cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the logic of nonmonotonic conditionals and conditional probabilities

I will describe the logics of a range of conditionals that behave like conditional probabilities at various levels of probabilistic support. Families of these conditionals will be characterized in terms of the rules that their members obey. I will show that for each conditional, →, in a given family, there is a probabilistic support level r and a conditional probability function P such that, for all sentences C and B, ‘C→B’ holds just in case P[B|C]≥r. Thus, each conditional in a given family behaves like conditional probability above some specific support level.
Structure-based virtual screening, synthesis and SAR of novel inhibitors of hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase is a key target for the development of therapeutic agents aimed at the treatment of HCV infections. Here we report on the identification of novel allosteric inhibitors of HCV NS5B through a combination of structure-based virtual screening, synthesis and structure–activity relationship (SAR) optimization approach. Virtual screening of 260,000 compounds from the ChemBridge database against the tetracyclic indole inhibitor binding pocket of NS5B (allosteric pocket-1, AP-1), sequentially down-sized the library by 4 orders of magnitude to yield 23 candidates. In vitro evaluation of the NS5B inhibitory activity of the in-silico selected compounds resulted in 17% hit rate, identifying two novel chemotypes. Of these, compound 3 , bearing the rhodanine scaffold, proved amenable for productive SAR exploration and synthetic modification. As a result, 25 derivatives that exhibited IC 50 values ranging from 7.7 to 68.0 μM were developed. Docking analysis of lead compound 28 within the tetracyclic indole- and benzylidene-binding allosteric pockets (AP-1 and AP-3, respectively) of NS5B revealed topological similarities between these two pockets. Compound 28 , a novel rhodanine analog with NS5B inhibitory potency in the low micromolar level range may be a promising lead for future development of more potent NS5B inhibitors.
Bathythermal Distribution, Maturity, and Growth of Lake Trout Strains Stocked in U.S. Waters of Lake Ontario, 1978–1993

Bathythermal distributions, sexual maturity, and growth of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) strains stocked in Lake Ontario were determined for fish collected with trawls and gill nets in 1978–93. The purpose was to augment the basis for deciding which strains to continue stocking in an effort to reestablish a self-sustaining population. The Clearwater Lake (CWL) strain was found in shallower, warmer water than all other strains; the Seneca Lake (SEN) strain was usually shallower than the Jenny Lake (JEN) and Lake Superior (SUP) strains at ages 1 and 2 but was usually deeper at age 3 and older. Depth distribution of the “Ontario strain”—from gametes of several strains that survived to maturity in Lake Ontario—was similar to that of the SEN and SUP strains. About half the males matured at age 4 and half the females at age 5; males < 500 mm and females < 600 mm long were rarely mature. Least-squares mean lengths and weights of the CWL strain were greater than those of all other strains through age 4. At age 7 and older, CWL and JEN fish were generally smaller than all other strains. Mean lengths and weights of males and females of the same age and strain frequently differed at age 4 and older. Growth in weight at age 4 and older was not associated with biomass indices of prey fishes. Differences in growth rates among strains were associated with bathythermal distribution which is a heritable trait. Weight-length regressions differed by year, sex, and stage of maturity but were rarely different among strains. Competition for space appeared to affect condition of large lake trout. Growth rates and maturity schedules provide little basis for recommending stocking one strain in preference to another. Depth ranges of strains overlapped widely, but lake trout occupied only about one-fourth of available bottom habitat. Stocking several strains should be continued to maximize use of suitable habitat.
Novel 130‐kDa rat liver myosin‐1 will translocate actin filaments

We have recently purified and characterized from rat liver, polypeptides of 110-kDa and 130-kDa which possess several characteristics of myosin-1 [Coluccio and Conaty: Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 24:189-199, 1993]. What roles these myosin-1 molecules play in hepatocytes is not yet defined. One hypothesis is that they are involved in either intracellular transport or locomotion. As a first step in establishing their function, we have investigated whether these molecules are capable of supporting motility in vitro. Our results clearly demonstrate that the isolated 130-kDa-calmodulin complex will translocate filaments at a rate of 0.03-0.05 microns/sec; motility is inhibited in free calcium ion concentrations above 0.1 microM. This inhibition is reversed with the addition of exogenous calmodulin. These results provide supporting evidence of a motile role for the 130-kDa-calmodulin complex in vivo. This is the first demonstration that in higher eukaryotes, myosin-1 from a tissue other than intestine will support motility. Partial peptide sequence analysis indicates that the 130-kDa polypeptide resembles the recently described myr 1 [Ruppert et al.: J. Cell Biol. 120:1393-1403, 1993] or MM1 alpha [Sherr et al.: J. Cell Biol. 1405-1416, 1993] gene product.
Recent developments in liquid phase mid-infrared sensor technology

