cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes by Intended Goal of Therapy in the MOMENTUM 3 Clinical Trial: Final Analysis of the 1028 Patient Full Cohort

Summary of Objectives Candidates for Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) are often dichotomized by their primary intended goal of therapy into discrete categories such as bridge to transplantation (BTT) or destination therapy (DT). While questions about the clinical relevance of such arbitrary designations have been raised, it remains unclear whether differences in survival, clinical outcomes, and health-related quality of life exist in the modern era between patients labeled as BTT or DT, especially as a function of distinct pumps. Methods MOMENTUM 3 is a randomized controlled trial of the HeartMate 3 (HM3) pump versus the HeartMate II (HMII) pump in patients with advanced heart failure, irrespective of intended goal of support (BTT or DT). This large adaptive trial is designed to have 3 prespecified end points of which the short term (n=294, 6-months) and long-term (n=366, 2-years) end points have been reported and we now present the full cohort analysis in all 1028 randomized patients. Endpoints In this full and final analysis of the MOMENTUM 3 trial, we shall report the impact of intended goal of therapy separated by either BTT or DT on a) outcomes within the primary end point (survival at 2 years free of disabling stroke (with disabling stroke indicated by a modified Rankin score of >3; scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating more severe disability) or survival free of reoperation to replace or remove a malfunctioning device, b) individual components of the primary end point c) differential influence on serious adverse events and d) health-related quality of life measures. The interaction of age, gender, race and severity of disease will also be evaluated in the context of intended goal of therapy. The last patient completed 2-year follow-up in August 2018; the data will be locked in November 2018 and analysis completed and available by March 2019. SUMMARY This analysis of the pivotal MOMENTUM 3 trial, the largest randomized LVAD study conducted, will report its full and final pre-specified analysis on comparative outcomes including efficacy and adverse events as well as health-related QOL in the distinctive cohorts categorized as either BTT and DT patients. (Funded by Abbott; MOMENTUM 3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02224755.)
Converting Rust to PEDOT Nanofibers for Supercapacitors

Iron corrosion, a product from the chemical reaction between iron and oxygen in the presence of water and commonly referred to as rust, is a heterogeneous solid-state material composed of multiple phases that represent an abundant source of chemical waste. Here, we introduce a strategy that advances the state-of-the-art in chemical synthesis by demonstrating the usefulness of this ubiquitous inexpensive inorganic material for developing oxidative radical polymerizations. Rust, when treated with an acid, is an ideal source of Fe3+ ions affording an oxidation potential of 0.77 V for oxidizing thiophene-based moieties and producing conducting polymers characterized by long conjugation lengths. We develop fundamental knowledge and mechanistic understanding that enables the deposition of freestanding nanofibrillar films of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) via rust-based vapor-phase polymerization (RVPP). Our process takes place in a single step inside a sealed hydrothermal reacto...
Academic experiences of special admit college football athletes: progress compared to general admits and perceptions of support services.

This study investigated the academic progress of special admit football players compared to general admit football players, and special admit players’ perceptions of academic support services at a ...
In-situ detection of Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus from crude plant extracts using Reverse Transcriptase- Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RT-RPA) in endpoint and real-time.

Abstract Virus detection in early stages of infection could prove useful for identification and isolation of foci of inoculum before its spread to the rest of susceptible individuals via vectoring insects. However, the low number of viruses present at the beginning of infection renders their detection and identification difficult and requires the use of highly sensitive laboratory techniques that are often incompatible with a field application. To obviate this challenge, we designed a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification, a molecular technique that makes millions of copies of a predefined region in the genome, in this case of Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus. The reaction occurs at 39 °C and can be used directly from crude plant extracts without nucleic acid extraction. Notably, a positive result can be seen with the naked eye as a flocculus made of newly synthesized DNA and metallic beads. The objective of the procedure is to create a portable and affordable system that can isolate and identify viruses in the field, from infected plants and suspected insect vectors, and can be used by scientists and extension managers for making informed decisions for viral management. Results can be obtained in situ without the need of sending the samples to a specialized lab.
A quantitative analysis of the collective outward motion of nuclear matter in central Ca+Ca and Nb+Nb collisions

The collective outward motion of nuclear matter in the final stages of central collisions is analysed with the help of a statistical model calculation. Calculated relative fragment yields are fitted to the Plastic Ball data to infer the breakup properties of the collision system. The difference between the total available energy and the energy in thermal excitation is identified with the energy in collective motion. A quantitative measure of this collective flow is provided for systems where data are available.
Reflective journaling of nursing students on weight bias.

