text:
NATICK, Mass., June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jim Tobin will retire from the Company, and that its board of directors has appointed Ray Elliott the new President and CEO, effective July 13.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090625/NE38001 )
"Ten years ago this month, I began my tenure as CEO of Boston Scientific, and two months from now, I will turn 65," said Tobin. "Over the course of the past decade, we have built a stronger, more diversified company that is well positioned for the future. We have achieved this due largely to the support of our employees, customers and investors, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. Now is an appropriate time for me to turn over the leadership of the Company to Ray Elliott, our new CEO. Ray is an outstanding choice, and he has my full and enthusiastic support. We will have a smooth transition, which will culminate with Ray taking over next month."
"The board accepts Jim's decision to retire with understanding and enormous gratitude," said Pete Nicholas, Chairman of the Board of Boston Scientific. "Jim led Boston Scientific through a period of tremendous growth and diversification that transformed the Company. Thanks to his leadership and the efforts of thousands of Boston Scientific employees, our Company has strengthened its position as a worldwide leader in less-invasive medicine. More important, while Jim has been CEO, Boston Scientific has helped improve the lives of millions of patients. On behalf of the board, I would like to recognize and thank Jim for these a
|SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation
Copyright©2009 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


text:
LIMA — West Breese Road will be closed between Yoakam and Beeler roads in the daytime hours on Monday and Tuesday.
The road will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for bridge repair. It will be open int he evenings.
For more information, call the Allen County Engineer's Office at 419-228-3196.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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July 4 -- on a hammock or stuck at work?
Friday - 7/4/2014, 2:00am EDT
We hope you're reading this from a hammock, surrounded by beautiful or nubile admirers who are feeding you dainties while they grill your lunch. Good for you. A nice little break at the end of the week is always good for your mental health.
And, if today finds you at work, that's good too. Maybe not for you, but certainly for us. Because what you are doing and where you are doing it is probably good for our health, safety and security. Even if we can't see you.
Most media outlets find that readers, listeners and viewers drop off on holidays, which makes sense. So we are saving the good stuff for next week, when lots of us will be back to work. Enjoy today and check it out tomorrow.
Happy holiday. Check this space next week.
By Jack Moore
When the music for the "Star Spangled Banner" was first published, the opening words "O" and "say" were written as the same note. It's unclear when the anthem's opening evolved to the two-note, minor-third descending interval we all know today.
(Source: Slate)
OMB to reward employees who receive positive customer service reviews
One of the Office of Management and Budget's cross-agency priority goals is to bring customer service more in line with private sector experiences. OMB says it wants to focus on front-line personnel in these efforts. The plan indicates the award structure will be completed over the next few months and be ready to launch by the first quarter of 2015.
VA medical inspector retires after scathing report
The chief medical inspector for the Department of Veterans Affairs has retired, following a report that his office downplayed whistleblower complaints outlining serious problems at VA facilities across the country, acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson said Wednesday.


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text: I tried to look clear answer for it but wasn't able to find it anywhere. I am running background thread in main activity that checks for certain variable and if it is true it should show alert dialog. I also want this dialog to show up on any focused activity of the application. I tried it by adding Looper.prepare() and Looper.loop() to the thread but it does not work properly and it affects while() loop that I use to check variable in that thread. Can anyone please help me in finding out what is the best way to implement this?


