cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and CT image registration aided by CBCT-based synthetic CT

CBCT has been widely integrated into modern linear accelerators in radiation therapy for image guidance purpose due to its cost effectiveness and low dose to patients. Planning CT images are registered with CBCT images for patient setup, contour propagations and dose calculations. However, it is challenging to accurately register the two since CBCT images often contain much image artifacts and noise, and intensity between CT and CBCT is not consistent. Therefore, traditional DIRs with intensity-based image similarity measures such as sum of squared differences, mean absolute differences are not applicable to CT-CBCT image registration. To address this issue, we propose to synthesize a high quality CT from CBCT to reduce image artifacts and perform intensity correction prior to image registration. Traditional Demons registration method was used to register the CT images with the CBCT-based synthetic CT (sCT). CT-sCT registration was tested on 5 patients’ datasets. On average, the mean absolute error between the fixed and deformed images were reduced from 102.2 to 92.4 HU by replacing CBCT with sCT.
What about online doctoral students? A review of e-Learning literature

Recent increases in accessibility, enrollment in e-learning, and diversification of distance learning format delivery (such as MOOCs) have put e-learning in a state of perpetual evolution. The result is a dynamic environment where research as recent as five years ago may no longer be relevant. A review of contemporary e-learning research is needed to understand current trends in the industry of e-learning as well as determine where further research is needed. This article describes six themes identified in the literature by reviewing journal articles centric to e-learning from 2014 to 2019 using qualitative content analysis. The themes represent what is largely covered in the literature (e-learning anxiety, e-learning pedagogy, and student-centered models), and what is underserved in the literature?namely the dissemination and investigation of online doctoral programs. This article will briefly discuss these themes using highlighted works. The researchers will also explain the need to continue researching specialized e-learning subgroups, specifically online doctoral students.
Ga3+ Incorporation into Al13 Keggin Polyoxometalates and the Formation of δ-(GaAl12)7+ and (Ga2.5Al28.5)19+ Polycations.

Keggin-type polyaluminum species (e-Al13, δ-Al13, Al26, Al30, Al32) can form upon partial hydrolysis of Al3+-bearing solutions and are important species for water purification and contaminant trans...
Maternal childhood adversity and inflammation during pregnancy: Interactions with diet quality and depressive symptoms

Abstract Inflammatory processes are a candidate mechanism by which early adversity may be biologically embedded and subsequently lead to poorer health outcomes; in pregnancy, this has been posited as a pathway for intergenerational transmission of adversity. Studies in non-pregnant adults suggest that factors such as mood, diet, BMI, and social support may moderate associations between childhood trauma history and inflammation in adulthood, though few studies have examined these associations among pregnant women. In a sample of healthy pregnant women (N = 187), we analyzed associations between maternal childhood adversity, including maltreatment and non-optimal caregiving experiences, with circulating Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels during trimesters 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) of pregnancy. We also assessed whether these associations were moderated by psychosocial and lifestyle factors including depressive symptoms, social support, physical activity, and diet quality. History of childhood maltreatment was not associated with IL-6 in either T2 or T3 of pregnancy, either independently or in interaction with depressive symptom severity. However, in there was a significant positive association between childhood maltreatment and IL-6 in Trimester 2 in the context of poorer diet quality (p = 0.01), even after adjusting for BMI. Additionally, the quality of caregiving women received in childhood was associated with levels of IL-6 in Trimester 3, but only via interaction with concurrent depressive symptoms (p = 0.02). These findings provide evidence that for those with a history of childhood adversity, levels of inflammatory cytokines in pregnancy may be more sensitive to depressive symptoms and diet quality.
Novel Full-Band Monte Carlo Device Simulator with Real-Space Treatment of the Short-Range Coulomb Interactions for Modeling 4H-SiC Power Devices

In this work, we present a novel full-band Monte Carlo device simulator for modelling 4H-SiC Power electronic devices in which, for the first time, we use real-space molecular dynamics approach for the Coulomb interactions. Proper treatment of the electron-electron interactions is critical for modelling power electronic devices because of the high electron densities. In addition, because of the high applied voltages, the use of a full-band Monte Carlo device simulator is a must. The simulator has been successfully used to explain the steady-state behavior of a 3-D vertical double-diffused MOSFET (VDMOS) fabricated in the 4H-SiC technology.
Bose-Luttinger liquids

We study systems of bosons whose low-energy excitations are located along a spherical submanifold of momentum space. We argue for the existence of gapless phases which we dub "Bose-Luttinger liquids", which in some respects can be regarded as bosonic versions of Fermi liquids, while in other respects exhibit striking differences. These phases have bosonic analogues of Fermi surfaces, and like Fermi liquids they possess a large number of emergent conservation laws. Unlike Fermi liquids however these phases lack quasiparticles, possess different RG flows, and have correlation functions controlled by a continuously varying exponent $\eta$, which characterizes the anomalous dimension of the bosonic field. We show that when $\eta>1$, these phases are stable with respect to all symmetric perturbations. These theories may be of relevance to several physical situations, including frustrated quantum magnets, rotons in superfluid He, and superconductors with finite-momentum pairing. As a concrete application, we show that coupling a Bose-Luttinger liquid to a conventional Fermi liquid produces a resistivity scaling with temperature as $T^\eta$. We argue that this may provide an explanation for the non-Fermi liquid resistivity observed in the paramagnetic phase of MnSi.
Excitable axonal domains adapt to sensory deprivation in the olfactory system

