We estimate the effect of threshold corrections coming from Wilson lines to gauge coupling unification in the weakly coupled heterotic string with orbifold compactification. By expressing the corrections in terms of an effective field theory calculation we are able to estimate the minimal threshold corrections in a realistic model without constructing the full string theory. Using this we show ...

Shading models that wrap around the hemisphere have been used to approximate subsurface scattering, area light sources, and softer reflectance profiles. We generalize a specific technique that has been used in games by parameterizing the amount of wraping while retaining important mathematical properties. We include details on how to incorporate theses models with spherical harmonic lighting. 1...

Background: Aortomyoplasty is a treatment for heart failure in which the latissimus dorsi muscle is wrapped around the aorta and stimulated to contract during diastole to provide chronic diastolic counterpulsation. We hypothesized that the manner in which the latissimus dorsi muscle is wrapped around the aorta determines the effectiveness of counterpulsation. Methods: Nine mongrel dogs were stu...