The potential of mid-infrared optical sensing technology for liquid phase applications is tightly related to the implementation of appropriate chemical modifications of the sensing surface. Besides recognition and enrichment of analyte molecules, suppression of interfering water absorptions is of substantial interest. Utilizing the principle of evanescent wave spectroscopy for the signal generation is the basis for the realization of powerful spectroscopic sensing systems, which provide access to molecule specific vibrations of organic analytes. With the availability of mid-infrared transparent fiberoptic materials, access to the mid-infrared spectral region from 220 micrometers is gained, enabling remote qualitative and quantitative analysis. Besides polymeric molecular recognition and enrichment layers, sol-gel films are among the most promising surface modification. This highly reproducible process allows detailed control on the surface properties of the sol-gel layer formed at the waveguide surface. Due to the inertness and robustness of sol-gel coatings they can be considered among the most promising surface modification materials for optical sensors applied in the biomedical and biological field.
DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH CROWDED JAILS: THE JUDGES' ROLE

That there is a jail crowding problem is well documented. The problem of jail crowding must b e acknowledged as one demanding the involvement of all key criminal justice actors. Judges have been identified as key decisionmakers playing a pivotal role in managing case flow and influencing jail population levels. What, then, is or should be the role of judges in dealing specifically with jail crowding? Conventional responses to this question have focused on either the role of the federal judge, who in the course of presiding over a case involving jail conditions is called upon to manage a facility, or the role of a trial judge in making sentencing decisions. Recent research efforts have recognized that a nexus exists between judicial and correctional systems that extends beyond overseeing and sentencing roles. This paper intends to expand the notion o f interdependence to encompass the entire criminal justice system with emphasis on the judge's contribution. Judges' decisions concerning the issuance of summonses, setting and reviewing bail, continuances and sentencing bear directly on the number of offenders in jail and/or length of the ir confinement. In numerous jurisdictions, judges have been instrumental in instituting changes aimed at dealing with the jail crowding problem and resulting in improvements in case processing. Judicial system-wide leadership has resulted in the establishment of guidelines for pretrial services personnel to be used in releasing certain defendants pretrial and in making pretrial release recommendations for others in one jurisdiction and the institution of a policy prohibiting the detention of misdemeanor defendants—a major factor in reducing the jail population–in many other jurisdictions. Increased use of nonfinancial pretrial release options by judicial officers was a key element in achieving a substantial drop in the jail population in several communities. Judges have introduced delay reduction strategies which have served to expedite case processing as well as minimize the number of detainees in jail. Judges have also successfully implemented a full range of sentencing atternatives, including community service, restitution and treatment programs for persons convicted of alcohol or drug-related offenses. This paper provides information on specific policies and procedures which have had a demonstrated impact on jail population levels without detracting from the operations of courts and, in most instances, contributing to improvements in judicial administration.
Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging metrics in perilesional white matter among children with periventricular nodular gray matter heterotopia

Despite pharmacological and surgical interventions, some children with periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) remain refractory to treatment, which suggests more diffuse pathology potentially involving perilesional white matter. The purpose of this study was to evaluate MR diffusion tensor imaging (MRDTI) metrics within perilesional white matter in children with PNH. Six children with PNH (four boys; average age 3.2 years, range 2 months to 6 years) were studied with MRDTI at 3 T. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) were quantified within perilesional white matter at distances of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm from focal areas of PNH and compared to location-matched ROIs in six healthy control patients (two boys, average age 3.3 years, range 2–6 years). Statistical significance was set at an overall level of α = 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons. Perilesional white matter showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy and elevated mean and radial diffusivity at all evaluated distances. No significant differences in axial diffusivity were detected at any distance. PNH is associated with microstructural white matter abnormalities as indicated by abnormal perilesional MRDTI metrics detectable at least 20 mm from visible nodular lesions.
Increasing age and survival after orthotopic liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular cancer

Background Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the gold standard treatment for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are concerns about the efficacy of OLT for HCC in older patients, who we hypothesized might have poorer outcomes. Therefore, we sought to examine advanced age and its impact on OLT outcomes. Study Design The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for patients who underwent OLT for HCC from 1987 to 2009. Patients were divided into 3 age groups: 35 to 49 years old, 50 to 64 years old, and 65 years or older, and patient characteristics were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact of age on OLT outcomes. Results Of 10,238 patients with OLT for HCC, 16.5% (n = 1,688) of patients were 35 to 49 years old, 67.8% (n = 6,937) were 35 to 49 years old, and 15.8% (n = 1,613) were 65 years and older. By Kaplan-Meier method, the 50- to 64-year-old age group had the highest overall survival, despite having one of the highest rates of hepatitis C positivity (70%), but this group also had the lowest rate of diabetes mellitus (8.7%). The lowest overall survival was observed in the 65-year or older age group (p Conclusions Although OS was prolonged in younger patients who underwent OLT for HCC, there was no observed difference in disease-specific survival among the age groups. Our results suggest that carefully selected patients 65 years of age and older can derive equal benefit from OLT for HCC when compared with their younger counterparts.
The hemoglobin system of the primitive fish, Amia calva: isolation and functional characterization of the individual hemoglobin components

