cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies for breast cancer therapy with antiestrogens

Current clinical research is focused upon the application of adjuvant therapy for the treatment of breast cancer. Combination chemotherapy is the most successful adjuvant therapy for premenopausal patients whereas the antiestrogen tamoxifen (1 or 2 yr) is successful in postmenopausal disease. We have developed a unifying strategy for the treatment of breast cancer. The thesis is based upon the application of continuous adjuvant therapy with tamoxifen in a low estrogen environment. Chemotherapy causes a chemical castration in premenopausal patients. In contrast, tamoxifen causes an increase in steroidogenesis. A combination of both approaches will work against each other until ovarian failure occurs. Patients should be checked for castration to provide a low estrogen environment in which tamoxifen, a competitive antagonist of estrogen action, can effectively work. Laboratory evidence using carcinogen-induced rat mammary tumor models demonstrates the efficacy of long-term therapy. Studies with the human breast cell line MCF-7 grown in athymic mice show that tamoxifen is a tumoristatic agent so that once the therapy is stopped, tumors can be regrown by estrogen administration. Patients should receive continuous tamoxifen therapy to prevent the growth-stimulating effects of adrenal steroids, environmental and phyto-estrogens.
Changes in susceptibility to oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus during progression of prostate cancer

ABSTRACT A major challenge to oncolytic virus therapy is that individual cancers vary in their sensitivity to oncolytic viruses, even when these cancers arise from the same tissue type. Variability in response may arise due to differences in the initial genetic lesions leading to cancer development. Alternatively, susceptibility to viral oncolysis may change during cancer progression. These hypotheses were tested using cells from a transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer infected with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Primary cultures from murine cancers derived from prostate-specific Pten deletion contained a mixture of cells that were susceptible and resistant to VSV. Castration-resistant cancers contained a higher percentage of susceptible cells than cancers from noncastrated mice. These results indicate both susceptible and resistant cells can evolve within the same tumor. The role of Pten deletion was further investigated using clonal populations of murine prostate epithelial (MPE) progenitor cells and tumor-derived Pten −/− cells. Deletion of Pten in MPE progenitor cells using a lentivirus vector resulted in cells that responded poorly to interferon and were susceptible to VSV infection. In contrast, tumor-derived Pten −/− cells expressed higher levels of the antiviral transcription factor STAT1, activated STAT1 in response to VSV, and were resistant to VSV infection. These results suggest that early in tumor development following Pten deletion, cells are primarily sensitive to VSV, but subsequent evolution in tumors leads to development of cells that are resistant to VSV infection. Further evolution in castration-resistant tumors leads to tumors in which cells are primarily sensitive to VSV. IMPORTANCE There has been a great deal of progress in the development of replication-competent viruses that kill cancer cells (oncolytic viruses). However, a major problem is that individual cancers vary in their sensitivity to oncolytic viruses, even when these cancers arise from the same tissue type. The experiments presented here were to determine whether both sensitive and resistant cells are present in prostate cancers originating from a single genetic lesion in transgenic mice, prostate-specific deletion of the gene for the tumor suppressor Pten. The results indicate that murine prostate cancers are composed of both cells that are sensitive and cells that are resistant to oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Furthermore, androgen deprivation led to castration-resistant prostate cancers that were composed primarily of cells that were sensitive to VSV. These results are encouraging for the use of VSV for the treatment of prostate cancers that are resistant to androgen deprivation therapy.
Atomic Motion During the Migration of General [001] Tilt Grain Boundaries in Ni

Abstract We generalize a previous study of the atomic motions governing grain boundary migration to consider arbitrary misorientations of [0 0 1] tilt boundaries. Our examination of the nature of atomic motions employed three statistical measures of atomic motion: the non-Gaussian parameter, the “dynamic entropy” and the van Hove correlation function. These metrics were previously shown to provide a useful characterization of atomic motions both in glass-forming liquids and strained polycrystalline materials. As before, we find highly cooperative, string-like motion of atoms, but the grain boundary migration itself is a longer timescale process in which atoms move across the grain boundary. These observations are consistent with our previous results for Σ5 [0 0 1] tilt boundaries. It is evident from our work that the grain boundary structure and misorientation have a significant influence on the rate of grain boundary migration.
The Biological Actions and Potential Clinical Significance of Dietary ?-3 Fatty Acids

• The exploration of the effects of fish oil in cardiovascular disease and inflammation seems to be a promising avenue of research. There is evidence indicating the role of marine oils in inhibiting coagulation and platelet, leukocyte, and T-lymphocyte function. Moderate amounts of fish oil reduce serum triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein levels, while effects on cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels are unpredictable except at extremely large doses. Putative actions in lowering blood pressure and limiting myocardial infarct size require further study. The clinician needs to be aware of the dose- and time-dependent nature of the measurable effects of fish oil. The folly of recommending two to four capsules per day is contrasted with the ten to 30 capsules required to produce a specific desired effect. (Arch Intern Med1988;148:2043-2048)
Variational Method Applied to the Harmonic Oscillator

Mathcad document that introduces students to the variational method using a simple, one-dimensional harmonic oscillator.
Statistical estimation of parameters in a disease transmission model: analysis of a Cryptosporidium outbreak.

