"A Sudden Inexplicable Onrush of Affectionate Feeling": Subjectivity Beyond Limit in Cather, Larsen, Fitzgerald, and Woolf

A Sudden Inexplicable Onrush of Affectionate Feeling: Subjectivity Beyond Limit in Cather, Larsen, Fitzgerald, and Woolf explores reconceptualizations of subjectivity beyond the discursive limits of realism in Willa Cather, Nella Larsen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Virginia Woolf. Relying on Gilles Deleuzes concepts of virtuality and potential, this study examines disruptions to realist novels production of subjects: the self-centred Bildungsroman, the sexually normative marriage plot, and the reader that narrators call forth. From Henri Bergson to recent queer theory that links narrative linearity to narratives of social reproduction, these disruptions subvert conventional realist storytelling, a central function of modernist fiction. This dissertation reads eleven novels closely to find moments of queer potential, which often surface through characters encounters with same-sex desire. Chapter One considers Cathers O Pioneers!, My ntonia, and Death Comes for the Archbishop. The first two novels invent reading practices by staging nostalgia through ironic narrators. This tension gives way to transgressive sexuality in Deaths Latour and Vaillant, whose relationship valorizes impurity. Chapter Two examines Larsens Quicksand and Passing and the Harlem Renaissance debates about black representation. The novels ambivalence about black middle-class aspirations links bourgeois propriety to the conventions of realist fiction. Passings Clare Kendry fails as a mimetic sign, becoming a resource for the African-American novel and a site of non-identitarian blackness. Chapter Three considers queer productions of subjectivity in three Fitzgerald novels. In This Side of Paradise, same-sex desire interrupts Amory Blaines heteronormative self-actualization. Similarly, in The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraways silences conceal an affective register of desire. To apprehend this register, Tender Is the Night proposes an affective discernment in Dick Divers decline, a movement away from realist charactericity. Finally, Chapter Four argues that Woolfs Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and The Waves present a model of subjectivity based on shared desire rather than discursive identification. The first two novels move away from treating characters as psychologically coherent subjects. The Waves conceives of womanly reading as the capacity to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously, forming the basis for new forms of community. The political consequences of such ideas emerge in the Conclusion as a latent anti-fascism

Substrate Adhesion And Gap Junction Formation By Insect Hemocytes In Vitro

Circulating insect hemocytes become adherent to foreign surfaces and to one another during immune and wound healing responses. Hemocytes form various types of intercellular junctions, including gap junctions, as they encapsulate large foreign objects in the hemocoel. This study focuses on two aspects of hemocyte behaviour in vitro: hemocyte/substrate adhesion and gap junction formation.;Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) hemocytes resuspendad in medium containing purified lipophorin, either in the presence or absence of Ca{dollar}\sp{lcub}2+{rcub},{dollar} remained non-adherent to glass coverslips and retained a discoid morphology in vitro for at least 30 minutes. In contrast, hemocytes incubated either with or without Ca{dollar}\sp{lcub}2+{rcub}{dollar} for 30 minutes in lipophorin-deficient plasma, BSA, or saline alone adhered and flattened onto coverslips. The finding that lipophorin stabilized hemocytes in vitro is important since to date it has been difficult to maintain hemocytes in a non-adhesive state in vitro.;Calf serum inhibited hemocyte adhesion in the presence and absence of Ca{dollar}\sp{lcub}2+{rcub}.{dollar} Hemocyte adhesion was inhibited by the human plasma lipoprotein apoB-100, but not by apoA-I, apoA-II, apoC-I, apoC-II, apoE, or mouse IgG. Of eight synthetic peptides with sequences corresponding to short regions (15 to 43 amino acids) of human apoB-100, one peptide corresponding to amino acids 4154-4189 inhibited hemocyte adhesion. Human apoB-89, a truncated form of apoB-100 lacking the region containing 4154-4189, was also active, indicating that one or more additional sites exist on apoB-89 which are involved in inhibiting hemocyte adhesion.;Freeze-fracture replicas of hemocyte aggregates fixed 5 minutes after bleeding were seen to contain E-face particles coalescing to form gap junctional plaques. Dye passage was detected between carboxyfluorescein diacetate-labelled and unlabelled hemocytes within 3 minutes of bleeding, when the cells made contact as they flattened rapidly onto coverslips. Dye-coupling was detected in the absence of Ca{dollar}\sp{lcub}2+{rcub},{dollar} indicating that involvement of Ca{dollar}\sp{lcub}2+{rcub}{dollar}-dependent cell adhesion molecules is not a prerequisite of gap junction formation in hemocytes. Hemocytes from distantly related insects (cockroach and moth) formed functional gap junctions with each other, suggesting sequence homology among gap junction proteins in insects. Using a quantitative dye-transfer assay, it was determined that trypsin reduced the formation of functional gap junctions between hemocytes, but only if the surfaces of both \u27dye-donor\u27 and \u27dye-recipient\u27 cells were trypsinized. This could be due to cleaving of GJ protein or cell adhesion molecules on the hemocyte surface.;Hemocyte flattening in vitro was delayed by plating cells on lipophorin-coated coverslips in order to facilitate patch-clamp studies of these cells. When double whole-cell voltage-clamp was used to measure gap junction formation between cells which were pushed together, electrical coupling was detected within one second of cell-cell contact. Junctional conductance increased in staircase fashion with steps corresponding to single channel conductances of 345 pS

