bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Performance of MOS in the Digital Age
Authors: Ruth David P. , Glahn Bob , Dagostaro Valery , Gilbert Kathryn
Published: September 2008

Model output statistics (MOS) guidance forecasts have been produced for over three decades. Until recently, MOS guidance was prepared for observing stations and formatted in text bulletins while official National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts for stations and zones were prepared by forecasters typing text. The flagship product of today’s NWS is the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD). In support of NDFD, MOS is now also produced on grids.

This paper compares MOS and gridded MOS (GMOS) to the forecaster-produced NDFD at approximately 1200 station locations in the conterminous United States. Results indicate that GMOS should provide good guidance for preparing the NDFD. In those areas of the country where station observations well represent the grid, GMOS features accuracy comparable to that of NDFD. In areas of complex terrain not well represented by station observations, GMOS appears similar to NDFD in its depiction. A new score is introduced to measure convergence from a long-range forecast to the final short-range forecast. This shows good GMOS forecast continuity when compared to station MOS and NDFD.
Visualizing Multiple Measures of Forecast Quality
Authors: Roebber Paul J.
Published: September 2008

A method for visually representing multiple measures of dichotomous (yes–no) forecast quality (probability of detection, false alarm ratio, bias, and critical success index) in a single diagram is presented. Illustration of the method is provided using performance statistics from two previously published forecast verification studies (snowfall density and convective initiation) and a verification of several new forecast datasets: Storm Prediction Center forecasts of severe storms (nontornadic and tornadic), Hydrometeorological Prediction Center forecasts of heavy precipitation (greater than 12.5 mm in a 6-h period), National Weather Service Forecast Office terminal aviation forecasts (ceiling and visibility), and medium-range ensemble forecasts of 500-hPa height anomalies. The use of such verification metrics in concert with more detailed investigations to advance forecasting is briefly discussed.
Teaching Sociology at Saint-Cyr, 1983-2004 and Beyond
Authors: Boëne Bernard
Published: September 2008

This article recounts the course of sociology as a teaching subject at the French military academy from the personal perspective of one of its local protagonists. Having placed its introduction in context, it points up the motives behind a reform of studies (1982) which gave academic education greater scope and in which sociology played a central part. It goes through the various stages in the institution-building process that led from initially mixed reception to full internal acceptance as part of a common core of subjects. It analyzes the reasons for another major reconsideration, in 2000, of curricula and avenues of access, which endorsed and radicalized the previous reform's philosophy and turned sociology into a truly pivotal discipline—one that allows better integration of the academic and military sides of officer education. It assesses, in conclusion, the factors behind such a (fragile) success story.
Sociology in Military Officer Education
Authors: Segal David R. , Ender Morten G.
Published: September 2008

This essay introduces a special issue of Armed Forces & Society examining sociology at military academies around the globe. Articles represent nine countries—Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, the United States. We begin with a brief history of sociology and the military and growth of military sociology as a subfield, followed by the development of military academies in general and sociology at military academies more specifically. The essay concludes with six trends found across the nine nations and ten academies—the stigma of sociology; the cannibalization of sociology courses; co-optation of sociological concepts; charismatic leadership; radical social change; and revitalization.
Building a Marketing Curriculum to Support Courses in Social Entrepreneurship and Social Venture Competitions
Authors: Schlee Regina Pefanis , Curren Mary T. , Harich Katrin R.
Published: September 2008

This study examines the implications of the increased popularity of social enterprise programs and social venture competitions for the marketing curriculum. Social enterprise programs and competitions are often offered outside the school of business and target students from a variety of academic backgrounds. Although social enterprises use business skills to solve social problems, the specific marketing skills required differ from those covered in most marketing curricula. This article recommends some changes in emphasis and/or scope to specific areas in the marketing curriculum and includes an outline of the proposed marketing curriculum for social enterprise programs.
Writing Against the Image of the Monstrous Crack Mother
Authors: Gubrium Aline
Published: September 2008

Anthropologist Lila Abu Lughod's idea of “writing against culture” is the point of departure for deconstructing the image of the monstrous mother dominating portrayals of African American women who use crack cocaine. Aiming to “unsettle” the cultural stereotypes, this article presents the narrative of an African American woman who has used crack, illustrating how elements of Twelve-Step recovery discourse and Afrocentric spirituality differentially frame her story. The case shows that recovery and spirituality are as much narrative resources as they are narrative imperatives. Rather than simply reproducing either of these resources in her story, she alternatively constructs herself as a recovering addict on one hand, and a spiritually strong woman on the other, exemplifying how narrative obviates stereotypic representations.
Virtual (Br)others and (Re)sisters
Authors: Hughey Matthew W.
Published: September 2008

