cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exactness and Pseudoexactness in Historical Linguistics

[Introduction] In May of 1995, the Society for Exact Philosophy held its Silver Jubilee meeting in Calgary, Alberta. The invited speaker was Mario Bunge, one of the founding members of the Society. The title of his talk was “Pseudoexactness in the Social Sciences.” By “pseudoexactness” Bunge meant the assignment of numerical quantities to essentially qualitative variables, such as the level of dictatorship or happiness in a society, and expressing theories about the relationships between them in terms of mathematical equations. It was a terrific word, and a terrific paper. The following day, I presented my own paper, “Causal Decision Theory and Decision-theoretic Causation” (since published as Hitchcock, 1996), and much to my chagrin, found myself on the receiving end of the charge of pseudoexactness: hadn’t I assumed that degrees of belief have precise numerical strengths, and that events have precise numerical probabilities? “If you can’t beat’em, join’em” they say, so here is my own rebuke of pseudoexactness.
Isolation and characterization of mutants with lesions affecting pellicle formation and erythrocyte agglutination by type 1 piliated Escherichia coli.

Abstract The product of the pilE (also called fimH) gene is a minor component of type 1 pili in Escherichia coli. Mutants that have insertions in the pilE gene are fully piliated but unable to bind to and agglutinate guinea pig erythrocytes, a characteristic of wild-type type 1 piliated E. coli. In this paper we describe the isolation of 48 mutants with point lesions that map to the pilE gene. Such mutants were isolated by using mutT mutagenesis and an enrichment procedure devised to favor the growth of individuals that could form a pellicle in static broth containing alpha-methylmannoside, an inhibitor of erythrocyte binding and pellicle formation. Results indicated that the enrichment favored mutants expressing pilE gene products that were defective in mediating erythrocyte binding. Characterization of 12 of the mutants in greater detail revealed that certain lesions affected pilus number and length. In addition, a mutant that was temperature sensitive for erythrocyte binding was isolated and used to provide evidence that pellicle formation relies on the intercellular interaction of pilE gene products. Our results suggest a molecular explanation for the old and paradoxical observations connecting pellicle formation and erythrocyte agglutination by type 1 piliated E. coli.
Phase transitions of hard sphere lattice gases

A unified proof is given for the existence of a phase transition for any two or three dimensional lattice gas with hard cores excluding nearest neighbor occupancy, provided only that the lattice is an open one (possessing two sublattices). It is not required that one sublattice be a translate of the other. Consequently the proof applies to the plane hexagonal and to the diamond lattices, as well as the “cubic” lattices previously proved to have phase transitions. The models are converted to equivalent Ising spin 1/2 systems on one sublattice by a “partial trace” over the other. The spin system has many-spin interactions including some of odd order, which destroys up-down symmetry, but recent work of Pirogov and Sinai on such systems is shown to be applicable and to prove the existence of the phase transition.
No more shall we part: Quantifiers in English comparatives

It is well known that the interpretation of quantificational expressions in the comparative clause poses a serious challenge for semantic analyses of the English comparative. In this paper, we develop a new analysis of the comparative clause designed to meet this challenge, in which a silent occurrence of the negative degree quantifier no (observed overtly in collocations like no more, no greater, etc.) interacts with other quantificational expressions to derive the observed range of interpretations. Although our analysis incorporates ideas from previous analyses (in particular, negation and maximality based analyses of the comparative clause), we show that it is able to account for a broader range of facts than other approaches, with a minimum of construction-specific stipulations. We demonstrate that the analysis can be embedded within a general syntactic and semantic architecture for the comparative, and although our analysis focuses on the English data, we give evidence of its potential for crosslinguistic application. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our approach for the analysis of “split-scope” phenomena in nominal quantification.
Developmental expression of calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in rat brain.

Abstract The patterns of expression of calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CaM-PDE) have been studied in developing and adult rat brain using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies against CaM-PDE. An immunocytochemical map of adult brain regions expressing CaM-PDE, constructed from serial coronal brain sections, illustrated that CaM-PDE was expressed in specific neuronal subpopulations throughout the adult rat brain. Immunoblot analysis coupled with subcellular fractionation indicated that CaM-PDE was primarily localized to cytoplasmic fractions, with a small amount associated with synaptosomal membranes. Immunoblots from developing brain indicated that CaM-PDE expression increased dramatically during postnatal days 7–20 (PND 7–20); parallel increases in CaM-PDE enzyme activity occurred during this same time. Immunocytochemical studies indicated that several distinct patterns of CaM-PDE expression occurred during development. Neocortex showed low levels of CaM-PDE immunoreactivity in neuronal somata of layers III, V and VI on PND 4 that increased by PND 11: the adult somatodendritic pattern of immunoreactivity was observed by PND 60. Similar patterns were observed in cerebellar Purkinje cells, with somatodendritic staining observed by PND 12. By contrast, caudate-putamen, the inferior olive and the hypoglossal nuclei expressed high levels of CaM-PDE on PND 4, with levels considerably lower in the adult animal. The different patterns of expression suggest that in neocortex and cerebellum, CaM-PDE increases during the period of neuronal differentiation and active synaptogenesis, while in the caudate-putamen, inferior olive and hypoglossal nucleus, high levels may be required early in development.
Antigen identification in Goodpasture's syndrome