text:
16 Reviews
Average Customer Review
Share your thoughts with other customersCreate your own review
4.0 out of 5 stars On the difference between 2nd Edition and 1st Edition
I used the author's book "Digital Signal Processing" in my college study, and I also read and cite the 1st Edition of
"Discrete-Time Signal Processing" during my work experience. That's a very good reference. But I don't have the
2nd Edititon.
However, after going through the Table Of Contents of the 2nd Edition of "Discrete-Time...
Published on Aug. 8 2002 by Jian Ming, Jiang
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok beginners book
This book seems to follow the disappointing (to me at least) model of many engineering texts--that being the reluctance to present new mathematical concepts/techniques. Almost every mathematical concept/technique used in this book was already covered by the prerequisite text by Oppenheim, "Signals and Systems." It would seem that a subject so entrenched with complex...
Published on Jan. 4 2003 by Ian Langmore
Most Helpful First | Newest First
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok beginners book,
Ian Langmore (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
This book seems to follow the disappointing (to me at least) model of many engineering texts--that being the reluctance to present new mathematical concepts/techniques. Almost every mathematical concept/technique used in this book was already covered by the prerequisite text by Oppenheim, "Signals and Systems." It would seem that a subject so entrenched with complex numbers and polynomials could be taught in such a manner that would include theorems and concepts from these well-established mathematical disciplines. Note that I did not read the chapter on Hilbert transforms, or the section on the Discrete Cosine Transform, so I cannot comment on them. I did read all other sections. The sections on random signals do introduce new concepts, but they were only put in as a quick review of concepts meant to be studied in a random processes class. On the other hand, this is a very readable book, which has proven very useful. It does present MANY new engineering concepts. If analytic function theory had been introduced, this book probably would not have room left to be as complete a reference for existing introductory DSP theory. However by avoiding the math it has limited the continuing students ability to develop insight into deeper theory, or develop new theory.
4.0 out of 5 stars On the difference between 2nd Edition and 1st Edition,
Jian Ming, Jiang (Nanjing, China) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
I used the author's book "Digital Signal Processing" in my college study, and I also read and cite the 1st Edition of
"Discrete-Time Signal Processing" during my work experience. That's a very good reference. But I don't have the
2nd Edititon.
However, after going through the Table Of Contents of the 2nd Edition of "Discrete-Time Signal Processing", I
think Oppenheim&Schafer did a resaonable tradeoff to reflect state of the art in DSP domain.
They add: Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) which is mostly used in image compression, Multirate Signal
Processing which is used widely in modern DSP, and Oversampling and Noise Shaping Sampling for A/D and D/A
In consequence, they remove: Lattice Structure, IIR Filters Design, Cepstrum Analysis (often used in speech
signal processing) and Homomorphic Signal Processing, which are a bit sophisticated. And I guess the reason to
remove IIR Filter Dsign is there exists many computer-aided tools on digital filter design, and made this very easy.
4.0 out of 5 stars DTSP vs. DSP by Oppenheim and Schafer,
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
I am referring here to the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) that the authors wrote in the 1970's or earlier versus the more recent editions of Discrete-Time Signal Processing (DTSP).
I have both the DSP version and the 1st edition of DTSP, and used them for coursework. From my personal recollection: I tried to take an introductory graduate-level DSP course twice, once with the old DSP text (but did not get to finish), and the second time completing the course from another college with the DTSP text. DSP, in spite of its introductory and pioneering nature, turned out to be the more readable and better organized textbook among the two. It is shorter by many pages, less verbose, less "heavy and circular in arguments", and quicker to come to the point, not to mention being clearer, more lucid, and well-illustrated with good examples and diagrams without overwhelming the reader. The beginning chapters are well written with introduction to the applications of Complex Variables in the context of DSP as an EE subject. In short, DSP by Oppenheim and Schafer is the less ambitious book of the two, but really accomplishes much more by doing less and focusing on the essential concepts underlying DSP.
I can see why and where many beginning EE Signal Processing students tend to get frustrated. DTSP, 1st edition, is actually a rewritten version of DSP, albeit meant to be a major extension (or expansion, if you wish) with more applications appended and "heavier expositions". (This reminds me of many other books by MIT EE faculty on the market.) I find the most frustrating part of DTSP is the chapters on transcending from the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Why? All you have to do is look at the way the authors present the DFT, then get to understand the truncated DFT, and try to follow the steps that supposedly get one toward FFT's - not at all clear or well-connected conceptually. It is even more obvious when one tries to do the moderately difficult and somewhat tedious exercises at the back of each chapter. While it is true that DTSP appears superficially "precise and rigorous", I find it a bit convoluted and too ambitious in its treatment of digital signal processing topics, indicative of a desire to reflect trappings of the latest applications by demonstrating the power of the theory presented. Why not just return to the fundamentals of DSP and limit the topics to a manageable level, thereby retaining a high degree of visibility for the more average EE student. (Maybe DTSP was meant to be taught by the authors themselves, or by their Ph.D. students. That way, the obscure points, discussions and topics in the textbook could be explained away in live classroom lectures via student interactions. Right?) In spite of all this, I think DTSP has intrinsic value in EE Signal Processing, being that it retained much of the key concepts in the older DSP text with some original flavor.
Suggestion to authors: Write another book on DSP, but limit the book to concepts and some elementary applications, just like the 1970's original, or better still edit and update the original to be published as an inexpensive classic by, say, Dover. Rewrite DTSP as the follow-on textbook. How about it? I really miss the lucid style of the more original DSP textbook by the authors. And I mean it, seriously!
4.0 out of 5 stars The DSP Bible,
Amazon Customer (West Hartford, CT, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
As others have said, this is the DSP bible. I have worked in the field of DSP as a post-grad student, lecturer ("professor") and an R&D engineer for over 10 years now and this book is in my "must-have" collection. It is the book I learnt my DSP from; it is the book I have taught DSP from; it is a very good reference book for the practicioner.
Having said that, I should also point out what I believe this book is not (and why it gets only 4 stars) : it is not a good book for self-learning. If this is what you are after, I recommend Rick Lyons' book "Understanding Digital Signal Processing" (five stars from me).
If you are a mechanical engineer learning DSP, I suggest asking your local Bruel & Kjaer representative if he'll give you a copy of Bob Randall's "Frequency Analysis" published by B&K (ISBN 87 87355 07 8; "only" 3.5 stars, but 4.5 stars if you're a mechanical engineer).
1.0 out of 5 stars Not Good for Self Study,
Craig Dry (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
I am currently taking a first course in DSP where O&S is the text used. The text is just plain HELL to read. Explanations are often incomplete. I don't believe my professor had a choice in the selection because the other day he called in incoherent. I recently spoke to a second professor at UT who said he never uses it in his courses because he believes the authors are trying to impress their colleagues with the writing style.
Specific topics covered so far in the course, which are mentioned, but NOT covered in the text: Closed form solution of Difference Equations, complex convolution theorem, unilateral Z-transform and their use in the solution of Difference Equations with non-zero initial conditions, and Contour Integration.
I can see where some people use this as a reference, because there are many brief, accurate statements. But if you're trying to learn this material for the first time, look elsewhere.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good reference,
"mk75" (Stanford, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
This book has its share of shortcomings, but overall, it is probably the best and most complete reference on DSP. Unfortunately, it does skip a few important topics. For example, the second edition threw out the section on designing IIR bandpass and highpass filters from lowpass prototypes. This section used to be in the first edition and is VERY important, so I don't see how Oppenheim & Schafer could have justified throwing it out. They also conspicuously left out filter design based on the frequency sampling method. But in spite of these omissions, it's hard to recommend another book over this one. The one that comes closest is Mitra's.
In the end, if you want to learn DSP and work in the field, you have to have this book, as well as the ones by Mitra, Proakis & Manolakis, Jackson, and, of course, Rabiner & Gold. If you get all those, you'll have the complete reference of CORE DSP texts.
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best,
By A Customer
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
I'm almost an engineer and during my digital signal theory course I found this book exaustive, precise, never approximative. If you want to start learning about DSP theory, read this one even if you'll need some knowledge especially in the field of complex analysys; anyway when you get to the end you'll be able to make filter projects in the same way you drink a glass of water!! The content of the book is well exposed: the author start introducing LTI systems representation, then he explores the Z-transform domain; after that he goes on speaking about A/D and D/A conversion. As far as I'm concerned I found chap 6 (about structures for digital filter) and chap 7 (about filter techniques) extremely interesting and useful. Hey, guys, if you don't have understood yet, this is a MUST
5.0 out of 5 stars The reference for DSP,
Steve Uhlig (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
This is probably the most complete reference in DSP. It's full of examples covering the whole stuff in DSP. However this is certainly not fur use as an introductory book because the aim is not the explanation of fundamental concepts in DSP (for that go to Lyons "Understanding Digital Signal Processing"). Maybe it is possible to learn DSP with this book but then as a companion of a good undergrad course, not for self-study.
As stated by another reviewer, this book is over-crowded with developments, details and examples that could be overwhelming to the newcomer. This is probably its biggest drawback, in that its completeness hinders on its readability. So be aware that this is not an easy DSP book, it's THE DSP book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Not a beginners book,
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
Although the authors say this book could be used as an introductory text in DSP, it is not. This book is a no nonsense approach towards DSP. You need firm grounding in calculus, signals and systems to be close to even understand what the authors intend to say.
With a good professor and with the skill set that the authors assume you have, you will find this a life long reference. How ever for the not so sure Stanley's Digital Signal processing is a much better choice.
The beginner should find Richard Lyon's Understanding DSP to be more user friendly, but if you outgrow Lyon, then this is the book that would whet your appetite.This book will be one you will frequently refer to clear your doubts.
5.0 out of 5 stars Reference or introduction?,
This review is from: Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Hardcover)
I found this book to be an excellent fundamental text about DSP. But is it a good introductory book for beginners? Well, it depends... The book covers the essential topics in great depth and that means every one of its 800+ pages is packed with concepts and details and examples. The style is clear, but the amount of information can be a little overwhelming when you read it for the first time. If you have time, patience, a good maths background, the desire to master the subject, and someone to clarify your doubts, this can be the best first book on DSP you could ever buy. If you just want to learn the basics, and don't have much time or patience you should probably look elsewhere.
Most Helpful First | Newest First
Discrete-Time Signal Processing by John R. Buck (Hardcover - Jan. 10 1999)
Used & New from: CDN$ 25.61


text:
I'm using ggplot2 to make some bullseye charts in R. They look delightful, and everyone is very pleased - except that they'd like to have the values of the bullseye layers plotted on the chart. I'd be happy just to put them in the lower-right corner of the plot, or even in the plot margins, but I'm having some difficulty doing this.
Here's the example data again:
critters <- structure(list(Zoo = "Omaha", Animals = 50, Bears = 10, PolarBears = 3), .Names = c("Zoo",
"Animals", "Bears", "PolarBears"), row.names = c(NA, -1L), class = "data.frame")
And how to plot it:
d <- data.frame(animal=factor(c(rep("Animals", critters$Animals),
rep("Bears", critters$Bears), rep("PolarBears", critters$PolarBears)),
levels = c("PolarBears", "Bears", "Animals"), ordered= TRUE))
grr <- ggplot(d, aes(x = factor(1), fill = factor(animal))) + geom_bar() +
coord_polar() + labs(x = NULL, fill = NULL) +
scale_fill_manual(values = c("firebrick2", "yellow2", "green3")) +
opts(title = paste("Animals, Bears and Polar Bears:\nOmaha Zoo", sep=""))
I'd like to add a list to, say, the lower right corner of this plot saying,
Animals: 50
Bears: 10
PolarBears: 3
But I can't figure out how. My efforts so far with
annotate() have been thwarted, in part by the polar coordinates. If I have to add the numbers to the title, so be it - but I always hold out hope for a more elegant solution. Thanks in advance.
An important note for those who come after: the bullseye is a bar plot mapped to polar coordinates. The ggplot2 default for bar plots is, sensibly, to stack them. However, that means that the rings of your bullseye will also be stacked (e.g. the radius in my example equals the sum of all three groups, 63, instead of the size of the largest group, 50). I don't think that's what most people expect from a bullseye plot, especially when the groups are nested. Using
geom_bar(position = position_identity()) will turn the stacked rings into layered circles.
EDIT 2: Example from ggplot2 docs:


text:
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text:
Two Individuals Indicted for Trafficking Counterfeit Gaming Machines and Computer Programs
Cabrera was arrested
According to the indictment, returned on
Cabrera and Mantilla are charged in the indictment with one count of conspiracy, two counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods, two counts of trafficking in counterfeit labels and two counts of criminal copyright infringement. If convicted of all charges, each defendant faces a maximum of up to 45 years in prison and
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney
An indictment is merely a formal charge by the grand jury. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice


text:
Pronunciation: Tantanoola tiger
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Senate's approval of SEC nominee unanimous
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Monday confirmed Mary Jo White to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission, placing a tough former prosecutor in the role of Wall Street's top watchdog.
White was confirmed by a unanimous voice vote in the Senate, an indication of broad bipartisan support.
The Senate Banking Committee voted 22 to 1 to approve her nomination last month, with the lone no vote from Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. Brown has been critical of federal officials in general for not being tougher on Wall Street.
President Obama nominated White as the long-term replacement for Mary Schapiro, who stepped down in September. Democratic Commissioner Elisse Walter has been leading the SEC since then.
White made a name for herself as the first woman to serve as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. From 1993 to 2002, White aggressively prosecuted insider traders, drug traffickers and terrorists, including those involved in the 1993 World Trade Center attack and the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa.
She becomes the first former prosecutor to chair the SEC. But the job involves more than enforcement. The SEC is implementing dozens of new regulations as part of the 2010 overhaul of financial rules.
"The SEC needs a strong leader in place as it works to implement Wall Street reform, and that is exactly what the commission is getting with Mary Jo White," Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson, D-S.D., said.
Some senators raised potential conflict-of-interest issues at her confirmation hearing. After leaving the U.S. attorney's office, White took a job at a New York law firm representing some major Wall Street firms and figures, including former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. director Rajat Gupta and former Bank of America Corp. Chief Executive Ken Lewis.
White apparently allayed senators' concerns, promising tough enforcement and saying, "The American public will be my client."
"Mrs. White has an impressive record in both the public and private sectors," Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said after her confirmation.
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Seattle, Wa (PRWEB) May 04, 2013
The 3 Day Thrush Cure is a brand new thrush treatment method developed by Rebecca Haworth, who promises to help people heal thrush permanently. This is an e-book that will teach users about a natural and safe treatment for treating yeast overgrowth. The guide covers all information users need to learn about how to treat infant, adult and oral thrush within 3 days or fewer and prevent infections from coming back. Thanks to the helpful method, users can get rid of thrush easily, permanently and safely without worrying about any side effect of pills or drugs. After the author released the program, she received a lot of comments from customers regarding their success with The 3 Day Thrush Cure. As a result, the website Health Review Center tested the guide and has given a complete review.
A full review of The 3 Day Thrush Cure on the site Health Review Center points out that this is a helpful method that can help users combat thrush naturally. The program will give users a complete 3-day thrust treatment method that can help them eliminate thrust and heal the yeast overgrowth. In this program, users will discover 5 types of thrush that they need to address each one. Users will discover 7 common signs of thrush that moms need to look after their breastfeeding infant. People will get some effective tips that ease the pain and get rid of thrush symptoms. Furthermore, in this guide, users will get some descriptions of yeast overgrowth. People will receive some proven and tested techniques that can help them treat the condition at the source. When people purchase the method, they will receive many useful bonuses such as: the ultimate guide t
|Source: PRWeb
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NaturVet Ear Wash with Tea Tree Oil Aloe and Baby Powder Scent Description
Natural Ear Cleaning Formula
For Cleaning the Ear Canal of Dogs & Cats
Reduces Ear Odor
Safe for Routine Cleaning
Helps Remove Ear Wax & Debris
Veterinarian Formulated
A gentle yet effective formula designed to help dissolve ear wax and remove foreign debris. It can be used as often as needed and is especially recommended after bathing or swimming.
Point spout tip into ear canal. Squeeze bottle to release enough drops to partially fill the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear canal to help loosen wax. Remove liquid, dissolved wax, and dirt with cotton balls or facial tissue. Repeat as needed. Do not use cotton swabs or insert pointed objects into the ear.
Free OfWitch hazel, deionized water, glycerine, boric acid, tea tree oil, polysorbate 80, echinacea extract, natural coloring, aloe vera extract and baby powder fragrance.
DisclaimerThese statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


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OP Junior Member
Thanks Meter: 0
Any enthusiast for this phone??becasue this is a very goood phone for a budget tight man, yet boom boom features! but i think this is for asia only........please let us merge and start uplifting this...im from Philippines and this is rebranded as Cherry Mobile Omega XL..


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With four glass partitions and a center spot for sauce, this silver-plated hors d'oeuvre holder is organized and elegant.
In 2001, antiques enthusiast Howard White purchased the veritable Corbell Company, known for its 8,000 silver-plate, silver, and English sterling reproductions and antiques, which he turned into his own Corbell Silver Company. Corbell has recently introduced a new affordable and low maintenance entry line called Corbell by Queen Anne, which offers items made in silver-plate that do not tarnish or require polishing.


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The Partial Proposal of Data Warehouse Testing Task
Date Added: May 2011
Format: PDF
The aim of this paper is to suggest the partial proposal of datawarehouse testing methodology. The analysis of relevant standards and guidelines proved the lack of information on actions and activities concerning data warehouse testing. The absence of the complex data warehouse testing methodology seems to be crucial particularly in the phase of the data warehouse implementation. In the phase of testing methodology designing for the process of the data warehouse validation, it is necessary to consider the results and knowledge acquired in the analysis of the existing standards and guidelines.


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Games I Have Fond Memories Of
Welcome to my childhood. (age ~14 and lower)
This is a really really weird combination of titles.
Welcome to my childhood. (age ~14 and lower)
This is a really really weird combination of titles.
I remember playing this (or an earlier version of it) at a relative's house when we stayed over which led to picking this up. I actually had a lot of fun with it at the time. I recall always picking Mike Piazza as my catcher which led to me rooting for the Mets for some amount of time.
I managed to convince my sister to play this with me, and we played the game co-op up to the final boss, who we couldn't beat. This game sticks out to me as the only game I played with my sister for any notable length of time.
"I may be able to help, ja!"
This game sticks out in my memory for two main reasons: One, a local kids TV channel allowed people to call in and play the run away from boulder level using their phone as a controller, and gave them (more) prizes if they survived. This blew my mind. Secondly, this game is the reason I got a PS1.
I remember really liking the start of this game, and I played it many many times - just the start, as in around the second area I got stuck and didn't know what to do, and then I forgot the name of this game. I stumbled upon it a few years ago and I've wanted to replay it ever since.
I think the graphics and animations were what made me play this so much, but as a game I recall it being pretty frustrating.
This game was so utterly crazy that it's hard to forget - I remember getting really far into it. There are a lot of cool things about Earthworm Jim as a game, and as a character.
This game is forever seared into my memory due to an awkward moment related to it as a kid. Also I quite liked it as a game as well.
I started playing this at a summer camp at some point. It's kind of a weird platformer in that the level design wasn't very good, but it still had a lot of charm, and I remember playing the time trial levels over and over.
I got this game as a present, and I'm glad I did - I'd likely have never picked it up otherwise. The thing I liked about it the most was probably the combat system, oddly enough. The Disney-ness was mostly just goofy (not the character). I remember getting horribly stuck in Hollow Bastion.
Also one of the few games in which I find the music memorable.
I played a lot of Kirby's Adventure back in the day - I actually managed to master all the mini games, and how to perfectly make the end-of-level bonus jump, which took a long while. I even completed the game! UFO Kirby forever and ever.
Years after playing this game and knowing a bit more about technology, I was surprised to discover this was a NES game - this is an absolutely fantastic looking game.
I've played a bunch of the original Mega Mans, but when I think of Mega Man games, I tend to think about Gravity Man. I think this is the Mega Man game that I played the most of. Anyway, if Mega Man 9's difficulty is at all similar to Mega Man 2-6, I think I was way better at games then, which is nice in a depressing way.
I can't think of an old anecdote about this game, so here's a new one: When creating this list, I opened the Gold/Silver wiki page and quickly found an error in the page. And that was the story of how I earned my first wiki points in Giant Bomb. Truly, history in the making.
I still remember my first time playing Red - I noticed early on that Ember was my Charmander's best attack, and then didn't really figure out the idea of elemental advantages - I ended up using Ember so much even when it wasn't good that I leveled him to evolve into a Charizard before the S. S. Anne. It was there that I discovered Slash was a pretty good move too, as I had ran out of PP for Ember.
I remember that the monstar based off of Muggsy Bogues was probably the best player in this game thanks to the sheer counter attack speed he allowed, but this game also had a lot of secret shots that were (at least for me then), incredibly difficult to pull off. Still probably the basketball game I played the most of, all in all. Not sure what to make of that...
I played a crazy amount of this game as a kid - I ended up finding every single collectible in the game. I think this is the best skateboarding game of all time, too.
I was an Elise player, and played and completed every event with her - in the end, the level disparity was so large that when playing multiplayer, playing Elise and just moving straight forward would frequently beat controlled level 1 characters. Oh videogames.
Oddly enough, this was the first Zelda game I ever played. I liked it quite a bit, but unfortunately it's focus on puzzles made me give up on it as a kid.
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Picture: Robert Pattinson Meet the Filmmakers at the Apple store on London's Regent's Street London, England - 01.06.12
Are Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart getting married? Apparently not. Not yet, at least. Despite all the rumours. And frankly, R-Patz is starting to get a little tired of having to explain to his family which bits of what they read are true and which have been fabricated by the tabloid press. In a chat with BlackBook magazine, the 26 year old actor explained "There was this magazine, with these pictures, saying I was getting married. No one ever knows what is true or what isn't. Even my own mum called to ask me if it was true."
Ever since Robert and Kristen went public with their off-screen relationship, Pattinson has been notoriously guarded when it comes to discussing their relationship and he's not keen to give any of their personal secrets, including details of an impending wedding, away to the press. In fact, Pattinson vies most interviews with caution, whether they are discussing his private life or not.
He's already said that he often curses whoever it was that came up with the R-Patz nickname, and is wary of how his words will be interpreted: "You try to say things in the perfect way but you know unless you say something stupid, from which people will make you look like a d*ck, you're not going to have soundbites. And if you don't say anything stupid, someone's going to make something up anyways." So there you have it no wedding on cards and even if there was, he wouldn't tell you. So there might be. But there isn't.


