cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep learning-based attenuation correction in the absence of structural information for whole-body positron emission tomography imaging.

Deriving accurate structural maps for attenuation correction (AC) of whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) remains challenging. Common problems include truncation, inter-scan motion, and erroneous transformation of structural voxel-intensities to PET µ-map values (e.g. modality artifacts, implanted devices, or contrast agents). This work presents a deep learning-based attenuation correction (DL-AC) method to generate attenuation corrected PET (AC PET) from non-attenuation corrected PET (NAC PET) images for whole-body PET imaging, without the use of structural information. 3D patch-based cycle-consistent generative adversarial networks (CycleGAN) is introduced to include NAC-PET-to-AC-PET mapping and inverse mapping from AC PET to NAC PET, which constrains NAC-PET-to-AC-PET mapping to be closer to one-to-one mapping. Since NAC PET images share similar anatomical structures to the AC PET image but lack contrast information, residual blocks, which aim to learn the differences between NAC PET and AC PET, are used to construct generators of CycleGAN. After training, patches from NAC PET images were fed into NAC-PET-to-AC-PET mapping to generate DL-AC PET patches. DL-AC PET image was then reconstructed through patch fusion. We conducted a retrospective study on 55 datasets of whole-body PET/CT scans to evaluate the proposed method. In comparing DL-AC PET with original AC PET, average mean error (ME) and normalized mean square error (NMSE) of the whole-body were 0.62% ± 1.26% and 0.72% ± 0.34%. The average intensity changes measured on sequential PET images with AC and DL-AC on both normal tissues and lesions differ less than 3%. There was no significant difference of the intensity changes between AC and DL-AC PET, which demonstrate DL-AC PET images generated by the proposed DL-AC method can reach a same level to that of original AC PET images. The method demonstrates excellent quantification accuracy and reliability and is applicable to PET data collected on a single PET scanner or hybrid platform with computed tomography (PET/CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI).
Empirical Model for Shields Diagram and Its Applications

AbstractThe Shields diagram is a classic method for quantifying sand incipient motion in sediment transport. It is often expressed by empirical or semiempirical equations. This research applies the...
The M dwarf problem: Fe and Ti abundances in a volume-limited sample of M dwarf stars

We report iron and titanium abundance measurements from high resolution spectra in a volume-limited sample of 106 M0 and M0.5 dwarf stars. The sample includes stars north of the celestial equator and closer than 29 parsecs. The results imply that there is an M dwarf problem similar to the previously known G dwarf problem, in that the fraction of low-metallicity M dwarfs is not large enough to fit simple closed-box models of Galactic chemical evolution. This volume-limited sample avoids many of the statistical uncertainties present in a previous study using a brightness-limited sample of M dwarf stars
Advocacy Learning by Doing: Human Trafficking Course for Graduate Clinical Psychology Students

The scientist-practitioner-advocate model encourages informed engagement with social justice issues. Human trafficking stands out as such an issue, where psychological science and practice make a d...
Charge trapping analysis in sputtered BixSe1-x based accumulation-mode FETs. II. Gate capacitance characteristics

In this study, we extend the analyses done on sputtered BixSe1-x based accumulation mode FETs. Previously, we studied the basic electrical and leakage properties of these FET devices. We extend our analyses to obtain key parameters of the BixSe1-x (x = 0.44) film at various gate voltages. We start by extracting the sheet carrier density and bulk mobility for different gate voltages, using the Drude model with the previously obtained semi-empirical relationship between carrier concentration and bulk mobility for BixSe1-x. The change in sheet carrier density is a result of accumulation or depletion or majority carriers from the BixSe1-x/SiO2 interface, which show hysteretic behavior. This allows us to calculate the surface sheet carrier density and the quasi-static capacitance at various gate voltages. We use a simple capacitive model to separate the capacitance originating from the gate and the film bulk. The capacitance from the film bulk is due to the surface charge thickness and is directly dependent on the Debye length. From the change of capacitance, with respect to gate voltage, we were able to identify the characteristics of the conduction band edge and the bulk band gap/Dirac cone.
Hepatitis C Treatment Among Commercially or Medicaid-Insured Individuals, 2014-2018.

