cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Competitive binding assays for riboflavin and riboflavin-binding protein

Abstract A competitive binding procedure that can be used to determine either riboflavin or riboflavin-binding protein has been developed. Riboflavin-binding protein from chicken egg white binds tightly to DEAE-cellulose while free riboflavin does not. Stock [2-14C]riboflavin solutions, diluted with varying amounts of a standard unlabeled riboflavin solution or an unknown sample, are mixed with aporiboflavin-binding protein and washed through small DEAE-cellulose columns. The protein-bound riboflavin is batch eluted into scintillation vials, counted, and the unknown samples compared to a standard curve. This is a simple, rapid method for assaying riboflavin by isotope dilution. By a slight modification of the incubation conditions of this procedure, the degree of saturation and amount of riboflavin-binding protein can be determined. Data from both assays can be represented by linear plots in which slopes or intercepts correspond to unknown values. The principles presented here have been extended to the assay of biotin and avidin and should apply to other vitamins and vitamin-binding proteins.
Acute insulin-induced elevations of circulating leptin and feeding inhibition in lean but not obese rats

Insulin has been shown to stimulate leptin mRNA expression acutely in rat adipose tissue, but its short-term effects on circulating leptin levels, and subsequent feeding behavior, have not been wel...
Determinants of market-assessed sovereign risk: Economic fundamentals or market risk appetite?

Abstract This paper examines the determinants of the market-assessed sovereign risk premium, measured by the Brady bond stripped yield spread. Our study shows that, while standard economic fundamentals of a sovereign significantly affect the bond yield spread, the market's attitude towards risk is another important determinant. We construct a measure of the market's attitude towards risk called the risk appetite index (RAI), and find that for comparable changes in all the economic variables the RAI has a relatively large impact on the Brady bond yield spread. Our results explain why there is contagion in the Brady bond market and why often there is a divergence between the market's perception of the country risk premium and published ratings on sovereign creditworthiness.
MRI of radiographically occult ischial apophyseal avulsions.

Background Acute avulsions of unossified ischial apophyses in children may go undetected on radiography. Therapy includes rest and rehabilitation; however, substantial displacement may require surgery.
NAME RECALL AS A FUNCTION OF INTRODUCTION TIME

QSummary.-An experiment was designed to test name recall by 25 male and 19 female undergraduates. Early and late introduction via auditory and visual modes of presentation were used. A later introduction resulted in total recall but an early inuoduction gave low recall. There were no differences between visual and auditory modes. Often people are introduced to someone but find later they cannot recall the name. Name introduction generally occurs very soon after meeting a new person, and it is possible that cognitive processes occur simultaneously and interfere with the storage of names. For example, early in the conversation the target person presents many unique and salient stimuli, which may interfere with storage or distract attention from the name. If people were given time to familiarize themselves with the new person and then were introduced to the new name, they might have better attention and experience less interference. This experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that a later name
Vacuum-Preloaded Hydrostatic Shoe for Centerless Grinding

Abstract An innovative workpiece support, vacuum-preloaded hydrostatic shoe, is developed for lobing and chatter suppression in centerless grinding. The hydrostatic shoe applies vacuum-preloading to a hydrostatic bearing so as to provide a workpiece support of non-contact, good damping and high stiffness. The paper presents stability analysis and simulation results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the hydrostatic shoe in lobing and chatter control. Grinding experiments are conducted on bearing raceways to confirm the simulation results. The hydrostatic shoe is demonstrated to be superior to conventional contact shoes. Under the same grinding conditions, the hydrostatic shoe results in 42% less out-of-roundness error over the conventional shoes.
Suicide Pact by Mutual Simultaneous Arm Amputation

Background Dyadic suicide pacts are cases in which two individuals (and very rarely more) agree to die together. These account for fewer than 1% of all completed suicides. Objective The authors describe two men in a long-term domestic partnership who entered into a suicide pact and, despite utilizing a high-lethality method (simultaneous arm amputation with a power saw), survived. Method The authors investigated the psychiatric, psychological, and social causes of suicide pacts by delving into the history of these two participants, who displayed a very high degree of suicidal intent. Psychiatric interviews and a family conference call, along with the strong support of one patient's family, were elicited. Results The patients, both HIV-positive, showed high levels of depression and hopelessness, as well as social isolation and financial hardship. With the support of his family, one patient was discharged to their care, while the other partner was hospitalized pending reunion with his partner. Discussion This case illustrates many of the key, defining features of suicide pacts that are carried out and also highlights the nature of the dependency relationship.
a Study of the Surface Synoptic Circulation Patterns in Association with the Drought of the 1960's in the Northeastern United States

