cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid MR relaxometry using deep learning: An overview of current techniques and emerging trends

Quantitative mapping of MR tissue parameters such as the spin-lattice relaxation time (T1 ), the spin-spin relaxation time (T2 ), and the spin-lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ ), referred to as MR relaxometry in general, has demonstrated improved assessment in a wide range of clinical applications. Compared with conventional contrast-weighted (eg T1 -, T2 -, or T1ρ -weighted) MRI, MR relaxometry provides increased sensitivity to pathologies and delivers important information that can be more specific to tissue composition and microenvironment. The rise of deep learning in the past several years has been revolutionizing many aspects of MRI research, including image reconstruction, image analysis, and disease diagnosis and prognosis. Although deep learning has also shown great potential for MR relaxometry and quantitative MRI in general, this research direction has been much less explored to date. The goal of this paper is to discuss the applications of deep learning for rapid MR relaxometry and to review emerging deep-learning-based techniques that can be applied to improve MR relaxometry in terms of imaging speed, image quality, and quantification robustness. The paper is comprised of an introduction and four more sections. Section 2 describes a summary of the imaging models of quantitative MR relaxometry. In Section 3, we review existing "classical" methods for accelerating MR relaxometry, including state-of-the-art spatiotemporal acceleration techniques, model-based reconstruction methods, and efficient parameter generation approaches. Section 4 then presents how deep learning can be used to improve MR relaxometry and how it is linked to conventional techniques. The final section concludes the review by discussing the promise and existing challenges of deep learning for rapid MR relaxometry and potential solutions to address these challenges.
Real-World Reductions in Oral Corticosteroid Use in the USA Following Mepolizumab Therapy for Severe Asthma.

Background Patients with severe asthma often require oral corticosteroid (OCS) treatment. Clinical trials have demonstrated that mepolizumab can reduce OCS dependence, but real-world data are limited. Objective To evaluate the impact of mepolizumab on OCS use, asthma exacerbations, and asthma exacerbation-related costs in a real-world setting. Methods This retrospective cohort study (GSK ID: 209642; HO-19-19597) analyzed data from the MarketScan® Commercial database (identification period: November 2015-September 2017). Patients were ≥12 years old at mepolizumab initiation (index date), had a baseline asthma diagnosis, and received ≥2 mepolizumab administrations in the first 6 months of follow-up. OCS use, asthma exacerbation rate, and asthma exacerbation-related costs were assessed in the 12-months before (baseline) and 12-months after (follow-up) mepolizumab initiation. Results Mepolizumab was associated with a 14.7% reduction in the proportion of patients with ≥1 OCS claim from baseline to follow-up (93.4% vs 79.7%; P<0.001). The mean numbers of OCS claims/patient and OCS bursts (≥20 mg prednisone equivalents for 3‒28 days) between baseline and follow-up were also reduced by 29.1% (P<0.001) and 36.8% (P<0.001), respectively. Reductions in chronic OCS use were demonstrated during follow-up in patients with baseline mean OCS dose ≥5mg and those with a mean OCS dose ≥10mg 90 days before index; the proportion of patients with no OCS use also increased from 6.6% to 20.3% between baseline and follow-up. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that mepolizumab therapy is associated with reduced OCS use in patients treated in a real-world setting, potentially mitigating adverse health sequelae caused by OCS use in these patients.
A Better Understanding of Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia of the Mandible.

Purpose Our current understanding of unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) was put forth by Obwegeser. He hypothesized that UCH is 2 separate conditions: hemimandibular hyperplasia and hemimandibular elongation. This hypothesis was based on the following 3 assumptions: 1) the direction of overgrowth, in UCH, is bimodal—vertical or horizontal, with rare cases growing obliquely; 2) UCH can expand a hemimandible with and without significant condylar enlargement; and 3) there is an association between the condylar expansion and the direction of overgrowth—minimal expansion resulting in horizontal growth and significant enlargement causing vertical displacement. The purpose of this study was to test these assumptions. Patients and Methods We analyzed the computed tomography scans of 40 patients with UCH. First, we used a Silverman Cluster analysis to determine how the direction of overgrowth is distributed in the UCH population. Next, we evaluated the relationship between hemimandibular overgrowth and condylar enlargement to confirm that overgrowth can occur independently of condylar expansion. Finally, we assessed the relationship between the degree of condylar enlargement and the direction of overgrowth to ascertain if condylar expansion determines the direction of growth. Results Our first investigation demonstrates that the general impression that UCH is bimodal is wrong. The growth vectors in UCH are unimodally distributed, with the vast majority of cases growing diagonally. Our second investigation confirms the observation that UCH can expand a hemimandible with and without significant condylar enlargement. Our last investigation determined that in UCH, there is no association between the degree of condylar expansion and the direction of the overgrowth. Conclusions The results of this study disprove the idea that UCH is 2 different conditions: hemimandibular hyperplasia and hemimandibular elongation. It also provides new insights about the pathophysiology of UCH.
Communication changes when infants begin to walk