Abstract The axon initial segment, nodes of Ranvier, and the oligodendrocyte-derived myelin sheath have significant influence on the firing patterns of neurons and the faithful, coordinated transmission of action potentials to downstream brain regions. In the olfactory bulb, olfactory discrimination tasks lead to adaptive changes in cell firing patterns, and the output signals must reliably travel large distances to other brain regions along highly myelinated tracts. Whether myelinated axons adapt to facilitate olfactory sensory processing is unknown. Here, we investigate the morphology and physiology of mitral cell axons in the adult olfactory system, and show that unilateral sensory deprivation causes system-wide adaptations in axons. Mitral cell spiking patterns and action potentials also adapted to sensory deprivation. Strikingly, both axonal morphology and mitral cell physiology were altered on both the deprived and non-deprived sides, indicating system level adaptations to reduced sensory input. Our work demonstrates a previously unstudied mechanism of plasticity in the olfactory system.
Estratégia de telemonitoramento do Covid-19 nas instituições de longa permanência por alunos de medicina no interior de São Paulo, Brasil

Objetivo: No cenario de pandemia da Covid-19 muitos obitos ocorreram em idosos residentes de Instituicoes de Longa Permanencia para Idosos (ILPIs), estes se tornam mais vulneraveis devido as comorbidades que possuem e ao contato constante com profissionais da saude. Este estudo tem como objetivo realizar o monitoramento e rastreamento de residentes sintomaticos de COVID-19 em ILPIs, por academicos de medicina, atraves da telemedicina. Relato de Experiencia: O monitoramento moto realizado por contato telefonico diario para cada instituicao possibilitou a deteccao precoce das situacoes de risco, com implantacao de acoes que possibilitaram prevenir agravos a saude dos sintomaticos e interrupcao da transmissao do virus. Houve atualizacao de todos os dados coletados para a Secretaria Municipal de Saude diariamente por meio de relatorios, sendo uma medida fundamental de vigilância em saude. Alem disso, o programa tambem demonstrou a contribuicao da telemedicina para o enfrentamento da pandemia e para a educacao medica. Consideracoes Finais: O telemonitoramento se mostrou uma ferramenta eficaz para o rastreamento e notificacao de casos suspeitos da COVID-19 em ILPIs, o que contribuiu para o banco de dados epidemiologicos da regiao.
Gymnastics (Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline)

Artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and trampoline are an enormously popular group of sports with over 50 million youth and athletes of all ages participating around the globe. The use of apparatus for artistic gymnastics and trampoline places the athlete at heights which increase their risk of head, neck, fractures, or other catastrophic injuries. Each facet of gymnastics but particularly rhythmic gymnastics emphasizes the importance of flexibility which places the athlete at increased risk of joint injuries. In addition, each facet of gymnastics but particularly rhythmic gymnastics places a high value on fitness and visual esthetic which can place the athlete at risk of relative energy deficit syndrome or the female athlete triad. For artistic gymnasts, the increased upper extremity demands compared to other sports place these athletes at increased risk of upper extremity injuries. Prevention targets early recognition of overuse injuries and thorough treatment of prior injuries. A gradual progression in technical skill levels have also been shown to reduce the risk of more severe injuries.
Triterpenes of Poria obliqua

A water extract of the fungus Poria obliqua has been shown to possess tumor-inhibiting activity against two test tumors. Two triterpene alcohols were isolated from the hexane extract, one of which was identified as lanosterol. The second, named obliquol, C30H50O2, was shown to have two hydroxyl groups and two double bonds, one of which is inert to hydrogenation. Spectral data indicated that obliquol has a lanosterol-type skeleton. A possible structure for obliquol was considered but eliminated by mixed melting point comparison.
Conformal, Riemannian and Lagrangian geometry : the 2000 Barrett lectures

Partial differential equations related to the Gauss-Bonnet-Chern integrand on 4-manifolds by S.-Y. A. Chang and P. C. Yang Geometry of, and via, symmetries by K. Grove Lagrangian cycles and volume by J. G. Wolfson.
Microtubule polarity in the peripheral processes of trigeminal ganglion cells: relevance for the retrograde transport of herpes simplex virus

