cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase II Trial of Radiosurgery to Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy–Defined High-Risk Tumor Volumes in Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme

Purpose To determine the efficacy of a Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) boost to areas of high risk determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) functional imaging in addition to standard radiotherapy for patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Methods and Materials Thirty-five patients in this prospective Phase II trial underwent surgical resection or biopsy for a GBM followed by SRS directed toward areas of MRS-determined high biological activity within 2 cm of the postoperative enhancing surgical bed. The MRS regions were determined by identifying those voxels within the postoperative T2 magnetic resonance imaging volume that contained an elevated choline/N-acetylaspartate ratio in excess of 2:1. These voxels were marked, digitally fused with the SRS planning magnetic resonance image, targeted with an 8-mm isocenter per voxel, and treated using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group SRS dose guidelines. All patients then received conformal radiotherapy to a total dose of 60 Gy in 2-Gy daily fractions. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Results The median survival for the entire cohort was 15.8 months. With 75% of recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) Class 3 patients still alive 18 months after treatment, the median survival for RPA Class 3 has not yet been reached. The median survivals for RPA Class 4, 5, and 6 patients were 18.7, 12.5, and 3.9 months, respectively, compared with Radiation Therapy Oncology Group radiotherapy-alone historical control survivals of 11.1, 8.9, and 4.6 months. For the 16 of 35 patients who received concurrent temozolomide in addition to protocol radiotherapeutic treatment, the median survival was 20.8 months, compared with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer historical controls of 14.6 months using radiotherapy and temozolomide. Grade 3/4 toxicities possibly attributable to treatment were 11%. Conclusions This represents the first prospective trial using selective MRS-targeted functional SRS combined with radiotherapy for patients with GBM. This treatment is feasible, with acceptable toxicity and patient survivals higher than in historical controls. This study can form the basis for a multicenter, randomized trial.
Seagrass distribution and abundance in Eastern Gulf of Mexico coastal waters

The marine angiosperms Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, and Halodule wrightii form two of the largest reported seagrass beds along the northwest and southern coasts of Florida where they cover about 3000 square km in the Big Bend area and about 5500 square km in Florida Bay, respectively. Most of the leaf biomass in the Big Bend area and outer Florida Bay was composed of Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme which were distributed throughout the beds but which were more abundant in shallow depths. A short-leaved form of Halodule wrightii grew in monotypic stands in shallow water near the inner edges of the beds, while Halophila decipiens and a longer-leaved variety of H. wrightii grew scattered throughout the beds, in monotypic stands near the outer edges of the beds, and in deeper water outside the beds. Halophila engelmanni was observed scattered at various depths throughout the seagrass beds and in monospecific patches in deep water outside the northern bed. Ruppia maritima grew primarily in brackish water around river mouths. The cross-shelf limits of the two major seagrass beds are controlled nearshore by increased water turbidity and lower salinity around river mouths and off-shore by light penetration to depths which receive 10% or more of sea surface photosynthetically active radiation. Seagrasses form large beds only along low energy reaches of the coast. The Florida Bay seagrass bed contained about twice the short-shoot density of both Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme, for data averaged over all depths, and about four times the average short-shoot density of both species in shallow water compared with the Big Bend seagrass bed. The differences in average seagrass abundance between Florida Bay and the Big Bend area may be a consequence of the effects of greater seasonal solar radiation and water temperature fluctuations experienced by plants in the northern bed, which lies at the northern distribution limit for American Tropical seagrasses.
The Incredible Possibilities of Being

The traditional description of people of color in America has emphasized their passive reactivity to their historical social oppression. By contrast the novelist, Ralph Ellison, has attempted to characterize the tendency of African Americans to develop their humanity in spite of the obstacles and meannesses imposed upon them. Such a portrayal is consistent with Joseph Rychlak's developed view of the human psychological capacity for “dialectic” imagination, by which people envision the intrinsic oppositionalities, and hence the possibilities, in a given situation. In this essay I illustrate the usefulness of dialectical thinking for people in different cultural contexts.
Spatial variation of dosimetric leaf gap and its impact on dose delivery