Abstract Blood from the primitive holostean fish, the bowfin, Amia calva, contai ns 2 mo of ATP per mol of hemoglobin. The hemolysates contain at least five tetrameric hemoglobin components which differ in their oxygen affinities and their response to cofactors such as ATP. The binding of oxygen by each chromatographically isolated component, including a cathodal component,is influenced by pH and organic phosphates; there is no significant differentiation of function or structure as seen in trout and certain other fish hemolysates. Kinetic analyses of ligand binding indicate that the Bohr and Root effects of Amia calva hemoglobins are best explained by changes in both the “on” and “off” constants. At low pH, the increase in the “off” constant is smaller than for most other Root hemoglobins. The hemoglobin system of Amia calva is functionally undifferentiated and may be representative of the ancestral condition in teleosts.
The sustainability of low-income homeownership: the incidence of unexpected costs and needed repairs among low-income home buyers

Until the recent housing market crisis, the United States was producing first-time, low-income homeowners at an unprecedented rate. In a longitudinal study of low-income renters participating in a multi-site homeownership education program, we examine the ability of low-income homebuyers to pay housing related costs after home purchase, including maintenance or repairs costs. After less than two years of ownership, we find the sustainability of low-income homeownership in jeopardy for sizeable portion of home buyers. About half of the more than 350 new home owners surveyed face unexpected costs, and about a third confront home repairs they cannot afford. More than half carry greater non-housing debt, and about a quarter were 30 days late or more in debt repayment. The findings raise concerns about the long term sustainability of low-income homeownership and emphasize the importance of requiring effective pre-purchase services and effective and ongoing post-purchase counseling.
FPGA-based “bunch cleaning” system at the advanced light source☆

Abstract A new bunch cleaning system has been designed and is currently in operation in the storage ring of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The new system provides for high bunch purity, arbitrary filling patterns, and is compatible with the various ALS user operation modes. Design details and performance results of the new system will be described.
Phase Relationships in the Silicon Carbide-Aluminum Nitride System

Phase relationships in the SiC-AlN system were determined by analytical electron microscopy of local equilibria among adjacent phases in hot-pressed samples and in diffusion couples. At 2100° to 2300°C, a 4H–2H equilibrium exists, the 4H field extending from ∼2 mol% AlN to an upper limit of 11 to 14 mol% AlN. The wurtzite-type 2H (δ) solid solution extends from an impurity-sensitive lower limit of 17 to 24 mol% AlN up to 100 mol% AlN. Semiquantitative Auger electron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy ultrathin-window detector measurements confirmed the assumption that the solid solutions have the general formula (SiC)1-x(AlN)x and belong to the SiC-AlN pseudobinary system. The existence of a miscibility gap below 1950°C was confirmed, but its limits were not determined accurately. A faulted metastable cubic phase, β′, exists below ∼2000°C and contains up to ∼4 mol% AlN. The transformations into the stable a structures occur through diffusion-controlled stacking rearrangements.
Propagation of Electromagnetic Radiation through a Resonant Medium

The propagation of electromagnetic radiation through a resonant medium is studied. The slowly varying envelope of the electromagnetic field is assumed to have a slowly varying phase in addition to a slowly varying amplitude. The nonlinear coupled equations of motion are solved exactly under rather general assumptions. Three classes of solutions are obtained; two of them reduce to the solutions of Crisp and of McCall and Hahn when the slowly varying phase is zero. Because of the gauge invariance of the equations of motion, there is a term proportional to the vector potential in addition to the terms of its space and time derivatives in the equation describing the evolution in time of the electromagnetic field. Hence, a characteristic frequency exists in the infrared region below which the wave number becomes imaginary.
On the |[lsquo]|failure|[rsquo]| of postmodernism in medical sociology

This essay responds to a recent claim that postmodern theory has ‘failed’ in medical sociology. It critiques the objective and empirical grounds upon which the claim against postmodernism is made while raising the larger question of how best to assess the present moment in the history of sociological knowledge. Using the techniques of rhetorical analysis, the essay then situates the claim regarding postmodernism's ‘failure’ in the context of similar critiques that have appeared in published sociological literature. Outcomes of this analysis show how critiques of postmodernism function as a rhetorical screen that both veils and partially expresses larger disciplinary concerns about the ethics, politics and future of sociology. Concluding remarks address the need for more open discussion about the values of social research.
Quantum corrections to \( \mathcal{N}=2 \) Chern-Simons theories with flavor and their AdS4 duals

We add fundamental flavors to $ \mathcal{N}=2 $ Chern-Simons-matter theories living on M2 branes probing a Calabi-Yau four-fold singularity. This is dual, in the ’t Hooft limit described by IIA string theory, to the introduction of supersymmetric D6 branes wrapping AdS4 and a 3-cycle of the internal manifold. The resulting Chern-Simons theories remain conformally invariant, corresponding to the fact that the D6 branes lift to pure geometry in M-theory. The determination of the moduli space relies crucially on the 1- loop contributions to charges and OPE’s of monopole operators in these field theories. The general picture is determined for non-chiral and chiral flavors, and is illustrated in several examples.
Evaluation of Heat Shields from RTS Wright Industries Magnesium and Uranium Beds

Heat shields from a factory test of the furnaces that will be used to heat the magnesium and uranium beds for the tritium extraction facility (TEF) were examined to determine the cause of discoloration. The samples were examined using visual, optical microscopy, electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy.
Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and diagnosis of asthma in offspring at age 3 years.