The directional movement of many cellular organelles in neurons is dependent on polarized microtubules and direction-specific motor molecules. Microtubules are also thought to mediate the retrograde transport of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in sensory neurons. To define the cellular machinery responsible for retrograde axonal transport of HSV, we have investigated the polarity of microtubules in the peripheral axons of trigeminal ganglion neurons. The long ciliary nerves of rabbits were prepared for a standard “hook assay” of microtubule polarity. Axons in cross-sectioned nerves contained microtubules with almost uniform orientation. The fast-growing, plus ends of these axonal microtubules are located distal to the cell body and the slow-growing, minus ends are directed centrally. To determine the role played by microtubules in the retrograde transport of HSV in these axons, we injected the retrobulbar space of mice with the microtubule-inhibiting drugs colchicine, vinblastine, or nocodazole or with the microfilament inhibitor cytochalasin D and 1 d later inoculated the cornea with HSV. We found that colchicine, vinblastine, or nocodazole reduced by 52–87% the amount of virus recovered from the ganglion 3 d postinoculation, compared to vehicle-treated animals. In contrast, cytochalasin D or beta-lumicolchicine did not significantly reduce the amount of HSV recovered from the ganglion. We conclude that the retrograde axonal transport of HSV from axon endings in the cornea to the trigeminal ganglion cell bodies requires intact microtubules and occurs in a plus-to-minus direction on the microtubules. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the retrograde axonal transport of HSV is mediated by a minus end-directed motor molecule, for example, cytoplasmic dynein.
Vacancies and Rent Dispersion in a Stochastic Search Model with Generalized Tenant Demand

I model imperfect information, derive a downward sloping market demand curve, and explain vacancies in a partial equilibrium model of a rental housing market. Tenants can be completely described by an exogenous demand curve, perhaps arising from differences in income, preferred location, or tastes, and view vacant units based on a stochastic arrival of rental information. Free entry of these landlords induces excess rental housing capacity (equilibrium vacancies). I determine the equilibrium distribution of rents for vacant units, show that this rent distribution may be discontinuous, and explore the equilibrium vacancy rate to changes in exogenous parameters. The resulting characterization of equilibrium distributions of rents may be amenable to econometric modeling exploring the relationship between market rents and vacancies.
Scan-based transition fault testing - implementation and low cost test challenges

The semiconductor industry as a whole is growing increasingly concerned about the possible presence of delay-inducing defects. There exist structured test generation and application techniques which can detect them, but there are many practical issues associated with their use. These problems are particularly acute when using low cost test equipment. In this paper, we describe an overall approach for implementing scan-based delay testing with emphasis on low-cost test.
New heteroaromatic compounds—XXXIV: Bisboratriazaroles

Abstract A number of bis -2,1,3,4-boratriazaroles have been prepared by reacting boronic acids or their derivatives with bis -amidrazones and their properties studied.
Adoptive transfer of vaccine-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cells to patients with metastatic melanoma following lymphodepletion.

Cancer vaccines can induce the in vivo generation of tumor Ag-specific T cells in patients with metastatic melanoma yet seldom elicit objective clinical responses. Alternatively, adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) can mediate tumor regression in 50% of lymphodepleted patients, but are logistically and technically difficult to generate. In this study, we evaluated the capability of vaccine-induced PBMC to mediate tumor regression after transfer to patients receiving the same chemotherapy-induced lymphodepletion used for TIL transfer therapy. Autologous PBMC from nine gp100-vaccinated patients with metastatic melanoma were stimulated ex vivo with the gp100:209–217(210M) peptide and transferred in combination with high-dose IL-2 and cancer vaccine. Transferred PBMC contained highly avid, gp100:209–217 peptide-reactive CD8 + T cells. One week after transfer, lymphocyte counts peaked (median of 14.3 × 10 3 cells/μl; range of 0.9–59.7 × 10 3 cells/μl), with 56% of patients experiencing a lymphocytosis. gp100:209–217 peptide-specific CD8 + T cells persisted at high levels in the blood of all patients and demonstrated significant tumor-specific IFN-γ secretion in vitro. Melanocyte-directed autoimmunity was noted in two patients; however, no patient experienced an objective clinical response. These studies demonstrate the feasibility and safety of using vaccine-induced PBMC for cell transfer, but suggests that they are not as effective as TIL in adoptive immunotherapy even when transferred into lymphodepleted hosts.
Fuzzy frequent episodes for real-time intrusion detection

Data mining methods including association rule mining and frequent episode mining have been applied to the intrusion detection problem. We describe an extension that uses fuzzy frequent episodes for near real-time intrusion detection. We first define fuzzy frequent episodes and then describe experiments that explore their applicability for real-time intrusion detection. Experimental results indicate that fuzzy frequent episodes can provide effective approximate anomaly detection.
The application of Delgado's telemetric mobility recorder for human studies.

