Dependences of the reflectivity and adhesion of thin metal films on the various process parameters for polyester substrates during physical vapor depositions

Various PVD techniques have been employed with a number of bright metals like Ag, Al, Ni, and Cr. E-beam evaporated sliver films turned out to be excellent with more than 96% reflectance but the adhesion was not very good Meanwhile, the adhesion of silver films deposited by using rf magnetron sputtering showed 15 to 24Kg_f/cm². When a bias of 100 V dc was additionally applied during the magnetron processes, the film adhesions were enhanced as much as 75 to 82 Kg_f/cm², which is 5 times higher than the evaporated counterpart. Along with this, the sputter-deposited silver films have revealed reflectance values of 96% and above. Thus, it is concluded that the dc biasing during sputter-deposition can be successfully utilized to produce high quality reflective films.     

Comparison of T2 lesion volume and magnetization transfer ratio histogram analysis and of atrophy and measures of lesion burden in patients with multiple sclerosis

A kinetic analysis of degradation of saturated oligoguluronates by poly(alpha-L-guluronate)lyase from Corynebacterium sp. ALY-1 strain was done. The saturated oligoguluronates were prepared by hydrolyzing poly alpha-1,4-L-guluronate from alginate with HCl, and then by gel filtration on a Bio-Gel P-6 column. The saturated pentaguluronate or above were rapidly degraded by the enzyme, while tetraguluronate was slowly degraded. From the dependency of the catalytic rate constant (kcat) on the degree of polymerization of substrates, the enzyme was found to have a subsite size corresponding to hexaguluronate units. The action pattern of the enzyme on hexaguluronate suggested that the catalytic site of the enzyme was matched to the linkage between the second and third uronic residue from the non-reducing end, since the substrate was mainly split into a unsaturated tetramer and a saturated dimer from a HPLC analysis.     

Magnetization transfer imaging in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

We report a patient with biopsy-proven progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) who was serially imaged with MRI and magnetization transfer imaging. The magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) was profoundly and significantly diminished when compared with normal control subjects. The pattern of MTR was distinct from that of MS and periventricular ischemic white matter disease. Magnetization transfer imaging techniques may aid in the differential diagnosis of PML.     

A database program for the management of staff scheduling in a radiology department

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to report how an inexpensive computer database program (Filemaker Pro, version 3.0, for Macintosh) can be used to manage work schedules and optimize staff use in a radiology department. CONCLUSION: Using this report in conjunction with the manufacturer's documentation, one can adapt this database program to any scheduling situation.     

MR identification of white matter abnormalities in multiple sclerosis: a comparison between 1.5 T and 4 T

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although MR spectroscopy and functional MR imaging of the brain have been successful at 4 T, conventional fast spin-echo imaging of the brain at 4 T has not been adequately evaluated. The purpose of this study was to compare the detection of white matter abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) at 1.5 T and 4 T. METHODS: Fifteen patients with clinically definite MS were imaged at both 1.5 T and 4 T within a 1-week period. Comparison was made between fast spin-echo long-TR images at both field strengths. Pulse sequences were tailored to maximize resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in clinically relevant imaging times (< 7 min). Four interpreters independently reviewed the images obtained at both field strengths in separate sessions and evaluated them for lesion identification, size, characterization, and subjective resolution. Differences in interpretations at 1.5 T and 4 T were subsequently recorded. RESULTS: Images obtained at 4 T showed a mean of 88 more lesions as compared with images obtained at 1.5 T. All the lesions measured less than 5 mm and were typically aligned along perivascular spaces. Twenty-five consensually identified lesions on 4-T images were not seen at all on 1.5-T images. Moreover, 4-T images showed 56 additional consensually identified lesions, which were indistinct and seen only in retrospect on 1.5-T images. These lesions were frequently (n = 48) identified in large confluent areas of white matter signal intensity abnormality at 1.5 T. All observers also agreed that 4-T images subjectively enhanced the perception of normal perivascular spaces and small perivascular lesions. CONCLUSION: MR imaging at 4 T can depict white matter abnormalities in MS patients not detectable at 1.5 T through higher resolution with comparable signal-to-noise ratio and imaging times.     

Use of advance directives: facilitating health care decisions by adults with mental retardation and their families

As increasing numbers of adults with mental retardation survive into adulthood and old age, they may face decisions about their health care and end-of-life treatment. Advance directives may serve as a tool for communicating one's preferences about future medical treatment. Information about the types, extent of use, and ethical context of advanced directives is provided and four critical issues regarding use of advanced directives by adults with mental retardation and their families are examined: assessment of decision-making capacity, standards for surrogate decision-making, family involvement in advanced directives planning, and constraints on the use of advanced directives. Implications for professionals are discussed, including ways to facilitate advance care planning.