Introduction The proportion of individuals infected with hepatitis C virus that receive direct-acting antiviral treatment is unclear. Methods The proportion of commercially or Medicaid-insured patients receiving hepatitis C virus treatment was estimated using administrative claims data obtained from MarketScan and Multi-State Medicaid obtained on January 6, 2020. Validated algorithms derived from standardized procedures and International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes were used to identify enrollees with chronic hepatitis C; analysis (performed November 30, 2020) was restricted to adults continuously enrolled with prescription drug coverage for >6 months before and after their index hepatitis C viral load test claim date from January 2014 through December 2018. Prescription drug claims using National Drug Codes were used for hepatitis C virus drugs. The proportion of treated patients by demographic and clinical characteristics was described, and associations with treatment were modeled using multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs by insurance status. Results Of patients with chronic hepatitis C, 12,090 of 17,562 (69%) with commercial insurance and 8,112 of 27,328 (30%) with Medicaid were treated. Commercially insured patients with opioid use disorder (hazard ratio=0.78, 95% CI=0.72, 0.85), alcohol use disorder (hazard ratio=0.85, 95% CI=0.79, 0.91), severe mental illness (hazard ratio=0.92, 95% CI=0.87, 0.98), chronic kidney disease (hazard ratio=0.75, 95% CI=0.69, 0.82), or HIV infection (hazard ratio=0.74, 95% CI=0.66, 0.82) were less likely to be treated. Medicaid patients with opioid (hazard ratio=0.64, 95% CI=0.61, 0.68) or alcohol use disorders (hazard ratio=0.83, 95% CI=0.79, 0.88) were less likely to be treated. Conclusions Hepatitis C virus treatment gaps were identified using administrative claims data among patients with commercial and Medicaid insurance.
2021 Texas Estates & Trust Codes with Commentary

This document contains the Texas Estates Code and the Texas Trusts Code (and related Property Code provisions) showing all changes made by the Regular Session of the 2021 Texas Legislature. The changes, most of which take effect on September 1, 2021, are shown in red-lined format for easy comparison of the prior and new versions of the statutes. Also included are charts converting Probate Code to Estates Code sections and Estates Code to Probate Code sections. I have included commentary entitled Statutes in Context to many sections. These annotations provide background information, explanations, and citations to key cases which should assist you in identifying the significance of the statutes and how they operate.
Clinical and radiographic predictors of difficult primary shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract Background Anecdotally there is a spectrum of complexity in performing shoulder arthroplasty, however, there is limited information to predict easy versus difficult cases. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and radiographic factors that are associated with difficult primary shoulder arthroplasty. Methods All consecutive primary shoulder arthroplasties performed by one-of-five high-volume shoulder and elbow fellowship-trained surgeons from 4/2018-8/2018 were included. Mean (range) surgeon years in practice was 19.4 (6-29). Surgeons completed a preoperative questionnaire estimating the level of complexity in performing the operation from very easy, easy, average, difficult, and very difficult. The same questionnaire was completed immediately postoperatively regarding level of complexity. Difficult group was defined if the surgeon rated as difficult or very difficult on the postoperative questionnaire. If the procedure was difficult, the postoperative questionnaire assessed what aspect of the procedure made it difficult. Demographics, clinical and radiographic factors, and procedure time were collected. Results During the study period, 224 primary shoulder arthroplasties were performed (53% reverse, 44% anatomic, 3% hemiarthroplasty with concentric glenoid reaming). Difficult group consisted of 95 shoulder arthroplasties (42.4%). Difficult group procedure time was a mean 21.8 minutes longer (120.7 ± 3.1 min vs. 98.9 ± 2.4 min; P Discussion and conclusion For experienced high-volume shoulder and elbow surgeons performing primary shoulder arthroplasty, cases that were unexpectedly difficult were associated with younger age, males, stiffness, history of instability, large inferior humeral head osteophyte, and posterior glenoid bone loss. Difficulty with glenoid reaming and glenoid component implantation were the most frequent reason for difficult cases. This information may allow surgeons to anticipate difficult cases, appropriately schedule their operative day, and identify potentially difficult cases that warrant referral to high-volume shoulder arthroplasty surgeon. Level of evidence Level III; Prospective Case-Control Study
Introduction to Medical Images

Imaging is the cornerstone of medical diagnosis. There are numerous types of medical images, using a wide variety of technologies. IIPs who come from healthcare careers already understand how medical imaging fits into healthcare; this chapter is intended for IIPs who come from other backgrounds.
A Bargaining Framework for the Global Commons