Abstract Background Self-reflection, combined with clinical experience, has been shown to enhance clinical and didactic knowledge among undergraduate nursing students. Reflective journaling is a valuable educational tool that builds critical thinking skills and raises self-awareness through the purposeful inspection of beliefs and attitudes. However, there are little data available on reflective journaling during clinical education exploring weight bias as part of a weight sensitivity training program. Objectives The study aimed to explore the use of reflective journals as a tool to raise self-awareness and self-reflection of weight bias as part of a weight sensitivity training program. Settings The project was conducted at a four-year pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing program with third-year clinical students in a private Catholic university in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Participants All third-year students enrolled in a medical-surgical clinical practicum were eligible to participate from August to December 2017. Design & methods For this qualitative study, data were collected during the 15-week medical-surgical clinical practicum, in which students completed five journal entries. De-identified data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results A total of 98 students, 18 years of age and older consented, and 280 journal entries were analyzed. Four themes emerged from a majority of the journal entries: 1) increased self-awareness of personal weight bias; 2) acknowledgment of obesity as a chronic disease and not a choice; 3) insufficient resources or training may perpetuate weight bias; and 4) opportunity for weight sensitivity training to improve patient care. Conclusions Through reflective journaling, nursing students were able to periodically self-reflect on their personal weight bias as it pertained to caring for patients with obesity. This introspective self-reflection as part of a weight sensitivity training may lead to not only improving clinical competencies in patient care but also in reducing weight bias in clinical practicum.
“My Role Is Important, but Not Critical”: Why Intention Matters in the Creation of Victim Assistance Units in Israel

Crime victims often need assistance navigating the unfamiliar legal system. Limited research exists, however, on those tasked with helping victims, the victim assistance units (VAUs), particularly ...
Celebrity migrants and the racialized logic of integration in Germany

Since the turn of the millennium, “integration” has become a predominant floating signifier in discourse and policy regulating the place of immigrants and minorities in European societies. This stu...
Probing the Variation of the Intervalley Tunnel Coupling in a Silicon Triple Quantum Dot

The properties of interacting valley states in silicon quantum devices are investigated using microwave spectroscopy, providing an accurate map of the energy level structure of triple quantum dots.
Fairness, Justice, and Language Assessment

While the discussion of fairness and justice in language testing has gained momentum over the past two decades (e.g. Davies, 2004; Kane, 2010; Kunnan, 2000, 2004, 2010; McNamara & Ryan, 2011; Shoha...
Wound Classification Score Discordance in Pediatric Operations - A Quality Improvement Study.

ABSTRACT Background Wound classification scores are used to categorize the risk of postoperative infections. It was noted at our academic institution that wound classifications were often inaccurately recorded in the electronic health record. We thus instituted a quality improvement program, hypothesizing that this would improve charting accuracy. Methods On June 1, 2019, we posted the wound classifications in each pediatric operating room (OR), provided OR nurses with teaching, and began including the classification in the postoperative surgeon debriefing. We performed a retrospective chart review of all general pediatric operations from June 19 to December 19 to compare classifications recorded in the electronic health record to the "correct" classification determined by manual review of operating reports. These data were compared with a similar chart review from 2018. To compare the efficacy of nursing versus physician focused changes, we compared our appendectomy data with a nearby community institution where the same group of surgeons practice. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to report the significance of the differences observed in the concordance proportion, with 95% confidence intervals calculated using the Clopper-Pearson procedure. Results Overall, 444 pre- and 179 postpractice change charts were reviewed. There were no significant differences pre or postpractice change. At the community institution, we noted a significant improvement in charting accuracy for appendectomies from 3.33% to 44.83%. Discussion Despite implementing nursing and physician focused quality improvement practices, there was not a significant improvement in charting accuracy at the academic institution. However, we did note an improvement at the community facility where our pediatric surgeons also practice. We thus suspect that our nursing focused changes may have been inadequate. Future efforts will focus on providing intensive and sustained OR nurse training to help improve the wound classification charting accuracy.
New Colonoscopic Technologies for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy is an imperfect and operator-dependent technology with regard to detection of colorectal neoplasia. The evidence for operator dependency is overwhelming, and the extent of variation is alarming [1–10]. These detection problems with colonoscopy are particularly problematic, given that the technology is used for almost all colorectal cancer detection and prevention [11]. In the United States and some European countries, colonoscopy is used as a primary screening modality, and in essentially all countries it is used to evaluate other positive screening tests, including fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, CT colonography, and in the near future serum-based markers for colorectal cancer.
The Social Ecological Challenges of Rural Victim Advocacy: An Exploratory Study.