Objective The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and a diagnosis of asthma in offspring at age 3 years. Methods A population-based sample of children born in large U.S. cities in 1998–2000 was followed since birth (N = 1971). The main outcome measure was whether the mother reported at 3 years that the child had ever been diagnosed with asthma. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and child asthma diagnosis, as well as the extent to which the association can be explained by sociodemographic, medical, obstetric, and behavioral factors associated with both conditions. Results Children with obese mothers had 52% higher odds of having an asthma diagnosis by age 3 (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.18–1.93). Sociodemographic, medical, obstetric, and behavioral factors explained some, but not all, of the association. Conclusions Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with diagnosis of asthma in offspring at age 3 years. The results from this study are preliminary and need to be replicated and further explored, but are suggestive of a complex intergenerational linkage between obesity and asthma.
Complementary Alternative Medicine for Children with Autism: A Physician Survey

Previous studies suggest over half of children with autism are using complementary alternative medicine (CAM). In this study, physicians responded (n = 539, 19% response rate) to a survey regarding CAM use in children with autism. Physicians encouraged multi-vitamins (49%), essential fatty acids (25%), melatonin (25%) and probiotics (19%) and discouraged withholding immunizations (76%), chelation (61%), anti-infectives (57%), delaying immunizations (55%) and secretin (43%). Physicians encouraging CAM were more likely to desire CAM training, inquire about CAM use, be female, be younger, and report greater autism visits, autism education and CAM knowledge. Physicians were more likely to desire CAM training, inquire about CAM and view CAM as a challenge for children with autism compared to children with other neurodevelopmental and chronic/complex conditions.
A review of reaction rates in high temperature air

The existing experimental data on the rate coefficients for the chemical reactions in nonequilibrium high temperature air are reviewed and collated, and a selected set of such values is recommended for use in hypersonic flow calculations. For the reactions of neutral species, the recommended values are chosen from the experimental data that existed mostly prior to 1970, and are slightly different from those used previously. For the reactions involving ions, the recommended rate coefficients are newly chosen from the experimental data obtained more recently. The reacting environment is assumed to lack thermal equilibrium, and the rate coefficients are expressed as a function of the controlling temperature, incorporating the recent multitemperature reaction concept.
Quenching Rate Constants and Product Assignments for Reactions of Xe(7p[3/2]2, 7p[5/2]2, and 6p‘[3/2]2) Atoms with Rare Gases, CO, H2, N2O, CH4, and Halogen-Containing Molecules

Two-photon excitation of Xe atoms in a static gas cell was used to prepare the Xe(7p[3/2]2, 7p[5/2]2, and 6p‘[3/2]2) states in mixtures of Xe with rare gases, H2(D2), CO, Cl2, HCl, CCl2F2, CCl4, SF6, NF3, CF4, CH4, CH3F, and N2O at 300 K. The total quenching rate constants were measured, and product fluorescence spectra were used to assign reaction pathways. The total quenching constants for these Xe* Rydberg states by molecular reagents are very large, corresponding to cross sections of 200−1500 A2. Qualitative models are introduced to discuss the quenching processes, which are mainly reactive quenching and excitation transfer. For reagents with very large electron affinities, ion-pair formation may be important. A correlation of the quenching cross section with the dipole moment of the reagent was observed. These three Xe* states have nearly the same energy (∼11 eV), but the Xe(7p) states nominally have the Xe+(2P3/2) ion-core, whereas the Xe(6p‘) states have the Xe+(2P1/2) core. The XeCl(D) and XeF(D) ...
Acetylated allose-containing flavonoid glucosides from Stachys anisochila

Abstract In continuation of our chemosystematic study of Stachys (Labiatae) we have isolated the previously reported isoscutellarein 7-O-[6″'-O-acetyl-β- D -allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β- D -glucopyranoside] (1) and 3′-hydroxy-4′-O-methylisoscutellarein 7-O-[6″'-O-acetyl-β- D -allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β- D -glucopyranoside] (4) and four new allose-containing flavonoid glycosides from S. anisochila. The new glycosides are hypolaetin 7-O-[6″'-O-acetyl-β- D -allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β- D -glucopyranside] (6) as well as the three corresponding diacetyl analogues of 1, 4 and 6, isoscutellarein 7-O-[6″'-O-acetyl-β- D -allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-6″-O-acetyl-β- D -glucopyranoside], 3′-hydroxy-4′-O-methylisoscutellarein 7-O-[6″'-O-acetyl-β- D -allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-6″-O-acetyl-β- D -glucopyranoside] and hypolaetin 7-O-[6″'-O-acetyl-β- D -allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-6″-O-acetyl-β- D -glucopyranoside]. Extensive two-dimensional NMR studies (proton-carbon correlations, COSY experiments) allowed assignment of all 1H NMR sugar signals and a correction of the 13C NMR signal assignments for C-2 and C-3 of the allose.
On How Increasing Numbers of Newer Cancer Therapies Further Delay Referral to Hospice: The Increasing Palliative Care Imperative

