cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant properties of hard winter wheat extracts

Abstract Extracts from three winter wheat varieties (‘Trego’, ‘Akron’ and ‘Platte’) were evaluated and compared to α-tocopherol for their inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation in fish oils by measuring the oil stability index (OSI). Free radical scavenging capacities and chelating potencies were also measured to better understand the potential mechanism(s) of their effects on lipid peroxidation. Trego extracts showed the greatest capacity to suppress lipid peroxidation in fish oils. The OSI time of the oil sample containing 600 ppm Trego extract was 2.85 h beyond the control sample containing no antioxidant, which is 3.1 times longer than the OSI time of oil containing 300 ppm tocopherol. Dose effects were observed for Trego extract, but not for Akron or Platte extracts. Furthermore, the higher level of Platte extract corresponded to a shorter OSI time. All three wheat extracts directly reacted with and quenched DPPH radicals and showed chelating activity. Akron extract had the greatest radical scavenging and chelating activities. Neither radical scavenging nor chelating activities of the wheat extracts can explain the relative activities of these extracts on lipid peroxidation in fish oils under the experimental conditions. The results of this study indicate possibility of to developing natural food antioxidants from selected wheat varieties, including Trego hard white winter wheat.
The role of dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of HIV‐1 infection

Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells required for generation of adaptive immunity. These cells are one of the initial target cells for HIV-1 infection or capture of virions at site of transmission in the mucosa. DCs carrying HIV-1 will migrate to the lymphoid tissue where they can contribute to the dissemination of the virus to adjacent CD4+ T cells. In addition, HIV-1–exposed DCs may have impaired antigen-presenting capacity resulting in inadequate expansion of HIV-1–specific T cell responses. Here, we review the infection of different subtypes of DCs by HIV-1 and the relevance of these cells in the transmission and establishment of HIV-1 disease. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms through which HIV-1–DC interactions could be exploited to optimise the generation and maintenance of HIV-1–specific T cell immunity.
Active Control of Combustion Dynamics for Lean Premixed Gas Fired Systems

The present paper describes an active control system consisting of a fast-acting actuator valve, coupled with a control algorithm capable of adaptive phase and amplitude control for pressure oscillation suppression. Experiments were conducted using two separate combustion test rigs: a small, lean premixed, tubular combustor (75 kW) and a larger premixed annular DLE system (4 MW). Active control of pressure oscillations at frequencies of approximately 90 Hz and 300 Hz was demonstrated on the 75 kW rig. Up to 90% reduction in single-frequency dynamic pressure amplitude and 70% reduction in peak-mean was achieved. Simultaneous suppression of these two distinct modes was also demonstrated. The system was also demonstrated on a full-scale 4 MW combustion rig, with peak-mean dynamic pressure reductions between 33–45%. Instability reductions were achieved by pulsing fuel supplied to either a diffusion or a premixed flame. The response of the flame was notably better for the premixed case. For the premixed flame, combustor pressure pulses were realizable up to a frequency of about 400Hz, while the diffusion flame could only induce combustor pressure pulses up to approximately 50Hz. Adaptive frequency, phase and amplitude logic were developed, allowing automatic selection of the optimal values of these parameters to maximize suppression efficacy to suit the particular operating condition.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Characterization of chitinases and β‐1,3‐glucanases in grapefruit flavedo during fruit development

Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) and β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) activities in the flavedo of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi cv. Marsh) were determined at 17 times during the course of fruit development. Chitinase activity is initially high in flavedo, but drops rapidly and is low, although fairly constant throughout the remainder of fruit development. In contrast to chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase activity is lowest in young fruit and increases during development. Western blots of crude flavedo extracts following SDS-PAGE were probed with antibodies raised against purified citrus chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase. Results of immunostaining revealed that changes in the activities of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase were reflected in the amount of chitinase and glucanase protein present in the extracts. Only a single chitinase band was detected on western blots of crude flavedo extracts, whereas one glucanase band was present in young fruit and a second one appeared later in older fruit. Partial purification of flavedo chitinases and glucanases was performed using extracts prepared from immature and mature fruit for the two enzymes, respectively. Acidic and basic forms of both enzymes were present in the extracts; acidic and basic forms of chitinase were present in nearly equal amounts whereas basic glucanases predominated (91% of total activity). Acidic and basic chitinases differed in substrate specificity as well as products of degradation indicating the heterogeneous nature of the enzymes. Both acidic and basic glucanases required the presence of β-1,3 linkages for activity, were active against both soluble and insoluble β-1,3 glucans and generated similar products.
Active on-chip voltage regulator based on second generation current conveyor

