cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of Small Rectal Carcinoid Tumors in the Absence of Metastatic Disease

The incidence of rectal carcinoids is rapidly increasing, typically presenting as small ( 1 cm, known metastases at presentation, <6 months follow-up, or previous resections. The mean age of the remaining patients was 56 ± 3 years, and 61 % of the patients were female. All patients were diagnosed at endoscopy, with 50 % diagnosed incidentally on screening endoscopy. Treatment methods included endoscopic therapy (n = 13, 72 %), transanal excision (n = 3, 17 %), and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (n = 1, 5.5 %). One patient (5.5 %) received no additional invasive therapy after diagnostic endoscopy. The mean tumor diameter was 4.6 ± 0.5 mm. The average length of follow-up was 5.4 ± 0.9 years, with a median number of 2 follow-up endoscopies (range 0–6). Two patients (11 %) died within the follow-up period from noncarcinoid causes. Importantly, no surviving patients developed local or distant recurrence with up to 12.3 years of follow-up. On the basis of this experience, patients presenting with small (≤1.0 cm), nonmetastatic rectal carcinoids are unlikely to develop local or distant recurrence after resection. Aggressive surveillance with repeat endoscopies or other imaging studies after resection may be unnecessary in this patient population.
Kinematic Demands of Nucleus Replacement Technology

Recent advancements in biomaterial technologies have fostered growth in alternative surgical procedures to fusion surgery for treatment of early stages of degenerative disc disease. One application of immediate interest is that of nucleus replacement (NR). Novel materials are being developed to better match the nonlinear biomechanical properties of the native tissue [1]. The effects of changing the motion segment unit (MSU) properties via surgery (nucleotomy) or the placement of an NR material, changes the work required to move the altered spine condition through a prescribed kinematic path. The closer the loading mechanics of the altered spine are to the intact spine condition, the more likely the device will restore the native properties. The objective of this study was to use a kinematics based testing methodology to evaluate compliant materials being considered for NR devices.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Advanced rechargeable sodium batteries with novel cathodes

Various high energy density rechargeable batteries are being considered for future space applications. Of these, the sodium sulfur battery is one of the leading candidates. The primary advantage is the high energy density (760 Wh/kg theoretical). Energy densities in excess of 180 Wh/kg have been realized in practical batteries. More recently, cathodes other than sulfur are being evaluated. Researchers at JPL are evaluating various new cathode materials for use in high energy density sodium batteries for advanced space applications. The approach is to carry out basic electrochemical studies of these materials in a sodium cell configuration in order to understand their fundamental behaviors. Thus far studies have focused on alternate metal chlorides such as CuCl2 and organic cathode materials such as tetracyanoethylene (TCNE).
Shoreline Change in the New River Estuary, North Carolina: Rates and Consequences

ABSTRACT Currin, C.; Davis, J.; Cowart Baron, L.; Malhotra, A., and Fonseca, M., 2015. Shoreline change in the New River Estuary, North Carolina: Rates and consequences. Aerial photography was used to determine rates of shoreline change in the New River Estuary (NRE), North Carolina, from 1956 to 2004. The NRE shoreline was digitized from aerial photographs taken in 1956, 1989, and 2004, and shoreline type was determined by ground-truthing the entire shoreline by small boat in 2009. Major shoreline type categories included swamp forest (6% of total), salt marsh (21%), sediment bank (53%), and modified/hardened (19%). Ground-truthing provided additional details on relief, marsh species composition, and structure type. A point-based, end-point rate approach was used to measure shoreline change rate (SCR) at 50 m intervals for the periods 1956–89, 1989–2004, and 1956–2004. Representative wave energy (RWE) was modeled for each interval using local bathymetry and wind data. Average SCR across all shoreline typ...
Tumor-associated antigens detected by autologous sera in urine of patients with solid neoplasms.

Abstract Twenty-four-hour urine samples were procured from cancer patients and normal donors. The urine samples were processed and concentrated by centrifugation and ultrafiltration (10,000 MW cutoff). The processed urine samples were tested for the presence or absence of tumor-associated antigens by the complement-fixation assay. Autologous serum was used as the source of antibody. Ninety-two percent (55/60) of cancer patients were positive for the antigens in their urine. Within the cancer patient group, 86% (31/36) sarcoma patients, 100% (17/17) melanoma patients, and 100% (7/7) carcinoma patients were positive. In contrast, only 7% (2/27) normal donors were positive in this assay. Antibody activity of the sera reacting to the urine from cancer patients was removed by absorption with biopsied tumor specimens but not with normal skin or muscle suggesting that the antigens detected in urine of cancer patients were tumor associated.
Degeneration of ALF D n metrics

