cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The compression pathway of quartz

The structure of quartz over the temperature domain (298 K, 1078 K) and pressure domain (0 GPa, 20.25 GPa) is compared to the following three hypothetical quartz crystals: (1) Ideal {alpha}-quartz with perfectly regular tetrahedra and the same volume and Si-O-Si angle as its observed equivalent (ideal {beta}-quartz has Si-O-Si angle fixed at 155.6{sup o}). (2) Model {alpha}-quartz with the same Si-O-Si angle and cell parameters as its observed equivalent, derived from ideal by altering the axial ratio. (3) BCC quartz with a perfectly body-centered cubic arrangement of oxygen anions and the same volume as its observed equivalent. Comparison of experimental data recorded in the literature for quartz with these hypothetical crystal structures shows that quartz becomes more ideal as temperature increases, more BCC as pressure increases, and that model quartz is a very good representation of observed quartz under all conditions. This is consistent with the hypothesis that quartz compresses through Si-O-Si angle-bending, which is resisted by anion-anion repulsion resulting in increasing distortion of the c/a axial ratio from ideal as temperature decreases and/or pressure increases.
Epicompletion in Frames with Skeletal Maps, II: Compact Normal Joinfit Frames

An epireflection ψ is constructed of the category $\mathfrak{KNArS}$ of compact normal joinfit frames, with skeletal maps, in the subcategory $\mathfrak{SPArS}$ consisting of strongly projectable $\mathfrak{KNArS}$ -objects. The construction is achieved via a pushout in the category $\mathfrak{FrmS}$ of frames with skeletal maps, and involves rather intimately the regular coreflection of the object to be reflected. Further, if the regular coreflection ρ is applied to the reflection map ψ A :A → ψA one obtains the extension of ρA to its absolute.
Biological Basis of Cervical Tissue Autofluorescence

The goal of this study was to characterize the biological basis of cervical autofluorescence. Fluorescence of transverse fresh tissue slices was imaged using a fluorescence microscope. Fluorescence spectra were measured from cervical epithelial cell suspensions.
Dose-effect relationship for induction of hepatic monooxygenase activity in rainbow trout and carp by Aroclor 1254

Abstract A range of doses of Aroclor 1254 or 3,4,3′,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl was administered i.p. via a single injection to rainbow trout and to carp. Hepatic microsomes were prepared and examined for monooxygenase activity. Rainbow trout hepatic microsomes were assayed for ethoxycoumarin- and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities. For both deethylase activities, peak activity was observed at These results suggest that in some areas environmental exposure of fish to PCBs may be sufficient to cause induction of hepatic monooxygenase activity. It also appears that the potency of planar PCB isomers as inducers in fish is sufficiently great to account for the effect of Aroclor 1254 upon hepatic monooxygenase activity in these species.
The relationship between somatosensory amplification, alexithymia, and neuroticism

Both amplification of normal visceral phenomena and the personality trait of alexithymia are factors in the process of somatization, whereby somatic symptoms become metaphors for emotional distress. The relationship between these two variables was investigated in 101 psychiatric out-patients. Each subject was administered the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSA); the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS); the NEO-FFI, which measures five personality factors; and the health locus of control (HLC). In addition, anxiety and depression were quantitatively measured. SSA and TAS significantly correlated only in the female subjects. A regression model found neuroticism to contribute the most variance in predicting SSA while TAS did not fit into the model. Amplification is a perceptual element in potentiating somatization, whereas alexithymia contributes to the cognitive aspects of the process. The role of neuroticism is discussed as a mediating factor.
Redshift Catalog for Swift Long Gamma-ray Bursts

We present a catalog of the redshifts for most long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) by Swift from 2004 December 20 to 2008 July 23 (258 bursts in total). All available information is collected, including spectroscopic redshifts, photometric redshift limits, and redshifts calculated from various luminosity relations. Error bars for the redshifts derived from the luminosity relations are asymmetric, with tails extended to the high-redshift end, and this effect is evaluated by looking at the 30% of Swift bursts with spectroscopic redshifts. A simulation is performed to eliminate this asymmetric effect, and the resultant redshift distribution is deconvolved. We test and confirm this simulation on the sample of bursts with known spectroscopic redshifts and then apply it to the 70% of Swift bursts that do not have spectroscopic measures. A final intrinsic redshift distribution is then made for almost all Swift bursts, and the efficiency of the spectroscopic detections is evaluated. The efficiency of spectroscopic redshifts varies from near unity at low redshift to 0.5 at z = 1, to near 0.3 at z = 4, and to 0.1 at z = 6. We also find that the fraction of GRBs with z>5 is ~10%, and this fraction is compared with simulations from a cosmological model.
Evaluation of an Offline Method for the Analysis of Atmospheric Reactive Gaseous Mercury and Particulate Mercury

Reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) and particulate mercury (PHg) were collected in Milwaukee, WI, between April 2004 and May 2005, and in Riverside, CA, between July 25 and August 7, 2005 using sorbent and filter substrates. The substrates were analyzed for mercury by thermal desorption analysis (TDA) using a purpose-built instrument. Results from this offline-TDA method were compared with measurements using a real-time atmospheric mercury analyzer. RGM measurements made with the offline-TDA agreed well with a commercial real-time method. However, the offline TDA reported PHg concentrations 2.7 times higher than the real-time method, indicating evaporative losses might be occurring from the real-time instrument during sample collection. TDA combined with reactive mercury collection on filter and absorbent substrates was cheap, relatively easy to use, did not introduce biases due to a semicontinuous sample collection strategy, and had a dynamic range appropriate for use in rural and urban locations. The results of this study demonstrate that offline-TDA is a feasible method for collecting reactive mercury concentrations in a large network of filter-based samplers.
Bioethics after the Terror

Bioethics as a field has been fortunate that its values and concerns have mirrored the values and concerns of society. In light of the September 11th attacks, it is possible that we are witnessing the beginning of a transition in American culture, one fraught with implications for bioethics. The emphasis on autonomy and individual rights may come to be tempered by greater concern over the collective good. Increased emphasis on solidarity over autonomy could greatly alter public response to research abuses aimed at defense from bioterrorism, to privacy of genetic information, and to control of private medical resources to protect the public health.
Cell density-dependent VP-16 sensitivity of leukaemic cells is accompanied by the translocation of topoisomerase IIα from the nucleus to the cytoplasm

The resistance of several leukaemic and myeloma cell lines (CCRF, L1210, HL-60, KG-1a and RPMI 8226) to VP-16 was found to increase with cell density and to be maximal (3.5- to 39-fold) in plateau phase cell cultures, as measured by clonogenic and MTT assays. Non-transformed confluent Flow 2000 human fibroblasts and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were also five- and 15-fold resistant to VP-16 respectively. The transition from log to plateau phase was accompanied by a drastic decrease in topoisomerase (topo) IIalpha content in CHO cells and human fibroblasts, while the leukaemic cells maintained constant cellular levels of topo IIalpha and topo IIbeta. However, the nuclear topo IIalpha content was found to decrease as a result of translocation of the enzyme to the cytoplasmic compartment in the leukaemic cells. This was confirmed by subcellular fractionation experiments, Western blotting analyses and immunocytochemistry studies. The quantity of topo IIalpha in plateau phase cytoplasmic fractions ranged from 18% in L1210 cells to 50% in HL-60 and 8226 cells, as measured by both immunoblotting and quantification of the label in immunofluorescent images. The cytoplasmic fraction from plateau phase cells retained topo II catalytic activity, as measured by the decatenation of kinetoplast DNA. The nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio of topo IIalpha may be critical in determining the sensitivity of leukaemic cells to topo II inhibitors. Cytoplasmic trafficking of topo IIalpha was observed in plasma cells obtained from patients with multiple myeloma, and perhaps contributes to drug resistance in this disease.
Grafting of leg ulcers with undifferentiated keratinocytes.

A procedure for transplanting cultured human keratinocytes has been developed and used successfully to treat patients with persistent leg ulcers. Shave excisions of donor skin of 1 cm2 or less were expanded in culture in l week to cover wounds as large as 90 cm 2 . The uniqueness of this system is the use of a biochemically modified surgical dressing that permits the transplantation of undifferentiated cells. Several hours after inoculation, trypsinized single cells become attached to the dressing and are ready for grafting. Seven of eight persistent stasis ulcers completely reepithelialized after application of the modified surgical dressing with undifferentiated keratinocytes.
A Spider Toxin and its Recombinant Isoform Block T-Type and N-Type Calcium Channels with High Affinity

T-type calcium channels are widely distributed in diverse tissues and dysfunctions of these channels contribute to a variety of disorders and diseases. Notably, few specific ligands are available for physiological identification of T-type calcium channels. Here we identify ω-agatoxin IIA (ω-Aga-IIA), a polypeptide toxin purified from venom of American Funnel Web spider, Agelenopsis aperta, as a high affinity low voltage-activated (T-type) calcium channel antagonist. In whole cell recordings of the human α1I channel stably expressed in HEK cells, ω-Aga-IIA partially inhibited T-type current with an EC50 of 1.05 ± 0.62 nM. ω-Aga-IIA also partially blocked α1B calcium channels with a higher efficacy than its effect on α1I channel, with a comparable EC50 of 0.17±0.056 nM. ω-Aga-IIA partially inhibited T-type and N-type calcium current at saturating concentrations without shifting the I-V curve. We also developed a heterologous expression system (E. coli) and a modified on-column protein refolding method for production of a ω-Aga-IIA isoform, ω-Agatoxin IIC (ω-Aga-IIC). Recombinant ω-Aga-IIC exhibited similar RP-HPLC elution profiles as ω-Aga-IIA and blocked α1I/α1B channels with high potency (EC50 of 1.01 ± 0.38 and 0.16±0.049, respectively). The high affinities of ω-Aga-IIA and ω-Aga-IIC for α1I and α1B calcium channels indicates the presence of an evolutionarily conserved binding site on high- and low voltage-activated calcium channels. With the successfully production and refolding of recombinant ω-Aga-IIC, a valuable tool has become available for further studies of calcium channel pharmacology and function.
Effects of moisture and thermal cycling on in-plane shear properties of graphite fibre-reinforced cyanate ester resin composites