Purpose: During dose calculation, the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) retracts the multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf positions by half of the dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) value (measured at central axis) for all leaf positions in a dynamic MLC plan to accurately model the rounded leaf ends. The aim of this study is to map the variation of DLG along the travel path of each MLC leaf pair and quantify how this variation impacts delivered dose. Methods: 6 MV DLG values were measured for all MLC leaf pairs in increments of 1.0 cm (from the line intersecting the CAX and perpendicular to MLC motion) to 13.0 cm off axis distance at dmax. The measurements were performed on two Varian linear accelerators, both employing the Millennium 120-leaf MLCs. The measurements were performed at several locations in the beam with both a Sun Nuclear MapCHECK device and a PTW pinpoint ion chamber. Results: The measured DLGs for the middle 40 MLC leaf pairs (each 0.5 cm width) at positions along a line through the CAX and perpendicular to MLC leaf travel direction were very similar, varying maximally by only 0.2 mm. The outer 20 MLC leaf pairs (each 1.0 cm width) have much lower DLG values, about 0.3–0.5 mm lower than the central MLC leaf pair, at their respective central line position. Overall, the mean and the maximum variation between the 0.5 cm width leaves and the 1.0 cm width leaf pairs are 0.32 and 0.65 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The spatial variation in DLG is caused by the variation of intraleaf transmission through MLC leaves. Fluences centered on the CAX would not be affected since DLG does not vary; but any fluences residing significantly off axis with narrow sweeping leaves may exhibit significant dose differences. This is due to the fact that there are differences in DLG between the true DLG exhibited by the 1.0 cm width outer leaves and the constant DLG value utilized by the TPS for dose calculation. Since there are large differences in DLG between the 0.5 cm width leaf pairs and 1.0 cm width leaf pairs, there is a need to correct the TPS plans, especially those with high modulation (narrow dynamic MLC gap), with 2D variation of DLG.
Infectivity, growth and development of Echinostoma liei (trematoda) in the domestic chick

Abstract Of 64 chicks, each fed 100 ± 10 cysts of Echinostoma liei, 62 (97%) were infected 1–21 days post-infection with a total of 1808 (28%) worms. Worms were found in clusters mainly in the lower ileum. Worm wet weights averaged 0.3 mg at 7 days, 2.5 mg at 14 days and 3.0 mg at 21 days; average dry weights for identical days were 0.1, 0.5 and 0.8 mg, respectively. Worms were ovigerous by day 7. Many differences were noted in the infectivity, growth and development of E. liei in the domestic chick compared with previous studies on E. revolutum.
Hypovolemic shock and intestinal ischemia: A preventable complication of incomplete formula labeling

A 19-day-old male infant was seen with full-thickness gangrene of the transverse colon. Hyperosmolar formula feedings caused by inadequate "directions for use" was the probable cause. Improved formula labeling might prevent further cases.
Juvenile conduct disorder as a risk factor for trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder

Juvenile conduct disorder (CD) is a well-documented risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examines the mechanisms underlying this relationship by using data from 3,315 twin pairs in the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. Results indicate the number of conduct disorder symptoms increased risk of trauma exposure and PTSD in a dose-response fashion. This increased risk was mediated in part by the positive association between CD and lifestyle factors and was not due to confounding by shared genetic or familial vulnerability. The findings suggest CD increases risk for trauma exposure and PTSD among male veterans through direct and indirect mechanisms. Veterans who have a history of CD are at high risk for trauma exposure and development of PTSD.
On the relative need for satellite remote soundings and rocket soundings of the upper atmosphere.

A review of engineering and research data requirements for altitudes 30-100 km is made, indicating a variety of concrete data applications above 30 km (10 mb). The required data have in large measure been provided from meteorological rocket soundings, of which 18,000 have been taken, at considerable cost, since 1959. Remote vertical soundings based on satellite infrared radiation measurements have been obtained since 1969 with considerable success to an altitude of 25 km (30 mb). From developmental work in progress, it is expected that reliable temperature soundings may be obtained to 40-45 km. A discussion of the overall reliability and utility of the satellite data leads to several conclusions regarding the continuing need for rocket soundings.
Studies of the need for supplemental biotin in chick rations.

Abstract BIOTIN, an essential nutrient for poultry, is widely distributed in plant tissues both in a free and a bound form. Generally the feedstuffs used in commercial poultry rations have been considered to supply enough of the vitamin to make supplemental biotin unnecessary. Within the past 3 years several reports have appeared which indicate that biotin is deficient in certain turkey rations. This has stimulated more research on the need for biotin in poultry rations. Bauernfeind (1969) has summarized several reports on the role the vitamin plays in animals, factors affecting the need for supplemental biotin in practical rations, and results of tests to determine the biotin content of feedstuffs. Several years ago, when experiments were being conducted here to study the value of enzyme supplements in barley rations, it was noted that wheat and barley appeared to provide the chick with a much lower biotin level than microbiological (MB) assay. . .
Identification of Mode in Low-Frequency Sweep Ionospheric Sounding, and Interference Patterns between Overlapping Echoes

Identification of Mode in Low-Frequency Sweep Ionospheric Sounding, and Interference Patterns between Overlapping Echoes
Aerosol formation in reacting gases: Relation of surface area to rate of gas-to-particle conversion