Although there is unquestionable evidence that an anti-basement membrane antibody is involved in the development of the renal lesion in Goodpasture's syndrome the specific antigen has not been clearly identified. In an attempt to clarify this problem serum and antibody eluted from a patient with Goodpasture's syndrome was studied by fixation to normal human glomerular basement membrane (GBM) before and after treatment with collagenase, neuraminidase and 8 M urea. Controls for buffer, pH and temperature were employed. Absorption studies and spleen cell and lymphocyte transformation studies using GBM glycoproteins prepared by method of Kefalides were also performed. Double layer immunofiuorescent studies demonstrated that both serum and eluate fixed to the GBM of untreated normal human kidney and normal human kidney treated with 8 M urea, and neuraminidase. However they did not fix to collagenase treated kidney. This suggests that the collagen like glycoprotein rather than the non-collagenous or sialic acid rich glycoprotein is the antigen which induces autoimmune nephritis in Goodpasture's syndrome. Although cell transformation studies were inconclusive this finding was confirmed by absorption studies.
Acoustic temperature profile measurement technique for large combustion chambers

Measurement of times of flight of sound waves can be used to determine temperatures in a gas. This paper describes a system, based on this principle, that is capable of giving the temperature profile in a nonisothermal gas volume, for example, prevalent in a large furnace. The apparatus is simple, rugged, accurate, and capable of being automated for process control applications. It is basically an acoustic waveguide where the outside temperature profile is transferred to a chosen gas contained inside the guide.
Dietary energy and protein effects on partitioning of carcass components in beef cattle

Abstract This study evaluated carcass and wholesale cut composition of 20 Angus steers fed two levels of protein (LP = 8% versus HP = 14%) at two levels of energy intake (LE = 1·96 versus HE = 2·67 Mcal ME) at 6·35 kg head−1 d−1 dry matter intake for 238 d using a factorial arrangement (n = 5/diet). The left side of each carcass was physically separated into wholesale cuts and each cut was, in turn, physically separated into the lean, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, bone portions and cavity fat when applicable. Intramuscular fat for the entire side was chemically determined using only the separated lean tissue component. Energy was the greatest source of variation (P
Urotensin-II Upregulation in Human Heart Failure: Direct Effects on Contractility and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Load

Introduction: In failing (F) hearts, rate and adrenergic dependent contractile reserve are impaired and the ability to increase contractility (CY) in response to physiologic stress is diminished. The inability to increase CY in response to increases in heart rate has been linked to a reduced ability of the SR to sequester Ca2þ. The goal of this research was to determine whether alterations in the competition between SERCA and the NCX contribute to impaired rate-dependent reserve and whether CY could be restored in F muscle by increasing extracellular bath Ca2þ. Methods: Steady state isometric force was measured (1.75 mM Ca2þ, 37 C, 80% Lmax-Lo) in control (C) (n 5 9) and F (via pulmonary artery banding) right ventricular trabeculae (n 5 11) at varying stimulation frequencies (0.5e2.5Hz). Altered bath Ca2þ experiments (1.0e7.0mM) were also performed in these trabeculae (0.5Hz). Single and paired rapid cooling contractures (RCCs) were employed to define SR Ca2þ load and the competition between SERCA and the NCX, respectively. Results: C trabeculae exhibited a positive forcefrequency response which was paralleled by a rate-dependent increase in RCC amplitude and the RCC2/RCC1 ratio. F trabeculae exhibited a blunted response to increases in stimulation frequency which was paralleled by a reduced RCC amplitude and RCC2/ RCC1 ratio. Increases in extracellular bath Ca2þ evoked similar increases in both RCC amplitude and developed tension (DT) in F trabeculae compared to C, although DTwas not normalized. Conclusion: This data suggests that under basal conditions (0.5Hz), supraphysiologic application of Ca2þ can evoke similar increases in both SR Ca2þ load and DT in F compared to C trabeculae. This implies that the blunted forcefrequency response representative of F hearts is largely due to an alteration in the functional competition between SERCA and the NCX during relaxation. During increased rates of stimulation, SERCA is not able to adequately compete with the NCX for Ca2þ due to an increase in the NCX/SERCA activity ratio. Thus, Ca2þ extrusion exceeds SR re-sequestration in failing myocardium.
Role of Trehalose in Prevention of Giant Vesicle Adsorption and Encapsulated Solute Leakage in Anhydrobiotic Preservation