The global commons represents a class of environmental problems that require international cooperation. Global environmental problems arise because the actions of some individuals or governments in one location hold serious implications for individuals and governments in other locations. There are global environmental policy problems because adversely-affected individuals (and governments) attempt to alter the behaviors of those responsible for global pollution. We develop a framework with which to analyze such global environmental problems. Our goal is to craft a resource management policy that will satisfy both those who seek a change and those who prefer the current situation. This environmental incentive policy will align the interests of the two parties. Incentive alignment is the policy problem in the global commons. That is, we must find ways to align interests through realigning incentives for individual and group behaviors.
High Accuracy of a Microarray-Based Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease (S38.002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of a novel blood test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer9s Disease (AD). BACKGROUND: There are no specific tests for AD, the most common neurodegenerative illness and a major cause of disability. The most promising AD biomarkers, namely, PET imaging with Florbetapir and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) profiling of tau protein and AB 1-42, are cumbersome and expensive. Considering that disease-modifying therapies are being developed, diagnostic precision has become a necessity. Here we expand our experience with a blood test called immunosignature (IS), in which a random-sequence peptide microarray is used as the solid phase of an immunoassay to generate antibody binding profiles. DESIGN/METHODS: Our platform consists of 10,000 random-sequence 17-mers printed on glass slides. Plasma samples are incubated with the array and bound IgG is detected with fluorescent-labeled secondary antibodies. Patients with clinical diagnosis of AD (n=44) and cognitively normal healthy age-matched controls (n=53) from AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were tested. Top peptides bound by each group were identified using t tests and ANOVA. Clustering techniques (i.e., self-organizing maps) were used to identify antibody binding patterns. RESULTS: We found an "AD-like" antibody signature in 47 samples and a “normal” signature in 49 samples. Immunoreactivity gradation was noted, ranging from yellow (AD) to blue (normal). The test correctly classified all 44 AD samples, but misclassified 3 controls as AD. The test had an overall accuracy >95%. Sensitivity was 1 (95% CI: 0.89-1), specificity 0.94 (95% CI: 0.83-0.98), Positive Predictive Value 0.94 (95% CI: 0.81-0.98), and Negative Predictive Value 1 (95% CI: 0.91-1). CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence of a highly accurate blood test for AD in a well-curated set of blood samples, justifying testing in a larger patient cohort. If these results are confirmed, IS could be utilized to screen dementia patients prior to more expensive or invasive tests such as amyloid imaging scan and CSF analysis. Study Supported by: Grant from Cure Alzheimer9s Fund (awarded to LR) Disclosure: Dr. Restrepo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stafford has nothing to disclose. Dr. Johnston has received personal compensation for activities with Thomson Reuters as an employee and with Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs as a consultant.
Spectral Screened Orthogonal Subspace Projection for Target Detection in Hyperspectral Imagery

We introduce several new approaches in increasing spectral screening accuracy and reliability and study their applicability for orthogonal subspace projection-based target detection. Spectral screening is a technique used for selecting a representative subset of spectra from hyperspectral data. The subset is formed such that any two spectra in it are dissimilar, and for any spectrum in the original image cube, there is a similar spectrum in the subset. Spectral screening is performed in a sequential manner; at each step, the subset is increased with a spectrum dissimilar from all the spectra already selected. The procedure, using the spectral angle as similarity measure, is employed in a variety of algorithms for linear unmixing and data compression. We modified this algorithm such that at the selection step the spectrum with the largest distance from the set is selected. While not introducing additional computational complexity, the maximum spectral screening (Max SS) algorithm ensures that the overlap among the representatives is minimized, and that the solution is deterministically obtained, eliminating the need for multiple experiments. We also investigated the alternative approach in which at each step the spectrum with the smallest distance (but larger than a threshold value) is selected. In a distinct direction, we also studied the efficiency of the two algorithms by designing detection filters obtained as the classification projector matrices based on the spectral subset using regular or kernel-based orthogonal subspace projections (KOSP and OSP, respectively). The developed algorithms were tested on Hyperspectral Digital Collection Experiment (HYDICE) hyper-spectral data using the spectral angle and the spectral information divergence. The results indicated that Max SS outperforms regular spectral screening detection and minimum spectral screening (Min SS).
Millennial Perspectives and Priorities.

Prioritizing student voice, this study investigated the perspectives of undergraduate students in relation to their preferences and priorities for how they desired to experience teaching and learning. While not experts, our assumption was that undergraduate students, because of their relatively long experience as students, would be closely in touch with how they preferred to learn. Employing a mixed method, randomly selected students (N=291 of 3,000) completed a brief online survey, and we followed with qualitative focus groups and individual interviews in order to confirm the quantitative data and deepen our understanding of the student perspective. Findings pointed toward particular student preferences and priorities for: teacher behaviors like caring, passion, and enthusiasm, the communication of clear expectations, course alignment between course content taught and tests, a desire for more real-world applications, and active learning opportunities, all of which, in turn, were generally linked by students to their improved attention, intensity of focus, and ability to engage both in the classroom and during homework.
Keratoconus and contact lens-induced corneal warpage analysis using the keratomorphic diagram.