The weight change and retention of in-plane shear (±45°) strength of graphite fibre-reinforced cyanate ester resin matrix composites have been estimated on exposure to high humidity and thermal cycling, respectively. Cyanate ester resin matrix composites absorbed a remarkably small amount of moisture on exposure to high humidity. However, the degree of moisture absorption underwent a rather sudden increase to a new equilibrium level after prolonged exposure. A morphology study showed the occurrence of extensive cracking in the matrix/interface region in the form of delamination between plies as well as translaminar cracking within plies. The phenomenon is believed to be caused by weakening of the fibre-matrix interface, which was confirmed by microscopic analysis of fracture surfaces. A sudden moisture gain associated with extensive matrix/interface cracking was found to reduce the in-plane shear strength and fatigue lifetime at a given stress amplitude. The slope of the S-N curve was lower for wet specimens, implying a higher growth rate of local cracks as well as delamination. The rate of in-plane shear strength degradation was also measured on static exposure to dry heat as well as after thermal cycling to a peak temperature of 150 or 204°C. At a frequency of 10 min/cycle and for a relatively short duration, the effect of thermal cycling seems to be represented by the cumulative sum of thermal oxidation effects at the peak temperature.
Determinants of subsequent home health care nursing service use by hospitalized patients with cancer.

Background. The authors examined the extent to which specific patient characteristics and length of hospital stay were capable of independently explaining the use of home health care nursing services by hospitalized patients with cancer after discharge. Methods. The current study represents a secondary analysis of a data set originally gathered to identify the home health care needs of patients with cancer. The sample involved 87 patients with cancer who received home health care after hospitalization and 43 patients who did not receive such services. Results. A logistic regression analysis indicated that home health care use was related to patient age, length of hospital stay, and level of symptom distress. Specifically, the likelihood of home health care use was found to increase among subjects older than 50 years of age, subjects with hospital stays of more than 7 days (apparently related to surgery), and those who experienced moderate to high levels of symptom distress. Conclusions. The results indicate a need for home health care nurses to be skilled in the management of cancer symptoms and in the complex problems commonly experienced by the postsurgical patient with cancer. Cancer 1993; 72:3304-12.
Patterns of luteal phase bleeding in in vitro fertilization cycles supplemented with Crinone vaginal gel and with intramuscular progesterone—impact of luteal estrogen: prospective, randomized study and post hoc analysis

Objective To compare patterns of luteal phase bleeding (LPB) in IVF cycles supplemented with Crinone and with intramuscular progesterone (IMP) and to evaluate the impact of luteal estrogen supplementation on LPB. Design Prospective, randomized trial and post hoc analysis. Setting University-affiliated IVF unit. Patient(s) Women under age 40 with day 3 FSH Intervention(s) Luteal phase supplementation with Crinone or IMP and with estrogen. Main Outcome Measure(s) Incidence of LPB in IVF cycles supplemented with Crinone and IMP and impact of luteal estrogen on the occurrence of LPB. Result(s) There was no difference in the overall incidence of LPB between patients treated with Crinone and those treated with IMP (33.2% vs. 25.7%). LPB occurred with equal frequency among pregnant patients in both arms (Crinone 21.9% vs. IMP 18.6%). Only nonpregnant women had a higher incidence of LPB when treated with Crinone compared with treatment with IMP (56.5% vs.38.1%). Estrogen supplementation decreased the occurrence of LPB among all participants but did not impact pregnancy rates. Conclusion(s) Only nonpregnant women had a higher incidence of bleeding in the luteal phase when supplemented with Crinone compared with treatment with IMP. IMP delays menses in nonpregnant cycles without affecting pregnancy rates. Luteal estrogen decreases LPB without impacting cycle outcomes.
Expert analogy use in a naturalistic setting.

The use of analogy is an important component of human cognition. The type of analogy we produce and communicate depends heavily on a number of factors, such as the setting, the level of domain expertise present, and the speaker’s goal or intent. In this observational study, we recorded economics experts during scientific discussion and examined the categorical distance and structural depth of the analogies they produced. We also sought to characterize the purpose of the analogies that were generated. Our results supported previous conclusions about the infrequency of superficial similarity in subject-generated analogs, but also showed that distance and depth characteristics were more evenly balanced than in previous observational studies. This finding was likely due to the nature of the goals of the participants, as well as the broader nature of their expertise. An analysis of analogical purpose indicated that the generation of concrete source examples of more general target concepts was most prevalent. We also noted frequent instances of analogies intended to form visual images of source concepts. Other common purposes for analogies were the addition of colorful speech, inclusion (i.e., subsumption) of a target into a source concept, or differentiation between source and target concepts. We found no association between depth and either of the other two characteristics, but our findings suggest a relationship between purpose and distance; i.e., that visual imagery typically entailed an outside-domain source whereas exemplification was most frequently accomplished using within-domain analogies. Overall, we observed a rich and diverse set of spontaneously produced analogical comparisons. The high degree of expertise within the observed group along with the richly comparative nature of the economics discipline likely contributed to this analogical abundance.
INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN (IVIG) LOTS USED IN CLINICAL TRIALS TO PREVENT LATE-ONSET INFECTION IN THE HIGH RISK NEONATE CONTAINED VARIABLE STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS ANTIBODY ACTIVITY. † 1806

