cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Component Currents of Cardiac Human Cardiomyocytes Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Cardiac myocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (h-iPSCD cardiac myocytes) have been proposed to be useful for cardiac repair, drug safety design and testing, clinical diagnosis and research. However, this particular preparation was only published within the past two years. As a result, we know very little about these artificially created myocytes. We currently lack much of the basic information and the tools required to bring the promise of this approach to fruition. In this study we examine the basic component currents for kinetic clues as to the molecular identity of some of the major components. The normal complement of cardiac currents is found in these cells such as the sodium, calcium, transient outward and delayed rectifier currents. Of particular interest for this study is the inactivation and recovery behavior of the transient outward currents and the calcium currents.The transient outward currents had bi-exponential inactivation including a fast component consistent with Kv4.2/4.3 and a slower “pedestal” component consistent with Kv1.5. The size of this pedestal component was highly variable. The recovery time course and steady-state inactivation indicate at least two distinct inactivation components. This is also consistent with a rapidly recovering Kv4 mediated component and a slower Kv1.5 mediated component.In the mixed population of myocytes there is a calcium current component seen in roughly 30% of cells that that activates in the range of −60 to −50 as opposed to −50 to −40 for the L-type channel in the majority of myocytes. This small component of current also inactivates at a lower threshold than L-type channels and like activation was shifted to the negative range by approximately −10mV. This suggests that “nodal” cells in h-iPSCD cardiac myocytes have a T-type current.
A fatigue microcrack alters fluid velocities in a computational model of interstitial fluid flow in cortical bone.

Targeted remodeling is activated by fatigue microcracks and plays an important role in maintaining bone integrity. It is widely believed that fluid flow-induced shear stress plays a major role in modulating the mechanotransduction process. Therefore, it is likely that fluid flow-induced shear stress plays a major role in the initiation of the repair of fatigue damage. Since no in vivo measurements of fluid flow within bone exist, computational and mathematical models must be employed to investigate the fluid flow field and the shear stress occurring within cortical bone. We developed a computational fluid dynamic model of cortical bone to examine the effect of a fatigue microcrack on the fluid flow field. Our results indicate that there are alterations in the fluid flow field as far as 150 μm away from the crack, and that at distances farther than this, the fluid flow field is similar to the fluid flow field of intact bone. Through the crack and immediately above and below it, the fluid velocity is higher, while at the lateral edges it is lower than that calculated for the intact model, with a maximum change of 29%. Our results suggest that the presence of a fatigue microcrack can alter the shear stress in regions near the crack. These alterations in shear stress have the potential to significantly alter mechanotransduction and may play a role in the initiation of the repair of fatigue microcracks.
On the vaporization and thermal oxidation of chlorinated hydrocarbon/alcohol sprays

We report species concentration data obtained during the vaporization and thermal decomposition of polydisperse multicomponent chlorinated hydrocarbon (CHC)/alcohol sprays. Mixtures of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (C2H3Cl3) (TCA) and isopropanol (C3H7OH) are atomized in the postflame environment of a methane/air (Φ=0.95) flame. Species concentrations, determined by extractive Fourier transform infrared analysis, reveal perturbations in TCA destruction and by-product species formation. The effect of isopropanol addition on by-product species concentrations is similar to previous results involving the thermal oxidation of TCA/alkane mixtures. TCA destruction is incomplete at injection temperatures less than 1000 K. Under these conditions, TCA/isopropanol sprays produce lower residual TCA concentrations than pure TCA sprays. Review of physical property data, numerical modeling (to be published elsewhere), and comparisons with previous experimental results for TCA/heptane and TCA/hexadecane together suggest two primary findings. First, the conventional approach of parameterizing fuel volatility by the fuel saturation temperature at 101.3 kPa does not correlate with the trends evident in our data. For these fuel mixture and conditions, the latent heat of vaporization (ΔHv) provides a better correlation. Second, the data also suggest that, for incineration-resistant multicomponent mixtures, the molecular weights of mixture constituents may influence droplet combustion characteristics and should be considered when formulating waste-blending strategies.
Structure and classification of cuspal tears and perforations in porcine bioprosthetic cardiac valves implanted in patients

