cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trust and Reputation Management

Trust and reputation management research is highly interdisciplinary, involving researchers from networking and communication, data management and information systems, e-commerce and service computing, artificial intelligence, and game theory, as well as the social sciences and evolutionary biology. Trust and reputation management has played and will continue to play an important role in Internet and social computing systems and applications. This special issue addresses key issues in the field, such as representation, recommendation aggregation, and attack-resilient reputation systems.
Group theoretic description of bistatic scattering from symmetric subsurface objects

The structure of a common land mine typically exhibits many types of geometric symmetries. These structural symmetries translate into symmetries of the bistatic scattering response of a mine target. A bistatic radar array can therefore be constructed that identifies the presence of these symmetries, and thus can distinguish mines from other asymmetric subsurface objects, such as rocks. To fully exploit this phenomenon, a mathematical description of the types of geometric symmetries exhibited by mines, as well as the resulting effect on bistatic scattering, is required. Geometric symmetry can be described mathematically in terms of group theory. An object that is invariant under ever operation (e.g. reflection, rotation) ofa finite symmetry group is said to posses the symmetry ofthat group. In this paper, this concept is extended to bistatic measurements, such that invariant bistatic measurements can be identified for each mine type. For example, from a single bistatic observation of a square mine, fifteen other bistatic observations of that mine can be determined. The bistatic scattering response is therefore determined to be invariant over a group of order 16. By contrast, the scattering response ofan asymmetric object is invariant over a group oforder two. As a result, the proper collection of bistatic observations can provide a powerful method for classifying subsurface objects as either symmetric (e.g., mines) or asymmetric (e.g., rocks). This paper demonstrates how group theory can be used construct the necessary bistatic array processing to accurately determine different types of target symmetries at arbitrary subsurface locations. This processing is applied to an array of bistatic GPR measurements, and the results demonstrate the efficacy of this idea in identifying symmetric subsurface objects.
Papillomas induced by initiation–promotion differ from those induced by carcinogen alone

The discovery of a two-stage mechanism of carcinogenesis in mouse skin, with initiation and promotion as independent components, provided new approaches to the study of the development of neoplasms in experimental animals and humans. However, it is not clear how the carcinogen and promoting agent are involved at different steps in the development of papillomas and carcinomas. Here we have used cell markers in mice to study the mechanism of development of papillomas induced by the classical method of two-stage skin tumorigenesis (initiation with subtumorigenic doses of a carcinogen followed by promotion with phorbol esters) and by multiple treatments with initiating doses of a carcinogen. Our results show that papillomas induced by repeated carcinogen applications arise from significantly more cells than those induced by the carcinogen-promoter regimen.
Sugarcane Leaf Photosynthesis and Growth Characters during Development of Water-Deficit Stress

Yield and profitability of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) grown on sand soils are much lower than on organic soils in Florida owing to biotic and abiotic stresses. A greenhouse study was conducted using a sand soil to identify effects of water deficit stress (WS) during sugarcane early growth on leaf photosynthetic components, plant growth, and dry matter accumulation. Treatments included two sugarcane genotypes (C p 01-2390 and Cp 80-1743) and two water regimes (well watered (WW) and WS). All plants were well watered before initiating WS. Water was withheld from the WS pots when plants reached seven to eight leaves on the primary stem. During the WS treatment, plant growth and leaf photosynthetic components were measured. Final green leaf area (GLA) and shoot biomass were determined at the end of the experiment. Water stress depressed leaf relative chlorophyll level (SpAD), stomatal conductance (g s ), leaf net photosynthetic rate ( pn), transpiration rate (Tr), transpiration use efficiency (TUE) of photosynthesis, and GLA, resulting in reduced shoot biomass. C p 01-2390 was superior to C p 80-1743 in most measured physiological and growth traits under the WW and WS conditions, suggesting that selection of genotypes with tolerance to WS while improving irrigation management will improve sugarcane yields on sand soils. physiological and growth traits, such as SpAD, g s , pn, Tr, TUE, GLA, tillering, and stalk length, may be useful for early detection of WS and for evaluation of sugarcane genotypes in the stress tolerance.
Host-Insect Survival Time and Disintegration in Relation to Population Density and Dispersion of Recombinant and Wild-Type Nucleopolyhedroviruses