Population dynamic models, commonly used tools in the study of epidemics and other complex population processes, are implicit non-linear mathematical equations. Inference based on such models can be difficult due to the problems associated with high dimensional parameters that may be non-identified and complex likelihood functions that are difficult to maximize. To address a problem of non-identifiability due to collinearity of parameter estimates in a mathematical model of the 1993 Milwaukee Cryptosporidium parvum outbreak, we examined the utility of a constrained profile likelihood approach. This method was used to study two parameters of interest from the mathematical model: (i). the rate of secondary transmission; (ii). the proportional increase in primary transmission due to water treatment failure. The estimated values of these parameters were shown to depend strongly on poorly understood aspects of Cryptosporidium epidemiology such as asymptomatic proportion and the population immune status. Our analysis demonstrated that the combination of a disease transmission model and a constrained profile likelihood procedure provides an effective approach for inference and estimation of important parameters regulating infectious disease outbreaks.
Parental Divorce and Interpersonal Trust in Adult Offspring

It has been proposed that recent increases in parental divorce have inhibited the development of trust among offspring. This proposition is tested by examining whether parental divorce is associated with offspring trust in parents, intimate partners, and others. Data come from the Marital Instability Over the Life Course Study. Results reveal that although parental divorce is negatively associated with trust, these effects largely disappear once the quality of the past parent-teen relationship is taken into account. The one exception is trust in fathers where children of divorce remain at higher risk of mistrust. Trust in parents, intimates, and others is strongly linked to positive parent-teen relationships regardless of parental divorce. Contemporary relationship experiences also influence trusting intimates and others.
Effect of Glycidate on Glycolate Formation and Photosynthesis in Isolated Spinach Chloroplasts

Glycidate (2,3-epoxypropionate) increased CO2 photoassimilation in intact spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts in the presence of various inhibitors of photosynthesis, including O2, arsenite, azide, iodo-acetamide, and carbonylcyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone. Although the mechanism by which glycidate enhances photosynthesis is obscure, the stimulatory effect cannot be ascribed to either an inhibition of glycolate formation, a specific interaction with the O2 inhibition of photosynthesis, or a direct effect on the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) reaction. The lack of a differential effect of glycidate on photosynthesis and glycolate formation in the isolated chloroplast was confirmed in whole leaf studies by the CO2 compensation concentration assay. These results are at variance with the report that glycidate stimulates net photosynthesis in tobacco leaf disks by irreversibly inhibiting glycolate formation and thus photorespiration (Zelitch, I., 1974, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 163: 367-377).
Biochemical and Functional Characterization of a Recombinant GTPase, Rab5, and Two of Its Mutants

Abstract Biochemical, structural, and functional properties of Rab5 wild-type (WT) protein were compared with those of Q79L and N133I mutants. The detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate increased guanine nucleotide binding to Rab5 WT ≈10-fold. The single-step catalytic rate of Rab5 WT exceeded that of Q79L 12.2-fold, but the steady-state GTPase rate was only 2.8-fold greater because GDP dissociation was rate-limiting and GDP dissociation was 3.6-fold slower than for Q79L. In contrast, dissociation rates of GTP were indistinguishable. Binding to Rab5 N133I was not detectable. GTP protected Rab5 WT and Q79L from any apparent proteolysis by trypsin. A 20-kDa fragment was the major product of digestion in the presence of GDP, and 12- and 8-kDa fragments were the major products in the absence of added guanine nucleotides. Rab5 N133I underwent no apparent proteolysis with 10 mM GTP or GDP, suggesting a “triphosphate” conformation may be induced in Rab5 N133I by either GTP or GDP. Partially geranylgeranylated Rab5 WT stimulated endosome fusion in vitro, whereas unmodified Rab5 WT did not. Processed Rab5 Q79L failed to inhibit endosome fusion, and Rab5 N133I could not be geranylgeranylated. These findings identify biochemical and structural features of Rab5 proteins, providing data for the interpretation of functional assays.
Use of simultaneous face to face and face to edge π-π interactions to facilitate chiral recognition

Abstract A recendy developed HPLC chiral stationary phase exhibits a general ability to resolve the enantiomers of compounds possessing both an electron rich conjugated π-system and a hydrogen bond acceptor located near the stereogenic center.
Potential method of geobarometry using quartz

