cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of a corticotropin (ACTH) receptor.

Abstract We have used a new methodology to generate a monospecific antiserum to the corticotropin (ACTH) receptor on mouse Y-1 adrenal cells. Using immunoaffinity chromatography the ACTH receptor was purified, and the molecular structure and 125 I-ACTH binding characteristics were determined. A molecular weight ( M r ) of 225 000 was determined for the complete ACTH receptor as analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The receptor was composed of 4 subunits with M r 83 000, 64 000, 52 000 and 22 000. The 83 and 52 kDa subunits were disulfide linked and non-covalently associated with the 64 and 22 kDa subunits. The ability to specifically bind 125 I-ACTH was localized to the 83 kDa subunit. The purified receptor possessed binding affinities of 3.4 × 10 10 M −1 and 1.0 × 10 9 M −1 as determined by Scatchard analysis.
Operant conditioning and its applications in eqine pharmacology

Summary Studies of the effects of drugs on equine performance require access to sensitive methods of measuring subtle behavioral changes. Variable interval (VI) reinforcement scheduling is a specific type of operant conditioning that is sensitive to drug effects even when overt clinical signs of the drug have diminished. In our VI studies, horses were conditioned to break a light beam with a head-bobbing movement and this behavior was reinforced with a reward of clean oats (approximately 30 mg/reinforcement). Initial training procedures included acclimatization to the behavioral equipment and fixed-ratio reinforcement scheduling. To establish baseline rates of behavior the horses were converted to a variable interval (60 seconds) reinforcement schedule and were kept on this schedule for the remainder of the experiments. Daily sessions lasted 30 minutes and responding rates remained remarkably stable even after long periods of inactivity. Responses and reinforcement were recorded and dispensed by use of an electromechanical relay system wired to an electric eye, an automatic feeder and a programming and recording system. Recently, responding rates from horses administered detomidine, hordenine, xylazine and saline were monitored and compared to responding rates in horses from previous studies using acepromazine, cocaine, methylphenidate, phenylbutazone and reserpine. Rates of behavior in these operant-conditioned horses were remarkably stable over time and readily detected subclinical pharmacological effects of drug administrations.
Cisplatin administration following carboplatin desensitization failure in primary peritoneal cancer: a brief report

Purpose Platinum-based therapy is the cornerstone of ovarian cancer treatment. Development of platinum hypersensitivity can limit therapeutic options. In this brief report, we present case of successful cisplatin administration following two unsuccessful carboplatin desensitization attempts, and without the need for pre-treatment steroids.
Modification of electrodes with nanostructured films containing dirhodium-substituted polyoxometalates

Layer-by-layer (LBL) electrostatic assembly was used to prepare films comprising generation-4 polyamidoamine dendrimers (G4-PAMAM) and dirhodium polyoxometalates (Rh2POMs) on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes. To employ the propensity of P2Mo18O62 6− (PMo) to directly adsorb on glassy carbon, a new compound, Rh2PMo, was synthesized and characterized. The behavior was compared to that of a previously reported Rh2POM prepared from PW12O40 3− (PW). The LBL assembly of (G4-PAMAM, Rh2PW) n bilayers on GC pretreated by formation of a monolayer of 4-aminobenzoic acid was studied by doing a linear least-squares fit of peak current to n (n=5); the result gave an r 2 of only 0.90. With Rh2PMo, the analogous experiments with n=7 gave an r 2=0.995. Strong adsorption of Rh2PMo onto GC allowed the assembly of Rh2PMoadsorbed|(G4-PAMAM, Rh2PMo) n on conventional GC and on a 10-µm carbon fiber. The latter was used to demonstrate the bifunctional electrocatalytic property of these films through reduction of nitrite and the oxidation of arsenite.
Evolution of Polar and Dipolar Dislocation Density from Polychromatic Microdiffraction

Polychromatic X-ray microdiffraction (PXM) is sensitive to the density and organization of the dislocations, which occurs at several structural levels. At the lowest level statistically stored (dipolar) individual dislocations can exist within a crystal. At a higher structural level dislocations can organize into strongly correlated arrangements including walls and sub-boundaries. After plastic deformation geometrically necessary (polar) dislocations as well as geometrically necessary boundaries may be formed in a crystal. These dislocations cause not only random deformation, but also strongly correlated long range rotations within the crystal, grain, or subgrain. Non homogeneous plastic deformation is observed even in single crystals at smaller scale. Polar dislocations spread the conditions for x-ray (or neutron) diffraction transverse to the reciprocal space vector of each reflection. Diffracted intensity depends on the second rank dislocation density tensor. The polar dislocations density is related to the incompatibility of the plastic deformation and to the local lattice curvature. Laue patterns are therefore sensitive to the ratio between polar and dipolar dislocations density. Different slip systems of polar dislocations population cause distinctly different streaking in Laue patterns. Examination of streaked patterns enables one to determine statistically stored (dipolar) dislocations and geometrically necessary (polar) dislocations, GNDs, and to quantitativly determine the dislocation patterning parameters. The co-evolution of the statistically stored (dipolar) and geometrically necessary dislocations (polar) may be analyzed, and the ratio between the two densities may be obtained from the analysis of the Laue spots intensity distribution. The microbeam technique is applied to analyze a dislocation structure in a Ni bicrystal under uniaxial pulling.
Evolution of interactions between plants and their pollinators

