cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beta-mecaptoethanol suppresses inflammation and induces adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-F442A murine preadipocytes.

Preadipocytes are present in adipose tissues throughout adult life that can proliferate and differentiate into mature adipocytes in response to environmental cues. Abnormal increase in adipocyte number or size leads to fat tissue expansion. However, it is now recognized that adipocyte hypertrophy is a greater risk factor for metabolic syndrome whereas fat tissue that continues to produce newer and smaller fat cells through preadipocyte differentiation is “metabolically healthy”. Because adipocyte hypertrophy is often associated with increased oxidant stress and low grade inflammation, both are linked to disturbed cellular redox, we tested how preadipocyte differentiation may be regulated by beta-mercaptoethanol (BME), a pharmacological redox regulator and radical scavenger, using murine 3T3-F442A preadipocytes as the cell model. Effects of BME on adipogenesis were measured by microphotography, real-time PCR, and Western analysis. Our data demonstrated that preadipocyte differentiation could be regulated by extracellular BME. At an optimal concentration, BME enhanced expression of adipogenic gene markers and lipid accumulation. This effect was associated with BME-mediated down-regulation of inflammatory cytokine expression during early differentiation. BME also attenuated TNFalpha-induced activation of NFkappaB in differentiating preadipocytes and partially restored TNFalpha-mediated suppression on adipogenesis. Using a non-adipogenic HEK293 cell line transfected with luciferase reporter genes, we demonstrated that BME reduced basal and TNFalpha-induced NFkappaB activity and increased basal and ciglitazone-induced PPARgamma activity; both may contribute to the pro-adipogenic effect of BME in differentiating F442A preadipocytes.
Hypothesis testing in models using the box-cox transformation

The small sample powers of two statistics, the likelihood ratio test, and a test based on the asymptotic normality of maximum likelihood estimators (z-test) were compared in a simulation experiment. Two models were specified, one containing the Box-Cox transformation on the dependent variable only, and one containing the Box Cox transformation on both the dependent and independent variables. The transformation parameter,λ was estimated 200 times, for each of six different values of z in each of three sample sizes foi both models. At each replication. 17 hypotheses were tested using both a likelihood ratio test and a z-test. Results indicate that w hiic both likelihood ratio tests and z-tests are unbiased, in small samples the z-test is generally preferable to the likelihood ratio test.
Partial characterization of the acidic oligosaccharides from rat sublingual glycoprotein

Abstract Five sialic acid-containing oligosaccharides composed of nine, ten, twelve, thirteen and fifteen sugar residues, respectively, have been isolated from rat sublingual glycoprotein. Each oligosaccharide contained sialic acid, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosaminitol and galactose. The partial structures of desialyzed oligosaccharides, as determined by sequential degradation with specific glycosidases, are proposed to be: GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlaNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β GalNac-ol (oligosaccharide I), GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β GalNAc-ol (oligosaccharides II and III) and GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β Gal→ β GlcNAc→ β GalNAc-ol (oligosaccharides IV and V).
The Development of Auditory Feedback Monitoring: Delayed Auditory Feedback Studies on the Vocalizations of Children Aged Six Months to 19 Months

As part of a series of experiments to determine the earliest age at which there is evidence of auditory feedback monitoring, the vocalizations of 28 children aged six to 19 months were recorded dur...
Abstract 3007: Heterogeneity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3 in primary human colorectal adenocarcinoma

The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) pathway plays an important role in the genesis, growth and progression of human cancer, including colorectal carcinomas (CRC). The key mediators of VEGF signaling are VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3, part of a family of related receptor tyrosine kinases. The relative expression, activity, or interplay among these receptors may determine the response of CRC patients to anti-angiogenic therapies. Using high-affinity, specific monoclonal primary anti-VEGFR1, 2 3 antibodies, we have developed robust imunohistochemical assays in our laboratory to quantify VEGFR1, 2 and 3 in archival human tissues. Using a well-annotated CRC tissue microarray (TMA), we carried out comprehensive comparative evaluation of immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of the three VEGFRs in archival primary CRC tissues (n=84). VEGFR1 immunoreactivity was reported as H-score (range 0-300); VEGFR2 positive vessels were counted and normalized to the number of CD34-positive vessels and reported as vascular positivity index (VEGFR2-VPI) and VEGFR3-positive vessels were counted in each core by the same solid tumor immunopathologist, who was blinded to the clinico-pathologic details. Based on immunoreactivity for VEGFRs, each case was scored as negative, low, medium or high. Thresholds were selected based on the overall range of expression of each receptor in the CRC tissues examined: 0, 1-50, 51-100, >100 (VEGFR1 H-scores); 0, 1-25, 26-49, 50-100 (VEGFR2-VPI); 0, 1-5, 6-10, >10 (VEGFR3+ vascular count). Based on VEGFR (1,2,3) expression, a set of eight VEGFR staining profiles were noted: Triple VEGFR positive (n=9, 11%), VEGFR1 predominant (17, 20%), VEGFR2 predominant (7, 8%), VEGFR3 predominant (1, 1%), VEGFR1/2 predominant (42, 50%), VEGFR1/3 predominant (2, 2%), VEGFR2/3 predominant (3, 4%), and triple VEGFR negative (3, 4%). These new data provide original insights on the distribution, subcellular localization and heterogeneity of expression of VEGFRs in human CRC stromal vessels and tumor cells. The proposed human CRC sub-classification, based on the observed differential VEGFR 1, 2, 3 expression profiles, has identified various subsets of human CRCs. Clinical trials incorporating IHC profiling would be required to test whether these subsets show differential responsiveness to targeted agents in the VEGF/VEGFR2 family. Citation Format: Timothy R. Holzer, Leslie A. O9Neill, Drew M. Nedderman, Angie D. Fulford, Beverly L. Falcon, Mark T. Uhlik, Laura E. Benjamin, Andrew E. Schade, Aejaz Nasir. Heterogeneity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3 in primary human colorectal adenocarcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3007. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3007
Introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors induces a fall in hemoglobin levels in elderly patients hospitalized with heart failure: a cohort study

