cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The future of mammary stem cell biology: the power of in vivo transplants – authors' response

The letter from Drs. Lindeman, Visvader, Smalley and Eaves conveys their concern regarding the future of the prospective isolation and characterization of individual cells that may be characterized as mammary stem cells upon in vivo transplantation. As they have pointed out, the difficulties encountered in identifying specific mammary epithelial subtypes by different levels of fluorescence (particularly for membrane components that decorate most if not all mammary epithelial cells) leads to differential reporting and "resultant confusion" and "underscores the need for improved standardization".
Continuous Modeling of Bioinfiltration Storm-Water Control Measures Using Green and Ampt

AbstractContinuous simulation of storm-water control measures (SCM) requires consideration of the variable environmental and site factors that affect infiltration. This article reviews the theory of the Green and Ampt infiltration model and presents a unit process approach to how it can be applied to a bioinfiltration SCM. The paper discusses how to vary the soil moisture parameters using the soil water characteristic curve, how to modify the Green and Ampt equation for different basin cross-sections, and how to model or bound the infiltration rate when soil media layers are added. Both the standard Green and Ampt parameters and alternative moisture conditions were compared with data from a bioinfiltration SCM; these results confirm that the standard parameter tables often used to select Green and Ampt parameters represent conservative, wet conditions, and that a single value for the parameters will not be able to reproduce the range of infiltration rates observed in the field. When using variable soil mo...
Developing hydrogentolerant microstructures for an α 2 titanium aluminide alloy

The feasibility of developing hydrogen-tolerant microstructures for α2 titanium aluminide alloys by heat treatment has been investigated. In particular, a variety of microstructures for the Ti-24Al-11Nb (in atomic percent) alloy was developed by manipulating the heat-treatment conditions. After screening by the Vicker hardness tests, three microstructures were evaluated for their resistance to hydrogen embrittlement by performing sustained load creep tests in a gaseous hydrogen environment at an elevated temperature, followed by post-creep, slow-rate tensile tests at room temperature. Tensile tests of hydrogen-exposed specimens without prior creep exposure were also performed. The results indicate that one particular microcstructure of the Ti-24Al-11Nb alloy is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement under the test conditions and hydrogen contents investigated, providing evidence that heat-treatment techniques can be used to develop hydrogentolerant microstructures for α2 titanium aluminide alloys.
Medical therapy versus coronary angioplasty in stable coronary artery disease: a critical review of the literature

The recent publication of the Atorvastatin Versus Revascularization Treatment (AVERT) trial has renewed debate on the optimal management strategy for relatively stable patients with coronary artery disease. Currently, coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention are often performed in stable patients with good exercise tolerance who have not been treated with proven medications such as aspirin, statins and beta-adrenergic blocking agents in conjunction with comprehensive lifestyle modification. We review the results of prior trials comparing medical therapy with angioplasty and assess their strengths and limitations and then make conclusions about the aggregate data. Next, we describe the ongoing Clinical Outcome Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) trial, which will be the largest of the studies comparing optimal medical therapy and percutaneous revascularization. This study will employ intensive medical management in all patients with coronary disease, and the incremental benefit of state of the art revascularization techniques in terms of clinical event reduction, quality of life issues and cost-effectiveness will be addressed. For now, aggressive medical therapy and revascularization should be viewed as complementary rather than opposing strategies. All patients with coronary heart disease should receive proven medical and lifestyle prescriptions to favorably alter the atherosclerotic process. Percutaneous revascularization without comprehensive risk factor modification is a suboptimal therapeutic strategy.
Cleavage of the Aα-chain of fibrinogen and the α-polymer of fibrin by the venom of spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis)

Abstract The effect of Naja nigricollis venom on fibrinogen and highly crosslinked fibrin was examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the reduced products of venom treatment. The venom contains a proteolytic activity which degraded the Aα-chain of fibrinogen, but had no apparent effect on the Bβ- or γ-chains of the molecule. The venom also readily degraded the α-polymer of highly crosslinked fibrin, without apparent cleavage of the β-chain or the γ-dimer of fibrin. The venom had no observed effect on plasminogen, indicating that the effects on the Aα-chain and the α-polymer are by direct action of the venom, and not due to activation of plasminogen. The fibrinogenolysis was inhibited by EDTA or 1,10-phenanthroline. Inhibition with EDTA could be reversed by the addition of Zn 2+ . The fibrinogenolysis was optimal between pH 7 and 8, consistent with the expected pH optimum for a Zn 2+ metalloproteinase.
On modeling, analysis, and optimization of packet aggregation systems