Three large multi-center randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trials in the U.S. have observed and published variable results following IVIG prophylaxis for late-onset infection in the high risk neonate.Staphylococcus epidermidis was the major cause of infection in these studies. We hypothesized that these differences might in part be due to variable S. epidermidis antibody activity contained in the IVIG lots infused. We were able to obtain bottles of each of the twelve original lots of IVIG used in these trials. All IVIG lots were diluted to 5 grams% with normal saline. Each was then. evaluated to determine the amount of antibody present against a clinical (ATCC) strain of S. epidermidis (Haywood, serotype 2) using a modification of an in-vitro assay of neutrophil mediated opsonophagocytosis previously reported (Fischer et al, Journal of Infectious Diseases 1994;169:324-9). Antibody levels are the geometric mean of two assays and represent the largest reciprocal dilution which promoted ≥ 90% bacterial killing. No bacterial killing was noted in negative controls which were without IVIG, complement and both. The total IgG, measured by radial immunodiffusion, was similar for all the samples tested. The S. epidermidis opsonic activity of the IVIG lots ranged from undetectable to 20-1. Two of the IVIG lots (one with opsonic activity at 20-1 and the other at 5-1) and normal saline were then evaluated for in-vivo activity against the same strain of S. epidermidis by determining the per cent survival of lethally infected suckling rats (Fischer et al, ibid.) treated with each lot. Suckling rat survival was significantly increased (p 0.5) than those treated with IVIG containing low levels of S. epidermidis opsonic activity. We conclude that the IVIG lots used in the clinical trials evaluating IVIG prophylaxis in the high risk neonate had significantly variable S. epidermidis antibody activity. Further analysis will be necessary to correlate the clinical and antibody variability. If so, the development of screened or selected products with high titers of activity against neonatal specific pathogens would be warranted.
Closure Operators and Lattice Extensions

For closure operators Γ and Δ on the same set X, we say that Δ is a weak (resp. strong) extension of Γ if Cl(X, Γ) is a complete meet-subsemilattice (resp. complete sublattice) of Cl(X, Δ). This context is used to describe the extensions of a finite lattice that preserve various properties.
Information Technology Exception Messages: A Proposed Set of Information Elements and Format for Consistency and Informativeness

Users of information technology IT frequently encounter "exception messages" during their interactions with computing systems. Exception messages are important points of communication with users of IT and are similar in principle to compliance and warning messages that appear on consumer products and equipment e.g., cigarettes, power tools, etc., in various environments e.g., around machinery, and on chemicals. This study reviews the normative elements and information that are included in product, chemical, and environment compliance and warning messages and combines these with recommendations in the IT literature to propose that five elements and information should be included in IT exception messages with a standard format. It is argued that including these elements in the proposed format will improve the consistency and effectiveness of exception messages. Also reported are the results of an investigation of a sample of actual exception messages to determine their degree of conformity with the proposed elements. Results indicate that IT exception messages lack descriptive content.
Early inhibitory effects of zoledronic acid in tooth extraction sockets in dogs are negated by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein.

Purpose This study was conducted with 2 purposes. The first was to determine the effect of a single dose of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the healing of a tooth extraction socket in dogs. The second was to determine if placement of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)/absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) - INFUSE, (Medtronic, Memphis, TN) into these extraction sockets would inhibit the inhibition on bone healing and remodeling by ZA. Materials and Methods Nine adult female beagle dogs (2 to 3 yr old) were placed into 3 groups of 3 dogs each. Group I received 15 mL of sterile saline intravenously; group II received 2.5 mg of ZA intravenously; and group III received 5 mg of ZA intravenously. Forty-five days after treatment, all dogs underwent extraction of noncontiguous right and left mandibular first molars and second premolars. In group I, the right mandibular extraction sockets had nothing placed in them, whereas the left mandibular sockets had only ACS placed in them. In groups II and III, the right mandibular sockets had rhBMP-2/ACS placed in them, whereas the left mandibular sockets had only ACS placed. All extraction sockets were surgically closed. Tetracycline was given intravenously 5 and 12 days later, and all animals were euthanized 15 days after tooth extraction. The extraction sockets and rib and femur samples were harvested immediately after euthanasia, processed, and studied microscopically. Results A single dose of ZA significantly inhibited healing and bone remodeling in the area of the tooth extractions. The combination of rhBMP-2/ACS appeared to over-ride some of the bone remodeling inhibition of the ZA and increased bone fill in the extraction sites, and remodeling activity in the area was noted. The effects of rhBMP-2/ACS were confined to the area of the extraction sockets because bone activity at distant sites was not influenced. Conclusions A single dose of ZA administered intravenously inhibits early healing of tooth extraction sockets and bone remodeling in this animal model. The combination of rhBMP-2/ACS significantly increased bone fill and bone remodeling in these areas, negating much of the effect of the ZA.
The Mechanism of the Negative V fb Shift by Capping a Thin Layer of Me 2 O 3 (Me=Gd, Y or Dy)