This article re-centers an ecological model traditionally used to understand the experiences of interpersonal violence victims around the perceptions and experiences of victim advocates. We suggest that the development of such a model might shed light on rural-urban differences in the accessibility and availability of support services in rural domains. To develop this model, we used results from a sample of rural advocates located within the Mississippi Delta Region. The study indicates that rural victim advocates recognize the presence of significant macrosystem and exosystem factors in their communities and experience them as creating greater challenges to their work. In particular, factors affiliated with economic disadvantage and cultural ideologies of individualism and victim blaming negatively affected the experiences of the respondents. In terms of the ecological model, results also indicate correlations across levels of analysis, implying a rural macrosystem milieu that may predict or affect the presence of exosystem support networks. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infusing Content about Jews and about Anti-Semitism into the Curricula

Abstract The social work profession has overlooked the topic of Jews as a cultural-religious minority group and the problem of anti-Semitism. Yet, current accreditation standards mandate that social work programs educate students about the differences among ethnic, racial, and cultural groups. This article traces the history of the Jews and the dynamics of anti-Semitism. The author suggests that this content be incorporated into the social work curricula at the micro practice level. Students should explore their own ethnic identities and religious backgrounds. This self-exploration will enable them to be open to new information and to be aware of misinformation about other groups. At the macro practice level, role plays would help students practice their responses to anti-Semitic incidents and would sensitize them to the feelings of members of oppressed groups. Overall, the profession needs to research this content and work to eliminate anti-Semitism.
Concentrations of Bile Salts at the Critical Micellar Concentration of Human Gall Bladder Bile

Summary Ultracentrifugal analysis and measurements of surface tension were used to determine the critical micellar concentration in 6 specimens of human gall bladder bile. At the critical micellar concentration, the means for total bile acid concentration by the two methods were 1.3 and 1.6 mm per liter and for dihydroxy bile acid concentration they were 0.8 and 0.9 mm per liter; the phospholipid concentration was 0.5 mM per liter by both methods. The present study supports the current concept that the physicochemical nature of bile is essentially reflected by the micellar properties of the bile salts. Although the total bile salt concentration is reduced in cholelithiasis, it rarely falls below the critical micellar concentration values obtained in our study.
Androgen-specific critical periods for the organization of the major pelvic ganglion

Previous studies indicate that the major pelvic ganglion (PG) is dependent on testosterone for normal development. Tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH), DOPA decarboxylase, and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activities are significantly reduced by postnatal castration on day 10-11, while testosterone replacement therapy reversed all developmental enzyme activity deficits (Melvin and Hamill, 1987). In the present studies castration on the day of birth combined with various testosterone-replacement paradigms produced effects demonstrating that the PG is sensitive to testosterone dosage and time of administration during early postnatal development. Gonadal hormone replacement experiments show that the androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were effective in restoring T-OH and CAT activity deficits produced by neonatal castration. Estrogen therapy reversed the deficits in CAT activity, but was ineffective in reversing the alterations in T-OH activity. Treatment of pregnant dams with the anti-androgen flutamide altered the ontogeny of T-OH and CAT activities in pups despite replacement therapy on the day of birth. Thus, androgen-critical periods exist prenatally as well as postnatally. These studies suggest that the organization of PG development is critically dependent on both the time of exposure and dose of testosterone. Prenatal and postnatal critical periods appear to exist. In addition, the lack of an effect of estradiol on tyrosine hydroxylase activity suggests that androgens are specifically responsible for organizing the noradrenergic development of the PG.
Kernel Mucking in Top

For many years, the popular program top has aided system administrations in examination of process resource usage on their machines. Yet few are familiar with the techniques involved in obtaining this information. Most of what is displayed by top is available only in the dark recesses of kernel memory. Extracting this information requires familiarity not only with how bytes are read from the kernel, but also what data needs to be read. The wide variety of systems and variants of the Unix opeating system in today's marketplace makes writing such a program very challenging. This paper explores the tremendous diversity in kernel information across the many platforms and the solutions employed by top to achieve and maintain ease of portability in the presence of such divergent systems.
Compressive sensing using singular value decomposition

Using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), we develop an algorithm for signal recovery in compressive sensing. If the signal or sparse basis is properly chosen, an accurate estimate of the signal could be obtained by a simple and efficient signal recovery method even in the presence of additive noise. The theoretical and simulation results show that our approach is scalable both in terms of number of measurements required for stable recovery and computational complexity.
Fetal lung maturation: human amniotic fluid phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity through normal gestation and its relation to the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio.