In packet communication systems, a header is attached to the transmitted packet at each layer. The overhead due to the transmission of the individual header can have a significant impact on the performance of the communication system especially when the system operates in heavy load. In order to increase data throughput, a number of packets sharing a single header can be aggregated into a frame. In this paper, we present a mathematical model for a packet aggregation system assuming a general distribution for the packet length. For a given header size, we obtain the minimum system utilization where packet aggregation improves the system performance. We also analyze the asymptotic behavior of such systems leading to a simple heuristic policy on the optimum aggregation level. It is shown that the impact of the variability of the packet length distribution on different system performance measures is rather insignificant when the system load is low or moderate.
Response: genetic admixture in sickle cell disease

Genetic studies require careful thought about ancestry in the study design and analysis to avoid population stratification bias and to maximize the power of finding novel variants.1 If both the genetic marker and the phenotype vary with respect to ancestry, then a spurious association will occur between the genetic marker and phenotype if one does not adjust properly for ancestry. In this issue of Blood, Silva et al examine the level of admixture in a cohort of Brazilian sickle cell patients and find that patients with sickle cell disease have a wide range of African admixture (15%-85%).2 They correctly acknowledge that one must appropriately adjust for admixture to avoid false positive findings and that this population may be useful for admixture mapping. However, admixture mapping is only useful if the phenotype of interest also varies with admixture and further research is required to establish this relation in this population. In a cohort of African Americans with sickle cell disease we did not find a significant association between admixture (measured by the first principal component from a principal component analysis) and fetal hemoglobin.3 However, one should note that the African Americans in this study on average did not have high levels of Caucasian admixture.4 Admixture mapping has been successfully used to find novel genetic variants and regions for other phenotypes that were related to admixture such as white cell counts and prostate cancer.5,6 Furthermore, examining ancestry in genetic studies of sickle cell disease could lead to novel loci that are either more prevalent or specific to certain ethnic groups. For example, sickle cell patients from the Southwestern Province of Saudi Arabia have fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels twice as high as African Americans despite having similar HBB haplotypes.7 Furthermore, sickle cell patients from the Eastern Province have even higher levels of HbF (mean [SD] 30.4 ± 6.9).8 These findings suggest that there are HbF-associated variants that are more prevalent or specific to the Saudi population and that leveraging on ancestry in the genetic analysis can help identify novel variants.
Dynamics of the Aortic Valve Under Normal, Flow Rate-Varied and Heart Rate-Varied Conditions: An In Vitro Study

Aortic valve (AV) disease caused by calcific stenosis is one of the major causes of cardiac related deaths around the world. Studies indicate that abnormal hemodynamics and structural stress fields experienced by the valve leaflets could cause tissue inflammation, which could lead to leaflet calcification and sclerosis [1,2]. However, the mechanics and dynamic properties of the aortic valve under various hemodynamic conditions have not been fully characterized, preventing us from further investigation of this link between mechanics and valve pathology.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Acidosis-induced osteomalacia: Metabolic studies and skeletal histomorphometry

The pathogenesis of osteomalacia was investigated in three patients with chronic metabolic acidosis. Serum levels of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D metabolites were measured, and bone biopsy specimens were analyzed after double tetracycline labeling. Parathyroid hormone concentrations were normal in patients 1 and 3 and slightly elevated in patient 2. Vitamin D metabolism was undisturbed. Static indicators of bone remodeling substantiated the diagnosis of osteomalacia in each case. In patient 1 fluorescent microscopy revealed no evidence of tetracycline uptake. In patients 2 and 3 active mineralization was evident at all osteoid seams, but because double labels were rare, the mineral apposition rate appears to have been substantially reduced in most bone-forming units. Our results indicate that acidosis-induced osteomalacia, unlike that due to vitamin D deficiency, may be associated with mineral deposition at every possible site. Nevertheless, like other causes of osteomalacia, metabolic acidosis prevents mineral apposition at a normal rate even if mineral deposition is ubiquitous. We suggest that titration of newly deposited phosphate causes the observed impairment of mineral apposition and ultimately leads to osteomalacia.
Energy Dependence of Multiple Inner-Shell Ionization of A1 by Alpha-Particle Bombardment