A comparative evaluation is made of the frequency of air mass and frontal types during a 4-year representative portion of the drought as opposed to an equivalent non-drought period. Selection of the non-drought period is based on the Palmer Drought Index. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of continental polar air during the drought. Other conclusions concerning conditions during the drought, not statistically significant but worth further study, are: lower frequency of maritime tropical air in the summer months, more occurrences of cold and occluded fronts, and fewer occurrences of stationary fronts.
Description and comparison of geologic maps with FRAGSTATS: a spatial statistics program

FRAGSTATS is a public-domain GIS implementation of a set of spatial statistics that address a fundamental problem in GIS applications, description and comparison of maps. The spatial statistics from the 1 : 2,500,000-scale United States geologic map of Nevada, the central United States, and the northeastern United States quantify the differences in complexity and variability between these three geologic terranes. Nevada is defined by a large number of patches of small size and low size variability, whereas the Central area has a small number of patches with smaller relative size variability. All three areas have similar map-unit shape complexity with Nevada having the lowest. Based on the density of edges, the areas can be ranked from highest to lowest, as Nevada, Central, and Northeast. The Shannon diversity index ranks the areas from highest to lowest, as Northeast, Nevada, and Central, but the Shannon evenness index ranks them from highest to lowest, as Northeast, Central, and Nevada. These rankings may reflect the influence of folding in the Northeast and Central areas as opposed to basin and range extension in Nevada. The core areas statistic ranks the areas for spatial accuracy from highest to lowest, as Central, Northeast, and Nevada, with Northeast and Nevada being similar.For a scale comparison, the FRAGSTATS statistics quantify the increased complexity and spatial accuracy that is inherent in going from small- to larger-scale maps. For example for 1 : 2,500,000-1 : 500,000-scale maps of Nevada, respectively, the area weighted fractal dimension increases from 1.1 to 1.18, and the total core areas index almost doubles from 39.09 to 63.38. In addition, the fractal dimensions discriminate gross lithology and tectonic terranes.
Effect of absorbable and non-absorbable solutes on the elongation of barley coleoptiles

Summary The effect of combinations of mannitol and KCl on the elongation of barley coleoptile sections was investigated. During initial phases KCl reduced the lengths of coleoptile sections but after a few hours, a stimulatory effect became progressively more evident and an optimum KCl concentration at which elongation was at a maximum was clearly indicated. In time, the position of the optimum was shifted toward higher KCl concentrations. Mannitol depressed the elongation rate at all times and it caused a shift of the optimum KCl concentration toward higher values. This response of elongating Coleoptiles to added osmotica is caused by a dual effect of absorbable solutes: (1) the external water potential is reduced and through it the turgor pressure and (2) after absorption of the solutes the vacuolar osmotic component of the water potential is reduced and consequently the turgor pressure is increased. During initial phases, only the depressing effect of an osmoticum is possible but as the consequences of solute uptake become effective, the stimulation becomes noticeable. For elongating tissues, continuous solute uptake is necessary to maintain favorable cellular water relations. The observed optimum is due to the hyperbolic nature of the KCl absorption isotherm. Since little mannitol enters the cells, only a depressing effect by this osmoticum is observed. The elongation of coleoptiles could reasonably be predicted from a model of cell elongation in which solute uptake was partly rate limiting. Solute uptake is essential for maintaining a small water potential gradient favorable for water uptake which itself is necessary to maintain turgor pressure and cause elongation.
The ionization structure of planetary nebulae. X. NGC 2392

Spectrophotometric observations of emission-line intensities over the spectral range 1400 to 7200 A were made in six positions in the planetary nebula NGC 2392. Standard equations used to correct for the existence of elements in other than the optically observable ionization stages give consistent results for the different positions that are in excellent agreement with abundances calculated using ultraviolet lines, and there is no evidence for any abundance gradient in the nebula. The logarithmic abundances agree well with determinations by Aller and Keyes.
Delayed regional metastasis from midfacial squamous carcinomas