Our theoretical understanding of plant reproductive character evolution often only implicitly includes pollinator behavior and the community ecological context of pollination. Reciprocal reservations apply to studies of pollinator evolution. I recast selection models to incorporate interaction between plants of one species with the pollinators of another, emphasizing primarily the plant perspective. I then include pollination and community processes, such as optimal foraging and interspecific competition for pollinators. This highlights how many models implicitly assume that a plant species exerts a monopoly on its pollinators. Such an assumption is at odds with the observation of widespread generalist interactions. Reconsideration of previous literature surveys and studies of plant–pollinator interaction illustrate this perspective.
Preparation of dicyclopropylcarbinyl phosphorochloridate and its use in phosphorylation reactions

Abstract Dicyclopropylcarbinyl phosphorochloridate has been synthesized for use in phosphorylation reactions. This reagent and primary or secondary alcohols gave the corresponding esters. It reacted with primary and secondary hydroxyl functions of nucleosides to form nucleotide triesters. Dicyclopropylcarbinyl methyl phosphate was hydrolyzed by aqueous acid to monomenthyl phosphate. The nucleotide tristers gave free nucleotides in amounts reflecting their labilities in acid, Thus, uridine-5′ phosphate was produced in 53% overall yield from 2′,3′-isopropylidene-uridine, whereas thymidine-3′ phosphate was obtained in only 12% from 5′-O-tritylthymidine.
Free-fermion approach to the commensurate-incommensurate transition in a model of Si/W(110).

The existence and stability of the incommensurate phase in a lattice-gas model of Si adsorbed on W(110) is studied using domain-wall arguments and the free-fermion approximation. The incommensurate phase observed in a previous Monte Carlo study is shown to be stable above both the (5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) and (6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phases in agreement with the general prediction for (p\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phases. The commensurate-incommensurate transition lines from the ordered (5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) and (6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phases to the incommensurate phase are calculated using the low-temperature free-fermion approximation. The results are shown to be in good qualitative agreement with results from previous Monte Carlo simulations.
Effect of nitrogen intake on and rhythmicity of circulating thyroid hormones in steers

Abstract This experiment was undertaken to investigate the effects of dietary nitrogen level and solubility on circulating thyroid hormones, to investigate the relationship of plasma 3-methylhistidine to changes in circulating thyroid hormones and to investigate rhythmicity of circulating thyroid hormones in steers. Isocaloric, semipurified diets were arranged factorially with three levels of nitrogen and two nitrogen sources that varied in ruminal solubility. Four rumen cannulated Hereford steers (mean ± SEM live weight 239 ± 4 kg) were assigned to each of the six treatments. Jugular blood samples were obtained every two hours for 48 hours for analysis of plasma 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Plasma T4 increased with increasing nitrogen level (P .10). This increase could have been related to a trend toward higher digestible energy intake with higher nitrogen level diets. Plasma T3 was not affected by nitrogen level or source (P>.10). Plasma 3-methylhistidine:creatinine ratio (3MH/CRE) was higher in the lowest nitrogen level treatment (P .10) by analysis of variance, but trends toward periodicity corresponding to a 12-hour feeding period (T3) and day length (T3) and (T4) were apparent as revealed by harmonic time series analysis.
The impairment of learning under immediate reinforcement

Abstract An extraneous task introduced between response and reinforcement for delayed-reinforced S s and after reinforcement for immediately reinforced S s seriously impaired both learning and retention for the latter S s but had no effect on the former. A replication carried out by three new experimenters confirmed these results. The S s in both experiments were second and third grade boys.
Substance P selectively modulates GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in striatal cholinergic interneurons

Abstract Substance P (SP) is co-localized and co-released with gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) from approximately 50% of GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum. MSNs innervate several cellular targets including neighboring MSNs and cholinergic interneurons via collaterals. However, the functional role of SP release onto striatal interneurons is unknown. Here we examined SP-mediated actions on inhibitory synaptic transmission in cholinergic interneurons using whole-cell recordings in mouse corticostriatal slices. We found that SP selectively suppressed GABA A receptor-mediated inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSCs), but not excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSCs) in cholinergic interneurons. In contrast, SP did not alter IPSCs in fast-spiking interneurons and MSNs. SP suppressed IPSC amplitude in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner, and the NK1 receptor antagonist RP67580 attenuated the SP-mediated suppression. In addition, RP67580 alone enhanced the evoked IPSC amplitude in cholinergic interneurons, suggesting an endogenous action of SP on regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission. SP did not alter the paired-pulse ratio, but reduced the amplitudes of GABA A agonist muscimol-induced outward currents and miniature IPSCs in cholinergic interneurons, suggesting SP exerts its effects primarily at the post-synaptic site. Our results indicate that the physiological effects of SP are to enhance the activity of striatal cholinergic interneurons and provide a rationale for designing potential new antiparkinsonian agents.
JAK2, But Not Src Family Kinases, Is Required for STAT, ERK, and Akt Signaling in Response to Growth Hormone in Preadipocytes and Hepatoma Cells