The large negative Vfb shift by capping a thin layer of Me2O3 (Me= Gd, Y or Dy) on SiO2 and HfO2 with TaN metal gate was investigated. It was found that the negative Vfb shift is due to the dipole formation at MeSiO-SiO2 interface. The local bonding asymmetry is proposed to be the underlying reason for the dipole formation.
PM-10 Research Needs

PM-10 RESEARCH NEEDS R. F. Phalen Air Pollution Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Community and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA R. 0. McClellan Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA Over 200 scientists participated in the 1994 Colloaiiium on Particulate Air Pollution and Huma'n Mortality and Morbidity. The specialties of these participants included epidemiology, biostatistics, pulmonary medicine, occu- pational medicine, toxicology, physiology, cell biology, risk assessment, receptor modeling, source modeling, atmospheric chemistry, aerosol science, chemical engineering, and public health. The participants offered over 100 written suggestions for additional research related to each of the following platform sessions: epidemiological findings, epidemiologic methods, mech- anisms of toxicity, and sources, levels, and characterization of PM-10. Many of the suggestions were similar enough to be combined, and all of them have been edited or paraphrased for the sake of consistency and clarity. These suggestions for research were not officially discussed at the Colloqu- ium due to time constraints. In addition, they do not carry the imprimatur of any funding agency or regulatory agency. Rather, they are a encapsula- tion of the perceived needs for research as expressed by a large and diverse group of scientists who are actively involved with many aspects of the prob- lem of understanding and dealing with the impact of particulate air pollu- tion on the health of human populations. The suggestions are organized in this article in accordance with the Colloquium sessions. The most frequently mentioned suggestions are listed first, for emphasis. EPIDEMIOLOGIC FINDINGS (SESSION I) The session included presentations that both linked and failed to link human mortality and morbidity to ambient particulate air pollution. The identified research needs associated with this session were both numerous and varied. Supported by the California Air Resourc:es Board (contract 92-341 ), the National Institutes of Health (grant R01 HL 39682-05), and the Irvine Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (for- merly lrvine Occupational Health Center) of the University of California, Irvine. Richard Mannix and Marie Tonini assisted with this article. Inhalation Toxicology, 7:773-779, 1995 Copyright 0 1995 Taylor & Francis 0895-8378195 $1 0.00 + .oo
The molecular mechanism of stabilization of proteins by TMAO and its ability to counteract the effects of urea.

Trimethylamine n-oxide (TMAO) is a naturally occurring osmolyte that stabilizes proteins and offsets the destabilizing effects of urea. To investigate the molecular mechanism of these effects, we have studied the thermodynamics of interaction between TMAO and protein functional groups. The solubilities of a homologous series of cyclic dipeptides were measured by differential refractive index and the dissolution heats were determined calorimetrically as a function of TMAO concentration at 25 °C. The transfer free energy of the amide unit (−CONH−) from water to 1 M TMAO is large and positive, indicating an unfavorable interaction between the TMAO solution and the amide unit. This unfavorable interaction is enthalpic in origin. The interaction between TMAO and apolar groups is slightly favorable. The transfer free energy of apolar groups from water to TMAO consists of favorable enthalpic and unfavorable entropic contributions. This is in contrast to the contributions for the interaction between urea and apol...
A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the quantification of bioavailability and bioconversion of β-carotene to retinol in humans.

A method based on high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI LC-MS) was developed for the quantification of the bioavailability of retinyl palmitate and beta-carotene and the bioconversion of beta-carotene to retinol in humans. Following oral administration of [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,19,20-13C10]-retinyl palmitate and [12,13,14,15,20,12',13',14',15',20'-13C10]-beta-carotene at physiological doses to children between 8 and 11 years of age, blood samples were drawn and serum was prepared. Retinol and beta-carotene were extracted from 0.2- and 1.0-mL serum samples, respectively, and analyzed using reversed-phase HPLC with a C30 column interfaced to an APCI mass spectrometer. Unlike other LC-MS assays for carotenoids, no additional purification steps were necessary, nor was any derivatization of retinol or beta-carotene required. APCI LC-MS showed a linear detector response for beta-carotene over 4 orders of magnitude. Using selected ion monitoring to record the elution profile of protonated circulating beta-carotene at m/z 537 and [13C10]-beta-carotene at m/z 547, the limit of detection was determined to be 0.5 pmol injected on-column. To assess the ratio of labeled to unlabeled retinol, selected ion monitoring was carried out at m/z 269, 274, and 279. These abundant fragment ions corresponded to the loss of water from the protonated molecule of circulating retinol, [13C5]-retinol (metabolically formed from orally administered [13C10]-beta-carotene), and [13C10]-retinol (formed by hydrolysis of [13C10]-retinyl palmitate). The ratios of labeled to unlabeled retinol and the ratio of labeled to unlabeled beta-carotene were calculated. Combined with standard HPLC measurement of beta-carotene and retinol concentration and a mathematical model, these results showed that this simple LC-MS method can be used to quantify beta-carotene bioavailability and its bioconversion to retinol at physiologically relevant doses.
Balancing internal supply chain logistics: a comparative analysis of manufacturing and service firm operations