Abstract Several investigators have reported that constant aerosol surface areas per volume of gas are established when aerosols are generated by chemical reaction at a constant mass (or volume) rate. A simple relationship between these surface areas and the rate of gas-to-particle conversion has been observed over a wide range of aerosol formation rates. In this paper, a theory is developed which explains these observations. For monodisperse aerosols and aerosols whose size distributions are self-preserving, the surface area per unit volume of gas can be expressed as a function of the rate of gas-to-particle conversion, dV dt , and time, t. For the special case of constant dV dt , surface area varies as dV dt 3 5 t 1 5 and is essentially independent of the chemical nature of the secondary aerosol. The values and functional dependences of measured surface areas are in good agreement with the theory given in this paper. Thus by carrying out photochemical reactions under controlled conditions, aerosols of predictable surface area can be generated.
Das Thema vom Besitz und Eigentum in der zeitgenössischen deutschen Literatur

Das Thema, das die meisten deutschen Burger in den neuen Bundeslandern beschaftigt, ist die Frage des Eigentums. Heute gibt es uber zwei Millionen Anspruche auf Ruckgabe von ostdeutschen Grundstucken und Immobilien, von denen wenigstens zwei Drittel immer noch ungeklart sind. Sogar die Politiker aller Parteien bestreiten nicht, das die uberhastete Regelung der Eigentumsfrage der groste Fehler der deutschen Vereinigung war. Naturlich ist es dann auch nicht uberraschend, das das Schicksalsthema der Eigentumsfrage jetzt zu einem wichtigen Thema unter den ex-DDR Autoren (z.B. Erik Neutschs Roman Todschlag) und Filmmachern (z.B. Gerhard Bengschs Filme Dornberger und Grus Gott, Genosse) wird. Das bis jetzt wohl bekannteste literarische Werk ist wahrscheinlich Stefan Heyms (Jahrgang 1913) Kurzgeschichte Auf Sand gebaut, das den Ernst der Sache mit bitterem Humor zu uberwinden sucht. In Heyms Geschichte wird das fur 35 000 Ost Mark von der kommunalen Wohnungsverwaltung zur DDR Zeiten erworbene Eigentumshaus von der Familie Bodelschwingh von anderen "Eigentumern" beansprucht. Zuerst meldet sich ein Herr Elmar Prottwedel, der Eigentumer einer "im Westen nicht unbekannten Brauerei," dessen Vater das Haus und Grundstuck schon im Jahre 1936 rechtmasig erworben hatte. Er will das Haus, in dem die Familie Bodelschwingh jetzt wohnt, sowie seines "Opas Lieblingssessel" wieder in Besitz nehmen. Da die beiden deutschen Staaten sich jetzt "glucklich wiedervereint hatten, mit entsprechenden rechtlichen Folgen," benehmen sich Herr Prottwedel und sein Berater Dr. jur. Schwiebus von Schwiebus "wie Eroberer." Und sie haben nicht einmal mehr "die funfundzwanzig Mark fur den Grenzubertritt" zahlen mussen. Fur die Bodelschwinghs ist "Besitz Besitz," ein Staat oder zwei, aber die aus dem Westen benehmen sich "wie die Sieger," "und wir selber haben sie ins Land geholt."
1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel ligands: Selectivity of action. The roles of pharmacokinetics, state-dependent interactions, channel isoforms, and other factors

The selectivity of action of the clinically available calcium channel antagonists depends on a number of factors: 1) Mode of calcium mobilization--intracellular and extracellular sources. 2) Class and subclass of calcium channel involved. 3) Pharmacokinetic considerations, including distribution and interactions with cell membranes. 4) State-dependent interactions-voltage- and frequency-dependent interactions. 5) Pathologic state of tissue and channel regulation. These factors will be illustrated with particular reference to the 1,4-dihydropyridine series of ligands. The Ca 2+ channel antagonists may be placed in several classes according to their rates of onset and offset of action, and the overall cardiovascular activity of an agent can profoundly alter its hemodynamic response. Additionally, third-generation agents such as lacidipine and lercenadipine partition extensively into plasma membranes according to membrane composition. Calcium mobilization through the L-type channel is the dominant target of the available antagonists: hence, systems that rely dominantly or exclusively on other mobilization processes are insensitive. Renal afferent and efferent arterioles that regulate glomerular flow and resistance are sensitive to the powerful vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II; however, only the processes in the afferent arteriole are sensitive to the Ca 2+ channel antagonists. An important and subtle process for conferring tissue selectivity of action is derived from state-dependent interactions between channel and drug, whereby, according to the modulated-receptor hypothesis, drugs may exhibit preferential affinity for or access to different states of the channel-resting, open, or inactivated. Transitions between these states are determined by membrane potential and biochemical factors, including channel phosphorylation. The 1,4-dihydropyridine series exhibit significant and structure-dependent voltage-dependent interactions, which reflect a preferential interaction with open and/or inactivated channel states. The differential pharmacology of the L-type Ca 2+ channel is a further determinant of tissue selectivity. The cardiovascular system expresses three different α 1 subunits-Ca V 1.2 A-C -and although a detailed pharmacological comparison is not yet available, there is sufficient evidence to indicate important differences. Thus, the 1,4-dihydropyridine nisoldipine interacts differentially with recombinant channels derived from cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. A number of disease states, both clinical and experimental, have been associated with changes in Ca 2+ channel expression and function, although the causal relationship is often not established. Thus, in cardiac hypertrophy and failure the majority of studies reveal a reduction in L-type channel number or function.
Estimating Signal Detectability in a Model Diffuse Optical Imaging System

