cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The U. S. Economic Crisis

This paper argues that the fundamental cause of the current economic crisis in the U. S. economy was a significant long-term decline in the rate of profit from the 1950s to the 1970s. Capitalists responded to this profitability crisis by attempting to restore their rate of profit by a variety of strategies, including wages and benefit cuts, inflation, speed-up on the job, and globalization. These strategies have largely restored the rate of profit, but have resulted in stagnant real wages for workers for decades. As a result, household indebtedness has increased to unprecedented levels and must be substantially reduced in order to make a sustainable recovery possible. In addition, increasing indebtedness in the financial sector has greatly increased the instability of the financial system, and this financial indebtedness must also be reduced significantly. In the event of another banking crisis, bankrupt banks should be nationalized and operated in the public interest.
A crash-course in cultural competence

America is a multi-cultural society. Yet, there are cultural dimensions to the clinician patient relationship that have not been systematically addressed in medical education or in clinical practice. Lack of diversity and lack of crosscultural skills in the medical profession may contribute to health disparities in America. Cultural competence for the medical profession represents a core set of skills that can be learned to respectfully and effectively communicate healthcare information with diverse patient populations. The authors blended their extensive literature review with the knowledge and experience of a culturally diverse medical team to develop the CRASHCourse in Cultural Competency training program for medical professionals. CRASH is a mnemonic for the following essential components of culturally competent health care— consider Culture, show Respect, Assess/Affirm differences, show Sensitivity and Self-awareness, and do it all with Humility. The goal of the CRASH-Course in Cultural Competency is to build confidence and competence in the clinician’s ability to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations.
Regional mitral leaflet opening during acute ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Background and aim of the studyDiastolic mitral valve (MV) opening characteristics during ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) are poorly characterized. The diastolic MV opening dynamics was quantif ...
Visceral analgesia induced by acute and repeated water avoidance stress in rats: sex difference in opioid involvement

Background Chronic psychological stress-induced alterations in visceral sensitivity have been predominantly assessed in male rodents. We investigated the effect of acute and repeated water avoidance stress (WAS) on the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension (CRD) and the role of opioids in male and cycling female Wistar rats using a novel non-invasive manometric technique. Methods After a baseline VMR (1st CRD, day 0), rats were exposed to WAS (1 h day−1) either once or for four consecutive days, without injection or with naloxone (1 mg kg−1) or saline injected subcutaneously before each WAS session. Key Results The VMR to CRD recorded on day 1 or 4 immediately after the last WAS was reduced in both females and males. The visceral analgesia was mainly naloxone-dependent in females, but naloxone-independent in males. In non-injected animals, on days 2 and 5, VMR was not significantly different from baseline in males whereas females exhibited a significant VMR increase at 60 mmHg on day 5. Basal CRD and CRD on days 1, 2, and 5 in both sexes without WAS induced similar VMR. Conclusions & Inferences When monitored non-invasively, psychological stress induces an immediate poststress visceral analgesia mediated by an opiate signaling system in females while naloxone-independent in males, and hyperalgesia at 24 h after repeated stress only in females. These data highlight the importance of sex-specific interventions to modulate visceral pain response to stress.
Gunning for Justice

Recent litigation has targeted the way firearms manufacturers design and distribute their products. Courts have upheld some claims and dismissed others. The article explores the recent case law.
Lesbians Who Abuse Their Partners: Using the FIRO-B to Assess Interpersonal Characteristics

Abstract This study explored the functional, interpersonal style of a small group of lesbians who had abused their partners (N = 15) and enrolled in a pilot feminist abuse cessation therapy program. Each completed a Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior scale (FIRO-B), a self-report assessment tool that measures expressed and wanted inclusion, control, and affection. Robust findings from the small, ethnically homogenous sample are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding one interpersonal dynamic of control in lesbian relationships in which there is abuse. Future directions for therapy and research are also outlined.
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) as a diagnostic and research tool in gynecologic endocrinology

Abstract The effect on serum FSH and LH levels of 150 μg of LH-RH administered intravenously was observed in 48 women with five categories of secondary oligoamenorrhea. Nine of 10 patients with pituitary tumors and five of nine patients with amenorrhea associated with dietary deficiency had a diminished response in terms of LH. Patients with enlarged polycystic ovaries had an exaggerated response to LH with a low or normal response to FSH. It was concluded that an LH-RH test could be helpful, although not a universally diagnostic test in the differential diagnosis of secondary oligoamenorrhea. In a second study, an LH-RH stimulation test was carried out before and after the intramuscular administration of estrogen and progesterone to anovulatory subjects. In all cases the expected LH rise was markedly diminished after the administration of the steroid. Within the time and dosage limits of this study, no positive feedback effects were noted. It was concluded from this study that one area of the negative feedback effect of steroids on gonadotropin secretion was at the pituitary level.
The World-System and the Destruction of the Brazilian Amazon Rain Forest