Voltage regulators are used to provide a stable power supply to the microprocessor. The conventional off-chip switching voltage regulator comprises of a passive floating inductor, which is difficult to be implemented inside the chip due to excessive power dissipation and parasitic effects. Additionally, the inductor takes very large chip area hampering the scaling down process. These limitations make passive inductor based on-chip regulator very unattractive for system-on-a-chip (SOC) and multi-/many-core environments. To facilitate complete on-chip integration of a voltage regulator this paper presents an active circuit technique to replace the passive inductor and emulate the inductive behavior required in a buck convertor. The proposed scheme combines a linear and a switching voltage regulator together in single active circuit. The amalgamation of the two regulators will obviate the need to use a physical inductor, instead utilize a second-generation current conveyor based active filter along with an inverter switch and a voltage follower current source. Design of the circuit is demonstrated using 0.5μm technology on Cadence Virtuoso tools. Simulation results and MATLAB plots are provided to verify the proposed design.
Following the Yellow Arrow: Younger Pilgrims on the Camino, edited by Lynn K. Talbot and Andrew Talbot Squires

Following the Yellow Arrow: Younger Pilgrims on the Camino, edited by Lynn K. Talbot and Andrew Talbot Squires, Livermore, CA, WingSpan Press, 2011, x + 246 pp., $14.95 (paperback), $29.95 (hardcov...
Ground-Based Remote Sensing of Cloud Particle Sizes during the 26 November 1991 FIRE II Cirrus Case: Comparisons with In Situ Data

Abstract The paper presents the results of retrieving characteristic particle sizes for the November 26 1991 FIRE II case using two methods that utilize ground-based remotes sensors. The size information for the complete vertical depth of the cloud was obtained for a 3-hour period from 1830 to 2130 UTC using combined Doppler radar and IR radiometer measurements and for two shorter periods using radar reflectivity and CO2 lidar backscatter measurements. The results obtained with both remote sensing techniques are compared for these two periods. Possible retrieval uncertainties are discussed. Comparisons yielded an agreement with a relative standard deviation of 15%-20% between the two methods. Particle sizes retrieved by both methods were compared with 2D particle probe data sampled during 10 time intervals when a research aircraft was crossing the hub area. The relative standard deviation of particle sizes retrieved with the radar-radiometer method from those obtained from 2D probes is about 30% for nine ...
TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT: RESPONSIBILITY AND OVERDETERMINATION

In this paper I critically examine Michael Moore's views about responsibility in overdetermination cases. Moore argues for an asymmetrical view concerning actions and omissions: whereas our actions can make us responsible in overdetermination cases, our omissions cannot. Moore argues for this view on the basis of a causal claim: actions can be causes but omissions cannot. I suggest that we should reject Moore's views about responsibility and overdetermination. I argue, in particular, that our omissions (just like our actions) can make us responsible in overdetermination cases. I go on to provide an account of how this may be possible.
A new model for humic materials and their interactions with hydrophobic organic chemicals in soil-water or sediment-water systems

Abstract A generalized model of humic materials in soils and sediments, which is consistent with their observed properties, is presented. This model provides a means of understanding the interaction of hydrophobic pollutants with humic materials. In this model, it is proposed that the humic materials in soils and sediments consist of a number of different oligomers and simple compounds which result from the partial degradation of plant remains. These degradation products are stabilized by incorporation into humic aggregates bound together by weak bonding mechanisms, such as hydrogen bonding, pi bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. The resulting structures are similar to micelles or membranes, in which the interiors of the structures are hydrophobic and the exteriors are hydrophilic. Hydrophobic compounds will partition into the hydrophobic interiors of the humic micelles or “membrane-like” structures.
The abused and neglected foster child: Determinants of emotional conflict and oppositional behavior

Behavioral and emotional problems have been observed in emotionally vulnerable children in foster care under certain circumstances. A common pattern involves the unpredictable appearance of a previously absent or unavailable natural parent. Such an occurrence precipitates the reawakening of the child's ambivalent feelings toward both natural and foster parents as well as their fears of abandonment. This frequently leads to behavior that is oppositional and difficult to manage. If the foster parents find the child's behavior unmanageable, and if they are not provided with appropriate professional support during this difficult period, a crisis often follows that precipitates the child's removal from the foster home. Individual, familial, and systemic contributions to this dilemma are discussed. This article emphasizes the origins and nature of the intrapsychic dilemma faced by these children. Particular emphasis is placed on the manifestations of a conflict of loyalty, in the child, and its relationship to the oppositional behavior of these children in foster care. Additional considerations include the impact of inconsistent parenting, abuse and neglect by the natural parents, the assumption of a parental role by the child and a concomitant renunciation of the child's dependency needs, as well as an examination of the role of the foster parent's fantasy of what it will be like to parent a traumatized child.
Assimilation of satellite cloudy radiances: forward and adjoint radiative transfer modeling

Satellite sensor designs, data assimilation and retrievals of geophysical parameters all require a fast and accurate radiative transfer model. In general, Stokes vector can be derived from the differential and integral radiative transfer equation. The discrete ordinate method was developed to approximate the integral term so that the equation is linearized to a set of the ordinary differential equations that are then solved from the eigenvalue method. In this study, we further derives the radiance gradient (Jacobian) for a scattering and emission atmosphere, which is a crucial component in satellite data assimilation. In addition, we also review land and ocean surface emissivity models affecting both the forward and adjoint computations.
Emerging Technologies for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