Abstract In order to evaluate the relationship between the increase in amniotic fluid phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAPase) specific activity and the increase in the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio during normal human pregnancy, PAPase specific activity and the L/S ratio were measured in 171 amniotic fluid samples obtained from 164 women who were at 17 to 42 weeks' gestation. The increase in PAPase specific activity in amniotic fluid is parallel to the increase in the L/S ratio. The correlation between PAPase specific activity and the L/S ratio inamniotic fluid from all gestational ages is highly significant. The relationship of PAPase specific activity in amniotic fluid to PAPase specific activity in gastric fluid was investiqated in a study of 97 newborn infants. A highly significant correlation was found between these two values. To ascertain if a relationship exists between the specific activity of PAPase in amniotic fluid and the subsequent development of hyaline membrane disease (HMD), 223 neonates who were delivered within 72 hours of amniotic fluid collection were studied. Only one infant developed HMD out of 170 with amniotic fluid PAPase specific activity equal to or greater than 50 nmoles of orthophosphate released × mg. −1 of protein × hr. −1 On the other hand, the finding of an amniotic fluid PAPase specific activity of less than 50 nmoles was of little value in predicting lung immaturity. We believe that these findings are also supportive of the view that PAPase and surfactant are released from the type II pneumocyte as a closely related structural unit, viz., the lamellar body.
Modeling relations and their mentions without labeled text

Several recent works on relation extraction have been applying the distant supervision paradigm: instead of relying on annotated text to learn how to predict relations, they employ existing knowledge bases (KBs) as source of supervision. Crucially, these approaches are trained based on the assumption that each sentence which mentions the two related entities is an expression of the given relation. Here we argue that this leads to noisy patterns that hurt precision, in particular if the knowledge base is not directly related to the text we are working with. We present a novel approach to distant supervision that can alleviate this problem based on the following two ideas: First, we use a factor graph to explicitly model the decision whether two entities are related, and the decision whether this relation is mentioned in a given sentence; second, we apply constraint-driven semi-supervision to train this model without any knowledge about which sentences express the relations in our training KB. We apply our approach to extract relations from the New York Times corpus and use Freebase as knowledge base. When compared to a state-of-the-art approach for relation extraction under distant supervision, we achieve 31% error reduction.
No effect of pre-exercise meal on substrate metabolism and time trial performance during intense endurance exercise.

To determine the effect of macronutrient composition of pre-exercise meals on exercise metabolism and performance, 8 trained men exercised for 30 min above lactate threshold (30LT), followed by a 20-km time trial (TT). Approximately 3.5 h before exercise, subjects consumed a carbohydrate meal (C; 3 g carbohydrate/kg), an isoenergetic fat meal (F; 1.3 g fat/kg), or a placebo meal (P; no energy content) on 3 separate occasions in randomized order. Treatments had no effect on carbohydrate oxidation during exercise, but C decreased whole-body fat oxidation during the last 5 min of 30LT and TT, respectively (3.2 ± 1.6 and 4.8 ± 2.1 mmol · kg−1 · min−1, p < .05) when compared to F (13.3 ± 1.6 and 16.5 ± 2.7 mmol · kg−1 · min−1) and P (15.9 ± 2.7 and 17.0 ± 3.2 mmol · kg−1 · min−1). Glucose rate of appearance (Ra) and disappearance (Rd), and muscle glycogen utilization were not significantly different among treatments during exercise. TT performances were similar for C, F, and P (32.7 ± 0.5 vs. 33.1 ± 1.1 and 33...
An investigation of the diffraction of an acoustic plane wave by a curved surface of finite impedance

Phenomena associated with long range propagation of sound over irregular topography motivated this work, which was to analyze the diffraction effects which would occur near the tops of hills and ridges. The diffraction of a high frequency plane wave due to its grazing of a two-dimensional curved surface of finite impedance was also studied. Laboratory scale models were constructed and measurements were made of the field on, above, and behind either of two curved surfaces possessing distinctly different impedances; that is, one was soft while the other was hard. The experimental technique consisted of simultaneously measuring the pressure at a reference point and at a field point due to a transient pulse generated by an electric spark. The pressure waveforms were digitized and processed. The ratio of the discrete Fourier transforms of the two waveforms provided an estimate of the insertion loss between them. The results of the measurements were compared with the predictions of a theory which was derived by Pierce using the method of Matched Asymptotic Expansions (MAE). The predictions relied upon the experimental evaluation of the impedance of each surface at grazing angles of incidence. This evaluation was achieved by a fairly standard technique involving empirical models of various generic types of surfaces. An example was shown of the important role that the structural intricacies of a surface play in the determination of an appropriate model. The comparison between the measurements and predictions indicated that the theory gives an excellent description of the field anywhere near a curved surface. Further, with a simple modification, the theory was also shown to give nearly as good of a description of the field surrounding a curved surface even at distances far behind the surface yet near the line of sight.
Modeling the Effects of Time: Integrating Demographic and Developmental Perspectives

