cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, synthesis and anticonvulsant evaluation of fluorinated benzyl amino enaminones.

Abstract Inspite of progress made for the discovery of novel antiepileptic drugs, epilepsy remains an unmet medical need. We synthesized nine trifluoromethylated enaminone derivatives and tested them for their anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test, and rotorod test for neurotoxicity. Among the compounds tested 3-(4-fluoro-3-(trifluomethyl)benzylamino)-5-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohex-2-enone (4f) showed ED50 of 23.47 mg/kg, when given orally to rats, 3-(4-chlorophenylamino)-5-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohex-2-enone (5a), which was previously reported by us but for which no quantitative data was available at the time, exhibited an ED50 of 62.39 mg/kg. Under the same conditions commercially available carbamazepine showed an ED50 of 28.20 mg/kg. There were no neurotoxicity observed upto a dose of 300 mg/kg for all the tested compounds. Compounds 4f and 5a represent good lead compounds for further development.
Factors Associated with the Decision-Making Process in Kinship Diversion

During the past two decades, child welfare professionals have given kinship care priority as the preferred least restrictive, most family-like placement option when a child has to be removed from h...
Optimization of an Artificial Neural Network System for the Prediction of Failure Analysis Success

Abstract It is well known that fail dies that exhibit obvious static power supply leakage current have a higher success of finding a defect, hence, a higher likelihood to be selected for failure analysis. When presented with choices, fail dies that exhibit similar supply current to reference are omitted. Valuable defect learnings are lost as a result. The feasibility of applying an Artificial Neural Network to predict failure analysis success has been demonstrated in a previous report. Besides automating the fail dies selection process, more importantly, dies which could yield valuable findings but neglected otherwise by convention, can be identified. We extend the previous proof-of-concept to study the effects of learning iterations, learning rate and the number of nodes on prediction accuracy in this work. More experimental results which include an actual case study will also be presented to substantiate the value of machine learning in this application.
Self-assembled phenylisoxazole-peptide hybrid assemblies and their interactions with breast and ovarian tumor cells

A new self-assembled microscale biomaterial was developed by conjugating carboxyl functionalized phenylisoxazole with spermidine and attachment of the peptide sequence WSGPGVWGASVK (WSG). The chemo...
Distance Education in 2001

There are significant personnel shortages in education and rehabilitation in the field of blindness and visual impairment. Some university-based programs that prepare teachers, orientation and mobi...
K2: A Novel Data Analysis Framework to Understand US Emotions in Space and Time

Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms used by millions of users daily to post their opinions and emotions. Consequently, Twitter tweets have become a valuable knowledge source f...
Anion Exchange in II-VI Semiconducting Nanostructures via Atomic Templating.

Controlled chemical transformation of nanostructures is a promising technique to obtain precisely designed novel materials, which are difficult to synthesize otherwise. We report high-temperature vapor-phase anion-exchange reactions to chemically transform II–VI semiconductor nanostructures (100–300 nm length scale) while retaining the single crystallinity, crystal structure, morphology, and even defect distribution of the parent material via atomic templating. The concept of atomic templating is employed to obtain kinetically controlled, thermodynamically metastable structural phases such as zincblende CdSe and CdS from zincblende CdTe upon complete chemical replacement of Te with Se or S. The underlying transformation mechanisms are explained through first-principles density functional theory calculations. Atomic templating is a unique path to independently tune materials’ phase and composition at the nanoscale, allowing the synthesis of novel materials.
Molecular beam sampling of H2CO and NO in one-atmosphere methane-air flames☆

Abstract A one-atmosphere premixed methane-air flame was studied using a molecular-beam mass-spectrometer sampling system. For equivalence ratios of 0.8, 1.0 and 1.1, the signal intensity at m e = 30 was measured along the burner centerline from the flame holder ( z = 0) to z = 100 mm. Two distinct reaction regions were found: a primary reaction zone, which occupied approximately the first 4 mm, and a secondary reaction zone, which occupied the rest of the sampling distance. A distinctive peak corresponding to the formation and consumption of H 2 CO defined the primary reaction zone. Nitric oxide was formed in the secondary reaction zone. The measured rate of formation of NO is compared with theoretical predictions based on a modified Zeldovich mechanism. The data discount the formation of “prompt” NO.
Chromatin remodeling and mismatch repair: Access and excision.