Diffuse optical imaging (DOI) researchers need metrics for quantifying signal detectability to assess different hardware configurations. Using Monte Carlo and statistical model observers, we estimated DOI signal detectability to compare source, signal, and detector parameters.
Photoionization yield and absorption coefficient of xenon in the region of 860–1022Å

Abstract Absorption coefficient and absolute photoionization yield of xenon gas have been measured by photoelectric methods with 0·2Abandwidth in the 860–1022Aregion. Ionization yields were obtained with a platinum detector calibrated against a calibrated thermocouple. A yield value of unity was obtained throughout this region which includes preionized Rydberg lines. The absorption coefficient at most wavelengths fell between the spread of previous values.
The effects of psychoactive drugs on norepinephrine-3H metabolism in brain

The effects of imipramine, desmethylimipramine, chlorpromazine, and lithium chloride on the metabolism of intracisternally administered norepinephrine-3H was studied in rat brain. When drugs were administered prior to the norepinephrine-3H, it was found that desmethylimipramine, imipramine, and chlorpromazine all lowered the brain content of norepinephrine-3H but only the antidepressants, imipramine and desmethylimipramine, simultaneously increased the brain level of normetanephrine-3H. In experiments in which psychoactive drugs were injected after intracisternal administration of norepinephrine-3H, imipramine and desmethylimipramine slowed the disappearance of norepinephrine-3H from brain tissue and concurrently increased the brain content of normetanephrine-3H. In contrast, chlorpromazine had no apparent effect in brain upon the rate of disappearance of norepinephrine-3H or upon the content of normetanephrine-3H. Lithium chloride decreased normetanephrine-3H levels and increased the deaminated catechols. These findings suggest that while antidepressants may increase physiologically available norepinephrine, lithium, a drug effective in the treatment of mania, may decrease levels of norepinephrine available to central adrenergic receptors.
Behavioral switching in cockroaches: transformations of tactile reflexes during righting behavior

1. The cockroachGromphadorhina portentosa, when standing still, responds to tactile stimulation of any region of the body with complex evasive postural reflexes (Fig. 4). These responses show local sign and irradiation and compromise a Sherringtonian “type reflex”. A predominant feature of all these movements is ventral flexion of the body. 2. Righting behavior is evoked when the insect loses leg-to-ground conact, irrespective of its orientation to gravity. 3. Righting behavior commences with a pronounced dorsal flexion. In spite of the strong tactile input from the substrate received by the prothorax and the tip of the abdomen, ventral flexions are not evoked. Rather, the pronounced dorsal flexion continues (Fig. 7A). 4. In tethered insects, tactile stimulation of the prothorax evokes different motor outputs depending upon whether or not the legs are in contact with the substrate: with the legs in contact, each stimulus evokes a ventral flexion, and with contact removed, each stimulus evokes a dorsal flexion (Fig. 8). In ventral flexions, ventral but not dorsal motor neurons are excited; in dorsal flexions the reverse is true (Fig. 9). 5. Under special circumstances, righting behavior can occur when not preceded by loss of leg-to-substrate contact. In such instances, tactile stimulation of the prothorax evokes dorsal flexions, just as it does in normal righting. 6. Such a change of motor output for prothoracic stimulation is seen for numerous other sites of stimulation as well (Fig. 10). Since all these reflexes involve receptors and muscles located in diverse regions of the body, and all are switched simultaneously as righting begins, a widely distributed, unitary switching system for righting behavior is implicated. Several other reflexes do not switch during righting, and the functional significance of the persistence of these is discussed. 7. Two alternative models are presented, and serve as the basis for defining the minimal requirements to model behavioral switching in this system.
Soft Non-commutative ToralC*-Algebras

We define parametrized softC*-algebras associated with finitely generated discrete groups and study in detail the ones associated to Zn. We determine theK-theory of the resultingC*-algebras for large classes of examples.
Chemical and Physical Analyses of Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Although silver has long been used as an antimicrobial agent, it is not used often due to economical and environmental concerns. However, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have the same properties as elemental silver and can be synthesized on a considerably more economical level. The objective of this study was to synthesize AgNPs and analyze their physical, chemical, and antimicrobial properties. The first portion of this study consisted of synthesizing AgNPs of 5nm, 35nm, 40nm, and 60nm lengths, using diluted lab solutions and sterile techniques. The physical analysis of the AgNPs was performed through visual color comparisons of their varied sizes, which confirmed their successful synthesis. A chemical analysis was then conducted using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which measured their absorbance at a 635nm wavelength. Finally, the antimicrobial property of the AgNPs was investigated by inoculating a strain of Staphylococcus aureus with titrated concentrations of varied nanoparticle size. This titration allowed for the analysis of the relationship between the size of AgNPs and level of inhibition of S. aureus. The results of the bacterial inhibition were quantified using a colorimeter, which determined the density of the bacteria and the consequent level of inhibition. The results were analyzed using an ANOVA test, which determined that at a 95% significance level, AgNPs were successfully able to inhibit the growth of S. aureus. However, the results of an ensuing series of t-tests indicated that there was not a consistent relationship between the size of the nanoparticles and the level of bacterial inhibition.
Managing Social Predicaments Created by Others: A Comparison of Japanese and American Facework.

