cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Extent, Severity, and Heterogeneity of Abnormalities on 18F-FDG PET Scans for Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Abstract Objectives This study sought to evaluate the incremental value of quantifying the extent and severity of myocardial perfusion and 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) abnormalities in predicting adverse outcomes among patients with suspicion for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Background Positron emission tomography (PET) with FDG is a key component of the noninvasive assessment of patients with suspected CS. However, the optimal method for image interpretation has not been defined. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of 203 patients who underwent perfusion and FDG-PET imaging to evaluate for CS. Imaging findings were scored by conventional 3-category methods (normal perfusion and metabolism, abnormal perfusion or metabolism, abnormal perfusion and metabolism) and by summed scores using the 17-segment model to represent extent and severity of disease. Heterogeneity of metabolism was quantified using the coefficient of variation (SD divided by the mean) of FDG uptake. Multivariable Cox models were developed to assess associations between imaging findings and adverse events (death, heart transplant, or ventricular arrhythmia requiring defibrillation). Results The indication for FDG-PET was ventricular arrhythmia in 69 (34%), heart block in 16 (8%), cardiomyopathy in 54 (27%), and other indications in 64 (32%). There were 63 patients who developed adverse events over a mean follow-up of 1.8 years. After robust adjustment, only the summed score in segments with a perfusion–metabolism mismatch and the coefficient of variation were important prognostically (p = 0.029 and p = 0.041, respectively). Conclusions Quantitative measures of extent and severity of perfusion–metabolism mismatch and coefficient of variation of FDG uptake provide an incremental prognostic advantage in patients undergoing FDG-PET for CS. These results support the use of a more detailed analysis of imaging findings, as is conventional in coronary artery disease.
Short-term imaging response after drug-eluting embolic trans-arterial chemoembolization delivered with the Surefire Infusion System® for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose To review the initial imaging responses after drug-eluting embolic trans-arterial chemoembolization (DEE-TACE) delivered with the Surefire Infusion System ® for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Single center retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent DEE-TACE for HCC, delivered with SIS. Information was gathered from available medical records. Treatment response rates were assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Assessment of adverse events was categorized per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03. Results Twenty-two patients with 39 hepatocellular carcinoma lesions were treated with the surefire infusion system. Complete response was demonstrated in 32% of patients and 54% of lesions after a single treatment session. Overall disease response was demonstrated in 91% of patients and 85% of lesions after a single treatment. No grade 3 or higher elevations in liver function tests were demonstrated in the short-term. Conclusion SIS delivered DEE-TACE leads to a higher than expected initial response in patients with HCC.
Jesus Centered Leadership and Business Applications: An Alternative Approach

In this article we evaluate Jesus Centered Leadership (JCL), a new concept that has emerged in the realm of spirituality and business management. JCL questions the “Christianity” of Christian business leadership, and proposes principles for ethical leadership that provide a truer representation of the teachings and traits of Jesus. We consider these principles and contribute principles of our own, thereby providing an alternative approach to JCL that remains consistent with the JCL message of morality but addresses issues that offer greater opportunities for adoption within existing business and institutional models.
Comparison between McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC methods for the enumeration of Eimeria maxima oocysts in poultry excreta.

Abstract Monitoring Eimeria shedding has become more important due to the recent restrictions to the use of antibiotics within the poultry industry. Therefore, there is a need for the implementation of more precise and accurate quantitative diagnostic techniques. The objective of this study was to compare the precision and accuracy between the Mini-FLOTAC and the McMaster techniques for quantitative diagnosis of Eimeria maxima oocyst in poultry. Twelve pools of excreta samples of broiler chickens experimentally infected with E. maxima were analyzed for the comparison between Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster technique using, the detection limits (dl) of 23 and 25, respectively. Additionally, six excreta samples were used to compare the precision of different dl (5, 10, 23, and 46) using the Mini-FLOTAC technique. For precision comparisons, five technical replicates of each sample (five replicate slides on one excreta slurry) were read for calculating the mean oocyst per gram of excreta (OPG) count, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and precision of both aforementioned comparisons. To compare accuracy between the methods (McMaster, and Mini-FLOTAC dl 5 and 23), excreta from uninfected chickens was spiked with 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, or 10,000 OPG; additional samples remained unspiked (negative control). For each spiking level, three samples were read in triplicate, totaling nine reads per spiking level per technique. Data were transformed using log10 to obtain normality and homogeneity of variances. A significant correlation (R = 0.74; p = 0.006) was observed between the mean OPG of the McMaster dl 25 and the Mini-FLOTAC dl 23. Mean OPG, CV, SD, and precision were not statistically different between the McMaster dl 25 and Mini-FLOTAC dl 23. Despite the absence of statistical difference (p > 0.05), Mini-FLOTAC dl 5 showed a numerically lower SD and CV than Mini-FLOTAC dl 23. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed significant and positive correlation among the four dl (p ≤ 0.05). In the accuracy study, it was observed that the Mini-FLOTAC dl 5 and 23 were more accurate than the McMaster for 100 OPG, and the Mini-FLOTAC dl 23 had the highest accuracy for 500 OPG. The McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC dl 23 techniques were more accurate than the Mini-FLOTAC dl 5 for 5,000 OPG, and both dl of the Mini-FLOTAC were less accurate for 10,000 OPG counts than the McMaster technique. However, the overall accuracy of the Mini-FLOTAC dl 23 was higher than the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC dl 5 techniques.
ANALYSIS OF MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM WITH GROUP WISE FOR COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING

This study aims to put the parameters of the problem on a general scale with a group wise design. Placement of questions on a general scale can be interpreted that although the test participants responded to the character of the problem is not the same but the ability of test participants in Competitive Adaptive Testing (CAT) can be compared with each other. Data response question comes from four packages namely package 1, package 2, and package 3 National Exam on mathematics subjects. The total number of questions is 140. The data is analyzed with the Bilog_MG program. The results show that the number of questions meet the Rasch model of 109 questions. The matter can be entered into CAT bank. Although the test participants responded to the problem and the number of questions was not the same but the test scores were comparable
Molecular basis for the loss-of-function effects of the Alzheimer's disease–associated R47H variant of the immune receptor TREM2

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is an immune receptor expressed on the surface of microglia, macrophages, dendritic cells, and osteoclasts. The R47H TREM2 variant is a significant risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the molecular basis of R47H TREM2 loss of function is an emerging area of TREM2 biology. Here, we report three high-resolution structures of the extracellular ligand-binding domains (ECDs) of R47H TREM2, apo-WT, and phosphatidylserine (PS)-bound WT TREM2 at 1.8, 2.2, and 2.2 A, respectively. The structures reveal that Arg47 plays a critical role in maintaining the structural features of the complementarity-determining region 2 (CDR2) loop and the putative positive ligand-interacting surface (PLIS), stabilizing conformations capable of ligand interaction. This is exemplified in the PS-bound structure, in which the CDR2 loop and PLIS drive critical interactions with PS via surfaces that are disrupted in the variant. Together with in vitro and in vivo characterization, our structural findings elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying loss of ligand binding, putative oligomerization, and functional activity of R47H TREM2. They also help unravel how decreased in vitro and in vivo stability of TREM2 contribute to loss of function in disease.
The TEACH trial: Tailored education to assist label comprehension and health literacy.

Abstract Background Prior work demonstrated significantly improved prescription label comprehension and functional health literacy (FHL) using an educational intervention and redesigned prescription label. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the educational intervention to improve prescription label understanding using three factors: (1) redesigned prescription label, (2) previously validated MLT and (3) pillbox fill test. Methods English-speaking patrons ≥55 years old taking ≥2 prescription medications were recruited in this prospective, multisite, randomized, controlled, pre-post study, in California, Illinois, and Ohio. Participants completed the MLT (25 points) as a test of label comprehension and filled a 7 × 4 pillbox (Pillbox test, 35 points) at baseline and 1-month follow-up. The intervention group received tailored education by a student or pharmacist on how to read the label based on their response to the MLT and Pillbox Test. Results Combined data analysis was conducted of the 92 (63.4%) completed follow-ups from all sites. Baseline characteristics were comparable between control and intervention groups. Overall, mean MLT increased in both control and intervention groups (ΔPre-Post: +0.7 point vs. +0.8 point, p 0.05). Significant correlation between MLT and Pillbox scores was observed (r = 0.63, p Conclusions This study extended earlier findings that focused education using redesigned Rx labels helped improve Rx label comprehension and observed action. Larger studies are needed to determine the impact on patient outcomes. Patients with lower education, English proficiency, and/or FHL may benefit from education that could translate into improved medication use behavior.
Identifying Research Resources and Funding Opportunities

To develop and maintain a sustainable research portfolio, investigators must be aware of resources available to support their proposed research. This includes a thorough knowledge of the many databases, biomedical research-focused websites, and funding and training opportunities available both domestically and internationally. It is hoped that this information will assist the new researcher in finding and leveraging these resources to better navigate the “research enterprise” and enter at an appropriate level with the required background knowledge to achieve successful funding of a research project. Sections 1–3 of Part V provide information on the type and variety of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding mechanisms available to members of the scientific community; the preparation and writing of a successful grant application; important federal policies governing the funding of applications and contract proposals; the NIH electronic grant application submission process and timelines; and peer review. This section highlights websites of selected resources that support many types of biomedical research activities, focusing principally on National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) resources. Other NIH resources and additional national and international sites are listed if their resources, funding opportunities, or training programs are especially relevant for assisting individual and/or collaborative research activities. The following websites support individual or group research efforts. They include descriptions and links to more detailed information in three principal categories: (1) searchable literature and research resources databases; (2) NIAID and other NIH research networks and programs that support basic, clinical, behavioral, and translational research; and (3) national and international resources, including potential funding opportunities. 53.2 Glossary of Terms
Computations and Analyses