Morphologic studies were made of cuspal tears and perforations in 16 porcine valve bioprostheses that had been implanted in 14 patients (9 male and 5 female) ranging in age from 2 to 65 years. Eleven bioprostheses had been in the mitral position for 30 to 123 months, four in the aortic position for 15 to 40 months and one in a varied pulmonary conduit for 96 months. The cuspal lesions were classified into four types. Type I lesions, which involved the free edges of the cusps, were the most common of all lesions and occurred with equal frequency in mitral and aortic bioprostheses. Regardless of position of implantation, type I lesions were more frequent in the right coronary cusp than in the other cusps. Ultrastructural study showed that these lesions develop as consequences of breakdown of collagen at the free edges of the cusps, usually near the commissures. Type II lesions consisted of linear perforations that extended along the basal regions of the cusps, forming an arc parallel to the sewing ring. These lesions were uncommon an resulted from separation of bundles of collagen. Type III lesions, which were large, round or oval perforations that occupied central regions of the cusps, were more common in aortic than in mitral bioprostheses. They were characterized by marked destruction of cuspal tissue and were most frequently associated with infection. Type IV lesions were small pinhole-like perforations; they usually were multiple, localized in central regions of the cusps and associated with calcific deposits. Type IV lesions were more common in mitral than in aortic bioprostheses. Regardless of position, they were more frequent in the left and noncoronary cusps than in the right coronary cusp (which may be protected by its muscle shelf against this type of perforation). It is concluded that cuspal tears and perforations develop in implanted bioprostheses as consequences of structural failure of connective tissue components.
Temporal tracking of spectral variations

Abstract We propose a data adaptive spectral estimation algorithm which is suitable for nonstationary estimation situations. This algorithm is based on the conventional Fourier transform of the estimated autocorrelation function. The data adaptive feature is implemented into the autocorrelation function estimation. The algorithm is computationally efficient due to its recursive nature. Its frequency tracking performance is tested against another adaptive algorithm based on the frequently used least mean square algorithm (LMS) of Widrow and Hoff (1960). The two algorithms demonstrate similar performance in many situations. Computer simulations indicate that, when applied to a signal composed of two sinusoids with different power levels, the proposed algorithm tracks the lower-powered sinusoid better than the LMS algorithm.
Letter from the Editors-in-Chief

As this letter goes to production, we are well into our fifth and final year as Editors-in-Chief of the Journal of Science Teacher Education (JSTE). As in past years, the staff members at Springer ...
Calcium channel dysfunction in inferior colliculus neurons of the genetically epilepsy-prone rat

Abstract Voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels are thought to play an important role in epileptogenesis and seizure generation. Here, using the whole cell configuration of patch-clamp techniques, we report on the modifications of biophysical and pharmacological properties of high threshold voltage-activated Ca2+ channel currents in inferior colliculus (IC) neurons of the genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s). Ca2+ channel currents were measured by depolarizing pulses from a holding potential of −80 mV using barium (Ba2+) as the charge carrier. We found that the current density of high threshold voltage-activated Ca2+ channels was significantly larger in IC neurons of seizure-naive GEPR-3s compared to control Sprague–Dawley rats, and that seizure episodes further enhanced the current density in the GEPR-3s. The increased current density was reflected by both a −20 mV shifts in channel activation and a 25% increase in the non-inactivating fraction of channels in seizure-naive GEPR-3s. Such changes were reduced by seizure episodes in the GEPR-3s. Pharmacological analysis of the current density suggests that upregulation of L-, N- and R-type of Ca2+ channels may contribute to IC neuronal hyperexcitability that leads to seizure susceptibility in the GEPR-3s.
Evaluation of an Electronic Platform for Problem Based Learning for Subspecialty Fellows

Abstract Introduction Increasing demands on the time of trainees may warrant new self-directed, concise methods of problem based learning. To address these issues in urological oncology CBULP was designed to provide a concise electronic format that could be readily accessed when the fellow was rested and ready to learn. We evaluated the perceived usefulness of this program. Methods Subspecialists from 2 academic urology programs and an educational professional wrote 42 clinical scenarios about various renal and adrenal malignancies, and generated concise learning points. These cases were mailed to various urological oncology fellowships in the United States and Canada. An 18-question survey was delivered electronically 8 weeks later. Responses were recorded anonymously via survey software. Results Of 36 fellows 30 (83%) responded. Of the respondents 74% completed at least 5 cases and the majority completed more than 10. Of the respondents 93% thought that the cases had the appropriate amount of detail and covered core concepts related to renal/adrenal tumors. No respondent required more than 20 minutes to finish any case. Of the respondents 93% and 100% indicated that the cases effectively illustrated the basic principles of the disease process, and the fundamentals of evaluation and management, respectively. Overall 97% of respondents thought that CBULP could be an effective learning resource for fellows. Conclusions An electronic case based method of learning appears to be a useful tool for subspecialty fellows. It may be a worthwhile self-directed supplement to traditional educational resources.
The Dawn of High-Resolution Structure for the Queen of Ion Channels

Abstract Ca 2+ channels are comprised of a main pore-forming α 1 subunit, complexed with β, α 2 δ, and γ subunits. Unlike a growing number of smaller ion channels, no atomic-level structures of Ca 2+ channels have been resolved thus far. In this issue of Neuron , Opatowsky and colleagues report the crystal structure of a Ca 2+ channel β subunit, which draws together a recent wave of seminal reports on the structural organization of these essential molecules.
Incentive policies in Brazil