Beginning with the Legendre transform construction of hyperkahler metrics, we analyze the ALF version of the Dn metrics. We determine the constraint equation obtained from extremizing the w coordinate of the generating function F(z,,u,ū,w) and study its behavior as we send two of the mass parameters of the Dn metric to zero. We find that the constraint equation enforces the limit that the metric becomes that of multi-Taub-NUT.
Determination of arsenic in geological materials by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry after solvent extraction and deposition on a filter

Abstract Rock, soil, or sediment samples are decomposed with a mixture of nitric and sulphuric adds. After reduction from arsenic(V) with ammonium thiosulphate, arsenic(III) is extracted as the chlorocomplex into benzene from a sulphuric-hydrochloric acid medium. The benzene solution is transferred onto a filter-paper disc impregnated with a solution of sodium bicarbonate and potassium sodium tartrate, and the benzene allowed to evaporate. The arsenic present is determined by X-ray fluorescence. In a 0.5-g sample, 1–1000 ppm of arsenic can be determined. The close proximity of the lead Lα peak (2θ 48.73°), to the arsenic Kα peak (2θ 48.83°) does not cause any interference, because lead is not extracted under the experimental conditions. Arsenic values obtained are in agreement with those reported for various reference samples.
Characterization of the role of CD8+T cells in breast cancer immunity following mammaglobin-A DNA vaccination using HLA-class-I tetramers

Mammaglobin-A(mam-A) is expressed in over 80% of human breast tumors. We recently reported that mam-A DNA vaccination resulted in breast cancer immunity in a preclinical model. Here we investigated whether mam-A HLA-class-I tetramers could be used to monitor and define the role of CD8+cytotoxic T-lymphocytes(CTL) in mediating breast cancer immunity following mam-A DNA vaccination. Mam-A DNA vaccination was performed in HLA-A2+huCD8+ transgenic mice. HLA-A2 tetramers carrying the immunodominant mamA2.1 peptide were used to monitor CD8+CTL. Human breast cancer colonies were developed in immunodeficient SCID-beige mice. ELISPOT was used to correlate frequency of mamA2.1 tetramer+CD8+T cells and IFN-γ production [spots per million cells (spm)] in human subjects. Vaccination of HLA-A2+huCD8+ mice with mam-A DNA vaccine, but not empty vector, led to the expansion of mamA2.1 tetramer+CD8+T-cells in peripheral blood ( 2.0% post-vaccination). CD8+T cells from vaccinated mice specifically lysed UACC-812(HLA-A2+/mam-A+, 25% lysis) but not MDA-MB-415(HLA-A2−/mam-A+) or MCF-7(HLA-A2+/mam-A−) breast cancer cells. Adoptive transfer of purified CD8+T cells from vaccinated mice into immunodeficient SCID-beige mice with established human breast cancer colonies led to tetramer+CD8+ T-cell infiltration with regression of UACC-812 but not MCF-7 tumors. HLA-A2+ breast cancer patients revealed increased frequency of mamA2.1 tetramer+CD8+ T-cells compared to normal controls (2.86 ± 0.8% vs. 0.71 ± 0.1%, P = 0.01) that correlated with the IFN-γ response to mamA2.1 peptide (48.1 ± 20.9 vs. 2.9 ± 0.8 spm, P = 0.03). CD8+ T-cells are crucial in mediating breast cancer immunity following mam-A DNA vaccination. Mam-A HLA-class-I tetramers can be effectively used to monitor development of CD8+ T-cells following mam-A vaccination.
Review of "Practical in-house training for DP programmers by Moon, R. J.; O'Connor, C. W.; and Weatherhead, A." in Proc. 6th Australian computer conf., Vol. 2, (Sydney, May 20-24, 1974), 1974, 664-672

This article is primarily of interest to those involved in shaping or studying managers as they conduct the corporate EDP function. The title, however is both too narrow and misleading: other organizations besides business need that "rare" breed, effective EDP managers.
Contributions of Downstream Eddy Development to the Teleconnection between ENSO and the Atmospheric Circulation over the North Atlantic

AbstractThe spatiotemporal evolution of various meteorological phenomena associated with El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the North Pacific–North American–North Atlantic sector is examined using both NCEP–NCAR reanalyses and output from a 2000-yr integration of a global coupled climate model. Particular attention is devoted to the implications of downstream eddy developments on the relationship between ENSO and the atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic.The El Nino–related persistent events are characterized by a strengthened Pacific subtropical jet stream and an equatorward-shifted storm track over the North Pacific. The wave packets that populate the storm tracks travel eastward through downstream development. The barotropic forcing of the embedded synoptic-scale eddies is conducive to the formation of a flow that resembles the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The more frequent and higher persistence of those episodes during El Nino winters contribute to the prevale...
RADIATIVE TRANSITIONS BETWEEN RESONANT STATES.

