cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seagrass Restoration Enhances “Blue Carbon” Sequestration in Coastal Waters

Seagrass meadows are highly productive habitats that provide important ecosystem services in the coastal zone, including carbon and nutrient sequestration. Organic carbon in seagrass sediment, known as “blue carbon,” accumulates from both in situ production and sedimentation of particulate carbon from the water column. Using a large-scale restoration (>1700 ha) in the Virginia coastal bays as a model system, we evaluated the role of seagrass, Zostera marina, restoration in carbon storage in sediments of shallow coastal ecosystems. Sediments of replicate seagrass meadows representing different age treatments (as time since seeding: 0, 4, and 10 years), were analyzed for % carbon, % nitrogen, bulk density, organic matter content, and 210Pb for dating at 1-cm increments to a depth of 10 cm. Sediment nutrient and organic content, and carbon accumulation rates were higher in 10-year seagrass meadows relative to 4-year and bare sediment. These differences were consistent with higher shoot density in the older meadow. Carbon accumulation rates determined for the 10-year restored seagrass meadows were 36.68 g C m-2 yr-1. Within 12 years of seeding, the restored seagrass meadows are expected to accumulate carbon at a rate that is comparable to measured ranges in natural seagrass meadows. This the first study to provide evidence of the potential of seagrass habitat restoration to enhance carbon sequestration in the coastal zone.
The pricing of global versus domestic seasoned equity offers

This study investigates the pricing behavior of global seasoned equity offers by US industrial companies. We find that, though the offer price is set substantially below the last trade price for both global and domestic offers, global offers experience significantly lower offer price discounts. Global offers also suffer smaller price declines during the entire offering interval that starts from 1 day prior to filing and ends 1 day after the offer. These results are consistent with the notion that demand for securities is not perfectly elastic and hence allocating a sizeable portion of total shares to overseas investors relieves the price pressure exerted in the domestic market, leading to a higher equilibrium price.
History of trace metal pollution in sabine-neches estuary, beaumont, Texas.

Sabine-Neches Estuary, near Beaumont, TX, receives wastewater effluents from over 160 industrial and municipal treatment plants. The concentrations of trace metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), Al, Fe, Mn, and organic carbon were determined in four dated sediment cores. A reliable geochronology and reconstruction of the history of trace metal inputs of these sediments was possible because the 239,240 Pu profiles closely trace the bomb fallout history into the environment. Down-core variations of aluminum-normalized enrichment factors for these metals demonstrate that the sediments of this estuary have remained relatively 'pristine' with respect to trace metal contamination since 1860. While the concentrations of Pb and Zn at various depths in the sediment column are slightly enriched, Co, Cr, Cu, and Ni are depleted. The sedimentary and biogenic particles that are presently being deposited are also depleted in trace metals. Lack of strong enrichment for trace metals like Cu can be attributed to the short residence time of water, low salinity conditions, and possibly strong complexation of these metals with organic matter.
Software Architecture Of Machine Vision For Roving Robots

This paper presents a comprehensive approach to the design of machine vision software for roving robots and autonomous vehicles. Various techniques are proposed for solving the important problems of directional guidance, obstacle avoidance, and object identification. Artificial intelligence and knowledge-base concepts form the basis of the vision system design. The principle of texture invariance is introduced for shadow analysis and discrimination. The idea of scene layout footprints and 3-D maps for landmarks is proposed as a means of orientation determination for the guidance and navigation of roving robots and autonomous vehicles. The vision system performs three phases of visual processing: the initialization phase, the "walking" phase, and the warning phase. The visual processing and interpretation are monitored by the knowledge access and inference routine.
Optimum inactivation dose and indices of radiation response based on the linear quadratic survival equation.

For typical tumor-cell dose-response curves, the efficiency ratio, i.e., the ratio between the fraction of cells killed and the radiation dose administered, is a continuously decreasing function of dose. However, if the survival curve is sufficiently “shouldered”, this ratio has a maximum value at a dose greater than zero. In radiotherapy, one possible criterion for the ideal dose per session is a high value of the efficiency ratio for the targeted cells, but a low value for surrounding healthy cells. Efficiency ratios can be derived from dose-response relationships. Any linear quadratic dose-survival curve of the formS = exp (−α D +β D 2) can be completely described by two parameters,s andθ, where $$s = \alpha + \sqrt \beta $$ and $$\phi = \sqrt \beta /s$$ . The former parameter is an index of radiosensitivitiy, and the latter is an index of curve shape. Using these indices, the ratio of fraction of inactivated cells to dose can be calculated and its maximum, as dose varies, determined. For values ofθ greater than 0.55, this ratio has a maximum when the dose is approximately 1/s. However, for values ofθ less than 0.4, this ratio is greatest when the dose is zero. Sinceθ varies widely among different cell lines, it may be possible to optimize radiotherapeutic dose-fractionation regimes using these indices. The parameterization of dose-survivial relationships in terms ofs andθ also simplifies conceptualization of the survival-curve characteristics. Both the mean inactivation dose and the dose required to reduce survival to 1/e are approximately equal to 1/s. The fraction surviving a dose of 1/s falls between exp(−1) and exp(−3/4). This dose is approximately equal to the mean inactivation dose; for human tumor cells, its mean is approximately 2 Gy. The dose corresponding to a fraction surviving equal to 1/e, or ln(S)= −1, falls between 1/s and 5/4s for all non-negative values ofα andβ.
Complete reconstitution of mouse liver with xenogeneic hepatocytes