Recently, the Internet has become the focus of immense speculation regarding the social construction of identity and cultural “authenticity.” However, examinations of virtual communities such as blogs, multiuser domains, and chat rooms have largely ignored nonwhite, especially African American, virtual communities (VCs). Through participant observation, content analysis, and personal interviews, this article analyzes a VC dedicated to members of African American fraternities and sororities, generally referred to as black Greek letter organizations (BGLOs). Findings show that BGLO virtual authenticity is accomplished via (1) the making of “brothers” and “others” based on symbolic boundaries of exclusion and inclusion and (2) the deployment of themes of resistance based on emotions of both sufferance and success. Implications suggest that interrogations of how virtuality constrains and enables processes of “authentic” racial identity formation as well as configurations of racist narratives and ideologies can yield added insights regarding the raced character of structure/agency, symbolic boundaries, and the social use of emotions.
Peacekeeping and the Gender Regime
Authors: Sion Liora
Published: September 2008

This article addresses the issue of women participation in peacekeeping missions by focusing on two North Atlantic Treaty Organization Dutch peacekeeping units in Bosnia (SFOR8) and Kosovo (KFOR2). I argue that soldiers are ambivalent toward what is perceived the “feminine” aspects of peace missions. Although peacekeeping is a new military model, it reproduces the same traditional combat-oriented mind-set of gender roles. Therefore Dutch female soldiers are limited in their ability to perform and contribute to peace missions. Both peacekeeping missions and female soldiers are confusing for the soldiers, especially for the more hypermasculine Bulldog infantry soldiers. Both represent a blurred new reality in which the comfort of the all-male unit and black-and-white combat situations are replaced by women in what were traditionally men's roles and the fuzzy environment of peacekeeping. At the same time, both are also necessary: peacekeeping, although not desirable, has become the main function for Dutch soldiers, and women are still a small minority, although they gain importance in the army. Present government policy prescribes a gender mainstreaming approach to recruiting, partly due to a lack of qualified male personnel, especially after the end of the draft in 1996.
“I've Kept It That Way on Purpose”
Authors: Menning Chadwick L.
Published: September 2008

Although more attention has been given in recent years to adolescents' influences on family dynamics after divorce, little is still known about the forms such agency takes, the rationales and structures that shape it, or its consequences. This study is an examination of adolescents' reports of the ways in which they manage negative aspects of their relationships with their parents. In-depth interviews with fifty adolescents from divorced or separated households are examined for emergent themes related to adolescent agency. The findings suggest that adolescents utilize a variety of relationship management strategies that both shape and are shaped by household structure. These strategies and their possible consequences are described, along with rationales that adolescents use for employing them.
The Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction with Etodolac Is not Increased Compared to Naproxen: A Historical Cohort Analysis of a Generic COX-2 Selective Inhibitor
Authors: Warner John J. , Weideman Rick A. , Kelly Kevin C. , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Banerjee Subhash , Cunningham Francesca , Harford William V. , Kazi Salahuddin , Little Bertis B. , Cryer Byron
Published: September 2008

Background: This study compares the risk of acute myocardial infarction among patients exposed to etodolac, naproxen, celecoxib, and rofecoxib.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study in 38 258 veteran patients (26 376 patient-years) measured the adjusted odds ratios of acute myocardial infarction during exposure to etodolac, naproxen, celecoxib, or rofecoxib.

Results: Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was confirmed in 100 patients who were exposed to a study nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Compared to naproxen, the increased risk of acute myocardial infarction was not significant for etodolac (OR = 1.32, P = .27), whereas celecoxib (OR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.09-4.35, P = .03) and rofecoxib (OR = 2.16, 95 CI 1.04-4.46, P = .04) were significant. A post hoc analysis indicates that patients with a prior history of acute myocardial infarction had a significant, 4.26-fold risk for another acute myocardial infarction if taking celecoxib or rofecoxib.

Conclusion: Etodolac is not associated with a statistically increased risk of acute myocardial infarction compared to naproxen.
A Multidisciplinary Model of Evaluation Capacity Building
Authors: Preskill Hallie , Boyle Shanelle
Published: September 2008

Evaluation capacity building (ECB) has become a hot topic of conversation, activity, and study within the evaluation field. Seeking to enhance stakeholders' understanding of evaluation concepts and practices, and in an effort to create evaluation cultures, organizations have been implementing a variety of strategies to help their members learn from and about evaluation. Though there is a great deal of ECB occurring in a wide range of organizations, there is no overarching conceptual model that describes how ECB should be designed and implemented to maximize its success. If ECB is about learning how to think evaluatively and how to engage in sound evaluation practice, then something is missing in our work. The purpose of this article is to describe a model of ECB that may be used for designing and implementing capacity building activities and processes as well as for conducting empirical research on this topic.
Keyhole gas tungsten arc welding of commercially pure zirconium
Authors: Lathabai S. , Jarvis B. L. , Barton K. J.
Published: September 2008

Keyhole gas tungsten arc welding (K-GTAW), a novel variant of GTAW, has been used to join commercially pure zirconium. The process enables single pass welding of 6˙35 mm thick zirconium using conventional GTAW equipment and a high current torch, without expensive filler metal addition or joint preparation. The mechanical properties and the microstructure of the resulting joints were characterised. It is concluded that the K-GTAW process, with its high productivity combined with low capital investment requirements, can be successfully used for welding relatively heavy section zirconium.
Methodology to improve applicability of welding simulation
Authors: Pittner A. , Weiß D. , Schwenk C. , Rethmeier M.
Published: September 2008

