cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of polygon characteristic scale in Martian patterned ground terrain in the northern hemisphere using the Fourier transform

[1] Permafrost patterned ground forms on the surface of nearly all landscapes between 50°N and 70°N on Mars. This landform appears in satellite imagery as an interconnected network of polygonal shapes. Previous studies used geomorphologic observations to characterize patterned ground terrains on Mars. These classification systems prove useful but suffer from somewhat subjective methods. We find objective analysis of the polygons comprising patterned ground terrains on the surface of Mars feasible using High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment imagery acquired from orbit. We perform a two-dimensional Fourier transform on 124 images of patterned surfaces to characterize the spatial scale pertinent to scenes and analyze the distribution of these properties on the surface of Mars between 50°N and 70°N. We find two distinct sets of polygons: large polygons which form below 60°N and small polygons primarily above 60°N with exception for sites within Acidalia Planitia. Our findings show similar trends to those found in previous studies but also fundamental differences in the populations of polygons above and below 60°N. The polygons within 60°N–70°N share roughly the same polygonal scale, implying that seasonal temperature change is not the only factor forcing polygon development as previous models found. In some cases, our method indicates the presence of multiple scales of polygons, although it cannot quantify the larger scale. This method in conjunction with observational analysis improves our ability to characterize surfaces and examine patterned ground terrains on Mars.
Some Plain Words on Emotion

This article discusses several problems affecting progress in research on emotion: (1) disagreements over the appropriate referents for an emotion; (2) the modest relations between the brain states provoked by an emotional incentive and the accompanying semantic appraisals or behaviors; and (3) the abstract nature and indifference to origin of the English words used to name emotions. The final section contains some suggestions for future research.
Big data technologies in support of real time capturing and understanding of electric vehicle customers dynamics

Energy overconsumption and greenhouse gas emission have been contributing to air pollutions and the global warming for years. The unceasingly increasing number of fossil fuels based vehicles around the world is considered as one of main factors making to the situation worse year by year. Electric vehicles (EV) are promoted as a viable and promising alternative transportation means for customers. However, there is an array of issues hindering EVs from the fast adoption in the global auto market. As these issues bear different priorities that surely vary with marketplaces, it becomes essential for EV makers and governments to capture and understand the dynamics of EV consumers in real time. This paper explores how the emerging big data technologies can be applied to facilitate the process of deciphering the acceptance and behavior of EV customers from marketplace to marketplace. A data-collecting web system is discussed. IBM BigInsights platform technologies, including Hadoop, Streams, SPSS modeler and text analytics, are utilized for looking into the insights of collected data. Examples are provided to show the promising future of big data technologies in the field of customer analytics in today's globalized economy.
DIFFUSIONAL COAGULATION OF SUPERPARAMAGNETIC PARTICLES IN THE PRESENCE OF AN EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the diffusional coagulation of colloidal superparamagnetic (SP) latex particles that are under the influence of an external magnetic field. The cluster size distributions (CSDs) that evolve with time were determined using an optical set-up that permits the direct visualization of particle clusters. Following the dynamic scaling analysis of van Dongen and Ernst (Phys. Rev. Lett. 54 (1985) 1396), we find that the CSDs all collapse onto a master curve when properly scaled. The bell-shape of this master curve indicates that large clusters preferentially scavenge small clusters in our system. From the time evolution of the average cluster size we infer that the reactivity between large clusters diminishes with increasing cluster size. These results are consistent with a simple mathematical formulation of the coagulation rate constant, or kernel, for the Brownian coagulation of magnetic particles. Moreover, our results support a growing body of evidence that the dynamic scaling theory developed by van Dongen and Ernst is a useful framework with which to study the microscale processes governing particle coagulation.
Laser chemistry relevant to III-V semiconductor growth

Despite its toxicity, arsine remains a "workhorse" in the field of semiconductor research because it provides a relatively clean (i.e. carbon-free) means of delivering atomic As to a growth surface. However, the feasibility of using alternative arsenic sources is currently being investigated by the semiconductor community. Two liquid metalorganic alternatives, triethylarsenic and monoethylarsine, contain carbon that can appear as a significant impurity in the semiconductor material itself. We present results on the laser-induced photochemistry of the above compounds. Our efforts are focused on using lasers to generate and detect atomic hydrogen, a species that is known to be a good radical scavenger in growth environments. We also present results on the laser ablation of inorganic salts that may be useful as precursors for 111-V thin-film growth. Compounds such as K3Ga3As4 and K2Ga2Sb4 are irradiated with various excimer laser wavelengths, and we report on the prognosis for viable film growth using this approach.
A new look at conflict styles: goal orientation and outcome preferences