Background Metastases from mucosal and cutaneous carcinomas can present in a delayed fashion, and this late presentation may confer a different prognosis after conventional treatment. Methods We present a series of patients in which there was a significant time delay between the treatment of a squamous carcinoma of the skin or mucosa of the midface and the detection of regional metastases in 12 of the 13 cases. Primary tumors were located on the lower lip and commissure (n = 3), nasal tip (n = 2), nasal ala (n = 1), columella (n = 1), nasofacial crease (n = 2), maxillary alveolus (n = 3), and mandibular alveolus (n = 1). Metastatic spread manifested by palpable perifacial or submandibular lymph nodes was not evident until greater than 11 months after the treatment of the primary site in 12 of 13 patients (range, 3–45 months). Nine of the patients were clinically staged as N1, whereas there was one each in the N2a, N2b, N2c, and N3 categories. Eleven of the 13 patients were initially seen with palpable disease involving the perifacial nodes within or around the submandibular gland. All patients were treated with neck dissection except one, who refused surgical treatment and underwent a second course of radiotherapy to the cervical region. The nine patients initially seen with clinical stage N1 disease underwent neck dissection with preservation of the sternocleidomastoid, internal jugular vein, and accessory nerve. Results Of 10 patients with perifacial node metastases who underwent neck dissection, 8 required sacrifice of the marginal mandibular nerve and overlying platysma to gain adequate margin. Extracapsular spread was present in 11 patients, (8 of 9 who were clinically N1). Postoperative radiotherapy was recommended to all patients with extracapsular spread, although only 7 of the 11 received radiotherapy. There were no regional recurrences after a minimum follow-up of 1 year (range, 12–65 months; mean, 31.4 months). Histologic grade appeared to have no influence on prognosis. Conclusions This cohort demonstrates the ability of midfacial squamous cell carcinoma to manifest regional metastatic disease over a delayed time. This delayed presentation appears to confer a more favorable response to treatment. For midfacial cancers, the perifacial nodes are at greatest risk for metastatic spread. For tumors in this region, primary treatment of the neck is probably not warranted, but careful extended follow-up for the potential of delayed cervical metastasis is prudent. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 20:328–333, 1998.
Photoionization calculations for 5d, 5p, and 4f subshells of mercury

Abstract Photoionization cross section, branching ratio, and photoelectron angular distribution for intermediate 5d, 5p, and 4f subshells of mercury are calculated in the relativistic random-phase approximation. Comparison of the present results with the earlier results in the Hartree-Fock approximation shows the importance of correlations and relativistic effects.
A Simulation Analysis of Errors in the Measurement of Standard Electrochemical Rate Constants from Phase-Selective Impedance Data.

Abstract A digital simulation analysis is presented of the coupled effects of solution resistance and lock-in amplifier damping upon the evaluation of standard rate constants, ksob, for rapid electrode reactions using phase-selective ac impedance measurements with positive-feedback iR compensation. These two effects combine so to yield “apparent” (i.e. measured) rate constants, ksob(app), evaluated using the conventional frequency-dependent analysis, that are generally smaller than the actual values, ksob(true). The extent to which these systematic errors depend on experimental conditions is explored for various values of ksob(true), the uncompensated and specific solution resistances, the amplifier filter time constant, the double-layer capacitance, and other relevant parameters. A simple scheme employing theses simultations is outlined by which ksob(true) values can be extracted from ksob(app) measurements. Some experimental verification of these effects is also presented.
The significance of asymptomatic microhematuria in women and its economic implications. A ten-year study.

• A prospective study of 177 women with asymptomatic microhematuria was carried out over a ten-year period. The implications of asymptomatic microhematuria in this population indicate that endoscopic evaluation of the bladder may be unnecessary, as no vesical neoplasms were discovered. It seems that cytologic examination of the urine may be a simpler, more cost-effective method for screening the female population with microhematuria. ( Arch Intern Med 1988;148:2629-2632)
Uses of stable carbon isotope compositions of organic carbon in sedimentological studies on tropical marine systems

Abstract Nearshore gradients in the stable isotope composition of sedimentary organic carbon have been repeatedly demonstrated over the past 20 years. Early investigators reasoned that these gradients were due to a mixing of land and marine derived organic matter which retained the mean signatures of their plant precursors, thought to be about −27 and −20% versus PDB, respectively. Although this simple model is still generally applicable, several dichotomies, discovered since the earliest studies, in the fractionation of stable carbon isotopes during marine and land plant photosynthesis have, on the one hand, introduced complications in the interpretation of natural variations but, on the other hand, have made possible a broader usage of carbon isotope signatures. Case histories are presented to illustrate the widened application of stable carbon isotope compositions for: (i) sources and cycling of organic matter in modern tropical marine depositional environments; (ii) contamination of marine sediments by anthropogenic organic residues.
THE BEHAVIOR OF FELDSPAR AND FLINT WITH ACIDS AND BASES1

On addition of acids and bases to fine-ground feldspar or flint, the same phenomena are observed as with clays, Le., flocculation, deflocculation, and absorption. The effects are less sharp than with clays, the zone of deflocculation covering a wider range of PH and flocculation occurring at lower pH (greater acidity). The sensitiveness of flint and feldspar to reagents increases with fineness of grinding.
l-Usnic acid: Tumor inhibitor isolated from lichens

Die systematische Fraktionierung eines Alkoholauszugs der FlechteCladonia leptoclada ergab, dassl-Usninsaure der hauptsachliche tumorhemmende Bestandteil ist.
Serum haptoglobin-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Hp-MMP 9) complex as a biomarker of systemic inflammation in cattle.