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a new simulation technique which allows fast and automatic generation of temperature fields as input for subsequent thermomechanical welding simulation. The basic idea is to decompose the process model into an empirical part based on neural networks and a phenomenological part that describes the physical phenomena. The strength of this composite modelling approach is the automatic calibration of mathematical models against experimental data without the need for manual interference by an experienced user. As an example for typical applications in laser beam and GMA–laser hybrid welding, it is shown that even 3D heat conduction models of a low complexity can approximate measured temperature fields with a sufficient accuracy. In general, any derivation of model fitting parameters from the real process adds uncertainties to the simulation independent of the complexity of the underlying phenomenological model. The modelling technique presented hybridises empirical and phenomenological models. It reduces the model uncertainties by exploiting additional information which keeps normally hidden in the data measured when the model calibration is performed against few experimental data sets. In contrast, here the optimal model parameter set corresponding to a given process parameter is computed by means of an empirical submodel based on relatively large set of experimental data. The approach allows making a contribution to an efficient compensation of modelling inaccuracies and lack of knowledge about thermophysical material properties or boundary conditions. Two illustrating examples are provided.
Effect of carbon content on creep rupture strength and microstructure in heat affected zone of heat resistant ferritic steel: Alleviation of decrease in creep rupture strength in heat affected zone of heat resistant ferritic steel
Authors: Hirata H. , Ogawa K.
Published: September 2008

The effect of the carbon content on the creep rupture strength and the microstructural change in weld heat affected zone (HAZ) during high temperature services was investigated in order to alleviate the decrease in the creep rupture strength in HAZ of heat resistant ferritic steels. The test specimens were prepared from 9Cr–3Co–3–W–V, Nb ferritic steel plates with carbon content ranging from 0˙005 to 0˙1%. After the simulated HAZ thermal cycle treatments at the peak temperature of 1273 K was applied on these specimens, creep rupture tests, aging tests and microstructural examinations were conducted. As a result, it was clarified that the creep rupture time of simulated HAZ became longer and the decrease in the creep rupture strength in HAZ was alleviated by decreasing the carbon content. Then the mechanism to explain the effect of the carbon content was discussed from a viewpoint of the growth of precipitates, such as M23C6 and MX, during long term heating.
Hardness changes on pass-by-pass basis in HSLA 65 steel gas metal arc welds
Authors: Moon D. W. , Metzbower E. A.
Published: September 2008

A series of welds were fabricated in high strength low alloy 65 steel. The first pass went the entire length of the plate and each subsequent pass was indented ∼25 mm. This allowed the authors to determine the change in hardness on a pass-by-pass basis by mapping the hardness over each weld pass.
Effect of solution annealing on weldability of aged alloy 800/25Cr–35Ni steel dissimilar welds
Authors: Dehmolaei R. , Shamanian M. , Kermanpur A.
Published: September 2008

Dissimilar welding of the aged alloy 800 and the as cast 25Cr–35Ni (wt-%) heat resistant steel was investigated. Microstructures, mechanical properties and weldability of the dissimilar welds were characterised using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transition electron microscopy equipped by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Varestraint test. Since such dissimilar welding was susceptible to crack formation in the heat affected zone of the aged part, the effects of a preweld solution annealing, heat input, interpass temperature and type of filler metal on the weldability of two alloys were investigated. It was found that during the solution treatment, the precipitates produced in the service stage were decomposed and that TiC was formed. In addition, tensile strength and hardness were reduced, but ductility and toughness increased. It was concluded that the most important step to improve weldability and to reduce cracking susceptibility was solution annealing. A suitable annealing treatment was then proposed. The best weldability was found under conditions of solution annealing, low heat input, low interpass temperature and using Inconel 82 or 617 for filler metals.
Influence of Gd and B on solidification behaviour and weldability of Ni–Cr–Mo alloy
Authors: DuPont J. N. , Robino C. V. , Anderson T. D.
Published: September 2008

