cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skin Permeation of Solutes from Metalworking Fluids to Build Prediction Models and Test A Partition Theory

Permeation of chemical solutes through skin can create major health issues. Using the membrane-coated fiber (MCF) as a solid phase membrane extraction (SPME) approach to simulate skin permeation, we obtained partition coefficients for 37 solutes under 90 treatment combinations that could broadly represent formulations that could be associated with occupational skin exposure. These formulations were designed to mimic fluids in the metalworking process, and they are defined in this manuscript using: one of mineral oil, polyethylene glycol-200, soluble oil, synthetic oil, or semi-synthetic oil; at a concentration of 0.05 or 0.5 or 5 percent; with solute concentration of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 5 ppm. A single linear free-energy relationship (LFER) model was shown to be inadequate, but extensions that account for experimental conditions provide important improvements in estimating solute partitioning from selected formulations into the MCF. The benefit of the Expanded Nested-Solute-Concentration LFER model over the Expanded Crossed-Factors LFER model is only revealed through a careful leave-one-solute-out cross-validation that properly addresses the existence of replicates to avoid an overly optimistic view of predictive power. Finally, the partition theory that accompanies the MCF approach is thoroughly tested and found to not be supported under complex experimental settings that mimic occupational exposure in the metalworking industry.
Chapter 20 – Endocrine System

The endocrine glands are an important group of organs that are susceptible to chemical-induced changes that occur in short- and long-term preclinical toxicology studies. It is important to differentiate spontaneous and stress-related changes from compound-induced effects. There are multiple examples of drugs that are approved for human use that have been associated with degenerative or neoplastic changes in the endocrine glands of laboratory animals, but the weight of evidence regarding the pathogenesis and mode of action has demonstrated a lack of relevance for humans. The mode of action of chemicals on the toxicology of the endocrine glands can be direct or indirect. Therefore, studies on the modes of action require knowledge and experimental interrogation of physiological control and feedback mechanisms, hormone distribution and receptors on diverse target cells, the primary endocrine cells, and peripheral metabolism and excretion of hormones. In addition, there is a significant interspecies difference in the physiology and pathology of the endocrine glands, which makes it imperative to understand the mode of action of chemicals in order to compare preclinical toxicology findings in different species and predict human relevance. This chapter reviews the pathophysiology of the endocrine glands in the species typically used for preclinical toxicology studies and includes toxicologic mechanisms, classic examples of chemical-induced changes and their modes of action, and spontaneous diseases.
Ethical Guidelines and Codes of Conduct in Social and Behavioral Research

This article briefly reviews the situation regarding research ethics in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. It notes some of the areas where regulations referring to social/behavioral research are similar, as well as areas where they differ. It then turns to the codes of ethics of various professional organizations, first describing them and then comparing and contrasting them. Finally, it points to the future of social/behavioral research and the emerging trend toward broader notions of research integrity and the responsible conduct of research.
On the Coupling Constants, Geometric Probability and Shilov Boundaries

By recurring to Geometric Probability methods it is shown that the coupling constants, αEM , αW , αC , associated with the Electromagnetic, Weak and Strong (color) force are given by the ratios of measures of the sphere S and the Shilov boundaries Q3 = S 2 × RP , squashed S, respectively, with respect to the Wyler measure ΩWyler[Q4] of the Shilov boundary Q4 = S 3 × RP 1 of the poly-disc D4 ( 8 real dimensions). The latter measure ΩWyler[Q4] is linked to the geometric coupling strength αG associated to the gravitational force. In the conclusion we discuss briefly other approaches to the determination of the physical constants, in particular, a program based on the Mersenne primes p-adic hierarchy. The most important conclusion of this work is the role played by higher dimensions in the determination of the coupling constants from pure geometry and topology alone and which does not require to invoke the anthropic principle . 1 GEOMETRIC PROBABILITY Geometric Probability [1] is the study of the probabilities involved in geometric problems, e.g., the distributions of length, area, volume, etc. for geometric objects under stated conditions. One of the most famous problem is the Buffon’s Needle Problem of finding the probability that a needle of length l will land on a line, given a floor with equally spaced parallel lines a distance d apart. The problem was first posed by the French naturalist Buffon in 1733. For l < d the probability is
Mutational and functional analysis of the korA and korB gene products of Streptomyces plasmid pIJ101.