The excitation of states in Al with single K- plus multiple L-shell vacancies formed by collisions with 0.4-3.0MeV helium ions is studied by observing the x-ray decay associated with filling of the K-shell vacancy. The observed K x rays come from initial states with one K-shell and 0, l, 2, and 3 L- shell vacancies. The absolute cross section for each of these transitions is determined and compared to a calculation using multiple Coulomb ionization. An important result of this experiment is the observation that the ratio of double to single ionization exhibits a maximum at a bombarding energy near the maximum for L-shell ionization. (auth)
Preliminary examination of a mutual intimate partner violence intervention among treatment-mandated couples.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread global health problem. Despite growing evidence indicating that men and women commit IPV, most traditional interventions focus on male-to-female violence and do not address mutual violence. This circumscribed focus represents one potential reason traditional treatments have had only a modest effect on recidivism. The current study investigated a pilot intervention for mutually violent couples with ethnically diverse, treatment-mandated men and women. Using a longitudinal design, 121 couples were assessed (semistructured clinical interview, Conflict Tactics Scale-Revised [CTS-2]) and mandated to either the pilot intervention or another community agency. Of the 92 couples referred for the 12-week, pilot group intervention (plus 1-2 preparatory, individual sessions), 89% of couples had one or both partners complete. Posttreatment assessments were conducted (CTS-2, satisfaction ratings), anticipating reductions in perpetrated and received IPV among treatment completers. Using 1-year conviction data to assess recidivism (IPV and general violence convictions), it was hypothesized that the lowest recidivism rates would be found when both partners completed, intermediate rates when one partner completed, and the highest rates when neither completed. Consistent with hypotheses, men who completed treatment reported reduced perpetration of physical assault and received less injury, and women who completed reported receiving less physical assault and injury. At 1-year follow-up, couples who completed had lower recidivism rates, with couples in which both partners completed evidencing the best outcomes. Results provide preliminary support for the proposed mutual violence intervention. Clinical implications, including the effect of a thorough assessment and tailored treatment recommendations, are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Reaction of a Group of Related Wheat Species (AABB Genome and an AABBDD) to Stem Rust

Accessions of spring habit Triticum spp. with genomes AABB and T. sphaerococcum Percival (genomes AABBDD) were surveyed to characterize their reaction to stem rust (Puccinia graminis Pers.: Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & Henn.). Because of the dearth of information in the literature on the reaction of these species to stem rust, the objectives of this study were to screen the accessions for possible new sources of resistance to stem rust, and to postulate the identity of known genes and the minimum number of unknown genes for resistance to stem rust among accessions of each species
Response of the Atmosphere to Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies over the Equatorial Pacific and the Teleconnections of the Southern Oscillation

Abstract In order to improve our understanding of the role of equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Southern Oscillation and the variability of the Walker Circulation, we have conducted sensitivity studies with warm SSTA's over different parts of the equatorial Pacific using a general circulation model of GFDL. The model response is compared with the variability of the 15-year control run and the statistical significance of the response is assessed. The anomalies produce dominant changes in the vertical circulation in the equatorial longitude-height plane. Besides the large local increase of precipitation near the anomalies and a slight reduction to the west, there are also global-scale anomalies in the equatorial zonal winds (notably in the upper troposphere) and in tropical sea level pressure. The Pacific Walker Circulation is significantly altered. In the case of eastern and central Pacific anomalies these features resemble the observed circulation anomalies during the low i...
High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Isoniazid and Its Dosage Forms

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis is described for isoniazid as a drug entity and in its tablet and injectable dosage forms. After incorporation of the drug or dosage form in a solvent mixture and addition of an internal standard, tribenzylamine, an aliquot is chromatographed using a pellicular silica gel medium followed by UV spectrophotometric detection at 254 nm. The response of the chromatographic system was linear over a concentration range corresponding to 20–200% of the labeled amount of isoniazid. Comparison of the results with those obtained by the official USP XIX method indicates similar accuracy and precision. The advantages of the proposed method are its simplicity and rapidity, its potential for automation, and its specificity. The specificity was demonstrated in the presence of potential degradation products of isoniazid, other drugs used with isoniazid in combination dosage forms, and an adduct formed by the reaction of isoniazid with lactose in the tablet.
Agglutination activity of Limulus polyphemus coagulogen following limited proteolysis

1. A 14 kDa protein with cell agglutination properties has been purified from endotoxin-activated L. polyphemus amebocyte lysate. Amino terminal sequence analysis indicates that this protein corresponds to a proteolytically cleaved product (coagulin) of coagulogen. 2. Similar cell agglutination activity can be generated, in vitro, by proteolytic cleavage of the coagulogen with either trypsin, endogenous protease or an alpha 2M/enzyme complex isolated from amebocytes. 3. Studies with [125I]-labeled coagulogen showed that only coagulin, not the intact coagulogen, binds to rabbit erythrocytes and formalin-fixed amebocytes. 4. The cell agglutination activity of coagulin towards erythrocytes was not inhibited by various sugars tested, and was not Ca(2+)-dependent. 5. These findings suggest that coagulogen and coagulin are reminiscent of their mammalian counterparts, fibrinogen and fibrin, in their clotting and relative adhesive properties.
Astrocytes join the plasticity party

In the developing cortex, spike timing–dependent long-term depression requires cannabinoid-induced glutamate release from astrocytes. Astrocytes may be integral to the coincidence detection that guides plasticity and map formation.
Fire weather and large fire potential in the northern Sierra Nevada