In this review we examine the literature related to emerging technologies that will help to reshape the clinical microbiology laboratory. These topics include nucleic acid amplification tests such as isothermal and point-of-care molecular diagnostics, multiplexed panels for syndromic diagnosis, digital PCR, next-generation sequencing, and automation of molecular tests. We also review matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry methods and their role in identification of microorganisms. Lastly, we review the shift to liquid-based microbiology and the integration of partial and full laboratory automation that are beginning to impact the clinical microbiology laboratory.
Effect of auditory constraints on motor performance depends on stage of recovery post-stroke

In order to develop evidence-based rehabilitation protocols post stroke, one must first reconcile the vast heterogeneity in the post-stroke population and develop protocols to facilitate motor learning in the various subgroups. The main purpose of this study is to show that auditory constraints interact with the stage of recovery post stroke to influence motor learning. We characterized the stages of upper limb recovery using task-based kinematic measures in twenty subjects with chronic hemiparesis, and used a bimanual wrist extension task using a custom-made wrist trainer to facilitate learning of wrist extension in the paretic hand under four auditory conditions: 1) without auditory cueing; 2) to non-musical happy sounds; 3) to self-selected music; and 4) to a metronome beat set at a comfortable tempo. Two bimanual trials (15 s each) were followed by one unimanual trial with the paretic hand over six cycles under each condition. Clinical metrics, wrist and arm kinematics and electromyographic activity were recorded. Hierarchical cluster analysis with the Mahalanobis metric based on baseline speed and extent of wrist movement stratified subjects into three distinct groups which reflected their stage of recovery: spastic paresis, spastic co-contraction, and minimal paresis. In spastic paresis, the metronome beat increased wrist extension, but also increased muscle co-activation across the wrist. In contrast, in spastic co-contraction, no auditory stimulation increased wrist extension and reduced co-activation. In minimal paresis, wrist extension did not improve under any condition. The results suggest that auditory task constraints interact with stage of recovery during motor learning after stroke, perhaps due to recruitment of distinct neural substrates over the course of recovery. The findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms of progression of motor recovery and lay the foundation for personalized treatment algorithms post stroke.
Assessing the Effectiveness of an Inner-City High School Peer Counseling Program:

In an inner-city high school, a peer counseling program, evaluated by testing and logs, seems successful.
Nonequilibrium phase transitions in coordinated biological motion: Critical slowing down and switching time

Abstract In new experiments on coordinated biological motion we measure relaxation times and switching times as the system evolves from one coordinated state to another at a critical control parameter value. Deviations from the coordinated state are induced by mechanical perturbations and relative phase is used as an order parameter to monitor the dynamics of the collective state. Clear evidence for critical slowing down, a key feature of nonequilibrium phase transitions, is found. The mean and distribution of switching times closely match predictions from a stochastic dynamic theory. Together with earlier results on critical fluctuations these findings strongly favor an interpretation of coordinative change in biological systems as a nonequilibrium phase transition.
Elevated D-dimer is not always pulmonary embolism

Abstract Serum D-dimer is elevated in several chest emergencies, including Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Acute Aortic Dissection (AAD). Because of its simplicity and easy availability its use beyond the exclusion of VTE has grown in recent years. There is an increasing trend towards using the test to exclude AAD, where there are no other sensitive screening tests. We present a patient suspected to have pulmonary embolism (PE) based on chest pain and elevated D-dimer, gets a computed tomography with angiogram (CTA) and turns out to have an AAD.
Of text and gene--using text mining methods to uncover hidden knowledge in toxicogenomics.

Toxicogenomics studies often profile gene expression from assays involving multiple doses and time points. The dose- and time-dependent pattern is of great importance to assess toxicity but computational approaches are lacking to effectively utilize this characteristic in toxicity assessment. Topic modeling is a text mining approach, but may be used analogously in toxicogenomics due to the similar data structures between text and gene dysregulation. Topic modeling was applied to a very large toxicogenomics dataset containing microarray gene expression data from >15,000 samples associated with 131 drugs tested in three different assay platforms (i.e., in vitro assay, in vivo repeated dose study and in vivo single dose experiment) with a design including multiple doses and time points. A set of “topics” which each consist of a set of genes was determined, by which the varying sensitivity of three assay systems was observed. We found that the drug-dependent effect was more pronounced in the two in vivo systems than the in vitro system, while the time-dependent effect was most strongly reflected in the in vitro system followed by the single dose study and lastly the repeated dose experiment. The dose-dependent effect was similar across three assay systems. Although the results indicated a challenge to extrapolate the in vitro results to the in vivo situation, we did notice that, for some drugs but not for all the drugs, the similarity in gene expression patterns was observed across all three assay systems, indicating a possibility of using in vitro systems with careful designs (such as the choice of dose and time point), to replace the in vivo testing strategy. Nonetheless, a potential to replace the repeated dose study by the single-dose short-term methodology was strongly implied. The study demonstrated that text mining methodologies such as topic modeling provide an alternative method compared to traditional means for data reduction in toxicogenomics, enhancing researchers’ capabilities to interpret biological information.
A roadmap to understanding toll pathway changes: an educational primer for use with "regulation of toll signaling and inflammation by β-arrestin and the SUMO protease Ulp1".