Abstract Wild-type and recombinant nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) were compared with respect to host-insect (Trichoplusia ni) survival time and disintegration time, production of polyhedral occlusion bodies (POB), and viral population density and dispersion on collard leaves. Viruses tested were variants ofAutographa californicaNPV (AcNPV): wild-type (AcNPV.WT), AcNPV expressing a scorpion toxin (AcNPV.AaIT), and two viruses expressing juvenile hormone esterase (AcNPV.JHE-S201G and AcNPV.JHEKK). Preliminary results indicated that a plaque isolate (AcNPV.C6) did not differ significantly from AcNPV.WT in insect survival time, disintegration time, or production of POB.T. nisurvival time was significantly shorter for insects infected with AcNPV.AaIT than for those infected with AcNPV.C6, AcNPV.JHEKK, or AcNPV.JHE-S201G; the latter three NPVs did not differ from one another. Disintegration of larval cadavers was most rapid in those killed by AcNPV.C6, followed by AcNPV.JHEKK, AcNPV.JHE-S201G, and AcNPV.AaIT. AcNPV.C6 produced 8.3 × 108POB/insect, which was 1.5, 2.9, and 3.1 times the number per larva produced by AcNPV.JHEKK, AcNPV.JHE-S201G, and AcNPV.AaIT, respectively.T. nilarvae infected with one type of NPV were released onto collard plants in a greenhouse, and leaves were collected after 1 week and bioassayed. Population densities of AcNPV.WT, AcNPV.JHEKK, and AcNPV.AaIT were 126, 19, and 5 POB/38.5 mm2, respectively, and these three means were significantly different from one another. Infected insects voided viable NPV in liquid discharged from the anus in the late stages of the disease, regardless of the viral isolate used, which probably accounted for a portion of the POB numbers on leaves. Analysis with Taylor's power law indicated that the populations of AcNPV.JHEKK and AcNPV.AaIT, but not that of AcNPV.WT, had significantly clumped or contagious dispersion patterns. Thus, the insertion of a gene to express scorpion toxin or juvenile hormone esterase altered the biology (virulence—in terms of host survival time—and host disintegration time) of AcNPV, which, in turn, altered three basic ecological characteristics of the virus: reproduction rate, population density, and dispersion.
Broadband access technologies for very high throughput wireless sensor communication networks

An efficient architecture for wireless sensor network employing 60-GHz millimeter-wave (mm-wave) wireless access technologies is proposed for systems that require very high throughput data for both transport and signal processing functions. The evolutional strategy for hierarchical system architecture and I/O signal forms of system interfaces are investigated for practical applications. The results of the proof-of-concept experimental demonstration of such very high throughput optical wireless sensor system using 60-GHz mm-wave carrying digital baseband data with different modulation formats are also presented.
Post-operative outcomes in adult obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing non-upper airway surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: With the current obesity epidemic, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has become increasingly common. Several studies have reported on the risk of post-operative complications in OSA patients undergoing non-upper airway surgeries. The objective of our study was to systematically review the medical literature reporting the incidence of post-operative complications in patients with OSA.
Development of the quantitative micro-test for slime production by coagulase-negative staphylococci.

The macro-test for slime production by coagulase-negative staphylococci was adapted to a spectrophotometric micro-test assay to obtain more objective and quantitative information on slime production. A total of 135 isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci (70 macro-test-positive and 65 macro-test-negative) were tested by both methods. The quantitative micro-test optical density readings were (mean ±SD) 1.176 ± 0.294 and 0.130 ± 0.095 for the macro-test-positive and -negative groups, respectively. The micro-test was reproducible and demonstrated quantitative differences in slime production among the different species of coagulase-negative staphylococci. Aside fromStaphylococcus epidermidis, the majority of the coagulase-negative staphylococci had very low optical density readings, indicating little or no slime production under the conditions employed in this assay. This test allows one to study the relative production of slime by different strains and species of coagulase-negative staphylococci, and may be useful in studying the effects of different conditions, such as antibiotic exposure, on slime production.
Evapotranspiration and Yield of Corn Grown on Three High Plains Soils

Soil properties that vary within a production area present management challenges to producers when water supplies are limited. We conducted three experiments to determine the influence of soil type and different water management levels on corn (Zea mays L.) yield, evapotranspiration (ET), and water use efficiency. Short-season corn was grown at low population density in lysimeters containing monolithic soil cores of Pullman (fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Torrertic Paleustoll), Ulysses (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Aridic Haplustoll), and Amarillo (fine-loamy, mixed, thermic Aridic Paleustalf) soils, at a rain shelter facility in Bushland, TX. Dryland conditions were simulated in 1994 and 1995, with the soils receiving irrigations totaling either 50 or 150 mm in 1994 and either 120 or 200 mm in 1995. In 1996, water management levels were expanded, with the soils receiving weekly irrigation equivalent to 20, 50, 80, and 110% of measured ET. Grain yields for the 3 yr ranged from 389 to 804 g m -2 for the Pullman soil, 559 to 899 g m -2 for the Ulysses soil, and 438 to 736 g m -2 for the Amarillo soil. Low grain yields from corn in the Pullman soil were due to limited water extraction from the lower soil profile. Even under full irrigation (110%), grain yield and leaf area were lower for corn in the Amarillo soil than with the two other soils, possibly due to limited water availability. Soil type effects on corn water use and yield may require different water management strategies for optimum water use efficiency.
CdTe II: Defect chemistry