Adipokinetic hormone enhances laminarin and bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade in the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria

Lom-AKH-I enhances the activation in vivo of prophenoloxidase in the haemolymph of the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, in response to challenge with laminarin. AKH does not influence the speed or initial magnitude of the phenoloxidase response to laminarin, but prolongs the period of activation of the enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. Injections of preparations of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) do not activate prophenoloxidase in vivo, but co-injection of Lom-AKH-I with commercial preparations of LPS from Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, or Shigella flexneri (but not one from Pseudomonas aeroginosa) results in dose-dependent increases in the levels of phenoloxidase that persist in the haemolymph for several hours. It is argued that the effects of AKH on phenoloxidase activation in locusts described here are, at least in part, related directly to changes in lipid metabolism brought about by the hormone

The Empirical Landscape of Trade Policy

This chapter surveys empirically the broad features of trade policy in goods for 31 major economies that collectively represented 83 percent of the world's population and 91 percent of the world's GDP in 2013. We address five questions: Do some countries have more liberal trading regimes than others? Within countries, which industries receive the most import protection? How do trade policies change over time? Do countries discriminate among their trading partners when setting trade policy? Finally, how liberalized is world trade? Our analysis documents the extent of cross-sectional heterogeneity in applied commercial policy across countries, their economic sectors, and their trading partners, over time. We conclude that substantial trade policy barriers remain as an important feature of the world economy.antidumpin

Exercise therapy in adults with serious mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Individuals with serious mental illness are at a higher risk of physical ill health. Mortality rates are at least twice those of the general population with higher levels of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Although genetics may have a role in the physical health problems of these patients, lifestyle and environmental factors such as levels of smoking, obesity, poor diet, and low levels of physical activity also play a prominent part.<p></p> Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing the effect of exercise interventions on individuals with serious mental illness.<p></p> Methods: Searches were made in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Biological Abstracts on Ovid, and The Cochrane Library (January 2009, repeated January 2013) through to February 2013.<p></p> Results: Eight RCTs were identified in the systematic search. Six compared exercise versus usual care. One study assessed the effect of a cycling programme versus muscle strengthening and toning exercises. The final study compared the effect of adding specific exercise advice and motivational skills to a simple walking programme. Exercise programmes were noted by their heterogeneity in terms of the type of exercise intervention, setting, and outcome measures. The review found that exercise improved levels of exercise activity (n=13, standard mean difference [SMD] 1.81, CI 0.44 to 3.18, p = 0.01). No beneficial effect was found on negative (n = 84, SMD = -0.54, CI -1.79 to 0.71, p = 0.40) or positive symptoms of schizophrenia (n = 84, SMD = -1.66, CI -3.78 to 0.45, p = 0.12). No change was found on body mass index compared with usual care (n= 151, SMD = -0.24, CI -0.56 to 0.08, p = 0.14), or body weight (n = 77, SMD = 0.13, CI -0.32 to 0.58, p = 0.57). No beneficial effect was found on anxiety and depressive symptoms (n = 94, SMD = -0.26, CI -0.91 to 0.39, p = 0.43), or quality of life in respect of physical and mental domains. One RCT measured the effect of exercise on exercise intensity, attendance, and persistence at a programme. No significant effect was found on these measures.<p></p> Conclusions: This systematic review showed that exercise therapies can lead to a modest increase in levels of exercise activity but overall there was no noticeable change for symptoms of mental health, body mass index, and body weight.<p></p&gt

Randomized trial of achieving healthy lifestyles in psychiatric rehabilitation: the ACHIEVE trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent among persons with serious mental illness. These conditions likely contribute to premature cardiovascular disease and a 20 to 30 percent shortened life expectancy in this vulnerable population. Persons with serious mental illness need effective, appropriately tailored behavioral interventions to achieve and maintain weight loss. Psychiatric rehabilitation day programs provide logical intervention settings because mental health consumers often attend regularly and exercise can take place on-site. This paper describes the Randomized Trial of Achieving Healthy Lifestyles in Psychiatric Rehabilitation (ACHIEVE). The goal of the study is to determine the effectiveness of a behavioral weight loss intervention among persons with serious mental illness that attend psychiatric rehabilitation programs. Participants randomized to the intervention arm of the study are hypothesized to have greater weight loss than the control group.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A targeted 320 men and women with serious mental illness and overweight or obesity (body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) will be recruited from 10 psychiatric rehabilitation programs across Maryland. The core design is a randomized, two-arm, parallel, multi-site clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of an 18-month behavioral weight loss intervention to usual care. Active intervention participants receive weight management sessions and physical activity classes on-site led by study interventionists. The intervention incorporates cognitive adaptations for persons with serious mental illness attending psychiatric rehabilitation programs. The initial intensive intervention period is six months, followed by a twelve-month maintenance period in which trained rehabilitation program staff assume responsibility for delivering parts of the intervention. Primary outcomes are weight loss at six and 18 months.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Evidence-based approaches to the high burden of obesity and cardiovascular disease risk in person with serious mental illness are urgently needed. The ACHIEVE Trial is tailored to persons with serious mental illness in community settings. This multi-site randomized clinical trial will provide a rigorous evaluation of a practical behavioral intervention designed to accomplish and sustain weight loss in persons with serious mental illness.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Clinical Trials.gov NCT00902694</p