We are now ready to capitalize on the laborious analyses of earlier chapters. We begin by determining the sizes of the biases and standard deviations of the GRS fund allocations to state areas (§6.2) and various substate jurisdictions in New Jersey (§6.3). These estimates derive from the formulas developed in chapters 4 and 5 upon substitution of the estimates developed in chapter 3 for the biases and variances of the data elements.
SCUBA Diving for Blind and Visually Impaired People

An orientation to SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving as a leisure and career activity, by a trained SCUBA diver who is severely visually impaired. Provides a detailed desc...
Variable-Friction Finger Surfaces to Enable Within-Hand Manipulation via Gripping and Sliding

The human hand is able to achieve an unparalleled diversity of manipulation actions. One contributor to this capability is the structure of the human finger pad, where soft internal tissue is surrounded by a layer of more rigid skin. This permits conforming of the finger pad around object contours for firm grasping, while also permitting low-friction sliding over object surfaces with a light touch. These varying modes of manipulation contribute to the common ability for in-hand-manipulation, where an object (such as a car key) may repositioned relative to the palm. In this letter, we present a simple mechanical analogy to the human finger pad, via a robotic finger with both high- and low-friction surfaces. The low-friction surface is suspended on elastic elements and recesses into a cavity when a sufficient normal force is applied (∼1.2 to 2.5 N depending on contact location), exposing the high-friction surface. We implement one “variable friction” finger and one “constant friction” finger on a 2-DOF gripper with a simple torque controller. With this setup, we demonstrate how within-hand rolling and sliding of an object may be achieved without the need for tactile sensing, high-dexterity, dynamic finger/object modeling, or complex control methods. The addition of an actuator to the finger design allows controlled switching between variable-friction and constant-friction modes, enabling precise object translation and reorientation within a grasp, via simple motion sequences. The rolling and sliding behaviors are characterized with experimentally verified geometric models.
Extremely low-noise cryogenic amplifiers for radio astronomy: past, present and future

Improvements in the noise temperature of cryogenic field-effect transistors (FET’s) and, later, heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFET’s) over the last several decades have been quite dramatic. In 1970, a noise temperature of 120 K was reported at 1 GHz and at a physical temperature of 77 K. Currently, noise temperatures of < 2 K, 10 K and 25 K are reported at 4, 40 and 100 GHz, respectively, for amplifiers at a physical temperature of about 15 K. This article reviews developments in this field and attempts to identify important milestones within the broader context of other technological developments (SiGe HBTs, CMOS). Noise models of unipolar and bipolar transistors are reviewed with an emphasis on their common noise properties, and on the allowable values of transistor noise parameters. The natural limits of low noise performance upon further scaling of gate or emitter size are also discussed.
The surgical consult entrustable professional activity (EPA): Defining competence as a basis for evaluation

Abstract Background The American Board of Surgery has proposed a competency-based training model, which relies on entrustable professional activities (EPAs) to assess and document competence. No data exist defining competence for surgical consultation, one of five proposed trial EPAs. Methods Qualitative interviews performed with 23 surgical faculty at two academic institutions. Interviews were reviewed for thematic content. Results No explicit framework is currently used to evaluate the surgical consult. Most participants currently use subjective, global performance assessment. This method often relies on information not limited to the discrete consult at hand. Competence for a discrete surgical consult can be defined by six key procedural steps and six performance traits. Five red-flag behaviors were identified that negatively impact entrustability. Conclusions Subjective global assessment of resident performance can be problematic. We propose an objective framework for assessment, which can be used to develop an evaluation tool and inform entrustment decisions for competency-based training.
2018 HIGHLIGHTED PAPERS FOR THE GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL PROVIDER: Session 400

Abstract Geriatric psychiatrists and other geriatric mental health providers face several competing demands for their attention and time. Numerous scientific advances in this growing field are published each year. Providers are expected to engage in lifelong learning and to practice evidence-based medicine. This session will provide busy geriatric psychiatrists and mental health providers a highlighted overview of several of the most relevant updates pertaining to the clinical practice of geriatric psychiatry that have been published from the year 2018. We hope that after attending this session, the audience will find the information presented useful for their clinical practice and can disseminate these updates to their colleagues. This will promote efficient learning, application of acquired knowledge to clinical practice, and help busy providers who also serve as experts in geriatric psychiatry to disseminate knowledge about up-to-date advances to their colleagues back home.
MON-420 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Hypernatremia Secondary to Adipsic Central Diabetes Insipidus

