cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Red clouds in reducing atmospheres

A dark reddish-brown high-molecular weight polymer is produced by long wavelength ultraviolet irradiation of abundant gases in reducing planetary atmospheres. The polymer is examined by paper chromatography, mass spectrometry, and infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. High carbon-number straight-chain alkanes with NH2 and, probably, OH and C = O groups are identified, along with amino acids. There are chemical similarities between this polymer and organic compounds recovered from carbonaceous chondrites and precambrian sediments. The visible and near-ultraviolet transmission spectrum of the polymer shows its absorption optical depth to be redder than lambda(-2) and perhaps similar in coloration to the clouds of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan. The nitrile content is small, and the polymer should be semitransparent in the 5 micrometer atmospheric window. Such polymers may be a common constituent of clouds in the outer solar system and on the early earth.
Introduction to the Go Local Special Issue

This introduction presents the dominant themes of this special issue dedicated to “Lessons Learned” from the Go Local projects. Recurring topics from the published literature about Go Local, from the Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet and other periodicals, are reviewed.
Determining the Functional Core for Proton Transport, Ion Selectivity and Amantadine Sensitivity of the A/M2 Protein from Influenza A Virus

Influenza continues to be an epidemic and pandemic disease. The M2 protein from influenza A virus is a pH-activated proton channel. Its function is essential for efficient replication of the virus. Moreover, the M2 protein is the target of the antiviral drug amantadine, which is one of few available antiviral drugs that inhibit influenza A replication. Although M2 protein is only a 97-amino acid protein, it possesses multiple roles by its different domains in different stages of virus life cycles. In spite of the importance of the ion channel function of the M2 protein, the part of the protein that possesses its central role-proton channel-has not been defined clearly. Moreover, recent structural studies used truncated constructs that have not yet been evaluated for proton channel function. Here we report findings from experiments designed to investigate the functional core for proton transport, ion selectivity and amantadine sensitivity of M2 ion channel protein. We constructed a series of truncation mutants, measured low-pH activated, amantadine sensitive current in oocytes of Xenopus laevis and also determined the relative M2 surface expression on the Xenopus laevis oocyte membrane. We found that a construct of residues 21-61 (“shortie”), which includes the TM domain and 18-residues of the cytoplasmic tail, has the ion channel activity indistinguishable from that of the full length M2 protein. Functional reconstitution vesicle assay also showed that this construct was sufficient for proton channel function. Further truncated peptides (residues 22-46 and residues 22-50) showed amantadine-sensitive proton fluxes similar to “shortie” M2 (residues 19-62), however these peptides displayed a lower proton-selectivity and some potassium ion flux.
Sampling inference, Bayes' inference and robustness in the advancement of learning

Scientific learning is seen as an iterative process employing Criticism and Estimation. Sampling theory use of predictive distributions for model criticism is examined and also the implications for significance tests and the theory of precise measurement. Normal theory examples and ridge estimates are considered. Predictive checking functions for transformation, serial correlation, and bad values are reviewed as is their relation with Bayesian options. Robustness is seen from a Bayesian view point and examples are given. The bad value problem is also considered and comparison with M estimators is made
Area postrema ablation and vascular reactivity in deoxycorticosterone-salt-treated rats.

In rats, central administration of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine prevents hypertension and certain functional vascular changes after deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-salt treatment. In this study, the effect of electrolytic ablation of the area postrema on blood pressure and vascular reactivity in DOC-salt-treated rats was examined. Four treatment groups of rats were studied (n = 5 in each): area postrema lesion, DOC-salt (DOC pivalate, 5 mg/wk s.c. for 5 weeks); sham lesion, DOC-salt; area postrema lesion, control; and sham lesion, control. Helically cut strips of carotid artery, aorta, and mesenteric artery were prepared for isometric force recording. Area postrema lesion attenuated hypertension in DOC-salt rats (mean arterial pressure, 107 vs 123 mm Hg in area postrema lesion and sham lesion rats, respectively; chronic aortic catheter). Vascular strips from sham lesion-control rats. These changes in vascular reactivity also were observed in area postrema lesion-DOC-salt rats. DOC treatment in rats on a normal sodium intake did not result in hypertension or increased vascular reactivity. In summary, integrity of the area postrema is necessary for hypertension but not for changes in vascular reactivity, in DOC-salt rats. It appears that 1) changes in vascular reactivity may be necessary, but they are not sufficient to produce DOC-salt hypertension, and 2) if these vascular changes are secondary to a central nervous system effect, they are mediated by a pathway distinct from the area postrema.
Oxidation of Organic Compounds with Xenon Trioxide I: Stoichiometric and Kinetic Studies Involving Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamaldehyde, and Cinnamic Acid