Background and aims: Although the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors (ACE-I) is a cornerstone of treatment for heart failure (HF), these agents have been associated with decreasing hemoglobin levels in several settings. The aim of this study was to assess whether ACE-I are associated with decreasing hemoglobin in older subjects, and whether this effect is enhanced among patients with HF. Methods: The association between starting use of ACE-I and variations in hemoglobin levels was investigated in 10,354 hospitalized elderly, 1217 of whom had a verified diagnosis of HF, enrolled in a multicenter pharmacoepidemiology survey. Results: According to Cox regression analysis, the relative risk of a decrease in hemoglobin levels >0.5 g/dL associated with starting treatment with ACE-I was 1.12 (95% CI 0.98-1.26, p=0.081) among participants without HF, and 1.98 (95% CI 1.54-2.53, p<0.0001) among patients with HF, after adjusting for potential confounders. Analysis of the interaction term in Cox regression confirmed that the association between use of ACE-I and hemoglobin decrease varied according to diagnosis of HF (p=0.003) and older age (p=0.029). Conclusions: Starting treatment with ACE-I is independently associated with increased risk of hemoglobin decrease among older hospitalized patients with HF. Hemoglobin levels should be monitored in older subjects who start ACE-I.
A Constructivist Pedagogue's Personal Narrative of Integrating Faith with Learning: Epistemological and Pedagogical Challenges

This article offers a personal narrative about integrating the Christian faith into the process of teaching and learning. The author begins by describing his understanding of pedagogy that framed his beliefs about teaching in higher-education environments. Understanding the author's beliefs provides a context for his experiences in integrating faith with learning. Specifically, the author offers three tensions of faith integration and describes how pedagogy helped him overcome these tensions.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF BRAIN TUMORS IN THE CAUDAL FOSSA OF THE DOG

Computed tomography (CT) was used to investigate brain tumors in the caudal fossa of three dogs. Changes detected by CT included compression or distortion of cerebrospinal fluid spaces within the caudal fossa, and changes in parenchymal density before and after intravenous injection of a nondiffusible, iodinated contrast medium. CT provided information regarding tumor size, location, character, and relationships with normal caudal fossa structures. It was concluded that CT offered advantages over technics currently in use for diagnosis and assessment of caudal fossa lesions in the dog.
Characterization of Tin(IV) Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of cis-[SnCl4{OC(H)OC2H5}2]†

A new single-source precursor, [SnCl4{OC(H)OC2H5}2], prepared by treating tin tetrachloride with ethyl formate (1:2 ratio) was developed for the deposition of tin oxide thin films on glass substrates. The compound [SnCl4{OC(H)OC2H5}2] is highly volatile and provides very high growth rates (up to 100A s−1 at 560 °C) in an atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) reactor. More significantly, the compound does not decompose to tin oxide below 320 °C, thereby minimizing the formation of particles in the vapor above the growing tin oxide film. To prepare highly conducting fluorine doped tin oxide (SnO2:F) films 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl trifluoroacetate was used as the source of fluoride. High quality SnO2:F films were deposited at 560 °C with a flow rate of 2 mL fluoride reagent hr−1; typical film properties are resistivity of 5.9 X 10−4 Ω cm, Hall mobility of 27.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, carrier concentration of 3.9 X 1020 cm−3 and percent transmission ranging from 86 to 88 %. The best films of SnO2:F possess transparencies as high as 90 % (750 nm), sheet resistances as low as 7 Ω sq−1 and Haacke's figure of merit as high as 29 X 10−3 (750 nm). The newly developed APCVD reactor and the chemistry were optimized with respect to structural, electrical and optical properties of the films by adjusting the substrate temperature, gas flow rates and the amount of fluoride present in the vapor stream. Growth rates with respect to deposition time, substrate temperature and flow rates of precursors were found to be similar for both undoped (SnO2) and doped (SnO2:F) samples. The SnO2:F films possess larger grains than the SnO2 which may account for the lower resistivity and the higher mobility in the SnO2:F samples.
Economic Perspectives on Bioethics

Wendell Stephenson argues in this issue of The Journal that the National Institutes of Health's standards for the treatment of laboratory animals fail to give any guidance concerning human well-being nor do they balance human well-being and animal well-being. Stephenson fails, however, to demonstrate how such a balance is to be known. In arguing for reform he implies greater state control without showing that such control would improve the situation. Indeed there are good reasons to think that such control may be harmful.
Palliative Biliary Drainage in Metastatic Liver Cancer: Know When to Hold ’em, When to Fold ’em?