The paper shows how the destruction and the preservation of the Brazilian Amazon rain forest are tied to Brazil's links with the capitalist world-economy. It divides the institutions, social groups, etc., affecting Brazilian ecopolitics into world-systemic and antisystemic agents. The systemic agents discussed are Brazilian military rule, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and multinational organizations. The antisystemic agents discussed are the environmental movement, both internationally and within Brazil, and grassroots resistance. These antisystemic agents exerted pressure on the government of major First World countries which in turn exerted pressure on international organizations to stop environmentally unsound projects in the forest. They counterbalanced the power of systemic forces, substantially changing the ecopolitics of the world-system. Their efforts were successful due to an increasing public awareness of the state of the global environment. Public opinion gave leverage to antisystemic forces. The paper concludes by arguing that the survival of democratic institutions in Brazil is imperative for a continuing debate on the state of the Brazilian environment.
Comparative Pathology of Bacterial Enteric Diseases of Swine

Enteric bacterial infections are among the most common and economically significant diseases affecting swine production worldwide. Clinical signs of these infections include diarrhea, reduced growth rate, weight loss, and death of preweaned, weanling, grower-finisher, young and adult age breeding animals. The most common etiological agents include Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracel-lularis, Salmonella enterica, and Brachyspira (Serpulina) spp. With the exception of Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae, the cause of swine dysentery, and Lawsonia intracellularis, the cause of proliferative enteropathy, the pathological changes seen with these agents closely resemble the diseases occurring in human beings. Histologi-cal changes in the intestines of swine with enteric bacterial infections include bacterial colonization without significant damage (e.g., certain enterotoxigenic E. coli and C.per-fringens type A), attaching and effacing lesions with enteropathogenic E. coli and Brachyspira pilosicoli, the cause of colonic spirochetosis, inflammation with S. enterica, and necrotizing and hemorrhagic lesions with certain C. perfringens. Extraintestinal spread of bacteria and/or toxins occurs with some serotypes of E. coli and most serotypes of S. enterica. Enteric bacterial diseases of swine have been used as models to study the pathogenesis of similar diseases of human beings. Several of these pathogens are also important causes of food-borne disease in humans.
The anterolateral neck dissection with special reference to the digastric and hypoglossal tunnels

Abstract The elective surgical treatment of the neck for advanced T-stage laryngeal presentations of squamous cell carcinoma is typically the anterolateral neck dissection. Modifications of the anterior-based technique that include the use of digastric and hypoglossal tunnels to establish reliable landmarks result in a reproducible technique. The complex anatomic relationships of the anterior and superior part of the neck dissection are exposed and protected early in the technique, making this approach ideal for use in an academic setting.
Environmental DNA as a new method for early detection of New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)

AbstractEarly detection of aquatic invasive species is a critical task for management of aquatic ecosystems. This task is hindered by the difficulty and cost of surveying aquatic systems thoroughly. The New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is a small, invasive parthenogenic mollusk that can reach very high population densities and severely affects ecosystem functioning. To assist in the early detection of this invasive species, we developed and validated a highly sensitive environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) assay. We used a dose–response laboratory experiment to investigate the relationship between New Zealand mudsnail density and eDNA detected through time. We documented that as few as 1 individual in 1.5 L of water for 2 d could be detected with this method, and that eDNA from this species may remain detectable for 21 to 44 d after mudsnail removal. We used the eDNA method to confirm the presence of New Zealand mudsnail eDNA at densities as low as 11 to 144 snails/m2 in a eutrophic 5t...
An abundance analysis of ROA 24, a likely post-AGB star in Omega Centauri

A detailed analysis of high-quality spectra of the F0Ibp star, ROA 24, in ω Cen is presented. The wide spectral coverage allows us to positively identify 28 chemical elements. The C, N, O, Na and s-process elements are significantly enhanced relative to the other giants in ω Cen. The large C abundance implies that 3α products have been brought to the surface
Infrared signatures to discriminate viability of autoclaved Bacillus spores

Optical methods can offer good sensitivity for detecting small amounts of chemicals and biologicals, and as these methods mature, are some of the few techniques that can offer true standoff detection. For detection of biological species, determining the viability is clearly important: Certain species of gram-positive bacteria are capable of forming endospores, specialized structures that arise when living conditions become unfavorable or little growth medium is available. Spores are also resistant to many chemicals as well as changes in heat or pH; such spores can remain dormant from months to years until more favorable conditions arise, resulting in germination back to the vegetative state. This persistence characteristic of bacterial spores allows for contamination of a surface (e.g. food or medical equipment) even after the surface has been nominally cleaned. Bacterial spores have also been used as biological weapons, as in the case of B. anthracis. Thus, having rapid analytical methods to determine a spore's viability after attempts to clean a given environment is crucial. The increasing availability of portable spectrometers may provide a key to such rapid onsite analysis. The present study was designed to determine whether infrared spectroscopy may be used to differentiate between viable vs. dead B. subtilis and B. atrophaeus spores. Preliminary results show that the reproducible differences in the IR signatures can be used to identify the viable vs. the autoclaved (dead) spores.
"Notlagen": Kafka's Intervention in Wagner's Musical Politics