Anhydrobiotic preservation has the potential to allow the processing and storage of mammalian cells in a state of suspended animation at ambient conditions in trehalose glasses; however, stressesparticularly to the lipid bilayerduring desiccation and rehydration have thus far prevented the full realization of the promise of this technique. Giant gel-phase 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and liquid-crystalline-phase 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC) vesicles provide a model cell system with which to elucidate the role of trehalose in surface−lipid bilayer interactions, as well as the part played by lipid phase. In the absence of trehalose, DSPC liposomes adsorbed to polystyrene, producing irreversible structural changes and apparent leakage of all intravesicular solute upon drying and rehydration. Addition of trehalose significantly reduced vesicle adsorption with only transient intravesicular solute leakage for the rehydrated vesicles; however, at very low moisture content...
FATIGUE CRACK TIP PLASTIC STRAIN IN HIGH-STRENGTH ALUMINUM ALLOYS

— Plastic zone size and shape and the distribution of strain within the plastic zone are determined for the high-strength aluminium alloys 2024-T4, 6061 T6, and 7075-T6 using the technique of selected area electron channeling. Plastic zone size is found to correlate with the work done in creating a unit of new crack surface and the yield stress, rather than with the stress intensity factor and yield stress. Plastic strain distribution is found to be a logarithmic function of distance from the crack tip, in agreement with the mathematical analysis for a moving crack in plane strain.
Laser interferometric measurements of basilar membrane vibrations in cats using a round window approach

Our earlier basilar membrane measurements in cats were made through a hole in the cochlear wall. Drilling the hole invariably produced extensive cochlear damage even when the drills were designed to be extremely quiet. Mechanical tuning curves obtained in these damaged cochleas agree closely in shape with those shown by Evans and Wilson [Science 190, 1218–1222 (1975)]. A round window approach was adopted to eliminate drilling. Cochleas were opened without producing any bleeding by the use of a microcautery. Round window cochlear microphonics and tone pip N1 responses showed that the damage produced to the cochlea was reduced to a minimum. Basilar membrane measurements in these cochleas will be shown.
Ethanol Neurotoxicity in the Developing Cerebellum: Underlying Mechanisms and Implications

Ethanol is the main constituent of alcoholic beverages that exerts toxicity to neuronal development. Ethanol affects synaptogenesis and prevents proper brain development. In humans, synaptogenesis takes place during the third trimester of pregnancy, and in rodents this period corresponds to the initial few weeks of postnatal development. In this period neuronal maturation and differentiation begin and neuronal cells start migrating to their ultimate destinations. Although the neuronal development of all areas of the brain is affected, the cerebellum and cerebellar neurons are more susceptible to the damaging effects of ethanol. Ethanol’s harmful effects include neuronal cell death, impaired differentiation, reduction of neuronal numbers, and weakening of neuronal plasticity. Neuronal development requires many hormones and growth factors such as retinoic acid, nerve growth factors, and cytokines. These factors regulate development and differentiation of neurons by acting through various receptors and their signaling pathways. Ethanol exposure during development impairs neuronal signaling mechanisms mediated by the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, the retinoic acid receptors, and by growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In combination, these ethanol effects disrupt cellular homeostasis, reduce the survival and migration of neurons, and lead to various developmental defects in the brain. Here we review the signaling mechanisms that are required for proper neuronal development, and how these processes are impaired by ethanol resulting in harmful consequences to brain development.
DNAPL mass transfer and permeability reduction during in situ chemical oxidation with permanganate

[1] This study utilized a series of laboratory experiments to examine the DNAPL mass removal rate and permeability reduction during ISCO using permanganate (MnO4−). Results show that MnO4− oxidation is effective in removing residual DNAPL from a porous medium. The DNAPL mass removal rate correlated positively with both the hydraulic stress and the oxidant load. A power relationship model of DNAPL mass removal under ISCO was proposed. Results also show that oxidation by-products CO2(g) and Mn oxide can cause pore plugging and flow by-passing. The reduction in hydraulic conductivity due to the Mn oxide precipitates was quantified. Hydraulic conductivity reduction as high as 80% was observed for oxidizing a small quantity of TCE.
Classical Radiation Recoil

The conditions under which a material system may recoil while emitting eiectromagnetic or gravitational radiation are investigated. The lowest order secular effects in the electromagnetic case arise from an interference of the electric dipole radiation with the electric quadrupole or magnetic dipole radiations. In the gravitationai case, the lowest order terms invoive the interference of the mass quadrupole radiation with the mass octopole or the flow quadrupole radiations. The investigation of the gravitational radiation recoil is carried out in complete analogy with the more elementary electromagnetic case, so that this paper should be accessible to physicists having no previous knowledge of general relativity theory. (auth)
Analysis of phase variation of CMOS digital attenuator

