cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidative metabolic responses of rabbit pulmonary alveolar macrophages

During phagocytosis of opsonized lipopolysaccharide-coated paraffin oil droplets, rabbit alveolar macrophages reduced nitroblue tetrazolium, which effect was in part inhibitable with the use of superoxide dismutase. Exposure of cytochalasin-B-treated rabbit alveolar macrophages to opsonized zymosan led to the generation of superoxide, as quantitated by ferricytochrome C reduction. It was found that nitroblue tetrazolium in the presence of ferricytochrome C could in turn serve as scavenger of superoxide during stimulation of cytochalasin-B-treated rabbit alveolar macrophages. Following challenge with either opsonized zymosan or the membrane perturbant digitonin, rabbit alveolar macrophages released hydrogen peroxide into the extracellular medium. Employment of the surface membrane stimulant phorbol myristrate acetate led to activation of the hexose monophosphate shunt, which activity could be further enhanced in the presence of superoxide dismutase or attenuated in the presence of catalase. These studies demonstrate that rabbit alveolar macrophages release superoxide and hydrogen peroxide during surface membrane perturbation. In turn, hydrogen peroxide generation can stimulate the hexose monophosphate shunt.
Leveraging language into learning

I hypothesize that learning a vocabulary to communicate between components of a system is equivalent to general learning. Moreover, I assert that some problems of general learning, such as eliminating bad hypotheses, deepening shallow representations, and generation of near-misses, will become simpler when refactored into communication learning problems.
Forging Die Design with Artificial Intelligence

Forging has been a critical manufacturing process for production of components with superior tensile strength, toughness and grain flow. Rib and web type forgings have been of significant importance and have been the most difficult to forge because they require several design considerations. Design algorithms for rib and web forging formulated based on several practical data. A geometric approach is presented to evaluate the shape complexity factor. To determine the tolerance for the different forging designs, an expert system is developed.
Economic Integration in Africa

In this work, Richard E. Mshomba offers an in-depth analysis of economic integration in Africa with a focus on the East African Community (EAC), arguably the most ambitious of all the regional economic blocs currently in existence in Africa. Economic Integration in Africa provides more than just an overview of regional economic blocs in Africa; it also offers a rich historical discussion on the birth and death of the first EAC starting with the onset of colonialism in the 1890s, and a systematic analysis of the birth, growth, and aspirations of the current EAC. Those objectives include forming a monetary union and eventually an East African political federation. This book also examines the African Union's aspirations for continent-wide integration as envisioned by the Abuja Treaty. Mshomba carefully argues that maturity of democracy and good governance in each country are prerequisites for the formation of a viable and sustainable East African federation and genuine continent-wide integration.
Effects of signal bandwidth on listening effort in young- and middle-aged adults.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of signal bandwidth, noise and signal predictability on listening effort among younger and middle-aged individuals with normal hearing, where YNH = young normal hearing and ONH = older normal hearing. It was of interest to determine if a reduction in high-frequency energy would differentially influence performance between the two groups. DESIGN A mixed-model design was used, where listening effort, word identification and effort ratings served as the within-subject factors and listener group served as the between-subject factor. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty listeners aged 18-25 years (YNH group) and 20 listeners aged 40-55 years (ONH group) participated in the experiment. RESULTS Results showed significantly poorer word recall and significantly higher perceived effort among the ONH group. Increasing the signal bandwidth from 2 to 8 kHz significantly improved word recall and decreased listening effort ratings. Effort ratings from both groups matched word recall performance in that when word recall was lower perceived effort was higher and when word recall was higher perceived effort was lower. CONCLUSIONS In general, providing additional high-frequency energy up to 8 kHz reduced listening effort among both groups of listeners. However, the ONH group, experienced additional effort when completing the tasks.
Fall Risk and Utilization of Balance Training for Adults With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and purpose Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease that hinders activity participation in older adults. Associated symptoms and physiological changes can increase risk of falling in individuals with KOA. Balance training can decrease fall risks in older adults. Limited evidence exists regarding utilization of balance training in physical therapy (PT) for this population. This secondary data analysis investigated the proportion of participants at high risk for falling in the PhysicAl THerapy vs. INternet-based Exercise Training for Patients with Osteoarthritis (PATH-IN) study and the frequency with which balance training was utilized as an intervention in PT. Methods PATH-IN study participants (N = 344) performed the Four-Stage Balance Test and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test during baseline assessment. Participants were randomly allocated to PT, an Internet-based exercise program, or a control group. Participants were classified as being at high risk for falling if they did not progress to the single-leg stance (SLS) during the Four-Stage Balance Test, were unable to maintain SLS for 5 seconds, or took longer than 13.5 seconds to complete the TUG test. The proportion of participants at high risk for falling was calculated for all participants and separately for those allocated to PT. In addition, PT notes were coded for balance training and the frequency of balance training utilization was calculated. Results and discussion Upon enrollment, 35.5% (N = 122) of all participants and 36.2% (N = 50) of those allocated to PT were at high risk for falling. Of participants allocated to PT with documentation available for coding (N = 118), 35.5% (N = 42) were at high risk for falling. Balance training was provided to 62.7% (N = 74) during at least one PT session. Of those classified as being at high risk for falling, 33.3% (N = 14) did not receive balance training. Conclusions The finding of high fall risks in more than one-third of all participants with KOA is consistent with previous reports of a higher risk of falling in this population. Many PT participants did receive some balance training; however, one-third of participants at high risk for falling did not. Balance training for individuals with KOA at high risk for falling may be underutilized.
Mechanical Characterization of Reduced Graphene Oxide Using AFM