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into conflict styles by examining a new set of antecedents and outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – A theory is outlined and a theoretical model is presented to explain the relationship between a motivational antecedent – goal orientation – and conflict styles, and to explain the relationship between conflict styles and resolution preferences.Findings – The paper suggests that goal orientation serves as an antecedent for subsequent conflict style. Moreover, resolution preferences vary depending on goal orientation and conflict style.Research limitations/implications – This paper has several implications for future research. Empirical research is needed to investigate the relationship between goal orientation and conflict styles as well as the relationship between conflict style and outcome preferences. Such research may either provide grounding to the model or generate further theory development regarding the antecedents and outcomes of conf...
Transforming growth factor-β inhibits surfactant protein A expression in vitro

Abstract Effects of members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family on expression of surfactant protein A (SP-A) were determined in human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells. TGF-β decreased SP-A content in two distinct pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell lines with bronchiolar (NCI-H441-4) and alveolar (NCI-H820) cell characteristics. TGF- β 1 , β 2 and β 3 were equally effective in decreasing SP-A. Effects of the TGF-β's on SP-A content were dose dependent, EC 50 approximately 20–30 pg/ml for each form of TGF-β. TGF-β decreased cellular SP-A content in association with decreased levels of SP-A mRNA. Inhibitory effects of TGF- β 1 , on SP-A mRNA was time dependent, reaching maximal effects within 12–24 h, after which SP-A mRNA was approximately 10% of that present in untreated cells. Maximal inhibition of SP-A mRNA was observed at 250 pg/ml TGF- β 1 . TGF-β-dependent inhibition of SP-A expression was not associated with altered cell morphology, growth, or viability. TGF-β family members act directly on pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells to inhibit SP-A expression by mechanisms which are mediated, at least in part, at a pretranslational level.
Review: interventions focusing on patient behaviors in provider-patient interactions improve diabetes outcomes.

Source Citation van Dam HA, van der Horst F, van den Borne B, Ryckman R, Crebolder H. Provider-patient interaction in diabetes care: effects on patient self-care and outcomes. A systematic review. ...
A mechanism-based affinity-labeling agent for possible use in isolating N-acetylglucosaminidase

We have prepared several mechanism-based affinity-labeling agents for possible use in isolating N-acetylglucosaminidase, in which an N-acetylglucosamine is linked to an o-monofluoro- or difluoro-methyl phenoxy glycoside with or without a cleavable disulfide group in the tether to biotin.
PREDICTION OF MALIGNANCY IN SOLITARY THYROID NODULES

Abstract To evaluate the reliability of radioiodine scanning and physical characteristics of the nodule as indicators of malignancy in patients with clinically solitary thyroid nodules, a survey was made of five years' experience of patients operated on for thyroid disease at a university teaching hospital in the Mid-West goitre belt. The incidence of malignancy in the 91 patients with solitary nodules was 20·9%. Of these 91, hypofunction (" cool " or " cold ") was diagnosed on radioiodine scanning in 83% of benign nodules and 75% of malignant nodules. This test was of no value in differential diagnosis. Similarly, the physical characteristics of the nodule and other findings on physical examination did not reliably differentiate between benign and malignant solitary nodules. It is advised that solitary thyroid nodules should be excised.
Bias temperature instability in High-κ/metal gate transistors - Gate stack scaling trends

With the introduction of High-k, metal gates and alternate substrates into the gate-stack at the 45nm and 32nm technology nodes, Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) phenomena have had to be included into the chip design modeling. In this paper, we explore BTI trends with High-k transistors in manufacturing ready CMOS processes with gate last and gate first type process flows. In both flows, Positive Bias Temperature Instability (PBTI) is a strong function of the interface and High-k thickness, with aggressive interface scaling having significant adverse reliability implications. Negative Bias Temperature Instability, on the other hand, is strongly dependent on the quality of the interface and its nitrogen content. The introduction of germanium into the Si channel is found to significantly improve NBTI. With recovery effects being strong in both NBTI and PBTI, AC BTI models in realistic circuit designs are critical to accurately evaluate the BTI lifetime of chips.
Terahertz Frequency-Dependent Carrier Scattering Rate and Mobility of Monolayer and AA-Stacked Multilayer Graphene

We present the terahertz optical model for AA-stacked multilayer graphene and monolayer graphene considering various scattering mechanisms, such as the charged impurity scattering and surface polar optical phonon scattering. The ac/dc scattering rate and mobility of AA-stacked multilayer graphene are derived. We show that the mobility of AA-stacked multilayer graphene can be potentially higher than that of monolayer graphene if the sample has a large impurity density. We also show that the effective scattering rate is a function of frequency that cannot be captured by the simple Drude model.
The infamous Farrell footnote: public policy as the smile of the Cheshire cat.