Abstract Fuels, weather, and topography all contribute to observed fire behavior. Of these, weather is not only the most dynamic factor, it is the most likely to be directly influenced by climate change. In this study 40 years of daily fire weather observations from five weather stations across the northern Sierra Nevada were analyzed to investigate potential changes or trends in the frequency of high- to extreme-fire weather. The analysis demonstrated fairly strong upward trends in the occurrence of high- to extreme-fire weather, particularly since the mid-1990s. This increased occurrence of high fire weather conditions suggests that there is more opportunity for fires to grow rapidly and overwhelm initial suppression efforts, likely resulting in greater incidence of large fires throughout the region. This is particularly problematic in the northern Sierra Nevada, where there is a complex arrangement of land ownerships, including numerous human communities.
Differences in cytokine synthesis by the sub‐populations of dendritic cells from afferent lymph

Two phenotypically distinct subpopulations of dendritic cells (SIRPalpha+ CC81Ag- DC and SIRPalpha- CC81Ag+ DC) have previously been identified in bovine afferent lymph which show functional differences when assayed in vitro. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether differences in cytokine production between the two subpopulations might occur which could influence the bias of the immune response they stimulate. Qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reactions were used to detect specific mRNA transcripts and flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect protein production. The SIRPalpha- CC81Ag+ DC produced considerably more interleukin-12 (IL-12) mRNA transcripts and protein than the SIRPalpha+ CC81Ag- DC. Conversely, SIRPalpha+ CC81Ag- DC contained more of both transcripts and protein for IL-1 and of transcripts for IL-6. A small percentage of both subpopulations produced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) as evidenced by cytoplasmic staining. Stimulation of DC by culture with CD40L+ cells increased the production of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-12 but quantitative differences between the subpopulations remained. Production of IL-10 was also evident following culture with CD40L+ cells or lipopolysaccharide primarily by the SIRPalpha+ CC81Ag- DC. No evidence was found for type 1 IFN production, and hence plasmacytoid DC, by DC in afferent lymph; both subpopulations appear to be myeloid in origin. These different cytokine repertoires of the two subpopulations of ex vivo DC isolated from afferent lymph imply functional differences that could influence the presentation of antigen to T cells and bias of the immune response following vaccination or infection.
Gardner's Syndrome revisited: a clinical case and overview of the literature

Gardner's syndrome (GS), a variant of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), remains a life-threatening condition of significant dental relevance. Clinicians can play an important role in the identification of this condition as the dental manifestations often precede the development of intestinal polyposis. This article describes a clinical case in which identification of the dental features of GS during routine orthodontic assessment resulted in the early diagnosis of this condition, which was previously unrecognised in a young female patient.
Expression of transformation in cell hybrids. II. Nonsuppression of the transformed phenotype in hybrids between a chemically transformed and nontransformed derivatives of Balb/3T3.

Hybrid clones derived from a nitrosocarbaryl-transformed Balb/3T3 cell line, Clone H, and a nontransformed cell line TH02 resemble the transformed parent in the clone morphology, higher saturation density, colony formation in medium with reduced serum concentration, growth in agarose and ability to form clones on Balb/3T3 monolayer. Results are discussed in the framework of genetic models which permit or require dominant mutations for the expression of transformed phenotype.
OPTIMAL SANCTIONS AND THE INCENTIVE TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE TO LEGAL TRIBUNALS

The evidence provided by individuals who have come before legal tribunals constitutes an important source of information for the judicial system. Without such evidence, facts of relevance to a tribunal may be difficult or impossible for the tribunal to obtain. (For example, it may be that unless a person who is before a tribunal supplies the identity of a witness who would not come forward on his own, his testimony would never be heard.) This paper will examine a model in which individuals decide rationally what evidence to offer to a tribunal,’ given the “sanctioning function” that determines how their legal treatment will be affected by the evidence the tribunal receives.* Furthermore, the influence of the sanctioning function on individuals’ behavior prior possibly to coming before tribunals will be ascertained. This will allow the socially optimal sanctioning function-and, importantly, the optimal sanction for failure to provide evidence-to be found. The model may be summarized as follows.3 An individual who has come before a tribunal will be assumed to be able to provide some facts but not others; here, to be “able to provide” a fact means that an individual can demonstrate it to the satisfaction of the tribunal. Of the evidence that he is able to provide, an individual will choose to provide that which will result in the lowest sanction, given the sanctioning function; the individual will reveal the favorable evidence available to him but not the unfavorable. What will happen when an individual comes before a tribunal will influence his
Embracing and Extending 20th-Century Instruction Set Architectures

A vector case study shows how new functionality can be added to extend the 80times86 and PowerPC architectures to support a full vector architecture, primarily by enhancing their multimedia extensions to provide a better model for compilers and an easier-to-understand model for programmers
Monoblast of acute monoblastic leukemia.