The influence of Gd and B on the solidification behaviour and weldability of Ni–Cr–Mo alloy UNS N06455 has been investigated by Varestraint testing, differential thermal analysis and microstructural characterisation. These alloys are currently being developed as structural materials for nuclear criticality control in applications requiring transportation and disposition of spent nuclear fuel owned by the US Department of Energy. The Gd containing alloys were observed to solidify in a manner similar to a binary eutectic system. Solidification initiated with a primary L→ y reaction and terminated at ∼1258°C with a eutectic type L→ y+Ni5Gd reaction. The solidification cracking susceptibility of the Gd containing alloys reached a maximum at ∼1 wt-%Gd and decreased with both higher and lower Gd additions. Low cracking susceptibility at Gd concentrations below ∼1 wt-% was attributed to a relatively small amount of terminal liquid that existed over much of the crack susceptible solid+liquid zone. Low cracking susceptibility at Gd concentrations above ∼1 wt-% was attributed to a reduced solidification temperature range and backfilling of solidification cracks. The addition of B above the 230 ppm level leads to the formation of an additional eutectic type reaction at ∼1200°C and the secondary phase within the eutectic type constituent was tentatively identified as Mo3B2. The B containing alloys exhibited a three step solidification reaction sequence consisting of primary L→ y solidification, followed by the eutectic type L→ y+Ni5Gd reaction, followed by the terminal eutectic type L→ y+Mo3B2 reaction. Boron additions had a strong, deleterious influence on solidification cracking susceptibility. The high cracking susceptibility was attributed to extension of the crack susceptible solid+liquid zone induced by the additional eutectic type L→ y+Mo3B2 reaction and extensive wetting of the grain boundaries by the solute rich liquid. Simple heat flow equations were combined with solidification theory to develop a relation between the fraction liquid f L and distance x within the solid+liquid zone. Information on the phenomenology of crack formation in the Varestraint test were coupled with the calculated f L– x curves and were shown to provide useful insight into composition–solidification–weldability relations.
Constitutive activation of the Wnt canonical pathway in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Gelebart Pascal , Anand Mona , Armanious Hanan , Peters Anthea C. , Dien Bard Jennifer , Amin Hesham M. , Lai Raymond
Published: September 2008

Aberrations of the Wnt canonical pathway (WCP) are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of various types of cancer. We hypothesize that these defects may exist in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Both the upstream and downstream aspects of WCP were examined in MCL cell lines and tumors. Using WCP-specific oligonucleotide arrays, we found that MCL highly and consistently expressed Wnt3 and Wnt10. β-catenin, a transcriptional factor that is a downstream target of WCP, is localized to the nucleus and transcriptionally active in all 3 MCL cell lines examined. By immunohistochemistry, 33 (52%) of 64 MCL tumors showed nuclear localization of β-catenin, which significantly correlated with the expression of the phosphorylated/inactive form of GSK3β (p-GSK3β; P = .011, Fisher). GSK3β inactivation is directly linked to WCP stimulation, since addition of recombinant sFRP proteins (a naturally occurring decoy for the Wnt receptors) resulted in a significant decrease in p-GSK3β. Down-regulation of DvL-2 (an upstream signaling protein in WCP) by siRNA or selective inhibition of β-catenin using quercetin significantly decreased cell growth in MCL cell lines. To conclude, WCP is constitutively activated in a subset of MCL and it appears to promote tumorigenesis in MCL.
Primary infection with simian immunodeficiency virus: plasmacytoid dendritic cell homing to lymph nodes, type I interferon, and immune suppression
Authors: Malleret Benoît , Manéglier Benjamin , Karlsson Ingrid , Lebon Pierre , Nascimbeni Michelina , Perié Leïla , Brochard Patricia , Delache Benoît , Calvo Julien , Andrieu Thibault , Spreux-Varoquaux Odile , Hosmalin Anne , Le Grand Roger , Vaslin Bruno
Published: September 2008

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are antigen-presenting cells that develop into type-I interferon (IFN-I)–producing cells in response to pathogens. Their role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis needs to be understood. We analyzed their dynamics in relation to innate and adaptive immunity very early during the acute phase of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in 18 macaques. pDC counts decreased in blood and increased in peripheral lymph nodes, consistent with early recruitment in secondary lymphoid tissues. These changes correlated with the kinetic and intensity of viremia and were associated with a peak of plasma IFN-I. IFN-I and viremia were positively correlated with functional activity of the immune suppression associated enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and FoxP3+CD8+ T cells, which both negatively correlated with SIV-specific T-cell proliferation and CD4+ T-cell activation. These data suggest that pDCs and IFN-I play a key role in shaping innate and adaptive immunity toward suppressive pathways during the acute phase of SIV/HIV primary infection.
Increasing the efficiency of bacterial transcription simulations: When to exclude the genome without loss of accuracy
Authors: Iafolla Marco AJ , Dong Guang Qiang , McMillen David R
Published: September 2008

Background

Simulating the major molecular events inside anEscherichia colicell can lead to a very large number of reactions that compose its overall behaviour. Not only should the model be accurate, but it is imperative for the experimenter to create an efficient model to obtain the results in a timely fashion. Here, we show that for many parameter regimes, the effect of the host cell genome on the transcription of a gene from a plasmid-borne promoter is negligible, allowing one to simulate the system more efficiently by removing the computational load associated with representing the presence of the rest of the genome. The key parameter is the on-rate of RNAP binding to the promoter (k_on), and we compare the total number of transcripts produced from a plasmid vector generated as a function of this rate constant, for two versions of our gene expression model, one incorporating the host cell genome and one excluding it. By sweeping parameters, we identify the k_on range for which the difference between the genome and no-genome models drops below 5%, over a wide range of doubling times, mRNA degradation rates, plasmid copy numbers, and gene lengths.

Results

We assess the effect of the simulating the presence of the genome over a four-dimensional parameter space, considering: 24 min <= bacterial doubling time <= 100 min; 10 <= plasmid copy number <= 1000; 2 min <= mRNA half-life <= 14 min; and 10 bp <= gene length <= 10000 bp. A simple MATLAB user interface generates an interpolated k_on threshold for any point in this range; this rate can be compared to the ones used in other transcription studies to assess the need for including the genome.