Was this just another incendiary sound bite, headline news banner attacking the airwaves? Getting it wrong? Overstating some small technicality for the sake of getting attention? No, to all of the above: the most incendiary aspect of the blurb was that it was accurate. And it did get attention.
Protein expression profiling of CLL B cells using replicate off-line strong cation exchange chromatography and LC–MS/MS

In this study we use replicate 2D-LC-MS/MS analyses of crude membranes from B cells derived from a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to examine the protein expression profile of CLL B cells. Protein identifications made by replicate 2D-LC-MS/MS analysis of tryptic peptides from detergent solubilized B cell membrane proteins, as well as replicate LC-MS/MS analysis of single off-line strong cation exchange chromatography (SCX) fractions, were analyzed. We show that despite the variance in SCX, capillary LC, and the data-dependent selection of precursor ions, an overlap of 64% between proteins identified in replicate runs was achieved for this system.
CABCY: A New Fuel System For Ships

The present world shipping fleet consumes 6 to 8% of the world's supply of petroleum. Because of the increasing demand for and diminishing supply of petroleum, the increasing cost of shipping will retard world trade. The alternatives to petroleum fuels such as sail, coal, and synfuels may all have a future place in reducing cost. A new alternative is a hybrid power cycle utilizing liquid air and petroleum or hydrogen to save a considerable portion of the petroleum consumed in a conventional power cycle. This new cycle would be a cryogenic assisted Brayton cycle (CABCY). The conventional Brayton cycle is presently used for gas turbines. Cryogenic fluid stored on ship board would be obtained from liquefaction plants or from sea based energy production sources, such as OTEC, current, waves, or wind.
Cumulative clinical trial data on atorvastatin for reducing cardiovascular events: the clinical impact of atorvastatin.

ABSTRACTBackground: Since the 1990s a multitude of statin trials have definitively demonstrated the ability of statin therapy to reduce the risk of adverse coronary heart disease (CHD) events. Among these, the Atorvastatin Landmarks program – a group of 32 major atorvastatin trials – has assessed the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin across its full dose range and has helped illustrate its effectiveness in treatment of cardiovascular disease and its related disorders and also in non-cardiovascular outcomes.Scope: This paper will review the major atorvastatin clinical trials and report the important findings and their clinical significance.Findings: Clinical trials with atorvastatin have established significant reductions in cardiovascular events in patients with and without CHD. Studies show that high-dose atorvastatin will reduce LDL to ≈ 70 mg/dL in many patients and improve cardiac outcomes. Current evidence suggests that high-dose atorvastatin can halt and, in some cases, reverse atherosclerotic pro...
Structural and Mechanical Characteristics of Healing Myocardial Scar Tissue

An anteroapical transmural myocardial infarction was created in Dorset sheep and resulting scar tissues were excised two (Group A, n=5, 10.6 ± 1.2 weeks) and eight months (Group B, n=6, 36.8 ± 1.4 weeks) post infarction [1]. Samples were oriented in longitudinal and circumferential directions in a biaxial stretcher, preconditioned and tested in displacement control at room temperature in BDM solution. Stress-strain plots were obtained for samples. Histology was performed by cryo-sectioning specimens into 8 μm slices and staining using Hematoxylin & Eosin. Stress-strain analyses show that circumsferential direction was stiffer than longitudinal for Group A. Group B samples show a reverse trend and are stiffer than Group A. Stained sections show more collagen in the endocardial surface for Group B samples while Group A samples have added collagen in the epicardial side. A high density of fat cells was seen in Group B samples that may affect stiffness trends.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Planetary Fission Events: Dynamical Constraints

PLANETARY fission has been proposed recently as a factor in the distribution of mass and density among the “terrestrial” planets. In particular, it has been suggested because of their similar densities that the Moon and Mars were once part of the Earth (see McCrea1 and Lyttleton2, although Lyttleton gave equal support to a capture hypothesis for the Moon). It has also been suggested that Mercury and Venus may have formed by the break-up of a single planetary mass3. Because changes in mass distribution in the solar system are subject to certain constraints, the limitations this may have placed on the past history of planetary fission have been evaluated.
Enantioselective formal synthesis of (-)-englerin A via a Rh-catalyzed [4 + 3] cycloaddition reaction.