Abstract DNA mismatch repair (MMR) increases replication fidelity and genome stability by correcting DNA polymerase errors that remain after replication. Defects in MMR result in the accumulation of mutations and lead to human tumor development. Germline mutations in MMR cause the hereditary cancer syndrome, Lynch syndrome. After replication, DNA is reorganized into its chromatin structure and wrapped around histone octamers. DNA MMR is thought to be less efficient in recognizing and repairing mispairs packaged in chromatin, in which case MMR must either compete for access to naked DNA before histone deposition or actively move nucleosomes to access the mispair. This article reviews studies into the mechanistic and physical interactions between MMR and various chromatin-associated factors, including the histone deposition complex CAF1. Recent Xenopus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae studies describe a physical interaction between Msh2 and chromatin-remodeling ATPase Fun30/SMARCAD1, with potential mechanistic roles for SMARCAD1 in moving histones for both mispair access and excision tract elongation. The RSC complex, another histone remodeling complex, also potentially influences excision tract length. Deletion mutations of RSC2 point to mechanistic interactions with the MMR pathways. Together, these studies paint a picture of complex interactions between MMR and the chromatin environment that will require numerous additional genetic, biochemical, and cell biology experiments to fully understand. Understanding how these pathways interconnect is essential in fully understanding eukaryotic MMR and has numerous implications in human tumor formation and treatment.
Nano-TiO2 effects on high temperature resistance of recycled mortars

Abstract The use of recycled aggregate (RA) in mortar and concrete is a sustainable approach to reduce the depletion of natural resources and waste in landfills. Some studies suggested that RA could also improve the fire resistance of those materials. Nevertheless, the use of RA may lead to a reduction in strength. On the other hand, research indicated that nano-TiO2 could improve mechanical properties and fire resistance of cement-based materials. However, the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the high-temperature resistance of recycled concrete and mortar has not been studied. This paper analyzes the impact of nano-TiO2 on recycled mortars properties after high-temperature exposure. Compressive and flexural strength, ductility, microstructure analysis, and chemical composition tests were performed before and after exposure. Five mortars were studied: one plain mortar with natural aggregate and 0% of nano-TiO2, and four mortars with 100% RA and different nano-TiO2 percentages (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) by total weight of cement. Results showed that even though the addition of nano-TiO2 increases compressive and flexural strength of recycled mortars under normal conditions (20 °C), its use was prejudicial for mechanical properties after high-temperature exposure, producing a higher strength loss. The use of nano-TiO2 may change the coefficient of thermal expansion of the new cement paste, causing higher differences between the thermal properties of the mortar compounds. It may produce higher internal stresses when the temperature changes. These stresses would damage the weaker dual ITZ of recycled mortars. In fact, this effect was observed in SEM images: recycled mortar with nano-TiO2 showed cracks in the ITZ between old and new cement paste after 500 °C exposure. In contrast, recycled mortars without nano-TiO2 show failure cracks just in the aggregate-cement paste ITZ. Lastly, ductility was significantly enhanced after exposure at 500 °C by using RA.
Plasma Characterization Using a Silicon-Based Terahertz Frequency Comb Radiator

In this letter, temporal evolution of plasma density is characterized in the time-domain using a low-power THz frequency-comb radiator in the 130-nm SiGe BiCMOS process. The frequency-comb radiator covers from 10 s of GHz up to 1.1 THz where the spacing between tones is programmable and can be set by the frequency of an external trigger signal to as high as 10.5 GHz. Due to the complex permittivity of plasma, electromagnetic waves experience a phase and amplitude change as they pass through the plasma. The THz-pulse radiator used in this letter is locked to a low-phase noise external source. Hence, the phase-noise of the radiated tones is extremely low, which enables detecting small phase changes. In this measurement, phase and amplitude changes of THz waves are captured from 333 to 495 GHz for different plasma parameters by varying gas pressure, plasma pulse rate, and plasma excitation power.
Lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy fails to increase insulin secretion in F508del/F508del CF patients.

Abstract Background Glucose tolerance abnormalities including cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) are common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that CFTR dysfunction may directly or indirectly impact β-cell function, offering the potential for improvement with CFTR modulator therapy. In small pilot studies, treatment with ivacaftor improved insulin secretion in patients with the G551D CFTR mutation. In the current study, we examined the impact of lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in patients with CF who were homozygous for the F508del mutation. Methods 39 subjects from the PROSPECT Part B study who had been prescribed lumacaftor/ivacaftor by their CF care team at a CF Foundation's Therapeutic Development Network center were recruited. Subjects underwent 2-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) at baseline prior to first dose of lumacaftor/ivacaftor, and at 3, 6 and 12 months on therapy. OGTT glucose, insulin and c-peptide parameters were compared. Results Compared to baseline, OGTT fasting and 2 hour glucose levels, glucose area under the curve, insulin area under the curve and time to peak insulin level were not significantly different at 3, 6 and 12 months on lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy. Similarly, C-peptide levels were no different. Conclusions Lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy did not improve insulin secretion or glucose tolerance in patients with CF who were homozygous for the F508del mutation.
An experimental test of the Allee effect range limitation hypothesis.