Nanoindentation coupled with Atomic Force Microscopy was used to study stiffness, hardness, and the reduced Young’s modulus of reduced graphene oxide. Oxygen reduction on the graphene oxide sample was performed via LightScribe DVD burner reduction, a cost-effective approach with potential for large scale graphene production. The reduction of oxygen in the graphene oxide sample was estimated to about 10 percent using FTIR spectroscopic analysis. Images of the various samples were captured after each reduction cycle using Atomic Force Microscopy. Elastic and spectroscopic analyses were performed on the samples after each oxygen reduction cycle in the LightScribe, thus allowing for a comparison of stiffness, hardness, and the reduced Young’s modulus based on the number of reduction cycles. The highest values obtained were after the fifth and final reduction cycle, yielding a stiffness of 22.4 N/m, a hardness of 0.55 GPa, and a reduced Young’s modulus of 1.62 GPa as compared to a stiffness of 22.8 N/m, a hardness of 0.58 GPa, and a reduced Young’s modulus of 1.84 GPa for a commercially purchased graphene film made by CVD. This data was then compared to the expected values of pristine single layer graphene. Furthermore, two RC circuits were built, one using a parallel plate capacitors made of light scribed graphene on a kapton substrate (LSGC) and a second one using a CVD deposited graphene on aluminum (CVDGC). Their RC time constants and surface charge densities were compared.
Detection of Series DC Arc on a Distribution Node using Discrete-Time Parameter Identification Techniques

Discrete-time parameter identification techniques are studied extensively and are implemented to detect and localize the series arc discharge on a multi-load distribution node. The techniques include Recursive Least Squares (RLS) and the Kalman Filter (KF) which by estimating the line parameters - resistance and inductance will help monitor their condition. The systems electrical components vary abruptly during an arc discharge on a line of the grid. This disturbance from the arc discharge also travels to the adjacent loads and lines. The RLS and KF will then act as detectors functioning on a line and consequently help localize the faulted line/load. The two mentioned techniques delineate the variation in values of the grid parameters even for a large noisy arc.
Warfarin vs. apixaban in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and analysis by concomitant antiarrhythmic medication use: A national retrospective study.

Background No real-world data exist on outcomes in patients on anticoagulants and concomitant antiarrhythmic medications. This study aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of apixaban and warfarin, first in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and then in patients on concurrent antiarrhythmic medications. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large US electronic medical record database (2012-2016). Patients with NVAF on warfarin or apixaban were included. The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) or systemic embolism. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding (ISTH definition). Patients were matched using propensity scoring. Univariate survival analyses were conducted by using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A subgroup analysis was conducted to assess outcomes on patients on concurrent antiarrhythmic medications. Results A total of 332 100 patients with NVAF were identified, and 20 378 were included in the propensity-matching analysis. No baseline differences were seen in age, comorbidities, or CHA 2 DS 2-VASc score. The primary endpoint occurred in 122 (1.2%) patients on apixaban compared to 166 (1.63%) on warfarin (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.88). Major bleeding occurred at a lower rate in the apixaban group (n = 600, 5.89%) compared to warfarin (n = 887, 8.71%) (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.58-0.73). In patients on concurrent antiarrhythmic medications (n = 2498), there was no difference in thrombotic (1.04% vs. 1.37%; P = 0.42) or bleeding events (5.29% vs. 6.89%; P = 0.08). Conclusion Apixaban was associated with reduced stroke/systemic embolism and bleeding when compared with warfarin. No difference was seen in thrombotic or bleeding events in patients on concurrent antiarrhythmic medications.
Production and perception of English vowels preceding voiced and voiceless consonants by Korean learners of English