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Mission: Project Nightingale problem
View Single Post
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 9,144
# 13
Originally Posted by
got battered several times by it today at lv39.Never used to be such a ***** to kill .devs must have upgraded it or something.had to use to and run tactics in the end.
in other news
once i did beat it
and went down to the planet
i met a TOS Klingon inside the lab?
how bizarre
Please don't zombie old threads. The rule is nothing can be brought back after 30 days - as it will just be closed by a Mod. If you want to make a new thread about the issue feel free, though.
STO is about my Liberated Borg Federation Captain with his Breen 1st Officer, Jem'Hadar Tactical Officer, Liberated Borg Engineering Officer, Android Ops Officer, Photonic Science Officer, Gorn Science Officer, and Reman Medical Officer jumping into their Jem'Hadar Carrier and flying off to do missions for the new Romulan Empire. But for some players allowing a T5 Connie to be used breaks the canon in the game.


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A letter asking federal officials to help speed up state Road Home money has been delivered to the New Orleans office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Some residents are still out of their homes — almost eight years after Hurricane Katrina.
A federal audit says the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority illegally paid board members nearly $107,000 and created a conflict of interest and violated federal rules by paying $91,000 to a state legislator's repair company.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development audit says the agency should repay the money and must either document or repay another $450,000. That includes $240,000 paid to four Jefferson Parish sheriff's deputies for security services, $95,000 to its attorney and $81,000 to its accounting firm.


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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10355/5128
|Determining and Responding to Teacher Professional Development Needs
|Chval, Kathryn B. (Kathryn Bouchard)
|Though prior efforts described in the research base emphasized the importance of professional development for the purposes of elevating teacher knowledge and practice, the school improvement and leadership literature suggested that providing professional development for teachers was not the only necessary component for moving school organizations forward. As a result, the initial premise of the ALM project was based on the idea that revitalizing school mathematics programs required full, systemic change, including changes by administrators and parents, changes in teachers' beliefs and practices, and changes in learning and attitudes on the part of children (Senge, 1991). Although this paper focuses on determining and responding to the professional needs of teachers, it is important to situate this discussion within the context in which the work was conducted.
Items in MOspace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.


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Audi Confirms Q1 For 2016, Electric Q6 For 2018... Luxury
36 minutes ago
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First Drives
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Car Tech
The last member of the facelifted 2014 Porsche Panamera family has finally been revealed, the range-topping Panamera Turbo S. The potent tourer adopts most of the changes introduced on the Panamera for the 2014 model year, including the addition of a long-wheelbase Executive model. The 2014... read more
Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer has hinted that a concept previewing the automaker's next Z sports car will be presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in... read more September 11, 2013 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
We've been spying prototypes for Subaru's next-generation WRX for months but soon the heavy camouflage will be coming off and the car ready for its debut on the... read more August 27, 2013 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
Following the reveal of the Subaru's BRZ tS concept car a fortnight ago, the Japanese automaker has now launched the production version, though sadly the car is only... read more August 18, 2013 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
MINI will celebrate the 107th anniversary of the birth of Sir Alec Issigonis, the designer of the original Mini, by unveiling the third generation of the modern MINI, the... read more August 7, 2013 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
The Detroit 3 automakers, made up of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, will be absent from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, making this the third time in a row that the American... read more May 23, 2013 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
Earlier in the year Nissan finally announced motorsport and engineering firm Nismo as its official performance partner. At the time, Nissan also confirmed the launch of its... read more April 30, 2013 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
With our appetite whetted by the trickle of Nissan Juke-R information heading our way, a high-performance version of Nissan's crossover looks mighty appealing right now... read more December 5, 2011 by Antony Ingram
If you could cross a Citroën DS with one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, chances are the result would look a lot like the 2011 Suzuki Regina Concept, shown at this... read more December 2, 2011 by Kurt Ernst
Gordon Murray may no longer be designing Grand Prix cars or supercars but his work at the forefront of future mobility is no less important. In addition to cars like the T.25... read more December 2, 2011 by Antony Ingram
The 2011 Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept is the follow up to the original 2009 Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept and once again demonstrates the Japanese automaker's hybrid... read more December 2, 2011 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
Only a few readers may have heard of Japanese carbon fiber expert Toray, but we're sure most will know the name Gordon Murray, one of the key men responsible for the... read more December 2, 2011 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
In the future, crossover vehicles will be more versatile, more capable on any kind of terrain, more fuel efficient and, as Volkswagen demonstrates with its Cross Coupé... read more December 1, 2011 by Kurt Ernst
One of the more interesting vehicles Honda brought to this week's 2011 Tokyo Motor Show was the EV-STER Concept, a vision of the automaker's electric sports car... read more December 1, 2011 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
Honda has given its Insight Hybrid the four-door coupe treatment and has come away with the rather stylish and somewhat sporty Advanced Cruiser-X concept, or AC-X for short... read more December 1, 2011 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
It took a whole lot of patience for what felt like a small eternity to get to this point. Concept by concept, transparent skeleton by transparent skeleton, we trudged... read more December 1, 2011 by Chris Weiss


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Polaris Wireless Announces Participation In CSRIC Indoor Technology Market Trial Polaris Wireless Location Signatures^TM is the Only Network-Based Location Technology Tested in Indoor Environments Business Wire MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- November 27, 2012 Polaris Wireless, the global leader in high-accuracy, software-based wireless location solutions, announced today that it is participating in a groundbreaking indoor location technology market trial organized by the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) advisory committee, the Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC). The trial is taking place from November 15 through December 31, 2012 in urban, suburban, and rural communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Polaris Wireless is the only network-based location technology provider that is being tested in indoor environments, as other network-based location technology providers withdrew from participation in the CSRIC trials. "We are very enthusiastic to participate in the CSRIC trial for indoor location," said Manlio Allegra, Polaris Wireless CEO and Co-founder. "This vote of confidence reflects our leading-edge location technology performance, especially in indoor environments, through deployments all over the world." The trial involves the simultaneous testing of indoor location technologies from four leading companies: Polaris Wireless, Qualcomm, Boeing, and NextNav. The trial includes Polaris Wireless Location Signatures (Polaris WLS^TM), a software- based RF Pattern Matching approach to the high-accuracy location determination problem, requiring no changes in the wireless device or in the wireless service provider's base stations. CSRIC's goal is to identify technologies that can be deployed to enable PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) to quickly and accurately locate emergency callers. One of the leading challenges for today's public safety responder is how to accurately locate an emergency caller indoors. This challenge will only grow as mobile subscribers increasingly come to rely upon their mobile devices for the vast majority of calls, both indoors and outdoors. The percentage of 911 calls placed from mobile devices indoors is increasing. While PSAPs do not track this statistic, the FCC states that 70 percent of all 911 calls are made from a mobile device, thus a significant amount of those calls are assumed to originate from mobile devices indoors. According to a J.D. Power survey, approximately 60 percent of calls originate from indoor environments and this statistic continues to grow every year. "ATIS (Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions) welcomes Polaris Wireless' participation in the testing," said Susan Miller, President and CEO of ATIS, the organization that has developed many of the standards and methodologies used in the testing. "Polaris Wireless' contributions in ATIS and CSRIC, and its knowledge of the criticality of location accuracy to emergency services, will play a critical role in understanding the capabilities of the current location technologies." Polaris Wireless has long been involved in CSRIC and ATIS efforts to standardize and promote location technologies. The company was among the first to deploy a software-based location solution that meets the FCC e911 mandate for location accuracy, and a Polaris Wireless executive currently serves as co-chairman of CSRIC's efforts on improving indoor location technology. About Polaris Wireless Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., Polaris Wireless is the global leader in providing high accuracy, software-based wireless location solutions to wireless operators, law enforcement/government agencies and location-based application companies. Since 2003, Polaris Wireless has successfully completed 38 global deployments – 14 for lawful location surveillance in Asia and EMEA, and 24 to meet FCC E911 Phase II requirements in the US. The company has offices in Dubai, U.A.E., Bangalore, India, Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. Polaris Wireless is the recipient of the prestigious Frost & Sullivan "2011 Enabling Technology of the Year" award and was named to the 2012 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, recognizing the company's accomplishments and leadership in developing location solutions. The company participates in location committees and other groups within the 3GPP and OMA standards setting bodies, and also participates in regulatory and industry bodies related to E911, lawful location surveillance, and location-based services. Polaris Wireless is located at 301 North Whisman Road, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA. For more information about Polaris Wireless, please visit http://www.polariswireless.com. Contact: Interprose PR for Polaris Wireless Becky Obbema, +1 408-778-2024 becky[dot]obbema[at]interprosepr.com
Polaris Wireless Announces Participation In CSRIC Indoor Technology Market Trial
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Also known as: Home: Itoshi no Zashiki Warashi
Year: 2012
Country: Japanese
Directed by: Seiji Izumi
Duration: 1 hr, 50 min
Language: Japanese
Yutaka Mizutani
Narumi Yasuda
Ai Hashimoto
Tatsuomi Hamada
Mitsuko Kusabue
When Koichi Takahasi (Miutani) is transferred from Tokyo to a small village in Iwate Prefecture, they set up hoe in a two-hundred year-old farmhouse. The family is split between those who hate the move and those who are happy. Fumiko (Yasuda), the wife, is unhappy at the change and doesn't get on with her elderly neighbours, Azumi (Hashimoto) is sad about having to transfer to a new school. Koichi's mother, Sumiyo (Kusabue), rather likes the new community while young Tomoya Takahashi (Hamada) really enjoys the new move because he can play outdoors. Koichi takes note of the split in the family but finds himself struggling at his new job. Thankfully the house has Zashiki Warashi (yokai) living there who will unite them with their antics. Judging by the poster these antics won't be terrifying.