Abstract A reliable and specific test that discriminates between acute neutrophil activation and chronic inflammatory disease may be useful in clinical decision making in a variety of conditions encountered in veterinary medical practice. An ELISA specific for neutrophil-derived haptoglobin–matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Hp–MMP 9) complexes was used to determine serum concentrations of Hp–MMP 9 and was compared to ELISA assays for Haptoglobin (Hp) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) in 15 animals with acute sepsis, 10 animals with chronic inflammatory or metabolic disease and 10 healthy cows. Animal disease classifications were completed prior to the determination of serum concentrations of the 3 proteins. Duration of illness, disease process and lesions observed at necropsy were used to place animals into a specific classification. The serum MMP 9 concentrations in healthy cows differed significantly from those measured in sera of acutely septic and chronically ill animals. Serum haptoglobin concentrations in healthy cows were negligible when compared to animals with acute septic or chronic diseases. There was substantial overlap in MMP 9 and Hp concentrations between acute and chronic disease animals. In contrast, serum concentrations of Hp–MMP 9 complexes found almost exclusively in sera from acutely septic animals but not in chronically ill and normal cattle. The Hp–MMP 9 ELISA may be the serological test of choice in the determination of systemic inflammation associated with bacterial sepsis.
Differential cross-tolerance to mu and kappa opioid agonists in morphine-tolerant rats responding under a schedule of food presentation.

If different populations of opioid receptors mediate the actions of mu and kappa opioid agonists, then tolerance induced by the chronic administration of a mu agonist should confer cross-tolerance to other mu agonists but not necessarily to those compounds whose effects are mediated by the kappa receptor. This hypothesis was evaluated in the present investigation by examining the effects of the mu agonists morphine,l-methadone and fentanyl, the kappa agonists U50,488 and bremazocine, and the mixed kappa/mu agonist ethylketocyclazocine in rats responding under a fixed-ratio 30 schedule of food presentation before, during and after exposure to a regimen of chronic morphine administration. For comparison, naloxone was evaluated as a representative mu antagonist and the phenothiazine chlorpromazine as a control drug. During all phases of the experiment, each of these compounds produced dose-related decreases in rate of responding. During the daily administration of 40 mg/kg morphine, tolerance developed to the rate-decreasing effects of morphine,l-methadone and fentanyl, and an enhanced sensitivity to the effects of naloxone. In contrast to the effects obtained with these mu opioids, there was no evidence that chronic morphine administration produced tolerance or enhanced sensitivity to the rate-decreasing effects of U50,488, bremazocine, ethylketocyclazocine and chlorpromazine. The present findings demonstrate that the chronic administration of morphine results in the selective development of tolerance to other mu agonists. In addition, the lack of cross-tolerance between morphine and the kappa agonists examined demonstrate that this behavioral preparation is a useful tool for differentiating the effects of compounds acting at different opioid receptor types.
Progressive cross- and self-sterility associated with aging in fern clones and perhaps other plants

Plant reproductive cells differentiate from cell lineages derived ultimately from apical meristem initials, cells that are mitotically active throughout the life span of the plant. Because of the chemostat-like properties of these initial-cell populations, the frequency of mutant initials (or apical meristems) will increase as the plant ages. These properties led to three predictions when comparing long-lived species in which the frequency of sexual reproduction varies. The most asexual species should have the highest mean frequency of mutant ramets per chimeric genet, the highest genetic load, and the highest level of genetic load with dominant effects in embryonic and juvenile growth phases. These predictions were confirmed in a study of two fern species.
Voice intensity of patients using a Communi-Trach I cuffed speaking tracheostomy tube.

Voice intensity levels produced by 20 patients with cuffed speaking tracheostomy tubes (Communi-Trach I®) at three different airflow rates were investigated. Results indicated that audible and intelligible speech was produced with significantly greater intensity over ambient room noise at 5 l/minute, 10 l/minute, and 15 l/minute of airflow. Criteria for use, common causes of malfunctioning, and rehabilitation techniques necessary for the successful use of cuffed speaking tracheostomy tubes are discussed.
Cougar attack: case report of a fatality

The case of an 18-year-old adult male killed by a cougar (mountain lion) is presented. Cougars rarely attack humans, but inflict serious injury. Large bite or claw wounds, frequently to the head and neck, require emergency medical management with attention to deep structure injury, as well as potential Pasteurella multocida or rabies infection. Cougar–human interactions are increasing as rural housing developments and recreation in wilderness areas expand. Understanding cougar predator–prey behavior may help prevent attacks and injuries, particularly to children.
Measurement and modeling of detached plasma cooling via ro-vibrational excitation of H2 neutrals in PISCES-A

Measurements of the spatial decay of H 2 vibrational, rotational, and kinetic temperatures T vib , T rot , and T kin down the side port of the PISCES-A vacuum chamber, together with Monte-Carlo modeling, is used to obtain the accommodation probabilities for energy loss to the cold chamber walls during H 2 + surface collisions. These accommodation probabilities are used to calculate the steady-state rate at which H 2 carries energy away from the plasma column. The power loss due to heating of H 2 neutrals is found to be quite significant, being only 2 x weaker than radiation cooling in the higher neutral pressure (detached) discharges. The H 2 vibrational temperature T vib is found to be the most important neutral channel for carrying energy out of the plasma - more important than either kinetic temperature T kin or rotational temperature T rot .
Characteristics of abdominal vein thrombosis in children and adults