We have developed a system for studying hepatocellular growth potential in which liver cells are introduced into the diseased livers of albumin-urokinase (Alb-uPA) transgenic mice. To use this system to study xenogeneic cell transplantation, rat liver cells were introduced into immunotolerant Alb-uPA transgenic mice. In regenerated recipient livers, up to 100% of hepatocellular gene expression was of rat origin, demonstrating the creation of a functional mouse liver in which parenchyma is derived from xenogeneic (rat) hepatocytes. Immunotolerant Alb-uPA transgenic mice provide a tool for studying hepatocellular biology of any species, including humans, in a controlled experimental setting.
Preparation, Characterization, and Heck Reaction of Multidentate Thiolate Films on Gold Surfaces

Multidentate thiolate films were prepared by solution phase deposition of dendritic oligothiols on gold surfaces. The dendritic molecules contain three (G0) and nine (G1) thiol groups at the periph...
Atomistic comparison of volume-dependent melt properties from four models of aluminum

With the increasing use of simulations in materials research and design, it is important to quantify the differences between, and accuracy of, models used in these simulations. Here we present the results of such a comparison for four embedded-atom models of aluminum that were optimized to have good liquid properties, particularly the melting temperatures. The effects of temperature and volume are systematically examined in the melts for bulk thermodynamic quantities, pair correlation functions and structure factors and diffusion coefficients for each interatomic potential. Where possible, these are then compared with experimental values. We find quantitative differences in the properties determined from the various interatomic potentials despite the fact that they were fit with similar sets of data.
Not by Productivity Alone: How Visibility and Specialization Contribute to Academic Earnings.

The popular adage “publish or perish” has long defined individual career strategies as well as scholarly investigations of earnings inequality in academe, as researchers have relied heavily on rese...
Design constructs of a knowledge machine

Knowledge machines hold the promise of the next generation computers. These new machines span the domain of information and enter the realm of knowledge. From a philosophic perspective, the processing of information gives rise to knowledge. Knowledge endures longer than information. Transitions and ripples in the information domain are frequent and can be disjointed. There is a trace of embedded wisdom in the extraction of knowledge from information much like there is a trace of insidious human value in the extraction of wisdom from knowledge. In the hierarchy of social progress, information, knowledge, and wisdom form the three distillates that lead to foundations of social norms and ethics. Historically, the role of philosophers, saints and sages has paved the path of mature societies and conversely, the role of plunderers, conceited and the selfish has robbed mature societies of their wisdom, knowledge, information and their affluence.
Display monitors for digital medical imaging.

d i u d c L he choice of diagnostic display onitors was relatively straightforard for early adopters of picture rchiving and communication sysems. Hardware was of a single ype, cathode ray tube (CRT) techology, and was usually oriented in ortrait mode, emulating the shape f film. Monitors had high brightess, typically 60 to 100 foot-lamerts (FL), relative to other comuter and television monitors and igh refresh rates of greater than 72 z to reduce flicker visible to the uman eye. The devices themselves ere physically large, heavy, and xpensive. They generated noticeble quantities of heat while conuming relatively high amounts of ower, and their display quality deraded quickly, requiring frequent onitor replacement. Early medical-grade monitors ere available in two spatial resoutions (high and low) reflecting heir pixel matrix sizes (2K, or 048 columns by 2500 rows; and K, or 1024 columns by 1280 colmns, respectively). Medium-resoluion 1.5K monitors of 1500 columns y 1500 rows were later added to the ix. Because of the exponentially igher cost of 2K monitors comared with 1K monitors, radiology epartments typically had a combiation of a few strategically placed igh-resolution displays and many ow-resolution or medium-resoluion displays. The ACR recomended that 2K monitors be used or primary diagnosis of digital proection radiographs because a single mage could be displayed per montor in its full inherent acquired spaial resolution. The cross-sectional odalities with slice matrix sizes of 12 512 for computed tomograp
Nuclear cardiology in private practice