A review of Brazilian policies prior to 1973 is presented, followed by an appraisal of measures taken after the oil crisis. When oil prices quadrupled and the subsequent world recession occurred, expansionary measures were adopted, along with monetary and fiscal policies that influenced the trade balance indirectly. The depreciation of the cruzeiro in terms of industrial prices was accompanied by the application of a variety of measures aimed at limiting imports and promoting exports. Brazil experienced rapid economic growth in the period following the oil crisis, making use of macroecomomic instruments to reduce domestic absorption and adopting policies of import protection, export subsidization, and encouragement of the inflow of foreign capital. Some potentially damaging consequences of these policies exist, however, for the long-run prospects of the country, and a series of reforms have been implemented to reduce public spending and private expenditures on consumer durables. The current bias against exports must be reduced, and greater equality and automaticity in incentives to the private sector must be accompanied by improved decision making in the public sector.
Airborne asbestos in buildings

The concentration of airborne asbestos in buildings nationwide is reported in this study. A total of 3978 indoor samples from 752 buildings, representing nearly 32 man-years of sampling, have been analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The buildings that were surveyed were the subject of litigation related to suits alleging the general building occupants were exposed to a potential health hazard as a result the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). The average concentration of all airborne asbestos structures was 0.01structures/ml (s/ml) and the average concentration of airborne asbestos > or = 5microm long was 0.00012fibers/ml (f/ml). For all samples, 99.9% of the samples were or = 5microm long and > or = 0.25microm wide). Background outdoor concentrations have been reported at 0.0003f/ml > or = 5microm. These results indicate that in-place ACM does not result in elevated airborne asbestos in building atmospheres approaching regulatory levels and that it does not result in a significantly increased risk to building occupants.
The use of thioesterase. II. As a rat mammary epithelial cell-specific marker

The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunoperoxidase technique was employed to determine the intercellular distribution of thioesterase II in rat mammary glands. This enzyme is responsible for shifting the product specificity of the fatty-acid synthetase enzyme complex from long to medium chain fatty acids. Thioesterase II was found exclusively in the cells lining the lumen of the ductal and alveolar structures in glands from mature virgin (150 days old) and pregnant rats. The ductal cell staining intensity was considerably less than that of the alveolar cells in the mature virgin rat glands. No immunoreactive thioesterase II was found in the stromal, adipose, vascular, or myoepithelial components of the gland in the developmental stages examined. In the glands from immature virgin rats (40–45 days old) thioesterase II was again found only in the epithelial cells lining the lumen of the ductal and end-bud structures although this layer was usually more than one cell thick.
Synthesis of acetylene‐terminated monomers using a polymer‐supported palladium catalyst

A single-crysial polyethylene-bound palladium catalys: was prepared and used in the synthesis of acelylene-terminated monomers.
SU-FF-T-499: Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC): Limits and Recommendations for Use in Treatment Planning

Purpose: Via a workshop and the concerted efforts of many investigators (and with support from the AAPM and ASTRO) the dose‐volume relationships for many normal tissues sites have been examined and pulled together within the QUANTEC initiative. Here the summary recommendations of those studies are critiqued by members of the QUANTEC steering committee from a “physicist/treatment planner” perspective. Method and Materials: Sixteen site‐specific articles (written by knowledgeable physicians and physicists) have been submitted for simultaneous publication. Part of each report was a review of (where available) published dose volume histogram (DVH) point metrics and normal tissue complication model (NTCP) parameters associated with complications. Each report also provided information related to the quality of the data/results and their applicability for clinical use. The QUANTEC steering committee has summarized the site‐specific results together with a critical assessment of their strengths and shortcomings. Results: All reported values are apropos to the circumstances under which they were measured (primarily 3DCRT with conventional fractionation) and should be used with caution for other treatment schemes. The reported metrics generally fall into the categories of DVH points (e.g., Vxx, the volume of the normal tissue in excess of dose level xx associated with a complication threshold) and Lyman NTCP model parameters. The quality of the data/results ranges from combined analyses among several institutions (or combined analysis of literature values) to single institution experiences. In general, the recommended parameters and limits are more differential (separating safe from unsafe domains) rather than universal (spanning a continuous range of complications). However, clinically useful summaries can be made. Conclusion: The QUANTEC effort has been largely successful in updating the available dose/volume data. However, the resulting recommendations for clinical use need to be carefully assessed and cautiously applied as the quality of these data varies. Future QUANTEC initiatives are in progress.
Regulation of the M1 muscarinic receptor-Gg-phospholipase C-β pathway by nucleotide exchange and GTP hydrolysis

M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptors, G1 and G11 (Gq/11), and phospholipase C-beta 1 were highly purified from both natural sources and cells that express the appropriate cDNA's. When the proteins were co-reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles, the receptor efficiently and selectively promoted the activation of Gq/11, leading to marked stimulation of PLC activity in the presence of GTP gamma S. No stimulation was observed in the presence of GTP, however, which led to the finding that PLC-beta 1 stimulates the hydrolysis of GQ/11-bound GTP at least 50-fold. Thus, PLC-beta 1 is a GTPase activating protein, a GAP, for its physiologic regulator Gq/11. We discuss the implications of PLC-beta 1's GAP activity on the M1 muscarinic cholinergic signaling pathway.
A grey level frequency histogram representation of animal cell colonies seen by scattered light.