As crystals grow from solution they may trap small amounts of the solvent and other solutes. It has long been known that minerals evolve gases on heating1–4 and it has been assumed that, except for alteration during weathering, the gases are incorporated from the growth medium at the time of crystallisation. If the amount and composition of the gases trapped in minerals are to be used to make detailed geological interpretations it is essential that the location of the gas within the crystal structure is established. In minerals like carbonates and hydrates, ‘gases’ form part of the structure. Sites in which gas can occur include primary and secondary fluid inclusions, point defects, lattice dislocations, grain boundaries, and structure holes. Gas can also be adsorbed on crystal surfaces. Each site has its own characteristic temperature at which gas loss occurs, so that on heating a mineral the gases are released at different temperatures. This provides a method for distinguishing between gases from different sites.
Comment on "Site-specific crop management: adoption patterns and incentives."

n general, Khanna, Epouhe, and Hombaker made a significant contribution to our understanding of adoption patterns for site-specific crop management, but their detailed results present a somewhat different adoption pattern for precision agriculture technology than would be expected based on farm level profitability studies. The study indicates that in some states the number of farmers using variable rate application (VRA) fertilizer is greater than the number using yield monitors, and that in the four survey states the acreage on which yield monitor data has been collected is almost the same as the VRA fertilizer area. Farm level
Consolidation of powder to form a matrix around fibers in composite materials

Abstract A new constitutive law for the plastic yielding of aggregates composed of powder particles bonded together by isolated contacts is used to model the consolidation of composite materials. The composite material is subjected to isostatic pressure. The process is modeled by the radially inward flow of the powder towards the fiber. It is found that the presence of the fibers has no effect on the pressure required to consolidate the material except that they reduce the volume available to the powder.
Optical absorption spectroscopy by scanning force microscopy

Abstract Scanned-probe techniques are providing nanometer-resolution images of surface properties and surface features. In this contribution we suggest a technique identifying these features by locally recording their optical spectra. The technique is based on a simple modification to a scanning force microscope where an optical beam is focused onto the sample and the change in contact potential difference between tip and sample is measured as a function of laser wavelength. The change in contact potential difference can be due either to local heating or to a change in the surface dipole moment caused by optical excitation of sample and/or tip. Initial results of spectra and images of Au on mica and Cr are presented.
Nondestructive Quality Assurance of Ceramic Filters Using Noncontact Dynamic Characterization

Ceramic candle filters are stiff cylindrical structures arranged in rosettes in a hot gas vessel. Custom-made with strong composite materials, these filters are designed to withstand heating and cooling cycles of very high temperature gradients during coal energy production processes. To ensure consistency in the manufactured filters, noncontact dynamic characterization using laser vibrometry is proposed as a factory quality control technique. To evaluate the proposed technique, a sensitivity study using both contact and noncontact vibration measurements is first conducted. The shift in natural vibration frequencies is used as a quality indicator for likely manufacturing variables. Six candle filters are tested using dynamic impact tests. Contact and noncontact results are compared with theoretical natural frequency values, which show that laser results were “noisier” due to dropout from speckle noises. The results are used to establish the sensitivity of the technique, which indicates that dynamic characterization is a valid nondestructive testing technique for quality assurance of the ceramic filters, provided that the manufactured filters have a quality variation greater than 3.21%.
Thermal expansion instability and creep in amine‐cured epoxy resins

Similar thermal expansion instabilities, consisting of isothermal, time-dependent changes in thermal expansion after a rapid change in temperature, were observed in epoxy resins with different degrees of cross-linking. Creep experiments performed at different stages of expansion show decreases in tensile creep rate with decreased expansion. The role of changes in moisture content as a possible cause of the dimensional instability is examined for epoxy resins and a highly cross-linked polyurethane. Results indicate that the state of expansion is the primary cause of changes in creep rate rather than temperature or moisture content.
Correcting kernel tilting and hardening in convolution/superposition dose calculations for clinical divergent and polychromatic photon beams

To account for clinical divergent and polychromatic photon beams, we have developed kernel tilting and kernel hardening correction methods for convolution dose calculation algorithms. The new correction methods were validated by Monte Carlo simulation. The accuracy and computation time of the our kernel tilting and kernel hardening correction methods were also compared to the existing approaches including terma divergence correction, dose divergence correction methods, and the effective mean kernel method with no kernel hardening correction. Treatment fields of 10 x 10-40 x 40 cm2 (field size at source to axis distance (SAD)) with source to source distances (SSDs) of 60, 80, and 100 cm, and photon energies of 6, 10, and 18 MV have been studied. Our results showed that based on the relative dose errors at a depth of 15 cm along the central axis, the terma divergence correction may be used for fields smaller than 10 x 10 cm2 with a SSD larger than 80 cm; the dose divergence correction with an additional kernel hardening correction can reduce dose error and may be more applicable than the terma divergence correction. For both these methods, the dose error increased linearly with the depth in the phantom; the 90% isodose lines at the depth of 15 cm were shifted by about 2%-5% of the field width due to significant underestimation of the penumbra dose. The kernel hardening effect was less prominent than the kernel tilting effect for clinical photon beams. The dose error by using nonhardening corrected kernel is less than 2.0% at a depth of 15 cm along the central axis, yet it increased with a smaller field size and lower photon energy. The kernel hardening correction could be more important to compute dose in the fields with beam modifiers such as wedges when beam hardening is more significant. The kernel tilting correction and kernel hardening correction increased computation time by about 3 times, and 0.5-1 times, respectively. This can be justified by more accurate dose calculations for the majority of clinical treatments.
Low dose methotrexate, bleomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dexamethasone with zalcitabine in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related lymphoma. Effect on human immunodeficiency virus and serum interleukin-6 levels over time.