The stoichiometry involved in the xenon trioxide oxidation of cis- and trans-cinnamyl alcohol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and trans-cinnamic acid to carbon dioxide and water was determined using an excess of xenon trioxide. The rate of oxidation of trans-cinnamaldehyde with xenon trioxide within the concentration range studied, was found to be first order with respect to xenon trioxide and zero order with respect to trans-cinnamaldehyde. The reaction rate is pH-dependent and inversely related to the ionic strength of phosphate buffer.
Platinum Nanostructure Growth Using Self-Assembled Fluorocarbon Structure

We report on a novel approach to grow platinum (Pt) nanostructure using a self-assembled fluorocarbon structure as a template. A ring-type structure of fluorocarbon residues forms during the reactive ion etching (RIE) of SiO2 using trifluoromethane (CHF3) and oxygen as etching gases. Typical dimensions of the ring-type fluorocarbon structure are found to be ~50 nm in diameter, ~10 nm in wall thickness, and ~50 nm in height in this study. Platinum nanostructure up to 100 nm in height and 50 nm in diameter are grown on the template using a low-cost thin film sputter coater for 3 minutes. The morphology and growth mechanism of fluorocarbon structure and platinum nanostructure are discussed. This work provides a simple approach to platinum nanostructure growth for a fuel-cell application.
Knowledge in a Social World

PART I: FOUNDATIONS 1. EPISTEMOLOGY AND POSTMODERN RESISTANCE 2. TRUTH 3. THE FRAMEWORK PART II: GENERIC SOCIAL PRACTICES 4. TESTIMONY 5. ARGUMENTATION 6. THE TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMICS OF COMMUNICATION 7. SPEECH REGULATION AND THE MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS PART III: SPECIAL DOMAINS 8. SCIENCE 9. LAW 10. DEMOCRACY 11. EDUCATION BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX.
Acute hemodynamic effects of converting enzyme inhibition in infants with congestive heart failure

ville Medical therapy for congestive heart failure has traditionally included the use of digitalis glycosides and diuretics. Most investigators believe that left ventricular contractility is not impaired in infants with large left-to-right shunts, and therefore treatment with inotropic agents alone may not significantly improve symptoms, l, 4 Vasodilator therapy is often used in the treatment of congestive heart failure in adults but may adversely affect hemodynamics in infants with large left-to-right shunts. 5 Blockade of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone axis has been shown to improve hemodynamics in adults with congestive heart failure. 6-9 Recent studies of children have suggested a beneficial effect of angiotensin II blockade in children with heart failure caused by left:to-right shunts. 1~ I I In this study, we sought to investigate the acute hemodynamic effects of blockade of therenin-angiotensin system, using a single intravenous dose of the converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat in infants with congestive heart failure caused by large left-to-right shunts. METHODS The study group consisted of 11 patients, 1 to 13 months of age, with congestive heart failure secondary to leftto-right shunt lesions. Congestive heart failure was manifested clinically by tachypnea, tachycardia, hepatomegaly, and growth failure on physical examination, and by cardiomegaly and increased vascularity on a chest radiograph. Four patients with Down syndrome were included in the study. All patients had been treated with digoxin or diuretics or both, although medications were withheld for 12 hours before cardiac catheterization. This study was approved by the human investigation committee, and informed consent for participation in this study was obtained from the subjects' parents.
Placemaking with tall buildings

Despite their profound impact on our cities, research on tall buildings’ role in placemaking is scarce (Brown et al, 2009). This article attempts to fill this gap by providing a conceptual model for analyzing tall building design, spatial location and the associated public spaces. The model specifically examines the role of tall buildings in placemaking by studying four contributing factors: (1) imageability, (2) human scale, (3) socio-economic and spatial factors, and (4) cultural association. Examples of tall buildings from different parts of the world are provided to illustrate the analyses.
PHOTON-INDUCED FORMATION OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN FROM A NEUTRAL POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON: 9,10-DIHYDROANTHRACENE

Experimental results from infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry provide compelling evidence that UV irradiation of the neutral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) 9,10-dihydroanthracene (DHA), trapped in solid argon (12 K), results in efficient (i.e., 90% yield) conversion to anthracene and molecular hydrogen. A number of dissociation pathways involving single or double hydrogen loss are investigated computationally. Among these, two mechanisms are most credible for a one-photon dissociation process involving UV photons <5.5 eV. For the lowest-energy pathway (2.3 eV), a simultaneous lengthening of the C-H bonds of H9 and H10 gives rise to an anthracene-H2 complex. A higher-energy mechanism (3.4 eV) involves an initial lengthening of the H9 C-H bond, followed by this hydrogen "grabbing" H10, and forming H2. The high yield of this photolysis reaction suggests that similar reactions may take place for other neutral PAHs, with implications for the formation of molecular hydrogen in regions of low UV exposure, such as in dark clouds.
Mechanical Increase of Vascular Resistance in Experimental Myocardial Infarction with Shock