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The patented PathFinderTG® test is a molecular test to be used adjunctively in cases for which a definitive pathologic diagnosis cannot be rendered on a tissue or cytology specimen, either due to inadequate specimen or equivocal histologic or cytologic findings. This approach may be referred to as molecular anatomic pathology. RedPath, the test provider, suggests that the PathFinderTG® results provide useful and definitive diagnostic and prognostic information and reliably predict treatment response for multiple organ systems.
The testing involves the following steps:
For some specimens such as fluid aspirates, DNA is extracted from the fluid, since there may be little or no cellular content. The molecular testing consists of applying panels of molecular markers previously defined for each organ system or clinical question.
Potential uses described by the company include determining reactive versus neoplastic lesions, benign versus malignant lesions, biologically indolent versus aggressive tumors, which premalignant lesions will or will not progress into cancer, whether a synchronous or metachronous tumor represents metastatic spread or a new primary, and expected responses to treatment for various tumors. RedPath proposes that PathFinderTG® is appropriate in clinical practice when the results will alter clinical decision making.
Some of the tests RedPath offers (e.g., 1p/19q loss, microsatellite instability) are offered by other laboratories as single clinical tests. The remainder of the tests RedPath offers (e.g., KRAS point mutation and loss of heterozygosity [LOH] panels) are typically performed in research settings. The aim of PathFinderTG® testing is to integrate molecular findings into the pathology diagnosis.
This patented diagnostic test is only available through RedPath Integrated Pathology (Pittsburgh, PA). The PathFinderTG® Molecular Test is not subject to review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because it is a laboratory-developed test (LDT) conducted only at RedPath Integrated Pathology's licensed laboratory. Laboratories performing LDTs must be licensed for high-complexity testing under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). RedPath is licensed under CLIA.
Each benefit plan, summary plan description or contract defines which services are covered, which services are excluded, and which services are subject to dollar caps or other limitations, conditions or exclusions. Members and their providers have the responsibility for consulting the member's benefit plan, summary plan description or contract to determine if there are any exclusions or other benefit limitations applicable to this service or supply. If there is a discrepancy between a Medical Policy and a member's benefit plan, summary plan description or contract, the benefit plan, summary plan description or contract will govern.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) considers molecular testing using the PathFinderTG® system experimental, investigational and unproven for all indications, including but not limited to the evaluation of pancreatic cyst fluid and evaluation of suspected or known gliomas.
Policy Guidelines
RedPath laboratory is located in Pennsylvania; the CPT code that appears on a test requisition form on the company website is code 84999 – unlisted chemistry procedure.
RedPath offers the PathFinderTG® molecular test as a way to provide definitive diagnoses and prognostic information and predict responses to chemotherapy. While integrating the molecular information that a test like PathFinderTG® provides is of interest and the subject of research for neoplasms, currently the specific molecular features, associated genetic biomarkers and their relationships with clinical outcomes, are not well-defined. Accordingly, their role in clinical decision making, including selecting treatment options, has not been defined.
Because of the scope of claims by the company for widespread application of PathFinderTG® in multiple organ systems and clinical scenarios, and more than 500 papers they reference "supporting the clinical efficacy of PathFinderTG®" (22), we chose two representative applications to address in this policy—pancreatic cysts and gliomas. Published studies reviewed for this policy include those cited by RedPath as providing "clinical validation" for PathFinderTG®, as well as those representative of the current medical literature describing what is known of the molecular profiles of various tumor types (specifically pancreatic cystic and glial neoplasms) and their potential role in clinical decision making.
Pancreatic Cysts
The diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions is usually performed by endoscopic, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration sampling of the fluid and cyst wall for cytologic examination and analysis. Cytologic examination of these lesions can be difficult or indeterminate due to low cellularity, cellular degeneration, procedural difficulties, etc. Ancillary tests are often performed on fluid from the cyst to aid in the diagnosis (e.g., amylase, lipase, carcinoembryonic antigen levels), but results can still be equivocal. Information provided by additional testing modalities would, therefore, be potentially useful.
The PathFinderTG® test is suggested to serve the following purposes based on panels of molecular markers, including KRAS point mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH), in pancreatic cyst samplings/fluid:
The most recent search was performed though March 15, 2013. From a convenience sample of tissue specimens archived between 1999 and 2004, Lapkus et al. described mutations in brushing samples from pancreatic and bile duct lesions. (1) No description of patients or tumor stage was reported. Various molecular findings and mutations from 40 pancreatic duct and 21 biliary brushing specimens were described, including LOH for a panel of 15 markers (1p, 3p, 5q, 9p, etc.) in addition to point mutation in KRAS-2 for cells obtained from cytologic preparations that had been diagnosed by conventional cytology as malignant (n=10), atypical (n=20), or benign (n=10). The authors suggested "[k]nowing that cancer evolves through a temporal process of mutation acquisition raises the question whether this sequence can be determined in clinical specimens." Tissue histologic findings were available for 4 samples in the malignant group (all carcinomas), 4 in the benign group (3 were benign), and 9 in the atypical group (4 carcinomas). These results provided little evidence to support clinical value of the mutation patterns. Results from just 17 of 40 samples were compared to tissue diagnoses; therefore, measures of accuracy are not calculable. The cross-sectional study design further prevented meaningful conclusion.
Khalid et al. reported results from a retrospectively assembled case series using LOH in the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy. (2) In an apparent convenience sample of 26 patients with either surgical removal (n=25) or "long-term follow-up" (n=1), there were 17 cancers (6 pancreatic and 11 cholangiocarcinomas) and 9 non-cancers. No description of patients or tumor stage was reported. Using "standard" microscopic analysis of the cytology specimens, 8 were judged malignant, 10 were indeterminate, and 8 were benign. Results of various molecular tests (LOH, KRAS, etc.) were evaluated on cytology and tissue specimens. Reported sensitivity was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83–100%) and specificity 100% (95% CI: 70–100%; CIs calculated) for a diagnosis of malignancy by PathFinderTG®. Whether the molecular findings would have had clinical impact was unclear. In addition, results were not presented in a manner that allowed direct comparison between the molecular and standard testing, both for the cytology analysis and the tissue specimens.
In a case series, Khalid et al. prospectively collected fluid from 116 pancreatic cysts. (3) Molecular analyses were restricted to 31 patients who underwent surgery and "5 patients [who] reached a final diagnosis of malignancy based on cytology...." In this subgroup of 36, molecular analyses included KRAS point mutation and a broad panel of LOH markers. Whether those conducting molecular assays were blinded to confirmatory results was not reported. Cutoff points defining significant LOH at loci were established using normal specimens—a standard deviation greater than 2 was defined as abnormal. The sensitivity and specificities of KRAS mutation alone distinguishing premalignant from malignant cysts were 93% (95% CI: 62–100%) and 87% (95% CI: 62–96%) (CIs calculated). Subsequent testing for LOH did not alter sensitivity and correctly reclassified one false-positive result, increasing specificity to 93% (95% CI: 70–100%). Analysis from this small sample did not demonstrate incremental value for LOH testing added to KRAS.
These studies highlight important issues pertaining to test accuracy and whether there is evidence that PathFinderTG® results provide incremental information that informs diagnostic and prognostic decision making for patients with pancreatic cysts, including the following:
First, stepwise accumulation of KRAS mutations and allelic losses (LOH) accompanying cancer progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas have been found. (4, 5) However, overlap between molecular findings in inflammatory and neoplastic conditions has also been described—specifically KRAS mutations in chronic pancreatitis. (6-9) Progression of genetic mutations in mucinous pancreatic tumors has been described and, although there appear to be similarities with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, the precise pattern and progression of these mutations remain to be elucidated. For example, while suggesting the pattern of KRAS mutation followed by allelic loss predicts malignancy in pancreatic cysts, Khalid et al. also noted a lack of clarity in the "pattern and rate of mutation accumulation…." (3)
Second, potential sampling discrepancies between the molecular profile of a pancreatic cyst wall aspirate or fluid and tissue specimen needs to be further addressed. This is particularly important in mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas, which may show differing histologic features in different areas of the tumor and may have focal invasion. (10) To further complicate this issue, RedPath does not address the genetic heterogeneity seen among the subtypes of MCNs (for example, KRAS mutations have been described as occurring in 20% of mucinous cystic adenomas, 33% of adenomas with moderate dysplasia, and 89% with carcinoma in situ). (10)
Third, whether those performing the assay were blinded to surgical results was not stated in the studies reviewed. Clear description of case selection (e.g., consecutive or convenience) was absent.
Fourth, sample sizes were small, as reflected in the wide confidence intervals calculated for reported sensitivities and specificities.
Finally, both adequate follow-up and replicated results (validation) are required to demonstrate whether PathFinderTG® results inform diagnostic and prognostic decision making in a manner that will benefit patients. We are unaware of long-term studies with defined clinical outcomes using PathFinderTG® to differentiate neoplastic pancreatic cysts from those determined by the test as "definitely benign," implying that progression to cancer is improbable. RedPath suggests that some cases of MCN of the pancreas need not be resected based on "benign" molecular profiles that predict indolent behavior. However, international guidelines state that "unless there are contraindications for operation, all MCNs should be resected." (11) This is due to the uncertainty of the natural history of MCN and the presumed malignant potential of all types. (11-13)
Khalid et al. published the results of a prospective multicenter study to validate their initial results from a single center pilot study, (3) and to evaluate the role of pancreatic cyst fluid DNA analysis in differentiating mucinous from nonmucinous cysts. (14) Patients included in the study were seen for endoscopic ultrasound-guided evaluation of a pancreatic cyst between July 2004 and June 2006 at 1 of 7 participating centers. DNA analysis was performed only in cases that reached conclusion (defined as surgical resection of the lesion or a diagnosis of malignancy based on fine-needle aspiration cytology). DNA analysis consisted of direct sequencing of the first exon of the KRAS gene and PCR amplification of individual microsatellite markers to determine allelic imbalance (reported as allelic loss amplitude or ALA). A total of 391 patients were enrolled in the study, and after exclusions for various reasons including no cyst seen by endoscopic ultrasound or insufficient cyst fluid, 299 patients remained, 124 of whom reached a final pathologic diagnosis based on surgical resection (n=98) or malignant cytology (n=26). An additional 11 cases were excluded for various pathologic diagnoses not included in the study methods (e.g., islet cell tumors). The remaining 113 cysts were classified as benign nonmucinous (n=25) or mucinous (n=88). Of the mucinous, 40 were malignant and 48 were premalignant. Cyst fluid KRAS mutation with allelic loss showed a specificity of 96% for the diagnosis of malignancy but low sensitivity of 37%. Optimal cutoff points for ALA were established and, at the level set, the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing nonmucinous from mucinous cysts were 67% and 66%, respectively. A separate cutoff value for malignancy yielded a 90% sensitivity and 67% specificity. Limitations of the study were acknowledged. These included lack of investigator blinding to the results of the DNA analysis and potential selection bias, as only lesions with confirmed pathologic findings were included. Therefore, the study population consisted of a higher number of patients with malignant cysts than would have been expected.
A systematic review of LOH-based topographic genotyping with PathFinderTG® was prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) technology assessment program. (15) Key questions addressed the published evidence on the analytic test performance, diagnostic ability, and clinical validity of the test and what evidence there is comparing the PathFinder test with conventional pathology. The conclusions were that none of the studies included in the systematic review directly measured whether using LOH-based topographic genotyping with PathFinderTG® improved patient-relevant clinical outcomes and that the eligible studies on the diagnostic and prognostic ability of the test were small in sample size, had overt methodologic limitations, and all but one performed retrospective assessments. The review points out that the studies did not provide important information on patient selection, patient characteristics, treatments received, clinical endpoint definitions, justification of sample size, selection of test cutoffs, and selection among various statistical models. In addition, the review notes that there were strong indications that the selection of certain test cutoffs was determined post-hoc, in that the cutoffs varied widely across studies and were not validated in an external population.
In summary, the evidence reviewed does not demonstrate that PathFinderTG® has incremental clinical value for diagnosis or prognosis of pancreatic cysts and associated cancer.
Limitations of pathologic examination for diagnosing and grading gliomas have been described.(16, 17) This is partly due to the small brain biopsy size, as well as to interobserver variability between pathologists. In addition, different glial tumors may respond differently to therapy. Defining prognosis and predicting therapeutic response is therefore of considerable interest. The PathFinderTG® test is proposed to address these issues using panels of LOH markers from stereotactic brain biopsies or fine-needle aspirations to:
In one study cited as clinical validation for PathFinderTG®, investigators retrospectively analyzed archived tissue from 197 gliomas, performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for a panel of 12 to 16 LOH markers.(18) Loss of 1p and 19q were analyzed in all cases, with a subset (n=93) undergoing an extended panel of 16 markers. The authors reported, "The qualitative and quantitative aspects of glioma allelic loss were correlated with the clinical impression of treatment response [to procarbazine, CCNU, vinblastine] as determined by imaging studies." Treatment response was classified as none, partial (25% decrease in size with stable or decreasing steroid doses), or complete ("disappearance of all contrast-enhancing tissue for gliomas and resolution of abnormalities on FLAIR sequences for low-grade gliomas"). However, tables reported "major response" (undefined) rather than "complete response." Of 96 patients with high-grade gliomas, 49 had follow-up of 6 months or longer and were assessed for therapy response: 11 had "no response," 17 "partial," and 21 "major" response; deaths occurring prior to 6 months were not reported. Predictive values (calculated from reported data) of at least partial response for 1p loss were positive predictive value (PPV) 100% (95% CI: 89–100%) and negative predictive value (NPV) 65% (95% CI: 41–83%); for 19q loss, PPV was 82% (95% CI: 64–92%) and NPV was 21% (95% CI: 8–43%). It is not clear whether the molecular data results were blinded for the classification of treatment response. The retrospective design, lack of follow-up information for 47 patients, and no report of any censoring due to mortality are significant study limitations.
In a retrospective case series, Finkelstein et al. described LOH to distinguish neoplasms from reactive gliosis. (19) The study included archival tissue from 15 patients with reactive gliosis and 54 patients with gliomas of varying histologic type and grade. Molecular analyses were conducted blinded to the clinical diagnosis, and the results showed no LOH in any of the cases of gliosis. From the group of 54 patients, 14 of 19 (74%) well-differentiated neoplasms showed allelic loss, 35 of 35 high-grade gliomas showed at least one allelic loss alteration (33 of 35 had more than one loss). Within this same study, they then analyzed LOH in an additional 16 cases with indeterminate histopathology (reactive gliosis vs. gliomas). Of the 16 indeterminate cases, 9 were subsequently determined to be neoplastic based on clinical follow-up; LOH correctly identified 8 of these 9—sensitivity 89% (95% CI: 56–99%) and specificity 88% (95% CI: 53–99%). LOH correctly reclassified 3 of 9 as neoplasms initially diagnosed with benign disease and 1 of 7 with benign disease initially diagnosed as neoplastic. While their results were consistent with the study hypothesis, it will be necessary to apply the criteria determined in this study to additional validation samples. In addition, within this study, the sample size was small and confidence intervals were wide.
The only molecular test currently being performed on a relatively frequent basis for gliomas is the 1p/19q chromosomal loss for oligodendrogliomas. Yet optimal use of this test in the clinical care of patients remains unclear. (20) Although LOH involving multiple chromosomes has been observed in gliomas, and in some studies, LOH is predictive of tumor response to particular chemotherapeutic regimens, it is not clear that the information is meaningfully incremental to that provided by the 1p/19q data alone. (21) Also, some studies have shown conflicting results in terms of chemoresponsiveness for tumors with LOH involving chromosomes other than 1p/19q…" (21) As noted by Lassman and Holland, "Current wisdom suggests that one of the main reasons for the poor responsiveness (of gliomas to therapy) is the existence of multiple genetic subsets of gliomas and the related lack of molecular stratification prior to treatment. Therefore, several strategies have been employed to divide gliomas into molecular subgroups that are either more or less responsive to existing therapies. Whether such stratification will result in effective therapies specific for each glioma subset is not yet clear…. To what extent molecular subdivision of gliomas will be clinically useful remains to be seen." (20)
The evidence reviewed does not demonstrate that PathFinderTG® testing for diagnosis or predicting response to therapy provides a benefit to patients with gliomas.
The evidence reviewed for 2 representative uses for this test has significant limitations, as discussed. Demonstrating the utility of a test for diagnostic and prognostic purposes or to predict therapeutic response requires that results accurately inform clinical decision making in a manner leading to a net health benefit defined by clinical outcomes. Results must also be clearly reproducible, as shown by applying the test (with priori-defined cutoff points) to independent samples for validation. Because the impact of this technology on health outcomes is not known and because outcomes with this technology compared with existing alternatives (i.e., incremental value) are not known, the PathFinderTG® testing is considered experimental, investigational and unproven for all indications, including evaluation of pancreatic cyst fluid and suspected/known gliomas.
Disclaimer for coding information on Medical Policies
Procedure and diagnosis codes on Medical Policy documents are included only as a general reference tool for each policy. They may not be all-inclusive.
The presence or absence of procedure, service, supply, device or diagnosis codes in a Medical Policy document has no relevance for determination of benefit coverage for members or reimbursement for providers. Only the written coverage position in a medical policy should be used for such determinations.
Benefit coverage determinations based on written Medical Policy coverage positions must include review of the member's benefit contract or Summary Plan Description (SPD) for defined coverage vs. non-coverage, benefit exclusions, and benefit limitations such as dollar or duration caps.
Experimental, investigational and unproven for all diagnoses.