Learning to walk allows infants to travel faster and farther and explore more of their environments. In turn, walking may have a cascading effect on infants' communication and subsequent responses from caregivers. We tested for an inflection point-a dramatic shift in the developmental progression-in infant communication and caregiver responses when infants started walking. We followed 25 infants longitudinally over 7 months surrounding the onset of walking (mean walk onset age = 11.76 months, SD = 1.56). After learning to walk, the pace of gesture growth (but not vocalization growth) increased substantially, and infants increasingly coordinated gestures and vocalizations with locomotion (e.g., by walking to a caregiver and showing off a toy bear). Consequently, caregivers had more opportunities to respond contingently to their infants during walking months compared to crawling months (e.g., "What did you find? Is that your bear?"). Changes in communication were amplified for infants who began walking at older ages, compared to younger walkers. Findings suggest that learning to walk marks a point in development when infants actively communicate in new ways, and consequently elicit rich verbal input from caregivers.
Introduction to Social Work, Sociometry, and Psychodrama

This introductory chapter provides context for the content covered in the rest of the book. Background on the evolution of the book and increased social work attention to psychodrama is offered while also defining the basic concepts of sociometry, psychodrama, and social work with groups. The importance of considering differences between cultures, populations, and countries is highlighted, especially as it relates to scope of practice of the social work field which varies between countries. Specifics of chapter topics are overviewed with suggestions to the reader on how to approach this book. Though the book explicitly focuses on social work, many other professionals will find this publication useful including group therapists, counselors, psychologists, creative arts therapists, psychodramatists, community workers, supervisors, and professors.
Effect of PGF2α treatments during early corpus luteum development on circulating progesterone concentrations and ovulation in breeding-age Holstein heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to test the effect of low circulating concentrations of progesterone (P4) on pre-ovulatory follicle development in heifers as part of an overarching objective to develop a model to understand this phenomenon in dairy cattle without the confounding factors of lactation. Holstein heifers between 12 and 13 mo of age were pre-synchronized to ensure all heifers were on d 6 of the estrous cycle at the start of the Ovsynch program. Only heifers with CL regression and ovulation to the following pre-treatment strategy were used in the study: 0.5 mg cloprostenol (PGF2α), 2 d later, 0.1 mg GnRH, 6 d later, GnRH (G1; 1st GnRH of Ovsynch). Heifers (n = 159) responding to pre-treatment were randomly assigned to 4 groups and completed the Ovsynch program: high P4 control (HPC), low P4 control (LPC; PGF2α 24 h after G1), PG2 (PGF2α 24 and 48 h after G1) and PG3 (PGF2α 24, 48, and 96 h after G1). Only heifers that had ovulation to G1 remained in the study. Blood samples were collected in all heifers on d 7 (n = 157) and in a subset of heifers on d 1, 2, 3, 4 (n = 82) after G1 to measure serum P4. Pre-ovulatory follicle size at G1 (13.0 ± 0.1 mm; P = 0.53) and mean serum P4 24 h after G1 (d 1; 3.62 ± 0.11 ng/mL; P = 0.46) did not differ among treatments. HPC heifers had greater (P 0.10). On d 7, LPC heifers had greater (P
Bayesian Probabilistic Forecasting with Large-Scale Educational Trend Data: A Case Study Using NAEP.

Of critical importance to education policy is monitoring trends in education outcomes over time. In the United States, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has provided long-term trend data since 1970; at the state/jurisdiction level, NAEP has provided long-term trend data since 1996. In addition to the national NAEP, all 50 states and United States jurisdictions participate in the state NAEP assessment. Thus, NAEP provides important monitoring and forecasting information regarding population-level academic performance of relevance to national and international goals. However, an inspection of NAEP trend reports shows that relatively simple trend plots are provided; and although these plots are important for communicating general trend information, we argue that much more useful information can be obtained by adopting a Bayesian probabilistic forecasting point of view. The purpose of this paper is to provide a Bayesian probabilistic forecasting workflow that can be used with large-scale assessment trend data generally, and to demonstrate that workflow with an application to the state NAEP assessments.
Leptomeningeal Disease in Glioblastoma: Endgame or Opportunity?

Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer with a notoriously poor prognosis. Recent advances in treatment have increased overall survival, though this may be accompanied by an increased incidence of leptomeningeal disease (LMD). LMD carries a particularly severe prognosis and remains a late stage manifestation of glioblastoma without satisfactory treatment. The objective of this review is to survey the literature on treatment of LMD in glioblastoma and to more fully characterize the current therapeutic strategies. The authors performed a systematic review following PRISMA criteria on PubMed and OVID databases. Articles that included adult patients with LMD from glioblastoma were retrieved and reviewed. LMD in glioblastoma patients is increasing in incidence, with reports of up to 21%. The overall survival without treatment is alarmingly brief, with patients surviving between 1.6–3.8 months. All studies showed that treatment does improve overall survival significantly, increasing to 11.7 months in one study. However, no one adjuvant or surgical therapy has been shown to improve survival in LMD significantly over another. Direct treatment methods include chemotherapy (standard, anti-angiogenic, intrathecal, immunotherapy), and radiation. Hydrocephalus is a complication in LMD that can be treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, however treating hydrocephalus and delivering intrathecal chemotherapy is a challenge. Though evidence remains lacking and there is no consensus, treatments show a trend towards improving survival and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Further studies are necessary in the pursuit of a standard of care.
Rapid phase-resolved prediction of nonlinear dispersive waves using machine learning