An enantioselective formal synthesis of (−)-englerin A (1) is reported. Key to the strategy is a Rh-catalyzed [4 + 3] cycloaddition reaction between furan 10 and diazo ester 11 that, following an intramolecular aldol condensation, produces the tricyclic scaffold of englerin. This strategy also provides a rapid, efficient, and stereoselective access to the biologically significant core motif of the guaiane sesquiterpenes.
Computer Aided Tissue Engineering for Modeling and Design of Novel Tissue Scaffolds

AbstractComputer-aided tissue engineering (CATE) integrates advances of multi-disciplinary fields of Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Information Technology, and modern Design and Manufacturing. Application of CATE to the design and fabrication of tissue scaffolds can facilitate the exploration of many novel ideas of incorporating biomimetic and biological features into the scaffold design. This paper presents some of the salient applications of CATE, particularly in the modeling and design of scaffolds with controlled internal and external architecture; with vascular channels of different sizes; with modular and interconnecting subunits; with multi-layered heterogeneous dense and compact regions; and the scaffolds with designed artificial chambers for drug delivery, embedded growth factors and other sophisticated features.
On The Stochastic Fubini Theorem

The stochastic Fubini theorem, which concerns the interchangeability of the stochastic and ordinary integrals of an integrand depending on a parameter, holds under a condition more general and natural that the one provided by Protter [2]. Supporting examples are given
Oscillations in Homogeneous Systems

This manuscript reviews the present understanding of homogeneous chemical oscillators except for reactions occurring in gas phase or during enzyme catalysis. The best understood systems are driven by bromate oxidation of organic compounds, and many unusual temporal and spatial phenomena are explicable by a fairly simple mechanism. Progress is being made toward understanding oscillators based on iodate and hydrogen peroxide reactions. Nucleation phenomena are strongly implicated in gas evolution oscillators such as the dehydration of formic acid and the decomposition of ammonium nitrite. No oscillators based on sulfur chemistry are yet understood. Photochemically driven oscillators offer a rich potential that has not yet been exploited. Several condensed phase systems exhibit interesting spatial periodicities that involve coupling of diffusion with other processes. Possible mechanisms of oscillators are subject to kinetic, thermodynamic, and chemical constraints which are discussed briefly.
Concurrent and Longitudinal Predictors of Self-Esteem in Elementary and Middle School Girls.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of factors related to self-esteem, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, among 2 cohorts of girls over a period of 4 years, from elementary through middle school. METHODS: A multiethnic sample of 6 5 6 elementary school girls recruited from 13 schools in Hayward, CA, and Tucson, AZ, was evaluated annually over a 4 -year period. The McKnight Risk Factor Survey IV was administered, which consists of 10 3 questions that assess self-esteem, appearance appraisal, effect of body changes, depressed mood, teasing, school performance, and other factors. In addition, participants' heights and weights were measured. RESULTS: The most important predictor of self-esteem in each grade was appearance appraisal, and, in all grades but the eighth, weight-related teasing by either boys or girls was also a predictor of self-esteem. Teasing about weight was more important than body weight itself in predicting self-esteem. Self-esteem was lower in girls who were teased about their weight, even if they believed that it had no effect on how they felt about themselves. School performance predicted self-esteem in grades 6 and 8. In longitudinal analyses, the participant's current perception of her appearance was more important than her previous level of self-esteem in predicting current self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the need to allocate funding to address the issue of teasing as 1 of the stressors in the school environment, and to explore further the important relationship between school performance and self-esteem.
Biological Roles of Angiotensin-(1-7).

Research done in our laboratory has uncovered novel pathways and enzymes of the circulating and tissue renin angiotensin system. These findings followed the discovery that angiotensin-(1-7) has cellular functions different from those established for angiotensin II. Although Ang-(1-7) is not an agonist in terms of stimulating thirst or promoting aldosterone release, the heptapeptide causes neuronal excitation and vasopressin release to a degree similar to that found with angiotensin II. Furthermore, angiotensin-(1-7) stimulates the production of prostanoids by a receptor-mediated event that causes no associated rise in intracellular Ca2+. These actions of angiotensin-(1-7) illustrate the heterogenous role of angiotensin peptides as modulators of a wide range of regulatory functions in mammals. (Hypertens Res 1992; 15: 61-66)
A New Achilles Heel for Prostate Cancer

The growth of prostate cancer is driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which is activated by androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This dependence has served as the basis for a number of recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs targeting AR signaling for prostate cancer treatment. Unfortunately, resistance to these therapies inevitably occurs, and patients progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after prolonged therapy with AR antagonists. A more thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying treatment resistance could provide the foundation for the development of novel classes of targeted drugs for the treatment of CRPC. With this in mind, Chang and colleagues were able to demonstrate in a subset of CRPC that a gain-of-function mutation in 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (3βHSD1) results in a degradation-resistant version of this enzyme, causing an increase in DHT production and AR activation. Through a series of elegant biochemical, cell-based, and mouse studies, as well as analysis of human CRPC patient samples, Chang and colleagues demonstrated the relevance of this 3βHSD1 mutation to disease progression. They characterized the biochemical, molecular, and biological effects of the mutation on 3βHSD1 expression and function, DHT production, and ligand-dependent AR signaling in culture and in vivo. The demonstration that a gain-of-function mutation in a metabolic enzyme can drive cancer resistance to targeted molecular therapies, in contrast to the canonical activating mutations in kinases, represents an important paradigm change. Furthermore, this study provides the molecular and biological framework for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for CRPC by targeting a mutant enzyme driving this disease. K.-H. Chang et al ., A gain-of-function mutation in DHT synthesis in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Cell 154 , 1074–1084 (2013). [[Abstract] ][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674(13)00900-8
Effect of prolonged walking on concrete on the knees of sheep.