Understanding how climate change impacts trailing-edge populations requires information about how abiotic and biotic factors limit their distributions. Theory indicates that socially mediated Allee effects can limit species distributions by suppressing growth rates of peripheral populations when social information is scarce. The goal of our research was to determine if socially mediated Allee effects limit the distribution of Canada warbler Cardellina canadensis at the trailing-edge of the geographic range. Using 4 years of observational data from 71 sites and experimental data at 10 sites, we tested two predictions of the socially mediated range limitation hypothesis: (a) local growth rates should be positively correlated with local density and (b) the addition of social cues immediately outside the trailing-edge range boundary would result in colonization of formerly unoccupied habitat and increased growth rates. During the third breeding season, social cues were experimentally added at 10 formerly unoccupied sites within and beyond the species' local range margin to determine if the addition of social information could increase density and effectively expand the species' range. No experimental sites were colonized after adding social cues and no evidence of Allee effects was found. Rather, temperature, precipitation and negative density dependence strongly influenced population growth rates. Although theoretical models indicate that the presence of socially mediated Allee effects at species range boundaries could increase the rate of climate-induced range shifts and local extinctions, empirical results from the first test of this hypothesis suggest that Allee effects play a minimal role in limiting species' distributions.
The expanding role of percutaneous mechanical thrombus debulking and extraction in the treatment of critical pulmonary embolism

Massive and sub-massive pulmonary embolism require expeditious management of the cumulative deleterious effects caused by rapidly deteriorating hemodynamic condition, severely compromised cardiac performance, and associated respiratory failure that carry a predictable catastrophic outcome. The FlowTriever thrombectomy system as applied in 34 patients for massive and submassive pulmonary embolism resulted in 90% success rate including adequate reduction of the PA pressures, improved RV performance, increased CI, improved BP, and heart rates and decreased the need for vasopressors support within 24 hr. The role of percutaneous mechanical thrombus debulking and extraction continue to expand, and the yield of the FlowTriever thrombectomy system should be considered when determining which intervention is best suited to patients with massive and submassive pulmonary embolism.
An Argument for Reinterpreting the Benign Behavioral Intervention Exemption

Recent changes to the Common Rule have helped reduce regulatory burden on researchers conducting minimal risk research. However, in this paper, I propose a way of minimizing burden further within the existing confines of the current regulations. I focus my discussion on the newly created "benign behavioral interventions" category of exempt research, arguing that this exemption from the federal regulations governing research with human subjects should be more expansively interpreted by the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP) than is currently the case. Specifically, I argue against the restriction, advocated by SACHRP, that the exemption exclude "physical (bodily) tasks" unless they are "incidental to the behavioral intervention." This restriction, I argue, is problematically vague and does no significant moral work. Acceptance of my proposed reinterpretation of "benign behavioral interventions" would, I hope, result in a significant reduction in regulatory burden for minimal risk research.
Statistical Fracture Analysis of Brittle Materials in Thermally Stressed Components

Thermal stress fracture in brittle materials is treated with a Weibull statistical analysis technique. The probability of failure and size effect is predicted by combining a risk analysis with finite element heat transfer and stress analysis. In a thermal transient the maximum probability of failure can occur at times greater than the time of maximum thermal stress. In many situations the thermal stress in a structure increases with size while, due to the size effect, the strength of the structure decreases. Thermal shock tests of silicon carbide and alumina demonstrate the scatter in the fracture strength. The average fracture strength of alumina is well-predicted, but the strength of silicon carbide disks is apparently affected by a nonhomogeneous flaw population. Applications of the statistical analysis technique to thermal stress situations in gas turbine vanes and combustors are reviewed.
A Stochastic Model of the Melanopsin Phototransduction Cascade

Melanopsin is an unusual vertebrate photopigment that, in mammals, is expressed in a small subset of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), whose signaling has been implicated in non-image forming vision, regulating such functions as circadian rhythms, pupillary light reflex, and sleep. The biochemical cascade underlying the light response in ipRGCs has not yet been fully elucidated. We developed a stochastic model of the hypothesized melanopsin phototransduction cascade and illustrated that the stochastic model can qualitatively reproduce experimental results under several different conditions. The model allows us to probe various mechanisms in the phototransduction cascade in a way that is not currently experimentally feasible.
Practical Security of Large-Scale Elections: An Exploratory Case Study of Internet Voting in Estonia

The Estonian parliamentary election in 2007 is regarded as a success story of large-scale Internet elections. I use this election in a single case study on practical security to show that low quality of security and its management does not necessarily prevent large-scale Internet elections from being conducted. I also provide research propositions with regard to future challenges for large-scale Internet elections.
The Dynamics of Cultural Influence Networks