Abstract The provision of nuclear cardiology services in private-practice settings is probably currently the fastest growing segment of nuclear medicine. One reason is that myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, by determining which patients require coronary angiography and revascularization, has the potential to help a cardiology practice compete more successfully in the managed-care environment. Private practices can establish their own patient databases to determine how scintigraphic findings correlate with patient outcomes and with findings if coronary angiography is performed. Based on these data, pressure can be exerted to modify clinical responses to optimize the relationship between scintigraphic findings, quality of clinical care, and cost-effective patient management. To succeed in a managed-care setting, nuclear cardiologists must demonstrate that, without their services, the quality of cardiac care would be lower and the cost of earing for patients with heart disease would be higher. As in other settings, nuclear cardiologists in private practice must be involved managerially so they will be active participants in the development of clinical-care guidelines and the negotiation of capitated and other types of managed-care contracts.
Psychological adaptation to facial disfigurement in a female head and neck cancer patient

Head and neck cancer patients are often confronted with changes in their physical appearance that may be devastating to the patient and to those around them. This article describes the positive psychological adjustment of a young female with head and neck cancer to prolonged facial deformity. It illustrates critical variables in the psychological adaptation of these patients as well as the need for ongoing, supportive relationships with family and members of hospital staff. The ways which the psychotherapist had of overcoming the negative feelings initially elicited by the patient's overwhelming disfigurement are also discussed.
Phase Equilibrium Studies in the System ThO2‐B2O3

The system ThO/sub 2/--B/sub 2/O/sub 3/ was characterized by one stable intermediate phase, thorium borate (ThB/sub 2/O/sub 5/), and two eutectics. One eutectic occurred between ThB/sub 2/O/sub 5/ and B/sub 2/O/sub 3/ at about 98 mole% B/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and somewhat less than 325 deg C where thorium borate and boric oxide coexist with liquid. The other eutectic was between ThB/sub 2/O/sub 5/ and ThO/sub 2/ at about 18 to 20% B/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and slightly less than 1483 deg C. However, the eutectic mixture contained very little (less than 2%) ThO/sub 2/ and melted completely at a very low temperature. (P.C.H.)
Clinical value of lactic dehydrogenase activity in diagnosis of malignant effusion

LDH activity of serous effusion was compared with LDH activity of serum obtained at the time of diagnostic tap. No significant elevation was found in 3 of 7 patients with effusions due to cancer, but the LDH activity was elevated in 5 of 25 patients with nonmalignant effusions. The diagnosis of cancer as the cause of the effusion may be suspected but cannot be established or excluded solely on the basis of the LDH activity in the effusion as compared with that in serum. GOT, GPT, and SDH activities of the effusion have no diagnostic significance.
The acute and chronic toxicity of two xanthene dyes, fluorescein sodium salt and phloxine B, to Daphnia pulex

Abstract The toxicity of two xanthene dyes, fluorescein sodium salt and phloxine B, to Daphnia pulex was assessed using acute and chronic level toxicological endpoints. The 48-h LC 50 (95% FL) of fluorescein and phloxine B to D. pulex neonates was 337 (278–403) mg/liter and 0.423 (0.376–0.477) mg/liter, respectively. Statistical comparison of the lethal concentration regressions showed no significant difference between the slopes of the two curves. Acute exposure to combinations of these two dyes together resulted in a synergistic increase in mortality compared to exposure to each dye separately. Following 10-day chronic exposure under static conditions, fluorescein caused a concentration-dependent decline in the mean number of offspring produced by D. pulex . In contrast, chronic exposure to phloxine B did not appear to result in significant sublethal effects with respect to the reproductive potential of exposed organisms. The mortality half-life of the more toxic compound, phloxine B, was 20.4 h. Although we found both dyes to be toxic to D. pulex , the risk they would pose to wild populations following broad-based applications appears to be minimal. The rapid breakdown of both dyes following exposure to sunlight suggests that concentrations likely to be encountered by these organisms in the field would be low.
Case of the hidden assumptions

The Ogston “three point attachment” model to explain how proteins discriminate between d and l isomers was originally proposed to explain the asymmetric distribution of isotopes that passed through a symmetric intermediate. It has been a standard in textbooks and the literature until the recent finding of Mesecar and Koshland [6] that it could not explain data of isocitrate dehydrogenase and other enzymes and must be replaced by a “four location model.” The hidden assumptions that are part of the Ogston model are seen to be an interesting feature of the scientific method that can both advance and hinder scientific progress.
Creative design process in making electronic textiles

This paper looks at the creative design process in making electronic or e-textiles. E-textile artifacts were first evaluated for creativity using the Consensual Assessment Technique. By comparing the design processes of artifacts with high and low creativity scores, we draw inferences about the creative design process. Deductive coding using themes from literature on design and creative processes showed the importance, and interaction between the following factors: attention; high degree of divergence before convergence during idea and solution finding; aesthetic and functional considerations; and designing to convey social themes. The paper concludes with a discussion on how to engage youth in creative design and future research directions.
Impurity effects in the optical absorption of quantum rings