The author analyzes Kafka's "Josephine die Sangerin" as an intertextual parody and subversion of Wagner's aesthetic ideology. To gauge the social and political portent of this tale, it must be viewed as an esoteric contribution to the peculiarly German dream of musical community. Kafka's version of this dream bears a special relation to Wagner's through the fact that, in both, the possibility of musical community stems from music's being rooted in nature qua Not (need, emergency) or Notwendigkeit (necessity). Kafka's parody contains a number of distortions and reversals, the ultimate point of which is to invert the sense of community as such. Whereas for Wagner the volkisch musical community is characterized by absolute selfsameness and self-immanence, Kafka's community is formed precisely through the rupture of self-immanence, or exposure to sheer exteriority. As a deathbed meditation on the act of artistic creation, Kafka's tale contains further implications for the historical significance, or social "r...
The importance of deleterious mutations of M pigment genes as a cause of color vision defects

Numbers and ratios of pigment genes were estimated in a sample of young males with color-vision deficiencies. Eighteen were estimated to have a single L pigment gene on the X-chromosome. In most cases, the one L gene was the only X-linked photopigment gene, as has been reported previously for deuteranopes. However, four of the boys in this group were estimated to have M pigment genes in addition to a single L. Sequences of exons 2-4 of the M genes were obtained from two of the subjects whose ratios indicated one L and two M genes. A substitution of cytosine for thymine was found at nucleotide position 1101 (numbering system from Nathans1) of both M genes of both males. This mutation interrupts the function of the encoded M photopigments by replacing cysteine with arginine at amino acid position 203. Deuteranopia is often caused by the loss of M genes, but here we report that it can also be caused by missense mutations that interrupt the function of all M pigments. In these cases, all photoreceptors that would normally be M cones presumably express the defective opsin. With all the M cones disabled, the total number of functional cones would be fewer than normal in these deuteranopic eyes. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 26, S100–S105, 2001
Dynamic modelling of a single-axis belt-drive system

Belt-driven positioning stages are widely used in industrial positioning applications and offer a low cost alternative to lead or ball screw stages. Due to the elasticity of the transmission element and friction effects, a dynamic model of these stages is needed to accurately simulate their response. This paper addresses the development of a dynamic model of a single-axis belt-driven linear motion positioning stage actuated by a geared DC motor. The model represents the effect of the mass of the cart and the inertia of the pulleys, the stiffness of the belt, the non-linear friction in the pulleys and cart motion, and the dynamics of the motor. Experimental and simulation work is performed to compare the performance of the real system with the non-linear model, and the results show that the developed model can accurately represent the dynamics of the belt-driven stage.
Immobilization Stress May Increase Plasma lnterleukin-6 via Central and Peripheral Catecholamines

It has recently been reported that both physical and psychological stress elevate plasma inter-leukin (IL)-6 levels independently of endotoxemia, tissue damage, or inflammation. However, the mechanism
A behavioral teratogenic model of the impact of prenatal cocaine exposure on arousal regulatory systems.

Studies of both preclinical and human models of prenatal cocaine exposure suggest that one mechanism for the impact of cocaine on developing neural systems may be through functional alterations in monoaminergically regulated arousal systems. Conceptually, arousal regulation refers to a set of multimodal central nervous system mechanisms underlying cortical activation in response to internal and/or external stimulation. The emerging capacity for moment-to-moment regulation of states of arousal influences attentional states (e.g., posterior cortex) and executive functions (prefontal cortex) and thus information processing and learning as well as socialization. Furthermore, as a gating mechanism for response to novel and/or stressful conditions, arousal regulation is also a central construct for understanding stress reactivity and response to acute chronic trauma. In this paper, we review the findings of prenatal cocaine exposure in both preclinical and human studies with a particular focus on studies of neurobehavioral, neurocognitive functioning. A theoretical model of interactive arousal systems is presented as one possibility for integrating the profile of apparent cocaine-related neurobehavioral impairments in infants and young children prenatally exposed to cocaine.
High-resolution genome-wide dissection of the two rules of speciation in Drosophila.