The inclusion of resonance contributions to radiative transitions between unbound nuclear states is treated, and application made to E1 transitions between states near the 3.51 MeV(32−) and 2.37 MeV (12+) levels of 13N, observed in 12C(p, γp′)12C at low energies.
Interpretive risks: the use of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL 90-R) with brain tumour patients

Patients with brain tumours often report distress. Interpretive problems ensue when measures normed on healthy persons are utilized to quantify distress. This study investigated potentially spurious elevations on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL 90-R). Responses of 17 patients were obtained prior to aggressive chemotherapy. Traditional interpretation indicated that 47% of the patients endorsed clinical levels of somatization, 53% obsessive-compulsive and 59% psychotic disorders. Elevations were attributable to common consequences of brain tumours, medication and the emotional reaction to prognosis. Conventional interpretation would lead to inappropriate classifications. The majority of SCL 90-R item endorsements were significantly different than those of the norm group. Appropriate interpretation of scores is discussed.
Invertebrate Abundance at Rio Grande Wild Turkey Brood Locations

Abundance of Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) has declined in the southeastern Edwards Plateau (EP) of Texas, USA, whereas abundance has remained stable in the northwestern EP. Invertebrates are a critical protein source for poults <6 weeks posthatch. We collected invertebrates at brood and paired locations in both the stable and declining regions. Our objective was to determine if differences in invertebrate abundance existed in regions typified by declining versus stable Rio Grande wild turkey abundance. We found no difference in invertebrate abundance between brood or paired locations within regions, but invertebrate abundance, whether measured as dry mass or frequency, was greater in the stable region. Decreased invertebrate abundance may have contributed to the decline in Rio Grande wild turkey abundance in the southeastern Edwards Plateau.
Patterns of Religious Reformations

It is an historical truism that the Reformation of the sixteenth century consisted of a unique series of events. What we don't always realize, however, is that this series of events was itself one member of a class of historical phenomena. The most direct approach to elucidating this proposition is to start with the most obvious characteristic of Luther's teaching, his emphasis on salvation through faith. It is not generally recognized that this idea can be found in other religions and that it developed in those, as it did in Europe, in reaction to religious ideas which stressed works and subtle theological knowledge as the road to salvation.
Pancreas oxygenation is limited during preservation with the two-layer method.

Abstract Background The two-layer method (TLM) for pancreas preservation reportedly improves islet yield and transplantation outcome relative to previous methods. Increased ATP concentrations support the hypothesis that these improvements are related to better oxygenation from the perfluorocarbon solution. However, there are limited direct measurements of oxygen partial pressure, (pO 2 ) in pancreata preserved with the TLM. Theory predicts that only a small fraction of a human pancreas can be oxygenated externally. In this report we examine pancreas oxygenation with the TLM using theory and direct pO 2 measurements. Methods pO 2 profiles in cylindrical pancreata were calculated at various temperatures with a diffusion-reaction model. The pO 2 was measured using fiber optic sensors in the core of porcine pancreatic tissue preserved with the TLM in media saturated with 100% oxygen. Results The model predicts that at 8°C, even in the absence of an external pO 2 gradient, oxygen penetration depth is about 1 mm and insensitive to pancreas diameter, while the oxygenated volume fraction is about 15% for a 2.5-cm-diameter pancreas. Experimental measurements verified that pO 2 is virtually zero in the core of a 1-cm-thick pancreatic piece preserved with the TLM. Penetration of solution around the sensor may be responsible for the observed lag and for the previously reported nonzero pO 2 measurements. Reoxygenation of heat-treated tissue took several hours. Conclusions The TLM can oxygenate only a small volume fraction of a human pancreas. Pancreas oxygenation through the native vasculature should be explored to further improve yield of viable islets.
Nondiscrimination in GATT/WTO: was there anything to begin with and is there anything left?

Nondiscriminatory treatment at its border of a like product coming from another WTO signatory (Article I on Most Favored Nation Treatment), and of domestic and foreign suppliers of like or similar products within its borders (Article III on National Treatment) are widely held to be the fundamental principles of GATT/WTO. Yet GATT included significant exceptions to nondiscriminatory treatment, for example, in its articles relating to customs unions and free trade areas, antidumping and safeguards. I argue that these exceptions have become dominant over time so that not much nondiscrimination remains in the global trading system. With the recent inclusion of services, intellectual property and trade-related investment measures, traditional GATT issues of tariff and non-tariff barriers at the border to market access have become less important compared to regulatory barriers inside the border. It is an open question whether nondiscrimination per se is a salient issue in thinking about multilateral disciplines in these new areas.
Importance of Android/Gynoid Fat Ratio in Predicting Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Normal Weight as well as Overweight and Obese Children