Abstract We study the interplay between impurity scattering and Coulomb interaction effects in the absorption spectrum of neutral bound magnetoexcitons confined in quantum-ring structures. Impurity scattering breaks the rotational symmetry of the ring system, introducing characteristic features in the optical emission. Signatures of the optical Aharonov–Bohm effect are still present for weak scattering and strong Coulomb screening. Furthermore, an impurity-induced modulation of the absorption strength is present even for a strong impurity potential and low screening. This behavior is likely responsible of recent experimental observations in quantum-ring structures.
Physician-based smoking intervention: a rededication to a five-step strategy to smoking research

It is well established that physicians can have a significant effect on the smoking behavior of their patients. To do this, attention must be paid to putting in place multiple strategies or mechanisms in the organization where the physician practices, as well as in the macroenvironment (i.e., social and public policy). It has been questioned whether or not there is stagnation in the field of clinical smoking intervention requiring a rededication to basic research regarding smoking. With respect to physician-based smoking intervention, we alternatively suggest that recommitment to all phases of research is essential for moving forward physician-based smoking interventions in the rapidly changing health services and social environment. In this article, we first review the essential framework of the National Cancer Institute's research science approach to cancer prevention and control. Evidence concerning physician-based interventions is then reviewed, followed by a schematic of a comprehensive framework for thinking about the process and intervention components needed for physician-based smoking intervention to take place in the health-care setting, the impact they have, and the eventual outcome of such interventions. There is a discussion of the challenges for the delivery of smoking-cessation services presented by the rapidly changing healthy delivery system of the 1990s. Finally, we present recommendations concerning research priorities for physician-based smoking intervention and the research funding process.
Identification of beta-adrenergic-sensitive adenylate cyclase in intracranial blood vessels.

THE regulation of cerebral blood flow and vascular permeability is important in such clinical conditions as stroke, arterial spasm, vascular headache (for example, migraine) and metabolic effects of seizures. Unfortunately, relatively little is known about the nervous control of cerebral circulation, particularly with regard to the nature of the hormone and neurotransmitter receptors present in cerebral vessels. An influence of the adrenergic nervous system has been suggested by histological studies showing that the blood vessels and branches of the circle of Willis receive innervation from the sympathetic chain1, and that the smaller, penetrating cerebral vessels (called microvessels) are surrounded by noradrenaline-containing fibres which seem to arise from brainstem nor adrenergic nuclei2,3. Although attempts to demonstrate β-adrenergic receptors in cerebral vascular tissue by cytochemical methods have been unsuccessful4, indirect evidence for the presence of such receptors is suggested by reports that adrenergic stimulation can alter cerebral blood flow and vascular permeability3,5, and that cate-cholamine agonists (such as isoprenaline and adrenaline) can dilate whole-artery preparations of cerebral vessels6. We now report the presence of a β-adrenergic-stimulated adenylate cyclase in both superficial and deep cerebral blood vessels. In addition to supplying direct biochemical evidence for the existence of β-adrenergic receptors in the cerebral vasculature, identification of this enzyme should facilitate the evaluation of the actions of pharmacological agents on cerebral blood flow and vascular permeability.
Opportunities for social workers in the patient centered medical home.

The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) has been hailed as one method of improving chronic care outcomes in the United States. A number of studies have underscored the importance of the social work role within the PCMH, yet little existing research explores the social worker as a driver of improved patient care. The Pennsylvania Chronic Care Initiative was created with a primary goal of increasing the number of practices that were recognized as PCMH by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. This article describes findings from in-depth qualitative interviews with representatives from seven primary care practices, in which the authors examined barriers and facilitators to implementation of the initiative. Barriers to implementation included small practice size, payer-driven care, not having a strong physician champion, variability within patient populations, and high implementation costs. Facilitators included having a social worker coordinate behavioral health services, clinical nurse case manager...
Taxol, a microtubule-stabilizing antineoplastic agent, differentially regulates normal and tumor-bearing host macrophage nitric oxide production

Taxol, a potent antitumor chemotherapeutic, promotes in vitro cytotoxic antitumor activities by normal host macrophage (M phi s). Because tumor growth induces functional changes among M phi populations, we determined whether fibrosarcoma growth (Meth-KDE) modified M phi responsiveness to the activating agent taxol. Tumors induce tumor-distal M phi populations to become immune suppressor cells, partially through overproduction of the cytotoxic and proinflammatory molecules nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Beneficial to the tumor-bearing host (TBH) when released by tumor-proximal M phi s, NO and TNF-alpha suppress lymphoproliferation and fail to impart antitumor activity when expressed in tumor-distal compartments. We report that taxol differentially regulated normal host and TBH M phi production of the immunosuppressive molecule NO by tumor-distal M phi populations. In response to IFN-gamma-priming and taxol triggering, TBH M phi s increase their production of NO as compared to resting M phi s; however, unlike normal host M phi s, taxol-induced TBH M phi NO production was significantly suboptimal. Modulation of TBH M phi NO production in tumor-distal compartments may alleviate M phi-mediated suppression of T-cell proliferative responses, yet promote sufficient NO production by tumor-associated M phi s to affect cytotoxicity. Collectively, these data leave implications for immunotherapeutic activities by the anticancer drug taxol.
Performance Impacts of Tailored Surface Geometry in Li-Ion Battery Cathodes