ThekorA andkorB loci ofStreptomyces lividans plasmid pIJ101 have previously been shown to control expression of the pIJ101tra (formerlykilA) andkilB genes at the transcriptional level. We show here that mutations in translational open reading frames (ORFs) that map within the kor loci abolish repression of theS. lividans lac gene directed by thetra andkilB promoters. Introduction of thekorA andkorB ORFs intoEscherichia coli maxicells under control of anE. coli promoter gave rise to 31 kDa and 10 kDa proteins that correspond in size to the products expected from the sequences of the respective ORFs; these proteins controlled transcription from the pIJ101tra andkilB promoters in theE. coli host. Mutations that affected the KorA or KorB phenotype altered the structure of, or eliminated, the protein products of thekorA andkorB ORFs, further demonstrating that these ORFs encode the functional repressors of the pIJl01kil/kor gene system.
In vivo elongation of thin filaments results in heart failure

A novel cardiac-specific transgenic mouse model was generated to identify the physiological consequences of elongated thin filaments during post-natal development in the heart. Remarkably, increasing the expression levels in vivo of just one sarcomeric protein, Lmod2, results in ~10% longer thin filaments (up to 26% longer in some individual sarcomeres) that produce up to 50% less contractile force. Increasing the levels of Lmod2 in vivo (Lmod2-TG) also allows us to probe the contribution of Lmod2 in the progression of cardiac myopathy because Lmod2-TG mice present with a unique cardiomyopathy involving enlarged atrial and ventricular lumens, increased heart mass, disorganized myofibrils and eventually, heart failure. Turning off of Lmod2 transgene expression at postnatal day 3 successfully prevents thin filament elongation, as well as gross morphological and functional disease progression. We show here that Lmod2 has an essential role in regulating cardiac contractile force and function.
Intraocular Lens Exchange

In patients with anticipated challenges to compliance with refractive amblyopia management after pediatric cataract surgery, primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after lensectomy has become the preferred alternative to aphakia ever since the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study (IATS) demonstrated that was an acceptable decision (The Infant Aphakia Treatment Study Group, JAMA Ophthalmol 132:676–682, 2014). However, there can be a variable degree of myopic shift after pseudophakia that can result in significant anisometropia while the child is still within amblyogenic age. As the focus in pediatric cataract surgery has shifted more toward optimizing refractive outcomes given advances in surgical technology, IOL exchange has become a widely accepted option for managing severe anisometropia and associated intolerable aniseikonia in pseudophakic children. Utilizing an illustrative case, the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations for IOL exchange in pediatric cases are discussed in detail within this chapter. A step-by-step guide to extracting the primary IOL and implanting a new IOL (planned sulcus placement with optic capture) is explained.
Advances in Geometrical Analysis of Topologically-Varying Shapes

Statistical shape analysis using geometrical approaches provides comprehensive tools – such as geodesic deformations, shape averages, and principal modes of variability – all in the original object space. While geometrical methods have been limited to objects with fixed topologies (e.g. functions, closed curves, surfaces of genus zero, etc) in the past, this paper summarizes recent progress where geometrical approaches are beginning to handle topologically different objects – trees, graphs, etc – that exhibit arbitrary branching and connectivity patterns. The key idea is to “divide-and-conquer”, i.e. break complex objects into simpler parts and help register these parts across objects. Such matching and quantification require invariant metrics from Riemannian geometry and provide foundational tools for statistical shape analysis.
Salinity has little effect on photosynthetic and respiratory responses to seasonal temperature changes in black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) seedlings.

Temperature and salinity are important regulators of mangrove range limits and productivity, but the physiological responses of mangroves to the interactive effects of temperature and salinity remain uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that salinity alters photosynthetic responses to seasonal changes in temperature and vapor pressure deficit (D), as well as thermal acclimation _of leaf respiration in black mangrove (Avicennia germinans). To test this hypothesis, we grew seedlings of A. germinans in an outdoor experiment for ~ 12 months under four treatments spanning 0 to 55 ppt porewater salinity. We repeatedly measured seedling growth and in situ rates of leaf net photosynthesis (Asat) and stomatal conductance to water vapor (gs) at prevailing leaf temperatures, along with estimated rates of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax) and electron transport for RuBP regeneration (Jmax), and measured rates of leaf respiration at 25 °C (Rarea25). We developed empirical models describing the seasonal response of leaf gas exchange and photosynthetic capacity to leaf temperature and D, and the response of Rarea25 to changes in mean daily air temperature. We tested the effect of salinity on model parameters. Over time, salinity had weak or inconsistent effects on Asat, gs and Rarea25. Salinity also had little effect on the biochemical parameters of photosynthesis (Vcmax, Jmax) and individual measurements of Asat, gs, Vcmax and Jmax showed a similar response to seasonal changes in temperature and D across all salinity treatments. Individual measurements of Rarea25 showed a similar inverse relationship with mean daily air temperature across all salinity treatments. We conclude that photosynthetic responses to seasonal changes in temperature and D, as well as seasonal temperature acclimation of leaf R, are largely consistent across a range of salinities in A. germinans. These results might simplify predictions of photosynthetic and respiratory responses to temperature in young mangroves.
PATTERN SELECTION IN FARADAY WAVES

