured can theoretically be linked to an absorbed dose at a point by the determination of a profile correction. This study aims at comparing the DAP-based protocol to the usual absorbed dose at a point protocol in a 2 cm diameter field for which both references exist. Methods: Two calorimeters were used, respectively, with a sensitive volume of 0.6 cm (for the absorbed dose at a point measurement) and 3 cm diameter (for the DAPmore » measurement). Profile correction was calculated from a 2D dose mapping using three detectors: a PinPoint chamber, a synthetic diamond, and EBT3 films. A specific protocol to read EBT3 films was implemented and the dose-rate and energy dependences were studied to assure a precise measurement, especially in the penumbra and out-of-field regions. Results: EBT3 films were found independent on dose rates over the range studied but showed a strong under-response (18%) at low energies. Depending on the dosimeter used for calculating the profile correction, a deviation of 0.8% (PinPoint chamber), 0.9% (diamond), or 1.9% (EBT3 films) was observed between the calibration coefficient derived from DAP measurements and the one directly established in terms of absorbed dose to water at a point. Conclusions: The DAP method can currently be linked to the classical dosimetric reference system based in an absorbed dose at a point only with a confidence interval of 95% (k = 2). None of the detectors studied can be used to determine an absorbed dose to water at a point from a DAP measurement with an uncertainty smaller than 1.2%.« less

Ultra-low power high temperature and radiation hard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) voltage reference.

PubMed

Boufouss, El Hafed; Francis, Laurent A; Kilchytska, Valeriya; Gérard, Pierre; Simon, Pascal; Flandre, Denis

2013-12-13

This paper presents an ultra-low power CMOS voltage reference circuit which is robust under biomedical extreme conditions, such as high temperature and high total ionized dose (TID) radiation. To achieve such performances, the voltage reference is designed in a suitable 130 nm Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) industrial technology and is optimized to work in the subthreshold regime of the transistors. The design simulations have been performed over the temperature range of -40-200 °C and for different process corners. Robustness to radiation was simulated using custom model parameters including TID effects, such as mobilities and threshold voltages degradation. The proposed circuit has been tested up to high total radiation dose, i.e., 1 Mrad (Si) performed at three different temperatures (room temperature, 100 °C and 200 °C). The maximum drift of the reference voltage V(REF) depends on the considered temperature and on radiation dose; however, it remains lower than 10% of the mean value of 1.5 V. The typical power dissipation at 2.5 V supply voltage is about 20 μW at room temperature and only 75 μW at a high temperature of 200 °C. To understand the effects caused by the combination of high total ionizing dose and temperature on such voltage reference, the threshold voltages of the used SOI MOSFETs were extracted under different conditions. The evolution of V(REF) and power consumption with temperature and radiation dose can then be explained in terms of the different balance between fixed oxide charge and interface states build-up. The total occupied area including pad-ring is less than 0.09 mm2.

The Impacts of State Health Reform Initiatives on Adults in New York and Massachusetts

PubMed Central

Long, Sharon K; Stockley, Karen

2011-01-01

Objective To analyze the effects of health reform efforts in two large states—New York and Massachusetts. Data Sources/Study Setting National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 1999 to 2008. Study Design We take advantage of the “natural experiments” that occurred in New York and Massachusetts to compare health insurance coverage and health care access and use for adults before and after the implementation of the health policy changes. To control for underlying trends not related to the reform initiatives, we subtract changes in the outcomes over the same time period for comparison groups of adults who were not affected by the policy changes using a differences-in-differences framework. The analyses are conducted using multiple comparison groups and different time periods as a check on the robustness of the findings. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Nonelderly adults ages 19–64 in the NHIS. Principal Findings We find evidence of the success of the initiatives in New York and Massachusetts at expanding insurance coverage, with the greatest gains reported by the initiative that was broadest in scope—the Massachusetts push toward universal coverage. There is no evidence of improvements in access to care in New York, reflecting the small gains in coverage under that state's reform effort and the narrow focus of the initiative. In contrast, there were significant gains in access to care in Massachusetts, where the impact on insurance coverage was greater and a more comprehensive set of reforms were implemented to improve access to a full array of health care services. The estimated gains in coverage and access to care reported here for Massachusetts were achieved in the early period under health reform, before the state's reform initiative was fully implemented. Conclusions Comprehensive reform initiatives are more successful at addressing gaps in coverage and access to care than are narrower efforts, highlighting the potential gains under national health reform. Tracking the implications of national health reform will be challenging, as sample sizes and content in existing national surveys are not currently sufficient for in-depth evaluations of the impacts of reform within many states. PMID:21091471

Ecosystem-based management and refining governance of wind energy in the Massachusetts coastal zone: A case study approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumin, Enid C.