This article investigates the behavior of cultural influence networks over time, using a computer simulation based on a formal model of cultural transmission in organizations. In the formal model, every organizational member exerts some cultural influence on, and is influenced by, every other members these influence paths constitute a dense social network and the weights of paths (ties) vary throughout the network. Over time, each organizational member's enculturation level changes in response to influence from other members, and the influence weight of each path changes in relationship to the cultural similarity of the individuals connected by the path. Virtual experiments explore the configuration and evolution of the cultural influence network under varying demographic conditions and influence principles. Demographic effects are studied by varying organizational size, hiring selectivity and turnover rates. Two principles for determining initial influence path weights are examined, cohort-based influence and random influence. The simulations show that the cultural influence network evolves over time to a robust configuration, fluctuating around a stable dynamic equilibrium as individuals enter and leave the organization. As turnover rates rise, cohort-based influence strengthens the influence network and reduces network inequality. In this model, cohort-based influence processes promote cultural stability in organizations.
Functional Entities —and that ain’t the half of it!

Like many other languages, Spanish may specify fractionary nouns with definite articles (cf. la mitad). This fact seems to violate the presupposition of uniqueness generally assigned to the definite article, as no fraction may exist without another one (halves, in particular, come in pairs). But this violation is only apparent—at least if we assume that these fractionary nouns denote fractioning operations (rather than the results thereof) and occur in partitive (rather than attributive) constructions. These proposals can be justified independently, and extend to numeral noun constructions that did not survive into Contemporary Spanish.
Adaptive comb filters for quasiperiodic physiologic signals

Quasi-periodic physiologic signals such as the electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse oximetry are sensitive to artifact and noise caused by patient movement, electrical interference, and sensor movement. This reduces the accuracy of algorithms that process these signals such as QRS detectors. The noise cannot be completely eliminated by traditional bandpass filters because the signal bandwidth often has significant overlap with the bandwidth of the artifact. We describe a simple adaptive comb filter (ACF) that attenuates the noise power between the signal harmonics and continuously estimates the heart rate without detecting individual beats. The filter applied to each harmonic has a finite impulse response (FIR), a user-specified bandwidth, and linear-phase to prevent distortion of the signal morphology.
Designing an advanced service management platform

The significant growth in the number of mobile users and their increasing demand for flexible access to various services has motivated significant research work in the area of future wireless access systems. It is assumed that heterogeneous radio access networks will be cooperating, as well as the IP-based backbone. Our assumptions on these different radio access technologies and the backbone result in a highly complex architecture. Consequently, management platform designers and developers need organizational guidance during the phase of creation of advanced service management platforms. Therefore, in this paper, a Unified Modeling Language process for designing such software platforms is presented.
Regulation, Profit Variability and Beta

Many tests of the Peltzman hypothesis that regulation buffers the firm's cash flows examine the firm's equity beta. We model the asset beta and show that it (and the equity beta) are a function of several variables beyond those found in previous tests. Since these variables are also affected by regulation, tests of the Peltzman theory that do not hold these factors constant will be biased. The empirical tests in this paper hold other determinants of beta equal and find evidence consistent with the Peltzman buffering hypothesis and the model of beta.
DESIGN OF LATERALLY LOADED PILES

Methods are presented for the design of laterally loaded piles. These methods are based on the concepts that the deformations at working loads should not be excessive and that complete collapse of the pile group should not occur even under the most adverse conditions. Lateral deflections have been calculated using a coefficient of subgrade reaction. The ultimate lateral resistance has been determined assuming that either the lateral resistance of the soil or the ultimate strength of the pile section has been exceeded. The proposed design method is illustrated by a numerical example.
T-AGS 60 class oceanographic survey ships: evolution of the hydrographic mission

In 1989 the Oceanographer of the Navy approved the construction of a new class of multimission oceanographic survey ship for the Naval Oceanographic Office, the T-AGS 60 class. The initial focus of the survey mission was primarily blue water oceanography. In the intervening years mission focus has shifted towards the littoral. This paper presents the original class mission capability and discusses the mission evolution to the littoral and the incorporation of a hydrographic survey capability that meets International Hydrographic Organization requirements.
Positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate 2 receptors in schizophrenia treatment

The past two decades have witnessed a rise in the ‘NMDA receptor hypofunction’ hypothesis for schizophrenia, a devastating disorder that affects around 1% of the population worldwide. A variety of presynaptic, postsynaptic, and regulatory proteins involved in glutamatergic signaling have thus been proposed as potential therapeutic targets. This review focuses on positive allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate 2 receptors (mGlu2Rs) and discusses how recent preclinical epigenetic data may provide a molecular explanation for the discrepant results of clinical studies, further stimulating the field to exploit the promise of mGlu2R as a target for schizophrenia treatment.
1-soliton solution of (1 + 2)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger's equation in dual-power law media

Abstract This Letter solves the nonlinear Schrodinger's equation in 1 + 2 dimensions with dual-power law nonlinearity and obtains the 1-soliton solution. The solitary wave ansatze is used to obtain the solution. A few conserved quantities are calculated using the soliton solution.
Initial management of congenital canalicular atresia.