Background: Central diabetes insipidus is usually characterized by polyuria and polydipsia secondary to deficiency in anti-diuretic hormone. In some cases, patients can have hypothalamic or thalamic involvement leading to an impaired thirst mechanism. Here we present a case of a primary central nervous system (CNS) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma which presented as hypernatremia secondary to adipsic central diabetes insipidus. Clinical Case: A 53-year-old female presented to the hospital with confusion and lethargy. Family noted increased urinary frequency. She had been hospitalized at a different facility three times prior for hypernatremia. On admission, she was found to have sodium elevated to 160 mmol/L (135-145). Urine studies were notable for initial urine osmolality 360 with repeat low-normal at 144 mOsm/kg (50-1400), random urine sodium 36 mmol/L, and urine specific gravity 18). Free water deficit was calculated at 8 liters. MRI brain showed a 4.1 x 3.5 x 2 cm mass in the right posterior pons extending to the right cerebral peduncle and thalamus with mass effect on the third ventricle. She was hydrated with intravenous D5W then with ½ normal saline. Her urine output was 3.5-5 liters/day. She was given 1 mcg/mL DDAVP injection with urine osmolality increasing from 145 mOsm/kg to 280 mOsm/kg with a greater than 50% increase consistent with central diabetes insipidus. She was started on oral DDAVP prior to discharge with improvement in mental status. She underwent stereotactic brain biopsy with pathology demonstrating primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. CT chest/abdomen/pelvis was negative for primary disease and bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of lymphoma. She was started on chemotherapy with rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine with CT brain two weeks later showing rapid decrease in the size of the thalamic and midbrain mass. Conclusions: Although pituitary involvement in lymphomas is rare, there are a few cases in the literature describing posterior pituitary involvement in the setting of a primary CNS lymphoma which should be considered in new-onset, non-traumatic central diabetes insipidus. In patients with impaired thirst mechanism, evaluation of the hypothalamus and thalamus should be pursued.
Microprobe Analysis in Medicine — Present Practice and Future Trends

This paper reviews current applications of mieroprobe analysis in medicine with emphasis on medical practice as opposed to research applications. In current medical practice, mieroprobe analysis is usually accomplished on an electron microscope (EM) equipped with an energy dispersive x-ray detector (EDX). Accordingly, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) is emphasized in this communication. However, newer technologies such as ion and laser microscopes are now being used in a few laboratories for medical studies; therefore these will be briefly considered as well. For more extensive discussions of all of these topics, the reader is directed to our recent publication (Ingram et al., 1989).
Implementing Decision Coaching for Lung Cancer Screening in the Low-Dose Computed Tomography Setting.

PURPOSE:The uptake of shared decision making (SDM) for lung cancer screening (LCS) as required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is suboptimal. Alternative models for delivering...
A basilosaurid archaeocete (Cetacea, Pelagiceti) from the Late Eocene of Oregon, USA.

Background Basilosaurid archaeocetes are known from the Late Eocene of virtually all coastlines bearing coeval marine rocks except the North Pacific Basin, until now. Here we report on three consecutive posterior thoracic vertebrae of a large, basilosaurid archaeocete from a Late Eocene horizon in the Keasey Formation in Oregon. Methods These vertebrae were morphologically and morphometrically compared to other vertebrae of similar age from around the world. Results The specimens were determined to be different from all currently named species of fossil cetacean, but most similar to those found in the Gulf Coast region of North America. These vertebrae represent the first confirmed specimen of a Late Eocene basilosaurid from the North Pacific. These and other basilosaurids known only from vertebrae are reviewed here in the context of Late Eocene paleoceanography and cetacean evolution.
Rate Profiling the Impact of Remote Functional Groups on the Redox-Relay Heck Reaction.

The redox-relay Heck reaction is a powerful method for the construction of enantioenriched quaternary stereocenters remote from existing functional groups. However, there has been little success in...
Prediction of the treatment outcome using machine learning with FDG-PET image-based multiparametric approach in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