Numerous studies have shown that android or truncal obesity is associated with a risk for metabolic and cardiovascular disease, yet there is evidence that gynoid fat distribution may be protective. However, these studies have focused on adults and obese children. The purpose of our study was to determine if the android/gynoid fat ratio is positively correlated with insulin resistance, HOMA2-IR, and dislipidemia in a child sample of varying body sizes. In 7–13-year-old children with BMI percentiles ranging from 0.1 to 99.6, the android/gynoid ratio was closely associated with insulin resistance and combined LDL + VLDL-cholesterol. When separated by sex, it became clear that these relationships were stronger in boys than in girls. Subjects were stratified into BMI percentile based tertiles. For boys, the android/gynoid ratio was significantly related to insulin resistance regardless of BMI tertile with and LDL + VLDL in tertiles 1 and 3. For girls, only LDL + VLDL showed any significance with android/gynoid ratio and only in tertile 2. We conclude that the android/gynoid fat ratio is closely associated with insulin resistance and LDL + VLDL-, “bad,” cholesterol in normal weight boys and may provide a measurement of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk in that population.
The performance of a digital blood pressure monitoring device.

To the Editor.— In our search for improved methods of noninvasive blood pressure monitoring for use with essential hypertension, anesthesia recovery, and patient transport, we found many devices for sale to the public that purport to measure pulse rates and blood pressure noninvasively, accurately, and inexpensively. We selected one of these, the Healthcheck ("Cuffless" model CX-1 060020, Cheshire, CT06410) Digital Blood Pressure Monitor, which seemed to be easy to use, pocket portable, and sufficiently durable for routine use. The package advice ("Easy to operate! Simply slide your finger into the ring, turn on the unit and an accurate reading will appear in less than one minute!" and "Always use in consultation with a physician.") seemed to suggest that this was an instrument worthy of evaluation. We are concerned that it might be accepted for general use, particularly in situations in which cost is important. Study. — A total of 50
The Cinema of Krzysztof Kieslowski: Variations on Destiny and Chance edited by Marek Haltof (London and New York: Wallflower Press, 2004) The Films of Krzysztof Kieslowski: The Liminal Image edited by Joseph G. Kickasola (New York and London: Continuum, 2004)

Until 1989, Poland was, rather awkwardly, both a Catholic and communist state. And Polish filmmakers have been judged, it seems, according to how they negotiated the political and religious dogma o...
Information delivery systems: an exploration of Web pull and push technologies

The Web is alive with news stories, pictures, music, and videos. How will organizations, managers, and other users find out what content is available, then locate it, analyze it, and make it meaningful? In this tutorial, we identify and classify eight types of information delivery systems (IDS) that we refer to as alpha, beta, gamma and delta and push technologies. For pull technologies we explain “surfing the Web”, search engines, spiders and bots, personal agents, and finally evolutionary agents. For push technologies we explain Webcasting, channels and subscriptions, and data mining methods for determining preferences and filtering topics. We also examine the role of the evolutionary agents in push technologies. Throughout the paper, we provide examples of current pull and push technologies in each of the categories for pull and push. We include both personal and corporate applications. We then examine the managerial and social implications of higher-level IDS and suggest what is in store for users of information delivery systems in the future.
Wireless Multichannel Integrated Potentiostat for Distributed Neurotransmitter Sensing

Sensing neurotransmitters is critical in studying neural pathways and neurological disorders. An integrated device is presented which incorporates a potentiostat and a power harvesting and telemetry module. The potentiostat features 16 channels with multiple scales from microamperes to picoamperes. The wireless module is able to harvest power through inductively coupled coils and uses the same link to transmit data to and from the potentiostat. An integrated prototype is fabricated in CMOS technology, and experimentally characterized. Test results show RF powering introduces noise levels of 0.42 % and 0.18 % on potentiostat current scales of 500pA and 4nA respectively. Real-time multi-channel acquisition of dopamine concentration in vitro is performed with carbon fiber sensors
Setting Standards to Determine Core Clerkship Grades in Pediatrics

Abstract Objective One of the greatest challenges for clerkship directors is assigning a final grade and determining the precise point at which a student either passes or fails a clinical clerkship. The process of incorporating both subjective and objective assessment data to provide a final summative grade can be challenging. We describe our experience conducting a standard-setting exercise to set defensible cut points in a 4-tiered grading system in our pediatric clerkship. Methods Using the Hofstee standard-setting approach, 8 faculty members participated in an exercise to establish grade cut points. These faculty members were subsequently surveyed to assess their attitudes toward the standard-setting process as well as their reactions to these newly proposed standards. We applied the new cut points to a historic cohort of 116 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine students from the academic year 2012–2013 to assess the potential impact on grade distributions. Results The resultant grading schema would lead to a significant increase in the number of students receiving a failing grade and a decrease in the number of students receiving a grade of honors in a historical cohort. Faculty reported that the Hofstee method was easy to understand and fair. All faculty members thought that grade inflation presently exists within the pediatric clerkship. Conclusions This study demonstrates that practical standards using the Hofstee method can be set for medical students in a pediatric clerkship in which multiple performance measures are used.
Parallelism, Performance, and Energy-Efficiency Tradeoffs for In Situ Sensor Data Processing