Postzygotic reproductive isolation is characterized by two striking empirical patterns. The first is Haldane's rule—the preferential inviability or sterility of species hybrids of the heterogametic (XY) sex. The second is the so-called large X effect—substitution of one species's X chromosome for another's has a disproportionately large effect on hybrid fitness compared to similar substitution of an autosome. Although the first rule has been well-established, the second rule remains controversial. Here, we dissect the genetic causes of these two rules using a genome-wide introgression analysis of Drosophila mauritiana chromosome segments in an otherwise D. sechellia genetic background. We find that recessive hybrid incompatibilities outnumber dominant ones and that hybrid male steriles outnumber all other types of incompatibility, consistent with the dominance and faster-male theories of Haldane's rule, respectively. We also find that, although X-linked and autosomal introgressions are of similar size, most X-linked introgressions cause hybrid male sterility (60%) whereas few autosomal introgressions do (18%). Our results thus confirm the large X effect and identify its proximate cause: incompatibilities causing hybrid male sterility have a higher density on the X chromosome than on the autosomes. We evaluate several hypotheses for the evolutionary cause of this excess of X-linked hybrid male sterility.
The Ability of Nash's Theory of Cooperative Games to Predict the Outcomes of Buyer-Seller Negotiations: A Dyad-Level Test

This research develops and implements a dyad-level procedure for testing whether the outcomes of buyer-seller negotiations correspond to settlements prescribed by Nash's theory of cooperative games. The procedure entails a multivariate statistical test in which some parameters are estimated by simulation, while others are provided directly from the assessment of negotiator utility functions by means of conjoint analysis. The procedure is applied to an experiment in which subjects participated in a realistic role-playing exercise that replicated the purchase of television advertising time. Results indicate that at the 0.01 significance level, 57.8% of the dyads can be rejected as not having achieved Nash solutions. These results, and their implications for marketing practitioners as well as future research, are discussed.
Application study of 500 W photovoltaic (PV) system in the UAE

The UAE is showing growing interest in alternative energy technology. However, before adaptation of a new technology, it is necessary to carry out a field study concerning the technology’s suitability to local circumstances. This paper presents the practical results regarding the effect of temperature, humidity and most importantly dust on the performance of thin film photovoltaic technologies (Copper Indium Selenide (CIS)).
Variation of Condensed Tannins in Roundhead Lespedeza Germplasm

Roundhead lespedeza, Lespedeza capitata Michx., is a deep. rooted, perennial legume native to the eastern and central USA and is relatively common on remnant upland prairies throughout the Midwest. Information on condensed tannin (CT) concentrations from different plant parts is needed for cultivar development and also to provide data for developing management and feeding strategies. The objectives of this study were to determine variation of CT concentrations in roundhead lespedeza leaves, stems, and inflorescences; evaluate genotype variation over environments; and select germplasm lines that could be used for breeding parents andlor bulked into a synthetic variety. Thirty-nine roundhead lespedeza plant introductions (PI) were sampled from replicated nurseries grown in two environments in 1996. Plant shoots were collected at flowering and seed filling. Each plant shoot sample was divided into leaf, stem, and inflorescence. Condensed tannin concentrations were determined by means of a modified vanillin-HCl method. We found that variation due to the environment was low, variation due to genotype was high, and variation due to genotype × environment interaction was high. Of these 39 plant introductions, we selected eight that were common to both environments and had low CT concentrations in leaves at flowering. The CT content of these plant introductions, however, was still relatively high when compared with sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don] that was bred for low tannin content. Collections should be made from a larger geographical region to look for germ-plasm with lower CT concentrations.
Geo-dissemination in vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicular Adhoc Networks (VANETs) aim to improve road safety and convenience through vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communications. Traffic information and accident warnings are often disseminated to vehicles in certain areas where driving could be affected by hazardous situations. Such message dissemination with destinations confined in specific geographic regions is referred to as Geo-Dissemination. In this paper, we analyze how far a geo-dissemination can possibly reach over a period of time t (denoted as dissemination distance D(t)), and what is the latency for a message to reach locations that are d distance far from the source (denoted as the stopping time τ). Simulations results of two dissemination methods (stateless opportunistic forwarding and GPS-based message broadcasting) are compared with our analytic results.
Kinetics of flocculation and/or coalescence of dilute oil-in-water emulsions

The present study was part of a long-range attempt to describe quantitatively the coalescence or flocculation behavior of emulsions. Several baseline experiments of emulsion coalescence kinetics were conducted with stress placed on the elimination of possible artifact effects. Dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, ditolyl, and “Unity Oil” were chosen as the oil phases in this investigation. Dilute emulsions of the oils in varying concentrations of sodium lauryl sulfate solutions were prepared ultrasonically, and the changes in the particle number and size distribution with time were studied in electrolyte solutions. The data obtained were treated by plotting the reciprocal of the cumulative number of particles greater than a specified size versus time. A theoretical analysis involving the consideration of finite emulsion droplet-size distributions showed that this method of data treatment is valid for the experimental systems in this study. For rapid reaction systems, the slopes of these Smoluchowski-type plots were directly related to the Smoluchowski rate constant. Rapid reaction conditions were found when the surfactant concentration was sufficiently low or when the electrolyte concentration was sufficiently high. The possible influences of wall effects, oil volatility, oil solubility, creaming (or sedimentation), shear, and mixing effects upon the rate constants were investigated. In the cases of ditolyl and the phthalates, it was found that these influences were negligible or could be eliminated by modifying the techniques involved in the procedure. In studies over a 10-fold range of oil concentration, 100-fold range of surfactant concentration, and a 6-fold range of electrolyte concentration, a maximum rate constant for coalescence of 4.0 × 10-12 cm.3/sec. (±5%) was observed. Interestingly, this maximum rate constant is about 70% of the theoretical Smoluchowski rate constant.
Evidence from flipper structure for a single origin of pinnipeds