Abstract The phase-resolved prediction of ocean waves suffers from two major challenges that have so far hindered solutions in real time or faster: (i) The reconstruction of the nonlinear and dispersive waves: how to calculate the state of the wavefield from measurable wave amplitude data, and (ii) Rapid solution: how to integrate equations in a timely manner. Here, we overcome these challenges at once through an advanced machine learning technique based on spatiotemporal patches of the time history of surface wave elevation data in the domain. The proposed time-series analysis uses a new concept of convolution that instead of constructing kernels from filters, implements random patches of spatiotemporal data as the input to predict the next patch. We demonstrate that the proposed methodology can accurately make predictions for ocean surface gravity waves more than two orders of magnitude faster than numerically solving governing equations.
Security engineering risk analysis (SERA)

In this presentation, I describe how the SEI’s Security Engineering Risk Analysis (SERA) method provides a structure that connects desired system functionality with the underlying software to evaluate the sufficiency of requirements for software security and the potential operational security risks based on mission impact.
Report of a rare case of trauma-induced thyroid storm.

Thyroid storm is a potentially life-threatening endocrinologic emergency characterized by an exacerbation of a hyperthyroid state. Several inciting factors can instigate the conversion of thyrotoxicosis to thyroid storm; trauma is one such trigger, but it is rare. Patients with thyroid storm can manifest fever, nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal or hepatic dysfunction (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or jaundice), and arrhythmia and other cardiovascular abnormalities. Treatment of thyroid storm is multimodal and is best managed by the endocrinologist and medical intensivist. Initial medical and supportive therapies are directed at stabilizing the patient, correcting the hyperthyroid state, managing the systemic decompensation, and treating the underlying cause. Once this has been achieved, definitive treatment in the form of radioactive ablation or surgery should be undertaken. We describe a case of thyroid storm in a young man that was precipitated by a motor vehicle accident.
Rabbit Liver Guanine Deaminase CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, AND KINETIC PROPERTIES

Abstract Homogeneous guanine deaminase (guanine aminohydrolase, EC 3.5.4.3) is a single polypeptide chain of mean molecular weight of 55,000, as determined by Sephadex gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. Irreversible inactivation was observed upon incubation with p-chloromercuribenzoate, at a concentration of 1.0 x 10-4 m. Iodoacetic acid and iodoacetamide were mildly inhibitory at a concentration of 2.0 x 10-3 m. The purine precursor 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide was a potent competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, with a Ki of 3.05 x 10-5 m. Its ribonucleoside derivative (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) and tetrahydrofolic acid were also observed to be competitive inhibitors of the enzyme. Their respective Ki values were 2.58 x 10-4 m for tetrahydrofolic acid and 5.68 x 10-4 m for 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside. A single pH optimum at pH 6.8 was observed in Tris, citrate, and phosphate buffers. The Km values determined for substrates of the enzyme, in 0.2 m phosphate buffer at 40°, were 1.25 x 10-5 m for guanine at pH 7.0, 3.33 x 10-4 m for 8-azaguanine at pH 6.0, and 8.0 x 10-4 m for 6-thioguanine at pH 7.0. At saturating substrate concentration, deuterium isotope was observed to enhance the catalytic rate of the enzyme with a Kd2o/Kh2o of 1.58. Deuterium isotope effect on proton transfer was observed at nonsaturating substrate concentration, and a Kh2o/Kd2o of 1.46 was observed at 20% D2O. The enzyme was labile to heat, and a 42% loss of enzyme activity was sustained upon incubation at 55° for 25 min. Irreversible and almost total denaturation was observed upon incubation at 60° for 25 min. The activation energy was linear between 20° and 50°, and an activation energy of 4.94 Cal per mole was calculated for the enzyme. The experimental evidence strongly implicated histidine and cysteine —SH as the catalytic species at the active site of the enzyme.
Long-Term Retention of Olfactory Discrimination Learning Set in Rats

Six male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to examine the long-term retention of an olfactory discrimination learning set. Rats were trained on 30 odor-unique, 5-trial discrimination problems, transferred to an olfactory discrimination reversal task, and then given a 6-week break in training. The rats demonstrated use of a learning set by performing significantly better than expected by chance on Trial 2 on both the olfactory discrimination problems and the olfactory discrimination reversal problems. Following the 6-week break in training, retention of learning set was tested using 20 new odor-unique discrimination problems. The rats again performed significantly better than expected by chance on Trial 2 in the retention test indicating they had retained the learning set.
Stevens, Stanley Smith (1906–73)