This study is a comparison of US American and Japanese cultures in terms of the incidence and management of face threatening predicaments perpetrated by others. Eleven categories of other‐induced predicaments were found in both Japanese and US American samples. The relative occurrence of each type of situation was not significantly different between cultures. It was hypothesized that US Americans are more likely than Japanese to employ remedial responses of humor, accounts, and aggression, and Japanese are more likely than US Americans to employ remedial responses of apology and remediation. These predictions were supported.
Effect of Hemoglobin Level on Long-Term All-Cause Mortality After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in African-Americans

Anemia has been shown to be an independent predictor of long-term mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). African-Americans are known to have lower hemoglobin (Hgb) levels compared with Caucasians. The impact of anemia on long-term mortality in African-Americans undergoing PCI is unknown. We evaluated a total of 715 African-American patients (313 patients with anemia and 402 patients without anemia as defined by the World Health Organization [Hgb
Site-directed mutagenesis reveals a unique requirement for tyrosine residues in IL-7Rα and TSLPR cytoplasmic domains in TSLP-dependent cell proliferation

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin-7 (IL-7) like cytokine, which plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses to allergens. TSLP binds to a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of the IL-7 receptor α chain (IL-7Rα) and the TSLP receptor (TSLPR, also known as CRLF2). It has previously been suggested that the lone tyrosine residue in the mouse TSLPR cytoplasmic domain is required for cell proliferation using chimeric receptor systems. Also the role of tyrosine residues in the IL-7Rα cytoplasmic domain in TSLP signaling has not yet been investigated. We undertook a systematic analysis to test the role of tyrosine residues of both the IL-7Rα and the TSLPR in inducing cell proliferation in a growth factor dependent cell line, Ba/F3. A multiple sequence alignment of the IL-7Rα and TSLPR cytoplasmic domains revealed conservation of most, but not all, cytoplasmic tyrosine residues across several species. Our site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that the single tyrosine residue in human TSLPR was not required for TSLP-dependent cell proliferation. It has previously been reported that Y449 of human IL-7Rα is required for IL-7 dependent proliferation. Interestingly, in contrast to IL-7 signaling, none of tyrosine residues in the human IL-7Rα cytoplasmic domain were required for TSLP-dependent cell proliferation in the presence of a wild type TSLPR. However, the mutation of all cytoplasmic four tyrosine residues of human IL-7Rα and human TSLPR to phenylalanine residues abolished the proliferative ability of the TSLP receptor complex in response to TSLP. These results suggest that TSLP requires at least one cytoplasmic tyrosine residue to transmit proliferative signals. Unlike other members of IL-2 cytokine family, tyrosine residues in IL-7Rα and TSLPR cytoplasmic domains play a redundant role in TSLP-mediated cell growth.
PUMA mediates EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced apoptosis in head and neck cancer cells

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is found in over 80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and associated with poor clinical outcomes. EFGR selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or antibodies have recently emerged as promising treatments for solid tumors, including HNSCC, though the response rate to these agents is low. p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), a BH3-only Bcl-2 family protein, is required for apoptosis induced by p53 and various chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we show that PUMA induction is correlated with EGFR-TKI sensitivity, and is mediated through the p53 family protein p73β and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In some HNSCC cells, the gefitinib-induced degradation of oncogenic ΔNp63 seems to facilitate p73-mediated PUMA transcription. Inhibiting PUMA expression by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) impairs gefitinib-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, PUMA or BH3 mimetics sensitize HNSCC cells to gefitinib-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that PUMA induction through p73 represents a new mechanism of EGFR inhibitor-induced apoptosis, and provide potential ways for enhancing and predicting the sensitivity to EGFR-targeted therapies in HNSCC.
Use of Over-the-Counter Nicotine Patch for Smoking Cessation: Prudent or Premature?

In Reply. —Drs McNagny and Ahluwalia suggest that OTC use of the transdermal nicotine patch might increase its costeffectiveness; any loss in effectiveness would be more than offset by transferring costs to the purchaser of the patch. This is a disingenuous argument. Simply shifting costs does not improve cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the cost of the patch is most often borne by the user, not a third-party payer, so OTC approval will not result in consumer savings unless the OTC patch is priced lower than the prescription patch. We agree that there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of the patch in the absence of physician advice. However, the California Tobacco Survey1is the only study that we could identify that compares rates of quitting with the patch in the absence of advice with rates of quitting without the patch. The study by Orleans et al2cited by McNagny and Ahluwalia only
Experimental studies of the dissolution of gas bubbles in whole blood and plasma. II. Moving bubbles or liquids.