The mutual affinities of pinnipeds (the 'fin-footed' members of the placental mammal order Carnivore) have been the subject of controversy for more than a century1,2. Disagreement centres over whether the origin of the group from a terrestrial ancestry involved a single or multiple marine invasion(s). Particularly since influential papers of the late 1950s and '60s (refs 3, 4), the dual origin of pinnipeds—sea lions (otariids) plus walruses (odobenids) from bear-like forms, and 'true' seals (phocids) from weasel- or otter-like forms—has become the overwhelmingly dominant view in the morphological systematic literature5–8, a point reflected by its acceptance in several general texts9–11. Anatomical evidence from a survey of appendicular osteology presented here contradicts this notion and suggests radical alteration of currently accepted hypotheses of the relationship of the major pinniped lineages. This evidence strongly suggests a single (monophyletic) origin for the group, a finding in agreement with certain biomolecular results12–15.
New precursors to silafluorenes

Abstract Conversion of 2,2′-dibromo-4,4′-di-t-butylbiphenyl and o -bromo- o′ chloroniphenyl to organometallic reagents suitable for reaction with Me 2 SiCl 2 to produce silafluorene has been developed.
Influence of Neonatal Colostrum Administration, Immunoglobulin, and Continued Feeding of Colostrum on Calf Gain, Health, and Serum Protein

Holstein calves (159) were assigned alternately to one of seven regimens through, day 45: nurse dam for 12 to 24 h, dam's milk to 96 h, milk replacer with all milk protein; low (less than or equal to 45 mg/ml) immunoglobulin colostrum to 96 h, then either colostrum, replacer with all milk, or soy protein; high (less than 60 mg/ml) immunoglobulin colostrum to 96 h, then replacer all milk; replacer all milk protein from birth; or saleable milk from birth. Colostrum immunoglobulin was estimated by colostrometer and colostrum was frozen. Starter and water were offered free choice on day 5. Calves deprived of colostrum gained poorly and suffered severe and long scour episodes and high mortality. No differences of body weight gains were observed between calves that nursed compared with those hand fed. Calves fed colostrum with high immunoglobulin gained weight from birth to day 4 while those fed low lost weight. Overall severity and duration of scours were less for calves fed colostrum with high compared to low immunoglobulin. Calves fed undiluted colostrum (5 to 45 days) had more severe scours longer than those fed milk replacer. Serum protein and immunoglobulin were higher for calves hand fed high immunoglobulin compared to low immunoglobulin colostrum or nursing at 12 to 24 h and 4 days after birth. A positive relationship developed between serum protein and immunoglobulin at 12 h to 24 h, 4 and 11 days. Mortality was low for all calves receiving colostrum.
The hidden laws that govern city living

From walking speed to wages, all cities obey the same simple rules says physicist Luis Bettencourt .
Crack-tip stress in gels

Calculations of drying stresses have previously been presented in terms of the total stress, which is the sum of the stresses in the liquid and solid phases. However, the criterion for fracture involves the stress on the solid phase. In this note, the stress on the network at the crack tip is given explicitly. It is shown that the stress at the tip of a flaw can be tensile, even though the solid network is in compression elsewhere.
Neuroanatomical target theory as a predictive model for radiation-induced cognitive decline

Objective: In a retrospective review to assess neuroanatomical targets of radiation-induced cognitive decline, dose volume histogram (DVH) analyses of specific brain regions of interest (ROI) are correlated to neurocognitive performance in 57 primary brain tumor survivors. Methods: Neurocognitive assessment at baseline included Trail Making Tests A/B, a modified Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure, California or Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Digit Span, and Controlled Oral Word Association. DVH analysis was performed for multiple neuroanatomical targets considered to be involved in cognition. The %v10 (percent of ROI receiving 10 Gy), %v40, and %v60 were calculated for each ROI. Factor analysis was used to estimate global cognition based on a summary of performance on individual cognitive tests. Stepwise regression was used to determine which dose volume predicted performance on global factors and individual neurocognitive tests for each ROI. Results: Regions that predicted global cognitive outcomes at doses Conclusions: Modeling of radiation-induced cognitive decline using neuroanatomical target theory appears to be feasible. A prospective trial is necessary to validate these data.
Report of the Academy presidents: Embracing momentous developments in health care

profession of pharmacy. APhA members have the opportunity to serve as members of working groups and task forces across the Academies and provide expertise on current issues and hot topics. I invite you to become actively involved in APhA–APPM and to join your fellow pharmacists in improving medication use and advancing patient care. This report will address activities and priorities that have been addressed by APhA–APPM during the previous year and give a glimpse of future opportunities.
Inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine is effective in melanoma