A comparison of phase variation and insertion loss between a conventional digital attenuator and a proposed capacitive-phase-compensation digital attenuator design based on an analysis of phase variation is presented. In a standard CMOS technology, the proposed attenuator is analytically demonstrated to have less phase variation than the conventional digital attenuator due to the capacitive-phase-compensation network. The proposed switch can maintain <1 dB insertion loss while achieving an 8–18° improvement of phase variation than the conventional designs over 10–20 GHz, which support the theoretical analysis.
The effects of acute salinity challenges on osmoregulation in Mozambique tilapia reared in a tidally-changing salinity

Abstract This study characterizes the differences in osmoregulatory capacity among Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus , reared in fresh water (FW), seawater (SW), or under tidally-driven changes in salinity. This was addressed through the use of an abrupt exposure to a change in salinity. We measured changes in: 1) plasma osmolality and prolactin (PRL) levels; 2) pituitary expression of prolactin (PRL) and its receptors, PRLR1 and PRLR2; 3) branchial expression of PRLR1, PRLR2, Na + /Cl - cotransporter (NCC), Na + /K + /2Cl - cotransporter (NKCC), α1a and α1b isoforms of Na + /K + -ATPase (NKA), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and Na + /H + exchanger 3 (NHE3). Mozambique tilapia reared in a tidal environment successfully adapted to SW while fish reared in FW did not survive a transfer to SW beyond the six hour sampling. With the exception of CFTR, the change in the expression of ion pumps, transporters, and channels was more gradual in fish transferred from tidally-changing salinities to SW than in fish transferred from FW to SW. Upon transfer to SW, the increase in CFTR expression was more robust in tidal fish than in FW fish. Tidal and SW fish successfully adapted when transferred to FW. These results suggest that Mozambique tilapia reared in a tidally-changing salinity, a condition that more closely represents their natural history, gain an adaptive advantage compared with fish reared in FW when facing a hyperosmotic challenge.
Radical and Concerted Mechanisms in Oxidations of Amines, Sulfides, and Alkenes by Peroxynitrite, Peroxynitrous Acid, and the Peroxynitrite−CO2 Adduct: Density Functional Theory Transition Structures and Energetics

The mechanisms of oxidations of amines, sulfides, and alkenes by peroxynitrous acid, as well as the mechanism for the conversion of peroxynitrous acid to nitric acid, have been investigated with density functional theory methods using the Becke3LYP functional and the 6-31G* basis set. Theoretical evidence is obtained for the mechanisms and transition states of oxidations by peroxynitrous acid both by one- and two-electron processes. Transition structures for two-electron oxidations of amines, sulfides, and alkenes are reported. An activated form of peroxynitrous acid, HOONO*, is often invoked to account for the potent oxidative chemistry of peroxynitrous acid and derivatives; a structure with the appropriate characteristics has been located. The structure of the CO2 adduct of peroxynitrite is also explored, and a mechanistic scheme is proposed for the acceleration of peroxynitrite oxidations in the presence of CO2. Energetics are described in detail for each of these species and oxidation transition struc...
3D printed wideband harmonic transceiver for embedded passive wireless monitoring

A three-dimensional (3D) wideband passive harmonic transceiver for long-range embedded wireless monitoring is presented. The wideband performance is achieved by integrating two harmonic repeaters with adjacent centre frequencies. Each repeater consists of a frequency doubler and conjugate-matched receive and transmit meandered monopole antennas. The transceiver operates by receiving a signal at f 1 between 2.35 and 2.85 GHz and re-radiating a signal at 2*f 1 and is optimised for low-power operation. The node fits within a λ/8.3 (at 2.4 GHz) diameter sphere and weighs 2.5 g. The transceiver maximum expected efficiency is 5.6% at −18 dBm input power. The transceiver is fabricated via direct print additive manufacturing.
New quadric metric for simplifiying meshes with appearance attributes

Complex triangle meshes arise naturally in many areas of computer graphics and visualization. Previous work has shown that a quadric error metric allows fast and accurate geometric simplification of meshes. This quadric approach was recently generalized to handle meshes with appearance attributes. In this paper we present an improved quadric error metric for simplifying meshes with attributes. The new metric, based on geometric correspondence in 3D, requires less storage, evaluates more quickly, and results in more accurate simplified meshes. Meshes often have attribute discontinuities, such as surface creases and material boundaries, which require multiple attribute vectors per vertex. We show that a wedge-based mesh data structure captures such discontinuities efficiently and permits simultaneous optimization of these multiple attribute vectors. In addition to the new quadric metric, we experiment with two techniques proposed in geometric simplification, memoryless simplification and volume preservation, and show that both of these are beneficial within the quadric framework. The new scheme is demonstrated on a variety of meshes with colors and normals.
LATTICE DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF SILICON THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

Abstract In this work, we perform MD simulations of the thermal conductivity of bulk silicon single crystals from a computation domain smaller than the phonon mean free path. We impose cyclic boundary conditions in all directions and assume that the phonon scattering is not affected since phonon energy and momentum are conserved through the boundaries. The wavelength cut-off issue due to the system size is corrected via spectral analysis of the heat flux so that the thermal conductivity values become size independent. The consistency of our assumptions is supported by a set of runs probing the sensitivity of the simulation results to temperature and system size.
Urinary fibrin split products in lupus nephritis. Correlation with other parameters of renal disease.