With the advent of high speed and large volume data transfer, logistics and supply chain management techniques have made great changes in internal supply chains. The present study dealt with three large organisations, at least regionally headquartered in the Pittsburgh, PA (US) metropolitan area, within the service industry and how they strategically leverage incentives to promote SCM-related concepts to attract and retain internal and external customers. Each segment will begin with a brief synopsis of the current situation, followed by examples of how the company incorporated logistical SCM-related systems into their strategic plans. In terms of SCM initiatives, each company was documented and their relationships explored with various operational and financial performance metrics, including information sharing, product and service customisation, long-term relationships, hedging strategies, advanced planning systems, leveraging the internet, supply network structure, and distribution network structure.
Seismic signatures of rock pore structure

Rock pore structure is one of the important parameters in controlling both seismic wave velocity and permeability in sandstones and carbonate rocks. For a given porosity of two similar rocks with different pore structures, their acoustic wave speeds can differ 2 km/s, and permeability can span nearly six orders of magnitude from 0.01 mD to 20 D in both sandstone and limestone. In this paper, we summarize a two-parameter elastic velocity model reduced from a general poroelastic theory, to characterize the effect of pore structures on seismic wave propagation. For a given mineralogy and fluid type of a reservoir, this velocity model is defined by porosity and a frame flexibility factor, which can be used in seismic inversion and reservoir characterization to improve estimation of porosity and reserves. The frame flexibility factor can be used for quantitative classification of rock pore structure types (PST) and may be related to pore connectivity and permeability, using both poststack and prestack seismic data. This study also helps explain why amplitude versus offset analysis (AVO) in some cases fails for the purpose of fluid detection: pore structure effect on seismic waves can mask all the fluid effects, especially in carbonate rocks.
Regulated gene expression with promoters responding to inducers

Genetically engineered transgenic animals and plants have proven to be extremely useful for analyzing biochemical and developmental processes. Promoters responding to chemical inducers will be powerful tools for basic research in molecular biology and biotechnological applications. Various chemical-inducible systems based on activation and inactivation of the target gene had been developed. The transfer of regulatory elements from prokaryotes, insects, and mammals has opened new avenues to construct chemically-inducible promoters that differ in their ability to regulate the temporal and spatial expression patterns, and this will dramatically increase the application of transgenic technology. This review provides an overview on promoter activating systems, promoter inactivation systems, inducible gene over-expression, and inducible anti-suppression.
903 Bone Marrow Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells have the Capacity to Differentiate into B-Cells in Vivo

S136 Brief Abstract: While fear and anxiety are known elements of the phasesofcancer survivorship,otherperceptionsarenotwellknown.There is a large focus on survivorship in pediatrics, as well as solid tumor malignancies, but this has been an understudied area in adults with leukemia. This is apilot studycomparing races and leukemia subtypes amongdifferent cancer survivorship phases. Full Abstract: Background: The three phases of cancer survivorship include the acute survival phase (ASP), the extended survival phase (ESP), and the permanent survival phase (PSP). This IRB-approved retrospective pilot project compared races and leukemia subtypes among patients in the ASP, ESP, and PSP. Methods: Fifty-five adult patients from our NCI-designated cancer center were individually interviewed. Questions were derived from the PLWC, NCCN, and NRC websites. Subjects were asked about multiple areas of survivorship, including their social support system, distress level, and QOL. Results: Demographics of the 55 patients are ALL-10, AML-9, CLL-23, and CML-13; females-23 and males32; Hispanics-30, Caucasians-20, and African-Americans-5; ASP22, ESP-21, and PSP-12 patients. AML patients experienced the most physical, family, emotional, and spiritual problems (78%, 33%, 56%, and 22%). AML Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia June 2011 patients also had the highest distress level with a mean score of 5.8 (SD 1.7), compared to ALL (1.8), CLL (3.2), and CML patients (5.1), (p-value 0.001). Among all the phases of survivorship, the ASP had the highest distress level (mean-4.8) and the worst QOL (mean-2.3). The ASP patients had the most treatment for depression (38%). When comparing races, African Americans and Hispanics (40% and 37%) were unable to cope with finances, as compared to Caucasians (5%), (p-value 0.016). Fear of recurrence was higher in Hispanics (67%), compared to African Americans (40%) and Caucasians (30%), (p-value 0.031). African Americans reported requiring more assistance with social and spiritual well-being (40% for each). Hispanics (40%) experienced problems with housing, insurance, and work, as compared to African Americans (20%) and Caucasians (10%), (p-value 0.047). Conclusion: This pilot study addresses the perceptions and beliefs of leukemia survivors and found that AML and minority patients need further investigation on various aspects of QOL. More studies should be done in adult leukemia patients to overcome the hurdles to optimal cancer survivorship care.
Polydisulfide manganese(II) complexes as non-gadolinium biodegradable macromolecular MRI contrast agents