Adult sheep were subjected to prolonged activity on hard surfaces by walking them daily on concrete and housing them on tarmac. Control sheep were walked on compliant wood chip surfaces and pastured. After two and a half years significant changes were seen in both the distal femoral articular cartilage and subchondral trabecular bone of the knee joints of the hard surface walkers. The hexosamine content of the articular cartilage in the hard surface walkers was lower and this decrease was more marked in the weight-bearing than in the non-weight-bearing areas of the knee. The trabecular pattern of the subchondral bone became significantly altered, with a marked change in trabecular structure acting to stiffen the tibio-femoral joint at the expense of the patello-femoral articulation. There was a substantial increase in the contiguity ratio of bone in the tibio-femoral area. The cortical thickness of the subchondral plate was increased in both the tibio-femoral and patello-femoral areas. We concluded that significant changes occur in both cartilage and bone as a result of prolonged walking on hard surfaces.
Asthma friendly pharmacies: a model to improve communication and collaboration among pharmacists, patients, and healthcare providers.

Pharmacists, with expertise in optimizing drug therapy outcomes, are valuable components of the healthcare team and are becoming increasingly involved in public health efforts. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in diverse community pharmacy settings can implement a variety of asthma interventions when they are brief, supported by appropriate tools, and integrated into the workflow. The Asthma Friendly Pharmacy (AFP) model addresses the challenges of providing patient-focused care in a community pharmacy setting by offering education to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on asthma-related pharmaceutical care services, such as identifying or resolving medication-related problems; educating patients about asthma and medication-related concepts; improving communication and strengthening relationships between pharmacists, patients, and other healthcare providers; and establishing higher expectations for the pharmacist’s role in patient care and public health efforts. This article describes the feasibility of the model in an urban community pharmacy setting and documents the interventions and communication activities promoted through the AFP model.
Neuroergonomics: Opportunities and challenges of merging cognitive neuroscience with cognitive ergonomics

As with any merger of previously unrelated scientific disciplines, the usefulness of combining cognitive neuroscience and cognitive ergonomics to create the new field of 'neuroergonomics' depends on the significance of the research subjects that could not be addressed if the two fields remained separated. Situations characterized by a scarcity of overt operator behaviour and performance represent one driving force for combining the two fields. In those situations, neurobiological indices of cognitive processes and capacities may emerge as the main, or even exclusive, source of information about the operator's cognitive status and activities. This information is needed, for example, to support adaptive aiding and dynamic function allocation in the context of human-automation cooperation. The utilization of research approaches and measurements more typical of cognitive neuroscience will benefit the field of cognitive ergonomics to the extent that multidimensional psychological constructs (such as situation ...
Elliptic flow from final state interactions in the distorted-wave emission-function model

The effect of final state interactions on the elliptic flow coefficient measured in relativistic heavy ion collisions is investigated within the distorted-wave emission-function (DWEF) formalism established by G. A. Miller and J. G. Cramer [Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 102302 (2005); J. Phys. G. 34, 703 (2007); Phys. Rev. C 78, 054905 (2008)]. It is found that the optical potential previously found to give the best fit of particle multiplicity and Hanbury Brown and Twiss radii in BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider events has a moderate effect on the resulting elliptic flow coefficient v{sub 2}. This indicates that final state interactions should be taken into account to confidently predict v{sub 2} to better than {approx}20% accuracy.
Component-levels theory of the effects of spacing of repetitions on recall and recognition.

Spacing repetitions generally facilitates memory for the repeated events. This article describes a theory of spacing effects that uses the same principles to account for both facilitatory and inhibitory effects of spacing in a number of memory paradigms. Increasing the spacing between repetitions is assumed to result in the storage of greater amounts of information of three types or levels: contextual, structural (associative), and descriptive. Contextual information is encoded automatically, while the encoding of the structural and descriptive information depends on control processes utilized. Remembering involves accessing the stored information using retrieval cues containing information on any level that matches the stored information. The ultimate effectiveness of the spacing is controlled by this matching between the retrieval cues and the stored information. Previous experiments demonstrating the operation of these principles on the structural and descriptive levels are reviewed. Three new experiments are reported that illustrate interactions between stored information and retrieval cues based on contextual information.
Tandem mass spectrometry measurements of creatinine in mouse plasma and urine for determining glomerular filtration rate.