We present a systematic nonlinear theory of pattern selection for parametric surface waves (Faraday waves), not restricted to fluids of low viscosity. A standing wave amplitude equation is derived from the Navier-Stokes equation that is of gradient form. The associated Lyapunov function is calculated for different regular patterns to determine the selected pattern near threshold as a function of a damping parameter $\ensuremath{\gamma}$. For $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\sim}1$, we show that a single wave (or stripe) pattern is selected. For $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\ll}1$, we predict patterns of square symmetry in the capillary regime, a sequence of sixfold (hexagonal), eightfold, $\dots{}$ in the mixed gravity-capillary regime, and stripe patterns in the gravity dominated regime.
Whole Cranberry Powder Promotes Bifidobacterium infantis Attenuation of Disease Activity in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Synbiotic therapy (combinations of prebiotic and probiotics) may alleviate inflammatory bowel diseases. Whole cranberry powder (WCP) has a potential prebiotic role in promoting the anti-inflammatory activity of probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (Bi). We studied the effects of WCP and Bi on disease activity and biomarkers of inflammation in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) murine model of colitis. Female BALB/c mice (6 wk old; n=48) consumed AIN-93G control or diet supplemented with Bi, Bi+1% WCP, or Bi+3% WCP for 21 d. Diets were formulated to provide a daily dose of 1-2x109 cfu Bi/mouse. Colitis was induced with 3% DSS in the drinking water during the last 7 d. There was no difference in body weight between treatments. Colitis induction was evident by elevation of disease activity index in the DSS control group on d 16-21. Supplementation with Bi alone lowered (P<0.05) disease activity scores until d 19. The addition of Bi+WCP further delayed the onset of colitis until d 20. Bi+1% ...
APPLICATION OF FLUORESCENT–ANTIBODY PROCEDURES TO THE STUDY OF PATHOGENIC DEMATIACEOUS FUNGI I.: Differentiation of Cladosporium carrionii and Cladosporium Bantianum

Al-Doory, Yousef (Division of Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany) and Morris A. Gordon. Application of fluorescent-antibody procedures to the study of pathogenic dematiaceous fungi. I. Differentiation of Cladosporium carrionii and Cladosporium bantianum . J. Bacteriol. 86: 332–338. 1963.—The well-known polymorphism and confusing similarity of cultures of pathogenic dematiaceous molds and other so-called “black yeasts” make individual species difficult to identify and even more perplexing to classify. Serological investigations of antigen relationships have proved of value in previous attempts to resolve these taxonomic problems, but thus far no fluorescent-antibody studies in this field have been reported. In the present investigations, fluorescein-labeled antisera to both Cladosporium carrionii and C. bantianum reacted with a number of dematiaceous species in addition to the homologous organisms, but selective dilution and absorption resulted in conjugates specific for each of these two species. Staining was confined to the periphery of both hyphae and spores, and age was a factor in the affinity of these structures for fluorescent antibody. There is evidence that antigen diffuses centrifugally from the hyphae during growth on agar media. Images
Dynamic Compaction of a Monosized Spherical Tungsten Powder

We present a limited number of measurements of the Hugoniot of a 45-74-µm spherical tungsten powder in the stress range 0 to 7 GPa. From these data we infer that compaction to the solid density occurs at about 4 GPa. Examination of recovered specimens shows that interparticle bonding does not occur at stresses as high as 6.2 GPa. This is consistent with calculations based on the energy flux at powder particle surfaces during compaction, which suggest that interparticle melting will not occur at stresses less than about 9.0 GPa.
On-road and laboratory evaluation of combustion aerosols—Part 2:: Summary of spark ignition engine results

Abstract The primary objective was to characterize exhaust aerosols from a small group of in-use, light-duty, spark ignition (SI) vehicles operated on-road, and on a chassis dynamometer. A significant particle signature above background was not measured at highway cruise condition. Number emissions were much higher during acceleration, at high-speed cruise, and during cold–cold starts. Group average fuel-specific number emissions range from 3.9 × 10 14 to 1.0 × 10 17 particles/kg of fuel. Cold–cold start temperatures, driving cycles and vehicular condition influence SI emissions. Elemental carbon was a major contributor to mass emissions measured in chassis dynamometer Unified Driving Cycle (UDC) tests averaging 64% and 34% of the mass emissions for cold–cold and hot start cycles, respectively. Average ratios of cold–cold to hot start emissions were 3.3, 7.6, and 22 for CPC number, filter mass and SMPS volume, respectively. Apportionment results showed that on a weekly weighted basis and on weekdays, the majority of observed particle number was attributed to heavy-duty diesel traffic. Weekend production of particles was attributable to light-duty automobiles. On a per vehicle basis, heavy-duty vehicles produced substantially greater number concentrations. On a fuel-specific basis, heavy-duty vehicles produce slightly higher concentrations of particles than light-duty vehicles. The relative contribution of light-duty vehicles to particle number emissions increased as particle size decreased, for the smallest particles apportioned number emissions were 1.3 × 10 16 and 7.1 × 10 15 particles/kg of fuel for heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles, respectively. Comparison of on-road chase and apportionment results with chassis dynamometer tests in a certification type facility suggests that the latter may underestimate real-world number emissions.
The Effect of Bank Reputation on the Value of Bank Loan Agreements