Abstract A complete system of hardware and software is described, which permits determination of the three-dimensional shape of animal cell colonies. The cells are photographed by light scattered through an angle of approximately 45° during passage through the cells. The images of the films are analyzed using a computer controlled flying spot scanner. The colony perimeter points are stored as linked lists until the perimeter is finished, at which time summary data such as perimeter length and colony area are computed. The grey level information in each colony image, corresponding to the thickness distribution, is stored as a grey level frequency histogram. A circularly normalized colony thickness profile that increases monotonically from edge to center can be constructed from this histogram.
The Effects of 11,12-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid (11,12-EET) on Isolated Blood Vessels from the Newborn Pulmonary Circulation † 1651

The Effects of 11,12-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid (11,12-EET) on Isolated Blood Vessels from the Newborn Pulmonary Circulation † 1651
Removal of Internally Deposited Plutonium

S>Diethylenetriamine pentaacetlc acid proved superior to both zirconium citrate and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid in the prevention of deposition of plutonium in mammalian systems and for the removal of plutonium after it has become fixed in the tissues. (C.H.)
Efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in unselected patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract Objectives: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is widely used as a first-step procedure for the surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome but best manages obstruction occurring at the level of the oropharynx alone and not the hypopharynx. Previous publications have noted mediocre results with use of this procedure in unselected patients with OSA, but less clear is the effectiveness of this procedure in the unselected patient with mild OSA (respiratory event index [REI] 5–25). Using objective and subjective criteria, we retrospectively analyzed the results of UPPP in patients with mild OSA. Methods: We examined 37 patients with mild OSA (REI 13.5 ± 5.1, range 5.6–23.1) who had been operated on during 1996 with UPPP with or without tonsillectomy and/or septoplasty. Follow-up polysomnography was obtained in 25 (68%) an average of 40.5 weeks after surgery and compared with findings before surgery. Subjective assessment of sleepiness was performed with the Sleep-Wake Activity Inventory. Results: Ten patients (40%) had a postoperative reduction in the REI of more than 50%, comparable with the improvements reported in those with more severe apnea. Those who did not have a reduction in REI after surgery actually saw an increase in average REI from 16.6 ± 5 to 26.7 ± 18.4. Similarly, subjective assessment of sleepiness with the Sleep-Wake Activity Inventory showed no statistically significant improvement after surgery. Conclusion: Overall, these results indicate that UPPP alone in the unselected patient provides little benefit in the management of mild OSA, similar to findings for more severe OSA. Surgeons must use great care in discerning the level of obstruction in the patient with mild OSA to tailor the appropriate retropalatal and/or retrolingual procedures and thereby achieve excellent surgical outcomes. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;123:179–82.)
Sonographic diagnosis of ulnar artery aneurysm in hypothenar hammer syndrome: report of 2 cases.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon condition that may cause digital ischemia, pain, or a mass in the hand. It is caused by repetitive blunt trauma to the palmar surface of the hand, which may damage the ulnar artery, resulting in intimal injury, thrombosis, or aneurysm. 1,2 In 1970, Conn et al 2 first used the term to describe this entity, which is frequently occupationally related. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the angiographic appearance of ulnar artery injury. In cases without complete occlusion, the characteristic angiographic appearance has been described as a corkscrew pattern. 3 However, when the artery is occluded, angiography may not be able to differentiate occlusion because of embolization, thrombosis, or a thrombosed aneurysm. We report 2 cases in which sonography was able to show thrombosed ulnar artery aneurysms in patients with HHS, serving as a useful adjunct to the traditional angiography also performed in these patients.
Study of ultra-scaled SiGe/Si core/shell nanowire FETs for CMOS applications

SiGe/Si core/shell nanowire (NW) devices are promising candidates for the future generation MOSFETs providing better channel control and hole mobility [1–4]. These core-shell devices can be exploited both as p- and n-type devices [3]. The Si shell improves the semiconductor-oxide interface and enhances the device performances [1, 3]. The Germanium condensation technique [4] is able to provide high Ge content (>50%) channel with Si as capping layer. In this work we investigate the viability of using these core/shell NWFETs for CMOS application.
Sensitivity of Spathidium spathula to Low Doses of X‐Radiation

SYNOPSIS. When Spathidium spathula was exposed to X-ray doses ranging from 1–25 kr this animal was found to be more radiosensitive than any ciliate previously reported. A dose of 1 kr is sufficient to increase the time of the first generation from 5 to about 5 1/2 hours. A dose of 4 kr is enough to approximately double the generation time. Bacteria in the medium during irradiation do not protect the ciliate against injury. Animals irradiated as dry cysts are only slightly more resistant than vegetative forms, requiring 10 kr to double the generation time. One day after exposure, irradiated lines are uniformly poor in growth rate (0–2 daily divisions), but later a bimodal response is noticed, some lines remaining poor and others recovering. Within 24 hours after treatment, a number of irradiated animals show structural abnormalities and are greatly increased in size. The experiments have not determined the reason for the high sensitivity of Spathidium but have made certain alternatives unlikely.
Role for Periodontitis in the Progression of Lipid Deposition in an Animal Model

