Cellular mechanisms for developmental toxicity of chlorpyrifos: targeting the adenylyl cyclase signaling cascade

Developmental neurotoxicity caused by chlorpyrifos exposure is generally thought to target cholinesterase but chlorpyrifos may also act on cellular intermediates, such as adenylyl cyclase, that serve global functions in the coordination of cell development. In the current study, neonatal rats were exposed to apparently subtoxic doses of chlorpyrifos (no weight loss, no mortality) either on Postnatal Days 1-4 or on Postnatal Days 11-14, and the effects on components of the adenylyl cyclase cascade were evaluated in brain regions that are enriched (forebrain) or sparse (cerebellum) in cholinergic innervation, as well as in a nonneural tissue (heart). In all three, chlorpyrifos evoked deficits in multiple components of the adenylyl cyclase cascade: expression and activity of adenylyl cyclase itself, functioning of G-proteins that link neurotransmitter and hormone receptors to cyclase activity, and expression of neurotransmitter receptors that act through this cascade. Disruption of signaling function was not restricted to transduction of cholinergic signals but rather extended to adrenergic signals as well. In most cases, the adverse effects were not evident during the immediate period of chlorpyrifos administration, but appeared after a delay of several days. These results suggest that chlorpyrifos can affect cell development by altering the activity and reactivity of the adenylyl cyclase signaling cascade, a major control point for trophic regulation of cell differentiation. The effects are not restricted to cholinergic targets, nor even to the central nervous system. Hence, disruption of cell development by chlorpyrifos is likely to be more widespread than previously thought.     

Neural network payload estimation for adaptive robot control

A concept is proposed for utilizing artificial neural networks to enhance the high-speed tracking accuracy of robotic manipulators. Tracking accuracy is a function of the controller's ability to compensate for disturbances produced by dynamical interactions between the links. A model-based control algorithm uses a nominal model of those dynamical interactions to reduce the disturbances. The problem is how to provide accurate dynamics information to the controller in the presence of payload uncertainty and modeling error. Neural network payload estimation uses a series of artificial neural networks to recognize the payload variation associated with a degradation in tracking performance. The network outputs are combined with a knowledge of nominal dynamics to produce a computationally efficient direct form of adaptive control. The concept is validated through experimentation and analysis on the first three links of a PUMA-560 manipulator. A multilayer perceptron architecture with two hidden layers is used. Integration of the principles of neural network pattern recognition and model-based control produces a tracking algorithm with enhanced robustness to incomplete dynamic information. Tracking efficacy and applicability to robust control algorithms are discussed.     

Methods used in dentin bonding tests: an analysis of 50 investigations on bond strength

Researchers have carried out a variety of investigations to determine the properties of available dentin bonding systems. The test methods and variables used in 50 published investigations of bond strength were analyzed. Among the studies analyzed, shear tests predominated, being used in 80% of the studies; dentin from human molar teeth was used most often (in 88% of investigations); and the most prevalent time of testing was 24 hours postcuring. However, a number of potential variables were not recorded in a high proportion of articles, among these the film thickness, the type of dentin tested, and the surface condition (moist or dry). The mode of failure was recorded in only 42% of the investigations assessed. It was found that there is little standardization of test methods in studies of dentin bond strength and that a number of variables are often either not recorded or reported.     

Variable presentation of cerebrovascular disease in monovular twins

We describe twin girls with bilateral cerebrovascular disease. In one child, a diagnosis of moyamoya disease was made after presentation in infancy with an acute hemiparesis; her asymptomatic sibling was found to have significant bilateral cerebrovascular disease after neuropsychological evaluation and assessment with transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Both subjects showed a discrepancy between verbal and performance IQ and deficits on a test of frontal-lobe function suggesting that these domains should be targeted in cognitive assessment. Family members of subjects with moyamoya are at risk of cerebrovascular disease. Clinical symptoms do not reliably predict disease and those at risk should be offered screening with non-invasive vascular imaging.     

Overcharging: keeping both feet on the ground and going a step forward

The intrinsic value of animals and their place in human society influence veterinary practice. The role-responsibility of the veterinarian is under pressure of practical circumstances, client requests and constraints of breeding and management systems. A reflection on human needs as related to the intrinsic value and welfare of animals, is required inside and outside the profession. It is in the interest of life to think and act out of total ecological concepts. In order to be better prepared to deal with ethical problems in practice, students should receive adequate training. The assumed value-free research and the need for outside financial support are a hindrance for research projects that aim at sustainability of human and animal life. It is concluded that the profession needs a philosophy about her objectives.     

Data-logging: effects on practical science

Abstract This paper describes an investigation into the processes and effects of using electronic data-logging in practical science. A pilot study of classical laboratory work in schools was compared with similar tasks performed with data-logging systems. A more detailed exploration of pupils' performance was then conducted through an extensive series of observations in a range of secondary schools. The results reinforce previous indications of the potential benefits of data-logging, but such benefits must be viewed in the curriculum context of the type of measurement activity and the pedagogical context of teaching and learning objectives. The paper concludes with a discussion of the latter issues.