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Mon-Fri: 7am-1am EST / Sat-Sun: 7am-11pm EST
ApplianceWhirlpool Microwave
Level of DifficultyEasy
Time to do repair15 - 30 mins
Age of ApplianceMore than 10 years
Screw drivers
1 out of 4 people found this instruction helpful
Third time I had to do it. For some reason the handle breaks on this model. The unit is 16 year old. It was one of the first over oven microwaves (built in)ever made. Just remove cover panel with a bread knife. Then use a phillips screw driver and your done. Put the cover panel back on and this microwave has been a work-horse for the past 16 years and still ticking.
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A study led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers using brain imaging of infants to examine changes in their brains and behavior that may mark the onset of autistic symptoms is being substantially expanded after receiving an additional $3.25 million in funding.
The Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS), which involves a network of universities, was originally awarded $10 million in 2007 by the National Institutes of Health as an Autism Center of Excellence under the project title "A Longitudinal MRI Study of Infants at Risk for Autism."
The NIH recently awarded the project supplemental funding of $500,000 per year for five years and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative provided $150,000 a year for five years.
"This is the first study that will prospectively measure, in the same group of infants, both the onset of autistic symptoms and brain enlargement that may co-occur at the end of the first year of life in children with autism," said Joseph Piven, M.D., the study's principal investigator and director of the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Piven is also Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics in the School of Medicine and in the psychology department of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The study builds on two key findings from researchers involved in it. The first, from UNC researchers, is that children with autism have larger brains from five to 10 percent larger at two years of age than children without autism and retrospective head circumference data suggests this enlargement or overgrowth starts about the end of a child's first year of life. The second finding, from behavioral researchers led by Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, M.D., from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, is that the onset of the social deficits associated with autism does not occur until the end of the first year.
"Once these brain and behavioral changes are identified, potential bene
|Contact: Tom Hughes
University of North Carolina School of Medicine