PURPOSE Videokeratography of early keratoconus may be difficult to distinguish from contact lens-induced corneal warpage, even by experienced examiners. Furthermore, topographic irregularity may be judged inconsistently if quantitative standards are not applied. Quantitative measures based on videokeratographic data were developed and evaluated to determine if improved corneal topographic classification can be achieved. METHODS The Corneal Irregularity Coefficient (CIC) and Corneal Power Coefficient (CPC) were derived from multiple measures of mean corneal power and its variance for 207 videokeratographs of normal, warped, keratoconus, and keratoconus-suspect corneas. CIC was plotted against CPC, creating a distribution of points representing all maps that tended to be grouped according to surface conditions (the Keratomorphic Diagram). Normal, steep, abnormal, and warped zones were defined by CIC and CPC cutoff values chosen to distinguish normal from keratoconus corneas graphically. RESULTS Seventy of 76 normal corneas were grouped in the normal zone and 6 in the steep zone; 84 of 84 keratoconus corneas were grouped in the abnormal zone; 35 of 35 contact lens-induced warpage cases were grouped in the warped zone; and 10 of 12 keratoconus-suspect corneas were grouped in the warped zone, with 2 in the abnormal zone. Serially plotted data of keratoconus progression and warpage regression demonstrated that the vector displacement of CIC and CPC values may provide a potentially useful means of distinguishing contact lens-induced warpage from keratoconus-suspect corneas. CONCLUSION The Keratomorphic Diagram aids in classifying and comparing corneal shape by plotting indices along axes with easily recalled scales. The diagram may become a useful tool to assess presurgical corneal surface instability and postoperative progression of corneal shape change due to healing.
Bone: in search of the perfect SERM--a 5-year study of bazedoxifene.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) hold the promise of an ideal estrogenic compound. Moderate efficacy for the prevention of osteoporotic vertebral fractures has now been found after 5 years of treatment with the SERM bazedoxifene; however, expectations for one SERM to provide multiple benefits for postmenopausal women might be a pipe dream.
Cyber-commons: merging real and virtual worlds

Cyber-mashups of very large data sets let users explore, analyze, and comprehend the science behind the information being streamed.
Solution of the integral equation relating collisions with power reflection in the ionosphere

The integral equation for the quasi-transverse approximation of the ionospheric propagation, relating the collision frequency function of height with the measured power reflection coefficients for different signal frequencies, is formulated and solved in a closed form, using the Wentzel-Kramer-Brillouin (WKB) approximation.
Tharp's Funnel: A Conceptual Framework for Teaching about Religious Pluralism in Potok's My Name is Asher Lev and Zakiyyah's If I Should Speak

If teachers are to transcend mono-cultural borders and advocate for social justice in liberatory, critical pedagogical practice, then they must understand the relational and causative ethnogenetic layers of experience for students in the global community. Specifically, accommodating religious pluralism is a challenge facing educators today. Immersing themselves and their students in the lives of others through literary narratives provides one immediate and accessible strategy for exploring ethnogenetic experiences and crossing monocultural borders.
Genetic mapping of jointless-2 to tomato chromosome 12 using RFLP and RAPD markers.

Abscission zones are specialized regions in plants, usually located at the base of most plant parts, such as flowers, fruit and leaves, where organs are shed. Although a great deal of information is known about the physiological and biochemical events that lead to organ shedding, very little is known of the molecular events that lead to the formation of the abscission zone itself. In tomato, two recessive mutations have been discovered that completely suppress the formation of flower and fruit pedicel abscission zones, i.e., jointless (j) and jointless-2 (j-2), both tentatively localized to chromosome 11 about 30 cM apart. Because the study of the control of abscission zone development is important for both basic and applied research we are using a map-based cloning approach to identify the jointless genes. The first step in any positional cloning experiment is to establish segregating mapping populations for the target gene and identify closely linked molecular markers that flank the locus. In this study, bulked segregant analysis was used to identify a RAPD marker associated with the j-2 locus, RPD140. To determine the chromosome location of RPD140, we converted it to an RFLP marker that was then mapped on the Cornell reference tomato map in a marker-dense region of chromosome 12. To verify that the j-2 locus was located on tomato chromosome 12, we used nine chromosome 12 RFLP markers linked with RPD140 to map the j-2 gene in an interspecific F2 mapping population of 151 plants segregating for j-2. The j-2 gene was localized to a 3.0-cM interval between RPD140 and TG618 on tomato chromosome 12.
The Impact of Geometry on Observations of CME Brightness and Propagation

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have a significant impact on space weather and geomagnetic storms and so have been the subject of numerous studies. Most CME observations have been made while these events are near the Sun (e.g., SOHO/LASCO). Recent data from the Coriolis/SMEI and STEREO/SECCHI-HI instruments have imaged CMEs farther into the heliosphere. Analyses of CME observations near the Sun measure the properties of these events by assuming that the emission is in the plane of the sky and hence the speed and mass are lower limits to the true values. However, this assumption cannot be used to analyze optical observations of CMEs far from the Sun, such as observations from SMEI and SECCHI-HI, since the CME source is likely to be far from the limb. In this paper we consider the geometry of observations made by LASCO, SMEI, and SECCHI. We also present results that estimate both CME speed and trajectory by fitting the CME elongations observed by these instruments. Using a constant CME speed does not generally produce profiles that fit observations at both large and small elongation, simultaneously. We include the results of a simple empirical model that alters the CME speed to an estimated value of the solar wind speed to simulate the effect of drag on the propagating CME. This change in speed improves the fit between the model and observations over a broad range of elongations.
Health Anxiety, Rumination, and Negative Affect: A Mediational Analysis