S. Smith Stevens (1906–73) was a leading figure in the field of experimental psychology during the middle part of the twentieth century. He is best known for his work in psychophysics and especially for the development of the psychophysical power law, an empirical description of the relation between the intensity of stimuli such as sound and light and the perceptual magnitude experienced by an observer. He was also a pioneer in the study of hearing and did important work on the theory of measurement. Aside from his many research reports, his most influential publications include the classic Hearing: Its Psychology and Physiology (1938), coauthored with Hallowell Davis, the Handbook of Experimental Psychology (1951), and Psychophysics: Introduction to Its Perceptual, Neural and Social Prospects (1975), edited by his wife Geraldine Stevens.
Representation and Approximation of Surfaces

ABSTRACT The modelling of free-form surfaces comes up in many applications. Examples are the design of airplanes, automobiles, ships, and bottles, and modelling the surface of the human heart and of scientific phenomena. Effective interactive design usually requires the use of local interpolation schemes. We discuss “Coons patches”, defined over squares and triangles, as well as generalizations of these methods. We also consider interpolation to arbitrarily spaced data and show how to combine these methods with the patch methods, in order to achieve more smoothness and fairer shapes. This paper contains pictures from several editing sessions with our computer software system, SURFED. The interactive design capabilities of SURFED are illustrated in the movie which goes with this paper.
A model for discussing entropy and time reversibility

In this article we discuss a model used to introduce the concept of entropy with secondary school students. It can be used to discuss with students the reversibility of time, the tendency towards homogeneity and the link between probability theory and second law of thermodynamics. The model is useful to introduce crucial epistemological issues and helps student to understand the deep connection between the macroscopic and the microscopic.
Adaptive filtering and its applications in satellite communications

Adaptive filters have been used in many diverse applications in the past. An investigation of possible applications in space communications to fixed and mobile platforms is addressed here. Mobile satellite communications has been advanced over the past few years with introduction of several new operational systems (e.g., Thuraya, Globalstar, and Irridium), in addition to the existing INMARSAT and Mobile Satellite Ventures systems. In particular, satellite communications with aircraft are currently receiving considerable development attention. With the potentially large number of users, many issues require attention, particularly interference mitigation for improving signal quality. In this paper, stochastic gradient algorithms, based on the Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm, and Transform based LMS are used in illustrative applications. The type of algorithm chosen affects both the speed of convergence and the complexity of implementation. Several simulation results are provided using models built to study these applications. Among these applications are channel identification, adaptive channel equalization, interference rejection of narrow band signals within wide band signals, and phased array antenna beam forming.
Applications of high-level Petri nets in systematic development of complex information systems

In this paper we address the following problem: how to apply high-level Petri nets in systematic development of parallel and distributed information systems (PDIS) to assure correctness and provable performance characteristics. We consider high-level Petri nets as a model unifying specification, analysis, verification/validation, and performance evaluation of PDIS.
Multiple scattering formulation for 3D georadar problem

In this paper we present a multiple scattering formulation to incorporate the effects of electrical conductivity in the attenuation of GPR responses. Multiple scattering is based on the integral representation of the electric field in the presence of scatters in a background medium. The propagating wavefield due to interaction of different length scale scatterers is solved as a scattering series solution of the Helmholtz equation for the electric field. We concentrate on the borehole attenuation tomography problem and therefore obtain the solution for sources inside the medium. Borehole GPR tomography is an useful tool for imaging temporal and spatial changes in bulk conductivity due to fluid flow in the medium. Due to the computation complexity of the full scattering matrix we parallelize the computation steps to obtain the solution in a realistic time. This paper focuses on the forward scattering solution as a multiple scattering problem.
The treatment with antiserum of acute laryngitis caused by Hemophilus influenzae.

Summary 1.Four cases of acute influenzal laryngitis have been presented. Two of these were demonstrated to be type B. 2.The first patient, treated with only sulfadiazine and penicillin, died; the other three, given H. influenzae type B rabbit antiserum, made rapid, uneventful recoveries.
Reset or forge ahead? Is there a future and ‘value’ in the study of Spanish? Historical trends and calculations of the merit or dollar worth of the language

The objective of this paper is to trace the actual demand on enrolments over time, as much as the history of wavering public and academic sentiment towards teaching and speaking Spanish in this country during the last century. Secondarily, we examine the question of the value of mother tongue fluency or the acquisition, mastery and usage of the Spanish language in today's international marketplace. Using a qualitative review of current research, we provide some approximations of economic and marketing quantitative determinations of ‘value’ of the language.
Relationship among locus of control, heart rate and ratings of stress.