Conclusion

Exclusion of the genome is shown to yield less than 5% difference in transcript numbers over wide ranges of values, and computational speed is improved by two to 24 times by excluding explicit representation of the genome.
Enhancement of docetaxel-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) through downregulation of survivin (BIRC5), MCL-1 and LTbeta-R in hormone- and drug resistant prostate cancer cell line, DU-145
Authors: Kucukzeybek Yuksel , Gul Mustafa K , Cengiz Ercument , Erten Cigdem , Karaca Burcak , Gorumlu Gurbuz , Atmaca Harika , Uzunoglu Selim , Karabulut Bulent , Sanli Ulus A , Uslu Ruchan
Published: September 2008

Background

The management of hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) still remains as an important challenge of daily oncology practice. Docetaxel has proved to be a first line treatment choice. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) could potently inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cellsin vitroand its combination with various anticancer agents results in increased cytotoxicity. Based on these data, our aim was to examine the synergistic/additive cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of combination of docetaxel and ATRA, in hormone- and drug refractory human DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, we have searched for the underlying mechanisms of apoptosis by demonstrating apoptosis-related genes.

Methods

XTT cell proliferation assay was used for showing cytotoxicity. For verifying apoptosis, both DNA Fragmentation by ELISA assay and caspase 3/7 activity measurement were used. For detecting the mechanism of apoptosis induced by docetaxel-ATRA combination, OligoGeArray®which consists of 112 apoptosis related genes was used.

Results

Our results revealed that docetaxel and ATRA were synergistically cytotoxic and apoptotic in DU-145 cells, in a dose- and time dependent manner. It was also shown by our studies that apoptosis was induced in DU-145 prostate carcinoma cells with significant cytotoxicity, no matter which agent applied first. We have found out that docetaxel-ATRA combination significantly downregulates survivin (BIRC5), myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) and lymphotoxin β-receptor (LTβR) genes, which all three have pivotal roles in regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle progression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we strongly suggest that docetaxel and ATRA combination is a good candidate for this challenging era of daily oncologic practice. Also, the combination of docetaxel and ATRA might allow a reduction in docetaxel doses and by this way may diminish docetaxel adverse effects while maintaining the therapeutic effect in patients with HRPC.
Ethical and Legal Implications of Cancer Genetic Testing: Do Physicians Have a Duty to Warn Patients' Relatives About Possible Genetic Risks?
Authors: Storm Courtney , Agarwal Rinki , Offit Kenneth
Published: September 2008

This vignette raises questions about the extent of physicians' obligations to warn relatives of a patient about a hereditary cancer risk.
Role of Dosage-Sensitive Sex Reversal, Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita, Critical Region on the X Chromosome, Gene 1 in Protein Kinase A- and Protein Kinase C-Mediated Regulation of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Expression in Mouse Leydig Tumor Cells: Mechanism of Action
Authors: Manna Pulak R. , Dyson Matthew T. , Jo Youngah , Stocco Douglas M.
Published: September 2008

Dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 (DAX-1) is an orphan nuclear receptor that has been demonstrated to be instrumental to the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein that regulates steroid biosynthesis in steroidogenic cells. However, its mechanism of action remains obscure. The present investigation was aimed at exploring the molecular involvement of DAX-1 in protein kinase A (PKA)- and protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated regulation of StAR expression and its concomitant impact on steroid synthesis using MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. We demonstrate that activation of the PKA and PKC pathways, by a cAMP analog dibutyryl (Bu)2cAMP [(Bu)2cAMP] and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), respectively, markedly decreased DAX-1 expression, an event that was inversely correlated with StAR protein, StAR mRNA, and progesterone levels. Notably, the suppression of DAX-1 requires de novo transcription and translation, suggesting that the effect of DAX-1 in regulating StAR expression is dynamic. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed the association of DAX-1 with the proximal but not the distal region of the StAR promoter, and both (Bu)2cAMP and PMA decreased in vivo DAX-1-DNA interactions. EMSA and reporter gene analyses demonstrated the functional integrity of this interaction by showing that DAX-1 binds to a DNA hairpin at position −44/−20 bp of the mouse StAR promoter and that the binding of DAX-1 to this region decreases progesterone synthesis by impairing transcription of the StAR gene. In support of this, targeted silencing of endogenous DAX-1 elevated basal, (Bu)2cAMP-, and PMA-stimulated StAR expression and progesterone synthesis. Transrepression of the StAR gene by DAX-1 was tightly associated with expression of the nuclear receptors Nur77 and steroidogenic factor-1, demonstrating these factors negatively modulate the steroidogenic response. These findings provide insight into the molecular events by which DAX-1 influences the PKA and PKC signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the StAR protein and steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig tumor cells.