Epidemiologic studies have implicated periodontitis as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. However, no prospective studies investigating this potential relationship have been carried out. Age- and sex-matched New Zealand White rabbits were maintained on a diet consisting of 0.5% fat for 13 weeks to induce the accumulation of lipid deposits in the aorta as a model for atherogenesis. One-half of the animals received silk ligatures around their mandibular premolars followed by an application of a periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, to induce periodontitis. Animals were sacrificed after 14 weeks. Periodontal disease severity was quantified radiographically, histologically, and by direct visualization of bone loss on defleshed skulls. Lipid deposition was evaluated by computer-assisted morphometry in the aortas en face after lipid deposits were stained with Sudan IV. Animals with experimentally induced periodontitis had more extensive accumulations of lipids in the aorta than did nonperiodontitis animals (P < 0.05), and there was a positive correlation between the severity of periodontal disease and the extent of lipid deposition (r2 = 0.9501). The results provide direct evidence that periodontitis may be a risk factor and may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The data support the concept that infections at remote locations can modulate atherosclerotic events distantly.
Family Behavior Therapy in a Conduct-Disordered and Substance-Abusing Adolescent: A Case Example

The present case study describes a Family Behavior Therapy (FBT) method used to treat an adolescent substance-dependent youth who evidenced co-occurring symptoms of conduct disorder and major depressive disorder. The case example includes a description of the youth's assessment, including mental status, relevant background information, substance abuse history, use of standardized measures and urine drug assay tests, diagnostic impressions, conceptualization, and method of developing the treatment plan. Implementation of the FBT program is fully delineated, including examples of completed therapy worksheets and ongoing assessments of drug use, conduct, school performance, and mood. Results, albeit uncontrolled, indicated significant progress throughout intervention and at 6 month follow-up.
Incidence and Impact of Light Chain Associated (AL) Amyloidosis on the Prognosis of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Autologous Transplantation

Little is known about the incidence of clinically occult AL amyloid in patients with multiple myeloma and its impact on prognosis of these patients. To address these issues, subcutaneous fat pad aspirates (SAFA) and bone marrow biopsies were evaluated for the presence of amyloid in a cohort of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma prior to enrollment on a phase II study including tandem transplants. Organ directed biopsies were performed when clinically indicated. Presence of amyloid at > 1 site was noted in 32 patients (38%.). SAFA was positive in 25 (31%), bone marrow in 8 patients (10%) and other organ sites in 7 patients. Patients with and without amyloid did not differ in disease characteristics, in particular no λ predominance was observed in patients with amyloid. Event free survival (59+ vs 52 months; p =. 9) and overall survival (59+ vs 66+ months; p =. 9) were similar in both groups. Even the seven patients with symptomatic organ involvement with AL amyloid had a median overall survival...
Relationship of Treatment-Related Cytopenias and Response to Lenalidomide in Patients With Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Purpose Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) often require treatment with growth factors (GFs) or non-GF therapies. One non-GF drug, lenalidomide, is particularly effective at achieving transfusion independence (TI) in patients with lower-risk MDS with the del(5q) cytogenetic abnormality. However, approximately half of del(5q) patients and one quarter of non–del(5q) patients treated with lenalidomide experience significant cytopenias. Lenalidomide-induced cytopenias occurring early in treatment may serve as a surrogate marker of clonal suppression and, therefore, may be predictive of a TI response. Patients and Methods We analyzed 362 low-risk, transfusion-dependent patients with MDS, with or without the del(5q) abnormality, enrolled in two phase II studies (MDS-003 and MDS-002) to determine whether treatment-related cytopenias are correlated with lenalidomide response. Cytopenias were assessed during the first 8 weeks of therapy, and response was defined as TI; response predictors were explored ...
Relevance to Psychology of Beliefs about Socialism: Some New Research Questions

This article aims to stimulate discussion about the potential relevance of the concept of socialism for what we study and the questions we ask. The economic systems of capitalism and socialism are seldom considered subjects of interest in psychology. At this particular time, however, especially in the United States, the relevance of these systems for our theories and research on human behavior, health, and human welfare seem particularly relevant and potentially significant. I argue that discussions of socialism should be helpful in expanding the context of our concerns in psychology and the identification of important new variables. The growing crisis of inequality in the United States is the major impetus for this argument.
Voting in Union Certification Elections: A Conceptual Analysis