In English, consonant voicing has large effects on the previous vowel duration, as does the status of the vowel as tense or lax. Our aim is to examine whether there is an interplay between L1 interference and L2 experience on L2 English vowel productions and perceptions. Korean L2 speakers were chosen as participants; Korean has no contrasts in tense versus lax vowels, and no coda consonant voicing contrast in a monosyllabic structure, but exhibits post-vocalic voicing contrasts in disyllabic structures, and in these cases, voiced consonants exhibit the lengthening of the preceding vowel. The participants were asked to read the list of English nonce words consisting of the English high and mid vowels and sets of plosives contrasting in voicing as a coda in the two different structures. In an ABX discrimination task, the subjects were asked to identify the different words from among minimal triples. None of the speakers exhibited different patterns in both structures in productions or perceptions. All speakers exhibited durational correlates to the voicing contrast, and to the tense-lax distinction. The effect of L2 English experience was not shown in perception task. Overall, there was no correlation between vowel length differences in production and perception scores.
Addressing the Work-Life Interface: Strategic Implications for Small Business

Although some research has assessed the involvement of corporate America in work-life policies and programs, Iii/le is known about the involvement of small businesses in this area. The purpose of this study was lo learn more about how small businesses are responding to work-life issues and to examine the relationship of various organizational characteristics to the implementation of work-life policies and programs. The results indicate that small businesses have responded to work-life issues and concerns in a piecemeal manner and have been relatively non-responsive overall, even though participating would carry little cost. Traditional economic benefits (e.g., health insurance) were most likely to be offered, even limited care for dependents (e.g., resource and referral services) least likely. Further, fewer than I 0% of the firms have conducted any kind of formal assessment of work-life needs and issues. We suggest that a lack of strategic attention by small businesses to the work-life interface is short-sighted in view of quality and productivity issues, changing demographics and the recruitment and retention of well-qualified employees.
Chapter 62 – Neuroblastoma

Publisher Summary Neuroblastoma is usually a malignancy of children, but sometimes it affects adults. A very small proportion of these malignancies occur in families with previous cases. Otherwise there are no known specific causes. As a large proportion of these malignancies occur in infants or toddlers, much speculation has centered on exposures to the mother while the child was in utero. These exposures include drugs and hormones, and exposures at the parental workplace. Neuroblastomas have occurred less commonly in Los Angeles County than elsewhere, but they have appeared in the county with a relatively constant rate over time. Incidence is similar in boys and girls, and there is no particular relationship to social class. No systematic pattern of occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation is proposed.
Artificial Reefs in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Community Ecology Amid the Ocean Sprawl

The northern Gulf of Mexico has been an important source for crude oil and natural gas extraction since the 1930s. Thousands of fixed platforms and associated equipment have been installed on the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf, leading to a pervasive ‘ocean sprawl’. After decommissioning, hundreds of these structures have been converted to artificial reefs under the federal ‘Rigs-to-Reefs’ program, in addition to artificial reefs specifically designed to enhance fisheries and/or benefit the recreational diving industry. Apart from a few natural banks, which reach to approximately 55 ft below the surface, artificial reefs provide the only shallow-water hard substrate for benthic organisms in the deeper waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. This vast expansion in available habitat has almost exclusively occurred over a relatively short span of time (~ 50 years). The ecological interactions of artificial and natural reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico are complex. Artificial reefs in general, and oil and gas structures in particular, have often been invoked as stepping stones for non-native and invasive species (e.g. Tubastrea cup corals, lionfish). The pilings are covered with fouling communities which remain largely unstudied. While the risks of these fouling organisms for invading natural reefs are being broadly discussed, other impacts on the ecological and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico, such as the potential to facilitate jellyfish blooms or increase the incidence of ciguatera fish poisoning, have received less attention. Artificial reefs also provide ecosystem services, particularly as habitat for economically important fish species like red snapper. Here we revisit the potential role of artificial reefs as ‘stepping stones’ for species invasions and for fisheries enhancement. Beyond concerns about ecological effects, some of these topics also raise public health concerns. We point out gaps in current knowledge and propose future research directions.
The Diamond Project: A Quality Improvement Model for Adopting Shared Service Delivery in the Washington Vaccines for Children Program

Context: Increasing federal requirements with no change in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention budget creates an unsustainable delivery model between states and their local counterparts for programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC). Project: The Washington State Department of Health collaborated with the Washington Association of Local Public Health Officials to identify how best to improve the quality of the VFC program. Approach: Utilizing Quality improvement and Lean Six Sigma methods, the project team was able to adopt a new shared-service delivery model to improve the quality of the VFC program in Washington State. Discussion: Through utilization of quality improvement methods and Lean methodology Washington State Department of Health identified recommendations to adopt a shared-service delivery and implemented those changes.
On-Chip Q-Factor Greater Than 1 Billion

A record Q-factor of 1.1 billion is demonstrated in on-chip silica whispering-gallery resonators. Using the devices, sub-milliwatt parametric oscillation threshold is measured in 9 GHz free-spectral-range devices.
Subjective functional outcomes in oropharyngeal cancer treated with induction chemotherapy using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI).