The in situ processing of vast amounts of data, available intermittently in networks of sensors, motivates investigation of means for achieving high performance when required, but ultralow-power dissipation when idle. One approach is the use of embedded multiprocessor systems, leading to tradeoffs between parallelism, performance, energy-efficiency, and cost. To evaluate these tradeoffs, and to gain insight for future system designs, this letter presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a miniature, energy-scalable, 24-processor module, L24, for compute-intensive in situ sensor data processing tasks. The platform provides idle power dissipation over an order of magnitude lower than systems employing a monolithic processor of equivalent performance, while dynamic power dissipation remains competitive. Taking into account both application computation and interprocessor communication demands, it is shown that there may exist an optimum operating voltage that minimizes either time-to-solution, energy usage, or the energy-delay product. This optimum operating point is formulated analytically, calibrated with system measurements and instruction-level microarchitectural simulation, and evaluated for the hardware platform and application presented.
Sugar Industry Influence on the Scientific Agenda of the National Institute of Dental Research’s 1971 National Caries Program: A Historical Analysis of Internal Documents

© 2015 Kearns et al. In 1966, the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) began planning a targeted research program to identify interventions for widespread application to eradicate dental caries (tooth decay) within a decade. In 1971, the NIDR launched the National Caries Program (NCP). The objective of this paper is to explore the sugar industry’s interaction with the NIDR to alter the research priorities of the NIDR NCP. We used internal cane and beet sugar industry documents from 1959 to 1971 to analyze industry actions related to setting research priorities for the NCP. The sugar industry could not deny the role of sucrose in dental caries given the scientific evidence. They therefore adopted a strategy to deflect attention to public health interventions that would reduce the harms of sugar consumption rather than restricting intake. Industry tactics included the following: funding research in collaboration with allied food industries on enzymes to break up dental plaque and a vaccine against tooth decay with questionable potential for widespread application, cultivation of relationships with the NIDR leadership, consulting of members on an NIDR expert panel, and submission of a report to the NIDR that became the foundation of the first request for proposals issued for the NCP. Seventy-eight percent of the sugar industry submission was incorporated into the NIDR’s call for research applications. Research that could have been harmful to sugar industry interests was omitted from priorities identified at the launch of the NCP. Limitations are that this analysis relies on one source of sugar industry documents and that we could not interview key actors. The NCP was a missed opportunity to develop a scientific understanding of how to restrict sugar consumption to prevent tooth decay. A key factor was the alignment of research agendas between the NIDR and the sugar industry. This historical example illustrates how industry protects itself from potentially damaging research, which can inform policy makers today. Industry opposition to current policy proposals—including a World Health Organization guideline on sugars proposed in 2014 and changes to the nutrition facts panel on packaged food in the US proposed in 2014 by the US Food and Drug Administration—should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that industry interests do not supersede public health goals.
Microfabricated V-Groove Power Inductors for High-Current Low-Voltage Fast-Transient DC-DC Converters

Microfabricated thin-film inductors for high-frequency DC-DC power conversion at high currents and low voltages with fast transient response have been fabricated and tested. Inductors with a Co-Zr-O thin-film core and a copper conductor have been fabricated in a silicon substrate. Prototype inductors have been characterized and applied in a 3.3-V-to-1.1-V, 8-A, 5-MHz DC-DC converter and have been shown to exhibit efficiency of up to 89% and power density up to 96 W/cm2 of substrate area. The inductors discussed in this paper emerge as strong candidates for high-efficiency, high-power-density DC-DC converters for advanced digital systems such as microprocessors wherein the fast transient response of the microfabricated inductors can result in significant reduction in the converter's output capacitance
Detection of Nonnucleoside Reverse-Transcriptase Inhibitor-Resistant HIV-1 after Discontinuation of Virologically Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy

Using standard and ultrasensitive techniques, we detected nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-associated resistance mutations in 11 (20%) of 54 subjects who discontinued virologically suppressive nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-containing antiretroviral therapy. Resistance was detected in 45% and 14% of subjects with a baseline human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA level of 51-400 copies/mL and <or=50 copies/mL, respectively. Mutations remained detectable for at least 48 weeks in some subjects.
Were People in the Past Poor and Miserable

SUMMARY Standard economic theory would suggest close linkages between income, broader measures of the quality of life and ‘utility’. To some extent it is hard to test the link between income and utility given the way that utility is proxied by economists, but we do have measures of objective and subjective wellbeing as a potential guide. When we look at broader measures of objective and subjective wellbeing in both rich and poor countries today, the relationship to absolute income is perhaps surprisingly weak. Turning to the past, we know that most people were in an absolute income sense very poor, and faced a considerably lower broad quality of life using objective measures. However, the link between these two factors is not as straightforward as sometimes assumed. At the same time, from the preoccupations of political thinkers and others, it does appear that relative (rather than absolute) income has long been a concern, and that concerns with absolute income at the national level appear to center around avoiding absolute deprivation rather than the advantage of ever more consumption goods. In short, there is plentiful evidence that people in the past were nearly all absolutely poor and broadly worse off according to other objective quality of life measures, less evidence that these two were intimately linked, even less that everyone was miserable, and less again that those who did feel miserable felt so because they were absolutely poor.
Changes in Endogenous Plant Hormones in Cherry Tomato Fruits during Development and Maturation