Summary An article by Anjum et al. in the December 2013 issue of GENETICS can be used to illustrate reverse genetic manipulation in a model organism, targeted RNA interference, synergistic gene interaction, and biochemical regulation of gene expression using post-translational modification. This Primer provides background information, technical explanations of methods and genetic approaches from the study, an example approach for classroom use, and discussion questions to promote understanding of the research article.
Recovery of motor function after focal cortical injury in primates: compensatory movement patterns used during rehabilitative training

The recovery of skilled hand use after cortical injury was assessed in adult squirrel monkeys. Specific movement patterns used to perform a motor task requiring fine manual skill were analyzed before and after a small ischemic infarct (2.6-3.8 mm2) to the electrophysiologically identified hand area of the primary motor cortex (M1). After 1-3 weeks of pre-infarct training, each monkey stereotypically used one specific movement pattern to retrieve food pellets. After injury to the hand area of M1, the monkeys were required to retrieve the pellets using their impaired forelimb. Immediately after the injury, the number of finger flexions used by the monkeys to retrieve the pellets increased, indicating a deficit in skilled finger use. After approximately 1 month of rehabilitative training, skilled use of the fingers appeared to recover, indicated by a reduction in the number of finger flexions per retrieval. The monkeys again retrieved the pellets using one specific movement pattern in most trials. Despite th...
Liquid Crystalline Properties of Fatty Acid Esters of Lophenol, a Cholesterol Biosynthetic Intermediate

Abstract Lophenol (4α-methyl-cholest-7-en-3β-ol) an established biosynthetic precursor of cholestrol, forms a smectic mesophase only, when esterified with short (C2-C4) and long (C10-C16) even chain fatty acids. This is in contrast to cholesterol, which forms both cholesteric and smectic mesophases. This difference in behavior is attributed to the C7 double bond in lophenol, as opposed to the C5 doule bond in cholesterol.
Fetal obstructive uropathy without renal dysplasia: a study of the renal findings in 13 cases presenting with megacystis.

AbstractPurpose: Metanephric maldevelopment is a frequent sequela of fetal urinary tract obstruction, particularly when maternal oligohydramnios and massive lower urinary tract dilatation are present. The kidneys in 13 subjects at an estimated 15 to 39 weeks of gestation with distal urinary tract obstruction presenting with severe megacystis not associated with renal dysplasia were examined to discover other manifestations of impaired renal development.Materials and Methods: Complete autopsy specimens in 13 cases of severe megacystis in which 1 and 2 kidneys in 3 and 10, respectively, were free of dysplastic features were examined to determine whether there were abnormalities in the cortex and medulla that indicated impaired renal development.Results: The kidneys in 9 cases had various abnormalities indicative of perturbed renal development, such as the premature disappearance and phenotypic alteration of nephrogenic zone cells, a decreased number of nephron generations and medullary collecting duct abnor...
Cellular and molecular mechanism regulating blood flow recovery in acute versus gradual femoral artery occlusion are distinct in the mouse

Background Most current animal models of hindlimb ischemia use acute arterial occlusion that does not accurately reflect the pathogenesis of gradual arterial occlusion in humans. We, therefore, developed the first mouse model of gradual arterial occlusion and tested the hypothesis that the mechanisms regulating blood flow recovery are critically dependent on the rate of arterial occlusion. Methods Gradual arterial occlusion was induced by placing ameroid constrictors on the proximal and distal left femoral artery, and ligating the femoral arterial branches (n = 36). Acute arterial occlusion was accomplished by excising the left femoral artery (n = 36). The blood flow recovery was studied by laser Doppler imaging. Differential gene expression between these two models was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Inflammatory and progenitor cells recruitment were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results We found that hypoxia-related genes increased significantly in the calf, but not in the thigh, after gradual and acute femoral arterial occlusion ( P P P Conclusion This is the first study to show the mechanisms that regulate blood flow recovery are critically dependent on the rate of arterial occlusion. This novel model of gradual arterial occlusion may more closely resemble the human diseases, and may provide more accurate mechanistic insights for creating novel molecular therapies.
CONTROLLED-ALTITUDE FREE BALLOONS