Internal locus of control was associated with more rapid heart rates in 38 subjects who listened to signaled stressful tones. The reductions in heart-rate responses to the tones that were achieved by the half of the sample that was given progressive relaxation training were not related to locus of control. But in these subjects, larger reductions in the ratings of the aversiveness of the tones were associated with scoring in the direction of internal control. The findings point to a complex relationship among the context in which stress occurs, locus of control, and the physiological and subjective indices of stress reactions.
Spatial characteristics of housing abandonment

Abstract This study investigates whether the probability of housing abandonment is influenced by spatial factors. Using indicators of spatial autocorrelation, the study finds that housing abandonment and the predictors of abandonment exhibit statistically significant clustering. More importantly, by comparing a multilevel regression model that does not account for spatial relationships to one that does, the study finds that accounting for spatial relationships significantly improves the ability to predict abandoned housing. Additionally, the study shows that in some cases, conditions in surrounding neighborhoods have a greater influence on the probability of housing abandonment than do conditions in the neighborhood itself.
Recombinant bovine growth hormone treatment of tilapia: growth response, metabolic clearance, receptor binding and immunoglobulin production

Abstract Experiments were performed to examine the growth-promoting effects of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH) in the euryhaline tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ). A radioreceptor assay using a crude membrane preparation of tilapia liver revealed that rbGH was about 100-fold less potent than native tilapia GH (tGH) in displacing 125 I-labeled tGH. Bovine prolactin (bPRL) was equipotent to bovine GH indicating that the GH receptor of tilapia does not distinguish mammalian GH from mammalian PRL. When juvenile tilapia, weighing 1 g, were maintained at 28 °C and received intraperitoneal injection of rbGH at doses of 0.1, 1 or 10 μg/g weekly for 8 weeks, no significant effect on growth was observed. A second experiment examined weekly doses ranging from 1 to 50 μg/g for 16 weeks, using 1 g fish maintained at 23 °C. rbGH (50 μg/g) significantly increased growth after 14 and 16 weeks, although the growth rate was significantly less than those held at 28 °C. More pronounced growth-promoting effects were observed, however, when fish weighing 5 g and held at 29 °C were injected with rbGH at doses of 100 and 1000 μg/g once a week for 4 weeks. A single injection of a sustained-release formulation of rbGH (Posilac®, 100 and 1000 μg/g) also elicited growth-promoting effects in fish weighing 4 g and kept at 29 °C. Treatment with rbGH, Posilac® or bovine serum albumin (BSA) elicited significant increases in plasma levels of immunoglobulin (IgM) in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, there was no change in plasma levels of lysozyme activity in rbGH- or Posilac®-injected fish compared with controls. An uptake and clearance study confirmed a slower decline in circulating levels of rbGH following Posilac® injection compared with rbGH in saline. There was no change in plasma concentration of tGH after rbGH treatment, indicating that GH secretion from the tilapia pituitary was unaffected by high plasma levels of rbGH. The relative refractoriness of juvenile tilapia to growth-promoting effects of rbGH compared with that of other species may be due to the specific nature of the tGH receptor in recognizing the homologous hormone.
The Relationship Between Coping Styles, Attachment, and Career Salience in Partnered Working Women With Children:

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between coping, career salience, attachment, and workplace variables in partnered, working women with children under 18 years old living at home. A second objective of this study was to determine the continued usefulness of Hall's (1972) coping styles scoring strategy for this population. Women who were securely or avoidantly attached were more likely to use Type I coping strategies in response to a hypothetical vignette, while women who were ambivalently attached were more likely to engage in Type III strategies. In describing actual dilemmas, more securely attached and fewer ambivalently attached women reported engaging in Type III behaviors, while fewer securely attached and more ambivalently attached women reporting using Type II strategies. No support was found for the relationship between coping styles, attachment and work environment variables (flextime, company support, supervisory support). Implications for future research are di...
User Fees, Deregulation, and Marketing Efficiency

Farmers and those serving the agricultural community, including agricultural economists, have come to expect much from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Over the years, Congress has enacted extensive legislation that authorizes or mandates the USDA to assure food quality, facilitate marketing, fund research, and provide other types of marketing services; collect and disseminate market information; and establish trading rules and monitor markets. For the most part, these programs have been justified on the ground that what is good for agriculture is good for the country, a point made by Congress when enacting the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946:
High performance, waveguide integrated Ge photodetectors

Photonic systems based on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology require the integration of passive and active photonic devices. The integration of waveguides and photodetector is one of the most important technologies. We report a Ge p-i-n photodetector that is monolithically integrated with silicon oxynitride and silicon nitride waveguides. All processes and materials are CMOS compatible and can be implemented in the current integrated circuit process technology. The small size of the devices results in low absolute dark current. The waveguide-coupled Ge devices show high efficiency (~90%) over a wide range of wavelengths well beyond the direct band gap of Ge, resulting in a responsivity of 1.08 A/W for 1550 nm light. The device speed of 7.2 GHz at 1V reverse bias is strongly affected by the capacitance of the probe pads. The high-performance of the devices at low voltage (≤ 1V) facilitates the integration with CMOS circuits.
A tunable directional coupler with a wide tuning range of coupling ratios