AIM To investigate the value of machine learning-based multiparametric analysis using 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy- d- glucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) images to predict treatment outcome in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-nine patients with OCSCC who received pretreatment integrated FDG-PET/computed tomography (CT) were included. They were divided into the training (66 patients) and validation (33 patients) cohorts. The diagnosis of local control or local failure was obtained from patient's medical records. Conventional FDG-PET parameters, including the maximum and mean standardised uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), quantitative tumour morphological parameters, intratumoural histogram, and texture parameters, as well as T-stage and clinical stage, were evaluated by a machine learning analysis. The diagnostic ability of T-stage, clinical stage, and conventional FDG-PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and TLG) was also assessed separately. RESULTS In support-vector machine analysis of the training dataset, the final selected parameters were T-stage, SUVmax, TLG, morphological irregularity, entropy, and run-length non-uniformity. In the validation dataset, the diagnostic performance of the created algorithm was as follows: sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.7, positive predictive value 0.86, negative predictive value 0.64, and accuracy 0.79. In a univariate analysis using conventional FDG-PET parameters, T-stage and clinical stage, diagnostic accuracy of each variable was revealed as follows: 0.61 in T-stage, 0.61 in clinical stage, 0.64 in SUVmax, 0.61 in SUVmean, 0.64 in MTV, and 0.7 in TLG. CONCLUSION A machine-learning-based approach to analysing FDG-PET images by multiparametric analysis might help predict local control or failure in patients with OCSCC.
Utility of 99m Tc sestamibi SPECT imaging in assessment of muscle viability after scalp replantation

1014 Objective: Scalp avulsion is a devastating injury that can occur after industrial or farm accidents. Replantation of the avulsed scalp muscle is a challenge for reconstructive surgeons and is fraught with the risk of flap failure due to microvascular complications. Early detection of vascular compromise can enable revascularization or other flap revision surgery. 99m Tc sestamibi SPECT has been previously used for non-invasive imaging of skeletal muscle perfusion and metabolism. Our goal was to investigate the utility of 99m Tc sestamibi SPECT in assessing scalp muscle viability after scalp replantation. Methods: 15 patients with scalp avulsions underwent 99m Tc sestamibi SPECT imaging at admission prior to surgical reconstruction. The imaging was repeated at 1 and 3 months following scalp reconstruction. Results: No uptake was seen on 99m Tc sestamibi SPECT at admission (n=15/15). On SPECT imaging at 1 month post-reconstruction, 13/15 patients showed good uptake at the flap site. 2/15 patients showed poor uptake and eventually lost their flaps to vascular complications at 2 months. The 13 patients with appreciable uptake at 1 month after scalp reconstruction demonstrated good uptake at 3 months post-reconstruction. They also went on to long term flap survival and developed scalp hair growth. Conclusions: Taken together our study suggests that 99m Tc sestamibi muscle SPECT imaging is a valuable tool in investigating early graft viability of muscle flaps like scalp replants. We also found that good uptake at 1 month after surgery was a good predictor of long-term graft survival. If there is underlying periosteal bone injury associated with scalp muscle avulsion, the combined use of 99m Tc sestamibi SPECT with 99m Tc bone SPECT imaging may be helpful in determining periosteal bone healing as well as muscle revascularization and graft acceptance.
Neural correlates of extinguished threat recall underlying the commonality between pediatric anxiety and irritability.

Abstract Background Anxiety and irritability frequently co-occur in youth and are mediated by aberrant threat responses. However, empirical evidence on neural mechanisms underlying this co-occurrence is limited. To address this, we apply data-driven latent phenotyping to data from a prior report of a well-validated threat extinction recall fMRI paradigm. Methods Participants included 59 youth (28 anxiety disorder, 31 healthy volunteers; Mage=13.15 yrs) drawn from a transdiagnostic sample of 331 youth, in which bifactor analysis was conducted to derive latent factors representing shared vs. unique variance of dimensionally-assessed anxiety and irritability. Participants underwent threat conditioning and extinction. Approximately three weeks later, during extinction recall fMRI, participants made threat-safety discriminations under two task conditions: current threat appraisal and explicit recall of threat contingencies. Linear mixed-effects analyses examined associations of a “negative affectivity” factor reflecting shared anxiety and irritability variance with whole-brain activation and task-dependent amygdala connectivity. Results During recall of threat-safety contingencies, higher negative affectivity was associated with greater prefrontal (ventrolateral/ventromedial, dorsolateral, orbitofrontal), motor, temporal, parietal, and occipital activation. During threat appraisal, higher negative affectivity was associated with greater amygdala-inferior parietal lobule connectivity to threat/safety ambiguity. Limitations Sample included only healthy youth and youth with anxiety disorders. Results may not generalize to other diagnoses for which anxiety and irritability are also common, and our negative affectivity factor should be interpreted as anxiety disorders with elevated irritability. Reliability of some subfactors was poor. Conclusions Aberrant amygdala-prefrontal-parietal circuitry during extinction recall of threat-safety stimuli may be a mechanism underlying the co-occurrence of pediatric anxiety and irritability.
National Cancer Institute Satellite Symposium on Fiber and Colon Cancer

The vast majority of research studies on dietary fiber and cancer have focused on colon cancer. In the United States today the incidence and mortality rates for colon cancer are second only to those for lung cancer (Silverberg and Lubera, 1988). The mortality from this malignancy has not changed materially in the past 50 years, highlighting the lack of effective therapy. As a consequence, prevention appears to offer the best opportunity to control this disease.
Interactive Advertising and Presence