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on several aspects of time and the way in which processes of within-person change can be modeled using repeated measures in longitudinal designs. When events occurring in historical time affect only distinctive (or unique) subpopulations, concepts other than period effects are used. One such type of effect refers to the potential of historical events to affect only one segment of the age distribution. The dimension of time concerned with the lives of individuals, usually conceptualized in terms of the biological, psychological, and social processes that shape the life cycle and aging of individuals, is referred to as biographical time. A number of different conceptions of time are useful as a way of thinking about individual development and change. The most common are age and life cycle—one continuous and one discrete—both of which measure time from birth. The chapter focuses on five central issues that are uniquely suited to longitudinal analysis using growth curve models: specifying individual trajectories of within-person change, modeling individual differences in trajectories of within-person change, specifying the determinants and/or predictors of individual differences in patterns of change, testing for cohort differences in patterns of within-person change, and modeling the effects of events and transitions on processes of change.
Applied Equity Valuation: Discounted Cash Flow Method

Most applied methods of valuing a firm's equity are based on discounted cash flow and relative valuation models. Although stock and firm valuation is very strongly tilted toward the use of discounted cash flow methods, it is impossible to ignore the fact that many analysts use other methods to value equity and entire firms. The primary alternative valuation method is relative valuation. Both discounted cash flow and relative valuation methods require strong assumptions and expectations about the future. No one single valuation model or method is perfect. All valuation estimates are subject to model error and estimation error. Keywords: discounted cash flow valuation; relative valuation; fair market price; intrinsic value; dividend discount model; free cash flow model; valuation by multiples; estimation error; model error
Developments at ACM TODS

The March 2005 issue of TODS has eight papers invited from the SIGMOD and PODS'2003 conferences. These papers are significantly extended versions of the conference papers, allowing the authors to refine and elaborate without the strictures of a twelve-page limit.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and low-molecular-weight heparins : A combined role in coronary interventions?

Management strategies for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are making increasing use of both low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors. To date, however, relatively few studies have assessed the clinical potential of these two classes of agents in combination. There are theoretical grounds to expect LMWHs to be more effective than unfractionated heparin (UFH) in combination with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, since UFH, but not LMWH, activates platelets. The antiplatelet effects of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors are therefore likely to be both more potent and more predictable when combined with LMWH. A recent study in more than 100 patients has demonstrated that a combination of dalteparin and the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab provided effective anticoagulation in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), without causing significant bleeding or adverse events. Similar results were demonstrated in the National Investigators Collaborating on Enoxaparin (NICE-4) study using a combination of abciximab and enoxaparin in patients undergoing PCI. Of importance is the fact that there were no cases of severe thrombocytopenia in either LMWH study, although this is a recognized potential complication when UFH and abciximab are used in combination. Further studies are now warranted to confirm the efficacy of LMWH and GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in combination, both for PCI and medical stabilization.
1565 ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN PRETERM INFANTS

During the 48 to 72 hours after birth Creatinine Clearance and other urinary indices have been studied in 16 pre-term infants (5M/11F) with 1 minute apgar 6 or less. Weights ranged between 860-2400 gm., gestational age 28 to 36 weeks. Timed urine samples were collected for determining Creatinine Clearance and urinary electrolytes. Urinary indices (Fe Na and FFI) were calculated. Ten of 16 (62%) infants had evidence of Acute Renal Failure (ARF). Importantly a majority (8) had non-oliguric ARF whereas only two had oliguric ARF with less than 1 ml of urine/kg/hr. Both types were associated with perinatal asphyxia and/or Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). All except one recovered.
Conformational Switch-Defective ϕX174 Internal Scaffolding Proteins Kinetically Trap Assembly Intermediates before Procapsid Formation

Conformational switching is an overarching paradigm in which to describe scaffolding protein-mediated virus assembly. However, rapid morphogenesis with small assembly subunits hinders the isolation of early morphogenetic intermediates in most model systems. Consequently, conformational switches are often defined by comparing the structures of virions, procapsids and aberrantly assembled particles. In contrast, ϕX174 morphogenesis proceeds through at least three preprocapsid intermediates, which can be biochemically isolated. This affords a detailed analysis of early morphogenesis and internal scaffolding protein function. Amino acid substitutions were generated for the six C-terminal, aromatic amino acids that mediate most coat-internal scaffolding protein contacts. The biochemical characterization of mutant assembly pathways revealed two classes of molecular defects, protein binding and conformational switching, a novel phenotype. The conformational switch mutations kinetically trapped assembly intermediates before procapsid formation. Although mutations trapped different particles, they shared common second-site suppressors located in the viral coat protein. This suggests a fluid assembly pathway, one in which the scaffolding protein induces a single, coat protein conformational switch and not a series of sequential reactions. In this model, an incomplete or improper switch would kinetically trap intermediates.
The synthesis of isotopically labeled amino acids via cobaloxime templates