Since the assessment of psychomotor activity and patterning has been considered of value in the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric syndromes, we have begun to test the applicability of continuous telemetric recording of mobility for clinical investigation. In eight psychiatric inpatients, all-night-sleep electroencephalographic recordings were compared to all-night telemetric counts. Wakefulness, electroencephalographic movement counts, and telemetric counts were significantly correlated to each other. Used in conjunction with all-night-sleep electroencephalographic studies, telemetric measurement of motor activity adds another dimension for assessing the quality of sleep. In addition, the technique should be useful for determining twenty-four-hour motor activity.
Management of juvenile angiofibroma via midfacial degloving with medial maxillectomy

Medial maxillectomy provides excellent exposure through which a juvenile angiofibroma tumor can be removed. Medial maxillectomy is usually performed through a lateral rhinotomy type of incision. In this article, we describe the combination of the wide exposure provided by medial maxillectomy with the midfacial degloving approach that avoids the need for facial skin incisions.
Representation theory of an extension of a Chevalley group by a vector group

In [4] we showed that every simply connected Chevalley group G over an algebraically closed field of characteristic p (p sufficiently large) has a representation V with H’(G, V) # 0. Since the elements of the 2-cohomology parameterize classes of algebraic group extensions of G by V, it follows that every simply connected Chevalley group can be extended by a unipotent group. In this paper we compare the representation theories of the Chevalley group G and the extension group H. Standard arguments show that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the irreducible G-modules and the irreducible H-modules. Our main result is that the corresponding irreducible modules have the same 1-cohomology. The fact that H’(G, M) z H’(H, M) when M is irreducible is established by a straightforward argument if M is not pp”‘. The case M = ppn’ requires some facts about the Frobenius map, and so we begin with some remarks about the Frobenius map. The coordinate ring A of an algebraic k-group G which is defined over the prime field FD is of the form AF, @ k for some F,-algebra AFp. The Frobenius map F: G --t G is defined by the morphism F*: A, 0 k--t AFp @ k given by pth power 0 Id. The kernel of the Frobenius map is called the infinitesimal subgroup G’ of G. The coordinate ring of G/G’ is Atp’, the image of F* (5, 1.11. If G and H are algebraic groups defined over the prime field F, and 8: G + H is a morphism defined over F,,, then 8 commutes with F. That is, the following diagram commutes:
MicroRNA Profiling in Subventricular Zone after Stroke: MiR-124a Regulates Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells through Notch Signaling Pathway

Background The Notch signaling pathway regulates adult neurogenesis under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. The present study investigated the effect of miR-124a on the Notch signaling pathway in stroke-induced neurogenesis. Methodology and Principal Findings We found that adult rats subjected to focal cerebral ischemia exhibited substantial reduction of miR-124a expression, a neuron specific miRNA, in the neural progenitor cells of the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle, which was inversely associated with activation of Notch signals. In vitro, transfection of neural progenitor cells harvested from the SVZ of adult rat with miR-124a repressed Jagged-1 (JAG1), a ligand of Notch, in a luciferase construct containing the JAG1 target site. Introduction of miR-124a in neural progenitor cells significantly reduced JAG1 transcript and protein levels, leading to inactivation of Notch signals. Transfection of neural progenitor cells with miR-124a significantly reduced progenitor cell proliferation and promoted neuronal differentiation measured by an increase in the number of Doublecortin positive cells, a marker of neuroblasts. Furthermore, introduction of miR-124a significantly increased p27Kip1 mRNA and protein levels, a downstream target gene of the Notch signaling pathway. Conclusions Collectively, our study demonstrated that in vivo, stroke alters miRNA expression in SVZ neural progenitor cells and that in vitro, miR-124a mediates stroke-induced neurogenesis by targeting the JAG-Notch signaling pathway.
The "Right" to be Trafficked

The post–Cold War dispensation in Togo, West Africa, ushered in a new lexicon of politically salient terms, among them droits de l’homme . Initially deployed in the early 1990s by members of the political opposition to expose dictatorial abuse, this potent signifier then found its way into society at large and, spurred by NGO support, was taken up by women’s groups in struggles over gender inequality. This essay explores droits de l’homme’s itinerary in the villages of northern Togo where teenage children embraced the term in proclaiming their freedom from parental control. Ironically, the same children now leave their villages to labor in Nigeria, declaring their “right” to abandon family and to participate in a labor regime that the United Nations and the NGOs describe as “child trafficking” and a new form of enslavement—and thus as a violation of these children’s “rights.”
A 90nm CMOS power amplifier for 802.16e (WiMAX) applications

We demonstrate a single stage 90nm CMOS power amplifier for 2.3−2.7GHz WiMAX (802.16e) band applications. An integrated BALUN is used to match the output to 50ohm load. The PA gain and saturated power are +18dB and +32dBm, respectively, working from a 3.3V supply, with a peak power added efficiency (PAE) of 48%. Digital pre distortion (DPD) technique is used to enhance the PA linearity. The measured EVM for a 64-QAM OFDM signal is improved from −24dB to −30dB at +25dBm output power. Compliance with the FCC 10MHz WiMAX mask is demonstrated at +25dBm of output power with power efficiency of ∼25%. Under these conditions, the measured second harmonic level at the PA output is −31[dBm/MHz].
HIV infection and cocaine use in methadone maintained and untreated intravenous drug users.