Abstract The results of an experimental program to develop balloons with associated control devices, which will float at constant pressure in the atmosphere, are given. Newly developed plastic balloons and automatic ballast equipment are described. Examples of successful controlled-altitude flights are shown, together with a preliminary analysis of their trajectories. The constant-level balloon may provide data not obtainable from an ordinary pilot-balloon network. Future possibilities and plans for its use are indicated.
Star-forming Substructure within Molecular Clouds

Wide-field far-infrared/submillimeter continuum maps of molecular clouds by the Herschel Space Observatory GBS and HOBYS surveys are revealing the star-forming substructures that lead to star formation in dense gas. In particular, these maps have revealed the central role in clouds of filaments, likely formed through turbulent motions. These filaments appear to be non-isothermal and fragment into cores only when their column densities exceed a stability threshold. Organizations of filament networks suggest the relative role of turbulence and gravity can be traced in different parts of a cloud, and filament intersections may lead to larger amounts of mass flow that form the precursors of high-mass stars or clusters.
Abstract 2445: Cucurbitacin B suppresses breast cancer growth by inhibiting TGFβ-mediated integrin-HER2 signaling.

Integrins have recently been shown to play an important role in promotion of cell motility and survival in various cancers through cooperative signaling with EGFRs. Integrins transmit cell survival signals through ILK-Paxillin complex and further play role in activating AKT signaling. Curcubitacin B (CuB) is a steroidal class of chemical present in the plants belonging to cucurbitaceae family. CuB has shown cytotoxic potential in several cancers by causing G2/M cell cycle arrest and inhibition of JAK/STAT3 pathway. However, the exact mechanism of CuB and its role in metastasis and cell survival is not known. Our results show that CuB significantly suppressed the growth of MDA-MB-231, SKBR3, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 (HER2) and MCF-7 (HER2), five different breast cancer cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner. CuB also induced apoptosis and down-regulated Integrin linked kinase 1(ILK1) expression. In addition, CuB down-regulated Integrin β4 (ITGB4) and Integrin α 6 (ITGA6) protein expression and suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT at Ser473, paxillin at Tyr118. Previous studies have shown that Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) mediates crosstalk between ITGB4 and HER2, through Src kinase to enhance cell survival and motility. Interestingly we observed significant downregulation of Src, EGFR and HER2 in various breast cancer cells, suggesting that CuB suppresses cooperative signaling of Integrins and HER2. We also observed that TGFβ pretreatment imparted protection against CuB induced cytotoxic effects, indicating that CuB modulates TGFβ mediated Integrin signaling. Taken together our results indicate the anti-cancer effects of CuB in breast cancer cells by targeting ITGB4/ITGA6, Src, ILK and TGFβ. Further detailed mechanistic work is in progress. [Supported in part by R01 grants CA129038 (to S.K.S) awarded by the National Cancer Institute]. Citation Format: Parul Gupta, Sanjay K. Srivastava. Cucurbitacin B suppresses breast cancer growth by inhibiting TGFβ-mediated integrin-HER2 signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2445. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2445
Effects of dietary protein to metabolizable energy ratios and total protein concentrations on the performance of yellow perch Perca flavescens

Juvenile yellow perch Perca flavescens were fed semipurified diets with varying protein to metabolizable energy ratios (PME, g protein MJ−1 metabolizable energy) and nutrient densities in three experiments to determine recommended dietary protein and energy concentrations. Experiment 1 fish (18.6 g) were fed diets containing 450 g crude protein kg−1 dry diet and 14.5–18.8 MJ ME kg−1 dry diet for 10 weeks. No differences were found in the growth of experiment 1 fish fed the different diets. Experiment 2 fish (21.9 g) were fed diets containing 15.7 MJ ME kg−1 dry diet and 210–420 g crude protein kg−1 dry diet for 8 weeks. Fish fed the diet containing 340 g kg−1 protein (diet PME = 22) exhibited the greatest weight gain. Experiment 3 fish (27.1 g) were fed diets with a PME of 22 and varying nutrient density (yielding 205–380 g crude protein kg−1 dry diet) for 8 weeks. No differences were found in the growth of experiment 3 fish. Yellow perch fed the semipurified diets exhibited increased liver fat content, liver size and degree of liver discoloration compared with fish fed a commercial fish meal-based diet. Liver changes may have resulted from high dietary carbohydrate levels. We conclude that a protein level of 210–270 g kg−1 dry diet is suitable for juvenile yellow perch provided that the dietary amino acid profile and carbohydrate content are appropriate for yellow perch.
Hypothalamic delivery of doxycycline-inducible leptin gene allows for reversible transgene expression and physiological responses