Facets of job satisfaction have been considered as direct predictors of voting in union certification elections in most previous research, but the relationship between satisfaction and voting is more complex. Our model of union certification voting behavior, based on Fishbein's [1967] theory of behavioral intentions, predicts that employees' attitudes toward voting for a union are influenced by their satisfaction with the economic facets of their jobs. Employees' general subjective norms toward unions are influenced by perceived expectations of the supervisor and co-workers, and by individual characteristics.
Hardware PSO for sensor network applications

This paper addresses the problem of emission source localization in an environment monitored by a distributed wireless sensor network. Typical application scenarios of interest include emergency response and military surveillance. A nonlinear least squares method is employed to model the problem of estimation of the emission source location and the intensity at the source. A particle swam optimization (PSO) approach to solve this problem produces solution qualities that compete well with other best known traditional approaches. Moreover, the PSO solution achieves the best runtime performance compared to the other methods investigated. However, when it is targeted on to low capacity embedded processors PSO itself suffers from poor execution performance. To address this problem a direct, flexible and efficient hardware implementation of the PSO algorithm is developed, resulting in tremendous speedup over software solutions on embedded processors.
Coupled Waveform Analysis in Dynamic Characterization of Lossy Solids

By means of the viscoelastic wave propagation model for a homogeneous semi-infinite solid, a rational analytical and computational framework is developed for nonintrusive, wave-based characterization of lossy media. The problem of estimating the equivalent uniform material properties from surface observations is formulated in the Bayesian setting for two canonical testing configu- rations, one involving a vertically and the other a horizontally polarized wave field. By enhancing the treatment of the inverse problem through a fully coupled viscoelastic analysis of the observed waveforms, the method provides consistent estimates of the in situ material stiffness, damping, and density which are not available from conventional seismic interpretations. For a rigorous treatment of the gradient search technique employed by the inverse solution, the necessary derivatives of the predictive model are evaluated analytically. A set of results with noise-contaminated synthetic measurements is included to highlight several key features of the back analysis.
Duration of action of a broad range of selective κ-opioid receptor antagonists is positively correlated with c-Jun N-terminal kinase-1 activation.

The κ-opioid receptor is a widely expressed G-protein-coupled receptor that has been implicated in biological responses to pain, stress, anxiety, and depression, and its potential as a therapeutic target in these syndromes is becoming increasingly apparent. However, the prototypical selective κ-opioid antagonists have very long durations of action that have been attributed to c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 activation in vivo. To test generality of this proposed noncompetitive mechanism, we used C57BL/6 wild type mice to determine the durations of antagonist action of novel κ-opioid receptor ligands and examined their efficacies for JNK1 activation compared with conventional competitive antagonists. Of the 12 compounds tested, 5 had long durations of action that positively correlated with JNK activation: RTI-5989-97 [(3S)-7-hydroxy-N-[(1S)-1-[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl}-(2-methylpropyl]-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide], RTI-5989-194 [(3R)-7-hydroxy-N-[(1S)-1-[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl}-(2-methylbutyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide], RTI-5989-241 [(3R)-7-hydroxy-N-[(1S)-1-{[(3R,4R)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl}-2-methylpropyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide)], nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI); and (3R)-7-hydroxy-N-((1S)-1-{[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl}-2-methylpropyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (JDTic). Seven had short durations of action and did not increase phospho-JNK-ir: RTI-5989-212[(3R)-N-[(1S)-1-[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl}-(2-methylpropyl]-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide], RTI-5989-240 [(3R)-7-hydroxy-N-[(1S)-1-[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethylpiperidin-1-yl]methyl}-(2-methylpropyl]-3-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide], JSPA0658 [(S)-3-fluoro-4-(4-((2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)methyl)phenoxy)benzamide], JSPA071B [(S)-3-fluoro-4-(4-((2-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)methyl)phenoxy)benzamide]. PF-4455242 [2-methyl-N-((2′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylsulfonyl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl)propan-1-amine], PF-4455242 [2-methyl-N-((2′-(pyrrolidin-1-ylsulfonyl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl)propan-1-amine], FP3FBZ [(S)-3-fluoro-4-(4-((2-(3-fluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)methyl)phenoxy)benzamide], and naloxone. After long-acting antagonist treatment, pJNK-ir did not increase in mice lacking the κ-opioid receptor; increased pJNK-ir returned to baseline by 48 h after treatment; and a second challenge with nor-BNI 72 h after the first did not increase pJNK-ir. Long-lasting antagonism and increased phospho-JNK-ir were not seen in animals lacking the JNK1 isoform. These results support the hypothesis that the duration of action of small molecule κ-opioid receptor antagonists in vivo is determined by their efficacy in activating JNK1 and that persistent inactivation of the κ-receptor does not require sustained JNK activation.
Doing Feminist International Relations: A Guide