A statistical thermodynamic derivation of the equilibrium equations for two defect models for CdTe(s) at high temperatures is given. In the first the predominant defects are assumed to be doubly ionizable Cd vacancy acceptors and singly ionizable Te antisite donors in Te rich material and doubly ionizable Te vacancy donors in Cd rich material. A variant in which the Te antisite defect is neutral is readily extracted from the equations by setting the donor level far enough below the conduction band edge. In the second model the Te antisite defect is replaced by a neutral Te interstitial defect. The models are then applied to the high temperature data. It is concluded that the singly ionizable Te antisite model gives the best overall fit and various high temperature properties are calculated with two sets of the adjustable parameters.
Intercomparison of candidate methods for mineral dust aerosol classification using MODIS infrared and visible channels

The Geoinformatics Group at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Information Technology and Systems Center (ITSC) conducts a broad range of informatics research including data mining, metadata development, and ontology/semantics modeling. Within the data mining arena, an automated dust storm detection system is under development using ITSC's remote sensing data visualization and analysis tool, ADaM-IVICS. In this study, a reference supervised classification method was used as a baseline for comparison against a threshold based heuristic classifier designed to distinguish clouds from airborne mineral dust in selected Terra MODIS Level 1B imagery. The reference classification method couples an Orthogonal Forward Selection (OFS) optimization algorithm and a Naive Bayes (NB) classifier on training samples to determine the optimal spectral bands. The NB classifier then uses the selected subset of spectral bands to detect dust. The threshold-based classifier used is implemented as a Decision Tree and based on the Integrated Dust Detection (IDD) method. The IDD method calculates D*, a dust index based on infrared bands suitable for both daytime and nighttime dust detection. Incorporating NDVI to improve the demarcation between land and ocean surfaces obscured and un-obscured by dust refined the IDD method. Additional thresholds were derived using combination of both D* and NDVI to improve the classification accuracy. Classification results from the threshold-based algorithm are compared to reference results and are presented in this paper.
Nanosecond Response and Attenuation Characteristics of a Superconductive Coaxial Line

A miniature superconducting coaxial line is described which transmits nanosecond (nsec) pulses without any measurable change in rise time. Data in regard to the temperature dependence of the bandwidth over the range 293°K to 4.2°K are presented. The investigation is confined to ten and hundred foot lengths of cable.
Variability in temperature regulation of CO2 fluxes and N mineralization from five Hawaiian soils: implications for a changing climate

We examined the possibility that microbial adaptation to temperature could affect rates of CO2, N2O and CH4 release from soils. Laboratory incubations were used to determine the functional relationship between temperature and CO2, N2O and CH4 fluxes for five soils collected across an elevational range in Hawaii. Initial rates of CO2 production and net N mineralization increased exponentially from 15 °C to 55 °C; initial rates of CH4 and N2O release were more complex. No optimum temperature (in which rates decline at higher and lower temperatures) was apparent for any of the gases, but respiration declined with time at higher temperatures, suggesting rapid depletion of readily available substrate. Mean Q10S for respiration varied from 1.4 to 2.0, a typical range for tropical soils. The functional relationship between CO2 production and temperature was consistent among all five soils, despite the substantial differences in mean annual temperature, soils, and land-use among the sites. Temperature responses of N2O and CH4 fluxes did not follow simple Q10 relationships suggesting that temperature functions developed for CO2 release from heterotrophic respiration cannot be simply extrapolated. Expanding this study to tropical heterotrophic respiration, the flux is more sensitive to changes in Q10 than to changes in temperature on a per unit basis: the partial derivative with respect to temperature is 2.4 Gt C ·° C−1 with respect to Q10, it is 3.5 Gt C · Q10 unit−1. Therefore, what appears to be minor variability might still produce substantial uncertainty in regional estimates of gas exchange.
Coercion functions and decentralized linear programming

This paper describes a decentralized linear programming solution procedure. Unlike the classic Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition algorithm, this procedure is a complete decentralization, where the subproblems act independently to generate the optimal solution. In Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition, the master problem must “dictate” the final optimal solution. Our procedure is an improvement over Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition in this sense. The procedure works by adding a “coercion” function to the subproblem objective. Under proper conditions, this function “coerces” the subproblem to behave as desired. Such total decentralization is important for loosely coupled systems where it is not possible for the master level to dictate optimal decision values for the subsystems.
Characterization of a Model for Consecutive First-Order Reactions: Redox Chemistry of Bile Acids