Objectives Evaluate the use of induction chemotherapy (IC) in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and its impact on subjective functional outcomes using a validated MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck (MDASI-HN) survey tool. Methods A single institution retrospective review of OPC patients who received IC, including reasons given for using IC, regimens employed, responses, and patient-reported outcomes (PRO). The latter included pain, distress, dysphagia, xerostomia, and feeding tube placement and dependency. PRO's were assessed using the validated MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck (MDASI-HN) conducted at baseline, during treatment, and at six-month follow up. Results One hundred and twenty-five patients were evaluable. They were more likely to have large primary and/or bulky or low neck nodal disease as a reason for IC. A taxane-containing regimen was most common. Primary tumor response was seen in 83.2% and the nodal response in 81.6%. Pain and xerostomia improved with IC, dysphagia was not adversely affected with IC. These symptoms all increased with consolidation chemoradiotherapy (CRT) but returned to baseline by 6 months post treatment. Feeding tube placement did not increase with IC but did with CRT, most patients were no longer feeding tube dependent at 6 months. Conclusion This retrospective review of subjective functional outcomes, especially swallowing and feeding tube dependency, using the MDASI survey tool in 125 oropharyngeal cancer patients with large primary tumors and/or bulky adenopathy treated predominantly with platinum-taxane based induction chemotherapy showed that such outcomes were not adversely impacted. While not standard, such approach may be beneficial in such patients. Level of evidence 2.
Sleep quality moderates the association between psychotic-like experiences and suicidal ideation among help-seeking university students.

Abstract Suicide is a leading cause of death for young adults, and college-enrolled students are at markedly high risk for suicide. Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and sleep difficulties are prevalent among college students and have been linked to increased suicidal ideation (SI). This cross-sectional study examined the relation between PLEs and SI, moderated by sleep quality, in a sample of 442 students at a university counseling center. The Behavioral Health Measure-43 (BHM-43) was used to evaluate mental health symptoms, including sleep quality and SI. The PRIME Screen-Revised was used to measure PLEs. Regression results indicated that higher PRIME scores statistically predicted greater SI. There was a significant interaction between PRIME and sleep quality in predicting SI. Among individuals with greater sleep difficulties, PLEs were positively, significantly associated with SI. The PRIME was not a significant predictor of SI at lower levels of sleep difficulties (i.e. better sleep quality). This interaction effect remained significant when controlling for age and the BHM-43 depression and bipolar subscales. Findings suggest that sleep difficulties may be linked to increased SI for individuals with PLEs, and better sleep may be protective. Further research is needed to explore treatment targeting PLEs and/or sleep to mitigate suicide risk among university students.
Landscape sustainability science (II): core questions and key approaches

A background assumption of landscape approaches is that some landscape patterns are more sustainable than others, and thus searching for these patterns should be a unifying theme for all landscape-related studies. We know much about biodiversity, ecosystems, and human wellbeing in our landscapes, but much less about how their interactions influence, and are influenced by, landscape patterns. To help fill this knowledge gap, landscape sustainability science (LSS) has emerged. However, the core research questions and key approaches of this new field still need to be systematically articulated. The main objectives of this paper were: (1) to propose a set of core research questions for LSS, and (2) to identify key cross-disciplinary approaches that can help address these questions. I took a qualitative and subjective approach to review and synthesize the literature relevant to landscape sustainability, based on which I developed core questions and identified key cross-disciplinary approaches. Eight core questions were proposed to focus on understanding the relationships among landscape pattern, biodiversity, ecosystem function, ecosystem services, and human wellbeing, assessing the impacts of environmental and socio-institutional changes on these relationships, and fusing knowledge and action through landscape design/planning and governance processes. Ten inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches were identified, and their key characteristics were discussed in relation to landscape sustainability. LSS has emerged as an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research field that aims to understand and improve sustainability by focusing on landscape scales, while considering local and global scales in the same time. To advance LSS, future research not only needs to emphasize the relationships among landscape pattern, ecosystem services, and human wellbeing, but also to proactively integrate complementary approaches across natural and social sciences. Landscape sustainability is inevitably connected to the broader regional and global context; but if global sustainability is to be achieved, our landscapes must be sustained first. It is not the other way around.
Faster Multidimensional Data Queries on Infrastructure Monitoring Systems