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), a tyrosine kinase that associates with the GH receptor and is activated by GH, has been implicated as a key mediator of GH signaling. Several published reports suggest that members of the Src family of tyrosine kinases may also participate in GH signaling. We therefore investigated the extent to which JAK2 and Src family kinases mediate GH activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) 1, 3, and 5a/b, ERKs 1 and 2, and Akt, in the highly GH-responsive cell lines 3T3-F442A preadipocytes and H4IIE hepatoma cells. GH activation of Src family kinases was not detected in either cell line. Further, blocking basal activity of Src kinases with the Src inhibitors PP1 and PP2 did not inhibit GH activation of STATs 1, 3, or 5a/b, or ERKs 1 and 2. When levels of JAK2 were depressed by short hairpin RNA in 3T3-F442A and H4IIE cells, GH-stimulated activation of STATs 1, 3, and 5a/b, ERKs 1 and 2, and Akt were significantly reduced; however, basal activity of Src family kinases was unaffected. These results were supported genetically by experiments showing that GH robustly activates JAK2, STATs 3 and 5a/b, ERKs 1 and 2, and Akt in murine embryonic fibroblasts derived from Src/Yes/ Fyn triple-knockout embryos that lack known Src kinases. These results strongly suggest that JAK2, but not Src family kinases, is critical for transducing these GH signals in 3T3-F442A and H4IIE cells.
Wildlife conservation in the cultural landscapes of the central Andes

Abstract The inhabited areas of the central Andean highlands are cultural landscapes, long dominated by land uses associated with subsistence agriculture. The wildlife remaining in these landscapes includes rare and endangered species, useful species, and those that can cause economic losses to local residents. Despite a general lack of relevant scientific investigations, it is important that wildlife concerns be included in rural development and nature reserve projects. This is best done by a three-prong approach that (1) improves the coverage, protection, and management of national parks and nature reserves; (2) integrates the control and management of wildlife into development projects focused on Andean communities; and (3) promotes species-specific programs that target endangered, useful or nuisance species of special concern.
Cardiovascular adaptations to diving in the northern elephant seal Mirounga angustirostris.

Abstract 1. 1. Heart rate, ECG, aortic blood pressure, iliac and carotid artery flow were recorded in twelve northern elephant seals ( Mirounga angustirostris ) at rest, during infusion of drugs and during the apnea of water immersion for periods of up to 40 min. 2. 2. The average resting heart rate was 60, the blood pressure 120/90, the iliac flow 1600 ml/min and carotid blood flow 1200 ml/min. 3. 3. Configuration of the ECG complexes was standard; the PR interval was less than 0·20, QRS less than 0·1 and QT less than 0·4 seconds. 4. 4. The cardiovascular responses to epinephrine and acetylcholine were typically mammalian. During water immersion the animals developed bradycardia, as low as 4 beats/min and intense peripheral vasoconstriction. 5. 5. Iliac artery blood flow was greatly reduced in all dives and fell to zero in dives of over 10 min. Carotid artery flow fell only in proportion to the heart rate, while carotid stroke flow was well maintained. Arterial blood pressure during diving was normal or slightly elevated. 6. 6. The post-dive recovery was marked by tachycardia and vasodilation. 7. 7. The diving response was abolished by atropine. 8. 8. Bradycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction identical to that which occured during diving was reproduced by electrical stimulation of the periventricular area of the anterior hypothalamus.
Cui bono?: Revisiting the promises and perils of online learning

Abstract We chronicle—in both an historical and bibliographic framework—the discussion of rhetorics of empowerment and disempowerment throughout the last 15 years, and we also examine the promises and perils of current trends in online teaching and learning, with a special emphasis on the role of universities in promoting distance education. This article addresses the question cui bono? , or who benefits, from the rush to technologize teaching and learning? We address the extent to which the continued rush to technologize teaching and learning is a perilous return to a rhetoric of empowerment that as compositionists we must continue to interrogate critically; we question how, in an era of 24/7 learning, students may or may not benefit and also how teachers may lose out, based on the increased workload and course management surrounding online learning.
Sleep patterns of home or hospitalized Alzheimer's disease patients