Palliative Biliary Drainage in Metastatic Liver Cancer: Know When to Hold ’em, When to Fold ’em?
The Factorial and Concurrent Validity of a Revised Form of the Study Attitudes and Methods Survey (SAMS)

For a total sample of 558 tenth-grade students evenly divided by sex and enrolled in a high school in a suburban middle-class community, two exploratory factor analyses of the intercorrelations of one set of 30 subtests and of another set of 18 subtests derived from a revised form of the Study Attitudes and Methods Survey (SAMS) were completed to obtain evidence concerning whether the six hypothesized constructs underlying the six factor scales could be reproduced. In addition, concurrent validity coefficients were obtained for each of the six factor scales from the SAMS with 8 subtests of the California Achievement Tests (CAT). In the first exploratory factor analysis five identifiable factors emerged; in the second analysis, only four. There was a tendency for factors of a positive or facilitative nature in the studying process to combine, whereas those factors hypothesized to represent negative or inhibitory affective activities could be differentiated from one another. Concurrent validity coefficients...
Does hysterectomy without adnexectomy in patients with prior tubal interruption increase the risk of subsequent hydrosalpinx

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to examine the hypothesis that hysterectomy without adnexectomy after tubal interruption is associated with the development of hydrosalpinx. Study Design: In this case-control study, patients with a pathologic diagnosis of hydrosalpinx were compared with a group of patients undergoing adnexectomy without a hydrosalpinx. The incidence of prior tubal interruption followed by hysterectomy in the two groups was compared. Results: There was a statistically significant association between the development of hydrosalpinx and a history of hysterectomy after tubal interruption. Nine of 38 cases and 2 of 45 controls had a history of tubal interruption (odds ratio 6.67, P =.019). Conclusions: Patients undergoing hysterectomy who have had a tubal interruption may be at risk for the development of hydrosalpinx because this combination of procedures results in a segment of tube that is blocked at both ends. If further study bears out this association, consideration should be given to performing salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy even if the ovaries are being left behind. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:1483-6.)
Birdsfoot Trefoil Meal as a Substitute for Alfalfa Meal in a Chick Starter Mash

ABSTRACT In recent years birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) has come into its own in widely separated sections of the United States as a valuable forage crop. Plummer (1953) has shown that trefoil is higher in carotene and protein content and, in some stages of growth, lower in fiber than the commonly grown legumes. It withstands closer grazing than alfalfa and does not become coarse or woody with advancing maturity. Its use as a pasture crop for poultry is in question since Wood (1956) has shown that at least the White Rock breed of chickens find it unpalatable. Trefoil is consumed readily by Canada geese in Vermont. Gutteridge and Nowosad (1955), working with several breeds of chickens, have rated its palatability good. Because of the growing importance and high nutritive value of this crop, a preliminary trial was carried out to investigate birdsfoot trefoil as a potential substitute for alfalfa in . . .
Elder Retired Volunteers Benefit From Giving Massage Therapy to Infants

This exploratory within-subjects study compared the effects of elder retired volunteers giving massage to infants with receiving massage themselves. Three times a week for 3 weeks, 10 elder volunte...
Preliminary Characterization of Resilin Isolated from the Cockroach, Periplaneta Americana

We would like to mimic the mechanical properties of animal systems for the development of novel materials. Insect cuticle serves as one source of inspiration for the design of these materials. Cuticle is composed of chiun embedded in a protein matrix which may also contain plasticizers, fillers, crosslinkers, and minerals. The specific properties of the cuticle depend on the type, amount and interactions between each component. We are renewing the investigation of the elastic cuticle, resilin. Resilin, a protein-based elastomer first described in the early 1960s, has properties which have been reported to be most like those of ideal rubbers. We have examined resilin isolated from the prealar arms of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana. The results of amino acid analysis are in good agreement with earlier data reported for resilin. A series of tryptic fragments have been isolated and sequenced. These peptides have been used for the design of oligonucleotide probes for the identification of the gene(s) from a teneral cockroach cDNA library. A biopolymer, based on one tryptic fragment, has been designed and synthesized. We are continuing to treat resilin with residue specific proteases in order to map the resilin protein.
Single-frame image processing techniques for low-SNR infrared imagery

Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc. is identifying target pixels in IR imagery at signal to noise (SNR) ranges from 1.25 to 3 with a mixed set of algorithms that are candidates for next generation focal planes. Some of these yield less than 50 false targets and a 95% probability of detection in this low SNR range. What has been discovered is that single frame imagery combined with IMU data can be input into a host of algorithms like Neural Networks and filters to isolate signals and cull noise. Solutions for nonlinear thresholding approaches can be solved using both genetic algorithms and neural networks. What is being addressed is how to implement these approaches and apply them to point target detection scenarios. The large format focal planes will flood the down stream image processing pipelines used in real time systems, and this team wonders if data can be thinned near the FPA using one of these techniques. Delivering all the target pixels with a minimum of false positives is the goal addressed by the group. Algorithms that can be digitally implemented in a ROIC are discussed as are the performance statistics Probability of Detection and False Alarm Rate. Results from multiple focal planes for varied scenarios will be presented.
Modelling the effective conductivity function of an arbitrary two-dimensional polycrystal using sequential laminates

The effective conductivity tensor σ* of a two-dimensional polycrystalline material depends on the conductivity tensor σ0 of the pure crystal from which the polycrystal is constructed and on the geometrical configuration of grains in the polycrystal, represented by a rotation field R(x) giving the orientation of the crystal at each point x. Here it is established that the dependence of σ* on σ0 in any polycrystal, with R (x) held fixed, can be mimicked exactly by a polycrystal constructed by sequential lamination. It is first shown that the effective conductivity function is perturbed only slightly if we truncate the Hilbert space of fields in the polycrystal to a finitedimensional space. Then the structure of this finite-dimensional space of fields is shown to be isomorphic to the structure of the finite-dimensional space of fields associated with the sequential laminate. In particular, there is an operation which corresponds to peeling away the layers in the sequential laminate and successively reducing the dimension of the space of fields.
The Zombie Library: books reanimated via QR codes

Purpose – This article aims to provide a comprehensive step by step plan on creating a Zombie Library, a physical collection of e‐books through the use of QR codes. Drawing on the collective authors' experience working with the QR codes creation, this article aims to help librarians interested in promoting e‐book collections and creating QR‐coded Zombie books in their libraries.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was performed using library databases, as well as consulting various online library subject guides on the use of QR codes in libraries. Between November 2011 and October 2012 Idaho State University (ISU) library executed a plan for creating QR codes for a Gale Virtual Reference Library e‐book collection.Findings – The study found an increased usage of the e‐book collection. The actual physical production of the items was more time‐consuming than originally expected. The Zombie Library project received a lot of support and enthusiasm from the campus community. Plans are being made to...
A serum-free, lipid-supplemented medium for the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract A serum-free medium for the primary culture and sub-culture of Trichomonas vaginalis is presented. It consists of DIFCO Bacto AC Medium plus l -cysteine hydrochloride and a lipid supplement of cholesterol and oleic acid in BSA. Compared to the popular Diamond's plus fetal bovine serum, it gives an identical yield of organisms and supports primary grown from urethral/vaginal swab specimens at lower initial cell densities of at least 2 × 10 3 motile trichomonads/ml. Mass culturing of T. vaginalis for metabolic studies can be performed without interference from naturally occurring enzyme inhibitors in serum.
Assessment of autonomic response by broad-band respiration

The authors present a technique for introducing broadband respiratory perturbations so that the response characteristics of the autonomic nervous system can be determined noninvasively over a wide range of physiologically relevant frequencies. A subject's respiratory bandwidth was broadened by breathing on cue to a sequence of audible tones spaced by Poisson intervals. The transfer function between the respiratory input and the resulting instantaneous heart rate was then computed using spectral analysis techniques. Results using this method are comparable to those found using traditional techniques but are obtained with an economy of data collection. >
Boundary Lubrication, Wear-in and Hydrodynamic Behavior of Bearings for Liquid Metals and Other Fluids

Various material combinations are investigated in the form of thrust bearings in such fluids as sodium-potassium eutectic, xylene and spindle oil. It is found that with these fluids certain material combinations can be made to perform satisfactorily as hydrodynamic bearings by a process of wearing-in. With these unique combinations it is possible to obtain film thicknesses of the order of 10 × 10−6 inches by extreme wear-in. The characteristics of bearings worn in to this degree are reported and mechanisms for the observed effects discussed. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Toronto, Canada, October, 1957.
TRADE-OFFS, FOOD WEB STRUCTURE, AND THE COEXISTENCE OF HABITAT SPECIALISTS AND GENERALISTS

Species differ greatly in the breadth of their environmental distributions. Within the same collection of habitats, some species occur in many habitats, while others are only able to exist in one of a few. Trade-offs in the abilities of species to perform in various ecological interactions are important both to facilitating species coexistence within a habitat and to limiting the distributions of species among habitats. In this article I use a food web model to explore how in the same collection of habitats some species may be limited by trade-offs to occupying only one habitat, while other species may face no trade-off between habitats and therefore be able to generalize in their habitat use. Food web interactions define the available niches within a habitat. Changes in food web structure cause some niches to be lost and replaced by other niches as one moves between habitats. Species occupying these niches will have more limited habitat distributions. However, other niches may be available in the food web structures of multiple habitats, and species occupying these niches will have broad habitat distributions. Understanding the structure of trade-offs within and between communities is fundamental to predicting the types of species with broad or narrow habitat distributions.
A computer-driven stereo display for aerial maneuver analysis