Abstract The analytics in online performance monitoring systems have often been limited due to the query performance of large scale multidimensional data. In this paper, we introduce a faster query approach using the bit-sliced index (BSI). Our study covers multidimensional grouping and preference top-k queries with the BSI, algorithms design, time complexity evaluation, and the query time comparison on a real-time production performance monitoring system. Our research work extended the BSI algorithms to cover attributes filtering and multidimensional grouping. We evaluated the query time with the single attribute, multiple attributes, feature filtering, and multidimensional grouping. To compare with the existing prior arts, we made a benchmarking comparison with the bitmap indexing, sequential scan, and collection streaming grouping. In the result of our experiments with large scale production data, the proposed BSI approach outperforms the existing prior arts: 3 times faster than the bitmap indexing approach on single attribute top-k queries, 10 times faster than the collection stream approach on the multidimensional grouping. While comparing with the baseline sequential scan approach, our proposed algorithm BSI approach outperforms the sequential scan approach with a factor of 10 on multiple attributes queries and a factor of 100 on single attribute queries. In the previous research, we had evaluated the BSI time complexity and space complexity on simulation data with various distributions, this research work further studied, evaluated, and concluded the BSI approach query performance with real production data.
Does unemployment affect child abuse rates? Evidence from New York State

This article used child maltreatment reports from New York State from 2000 to 2010 to investigate the relationship between county level unemployment and county level child maltreatment rates. Models showed that a 1 percentage point increase in unemployment rates reduced the child report rate by approximately 4.25%. Report rates for young children (children under the age of 6) and older children (children ages 6 and over) responded similarly to changes in local unemployment, but the relationship between unemployment rates and child maltreatment reports did vary by a county's metropolitan designation. The negative relationship between unemployment and child maltreatment reports was largely contained to metropolitan counties. The relationship between unemployment and child maltreatment reports in non-metropolitan counties was often positive but not statistically significant. These findings were robust to a number of specifications. In alternate models, the county's mandated reporter employment rate was added as a control; the inclusion of this variable did not alter the results.
High-Performance heuristics for optimization in stochastic traffic engineering problems

We consider a stochastic routing model in which the goal is to find the optimal route that incorporates a measure of risk The problem arises in traffic engineering, transportation and even more abstract settings such as task planning (where the time to execute tasks is uncertain), etc The stochasticity is specified in terms of arbitrary edge length distributions with given mean and variance values in a graph The objective function is a positive linear combination of the mean and standard deviation of the route Both the nonconvex objective and exponentially sized feasible set of available routes present a challenging optimization problem for which no efficient algorithms are known In this paper we evaluate the practical performance of algorithms and heuristic approaches which show very promising results in terms of both running time and solution accuracy.
An assessment of stretch reflex function.

Publisher Summary Most investigators believe that the stretch reflex is an important mechanism in the regulation of posture and movement, but the precise nature of its actions and the importance of this reflex in intact animals and humans have remained unclear. The uncertainty has resulted largely from an inadequate interpretation of the function of the stretch reflex. It is assumed that the function is to compensate for changes in load; in other words, the actions of the stretch reflex are supposed to reduce the influence of load on muscle length, either during the maintenance of a posture or the execution of a movement. This chapter presents the evidence against this view. An alternative hypothesis is also presented stating that the main function of the stretch reflex is to compensate for variations in the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle. The chapter also discusses the compensatory actions when different amplitudes of stretch and release are applied. The remarkable finding is that the highly nonlinear dependence of the underlying mechanical response on amplitude and direction was compensated to a considerable extent by reflex action. It is believed that this may be important in the central nervous control of the musculature.
Thermal Characterization of a Ceramic Intumescent Material

Two thicknesses of a ceramic intumescent material, No Fire A, were evaluated under propane-furnace-simulating ordnance exposed to an aircraft fuel fire. The thermophysical properties of No Fire A, such as mass loss, rate of mass loss, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermochemical expansion, permeability, and porosity, were characterized as a function temperature. Correlation models were obtained from these experimental data.
Addressing Complexity in a Privacy Expert System

This paper shows how a combination of usability and heuristics can be used to reduce complexity for privacy experts who create and maintain the knowledge base of a decision support system. This system helps people take privacy into account during decision making without being overwhelmed by the complexity of different national and sector-specific legislation.
Patient-Reported Outcomes