Analytical models developed to investigate charge transfer in Li-ion battery cathodes reveal distinct transport regimes where performance may be limited by either microstructural surface characteristics or solid phase geometry. For several cathode materials, particularly those employing conductive additives, surface characteristics are expected to drive these performance limitations. For such electrodes gains in performance may be achieved by modifying surface geometry to increase surface area. However, added surface area may present a diminishing return if complex structures restrict access to electrochemically active interfaces. A series of parametric studies has been performed to better ascertain the merits of complex, tailored surfaces in Li-ion battery cathodes. The interaction between lithium transport and surface geometry is explored using a finite element model in which complex surfaces are simulated with fractal structures. Analysis of transport in these controlled structures permits assessment of scaling behavior related to surface complexity and provides insight into trade-offs in tailoring particle surface geometry.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Unraveling the neurobiology of nicotine dependence using genetically engineered mice

This review article provides an overview of recent studies of nicotine dependence and withdrawal that used genetically engineered mice. Major progress has been made in recent years with mutant mice that have knockout and gain-of-function of specific neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes. Nicotine exerts its actions by binding to neuronal nAChRs that consist of five subunits. The different nAChR subunits that combine to compose a receptor determine the distinct pharmacological and kinetic properties of the specific nAChR. Recent findings in genetically engineered mice have indicated that while α4-containing and β2-containing nAChRs are involved in the acquisition of nicotine self-administration and initial stages of nicotine dependence, α7 homomeric nAChRs appear to be involved in the later stages of nicotine dependence. In the medial habenula, α5-containing, α3-containing, and β4-containing nAChRs were shown to be crucially important in the regulation of the aversive aspects of nicotine. Studies of the involvement of α6 nAChR subunits in nicotine dependence have only recently emerged. The use of genetically engineered mice continues to vastly improve our understanding of the neurobiology of nicotine dependence and withdrawal.
Biomaterials selectively modulate interactions between human blood-derived polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes.

Implantation of a biomaterial into the body elicits a host foreign body response, during which polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and then monocytes (MCs) are recruited to the site of implantation. MCs and MC-derived macrophages are central players in this response because they secrete proinflammatory and/or pro–wound-healing cytokines and growth factors that influence subsequent healing events. Although mechanisms of MC response to biomaterials are often studied in in vitro monoculture models, few studies have investigated how biomaterials modulate PMN-MC paracrine and juxtacrine interactions. To address this, we cultured human blood-derived MCs alone or in the presence of autologous PMN-conditioned medium (PCM) on poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels, poly(dimethyl siloxane), and tissue culture polystyrene. We also directly co-cultured autologous PMNs and MCs on these biomaterials. PCM increased MC adhesion/viability and expression of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in a biomaterial- and time-dependent manner when compared with MCs that were not cultured in PCM. There were also biomaterial- and time-dependent differences in cell adhesion/viability, apoptosis, and expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in the PMN-MC direct co-cultures when compared with the sums of these activities in PMN and MC monocultures. In conclusion, these data suggest that biomaterials selectively modulate PMN-MC paracrine and juxtacrine interactions to influence MC and/or PMN adhesion/viability, apoptosis, and cytokine expression.
Critical Scattering Parameters for General Fields and Temperatures

The critical scattering parameters have been calculated for an Ising-like system in a field, below and above ${T}_{c}$ up to second order in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(=4\ensuremath{-}d)$. The corrections to the Ornstein-Zernike form in the small- and large-$q\ensuremath{\xi}$ limit are presented and their relevance to experiments is discussed.
A Framework of Growing Crystalline Nanorods

The growth of crystalline nanorods has become a common practice in the absence of a solid framework, in either theoretical or conceptual form. This article presents such a framework and puts it in historical perspective of a broader field of crystal growth. This framework derives from three scientific advancements in crystal growth, with focus on multiple-layer surface steps: (I) the diffusion barrier of adatoms down multiple-layer surface steps, (II) the formation and stability of multiple-layer surface steps, and (III) the dimension of surface facets that are bounded by competing monolayer and multiple-layer surface steps. While this framework has only a partial foundation of theoretical formulation, it is more complete conceptually. As an example of impact, this framework predicts that growth of Al nanorods is not feasible using physical vapor deposition at ambient conditions; this prediction has not been proven wrong by any available experiments.
Pressure Drag on the European Alps in Relation to Synoptic Events