A total of 337 measurements of urinary fibrin(ogen) split products (FDP) have been made over a 2-year period on 56 patients with lupus nephritis. Nineteen patients were studied during a 14 week controlled trial of cytoxic drug therapy and the remaining patients were studied at random intervals. An attempt was made to correlate FDP excretion levels with accepted parameters of renal disease and of lupus activity. While patients with significant nephritis by other criteria excreted elevated levels of FDP when compared with normal individuals or patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the excretion by individual patients fluctuated markedly in sequential measurements. In addition FDP excretion correlated poorly with BUN, creatinine clearance, and protein excretion, and with indicators of lupus activity (C3 and anti-DNA levels). We conclude that although fibrin deposition in the glomerulus is almost certainly an important factor in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis, urinary FDP levels are not helpful in assessing the progress of glomerular damage in individual patients.
An electron spin resonance study of tobacco smoke condensates and their effects upon blood constituents

Abstract The free-radical content and electron donor properties of tobacco smoke condensates and products formed when these condensates interact with hemoglobin and lung phospholipids have been investigated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. These studies indicate that tobacco smoke constituents are capable of entering into the blood stream through the lung membranes and then destructively interacting with hemoglobin to: (1) destroy the oxygen-transport capacity by the formation of high spin ferrihemoglobin and low-spin ferrohemoglobin complexes, and (2) remove the iron from the porphyrin ring and form two types of nonheme iron complexes. It has also been established that non free-radical constituents of smoke and smoke condensates interact with hemoglobin and phospholipids to produce stable free-radical species in addition to altering the environment and oxidation state of the heme iron. These radical species have been characterized and evidence is presented which implicates nitrogen oxides as the causative agents.
The neurotron monitor system

The subject of performance monitoring and measurement has grown from infancy to childhood, and with this growth came substantial performance improvements even with superficial monitoring analysis. The recent increased interest in applying measurement techniques by manufacturers and users of large systems stems mainly from the high cost of development, purchase, and use of such systems. This cost obligates each to obtain quantitative information on the dynamic behavior of proposed or purchased equipment and software. This quantitative information is necessary when a determination is to be made of the difference between potential and actual performance of hardware and software.
In situ analysis of bacterial capture in a microfluidic channel

We present a microfluidic approach for the continuous capture of Salmonella Newport cells suspended in a phosphate buffer using externally applied electric fields. The effects of flow rate, applied electric field and wall shear stress on cell capture in the device are analyzed using particle tracking via fluorescent microscopy techniques. Analyzing capture across multiple locations on the electrode surface enabled the estimation of average capture over the entire electrode area as a function of time. The device exhibits approximately a constant capture rate over an extended time frame, which is verified independently using the cell culture methods. An increased capture rate with an increased electric field is observed. The capture rate dependence on the flow rate and capture rate at various locations with different wall shear stress magnitudes does not exhibit statistically significant variations. The capture trends presented in this study can be utilized for designing microfluidic systems for biosensors, designed bacterial bio-films and devices for bacterial sample concentration from large volumes.
Using nonlinear dimensionality reduction in 3D figure animation

This paper explores a method for re-sequencing an existing set of animation, specifically motion capture data, to generate new motion. Re-using animation is helpful in designing virtual environments and creating video games for reasons of cost and efficiency. This paper demonstrates that through nonlinear dimensionality reduction and frame re-sequencing, visually compelling motion can be produced from a set of motion capture data. The technique presented uses Isomap and ST-Isomap to reduce the dimensionality of the data set. Two distance metrics for nonlinear dimensionality reduction are compared as well as the effect of global degrees of freedom on the visual appeal of the newly generated motion.
Chronic social stress reduces dendritic arbors in CA3 of hippocampus and decreases binding to serotonin transporter sites.