Our purpose was to incorporate regulation into the recombinant adeno-associated virus encoding leptin by introducing a tet-inducible promotor. This system, TET-Ob, allows for control of leptin gene expression via doxycycline in drinking water. F344XBN rats (aged 4 months) were given a hypothalamic injection of TET-Ob or control virus. During 34 days of doxycycline (doxy) administration to all rats (STAGE 1), TET-Ob rats gained 50.7% less mass, ate 10.4% less food, and had a 77.5% reduction in serum leptin as compared with controls. Doxy was then withdrawn from half of the TET-Ob rats for 32 days (TET-Ob-OFF), while half continued to receive doxy (TET-Ob-ON) (stage 2). During stage 2, TET-Ob-ON rats gained 44.8% less mass than TET-Ob-OFF and ate significantly less food than both TET-Ob-OFF and controls. Serum leptin increased to 83.4% of control values in TET-Ob-OFF, but remained very low in the in TET-Ob-ON. At death, visceral adiposity was 14.5% of controls in TET-Ob-ON animals, but had risen to 76.9% of controls in TET-Ob-OFF. A reversible increase in both leptin signal transduction in the hypothalamus and uncoupling protein expression in brown adipose was recorded. This system allows for more precise regulation of gene therapy-mediated fat loss.
Ergot drugs suppress plasma levels of prolactin (PRL) but not growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH) or corticosterone (CORT) in parturient mice

Plasma levels of prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and corticosterone (CORT) were measured in parturient Rockland-Swiss (R-S) albino mice following the daily administration for 10 days of 0.5 mg ergocornine (ERGO), 0.5 mg bromocriptine (BROMO), or sesame oil (OIL). The dams were provided with replete foster young on a daily basis so as to prevent the decline in suckling activity that normally occurs in undernourished pups of ergot-treated dams. Circulating PRL levels were significantly reduced by both ergot drugs but plasma levels of the other hormones measured were not altered. Thus, ergot drugs have relatively specific effects on PRL even in parturient animals receiving sustained high levels of suckling stimulation.
MicroRNA expression profiles of seminoma from paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed tissue

In this study, we used microRNA (miRNA) microarrays in an unbiased screen for aberrantly expressed miRNAs in seminoma, a primitive type of germ cell tumor. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) surgical samples from 11 cases of normal testicular tissue resected for nonneoplastic causes and from 11 cases of seminoma were assessed for miRNA expression. Normal testicular tissue and seminoma were paired by race. We found 112 miRNAs to be differentially expressed between seminoma and normal testicular tissue; 52 miRNAs were overexpressed, and 60, downregulated in seminoma. We did not observe significant differences between black and white populations in our race-paired study. The upregulation of the expression of hsa-mir-21, hsa-mir-372, hsa-mir-373, has-mir-221, and hsa-mir-222 was validated by reverse transcription and real-time PCR. Hsa-mir-372 was upregulated around 1,270-fold (95 % confidence interval (CI) 525.2–3,064.8; p = 8.1e-5 by Mann–Whitney U test). Hsa-mir-373 was upregulated around 1,530-fold (95 % CI 620.5–3,785.6; p = 8.0e-5 by Mann–Whitney U test), consistent with previous reports, indicating that the miRNAs in FFPE are well preserved, and FFPE can be a valuable source for the miRNA study of seminoma. In addition, expression of hsa-mir-21 (12.2-fold, 0.0095), hsa-mir-221 (3.8-fold, 0.014) and hsa-mir-222 (3.8-fold, 0.019) was found elevated in seminoma compared to normal testicular tissue.
Naloxone does not affect pain sensitivity, mood or cognition in patients with high levels of beta-endorphin in plasma

Abstract Patients with either Cushing's or Nelson's syndrome, both of which are associated with markedly increased levels of beta-endorphin immunoreactivity in plasma, were given tests of pain sensitivity, mood, and cognition following administration of 10 mg naloxone and saline on separate days. No differences were found between naloxone and saline administrations on any of these psychological measures. These results suggest that immunoreactive beta- endorphin in plasma does not exert opiate effects.
The effects of between-partner congruity on consumer evaluation of co-branded products

Branding studies, especially those focusing on brand extension, have often centered on establishing the relationship between consumer evaluation and the match between a product concept and the brand (concept congruity). This study introduces an additional type of congruity that arises in the evaluation of co-branded products, the congruity between brand partners (between-partner congruity). Between-partner congruity has not previously been explicitly considered in the co-branding literature, but is potentially an important influence on consumer perceptions of a brand partnership. Thus, this study represents an initial attempt to understand how the level of between-partner congruity will affect consumer response to cobranded products. Several findings in the marketing literature have suggested that when respondents have the motivation to resolve incongruity, the relationship between congruity level and evaluation is nonmonotonic. In other words, moderately incongruent concepts are preferred to congruent or highly incongruent concepts to form an “inverted-U” data function. Yet, when motivation to process is low, evaluation becomes less favorable in a linear fashion as incongruity increases. This study examines whether these findings can be extended to co-branding. When concept congruity is controlled across brand pairs, the nonmonotonic relationship between between-partner congruity level and product evaluation is observed when consumers are encouraged to elaborate on the rationale for the partnership (high involvement). However, when consumers attend to the global similarity of the partners (low involvement), product evaluation becomes less favorable as between-partner incongruity increases. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AN INEFFICIENT TRUTH