Purpose: To develop safe and effective manganese(II) -based biodegradable macromolecular MRI contrast agents. Materials and Methods: In this study, we synthesized and characterized two polydisulfide manganese(II) complexes, Mn-DTPA cystamine copolymers and Mn-EDTA cystamine copolymers, as new biodegradable macromolecular MRI contrast agents. The contrast enhancement of the two manganese-based contrast agents were evaluated in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma xenografts, in comparison with MnCl2. Results: The T1 and T2 relaxivities were 4.74 and 10.38 mM−1s−1 per manganese at 3T for Mn-DTPA cystamine copolymers (Mn = 30.50 kDa) and 6.41 and 9.72 mM−1s−1 for Mn-EDTA cystamine copolymers (Mn = 61.80 kDa). Both polydisulfide Mn(II) complexes showed significant liver, myocardium and tumor enhancement. Conclusion: The manganese-based polydisulfide contrast agents have a potential to be developed as alternative non-gadolinium contrast agents for MR cancer and myocardium imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:737-744. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spirituality in Tobacco Dependence: A Mayo Clinic Survey

Context With widespread interest in natural remedies and "wholistic" treatments, there has been a renewed focus on the impact of spirituality related alternative therapy for many current chronic diseases. Objective To assess the potential impact of spiritual beliefs on lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, we conducted a patient survey. Design/Setting This cross-section study was conducted using a 27-question survey of patients seen at the Mayo Clinic over a 14-week period. Patients We invited all patients (smokers and nonsmokers) seen in several Mayo Clinic divisions to participate in this voluntary survey. Interventions The survey included demographic information, history of tobacco use or nonuse, and assessment of spirituality. Main Outcome Measure Among the 501 patients who participated, 370 were nonsmokers and 131 were smokers. Compared with smokers, nonsmokers more often participated in religious activities such as regular weekly church attendance (48% vs. 24%), daily prayer, and Bible study (49% vs. 24%; P P Result Nonsmokers are more likely to engage in religious activities such as prayer, Bible study, and regular church attendance. Further studies may be helpful to clearly define the potential impact of spirituality on smoking cessation.
Piperidinecarboxamides with potential CNS and cardiovascular properties.

Several 1- and 2-(2-phenylethyl)piperidinecarboxamides were prepared and subjected to preliminary pharmacological studies. Moderate to strong activity by several compounds was observed in modified dopa potentiation tests in mice.
METABOLIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SODIUM AND POTASSIUM DISTRIBUTION IN ULVA LACTUCA

1. Methods for the use of the marine green alga, Ulva lactuca , in studies on electrolyte metabolism are described. 2. The effect of illumination and iodoacetate on the potassium and sodium content, as well as the influence of light and running sea water on the iodoacetate effect was investigated. The rate of exchange of cellular potassium ion for K42 under conditions of light and dark at 20 and 30°C. was studied. 3. Ulva maintained in the dark for long periods loses some potassium and gains sodium, both effects being reversed upon illumination. The presence of 0.001 M iodoacetate in the dark causes a marked progressive loss of potassium and gain of sodium, phenomena which do not occur when the alga is illuminated. Evidence for the penetration of the inhibitor into the cell in the presence of light is presented. The iodoacetate effect on potassium and sodium content, once established, can be "washed out" of the alga when the plant is placed in light and running sea water without the inhibitor. Illumination and increased temperature each favor a more rapid exchange of tissue for environmental potassium ion. 4. In the interpretation of these findings it is emphasized that metabolic work, perhaps in the form of ion transports, must be done by the cell to compensate for the continual flow of potassium ion and sodium ion with their respective concentration gradients and thus maintain homeostasis within the cell. Evidence is presented which indicates separate mechanisms for the distribution of sodium and potassium in this organism. It is further suggested that the degradation of phosphoglyceric acid, an important glycolytic and photosynthetic intermediate, or one of the products of its metabolism supplied the energy for these ion transports(s). The role of permeability per se is considered.
Protein kinase C δ regulates the release of collagen type I from vascular smooth muscle cells via regulation of Cdc42

Collagen type I is the most abundant component of extracellular matrix in the arterial wall. Mice knocked out for the protein kinase C δ gene (PKCδ KO) show a marked reduction of collagen I in the arterial wall. The lack of PKCδ diminished the ability of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to secrete collagen I without significantly altering the intracellular collagen content. Moreover, the unsecreted collagen I molecules accumulate in large perinuclear puncta. These perinuclear structures colocalize with the trans-Golgi network (TGN) marker TGN38 and to a lesser degree with cis-Golgi marker (GM130) but not with early endosomal marker (EEA1). Associated with diminished collagen I secretion, PKCδ KO SMCs exhibit a significant reduction in levels of cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) protein and mRNA. Restoring PKCδ expression partially rescues Cdc42 expression and collagen I secretion in PKCδ KO SMCs. Inhibition of Cdc42 expression or activity with small interfering RNA or secramine A in PKCδ WT SMCs eliminates collagen I secretion. Conversely, restoring Cdc42 expression in PKCδ KO SMCs enables collagen I secretion. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PKCδ mediates collagen I secretion from SMCs, likely through a Cdc42-dependent mechanism.
LOSS OF GAMETOPHYTIC SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY WITH EVOLUTION OF INBREEDING DEPRESSION