BACKGROUND Use of multiagent chemotherapy has been associated with complete remission (CR) in approximately 50% of patients with newly diagnosed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-lymphoma, although additional AIDS-related complications may occur. Both chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapy were employed in an attempt to ascertain if the combination was safe, and associated with changes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen levels during the course of treatment. METHODS Low dose methotrexate, bleomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dexamethasone(M-BACOD) chemotherapy and zalcitabine (ddC) were employed in 28 patients. Since both vincristine and zalcitabine may cause peripheral neuropathy, a Phase I/II study design was employed. Serum was analyzed for immune complex dissociated (ICD) HIV p24 antigen and interleukin (IL)-6 levels during therapy. RESULTS CR was achieved in 14 of 25 patients (56%), with partial response (PR) in 5 (20%). CRs were equivalent in patients with good or poor prognostic indicators, including a history of AIDS prior to lymphoma (CR = 60%); and/or CD4 lymphocytes < 200/mm3 (CR = 53%). Five patients with a CR subsequently relapsed (36%); median survival of CR patients was 29.2 months (4.1–61+), whereas that of all of the treated patients was 8.1 months. No significant peripheral neuropathy or other toxicity was observed. Serum ICD p24 antigen levels either fell (7/14) or remained consistently negative (2/14) in 9 of 14 patients (64%), whereas 36% experienced an increase. Elevated serum IL-6 levels at diagnosis were associated with systemic “B” symptoms (P = 0.023), whereas changes in IL-6 correlated with response to therapy over time (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Combination antineoplastic and zalcitabine antiretroviral therapy may be safely administered to patients with AIDS-related lymphoma, resulting in CR in 56%, lack of significant neurotoxicity, and favorable effect on HIV p24 antigen in 50%. Elevation of serum IL-6 is associated with systemic “B” symptoms, whereas changes in serum IL-6 may correlate with response. Cancer 1996;78:517-26.
Laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Mass spectra of four nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs), 9-nitroanthracene, 1-nitropyrene, 2-nitro-9-fluorenone, and 2-nitrofluorene, have been investigated using single-step laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Pulsed UV radiation at 266 or 213 nm was used for desorption and ionization of solid samples deposited on an aluminum probe. The positive molecular ion which was observed for each nitro-PAH was of greater relative intensity when 213 nm radiation was used. A strong [M − NO]+ peak was observed in all spectra, and an intense NO+ signal accompanied the [M − NO]+ signal when 213 nm was used but was only weakly present when 266 nm was used. Comparison of the various spectra suggests that nitro-PAHs undergo an excited state nitro−nitrite rearrangement, followed by loss of NO. Multiphoton ionization of the NO fragment appears to be the principal route of formation of NO+ during laser desorption/ionization when 213 nm radiation is used. The presence of the carbo...
Toward autonomous driving: the CMU Navlab. I. Perception

The Navlab project, which seeks to build an autonomous robot that can operate in a realistic environment with bad weather, bad lighting, and bad or changing roads, is discussed. The perception techniques developed for the Navlab include road-following techniques using color classification and neural nets. These are discussed with reference to three road-following systems, SCARF, YARF, and ALVINN. Three-dimensional perception using three types of terrain representation (obstacle maps, terrain feature maps, and high-resolution maps) is examined. It is noted that perception continues to be an obstacle in developing autonomous vehicles. This work is part of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency. Strategic Computing Initiative. >
Connective Tissue Activation. II. Abnormalities of Cultured Rheumatoid Synovial Cells

Rheumatoid synovial cells grown in vitro demonstrated: a) increased rate of lactate formation, b) increased rate of glucose uptake, c) increased rate of hyaluronate synthesis, d) decreased sensitivity to exogenous activator and e) increased concentrations of an endogenous activator. Exogenous activator was shown to be capable of inducing cortisol unresponsiveness in relation to suppression of hyaluronate synthesis. Evidence that exogenous activator is not long retained by synovial cells suggests that elevated levels in rheumatoid cells are due to accentuated endogenous formation. Elevated activator peptide content of rheumatoid synovial cells provides an explanation for many of the differences between normal and rheumatoid synovial cells in vitro.
Coherent optical transients observed by polarization switching

Abstract A transient signal analogous to the optical free induction decay is observed when a laser beam tuned to an absorption line of I 2 is switched from left to right circular polarization. The polarization transient amplitude decays at a rate equal to twice the usual transverse decay rate, and can be detected with sensitivity similar to that achieved in polarization spectroscopy.
Modulation of cholinergic activity and the aversive threshold in the rat.