The characterization of protein kinase A- and protein kinase C-mediated steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) expression and steroidogenesis suggests that the orphan nuclear receptor DAX-1 is an important regulator of the steroidogenic response in Leydig cells.
Connexin40 Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Is Positively Regulated by Thyroid Hormone (TH) Acting in Cardiac Atria via the TH Receptor
Authors: Almeida Norma A. S. , Cordeiro Aline , Machado Danielle S. , Souza Luana L. , Ortiga-Carvalho Tânia M. , Campos-de-Carvalho Antonio C. , Wondisford Fredric E. , Pazos-Moura Carmen C.
Published: September 2008

Thyroid hormone (TH) regulates many cardiac genes via nuclear thyroid receptors, and hyperthyroidism is frequently associated with atrial fibrillation. Electrical activity propagation in myocardium depends on the transfer of current at gap junctions, and connexins (Cxs) 40 and 43 are the predominant junction proteins. In mice, Cx40, the main Cx involved in atrial conduction, is restricted to the atria and fibers of the conduction system, which also express Cx43. We studied cardiac expression of Cx40 and Cx43 in conjunction with electrocardiogram studies in mice overexpressing the dominant negative mutant thyroid hormone receptor-β Δ337T exclusively in cardiomyocytes [myosin heavy chain (MHC-mutant)]. These mice develop the cardiac hypothyroid phenotype in the presence of normal serum TH. Expression was also examined in wild-type mice rendered hypothyroid or hyperthyroid by pharmacological treatment. Atrial Cx40 mRNA and protein levels were decreased (85 and 55%, respectively; P < 0.001) in MHC-mt mice. Atrial and ventricular Cx43 mRNA levels were not significantly changed. Hypothyroid and hyperthyroid animals showed a 25% decrease and 40% increase, respectively, in Cx40 mRNA abundance. However, MHC-mt mice presented very low Cx40 mRNA expression regardless of whether they were made hypothyroid or hyperthyroid. Atrial depolarization velocity, as represented by P wave duration in electrocardiograms of unanesthetized mice, was extremely reduced in MHC-mt mice, and to a lesser extent also in hypothyroid mice (90 and 30% increase in P wave duration). In contrast, this measure was increased in hyperthyroid mice (19% decrease in P wave duration). Therefore, this study reveals for the first time that Cx40 mRNA is up-regulated by TH acting in cardiac atria via the TH receptor and that this may be one of the mechanisms contributing to atrial conduction alterations in thyroid dysfunctions.

Cardiac-specific expression of a mutant thyroid hormone receptor unable to bind thyroid hormone profoundly reduces atrial connexin 40 expression in association with prolonged atrial conduction.
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor-Overexpressing Mice Exhibit Reduced Neuronal Activation in the Arcuate Nucleus and Food Intake in Response to Fasting
Authors: Stengel Andreas , Goebel Miriam , Million Mulugeta , Stenzel-Poore Mary P. , Kobelt Peter , Mönnikes Hubert , Taché Yvette , Wang Lixin
Published: September 2008

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) overexpressing (OE) mice are a genetic model that exhibits features of chronic stress. We investigated whether the adaptive feeding response to a hypocaloric challenge induced by food deprivation is impaired under conditions of chronic CRF overproduction. Food intake response to a 16-h overnight fast and ip injection of gut hormones regulating food intake were compared in CRF-OE and wild type (WT) littermate mice along with brain Fos expression, circulating ghrelin levels, and gastric emptying of a nonnutrient meal. CRF-OE mice injected ip with saline showed a 47 and 44% reduction of 30-min and 4-h cumulative food intake response to an overnight fast, respectively, compared with WT. However, the 30-min food intake decrease induced by ip cholecystokinin (3 μg/kg) and increase by ghrelin (300 μg/kg) were similar in CRF-OE and WT mice. Overnight fasting increased the plasma total ghrelin to similar levels in CRF-OE and WT mice, although CRF-OE mice had a 2-fold reduction of nonfasting ghrelin levels. The number of Fos-immunoreactive cells induced by fasting in the arcuate nucleus was reduced by 5.9-fold in CRF-OE compared with WT mice whereas no significant changes were observed in other hypothalamic nuclei. In contrast, fasted CRF-OE mice displayed a 5.6-fold increase in Fos-immunoreactive cell number in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and a 34% increase in 20-min gastric emptying. These findings indicate that sustained overproduction of hypothalamic CRF in mice interferes with fasting-induced activation of arcuate nucleus neurons and the related hyperphagic response.

Sustained over-production of brain corticotrophin-releasing factor interferes with fasting-activated neuronal activation in the arcuate nucleus and results in reduction of food intake dissociated from gastric emptying.
odd skipped related1reveals a novel role for endoderm in regulating kidney versus vascular cell fate
Authors: Mudumana Sudha P. , Hentschel Dirk , Liu Yan , Vasilyev Aleksandr , Drummond Iain A.
Published: September 2008