Philosophizing Shakespeare

Philosophizing Shakespeare explores the impact of Classical virtue ethics on Shakespeare's dramatic art, particularly his art of characterization. By focusing on the vernacular tradition of practical virtue ethics in Renaissance England – a tradition importantly distinct from institutional Latin philosophizing, but equally bound up with Aristotle's ethical thought -- I maintain that vernacular moral-philosophical writings share Shakespeare's interest in the dynamics of situated moral reasoning, particularly within the domains of social and domestic life. This practical, worldly emphasis, I argue, represents the foundation for ethical decision-making and for ethos (moral character) in Shakespeare. Philosophizing Shakespeare therefore argues for the importance of thinking about Shakespeare's characters as moral agents, while also demonstrating some of the historical and philosophical roots to the concept of moral agency in Shakespeare's England.By contextualizing practical English-language moral-philosophical writings within the tradition of Renaissance Aristotelian thought and, in particular, the critically neglected strain of vernacular Aristotelianism in the Renaissance, Philosophizing Shakespeare builds on recent historical scholarship by Charles Schmitt and David Lines, who have recast Aristotle as a formative though eclectic influence on Renaissance European culture until well into the seventeenth century. At the same time, I consider Shakespeare's use of Aristotelian philosophical ideas as a typically eclectic kind of adaptation. In my discussion on The Merchant of Venice, I propose that Shylock is animated by a concept of virtue quite distinct from Aristotle's, but nevertheless just as central to his motivation as a character and behavior within the play. By focusing on the philosophical problem of akrasia (weakness of the will or moral incontinence), I also emphasize ways in which plays such as The Winter's Tale problematize Classically modeled selves.Ma thèse Philosophizing Shakespeare explore l'impact de l'éthique de la vertu classique sur l'art dramatique de Shakespeare, à savoir sur l'art de sa caractérisation. L'éthique de la vertu pendant la renaissance anglaise comprend une vaste sélection d'écrits et d'écrivains, des interprètes de Thomas d'Aquin aux pamphlétaires. Dans cette thèse, je me focalise sur la tradition vernaculaire de l'éthique de la vertu pratique en Angleterre de la Renaissance – une tradition qui est particulièrement distincte de la philosophie latine institutionnelle, mais qui est également coincé par la pensée éthique aristotélicienne. Contrairement à la philosophie académique, les écrits vernaculaires de la philosophie morale s'inscrivent à l'intérêt de Shakespeare pour la dynamique du raisonnement moral dans des situations spécifiques, particulièrement dans les domaines de la vie sociale et domestique. Cette emphase pratique et mondaine représente le fondement pour le savoir décisif éthique et pour l'ethos, ou le caractère moral, celui-ci étant présent dans des manuels de comportement en anglais et des traités sur la santé humaine et l'émotion. Je propose ici qu'il existe un lien considérable entre la conception de soi offerte par la philosophie morale articulée par ces écrivains et la caractérisation shakespearienne des individus tels que Shylock. A travers l'exploration ce qui constitue l'analyse des personnages de Shakespeare comme ayant une conception éthique, je me focalise sur les manières dont les notions de vertu servent de source de ce qui s'avère être une orientation hautement idiosyncratique pour les personnages de Shakespeare. Ainsi, je fournis un contexte pour leurs choix pratiques qui dote ces choix et leur comportement d'une signification morale. En plaçant les écrits de la philosophie morale en langue anglaise dans le contexte de la tradition de la pensée de la Renaissance aristotélicienne, et en particulière, dans la trop négligée variété d'aristotélisme vernaculaire pendant la Renaissance, je me base sur l'érudition de Charles Schmitt et David Lines, qui ont reformulé Aristote comme ayant une influence formatrice, quoique éclectique, sur la culture européenne de la Renaissance jusque le dix-septième siècle était bien entamé. A la fois, nous considérons l'usage de Shakespeare des concepts philosophiques aristotéliciens comme une espèce d'adaptation typiquement éclectique. En se focalisant sur des problèmes philosophiques tels que l'acrasie (l'incontinence, ou la faiblesse de volonté), l'auto déception, et l'excès émotionnel, les chapitres individuels de ma thèse se concentrent sur les manières dont les pièces de Shakespeare représentent en même temps que problématisent des « soi » façonnés classiquement