I examine the effect of bank characteristics on changes in client firm value occasioned by bank loan announcements to assess the importance of commercial bank reputation. I find that valuation effects are positively related to bank deposit size and capital ratio, and inversely related to the loan loss provision ratio. The results imply that high-quality firms that need to raise external capital have an incentive to develop relationships with large, high-quality banks to avoid pooling with other bank loan customers or issuers of public securities. The results suggest that, despite regulation, the market does not view banks as a uniform set of suppliers of capital. Instead, in a manner consistent with previous empirical findings for auditing firms and investment bankers, variation among commercial banks facilitates the market's ability to differentiate among firms.
Ontological Analysis of the Research on the Use of Social Media for Health Behavior Change

This research provides a comprehensive view of the use of social media for health behavior change, leading to improved stress management, participation in health services, weight management, addiction recovery, screening a treatment behaviors for women, and sexual behaviors. We develop an ontological framework that encompasses 833 problem statements, and we use the framework to perform a meta-synthesis of the extant literature and map it. The results describe the state-of-research and highlight the bright, light, and blind/blank areas in the domain. We discuss the implications of our framework and the meta-synthesis. We show that the ontological framework provides a new lens to explore the issues in the domain. Our analysis reveals that the current state-of-research is saturated with bright areas such as cross sectional assessment of social media content and usage for health behavior change, while it lacks attention to blind/blank areas such as non-usage of several social media features. We conclude with open research questions and a discussion of limitations of our research.
Tax Management, Sustainable Competitive Advantage, and the Effects of Tax Reform

This study examines whether firms' advantage from lower explicit taxes (tax management) is mitigated by lower pre-tax incomes (implicit taxes) and whether this advantage creates sustainable competitive advantage. We investigate a sample of firms with low explicit tax rates prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (the Act) and a control sample of firms with higher explicit taxes, over a 14-year period bracketing the Act. In years prior to the Act, we find that lower explicit taxes were offset by correspondingly lower pre-tax incomes such that after-tax incomes were equal. Cumulative market returns from portfolio investments in each sample's equity securities were also equal suggesting that no competitive advantage existed during this period. In the years immediately after the Act, the differences in explicit taxes narrowed but differences in pre-tax incomes diminished less, such that after-tax incomes of the low tax rate firms suffered. Market returns were similarly lower. In the final years, the after-tax incomes and market returns returned to equality. These results suggest that aggressive tax management, like many other behaviors, tends not to yield a sustainable competitive advantage. Rather, frictions in "unwinding" implicit taxes seemingly result in a short-term competitive disadvantage following tax reform aimed at leveling the explicit tax playing field.
Human developing enamel proteins exhibit a sex-linked dimorphism.

The amelogenin protein of developing dental enamel is generally accepted to mediate the regulation of the form and size of the hydroxyapatite crystallites during enamel biomineralization (1). A genetic disorder of enamel development (amelogenesis imperfecta) has been linked to theamelogenin geneAMEL (2–3), and loci regulating enamel thickness and tooth size have been mapped to the human sex chromosomes (4). In the human genome there are twoAMEL loci with one copy of the gene on each of the sex chromosomes (AMELX andAMELY), whereas in the mouse only anAMELX locus is present (5). It is presently unknown if humanAMELY is transcriptionally active. These observations prompted us to examine specimens of human developing enamel for sexual dimorphism at the protein level. We report here, for the first time, a diagnosis of differences in human enamel proteins which permits the distinction of specimens according to the sex of the individual.
Establishing a dialysis therapy/patient outcome link in intensive care unit acute dialysis for patients with acute renal failure

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe a relationship between intensive care unit (ICU) patient acuity, delivered dialysis dosing, and patient mortality from newly acquired acute renal failure (ARF) requiring dialytic support. A prospectively collected ICU ARF registry formed the basis for data comparison. All data was verified. Eight hundred forty-four ICU patients were identified who met biochemical or clinical criteria of ARF and required first-time dialytic support. An acute dialysis scoring system was established using 23 independent variables identified with univariant analysis, and reduced to eight variables with multiple regression analysis in 512 patients. These eight variables were assigned a weighted score derived from their odds ratio, and the scoring system was than validated prospectively to either registry data not involved in the generation of the system (n = 148), or double-blinded score assignment at time of first dialysis (n = 130). Several established scoring systems were also appliedto the database for external comparison. Dialysis dosing was analyzed using either direct dialysate quantification or blood side urea kinetics once appropriate formulae were identified from paired blood/dialysate results. Using our database and four published ARF acuity/predictive models (Lohr, Cioffi, Bullock, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHEii]), outcome predictions were grossly inaccurate. Application of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) ARF acuity score showed highly predictable outcomes when compared using the Lemeshow, Hosmer goodness-of-fit statistics, and highly reproducible results in both the prospective database and double-blinded prospective clinical trials. When comparing dialytic support techniques received (intermittent dialysis v continuous therapies), the CCF scoring system remained highly predictive of mortality. When one compares dose of delivered dialysis to patients with ARF in the ICU setting, there seems to be no effect on outcome at the two ends of the scoring system. Those with very low ( 15) CCF scores had survivals of 78% and 0%, respectively, regardless of the dose of dialysis. Patients with intermediate scores seemed to be the most effected by dialysis dose delivery, with higher delivery (>58% urea reduction ratio for intermittent hemodialysis; UREA ) for continuous renal replacement therapy [CRRT]) associated with a significant reduction in mortality when compared with the same CCF scoring quartile with low-dialysis dose delivery. While underlying patient comorbidity has a significant effect on survival in ARF, the dose of delivered dialysis also seems to play a major role in patients with moderated levels of severity. Methods that allow a higher delivered dialysis dose to this group of patients will be rewarded with improved patient outcome.
Examining factors associated with heavy episodic drinking among college undergraduates