In a survey of 424 intravenous drug users (IVDUs) of whom 107 were currently enrolled in a methadone maintenance program (MMP), we assessed risk behaviors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission and conducted HIV testing. We found that African Americans were over-represented in the HIV infected group and under-represented in the methadone maintenance treatment group. Furthermore, subjects in current methadone maintenance treatment reported fewer drug injections in the last 30 days, a reduced speedball (a heroin/cocaine mixture) injection frequency and reduced total cocaine and injected cocaine use. HIV infected subjects reported 20% more cocaine use and injected cocaine use than HIV negatives. However, this difference was due to African Americans reporting more cocaine use and at the same time being over-represented in the HIV infected group. Stratified analysis by ethnicity found significant MMP effects for all ethnic groups, but only one significant HIV status effect, and this was limited to African Americans. Cocaine injection frequency in African Americans was significantly higher for the HIV infected versus non-infected subjects. We conclude that i.v. cocaine use is a risk factor associated with HIV infection and that methadone maintenance treatment is associated with reducing this risk factor. Furthermore, African American cocaine users are at great risk for HIV infection, and increased efforts for engagement in treatment are necessary.
Chemistry of the Phenoxathiins VII. A Re-Examination of the Mauthner Systhesis of 1,3-Dinitrophenoxathiin for the Possible Occurrence of a Smiles Rearrangement

Abstract The preparation of 1,3-dinitrophenoxathiin represents the first reported synthesis of the phenoxathiin ring system. Based on known relative nucleophilicities either an unprecedented reversal of nucleophilicities or the occurrence of a Smiles Rearrangement would be required to account for the reported substituent locations. The re-examination of this synthesis with confirmation of actual substituent locations by 13C-nmr and the correction of the original literature is described.
760 KILLING CURVE ASSESSMENT OF SYNERGY/ANTAGONISM OF AMPICILLIN AND CHLORAMPHENICOL VS. HAEMOPHILUS INFLU-ENZAE TYPE B

To assess possible synergy or antagonism of anpicillin (A) and chloramphenicol (C), we performed killing curves on 9 strains of Haemophilus influenzae type B (HITB) isolated from blood or CSF. All were susceptible to A (mean MIC 0.33 ± 0.15 μg/ml, range 0.2 - 0.625) and C (mean MIC 0.79 ± 0.43 μg/ml, range 0.3 - 1.5) by the broth dilution technique at an inoculum of 105 CFU. Killing curves were performed with an early log phase inoculum of 105 CFU. Bactericidal activity was examined at the following antibiotic concentrations: the MIC of A, 50% of the MIC of A, 25% of the MIC of A, the MIC of C, 50% of the MIC of C, 25% of the MIC of C, and combinations of these concentrations. For each strain, killing was assessed after 0, 4, and 8 hours of incubation at 37°C; bacteria were enumerated by serial tube dilution in cold phosphate buffered saline. No antagonism or synergy were found after 4 and 8 hours. At 4 hours, mean colony counts of all 9 strains incubated at the MIC of A were significantly higher (2.2 × 105 ± 0.7) than those incubated at the MIC of C (2.1 × 104 ± 1.5) (p < 0.01) and significantly higher than those incubated at the MIC of A plus the MIC of C (1.5 × 104 ± 1.0) (p < 0.01). These data and the rates of killing observed with other concentrations of A and C suggest that C kills HITB more rapidly than A, and that C defines the rate of killing when A and C are present together.
AN INTEGRAL-SPECTRAL FORMULATION FOR CONVECTIVE-DIFFUSIVE TRANSPORT IN A PACKED-BED WITH ADSORPTION AT THE WALL AND BULK REACTION

A solution for a convective-diffusive transport problem coupled with bulk reaction and adsorption at the wall in packed-bed reactor has been obtained. Such solution has been derived in terms of a particular solution that satisfies the non-homogeneous boundary conditions, at the wall, and the solution to the differential model with homogeneous boundary conditions. The latter is given in terms of integral equations whose kernel is the Green function of the parabolic differential operator of the transport problem. The Green function is expanded in terms of the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions of the radial diffusion operator of the differential problems. This methodology allows a decoupling of the linear aspects of the problem (i.e., transport part) of the nonlinear source (i.e., kinetic of the reaction) and facilitates the convergence of the Fourier series involved in the spectral expansion in the case of a need for numerical solutions. Details about the solution methodology and the identification and sol...
MST-embedded JPEG-LS: application to lossless compression of ultraspectral sounder data

JPEG-LS 1 is the new ISO/ITU standard for lossless and near-lossless compression of 2D continuous-tone images. For contemporary and future ultraspectral sounder data that features good correlations in disjoint spectral channels, we develop an MST-embedded JPEG-LS (Minimum Spanning Tree embedded JPEG-LS) for achieving higher compression gains through MST channel reordering. Unlike previous non-embedded MST work with other cost functions used only for data preprocessing, the MST-embedded JPEG-LS uniquely uses the sum of absolute median prediction errors as the cost function for MST to determine each optimal pair of predicting and predicted channels. The MST can be embedded within JPEG-LS because of the same median prediction used in JPEG-LS. The advantage of this embedding is that the median prediction residuals are available to JPEG-LS after MST channel reordering without recalculation. Numerical experiments show that the MST-embedded JPEG-LS yields an average compression ratio of 2.81, superior to 2.46 obtained with JPEG-LS for the 10 standard ultraspectral granules.
Using Spin Correlations to Distinguish Zh from ZA at the International Linear Collider