Abstract Bile acids and other sterols when introduced into 70-80% sulfuric acid yield chromophores showing absorption bands between 300 and 315 nm and between 370 and 385 nm. These absorption bands have been attributed to allylic (between 300 and 315 nm) and dienylic (between 370 and 385 nm) carbocations formed in a sequence of reactions involving oxidation-reduction equilibria (hydride transfer), accompanied by acid-base reactions. Kinetics of such reactions may be modeled using Eq. (1): [formula] where A corresponds to the starting material, B to an allylic carbocation, and C to a dienylic species. Reactions which follow Eq. (1) show distinctive features in plots of concentration of A, B, and C as a function of time. For example, a plot of logarithm of A vs time may be strictly linear, or may be nonlinear, consisting of two linear segments. Furthermore, a plot of B vs time may or may not show the presence of maximum and in a plot of C vs time a point of inflection and period of induction may or may not be distinguishable. We have derived quantitative definitions for each of these features and denoted them as characteristic features . The degree to which a characteristic feature determines the shape of the overall concentration-time plot depends on the relative values of the individual rate constants ( k 1 , k −1 , k 2 , and k −2 . In this paper a procedure was developed which uses arrays of contour plots based on rate constants as coordinates that show for what range of rate constant values each of the characteristic features is distinguishable in the particular concentration vs time plot. In addition, the contour plot approach is utilized in the determination of rate constant values for reaction of 0.0001 M chenodeoxycholic acid in 78.9 and 74.3% sulfuric acid/water solution at 60°C. The following results were obtained:[formula]
Comparison of the phospholipid requirements and molecular form of CTP: Phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase from rat lung, kidney, brain and liver

The Cytidylyltransferase activity in fresh cytosol from different tissues of the rat was measured in the absence and presence of phosphatidylglycerol. In all cases addition of this lipid produced large increases in enzyme activity. Agarose gel (A-5.0) filtration profiles of the enzyme activities indicated that the L-form of the enzyme (190000 molecular weight) predominated in liver, brain, kidney, and fetal lung. However, adult lung cytosol contained 70–80% of the activity in the H-form (molecular weight ⩾ 5 · 106). Removal of phospholipid material from the alveolar spaces by lavage produced a significant reduction of the H-form of the enzyme in the cytosol fraction. The L-form of the cytidylyl-transferases from fetal lung and adult liver, kidney, and brain all possess the same specificities for activation by phospholipids in vitro. In all cases, phosphatidylglycerol was the most potent activator at 0.2 mM. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine stimulated enzyme activity, whereas lysophosphatidylglycerol was a potent inhibitor. These studies implicate the role of acidic phospholipids in the regulation of cytidylyltransferase activity in vivo and the existence of a common L-form of the enzyme in several tissues of the rat.
Rates of Biotite Weathering, and Clay Mineral Transformation and Neoformation, Determined from Watershed Geochemical Mass-Balance Methods for the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA

Biotite is a common constituent of silicate bedrock. Its weathering releases plant nutrients and consumes atmospheric CO2. Because of its stoichiometric relationship with its transformational weathering product and sensitivity to botanical activity, calculating biotite weathering rates using watershed mass-balance methods has proven challenging. At Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory the coupling of biotite to its transformational weathering product is only valid if the stoichiometric relationship for the two phases is known; this relationship is unlikely layer-for-layer. Rates of biotite weathering and transformation of its secondary weathering product at the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory are comparable with other Appalachian watersheds. The magnitude and sign of the difference between field- and laboratory-determined biotite weathering rates are similar to those of other silicate minerals. The influence of major-cation proportions in biomass on the rates of biotite weathering and transformational weathering product is greatest for watersheds with high biomass aggradation rates. The watershed with the lowest bedrock reactivity and highest flushing rate yielded the highest gibbsite formation rate of ~500 mol ha−1 year−1 and lowest kaolin-group mineral formation rates of 4–78 mol ha−1 year−1. The kaolin-group mineral formation rate increases as bedrock reactivity increases and flushing rate decreases to a maximum of ~300 mol ha−1 year−1, with a similar minimum gibbsite formation rate. The relative differences in bedrock reactivity and flux of water through Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory watersheds studied appear to be invariant over geologic timescales.
Stability of Algorithms for Waves with Large Flows

We have identified a numerical instability that appears in algorithms for the linear propagation of waves in the presence of an advective flow. This instability is due to the coupling between the advective and wave terms and cannot be identified if stability conditions are derived separately for these two terms. It can appear in explicit or semi-implicit calculations using upwinded or centered spatial differences. We show that a stable scheme can be obtained by introducing a predictor step for the wave terms. When the semi-implicit treatment of the waves is used, the semi-implicit operator must be applied in the predictor step as well as in the corrector step. We present an improved formulation of the semi-implicit coefficient to take advection into account.
Uncertainty and Regulation: The Rhetoric of Risk in the California Low-Level Radioactive Waste Debate:

In this article, we analyze the intractability of the low-level radioactive waste debate in California through the construction and examination of policy frames and their associated policy narratives. Relying primarily on reports, formal comments, and written correspondence, we reconstruct three policy frames and explore their interaction in the public debate through the policy stories told by the actors. We analyze how policy actors using these policy frames appropriate available information, value scientific input, and respond to uncertainty in technical and regulatory information to create policy stories. These policy frames and their associated policy narratives demonstrate how policy actors differ in their drivers for action, bases for trusting claims, and response to uncertainty. These differences lead to divergent characterizations of the risk of low-level radio-active waste disposal. This analysis provides insight into the dynamics of intractable policy controversies.
Experiment vs force fields: DNA conformation from molecular dynamics simulations

Molecular dynamics simulations of the DNA duplex d(CCCCCTTTTT)2 in ionic solution with AMBER and CHARMM force fields are compared. CHARMM parameters result in an A-DNA conformation with a heterogeneous backbone structure, but in the AMBER force field the DNA is found in a B-like helix with a homogeneous B-DNA backbone during the first 3.5 ns before moving close to the CHARMM structure in the A family at around 4 ns. Both structures are in partial disagreement with experiment, which reports the C/G part in A and the A/T part in B form.
Neuro-hormonal activation predicts ventilatory response to exercise and functional capacity in patients with heart failure

Background: Heart failure (HF) is characterised by reduced tolerance to effort, associated with progressive fatigue and dyspnoea. Neuro-hormonal activation is a hallmark of HF and influences its clinical evolution. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between neuro-hormonal activation, exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency. Methods and results: 154 HF patients (127 males, 62±1 years) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and resting blood sampling for assay of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), NT-proBNP, norepinephrine, epinephrine, aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA). BNP and NT-proBNP levels correlated with peak oxygen consumption (VO2) (both R=−0.53, p 35 (cut-off 183 pg/ml, AUC 0.797), as well as NT-proBNP (cut-off 537 pg/ml, AUC 0.799 and cut-off 1010 pg/ml, AUC 0.768, respectively) and norepinephrine (cut-off 454 pg/ml, AUC 0.716 and cut-off 575 pg/ml, AUC 0.783, respectively). Conclusion: Haemodynamic impairment (as indicated by BNP and NT-proBNP plasma values) and sympathetic activation predict exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency in HF patients.
Dipyrone inhibits neuronal cell death and diminishes hypoxic/ischemic brain injury.

Background Dipyrone is an analgesic and antipyretic drug usually prescribed for patients with inflammatory conditions. We recently identified dipyrone as an antiapoptotic agent by screening a library of 1040 compounds for their ability to inhibit cytochrome c release from isolated mitochondria. Objective We investigated the potential neuroprotective properties of dipyrone in cerebral ischemia. Methods We evaluated the protective effects of dipyrone in experimental models of neuronal hypoxia/ischemia, including an oxygen/glucose deprivation model in primary cerebrocortical neurons and a focal cerebral ischemia model in mice. Results Dipyrone reduced hypoxia/ischemia injury in both cellular and animal models. Dipyrone inhibited the release of cytochrome c and other mitochondrial apoptogenic factors from mitochondria into the cytoplasm, and attenuated subsequent caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, dipyrone prevented ischemia-induced changes in Bcl-2 and tBid, and ameliorated oxygen/glucose deprivation-mediated loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Dipyrone also inhibited ischemia-induced reactive microgliosis. In the cellular models evaluated, dipyrone did not inhibit oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced cyclooxygenase-2 activation. Conclusion Dipyrone is remarkably neuroprotective in cerebral ischemia, and its cyclooxygenase-independent protective properties are, at least in part, due to the inhibition of mitochondrial cell death cascades.
Measuring behavioral, biosocial, and attitudinal correlates of fertility regulation

A theoretical base consisting of 17 hypotheses was constructed to identify attitudinal, behavioral, and biosocial characteristics of families successful in fertility control. A multiple-choice instrument entitled Rating of Self Status International (ROSSI) was devised to measure attitudinal and behavioral characteristics postulated by the hypotheses. Factor analysis of ROSSI, based on the responses of 297 undergraduates (192 women and 105 men) at a Midwestern university, identified 12 factors that corresponded with one or more of the nondemographic constructs embodying the hypotheses. A quasi-experimental design was outlined that could be used to conduct a crucial test of both the theory and the instrument offered for measuring the theoretical constructs pertinent to fertility control and regulation.
Influence of prognostic groupings and treatment results in the management of unresectable hepatoma: Experience with cis-platinum-based chemoradiotherapy in 76 patients