Feminist Methodologies for International Relations. Edited by Brooke A. Ackerly, Maria Stern, Jacqui True. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. 332 pp., $75.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-521-86115-2), $29.99 paper (ISBN: 0-521-67835-8). Asserting the diversity of feminist approaches to international relations has become a refrain within the subfield. Yet, few scholars have ventured to assess this diversity, fearing that they would marginalize some, exclude others, and establish hegemonic centers in the discursive terrain that makes up feminist international relations. The dearth of integrative scholarship has made it difficult to develop collective research agendas or define debates. Although a wealth of innovative empirical studies have been done, there is little theory building. As a result, the subfield seems stuck in a fruitless exchange between those with modern and those with post-modern leanings, between those interested in talking to “the mainstream” and those warning of the dangers of cooptation. Given this situation, Feminist Methodologies for International Relations by Brooke Ackerly, Maria Stern, and Jacqui True arrives as a breath of fresh air. Developed in the course of a series of International Studies Association (ISA) panels and an ISA workshop, the volume brings together scholars with a range of orientations and allows them to define their work around the topic of methodology. The result is a book that sketches the contours of the field and will likely provide a point of reference for some time to come. Feminist Methodologies for International Relations has three parts. The first part expands on conversations between feminist and nonfeminist international relations. J. Ann Tickner sets the stage, suggesting that most feminist IR literature has adopted post-positivist methodologies. She describes these methodologies and explains why feminists often have reservations about quantitative research. In contrast, Marysia Zalewski refuses the invitation to describe feminist methodology because, she argues, it will never measure up …
Influence of cover on mean column hydraulic characteristics in small pool riffle morphology streams

The field of ecohydraulics tries to link biological- and physical-based processes in order to describe better the distribution of plants and animals in rivers. We tested the hypothesis that the influence of cover in pools and riffles would not be detectable using average velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent intensity, and compared these measurements to locations distant from cover. We measured water velocity fluctuations using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. We found that turbulent intensity in the downstream direction (u′) and the transverse or cross-stream direction (v′) were the most useful in detecting the presence of cover in pools and riffles. Differences were apparent between locations near cover in pools and riffles. Turbulent kinetic energy (k) and vertical turbulent intensity (w′) detected cover in pools but not in riffles. Average downstream velocity () detected cover in riffles but not in pools. Average cross-stream () and vertical () velocities did not detect any differences at all. We rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that turbulence caused by habitat features such as large rocks, wood or other channel complexities results in a statistically meaningful difference in flow characteristics in locations near cover. This finding was tempered by the fact that knowledge about how fish respond to turbulence is limited in comparison to our understanding of average velocity values. Despite the potential benefits to habitat modelling of incorporating turbulence-based metrics, application of these findings will be challenging because turbulence modelling is difficult and current models may not be appropriate for application to rivers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Misuse of Occam's Razor That Trims More Than Just the Fat

In their comment on our paper, Wilson and Palmer (2001) suggest that the borings in the Richmondian Onniella epibole are all domichnial and, thus, post mortem with respect to the life of the brachiopod. We originally had argued that the mixed indicators of boring habit could be explained neither by site-selective boring alone nor by site-non-selective boring alone. In addition, we found that post mortem (i.e., post-disarticulation, site-non-selective) boring could not adequately explain the evidence, especially the valve stereotypy. Instead, a mixture of boring habits seemed to be required. Whether such a postulation of multiple mechanisms constitutes an “unnecessary multiplication” of hypotheses, as Wilson and Palmer (2001) claim, is a matter of philosophy of science. Before taking on these philosophic issues, we wish to address several of their more substantive claims. Unfortunately, Wilson and Palmer (2001) neglect to define “unequivocal.” An extreme interpretation might be “catching the predator in the act” (category 1 of Boucot, 1990)—an interpretation that essentially would preclude studies of predation in the fossil record. A more reasonable definition might be “supported more strongly by available qualitative and quantitative evidence than the alternative boring motive hypotheses.” Boring predation indeed has been documented convincingly in a Late Devonian system by Leighton (2001). Wilson and Palmer (2001) apparently consider the Cambrian borings described by Conway Morris and Bengtson (1994) unequivocal as well. Several post-Cambrian, pre-Frasnian cases are supported at least as strongly as these examples and, thus, should also be considered “unequivocal.” Convincing Lower and Middle Devonian cases include brachiopods from Quebec (Sheehan and Lesperance, 1978) and New York (Smith …
A case of severe diazoxide toxicity