We investigate how to exploit the spin information imparted to the Z boson in associated Higgs production at a future linear collider as an aid in distinguishing between CP-even and CP-odd Higgs bosons. We apply a generalized spin-basis analysis which allows us to study the possibilities offered by non-traditional choices of spin projection axis. In particular, we find that the Z bosons produced in association with a CP-even Higgs via polarized collisions are in a single transverse spin-state (> 90% purity) when we use the Zh-transverse basis, provided that the Z bosons are not ultra-relativistic (speed < 0.9c). This same basis applied to the associated production of a CP-odd Higgs yields Z's that are an approximately equal mixture of longitudinal and transverse polarizations. We present a decay angular distribution which could be used to distinguish between the CP-even and CP-odd cases. Finally, we make a few brief remarks about how this distribution would be affected if the Higgs boson turns out to not be a CP-eigenstate.
A Course Designed to Improve Psychological Critical Thinking

We developed a 1-credit freshman-level course designed to enhance psychological critical thinking. We based the new curriculum on Stanovich's (2004) text, with an emphasis on active learning and critically evaluating claims by applying scientific concepts. To assess the effectiveness of this course, we used a pretest–posttest design with a quasi-experimental control group. At posttest, students in the psychological science course showed greater improvement on psychological critical thinking than students in a comparison group. Therefore, we recommend the techniques used in this instructional intervention to help college students improve their critical thinking skills.
ENHANCED WATER SOLUBILITY OF VITAMINS A, D, E, AND K BY SUBSTITUTED CYCLOAMYLOSES

Abstract Substitution by alkyl groups on hydroxyls 2 and 6 of glucose residues in cycloamyloses increased considerably the ability of the cycloamyloses to solubilize nonpolar compounds in aqueous medium. Use of these agents at 5% concentration enabled the preparation of stable aqueous isotonic solutions that contained up to milligram amounts of fat-soluble vitamins per milliliter.
SU(2) and SU(4) Kondo effects in carbon nanotube quantum dots

We study the SU(4) Kondo effect in carbon nanotube quantum dots, where doubly degenerate orbitals form four-electron ``shells.'' The SU(4) Kondo behavior is investigated for one, two, and three electrons in the topmost shell. While the Kondo state of two electrons is quenched by a magnetic field, in the case of an odd number of electrons two types of SU(2) Kondo effect may survive. Namely, the spin SU(2) state is realized in a magnetic field parallel to the nanotube (inducing primarily orbital splitting). Application of the perpendicular field (inducing Zeeman splitting) results in the orbital SU(2) Kondo effect.
DDT-dehydrochlorinase III. Solubilization of insecticides by lipoprotein.

Using egg yolk lipovitellin as a model system, the solubility of various organic insecticides is shown to be 104 to 105 times greater in lipoprotein than in water. This property can be exploited for the incorporation of water-insoluble compounds in enzyme systems as substrate levels. With lipoprotein-solubilized DDT as substrate and DDT-dehydrochlorinase as the enzyme, the initial rate may be made to vary as a linear function of enzyme or substrate concentration. The applicability of this solubilization method to kinetic analysis is also evident from determinations of reaction order and equilibrium. On the other hand, the presentation of substrate to enzyme in the form of relatively large droplets or crystals results in reaction rates complicated by factors involving surface area, viscosity, sorbtion phenomena, and enzyme denaturation. A discussion of solubilization techniques with physical and surface active materials is offered as a guide to metabolic studies of insecticides, in vitro .
The application of pulsed slit-jet expansion sources in sub-Doppler degenerate four-wave mixing spectroscopy

Abstract Sub-Doppler degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) spectroscopy has been performed on carbon disulfide (CS2) molecules entrained in a pulsed slit-jet expansion of modest dimensions (i.e. ≈ 1 cm slit length). Data obtained for the 10V band in the V 1 B 2 ( 1 Δ u ) ← X 1 Σ g + ( π ∗ ← π ) absorption system (≈ 323.7 nm) demonstrate significant enhancements in sensitivity and resolution over that obtained through use of a conventional free-jet source based upon a circular nozzle orifice. These observations are quantified and interpreted in terms of the increase in effective sample interaction length that accompanies collapse of the transverse velocity distribution in a slit-jet expansion.
Response to “the need for people‐first language in our obesity journal”

Dr. William Dietz is correct in pointing out that our support for people-first language in Obesity has been more a case of “talking the talk” than “walking the walk.” We thank Dr. Dietz for bringing this important issue to our attention. We will institute the following changes in our policies for both potential authors and accepted manuscripts. First, we will amend our Author Guidelines, Submission Checklist, and Ethical Policies documents to inform authors of our support for people-first language, including our position that "obese” should not be used to describe individuals or groups of individuals. Second, our editorial team will work with authors to change “obese” as an adjective to terms such as “people with obesity” and “populations with obesity.” Such changes will take time and will need careful consideration from both the editorial team and the authors in order to “walk the walk.”
Generation and dissipation of microwave refractive-index fluctuations in the boundary layer