Purpose: Internationally, hepatoma is a common cause of cancer death. Although the only curative therapy is surgical, most tumors are unresectable and cause death. The value of nonsurgical, antineoplastic therapy for such tumors is controversial. This study was undertaken to extend and confirm promising, but preliminary, treatment observations in the unresectable context. Methods and Materials: From 1988 to 1993, 76 patients with unresectable, biopsy proven, hepatoma underwent uniform pretreatment assessment followed by induction therapy with external beam radiotherapy (21 Gy/7 fractions/10 days) and intravenous Cisplatinum, 50 mg/m 2 . One month later patients began monthly intrahepatic artery Cisplatinum, 50 mg/m 2 . Clinical course and treatment outcomes were correlated with previously published prognostic factors and groupings (Nomura et al., Okuda et al., Stillwagon, et al.). Results: The toxicity of this therapy was modest and nonlimiting. Twenty-four patients (32%) progressed during induction and prior to receiving two cycles of intrahepatic artery Cisplatinum without evidence of benefit. Patients showing this early progression were more likely to be Stillwagon unfavorable than favorable (p = 0.013), Okuda Stage II than Stage I (p = 0.024), and slightly but not statistically more likely to be alpha-fetoprotein positive than alpha-fetoprotein negative (p = 0.098). The overall objective response rate was 43% (38% among AFP positive and 62% among AFP negative patients) (p = 0.15). Although 21 patients had evidence of extra hepatic metastases, survival for these patients did not differ from patients without metastases (p = 0.09) and patients with extra hepatic metastases were just as likely to show intrahepatic response (p = 0.84). Conclusion: The chemoradiotherapy program utilized produced objective response and minimal toxicity. One-third of patients progressed rapidly in spite of treatment. Among the remaining patients, response occurred frequently. This treatment appears to represent an important therapeutic option for many, but not all, patients with unresectable hepatoma.
Atypical presentations of actinomycosis.

Background. Actinomycotic infections of the cervicofacial region are uncommon. Most major medical centers report approximately one case per year. Presenting clinical manifestations are confusing because they often mimic other disease processes. Diagnosis may be difficult due to a general lack of familiarity with the disease and the fastidious nature of the organism in culture. The cervicofacial manifestations of actinomycosis are varied, and a high index of suspicion is required to make an accurate and timely diagnosis. Methods. Retrospective chart review with the presentation of four unusual cases of actinomycosis were performed. Results. Two patients were initially seen with dysphagia from a tongue base mass. The third patient was initially seen with a 3-week history of worsening hoarseness and stridor. Examination revealed an ulcerative lesion of the left hemilarynx and pyriform sinus. All three patients were thought to have a neoplastic process. Diagnosis was made on histologic examination of a tissue biopsy. The fourth patient was initially seen with a buccal space mass that was draining externally. Culture of the purulent drainage revealed Actinomyces. In all four cases, symptoms resolved after appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions. Actinomycosis of the head and neck, although rare, is an important entity to the otolaryngologist. A confusing clinical presentation combined with the fastidious nature of the organism make for a difficult diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is required to make an accurate diagnosis and institute the appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Natural History of Stroke in Rochester, Minnesota, 1955 Through 1969: An Extension of a Previous Study, 1945 Through 1954

This study has attempted to identify all patients in the population of Rochester, Minnesota, who had stroke during the period 1955 through 1969, and to determine the course and survival of patients who have had stroke. Cerebral infarction from all causes, including embolic infarction, accounted for 79% of all strokes. Intracerebral hemorrhage accounted for 10% of the cases, and subarachnoid hemorrhage accounted for 6%. The average annual incidence rate for the 15 years of the study was 164 per 100,000 population per year. The rates for all strokes and for cerebral infarction were significantly higher for men than for women, except in the youngest age group. After the end of an earlier study, 1945 through 1954, the average annual incidence rate for all strokes decreased in each succeeding five-year interval and reached 141 during the period 1965 through 1969. The decrease in rates is apparent for all strokes and for cerebral infarction, and is more apparent for women than for men. The prevalence rate on Ja...
Cognitive style and on-line database search experience as predictors of web search performance

This study sought to investigate the effects of cognitive style (field dependent and field independent) and on-line database search experience (novice and experienced) on the World Wide Web (WWW) search performance of undergraduate college students (n = 48). It also attempted to find user factors that could be used to predict search efficiency. Search performance, the dependent variable, was defined in two ways: (1) time required for retrieving a relevant information item, and (2) the number of nodes traversed for retrieving a relevant information item. The search tasks required were carried out on a University Web site, and included a factual task and a topical search task of interest to the participant. Results indicated that while cognitive style (FD/FI) significantly influenced the search performance of novice searchers, the influence was greatly reduced in those searchers who had on-line database search experience. Based on the findings, suggestions for possible changes to the design of the current Web interface and to user training programs are provided.
Modifications in the arrangement of thick and thin filaments in transforming shrimp muscle