Abstract The synthesis of isotopically enriched amino acids employing a reduced from of bis(dimethylglyoximato) cobaltate (cobaloxime) as a reaction template is described. 13 C and/or 14 C enriched reagents ( * CO 2 and H 2 * CO) are used to achieve >90% isotopic enrichment at either or both of the carbon atoms in the glycinate portion of the amino acid chain.
Mesosphere‐lower thermosphere coupling

This piece was written to help inform science teachers, students, and journalists about some of the latest developments in the geophysical sciences. It will also appear in Earth in Space, published by AGU.
Amino acid transport in suspension-cultured plant cells. IV. Biphasic saturable uptake kinetics of L-leucine in isolates from six Nicotiana tabacum plants

Kinetic analyses of L-leucine uptake were made on suspension-cultured cells initially isolated from pith tissue of 6 Nicotiana tabacum cv. Wisconsin 38 plants; D cells from a diploid plant, H1 and H2 cells from two haploid plants, Z cells from another diploid plant, and Z2 and Z4 cells from two plants regenerated from Z cells. Uptake rates were measured at 12 L-Leu concentrations over a concentration range 0.01–2.0 mM in a homogeneous population of cells. Data from several populations of cells were pooled and kinetic analyses of the uptake rates indicated that uptake can be described in all 6 cell lines by two saturable phases. The lower phase has Km- and Vmax-values which range from 0.01 to 0.18 mM and from 1.8 to 14.5 nmol/ml HV · min, respectively. The upper phase has Km- and Vmax-values which range from 0.34 to 0.87 mM and from 9.5 to 67 nmol/ml HV · min, respectively. The transition from the lower phase to the upper phase did not occur at the same L-Leu concentration but varied within a cell line and between cell lines.
Distribution and metabolism of the periodate oxidation product of 9-beta-D-ribosyl-6-methylthiopurine.

The periodate oxidation product of 9-β-D-ribosyl-6-methylthiopurine (MMPR-OP) was labeled with35 S and compared with MMPR in distribution studies in mice. MMPR-OP was excreted faster than MMPR and was not converted to its nucleotide, but was bound to tissues and cleaved to methylthiopurine. The cleavage of MMPR-OP was largely due to chemical interactions with amino acids and cell constituents, as demonstrated in L1210 ascites tumor cells, immunologically-stimulated spleen cells and normal spleen cells. MMPR-OP inhibited the incorporation of glycine-2-14C into the nucleic acids and proteins of spleen cell suspensions, although Schiff base formation with glycine-2-14C complicated the results as shown by a comparison of two extraction procedures.
Comparison of Sandwich Solid-Phase Radioimmunoassay and Two Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Detection of Histoplasma capsulatum Polysaccharide Antigen

Detection of a Histoplasma capsulatum polysaccharide antigen (HPA) has proved a useful approach to diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Two sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using alkaline phosphatase (AP)- or horseradish peroxidase (HRP)conjugated antibodies were compared with solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) for detection of HPA. The AP-ELISA and HRP-ELISA were each positive in 17 (89.5^o) of 19 urine specimens from patients with disseminated histoplasmosis, while the RIA was positive in 18 (94.7^0) of 19. Specimens from patients with nondisseminated histoplasmosis were positive by AP-ELISA in 8 of 32, by HRP-ELISA in 4 of 25, and by RIA in 12 of 25. Of control specimens from patients with other fungal infections, the APELISA was negative in 22 (91.7970) of 24, the HRP-ELISA in 23 (95.8^o) of 24, and the RIA in 23 (95.8^o) of 24. Reproducibilities of the AP-ELISA and HRP-ELISA were 95.1^0 and 95.1^0, respectively. Thus, AP-ELISA and HRP-ELISA appear less sensitive than RIA and may be falsely negative in specimens containing low levels of HPA.
SU‐GG‐T‐265: High Precision GafChromic Based Clinical Dosimetry Using Standard Flat Bed Scanner

Purpose: To describe the methodology to use a commercially available flatbed document scanner to digitize GafChromic® EBT radiochromic film (RCF) to be used in a clinical environment for highly accurate and reliable all purpose two‐dimensional absolute dosimeter. We propose a methodology that yields high precision dosimetry measurements without significant post‐irradiation correction as has been proposed in the literature. Method and Materials: Epson Expression 1680 Professional scanner was used to digitize the RCF. The scanner was also retrofitted with an inexpensive commercial diffusion glass to minimize the effects of Newton rings. A small strip of films was made from the calibration film and a known dose was delivered. Subsequently, the measurement films were positioned and irradiated with 10 cm and 20 cm build up solid water and 5 cm back scatter solid water. No particular bowing effect correction and/or significant image processing were carried out. The calibration films were used to compute an analytical function to convert optical density to dose. The profiles were compared with CC04 water tank measurements. Additionally, preliminary study of IMRT fields was also done and evaluated using gamma test. Results: The overall agreement of RCF with CC04 is ±3%. For 10×10cm2field size at 10cm build up, the agreement for central axis percent dose difference and mean of the difference for RCF with respect to CC04 is 2.24% and 1.84%, respectively. For 20cm build up with same field size, the agreement was 0.98% and 1.97% for central axis percent dose difference and mean of the difference, respectively. The preliminary results of the IMRT fields yielded a mean passing rate of 92.5%. Repeated film measurements yielded reproducibility of results to within 2%. Conclusion: This work demonstrated that RCF in conjunction with a commercially available flatbed scanner can be used as a highly accurate and precise absolute dosimeter.
Environmentally-controlled non-equilibrium crack propagation in ceramics