Abstract In addition to the frictional surface drag the pressure drag plays a significant role in mountainous terrain, such as the European Alps. The horizontal, two-dimensional pressure drag is computed for 4 horizontally and 3 vertically spaced sections of the Alps by applying Archimedes Law as the product of the local horizontal pressure gradient and the volume of the mountains. The computations cover the two month Special 0bservation Period (SOP) of the Alpine Experiment (ALPEX) from 1 March to 1 April 1982, with a three-hour resolution. This time series of the pressure drag vector is compared with the history of synoptic and subsynoptic weather events such as frontal passages lee, cyclogenesis, south- and north-foehn winds. Episodes of warm air advection leading to shallow south-foehn events, and the occurrence of lee cyclogenesis both produce very large drag vectors These drags have generally opposite directions and thus nearly cancel in a long term average. Rapid drag changes occur during frontal p...
Enzyme immunoassay for IgG rheumatoid factor combining with homologous IgG.

An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed to detect, in human sera, IgG rheumatoid factor (RF) combining with human IgG. Wells of the EIA plate were coated with the Fc fragment of human IgG. Binding of RF was detected by goat antibodies to F(ab')2 of human IgG followed by rabbit anti-goat IgG conjugated with alkaline phosphatase and finally by the substrate. Using this procedure, RF was detected in 35%–85% of various pathological human sera, but only in 7% of normal human sera. An analogous procedure was also described for detection, in rabbit sera, of an RF combining with rabbit IgG.
Cyberinfrastructure resources for U.S. Scholarship: the TeraGrid

The TeraGrid is an advanced cyberinfrastructure funded by the National Science Foundation. It offers computational, data, and storage resources to the U.S. scholarly community. With more than 870 teraflops of computing capability and more than 30 petabytes of online and archival storage, researchers across the nation can expand their research far beyond that allowed by their local computing facilities. The TeraGrid uses portals and Science Gateways to ease access to its facilities, allowing researchers to use the resources they need without having to become computer programmers. Access to the TeraGrid is allocated through a peer-review process, and is not limited to the sciences. Researchers in engineering, humanities, and the arts also use the TeraGrid successfully.
Gender and culture: reported problems, coping strategies and selected helpers of male and female adolescents in 17 countries.

This is the second report of a multinational project undertaken in 1988 by the International Round Table for the Advancement of Counseling that sought among other things to compare and contrast the reported problems coping strategies and help-seeking behavior of 2129 male and 2307 female adolescents from a total of three different socioeconomic backgrounds in each of 16 countries (Australia Brazil Canada Greece Hong Kong India Israel Japan Kuwait the Netherlands the Philippines China Puerto Rico Turkey the US and Venezuela) and from a "classless" background in Russia. The first report described the study and research methodology and cited preliminary findings that 1) problems and coping strategies tended to be universal and age-related; 2) impoverished subjects from Brazil India the Philippines and Venezuela had more problems than any other adolescents; 3) problems were usually related to school family and identity rather than to sexuality; and 4) the most common coping strategy was individual problem-solving. This report compares male/female identification of up to three problems that cause worry response to such problems and help-seeking behavior. All adolescents cited problems in school identity and family. Males and females reported similar coping strategies and showed a strong dependence on individual coping strategies. Both males and females choose personal friends and family members as those most likely to help with problems. Males exhibited a higher percentage of problems related to school and a lower percentage of family problems. Russian adolescents reported more problems relating to altruism than any other group especially males. These results imply that strong similarities exist for males and females and the findings are worrisome in that problems related to sexuality were not cited. Counselors should expect the concerns of adolescents to be developmentally related and to overwhelm gender differences.
Dynamic viscoelastic properties of bovine vitreous

Abstract The loss tangent, tan δ, the dynamic storage modulus E′ and the dynamic loss modulus E″ were obtained for intact bovine vitreous. All three quantities were temperature independent within the observation range, 10–40°C. The greatest frequency dependence was demonstrated by the loss moduli. The direction of compression made a slight difference: the frequency dependence of the loss tangent and the two moduli was most accentuated when the sinusoidal compression was along the direction of the Cloquet's canal.
Molekulare Umlagerungen, XXII. Modelle für offene Carboniumionen‐Mechanismen: Reaktionen von 1.2.2‐Triphenyl‐äthyl‐ und 3‐Phenyl‐2‐butyl‐Derivaten

Es werden Gleichungen abgeleitet, die den offenen Carboniumionen-Mechanismus fur SN1-Reaktionen von 1.2.2-Triphenyl-athyl- und 3-Phenyl-2-butyl-Derivaten exakt beschreiben. Fur den Fall der Solvolyse von threo- und erythro-3-Phenyl-2-butyl-tosylaten wird gezeigt, das sich D. J. Crams Ergebnisse ohne die Annahme absurder Werte fur die RG-Konstanten der Phenyl-Wanderung, der wechselseitigen Umwandlung von Rotationsisomeren oder des Kation-Anion-Zusammentritts deuten lassen. Einige Argumente Crams gegen das Modell des offenen Carboniumionen-Mechanismus von H. C. Brown werden widerlegt.
Cutaneous cytochrome P-450.