While there are as yet no wind energy facilities in New England coastal waters, a number of wind turbine projects are now operating on land adjacent to the coast. In the Gulf of Maine region (from Maine to Massachusetts), at least two such projects, one in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and another on the island of Vinalhaven, Maine, began operation with public backing only to face subsequent opposition from some who were initially project supporters. I investigate the reasons for this dynamic using content analysis of documents related to wind energy facility development in three case study communities. For comparison and contrast with the Vinalhaven and Falmouth case studies, I examine materials from Hull, Massachusetts, where wind turbine construction and operation has received steady public support and acceptance. My research addresses the central question: What does case study analysis of the siting and initial operation of three wind energy projects in the Gulf of Maine region reveal that can inform future governance of wind energy in Massachusetts state coastal waters? I consider the question with specific attention to governance of wind energy in Massachusetts, then explore ways in which the research results may be broadly transferable in the U.S. coastal context. I determine that the change in local response noted in Vinalhaven and Falmouth may have arisen from a failure of consistent inclusion of stakeholders throughout the entire scoping-to-siting process, especially around the reporting of environmental impact studies. I find that, consistent with the principles of ecosystem-based and adaptive management, design of governance systems may require on-going cycles of review and adjustment before the implementation of such systems as intended is achieved in practice. I conclude that evolving collaborative processes must underlie science and policy in our approach to complex environmental and wind energy projects; indeed, collaborative process is fundamental to the successful governance of such projects, including any that may involve development of wind energy in the Massachusetts coastal zone or beyond. Three supplemental files of coded data accompany this dissertation.

A Single Dose of Intraoperative Antibiotics Is Sufficient to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection During Ureteroscopy.

PubMed

Chew, Ben H; Flannigan, Ryan; Kurtz, Michael; Gershman, Boris; Arsovska, Olga; Paterson, Ryan F; Eisner, Brian H; Lange, Dirk

2016-01-01

American Urology Association (AUA) Best Practice Guidelines for ureteroscopic stone treatment recommend antibiotic coverage for <24 hours following the procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the addition of postoperative antibiotics reduces urinary tract infections (UTIs) following ureteroscopic stone treatment beyond the recommended preoperative dose. A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients at two institutions, University of British Columbia and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard. All patients received a single dose of antibiotics before ureteroscopic stone treatment. A subset of patients was also given postoperative antibiotics. The rate of UTI was compared in patients receiving only preoperative antibiotics (group 1) vs those who received pre- and postoperative antibiotics (group 2). Eighty-one patients underwent ureteroscopy for renal calculi. Mean time to follow up was 42 ± 88 days. Eight (9.9%) patients in total (two from group 1 and six from group 2, p = 0.1457) developed UTIs postoperatively. In group 1, both patients presented with pyelonephritis (n = 2); those patients with infections in group 2 presented with urosepsis (n = 2) and cystitis (n = 2) and two patients had asymptomatic bacteriuria. Risk factors such as preoperative stenting, nephrostomy tubes, and foley catheters neither differed between groups nor did they predispose patients to postoperative infections. The postoperative UTI rate in this study (9.9%) is consistent with previous reports. Our data suggest that a single preoperative dose of antibiotics is sufficient, and additional postoperative antibiotics do not decrease infection rates after ureteroscopic stone treatment. Risk for selection bias is a potential limitation.

Dosimetry and image quality assessment in a direct radiography system

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Bruno Beraldo; de Oliveira, Marcio Alves; Paixão, Lucas; Teixeira, Maria Helena Araújo; Nogueira, Maria do Socorro

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate the mean glandular dose with a solid state detector and the image quality in a direct radiography system, utilizing phantoms. Materials and Methods Irradiations were performed with automatic exposure control and polymethyl methacrylate slabs with different thicknesses to calculate glandular dose values. The image quality was evaluated by means of the structures visualized on the images of the phantoms. Results Considering the uncertainty of the measurements, the mean glandular dose results are in agreement with the values provided by the equipment and with internationally adopted reference levels. Results obtained from images of the phantoms were in agreement with the reference values. Conclusion The present study contributes to verify the equipment conformity as regards dose values and image quality. PMID:25741119

Ultralow-dose CT of the craniofacial bone for navigated surgery using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction and model-based iterative reconstruction: 2D and 3D image quality.

PubMed

Widmann, Gerlig; Schullian, Peter; Gassner, Eva-Maria; Hoermann, Romed; Bale, Reto; Puelacher, Wolfgang

2015-03-01

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate 2D and 3D image quality of high-resolution ultralow-dose CT images of the craniofacial bone for navigated surgery using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) in comparison with standard filtered backprojection (FBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS. A formalin-fixed human cadaver head was scanned using a clinical reference protocol at a CT dose index volume of 30.48 mGy and a series of five ultralow-dose protocols at 3.48, 2.19, 0.82, 0.44, and 0.22 mGy using FBP and ASIR at 50% (ASIR-50), ASIR at 100% (ASIR-100), and MBIR. Blinded 2D axial and 3D volume-rendered images were compared with each other by three readers using top-down scoring. Scores were analyzed per protocol or dose and reconstruction. All images were compared with the FBP reference at 30.48 mGy. A nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS. For 2D images, the FBP reference at 30.48 mGy did not statistically significantly differ from ASIR-100 at 3.48 mGy, ASIR-100 at 2.19 mGy, and MBIR at 0.82 mGy. MBIR at 2.19 and 3.48 mGy scored statistically significantly better than the FBP reference (p = 0.032 and 0.001, respectively). For 3D images, the FBP reference at 30.48 mGy did not statistically significantly differ from all reconstructions at 3.48 mGy; FBP and ASIR-100 at 2.19 mGy; FBP, ASIR-100, and MBIR at 0.82 mGy; MBIR at 0.44 mGy; and MBIR at 0.22 mGy. CONCLUSION. MBIR (2D and 3D) and ASIR-100 (2D) may significantly improve subjective image quality of ultralow-dose images and may allow more than 90% dose reductions.