Abstract Part I of the study is concerned with the dissolution of a gas bubble in quiescent, degassed blood and plasma. This paper is an extension of the experimental study to include the case in which the gas bubble dissolves in degassed blood and plasma impinging upon it. Results are compared with those of part I and the effects of relative motion between the bubble and the liquid are examined. It is disclosed from the comparison that the speed at which the bubble dissolves into the liquid is accelerated as the velocity of the flowing liquid is increased. The applications of the study include the dissolution of gas emboli in the human body and the extracorporeal oxygenation of the blood during open heart surgery.
Polychromatic microdiffraction characterization of defect gradients in severely deformed materials

This paper analyzes local lattice rotations introduced in severely deformed polycrystalline titanium by friction stir welding. Nondestructive three-dimensional (3D) spatially resolved polychromatic X-ray microdiffraction, is used to resolve the local crystal structure of the restructured surface from neighboring local structures in the sample material. The measurements reveal strong gradients of strain and geometrically necessary dislocations near the surface and illustrate the potential of polychromatic microdiffraction for the study of deformation in complex materials systems.
An electrophysiological probe of incidental semantic association

Long-latency components of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) recorded from subjects reading meaningful text are sensitive to semantic relationships among the major lexical items of sentences. In particular, the N400 components are enlarged to words that are semantically unrelated to or incongruous with the context provided by preceding items in a sentence. The present experiment was aimed at finding out whether this inverse relationship between N400 amplitude and semantic association would extend to situations where words were presented in isolated pairs, using a design that dissociated changes in N400 from confounding ERP waves elicited by active decision making. KRP's were recorded to 320 word pairs presented to eleven subjects. Each pair of words was followed by a letter, and subjects made a differential response according to whether or not the letter had been present in either of the words. After the ERP recording session, subjects rated the degree of semantic association between the words in each pair. ERP averages were formed on the basis of the subjects' ratings and on the basis of normative, a priori categories. For both types of averages the N400 amplitude was found to be a sensitive index of semantic association, even though the association was incidental to the subject's assigned task. These findings suggest the utility of the N400 measure in studies of semantic priming and as a probe of the automaticity of contextual influences in language processing.
Comparison of modified Thrombelastograph and Plateletworks whole blood assays to optical platelet aggregation for monitoring reversal of clopidogrel inhibition in elective surgery patients

Clinically monitoring recovery from clopidogrel and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) inhibition requires whole blood assays corresponding to a standard methodology such as platelet-rich plasma aggregation monitored optically (OPA). We compared OPA, using an ED 50 dose of adenosine diphosphate activation, with 2 whole blood assays, Plateletworks (PWA) and modified Thrombelastograph (TEG). Two sets of assays were performed on 43 surgery patients while on clopidogrel and off clopidogrel to determine the reversal of absolute and relative inhibition. The modified TEG had Spearman correlations with OPA for absolute (rho = .424; P = .006) and relative inhibition (rho = .742; P < .0001). PWA correlations with OPA gave absolute (rho = .28; P = .08) and relative inhibition (rho = .46; P = .004) values. Bland-Altman analysis indicated agreement of both tests with OPA, showing constant biases of about 18% and some dependency on mean magnitude error. Cohen effect size thresholds defined nonresponders as < 7.7% clopidogrel inhibition relative to baseline recovery of full platelet function. Apparent nonresponse to clopidogrel or lack of platelet recovery did not correlate with statin or NSAID therapies. These PWA and modified TEG whole blood assays could prove useful for monitoring the reversal of clopidogrel and NSAID inhibition before surgery. More important, these assays done at baseline and after beginning clopidogrel therapy could monitor the effectiveness for the individual patients with cardiovascular disease and help identify the need for alternative therapies.
A simple spiking retina model for exact video stimulus representation

A computational model for the representation of visualstimuli with a population of spiking neurons is presented.We show that under mild conditions it is possible to faith-fully represent an analog video stream into a sequence ofspike trains and provide an algorithm that recovers thevideo input by using only the spike times of the popula-tion.In our model an analog, bandlimited in time, videostream approaches the dendritic trees of a neural popula-tion. At each neuron, the multi-dimensional video inputis filtered by the neuron's spatiotemporal receptive field,and the one-dimensional output dendritic current entersthe soma of the neuron (see Figure 1). The set of the spa-tial receptive fields is modeled as a Gabor filterbank. The
ImageGREP: fast visual pattern matching in image databases