Abstract The Efficient Market Hypothesis often seems to suggest only that most people cannot outguess the financial markets. But the originator of the hypothesis, Eugene Fama, made the stronger claim that people cannot outguess the financial markets because financial-market prices are correct: They incorporate all known information accurately. This view omits the role that human traders’ interpretations of information must play if the information is to prompt them to buy or sell. Buyers and sellers disagree about the meaning of current information, so at least half of them must be wrong. Bringing in many more (but equally fallible) people to predict the future does not somehow make their (collective) answer “right.” This is a logical disproof of the Fama hypothesis, but the inherently speculative nature of financial markets makes its empirical falsification (or verification) ambiguous if not impossible. The hypothesis must therefore be considered an unscientific article of faith.
Optical properties of copper-doped Cd3P2☆

Abstract The effects of copper-doping on the optical properties of Cd 3 P 2 have been investigated. A greatly enhanced low-temperature photoconductive response at energies below the band gap provides evidence of deep copper impurity levels (≈0.1 eV above the valence band edge). The presence of electrically active copper impurities which bring about a high degree of compensation is believed to be responsible for the sharp increase in the absorption constant at energies less than the band gap as well as for the pronounced reduction in the intensity of photoluminescence. The index of refraction was found to be 3.8 for both as-grown and copper-doped Cd 3 P 2 .
Psychophysiological correlates of generalized anxiety disorder with or without comorbid depression

It remains uncertain whether generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) represent two separate diagnostic entities. The goal of this study was to examine whether comorbid MDD distinguishes individuals with GAD on a psychophysiological level during an experimentally-induced worrying procedure. Participants included 39 individuals with GAD, 14 of whom met the criteria for MDD. During the experimental procedure, participants were asked to worry or relax after an initial baseline phase while measuring their heart rate, high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), skin conductance level, and subjective level of anxiety. The two groups did not differ in their subjective anxiety, heart rate response, and skin conductance levels. However, participants with comorbid MDD had greater HF-HRV values throughout the experiment than did those without MDD. At baseline, HF-HRV was significantly correlated with a self-report measure of depression. These results suggest that individuals with comorbid GAD and MDD can be distinguished based on HF-HRV from individuals with GAD but without MDD. These results support the distinction between GAD and MDD.
Racism, Union Busting, or Just Plain Cultural Conflict?

This case describes the struggle of a small school employee association located in a right-to-work state as it attempts to continue exercising influence after a political turmoil caused the composition of the school board to change. This case presents many elements that foster discussion of basic employee rights such as freedom of association, free speech, and due process. As such, this case is designed for usage in educational leadership programs and is particularly pertinent to provoke discussions regarding school politics, employee association authority, preferences in hiring practices, and employee dismissal procedures. Students of educational leadership enrolled in school law, human resources, and/or multicultural education courses can engage in discussion of multiple aspects of course content.
Work in progress - information literacy, plagiarism and engineering education

Information literacy is an important learning goal for general as well as engineering education. What are the key competencies of information literacy for engineering students? How can these information competencies be integrated into the engineering curriculum? A robust collaboration has developed between an engineering science faculty member and a Loyola-Notre Dame librarian to integrate information literacy into the engineering curriculum at Loyola College in Maryland. We began integrating information literacy into our engineering curriculum through an introductory engineering course, "Introduction to Engineering: Design, Creativity, and Problem Solving in the Built World." To further develop the curriculum, we have undertaken a survey of engineering faculty in the mid-Atlantic region, practicing engineers, and students to determine research methods used by professional engineers and the extent to which these methods are being addressed in the curriculum. The final project will describe the course that is presently being conducted and a proposed framework, based on a literature review and the survey results, for additional integration of information literacy competencies into the engineering curriculum.
Conceptual Design Of A 50 Mw Central Station Photovoltaic Power Plant

The application of photovoltaics (PV) for utility power plants has received considerable attention in the past few years. Numerous investigations have reported on effects of design parameters, installation costs and performance of power plants based on crystalline silicon PV technology. This paper presents a conceptual design of 50 MW PV power plant based on the technology of thin film amorphous silicon (A-Si) panels. The design is for a location in central New Jersey; the performance evaluation is based on actual insolation data. The design criterion minimizes the installed plant cost per annual kilowatt-hour of energy generated. The cost performance is compared to a value analysis made on this design in conjunction with the Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G).
An electrochemical sensor for the detection of antibiotic contaminants in water

A nanochannel-based electrochemical sensor for the detection of trace amounts of erythromycin has been developed. The sensor is capable of specifically detecting erythromycin, at a sensitivity of 0.001 parts per trillion, in various water samples and has potential utility in the assessment of environmental water quality.
Path Guidance Information in Advance of Work Zones at Urban Freeway Interchanges