The kidney and vasculature are intimately linked both functionally and during development, when nephric and blood/vascular progenitor cells occupy adjacent bands of mesoderm in zebrafish and frog embryos. Developmental mechanisms that underlie the differentiation of kidney versus blood/vascular lineages remain unknown. The odd skipped related1 (osr1)gene encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor that is expressed in the germ ring mesendoderm and subsequently in the endoderm and intermediate mesoderm,prior to the expression of definitive kidney or blood/vascular markers. Knockdown of osr1 in zebrafish embryos resulted in a complete,segment-specific loss of anterior kidney progenitors and a compensatory increase in the number of angioblast cells in the same trunk region. Histology revealed a subsequent absence of kidney tubules, an enlarged cardinal vein and expansion of the posterior venous plexus. Altered kidney versus vascular development correlated with expanded endoderm development in osr1knockdowns. Combined osr1 loss of function and blockade of endoderm development by knockdown of sox32/casanova rescued anterior kidney development. The results indicate that osr1 activity is required to limit endoderm differentiation from mesendoderm; in the absence of osr1, excess endoderm alters mesoderm differentiation, shifting the balance from kidney towards vascular development.
Rostral hindbrain patterning involves the direct activation of aKrox20transcriptional enhancer by Hox/Pbx and Meis factors
Authors: Wassef Michel A. , Chomette Diane , Pouilhe Marie , Stedman Aline , Havis Emmanuelle , Desmarquet-Trin Dinh Carole , Schneider-Maunoury Sylvie , Gilardi-Hebenstreit Pascale , Charnay Patrick , Ghislain Julien
Published: September 2008

The morphogenesis of the vertebrate hindbrain involves the generation of metameric units called rhombomeres (r), and Krox20 encodes a transcription factor that is expressed in r3 and r5 and plays a major role in this segmentation process. Our knowledge of the basis of Krox20regulation in r3 is rather confusing, especially concerning the involvement of Hox factors. To investigate this issue, we studied one of the Krox20hindbrain cis-regulatory sequences, element C, which is active in r3-r5 and which is the only initiator element in r3. We show that element C contains multiple binding sites for Meis and Hox/Pbx factors and that these proteins synergize to activate the enhancer. Mutation of these binding sites allowed us to establish that Krox20 is under the direct transcriptional control of both Meis (presumably Meis2) and Hox/Pbx factors in r3. Furthermore, our data indicate that element C functions according to multiple modes, in Meis-independent or -dependent manners and with different Hox proteins, in r3 and r5. Finally, we show that the Hoxb1 and Krox20expression domains transiently overlap in prospective r3, and that Hoxb1 binds to element C in vivo, supporting a cell-autonomous involvement of Hox paralogous group 1 proteins in Krox20 regulation. Altogether, our data clarify the molecular mechanisms of an essential step in hindbrain patterning. We propose a model for the complex regulation of Krox20,involving a novel mode of initiation, positive and negative controls by Hox proteins, and multiple direct and indirect autoregulatory loops.
Rewiring the retinal ganglion cell gene regulatory network: Neurod1 promotes retinal ganglion cell fate in the absence of Math5
Authors: Mao Chai-An , Wang Steven W. , Pan Ping , Klein William H.
Published: September 2008

Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) express basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)factors in a strikingly mosaic spatiotemporal pattern, which is thought to contribute to the establishment of individual retinal cell identity. Here, we ask whether this tightly regulated pattern is essential for the orderly differentiation of the early retinal cell types and whether different bHLH genes have distinct functions that are adapted for each RPC. To address these issues, we replaced one bHLH gene with another. Math5 is a bHLH gene that is essential for establishing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) fate. We analyzed the retinas of mice in which Math5 was replaced with Neurod1 or Math3, bHLH genes that are expressed in another RPC and are required to establish amacrine cell fate. In the absence of Math5, Math5Neurod1-KI was able to specify RGCs, activate RGC genes and restore the optic nerve, although not as effectively as Math5. By contrast, Math5Math3-KI was much less effective than Math5Neurod1-KI in replacing Math5. In addition, expression of Neurod1 and Math3 from the Math5Neurod1-KI/Math3-KIallele did not result in enhanced amacrine cell production. These results were unexpected because they indicated that bHLH genes, which are currently thought to have evolved highly specialized functions, are nonetheless able to adjust their functions by interpreting the local positional information that is programmed into the RPC lineages. We conclude that, although Neurod1 and Math3 have evolved specialized functions for establishing amacrine cell fate, they are nevertheless capable of alternative functions when expressed in foreign environments.
Energy Utilization, Renewables and Climate Change Mitigation in Turkey
Authors: Yuksel Ibrahim
Published: September 2008

The burning of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially CO2, possibly causing climate change. Environmentally friendly energy development has enormous implications for developing countries as major emitters due to their rapid economic and population growth. This paper presents an overview of Turkey's efforts to reduce GHG emissions by reforming energy pricing, promoting energy efficiency, and using renewable energy sources. With some possible options, the paper concludes that the reduction of emissions can only be achieved when policies are supportive and well targeted, standards and incentives are realistic and flexible, and the public is actively responsive to environmental degradation. Turkey's high rate of energy-related carbon emissions growth is expected to accelerate, with emissions climbing from 57 million tons in 2000 to almost 210 million tons in 2020. Carbon intensity in Turkey is higher than the western developed national average. Energy-intensive, inefficient industries remain under government control with soft budged constraints, contributing to undisciplined energy use in Turkey.
Estimating Cost Structures in the U.S. Nuclear Power Industry
Authors: Rungsuriyawiboon Supawat
Published: September 2008