The demographic and clinical characteristics of adults and children with lower extremity deep-vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (LE DVT/PE) may differ from those with abdominal vein thrombosis (abdominal VT). Abdominal VT can be a presenting sign of an underlying prothrombotic state, and its presence in the setting of known disease might have prognostic implications different from LE DVT/PE. This study describes clinical presentations of abdominal VT compared to LE DVT/PE in adults and children. We analysed prospectively-collected data from consecutive consenting patients enrolled in one of seven Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network Centers from August 2003 to April 2011 to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of adults and children with abdominal VT. Both adults and children with abdominal VT tended to be younger and have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those with LE DVT/PE. Of patients with abdominal VT, children were more likely to have inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis than adults. For adults with venous thromboembolism (VTE), relatively more women had abdominal VT than LE DVT/PE, while the proportions with LE DVT/PE and abdominal VT by sex were similar in children. Children with abdominal VT were more likely to have diagnosed inherited thrombophilia, while trauma was more common in children with LE DVT/PE. In conclusion, both children and adults with abdominal VT were younger with a lower BMI than those with LE DVT/PE. Significant differences exist between children and adults in respect to abdominal VT compared to LE DVT/PE.
Tightening the Dropout Tourniquet: Easing the Transition From Middle to High School

The authors provide a summary of recent high school reform movements with a focus on preventing high school dropouts. They discuss middle to high school transitions, describing the effect of the transition on students' academic progress and the developmental and contextual changes that occur in adolescents' lives as they move from one institution to another. Last, the authors present promising practices designed to keep students successfully moving from middle to high school and thereafter.
The Type Host of Neoechinorhynchus schmidti (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae): A Correction

The type host of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus schmidti from Tabasco, Mexico, was erroneously reported to be the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans, which does not occur in Tabasco. Examination of specimens from the turtle host series determined that the correct type host is the Tabasco slider, Trachemys venusta.
Determining Economic and Social Factors in the Adoption of Cover Crops Under Mower Control in Olive Groves

The negative externalities associated with erosion significantly damage agroecosystems. This article intends to identify the main factors that affect the adoption of cover crops under mower control (CCMC) in olive groves in Andalusia (Spain) using variance structural equation modeling (SEM) by partial least squares (PLS). The results show that olive orchard profitability, olive grower adaptation, prior adoption of soil conservation practices, and social capital determine the adoption of the aforementioned technique. Similarly, this article also sheds light on the moderating role played by olive grove size, strengthening the relationship between profitability and adoption for large-scale farms and membership of farmers’ organizations and adoption for small-scale ones.
Mechanical modeling and analysis of board level drop test of electronic package

Solder joint reliability (SJR) issues caused by drop impact have received more and more attention from the industry in recent years. To assess the SJR in drop shock, electronic packages are generally surface mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) whose oscillations subject the solder joint to alternating tensile and compressive loads. Many factors may affect solder joint performance in a drop test, such as the component position on the drop test board, the test board parameters (pad definition, solder resist opening, etc.) and the shock pulse. This increases the difficulties in mechanical analysis of these events. Drop testing becomes more challenging than ever as environment-friendly Pb-free solder material replaces Pb based solder. Pb-free solder has been noted (Luke et al, 2005) for increasing the risk in shock due to changes in elastic modulus and IMC strength. The failure mechanism of solder joint in drop test is also diverse. To understand all these phenomena, mechanical modeling and analysis is carried out in this paper. The modeling results have been calibrated through comparison with experiment results. Drop test based on the popular JEDEC (JESD22-B111) board were analyzed to understand the implication of this test to the electronic package. Several observations about the testing method are made, which aid in understanding the drop test results and observations are made as to how this test might be improved. A modeling design of experiment (DOE) was done to study the key structural parameters including solder ball height, package stiffness, package thickness, ball pattern and package dimension. These results are helpful in understanding the package and board design parameters to most impact drop test performance and allow for improved performance by design.
Comparison of vertical aerial photographic and ground censuses of Steller sea lions at Ano Nuevo Island, July 1990-1993

Counts of Steller sea lion (Eumetopius jubutus) pups and non-pups (adults and juveniles) from aerial photographs of rookeries at Aiio Nuevo Island between 1990 and 1993 were significantly higher than those made on the ground. Based on regression of natural logs of photographic counts versus year, the number of pups declined at a rate of -0.099iyr while non-pup numbers declined at -0.315/yr. Examination of ground count data for the same period revealed a significant decline in non-pups (-0.139/yr), but no trend was detected in the ground counts of pups. The regression coefficients from photographic and ground couots of non-pups did not differ significantly. Power analyses using the program TRENDS indicated that detectable rates of change in abundance from four annual surveys were much lower for counts of pups than counts of non-pups where sampling precision was based on fits to linear models.
The Digital Future is Now: A Call to Action for the Humanities