The hemodynamic and cardiac metabolic effects of increasing central aortic pressure by obstructing the abdominal aorta with a balloon catheter introduced via a femoral artery were determined in 28 anesthetized dogs with acute myocardial infarction and shock produced by coronary embolization with plastic spheres. Following coronary embolization, aortic pressure, cardiac output, and left ventricular mechanical efficiency declined in all animals; left ventricular "excess lactate" appeared in about one-half. With abdominal aortic obstruction for 1 hour, there were significant elevations of postembolic aortic pressure, coronary flow, cardiac output, left ventricular oxygen consumption and mechanical efficiency. Left atrial pressure rose slightly but not beyond normal limits. Arterial-coronary sinus oxygen difference diminished, and left ventricular excess lactate diminished or disappeared in 60% of the animals in which it was noted in the postembolic state. After 1 hour of abdominal aortic obstruction, cardiac...
Short Time Transient Behavior of SiGe-based Microrefrigerators

We use a Thermoreflectance Thermal Imaging technique to study the transient cooling of SiGe-based microrefrigerators. Thermal imaging with submicron spatial resolution, 0.1C temperature resolution and 100 nanosecond temporal resolution is achieved. Transient temperature profiles of SiGe-based superlattice microrefrigerator devices of different sizes are obtained. The dynamic behavior of these microrefrigerators, show an interplay between Peltier and Joule effects. On the top surface of the device, Peltier cooling appears first with a time constant of about 10-30 microseconds, then Joule heating in the device starts taking over with a time constant of about 100-150 microseconds. The experimental results agree very well with the theoretical predictions based on Thermal Quadrupoles Method. The difference in the two time constants can be explained considering the thermal resistance and capacitance of the thin film. In addition this shows that the Joule heating at the top metal/semiconductor interface does not dominate the microrefrigerator performance or else we would have obtained the same time constants for the Peltier and Joule effects. Experimental results show that under high current values, pulse-operation the microrefrigerator device can provide cooling for about 30 microseconds, even though steady state measurements show heating. Temperature distribution on the metal leads connected to the microrefrigerator’s cold junction show the interplay between Joule heating in the metal as well as heat conduction to the substrate. Modeling is used to study the effect of different physical and geometrical parameters of the device on its transient cooling. 3D geometry of heat and current flow in the device plays an important role. One of the goals is to maximize cooling over the shortest time scales.
Nanoscale Integrated Photonics for Optical Networks: introduction to the feature issue

Feature Issue on Nanoscale Integrated Photonics for Optical NetworksFor the first time, we can now envision nanoscale integrated photonics modules that may be application-specific designed in a fashion similar to integrated electronics for applications ranging from ultra-long-haul telecommunications to on-chip networks and high performance computing.
Isolation and characterization of MPM-2-reactive sperm proteins: homology to components of the outer dense fibers and segmented columns.

Sperm from most mammalian species catalyze the formation of an aster of microtubules in the oocyte after fertilization. One component that may be involved in the regulation of sperm centrosomal activity in the oocyte is a phosphorylated protein complex (MPM-2-reactive sperm protein; MSP) with a molecular mass of 77-85 kDa identified by the MPM-2 antibody. The objective of this study was to compare the MSPs to a previously identified 85-kDa complex (ODF/CP85) that is a component of the outer dense fibers of the sperm midpiece and the segmented columns of the connecting piece. MSPs were isolated from boar sperm using a differential extraction procedure and preparative gel electrophoresis. Three mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies were made to the isolated complex, and these antibodies labeled similar proteins in rabbit, bull, boar, and mouse sperm. Extraction and solubilization procedures for MSPs and ODF/CP85 required harsh chaotropic and reducing conditions. In addition to migrating at the same molecular mass on gels, proteins from each preparation labeled with MPM-2, an anti-ODF/CP antibody, and the anti-MSP antibody prepared in this study. Amino acid composition was similar to that reported previously for rat and bull ODF/CP85. Furthermore, immuno-localization by both fluorescent and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the MSPs are components of the outer dense fibers and probably the segmented columns of the connecting piece. Taken together, these results indicate that the MSPs are the previously identified 85-kDa complex of the outer dense fibers and connecting piece. Therefore, it is likely that any involvement of these proteins in the regulation of sperm centrosomal activity is through the process of connecting piece disassembly.
The Politics of Investigations and Regulatory Enforcement by Independent Agents and Cabinet Appointees

We develop a game-theoretic model that identifies conditions under which a political executive will be satisfied with the actions of an appointee who decides whether to investigate possible legal violations. Because investigations are a necessary precondition for enforcement, the investigator exerts significant influence over whether, and the extent to which, laws are enforced. In our model, an executive can exert power over the investigator's actions only indirectly, via the threat of replacement. This threat is most effective when the investigator has preferences that diverge from those of the executive. In contrast, when the investigator and executive share similar preferences, the replacement threat can induce the investigator to behave dogmatically, contrary to the executive's interests. More subtly, we show how the replacement threat's effects on investigator behavior hinge on whether the executive is able to predict the behavior of potential replacements: an executive can sometimes gain leverage ov...
Does Detection of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Provide Prognostic Information