In 2002, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) embarked upon a bold plan to identify impediments to biomedical research and establish a “Roadmap” for improving it in the twenty-first century. Three key areas were identified that would catalyze research discovery: New Pathways to Discovery, Research Teams of the Future, and Re-engineering the Clinical Research Enterprise. The plan to reengineer the clinical research enterprise included the establishment of a multicenter cooperative group referred to as the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Originally, the PROMIS network included researchers from seven US academic centers. Over time, that number has expanded to include 15 centers.
THE ORNITHINE CYCLE IN NEUROSPORA AND ITS GENETIC CONTROL

It has been emphasized by Haldane (1) that for studies of intermediary metabolism "the new science of genetics furnishes a very powerful method." Such a method is founded upon the general premises that genes control many of the chemical reactions within an organism, and that gene mutations by blocking a reaction chain at various points may, in effect, resolve a metabolic process into some of its constituent stages. For instance, the genetics of such diseases as alcaptonuria and cystinuria have elucidated certain problems in human metabolic processes (2), and studies in the genetics of plant pigments have increased the knowledge of of the biochemistry of anthocyanins (3). But the study of metabolism by way of genetic differences in naturally occurring populations is limited not only by the low rate of mutation but also by the lethal character of most mutations of genes controlling vital functions. By increasing the mutation rate of an organism, through irradiation or otherwise, it is possible to create a number of genetic blocks at various steps in the syntheses of substances or in other processes of metabolism. The problem of preserving mutations ordinarily lethal has been met by Beadle and Tatum (4) in a general course of procedure developed around work with the ascomycetous mold Neurospora. The wild type of this organism is able to carry out all the syntheses essential to its normal growth and reproduction if biotin, inorganic salts, and a suitable source of carbon are available. Strains of Neurospora are irradiated with x-ray or ultraviolet rays on the assumption that mutations will be induced in genes controlling the syntheses of such substances as vitamins and amino acids. Mutant strains of this kind cannot grow on merely inorganic salts, sugar, and biotin, "minimal medium," but can be expected to grow if the product of the blocked synthesis is added to the minimal medium. From irradiated Neurospora there has been isolated in this laboratory a series of mutant strains which require for growth the presence of arginine in the culture medium. A study of the specific biochemical characteristics of members of this group of mutants has made it possible to demonstrate in Neurospora crassa an ornithine cycle similar to that proposed by Krebs and Henseleit (5) as occurring in mammalian liver, and to assign various steps in the cycle to the influence of particular single genes. To our knowledge the ornithine cycle has not previously been demonstrated in plants.
Introduction: the use of body mass index to assess obesity in children

The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) was established in 1994 to address the increase in the worldwide prevalence of obesity. The goals of the IOTF are to 1) raise awareness in the population and among governments that obesity is a serious medical condition, 2) develop policy recommendations for a coherent and effective global approach to the management and prevention of obesity, and 3) implement appropriate strategies to manage and prevent obesity on a population basis worldwide. To assess the global prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents, the IOTF convened a workshop on childhood obesity to determine the most appropriate measurement to assess obesity in populations of and adolescents around the world. At the workshop, a variety of issues related to this problem were considered--including the best measure of fatness, the effect of application of a variety of existing standards on the prevalence of obesity in the same population, and the role of factors such as visceral adiposity and natural history in the definition of obesity. This article and those that follow represent the information presented at the workshop. The workshop concluded that the body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) offered a reasonable measure with which to assess fatness in children and adolescents and that the standards used to identify overweight and obesity in children and adolescents should agree with the standards used to identify grade 1 and grade 2 overweight (BMI of 25 and 30, respectively) in adults.
Gender Norms and Institutional Culture: The Family-Friendly versus the Father-Friendly University

This article investigates the role that gender norms and expectations about parenting play in establishing the family-friendly versus the father-friendly university. Using interviews with 51 male f...
Coccidiosis: criteria used and problems involved in changing coccidiostats in a commercial operation.

Abstract Criteria used in changing coccidiostats include: definite evidence of damage to the intestinal tract to a point that growth and feed efficiency are impaired in broilers or pullet replacement chickens; at least 40% of the birds examined must show intestinal damage in 75% of one or more age brackets studied; feed assays must indicate that the correct level of coccidiostat is present in the feed; and there must be an absence of other diseases, parasites, or other conditions that might interfere with the performance of the coccidiostat. The more important problems involved in changing to a new coccidiostat include: adequate testing of the new product for efficacy; effects on weight gains, feed efficiency, and pigmentation; proper field testing in the area where it will be used; safety for other animals; cost compared with other coccidiostats; possible deleterious side effects on laying birds or other types of poultry; compatibility with other drugs used in formulations; mode of action and stage of life cycle where it is effective; coccidiostatic or coccidiocidal effect of the product; electrostatic properties; availability of a dependable laboratory assay; clearance with other drugs or antibiotics normally used in feed formulations; and availability of the product.
Imaging Inflammatory Bowel Disease with CT and MR Enterography