The index of refraction and its short-term variations have been measured on a 152-m meteorological tower at three fixed levels and on a moveable platform. Analysis of the data reveals that the time rates of production and dissipation of refractivity fluctuations are approximately in balance under a variety of meteorological conditions, and that changes in the rate of dissipation usually coincide with comparable changes in the rate of production. Under reasonably stationary conditions, terms corresponding to the rate of change and vertical diffusion of refractivity variance are found to be negligible. Power spectral densities of the variations increase when the rate of generation (and dissipation) increase, and conversely. Comparison of the results with simultaneous acoustic sounder returns provides a valuable insight into the mechanisms responsible for changes in the rates of production and dissipation.
A pattern reconfigurable, miniaturized, circularly polarized parasitic array antenna

A miniaturized, pattern reconfigurable, circularly polarized Yagi antenna is designed and simulated. Two orthogonally crossed directors are located on both sides of the folded crossed dipole driver. Switches are used at both crossed director junctions to manipulate the radiation pattern's directionality. The maximum gain of 5.02 dBic and a 1.5 dB axial ratio is achieved in both configurations of the antenna.
Cloning the partial cDNAs of μ-calpain and m-calpain from porcine skeletal muscle

Calpains are non-lysosomal proteases involved in myofibrillar protein degradation. To facilitate studying the expression of the porcine calpain genes and their influence on protein accretion, we have cloned partial cDNAs for mu- and m-calpain from porcine skeletal muscle via PCR amplification. A 289 bp fragment for mu-calpain and a 629 bp fragment for m-calpain were cloned into the EcoRV site of pBluescript II KS+ vector. The nucleotide sequence for porcine mu-calpain and m-calpain were 92% and 90% identical to corresponding regions of rabbit mu- and m-calpain, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences for both mu- and m-calpain share 94% identity with respective rabbit mu- and m-calpains. Isoform specificity was validated by Southern hybridization of mu- and m-calpain probes with cloned mu- and m-calpain fragments and Northern hybridization with pig muscle mRNA. These clones will be used to evaluate the role of calpain expression in muscle hypertrophy.
Corruption and Foreign Direct Investment

This study examines the impact of corruption on foreign direct investment (FDI). First, the level of corruption in the host country is analyzed. Second, the absolute difference in the corruption level between the host and home country is examined. The analysis provides support for the negative impacts of both. The results suggest that foreign investors generally avoid corruption because it is considered wrong and it can create operational inefficiencies.
Swelling of phospholipids by monovalent salt

Critical to biological processes such as membrane fusion and secretion, ion-lipid interactions at the membrane-water interface still raise many unanswered questions. Using reconstituted phosphatidylcholine membranes, we confirm here that multilamellar vesicles swell in salt solutions, a direct indication that salt modifies the interactions between neighboring membranes. By varying sample histories, and by comparing with data from ion carrier-containing bilayers, we eliminate the possibility that swelling is an equilibration artifact. Although both attractive and repulsive forces could be modified by salt, we show experimentally that swelling is driven primarily by weakening of the van der Waals attraction. To isolate the effect of salt on van der Waals interactions, we focus on high salt concentrations at which any possible electrostatic interactions are screened. By analysis of X-ray diffraction data, we show that salt does not alter membrane structure or bending rigidity, eliminating the possibility that repulsive fluctuation forces change with salt. By measuring changes in interbilayer separation with applied osmotic stress, we have determined, using the standard paradigm for bilayer interactions, that 1 M concentrations of KBr or KCl decrease the van der Waals strength by 50%. By weakening van der Waals attractions, salt increases energy barriers to membrane contact, possibly affecting cellular communication and biological signaling.
Observed Ocean Conditions and Hurricane Hilda, 1964

Abstract Hurricane Hilda crossed the Gulf of Mexico in the period 30 September to 4 October 1964, developing into a very severe hurricane in the central Gulf. Sea temperature data available prior to the storm indicated what was probably a typical late summer situation with some surface temperatures running above 30C. Beginning 5 October 1964, a 7-day cruise was conducted over the area where hurricane winds had been observed. Using the GUS III of the Galveston Biological Laboratory of the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, four crossings of the hurricane path were made. Bathythermograph observations were taken regularly to 270 m and hydrographic casts to 125 m. The data on all four crossings indicated similar patterns. The observed temperature-depth structures after the storm indicated that the warm ocean surface layers were transported outward from the hurricane center, cooling and mixing as they moved; that these waters converged outside of the central storm area with the result that downwelling to some 80 ...
Can the Left Subclavian Artery be Safely Covered During Endovascular Repair of the Descending Thoracic Aorta