Abstract Objective A ruminative cognitive style has been associated with a variety of mood and anxiety disorders. This study examined whether a ruminative cognitive style is associated with health anxiety, even when controlling for negative affect. Method College students ( N =198) completed measures of health anxiety, rumination, and negative affect and estimated the likelihood that ambiguous symptoms were indicative of catastrophic illnesses. These data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results A ruminative cognitive style was both indirectly associated with health anxiety via its strong relationship with negative affect and was also directly associated with health anxiety. Furthermore, catastrophizing ambiguous symptoms was also directly related to health anxiety. Conclusion High health anxiety individuals not only hold dysfunctional beliefs about health and illness but they also think about their distress in a ruminative manner. A more complete cognitive–behavioral model of health anxiety should include not only cognitive contents (“what”) but also cognitive style (“how”).
Insulin, insulin resistance, and blood pressure elevation

THE ASSOCIATION between higher plasma insulin and higher blood pressure levels is now recognized as a fundamental relationship. Higher plasma insulin values have been described in lean patients with hypertension, 1,2 in borderline hypertension, 3 in subjects with only an office "white coat" blood pressure elevation, 4 and even in normotensive individuals with higher blood pressure readings. 5 The report by Jiang et al 6 in this issue of theArchivesshows that this relationship has its roots in early life; a positive correlation between blood pressure and plasma insulin values is already present at ages 5 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years, and the association is very strong again at age 18 to 26 years. The fact that the correlation looses its strength during puberty does not detract from the importance of the relationship; during that period, the rapid rate of growth coupled with the steep increase
Response op cassava to liming on a strongly acid ultisol of panama

Abstract A field experiment was conducted on a clayey, kaolinitic Typic Tropudult of Panama to study the dynamics of soil pH, exchangeable Ca and Al following lime application and their subsequent effects on plant growth and yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz, cv. Brazilena). Increasing rates of CaCO3 were applied to reduce percent Al saturation below 65, 60, 50, 30 and 0. Shortly after liming, both soil pH in 1M KCl and exchangeable Ca increased whereas KCl‐extractable Al decreased with 2 Mg of CaCO3 or more of lime. However, the ameliorating effect of liming was short‐lived under the frequent rainstorms during the rainy season of 1964. Liming, while virtually eliminated Al saturation in this soil, failed to neutralize all exchangeable acidity and recurrent soil acidity was evident after 60 days. Cassava responded significantly to liming. Changes in soil pH and KCl‐extractable Al after liming markedly affected plant growth and biomass production at key growth stages. Plant height at 60 days sharp...
Secondary ion mass spectroscopy characterization of the deuterium sintering process for enhanced-lifetime complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors

We have investigated the lifetime improvements in complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor transistors with nitride sidewalls by the deuterium sintering process. We report the incorporation of deuterium (D) at the gate SiO2/Si interface (overcoming the diffusion barrier of nitride sidewalls) and mean lifetime improvements by a factor of 15. Sintering temperatures ranged from 400 to 480 °C, and the D concentration inside the furnace varied from 10% (in ultra-high purity nitrogen) to 100% with sintering times between 30 and 150 min. We performed secondary ion mass spectrometry to obtain the depth profiles of hydrogen (H) and D in the sintered transistors. The measured D/H concentration ratio at the SiO2/Si interface correlates directly with the sintering parameters and the measured transistor lifetime improvements.
Modelling the Growth of Salmonid Embryos

Abstract A mechanistic model for the growth of salmonid embryos (prior to feeding) is developed with coupled differential equations describing anabolism and catabolism. The equations model changes in embryo and yolk sac masses in which the flux of nutrients to the embryo is controlled by geometric properties of the embryo and yolk. The rate parameter describing this flux is a well defined function of temperature. Water absorption is also a factor in determining mass. The model, describing the size and time-to-arrival at developmental stages, is fit to chinook salmon growth data from fertilization to complete yolk absorption.
Co-combustion and fluidized-bed incineration of cellulose pellets

Co-combustion of cellulose pellets with propane gas as an auxiliary fuel is investigated in the University of Illinois fluidized-bed incinerator. The incineration phenomenon is examined as a function of the operating parameters which are the pellet and propane-gas feed rates, bed temperature, superficial gas fluidizing velocity, and fractional excess air. Carbon and thermal combustion efficiencies are computed from the relations which have been developed on the basis of carbon and thermal energy balances together with the knowledge of propane and cellulose pellet feed rates and the composition of the flue gas. Emission of CO for optimum combustion conditions is always found to be well within the limit set by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Optimum operating conditions are established for the incineration process.
$pi$$sup +$-p SCATTERING AND PHASE-SHIFT ANALYSIS AT 310 MEV

At the 184-inch synchrocyclotron in Berkeley, data were obtained on elastic pi /sup +/-scattering at 310 Mev. Quantities measured were the differential cross section, the total cross section, and the polarization of the recoil protons as a function of center-of-mass angle. The data were analyzed in terms of S, P, and D waves and only one acceptable solution was obtained--the Fermi type phase shift. Errors on the small phase shift were reduced to less than 1 deg . (B.O.G.)
WE-C-217BCD-11: Coupled Radiative and Optical Geant4 Simulation of MV EPIDs Based on Thick Pixelated Scintillating Crystals.