Radiologic imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of Crohn’s disease (CD). With cross-sectional imaging techniques in particular, the bowel lumen, wall, and extraintestinal manifestations of the disease can be visualized efficiently and noninvasively. Computed tomography enterography (CTE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are the new gold standards of imaging inflammatory bowel disease, replacing the small-bowel follow-through as the first-line imaging test of choice. The choice between modalities is largely one of availability, experience and institutional or individual preference. CTE may be preferred in older patients and those presenting with acute symptoms, due to its low cost, ease of execution/interpretation, and greater availability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often favored in young patients to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation. The efficacy of both CTE and MRE has been repeatedly proven; the future of radiographic imaging of CD lies in the ability to differentiate between active inflammation and fibrosis, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Oxymoron or misplaced rectification

Throughout much of his career, Chet Bowers has taken as one of his primary responsibilities what Confucians call the “rectification of terms.” In Analects 13:3, Confucius is interviewed about what ...
Effect of fasting, diethyl maleate, and alcohols on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract The effect of fasting, diethyl maleate treatment, and methanol, ethanol, iso -propanol, or tert -butanol treatment on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats was studied. A 24-hr fast and the administration of diethyl maleate were found to be equipotent and not additive in potentiating CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity; this potentiation appeared to be due to a depletion of hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels. Concomitant diurnal variations in hepatic GSH content and in CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity also suggested hepatic GSH involvement in CCl 4 -induced hepatic damage. Whereas ethanol has been reported to potentiate CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity and to lower hepatic GSH levels, the present study suggested that these effects are due to an ethanol-induced loss of body weight. Methanol, iso -propanol, and tert -butanol, on the other hand, show the same maximal potentiation of CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity and do so without inducing a depletion of hepatic GSH content or producing a loss of body weight. In contrast to a previous report, however, methanol was found to be markedly less effective on an equimolar basis than either iso -propanol or tert -butanol in potentiating CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity. The study suggests that GSH is an important modulator of CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity and also suggests that methanol, iso -propanol, and tert -butanol, but not ethanol, potentiate CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity by a mechanism that does not involve altered hepatic GSH levels.
The current status of biliary tract surgery: an international study of 1072 consecutive patients.

An international study to determine the practice patterns and outcome of operations for stone-related biliary tract disorders was commissioned by the International Biliary Association in 1981. Twenty-one institutions generated 69,700 data bits from 1,072 consecutive patients over an 18-month period. These data were analyzed for approach to diagnosis, conduct of operation, and outcome. Of the 1,072 operations (412 United States, 660 international), 986 (92%) were primary and 86 (8%) were secondary or repeat procedures. Although elective cholecystectomy was preceded by 2 or more diagnostic tests in 25% of patients, institutional patterns ranged from a single test in 60% of patients to 94% of patients having more than 3 preoperative diagnostic tests. Elective cholecystectomy included operative cholangiography in 83% of patients and choledochotomies in 17% (182 of 1,072). The incidence of negative duct exploration and retained stones was 18.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Choledochoscopy was done before duct exploration in 25% (30.4%-U.S.A.; 19.5%-international) and prior to T-tube insertion in 38% (29%-U.S.A.; 43%-international). Repeat operations for choledocholithiasis included a drainage procedure in 72% of American and 46% of European patients. Complications after primary procedures were 17% in the United States (12.4% biliary, 4.4% nonbiliary) and 35% (25% biliary, 9.1% nonbiliary) in the international series. Complications after secondary procedures were 48% (40% biliary, 8% nonbiliary). The mortality rate for all patients was 1.6% for primary procedures (0.6% for cholecystectomy alone) and 2.3% for secondary procedures. These data indicate that: (a) duplication of diagnostic procedures is frequent and characteristic of certain institutions; (b) cholangiography decreases the incidence of negative choledochotomy, and choledochoscopy reduces the incidence of retained stones; and (c) diagnosis, operative management, and outcome vary greatly among institutions.
Instructions and Opinions: The Use of Fuzzy Subjectivity

Architects receive and give instructions and are involved with opinions. Instructions and opinions are seldom treated objectively and yet clear communication is professionally essential. One application of fuzzy set theory is to provide a quantitative interpretation of verbally expressed, subjective statements which are meaningful and yet not always clearly defined. The fuzzy calculus leads to a better understanding of the statements without the loss of vagueness and imprecision which distinguish subjectivity from sharp objectivity. In this paper instructions involve fuzzy unions and intersects; opinions require the introduction of fuzzy relations and compositions to transform verbal statements into quantitative expressions.
Modulation of Flavin Recognition and Redox Properties through Donor Atom−π Interactions