A tunable microwave 90-degree directional coupler with a wide tuning range of coupling ratios is introduced in this paper. The architecture of this device is designed based on a fully symmetrical structure. Two varactor diodes loaded to the side of the device are used as the tuning elements. With different biasing voltage, the output power ratio between the two output ports (Port 2 and Port 3) can be easily tuned. During the tuning, very good isolation and low return loss are always kept. In the theoretical discussion, the general design equations are presented. Also, a sample circuit working at 1 GHz was made and tested to verify the design theory. The measurement results of the prototype show a good agreement with the design theory.
A paramagnetic complex possessing two oxo-Mo(V) centers

Abstract The synthesis of a novel paramagnetic complex, (LMoO)2EA (where L = hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-l-pyrazolyl)borate and EA = the tetra anion of 2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy[1]benzopyrano[5,4,3-cde][1]benzopyran-5,10-dione, ellagic acid), containing two oxomolybdenum(V) ( S = 1 2 ) centers is described. The rigidity of the ellagic acid enforces co-planarity in the Mo2EA fragment which results in weak to moderate inter-metal interaction. The room temperature CW EPR spectrum of (LMoO)2EA shows an unusual hyperfine pattern due to the electronic spin coupling between the two S = 1 2 centers. The CV and DPV show two one-electron reductions separated by 97 mV.
COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF PARTIAL FUEL STRATIFICATION FOR HCCI ENGINES USING GASOLINE SURROGATE REDUCED MECHANISM

Fuel stratification is a potential strategy for reducing the maximum pressure rise rate in HCCI engines. Simulations of partial fuel stratification (PFS) have been performed using a modified version of KIVA-3 V that computes chemistry using CHEMKIN. A novel 96-species reduced mechanism for a four-component gasoline surrogate has been developed from a 312-species skeletal mechanism given by Mehl et al. (2011) using the Computer Assisted Reduction Mechanism algorithm (the detailed mechanism from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has about 1400 species and 6000 reactions). The reduced mechanism is validated for ignition delay against the detailed mechanism and experimental shock tube data. Simulations of PFS and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine operation using the gasoline surrogate and PRF73 were performed for a cooperative fuel research (CFR) engine of compression ratio 14:1 at ambient and boosted intake pressures. Analysis of numerical results reveals that the temperature distrib...
Cell adhesion and spreading factor. Chemical modification studies

Abstract The purified fetal calf serum factor that promotes cell adhesion and spreading of baby hamster kidney cells on tissue culture substrata has been subjected to a variety of chemical modifications and then tested for activity. These studies have shown that modification of the carbohydrate portions of the factor by glycosidic enzymes or by periodate oxidation did not alter its ability to promote cell spreading. On the other hand, modification of some protein portions of the factor by proteolytic enzymes or by specific modification of —COOH groups, tyrosine residues, or tryptophan residues resulted in a marked inhibition of factor activity. Modification of protein —SH groups, —NH 2 groups, or methionine residues did not affect factor activity. Control experiments indicate that the various modifications were directed at the activity of the factor and not its adsorption onto the substrata.
FINE STRUCTURE AND HISTOCHEMISTRY OF VESICLE CELLS OF THE RED ALGA ANTITHAMNION DEFECTUM (CERAMIACEAE)1

The ultrastructure and histochemistry of the refractile, vesiculate cells (“blasenzellen,”“cellules secretrices,”“gland cells”) of Antithamnion defectum Kylin were examined. The refringent vacuolar contents disclosed two components of differing density: an electron opaque, proteinaceous matrix material surrounding cores of irregularly shaped, less opaque material. The cores contain less protein and more unknown material than the matrix. Part or all of the vacuolar material is synthesized by abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and deposited in smooth surfaced cisternae that swell to form vesicles. Mitochondria are usually associated with stacks of the swelling cisternae. The vesicles enlarge by continued deposition of synthesized material and coalescence with other vesicles. All vesicles eventually coalesce to form the mature vacuole. A crystalline array of fibrils develops in the cytoplasm during later stages of vacuole enlargement. The crystal contains a sulfated, acidic polysaccharidic material. The chloroplasts, if present, and nucleus degenerate at vacuole maturity. Active release of the vacuolar material does not occur, and organelles for extracellular secretion are not present. Structural evidence suggests a storage, rather than secretory, function for the cells.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents in neonates.