Heavy episodic drinking among college students is a serious health concern. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with heavy episodic drinking behaviors amongst a predominately Asian undergraduate college student population in the United States. A survey measuring alcohol use behaviors was completed by a random sample of 18-24 year old undergraduates during April, 2011. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with students’ heavy episodic drinking behavior. Independent factors associated with heavy episodic drinking included living on campus, ethnicity, perceived drinking behavior among peers, and a belief that alcohol is a central part of one’s social life. Heavy episodic drinking was also associated with poor academic performance. Campus-wide educational strategies to reduce heavy episodic drinking among college undergraduates should incorporate accurate information regarding alcohol use norms to correct students’ perceived over estimation of their peers alcohol consumption rates and the under estimation of students protective alcohol use behaviors. These efforts should focus in on-campus residence halls where a higher occurrence of heavy episodic drinking is often found.
Sublist assertions for listless and lazy evaluation

Abstract This paper introduces a new logical form, called the sublist assertion, and shows its many uses for list processing, especially listless and lazy evaluation, features that are traditionally absent in programming languages such as Prolog. The basic technique involves the use of one or more sublist assertions for specifying the elements of a list-valued function, and also a new form of list-matching and unification for iterating over the elements of a list. A sublist assertion can take one of two forms: f (terms) ⊒ expression f (terms) ⊒ list :- condition When multiple sublist assertions define some given function f, the corresponding lists defined by their bodies are appended together; hence the order of sublist assertions is significant. Three types of goals are provided, each with a different operational effect: (i) f(terms) = answer defines answer to be list of all elements, and corresponds to eager evaluation; (ii) f(terms) ⊒ [answer] defines answer to be an element of the resulting list, and corresponds to listless evaluation, where intermediate lists are avoided; (iii) f(terms) ⊒ answer defines answer to be the list of all elements, but the elements are generated by lazy evaluation. The paper also discusses a novel list pattern, [ x t ], meaning that x is an element of the matching list and t is the remainder. It is shown that this facilitates clear, concise, and efficient list operations. The integration of the sublist assertion with relational assertions is also discussed, as it provides a way to define a listof operation (analogous to bagof) and also offers the benefits of lazy, nondeterministic evaluation.
Chemisorption of nitrogen on Cu(110): coverage and site determination

Abstract Chemisorption of nitrogen on Cu(110) has been studied using XPS, LEED, AES, and TDS. Gas phase nitrogen was activated and accelerated to 200 eV to promote interaction with the surface. Coverages were obtained from XPS N 1s areas and calibrated using a p(2 × 1)O structure. After exposures at 300 K, nitrogen coverages saturated near 1 ML. The width of the N 1s core indicates that only one site is occupied for coverages below 2 3 ML, but additional site(s) are occupied at higher coverages. Annealing the crystal to 650 K produced a stable (2 × 3) structure consisting of 2 3 ML of nitrogen in a single site. The lineshape of the nitrogen Auger signal is independent of coverage or surface structure. Annealing the crystal to 800 K removes all nitrogen from the surface, by a combination of desorption and absorption into the bulk.
Behavior of gas emboli subjected to pressure variation in biological systems.

Abatraet- Dynamic behavior of gas emboti in a quiescent liquid having the rheological properties of human or animal blood subject to pressure variations is studied. Consideration is given to step and sinusoidal changes in the system pressure. It is disclosed that in the study of dynamic behavior of gas emboli, a Newtonian model may be used to approximate the rheological behavior of human or animal blood in which the emboli are situated. The instantaneous embolus size in blood under pulsating pressure change may be determined by the equilibrium condition of instantaneous static pressures.
Mecamylamine prevents tolerance but enhances whole brain [3H]epibatidine binding in response to repeated nicotine administration in rats.