A general framework is developed for environmentally-controlled non-equilibrium crack propagation and applied to ceramic materials that exhibit microstructurally-controlled fracture resistance variations. Increasing fracture resistance with crack length, arising from frictional interlocking of predominantly intergranular fracture surfaces, is modelled by the influence of a localized line force behind the crack tip. An indentation fracture mechanics analysis incorporates the fracture resistance variation to describe the inert strength of ceramic materials as a function of dominant flaw size. Non-equilibrium fracture is modelled as the competition between thermally-activated bond-rupture and bond-healing processes, in which the activation barriers are modified by the net mechanical energy release rate acting on a crack. The resulting dependence of crack velocity on mechanical energy release rate is used to describe the strength of ceramic materials as a function of applied stressing rate in a reactive environment. The deconvoluted crack velocity behavior allows both the macroscopic reactive environment fracture resistance and the atomistic lattice traps for fracture to be determined. An implication is that fracture resistance variations are more important in determining observed fracture behavior in reactive environments than in inert environments.
Effect of olfactory bulbectomy on reactivity to environmental stimuli in the preweanling rat

Recent research has demonstrated that behavioral reactivity of the 15-day-old rat is influenced by environmental stimuli. At this stage of ontogeny, pups become extremely active when placed in an environment lacking familiar cues, yet stimuli from the home cage can eliminate this hyperactivity. The present experiments were designed to determine the types of sensory stimuli that suppress hyperactivity in the 15-day-old rat pup. These experiments indicate that the integrity of the olfactory bulbs is necessary for the recognition of and preference for home bedding. Although pups lost weight following surgery, heightened activity was shown not to be a function of food deprivation. In addition, the presence of an anesthetized adult was highly effective in suppressing the activity of the bulbectomized pup, suggesting that, in the absence of odor cues, the 15-day-old is capable of utilizing nonolfactory information in the recognition of a familiar environment. These findings suggest that familiarity-induced suppression of activity is under multisensory control in the 15-day-old.
Stability Analysis for the Group Dynamics Consensus with Time Delayed Communications

This study addresses the consensus problem for a group of agents with second order dynamics and feedback time delays. It is assumed that all agents have identical capabilities, they communicate with the same number of neighbors, and the time delay in these channels is the same for all the agents. A distributed control structure of PD type is proposed to create consensus in the steady state positions and velocities. This law also introduces a peculiar factorizability feature into the characteristic equation of the system, which assists the stability analysis in the delay space tremendously. A unique, exact and complete stability picture is obtained using CTCR method, under the variations in the control parameters as well as in the communication delay. Case studies and simulation results are presented to verify the analytical derivations.
Hypothyroidism and amenorrhea due to hypothalamic insufficiency. A study in four young women

Four women, aged 17 to 23, were evaluated for secondary amenorrhea of 12 to 36 months' duration. All were considered to have hypothalamic hypothyroidism on the basis of low thyroxine (T4) concentrations, inappropriately low thyrotropin (TSH) levels, with a normal TSH response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, 500 microgram intravenously) in three, and absence of a pituitary lesion. Nevertheless, menses did not resume after adequate replacement with thyroid hormone. Investigation of the pituitary-gonadal axis revealed a normal increase in both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) following the intravenous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Three subjects received clomiphene citrate, 100 mg/day for five days, but a normal menstrual cycle was not induced. It is concluded that the amenorrhea was not due to thyroid hormone deficiency but, like the hypothyroidism, to a hypothalamic abnormality involving secretion of the appropriate releasing hormone.
Evaluation of a new classification system for anemias using Consult Learning System.