(1989). Cutaneous Cytochrome P-450. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 20, No. 2-4, pp. 657-673.
Studies of chiral symmetry breaking in SU(2) lattice gauge theory

We study chiral symmetry breaking (χSB) in SU(2) lattice gauge theory with quarks in the l = 12, l = 1, l = 32, and l = 2 representations of the color group. We perform Monte Carlo evaluations of 〈ψψ〉 in the quenched approximation and extract the relevant length scales for χSB. We revise a previous estimate for the ratio between the chiral symmetry restoration temperatures for fundamental and adjoint quarks and obtain Tl = 1/Tl = 12 ∼ 8. Our results for the higher representations, l = 32and l = 2, are consistent with Casimir scaling and give C2gmom2 ∼ 4. Many aspects of our calculational method are explained in detail. The issues discussed include the relation between χSB in the quenched approximation and the spectrum of the Dirac operator, the flavor symmetries of euclidean staggered fermions, estimates of finite-size effects and the reliability of m → 0 extrapolations on finite lattices.
Differential effects of low-level lead exposure on the natural isozymes of erythrocyte 5′-nucleotidase

Abstract Objective: Erythrocyte pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase (Pyr-5′-N) is highly sensitive to heavy metal inactivation in vitro and in vivo, and a number of studies have verified its usefulness as a biomarker of acute and chronic lead exposures. Retrospective and prospective studies attempted to determine whether the known linearity of Pyr-5′-N inhibition by lead concentrations above 40 μg/dL whole blood might continue into the lowest range of exposures now considered to be toxic in children ( Design: Activities of Pyr-5′-N and a lead-insensitive isozyme, deoxyribonucleotidase (d-5′-N), were compared to blood lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) concentrations. Results: Pyr-5′-N activities in erythrocytes from 70 children displayed an inverse linear correlation with whole blood lead of 1-35 μg/dL, whereas d-5′-N did not correlate. There was no apparent minimum threshold for Pyr-5′-N inhibition by lead. Conclusions: Linearity of Pyr-5′-N inhibition by lead extends throughout the range of clinical concern in pediatric cases. Pyr-5′-N/d-5′-N activity ratios may provide an even more sensitive, internally controlled biomarker of low-level lead overburden, since both isozymes vary comparably in activity as a function of reticulocytosis and mean red cell age.
The posthumous censorship trial of Nagai Kafū

Abstract This essay examines the censorship trials of Nagai Kafū's Taishō-period (1912–26) erotic short story ‘Yojōhan fusuma no shitabari’ (What I found in the sliding doors of the four-and-a-half-mat room) in postwar Japan. I consider why this story provoked censorship charges in two instances that span almost a quarter of a century and why it was successfully prosecuted in both instances despite the increasing shift toward a climate of sexual liberation in the interim. By analyzing the lawyers' and judges' arguments, I consider how the guilty verdicts were paradoxically also attempts to sanitize the reputation of literary giant Kafū. These censorship trials attempted not only to regulate sexual morality, but also to define the role and responsibilities of art, author and audience in society.
Electrostatic Trapping of DNA during Translocation through an Electrically Tunable Nanopore in a P-N Semiconductor Membrane

Discriminating between individual bases of a polynucleotide with the use a nanopore-based biosensing device is a promising idea, but one that has not yet been realized due to significant roadblocks. One such issue is the speed of translocation, as it has proven difficult to slow translocation enough to achieve a meaningful signal to noise ratio. We propose to mitigate this problem with the use of a nanopore-equipped semiconductor membrane containing a p-n junction. With the junction, it should be possible to create an electric field across the length of the pore that can momentarily trap DNA base pairs as they move down an electrophoretic gradient. We have created a computational method for modeling single-stranded DNA molecules as they undergo translocation through such a system. The results of our Brownian dynamics simulations indicate how effective this type of nanopore is at increasing translocation times. Furthermore, these simulations provide a better understanding of how to optimize such a nanopore for improved usefulness in a biosensing device.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Online Database for Documenting Clinical Pathology Resident Education

Background: Training of clinical pathologists is evolving and must now address the 6 core competencies described by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), which include patient care. A substantial portion of the patient care performed by the clinical pathology resident takes place while the resident is on call for the laboratory, a practice that provides the resident with clinical experience and assists the laboratory in providing quality service to clinicians in the hospital and surrounding community. Documenting the educational value of these on-call experiences and providing evidence of competence is difficult for residency directors. An online database of these calls, entered by residents and reviewed by faculty, would provide a mechanism for documenting and improving the education of clinical pathology residents. Methods: With Microsoft Access we developed an online database that uses active server pages and secure sockets layer encryption to document calls to the clinical pathology resident. Using the data collected, we evaluated the efficacy of 3 interventions aimed at improving resident education. Results: The database facilitated the documentation of more than 4 700 calls in the first 21 months it was online, provided archived resident-generated data to assist in serving clients, and demonstrated that 2 interventions aimed at improving resident education were successful. Conclusions: We have developed a secure online database, accessible from any computer with Internet access, that can be used to easily document clinical pathology resident education and competency.
Proventricular Dilatation Disease in Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) After Infection With a Genotype 2 Avian Bornavirus