Abstract Background Cancer cells adapt to the stress resulting from accelerated cell growth and a lack of nutrients by activation of the autophagy pathway. Two proteins that allow cell growth in the face of metabolic stress and hypoxia are hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90). We hypothesize that chloroquine (CQ), an antimalarial drug that inhibits autophagosome function, in combination with either echinomycin, a HIF-1α inhibitor, or 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-dimethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG), an Hsp 90 inhibitor, will result in cytotoxicity in melanoma. Materials and methods Multiple human melanoma cell lines (BRAF wild-type and mutant) were tested in vitro with CQ in combination with echinomycin or 17-DMAG. These treatments were performed in hypoxic (5% O 2 ) and normoxic (18% O 2 ) conditions. Mechanism of action was determined through Western blot of autophagy-associated proteins HIF-1α and Hsp 90. Results Chloroquine, echinomycin, and 17-DMAG each induced cytotoxicity in multiple human melanoma cell lines, in both normoxia and hypoxia. Chloroquine combined with echinomycin achieved synergistic cytotoxicity under hypoxic conditions in multiple melanoma cell lines (BRAF wild-type and mutant). Western blot analysis indicated that echinomycin reduced HIF-1α levels, both alone and in combination with CQ. Changes in LC3 flux indicated inhibition of autophagy at the level of the autophagosome by CQ therapy. Conclusions Targeting autophagy with the antimalarial drug CQ may be an effective cancer therapy in melanoma. Sensitivity to chloroquine is independent of BRAF mutational status. Combining CQ with the HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin improves cytotoxicity in hypoxic conditions.
Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins : Do they play a role in polycystic ovary syndrome ?

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins are produced by ovarian follicular cells and can oppose the effects of the IGFs and gonadotropins on these cells. Since polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by disordered follicular development, with the accumulation of antral follicles within the ovary which fail to respond appropriately to endogenous FSH, it has been hypothesized that one or more IGFBPs, which can act as FSH antagonists in vitro, could play a role in inhibiting follicular development in this syndrome. Follicular fluid IGFBP levels, however, do not differ between PCOS follicles and the androgenic, presumably atretic follicles of cycling women without PCOS. Serum IGFBP-1 levels are lower in PCOS, likely because of hyperinsulinemia, and serum free IGF-1 levels are raised. This alternation may drive the excess thecal androgen production characteristic of PCOS follicles. Alterations in IGFBPs may sustain the anovulatory steady state in PCOS but are unlikely to initiate development of the syndrome.
Effect of kinetic and electronic energy on the reaction of V+ with H2, HD, and D2

Guided ion beam mass spectrometry has been used to examine the kinetic energy dependence of the reactions of vanadium ions with H/sub 2/, D/sub 2/ and HD. Results for a number of electronic states of V/sup +/ are obtained and show remarkably different behavior. While kinetic energy and electronic energy display no striking differences in their ability to promote reaction, different electronic states (corresponding to different electron configurations) are found to react by different mechanisms. An analysis of this behavior is used to infer a detailed picture of the dynamics of the reactions and a general view of how transition metals interact with molecular hydrogen. Analysis of the threshold behavior of these reactions is used to deduce the VH/sup +/ bond energy of 2.05 +/- 0.06 eV (47.3 +/- 1.4 kcal/mol). This assumes reaction occurs with no activation barrier. 54 references, 8 figures, 3 tables.
Infinite spectra in the first order theory of graphs

The psectrum Spec(A) of a sentenceA is, roughly, the set of those a for whichA has a threshold function at or nearp=n −a . Examples are given ofA with infinite spectra and with spectra of order typeΩ i for arbitraryi.
The Empirical Basis for Determinations of Medical Futility

BACKGROUND Decisions to limit treatment in critically ill patients often rely on publications that make claims of futility based on outcome data. Our objective was to systematically review the criteria for futility and the strength of empirical evidence across clinical studies that purport to support or refute claims of futility.
A method for reducing the sloughing of thick blood films for malaria diagnosis