Abstract : A description is given of an on-line interactive stereoscopic display system for three-dimensional visualization of trajectories of maneuvering aircraft. The system is constructed by equipping an IBM 2250 display unit with a stereo-viewing device and using the IBM 360/40 computer to generate stereo pairs of the desired trajectories from punchcard data showing u, v, w coordinates of the aircraft at specified points in time. A display capacity of 900 points may be divided between as many as three separate trajectories. By pressing buttons or typing in new parameters, the user can (1) order views from front, rear, left, right, above, and below; (2) rotate the display as desired; (3) zoom in or out to magnify or reduce the images; (4) generate trajectories dynamically in real time; (5) change any parameter and observe the effect; (6) use the CONTRAIL mode of selective plotting to avoid real-time flicker, or confusion when many points have been plotted; (7) order hardcopy tapes for S-C 4060 execution yielding 35 mm filmstrip and Xerox prints. Numeric information, such as elapsed time and slant range, is displayed and updated continuously. (Author)
Health Information, Credibility, Homophily, and Influence via the Internet: Web Sites Versus Discussion Groups

Despite concerns about online health information and efforts to improve its credibility, how users evaluate and utilize such information presented in Web sites and online discussion groups may involve different evaluative mechanisms. This study examined credibility and homophily as two underlying mechanisms for social influence with regard to online health information. An original experiment detected that homophily grounded credibility perceptions and drove the persuasive process in both Web sites and online discussion groups. The more homophilous an online health information stimulus was perceived as being, the more likely people were to adopt the advice offered in that particular piece of information.
Tetrastichus species (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), parasitizing the elm-leaf beetle Pyrrhalta luteola (Müll.) and allied hosts.

A historical review is given of Tetrastichus gallerucae (Fonscolombe), an important Chalcidoid parasite of the elm-leaf beetle, Pyrrhalta luteola (Muller). To facilitate its identification, a revision of all the European Tetrastichus species parasitic on Pyrrhalta luteola and Galeruca (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) is presented. These species fall into two groups, those of gallerucae (Fonsc.) and suevius (Walker). A diagnosis of each of these groups is given, followed by keys to their females and males. A full redescription of gallerucae is included and a neotype is designated for this species. Two new European species of the gallerucae-group are described.
The voice of experience: national science foundation funded projects

The National Science Foundation wants STEM faculty to be able to develop projects that will succeed in attracting funding from NSF programs. For the SIGCSE Symposium audience, this probably means being successful in being funded from the CCLI program. This special session gives attendees the opportunity to learn from those who have built successful CCLI-funded projects.
Progressive fixation of morphological polarity in the developing retina

Abstract Fixation of morphological polarity may not be an all-or-none event. The optic fissure of the chick retina normally lies ventrally. When optic vesicles were rotated 180°, the fissures later appeared ventral provided the operations were performed prior to Hamburger-Hamilton stage 12. Operations beyond stage 12 resulted in dorsal fissures. The lengths of the fissures varied in a manner indicating a gradual rather than abrupt change from ventral to dorsal with progressive stages of operation.
Frequency of consumption at fast-food restaurants is associated with dietary intake in overweight and obese women recruited from financially disadvantaged neighborhoods

Fast-food restaurants are more prevalent in lower-income and predominately African American neighborhoods, where consumption of fast food is also higher. In general populations, fast-food consumption is related to less healthy dietary intake. This cross-sectional study examined the hypotheses that greater fast-food consumption is associated with less healthy dietary intake and poorer diet quality in overweight and obese women (n = 196, 25-51 years, 87% African American) recruited from financially disadvantaged Census tracts. Dietary intake and diet quality (Alternate Healthy Eating Index) were assessed via three 24-hour dietary recalls. Linear regression models tested the association between fast-food consumption and each outcome (model 1). Model 2 added sociodemographics and physical activity. Model 3 added total caloric intake. Fast-food consumption was significantly associated with total caloric intake; total intake of meat, grains, sweetened beverages, dairy, fiber, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugar; and percent of calories from total fat, saturated fat, and trans-fatty acids. Statistically significant associations remained in model 2, but most were not significant in model 3. Fast-food consumption was not associated with diet quality (Alternate Healthy Eating Index) in any model. In this at-risk sample, fast-food consumption was associated with more negative dietary practices. Significant associations generally disappeared when controlling for total caloric intake, suggesting that women who eat more fast food have higher total caloric intakes as a result of increased consumption of unhealthy rather than healthy foods.
High efficiency submillimeter-wave imaging array