Hormonal extracts of cherry tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cv. Small Fry at different stages of fruit development and maturation were bioassayed for their auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin and growth inhibitor activities. In general, the levels of endogenous growth promoters were much higher in the young developing fruits than in the more mature fruits. Free cytokinin levels were highest in the first two weeks of development then declined rapidly. However, cytokinin activity in the ribotide fraction, after treatment with alkaline phosphatase, decreased during thefirst three weeks of development then increased rapidly over the following four weeks. Auxin levels increased during early development to reach a maximum in three-week-old fruits after anthesis. Gibberellin levels during the first two weeks of development were much lower than those of auxins and cytokinins, but then increased to reach a peak in the fourth week after anthesis. A growth inhibiting substance with Rf similar to that of abscisic acid was found in the acidic fraction of the fruit extracts. This inhibitor increased gradually during fruit growth and development and reached a peak at the age of five weeks which coincides with the green mature stage.
Chitosan Malate Inhibits Growth and Exotoxin Production of Toxic Shock Syndrome-Inducing Staphylococcus aureus Strains and Group A Streptococci

Previously, it has been shown that the polysaccharide chitosan inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria. In this study, chitosan malate was evaluated in broth and thin-film cultures for its effect on the growth and exotoxin production of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)-inducing Staphylococcus aureus (five strains, three producing TSS toxin 1 and one each producing enterotoxin B or C) and group A streptococci (three strains producing streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A). Also, the compound was evaluated in a rabbit subcutaneous Wiffle ball model for its ability to prevent S. aureus and group A streptococcal induction of TSS. Finally, chitosan malate was evaluated for its ability to prevent TSS and necrotizing fasciitis in rabbits after subcutaneous inoculation with microbes. Chitosan malate inhibited both bacterial growth and, at sub-growth-inhibitory concentrations, the production of exotoxins, in both broth and thin-film cultures. Rabbits treated with chitosan malate in implanted Wiffle balls were protected from prior challenge with TSS-inducing S. aureus compared to animals not receiving chitosan malate (P < 0.001) and group A streptococci (P < 0.005). Chitosan malate protected rabbits from the development of streptococcal TSS with necrotizing fasciitis (P < 0.01). The data suggest that use of this growth- and toxin-inhibitory compound may be able to reduce the severity of S. aureus and group A streptococcal mucous membrane and trauma-associated skin infections.
Cofactor Binding Evokes Latent Differences in DNA Binding Specificity between Hox Proteins

Members of transcription factor families typically have similar DNA binding specificities yet execute unique functions in vivo. Transcription factors often bind DNA as multiprotein complexes, raising the possibility that complex formation might modify their DNA binding specificities. To test this hypothesis, we developed an experimental and computational platform, SELEX-seq, that can be used to determine the relative affinities to any DNA sequence for any transcription factor complex. Applying this method to all eight Drosophila Hox proteins, we show that they obtain novel recognition properties when they bind DNA with the dimeric cofactor Extradenticle-Homothorax (Exd). Exd-Hox specificities group into three main classes that obey Hox gene collinearity rules and DNA structure predictions suggest that anterior and posterior Hox proteins prefer DNA sequences with distinct minor groove topographies. Together, these data suggest that emergent DNA recognition properties revealed by interactions with cofactors contribute to transcription factor specificities in vivo.
The Application of Probabilistic Scenario Analysis for Risk Assessment of Animal Health in International Trade

Probabilistic scenario analysis (PSA) is a method of risk assessment that has had wide usage in many fields, including engineering, nuclear safety, and financial analysis. It is fast becoming the "gold standard" for risk assessment in many fields, including human health and the environment. It has been successfully applied in animal and plant health issues as well. PSA begins with the identification of a hazard and the development of a step-by-step scenario from some initiating event to the end point at which the hazard occurs. In PSA, the pathway leading to the end point is outlined by a model, called an event tree. Each step leading to the occurrence of the hazard is carefully outlined, called the node on the event tree. At each of these nodes, the probability of the event leading to the end point (hazard occurrence) is evaluated. The evaluation of the probability at each node may be qualitative or quantitative. The evidence used may come from standard epidemiological studies. The model can also accommodate expert opinion, anecdotal evidence, or any other information that can be verified that is pertinent to the event leading to hazard occurrence. The PSA is also quite flexible for it can be quickly revised when new data become available. With careful statement of the evidence and linkage back to bibliographic or other sources, it can provide a transparent, flexible, well-documented approach to risk assessment for animal health. Risk assessment along with regionalization is the key to healthy national herds and free international trade.
Excavation of the Clactonian Industry at the Golf Course, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