The gold standard for malaria diagnosis is the examination of thick and thin blood films. Thick films contain 10 to 20 times more blood than thin films, correspondingly providing increased sensitivity for malaria screening. A potential complication of thick film preparations is sloughing of the blood droplet from the slide during staining or rinsing, resulting in the loss of sample. In this work, two methods for improving thick film slide adherence (‘scratch’ (SCM) and ‘acetone dip’ (ADM) methods) were compared to the ‘standard method’ (SM) of thick film preparation. Standardized blood droplets from 26 previously examined EDTA whole blood specimens (22 positive and four negative) were concurrently spread on glass slides using the SM, ADM, and SCM. For the SM and ADM prepared slides, the droplet was gently spread to an approximate 22 millimeters in diameter spot on the slide using the edge of a second glass slide. For the SCM, the droplet was spread by carefully grinding (or scratching) it into the slide with the point of a second glass slide. Slides were dried for one hour in a laminar flow hood. For the ADM, slides were dipped once in an acetone filled Coplin jar and allowed to air dry. All slides were then Giemsa-stained and examined in a blinded manner. Adherence was assessed by blinded reviewers. No significant or severe defects were observed for slides prepared with the SCM. In contrast, 8 slides prepared by the ADM and 3 prepared using the SM displayed significant or severe defects. Thick films prepared by the three methods were microscopically indistinguishable and concordant results (positive or negative) were obtained for the three methods. Estimated parasitaemia of the blood samples ranged from 25 to 429,169 parasites/μL of blood. The SCM is an inexpensive, rapid, and simple method that improves the adherence of thick blood films to standard glass slides without altering general slide preparation, microscopic appearance or interpretability. Using the SCM, thick films can be reliably examined less than two hours after sample receipt. This represents a significant diagnostic improvement over protocols requiring extended drying periods.
Realizing effective magnetic field for photons by controlling the phase of dynamic modulation

By considering a resonator lattice in which the coupling constants between the resonators are harmonically modulated in time and by controlling the spatial distribution of the modulation phases, scientists introduce a scheme that can generate an effective magnetic field for photons, without the use of magneto-optical effects.
Freeform solar concentrator with a highly asymmetric acceptance cone

A solar concentrator with a highly asymmetric acceptance cone is investigated. Concentrating photovoltaic systems require dual-axis sun tracking to maintain nominal concentration throughout the day. In addition to collecting direct rays from the solar disk, which subtends ~0.53 degrees, concentrating optics must allow for in-field tracking errors due to mechanical misalignment of the module, wind loading, and control loop biases. The angular range over which the concentrator maintains <90% of on-axis throughput is defined as the optical acceptance angle. Concentrators with substantial rotational symmetry likewise exhibit rotationally symmetric acceptance angles. In the field, this is sometimes a poor match with azimuth-elevation trackers, which have inherently asymmetric tracking performance. Pedestal-mounted trackers with low torsional stiffness about the vertical axis have better elevation tracking than azimuthal tracking. Conversely, trackers which rotate on large-footprint circular tracks are often limited by elevation tracking performance. We show that a line-focus concentrator, composed of a parabolic trough primary reflector and freeform refractive secondary, can be tailored to have a highly asymmetric acceptance angle. The design is suitable for a tracker with excellent tracking accuracy in the elevation direction, and poor accuracy in the azimuthal direction. In the 1000X design given, when trough optical errors (2mrad rms slope deviation) are accounted for, the azimuthal acceptance angle is +/- 1.65°, while the elevation acceptance angle is only +/-0.29°. This acceptance angle does not include the angular width of the sun, which consumes nearly all of the elevation tolerance at this concentration level. By decreasing the average concentration, the elevation acceptance angle can be increased. This is well-suited for a pedestal alt-azimuth tracker with a low cost slew bearing (without anti-backlash features).
Operator and integro-differential representations of conditional and unconditional stochastic subsurface flow

Operator representations of stochastic subsurface flow equations allow writing their solutions implicitly or explicitly in terms of integro-differential expressions. Most of these representations involve Neumann series that must be truncated or otherwise approximated to become operational. It is often claimed that truncated Neumann series allow solving groundwater flow problems in the presence of arbitrarily large heterogeneities. Such claims have so far not been backed by convincing computational examples, and we present an analysis which suggests that they may not be justified on theoretical grounds. We describe an alternative operator representation due to Neuman and Orr (1993) which avoids the use of Neumann series yet accomplishes a similar purpose. It leads to a compact integro-differential form which provides considerable new insight into the nature of the solution. When written in terms of conditional moments, our new representation contains local and nonlocal effective parameters that depend on scale and information. As such, these parameters are not unique material properties but may change as more is learned about the flow system.
3D ELECTROMAGNETIC INVERSION USING INTEGRAL EQUATIONS1

Utilizing electromagnetic data in geophysical exploration work is difficult when measured responses are complicated by the effects of 3D structures. 1D and 2D models may not be capable of accurately simulating the physical processes that contribute to a measured response. 3D conductive-host modelling is difficult, costly and time-consuming. Using a 3D inverse procedure it is possible to automate the interpretation of controlled-source electromagnetic data. This procedure uses an inverse formulation based on frequency-domain, volume integral equations and a pulse-basis representation for the internal electrical field and anomalous conductivity. Beginning with an initial model composed of a 3D inhomogeneous region residing in a laterally homogeneous (layered-earth) geoelectrical section, iterative least-squares algorithms are used to refine the geometry and the conductivity of the inhomogeneity. This novel approach for 3D electromagnetic interpretation yields a reliable and stable inverse solution provided constraints on how much the variable can change at each iteration are incorporated. Integral-equation-based inverse formulations that do not correctly address the non-linearity of this inverse problem may have poor convergence properties, particularly when dealing with the high conductivity contrasts that are typical of many exploration problems. While problems associated with contamination of the data by random noise and non-uniqueness of solutions do not usually influence the inverse solution in an adverse manner, problems associated with model inadequacy and errors in an assumed background conductivity structure can produce undesirable effects.
Models for Site Adsorption of an Associating Fluid on Crystalline Surfaces