With growing concerns about global warming and surging oil prices, nuclear power is now back on the U.S. energy policy agenda. This paper provides firm level analysis of the production technology and cost structures in the U.S. nuclear power generation industry. The paper applies an econometric approach into a dual restricted variable cost function within a “temporal equilibrium” framework. A panel data set of 32 nuclear power generations for major U.S. investor owned utilities over the period 1986–2002 is used. The major finding indicates that most electric utilities in the nuclear electricity generation industry over utilized capital in production. The estimated results show evidence of scale economies in the production of the electricity industry. The paper presents supporting evidence that nuclear technology is cheaper than other alternative technologies and fuels, and it can offer possible cost savings to other alternative technologies.
Liquefaction of Harbul (Silopi SE Anatolia, Turkey) Asphaltite by Flash Pyrolysis
Authors: Saydut Abdurrahman , Tonbul Yalcin , Hamamci Candan
Published: September 2008

Asphaltite, being petroleum originated solid fossil fuel, can be converted into a variety of secondary products such as light hydrocarbon gases, liquid product and high quality fuel char by means of pyrolysis. Liquefaction of Harbul (Silopi, Turkey) asphaltite,-0.60+0.25 mm particle size, and using flash pyrolysis was performed in a fixed bed reactor with a heating rate 40°C min−1 at a temperature ranging from 400 to 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The effect of temperature on conversion and liquid yield was examined. The flash pyrolysis temperature resulted in a large increase in the oil yield, tar, gases, large increase in the yield of hydrocarbon gases occurred as a result of temperature at 550°C which was attributed to an increase thermal cracking of pyrolysis vapours. The yield of asphaltite liquid at the condition of 550°C reached a maximum 19.66 wt %. The asphaltenes of the pyrolytic oils were precipitated by addition of n-pentane. Pentane solubles were fractioned by column chromatography into aliphatic, aromatic and polar fractions using n-hexane, toluene and methanol, respectively. The composition of these fractions from silica gel column chromatography of oil obtained by nitrogen pyrolysis was characterized by FTIR.
Exergoeconomic Analysis of a Combined Heat and Power System with the Micro Gas Turbine (MGTCHP)
Authors: Aras Haydar , Balli Ozgur
Published: September 2008

This paper presents the results of exergy and exergoeconomic analyses applied to a combined heat and power system with micro-gas turbine (MGTCHP). Quantative balances of the exergy and exergy cost for each component and for the whole system are carefully considered, while exergy consumption and cost generation within the system are determined. The exergy analysis indicates that the exergetic efficiency of the MGTCHP system is 35.80% with 123 kW (as 99.15 kW-electrical power and 24.46 kW-hot water@363.15 K). On the other hand, the exergoeconomic analysis results show that the unit exergy cost of electrical power and hot water produced by the MGTCHP system are accounted as 26.808 €(GW)−1 and 7.737 €(GW)−1, respectively.
Desulfurization and Demineralization of Asphaltite Using Combination of Froth Flotation and Aqueous Caustic Leaching
Authors: Saydut Abdurrahman , Duz M. Zahir , Aydin Isil , Hamamci Candan
Published: September 2008

The mineral matter and sulfur, which are present in varying amounts in asphaltites, are a major problem in utilization of asphaltites as a fuel. The effect of leaching asphaltites from Sirnak and Silopi, SE Anatolia, Turkey, with froth flotation following aqueous sodium hydroxide on desulfurization and deashing was investigated. Froth flotation reduced the ash content of asphaltite by 35.8 % and 35.3 %, pyritic sulfur 22.55 % and 8.7 % (wt %) and its volatile matter content by 28.9 % and 28.9 %. The asphaltite flotation yield was 79.1 % and 85.3 %. Never organic sulfur could be removed by froth flotation. The asphaltite concentration obtained from flotation was leached using aqueous sodium hydroxide and its organic sulfur content was reduced by 60.8% and 61.9 %. Hence using combination of the two methods, the total sulfur, ash and volatile matter contents was reduced by 76.4% and 71.4 %, 38.1 % and 38.3 %, 44.1 % and 47.2 %, respectively.
Variable-Base Degree-Day Analysis for Provinces of the Eastern Anatolia in Turkey
Authors: Bakirci Kadir , Ozyurt Omer , Karagoz Sendogan , Erdogan Sadik
Published: September 2008

There is a gap in the information needed by building designers and engineers for simplified energy calculations of buildings in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. This study was conducted to determine and analyse heating and cooling degree-days for the provinces of the Eastern Anatolia, using hourly dry bulb temperature records. The heating degree-days were calculated for base temperatures from 12 to 22°C and the cooling degree-days for base temperatures from 18 to 28°C, using a temperature step of 2°C. The results are presented in tabular and graphical form and serve the estimation of the energy requirements and fuel consumption of heating and air conditioning systems for either monthly or seasonal operation.