JNCI | Editorials 905 Awareness of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is increasing within the scientific and medical communities. MCC is a highly lethal skin cancer: Approximately 30% of all MCC patients die from metastatic disease within 2 years of diagnosis ( 1 ). The incidence of this relatively rare skin cancer has increased threefold over the past 20 years ( 2 ). Approximately 1500 new cases of MCC were diagnosed in the United States in 2008 ( 1 ). Remarkably, a new human polyomavirus (later named Merkel cell polyomavirus [MCPyV]) was discovered last year when viral DNA was found to be integrated into the tumor chromosomal DNA from eight of 10 cases of MCC ( 3 ). In one of these cases, DNA from the virus was integrated at the same site in the primary tumor and in a metastasis, indicating that clonal integration of the virus occurred in the primary tumor before Does Detection of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Provide Prognostic Information?
Review of Continuing Education and Published Literature Related to Women's Health and Pharmacy.

Background: In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and collaborating organizations created a framework for women’s health instruction as a guide for integrating women’s health in...
Glutaraldehyde Treatment of Proteinaceous Gas Vesicles from Cyanobacterium Anabaenaflos‐aquae

As potential gas microcarriers, gas vesicles (GVs) were isolated from cultures of the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae and treated with glutaraldehyde. The effects of glutaraldehyde treatment on the stability of GVs, against elevated temperatures (40-121 degrees C) and protein-stripping agents such as urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), were then examined with the pressure collapse curves generated using pressure nephelometry. The treatment was very beneficial to GVs against the exposure to SDS and urea; however, it did not make the evolution-optimized vesicle structure stronger or more temperature-resistant. In the presence of these protein-stripping agents, the treated vesicles had higher median (50%) collapse pressures (by > or =1 atm) than the untreated ones, at both room temperature and 40 degrees C. This increase has been presumably attributed to the cross-linking of the large GvpC protein to the ribbed GvpA shell, thereby resisting the stripping of GvpC that provides the primary mechanical strength to the vesicle wall. The glutaraldehyde treatment also restored the strength of GVs weakened by a 5-week storage in a refrigerator and, therefore, is expected to improve the stability of GVs for long-term storage. GVs could not be autoclaved. If necessary for the intended applications, glutaraldehyde treatment may also serve to chemically sterilize the vesicles, with the glutaraldehyde subsequently removed by dialysis.
Borderline Personality Disorder Features and Utilization of Treatment Over Two Years

This study assessed the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD) features and treatment utilization over a 2-year time period. Participants included 349 18-year-old nonclinical young adults, approximately one-half of whom endorsed significant borderline features. The laboratory phase of the study involved the administration of self-report and interview-based assessments of BPD psychopathology at Wave 1, as well as interviews targeting Axis I psychopathology and treatment utilization history at Wave 2 (2 years later). Results indicated that borderline features prospectively predicted utilization of psychopharmacological treatment above and beyond what was accounted for by gender, lifetime Axis I psychopathology, and nonBPD Axis II psychopathology. The borderline feature most strongly associated with treatment utilization was affective instability.
Cdc37 has distinct roles in protein kinase quality control that protect nascent chains from degradation and promote posttranslational maturation.

Cdc37 is a molecular chaperone that functions with Hsp90 to promote protein kinase folding. Analysis of 65 Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein kinases (∼50% of the kinome) in a cdc37 mutant strain showed that 51 had decreased abundance compared with levels in the wild-type strain. Several lipid kinases also accumulated in reduced amounts in the cdc37 mutant strain. Results from our pulse-labeling studies showed that Cdc37 protects nascent kinase chains from rapid degradation shortly after synthesis. This degradation phenotype was suppressed when cdc37 mutant cells were grown at reduced temperatures, although this did not lead to a full restoration of kinase activity. We propose that Cdc37 functions at distinct steps in kinase biogenesis that involves protecting nascent chains from rapid degradation followed by its folding function in association with Hsp90. Our studies demonstrate that Cdc37 has a general role in kinome biogenesis.
Quality assurance and quality control for the Confinement Physics Research Facility (CPRF) and ZTH experiment

In compliance with DOE (US Department of Energy) order 5700.6B, which establishes policies to assure quality achievement in DOE programs, Los Alamos National Laboratory instituted a quality assurance and control (QA) program whose primary goal is to assure that reliable components are available with which to assemble the Confinement Physics Research Facility (CPRF)/ZTH experiment. The Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, and the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards N45.2 were used as primary sources of guidance in establishing a plan for the QA program. Accepted codes, such as the National Electric Code (NEC), and standards adopted by organizations such as ANSI, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), and NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturer's Association) were used in the design and production of components in keeping with the primary goal of the CPRF program. In setting up the CPRF/ZTH quality assurance program it was the intention to have these standards apply to all suppliers, both in and outside the Laboratory. >
Length of Daily Feeding Time as an Influence on Growth and Digestive Efficiency in Young Chickens