Clacton-on-Sea is a coastal town in the County of Essex, England. It is 75 km northeast of London, 18 km southeast of Colchester (fig. 1). The archaeological site which is the subject of this report comes within Clacton Urban District (civil parish of Great Clacton) although associated earlier discoveries extend to Jaywick Sands, and in the opposite direction, northward, to Holland-on-Sea, both in the same Urban District. The National Grid Reference for the site is TM 157134.The Pleistocene deposits at Clacton have attracted attention since the first half of the nineteenth century when John Brown of Stanway collected mammalian remains from the foreshore (Brown 1838, 1840). Flint artifacts first appear to have been recognized at the end of the century (Kenworthy 1898). Hazzledine Warren watched exposures between Clacton Pier and Lion Point from about 1910 to 1950, and collected the large quantity of artifacts and faunal remains now in the British Museum. His many papers give much of the history and details of the site and surrounding area (especially Warren 1922, 1923, 1924, 1951, 1955). The only previous controlled archaeological examination in the Clacton area was conducted by Dr K. Oakley and Mrs M. Leakey in 1934 on behalf of the British Association, and their report was published in volume 3 of these Proceedings (Oakley and Leakey 1937). More recently, pollen data relating to these excavated deposits have been obtained from boreholes behind the cliff on West Marine Parade and the foreshore (Pike and Godwin 1953; Turner and Kerney 1971).
Selecting the optimal plane for CT examination of the base of the skull.

We examined 50 computed tomographic (CT) scans that included sections through the base of the skull at a wide variety of angles. Each of these examinations had an accom­ panying localizing radiograph so that the angle at which the scan had been obtained could be ascertained. The scans were randomly arranged and rated as to how well 11 struc­ tures in the skull base were visualized: (1) foramen magnum, (2) foramen ovale, (3) cribriform plate, (4) vidian canal, (5) carotid-jugular septum, (6) lateral margin of the clivus , (7) hypoglossal canal , (8) pterygomaxillary space, (9) occipital condyle, (10) jugular tubercle, and sphenooccipital synchon­ drosis (when present). Results It was noted that those scans on which the cribriform plate was best seen also demonstrated good visualization of the pterygomaxillary space on other sections obtained at the same angle. The angle of scan that produced the best vis­ ualization of the foramen magnum and its surrounding struc
Liquid Xenon Detector Engineering

The design, engineering constraints and R & D status of a 15 m3 precision liquid xenon, electromagnetic calorimeter for the Superconducting Super Collider are discussed in this paper. Several prototype liquid xenon detectors have been built, and preliminary results are described. The design of a conical 7 cell x 7 cell detector capable of measuring fully contained high energy electron showers is described in detail.
A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Analysis of the Racial and Geographic Variations in Cataract Surgery.

Background Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed on beneficiaries of Medicare, accounting for more than $3.4 billion in annual expenditures. The purpose of this study is to examine racial and geographic variations in cataract surgery rates and determine the association between the racial composition of the community population and the racial disparity in the likelihood of receiving necessary cataract surgery. Methods Using the national prevalence rates from the National Institute of Eye Health and the 2010 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project—Florida State Ambulatory Surgery Database, we determined the estimated cases of cataract and the actual number of cataract procedures performed, on four race/gender determined groups aged 65 and over in the state of Florida in 2010. The utilization rates and disparity ratios were also calculated for each Florida county. The counties were segmented into groups based on their racial composition. The association between racial composition and disparity ratios in receiving necessary cataract surgery was examined. The Geographic Information System was used to display county-level geospatial relationships. Results African-Americans have a lower gender-specific cataract prevalence (African-American male = 0.246, African-American female = 0.392, white male = 0.368, and white female = 0.457), but they are also less likely than whites to receive necessary cataract surgery (utilization rate: African-American male = 7.92%, African-American female = 6.17%, white male = 12.08%, and white female = 10.54%). The statistical results show no overall differences between the disparity ratios and the racial composition of the communities. However, our geospatial analyses revealed a concentration of high racial disparity/high white population counties largely along the West Coast and South Central portion of the state. Conclusions There are racial differences in the likelihood of receiving necessary cataract surgery. However, there is no significant statewide association between the racial composition of the community population and the racial disparity in the likelihood of receiving necessary cataract surgery. Geospatial techniques did, however, identify subpopulations of interest which were not otherwise identifiable with typical statistical approaches, nor consistent with their conclusions.
Challenges of Preoperative Diagnosis and Management of Scalene Intramuscular Angioma