Male rats housed in mixed-sex groups in a visible burrow system (VBS) form a dominance hierarchy in which subordinate animals show stress-related changes in behavior, endocrine function and neurochemistry. Dominants also appear to be moderately stressed compared to controls, although these animals do not develop the more pronounced behavioral and physiological deficits seen in the subordinates. In the present study, we examined the effects of chronic psychosocial stress on the morphology of Golgi-impregnated CA3 pyramidal neurons. In addition, since serotonin has been implicated in the mechanisms mediating the dendritic remodeling seen with other chronic stress regimens, we used quantitative autoradiography to measure binding to the serotonin transporter (5HTT) in hippocampus and dorsal and median raphe. Chronic social stress led to a decrease in the number of branch points and total dendritic length in the apical dendritic trees of CA3 pyramidal neurons in dominant animals compared to unstressed controls; subordinates also had a decreased number of dendritic branch points. [(3)H]paroxetine binding to the 5HTT was decreased in Ammon's horn in both dominants and subordinates compared to controls, while 5HTT binding remained unchanged in dentate gyrus and raphe. The similarity of the changes in 5HTT binding and dendritic arborization between both groups of VBS animals, despite apparent differences in stressor severity, suggests that these changes may be part of the normal adaptive response to chronic social stress. The mechanisms underlying dendritic remodeling in CA3 pyramidal neurons are likely to involve stress-induced changes in glucocorticoids and in 5HT and other transmitters.
ERK Signaling Regulates Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Expression Induced by Titanium Particles in MC3T3.E1 Murine Calvarial Preosteoblastic Cells

Periprosthetic osteolysis poses a significant clinical problem for patients who have undergone total joint arthroplastic surgeries. It has been widely recognized that there is a strong correlation between wear particles from orthopedic implants and osteolysis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying osteolysis still remains unclear. Although wear particles interact with a mixed cellular environment, namely macrophages and immune cells, osteoblasts compose the majority of the cell population surrounding orthopedic implants. Osteoblasts are also one of the major sources of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-kappaB) ligand (RANKL), a factor necessary for osteoclastogenesis. However, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), another cytokine responsible for preosteoclast proliferation, must also be present with RANKL for osteoclastogenesis to occur. The purpose of our study is to determine the signal transduction pathway by which titanium (Ti) particles, a metallic component of many orthopedic implants, induce M-CSF expression in MC3T3.E1 murine calvarial preosteoblastic cells. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), our study demonstrated that submicron-sized Ti particles induce M-CSF expression via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, inhibition studies showed that a specific ERK inhibitor, PD98059, significantly downregulated M-CSF production. Our results support the hypothesis that submicron-sized Ti particles can induce M-CSF expression in osteoblasts and thus may have a significant role in contributing to the onset of periprosthetic osteolysis.
Adrenocortical hormones and carbohydrates synthesis in liver

Adrenal cortical hormones cause a rise of blood sugar and liver glycogen in normal and adrenalectomized animals which begins within 2 or 3 hr after administration and persists for 36–48 hr or longer. Concomitantly, there occurs a rise in nitrogen excretion which makes it apparent that the new carbohydrate has been formed from protein. The corticosteroids stimulate giuconeogenesis in the living animal and it is now known that they produce an entirely comparable effect in vitro. The adrenal cortical steroids also promote synthesis of a number of hepatic enzymes including several which are of strategic importance in formation of carbohydrate from noncarbohydrate precursors. It is believed that enhanced enzyme activity is responsible for the increased gluconeogenesis. Recent observations demonstrate that cortisol administration causes a rapid rise in production of messenger RNA and it is thought that this may be the basic step which leads to increased enzyme synthesis. Although this is an attractivehypothesis there are some observations which do not support it and indicate that a complete understanding of the mechanism of action of the glucocorticoid hormones is still to be attained.
Detection of Anti-DNA Topoisomerase I Antibody by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Overlapping Recombinant Polypeptides

Five recombinant fusion proteins with overlapping amino acid sequences encompassing the entire DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) molecule were generated, purified, and used as antigens for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG, IgA, IgM, and "total" (total of IgG, IgA, and IgM isotypes) anti-topo I antibodies were measured using a mixture of these five fusion proteins in 73 systemic sclerosis (SSc) sera positive for anti-topo I antibody by double immunodiffusion (DID) and 184 control sera negative for anti-topo I antibody by DID. Fragment-specific anti-topo I antibodies were also measured by ELISA using each topo I recombinant protein as antigen. IgG, IgA, IgM, and total anti-topo I antibodies were detected in 67 (92%), 56 (77%), 16 (22%), and 70 (96%) of 73 SSc sera positive for anti-topo I antibody by DID, respectively. The specificity of the total anti-topo I ELISA was 99% when compared with DID. The total anti-topo I ELISA levels were strongly correlated with DID titers (r = 0.907, P < 0.0001). Three sera which recognized a conformational epitope on native topo I or had predominantly IgM anti-topo I antibody showed a false-negative result with the total anti-topo I ELISA. Three SSc sera negative for anti-topo I antibody by DID were positive by the total anti-topo I ELISA, and two were confirmed to recognize the N-terminus of topo I. IgG and IgA antibody levels to the N-terminal and central portion of topo I were correlated with each other, but those to the C-terminus were not. These findings indicate that the ELISA using recombinant fusion proteins is a highly sensitive and specific alternative to conventional DID for the detection of anti-topo I antibody.
Relative paradigms between autoantibodies in lupus and autoantibodies in cancer.