Abstract METABOLIC adaptations have been shown to occur when chickens and rats are induced to consume their daily rations in a short period of time as compared to ad libitum fed animals (Tepperman and Tepperman, 1958; Cohn and Joseph, 1960; Cohn, 1961; Heggeness, 1961). Rats on limited feeding schedules had lower thyroid activity, more body fat, and a smaller quantity of body protein than those allowed feed ad libitum (Cohn and Joseph, 1960). This was thought to be due to an increased ingestion rate and its effect on intermediary metabolism. The rate of calorie influx probably caused increased hexosemonophosphate activity with resultant increased lipogenesis (Tepperman and Tepperman, 1958). According to Heggeness (1961), metabolic and morphological adaptation by rats to partial quantitative dietary restriction resulted in a temporary increase in rate of gain in body weight and improved efficiency when the animals were returned to ad libitum consumption. Lepkovsky et al. (1960)…
Towards dependable home networking: an experience report

As the success of the Web increasingly brings us towards a fully connected world, home networking systems that connect and manage home appliances become the natural next step to complete the connectivity. Although there has been fast-growing interest in the design of smart appliances and environments, there has been little study on the dependability issues, which is essential to making home networking part of our daily lives. The heterogeneity of various in-home networks, the undependable nature of consumer devices, and the lack of knowledgeable system administrators in the home environment introduce both opportunities and challenges for dependability research. We report the dependability problems we encountered and the solutions we adopted in the deployment of the Aladdin home networking system. We propose the use of a soft-state store as a shared heartbeat infrastructure for monitoring the health of diverse hardware and software entities. We also describe a system architecture for connecting powerline devices to enhance dependability, and a monitoring tool for detecting unusual powerline activities potentially generated by intruders, interferences, or ill-behaved devices.
Mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit gene, eat-6, disrupt excitable cell function

We have cloned a Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit gene from Caenorhabditis elegans and discovered that it is identical to the gene eat-6, eat-6 mutations cause feeble contractions and slow, delayed relaxations of pharyngeal muscle. The resting membrane potential of eat-6 mutant pharynxes is consistently depolarized compared to wild-type. The action potentials are smaller, and the return to resting potential is slower. To explain these abnormalities, we propose that a reduction of Na,K-ATPase activity in eat-6 mutants leads to a reduction of the ion concentration gradients that power membrane potential changes.
SCREAM I: A single mask, single-crystal silicon process for microelectromechanical structures

A process outline for a one-mask version of the single-crystal silicon reactive etch and metal (SCREAM) process called SCREAM-I, for fabricating silicon microelectromechanical (MEM) devices, is presented. The process defines single-crystal silicon (SCS) high-aspect ratio beams using submicron optical lithography. The process defines MEM devices with a single mask, including contact pads, interconnects, released beams, and lateral capacitors. SCREAM 1 is a self-aligned, low-temperature ( >
Predictors of hearing threshold levels and distortion product otoacoustic emissions among noise exposed young adults.

Aim: To examine the relations between noise exposure and other risk factors with hearing function as measured by audiometric thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Methods: A total of 456 subjects were studied (393 apprentices in construction trades and 63 graduate students). Hearing and peripheral auditory function were quantified using standard, automated threshold audiometry, tympanometry, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). The analysis addressed relations of noise exposure history and other risk factors with hearing threshold levels (HTLs) and DPOAEs at the baseline test for the cohort. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 27 (7) years. The construction apprentices reported more noise exposure than students in both their occupational and non-occupational exposure histories. A strong effect of age and years of work in construction was observed at 4, 6, and 8 kHz for both HTLs and DPOAEs. Each year of construction work reported prior to baseline was associated with a 0.7 dB increase in HTL or 0.2 dB decrease DPOAE amplitude. Overall, there was a very similar pattern of effects between the HTLs and DPOAEs. Conclusions: This analysis shows a relatively good correspondence between the associations of noise exposures and other risk factors with DPOAEs and the associations observed with pure-tone audiometric thresholds in a young adult working population. The results provide further evidence that DPOAEs can be used to assess damage to hearing from a variety of exposures including noise. Clarifying advantages of DPOAEs or HTLs in terms of sensitivity to early manifestations of noise insults, or their utility in predicting future loss in hearing will require longitudinal follow up.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of eltoprazine

Introduction: Approvals and availability of drugs and delivery systems to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased steadily in the last decade. The development of new pharmacological agents to treat ADHD symptoms in adults allows for both single and combination therapy for optimal efficacy. Eltoprazine hydrochloride, a serotonergic agent currently under development, is the focus of the current paper. Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the non-stimulant medication eltoprazine. The PK profile of eltoprazine, based on standard PK sampling accompanied by safety monitoring, is described. A literature search and review of the studies published on eltoprazine were carried out using the PubMed database up to November 2010. Expert opinion: Although clinical studies of eltoprazine did not conclusively demonstrate its efficacy in treating pathological aggression in humans, eltoprazine has shown to be a well-tolerated drug in both healthy volunte...
Leptin treatment reduces body fat but does not affect lean body mass or the myostatin-follistatin-activin axis in lean hypoleptinemic women.