Delay in referral of cancer patients to hospice until very near the end of life may deny patients and families optimal palliative care. A variety of factors may contribute to these delays. This article describes how the proliferation of newer anticancer therapies, although desirable overall, may further increase these delays. It is important for hospice personnel to understand these changes in medical oncology and to work to optimize palliative care delivery concomitantly with disease-remitting therapies.
In vivo assembly of aspartate transcarbamoylase from fragmented and circularly permuted catalytic polypeptide chains.

Previous studies on Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) demonstrated that active, stable enzyme was formed in vivo from complementing polypeptides of the catalytic (c) chain encoded by gene fragments derived from the pyrBI operon. However, the enzyme lacked the allosteric properties characteristic of wild-type ATCase. In order to determine whether the loss of homotropic and heterotropic properties was attributable to the location of the interruption in the polypeptide chain rather than to the lack of continuity, we constructed a series of fragmented genes so that the breaks in the polypeptide chains would be dispersed in different domains and diverse regions of the structure. Also, analogous molecules containing circularly permuted c chains with altered termini were constructed for comparison with the ATCase molecules containing fragmented c chains. Studies were performed on four sets of ATCase molecules containing cleaved c chains at positions between residues 98 and 99, 121 and 122, 180 and 181, and 221 and 222; the corresponding circularly permuted chains had N termini at positions 99, 122, 181, and 222. All of the ATCase molecules containing fragmented or circularly permuted c chains exhibited the homotropic and heterotropic properties characteristic of the wild-type enzyme. Hill coefficients (nH) and changes in them upon the addition of ATP and CTP were similar to those observed with wild-type ATCase. In addition, the conformational changes revealed by the decrease in sedimentation coefficient upon the addition of a bisubstrate analog were virtually identical to that for the wild-type enzyme. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that neither the breakage of the polypeptide chains nor the newly formed covalent bond between the termini in the wild-type enzyme had a significant impact on the thermal stability of the assembled dodecamers. The studies demonstrate that continuity of the polypeptide chain within structural domains is not essential for the assembly, activity, and allosteric properties of ATCase.
Omega-consistency and the diamond

G is the result of adjoining the schema □ (□qA→A)→□qA to K; the axioms of G* are the theorems of G and the instances of the schema □qA→A and the sole rule of G* is modus ponens. A sentence is ω-provable if it is provable in P(eano) A(rithmetic) by one application of the ω-rule; equivalently, if its negation is ω-inconsistent in PA. Let ω-Bew(x) be the natural formalization of the notion of ω-provability. For any modal sentence A and function ϕ mapping sentence letters to sentences of PA, inductively define A ωϕ by: p ωϕ = ϕ(p) (p a sentence letter); ⊥ωϕ= ⊥; (A→B)suωϕ}= (A ωϕ→Bωϕ); and (□qA)ωϕ= ω-Bew(⌜A ωϕ⌝)(⌜S⌝) is the numeral for the Godel number of the sentence S). Then, applying techniques of Solovay (Israel Journal of Mathematics 25, pp. 287–304), we prove that for every modal sentence A,⊢ G A iff for all ϕ, ⊢ PA A ωϕ; and for every modal sentence A, ⊢ G* A iff for all ϕ, A ωϕ is true.
Forecasting with preliminary data

This paper examines several methods to forecast revised US trade balance figures by incorporating preliminary data. Two benchmark forecasts are considered: one ignoring the preliminary data and the other applying a combination approach; with the second outperforming the first. Competing models include a bivariate AR error-correction model and a bivariate AR error-correction model with GARCH effects. The forecasts from the latter model outperforms the combination benchmark for the one-step forecast case only. A restricted AR error-correction model with GARCH effects is discovered to provide the best forecasts. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twelfth Night, the Merchant of Venice, and two alternate approaches to Shakespearean comedy

Sur deux approches de la comedie romantique shakespearienne: "Shakespeare's Festive Comedy" de C. L. Barber, ou l'accent est mis sur les classes sociales de l'Angleterre Elisabethaine et ses implications| "The Dyer's Hand" de W. H. Auden ou l'accent est mis sur l'aspect psychologique et sur les commentaires negatifs des conditions sociales. Etude du lyrisme, du romantisme et du rapport comique-realite.
Enthalpies of formation of the monohalomethyl radicals from mass spectrometric studies of the dihalomethanes