It has been documented that Alzheimer's disease patients suffer from sleep pattern changes and this interrupted sleep pattern is disruptive to the caregiver as well as the patient. There is little printed information in this area. The study will show sleep patterns in the Alzheimer patient, at home vs. in hospital, do appear to have some differences. Data was collected on 21 Alzheimer patients admitted for a two week in-hospital stay. Overall data was collected over a four week period of time. Assessment checksheets were completed by the caregiver on day seven and day two pre-hospitalization and day two and day seven posthospitalization. Nursing staff used the same checksheets on days two, seven, and 13 during hospitalization. Sleep time was tabulatedfrom this data. Significant differences were found in the mean number of hours slept at home versus in hospital. The data will support the conclusion that hospitalization for respite care does have a detrimental effect on the Alzheimer patient.
Effects of pressure on the dielectric properties of and the vanishing of the ferroelectricity in SbSI

The effects of pressure and temperature on the dielectric properties and ferroelectric (FE) transition in SbSI were investigated. Among the important features of the results are (i) the observation of the vanishing of the FE state at 0 K and high pressure (> ∼ 9.5 kbar), and (ii) the observation of a new, pressure-induced effect in some samples of this material. The FE transition temperature Tc → 0 K with a finite slope dTc/dP, as we have observed for other displacive soft mode ferroelectrics. In these ferroelectrics the strictly harmonic frequency ω0 of the soft FE mode in the paraelectric phase is imaginary at 1 bar, and all of the stabilization of the mode frequency is provided by high-order anharmonicities. At sufficiently high pressure ω0 becomes real and the crystal becomes stable against the FE mode at all temperatures, i.e. the FE state vanishes. It is postulated that the new effect, which is manifested by a peak in the static susceptibility which grows rapidly with pressure, is associated with cr...
Shear degradation of vinyl polymers in dilute solution by high-speed stirring

The degradation of polyisobutylene and polystyrene resulting from high-speed stirring of their dilute solutions has been investigated. Maximum degradation was obtained in “poor” solvents, at low temperatures and at highest possible rates of shear. The lower limit of the intrinsic viscosity reached for polyisobutylene in benzene solution was 1.30 as measured in cyclohexane at 30°. For polystyrene the lowest molecular weight attained is represented by an intrinsic, viscosity of ca. 0.75 in methyl ethyl ketone at 25°. The polymers were sheared in the presence of iodine and the amounts of iodine incorporated into the polymers measured radiochemically. The amounts of iodine incorporated during shear were of the same order of magnitude as the number of chain scissions calculated on the basis of the decrease in intrinsic viscosity.
Chronic Homelessness, Head Start, and Changing Federal Policies: Teaching and Learning at Hawthorne House.

Federal policy changes for Head Start (HS) elevate the importance of measured academic performance over other traditional program aims, particularly those associated with the social-emotional devel...
Workplace Stress Management Interventions: What Works Best?

ployees may feel overwhelmed by the many stress management interventions they have to choose from. Adding to the selection challenge is that interventions often differ tremendously in terms of cost, time, and practicality. Considering the effort and expense involved, it would be helpful to know which intervention approaches are most effective at reducing em ployee stress. Fortunately, new research helps us sort through the many approaches to stress man agement. In their recent study, Katherine Rich ardson and Hannah Rothstein of Baruch College compare the outcomes of a variety of workplace stress management interventions. Specifically, Richardson and Rothstein exam ined the results of 36 experimental studies of stress management interventions from a variety of work environments and synthesized the findings. Their synthesis of results across these studies, known as a meta-analysis, allowed Richardson and Roth stein to compare the efficacy of various workplace stress management interventions. In doing so, they classified interventions as primary, second ary, or tertiary. Primary interventions attempt to alter the source of the workplace stress by making changes such as redesigning jobs to give employees greater flexibility or more decision control. Secondary interventions help employees better recognize and manage stress symptoms as they occur. Examples of secondary interventions include courses that teach skills such meditation or time management. Finally, tertiary interventions are designed to help employees recover from stressful events. For ex ample, an organization may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing employees access to counseling to help them recover from challenging circumstances. Richardson and Rothstein's meta-analysis in cluded several studies of primary interventions aimed at altering stressful work environments, but most of the studies they examined focused on secondary interventions such as relaxation train ing. None of the studies in this meta-analysis involved tertiary interventions such as EAPs. That said, Richardson and Rothstein were able to sort through the outcomes of stress management interventions across a large number of participants representing diverse occupations and nationali ties. For example, one study included office work ers in the United Kingdom, another looked at hazardous waste workers in the United States, and a third focused on nurses in Taiwan. In gathering these experiments for their anal ysis, Richardson and Rothstein created a diverse list of primary and secondary stress management interventions. These were further divided into
Child labor in the People’s Republic of China: An ecological systems analysis