Animal studies in vivo indicate that leptin treatment in extremely leptin-sensitive ob/ob mice reduces body weight exclusively by reducing fat mass and that it increases muscle mass by downregulati...
The Weighted Byzantine Agreement Problem

This paper presents a weighted version of the Byzantine Agreement Problem and its solution under various conditions. In this version, each machine is assigned a weight depending on the application. Instead of assuming that at most f out of N machines fail, the algorithm assumes that the total weight of the machines that fail is at most f/N. When each machine has weight 1/N, this problem reduces to the standard Byzantine Generals Agreement Problem. By choosing weights appropriately, the weighted Byzantine Agreement Problem can be applied to situations where a subset of processes are more trusted. By using weights, the system can reach consensus in the presence of Byzantine failures, even when more than N/3 processes fail, so long as the total weight of the failed processes is less than 1/3. Also, a method to update the weights of the processes after execution of the weighted Byzantine Agreement is given. The update method guarantees that the weight of any correct process is never reduced and the weight of any faulty process, suspected by correct processes whose total weight is at least 1/4, is reduced to 0 for future instances. A short discussion of some weight assignment strategies is also given.
Controlling Medical Costs: Perspectives From Financial And Nurse Executives

The cost of healthcare in the U.S. is an issue of continuing concern for those who manage the economics of healthcare. Increasingly, as the system continues to undergo responsive changes in structure and processes, healthcare financial managers (HCFM) and Nurse Executives (NE) have emerged as an important part of healthcare reform. The purpose of this study is to compare the extent HCFMs and NEs believe various healthcare reform measures and cost containment strategies are effective. Eighty-four HCFMs, and 99 NEs from 36 states, comprised the sample for this study. Both groups agree that the majority of healthcare reform measures are moderately or very effective. In general, accounting practices that HCFMs and NEs have direct decision making authority over were deemed effective (i.e. accounting systems that reduce administrative costs). Three strategies not considered effective by both groups were restriction of coverage for various drug therapies, accounting systems that provide more accurate allocation of indirect/overhead cost; and increased physician accountability for cost containment. When comparing accounting systems, expense tracking, and cost shifting strategies, HCFMs were significantly more likely to rate cost shifting as effective than NEs. Acknowledging that HCFMs and NEs believe that accounting systems are responsive to healthcare reforms validates and contributes to the ongoing efforts of HCFMs and NEs to continue to use their expertise to maximize revenues, and minimize costs in order to provide competitive, caring patient care.
Pediatric Orthopaedic Secrets. 2nd ed.

Lynn T. Staheli, editor. Philadelphia: Hanley and Belfus; 2003. 487 pages (paperback). $39.95. This volume is part of The Secrets Series from Hanley and Belfus Medical Publishers (recently acquired by Reed Elsevier), which is a series of books in the basic sciences and medical specialties. This book is Socratic in format, with questions and answers that would be appropriate …
The United States Healthcare Crisis: Using Our Bold Voices to Effect Change

1Mr Anderson is a 15-year major league veteran who last played in the minors in 1987. He was released from the Cleveland Indians last May after a 2-year batting slump and chose to play for a San Diego Padres affiliate in the AAA league rather than retire from the sport. At age 39, he joined a team of players who were, on average, almost half his age. How is Mr Anderson different than the other players on his farm team? According to his manager, “He teaches [players] to swing at pitches you want to swing at, not at what the pitcher wants you to swing at. Brady never allows pitchers to control an at-bat. That’s the difference. If these kids had that down, they’d all be in the big leagues.” 1
Hormones and behavior in rhesus macaque abusive and nonabusive mothers: 2. Mother–infant interactions

This study investigated the differences in parenting style and hormonal variables in abusive and nonabusive rhesus macaque mothers during the first 2 months of lactation. All subjects lived in large social groups in outdoor corrals. Abusive mothers were more protective and more rejecting of their infants than nonabusive mothers, particularly in the first month. Abusive and nonabusive mothers did not differ in levels of circulating estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) during the periparturitional period except that the decrease in P after parturition was less marked in abusive than in nonabusive mothers. Individual differences in periparturitional E2 or P were not correlated with differences in parenting style. Mothers with higher frequencies of abuse, however, had significantly higher values of the E2-to-P ratio in the last week of pregnancy and significantly lower values of P in the first week of lactation than mothers with lower frequencies of abuse. Although pregnancy or lactation hormones are unlikely to be one of the main determinants of abusive behavior, endocrine variables may interact with personality characteristics or environmental factors in causing this phenomenon.
When Half is Whole. By Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu

Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 2012. 234 pp. hardcover $67.50; softcover, $21.95
Sustainable Versus Conspicuous Luxury Fashion Purchase: Applying Self-Determination Theory

Building on Self-Determination Theory, the researchers examined whether consumers’ intrinsic values precede a relatively new concept of a “sustainable luxury purchase (SLP),” in which consumers make a conscious choice of purchasing luxury for its timeless style over short-lived fashion and long-lasting quality over excessive quantity. Also, the researchers explored whether extrinsic values drive a traditional, conspicuous luxury purchase (CLP). In addition, the researchers assessed whether both SLP and CLP led to positive affect which in turn influenced repurchase intention. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis based on 452 responses revealed the critical roles that intrinsic values (i.e., seeking personal style and social consciousness) and extrinsic values (i.e., seeking latest fashion, public self-consciousness, and status consciousness) played in SLP and CLP, respectively. Interestingly, SLP predicted positive affect more strongly than did CLP stressing the importance of sustainable purchase in creating positive emotional responses toward luxury brands, which ultimately lead to repurchase intention.
MicroRNA biogenesis and their functions in regulating stem cell potency and differentiation

Stem cells are unspecialized/undifferentiated cells that exist in embryos and adult tissues or can be converted from somatic differentiated cells. Use of stem cells for tissue regeneration and tissue engineering has been a cornerstone of the regenerative medicine. Stem cells are also believed to exist in cancer tissues, namely cancer stem cells (CSCs). Growing evidence suggests that CSCs are the culprit of cancer dormancy, progression and recurrence, and thus have recently received great attention. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of short, non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of a wide range of genes at a post-transcriptional manner. They are emerging as key regulators of stem cell behaviors. This mini review summarizes the basic biogenesis and mode of actions of miRNAs, recent progress and discoveries of miRNAs in cellular reprogramming, stem cell differentiation and cellular communication, as well as miRNAs in CSCs. Some potential of miRNAs in future biomedical applications and research pertaining to stem cells are briefly discussed.
Judicial Activism and Judicial Independence: Implications of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for the Reference Procedure and Judicial Service on Commissions of Inquiry

Over the past five years the Supreme Court of Canada has addressed on three occasions the implications of the 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms for the principle of judicial independence. The justices agree that the Court's new role as guardian of constitutionally entrenched civil rights and liberties demands an expansion in its immunity from legislative and executive influence. The hoary principle of judicial independence can no longer be confined to such individual elements as security of salary and tenure but must encompass an institutional element, “reflected in [a court's] institutional or administrative relationships to the executive and legislative branches of government.” The “modern understanding of judicial independence,” according to Chief Justice Brian Dickson, recognizes that the Canadian judiciary is no longer confined to the resolution of disputes in individual cases but plays the role of “protector of the Constitution and the fundamental values embodied in it—rule of law, fundamental justice, equality, preservation of the democratic process, to name perhaps the most important.” It is not enough, therefore, to ensure the impartiality of judges in individual cases. Courts must “be completely separate in ‘authority and function’ from all other branches of government.” Accordingly, the Court ruled in a 1989 case that a royal commission of inquiry cannot compel judges involved in a matter being investigated to testify as to the reasons for their judicial decision.
A Study of the Oxygen Surface Exchange Coefficient on La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ Thin Films

La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ (LSCO) can be used as a cathode material for low temperature solid oxide fuel cell applications. LSCO epitaxial thin films have been deposited on LaAlO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The transient behavior of the thin film conductivity with the pressure changes was recorded as a function of temperature and partial oxygen pressure. The surface exchange coefficient k of the LSCO thin film was obtained from analysis of the electrical conductivity relaxation data. The measured surface exchange coefficient increases with temperature and with final pressure but is not sensitive to the initial pressure. After prolonged annealing at 900°C, the k value was found to have greatly increased. The mechanism of the dependence of the measured k on pressure is discussed.
Continuing Experience with the Continent Ileal Reservoir (Kock Pouch) as an Alternative to Cutaneous Urinary Diversion: An Update after 250 Cases

AbstractThe continent ileal reservoir as conceived by Kock produces a low pressure, high capacity reservoir with continent and nonrefluxing valves constructed from ileum. From August 1982 through August 1985, 250 patients underwent this type of surgery at our institution. Of these patients 171 underwent simultaneous radical cystectomy for cancer, 60 had had a previous urinary diversion of another type and 19 had a neurogenic bladder. Our experience represents a series of expected complications and ongoing modification to the surgical technique. A total of 42 patients (16 per cent) suffered early complication resulting in an operative mortality rate of 2 per cent (5 of 250). One or more late complications necessitating 85 revisions occurred in 77 patients (31 per cent). The end result has been an overwhelming success tempered only by the need for reoperation. It is believed that the surgical modifications described will decrease further the incidence of late complications. The basic surgical premise as con...
Sex Differences in Functional and CT Angiography Testing in Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease.