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Justino has not competed in MMA since July of 2013 when she defeated Marloes Coenen (22-6) via fourth-round TKO at Invicta FC 6 to capture the Invicta FC Featherweight Championship.
Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Michelle Waterson (12-3) now headlines Invicta FC 10 when she faces Brazilian challenger Herica Tiburcio (8-2).
Waterson is coming off the first defense of her title, a TKO victory over Yasuko Tamada (15-9) in September. The win marked the champion's 10th finish in 12 career victories.
Tiburcio, currently riding a three-fight winning streak, was slated to make her promotional debut at Invicta FC 9, but visa issues forced her off the card. Six of the 22-year-old challenger's career wins have come via submission.


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1950s Ivory Scallop Brenda Swing Dress | Unique Vintage
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1950s Style Ivory Cotton Sateen Scallop Brenda Swing Dress
Vintage lovers, you'll look so ladylike at your next formal occasion in this 1950s-style ivory scallop Brenda swing dress from Unique Vintage. With a fun, flared swing skirt and an off-the-shoulder boat neckline, this dress is the perfect modern take on your favorite 1950s styles. It is made of a beautiful ivory colored, 97% cotton material that feels truly high quality and sturdy, and it also offers a ton of voluminous movement when you strut your stuff at the big event. A wide band across the waistline will slim your figure and create a defined waist, while the dramatic tea length creates a truly authentic vintage look. With a long zipper down the center of the back to keep everything tucked in and in place, this Brenda swing dress is the picture of retro perfection. Wear it with a crinoline petticoat and you can create an even more flared look.
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Just a week before the Narendra Modi government completes 100 days, the BJP has received an electoral jolt. Out of the 18 assembly constituencies where by-elections took place across four states, BJP and its allies have won eight seats, whereas opposition Congress and its allies have won 10 seats. Meanwhile, the opposition which just got battered a few months ago, seems to have got some fresh oxygen to fight another day. But is it the end of the Modi wave as many would like to believe or is it too early to extrapolate such inferences? Let's examine some state specific analysis.
The most anticipated battle was in Bihar, with the state politics going through a lot of churning in the last year or so. In the general elections, BJP and LJP won 31 out of the 40 seats. Hence, facing a very real risk of political extinction, long term foes Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav decided to join hands. Along with the Congress, they formed the so-called "secular alliance" versus BJP. The alliance for now has come up trumps, winning six out of the 10 seats, while the LJP and BJP won just four assembly seats. In the general election, NDA was leading in eight of the 10 assembly divisions. So in that sense, there is a considerable ground shift in Bihar.
But the real challenge for the rainbow coalition of the Yadavs, Dalits, most backward classes, Kurmis and Muslims will come now. This cache of 10 seats was used by the secular alliance for ground testing. Now that there is some proof that the alliance works on the ground, there will be a greater hankering for seats. Come Assembly elections, the leaders from the RJD and JDU will be locked in a vigorous tussle for seat sharing. Congress, though a minority player in the equation, won't be left behind. Even in the Lok Sabha polls, the vote-share of JDU, Congress alliance added with that of RJD was nearly 7% more than that of the NDA. Nitish and Lalu campaigned vigorously in the state for the by-election, whereas most of the top BJP leaders stayed away. Also all polls pre-May 16 suggested that a section of voters who swayed towards BJP would like to repose faith in Nitish Kumar in the Assembly polls. Hence, the Bihar results are a manifestation of several complex factors and making a broad generalisation would be foolhardy. The only thing it shows is that caste politics is still very much alive and kicking in the state, for better or worse. BJP has to try to bridge the gap in vote share in next year's assembly polls by following its development agenda at the Centre and strong leadership in the state.
In Karnataka, the BJP lost the Bellary rural seat to the Congress. But in the Lok Sabha elections, BJP's B Sriramulu got a very slender lead of 7,000 from the seat. In the last assembly election, Sriramulu won the seat contesting from a BSR ticket and the BJP actually fared pretty badly. Thus losing the Bellary rural seat is perhaps not a big setback for BJP as it is suggested by some. The more alarming thing for the saffron unit will be Yeddyurappa's son Raghavendra scrapping by merely 4,000 votes in Shikaripura. In the 2013 Assembly polls, Yeddyurappa won the seat by almost 50,000 votes and in the last Lok Sabha polls, he was leading by over 70,000 votes in the same seat. Thus this was a traditional bastion of the party where the party has lost considerable support. The perils of dynastic politics probably took a toll. Also the constant strife between Ananth Kumar and Yeddyurappa has hurt BJP in the past. An over encompassing Modi wave glossed over all the deficiencies. But now they are pronounced again.
In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won two of the three seats. The Congress won the third. Madhya Pradesh, led by Shivraj Singh Chauhan has been a fort of the saffron brigade in the last few years and this election has maintained the trend.
In Punjab, out of the two seats, Akalis won one and the Congress won the other. AAP which emerged as a surprising force in the last poll, has drawn a complete blank, even losing their deposit in both the seats.
Thus, in all, the bypoll results look like an accumulation of various local factors in play in each state. It is facile to predict whether the Modi wave is over or not as Modi was hardly a factor here. At best it can be said, the frenzy generated during the elections which catapulted the saffron brigade to an unprecedented success has died down. The stark drop in vote share also suggests this. But that was only expected as the reason for the frenzy is non existent now. The UPA government which was seen as largely ineffective has been replaced by Narendra Modi's government. The backlash in May was against the UPA and Modi was effective in projecting himself as a credible alternative.
The upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana and Jharkhand will be a crucial referendum of Narendra Modi's performance. Modi is expected to campaign extensively and along with his trusted lieutenant Amit Shah, he would like to keep a clean slate in the Assembly elections. Any fall will mean the knives will be out. The bypoll results show that regional leaders of the BJP can't sweep the election without the help of the central leadership even in a feel-good environment. Thus Amit Shah could further get his way in the future. How the Shah-Modi duo crack the Bihar puzzle will be intriguing to watch.
But opposition leaders, especially the Congress, will probably have a good night's sleep today. Battered in the Lok Sabha elections, the bypoll results will be a much needed impetus for them to get their act together. There are more important issues in India than hankering about the Leader of Opposition post. This result shows that even in Modi-raj, the BJP can't just stand up and get elected. Voters don't like to be taken for granted and the development mantra will be the only way forward. Also a one party domination in India is unlikely to happen any time soon. Indian democracy is alive and kicking.