Most current image retrieval systems use holistic comparison that require a global match between images or presegmented object in images. However, often the user of an image database system is interested in a local match between images. For example, `Find images from the database with something like this anywhere in the image,' or `Fine images with something like this in some region of any image in the database,' or `Find images with this spatial configuration of regions like this.' In this paper, we provide an overview of a new framework that should help to allow these types of queries to be answered efficiently. In order to illustrate the usefulness of our framework, we have developed a complete image retrieval system based on local color information. Our system features fully automatic insertion and very efficient query execution, rivaling the efficiency of systems that can only handle global image comparisons. The query execution engine, called the ImageGREP Engine, can process queries at a speed of approximately 3000 images per second (or better) on a standard workstation when the index can be stored in main memory. In the future, we believe our framework should be used in other domains and applications, to handle queries based on texture or other material properties and perhaps domain specific image properties.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Degenerate infrared magnetic resonances from geometrically frustrated metamaterials

Coupled split-ring resonators with structures similar to the frustrated spin systems arendesignednand fabricated. The geometrically frustrated metamaterial has two-fold degenerate magnetic resonances at infrared frequency.
Application of the implicit MacCormack scheme to the parabolized Navier-Stokes equations

MacCormack's implicit finite-difference scheme was used to solve the two-dimensional parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations. This method for solving the PNS equations does not require the inversion of block tridiagonal systems of algebraic equations and permits the original explicit MacCormack scheme to be employed in those regions where implicit treatment is not needed. The advantages and disadvantages of the present adaptation are discussed in relation to those of the conventional Beam-Warming scheme for a flat plate boundary layer test case. Comparisons are made for accuracy, stability, computer time, computer storage, and ease of implementation. The present method was also applied to a second test case of hypersonic laminar flow over a 15% compression corner. The computed results compare favorably with experiment and a numerical solution of the complete Navier-Stokes equations.
TrueClick: automatically distinguishing trick banners from genuine download links

The ubiquity of Internet advertising has made it a popular target for attackers. One well-known instance of these attacks is the widespread use of trick banners that use social engineering techniques to lure victims into clicking on deceptive fake links, potentially leading to a malicious domain or malware. A recent and pervasive trend by attackers is to imitate the "download" or "play" buttons in popular file sharing sites (e.g., one-click hosters, video-streaming sites, bittorrent sites) in an attempt to trick users into clicking on these fake banners instead of the genuine link.In this paper, we explore the problem of automatically assisting Internet users in detecting malicious trick banners and helping them identify the correct link. We present a set of features to characterize trick banners based on their visual properties such as image size, color, placement on the enclosing webpage, whether they contain animation effects, and whether they consistently appear with the same visual properties on consecutive loads of the same webpage. We have implemented a tool called TrueClick, which uses image processing and machine learning techniques to build a classifier based on these features to automatically detect the trick banners on a webpage. Our approach automatically classifies trick banners, and requires no manual effort to compile blacklists as current approaches do. Our experiments show that TrueClick results in a 3.55 factor improvement in correct link selection in the absence of other ad blocking software, and that it can detect trick banners missed by a popular ad detection tool, Adblock Plus.
Anomaly detection of man-made objects using spectropolarimetric imagery

In the task of automated anomaly detection, it is desirable to find regions within imagery that contain man-made structures or objects. The task of separating these signatures from the scene background and other naturally occurring anomalies can be challenging. This task is even more difficult when the spectral signatures of the man-made objects are designed to closely match the surrounding background. As new sensors emerge that can image both spectrally and polarimetrically, it is possible to utilize the polarimetric signature to discriminate between many types of man-made and natural anomalies. One type of passive imaging system that allows for spetro-polarimetric data to be collected is the pairing of a liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) with a CCD camera thus creating a spectro-polarimetic imager (SPI). In this paper, an anomaly detection scheme is implemented which makes use of the spectral Stokes imagery collected by this sensing system. The ability for the anomaly detector to find man-made objects is assessed as a function of the number of spectral bands available and it is shown that low false alarm rates can be achieved with relatively few spectral bands.
The ultrastructure and development of balancers in Ambystoma embryos with special reference to the basement membrane.

Balancers from embryos and larvae of Ambystoma at various stages of development have been studied by light and electron microscopy with special reference to the basement membrane. The epithelium covering the balancers consists of a superficial and a basal layer of cells. Beneath the latter at stage 34 the basement membrane makes its appearance and is stainable with toluidine blue and the aniline blue component of Mallory's triple. In subsequent stages (34 + to 45 +) a progressive increase in thickness and staining capacity of the basement membrane is observed. Electron micrographs of the basal epithelial cells at stage 34 reveal evaginations originating from their basal surfaces. Most of the cytoplasmic organelles, e.g., mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, are found aggregated above the extensions. At a later stage (36 and 36 +) endoplasmic reticulum, pigment and yolk bodies, and a few mitochondria are found in the larger extensions. The surfaces of the evaginations at stages 34 and 34 + are free of formed elements; however, fine filaments are located at the periphery in close contact with the limiting plasma membrane of stages 36 and 36 + larvae. In stages 37 to 45 + no evaginations are observed; the basement membrane has increased in thickness, being constituted mainly of many fine filaments, some of which show preferred orientation close to the basal epidermal cells. A suggestion is made that these filaments may originate from basal evaginations of these deep epidermal cells.
Managing for Elevated Yield of Moose in Interior Alaska