The enthalpies of formation of the monohalomethyl radicals CH2X where X denotes Cl, Br, and I, have been measured by mass spectrometry. The values of ΔH°f(CH2X)/kcal mol−1 are 30.0, 38.9, and 52.4 for X = Cl, Br, and I respectively.
The temperature and strain rate dependence of the flow stress of single crystal NiAl deformed along

Single crystal NiAl and Ni-49.75Al-0.25Fe have been deformed along at temperatures of 77, 298 and 773K and strain rates of 0.001/s, and 2000/s. The flow stress of NiAl is rate and temperature sensitive. The 0.25 at.% Fe addition resulted in a small increase in flow stress at strain rates of 0.001 and 0.1/s at 298 and 77K. A significant decrease in the work hardening rate is observed after deformation at 77K and a strain rate of 2000/s. Coarse [110] slip traces are observed after deformation at a strain rate of 2000/s at 77K, while no slip traces were observed after deformation under all other conditions. TEM observations reveal distinct [110] slip bands after deformation at 77K and a strain rate of 2000/s.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering: a structure-specific detection method for capillary electrophoresis.

A new approach to detecting capillary electrophoresis (CE) eluent components by interfacing CE with a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) system is described. In this approach, CE-based separation of a mixture of trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene and N,N-dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline has been detected by SERS in a postcolumn geometry. The retention time obtained from SERS corresponds well with that from conventional UV−visible detection. Meanwhile, CE eluants are identified by their characteristic vibrational spectra, demonstrating the validity of SERS as a structure-specific detection method for CE. In addition, the ability to monitor SERS intensity changes at molecule-specific frequencies makes selective detection of individual analytes possible, even when separation is incomplete. Finally, CE-SERS is evaluated for separation of amino acids (tyrosine and tryptophan) and environmental pollutants (chlorophenol mixtures).
Regulatory enforcement with competitive endogenous audit mechanisms

development and experimental testing of two endogenous audit mechanisms that use contemporaneous relative comparisons, based on disclosed information or imperfect signals of compliance effort, to generate a compliance competition among agents. This type of audit mechanism has some advantages over the more widely studied dynamic audit mechanisms that condition an agent’s audit probability on past compliance, and provides an alternative explanation for the stylized fact, in many settings, that most agents are compliant most of the time even though audit rates and expected penalties are low.
Differential Expression of Endophilin 1 and 2 Dimers at Central Nervous System Synapses

Endophilin 1 is proposed to participate in synaptic vesicle biogenesis through SH3 domain-mediated interactions with the polyphosphoinositide phosphatase synaptojanin and the GTPase dynamin. Endophilin family members have also been identified as binding partners for a number of diverse cellular proteins. We define here the endophilin 1-binding site within synaptojanin 1 and show that this sequence independently and selectively purifies from brain extracts endophilin 1 and a closely related protein, endophilin 2. Endophilin 2, like endophilin 1, is highly expressed in brain, concentrated in nerve terminals, and found in complexes with synaptojanin and dynamin. Although a fraction of endophilins 1 and 2 coexist in the same complex, the distribution of these endophilin isoforms among central synapses only partially overlaps. Endophilins 1 and 2 are found predominantly as stable dimers through a predicted coiled-coil domain in their conserved NH2-terminal moiety. Dimerization may allow endophilins to link a number of different cellular targets to the endocytic machinery.
A versatile internal control for use as DNA in real-time PCR and as RNA in real-time reverse transcription PCR assays

Aims: To develop and evaluate a TaqMan-based internal amplification control (IAC) that can be used as DNA in real-time PCR (qPCR) or as RNA in reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to identify the presence of assay inhibition and to evaluate its incorporation into existing qPCR and qRT-PCR methods for bacterial detection. Methods and Results: A DNA IAC was constructed by generating a 198-bp random sequence that was synthesized and inserted into a pZErO-2 vector and transformed into Escherichia coli. The RNA IAC was generated through in vitro transcription of the DNA IAC. Both IAC formats were tested individually in singleplex TaqMan reactions and also included in existing multiplex assays. The DNA IAC was incorporated in a Shigella spp. detection qPCR assay (targeting ipaH). The RNA IAC was successfully evaluated in a Salmonella spp. detection qRT-PCR (using invA mRNA as target). Conclusions: A highly versatile IAC that can be supplemented to qPCR and qRT-PCR pathogen detection methods was developed, greatly reducing the confounding effects of false negatives because of PCR inhibitors without affecting pathogen detection. Significance and Impact of the Study: The frequency of false negatives associated with qPCR analyses is prevalent in certain matrices, particularly those involving complex foods. Hence, the IAC presented here provides a solution to unforeseen false-negative reactions in PCR.
Optimal control of neutral systems

A method is presented whereby an optimal control may be obtained for a linear time-varying neutral system. The performance measure is quadratic with fixed finite upper limit. A form is derived for the coat functional, and the optimal control is obtained as the solution to a set of differential equations. A numerical technique for the solution of the equations is given and existence and uniqueness are proven.
Graphene and beyond for ultrafast optical communications and interconnects

We discuss the potential role of graphene in future optical communications. High speed graphene photodetectors, modulators and graphene plasmons are presented. Other two dimensional materials with a direct band gap for light emitting are covered.
Some variable controls for accurate heterologous anti-immunoglobulin (HAI) tests.