AbstractNew communication technologies are creating new challenges for the advertising industry. While digital and high definition television, e-mail, the World Wide Web, and other new technologies represent new possibilities for advertisers, there is little information available regarding how to take advantage of them. There are indications that applying traditional models, designed for media that provide users with a passive, impersonal experience, will be unsuccessful for the new interactive digital media. A growing body of research and theory on the concept of presence may provide a valuable framework for advertisers as they try to adapt to the changing media environment. This paper considers some of the ways advertising is evolving to incorporate interactive media and how work on presence can guide that evolution.
Investigation of Consciousness Creating Physical Reality

The hypothesis that consciousness creates physical reality is investigated. The link of consciousness, internal excellence, conditioning of space, and manifestation of physical reality are probed. The phenomenon of the appearance of orbs is investigated and several published examples of materialization of conscious intention are cited by way of corroboration. The ideas presented might hold tremendous potential for solving many problems facing humanity.
A Frequency Domain Approach for Systems with Slow and Fast Modes

Many systems to which modern automatic control techniques are applied exhibit multiple time scale behavior. Recent work has shown that the control task can be simplified through model reduction or decomposition methods which rely on such behavior. Application of modern control methods to complicated system models can lead to complicated or oversensitive controllers. The authors show why decomposition of control problems into slow and fast portions is justified and present some theorems relating to the problem. Most decomposition and reduction methods employ singular perturbation theory as their mathematical basis. This paper approaches the problem from a frequency-domain viewpoint.
Monitoring behavior: assessing population status with rapid behavioral assessment

Despite years of effort from behavioral ecologists, animal behavior has not been fully integrated into the field of conservation biology. We propose a novel framework to join these fields through the use of demographic models. We present three strategies for incorporating behavior in demographic models, outline the costs of each strategy through decision analysis, and build on previous work in behavioral ecology and demography. We then provide practical recommendations for applying this framework to management programs. First, relevant behavioral mechanisms should be included in demographic models used for conservation decision making. Second, rapid behavioral assessment is a useful tool to approximate demographic parameters through regression of demographic phenomena on observations of related behaviors. Behaviorally estimated parameters may be included in population viability analysis for use in management. Finally, behavioral indices can be used as indicators of population trends. Rapid behavioral assessment holds promise as a cost-effective tool, but also represents a cost to model accuracy. We provide a framework for implementing rapid behavioral assessment through case studies of reproductive, foraging, and antipredator behaviors. We use a decision-theoretic approach to provide quantitative rules for identifying when metrics of animal behavior may be more meaningful than traditional population assessment.
Aircraft Communications and Networking

Aircraft communications have long relied on wireless radio communications to transmit air traffic control instructions and airline operational information between ground facilities and aircraft. As the number of aircraft and ground facilities increase, there is more demand for communication capacity in the frequency spectrum allocated for aeronautical communication. This increased demand has been satisfied so far by slicing the spectrum into smaller bandwidth channels. This issue of frequency congestion is particularly acute near large airports when many people are trying to speak at once on the same channel. Frequency congestion can make it difficult for a pilot to make a radio call in a timely manner. Digital datalinks were thus implemented to transfer non-time-critical information. The use of these datalinks reduces the need for voice communication, which then alleviates frequency congestion. The initial use of datalinks has been for airline operations and flight information such as local weather and airport status. As the United States transitions to the Next Generation Air Traffic System, digital data links are the enabling technology that will enhance aircraft communication and networking. Data links will also be used in navigation, surveillance, and flight information services. This chapter reviews aircraft communication basics, traditional types of aircraft communication, and current and future aircraft communication and networking plans. Keywords: Communications; avionics; datalink; VHF; NextGen
Determining a Partner's Share of Unrealized Receivables at the Liquidation of the Partner's Interest

Partnership law allows partners great freedom to vary the terms on which they share partnership profits from different sources. Partnership tax law, however, seems to presume, for purposes of the collapsible partner rules, that partners will share the revenue from the collection of receivables always in proportion to the value of their partnership interests. This counterfactual presumption exposes both the government and partner/taxpayers to unfortunate consequences. A substance-over-form approach to the attribution of unrealized receivables would certainly be unworkable, because too costly and intrusive to administer. Something between substance-over form and form-over-substance would best implement the policy of Subchapter K ? an approach modeled on that of the section 704(b) regulations. There is, unfortunately, insufficient legislative authority for the regulatory adoption of such an approach.
Effect of Some Lithium Compounds on Sintering of MgO