Endogenous creatinine clearance (Ccr) is widely accepted as an estimate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the best overall biomarker of kidney function. However, current common methods of measuring creatinine are not sensitive enough for mouse plasma. Accordingly, we here report a new method of measuring creatinine by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using deuterated [ 2 H3]-creatinine as an internal standard. The assay requires 10 ll or less of plasma or urine, and is eight times more sensitive than high-performance liquid chromatography. The reproducibility of the assay of replicates is approximately 710%. The plasma creatinine levels of wild type male C57BL/6J mice obtained by LC-MS/ MS are 0.07670.002 mg/dl (n ¼ 65). To estimate daily urinary creatinine excretion for calculating Ccr, we collected urine from mice housed in metabolic cages, and combined this with washes from the cage internal surfaces. Creatinine in the wash varies from 4 to 67% of the total daily urinary creatinine excretion (typically B400 lg/day). Ccr obtained by LC-MS/MS was 329717 ll/min, which is indistinguishable from GFR measured by using fluorescein isothiocyanate-inulin. The LC-MS/MS method is sensitive, specific, simple, fast, and inexpensive; it is suitable for estimating GFR in conscious mice or other small animals. As it allows repeated measurements in the same animals, it facilitates detection of subtle differences or changes in renal function.
Ethanol self-administration modulation of NMDA receptor subunit and related synaptic protein mRNA expression in prefrontal cortical fields in cynomolgus monkeys.

Background: Functional impairment of the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex underlies deficits in executive control that characterize addictive disorders, including alcohol addiction. Previous studies indicate that alcohol alters glutamate neurotransmission and one substrate of these effects may be through the reconfiguration of the subunits constituting ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) complexes. Glutamatergic transmission is integral to cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical communication, and alcohol-induced changes in the abundance of the receptor subunits and/or their splice variants may result in critical functional impairments of prefrontal cortex in the alcohol-addicted state. Methods and results: The effects of chronic ethanol self-administration on glutamate receptor ionotropic NMDA (GRIN), as well as GRIN1 splice variant mRNA expression was studied in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; Area 13), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; Area 46) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC; Area 24) of male cynomolgus monkeys. Chronic ethanol self-administration resulted in significant changes in the expression of NMDA subunit mRNA expression in the DLPFC and OFC, but not the ACC. In DLPFC, the overall expression of NMDA subunits was significantly decreased in ethanol treated monkeys. Slight but significant changes were observed for synaptic associated protein 102 kD (SAP102) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) mRNAs. In OFC, the NMDAR1 variant GRIN1-1 was reduced while GRIN1-2 was increased. Furthermore, no significant changes in GFAP protein levels were observed in either the DLPFC or OFC. Conclusion: Results from these studies provide the first demonstration of posttranscriptional regulation of iGluR subunits in the primate brain following long-term ethanol self-administration. Furthermore, changes in these transcripts do not appear to reflect changes in glial activation or loss. Further studies examining the expression and cellular localization of subunit proteins and receptor pharmacology would shed more light on the findings reported here.
Recent new phenomena searches and prospects for Higgs searches at DØ

Abstract The upgraded DO detector at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory was installed for data taking in March 2001. One of the primary physics goals of the current run, called Run II includes Higgs and SUSY searches. This note outlines the recent New Phenomena searches and the prospects for searching the Higgs boson at the Fermilab Tevatron in Run II.
Tectonic Evaluation of Alpha Regio Highland and Environs, Venus

Abstract Systematic geologic mapping of an area on Venus provides geologic unit and morphologic information about the area that was evaluated to provide a simple geologic history. In the study area, a large complexly deformed highland—Alpha Regio—was found to be among the oldest material units, but its relation to other nearby complexly deformed units was indeterminable. To better delineate the complex geologic and tectonic history of the area the authors expanded on the initial geologic map assessment by including tectonic unit mapping of the Alpha Regio highland and geophysical modeling of the highland to assess the possible effect of its formation on surrounding geologic units. Tectonic unit mapping identified five discrete periods of tectonic activity involved in the formation of the highland. Additionally, the tectonic assessment showed that late stage extensional features within the highland were related to a regional tectonic event that occurred after the formation of the highland. Geophysical models of highland formation by both upwelling and downwelling were assessed, and a downwelling model was applied to the Alpha Regio highland to calculate stresses related to its formation. Results of the modeling suggest that tectonic features mapped outside of the highland were not caused by stresses induced by the formation of Alpha Regio.
Human seizure detection using quadratic Rényi entropy

In this study, the quadratic Renyi entropy is applied for seizure detection from human electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Quadratic Renyi entropy was combined with two different methods; the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The use of these two methods is justified since EEGs are non-linear and non-stationary signals. First, the EEG signal is decomposed into sub-signals using the EMD method or the DWT. Then, the quadratic Renyi entropy is used as an input feature. The k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) classifier algorithm extracted the features with 99.5%-100% accuracy.
Palaeoclimate: Extreme iceberg generation exposed