Abstract Optimum conditions for carrying out the heterologous anti-immunoglobulin test (HAI) are described, using a bovine serum albumin (BSA): anti-BSA system. The anti-immunoglobulin employed should always be assayed to determine the proper amount for each experiment and dilutions of test antisera should be made in protein solution. Under such conditions, the HAI test is a reliable and sensitive procedure to measure the capacity of antisera to bind specifically with antigens.
New tricks with old dogs: personalised medicine and clinical trials

We provide a didactic example of how clinical trials can accommodate individualised patient information relative to design and analysis.
Signaling crossroads: The function of Raf kinase inhibitory protein in cancer, the central nervous system and reproduction

The Raf kinase inhibitory protein 1 (RKIP-1) and its orthologs are conserved throughout evolution and widely expressed in eukaryotic organisms. In its non-phosphorylated form RKIP-1 negatively regulates the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway by interfering with the activity of Raf-1. In its phosphorylated state, RKIP-1 dissociates from Raf-1 and inhibits GRK-2, a negative regulator of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Available data indicate that the phosphorylation of RKIP-1 by PKC can stimulate both the Raf/MEK/ERK and GPCR pathways. RKIP-1 has also been implicated as a negative regulator of the NF-kappaB pathway. Recent studies have shown that phosphorylated RKIP-1 binds to the centrosomal and kinetochore regions of metaphase chromosomes, where it may be involved in regulating the partitioning of chromosomes and the progression through mitosis. The collective evidence indicates that RKIP-1 regulates the activity and mediates the crosstalk between several important cellular signaling pathways. A variety of ablative interventions suggest that reduced RKIP-1 function may influence metastasis, angiogenesis, resistance to apoptosis, and genome integrity. Attenuation of RKIP-1 may also affect cardiac and neurological functions, spermatogenesis, sperm decapacitation, and reproductive behavior. In this review, the role of RKIP-1 in cellular signaling, and especially its functions revealed using a mouse knockout model, are discussed.
Carbon dioxide effects on heterotrophic dinitrogen fixation in a temperate pine forest

Increased net primary productivity (NPP) under elevated atmospheric CO 2 requires additional N inputs to sustain C sequestration. We hypothesized that heterotrophic N 2 fixation would be stimulated by enhanced litter production under elevated CO 2 , thus augmenting N availability to plants. To test if N 2 fixation is limited by organic substrates alone or in combination with nutrients required for the nitrogenase enzyme, we measured nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) in laboratory incubations with water, nutrient, and O 2 manipulations. Response of N 2 fixation to water, glucose, P, Fe, or Mo was measured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in forest floor and mineral soil samples from the Duke Forest, NC. Potential nitrogenase activity in forest floor and mineral soil from the Duke Forest Free Air CO 2 Enrichment (FACE) site were measured to determine if elevated CO 2 enhances N 2 fixation. In homogenized slurries with glucose additions, nitrogenase activity was 2 and 400 times greater than controls in organic and mineral soils, respectively (P < 0.01). In laboratory studies, water additions increased N 2 fixation 25-fold in intact soil cores (P < 0.01). Additions of nutrients alone or in combination with C and water did not consistently stimulate N 2 fixation in intact soil cores. We detected no CO 2 effect on potential nitrogenase activity in Duke FACE soil. Since heterotrophic N 2 fixation is not stimulated in temperate pine forests under elevated CO 2 , additional N assimilation by trees will require increased acquisition of endogenous N, such as increased nutrient use efficiency or enhanced root exploration of the soil.
Comparison of the ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ Genome Adapted for an Intracellular Lifestyle with Other Members of the Rhizobiales