This electron microscopic study was performed to examine the leukemic monoblast by qualitative and quantitative techniques. Normal myeloblasts obtained from 14 hospital personnel and leukemic myeloblasts from six patients with acute myeloblastic or myelomonoblastic leukemia were used as controls. The monoblasts were obtained from 14 patients with various types of acute monoblastic leukemia. Quantitative results were not significant except for an increase in granules and long endoplasmic reticulum in the leukemic myeloblast when compared to normal myeloblasts, and an increase in polyribosomes in monoblasts when compared to the leukemic and normal myeloblasts. Qualitative differences were numerous and were demonstrated by both leukemic blasts. They included nuclear pockets, deep nuclear indentations, intranuclear particles, nucleosomes, dilated perinuclear spaces, centrioles located in nuclear pockets, accumulation of microfibrils, disrupted mitochondria with virus-like particles, small granules and DNA fibers, glycogen, and myelin whorls. These ultrastructural findings revealed practical and theoretical information which certainly requires more extensive investigation.
Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans and Lichen Planus

Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) is a cutaneous pigmentary disturbance originally considered to be a variant of erythema perstans. The nosologic identity of EDP has been challenged repeatedly as the number of patients with concurrent EDP-like eruptions and lichenoid disorders has increased. In this report, we describe a woman who had EDP for two years before the onset of classic lichen planus (LP). The active lesions of LP gradually evolved into typical ashy-gray macules of EDP. This case provides further support for the concept that EDP and EDP-like conditions should be classified, in certain instances, as erythema dyschromicum variants of LP.
Some Rigid Body Kinematics

Rigid bodies are, by definition, systems of particles in which the distance between any two particles remains constant for all time and for all configurations. In other words, the particles of a rigid body do not move with respect to a coordinate system fixed in it. For this reason it is sometimes convenient to fix a coordinate system in a moving body, and to describe the motion in terms of the components along the axes of this moving coordinate system. As the coordinate system may then not be a Galilean frame, the resulting expressions for the acceleration components along the axes of the moving frame, but relative to an inertial frame, may become quite complicated.
Holeboard Performance of Rats after Hippocampal Lesions and Treatment with Nimodipine

Abstract Rats were taught to select eight holes in a 4 × 4 holeboard for food reinforcements. Upon reaching criterion, they were given subtotal lesions of the anterior hippocampus or sham operations. They then received either the calcium channel blocker, nimodipine, or vehicle alone. Retention testing revealed a significant main effect of lesion and evidence for nimodipine reducing this effect. These data are consistent with previous findings from this laboratory in which it was demonstrated that nimodipine can enhance performance on higher cognitive tasks after hippocampal damage.
Visually assessing the level of development and soil surface stability of cyanobacterially dominated biological soil crusts

Abstract Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are an integral part of dryland ecosystems and often included in long-term ecological monitoring programs. Estimating moss and lichen cover is fairly easy and non-destructive, but documenting cyanobacterial level of development (LOD) is more difficult. It requires sample collection for laboratory analysis, which causes soil surface disturbance. Assessing soil surface stability also requires surface disturbance. Here we present a visual technique to assess cyanobacterial LOD and soil surface stability. We define six development levels of cyanobacterially dominated soils based on soil surface darkness. We sampled chlorophyll a concentrations (the most common way of assessing cyanobacterial biomass), exopolysaccharide concentrations, and soil surface aggregate stability from representative areas of each LOD class. We found that, in the laboratory and field, LOD classes were effective at predicting chlorophyll a soil concentrations ( R 2 =68–81%), exopolysaccharide concentrations ( R 2 =71%), and soil aggregate stability ( R 2 =77%). We took representative photos of these classes to construct a field guide. We then tested the ability of field crews to distinguish these classes and found this technique was highly repeatable among observers. We also discuss how to adjust this index for the different types of BSCs found in various dryland regions.
Nanocrystal-Based Biomimetic System for Quantitative Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry has been instrumental in rapid analysis of single cells since the 1970s. One of the common approaches is the immunofluorescence study involving labeling of cells with antibodies conjugated to organic fluorophores. More recently, as the application of flow cytometry extended from simple cell detection to single-cell proteomic analysis, the need of determining the actual number of antigens in a single cell has driven the flow cytomery technique towards a quantitative methodology. However, organic fluorophores are challenging to use as probes for quantitative detection due to the lack of photostability and of quantitative fluorescence standards. National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) provides a set of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled beads, RM 8640, which is the only nationally recognized fluorescent particle standard. On the other hand, optical characteristics of semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots or QDs are superior to traditional dye molecules for the use as tags for biological and chemical fluorescent sensors and detectors. Compelling advantages of QDs include long photostability, broad spectral coverage, easy excitation, and suitability for multiplexed sensing. Recently, novel surface coatings have been developed to render QDs water soluble and bio-conjugation ready, leading to their use as fluorescent tags and sensors for a variety of biological applications including immunolabeling of cells. Here, we describe our approach of using fluorescent semiconductor QDs as a novel tool for quantitative flow cytometry detection. Our strategy involves the development of immuno-labeled QD-conjugated silica beads as "biomimetic cells." In addition to flow cytometry, the QD-conjugated silica beads were characterized by fluorescence microscopy to quantitate the number of QDs attached to a single silica bead. Our approach enables flow cytometry analysis to be highly sensitive, quantitative, and encompass a wide dynamic range of fluorescence detection. Quantitative aspects of the proposed flow cytometery-based approach for measurement of the QD-based biomimetic samples are discussed.
Determinants of Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression: Prospective Influences of Depressive Symptoms, Body Image Satisfaction, and Exercise Behavior

