cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract PL04-02: Genetics and health care disparities caused by smoking.

In the U.S., racial/ethnic differences are seen in smoking behavior and related disease risk. Compared to smokers of European ancestry, African Americans smoke fewer cigarettes per day, but take in more nicotine and smoke per cigarette and appear to be more highly dependent. Asians also smoke fewer cigarettes per day put appear to be less dependent than smokers of European ancestry. Lung cancer incidence normalized by cigarettes smoked per day is higher for African Americans and lower in Asians compared to smokers of European Ancestry. Genetic variations in two genes are most strongly associated with smoking behavior and lung cancer risks, and these are found in different frequencies across races. CYP2A6 is the enzyme that is primarily responsible for nicotine metabolism, and is also involved in the bioactivation of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine and lung carcinogen NNK. There are many reduced function variants of the CYP2A6 gene, and these are more frequent in Asians and African Americans compared to those of European ancestry. The presence of reduced function CYP2A6 variants is associated with smoking fewer cigarettes per day and with lower dependence, the latter evidenced by more successful quitting. Among smokers of European ancestry and Asians, reduced function CYP2A6 variants are associated with lower lung cancer risk. However, for unknown reasons, despite having a higher prevalence of reduced function CYP2A6 alleles, African Americans have higher risks for lung cancer. Genes in the nicotine receptor subunit gene cluster CHRNA5-A3-B4 have been associated with lung cancer risk in a number of studies, and have also been associated with nicotine intake and with risk of chronic obstructive lung disease and peripheral arterial disease. It is that believed that the α5 nicotinic receptor subunit influences sensitivity to nicotine; and reduced function of the subunit results in a greater level of nicotine and smoke intake, and therefore a higher level of dependence. Relatively little is known about the effects of this gene cluster on smoking behavior or cancer risk in African Americans or Asians. Among European Ancestry smokers, the CYP2A6 gene and CHRNA5-A3-B4 gene cluster are additively associated with cigarette consumption, nicotine dependence and lung cancer risk. Genetic risk factors are important determinants of racial differences in smoking behavior and lung cancer risk, but explain only a relatively small amount of variation in risk among smokers. Citation Format: Neal L. Benowitz. Genetics and health care disparities caused by smoking. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr PL04-02.
“C”ing Bacterial Infections

Differentiating between bacterial and viral infections in febrile children is often challenging for clinicians. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein that is synthesized in response to inflammatory or infectious processes. The diagnostic capability of a single CRP blood measurement to predict bacterial infections in children varies widely, with sensitivities of 60 to 100% and specificities of 40 to 100%. In a prospective observational study, Segal et al. now show that CRP values interpreted in the context of time from fever onset demonstrated better diagnostic characteristics than those of CRP values alone. In 373 febrile children (age range 0 to 16 years), 103 (28%) had a bacterial infection. The optimum cut-off for CRP to diagnose bacterial infection improved when time from fever onset was included. At ≤24 hours after fever onset, a CRP blood measurement of 7.5 mg/dL provided a post-test probability of infection of 75%. At >24 hours after fever onset, a CRP blood measurement of 11mg/dL provided a post-test probability of 75%. But a low CRP at ≤24 hours after fever onset did not rule out bacterial infection (post-test probability >10% with a CRP measurement of 1 mg/dL). However, a CRP measurement of ≤5 mg/dL at >24 hours after fever onset predicted the absence of bacterial infection with 94 to 95% accuracy. Adjusting for the time of fever onset in febrile children and setting different cut-off values improved the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of CRP testing for bacterial infection. I. Segal et al. , Use of time from fever onset improves the diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein in identifying bacterial infections. Arch. Dis. Child. 10.1136/archdischild-2013-305640 (2014). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://adc.bmj.com/content/early/2014/05/15/archdischild-2013-305640.long
Varus malalignment negates the structure-modifying benefits of doxycycline in obese women with knee osteoarthritis.

Summary Objective To estimate the extent to which varus malalignment, a source of abnormal intra-articular stresses in the medial tibiofemoral compartment and risk factor for progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA), may have diminished the structure-modifying benefit of doxycycline in knee OA. Methods Post hoc treatment group comparisons from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of doxycycline (100mg, twice daily) on medial joint space narrowing (JSN) in subgroups of varus and non-varus OA knees. Subjects ( N =379 with X-ray follow-up) were obese 45–64-year-old women with unilateral knee OA at baseline. JSN was measured manually in semiflexed anteroposterior (AP) radiographs acquired with standardized fluoroscopic positioning. The anatomic-axis angle (AAA) was measured in each baseline radiograph and transformed to an estimate of the mechanical-axis angle (MAA est ) using a validated regression equation. Knees with MAA est Results In our original comparison with placebo, doxycycline slowed the rate of medial JSN in OA knees by 38% at 16 months and by 33% at 30 months. Among non-varus OA knees, 16-month JSN in the doxycycline group was 44% slower than in the placebo group (0.09 vs 0.16mm/year, P =0.080), and 39% slower at month 30 (0.10 vs 0.17mm/year, P =0.026). JSN in varus knees (0.20–0.27mm/year) was more rapid than in non-varus knees ( P =0.083) and unaffected by doxycycline. Conclusion Varus malalignment negated the slowing of structural progression of medial-compartment OA by doxycycline. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting that static varus angulation can negate a pharmacologic structure-modifying effect.
'You Play Like a Girl!': Cross-Gender Competition and the Uneven Playing Field