An intracellular plant pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,’ a member of the Rhizobiales, is related to Sinorhizobium meliloti, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, nitrogen fixing endosymbionts, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a plant pathogen, and Bartonella henselae, an intracellular mammalian pathogen. Whole chromosome comparisons identified at least 50 clusters of conserved orthologous genes found on the chromosomes of all five metabolically diverse species. The intracellular pathogens ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ and Bartonella henselae have genomes drastically reduced in gene content and size as well as a relatively low content of guanine and cytosine. Codon and amino acid preferences that emphasize low guanosine and cytosine usage are globally employed in these genomes, including within regions of microsynteny and within signature sequences of orthologous proteins. The length of orthologous proteins is generally conserved, but not their isoelectric points, consistent with extensive amino acid substitutions to accommodate selection for low GC content. The ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ genome apparently has all of the genes required for DNA replication present in Sinorhizobium meliloti except it has only two, rather than three RNaseH genes. The gene set required for DNA repair has only one rather than ten DNA ligases found in Sinorhizobium meliloti, and the DNA PolI of ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ lacks domains needed for excision repair. Thus the ability of ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ to repair mutations in its genome may be impaired. Both ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus and Bartonella henselae lack enzymes needed for the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines, which must therefore be obtained from the host. The ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ genome also has a greatly reduced set of sigma factors used to control transcription, and lacks sigma factors 24, 28 and 38. The ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ genome has all of the hallmarks of a reduced genome of a pathogen adapted to an intracellular lifestyle.
Sildenafil reverses cardiac dysfunction in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive and fatal genetic disorder of muscle degeneration. Patients with DMD lack expression of the protein dystrophin as a result of mutations in the X-linked dystrophin gene. The loss of dystrophin leads to severe skeletal muscle pathologies as well as cardiomyopathy, which manifests as congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. Like humans, dystrophin-deficient mice (mdx mice) show cardiac dysfunction as evidenced by a decrease in diastolic function followed by systolic dysfunction later in life. We have investigated whether sildenafil citrate (Viagra), a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, can be used to ameliorate the age-related cardiac dysfunction present in the mdx mice. By using echocardiography, we show that chronic sildenafil treatment reduces functional deficits in the cardiac performance of aged mdx mice, with no effect on normal cardiac function in WT controls. More importantly, when sildenafil treatment was started after cardiomyopathy had developed, the established symptoms were rapidly reversed within a few days. It is recognized that PDE5 inhibitors can have cardioprotective effects in other models of cardiac damage, but the present study reports a prevention and reversal of pathological cardiac dysfunction as measured by functional analysis in a mouse model of DMD. Overall, the data suggest that PDE5 inhibitors may be a useful treatment for the cardiomyopathy affecting patients with DMD at early and late stages of the disease.
Abatacept: A Novel Agent for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective:To evaluate the role of abatacept in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with respect to its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effect profile.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search (1966–November 2006) was conducted for primary and secondary literature. Search terms included BL125118, CTLA4-Ig, abatacept, and rheumatoid arthritis.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles retrieved from the data sources were evaluated. The most relevant studies were selected and included in this review.Data Synthesis:Abatacept is the first in a new class of RA agents with a unique mechanism of action. It is a selective costimulation modulator that inhibits T cell activation and other inflammatory mediators. This agent has been studied as an adjunct in patients who are receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy and in those who have failed tumor necrosis factor-alfa antagonist therapy. Clinical trials were evaluated for information on abatacept's indication, dosing, sa...
Integrated pest management and the eastern spruce budworm

Abstract The eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), is one of the most widely distributed and the most destructive forest insects in North America. The recent outbreak of this pest extending over the 1970s and early 1980s was unprecedented in size and severity. Unparalleled research efforts during the outbreak in most political jurisdictions made major contributions to the components of the classical integrated pest management system including population dynamics and epidemiology of the budworm. The dynamics of forest stands in relation to budworm populations, the socio-economic impact of the budworm on resource values, the treatment strategies and cost benefit analysis and the basic mechanism of pest management decision making must be considered within the overall framework of forest management. The vast geography of the budworm inherently includes forest stands of different species content, with variable site and climatic conditions which result in significant differences in budworm host interactions. Such differences induce additional variability in the response and role of secondary pests in the overall impact of the budworm. Furthermore, major differences exist in the basic resource management policy of the political jurisdictions. The sum of the preceding factors preclude a generally functional and widely accepted integrated management system for the eastern spruce budworm, but sufficient information exists for developing it for some regions. Imminent advances in knowledge and technology will improve our understanding of the problem but public participation in the integrated management of the spruce budworm will become increasingly influential.
Patient and Caregiver Interest in Internet‐Based Cancer Services

purpose: The primary goal of this study was to identify the needs for, the interest in, and the feasibility of the implementation of an Internet-based cancer services web site. Additionally, group differences (racial, patient vs caregiver, or rural vs urban) were identified that might influence the implementation of such a project. description of study: Patients with cancer and caregivers (N = 319) in the waiting rooms of a cancer center located within a southeastern medical university completed questionnaires regarding their interest in Internet-based services. Topics included the likelihood of using Internet-based services, interest in home healthcare services delivered via a personal computer, and knowledge about and use of the Internet. results: Results indicated that most patient and caregiver respondents were interested in Internet-based cancer-related services such as information related to treatment (80%), conversations with physicians via the Internet (70%), and online support groups (65%). In addition, respondents reported that they would be likely to use such services (70%) and were interested in home healthcare services delivered via personal computers (60%). No group differences were found across ethnic groups, geographic settings, and patient status (patient vs caregivers) on these variables. Minorities, older individuals, and less educated individuals were less likely to have knowledge of and to have used the Internet. clinical implications: Patients with cancer and their caregivers are interested in supplementing in-person services with Internet-based services relating to their cancer treatment. Special efforts need to be made to reach ethnic minorities, the elderly, and those with less education with Internet-based programs.
Do premenopausal women with major depression have low bone mineral density? A 36-month prospective study.

Background An inverse relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and bone mineral density (BMD) has been suggested, but prospective evaluation in premenopausal women is lacking.