Child labor continues to be a serious social problem in China, and examination of the issue requires a contextualized understanding of the risk factors at various systems levels. We examine this issue using the perspective of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. Implications for practice, policy and research are also discussed.
Corticosteroids repress the interleukin 1 beta-induced secretion of collagenase in human intestinal smooth muscle cells.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 beta induces collagenase expression and inhibits collagen expression in human intestinal smooth muscle (HISM) cells. Corticosteroids cause transrepression of certain genes, including the collagenase gene. The aim of this study was to determine if corticosteroids repress the induction of collagenase expression and the inhibition of collagen secretion by IL-1 beta in HISM cells. METHODS: HISM cells were exposed to IL-1 beta (1-100 pmol/L) for 24 hours in the presence or absence of dexamethasone (10(-6) mol/L). Collagenase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined by ribonuclease protection assay. Collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase protein secretion were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of culture medium. Procollagen and collagen secretion were determined by polyacrylamide slab gel analysis of radiolabeled proteins in culture medium. RESULTS: A 30-fold induction of collagenase mRNA and collagenase protein secretion by IL-1 beta was completely abrogated by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone at 10(-6) mol/L also reduced basal levels of collagenase mRNA by 50% and blocked the IL-1 beta-induced inhibition of collagen secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroids repress the collagenolytic action of IL-1 beta on HISM cells in vitro and therefore should promote healing in the inflamed intestine. (Gastroenterology 1997 Dec;113(6):1924-9)
On the singular limit for a class of problems modelling phase transitions

The total variation is a measure of the complexity of a given solution to ${{(\varepsilon )} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{(\varepsilon )} {\varepsilon ^2 u''_\varepsilon }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\varepsilon ^2 u''_\varepsilon }} - f(x,u_\varepsilon ) = 0$. For stable solutions, under appropriate conditions on f, the total variation can be bounded uniformly in $\varepsilon $. This estimate provides sufficient compactness for relating the stable solutions of $(\varepsilon )$ to those of the limiting equation $(\varepsilon = 0)$.
When does variation indicate linguistic change in progress

It is argued that two variables of Modern French (the negative particle ne and the consonant l of clitic pronouns such as il) are indeed indices of ongoing linguistic change, even though this change appears to be of long duration. This conclusion is based not only on the distribution of the variables in a corpus of natural French discourse, but also on independent linguistic evidence, together with the available historical record. In the absence of adequate ‘real-time’ data, variationist analysis yielding synchronic, “apparent-time” data provides a useful means of charting the drift of the language.
Biosimilars: Illustration of scientific issues in two examples

Purpose. Scientific issues and clinical implications associated with the use of biosimilars (biopharmaceuticals that are similar to an innovator product, notwithstanding minor differences) are illustrated in two examples, botulinum neurotoxins and erythropoietic agents. Summary. Comparison of Botox and Dysport, products that both contain botulinum toxin type A, revealed distinct differences in physicochemical characteristics, approved indications, dosing, and frequency of adverse events. Differentiating between botulinum toxin products on the basis of immunogenicity in the clinical setting would be of value in product selection, and pharmacists could play a valuable role in collecting antigenicity rate data and reporting them to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the manufacturer. Various ethical and practical considerations are associated with the use of erythropoietic agents. The desire to optimize patient care and outcomes must be weighed against the likelihood of obtaining reimbursement for erythropoietic therapy, and reimbursement policies vary from one state to another. Comparing erythropoietic agents requires the use of a consistent and valid definition of treatment response. The definition of response that FDA will accept in the future when evaluating applications for approval of new biosimilar erythropoietic agents and establishing equivalence remains to be determined. Conclusion. A variety of scientific and practical clinical issues are associated with the use of biosimilars, including product differences in physicochemical characteristics, reimbursement policies, and the need for valid and clinically relevant criteria for comparing the efficacy and safety of biosimilars and innovator products.
Par(le)® femme

“The Laugh of the Medusa” was first published in French in 1975, the year that I graduated from high school. I only read the text much later at Cal Arts as a graduate student. In the midst of the c...
Solution-precipitation creep in glass ceramics

Abstract The deformation rate of polycrystalline ceramics that contain a residual glass phase is analysed in terms of material transport through the liquid phase. Molecules are transported and deposited in the direction of the positive normal traction gradient along the interfaces. This produces a change in the shape of the grains such that they become elongated in the direction of the tensile stress. It is suggested that the steady state kinetics of this process is controlled either by the rate of dissolution and precipitation reaction at the glass-crystal interfaces, or by the rate of transport through the liquid phase. An island structure of the grain boundary is assumed to model the atomistics of the transport process. The results of creep experiments in a β-spodumene glass ceramic are shown to be in agreement with the model for interface reaction controlled creep.
The effect of limited milk feeding on the longevity of the house fly, musca domestica L.