Autoantibodies which are reactive with intracellular antigens have been studied extensively in autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, and other related diseases [1]. Autoantibodies are being recognized with increasing frequency in other illnesses including type I diabetes [2], the paraneoplastic neurological disease syndromes [3,4], liver diseases [5], bullous skin diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, thyroid and other endocrinopathies, haematopoietic disorders and many others [6]. Autoantibody to p53 was detected in breast cancer [7] but for a time the main interest was in T cell-mediated autoimmunity [8], until it became evident that humoral immunity was also a prominent response in many different types of cancer [9–11]. In this paper, we will review and discuss the special features of spontaneously occurring autoantibodies and in the case of cancer, how some patients’ immune systems appear to be sensing aberrant cellular mechanisms related to tumorigenesis and reporting these events in the form of the contemporaneous appearance of neo-antibodies. There are some similarities between autoantibodies in lupus (and other autoimmune diseases) and autoantibodies in cancer and there are some differences, but important insights into aetiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies could be gained by careful analysis of the deeper implications of autoimmune responses in both lupus and cancer.
Phase Transitions and Local Structure of PbZrO3

The local atomic structure of PbZrO{sub 3} (PZ) as a function of temperature has been examined using the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of the pulsed neutron powder-diffraction data. The local structure was found to be deviated significantly from the crystallographic average structure, and to vary less with the composition than the crystallographic average structure. Disordered oxygen octahedral rotations have been observed in the low-temperature antiferroelectric state. With heating the M-type rotation of octahedral becomes dominant and it persists through the intermediate phase into the high-temperature paraelectric state. The Pb displacements reflect these strong deviations, and locally have a large z-component. At room temperature, deviation of Pb displacement from the antiparallel [110] pattern was found. With increasing temperature disorder in the Pb displacement increases.
An experimental and analytical treatment of matrix cracking in cross-ply laminates

The development of damage in cross-ply Hercules AS4/3502 graphite/epoxy laminates has been investigated. Specific endeavors were to identify the mechanisms for initiation and growth of matrix cracks and to determine the effect of matrix cracking on the stiffness loss in cross-ply laminates. Two types of matrix cracks were identified. These include both straight and curved cracks. The experimental study of matrix crack damage revealed that the curved cracks formed after the straight cracks and followed a repeatable pattern of location and orientation relative to the straight cracks. Therefore, it was postulated that the growth mechanism for curved cracks is driven by the stress state resulting from the formation of the straight cracks. This phenomenon was analytically investigated by a finite-element model of straight cracks in a cross-ply laminate. The finite-element results provide supporting evidence for the postulated growth mechanism. The experimental study also revealed that the number of curved cracks increased with the number of consecutive 90-deg plies. Finally, experimental results show as much as 10-percent degradation in axial stiffness due to matrix cracking in cross-ply graphite/epoxy laminates.
Photo-targeted nanoparticles.

We report a novel and simple proof-of-concept of a nanoparticulate system that targets any tissue selectively upon illumination. Nanoparticles were covalently functionalized with the amino acid sequence YIGSR, which adheres to the β1 integrins present on most cell surfaces. This peptide was masked with a caging group, rendering it biologically inert. Illumination with UV light released the caging group from the YIGSR, allowing binding to cells.
Lessons from the Montreal Protocol delay in phasing out methyl bromide

The Montreal Protocol is the most successful global environmental agreement in history and a shining example of a current generation taking extraordinary precaution in avoiding environmental impacts to future generations. The delayed methyl bromide phaseout, however, alerts us to serious problems that can arise—even in this extraordinary agreement—when actors are allowed to place profit and political concerns over precautionary ones. This is not to say that ozone layer protection is anti-profit for participating companies, governments, and scientific groups or that early successes were not rife with political and economic concerns. The history of this agreement shows us that such concerns existed (see Andersen, this issue; Andersen and Sarma 2002; Gareau 2010). Nevertheless, early successes were found by assuring that the precautionary principle was applied first and foremost in ozone diplomacy (see also Andersen, this issue). The language found in the Protocol’s critical use exemptions to the methyl bromide phaseout in particular illustrates how this important principle was swept aside, as was concern for the global environment, and concerns for corporate profit took its place. While this abuse has occurred only once in the Montreal Protocol’s history, it is important to learn the lessons from this low point in ozone layer politics so that similar mistakes are not made with regard to other important global environmental issues, specifically global climate change.
Molecular organization in nematic polymers. 1. Biphasic structures vs the nematic phase

Nematic copolyesters based on pimelic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroquinone are studied. These polymers form orientationally ordered phases that tolerate isotropic motion in their molecular segments. These motions can occur through nematic-isotropic fluctuations with spatial and temporal periodicities which depend on temperature and moleular structure. The molecules in these nematic phases organize at high temperatures into biphasic patterns.
"It used to be that if it weren't broken and bleeding profusely, I would never go to the doctor": men, masculinity, and health.