In the North Atlantic region, six massive iceberg discharge events marked the last glacial period. A numerical model now links these events to ocean temperatures and ice-shelf conditions.
The α-amylase genes in Oryza sativa: Characterization of cDNA clones and mRNA expression during seed germination

Two cDNA clones, pOS103 and pOS137, were isolated which code for distinct α-amylase isozymes in germinating rice seeds. Sequence analysis indicated that the clones encode polypeptides of approximately 48 kDa, both of which possess a signal peptide involved in directing secretion of the protein. Comparison of the two rice α-amylase amino acid sequence showed that they are 76% similar to each other, while showing 85% to 90% similarity with other cereal α-amylases. A comparison of eleven cereal α-amylases also revealed three new conserved regions (I′, II′, and IV′) not previously identified in the animal, bacterial, and fungal α-amylases. Regions I′ and IV′ are sites for intron splicing while region II' is probably involved in calcium binding. One of the rice a-amylase cDNAs, pOS103, encodes a protein that has two potential N-glycosylation sites, one in the signal peptide and the other in the mature portion of the protein. The cDNA clone, pOS137, encodes an α-amylase with a single glycosylation site in the signal peptide, suggesting that the mature OS137 isozyme is not glycosylated. Analysis of the expression of these genes in germinating rice seeds indicated that mRNA corresponding to pOS103 and pOS137 could be detected throughout a 48 h period of seed imbibition. RNA levels, however, were dramatically stimulated by treatment of embryoless half-seeds with exogenous GA3. Our results demonstrate that at least two forms of α-amylase are expressed in germinating rice seeds and that the expression of these genes is regulated by the phytohormone GA3.
Development of a Glucose Binding Protein Biosensor

Glucose binding protein (GBP) is a monomeric periplasmic protein. It is synthesized in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli which functions as a receptor for transport D-glucose. GBP binds glucose with high affinity. The binding mechanism is based on a hinge motion due to the protein conformational change. This change was utilized as an optical sensing mechanism by applying Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). The wild-type GBP lacks cysteine in its structure, but by introducing a single cysteine at a specific site by site-directed mutagenesis, this ensured single-label attachment at specific sites with a fluorescent probe. The other sites were amino sites, which were labeled with second fluorophore. The near IR FRET pair, Alexa Fluor 680 (AF680) and Alexa Fluor 750(AF750), was utilized. The AF680 targeted the amine sites, which was the donor fluorophore, while the AF750 labeled the single cysteine site, which was the acceptor fluorophore. The sensing system strategy was based on the fluorescence changes of the probe as the protein undergoes a structural change upon binding. This biosensor had the ability to detect down to 10 uM concentrations of glucose. Next the probes were uploaded into red blood cells via hypo osmotic dialysis. The sensor responded to glucose while encapsulated with the red cells. These results showed the feasibility of an intracellular glucose biosensor.
Comparison of adapalene 0.1% solution and tretinoin 0.025% gel in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

A multicentre study was conducted to compare clinical safety and efficacy of adapalene 0.1% solution and tretinoin 0.025% gel, both topical treatments for acne, in a once-daily dosage regimen for 12 weeks. A total of 297 patients were enrolled by eight investigators in this randomized, investigator-masked study in a parallel group design. An open label period using adapalene followed this study to assess the long-term safety of adapalene solution. Adapalene and tretinoin proved to be clinically and statistically effective in treating acne by reducing inflammatory (47% and 50%, respectively) and non-inflammatory lesions (57% and 54%) as compared to baseline. When comparing patients who had 75% or greater improvement in open comedones, adapalene was shown to be significantly more effective than tretinoin. No serious adverse event was reported during this study, including during the long-term period. The reactions that occurred were similar between treatments, i.e. burning, pruritus, scaling, dryness and erythema.
The Effect of Tapering the Optical Fiber on Evanescent Wave Measurements

Abstract Optical biosensors are analytical tools employed in environmental, biotechnology and clinical fields. For remote evanescent wave detection with optical fibers, the majority of the fiber remains cladded while only a small portion of the core is exposed to perform the analysis. To improve the sensitivity of this type of fiber optic biosensor, tapering the sensing region of the fiber was investigated. Silica fibers were tapered into two geometries: step and continuous tapers. To determine the effect of tapering on detection levels, a fluoroimmunoassay was performed on fibers with nontapered, step-tapered and continuously tapered geometries. Solutions containing a fluorescent analyte were circulated over an antibody-coated fiber and the fluoresence signal measured The minimum detection limit for fibers with 10 cm sensing region was 1.56 nM, 0.31 nM and 0.16 nM for nontapered, step-tapered and continuously tapered fibers, respectively. Continuous tapering of the sensing region of an optical fiber offe...
Electrosynthesized CdS/HgS Heterojunctions