The fine structure and arrangement of thick and thin filaments in the main closer muscle were investigated for pincer, snapper and transforming claws of Alpheus armillatus. The snapper main closer muscle is composed of a uniform population of tonic-type fibers with long sarcomeres and a thin-to-thick filament ratio of 7 to 1. In contrast, the pincer main closer muscle is made up of two populations of fibers. Phasic type fibers have large diameters, short sarcomeres and a thin-to-thick filament ratio of 3 to 1. Intermediate-type fibers have smaller diameters, intermediate sarcomere lengths and a thin-to-thick filament ratio of between 5 and 6 to 1. In the pincer the thick filaments have a hollow appearance. During the transformation of a pincer to a snapper claw, the main closer muscle fibers develop tonic-type characteristics. The sarcomeres increase in length, and the ratio of thin-to-thick filaments increases to 7 to 1. Furthermore, the thick filaments increase in both length and diameter, and develop a more uniform structure. These findings suggest that changes in myosin packing accompany transformation, with predictable consequences in both thick filament diameter and thin filament/thick filament ratio.
Neuro-monte carlo solution of electrostatic problems

Abstract This paper presents the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in solving electrostatic boundary value problems. In forming a solution system, one ANN is combined with one Monte Carlo method (namely, the floating random walk or the Markov chain method). Two separate Neuro-Monte Carlo systems are used to solve Laplace's and Poisson's equations for homogeneous and inhomogeneous problems. Neuro-Monte Carlo solutions reflect higher computation speed without loss of accuracy or significant “down time” with respect to the time needed to train the ANN with the data obtained from the partial solution using a Monte Carlo method.
Biological microdosimetry based on radiation cytotoxicity data.

Researchers in the field of radiation microdosimetry have attempted to explain the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of different ionising photon radiation sources on the basis of the singly stochastic, microdose metric lineal energy y, which only addresses physical stochasticity related to energy (e) deposition via single events in the critical targets (cell nuclei assumed here). Biological stochasticity related to variable nuclei geometries and cell orientations (relative to the incoming radiation) is usually not addressed. Here a doubly stochastic microdose metric, the single-event hit size q (=e/T), is introduced which allows the track length T to be stochastic. The new metric is used in a plausible model of metabolic-activity-based in vitro cytotoxicity of low-dose ionising photon radiation. The cytotoxicity model has parameters E{q} (average single-event hit size with q assumed to be exponentially distributed) and E{α}, which is the average value of the cellular response parameter α. E{α} is referred to as the biological signature and it is independent of q. Only E{q} is needed for determination of RBE. The model is used to obtain biological-microdosimetry-based q spectra for 320-kV X-rays and (137)Cs gamma rays and the related RBE for cytotoxicity. The spectra are similar to published lineal energy y spectra for 200-kV X-rays and (60)Co gamma rays for 1-μm biological targets.
Are separate interfaces inherently unequal?: an evaluation with blind users of the usability of two interfaces for a social networking platform

With the increasing use of web-based applications in the workplace, it is imperative that all users can equally access those applications. It has been previously reported that blind users have problems accessing Facebook, but little empirical data on the topic exists. It has also been suggested by Facebook and anecdotal user comments that the mobile interface (hereafter referred to as "Facebook Mobile") for the application is more usable than the standard, desktop interface (hereafter referred to as "Facebook Desktop") for individuals who use screen readers to access the Facebook interface from their computers. This paper presents empirical data from 15 blind users, who took part in the usability evaluation of Facebook Desktop as well as a second phase of usability testing with 15 blind users to evaluate Facebook Mobile (when accessed from a computer and web browser). This research concludes that Facebook Mobile is more usable than the Facebook Desktop interface; however, the mobile interface is missing some features and is not consistently aligned with the Facebook Desktop interface. The implications of this study raise the question of whether there is often a usability and functionality difference between different interfaces for an application when one interface is suggested to be the "accessible" version.
Why Do Institutions Matter? An Audience–Cost Theory of Institutional Commitment

Institutions constrain political choices and thus commit the future path of policy. Well–designed institutions square the circle of generating commitment that is both credible and flexible. This article develops an audience–cost theory of flexible commitment that addresses some vexing questions. Where does institutional commitment come from? Why is institutional commitment feasible when policy commitment is not? How can an institution achieve credible and flexible commitment without flexibility undermining credibility by opening the back door to defections? How does partial commitment work, or how is it possible for defections to occur in an equilibrium with credible commitment? Why do policy–makers sometimes respect institutional constraints and other times defect on institutional commitments? Why are some defections punished severely, while others are instantly forgiven and forgotten?
Terrorism and the shape of things to come

(1999). Terrorism and the shape of things to come. Terrorism and Political Violence: Vol. 11, The Future of Terrorism, pp. 94-105.
Potential Artifacts in Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Trabecular Meshwork in Glaucoma

We examined the trabecular meshwork surface by scanning electron microscopy to investigate possible artifacts appearing during collection and preparation of trabeculectomy specimens. As controls, trabecular tissue samples from normal and glaucomatous patients were dissected from whole eyes obtained at enucleation or at autopsy. Our results suggest that the major contaminants are released during decompression of the globe at trabeculectomy; these consist of an amorphous substance, a fibrillar material, and, occasionally, red blood cells. Small tissue samples may also abe contaminated by the conducting adhesive used to fasten them to metal stubs. This silver paint may coat the surface of the meshwork and appear to be a smooth substance blocking the outflow of aqueous humor. We were unable to confirm the finding reported by others that an amorphous blocking material is present in the trabecular interstices in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Response patterns of depressed outpatients with and without melancholia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine versus placebo.