Purpose: One way to greatly reduce the incidence of metal artifacts produced in kilovoltage (kV) CT images is by using megavoltage (MV) photons that penetrate high‐Z objects, thus providing a measurable signal. For do se‐efficient imaging, a high detective quantum efficiency (DQE) MV detector is desired. This study validates the coupled radiation and optical Geant4 simulation results against experimental data from various prototype pixelated scintillator MV detectors and determines the essential optical parameters which control the detector performance. Methods: Experimental data obtained with a 6MV radiation source from 8 different detectors was considered. The detectors used CsI, CdW and BGO as scintillating crystals and polystyrene septal wall material. Accurate Geant4 models of the detectors were implemented and coupled radiation and optical simulations were performed. The unknown optical properties of the models were determined by minimizing the difference between the modulation transfer functions(MTF) of the simulated data obtained with the slanted slit technique and the experimental MTFs. With the set of optical properties fixed, further simulation validation was performed against the experimental normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS(f)) and the experimental DQE(f) curves for each detector. All the simulations were performed on a computer cluster deployed on the Amazon EC2 platform. Results: The optimal values for the free optical parameters are 10%, 95% and 90% for the top surface reflectivity, the crystal‐sept a surface reflectivity, and the Lambertian component contribution to the reflected beam from the crystal‐septa interface respectively. The absolute difference between experimental and simulated data was below 10% for all the data sets. Conclusions: To our knowledge this study is the first to present a full optical and radiative DQE(f) model using Geant4 that shows an excellent match with experimental data. The model indicates that improved performance can be obtained using more specular septa which are optically opaque. Support: NIH‐T32‐CA09695, NIH‐1R01CA138426 NIH T32‐CA09695, NIH R01‐ CA138426, Several authors work for Varian Medical Systems
Noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure: a review of the literature and current guidelines

Noninvasive ventilation, both continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, has been used increasingly for acute respiratory failure over the past several years. Noninvasive ventilation has been proven to be beneficial for some causes of acute respiratory failure, most clearly for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, while its use in other forms of acute respiratory failure remains more controversial. In this article, the evidence for the use of noninvasive ventilation in various kinds of acute respiratory failure will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to the clinical situations commonly encountered by emergency medicine and general internal medicine clinicians. The potential dangers of noninvasive ventilation as well as some guidelines for clinical decision making when treating patients with this mode of ventilator support will also be discussed.
Urea as a selective inhibitor of human tissue alkaline phosphatases.

Abstract Of the tissue enzymes studied, alkaline phosphatases from bone and kidney were by far the most susceptible to inhibition by urea. The liver enzyme was unique in showing substantial activation at low urea concentrations. The serum alkaline phosphatase from some patients with bone and liver diseases behaved, in general, in a way resembling that of the enzyme in corresponding tissue extracts. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Endocavitary (laparoscopic) pelvic lymphadenectomy with specific indications in urologic surgery

Recent reports have established the feasibility and minimal morbidity of laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection in the staging of prostate and bladder cancer. In addition, a prospective study recently published established the completeness and efficacy of this form of endocavitary surgical lymphadenectomy with respect to the standard modified open procedure. The method's utility prior to definitive radiation therapy or radical perineal prostatectomy is obvious. However, clear indications of its utility in identifying men with positive nodes prior to radical retropubic prostatectomy are less clear. A description of the surgical technique as well as a review of the existing literature, and our present indications for its use are presented. In addition, possible future applications of endocavitary node dissection will be put in context.
Calcium cytochemistry of nematocyst development in catch tentacles of the sea anemone Haliplanella luciae (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) and the molecular basis for tube inversion into the capsule

A Golgi-deposition of calcium into developing holotrich nematocysts in catch tentacles of the sea anemone, Haliplanella luciae , was observed at all stages of nematocyst formation, as evidenced by dense antimonate staining in trans -Golgi cisternae and in the nematocyst interior. Such staining is removed by EGTA treatment. Electron-lucent, laminar granules are visible in the nematocyst capsule and external tube of antimonate-stained preparations (by negative staining), but are invisible in both EGTA-treated nematocysts and conventional TEM nematocyst preparations. These granules appear to solubilize prior to tube inversion into the capsule. Electron-lucent fibrils, 50 by 9 nm, along the outer wall of the inverting tube are in contact with similar fibrils along the inner wall of the external tube and might provide the motive force for tube inversion. Inversion is accompanied by an apparent increase in the nematocyst antimonate concentration, and by an increase in the fluid in the cell, suggesting that a dehydration of the nematocyst contents might occur at the time of tube inversion into the capsule.
The Training and Analysis of Consultation Process Using Transactional Analysis.