Author(s): Borgman, Christine L. | Abstract: The digital humanities are at a critical moment in the transition from a specialty area to a full-fledged community with a common set of methods, sources of evidence, and infrastructure – all of which are necessary for achieving academic recognition. As budgets are slashed and marginal programs are eliminated in the current economic crisis, only the most articulate and productive will survive. Digital collections are proliferating, but most remain difficult to use, and digital scholarship remains a backwater in most humanities departments with respect to hiring, promotion, and teaching practices. Only the scholars themselves are in a position to move the field forward. Experiences of the sciences in their initiatives for cyberinfrastructure and eScience offer valuable lessons. Information- and data-intensive, distributed, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary research is now the norm in the sciences, while remaining experimental in the humanities. Discussed here are six factors for comparison, selected for their implications for the future of digital scholarship in the humanities: publication practices, data, research methods, collaboration, incentives, and learning. Drawing upon lessons gleaned from these comparisons, humanities scholars are “called to action” with five questions to address as a community: What are data? What are the infrastructure requirements? Where are the social studies of digital humanities? What is the humanities laboratory of the 21st century? What is the value proposition for digital humanities in an era of declining budgets?
Different macrophage responses on hydrophilic and hydrophobic CNTs

Purified carbon nanotubes (with removed toxic catalytic particles) have been considered as novel materials for drug delivery and for generating artificial organs more efficiently due to their unique surface features. Traditionally, the surface chemistry of carbon nanotubes has been modified through various functionalization strategies to increase biocompatibility. Importantly, modulating the intrinsic material surface energy of carbon nanotubes (without functionalization, thus, establishing permanent, non degradable chemical, and physical surface properties) can potentially reduce an immune response mediated by macrophages. Herein, we report macrophage responses on different surface energy carbon nanotubes while keeping their nanoscale surface roughness. Specifically, interactions of ultra hydrophobic (bare or unmodified) and hydrophilic carbon nanotubes (due to the formation of oxide layers) with macrophages were investigated. All results clearly support the evidence that tailoring the surface energy of carbon nanotubes mediates a macrophage immune response.
Quality Indicators for Continuity and Coordination of Care in Vulnerable Elders

Of the 17 potential QIs, the expert panel process judged 16 to be valid, and one was rejected. The literature summaries that support each of the indicators judged to be valid in the expert panel process are described.
Selective increase of NMDA-sensitive glutamate binding in the striatum of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and mixed Parkinson's disease/Alzheimer's disease patients: an autoradiographic study

Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) may share certain abnormalities since a subset of PD patients suffer from dementia, and some AD individuals show extrapyramidal symptoms. In vitro quantitative autoradiography was used to examine different subtypes of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors (NMDA, KA, and AMPA) and dopamine transporter sites in the striatum (caudate, putamen) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) from idiopathic PD, pure AD, and mixed PD/AD patients. PD and AD groups, and to a lesser extent the PD/AD groups, showed substantially increased binding to NMDA receptors in the striatum and NAc. No statistically significant changes in binding to KA and AMPA receptors were found in any patient group. 3H-mazindol binding to dopamine transporter sites was significantly decreased in the striatum and NAc of PD and PD/AD patients, but only in the putamen and NAc of AD patients. The data indicate that (1) the majority of striatal EAA receptors are not located on dopaminergic nigrostriatal nerve terminals, and (2) elevated binding to striatal NMDA receptors correlates with binding to dopamine transporter sites in PD patients, but not in AD and PD/AD individuals. Thus, the mechanisms of NMDA receptor changes in the striatum of AD and PD patients may be different. However, it is postulated that increased binding to NMDA receptors in Parkinson and Alzheimer striatum occurs in response to an insult(s) within the striatothalamocortical circuits and that this may contribute to the clinical similarities described for subsets of PD and AD patients.
Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular untwist rate: comparison of tissue Doppler and speckle tracking methodologies

Aims The study was designed to test the influence of the temporal resolution, at which tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking imaging (STI) operate, on the accurate assessment of left ventricular (LV) untwist rate (UR). Methods and results Echo imaging and invasive LV pressure measurements were performed during right atrial (RA) pacing and dobutamine challenge in eight pigs. LV torsion and torsional rate profiles were analysed from grey scale and tissue Doppler data (apical and basal short axis) at frame rates of 82 ± 17 and 183 ± 14 Hz, respectively. Temporal subsampling of TDI data sets was performed at 82 ± 6 Hz in order to mimic the mean temporal resolution of STI and the LV torsional curves were again extracted. At rest, LV UR values were comparable for both imaging techniques. However, during dobutamine stimulation, TDI estimated peak UR was predominantly higher than UR measured by STI (−112.1 ± 64.5°/s vs. −75.5 ± 31.4°/s, P < 0.05). The similarity of LV UR measurements with respect to the STI/TDI data was examined by a Bland–Altman analysis. Conclusion Although both methods regarding LV UR correlated well, these methods cannot be interchanged. STI showed a bias to underestimate UR at high values.
Effects of Pyridine Ring Substitutions on Affinity, Efficacy, and Subtype Selectivity of Neuronal Nicotinic Receptor Agonist Epibatidine