Abstract Fluoxetine (20 mg/day) and placebo were compared in 89 outpatient men and women with major depression with ( n = 52) or without ( n = 37) DSM-III-R melancholia in an 8-week double-blind study to determine predictors of treatment response. Fluoxetine was statistically superior to placebo both within the melancholic subtype and in the total patient group (all measures). Response rate and mean decrease in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score approached statistical significance in favor of fluoxetine-treated melancholic patients compared with fluoxetine-treated non-melancholic patients. There were no statistically significant differences between fluoxetine- treated and placebo-treated non-melancholic patients. Results support DSM-III-R melancholia as a predictor of antidepressant response.
A practical semantics for design facet interaction

Systems engineering is dominated by the need to integrate information from one design domain with information from another. Unfortunately, few requirements description languages support modeling heterogeneous requirements or modeling how those requirements interact. The paper describes the semantics of the Rosetta interaction specification capability (P. Alexander, 1998). The Rosetta interaction allows the user to explicitly define when and how specifications from multiple domains affect each other. Such interaction supports predictive analysis during the requirements specification and design life-cycle phases, thus reducing the cost of systems level information.
Revision of the occupational therapy practice framework.

Aprofession’s official documents reflect the philosophical and practice beliefs of its members. Such documents determine how members of the profession make decisions that influence the viability and evolution of the profession. Typically, documents that originate in the Commission on Practice are reviewed on a 5-year timetable and revised as necessary (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2004a). The purpose of this article is to discuss the implications of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s adoption of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (AOTA, 2002b) and the potential effects it has had on the profession. This article discusses the Framework’s strengths and limitations and its implications for practice and education. It is hoped that an analysis of these issues will contribute to the discussion of the revision of the document and prompt an earlier review and modification. Analysis began with an exploration of the component parts of the Framework. This was followed by an identification and systematic examination of the concepts, assumptions, and statements written in the document. The concepts, assumptions, and declarative statements in the document are foundational to the Framework’s use and influence how occupational therapists organize their thoughts and actions. Our goal was to evaluate the document to raise concerns regarding how the Framework’s use may affect practice and education. Analysis and recommendations for future revisions of the Framework were based on methods of logical reasoning. Sources for our analysis were Mosey (1996), Nickerson (1986), Rosen (2000), Sorensen (1993), and Stroll
TRAM flap breast reconstruction with expanders and implants.

ABSTRACT Breast reconstruction has become an essential part of breast cancer management. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap has replaced the prosthetic implant as the first choice for breast reconstruction. There are several incidences in which the volume of autogenous tissue cannot fulfill the requirements for symmetric reconstruction, especially in those patients with limited abdominal tissue and large ptotic breasts. The TRAM flap can be combined with tissue expanders and implants to obtain symmetry in these difficult reconstructive situations. AORN J 71 (Feb 2000) 354–362
Flicker noise and the estimation of the Allan variance

Flicker noise is a random process observed in a variety of contexts, including current fluctuations in metal film and semiconductor devices, loudness fluctuations in speech and music, and neurological patterns. The quadratic-mean convergence of appropriate estimates of the Allan variance for flicker noise is established when the latter is modeled as a stochastic process with stationary increments. A precise asymptotic expression of the mean-square error is given along with the rate of convergence. >
Online Learning: Stochastic, Constrained, and Smoothed Adversaries

Learning theory has largely focused on two main learning scenarios: the classical statistical setting where instances are drawn i.i.d. from a fixed distribution, and the adversarial scenario wherein, at every time step, an adversarially chosen instance is revealed to the player. It can be argued that in the real world neither of these assumptions is reasonable. We define the minimax value of a game where the adversary is restricted in his moves, capturing stochastic and non-stochastic assumptions on data. Building on the sequential symmetrization approach, we define a notion of distribution-dependent Rademacher complexity for the spectrum of problems ranging from i.i.d. to worst-case. The bounds let us immediately deduce variation-type bounds. We study a smoothed online learning scenario and show that exponentially small amount of noise can make function classes with infinite Littlestone dimension learnable.
DYVISE: Performance analysis of production systems research demonstration

Many of today's complex systems are multi-threaded servers that effectively run forever and need to work under varying loads and environments. Understanding the behavior of such systems, both their normal behavior and any abnormal behavior, is a necessary step in their development, deployment, and use. We have developed a performance analysis framework that is targeted for such systems. The framework deals with a variety of performance issues including cpu usage, memory utilization, I/O behavior, thread interactions, and event handling. Data is collected within a fixed overhead set dynamically by the user. The tool's user interface shows the behavior of the system as it is happening and lets the user browse through the execution history.