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Facinating Kolam art of South India
The decorative artwork drawn on the floor in front of houses in Southern India is called "Kolam". Usually the woman of the house would early in the morning clean and draw these often very beautiful and intricate kolams using finely ground rice flour. and the floor would be somewhat wet because of having been sprinkled with water. Sometimes colors are added. Young girls learn many of these artwork from their mothers and grandmothers, generation after generation. I read that "The tamil month of "markazhi" (Dec(Jan) is particularly important when fairly large size Kolams are put in front of the houses, with additional decoration of Kolams with yellow flowers of pumpkin", as seen in my one photo which I took during early December. I really enjoyed looking out for this "art" form. I was also surprised to see a young girl do a Kolam in front of her house during the afternoon heat.
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Vasanth gets inspiration from proximity to Arunachala, the Holy Hill. He told me that he heard voices from the hill, instructed him while painting:"go left, now up, go down..."
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More than eight of ten workers 85 percent rate workplace safety first in importance among labor standards, even ahead of family and maternity leave, minimum wage, paid sick days, overtime pay and the right to join a union, according to a new study from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.
The study, "Public Attitudes Towards and Experiences with Workplace Safety," draws on dozens of surveys and polls conducted from 2001 to 2010 by NORC. This meta-analysis sought to gain a picture of Americans' experiences with workplace safety issues. The study was done for the Public Welfare Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., which includes a workers' rights program.
Despite widespread public concern about workplace safety, the study also found that the media and the public tend to pay closest attention to safety issues when disastrous workplace accidents occur. Even during those tragedies, the fate of workers is often overlooked, such as during the recent oil well disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
"Workplace safety is too often ignored or accidents taken for granted," said Tom W. Smith, director of NORC's General Social Survey (GSS). "It is striking that coverage in the media and public opinion polls have virtually ignored the 11 workers killed by the blowout and destruction of the drilling platform."
Questions instead focused on the environmental impact of the disaster and overlooked worker safety, Smith pointed out. But he noted that "if optimal safety had been maintained, not only would the lives of the 11 workers been saved, but the whole environmental disaster would have been averted."
Robert Shull, program officer for workers' rights at the Public Welfare Foundation, said, "Workplace safety should be a constant concern. Given the importance that workers themselves place on this issue, we should not have to mourn the loss of people on the job before government and employers take mor
|Contact: William Harms
University of Chicago


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CTBT in the News
|Thursday 28 May 2015
Opinion: A Critical Moment to Fortify Nuclear Test Ban, by Lassina Zerbo (IPS News)
The Marshall Islands and the NPT, by Robert Alvarez (The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)
Intelligence Method Yields Improved Explosion Analysis (The Independent)
NNSA conducts experiment to improve U.S. ability to detect foreign nuclear explosions (Your Nuclear News)
Prominent Marshall Islands advocate for nuclear test victims honoured (Radio Australia)
From Nuclear Deterrence to Disarmament: Evolving Catholic Perspectives, by Gerard Powers (Arms Control Today)
Dissident group: Iran, North Korea forging ballistic, nuclear ties (Reuters)
S. Korea, U.S., Japan agree to ramp up pressure on N. Korea (Arirang)
U.S. and Allies to Tie North Korea's Rights Record to Nuclear Talks (New York Times)
World powers meet over North Korea's nuclear program (Wink News)
France: no Iran nuclear deal if military site inspections are blocked (The Guardian)
The US-Iran nuclear talks are about to shift into high gear (UK Business Insider)
Video exposes division among Iran officials in nuclear talks (Watertown Public Opinion)
The Next President Can Torch Obama's Iran Deal (Politico)
State Department Rules Out Extension of Iran Nuclear Talks (Israel National News)
US not considering extending Iran nuclear talks beyond June deadline (Global Times)
Iran nuclear programme: can negotiators reach a final deal? (The Week)
Pakistan, US to hold nuclear, strategic talks (Business Standard)
Nato chief says Russian nuclear threats are 'deeply troubling and dangerous' (The Guardian)
決裂した「NPT」再検討会議 核廃絶への展望は悲観的なの? (The Page Japan)
Belgium's bishops call for nuclear disarmament (Catholic Culture)
Much ado about nothing, by Bharath Gopalaswamy (The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)
Breakdown in U.S.-Russia relations raises risk of nuclear-armed jihadists, by Josh Cohen (Reuters)
Efficacy Of Nuclear Weapons For Pakistan's National Security – OpEd, by Adeel Mukhtar (Eurasia Review)
Russia's puzzling Iranian game (Saudi Gazette)
Seventeen years of deterrence, by Ali Sarwar Naqvi (The News)
Is all lost regarding establishing weapons of mass destruction free zone in the Middle East?, by Tiara Shaya (Arms Control and Regional Security for the Middle East)
NPT: cornerstone of nuclear non-proliferation or stumbling block? By Rebecca Johnson (Open Democracy)
Atomwaffensperrvertrag nach 45 Jahren in der Krise (Der Standard)
NPT: Nuclear Weapons and Tension Areas, by Rene Wadlow (Fellowship of Reconciliation)
NATO Needs a Nuclear Strategy Update, by Elbridge Colby (Wall Street Journal)
** This bulletin contains links to web sites not under the control of the CTBTO. The CTBTO provides these links as a convenience for the recipients of this bulletin and is not responsible for their contents. The inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement or approval of its contents by the CTBTO.


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1. In a large mixing bowl, add the strawberries, honey, orange juice and sour cream. Using a hand blender, blend the ingredients well until nice and smooth.
2. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and continue blending until well incorporated and smooth. Once done, set the bowl aside to cool it down.
3. Take a soup bowl, pour in the cool strawberry soup and decorate the center of the soup with strawberry slices.
4. Serve the strawberry soup immediately garnished with mint leaves.