Work activities at complex urban freeway interchanges often result in modified lane assignments and the temporary misalignment of existing overhead guide signs with the travel lanes. Researchers conducted a driving simulator study to determine whether the location and accuracy of driver lane changes made before major freeway-to-freeway interchanges were affected by temporarily misaligned permanent guide signing, temporary guide signing, and route shield pavement markings. The results of this study verify that when the lane assignment arrows on existing overhead guide signs are covered and the signs are temporarily misaligned with the travel lanes, drivers are not clear about which lane they need to be in to reach their destination; thus they wait to make a lane change until they are closer to the exit ramp gore area. Additional path guidance information presented to drivers before the interchange can be beneficial. The results of the study also indicate that smaller temporary lane assignment signs, route shield pavement markings upstream of the interchange, or both encourage drivers to make their lane change further upstream of the exit ramp gore area. Either of these devices or a combination should be used to provide drivers with additional path guidance information in work zones in which the existing overhead guide signs are temporarily misaligned with the travel lanes and the lane assignment arrows are covered.
Probing the effect of Heat Shock Protein 70 on the aggregation of α-Synuclein

The aggregation of α-Synuclein (αS) is crucial to the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies on PD have demonstrated that while αS ultimately forms large dense intracellular plaques (Lewy bodies), the early oligomeric species contribute significantly to cell toxicity. In specific, molecular chaperones such as Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP-70) have been shown to alter the aggregation properties of αS and are hypothesized to preferentially attack sub-populations of αS oligomers.Traditionally, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is intended for the study of a narrow population of small diffusing molecules since the intensity fluctuations are proportional to the number of fluorophores and the speed at which they traverse the focal volume. With a solution of unknown size distribution, such as with αS oligomers, the presence of a few large species distorts the autocorrelation curve to a greater degree than the small species thereby impairing our ability to monitor changes in aggregate size. Thus we implemented a new technique, which segments out the large fluctuations and bins them in a burst histogram and autocorrelates the remaining background fluctuations. This technique allows for the concurrent quantification of the distribution of both small and large particles.As a result of these new findings, we designed a flow chamber that permitted FCS measurements of cytosolic extracts taken from cells co-expressing αS and HSP-70. The presence of large bursts of photons confirmed that over time αS aggregates increase in size and quantity. Co-expression of HSP-70 significantly decreased the number of large aggregates in comparison to cells only expressing αS.(Supported by NIH/NIBIB P41 RR04224 and NIH/NCI R01 CA116583 to WRZ.)
Geniuses, exiles and (liberal) postmodern subjectivities

This article argues that Ashley and Walker's ‘dissident exile’ and Mill's ‘genius’ are virtual mirror images of one another due to the fact that both subject formulations rely on the concept of individual autonomy. Postmodern iterations of subjectivity such as those found in the work of Ashley and Walker place a great deal of emphasis on alterity and ethical engagement, striving to move beyond the ethical limitations of Enlightenment liberalism that valorises the atomised, sovereign individual. But both Mill's genius, who can choose his or her own mode of existence or plan of life, and Ashley and Walker's dissident exile, who engages in self-making in a register of freedom, are inextricably bound up with and reliant upon one of liberalism's seminal concepts: autonomy. The implications of this in terms of theorising new forms of subjectivity in international relations are significant because replacing autonomy with heteronomy or recasting autonomy in relational terms fails to fully acknowledge how central autonomy is to the entire project of critique. The critical attitude that Ashley and Walker, as well as Mill, exhibit emanates from within Enlightenment liberalism; since the very act of critique rests on the exercise of individual autonomy, perhaps the most we can hope for in terms of new iterations of subjectivity may only be one that is more expansively ‘liberal’.
Powder Metallurgical Components: Improvement of Surface Integrity by Deep Rolling and Case Hardening☆

Abstract In many cases, powder metallurgical components are heat treated in order to improve the component behavior. An established heat treatment technique for wrought materials is case-hardening. But up to now, this procedure is not applied for powder metallurgical components, since the existing porous microstructure avoids adjusting a defined carbon depth profile. As a consequence a carbonization of the core and a full hardening can occur, leading to a disadvantageous phase and residual stress distribution. However, a new approach for case hardening of powder metallurgical components is to perform a surface densification prior to the heat treatment. In this study this approach is realized by using a deep rolling process. In order to verify the functionality of the process chain, the surface integrity was analyzed after each processing step using X-ray diffraction measurements and materialographic methods. There is clear evidence that the open porous structure could be transferred into a surface densified graded porous layer. As a consequence the carburization is dominated by solid state diffusion enabling to adjust a defined carbon depth profile leading to a martensitic surface layer and compressive residual stresses in the near surface zone. Subsequent fatigue strength experiments for sintered samples as well as for additional densified or densified plus case-hardened specimens were performed in order to demonstrate the enhanced mechanical properties. A significant increase in fatigue strength can be measured.