The use of NSAIDs has become routine for adults and children in the management of pain. NSAIDs (other than aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid]) are also enjoying greater popularity as antipyretics since the recognition of Reye’s syndrome’s putative association with aspirin. In neonates, NSAIDs have been used for many years in an attempt to pharmacologically close the ductus arteriosus. This review examines the various NSAIDs and their potential and real applications in the neonatal population. For completeness, acetaminophen (paracetamol), which has weak NSAID activity and is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic in this patient group, was also included. The prostaglandin system is important for healthy development, and conversely there are unique risks posed by pharmacologic interference with this system in the neonatal period. The prostanoid system in neonates has the capacity to modulate nociception, but comes at the expense of interfering with nearly every organ system. Physiologic effects of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis applicable to neonates include disruption of the sleep cycle, increased risk of pulmonary hypertension, alterations in cerebral blood flow, decreased renal function, disrupted thermoregulation, and alterations in hemostasis balance, among others. Prostaglandins are also important for the normal development of the central nervous, cardiovascular, and renal systems, and there is evidence that the proper genesis of these systems may be adversely effected by NSAID exposure in utero and in the neonatal period. Gastrointestinal adverse effects have provided the impetus for the development and marketing of selective cyclo-oxygenase type 2 (COX-2) inhibitors. These agents’ reputation for safety in adults may not be applicable to neonates. COX-2 is involved in the development of several organ systems, and its inhibition may induce a prothrombotic state. The advent of parenteral formulations of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, including COX-2-selective agents, increases the therapeutic flexibility of NSAIDs. However, objective data on the safety of these agents have not kept pace with their clinical availability.
Habitual physical activity differentially affects acute and short-term energy intake regulation in young and older adults.

Habitual physical activity differentially affects acute and short-term energy intake regulation in young and older adults
Repeatability of regional myocardial blood flow calculation in 82Rb PET imaging

We evaluated the repeatability of the calculation of myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and pharmacological stress, and calculated the coronary flow reserve (CFR) utilizing 82Rb PET imaging. The aim of the research was to prove high repeatability for global MBF and CFR values and good repeatability for regional MBF and CFR values. The results will have significant impact on cardiac PET imaging in terms of making it more affordable and increasing its use. 12 normal volunteers were imaged at rest and during pharmacological stress, with 2220 MBq of 82Rb each. A GE Advance PET system was used to acquire dynamic 50-frame studies. MBF was calculated with a 2-compartmental model using a modified PMOD program (PMOD; University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland). Two differential equations, describing a 2-compartmental model, were solved by numerical integration and using Levenberg-Marquardt's method for fitting data. The PMOD program defines 16 standard segments and calculates myocardial flow for each segment, as well as average septal, anterior, lateral, inferior and global flow. Repeatability was evaluated according to the method of Bland and Altman. Global rest and stress MBF, as well as global CFR, showed very good repeatability. No significant differences were found between the paired resting global MBF (0.63 ± 0.13 vs. 0.64 ± 0.13 mL/min/g; mean difference, -1.0% ± 2.6%) and the stress global MBF (1.37 ± 0.23 vs. 1.37 ± 0.24; mean difference, 0.1% ± 2.3%). Global CFR was highly reproducible (2.25 ± 0.56 vs. 2.22 ± 0.54, P = not statistically significant; mean difference, 1.3% ± 14.3%). Repeatability coefficients for global rest MBF were 0.033 (5.2%) and stress MBF 0.062 (4.5%) mL/min/g. Regional rest and stress MBF and CFR have shown good reproducibility. The average per sector repeatability coefficients for rest MBF were 0.056 (8.5%) and stress MBF 0.089 (6.3%) mL/min/g, and average repeatability coefficient for CFR was 0.25 (10.6%). The results of the study show that software calculation of MBF and CFR with 82Rb myocardial PET imaging is highly repeatable for global values and has good repeatability for regional values.
Methylated Forms of Arsenic in the Environment

Environmental samples were analyzed for arsenate and arsenite ions and the methylarsenic acids in nanogram amounts. Dimethylarsinic acid and methylarsonic acid were found in natural waters, bird eggshells, seashells, and human urine.
Stereoscan observations of the miracidium and early sporocyst of Schistosoma mansoni.

Whole miracidia ofSchistosoma mansoni, miracidia vibrated in an ultrasonic cleaner, and the miracidium-sporocyst transition were studied in the steroscan electron microscope.
Antigen expression by somatic cell hybrids of a murine embryonal carcinoma cell with thymocytes and L cells.

Thymocyte × PCC4azaR (a murine embryonal carcinoma cell) hybrid cells resembled PCC4azaR. They continued to express two embryonic antigens (SSEA-1 and 3C4-10) found on PCC4azaR, but did not express the thymocyte antigens Thy-1 and Ly-2. However, H-2Kk of thymocyte origin continued to be expressed, while H-2Db of PCC4azaR origin was not reexpressed. This is consistent with H-2 expression being subject to cis control. In syngeneic hosts these hybrids formed tumors containing stem cells and differentiated derivatives. In contrast, an L-cell × PCC4azaR hybrid resembled the L-cell parent, did not express SSEA-1 and 3C4-10, but did express both H-2Kk and H-2Db. In syngeneic hosts this hybrid formed undifferentiated sarcomas.
Development of an advanced calcium-based sorbent for desulfurizing hot coal gas