The addition of 0.25% or more of certain lithium compounds, particularly the halides, facilitates the pressing and sintering of reactive forms of high-purity magnesium oxide. Densities up to 3.46 gm. per cm.3 have been obtained at 1400°C. with reagent-grade magnesium oxide containing 0.5% lithium chloride as an additive. The effectiveness of lithium salts as sintering catalysts for magnesium oxide depends on the original surface area and particle size of the MgO. After autoclaving at 150 lb. per sq. in. gauge for 2 hours, samples of MgO sintered at 1400°C. with 0.5%of LiCl showed a water absorption comparable to that of fused magnesium oxide. Similar samples of lithium-treated periclase had about the same resistance to attack by a NaOH-FeO melt as pure MgO fired at 1800° to 1850°C.
Role of central serotonin systems in the stimulatory effects of ovarian hormones and naloxone on luteinizing hormone release in female rats.

The present experiments tested whether serotonergic neurons that innervate discrete areas of the hypothalamus are involved in the stimulation of LH release by ovarian hormones or the opiate antagonist naloxone in female rats. Ovariectomized rats received oil vehicle, estradiol benzoate (EB) alone, or EB followed by progesterone (P) 2 days later. Serotonin (5-HT) activity was assessed from the accumulation observed after the administration of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline. Two days after EB treatment, LH concentrations were reduced in the morning and rose by later afternoon. Administration of P to EB-primed rats stimulated a LH surge. This latter treatment also enhanced pargyline-induced 5-HT accumulation, suggesting increased 5-HT activity, in the medial preoptic nucleus and interstitial nucleus of the stria terminalis, but reduced 5-HT accumulation, suggesting decreased 5-HT activity, in the ventromedial nucleus. 5-HT activity was unaffected after EB alone, either in the morning or afternoon,...
Incorporation of lipophilic pathways into the porous pathway model for describing skin permeabilization during low-frequency sonophoresis.

Application of low-frequency sonophoresis (LFS) has been shown to increase skin permeability, thereby facilitating delivery of hydrophilic solutes. We have previously shown that the modified porous pathway model provides an adequate theoretical description of transdermal delivery of hydrophilic solutes through pores in the presence and absence of ultrasound. However, small hydrophilic solutes (Mw<400 Da) that exhibit a moderate partition coefficient, Ko/w (0.1<Ko/w<1), may also have a substantial contribution to permeability from transport through intercellular lipid bilayers. The aim of this note is to incorporate the lipophilic pathway into the porous pathway model to describe transdermal drug transport in the absence and presence of ultrasound.
Bhabha first-order wave equations. II. Mass and spin composition, Hamiltonians, and general Sakata-Taketani reductions

Beginning with the Bhabha first-order wave equation of maximum spin 1 [the Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau (DKP) equation], where Sakata and Taketani (ST) separated out the "particle components" from the built in "subsidiary components," we derive for the first time the Hamiltonian equation for the "subsidiary components," and show that its solution is an identity in terms of the particle-components solution. We then derive a set of general inverse and ST operators for arbitrary-spin Bhabha fields. With these generalized operators we can discuss and understand the mass and spin composition of a general Bhabha so(5) field, it being a particular sum of [$2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}(2S+1)$] components for each particular mass and spin ($S$) state, as well as built in "subsidiary components" for integer spin. We then can use these general inverse and ST operators to (a) derive the general Bhabha Hamiltonian for arbitrary spin, (b) decouple the "particle components" from the "subsidiary components" in the Hamiltonian equations for integer spin (where, as was the case for DKP, we find that the Hamiltonian "subsidiary components" solution is an identity in terms of the particle-components solution), and (c) decouple the $\mathcal{S}+\frac{1}{2} (\mathcal{S})$ different mass states for half-integer (integer) spin. We discuss the physical implications of this observation and other aspects of our results.
The Semantics of Rigid Designation

Frege's thesis that each singular term has a sense that determines its reference and serves as its cognitive value has come to be widely doubted. Saul Kripke argued that since names are rigid designators, their referents are not determined by senses. David Kaplan has argued that the rigid designation of indexical terms entails that they also lack referent-determining senses. Kripke's argument about names and Kaplan's argument about indexical terms differ, but each contains a false premise. The referents of both names and indexical terms are determined by reflexive senses. It is reflexive sense that makes these terms rigid designators.
Simultaneous synthesis and densification of transparent, photoluminescent polycrystalline YAG by current activated pressure assisted densification (CAPAD)