Rationale: Chronic administration of nicotine in rats results in upregulation of neuronal nicotinic receptors. Upregulation has been proposed to reflect receptor desensitization, which may underlie functional tolerance to nicotine's effects. However, evidence indicates that tolerance and upregulation do not always parallel each other, suggesting that either upregulation does not always reflect desensitization, or mechanisms other than receptor desensitization account for tolerance to nicotine. Objectives: The present studies examined tolerance to nicotine-induced antinociception and changes in receptor binding after two regimens of intermittent nicotine injections in rats. The role of receptor activation in upregulation and tolerance was also examined by co-administering nicotine with the non-competitive antagonist, mecamylamine. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a short (once-daily, SC for 6 days (0.35 mg/kg)) or long (twice-daily for 11 days (0.66 mg/kg)) series of injections and tolerance to nicotine-induced antinociception and [3H]epibatidine binding in whole brain were measured. Results: The short series of injections resulted in tolerance to nicotine-induced antinociception, but failed to increase [3H]epibatidine binding. In contrast, the long series of injections resulted in both tolerance and increased receptor binding. Once-daily pairings of mecamylamine (1 mg/kg, SC) with nicotine (0.35 mg/kg) for 6 days blocked the development of tolerance, indicating receptor activation is necessary for tolerance to occur. Pairing mecamylamine with nicotine (0.66 mg/kg) twice daily for 11 days blocked tolerance but produced a greater increase in [3H]epibatidine binding than nicotine alone. Conclusions: A dissociation of tolerance from receptor upregulation was observed in the present study. The finding that receptor activation may be necessary for tolerance but not upregulation is discussed within the context of possible mechanisms controlling tolerance to nicotine.
A semiconductor-based, frequency-stabilized mode-locked laser using a phase modulator and an intracavity etalon

We report a frequency-stabilized semiconductor-based mode-locked laser that uses a phase modulator and an intracavity Fabry-Perot etalon for both active mode-locking and optical frequency stabilization. A twofold multiplication of the repetition frequency of the laser is inherently obtained in the process. The residual timing jitter of the mode-locked pulse train is 13fs (1Hz to 100MHz), measured after regenerative frequency division of the photodetected pulse train.
How to discover that the real is unreal

The measurement problem in quantum mechanics is presented in a completely non-technical way by means of the results of some very simple experiments. These experimental results themselves, rather than the formalism of quantum theory, are shown to be extremely hard to incorporate in a sensible state-space picture of the world. A novel twist is then added which makes the problem even harder than it appears to be in other presentations of the measurement problem.
Improved preparations of difluorophosphoryl and difluorothiophosphoryl isocyanates. Alcohol and thiol addition reactions with isocyanates

Abstract Methane thiol and ethane thiol add readily to trifluoromethyl thioisocyanate and difluorophosphoryl isocyanate in the presence of a solvent. These thiols, together with methanol and ethanol, form thiocarbamates and carbamates with difluorothiophosphoryl isocyanate. Both OPF 2 NCO and SPF 2 NCO have been prepared in 70–75% yields by the reaction of OPF 2 Cl with AgNCO.
Strength of Solvent-Exposed Salt-Bridges†

This paper uses a recently developed computer model to study the energetics of solvent-exposed salt-bridges. The model uses the “mining minima” method to compute conformational free energies with the CHARMm empirical force and the generalized Born solvation model. Satisfactory agreement is obtained in comparison with the measured binding affinities of ion pairs in solution and with the salt-bridge energetics deduced from studies of salt-bridges in helical peptides. The calculations suggest that stabilizing charge−charge interactions in helical peptides do not require well-defined salt-bridge conformations. This is in agreement with crystallographic studies of charge pairs added to T4 lysozyme by site-directed mutagenesis. The computer model is also used to make a testable prediction that arginine and phosphotyrosine residues in an (i, i + 4) relationship will form a particularly strong salt-bridge in helical peptides. The biological implications of these results are discussed.
Abstract P3-09-05: Let-7 microRNAs Regulate a Novel Variant of Estrogen Receptor Alpha, ER-≥36, Nongenomic Estrogen Signal Pathway, and Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important regulatory functions in breast cancer tumorigenesis. We previously found that let-7 miRNAs were significantly downregulated in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissues. Material and Methods: QRT-PCR was used to check let-7 family miRNAs in FFPE tissues and breast cancer cell lines as well as expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-≥36, a variant of ER-≥66, after let-7 miRNA transfecton. Immunoblot analysis was employed to check protein expression in FFPE tissue and breast cancer cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect direct regulation of let-7 miRNA on ER-α expression. MTT assay was applied for cell proliferation after transfection of let-7 miRNAs. Results: We found that there was an inverse correlation between the expression of ER-≥36 and several members of let-7 family miRNAs in the FFPE tissue set. Let-7 miRNA sequences match sequence in the 3’ untranslated region (3’ UTR) of ER-≥36, indicating ER-≥36 may be a target of let-7. Cotransfection of let-7 mimics with ER-≥36 3’ UTR luciferase construct decreased the activity of reporter gene. Conversely, let-7 inhibitors enhanced the reporter gene activity. Transfection of let-7 mimics inhibited both the mRNA and protein levels of ER-≥36 and further inhibited the non-genomic estrogen pathway mediated by ER-≥36 in MDA-MB-231 cells. On the contrary, transfection of let-7 inhibitors enhanced the ER-≥36 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in 184A1 cells. The high expression of ER-≥36 in tamoxifen resistant MCF7 cells can be inhibited by transfection of let-7 mimics and sensitivity toward tamoxifen is enhanced. Conclusion: Let-7 miRNAs regulate the expression of ER-≥36, which is involved in non-genomic estrogen pathway and tamoxifen resistance. Let-7 could be therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-09-05.
The Handicapped Child and His Family: Consonance and Dissonance: With Special Reference to Deaf Children