2′-Pyridine ring substituted analogs of epibatidine were assessed for equilibrium binding affinity, functional potency, and efficacy at rat neuronal nicotinic receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Binding affinities were determined in membrane homogenates from oocytes expressing α2β2, α2β4, α3β2, α3β4, α4β2, or α4β4. Efficacy (relative to acetylcholine) and potency were measured electrophysiologically with oocytes expressing α3β4, α4β2, and α4β4. Hydroxy, dimethylamino, and trifluoromethanesulfonate analogs had affinities too low for accurate measurement. The bromo analog had affinities 4- to 55-fold greater at β2 than at β4-containing receptors, modestly greater efficacy at α4β4 than at α4β2, and 5- to 10-fold greater potency at a4β4 than at α3β4 or α4β2. The fluoro analog displayed affinities 52- to 875-fold greater at β2- than at β4-containing receptors, efficacy at α4β4 receptors 3-fold greater than at α4β2 and α3β4, and was equipotent at all receptors tested. The norchloro analog showed affinities 114- to 3500-fold greater at β2- than at β4-containing receptors, 2-fold greater efficacy at α4β2 and α4β4 than at α3β4, and 4- to 5-fold greater potency at α4β4 and α3β4 than at α4β2. The amino analog displayed affinities 10- to 115-fold greater at β2- than at β4-containing receptors, 3-fold greater efficacy at α3β4 than at α4β2, and 2- to 4-fold greater potency at α3β4 and α4β4 than at α4β2. Although these compounds displayed a variety of differences in affinity, efficacy, and potency, with one exception (binding affinity and functional potency at α4β4 receptors) there were no significant correlations among these properties.
Combined Model for Intermodal Networks with Variable Transit Frequencies

The formulation and solution of a combined mode choice and assignment, intermodal network equilibrium model with asymmetric link cost interactions are presented. Automobile, bus, and rail are the modes considered as travel options in the proposed formulation, along with the combined automobile-to-bus and automobile-to-rail intermodal options. Using park-and-ride facilities as transfer points, travelers may switch from automobile to transit. There is a two-way interaction between automobile and bus transit. The presence of transit vehicles on the highway links is registered through a bus-car equivalency factor, and the transit travel time depends on the highway link congestion level. Transit travel times are also subject to congestion at the transit stops because of boarding and alighting. Transit frequencies vary, depending on the level of congestion. The solution algorithm for the variational inequality and the derivation of the descent direction for the diagonalized problem are also presented. A test ne...
Spectroscopy of the layered high-temperature superconductors and their collective plasmon modes—a model for phonon- and plasmon-induced pairing

The recently discovered layered copper oxide high-Tc superconductors are discussed as models of a layered electron gas with highly anisotropic collective modes (layer plasmons). Our view that a combined phonon–plasmon pairing interaction is the mechanism for the high transition temperatures is presented together with the appropriate dielectric function describing the electron collective response. The implications of this model for the interpretation of optical (infrared and optical absorption, reflectivity, and Raman scattering) and related spectroscopies, such as electron and positron loss, are given. In particular, temperature-dependent loss features are shown to arise from the lowest branch of the layer plasmons.
New Strategies for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Including Antibodies and Other Novel Agents

The prognosis for younger adults (< or = 55-60 years) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has improved during the last four decades. However, there has been little progress in the treatment of older adults. This disappointing observation is important because the median age of patients with AML is about 70 years. Approximately 60%-80% of younger adults with AML achieve complete remission (CR) with the cytotoxic agents cytarabine and an anthracycline such as daunorubicin or idarubicin or the anthracenedione mitoxantrone. However, only 30%-40% of such patients are alive and disease-free at 5 years. Among older adults, CR is achieved in 40%-55%, but there are very few long-term survivors. Many studies have evaluated the impact of alternative doses and schedules, as well as additional cytotoxic drugs, on the prognosis for this group of patients. The outcome has not improved substantially beyond that achieved with conventional doses of an anthracycline and cytarabine followed by high-dose cytarabine consolidation.Several factors identified at diagnosis can predict outcome. The most important of these is the karyotype of the leukemic cells. Another critical factor is the presence of transmembrane transporter proteins, which confer multidrug resistance and mutations in or overexpression of specific genes such as WT1, C/EBPalpha, BAX, and BCL-2/BAX ratio, BAALC, EVI1, KIT and FLT3. The development of specific agents directed at gene mutations, signal transduction pathways and unique cell surface antigens provide the foundation for new therapeutic strategies. Such agents include the immunoconjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin, multidrug resistance inhibitors, farnesyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase and proteosome inhibitors, antiangiogenesis agents, FLT3 inhibitors, apoptosis inhibitors, and nucleoside analogs. All of these agents can potentially address the heterogeneous abnormalities in AML and significantly improve the outcome for patients.
Pandemic Influenza, Worker Absenteeism and Impacts on Freight Transportation