Abstract We report a method for the synthesis and processing of transparent bulk polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) and photoluminescent Ce-doped YAG ceramics via solid-state reactive-current activated pressure assisted densification (CAPAD). The process uses commercially available γ-Al 2 O 3 , Y 2 O 3 , and CeO 2 nanopowders. The nanopowders were reacted and densified simultaneously at temperatures between 850 °C and 1550 °C and at a maximum pressure of 105 MPa. The solid-state reaction to phase pure YAG occurs in under 4 min at processing temperatures 1100 °C which is significantly faster (on the order of tens of hours) and occurs at much lower temperatures (∼600 °C) compared to conventional reaction sintering. We found that the reaction significantly improves densification – the shrinkage rate of reaction-produced YAG was three times higher than that of YAG using pre-reacted powder. The Ce additions were found to retard the reaction driven shrinkage kinetics by a factor ∼3, but are still faster (by a factor ∼1.6) than those associated with direct densification (no synthesis). Densities >99% were achieved in both pure YAG and Ce doped YAG (Ce:YAG). Results of optical measurements show good transparency in the visible and photoluminescence (PL) in the Ce:YAG. The PL peak is broad and appears white when excited using blue light confirming that the ceramics can be used in solid state lighting to produce white light.
José Antonio's rhetoric of fascism

Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera relied heavily on rhetorical discourse while forming Spain's pre‐civil‐war version of a fascist movement. To give insight into Jose Antonio's persuasive prow'ess and perhaps into the rhetorical and consequent political power of fascism wherever it takes hold, this study attempts to demonstrate that the fascist ideology invited and constrained his choice of the rhetorical elements that formed his message: his themes and arguments, his second persona, and his first persona. The dynamic interplay of these elements represents a formula for fascist persuasion which made him an effective spokesman to audiences who would enact the fascist agenda.
Urinary gonadotropin fragment measurements in patients with lung and esophageal disease.

Urinary gonadotropin fragment (UGF), a small glycoprotein and an intracellular processing product of human chorionic gonadotropin, has been demonstrated in trophoblast tissue and in nontrophoblastic cancers. Levels of UGF were assayed in 107 patients with malignant and beinign pulmonary and esophageal lesions to determine if elevated levels were associated with the presence or progression of malignancy. There were 64 patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma, 9 with metastatic pulmonary malignancies, 7 with lymphoma, 2 with mesothelioma, 9 with esophageal carcinoma, 1 patient each with metastatic cancer to chest wall and carcinoid, and 14 patients with benign pulmonary and esophageal lesions. Sensitivity was only 24% for urine samples from patients with demonstrable cancer. Falsepositive rates were 6% and 12% for urine samples from patients with benign lesions and those without evidence of residual cancer following treatment, respectively. Although elevated levels of UGF are present in some patients with pulmonary and esophageal cancer it is neither sensitive nor specific enough for use as a tumor marker.
Comparison of Closed‐Chamber and Bowen‐Ratio Methods for Determining Methane Flux from Peatland Surfaces

Methane (CH 4 ) is an important greenhouse gas, and it has been estimated that 50% of annual CH 4 comes from terrestrial systems. Better and more accurate methods are needed to quantify CH 4 flux from terrestrial environments. Two general methods commonly applied to measure trace gas fluxes are soil cover (chamber) techniques, and micrometeorology methods. Both of these methods has advantages and disadvantages, yet little information is available concerning the relative performance of the techniques. This study was conducted to compare CH 4 flux measurements obtained by using a dosed-chamber soil cover technique and a micrometeorological method (Bowen-ratio Energy Balance [BREB]). Methane flux rates obtained by both methods were compared using nine time points over 3 d at a peatland site in north central Minnesota. Mean CH 4 fluxes obtained by both methods were of the same magnitude (2.43-5.88 mg CH 4 m -2 h -1 ; however, differences were observed in the magnitudes of temporal variability as well as the detection sensitivities (minimum detectable flux). The minimum detectable flux for the closed-chamber method was 9.32 x 10 -2 mg CH 4 m -2 h -1 , while the minimum detectable flux for the BREB method ranged from 2.16 to 25.5 mg CH 4 m -2 h -1 . Due to analytical uncertainties associated with gas chromatographic determination of CH 4 gradients, the BREB is not recommended.
Effect of metergoline on the diurnal prolactin responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in normal men

Abstract (1) Insulin tolerance tests were performed at 0900 and 1800 hr on six young healthy men, under basal conditions and after metergoline pretreatment. (2) The hypoglycemia induced by insulin during the two tests was not significantly different. (3) Both morning and evening basal prolactin (PRL) levels were significantly lowered by metergoline. (4) Insulin hypoglycemia-induced PRL release was significantly inhibited by metergoline, both in the morning and in the evening. (5) Although dopaminergic mechanisms may account for these effects of metergoline, serotonergic mechanisms cannot be ruled out.
Detecting a change in the intercept in multiple regression

Abstract To detect a change at some unknown time in the constant term of a multiple regression, an obvious statistic is the ratio c 2 of the sum of squares of the partial sums of the residuals to their sum of squares. We show how the methods of Durbin and Watson (1950) can be used to find the true and an approximate significance points of c 2 , and computable bounds for the true points.