Abstract Female house flies live as long on a 3-day milk supplement beginning 12 hr after emergence as they do on a constant milk supplement throughout their entire life span. Male house flies are not affected. The beneficial effects on female house fly longevity are indicative that utilization of milk is intimately related to egg development, and this in turn related to increased longevity. Female house flies on either constant or 3-day milk regimens ingest enough milk shortly after emergence for the maturation of a batch of eggs, and because of the lack of suitable oviposition site do not lay their eggs. Rather, they harbor a fully developed batch of eggs, and do not ingest more milk. Since milk is not ingested and utilized after the first three to four days of post-emergence, the effect of increased longevity due to milk supplementation is established within this time via egg development. This explains the similar increased longevities of females on constant and 3-day milk dietary regimens.
Life-history strategies predict fish invasions and extirpations in the colorado river basin

Understanding the mechanisms by which nonnative species successfully in- vade new regions and the consequences for native fauna is a pressing ecological issue, and one for which niche theory can play an important role. In this paper, we quantify a com- prehensive suite of morphological, behavioral, physiological, trophic, and life-history traits for the entire fish species pool in the Colorado River Basin to explore a number of hypotheses regarding linkages between human-induced environmental change, the creation and mod- ification of ecological niche opportunities, and subsequent invasion and extirpation of species over the past 150 years. Specifically, we use the fish life-history model of K. O. Winemiller and K. A. Rose to quantitatively evaluate how the rates of nonnative species spread and native species range contraction reflect the interplay between overlapping life- history strategies and an anthropogenically altered adaptive landscape. Our results reveal a number of intriguing findings. First, nonnative species are located throughout the adaptive surface defined by the life-history attributes, and they surround the ecological niche volume represented by the native fish species pool. Second, native species that show the greatest distributional declines are separated into those exhibiting strong life-history overlap with nonnative species (evidence for biotic interactions) and those having a periodic strategy that is not well adapted to present-day modified environmental conditions. Third, rapidly spreading nonnative fishes generally occupy ''vacant'' niche positions in life-history space, which is associated either with ''niche opportunities'' provided by human-created envi- ronmental conditions (consistent with the environmental-resistance hypothesis of invasion) or with minimal overlap with native life-history strategies (consistent with the biotic- resistance hypothesis). This study is the first to identify specific life-history strategies that are associated with extensive range reduction of native species and expansion of nonnative species, and it highlights the utility of using niche and life-history perspectives to evaluate different mechanisms that contribute to the patterns of fish invasions and extirpations in the American Southwest.
On annuli containing all the zeros of a polynomial

In this paper, we obtain the annuli that contain all the zeros of the polynomial p(z)=a"0+a"1z+a"2z^2+...+a"nz^n, where a"i's are complex coefficients and z is a complex variable. Our results sharpen some of the recently obtained results in this direction. Also, we develop a MATLAB code to show that for some polynomials the bounds obtained by our results are considerably sharper than the bounds obtainable from the known results.
Hot electron induced degradation of undoped AlGaN/GaN HFETs

Abstract This work presents the effects of hot electron stress on the degradation of undoped Al 0.3 GaN 0.7 /GaN power HFET’s with SiN passivation. Typical degradation characteristics consist of a decrease in the drain current and maximum transconductance, an increase in the drain series resistance, gate leakage and a subthreshold current. Degradation mechanism has been investigated by means of gate lag measurements (pulsed I – V ) and current-mode deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Stressed devices suffered from aggravated drain current slump (DC to RF dispersion) which indicates possible changes in surface charge profiles occurred during hot electron stress test. The DLTS was used to identify the trap creation by hot electron stress. The DLTS spectra of stressed device revealed the evidence of trap creation due to hot electron stress.
Does What Happens in Los Mochis Stay in Los Mochis? Explaining Postmigration Political Behavior

This article seeks to understand how immigrants’ premigration political socialization experiences shape their views of the new polity, the extent to which this imported socialization affects their ...
Sensitivity and specificity of paired capillary prolactin measurement in diagnosis of seizures

Serum prolactin levels may increase after epileptic seizures, but the increase is transient. We developed an assay of prolactin from capillary blood applied to filter paper than can be performed at home. Blood was obtained by finger stick 15 and 75 min after a seizure-like clinical episode in 50 patients undergoing video-EEG monitoring. A positive result by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) was set at a level ⩾6.7 ng/ml 15 min after a neurologic event or at a twofold decrease from 15 to 75 min. In all, 25 of 36 epileptic events and 1 of 14 nonepileptic events generated capillary prolactin levels >6.7 ng/ml, for a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 93%. If simple partial seizures were excluded, sensitivity increased to 80%. A twofold decrease from 15 to 75 min occurred in 25 of 36 epileptic events and in 2 of 14 nonepileptic events, for a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 86%. Paired capillary blood testing for prolactin is useful for diagnosis of seizures; results are comparable to those obtained by venous sampling. In our study group, assays of a second finger stick obtained 1 h after the first did not increase the sensitivity or specificity of the test. Our results suggest that capillary blood finger stick for prolactin is useful for diagnosis of seizures.
Underground mine Refuge Chamber Expectations Training: Program development and evaluation

Refuge chambers are new devices for underground coal mines that provide approximately 96 h of breathable air, water, food, and supplies in the event of an emergency where miners are unable to escape. Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a training program to prepare miners for what to expect psychologically and physiologically inside of a refuge chamber. The field tests of this training revealed that it was received very positively by miners and helped impart realistic views about the physical discomforts and psychological stresses of being inside a refuge chamber.
Essential monitoring examined through different lenses.