Abstract The analgesic potency of atropine sulfate (5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0 mg/kg), eserine sulfate (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/kg), pilocarpine nitrate (5.0, 10.0, 20.0 mg/kg), scopolamine methylbromide (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) and scopolamine hydrobromide (1.0 mg/kg) was measured in the rat using the spatial preference technique. Enhanced cholinergic tone via the administration of eserine or pilocarpine in conjunction with scopolamine methylbromide produced significant increments in the aversive threshold. These increments could not be accounted for solely by changes in motor activity or the debilitating effects of enhanced peripheral cholinergic stimulation. None of the anticholinergics tested affected the aversive threshold. Scopolamine hydrobromide (1.0 mg/kg), however, was able to fully block the increments in the aversive threshold noted after the administration of pilocarpine (10.0 mg/kg). These results were interpreted to suggest that agents which enhance cholinergic tone can produce significant analgesia in the rat. While no firm conclusions can be made without further evidence, especially with regard to the antianalgesic effects of the anticholinergics, it is possible that central cholinergic mechanisms may mediate the aversive qualities of electric shock in the rat.
Dietary n-3 fatty acid intake and risk of sudden death and coronary artery disease

Based upon the data from observational epidemiologic studies and randomized clinical trials that are summarized in this article, as well as plausible mechanisms for benefit, the American Heart Association and several international health agencies recommend that all adults eat fish, particularly fatty fish, at least two times per week to lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Patients with established CHD are advised to consume 1 g/d of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combined. However, many individuals may find it difficult to consume 1 g/d of EPA and DHA, which translates into several meals of fish per week. Thus, fish oil in the form of supplements may be a preferable way to achieve compliance with these recommendations. Because only one large-scale secondary-prevention randomized trial of n-3 fatty acid supplements has been published to date, fish oil supplements have not been routinely recommended after myocardial infarction (MI). However, based upon the present evidence, this treatment option could be considered as one possible avenue to decrease risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the early post-MI period when implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy appears to be less efficacious. n-3 Fatty acid supplements are currently not indicated for prevention of recurrent ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ICDs due to the conflicting and primarily null randomized trial results in this patient population. Finally, based upon the current state of evidence, it is unclear whether dietary intake of α-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based intermediate-chain n-3 fatty acid, influences risk of CHD or SCD. Therefore, increasing intake of ALA specifically for the prevention of CHD cannot be recommended at this time.
Adjustable Model of Chronic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Abstract Background . As an adjunct to the development of skeletal muscle-powered left ventricular assist devices, an adjustable model of chronic left ventricular failure was developed. Methods . Implantation of a left ventricular balloon to induce heart failure was accomplished via left thoracotomy. Upon recovery, left ventricular failure was simulated by manipulation of left ventricular balloon volume to chronically raise left atrial pressure. Results . Left atrial pressure increased from a baseline of 9.3 ± 0.7 mm Hg to 18.5 ± 1.2 mm Hg, 20.2 ± 1.8 mm Hg, and 26.0 ± 1.2 mm Hg by the 2nd, 6th, and 10th postoperative week, respectively. Cardiac index declined from a baseline of 4.4 ± 0.3 L · min −1 · m −2 , reaching stability by the 8th postoperative week at 3.0 ± 0.4 L · min −1 · m −2 . Stroke volume index declined from 1.12 ± 0.1 mL · kg −1 · beat −1 to 0.60 ± 0.1 mL · kg −1 · beat −1 by the 10th postoperative week. Mean survival was 75 ± 7 days. Causes of death included left ventricular failure, thromboembolism, and euthanasia. Conclusions . This method of simulating chronic left ventricular dysfunction proved to be stable and adjustable and has been useful in the development of ventricular assist systems.
The Ripple Effect: Emotional Contagion and Its Influence on Group Behavior

Group emotional contagion, the transfer of moods among people in a group, and its influence on work group dynamics was examined in a laboratory study of managerial decision making using multiple, c...
Effects of Calcium Magnesium Acetate Deicer on Small Ponds in Interior Alaska