Abstract From a longitudinal study of 243 multihandicapped children, the developmental course of 3 profoundly deaf 13-year-olds are presented to illustrate the dynamic concept of consonance and dissonance. Rather than linear continuity, goodness or poorness of fit results from the changing equilibria of organism-environment interaction. Family influences are considered in their relationship to the child's temperament, nature of handicap(s), and other environmental factors. The special stresses in academic and social adaptation imposed by handicap are discussed at three developmental periods: early childhood, middle childhood, and early adolescence.
Making seafood sustainable: merging consumption and citizenship in the United States

In the United States, an emerging alliance of environmental groups and marine aquariums has created sustainable seafood campaigns aimed at consumers as a new environmental protection strategy. These science-based campaigns seek to turn consumers into politically engaged citizens influencing policy through their purses, by using discursive devices such as wallet cards to create communities of concerned actors. While promising to make seafood production chains more transparent, the campaigns have several defects that may limit their ability to mobilize citizens. The campaigns can become more effective by attending more to facets such as making producers, not just fishers, more transparent and accountable to consumers. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Cyclosporin A inhibits prostaglandin E2 formation by rat mesangial cells in culture

Cyclosporin A inhibits prostaglandin E 2 formation by rat mesangial cells in culture. A reversible reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a frequent side effect in patients treated with the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CsA). The pathophysiology of acute CsA nephrotoxicity, however, is unclear. Since eicosanoids are local mediators of glomerular hemodynamics, they might be involved in CsA induced changes in GFR. We therefore studied the effect of CsA on prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) production by rat mesangial cells in culture. PGE 2 production by mesangial cells following stimulation with angiotensin II (AII) (10 −6 m) or the Ca 2+ -ionophore A23187 (1 µg/ml) was significantly inhibited when cells were grown for 24 hours in media which contained CsA (800 to 3200 ng/ml). CsA did not affect viability of mesangial cells as determined by 51 Cr release or by cell proliferation measured by 3 H-thymidine incorporation. CsA (3200 ng/ml) did not inhibit PGE 2 formation by rat MC microsomes incubated with arachidonic acid. However, CsA, in a dose dependent manner, inhibited A23187 and angiotensin II induced release of 3 H-labelled arachidonic acid from rat mesangial cells. These data demonstrate that CsA reduces PGE 2 formation by rat mesangial cells in culture, probably by inhibiting the release of substrate arachidonic acid from cell membranes rather than by inhibition of cyclooxygenase. This effect may contribute to the reduction in GFR which accompanies CsA therapy.
Moderating effects of organizational climate on relationships between goal-setting attributes and employee satisfaction☆

Abstract The moderating effects of nine organizational climate factors were examined on the relationships between four goal-setting attributes and three measures of employee satisfaction. Subjects were 245 scientists and engineers participating in an MBO program. Researchers did not find sufficient evidence to warrant a general statement concerning the moderating effects of organizational climate in this context. Explanations, however, are offered for the specific moderating effects which were discovered.
Nanotribology of ultrathin a:SiC/SiC-N overcoats using a depth sensing nanoindentation multiple sliding technique

Abstract Conventional and reactive (Ar+N 2 atmosphere) magnetron sputtering were used to deposit amorphous SiC and SiC-N thin films, respectively. The ultrathin films (25 nm) were grown on Si(111), single crystal sapphire, and barium borosilicate glass substrates. A commercial nanoindentation system equipped with a continuous depth-sensing scratch option was utilized to assess wear and frictional behavior. Tangential or frictional forces were monitored via two proximity probes oriented in the plane of the film surface in the x - and y -directions, while the normal forces were concurrently generated. In situ surface wear displacement profiles of the films on different substrates were strongly dependent on their intrinsic elastic/plastic properties. For a constant load of 150 μ N under 31 multiple sliding scans, delamination only occurred in the SiC/sapphire system (27th scan) while the SiC/glass and Si(111) systems remained adhered. Interestingly there was no debonding in the SiC-N/sapphire system, which also reflects how the technique can qualitatively describe the adherence behavior of different films on the same substrate. This improvement in the wear resistance for SiC-N films resulted from an increase in compressive residual stress.
Estimation of Doppler Centroid of Fading Radar Targets