OBJECTIVE : Routine preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition is frequently recommended in patients undergoing endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta (DTA). We reviewed our comprehensive thoracic endografting experience with regards to coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) to assess whether mandatory preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition is necessary. METHODS : Between February 2000 and November 2005, 255 patients were successfully treated with an endoluminal graft (ELG) to the DTA. Indications for intervention included atherosclerotic aneurysms (109/255, 42.7%), acute and chronic dissections (75/255, 29.4%), miscellaneous (41/255, 16.1%), and penetrating aortic ulcers (30/255, 11.8%). There were 151 males (151/255, 59.2%) and 104 females (104/255, 40.8%) with a mean age of 71 years (range, 23-91 years). RESULTS : The LSA was completely covered with an ELG in 71 patients (71/255, 27.8%) and partially covered in 47 patients (47/255, 18.4%). In patients who had complete coverage of the LSA, 30 patients (30/71, 42.3%) had acute or chronic Type B dissections, 26 patients (26/71, 36.6%) had aneurysms, 11 patients (11/71, 15.5%) had miscellaneous aortic pathologies, and 4 patients (4/71, 5.6%) had pseudoaneurysms associated with prior coarctation repair. Fifteen patients (15/255, 5.9%) underwent preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition and subsequently underwent complete coverage of the LSA with an ELG. One patient (1/56, 1.8%) with complete coverage of the LSA required elective postoperative carotid-subclavian bypass secondary to left arm claudication. CONCLUSIONS : Routine preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass is not necessary, except in select patients with a patent left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending artery bypass graft or contralateral vertebral artery disease.
A review: Radiotracer methods to determine root distribution☆

Abstract This paper reviews radiotracer techniques that have been used to determine plant root distribution. General methods of radionuclide solution preparation, injection, sampling, and sample counting are described. The techniques provide qualitative information on whether living, functional roots of a specific plant are present at a particular location around the plant, but not on root density or biomass. The soil injection technique has been used to determine the volume of functional roots or the maximum lateral spread at various depths, including maximum depth. The plant stem injection technique has been used, with less success, to determine the distribution of living roots, including those that are dormant.
Health as a reason or a rationalization for being retired

Many studies of the decision to retire have found that self-reported poor health increases the probability of retirement. Yet doubts have been expressed as to whether such reported deterioration in health is a reason rather than a socially acceptable justification for not working. This issue has important implications for public policy.
The impact of Web publishing on the organization of cataloging functions

Cataloging rules have long been organized according to the physical format and monograph versus serial nature of publications. This organization of the rules has resulted in the rise of several typical organizational models that make these same delineations. Web publishing is having a profound effect on both the nature of publications and the number of electronic resources being published and selected for inclusion in library catalogs, and is causing a major shift in the type of materials finding their way into cataloging workflows. Institutions that organize their cataloging functions according to one of the traditional models are finding themselves increasingly unable to meet the demands being placed upon them in this new environment. Traditional models of organization can, and must, be modified to successfully deal with this problem.
Characterization of the Vaginal Microbiota among Sexual Risk Behavior Groups of Women with Bacterial Vaginosis

Background The pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) remains elusive. BV may be more common among women who have sex with women (WSW). The objective of this study was to use 454 pyrosequencing to investigate the vaginal microbiome of WSW, women who have sex with women and men (WSWM), and women who have sex with men (WSM) with BV to determine if there are differences in organism composition between groups that may inform new hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of BV. Methods Vaginal swab specimens from eligible women with BV at the Mississippi State Department of Health STD Clinic were used. After DNA extraction, 454 pyrosequencing of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences was performed. Sequence data was classified using the Ribosomal Database Program classifer. Complete linkage clustering analysis was performed to compare bacterial community composition among samples. Differences in operational taxonomic units with an abundance of ≥2% between risk behavior groups were determined. Alpha and beta diversity were measured using Shannon’s Index implemented in QIIME and Unifrac analysis, respectively. Results 33 WSW, 35 WSWM, and 44 WSM were included. The vaginal bacterial communities of all women clustered into four taxonomic groups with the dominant taxonomic group in each being Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, Prevotella, and Sneathia. Regarding differences in organism composition between risk behavior groups, the abundance of Atopobium (relative ratio (RR)=0.24; 95%CI 0.11-0.54) and Parvimonas (RR=0.33; 95%CI 0.11-0.93) were significantly lower in WSW than WSM, the abundance of Prevotella was significantly higher in WSW than WSWM (RR=1.77; 95%CI 1.10-2.86), and the abundance of Atopobium (RR=0.41; 95%CI 0.18-0.88) was significantly lower in WSWM than WSM. Overall, WSM had the highest diversity of bacterial taxa. Conclusion The microbiology of BV among women in different risk behavior groups is heterogeneous. WSM in this study had the highest diversity of bacterial taxa. Additional studies are needed to better understand these differences.
Assisting teachers and students to reform the mathematics classroom

This study examines the usefulness of selected aspects of Tharp and Gallimore's (1988) theory of assistance as a theoretical framework for describing and analyzing change efforts in a middle school mathematics reform project. Drawing upon Tharp and Gallimore's redefinition of teaching as assisting performance and learning as the result of assisted performance, the social organization of a school-based mathematics reform effort in which teacher educators, mathematics teachers, and students both assist and are assisted is analyzed. In addition, one particular classroom assistance activity is presented and analyzed in terms of characteristics of assistance that, according to the theory, should lead to significant learning.