ABSTRACT Whole-lake experiments were conducted on three ponds in interior Alaska to test the effects of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), an experimental road deicer, on aquatic organisms. The CMA added to the test ponds equalled approximately one chemical application applied to 0.4 km of a typical section of road (one lane) draining entirely to a small pond. Calcium elevation did not persist into the next summer; it may have been flushed out by snowmelt. Acetate from the CMA mixture was apparently rapidly taken up by aquatic organisms and cycled for several months, depleting dissolved oxygen in the water. Dissolved oxygen became extremely low in a small pond of about 2,600 m3 treated with 55 mg/L calcium acetate (calculated from calcium elevation). Bacteria and algae both appeared to be stimulated by CMA additions, as indicated by higher standing crops in treated ponds. The algae were probably stimulated by bacterial metabolism products of the acetate, or by phosphorus in the CMA used. Cladocerans were mo...
Superfield formulations of σ-models☆

Abstract A superfield formulation of gauge invariant σ-models, previously written in component form, is given. Both the N = 1 global supersymmetry case and the N = 1 supergravity case are treated. A superfield formulation of σ-models involving abelian and non-abelian N = 2 vector multiplets coupled to N = 2 supergravity is also presented. In the non-abelian case, this is a new class of models.
A new selective area lateral epitaxy approach for depositing a-plane GaN over r-plane sapphire

We report a new epitaxy procedure for growing extremely low defect density a-plane GaN films over r-plane sapphire. By combining selective area growth through a SiO2 mask opening to produce high height to width aspect ratio a-plane GaN pillars and lateral epitaxy from their c-plane facets, we obtained fully coalesced a-plane GaN films. The excellent structural, optical and electrical characteristics of these selective area lateral epitaxy (SALE) deposited films make them ideal for high efficiency III-N electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Ghrelin Increases GABAergic Transmission and Interacts with Ethanol Actions in the Rat Central Nucleus of the Amygdala

The neural circuitry that processes natural rewards converges with that engaged by addictive drugs. Because of this common neurocircuitry, drugs of abuse have been able to engage the hedonic mechanisms normally associated with the processing of natural rewards. Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide that stimulates food intake by activating GHS-R1A receptors in the hypothalamus. However, ghrelin also activates GHS-R1A receptors on extrahypothalamic targets that mediate alcohol reward. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) has a critical role in regulating ethanol consumption and the response to ethanol withdrawal. We previously demonstrated that rat CeA GABAergic transmission is enhanced by acute and chronic ethanol treatment. Here, we used quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) to detect Ghsr mRNA in the CeA and performed electrophysiological recordings to measure ghrelin effects on GABA transmission in this brain region. Furthermore, we examined whether acute or chronic ethanol treatment would alter these electrophysiological effects. Our qRT-PCR studies show the presence of Ghsr mRNA in the CeA. In naive animals, superfusion of ghrelin increased the amplitude of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) and the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Coapplication of ethanol further increased the ghrelin-induced enhancement of IPSP amplitude, but to a lesser extent than ethanol alone. When applied alone, ethanol significantly increased IPSP amplitude, but this effect was attenuated by the application of ghrelin. In neurons from chronic ethanol-treated (CET) animals, the magnitude of ghrelin-induced increases in IPSP amplitude was not significantly different from that in naive animals, but the ethanol-induced increase in amplitude was abolished. Superfusion of the GHS-R1A antagonists D-Lys3-GHRP-6 and JMV 3002 decreased evoked IPSP and mIPSC frequency, revealing tonic ghrelin activity in the CeA. D-Lys3-GHRP-6 and JMV 3002 also blocked ghrelin-induced increases in GABAergic responses. Furthermore, D-Lys3-GHRP-6 did not affect ethanol-induced increases in IPSP amplitude. These studies implicate a potential role for the ghrelin system in regulating GABAergic transmission and a complex interaction with ethanol at CeA GABAergic synapses.
Gandhi’s Political Philosophy: A Critical Examination

British rule and Indian responses critique of modern civilization Indian civilization and national regeneration metaphysics theory of morality Ahimsa Satyagraha theory of the state partition and the nationalist discourse a critical appreciation.
‘East? West? Or Both?’ Foreign perceptions of architecture in Socialist Yugoslavia

Socialist Yugoslavia blurred the contours of the Cold War and the implied definitions of ‘East’ and ‘West’.1 The defining moment of its history – the expulsion of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia ...
Mortality and Size of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm at Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Not Treated Surgically and Treated With and Without Statins

Of 130 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) not treated surgically, 75 (58%) were treated with statins. The sizes of the AAAs were 4.6 ± 0.6 cm at baseline and 4.5 ± 0.6 cm at 23-month follow-up in patients treated with statins (p = NS) and 4.5 ± 0.6 cm at baseline and 5.3 ± 0.6 cm at 24-month follow-up in patients not treated with statins (p
Grade Retention: Is It a Help or Hindrance to Student Academic Success?