A pandemic influenza outbreak could cause serious disruption to operations of several critical infrastructures and concern about the effects of such disruptions is a matter of public concern. This paper focuses on freight transportation services, particularly rail and port operations. It develops models to assess the likely impacts of varying levels of worker absenteeism on the performance of these critical systems. Using current data on performance of specific rail and port facilities, we reach some conclusions about the likelihood of severe operational disruption under varying assumptions about the absentee rate and draw out implications that would be of government concern.
SaViT: Technique for Visualization of Digital Home Safety

Digital homes are expected to be the standard in the near future when all aspects of the home can be monitored and controlled remotely by the home owner. For example, if the home owner is unsure whether she closed the garage door before leaving for work, she can view the status of the garage door on her portable computing device such as laptop, PDA or cell phone, and if the garage door is indeed open, she can close it remotely from the same device. A chief requirement for this eventuality is proper visualization of the status as well as ability to control remotely. Among the more important aspects to be visualized for the digital home is “home safety” which lets the home owner know the current safety level of her home and reasons therefor. Current trends in home safety visualization provide separate interfaces for each device at home: home alarm system has its own web interface different from that provided by a home security camera. Visualizing home safety based on the data from different devices is not only labor and time consuming, but the decision regarding safety also needs to be made by the home owner. Moreover, current systems are bandwidth intensive and require expertise on the part of the home owner for proper usage. We have developed a novel home safety visualization technique called SaViT (Safety Visualization Technique) that not only provides an integrated safety view of the home but also automates safety computation and is extremely easy to use.
Azilsartan Medoxomil: A New Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist for Treatment of Hypertension

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical role of azilsartan medoxomil, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that recently gained Food and Drug Administration approval for towering of Wood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension.Data Sources:A systematic review of the literature was performed through August 2011 using MEDLINE, Web of Science, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and the key words and MeSH terms azilsartan, azilsartan medoxomil, TAK-491, TAK-536, and Edarbi. Abstracts presented in the last 2 years from the annual meetings of appropriate medical societies were reviewed in addition to a search of clintcaltrials.gov.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Studies eligible for inclusion were in vitro or in vivo evaluations of azilsartan medoxomil, with no restrictions on patient population or Indication. Data related to the patient populations and outcomes of interest were extracted from each publication.Data Synthesis:Three trials are available in full publication for...
The United States, NATO and the role of alliances in international politics: Theoretical expectations and the empirical record

The power vacuum in Europe after World War II induced the United States and the Soviet Union to seek European allies against one another (an action that neorealists would describe as “external balancing”). The disparate geopolitical circumstances facing the two super powers were bound to have some effect on the types of alliances they sought. In the United States, many officials and legislators initially were reluctant to maintain a permanent military presence in Europe. They planned instead to help the West European states themselves acquire the wherewithal to sustain a viable balance against the Soviet Union. Not until after the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 did U.S. perceptions of the Soviet threat change enough to generate wide spread support for a huge increase in the U.S. military commitment to Western Europe. By that point, U.S. officials already sensed, from the Berlin crisis of 1948‐49, that the United States would need an extensive network of military bases in Western Europe if it wished to deter or rebuff Soviet probes on the continent. The increased deployment of U.S. troops and weapons in Europe from late 1950 on was geared toward that end, and was also intended to reassure the West Europeans of the strength of the U.S. commitment to their defense. That commitment had been nominally codified in April 1949 ‐ primarily at the West Europeans’ initiative ‐ with the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), but it was not until the early 1950s, after the shock of Korea, that the United States began putting up the resources needed to fulfill its military obligations to NATO.
Using augmented reality for teaching Earth-Sun relationships to undergraduate geography students

In this application-based paper we describe an ongoing research project in which we utilize ARToolkit to help teach undergraduate geography students about Earth-Sun relationships. We carefully examined over thirty students who participated in an augmented reality exercise containing models designed to teach concepts of rotation/revolution, solstice/equinox, and seasonal variation of light and temperature. We found a significant overall improvement in student understanding after the AR exercise, as well as a reduction in student misunderstandings. Further analysis implies that learning complex spatial phenomena is closely linked to the way students control "when" and "how" they are able to manipulate virtual 3D objects. We present arguments for why it may be appropriate to use videotaped data gathering methods to accurately describe student understanding in future research.