Limited research has prospectively examined women’s exercise and psychological health behaviors before, during, and after pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between and the extent to which depressive symptoms (DS), body image satisfaction (BIS), and exercise behavior (EB) prospectively explained trimester-specific and postpartum depression. Participants (N = 230 pregnant women) completed self-reported measures midway through their first, second, and third trimesters and at 6-weeks postpartum from 2005 to 2007. Women were also classified based on current activity guidelines as active and somewhat active to examine the moderating influence of pre-pregnancy EB on the contributions of the study variables for explaining DS. We found that : (a) DS, BIS, and EB were associated across the three pregnancy time points and postpartum, (b) DS and BIS were main determinants of later depression in pregnancy and postpartum, and (c) the moderating influence of pre-pregnancy EB was evident in early pregnancy. These preliminary findings suggest that DS and BIS are important psychological factors for intervention to improve women’s pregnancy and postpartum psychological health and that EB in the pre-pregnancy period may offer women protective effects against DS in early pregnancy.
Compositional vs. thermal buoyancy and the evolution of subducted lithosphere

We formulate 2-D Cartesian finite element models that explore the fate of compositionally defined lithosphere as it encounters a viscosity increase at the boundary between the upper and lower mantle. Subducted lithosphere is represented as a cold, stiff, layered composite of denser eclogite underlain by more buoyant harzburgite. Slabs impinging on a lower mantle 30 and 100 times more viscous than the upper mantle thicken and fold strongly as they penetrate the lower mantle. Approximately a factor of two thickening occurs via pure shear just above the discontinuity, with additional enhancement due to folding by over a factor of two. No separation of the individual slab components occurs at the discontinuity, and direct comparison with models in which compositional buoyancy is explicitly ignored indicates that slab evolution is largely controlled by the thermal buoyancy. These results are at odds with hypotheses about slab evolution in which the compositional buoyancy contributions lead to component separation and the formation of slab megaliths or a compositionally layered upper mantle.
Design issues in the fabrication of CdS–CdTe solar cells on molybdenum foil substrates

Abstract Investigations on CdTe–CdS solar cells on molybdenum foil substrates revealed that the depletion layer spans the entire CdS and CdTe film thickness and the cell should be conceived as a single junction device instead of the three separate junctions (Mo–CdTe, CdTe–CdS, CdS–TCO). Higher open circuit voltages were achieved when two CdS layers (separated by an air anneal) were used instead of a single CdS layer. The high series resistance of this solar cell continues to be the limiting factor in cell performance. Modeling and design issues for improving cell performance are presented.
Statistical evaluation and analysis of safety intervention in the determination of an effective resource allocation strategy

This paper provides an analytical background for the development of an effective safety intervention program with the aim of minimizing incident rates. Safety intervention data were collected from the environmental health and safety department of an American-owned oil company in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. A safety model was developed to determine the safety intervention factors and interactions which minimize incident rates, with the aim of predicting a better resource allocation strategy. Five main safety intervention factors (factor A: leadership and accountability; factor B: qualification selection and pre-job; factor C: employee engagement and planning; factor D: work in progress; factor E: evaluation, measurement and verification) were highlighted and investigated to show their effects on incident rate performance. Analysis of variance test showed that four safety factors (A, C, D, and E) were significant. Statistical techniques such as response surface design plots were used to determine the resource allocation method. The developed safety model recommended the allocation of 16.66% of the available resources to the significant safety intervention activities in order to achieve the desirable incident rate. In order to reap the benefits of this research, it will be important to concentrate more efforts and resources on significant factors which have positive impacts in minimizing incident rates.
Measuring the Embodied Energy in Drinking Water Supply Systems: A Case Study in The Great Lakes Region