When we ask, what renders essential a particular monitoring approach during routine anesthesia for a healthy patient, perplexing questions, rather than satisfying answers, are raised. I have examined these questions with the help of three lenses that focus on the relationship between the outcome of anesthesia and the detection, and thus correction, of abnormalities during anesthesia. The first lens looks at whether the monitoring modalities accepted by anesthesiologists as “minimal” and “essential” have been scientifically proven to affect outcome from routine anesthesia. A second lens views how well monitors reveal the integrity of the organism and its components. Currently available monitors describe the output of cells or organs but relay little information about the viability of cells. Thus, they describe the symptoms rather than the causes of the pathophysiology related to anesthesia. Today's monitors also measure input, for example, the supply of oxygen, perhaps the most routinely measured of all the variables. The third lens looks at whether there are nonclinical influences on monitoring practice. This lens views the gap between recognizing monitoring possibilities and adopting them clinically; it also views geographic differences in monitoring, as well as social pressures exerted through legal proceedings. Finally, currently recognized essential monitors such as blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography, and oxygen analysis are mentioned, and candidates for inclusion in the list of essential monitors, such as oximeters, capnographs, and the automated record, are discussed.
Measurement of illite particle thickness using a direct Fourier transform of small-angle X-ray scattering data

It has been suggested that interstratified illite-smectite (I-S) minerals are composed of aggregates of fundamental particles. Many attempts have been made to measure the thickness of such fundamental particles, but each of the methods used suffers from its own limitations and uncertainties. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) can be used to measure the thickness of particles that scatter X-rays coherently. We used SAXS to study suspensions of Na-rectorite and other illites with varying proportions of smectite. The scattering intensity (I) was recorded as a function of the scattering vector, q = (4 π/λ) sin(θ/2), where λ is the X-ray wavelength and θ is the scattering angle. The experimental data were treated with a direct Fourier transform to obtain the pair distance distribution function (PDDF) that was then used to determine the thickness of illite particles. The Guinier and Porod extrapolations were used to obtain the scattering intensity beyond the experimental q, and the effects of such extrapolations on the PDDF were examined. The thickness of independent rectorite particles (used as a reference mineral) is 18.3 A. The SAXS results are compared with those obtained by X-ray diffraction peak broadening methods. It was found that the power-law exponent (α) obtained by fitting the data in the region of q = 0.1–0.6 nm−1 to the power law (I = I0q−α) is a linear function of illite particle thickness. Therefore, illite particle thickness could be predicted by the linear relationship as long as the thickness is within the limit where α <4.0.
Trends in self-reported visual impairment in the United States: 1984 to 2010.

Objective To explore trends in the prevalence of self-reported visual impairment in the noninstitutionalized adult US population during the 27-year period from 1984 to 2010. Design Data obtained from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) were used to analyze trends in the prevalence of self-reported visual impairment in the United States. Participants Representative, population-based samples of between 45 000 and 92 000 adults (NHIS) and between 37 000 and 71 000 adults (SIPP) during each year of data collection. Methods Survey results were age-adjusted to a standard (2010) population. Sampling weights were used throughout the analysis using strata and primary sampling unit variables provided in the public use datasets to appropriately take into account the complex design of the surveys. The statistical significance of trends was estimated by computing the difference in chi-squares of a fit to a linear trendline and a fit without a trend. Main Outcome Measures The trends and percent change in the prevalence of visual impairment from 1984 to 1996 and from 1997 to 2010 for NHIS and 1984 to 2010 for SIPP. Results On the basis of NHIS data, the prevalence of activity-limiting visual impairment among persons aged ≥65 years declined by 51.7% ( P P P P Conclusions There was a marked reduction in the prevalence of self-reported visual impairment in the noninstitutionalized adult US population during the period from 1984 to 2010. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
TH-B-211A-01: Practical Considerations for Respiratory Colarated CT Imaging and Target Volume Delineation