The present investigation was an attempt to examine the possibility of experimentally manipulating the process of consultation. In this instance, the process of consultation was conceived in terms of the Transactional Analysis paradigm. The study employed a small-N analogue to consultee-centered consultation with the experimental treatment consisting of a training session in Transactional Analysis for the consultants. The treatment effect was assessed against three dependent measures: (a) the subjective evaluations of the consultant-consultee pairs; (b) the percent of behavioral change toward goal; and (c) the number of Adult-Adult transactions characterizing the consultation exchange. The data indicate increases in the number of Adult-Adult transactions, the Average Subjective Evaluation, and the Percent of Goal Attainment for two of the four experimental subject pairs. However, the result for only one subject met the requirements of the multiple baseline design, so that it could be concluded that the observed gains for this subject probably could be attributed to the T.A. training session. In addition to suggesting the influence of Adult-Adult transactions on consultation, this study is felt to offer insight to researchers seeking appropriate experimental designs for manipulating relevant process variables in consultation and detecting the effects of these manipulations.
Urologist's perspectives of single-stage hypospadias repair in the 1980s Experience of 100 Patients

During the last two decades major advances have been made in techniques of hypospadias repair. Many areas warrant meticulous attention to achieve further satisfactory results. We present areas of technique that have improved our results in genital reconstruction and hypospadias repair in particular. In addition to surgical technique modifications, we present technical refinements of patient positioning, use of cold antibiotic mixed saline, subcutaneous epinephrine at judicious sites, and microsurgical instruments as well as optical magnification and suture material. In genital anomalies, use of plastic surgical techniques with skin grafts and knowledge of the intrinsic vascular supply of the foreskin have further improved the outcome. Since 1982, 100 patients have been followed. Immediate complications total less than 1 percent; late complications total 10 percent including 9 percent fistula rate and 5 percent stenosis rate (urethral or meatal). No loss of skin flap or of neourethra were recorded.
Compliance Versus Risk in Assessing Occupational Exposures

Assessments of occupational exposures to chemicals are generally based upon the practice of compliance testing in which the probability of compliance is related to the exceedance [gamma, the likelihood that any measurement would exceed an occupational exposure limit (OEL)] and the number of measurements obtained. On the other hand, workers' chronic health risks generally depend upon cumulative lifetime exposures which are not directly related to the probability of compliance. In this paper we define the probability of "overexposure" (theta) as the likelihood that individual risk (a function of cumulative exposure) exceeds the risk inherent in the OEL (a function of the OEL and duration of exposure). We regard theta as a relevant measure of individual risk for chemicals, such as carcinogens, which produce chronic effects after long-term exposures but not necessarily for acutely-toxic substances which can produce effects relatively quickly. We apply a random-effects model to data from 179 groups of workers, exposed to a variety of chemical agents, and obtain parameter estimates for the group mean exposure and the within- and between-worker components of variance. These estimates are then combined with OELs to generate estimates of gamma and theta. We show that compliance testing can significantly underestimate the health risk when sample sizes are small. That is, there can be large probabilities of compliance with typical sample sizes, despite the fact that large proportions of the working population have individual risks greater than the risk inherent in the OEL. We demonstrate further that, because the relationship between theta and gamma depends upon the within- and between-worker components of variance, it cannot be assumed a priori that exceedance is a conservative surrogate for overexposure. Thus, we conclude that assessment practices which focus upon either compliance or exceedance are problematic and recommend that employers evaluate exposures relative to the probabilities of overexposure.
Line shapes and threshold resonances for the scattering of waves from surfaces

Abstract An analytical study of threshold resonances in scattering of scalar waves from periodic surfaces is presented. Resonances are found with a variety of line shapes which provide characteristic information on the surface potential. The analytical predictions on line shapes are supported numerically. These resonances should be observed in atom-surface scattering and in scattering of light from large-amplitude gratings. We think that these resonances may be important for the field enhancement on surfaces.
Critical Length and Resistance Saturation Effects in Al(Cu) Interconnects

A new test structure for electromigration failure analysis of via-interconnect metallization schemes was developed. Multi-via/interconnect chain arrays were used in a parallel/serial testing arrangement. Due to improved statistical sampling, the multi-via test structures enabled measurement of drift velocity phenomena at via/interconnect interfaces with a very limited number of test devices per stressing condition, and without reducing the signal to noise ratio. Furthermore, realistic, production-type metallization schemes can be characterized without usually required “traditional” drift velocity-type metal stacks incorporating highly resistive shunt-layers. Critical length effects were investigated as a function of line length and current density. At interconnect lengths close to the critical Blech-length, resistance saturation effects were encountered and used for calculations of the critical current density-length product, (jl)*. Furthermore, a new resistance saturation model was developed and found to correlate well with the acquired data. Critical length effects can accurately be measured and used for length-dependent interconnect performance evaluation on the device-level.
Effect of temperature on actin activation of heavy meromyosin ATPase.