Computational and experimental model studies establish the importance of donor atom−π bonding on the recognition and function of flavins. This noncovalent interaction arises from electrostatic attraction between electron-rich (donor) atoms and electron-deficient aromatic systems. The electrostatic origin of this bonding was verified through comparison of binding of model receptors to flavin in both oxidized (Flox) and radical anion (Flrad-) forms: Interaction was strongest with the electron-poor Flox and was greatly attenuated with the comparatively electron-rich Flrad-. Other factors determining the magnitudes of these donor−π interaction are the size and polarizability of the donor atom.
Matching With Doses in an Observational Study of a Media Campaign Against Drug Abuse

Multivariate matching with doses of treatment differs from the treatment-control matching in three ways. First, pairs must not only balance covariates, but also must differ markedly in dose. Second, any two subjects may be paired, so that the matching is nonbipartite, and different algorithms are required. Finally, a propensity score with doses must be used in place of the conventional propensity score. We illustrate multivariate matching with doses using pilot data from a media campaign against drug abuse. The media campaign is intended to change attitudes and intentions related to illegal drugs, and the evaluation compares stated intentions among ostensibly comparable teens who reported markedly different exposures to the media campaign.
SU‐GG‐T‐252: An Efficient Technique for Commissioning a Tissue Heterogeneity Correction Algorithm for Treatment Planning for Lung Cancer

Purpose: To establish a measurement protocol for commissioning lung heterogeneity correction using the Pinnacle3™ convolution/superposition algorithm based treatment planning system (TPS). Method and Materials: A phantom with lung density material was constructed to investigate differences between dose calculated using the Pinnacle3™ TPS and dose delivered using an Elekta™ Synergy™ linear accelerator. The phantom set‐up was 4cm solid water then 4cm lung phantom material (Gammex), then either no bolus, 1cm bolus, or 2cm bolus; then 4cm solid water. Point doses were calculated by placing points of interest (POIs) along the beam central axis at various depths. All dose distributions were calculated using the Pinnacle3™ adaptive convolve (AC) algorithm, for a 10×10cm2 AP beam (6MV and/or 15MV) @ 100 SSD and 200MU prescription. Ion chamber and/or MOSFET measurements were performed between bolus slabs for the bolus containing phantoms and POIs were generated to obtain calculated dose for each dosimeter position. In addition, a MapCheck device was placed under each phantom to measure 2D dose distributions for comparison against the calculated 2D planar dose map. Results: Agreement between calculated and measured dose using ion chamber was within ±1% for 19/23 measurements with a maximum difference of 3.23%. MOSFET measurements showed good agreement, as all measurements were within 3%. Evaluation of planar dose distribution with the MapCheck yielded a pass rate ranging from 93.2% to 98.5% based on 2% difference and 2mm distance to agreement. Conclusion: Pinnacle3™ TPS dose calculations using tissue heterogeneity showed excellent agreement with dose measured in a heterogeneous phantom using 3 different dosimeters. The measurement plan presented represents a simple, efficient, and accurate means for commissioning heterogeneous dose calculation algorithms for clinical use.
Statistical Dynamics of Classical Systems

The statistical dynamics of a classical random variable that satisfies a nonlinear equation of motion is recast in terms of closed self-consistent equations in which only the observable correlations at pairs of points and the exact response to infinitesimal disturbances appear. The self-consistent equations are developed by introducing a second field that does not commute with the random variable. Techniques used in the study of the interacting quantum fields can then be employed, and systematic approximations can be obtained. It is also possible to carry out a "charge normalization" eliminating the nonlinear coupling in favor of a dimensionless parameter which measures the deviation from Gaussian behavior. No assumptions of spatial or time homogeneity or of small deviation from equilibrium enter. It is shown that previously inferred renormalization schemes for homogeneous systems were incomplete or erroneous. The application of the method to classical microscopic systems, where it leads from first principles to a coupled-mode description is briefly indicated.
In the Eye of the Beholder: Charter Schools and Innovation∗

ABSTRACT Many expect that charter schools will produce innovations, but it is unclear what kinds and how much innovation is desirable. This paper summarizes the research evidence on charter school innovation to date and suggests ways to more productively pursue future research and development in the charter sector. The paper addresses three main questions: In what ways are charters being innovative? How can we assess the value of charter school innovations? And how might we encourage and enable charter schools to innovate more aggressively regarding instructional methods and uses of technology?