The echo from a rapidly fading radar target may have a Doppler spectrum which is wider than the Doppler resolution cell. In tracking the target in Doppler, estimates of the centroid of the target Doppler spectrum may be used. Here, the target echo is modeled as a complex Gaussian random process modulated by the radar pulse shape. The variance for a particular estimator of the Doppler centroid is evaluated in terms of the signal power spectral density. In the noise-free case, this variance is shown to be independent of the radar Doppler resolution provided the resolution is coarse with respect to the target Doppler spectrum width, and directly proportional to the Doppler resolution when the resolution is relatively fine. The analysis is also applicable to dual problems of delay-distributed or angle-distributed targets.
Managing Dilemmas While. Building Professional Communities

I am a teacher. I have taught for a quarietcenţury. Others might classify me as an "educator" since over a threeand-a-half decade career I have also been a superin­ tendent, a teacher educator, an associate dean in a univer­ sity's school of education, and a researcher. But it is teaching—not administration or research—that has defined my adult life. If teaching has permitted me to be a lifelong learner, performer, writer, and friend to former students and colleagues, it has also forced me to navigate moral conflicts. In teaching, I have had moments when odd tingles ran up and down my back as students' thoughts and mine unex­ pectedly joined and became one; moments when listening to students forced me to rethink a conventional notion after I had closed my mind's door; moments when it became clear that my students had touched me deeply. These rare in­ stances are, for me, like the delicious crack of a bat that sends a ball soaring into the left-field stands. Less treasured moments are those that have left me numb with the repetitiveness of teaching four classes in a row or the nagging sense that the voice I heard coming out of my mouth glazed students' eyes and drooped their heads onto desks. Other moments left me sad when I knew in my heart that I had failed to reach some students. Teachingjύstory for over a decadejn aMlack_schpols from the mid-l95Oslo the early 1970s gave me insights into my cultural blind spots and a deeper understanding of the strengths and ravages of growing up Black in urban America. Those years scrubbed away stereotypes, teaching me to move beyond the then-liberal rhetoric of being colorblind and to recognize openly the dilemmas I faced in teaching Black youth a history that had to make sense to them in their terms as much as mine. Because I was in the minority when I taught in these schools, I came to understand in an intensely personal way how my students and peers viewed Whites. Within these city schools I began my teaching career, learned my craft, and forged both personal and professional values. In the last 35_years, then, teaching has been central to my experiences as an educator. I discovered that in each teaching post I served—high school teacher, trainer of new teachers, and professor—there were common features to the craft of teaching. Moreover, deeply embedded in my teaching, ad­ ministering, policymaking, and researching have beemx>rnmon dilemmas with which I have had to cope. Yet even with these commonalities I found little sense of belongings to a community of scholars and practitioners. This afternoon I will develop these three themes: Professors and practitioners face common dilemmas; they share the practice of teaching; and ncΓprofessional community yet joins them together.
Increased responsiveness of pontine reticular formation neurons associated with audiogenic seizure susceptibility during ethanol withdrawal

Abstract Susceptibility to audiogenic seizures (AGS) is observed during ethanol withdrawal (ETX). The pontine reticular formation (PRF) is implicated in the propagation pathway for AGS during ETX. The present study examined the changes in single PRF neuronal firing patterns produced by ethanol and during ETX following repeated intragastrically administered ethanol. Microwire electrode bundles were implanted into PRF and single neuronal responses in freely moving rats were examined. During initial ethanol administration the animals were stuporous, and spontaneous and acoustically-evoked PRF neuronal firing were reduced significantly. During ETX the animals were susceptible to AGS and displayed agitated and irritable behavior. At this time a significant increase in spontaneous and acoustically-evoked PRF neuronal firing was observed. Repetition-induced response attenuation (habituation) of PRF neuronal responses was significantly diminished during ETX, leading to an exaggerated acoustic startle response, which may be a physiological basis for AGS. Previous reports indicate that ethanol enhances the effects of GABA and decreases the effects of glutamate. The PRF neuronal firing increases during ETX in the present study may involve the down-regulation of GABAA receptors and supersensitivity of glutamate receptors reported to occur during ETX, which could contribute to AGS susceptibility. The PRF neuronal firing increases observed in the present study in concord with previous observation of AGS blockade by PRF microinjections during ETX further support an important role of this brain region in the propagation of AGS during ethanol withdrawal.
Paxos Made Moderately Complex

This article explains the full reconfigurable multidecree Paxos (or multi-Paxos) protocol. Paxos is by no means a simple protocol, even though it is based on relatively simple invariants. We provide pseudocode and explain it guided by invariants. We initially avoid optimizations that complicate comprehension. Next we discuss liveness, list various optimizations that make the protocol practical, and present variants of the protocol.
Numerical calculation of eigenvalues for the Schrödinger equation. III

A recently developed method for calculation of eigenvalues is applied to a four coupled oscillator system previously used to test more approximate methods. Analysis is presented to show how the present method scales for systems of two, three, and four coupled oscillator systems.