Purpose To evaluate the initial management of pediatric patients with lacrimal canalicular atresia (CA) involving the upper or lower eyelid. Methods The medical records of 15 children with symptoms of nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction and CA of either the upper or lower eyelid treated from 1994 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical treatment consisted of nasolacrimal probing through the patent canaliculus. Preoperative findings, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed. Outcomes were considered good if the patients had resolution of signs and symptoms of lacrimal obstruction, fair if the symptoms improved and additional surgery was not required, and poor if additional lacrimal surgery was performed. Results CA was found in 19 eyes of 15 patients: 11 eyes had upper CA; 8 eyes, lower. All 11 eyes with upper CA improved after NLD probing through the patent lower canaliculus. Of the 8 eyes with lower CA, 4 (50%) had good outcomes and 4 eyes had poor outcomes after NLD probing through the patent upper canaliculus. All of the latter patients improved after subsequent treatment with balloon catheter dilation (BCD), monocanalicular stent placement, or both. Conclusions If a patient is found to have upper CA during initial surgery for NLD obstruction, NLD probing through the patent lower canaliculus has a good rate of surgical success. For patients with lower CA, the success rate of NLD probing through the upper canaliculus appears to be lower. Additional treatment during the initial surgery with either BCD or monocanalicular stent placement should be considered in these patients.
Labor Pain Management

Childbirth is usually highly anticipated and a happy experience. However, it can be accompanied by severe pain; Melzack demonstrated that only the pain of causalgia or digit amputation exceeds that of labor (Melzack 1975). He also demonstrated that the severity of pain varied greatly among women (Melzack et al. 1984) and 30–75% of parturients characterized their pain as severe or intolerable. Painless labor is a reality for only a small minority of women. It is thus fortunate that pain relief in labor is accepted as part of the childbirth experience. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) emphasizes in their committee opinion #118 that, “maternal request is a sufficient justification for pain relief during labor.”
Disk and Strip Forging for the Determination of Friction and Flow Strength Values

For forging operations, process parameters, such as workpiece geometry, forging load, and material properties of the deforming body, can all be measured by well-established techniques. Interface friction, however, is a far more elusive quantity, yet its significant role in determining forging forces and mode of material flow is well-recognized. Three new techniques are proposed to enable friction determination during forging. The first of these permits friction measurement over a small but finite increment of deformation; the second, removes the controversy over measuring geometry changes of a barreling surface and, therefore, provides for increase measurement accuracy; the third technique extends measurement to forging under plane strain conditions and introduces a new approach to the problem. The use of forging to measure flow stress and provide stress-strain data for the material being formed is discussed briefly. Presented at the 32nd Annual Meeting in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, May 9–12, 1977
Transracial Adoption Policies and Practices The US Experience

The over-representation of African American children placed in out-of-home care and in need of adoption continues to be a major problem in the United States. Many believed that the passage of the c...
Feeding by an omnivorous planktonic copepod aetideus divergens Bradford

Abstract Aetideus divergens Bradford is representative of a large group of marine planktonic calanoid copepods which are omnivores or mixed feeders. Because very little quantitative information is available on the feeding behavior of these copepods, laboratory feeding experiments have been carried out with adult female A. divergens presented with various sizes and concentrations of diatoms and freshly hatched nauplii of Artemia . The copepod fed most efficiently on the largest size of diatom and on Artemia nauplii, but was peculiarly inefficient at feeding on small diatoms, even when they were available at very high concentrations. In this respect, the copepod differs from filterfeeding copepods, such as Calanus pacificus Brodsky. A possible explanation of this difference depends upon Aetideus being less capable of handling very small food particles than Calanus . Aetideus divergens and its congeners usually occur at subsurface depths not far below the mixed layer and seem to be adapted for feeding on large particles, possibly large phytoplanktonic organisms and fecal pellets, which sink out of the mixed layer.
CGaAs PowerPC FXU

The development of a PowerPC™ fixed-point execution unit (FXU) in a resource limited, radiation-hard technology is described. Detailed architectural studies led to a design which maximizes performance in a small transistor count implementation. Manufactured in Motorola's 0.5—µm Complementary Gallium Arsenide process, the device operates from 0.9 to 1.9 V with a nominal frequency of 25 MHz at 1.3 V, dissipating 274 mW.
Design and evaluation of a new body for falling cylinder viscometers