The period of a focal array is limited by the angular sampling and the f number of the system. This fact will limit the efficiency of imaging array systems to around 50%. Recently it been demonstrated that the use of a dielectric layer on top of an array of apertures can improve this efficiency limit. In this paper, we describe a similar structure that improves the efficiency in imaging applications and that it is easy to manufacture due to its compatibility with planar lithographic techniques.
N-Cadherin Promotes Recruitment and Migration of Neural Progenitor Cells from the SVZ Neural Stem Cell Niche into Demyelinated Lesions

Discrete cellular microenvironments regulate stem cell pools and their development, as well as function in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Although the signaling elements modulating neural progenitor cells (NPCs) of the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) niche are fairly well understood, the pathways activated following injury and the resulting outcomes, are less clear. In the present study, we used mouse models of demyelination and proteomics analysis to identify molecular cues present in the adult SVZ niche during injury, and analyzed their role on NPCs in the context of promoting myelin repair. Proteomic analysis of SVZ tissue from mice with experimental demyelination identified several proteins that are known to play roles in NPC proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Among the proteins found to be upregulated were members of the N-cadherin signaling pathway. During the onset of demyelination in the subcortical white matter (SCWM), activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in SVZ NPCs stimulates the interaction between N-cadherin and ADAM10. Upon cleavage and activation of N-cadherin signaling by ADAM10, NPCs undergo cytoskeletal rearrangement and polarization, leading to enhanced migration out of the SVZ into demyelinated lesions of the SCWM. Genetically disrupting either EGFR signaling or ADAM10 inhibits this pathway, preventing N-cadherin regulated NPC polarization and migration. Additionally, in vivo experiments using N-cadherin gain- and loss-of-function approaches demonstrated that N-cadherin enhances the recruitment of SVZ NPCs into demyelinated lesions. Our data revealed that EGFR-dependent N-cadherin signaling physically initiated by ADAM10 cleavage is the response of the SVZ niche to promote repair of the injured brain.
Fugacities in simple gas mixtures

Abstract A method is presented for rapidly calculating the fugacity of a component in gaseous solution using only critical data for the pure components in the solution. The method is based on an extension of the theorem of corresponding states proposed by G uggenheim and M c G lashan and is applicable to multicomponent mixtures of simple gases at moderate densities.
Nicotinamide–Adenine Dinucleotide-linked Form of Lactic Dehydrogenase of the Symbionts and Fat Bodies of a Cockroach

ALTHOUGH lactic dehydrogenase is an enzyme which is to be found in the tissues of most animals, it is present in only low concentrations in those of insects. When Ludwig and Barsa1 investigated the nicotinamide–adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-linked form of the enzyme in homogenates of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor they found it to be present in low concentrations, as also did Prota2 in the haemolymph of the same insect. Since Pierre3–5 demonstrated that the symbionts and fat bodies of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae are the source of enzyme systems, the purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether or not the NAD-linked form of lactic dehydrogenase could be detected in the symbionts or the fat bodies of the same cockroach.
Virtual Reality Based Multi-Modal Teleoperation Using Mixed Autonomy

A multi modal teleoperation interface is introduced featuring an integrated virtual reality based simulation augmented by sensors and image processing capabilities on-board the remotely operated vehicle. The proposed virtual reality interface fuses an existing VR model with live video feed and prediction states, thereby creating a multi modal control interface. Virtual reality addresses the typical limitations of video-based teleoperation caused by signal lag and limited field of view thereby allowing the operator to navigate in a continuous fashion. The vehicle incorporates an on-board computer and a stereo vision system to facilitate obstacle detection. A vehicle adaptation system with a priori risk maps and real state tracking system enables temporary autonomous operation of the vehicle for local navigation around obstacles and automatic re-establishment of the vehicle’s teleoperated state. As both the vehicle and the operator share absolute autonomy in stages, the operation is referred to as mixed autonomous. Finally, the system provides real time update of the virtual environment based on anomalies encountered by the vehicle. The system effectively balances the autonomy between human and on board vehicle intelligence. The stereo vision based obstacle avoidance system is initially implemented on video based teleoperation architecture and experimental results are presented. The VR based multi modal teleoperation interface is expected to be more adaptable and intuitive when compared to other interfaces.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Ethanol-induced changes in methionine metabolism in rat liver.

Abstract The administration of alcohol to rats fed a protein-restricted diet results in significant changes in the hepatic content of four enzymes of methionine metabolism. The levels of s-adenosylmethionine synthetase, cystathionine synthase, and betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase increase while the level of methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase decreases. These changes represent a reversal of the normal adaptive response to protein-restriction. The resultant impairment in methionine conservation could explain the alcohol-induced increase in the dietary lipotrope requirement.
A Mechanistic Representation for the Syntheses of Benzanthrone and Violanthrone