Abstract Given recent actions to increase sustained yield of moose (Alces alces) in Alaska, USA, we examined factors affecting yield and moose demographics and discussed related management. Prior studies concluded that yield and density of moose remain low in much of Interior Alaska and Yukon, Canada, despite high moose reproductive rates, because of predation from lightly harvested grizzly (Ursus arctos) and black bear (U. americanus) and wolf (Canis lupus) populations. Our study area, Game Management Unit (GMU) 20A, was also in Interior Alaska, but we describe elevated yield and density of moose. Prior to our study, a wolf control program (1976–1982) helped reverse a decline in the moose population. Subsequent to 1975, moose numbers continued a 28-year, 7-fold increase through the initial 8 years of our study (λB1 = 1.05 during 1996–2004, peak density = 1,299 moose/1,000 km2). During these initial 8 hunting seasons, reported harvest was composed primarily of males (x = 88%). Total harvest averaged 5% o...
A Contingency Model for the Selection of Decision Strategies

A model hypothesizes why decision makers choose different decision strategies in dealing with different decision problems. Given the motivation to choose the strategy which requires the least investment for a satisfactory solution, the choice of strategy should depend upon the type of problem, the surrounding environment, and the personal characteristics of the decision maker.
Plasma Treatments of Textiles

A review of plasma treatments of textiles is presented. The utility of plasma technology in processing textiles and the corresponding changes brought about in textile properties are discussed. The initiative, funded by the National Tex tile Center, and its progress to date is presented. This program features the use of en hanced high density plasmas for depositing films, removing surface matter, and alter ing surface properties.
Disease management: definitions and exploration of issues

Disease management (DM) appears to be sweeping the health care industry. Its supporters claim that it can produce optimal health care outcomes through enhancements in the quality of care provided to patients and effective control of costs. This paper examines the primary reasons for the recent popularity of DM, discusses several thematic components common to various definitions of DM, and compares the often overly optimistic claims made for DM with the realities of how such programs are actually implemented. Finally, it examines critical issues and controversies that participants in DM must consider as this approach to managing patient care evolves.
Tracking spoilage bacteria in commercial poultry processing and refrigerated storage of poultry carcasses.

Abstract Four trials were conducted to examine the effect of commercial processing and refrigerated storage on spoilage bacteria in the native microflora of broiler carcasses. Prescalded, picked, eviscerated, and chilled carcasses were obtained from a commercial processing facility, and psychrotrophs in the bacterial flora were enumerated on Iron Agar, Pseudomonas Agar, and STAA Agar. The size of the population of spoilage bacteria on processed carcasses stored at 4 °C for 7, 10, or 14 days was also determined. Bacterial isolates were identified and dendrograms of the fatty acid profiles of the isolates were prepared to determine the degree of relatedness of the isolates. Findings indicated that although some processing steps increased the level of carcass contamination by selected bacteria, the number of spoilage bacteria recovered from processed carcasses was significantly (P≤0.05) less than the number of bacteria recovered from carcasses entering the processing line. Acinetobacter and Aeromonas spp. were the primary isolates recovered from carcasses taken from the processing line. During refrigerated storage, there was a significant (P≤0.05) increase in the population of bacteria on the carcasses, and Pseudomonas spp. were the predominant bacteria recovered from these carcasses. Dendrograms of the fatty acid profiles of the isolates indicated that bacterial cross-contamination of carcasses occurs during all stages of processing and that some bacteria can survive processing and proliferate on carcasses during refrigerated storage. Furthermore, cross-contamination was detected between carcasses processed on different days at the same facility. Findings indicate that although poultry processing decreases carcass contamination by psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria, significant levels of bacterial cross-contamination occur during processing, and bacteria that survive processing may multiply on the carcasses during refrigerated storage.
Nodulating associations among rhizobia and legumes of the genus Glycine subgenus Glucine

Glycine canescens, G. tabacina, andG. tomentella were used to trap rhizobia from American soils. Rhizobia recovered from these nodules then were compared with isolates from plants that had been naturally nodulated in Australia. All isolates were mucoid and gave alkaline reactions on yeast extract-mannitol medium. Two American isolates fromG. tabacina were noticeably stringy. The nodulating abilities of 13 isolates, including four from Australia, were examined. All nodulatedAeschynomene americana, Vigna unguiculata, andMacroptilium atropurpureum. With one exception, each isolate also nodulated all threeGlycine spp. Tests with a series of slow-growing reference strains suggest thatG. tomentella nodulates more promiscuously thanG. tabacina andG. canescens. All three plant species are infected via infection threads produced in short, curled root hairs.