Abstract Since the advent of electronic particle counting, anemias have customarily been classified by evaluating cell size (MCV) and hemoglobin content (MCH). Recently a new parameter estimating red cell size heterogeneity (the ‘red cell distribution width’ or ‘RDW’) has been introduced. We have evaluated a proposed classification of anemias based upon this new parameter in a large group of hospitalized patients utilizing an expert system based upon statistical pattern recognition and compared our results to other studies. The potential advantages of using such a system over currently existing uni-dimensional classification systems to evaluate clinical problems are discussed.
Individual differences in cone photopigments of normal trichromats measured by dual Rayleigh-type color matches

Individual differences in color matches of normal trichromats are well documented. Recently, variants of the classical Rayleigh match have been measured to explore the cause(s) of these individual differences. Interobserver differences in the wavelength of peak sensitivity of photopigment (lambda max) are of primary interest because they are attributed to an X-chromosome-linked polymorphism. Color-matching equations, however, show the Rayleigh match cannot distinguish between interobserver differences in lambda max and interobserver differences in the optical density of photopigment. Further analysis of color-matching equations reveals that the ratio of two particular Rayleigh-type matches amplifies the effect of individual differences in the lambda max of L cones relative to the effects of optical density and pre-receptoral spectrally selective filtering. The ratio of these two color matches was measured for 17 color-normal males. The range of the results for the 17 observers is too large to be explained by only individual differences in photopigment optical density and pre-receptoral filtering. This implies there are interobserver differences in lambda max. The results are accounted for quantitatively by a small difference (3-5 nm) in the lambda max of the L-cone photopigment. The ratio of two Rayleigh-type matches is a rapid and convenient measurement for assessing the L-cone lambda max in the eye of an individual observer and therefore may be useful for classifying normal trichomats into phenotypic sub-types.
Small deformations superposed on large deformations in materials with fading memory

The non-linear stress-deformation relation for materials with memory has been discussed by Green & Rivlin [1] and Green,Rivlin & Spencer [2]. In the present paper we derive the restricted form applicable to small dynamic deformations superposed on large static deformations. Although this can be done by making an appropriate linearization of the final result of the non-linear theory, we avoid some of the complexities of that theory by introducing the linearization at an earlier stage. The results obtained will apply in particular to problems of wave propagation in finitely deformed viscoelastic bodies.
Lunar eclipses and the forecasting of solar minima

Abstract It is shown that an equation, derived by Danjon from a study of the variation in brightness of the eclipsed Moon with phase of the sunspot cycle, predicts dates in good agreement with observed sunspot minima in 1923, 1933, 1944, 1954, and 1964, and for all minima back to 1823. Even better agreement is obtained by the addition of 0.4 yr to the constant term of Danjon's equation, from which it is inferred that the discontinuity in eclipse brightness occurs on the average 4–5 months before sunspot minimum. Predictions of future minima are given, the next one being 1974.9 ± 0.3.
Coarsening of three-dimensional droplets by two-dimensional diffusion: part I. Experiment

An experimental study of diffusional coarsening, or Ostwald ripening, in a liquid-liquid two-phase system is described. An experiment performed at its isopycnic point, 42°C, allowed observations for the long times required to investigate coarsening. A holographic technique was instrumental in this work. Holograms takenin situ permit investigation of details regarding both the influence of local environmental conditions on individual droplet size histories and measurement of global averages. This study utilized a 100 μm pathlength test cell. The discrete phase was nucleated on one wall of the cell. This configuration resembles island formation in thin film growth. Observation of Ostwald ripening over a period of 1×107 s (∼4 mo.) reveals that droplet number decays as t−0.733 and the average radius increases as t−0.247, in the asymptotic limit. This shows good agreement with theoretical predictions for diffusional growth of spherical caps on a two-dimensional substrate which is a valid approximation for the geometry of this experiment. Part I of this paper describes the experimental results. Part II discusses a numerical model for droplet growth in a comparison with the experimental results.
Teacher as Judge or Partner: The Dilemma of Grades Versus Learning

Students are socialized to value grades, sometimes more than learning. Although many teachers are devoted to a learning-centered approach, others signal by their actions a deep-set interest in grading. The authors used a 2 × 2 matrix to analyze potential matches and mismatches between teacher orientation and student orientation. The implications of the mismatches are discussed. The authors suggest dealing with the dilemma by making learning and grading mutually supportive, thus creating a more effective learning environment.
Vortex motion influencing sphere heating—Reynolds analogy revisited

Abstract Recently, it was reported [M. Masoudi, W.A. Sirignano, Influence of an advecting vortex on the heat transfer to a liquid droplet, Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 40 (15) (1997) 3663–3673] that when sphere heating in a uniform flow is perturbed by vortex motion, global self-similarity is observed and the resulting correlation predicts that the sphere Nusselt number fluctuations due to vortex motion scale with the vortex circulation with unity exponent: Nu ′∼Γ 0 /(2 π ) ( Nu ′=perturbation in sphere Nusselt number, Γ 0 =non-dimensionalized initial vortex circulation). It is shown here that this computational observation is also obtained using Reynolds analogy.