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) have historically occupied a cornerstone position in the development of the dye industry on account of their high degree of unsaturation and conjugation. We have for some years required our students to synthesize the vat dye violanthrone (also called dibenzanthrone), a nonacyclic diketone. This multistep synthesis involves as key steps: a) the reaction of anthraquinone (prepared in situ) with glycerol in acidic medium and copper sulfate to give 7H-benz[d,e]anthr-7-one (benzanthrone) b) the dimerization of benzanthrone with sodium chlorate to violanthrone The mechanism of step a) has proven particularly elusive to our students and worthwhile examining. Our extensive search of the literature simply revealed the reaction mechanism in bits and pieces. We describe herein a plausible mechanism, with the use of curved arrows to represent electron movement, for the syntheses of benzanthrone and violanthrone starting from 2-benzoylbenzoic acid, glycerol, copper sulfate...
NOx Reduction from Diesel Emissions over a Nontransition Metal Zeolite Catalyst: A Mechanistic Study Using FTIR Spectroscopy

The reactions of acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and nitromethane with NO2 on a BaNa−Y zeolite are monitored with FTIR spectroscopy, typically at 473 K. Isotopic labeling was used to help elucidate reaction pathways and intermediates. The mechanism that has been deduced for the reaction of NO2 with acetaldehyde starts with the formation of acetate ions and subsequently the aci-anion of nitromethane. NO2 can react with the aci-anion of nitromethane, which is stabilized in the ionic environment of the zeolite to form a proposed O2NCH2NO2- intermediate. At 473 K, the O2NCH2NO2- intermediate is expected to swiftly lose NO2 and H2O yielding the formonitrile oxide anion, CNO-, which can isomerize to NCO- and react with a proton to form HNCO. The formation of an O2NCH2NO2- intermediate is consistent with the observation of both isotopomers of HNCO when 15NO2 is a reactant. Also, as expected for an O2NCH2NO2- intermediate, all four isotopomers of N2O are observed. In the next step, NH3 and CO2 are formed from HNCO + H...
Effect of Cement Kiln Dust and Rock Dust as Mineral Fillers on Bulk Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregates

The bulk specific gravity (Gsb) of aggregates is a critical parameter in the design of asphalt mixes. In the Superpave volumetric mix design, Gsb is used to determine the amount of asphalt binder absorbed by aggregates and the percentage of voids in the mineral aggregate. Problems with the current test methods of measuring the Gsb of fine aggregates, i.e., AASHTO T84 or ASTM C128, have been reported in some previous studies as well as in the current study. These standard test methods remain questionable under certain conditions: (1) When rough and angular as well as small and varying particle size distributions of fine aggregates are present and (2) when water reactive mineral fillers (passing No. 200 sieve) are added to fine aggregates. This study examined the addition of two selected mineral fillers, namely, Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) and rock dust, on the overall Gsb of fine aggregates by employing the AASHTO T84 and the CoreLok-Aggplus test procedures. When using the AASHTO T84 test method, the overall Gsb values reduce for both the additives. When using a newly developed CoreLok method, the Gsb values increased for rock dust up to 10 %, beyond which a reduction is observed. With CKD, the Gsb values show an increase for up to 6 % addition of it and then a decrease is observed. The data suggest that the AASHTO T84 test method may not be applicable in the presence of CKD due to the chemical reactions in the presence of water and the formation of cementitious products. A possibility of chemical reaction due to the presence of limestone in the rock dust and its fine gradation influence the results of the AASHTO T84 test method. Thus, use of the CoreLok method appears more appropriate in the presence of such reactive materials. To further analyze the problem, the specific surface area of fine aggregates and mineral fillers was measured using water vapor and nitrogen adsorption methods. This study also reveals that angular fine aggregates with a high angularity and rough surface texture pose significant difficulty in measuring Gsb by the AASHTO T84 test method.
Unfinished Gestures: Devadasis, Memory, and Modernity in South India

Davesh Soneji, (Chicago/London: University of Chicago Press, 2012), ISBN 9780226768106, 312 pp., US$24.00, pbk. This ground-breaking work examines the changing status of devadasis and their shiftin...
Wheat FT protein regulates VRN1 transcription through interactions with FDL2.

Author(s): Li, Chengxia; Dubcovsky, Jorge | Abstract: SummaryA precise regulation of flowering time is central to plant species survival. Therefore, mechanisms have evolved in plants to integrate various environmental cues to optimize flowering time. In this study, we show that the product of the wheat gene TaFT, which integrates photoperiod and vernalization signals promoting flowering, interacts with bZIP proteins TaFDL2 and TaFDL6. We also show that TaFDL2 can interact in vitro with five ACGT elements in the promoter of the meristem identity gene VRN1, suggesting that TaFDL2 is a functional homologue of Arabidopsis FD. No direct interactions between the TaFT protein and the VRN1 promoter were detected. Transgenic wheat plants over-expressing TaFT showed parallel increases in VRN1 transcripts, suggesting that TaFT provides transcriptional activation of VRN1, possibly through interactions with the TaFDL2 protein. The same transgenic plants also showed increased transcript levels of TaFT2 (a TaFT paralogue), indicating that TaFT2 acts downstream of TaFT. The fact that TaFT2 interacts with another bZIP protein TaFDL13, which lacks the ability to interact with the VRN1 promoter, suggests that TaFT and TaFT2 have different gene targets. This observation agrees with the functional divergence observed for the TaFT and TaFT2 orthologous genes in rice. The temperate cereals analyzed so far show VRN1 transcripts in the leaves, a characteristic not observed in Arabidopsis or rice. The high levels of TaFDL2 transcripts observed in wheat leaves provide a simple explanation for this difference. We present a hypothesis to explain the conservation of VRN1 expression in the leaves of temperate cereals.
Noncoordinate regulation of ENaC: paradigm lost?