Abstract Background Although risk stratification is an important goal of cardiac noninvasive tests (NITs), few contemporary data exist on the prognostic value of different NITs according to patient sex. Objectives The goal of this study was to compare the results and prognostic information derived from anatomic versus stress testing in stable men and women with suspected coronary artery disease. Methods In 8,966 patients tested at randomization (4,500 to computed tomography angiography [CTA], 52% female; 4,466 to stress testing, 53% female), we assessed the relationship between sex and NIT results and between sex and a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina hospitalization. Results In women, a positive CTA (≥70% stenosis) was less likely than a positive stress test result (8% vs. 12%; adjusted odds ratio: 0.67). Compared with negative test results, a positive CTA was more strongly associated with subsequent clinical events than a positive stress test result (CTA-adjusted hazard ratio of 5.86 vs. stress-adjusted hazard ratio of 2.27; adjusted p = 0.028). Men were more likely to have a positive CTA than a positive stress test result (16% vs. 14%; adjusted odds ratio: 1.23). Compared with negative test results, a positive CTA was less strongly associated with subsequent clinical events than a positive stress test result in men, although this difference was not statistically significant (adjusted p = 0.168). Negative CTA and stress test results were equally likely to predict an event in both sexes. A significant interaction between sex, NIT type, and test result (p = 0.01) suggests that sex and NIT type jointly influence the relationship between test result and clinical events. Conclusions The prognostic value of an NIT result varies according to test type and patient sex. Women seem to derive more prognostic information from a CTA, whereas men tend to derive similar prognostic value from both test types.
Research highlights: unveiling the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-induced ROS generation and oxidative stress

The field of nanotoxicology has a long-tested hypothesis, supported by a significant body of evidence, that nanoparticle-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to oxidative stress in biological systems. Within this paradigm, it is critical to fundamentally understand the underpinning mechanisms of nanoparticle ROS production and the corresponding oxidative stress they induce. This Highlight is focused on four recent articles on this topic. The first highlighted work investigated ROS generation from various silica nanoparticle surfaces and demonstrated that porosity and surface functionalization are key factors influencing ROS generation and nanoparticle toxicity. The second article demonstrated plasmon-mediated ROS production via hot electron production on gold nanocage surfaces under near-infrared irradiation. The third highlighted work correlated electronic properties of metal oxide nanoparticles to ROS generation, and built a quantitative linear relationship between ROS generation and antibacterial activity. Finally, the fourth study provided insights regarding protein signatures and pathways sensitive to oxidative stress in macrophage cells using a redox proteomic approach. Together, these four reports reveal mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-induced ROS generation and the resulting cellular oxidative stress.
Markov decision process based time-varying optimal control for colloidal self-assembly

Abstract Crystals made of periodically well-ordered nano- and/or micro-scale elements can interact with light to give novel properties. These perfect crystals have applications in a wide range of areas. For example, invisibility cloaks that reroute light transmission make objects disappear. However, manufacturing such perfect crystals still remains challenging. Here, we propose a low-dimensional Markov decision process based dynamic programming framework to optimally control a colloidal self-assembly process for perfect crystal fabrication. Based on the simulation results, we demonstrate that an open-loop control policy identified with the proposed framework is able to reduce the defective assemblies from 46% of uncontrolled to 8% of controlled production. Moreover, when feedback is available, a closed-loop optimal finite-horizon control policy can further reduce the defective assemblies down to 5% out of 100 independent simulation runs.
Development of spectropolarimetric imagers for imaging of desert soils

There is much interest in imaging of desert soils to understand their mineral composition, grain sizes and orientations for various civilian and military applications. We discuss the development of two novel field-portable spectropolarimetric imagers based on acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) technology in the visible near-infrared (VNTR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) wavelength regions. The first imager covers a spectral region from 450 to 800 nm with a bandwidth of 5 nm at 633 nm and the second from 1000 to 1600 nm with a bandwidth of 15 nm at 1350 nm. These imagers will be used in field tests. In this paper, we discuss salient aspect of spectropolarimetric imager development and present some data collected with them.
Atomic Theory of Diffusion

If a drop of a dilute mixture of milk in water is placed under a microscope and observed by transmitted light, small fat globules can be seen. These globules are about 1 µm in diameter and continually make small movements hither and yon. These movements, which are called Brownian motion, give a continual mixing and are the cause, or mechanism, of the homogenization, whose rate could be measured in a macroscopic diffusion experiment. For example, if a drop of the same milky solution is placed in water, it will tend to spread out, and the mixture will ultimately become homogeneous. In this latter experiment a concentration gradient is present, a flux of fat globules1 exists, and a diffusion coefficient could be measured. This is not quite an after-lunch experiment though, since turbulent mixing must be avoided and diffusion occurs quite slowly (D = 10−8 cm2/sec).