A model for a site adsorption of an associating fluid on the crystalline surfaces is studied. The (100) and (111) lattice surfaces are considered. An integral equation method is used to obtain the density profiles and investigate adsorption. It is shown that the associative interaction between the bulk fluid particles and reactive atoms of the crystalline surface leads to a formation of surface complexes. They include monomeric and dimeric species of the bulk fluid and the atoms of the exposed solid plane. Adsorption on the on-top, 2-fold bridging site and the 4-fold hollow site positions is studied for the case of the (100) lattice surface. The complexes, which include one, two, and three surface atoms and bulk species, are investigated for (111) lattice surface.
Enhanced motivation for food reward induced by stress and attenuation by corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor antagonism in rats: implications for overeating and obesity.

Overeating beyond individuals’ homeostatic needs critically contributes to obesity. The neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying the motivation to consume excessive foods with high calories are not fully understood. The present study examined whether a pharmacological stressor, yohimbine, enhances the motivation to procure food reward with an emphasis on comparisons between standard lab chow and high-fat foods. The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor blockade by a CRF1-selective antagonist NBI on the stress-enhanced motivation for food reward were also assessed. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with chow available ad libitum in their home cages were trained to press a lever under a progressive ratio schedule for deliveries of either standard or high-fat food pellets. For testing yohimbine stress effects, rats received an intraperitoneal administration of yohimbine 10 min before start of the test sessions. For testing effects of CRF1 receptor blockade on stress responses, NBI was administered 20 min prior to yohimbine challenge. The rats emitted higher levels of lever responses to procure the high-fat food pellets compared with their counterparts on standard food pellets. Yohimbine challenge facilitated lever responses for the reward in all of the rats, whereas the effect was more robust in the rats on high-fat food pellets compared with their counterparts on standard food pellets. An inhibitory effect of pretreatment with NBI was observed on the enhancing effect of yohimbine challenge but not on the responses under baseline condition without yohimbine administration. Stress challenge significantly enhanced the motivation of satiated rats to procure extra food reward, especially the high-fat food pellets. Activation of CRF1 receptors is required for the stress-enhanced motivation for food reward. These results may have implications for our better understanding of the biobehavioral mechanisms of overeating and obesity.
Gel electrophoretic assay for trace amounts of ribonuclease.

Abstract A semiquantative assay of picogram levels of RNA endonuclease activity is described. The degree of degradation of ribosomal RNA's resolved upon polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of sodium dodecylsulfate is calibrated with pancreatic RNase. Use of the assay with nucleic acid and enzyme preparations is demonstrated.
Saving for that first job: The key to financial success after graduation is smart planning

Looking forward to graduating next spring? Are you anxious about getting that high paying job and buying that new car? Well, your days of scrimping and saving are not quite over. While your new annual salary may be more money than you've ever made, you will have new expenses associated with working and living on your own. Apartment rent, car payments, and living expenses may be familiar to people who have lived off campus, but when you enter the professional ranks your needs and desires change. Preparing now is the best way to avoid financial despair from trying to have it all too soon.
The Effect of Intrahypothalamic Microinjection of Hemicholinium (HC-3) on the Hippocampal Theta Rhythm of Cats*

Acute and chronic intact cat preparations were made with recording electrodes located in the dorsal hippocampus and cerebral cortex, stimulating electrodes in the mesencephalic reticular formation, and an “Injectrode” in the posterior hypothalamus through which both electrical and pharmacological stimulation could be applied. In all preparations 12–200 μg hemicholinium (HC-3), administered through the “Injectrode”, suppressed the hippocampal theta rhythm previously elicited by electrical stimulations of either the reticular formation or the posterior hypothalamus. The latency for this effect ranged from 90 min to 3 hours. Reticular-induced desynchronization of the cortical EEG disappeared 2–5 hours after HC-3 administration. Reversal of the HC-3 effect on the hippocampal theta rhythm was seen shortly after administration of carbachol, bethanechol and pilocarpine. No consistent behavioral effects accompanied these changes in EEG. These findings are discussed in light of the hypothesis that HC-3 exerts a post-synaptic action in the CNS, although a pre-synaptic effect through diffusion of the injected HC-3 to a distant site cannot be ruled out with certainty.