A sustainable supply of both energy and water is critical to long-term national security, effective climate policy, natural resource sustainability, and social wellbeing. These two critical resources are inextricably and reciprocally linked; the production of energy requires large volumes of water, while the treatment and distribution of water is also significantly dependent upon energy. In this paper, a hybrid analysis approach is proposed to estimate embodied energy and to perform a structural path analysis of drinking water supply systems. The applicability of this approach is then tested through a case study of a large municipal water utility (city of Kalamazoo) in the Great Lakes region to provide insights on the issues of water-energy pricing and carbon footprints. Kalamazoo drinking water requires approximately 9.2 MJ/m(3) of energy to produce, 30% of which is associated with indirect inputs such as system construction and treatment chemicals.
The resemblance and disparity of gene expression in dormant and non-dormant seeds and crown buds of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)

Background: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is a herbaceous perennial weed and dormancy in both buds and seeds is an important survival mechanism. Bud dormancy in leafy spurge exhibits three well-defined phases of para-, endo- and ecodormancy; however, seed dormancy for leafy spurge is classified as physiological dormancy that requires after-ripening and alternating temperature for maximal germination. Overlaps in transcriptome profiles between different phases of bud and seed dormancy have not been determined. Thus, we compared various phases of dormancy between seeds and buds to identify common genes and molecular processes, which should provide new insights about common regulators of dormancy. Results: Cluster analysis of expression profiles for 201 selected genes indicated bud and seed samples clustered separately. Direct comparisons between buds and seeds are additionally complicated since seeds incubated at a constant temperature of 20°C for 21 days (21d C) could be considered paradormant (Para) because seeds may be inhibited by endosperm-generated signals, or ecodormant (Eco) because seeds germinate after being subjected to alternating temperature of 20:30°C. Since direct comparisons in gene expression between buds and seeds were problematic, we instead examined commonalities in differentially-expressed genes associated with different phases of dormancy. Comparison between buds and seeds (‘Para to Endo buds’ and ‘21d C to 1d C seeds’), using endodormant buds (Endo) and dormant seeds (1d C) as common baselines, identified transcripts associated with cell cycle (HisH4), stress response/transcription factors (ICE2, ERFB4/ABR1), ABA and auxin response (ABA1, ARF1, IAA7, TFL1), carbohydrate/protein degradation (GAPDH_1), and transport (ABCB2). Comparison of transcript abundance for the ‘Eco to Endo buds’ and ‘21d C to 1d C seeds’ identified transcripts associated with ABA response (ATEM6), auxin response (ARF1), and cell cycle (HisH4). These results indicate that the physiological state of 21d C seeds is more analogous to paradormant buds than that of ecodormant buds. Conclusion: Combined results indicate that common molecular mechanisms associated with dormancy transitions of buds and seeds involve processes associated with ABA and auxin signaling and transport, cell cycle, and AP2/ERF transcription factors or their up-stream regulators.
JTT-305, an orally active calcium-sensing receptor antagonist, stimulates transient parathyroid hormone release and bone formation in ovariectomized rats

Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has a potent anabolic effect on bone in humans and animals. Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonists stimulate endogenous PTH secretion through CaSR on the surface of parathyroid cells and thereby may be anabolic agents for osteoporosis. JTT-305 is a potent oral short-acting CaSR antagonist and transiently stimulates endogenous PTH secretion. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of JTT-305 on PTH secretion and bone in ovariectomized rats. Female rats, immediately after ovariectomy (OVX), were orally administered vehicle or JTT-305 (0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. The serum PTH concentrations were transiently elevated with increasing doses of JTT-305. In the proximal tibia, JTT-305 prevented OVX-induced decreases in both the cancellous and total bone mineral density (BMD) except for the 0.3mg/kg dose. At the 3mg/kg dose, JTT-305 increased the mineralizing surface and bone formation rate in histomorphometry. The efficacy of JTT-305 at the 3mg/kg dose on the BMD corresponded to that of exogenous rat PTH1-84 injection at doses between 3 and 10 μg/kg. In conclusion, JTT-305 stimulated endogenous transient PTH secretion and bone formation, and consequently prevented bone loss in OVX rats. These results suggest that JTT-305 is orally active and has the potential to be an anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Primary culture of normal rat mammary epithelial cells within a basement membrane matrix. I. Regulation of proliferation by hormones and growth factors.