A new body with stabilizers removed from the cylindrical section was designed for falling cylinder viscometers. Experimental data to evaluate the new body were obtained with gases and liquids at varying temperatures and pressures. Experimental results showed improved agreement with a theoretical model that assumes laminar flow friction along the cylindrical portion of the body and negligible additional frictional effects. Effects of temperature and pressure were accurately predicted by this theoretical model. The data were correlated on an improved viscometer plot. The advantage of the new body design was a negligible frictional effect of the stabilizers. The entrance-exit frictional effect was evaluated from the experimental data and correlated on a friction factor plot. Fluid flow in the annulus remained laminar throughout this study. The results of this investigation allow an improved prediction of the falling-cylinder viscometer constant.
Romantic rhetoric and the rhetorical tradition 1

There has been little room for the British Romantics in the study of rhetoric because it is generally agreed that they did not concern themselves with it, but their influence upon academic culture and upon the relationship between literature and rhetoric is a central concern for contemporary studies of rhetoric, composition, and literature.2 Rhetoricians and literary critics divide Romantic British discourse into the rhetoricians and the poets. Rhetoricians study Hugh Blair, George Campbell, and Richard Whately while literary theorists study philosophers, critics, and poets such as William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and William Wordsworth. Some substantial efforts have been made to include the "literary" Romantics in our discussion of rhetoric. Don Bialostosky's recent work, Wordsworth, Dialogics, and the Practice of Criticism, for example, gives us a reading of Wordsworth from a dialogical perspective, and in the past rhetoricians of such stature as Kenneth Burke (see Blankenship), I. A. Richards, and Ann E. Berthoff have included Coleridge and Wordsworth in their theories of rhetoric and composition. Still, in the main, rhetoricians regard the British Romantics with distrust.3 On the surface the distrust is well earned. The term rhetoric had pejorative associations for the Romantics. Although their philosophical views about rhetoric may be traced to Plato, their belief that rhetoric was a secondary and fraudulent art was the product of a longstanding academic and ecclesiastical debate over the virtues of Ramist rhetoric, where logic afforded the composer the means of thinking and rhetoric afforded the composer a way of presenting those thoughts.4 In this view rhetoric was mechanical, and once the organic experience of creation was over, what was left to the rhetorician was merely gesture or "mere" rhetoric. The British Romantics' distrust for "mere" rhetoric led them to write about discourse rather than rhetoric. Coleridge, for example, uses the term method, a term usually associated with Descartes in philosophy and with Ramus in rhetoric, when he writes about rhetorical acts. However, throughout his works, he not only demonstrates a substantial understanding of the history of rhetoric but also includes well-known principles of rhetoric in his method. In his "Essays on the Principles of Method," he argues that method is a habit of considering the relationships among things, specifically "either their relations to each other, or to the observer, or to the state of apprehension of the hearers" (451). Thus, although Coleridge argues against the sophists in "On the
Identification of metabolites of dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine) in dog and rat.

AbstractBackground:Dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine; 4-AP) is a potassium channel blocker available in the United States to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis as demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. Its pharmacokinetics have been evaluated in human studies but its metabolites are not well characterized. This study characterizes the metabolic profile of dalfampridine in two animal species that were used to support nonclinical toxicology evaluation.Methods:Metabolic profiling of single oral 14C-4-AP doses was performed in 12 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Similarly, metabolic profiling was performed in beagle dogs in two studies that administered 14C-4-AP by gastric intubation; the first study included six animals (three males, three females), and the second study included two animals (one male, one female). Blood and urine samples were evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and radioanalysis (liquid scintillation counting), with further i...
The Plasma Wakefield Accelerator

In the Plasma Wakefield Accelerator (PWFA) scheme a short bunch of high current (density nb), but low voltage electron beam is shot through a dense plasma. For a properly shaped bunch the background plasma electrons are adiabatically displaced from their initial positions and are subsequently released after the bunch has passed, resulting in a plasma wakefield. A trailing low current bunch can be accelerated by the plasma wakefield to energies on the order of.-1-11ln y0 mc2 when the driving bunch is appropriately shaped. The plasma thus acts like a transformer since it increases voltage at the expense of current. This scheme is thus in the general class of wakefield transformers, except that transformer ratios greater than 2 can be obtained even for axial co-propagating beams. In this paper we win describe recent work at UCLA on the PWFA.
Modulation of GABA-stimulated Cl- flux by a benzodiazepine agonist and an 'inverse agonist' after chronic flurazepam treatment