We report the results of a study of electrosynthesized CdS−HgS heterojunctions using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and electrochemistry. CdS thin films were grown by electrochemical atomic-layer epitaxy (EC-ALE) onto Au(111) substrates and were terminated with a single HgS monolayer using one of two methods. The first method, which involved the chemical exchange of the terminal Cd layer with Hg2+, produced a disordered, highly polycrystalline film, as evidenced by the PL spectrum, which was dominated by CdS trap luminescence. The second method, in which the HgS monolayer was grown by EC-ALE, resulted in the formation of a high-quality heterojunction. PL measurements indicate a high degree of electronic coupling between the CdS substrate and the electrochemically deposited HgS layer in this case. These findings were confirmed by atom-resolved and micron-scale STM images.
Mass spectrometric investigation of gas phase reactions during sublimation

Abstract The use of the high temperature mass spectrometric method for the investigation of the vaporization behavior of solids and the determination of thermodynamic properties of gaseous molecules is described. Recent results by this method are reviewed and the application as an auxiliary tool in kinetic studies of sublimation processes is illustrated. The application of high pressure mass spectrometric sampling in problems of crystal growth is projected.
Characterization of the traffic on high-speed token-ring networks

Abstract With application toward modeling network interconnection and client/server computing environments, we present a characterization of the traffic on high-speed token-ring networks such as FDDI. The traffic passing by an arbitrary point on the token-ring network is modeled through a Markov packet train characterization. The transition probabilities for the size of successive packet trains are derived through use of the continuous polling model. A simulation study of a bridge for LAN/WAN interconnection is presented in order to investigate the accuracy of our traffic characterization. We find that our traffic characterization, when used to represent the output traffic from a token-ring network, provides significantly more accurate results for the mean packet waiting time at the bridge than when modeling the output traffic by a Poisson process.
The Accuracy of Brand and Attribute Judgments: The Role of Information Relevancy, Product Experience, and Attribute-Relationship Schemata:

A multidimensional approach for accuracy of ratings is introduced that examines consumers’ abilities to assess various brands across a set of attributes and attribute performances across a set of brands. A model is presented that addresses the roles of the relevancy of information, attribute-relationship schemata, and consumers’ product category experience on the accuracy of their brand attribute ratings. Study participants were provided either with relevant or irrelevant attribute information for various automobile brands and later asked to rate the attribute performances of brands. The results indicate that the provision of relevant information in the judgment environment increases brand and attribute rating accuracy but does not favorably affect consumers’ brand attribute-relationship schemata. Rather, consumers’ product experience was directly related to their attribute-relationship schemata, which in turn were related to improved accuracy of brand and attribute ratings.
Genetic alterations in caspase-10 may be causative or protective in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is characterized by lymphadenopathy, elevated numbers of T cells with αβ-T cell receptors but neither CD4 nor CD8 co-receptors, and impaired lymphocyte apoptosis in vitro. Defects in the Fas receptor are the most common cause of ALPS (ALPS Ia), but in rare cases other apoptosis proteins have been implicated, including caspase-10 (ALPS II). We investigated the role of variants of caspase-10 in ALPS. Of 32 unrelated probands with ALPS who did not have Fas defects, two were heterozygous for the caspase-10 missense mutation I406L. Like the previously reported ALPS II-associated mutation L285F, I406L impaired apoptosis when transfected alone and dominantly inhibited apoptosis mediated by wild type caspase-10 in a co-transfection assay. Other variants in caspase-10, V410I and Y446C, were found in 3.4 and 1.6% of chromosomes in Caucasians, and in 0.5 and <0.5% of African Americans, respectively. In contrast to L285F and I406L, these variants had no dominant negative effect in co-transfection assays into the H9 lymphocytic cell line. We found healthy individuals homozygous for V410I, challenging the earlier suggestion that homozygosity for V410I alone causes ALPS. Moreover, an association analysis suggested protection from severe disease by caspase-10 V410I in 63 families with ALPS Ia due to dominant Fas mutations (P<0.05). Thus, different genetic variations in caspase-10 can produce contrasting phenotypic effects.
Muscle Glycogen Resynthesis after Short Term, High Intensity Exercise and Resistance Exercise

Typical rates of muscle glycogen resynthesis after short term, high intensity exercise (15.1 to 33.6 mmol/kg/h) are much higher than glycogen resynthesis rates following prolonged exercise (≈2 mmol/kg/h), even when optimal amounts of oral carbohydrate are supplied (≈8 mmol/kg/h). Several factors differ during post-exercise recovery from short term, high intensity exercise compared with prolonged exercise. The extremely fast rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis following short term, high intensity exercise may originate from these differences.