Hyperinsulism is a rare cause of persistent hypoglycemia in the neonatal period. Therapy can be accomplished either surgically or pharmacologically. Diazoxide treatment remains the mainstay of medical therapy. Tolerance of diazoxide is usually excellent, but several adverse effects of this drug have been described. A case of severe diazoxide intoxication with fluid retention, congestive heart failure, and respiratory failure is reported. The patient was a 43-day-old infant, affected by persistent and severe hypoglycemia. After the diagnosis, hyperinsulinism was established he was treated with diazoxide (17 mg x kg(-1) daily) and octreotide (12 microg x kg(-1) daily). A few days later he presented with hepatomegaly, severe fluid retention, diffuse edema, congestive heart failure, and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. After introduction of ACE inhibitors he developed acute renal failure. The clinical condition worsened and he developed pulmonary hypertension requiring high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. Diazoxide was stopped on the 12th day in spite of poor control of blood sugar. During the next 5 days his hemodynamic status dramatically improved and he was weaned from catecholamines: he lost weight, had a negative fluid balance, and the edema disappeared, a normal diuresis resumed and renal function improved. Improvement of respiratory patterns and gas exchange made it possible to switch back to conventional ventilation and then to extubate the patient. Echocardiography demonstrated reduction of the PA pressure to normal and resolution of atrial enlargement. The patient was scheduled for elective subtotal pancreatectomy. Diagnosis and management of diazoxide intoxication are discussed.
The Blow-up Lemma

Extremal graph theory has a great number of conjectures concerning the embedding of large sparse graphs into dense graphs. Szemeredi's Regularity Lemma is a valuable tool in finding embeddings of small graphs. The Blow-up Lemma, proved recently by Komlos, Sarkozy and Szemeredi, can be applied to obtain approximate versions of many of the embedding conjectures. In this paper we review recent developments in the area.
A Flow Visualization Study of Axial Turbine Tip Desensitization by Coolant Injection From a Tip Trench

The effect of coolant injection from a tip trench was investigated in a large-scale rotating turbine rig. Coolant is injected into the tip gap from discrete injection holes, located in a tip trench and directed towards the pressure-side. Surface flow patterns are visualized by a mixture of oil and paint. The mixture is applied on the blade pressure-side and allowed to seep onto the tip platform. Injection rates of 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.7%, at a gap height of 1.40% blade height were investigated. Flow patterns for a gap height of 0.72% blade height are compared to the larger clearance gap. The flow visualization technique successfully identifies flow features like pressure-side edge separation, and reattachment and recirculation on the tip surface. The location of the reattachment line from the pressure-side edge varies little along the length of the blade and occurs at about two gap heights from the pressure-side edge. At the large gap height the tip gap flow is fully separated over the last 5% of the blade axial chord. Surface oil flow lines are directed almost normal to the camberline along most of the tip surface. Flow patterns with injection indicate that the ejected coolant effectively blocks the leakage flow. The coolant jets are turned towards the blade suction-side and appear to form a film on the tip surface. Some of the visualization material is carried by the leakage flow into the passage and is deposited on the blade suction surface, thereby giving an indication of the inception and growth of the leakage vortex. Suction surface patterns with injection indicate that leakage flow may be entering the adjacent passage at multiple locations.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
RESTORATION OF ANTIBODY PRODUCING CAPACITY IN BURSECTOMIZED CHICKENS BY BURSAL GRAFTS IN MILLIPORE CHAMBERS.

SummaryNeonatally bursectomized chickens were seriously defective in antibody production to human red cells. When grafted with a bursa in a millipore chamber, significant restoration of antibody formation occurred. The antibody formed in grafted chickens was mercaptoethanol sensitive. An endocrine function for the bursa of Fabricius in respect to production of antibody is strongly indicated by these results.
Origin of new growth in dormant microsclerotial masses of Verticillium albo-atrum

One-year-old dried cultures of 4 microsclerotial isolates, 1 white mycelial variant (no microsclerotia), and 1 isolate of the DM form (no microsclerotia) of Verticillium albo-atrum were examined to...
Synthesis of [closo-B12(OH)11NH3]−: A New Heterobifunctional Dodecaborane Scaffold for Drug Delivery Applications

Effective utilization of [closo-B12H12](2-) derivatives in targeted drug delivery applications depends upon an efficient strategy to differentiate at least one of the 12 vertices on the B12(2-) core. Precursor molecules must also be able to withstand the initial harsh hydrogen peroxide treatment necessary for hydroxylation of the B-H vertices. We report here a method for preparation of the ammonio derivative [closo-B12(OH)11NH3](-) and also demonstrate its utility in construction of a targeted drug delivery scaffold. Treatment of the precursor [closo-B12H11NH3](-) with hydrogen peroxide gives the corresponding nitro derivative [closo-B12(OH)11NO2](2-) in good yield. The nitro group is easily reduced with hydrogen over a Raney nickel catalyst to produce [closo-B12(OH)11NH3](-). The 11 hydroxyl groups can then be readily converted to carbonates or carbamates. As a proof-of-principle of its utility as a drug delivery system, we used the resulting vertex-differentiated ammonio derivative to construct a platinated pro-drug possessing 11 copies of a carboplatin analogue conjugated to the B12(2-) core via carbamate linkage and a fluorescein molecule attached at the remaining vertex by an amide linkage. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that activity of an untagged analog was similar to carboplatin against platinum-sensitive A459 cells and higher than carboplatin against platinum-resistant SK-OV-3 cells. Further fluorescence microscopy revealed that the fluorescein-tagged pro-drug localizes to the nuclei of A459 cells.