A serum-free primary culture system has been developed which allows for three-dimensional growth and differentiation of normal rat mammary epithelial cells (RMECs) within an extracellular matrix preparation. RMECs were isolated from mamary glands of immature 50- to 60-d-old rats and the organoids embedded within a reconstituted basement membrane matrix prepared from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm sarcoma. Cells grown in a serum-free media consisting of phenol red-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium-F12 culture medium containing 10 μg/ml insulin, 1 μg/ml prolactin, 1 μg/ml progesterone, 1 μg/ml hydrocortisone, 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor (EGF), 1 mg/ml fatty-acid-free bovine serum albumin (BSA), 5 μg/ml transferrin, and 5 μM ascorbic acid proliferated extensively (15- to 20-fold increase in cell number as quantitated using the MTT dye assay) over a 2- to 3-wk culture period and remained viable for months in culture. Several types of colonies were observed including the alveolarlike budding cluster which predominates at later times in culture, units with no or various degrees of ductal-like projections, stellate colonies, and two-and three-dimensional web units. Optimal proliferation required insulin, prolactin, progesterone, EGF, and bovine serum albumin. Hydrocortisone was not required for proliferation, but the colonies developing in its absence were morphologically altered, with a high frequency of colonies that formed an extensively branched network with many fine projections. Cell proliferation was also dependent on substratum, with significantly less growth and development occurring in RMECs grown within a type I collagen gel matrix compared to RMECs grown within the reconstituted basement membrane. In conjunction with other studies demonstrating extensive differentiation as well as proliferation, it is concluded that this model should prove to be an improtant tool to study the hormonal regulation of the growth and development of rat mammary cells.
Effects of Nocturnal Wind on Performance of Two Sex Pheromone Traps for Noctuid Moths

Effects of nocturnal wind velocities from 0 (calm) to 16.9 km/h on relative performance of 2 sex pheromone live insect traps were studied. Relative percentages of male tobacco budworm moths, Heliothis virescens (F.), caught in wind-vane traps and in inverted cone traps were correlated with average wind velocities between 1:00 and 4:00 AM. Of the basic traps, inverted single-cone traps caught more moths at relatively low, 0–9.6 km/h, air velocities, and wind-vane traps caught more moths at higher, 9.6–16 km/h, nocturnal wind velocities. Of modified traps, inverted double-cone traps caught more moths than wind-vane traps with winds as high as 16 km/h.
Choice, conditioned reinforcement, and the prius effect.

Psychologists have long been intrigued with the rationales that underlie our decisions. Similarly, the concept of conditioned reinforcement has a venerable history, particularly in accounting for behavior not obviously maintained by primary reinforcers. The studies of choice and of conditioned reinforcement have often developed in lockstep. Many contemporary approaches to these fundamental topics share an emphasis on context and on relative value. We trace the evolution of thinking about the potency of conditioned reinforcers from stimuli that were thought to acquire their value from pairings with more fundamental reinforcers to stimuli that acquire their value by being differentially correlated with these more fundamental reinforcers. We discuss some seminal experiments (including several that have been underappreciated) and some ongoing data, all of which have propelled us to the conclusion that the strength of conditioned reinforcers is determined by their signaling a relative improvement in the organism’s relation to reinforcement.
T and B lymphocytes in leukemia therapy

In order to evaluate the effect of radio- and chemotherapy on immunity, T and B lymphocyte surface receptors were studied sequentially in the blood from 28 previously untreated leukemic children. Following the initiation of chemotherapy an increase in the percent T and B cells was noted in the peripheral blood. In association with sanctuary therapy and chemotherapy there was a decrease in the total number of circulating T and B cells and a relative increase in lymphocytes lacking markers. Based on total numbers at remission the reduction in B cells was greater than in T cells, and the most marked changes occurred during sanctuary therapy. A reduction in the mean serum immunoglobulin was associated with decreasing B cell numbers.
A plague of special districts

Their services are necessary, but not their waste. The author shows why and suggests a remedy.
InP nanowire avalanche photodiode and bipolar junction phototransistor integrated on silicon substrate

Using high quality, single crystalline InP nanowire grown on silicon substrate, we demonstrates sensitive avalanche photodiode with 26.6 A/W and bipolar junction phototransistor with 4 A/W integrated onto silicon substrate. The avalanche photodiode has unique radial p-n junction that allows it to reach a high avalanche gain of 100 at a low bias of 1 V. The bipolar junction phototransistor integrates a sensitive photodiode with a receiver circuit, creating a compact, monolithic receiver circuit for optical interconnect application. These devices are promising in bringing low energy, high bandwidth optical interconnects to silicon electronics.
A review of capacitor placement techniques on distribution feeders

Optimal sizing and placement of shunt capacitors on distribution feeders has received considerable attention from researchers for many years. This paper presents an extensive review of the different solution methods found in the literature and is intended as a guide for those interested in the problem or intending to do additional research in the area. The assumptions made and a brief description of the solution methods are presented.