Rats treated one week with flurazepam were killed while still on the drug or 48 h after termination of drug treatment. The brain 'microsac' preparation derived from the cerebral cortices was used for studying the GABA-stimulated chloride influx. There was no significant change in the basal or GABA-stimulated influx between control and treated groups. However, the effect of flunitrazepam to enhance 10 microM GABA-stimulated influx was significantly reduced, indicating tolerance. Methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3- carboxylate (DMCM), an 'inverse agonist' at benzodiazepine receptors, dose dependently inhibited 50 microM GABA-stimulated influx; chronic treatment did not alter the effect of DMCM. This study demonstrates that one week treatment with flurazepam produces tolerance to benzodiazepines without any change in the effect of GABA or DMCM. This indicates that GABA and benzodiazepine sites are differently modulated after chronic treatment with benzodiazepines. However, since both benzodiazepine and DMCM act on the same receptors it appears that the different 'domains' on the benzodiazepine receptor are differently altered during chronic treatment.
Frequency comb spectroscopy with coherent optical sampling

A stabilized frequency comb provides a broadband array of highly resolved comb lines. Using a multiheterodyne technique, we measure the amplitude and phase of every comb line, allowing for massively parallel, high-resolution spectroscopy.
An optimal construction of invalidation reports for mobile databases

Mobile computing is characterized by frequent disconnection, limited communication capability, narrow bandwidth, etc. Caching can play a vital role in mobile computing by reducing the amount of data transferred. In order to reuse caches after short disconnections, invalidation reports are broadcasted to clients to help update/invalidate their caches. Detailed reports may not be desirable because they can be very long and consume large bandwidth. On the other hand, false invalidations may set in if detailed timing information of updates is not provided in the report. In this research, we aim to reduce the false invalidation rates of the reports. It is found that false invalidation rates are closely related to clients' reconnection patterns (i.e., the distribution of the time spans between disconnections and reconnections). By using Newton's method, we show how a report with a minimal false invalidation rate can be constructed for any given disconnection pattern.
Synthesis of infectious ΦX-174 bacteriophage in vitro

STUDY of virus assembly has indicated the involvement of a diverse spectrum of protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions (for review see ref. 1). In Escherichia coli cells infected with bacteriophage ΦX-174, synthesis of single-stranded circular viral DNA requires the functions of at least seven phage-coded genes which include genes specifying viral structural proteins F, G and H non-virion proteins A, B, C and D. The only known phage gene that is not involved in single-stranded DNA synthesis is gene E (lysis) (for review see ref. 2). It seems that synthesis of single-stranded circular viral DNA of ΦX-174 is very tightly coupled with the phage morphogenetic pathway. The synthesis of ΦX-174 viral DNA involves a replicative form (RF) DNA with an extended tail of single-stranded viral DNA up to one genome in length (‘rolling circle’ or a structure DNA)3–7. Fujisawa and Hayashi8,9 found that σ DNA in infected cells is associated with a number of phage and host proteins as a 50S complex which is a precursor of mature phage particles. They have proposed that synthesis and packaging of ΦX-174 single-stranded DNA occur in the 50S complex. Formation of the 50S complex requires the association of a functional RF DNA template with a 108S capsomeric structure containing the protein products of genes D, F, G and H (ref. 10). The functions of genes B and C are also required for formation of the 50S complex. The gene B protein is necessary to catalyse assembly of gene F and gene G proteins11 to form a precursor of the 108S structure10–12. In the absence of gene C protein, the 108S structure is produced but the 50S complex is not formed10. Apparently, RF DNA cannot act as a functional template for formation of the SOS complex and, consequently, for synthesis of single-stranded DNA if the gene C protein is absent. To elucidate the function of ΦX-174-coded proteins during phage morphogenesis and single-stranded DNA synthesis, we have developed an in vitro system that synthesizes circular, single-stranded viral DNA13. The system contained an extract prepared from cells infected with a lysis-defective mutant of ΦX-174. We show here that synthesis of circular viral DNA in the system does depend on the functions of the proteins encoded by ΦX-174 genes B and C. The circular single-stranded viral DNA synthesised in vitro is contained in infectious particles whose appearance is very much like that of mature ΦX-174 phage particles when examined by electron microscopy.
Application of the Nyquist Stability Criterion on the Nichols Chart

three elements per phase as a starting point, with each data point corresponding to doubling the number of elements per phase. Only the zerothand  rst-order shape function plots are shown for the new way, because the second-order shape function solution had zero error all along the time history, even for only two elements per phase. Although the CPU time necessary to implement the new methodwas higher for the zeroth-ordershape functions than for the old way (re ecting the effect of the signi cantly increased size of the Jacobian), the multiple phase  rst-order solution is clearly far superiorto thebest resultsfrom the single-phasemethodology.Thus, the key to solvingthisproblemaccuratelyand ef ciently is clearlyin the switching points, as seen in Fig. 5. Even for the three-elementper-phase solution with  rst-order shape functions, the switching times were all within 0.2% of the optimal value, moving an order of magnitude closer with each re nement. On the other hand, even with 192 elements obtained by uniform re nement and even with the highest-ordershape functions,calculated switching times could get no closer than 0.2%.
Separation of fine particle dispersions using periodic flows in a spining coiled tube

A centrifugal method for fractionating fine (<10 μm) particles by size and/or density is described. Periodic, bidirectional flow through a continuously spinning coiled tube splits fine particle suspensions into two fractions. Proof-of-principle experiments with zeolite powder have demonstrated successful concentration of aqueous dispersions.
Effects of cadmium and mercury on Na(+)-K+, ATPase and uptake of 3H-dopamine in rat brain synaptosomes.