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is composed of the three homologous subunits α, β, and γ. The basic oligomerization process inferred from all studies in heterologous systems is preferential as...
Growing pillars of densely packed carbon nanotubes on Ni-coated silica

Abstract We report the growth of pillar-like cylindrical structures consisting of densely packed and vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes by exposing Ni-coated oxidized-Si (001) substrates to a xylene–ferrocene mixture. The nanotube pillars have a diameter between 10 and 100 μm, and lengths of several tens of micrometres. Formation of circular microcracks in the film allows ferrocene and xylene molecules to reach the underlying SiO2 layer where pillars nucleate and grow out of the plane of the film surface. The nanotube pillars are attractive for applications such as energy storage, electrodes, and composite reinforcements.
Thermionic sources for high-brightness electron beams

The capabilities and limitations of modern thermionic electron sources for producing high-emission-density (>10 A/cm/sup 2/) high-brightness beams are surveyed. The emphasis is on dispenser cathodes. The fabrication techniques and operating mechanisms that determine the operating limitations of existing commercial cathodes are discussed. In addition, cathode improvements that have been demonstrated in various prototype structures are described. >
Increasing Preschool Student Engagement During Group Learning Activities Using a Group Contingency

Preschool environments can be critical to academic success and risk reduction but disruptive behaviors can have significant and lasting negative effects on students as well as teachers. These behav...
Kinase insert domain receptor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR) genetic variation is associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Background: The objective of this investigation was to determine if kinase insert domain/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR/VEGFR2) genetic variation was associated with the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Methods: This was a case–control study of 174 patients who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation. Patient blood samples were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the KDR locus. OHSS development, clinical outcome variables, SNP and haplotype frequencies were compared between control (n = 155) and OHSS (n = 19) groups. Results: Patients who developed OHSS had significantly higher response markers (estradiol levels of the day of hCG administration, number of follicles developed, number of eggs retrieved) than control patients. When adjusted for age and self-identified race, the rs2305945 G/T genotype was associated (P = 0.027) with a decreased risk (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.93) of developing OHSS using an overdominant model. The rs2305945 G/T variant was also associated with decreased COH response (number of follicles, number of eggs retrieved) in an overdominant model. The rs2305948, rs1870378, rs2305945 (C-T-G) haplotype was associated with both decreased COH response and OHSS risk (unadjusted OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.80, P = 0.031). Conclusions: The KDR receptor is believed to play a central role OHSS development and is a target for pharmacological prevention of OHSS. These results indicate that genetic variation in the KDR gene may impact individual risk of developing OHSS from COH. In addition, the rs2305948 SNP and C-T-G haplotype might serve as potential biomarkers for poor ovarian response to COH.
Asynchronous parallel algorithms for test set partitioned fault simulation

We propose two new asynchronous parallel algorithms for test set partitioned fault simulation. The algorithms are based on a new two-stage approach to parallelizing fault simulation for sequential VLSI circuits in which the test set is partitioned among the available processors. These algorithms provide the same result as the previous synchronous two stage approach. However, due to the dynamic characteristics of these algorithms and due to the fact that there is very minimal redundant work, they run faster than the previous synchronous approach. A theoretical analysis comparing the various algorithms is also given to provide an insight into these algorithms. The implementations were done in MPI and are therefore portable to many parallel platforms. Results are shown for a shared memory multiprocessor.
Soil Moisture Accounting Component of the USDAHL-74 Model of Watershed Hydrology

: Soil moisture in two layers of a soil near Chickasha, Oklahoma, was simulated, using USDAHL-74 Model of Watershed Hydrology. Weekly values computed for both layers compared well with those observed during the 15-month period. Certain key parameters required adjustments in the model which illustrate the need for accurate input information. The experiment demonstrates that the model, which has previously given good results in continuous streamflow prediction on watersheds up to 100 square miles, can also compute soil moisture continuously at a site. This capability suggests other model uses, for example, in monitoring the disposition of applied chemicals.
Thermally stimulated chemiluminescence in photo-oxidized poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate)

Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) exhibits thermally stimulated chemiluminescence after exposure to ultraviolet radiation and oxygen. The chemiluminescence spectrum is essentially the same as the fluorescence spectrum of the polymer with a maximum intensity at 430 nm. Upon heating, the decay of the luminescence follows a first-order law with an activation energy of 26.3 ± 0.3 kcal/mole. A comparison of the ultraviolet absorption spectra of the polymer before and after exposure to ultraviolet light and oxygen indicates that the naphthalene ring is oxidized. Heating the polymer above 80°C causes decomposition of the initial photo-oxide to produce luminescence.