Research indicates that while grade retention does not typically increase student performance, it is widely practiced in schools throughout the country. Arguments for retaining a child include immaturity, the belief that an extra year of schooling will produce successful academic outcomes, and failure to meet criteria for promotion. Those who oppose retention contend that it is not beneficial to students' academic progress, the financial cost and cost to children's self-esteem are too great, and it has a correlative relationship with dropping out of school. In this article, the author reviews: (a) retention policies, (b) the cost of retention, (c) factors that contribute to retention, (d) the effect of increased academic standards, (e) alternatives to retention. Finally, the author provides implications for the practice of retention and promotion policies.
Effects of aqueous and dietary exposure of dieldrin on survival, growth and bioconcentration in mallard ducklings

Tests were conducted to determine the effects of dieldrin in continuous flow water and in food on survival, growth, and bioconcentration in mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) Di eldrin had no effect on survival or growth at concentrations at or below water saturation (0 2 mg/L), but tissue (lipid, skin, liver, muscle, brain, blood) dieldrin concentrations increased rapidly (up to a mean of 217 μg/g) and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) showed up to 1,995 times (mean steady state lipid BCF of 1,345) more dieldrin in tissues than in the water Significant effects on survival, growth, and behavior were observed in ducks fed dieldrin spiked food, and tissues rapidly concentrated dieldrin up to five times more than those in the water-only test (mean of 1,000 μg/g), although the BCFs were much lower (water BCFs were up to 18 times higher) The dietary 96 h LC50 value (50% death at 96 h) was 165 μg/g dieldrin, the 24-d dietary LC50 was 29 5 μg/g The lowest 24 d LOAEL (lowest observed adverse effect level) and NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) values were 16 4 and 0 3 μg/g, respectively, based on growth (total weight) A screening level wildlife criteria (SLWC) value of 0 0001 mg/L was derived by using data from this study Steady-state tissue dieldrin concentrations at which growth impairment occurred were near 140 (lipid), 80 (skin), 20 (liver), 10 (brain), and 5 (muscle) μg/g dieldrin Tissue dieldrin concentrations where no growth impairment was observed were near 3 0 (lipid), 1 0 (skin), and <1 0 (liver, brain, and muscle) μg/g
Attributions about subjectively defined career success in different occupations

The present study investigated the applicability of the attributional theory of motivation to career research. The idea that the perceived causes of individuals' subjective definitions of their career success varied for different occupations was examined. Subjects that were studied represented occupations from each of Holland's six occupational types. The occupations were mechanical engineering, medicine, fine arts and journalism, registered nursing, law, and accounting. Responses from 395 individuals showed that other's unstable effort and luck attributions about the perceived causes of incumbents' career success varied for different occupations. Implications are discussed.
Sleep and allergic disease: A summary of the literature and future directions for research

Atopic diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, are common conditions that can influence sleep and subsequent daytime functioning. Children and patients with allergic conditions from ethnic minority groups might be particularly vulnerable to poor sleep and compromised daytime functioning because of the prevalence of these illnesses in these groups and the high level of morbidity. Research over the past 10 years has shed light on the pathophysiologic mechanisms (eg, inflammatory mediators) involved in many atopic diseases that can underlie sleep disruptions as a consequence of the presence of nocturnal symptoms. Associations between nocturnal symptoms and sleep and poorer quality of life as a result of missed sleep have been demonstrated across studies. Patients with severe illness and poor control appear to bear the most burden in terms of sleep impairment. Sleep-disordered breathing is also more common in patients with allergic diseases. Upper and lower airway resistance can increase the risk for sleep-disordered breathing events. In patients with allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion is a risk factor for apnea and snoring. Finally, consistent and appropriate use of medications can minimize nocturnal asthma or allergic symptoms that might disrupt sleep. Despite these advances, there is much room for improvement in this area. A summary of the sleep and allergic disease literature is reviewed, with methodological, conceptual, and clinical suggestions presented for future research.
Reliability models for computer systems: An overview including dataflow graphs

The reliability of a system is the probability that the system will perform its intended mission under given conditions. This paper provides an overview of the approaches to reliability modelling and identifies their strengths and weaknesses. The models discussed include structure models, simple stochastic models and decomposable stochastic models. Ignoring time-dependence, structure models give reliability as a function of the topological structure of the system. Simple stochastic models make direct use of the properties of underlying stochastic processes, while decomposable models consider more complex systems and analyse them through subsystems. Petri nets and dataflow graphs facilitate the analysis of complex systems by providing a convenient framework for reliability analysis.
Effects of soil properties and moisture on the sorption of trichloroethylene vapor

Correlation of tricholoroethylene (TCE) vapor partition coefficients (at P/P0 < 2%) onto seven sorbents with selected properties showed that: (1) under oven-dried conditions, specific surface area best described sorption of TCE and (2) under air-dried conditions (68% r.h.), at field capacity and for saturated conditions, organic carbon content controlled sorption. The change in the dependency of TCE vapor partition coefficients, from specific surface area at oven-dried conditions to organic carbon content at air-dried conditions, is hypothesized to result from: (1) reduced sorption of TCE onto mineral surfaces because of competition with water and (2) increased importance of partitioning into organic matter. At field capacity, the sorption of TCE vapor can be accounted for by two contributions: (1) dissolution of TCE in the water bound to the sorbent as governed by Henry's law and (2) sorption of TCE at the solid-liquid interface as governed by a saturated partition coefficient. Dissolution of TCE into surface-bound water can constitute a large fraction of the total TCE uptake from the vapor phase for sorbents with low organic carbon content.
A Pedagogy of Enrichment, Not Poverty: Successful Lessons of Exemplary Urban Teachers:

What according to exemplary teachers in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, constitutes a successful lesson ? What do the teachers plan to accomplisch, and how ? How are their plans altered during execution. What student reaction do teachers interpret as indicator of success ? The result, may be particular interest to teacher educators as they prepare prospective teachers for urban class-rooms. While these urban teachers employ many standard teaching practices, they are more apte to plan very thoroughly, rely less on spontaneous teaching, use more modeling, and be less influenced by social and economic factors that affect student's performance than we expected.
Stability of digitally interconnected linear systems

A sufficient condition for stability of linear subsystems interconnected by digitized signals is presented. There is a digitizer for each linear subsystem that periodically samples an input signal and produces an output that is quantized and saturated. The output of the digitizer is then fed as an input (in the usual sense) to the linear subsystem. Due to digitization, each subsystem behaves as a switched affine system, where state-dependent switches are induced by the digitizer. For each quantization region, a storage function is computed for each subsystem by solving appropriate linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and the sum of these storage functions is a Lyapunov function for the interconnected system. Finally, using a condition on the sampling period, we specify a subset of the unsaturated state space from which all executions of the interconnected system reach a neighborhood of the quantization region containing the origin. The sampling period proves to be pivotal—if it is too small, then a dwell-time argument cannot be used to establish convergence, while if it is too large, an unstable subsystem may not receive timely-enough inputs to avoid diverging.
Ultra-high speed atomic force microscopy: Video-rate and beyond

Ultra high-speed Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is desirable for imaging fast dynamic processes, e.g., protein molecules motion in their aqueous or membrane environments. The paper identifies the limiting factors of present AFMs in achieving ultra high speed imaging. Specifically, the vertical control-loop bandwidth is the key limiting factor due to the low resonance (about 150 kHz) piezo-material cantilever actuator. We then propose a bandwidth solution by using integrated coil-array actuators driven by programmable oscillators and power amplifiers as an alternative to piezo-actuators in the vertical (z-direction) control loop. The slower piezo actuation, however, can still be used in the lateral slower x-y directions to achieve scanning range in the micro-meter range. This integrated circuit and system solution potentially would turn the AFM imaging system into an ultra high speed nano-scale video camera.
Prostaglandins in experimental syphilis: treponemes stimulate adherent spleen cells to secrete prostaglandin E2, and indomethacin upregulates immune functions.

Incubation of microorganisms with macrophages enhances the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Previous research had indicated that macrophages from syphilitic rabbits suppressed spleen cell synthesis of interleukin-2 (IL-2); this suppressive activity was reversed by indomethacin. Experiments were designed to further characterize the involvement of prostaglandins in immune processing. When Treponema pallidum was incubated with unfractionated spleen preparations, PGE2 production was accelerated, and within 24 h, pharmacologic concentrations of the prostaglandin were detected. When cytochalasin B was used to block phagocytosis, decreased levels of PGE2 were apparent. Commercial preparations of PGE2, in the range generated by macrophage-treponeme interaction, inhibited concanavalin A-induced IL-2 secretion by splenic cells. T. pallidum stimulated IL-1 production by adherent cells, and indomethacin markedly enhanced this effect. In vivo, indomethacin upregulated immune function. Two groups of rabbits were infected, and one was given daily injections of indomethacin for 18 days. Both groups were treated with penicillin to terminate infections. One week later, rabbits were challenged with viable organisms to determine their immune status. The indomethacin-treated group was more resistant to reinfection. In further research, indomethacin enhanced the immunogenicity of vaccine preparations containing heat-killed T. pallidum. Results are discussed in terms of the role of PGE2 as it impinges on immune functions involving macrophage activation (IL-1 production) and T lymphocyte activation (IL-2 production). Images
Banalities Turned Viral: Narendra Modi and the Political Tweet

Narendra Modi’s social media presence is among the most extensive for any politician in the world, including on Twitter where he currently stands second in following only to Barack Obama. With a mix of “feel good” messages, shout-outs to other celebrities, and well-timed ritualized responses, as well as a careful strategy of “followbacks” for a small selection of his most active followers, Modi has been able to grow his following dramatically especially since 2013. Twitter helps Modi directly reach a significant constituency of listeners, and use it as a channel to talk to the main stream media. In addition, the very appearance of his using social media effectively is in itself valuable in reshaping his public image as a technology-savvy leader, aligned with the aspirations of a new Indian modernity.