Intramuscular angioma of scalene muscle is rare with only five cases reported so far. Four of them have not been suspected before surgery; one was diagnosed preoperatively by core biopsy. Preoperative diagnosis is important for management. Awareness of cytologic features could help preoperative diagnosis when need of ruling out malignancy and coagulopathy make fine needle aspiration a choice. We herein demonstrate a new case of a 27 year old male with history of hepatocellular carcinoma, who presented with a 6 cm left supraclavicular mass. The fine needle aspiration was paucicellular; however, the bland ovoid to spindle cells with a whirling and luminal arrangement in the background of blood, fatty drops and degenerate muscle are suggestive of intramuscular angioma. The magnetic resonance imagines (MRI) demonstrate a T1 isointense and T2 hyperintense ill-defined lesion splaying anterior and mid scalene muscles with subtle vascular voids at periphery. These features in combination with cytology findings indicate intramuscular angioma. The pre-operative findings are correlated to the histologic picture of mixed capillaries and varying sized venues intervening with fatty tissue and atrophic muscle. Intraoperatively, the mass is adjacent to the brachial plexus rootlets, interdigitating with the scalene muscle and pushing the carotid sheath, left subclavicular artery and vein aside. Following embolization, the mass is resected with minimal bleeding. Our case suggests that scalene intramuscular angioma can be successfully managed by surgery after embolization; preoperative diagnosis rendered by cytologic features and imaging characters would aid the planning of surgery.
Okerlund and Polack: How Probative Are Postgift Facts?

In a practice article, Wendy C. Gerzog, a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, analyzes the Okerlund and Polack gift tax cases.
Target position relative to the head is essential for predicting head movement during head-free gaze pursuit.

Gaze pursuit is the coordinated movement of the eyes and head that allows humans and other foveate animals to track moving objects. The control of smooth pursuit eye movements when the head is restrained is relatively well understood, but how the eyes coordinate with concurrent head movements when the head is free remains unresolved. In this study, we describe behavioral tasks that dissociate head and gaze velocity during head-free pursuit in monkeys. Existing models of gaze pursuit propose that both eye and head movements are driven only by the perceived velocity of the visual target and are therefore unable to account for these data. We show that in addition to target velocity, the positions of the eyes in the orbits and the retinal position of the target are important factors for predicting head movement during pursuit. When the eyes are already near their limits, further pursuit in that direction will be accompanied by more head movement than when the eyes are centered in the orbits, even when target velocity is the same. The step-ramp paradigm, often used in pursuit tasks, produces larger or smaller head movements, depending on the direction of the position step, while gaze pursuit velocity is insensitive to this manipulation. Using these tasks, we can reliably evoke head movements with peak velocities much faster than the target’s velocity. Under these circumstances, the compensatory eye movements, which are often called counterproductive since they rotate the eyes in the opposite direction, are essential to maintaining accurate gaze velocity.
Trace chemical analysis of high-purity glass

Trace-element impurities in high-purity silica (Corning Code 7940 fused silica and J. T. Baker Ultrex silicon dioxide), 96% silica glass (Corning Code 7913), borosilicate glasses (Corning Code 7740 and Owens-Illinois KG-33) and doped optical waveguide glass have been determined by spark-source mass-spectrometry, optical-emission spectrography, neutron-activation analysis, atomic-absorption and plasma emission spectrometry, spectrophotometry, voltammetry and chemical methods. Particular care was taken to prepare samples and carry out analyses in a clean environment with ultrapure reagents. In most cases some 30 elements as well as water were determined by two or more of the techniques indicated. The impurity level for many elements in the high-purity silica and optical waveguide glass is in the ng/g range and in theμg/g range for the other glasses. Spark-source mass-spectrometry and neutron-activation analyses were carried out not only on samples prepared by a hydrofluoric acid dissolution-evaporation procedure but also on undissolved samples for volatile elements such as B, P, S, As and Hg. Results obtained are discussed with respect to application of the materials as well as to the analytical methods developed.
Electrochemical Characterization of UNS N08367 and UNS S31603 Alloys in Presence of Chloride and Bromide Solutions

This work presents the interfacial characterization of two UNS corrosion resistance alloys (CRAs), N08367 and S31603 in LiCl and LiBr solutions. The electrochemical nature of these materials in halide solutions demonstrates different mechanisms at the substrate-electrolyte interface. Time and frequency domain electrochemical techniques were used; cyclic polarization tests showed that S31603 was attacked by pitting corrosion for different LiCl and LiBr concentrations. N08367 revealed different mechanisms due to the passivation layer existed under polarization conditions. The current densities increments for the N08367 alloy were attributed to the charge transfer-adsorption mechanism, as evidenced by the EIS data. The pitting potentials of S31603 in LiCl and LiBr solutions were similar. However, the current transients were only found in S31603 in LiCl which might indicate that LiCl had more significant kinetic effect than LiBr. Bias potential was applied for EIS testing to support either active/passive/transpassive behavior for each material. Qualitative analysis could demonstrate the link between EIS and polarization techniques.