AbstractEffects in vivo of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (CH3Hg) on Na+-K+ ATPase and uptake of 3H-dopamine (DA) in rat brain synaptosomes were studied. These heavy metals significantly inhibited the Na+-K+ ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, inhibition of DA uptake by synaptosomes was also observed in rats treated with these metals. Intraperitoneal route of metal administration was found to be more effective than per os treatment. Mercuric compounds compared to Cd elicited a higher inhibition of Na+-K+ ATPase and DA uptake in rat brain synaptosomes.
Comparison of scholarly productivity of general and subspecialty clinician-educators in internal medicine.

Background: Peer-reviewed publications and extramural reputation are criteria used to evaluate clinician–educators for promotion. There is concern that these criteria may be disadvantageous to clinician–educators in generalist fields relative to their specialist counterparts. Purpose: To determine whether medicine subspecialists had more peer-reviewed publications and academic activities outside their home institution than general internal medicine (GIM) faculty, and to explore possible explanations for observed differences. Method: Cross-sectional survey of all clinician–educators in a department of medicine at a leading public U.S. medical school. The survey assessed clinical duties, publications, and professional activities. Results: Seventy-one percent (42/59) of clinician–educator faculty responded. GIM clinician–educators spent fewer months on inpatient services (p = 0.01), but more time in clinic (p = 0.05). Specialist clinician–educators had more peer-reviewed publications (p = 0.003), but total p...
Intracranial dissemination of an ACTH secreting pituitary neoplasm--a case report and review of the literature.

A 52-year-old woman developed recurrent hypercortisolism 3 yr after successful surgical treatment of Cushing’s disease. At postmortem, eosinophilic pituitary tissue showing positive ACTH immunohistochemical staining was present in the frontal lobe and cerebellum but there was no tumor in the sella. In the absence of a pituitary tumor, ex-trasellar ACTH producing tissue could arise from seeding of the cerebrospinal fluid with tumor cells at the time of operation or from an atypical pituitary carcinoma. In this report we review the mechanisms of intracranial dissemination of pituitary tissue and ACTH-secreting pituitary carcinomas, including parasellar invasion, meningeal seeding, and cerebrospinal and hematogenous spread.
The Consequences of Respondent Attrition in Panel Studies: A Simulation Based on the Rochester Youth Development Study

Subject attrition is a potentially serious threat to the validity of inferences drawn from panel studies of delinquency and drug use. Prior assessments of this issue produce somewhat conflicting results, with some finding that respondents who leave the panel have higher rates of delinquency and drug use than those who remain, while other studies report little or no differential attrition. Despite these findings, there has been virtually no examination of the extent to which respondent attrition can bias substantive findings in panel studies of delinquency and drug use. The present article addresses this issue by simulating higher levels of attrition in an ongoing panel study that has a low rate of attrition and little differential attrition. It finds that failure to include more elusive respondents (those who are more mobile) would bias estimates of prevalence and frequency of delinquency and drug use as well as results from basic regression analyses. Failure to include less cooperative respondents (those who require more contacts) produces similar, but somewhat smaller, differences. The methodological implications of the results are discussed.
Epizootic of Acalitus vaccinii (Acari: Eriophyidea) Caused by Hirsutella thompsonii on Southern Highbush Blueberry in North-Central Florida

ABSTRACT The blueberry bud mite (BBM), Acalitus vaccinii (Keifer), is gaining importance as a pest of southern highbush blueberries. During a BBM population development study in a north-central Florida location, an epizootic was observed, and the mesothermic acarine mycopathogen, Hirsutella thompsonii (Fisher), was identified as the causal organism. In order to better understand the progression of an epizootic resulting from H. thompsonii ,the area was extensively sampled from Mar 2007 until Apr 2008. Terminal buds of the following developmental stages were collected, as follows: (1) tightly closed buds, (2) symptomatically swollen and reddened buds, and (3) separating or opened buds. A red food coloring staining technique commonly used to stain phyto-parasitic nematodes in or on roots was used to improve the visibility of the microscopic mite. Within 1 year, the population declined from 50% of the flower buds infected (up to 2,000 BBM per bud) to less than 5% of the flower buds infected (about 20 BBM per...