Gametophytic self-incompatibility (SI) in plants is a widespread mechanism preventing self-fertilization and the ensuing inbreeding depression, but it often evolves to self-compatibility. We analyze genetic mechanisms for the breakdown of gametophytic SI, incorporating a dynamic model for the evolution of inbreeding depression allowing for partial purging of nearly recessive lethal mutations by selfing, and accounting for pollen limitation and sheltered load linked to the S-locus. We consider two mechanisms for the breakdown of gametophytic SI: a nonfunctional S-allele and an unlinked modifier locus that inactivates the S-locus. We show that, under a wide range of conditions, self-compatible alleles can invade a self-incompatible population. Conditions for invasion are always less stringent for a nonfunctional S-allele than for a modifier locus. The spread of self-compatible genotypes is favored by extremely high or low selfing rates, a small number of S-alleles, and pollen limitation. Observed parameter values suggest that the maintenance of gametophytic SI is caused by a combination of high inbreeding depression in self-incompatible populations coupled with intermediate selfing rates of the self-compatible genotypes and sheltered load linked to the S-locus.
Reconfigurable acoustic modem for underwater sensor networks

There is a growing interest for underwater sensor networks where long term monitoring of water masses around the world for scientific, environmental, commercial, and military reasons is desired. In this paper we will present the concept of a highly flexible acoustic modem called the Reconfigurable Modem (rModem) that can be used for rapid testing and development of such networks.
CERAMICS IN RESTORATIVE AND PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY 1

This review is intended to provide the ceramic engineer with information about the history and current use of ceramics in dentistry, contemporary research topics, and potential research agenda. Background material includes intra-oral design considerations, descriptions of ceramic dental components, and the origin, composition, and microstructure of current dental ceramics. Attention is paid to efforts involving net-shape processing, machining as a forming method, and the analysis of clinical failure. A rationale is presented for the further development of all-ceramic restorative systems. Current research topics receiving attention include microstructure/processing/property relationships, clinical failure mechanisms and in vitro testing, wear damage and wear testing, surface treatments, and microstructural modifications. The status of the field is critically reviewed with an eye toward future work. Significant improvements seem possible in the clinical use of ceramics based on engineering solutions derived from the study of clinically failed restorations, on the incorporation of higher levels of “biomimicry” in new systems, and on the synergistic developments in dental cements and adhesive dentin bonding.
“Getting High and Getting By”: Dimensions of Drug Selling Behaviors among American Mexican Gang Members in South Texas

This article discerns the role that Mexican American gang members play in drug markets, and the relationship between gang members’drug use and drug selling in South Texas. A four-part typology based on the two dimensions of gang type and gang member emerged from this qualitative analysis of 160 male gang members: Homeboys, Hustlers, Slangers, and Ballers. Major findings include the following: (1) many gang members are user/sellers and are not profit-oriented dealers, (2) gangs commonly do extend “protection” to drug-selling members, and (3) proximity to Mexican drug markets, adult prison gangs, and criminal family members may play important roles in whether these gang members have access and the profit potential to actually deal drugs. This research contributes to our complex intersections between gangs, drug using, and drug selling.
No New Terrain: Reliability and Construct Validity of Job Performance Ratings

Murphy (2008) covers the same terrain that has been extensively discussed and discredited, both theoretically and empirically, in the job performance literature. Murphy’s assertions about the inapplicability of the true performance plus measurement error model to performance ratings (termed the one-factor model of ratings by Murphy) do not hold up under close scrutiny and if accepted would raise serious concerns about extant research using performance measures as criteria or dependent variables to be influenced. We agree with Murphy that job performance ratings are fallible and imperfect. But we disagree that performance ratings as criteria have led to untrustworthy and uninterpretable results. We also disagree about the alleged ‘‘weaknesses’’ of one-factor models of performance ratings (Campbell, McHenry, & Wise, 1990; Viswesvaran, Schmidt, & Ones, 2005) and Murphy’s claimed superiority of the multifactor and mediated models. Murphy, as before (Murphy&DeShon,2000), confuses theconstruct validity of performance ratings with measurement model of ratings (Schmidt, Viswesvaran, & Ones, 2000). Our commentary is organized into three sections: (a) measurement models, (b) construct validity of ratings, and (c) implications.
L’Enseignement de la distinction passé composé/imparfait aux apprenants anglophones du FLE : un test de deux explications dans la salle de classe

Le systeme aspectuel du francais, plus particulierement la distinction entre le passe compose (PC) et l’imparfait (IMP), est un des adversaires les plus redoutables pour les apprenants anglophones puisque leur langue native ne connait pas de telle distinction. Les explications de cette distinction aspectuelle ne manquent pas dans les manuels du FLE ni dans les articles de linguistique mais il manque des experiences pour tester l’effet de ces explications sur des apprenants. L’objectif de la presente etude est donc de mettre a l’epreuve dans la salle de classe du FLE aux Etats-Unis deux explications de la distinction entre le PC et l’IMP. Une est une explication aspectuelle tandis que l’autre est une explication typique du manuel.