Abstract Modern coal power plants that employ an IGCC system provide an efficient means for power generation. However, toxic and extremely corrosive sulfurous gases produced in a coal gasifier need to be removed from the hot gas prior to combustion in gas turbines. Due to stringent environmental laws, a regenerable sorbent that can remove the unwanted gases at high temperature (e.g. 1170 K) is preferred. In this work, composite sorbents consisting of a limestone core and a cement shell were prepared by pelletizing the powdered materials. In some cases limestone was also incorporated in the shell. The sorbents were characterized by measuring their crushing strength and their adsorption capacity when exposed to H2S gas at high temperature. Several different hydraulic cements were tested including Type I, Type III, and Type IV Portland cements and CA-14 calcium aluminate cement. Other factors investigated included the shell thickness, concentration of limestone in the shell, and pelletization time. The results showed that formulations containing high concentrations of limestone in the shell had higher absorption capacities but at the expense of pellet strength. Longer pelletization times improved pellet strength. The best overall results were achieved when CA-14 cement was incorporated in the shell. While a foundation was laid for sorbents based on the core-in-shell pellet concept, further development is essential and is underway.
Tunable third-harmonic generation in a solid-core tellurite glass fiber

A solid-core tellurite glass fiber with 1.8 dB/m loss at 1.55 μm was made by using the built-in casting preform fabrication method and rod-in-tube fiber drawing technique. Pumping a 10 cm fiber piece with picosecond pulses of 3–5×1012 W/cm2, 0.1% of the fundamental power limited by the coherence length of 0.3–5 μm was converted into visible third-harmonic power tunable over a broad near-IR wavelength ranging from 1500 to 1680 nm. Frequency conversion from the mid-IR to near-IR was found to be even more efficient due to the longer coherence lengths of 12–20 μm in the wavelength range of 2200–2500 nm.
21st century zoo design

A review of Conservation Centres for the New Millennium. Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Zoo Design, edited by Amy B. Plowman and Peter M.C. Stevens. Paignton, Devon, U.K.: Whitely Wildlife Conservation Trust, 1999, 181 pp., paperback.
Discriminability and bias in the word-superiority effect.

Functions relating four-alternative, forced-choice recognition of target letters to exposure duration were obtained in word (W), pronounceable-nonword (PN), and unpronounceable-nonword (UN) contexts. Advantages were found for letters in W over letters in PN contexts and for letters in both W and PN over letters in UN contexts, with uniformly large effects when displays were terminated by pattern masks but small or absent effects when there was no postmask. Analyses in terms of models that allow separate estimates of discriminability and bias effects showed that both contributed strongly to the advantage of W and PN over UN contexts with generally close parallelism of discriminability and bias measures over types of context, mask condition, and display duration. The findings are interpreted in terms of a two-stage conception of letter processing, with the effects of context localized in the competition among character representations for transition from the early parallel stage (visual buffer) to the later serial stage (working memory). The better recognition of letters in words and pronounceable nonwords is attributed to their advantage in competition for access to working memory, which is conferred by the encoding of familiar letter groups as units.
Anomalous far infrared magnetoabsorption in n-CdS

Abstract Magnetic field dependent far infrared absorption in n -CdS has been studied over a wide range of frequency and magnetic field at 1.4K. Two strong absorptions which are characterized by a linear dependence of frequency upon magnetic field are observed. However, the behavior of these absorptions indicates that they are not due to cyclotron resonance transitions. The existence of a very shallow bound state is postulated in order to explain the features of these absorptions.
Highway Policy on A Commercial Basis

Introduction, 417. — Changes in highway functions and administration, 419. — Road policy as affected by social benefits, 425. — By economic benefits other than to traffic, 429. — Commercial principle applied to road investment, 433. — To road financing, 436. — To control of road use, 441. — Conclusion, 442.
Haptoglobin-hemoglobin binding involves the heavy chain of haptoglobin and the α and β chains of hemoglobin

Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated unambiguously that the isolated β chain of human adult hemoglobin binds human haptoglobin (Hp). In the present work, the ability of the isolated subunits of haptoglobin and hemoglobin to form complexes is investigated. In quantitative radiometric adsorbent titrations, the H chain of haptoglobin bound to hemoglobin whereas the L chain had no binding activity. Also, the H chain of haptoglobin bound to the isolated α and β subunits of hemoglobin, but its binding to the α or β chain was less than the binding it exhibits to hemoglobin. The isolated L chain was able to reassociate with the H chain to form a complex that binds to hemoglobin or its subunits. Although the L chains had no binding activity, its association with the H chain increased the binding of the latter to Hb or its isolated α and β subunits suggesting a more indirect role for the L chain in haptoglobin-hemoglobin interactions.
Reduction in life expectancy as a measure of radiation-induced genetic damage in mice.

SummaryLife span studies on first generation male and female breeders and on second generation virgin females from 20 generations of X-irradiated sires were done. The results of this and other studies strongly suggest that factual statements crediting reduction of life span as being a measure of a radiation-induced genetic decrement in viability are premature and inconsistent with experimental evidence at this date.