Abstract An isolate of genotype 2 avian bornavirus (ABV) was recovered from a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) that was euthanatized for an unrelated lesion and showing no clinical evidence of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD). On histopathologic examination, mild inflammatory lesions were present in the heart and brain, but gastrointestinal lesions characteristic of classic PDD were not observed. To investigate if this ABV2 isolate had reduced virulence, the virus was propagated in duck embryo fibroblasts and inoculated into 2 adult cockatiels by the oral and intramuscular routes. One bird developed clinical signs on day 33 and was euthanatized on day 36. The second challenged bird developed clinical signs on day 41 and was euthanatized on day 45. At necropsy, the proventriculus of both birds was slightly enlarged. Histopathologic examination showed lesions typical of PDD in the brain, spinal cord, heart, adrenal gland, and intestine. A control, uninoculated cockatiel was apparently healthy when e...
Middlemen in the Chinese Welfare State: The Role of Philanthropists in Refugee Relief in Wartime Shanghai

This paper examines the impact of different models of public/private partnerships for refugee relief. Through case studies of different refugee relief programs in China, the paper shows that philanthropists are attractive but risky partners for state officials in welfare provision. Their cooperation can indeed expand access to welfare, improve state capacity, and enhance state/society relations. But because philanthropists can control significant resources and gain considerable social prestige, weak states can find it very difficult to control and contain them. In some circumstances, the relationship can turn competitive, and philanthropists can even threaten the state’s efforts to expand its capacity and build up its own legitimacy. The key to the balance of power between state officials and private philanthropists is control over the funding for the partnership.
The Role of AFFECT in Narratives

Affect states and reactions commonly occur in narratives. This paper discusses the importance of affect knowledge and processing in the context of BORIS, a computer program which reads and answers questions about narratives involving multiple sources of knowledge. There are several reasons why affects are important in a process model of narrative comprehension: For one thing, affects describe goal situations and signal the occurrence of expectation failures. Affective reactions also serve as an indication of the status of interpersonal relationships. Finally, affects influence the kinds of thematic structures which become instantiated in episodic memory.
Evidence Underlying KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) Guideline Recommendations: A Systematic Review

Background The KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) clinical practice guidelines establish international recommendations for the definition and treatment of kidney disease. Our objective was to characterize the strength of evidence supporting the KDIGO guidelines, the class of recommendations made, and the relationship between these. Study Design We reviewed and abstracted the level of evidence and strength of recommendations in the currently available KDIGO guidelines. Setting & Population KDIGO clinical practice guidelines target care of patients with kidney disease to improve outcomes. Selection Criteria for Studies All KDIGO guidelines published on the KDIGO website as of November 2013 were included. Predictor Recommendations pertaining to disease, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes Levels of evidence and strength of recommendations. Results Of 853 recommendations in 9 guidelines, 5% were supported by level A quality evidence; 17%, level B; 31%, level C; 18%, level D; and 20%, ungraded evidence. The strength of recommendations was class 1 for 25%, class 2 for 54%, and ungraded for 20%. Only 3% of recommendations were class 1 in strength and supported by level A evidence. Of the recommendations, 2% concerned disease definition and classification; 29%, diagnosis; and 69%, treatment. Limitations Our study included only the KDIGO guidelines. We did not assess historical changes in nephrology guidelines recommendations. Conclusions KDIGO recommendations were based largely on weak evidence, reflecting expert opinion. Few recommendations were both strong and supported by high-level evidence.
Pain modulates cerebral activity during cognitive performance

The present study investigates how pain modulates brain activity during the performance of a semantic cognitive task. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that a simultaneous painful stimulus will induce an activation increase in brain regions engaged in the cognitive task. High-field BOLD-fMRI experiments were conducted on 12 young healthy subjects, using a 2 2 factorial design. Painful stimuli were induced by thermal hot stimulation (46 – 49°C) on the palmar surface of the hand, using a contact thermode. Cognitive tasks consisted of either word generation (category fluency) or word repetition. Brain activity owing to the semantic tasks in the group was highly consistent with previous neuroimaging studies. When the painful stimulus was added to the cognitive task, activity in brain regions involved in semantic cognition, such as Broca’s area, was increased (P 0.01). Pain also modulated activity in brain areas not directly engaged in cognition. A positive modulation effect was observed in the midcingulate and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (P 0.05). A negative modulation effect was observed in perigenual cingulate cortex, insula, and medial thalamus (P 0.05). © 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.