Accurate and conformal treatment of tumors in abdomen and thorax is challenging due to respiratory related motion. Respiratory corralled CTimaging combined with gated treatment delivery can improve both accuracy and conformality of delivered dose distributions. Implementation of respiratory correlated imaging and treatment delivery can be performed in multiple ways and understanding of different techniques and technical challenges is critical for efficient and safe clinical implementation. Formal recommendations for commissioning and clinical use of this technology is scarce. Inadequate evaluation and understanding of these systems can lead to significant treatment errors. This presentation deals with practical issues of respiratory correlated CTimaging and commissioning. Examples of some commonly seen image artifacts are also discussed. Furthermore, contouring based on respiratory correlated images is discussed, again with examples of some of potential pitfalls and artifacts. Education Objectives: 1. Commissioning process for respiratory correlated CTimaging and delivery techniques. 2. Use of respiratory correlated images for target delineation. 3. Common image artifacts and contouring errors seen with respiratory correlated imaging.
Globalization and information technology: Four paradigmatic views

Abstract Any explanation of globalization and information technology is based on a worldview. The premise of this paper is that any worldview can be associated with one of the four broad paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. This paper takes the case of globalization and information technology and discusses it from the four different viewpoints. It emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the phenomenon from their certain paradigmatic viewpoint; and together they provide a more balanced understanding of the phenomenon under consideration.
Abstract 17: Bcl-2 is a downstream target of ATF5 that mediates ATF5's pro-survival function in a cell type-dependent manner

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is a member of the ATF/CREB family of basic zipper (bZIP) proteins. Recent reports showed that ATF5 loss-of-function causes apoptotic cell death in glioblastoma and breast cancer cells but not in non-transformed astrocytes and human breast epithelial cells. The mechanism for ATF5's cell type-dependent survival function is unknown. We report here that the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 is a downstream target that mediates ATF5-promoted cancer-cell survival in C6 glioma cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. ATF5 binds to an ATF5-specific regulatory element (ARE) that is downstream of and adjacent to the negative regulatory element (NRE) in the Bcl-2 P2 promoter, stimulating Bcl-2 expression. Highlighting the importance of Bcl-2 in ATF5-dependent cancer-cell survival, expression of Bcl-2 blocks death of C6 and MCF-7 cells induced by d/nATF5 and depletion of Bcl-2 impairs ATF5-promoted cell survival. Moreover, we found that Bcl-2 expression is not regulated by ATF5 in non-transformed rat astrocytes, MEFs, and human breast epithelial cells (HBEC), where knock-down of Bcl-2 but not that of ATF5 evokes cell death. These findings identify Bcl-2 as an essential mediator for ATF5's cancer-specific cell survival function in glioblastoma and breast cancer cells and provide direct evidence that the cell type-specific function of ATF5 derives from the differential regulation of downstream targets by ATF5 in different types of cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 17. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-17
Alkyl nitrate photochemical production rates in North Pacific seawater

Abstract Low molecular weight alkyl nitrates are produced in surface seawater from the photochemically initiated reaction of NO with organic peroxy radicals. In this study, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and n-propyl nitrate photochemical production rates were determined from shipboard incubation experiments. Surface water samples from a variety of different North Pacific water masses were irradiated in sunlight, with and without added nitrite. Production was observed in some, but not all unmodified waters. Production rates increased with increasing addition of nitrite. The relative rates of production of C 1 , C 2 , and C 3 alkyl nitrates were roughly constant in all production experiments, and similar to the concentration ratios in ambient waters. This constancy most likely reflects consistency in the ratios of the various organic peroxy radicals involved in the reaction ROO + NO. Alkyl nitrate production rates at 1 μM nitrite concentrations generally did not vary markedly by water type, indicating that distribution of nitrite, not organic matter may control photochemical alkyl nitrate formation in the oceans. At higher nitrite levels, differences in production rates may reflect variations in the concentration or reactivity of dissolved organics.
N-Acylation of ethanolamine phospholipids in canine myocardium.

N-Acylethanolamine phospholipids, which are found in infarcted but not in normal canine myocardium, were produced by preparations of normal myocardial tissue incubated in the presence of millimiolar concentrations of Ca2+. Biosynthetic activity from endogenous substrates was associated with both microsomal and mitochondrial fractions and exhibited an alkaline pH optimum. The time course of N-acylethanolamine phospholipid synthesis and degradation was followed after pulse labeling of myocardial ethanolamine phospholipids with [1,2-14C]ethanolamine. Enzymic N-acylation of both phosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine was demonstrated by incubating these substrates with homogenates of myocardial tissue. Neither free fatty acids nor acyl-CoA derivatives served as acyi donor but some of the constituent fatty acids of exogenous phosphatidylethanolamine were recovered among the amide-linked fatty acids of the N-acylethanolainine phospholipids. N-Acylation may thus occur by the transfer of O-acyl groups catalyzed by a Ca2+-dependent transacylase. Since N-acylethanolamine phospholipids are precursors of the biologically active N-acylethanolamines, their biosynthesis may constitute an important injury-induced metabolic event aimed at the protection of ischwmic myocardial tissue.