Masculine gender scripts have been influential in health decision making in men. In addition, although past research has identified some success in using churches as sites for health education with...
Induction of genotoxic damage is not correlated with the ability to methylate arsenite in vitro in the leukocytes of four mammalian species.

Arsenic is a natural drinking water contaminant that impacts the health of large populations of people throughout the world; however, the mode or mechanism by which arsenic induces cancer is unclear. In a series of in vitro studies, we exposed leukocytes from humans, mice, rats, and guinea pigs to a range of sodium arsenite concentrations to determine whether the lymphocytes from these species showed differential sensitivity to the induction of micronuclei (MN) assessed in cytochalasin B–induced binucleate cells. We also determined the capacity of the leukocytes to methylate arsenic by measuring the production of MMA [monomethylarsinic acid (MMAV) and monomethylarsonous acid (MMAIII)] and DMA [dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) and dimethylarsonous acid (DMAIII)]. The results indicate that cells treated for 2 hr at the G0 stage of the cell cycle with sodium arsenite showed only very small to negligible increases in MN after mitogenic stimulation. Treatment of actively cycling cells produced induction of MN with increasing arsenite concentration, with the human, rat, and mouse lymphocytes being much more sensitive to MN induction than those of the guinea pig. These data gave an excellent fit to a linear model. The leukocytes of all four species, including the guinea pig (a species previously thought not to methylate arsenic), were able to methylate arsenic, but there was no clear correlation between the ability to methylate arsenic and the induction of MN. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 39:323–332, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the existence of Gaussian noise (signal modelling)

It is noted that the dependence structure and the amplitude distribution of stationary random sequences are linked, with specification of one placing constraints on the other. Time-reversible processes can be Gaussian or non-Gaussian, but all Gaussian processes must be time reversible. The authors examine the thermodynamics of measurements, showing that while information can be extracted from a system without altering system entropy, most measurement techniques irreversibly alter the thermodynamic state with a consequent entropy increase. Because of the second law of thermodynamics, such entropy changes cannot be undone and measurements reflecting thermodynamic state cannot be time reversible. It is concluded that physical measurements are not time reversible, implying that only non-time-reversible processes model physically relevant signals. Consequently, Gaussian processes would seem to be imprecise representations of physical measurements. >
Technical change in the commercial aircraft industry, 1925–1975

Abstract The American commercial aircraft industry has complied an extremely impressive record of performance in innovation and growth in output. This paper assesses the impact of government policy during a fifty-year period upon innovative performance and market structure in the commercial aircraft industry. In general, this apparent success of government policies in supporting rapid technical change in the industry reflects the impact of these policies upon both the supply of technological knowledge and the demand for innovative aircraft designs. The success of this policy structure has implications for technology policies in other industries.
LPV gain-scheduled control of SCR aftertreatment systems

Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and some of other polluting emissions produced by diesel engines are usually lower than those produced by gasoline engines. While great strides have been made in the exhaust aftertreatment of vehicular pollutants, the elimination of nitrogen oxide (NO x ) from diesel vehicles is still a challenge. The primary reason is that diesel combustion is a fuel-lean process, and hence there is significant unreacted oxygen in the exhaust. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is a well-developed technology for power plants and has been recently employed for reducing NO x emissions from automotive sources and in particular, heavy-duty diesel engines. In this article, we develop a linear parameter-varying (LPV) feedforward/feedback control design method for the SCR aftertreatment system to decrease NO x emissions while keeping ammonia slippage to a desired low level downstream the catalyst. The performance of the closed-loop system obtained from the interconnection of the SCR system and the...
Critical evaluation of use of effective protein fractions in developing pharmacokinetic models for drug distribution.

Abstract A critical evaluation of the concept of effective protein fractions, which was previously utilized in physiologically based pharmacokinetic models to describe the binding of barbiturates to plasma and various tissues, is presented. The calculation of effective protein fractions requires as a minimum the extrapolation of in vitro binding parameters from one concentration of protein to another. Based on available literature data, it is shown that thiopental binding parameters vary markedly with the concentration of bovine serum albumin and that such concentration dependency cannot be predicted readily. Similar anomalous protein binding behavior has been reported for other drugs. Consequently, the use of effective protein fractions in developing pharmacokinetic models for drug distribution may not generally be feasible. The apparent successful use of such fractions in the case of thiopental appears to be fortuitous. Errors incurred in the extrapolation of the binding parameters may be compensated for by errors introduced by the experimental method in which the original binding data were obtained as well as interspecies differences in protein binding.