Abstract The effect of temperature on the actin activation of heavy meromyosin ATPase has been analyzed by measuring the temperature dependence of double-reciprocal plots of ATPase activity against actin concentration. An Arrhenius plot of the maximum ATPase of fully complexed acto-heavy meromyosin, obtained from ordinate intercepts of such reciprocal plots, is linear from 6 to 30° and gives an activation energy of 28 kcal/mole. This is about twice the activation energy of heavy meromyosin ATPase in the absence of actin and is comparable to the highest reported values for actomyosin ATPase. Hence the high activation energy of actomyosin ATPase at low temperatures is probably a property of the actomyosin ATPase reaction itself and not a consequence of increased dissociation of the actomyosin. In fact, low temperature does not appear to favor the dissociation of acto-heavy meromyosin. On the contrary, at very low ionic strength, the apparent dissociation constant of acto-heavy meromyosin in the presence of ATP, obtained from the abscissa intercepts of reciprocal plots, decreases when the temperature is reduced.
On Intellectuals, Engaged and Otherwise (With an Afterword on Thomas Mann's Use of Intellectual Reflection in the Novella “Mario and the Magician”)

AbstractAfter a clarification of the word “intellectual,” this essay proceeds to discuss three influential twentieth-century intellectuals: Antonio Gramsci, Edward Said, and Betty Friedan. The works discussed are Gramsci's The Prison Notebooks, Said's Humanism and Democratic Criticism and The Question of Palestine, and Friedan's The Feminine Mystique. The essay ends with an afterword on Thomas Mann's 1929 novella “Mario and the Magician,” with a view to shedding light on why retrospective intellectual commentary is relevant to emotions whose intensity as lived experience seems to lie beyond the purview of such commentary.
Palynology and phytogeographical significance of a late-Pleistocene refugium near Kalaloch, Washington

A sea cliff facing the open ocean 3 km north of Kalaloch, Washington, and exposing 32 m of interbedded peat, clay, sand, and gravel contains a unique continuous record of late-Pleistocene vegetation and environments on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula. The record obtains from the palynology of plant communities in the unglaciated refugium. Fourteen radiocarbon dates from peat beds in the sea cliff reveal that the record spans the time from 16,700 B. P. to greater than 47,000 B. P. The earliest organic deposits are estimated to date from 70,000 B. P. Pollen assemblages from 222 sample levels in a measured section, divided into 16 zones, are correlated, in the main, with the sequence of Salmon springs, Olympia, and Fraser geologic-climatic units in the Puget Lowland. Correlation derives from the fluctuations of a July average temperature curve reconstructed from the modern vegetation and climatic equivalents of the pollen assemblages. The sequence of stadial and interstadial environments depicted at Kalaloch is found to be more complex than is indicated by the Puget Lowland succession.
Reduced pachytene piRNAs and translation underlie spermiogenic arrest in Maelstrom mutant mice

Pachytene piRNAs are a class of Piwi-interacting small RNAs abundant in spermatids of the adult mouse testis. They are processed from piRNA primary transcripts by a poorly understood mechanism and, unlike fetal transposon-derived piRNAs, lack complementary targets in the spermatid transcriptome. We report that immunopurified complexes of a conserved piRNA pathway protein Maelstrom (MAEL) are enriched in MIWI (Piwi partner of pachytene piRNAs), Tudor-domain proteins and processing intermediates of pachytene piRNA primary transcripts. We provide evidence of functional significance of these complexes in Mael129 knockout mice that exhibit spermiogenic arrest with acrosome and flagellum malformation. Mael129-null mutant testes possess low levels of piRNAs derived from MAEL-associated piRNA precursors and exhibit reduced translation of numerous spermiogenic mRNAs including those encoding acrosome and flagellum proteins. These translation defects in haploid round spermatids are likely indirect, as neither MAEL nor piRNA precursors associate with polyribosomes, and they may arise from an imbalance between pachytene piRNAs and MIWI.
Association of skin with the pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative amyloidosis

Amyloidosis are a large group of conformational diseases characterized by abnormal protein folding and assembly which results in the accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates that may accumulate systemically or locally in certain organs or tissue. In local amyloidosis, amyloid deposits are restricted to a particular organ or tissue. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are some examples of neurodegenerative amyloidosis. Local manifestation of protein aggregation in the skin has also been reported. Brain and skin are highly connected at a physiological and pathological level. Recently several studies demonstrated a strong connection between brain and skin in different amyloid diseases. In the present review, we discuss the relevance of the “brain–skin connection” in different neurodegenerative amyloidosis, not only at the pathological level, but also as a strategy for the treatment of these diseases.