Many reasons have been suggested for the lack of female participation in technologically complex digital game play. A previously unconsidered factor is that of cross-gender competition. Rigid gende...
Hydrothermal Processing of Macroalgal Feedstocks in Continuous-Flow Reactors

Wet macroalgal slurries have been converted into a biocrude by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) in a bench-scale continuous-flow reactor system. Carbon conversion to a gravity-separable oil product of 58.8% was accomplished at relatively low temperature (350 °C) in a pressurized (subcritical liquid water) environment (20 MPa) when using feedstock slurries with a 21.7% concentration of dry solids. As opposed to earlier work in batch reactors reported by others, direct oil recovery was achieved without the use of a solvent, and biomass trace mineral components were removed by processing steps so that they did not cause processing difficulties. In addition, catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) was effectively applied for HTL byproduct water cleanup and fuel gas production from water-soluble organics. Conversion of 99.2% of the carbon left in the aqueous phase was demonstrated. As a result, high conversion of macroalgae to liquid and gas fuel products was found with low levels of residual organic contamin...
East Asia in General Education: Philosophy and Practice

being developed in colleges and univer sities all over the country on a variety of different bases-focusing the student's at tention on the Far East, India, or the Far East and India in one course, or all of Asia in one course. My personal belief is that a course of lectures dealing with foreign societies or cultures had best deal with one culture area at a time, in order to save the student from hopeless confusion and superficiality. The present article describes the prac tice and the philosophy of a course at Harvard University on the "History of Far Eastern Civilization," given since 1936 by Edwin O. Reischauer and myself. As will soon appear, the philosophy of this effort is idealistic, the practice realistic. Thus we aim ideally to give the citizen-to-be a view of East Asian history, culture, soci ety, and current problems. (The course is at the sophomore level under the program of general education but is also taken or audited by upperclassmen and graduate
Extra-Legal Factors in Chicago's Criminal Courts: Testing The Conflict Model of Criminal Justice

Recently several researchers using empirical evidence have tested the conflict model of criminal sanctioning. In this paper we develop a theoretical model which embodies propositions derived from the conflict perspective. The model defines three types of discrimination in the criminal sentencing process. They are: (1) labelling processes which define as more serious crimes committed by lower SES persons and blacks; (2) economic discrimination through which lower SES persons and blacks have mediocre attorneys and are less able to make bail, and (3) prejudice, due to which judges and juries assign sentences along racial and occupational lines. Data from the Chicago trial courts show gross inequality in sentencing practice between occupations and races due to prejudice and economic discrimination. We estimate the “cost” of being of a particular occupation or race in terms of pre-trial incarceration and final disposition. With other factors equivalent to those of white proprietors, laborers and non-whites are found to be twice as likely as proprietors to stay incarcerated between arrest and final disposition. Further, other factors being equal, laborers and non-whites are given longer prison sentences than the higher SES groups.
Oxidation of polyethylene glycols by alcohol dehydrogenase

The present studies were undertaken to investigate the enzymology of a fatal toxic syndrome that resulted from the absorption and subsequent oxidation of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The presence of organic acids of PEG in the blood of poisoned patients and in an animal model suggested that the metabolism of PEG involved sequential oxidations by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase. A key question concerned the ability of ADH to initiate this pathway for oxidation of PEG. In the present studies the oxidation of PEG homologues by ADH was characterized. The polymer homologues of ethylene glycol from n = 1 to n = 8 were used as substrates. ADH catalyzed the oxidation of each of these PEGs. The oxidation of PEG was inhibited by the ADH inhibitor 4-methylpyrazole. With the exception of diethylene glycol, the Km decreased as the homologue number increased, and the Vmax decreased progressively through the series. The concentrations of PEG in the blood of poisoned humans and animals were 0.06 to 0.8 Km of ADH for all the PEG homologues above the triethylene glycol. These investigations establish ADH as a candidate enzyme for mammalian metabolism of PEG and thus suggest that specific inhibitors of ADH may prove to be useful as tools to treat PEG poisoning.
No effect of social group composition or size on hippocampal formation morphology and neurogenesis in mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli)

Brain plasticity and adult neurogenesis may play a role in many ecologically important processes including mate recognition, song learning and production, and spatial memory processing. In a number of species, both physical and social environments appear to influence attributes (e.g., volume, neuron number, and neurogenesis) of particular brain regions. The hippocampus in particular is well known to be especially sensitive to such changes. Although social grouping in many taxa includes the formation of male and female pairs, most studies of the relationship between social environment and the hippocampus have typically considered only solitary animals and those living in same-sex groups. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the volume of the hippocampal formation, the total number of hippocampal neurons, and the number of immature neurons in the hippocampus (as determined by doublecortin expression) in mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) housed in groups of males and females, male–female pairs, same sex pairs of either males or females, and as solitary individuals. The different groups were visually and physically, but not acoustically, isolated from each other. We found no significant differences between any of our groups in hippocampal volume, the total number of hippocampal neurons, or the number of immature neurons. Our results thus provided no support to the hypothesis that social group composition and/or size have an effect on hippocampal morphology and neurogenesis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70:538–547, 2010
The null controllability of thermoelastic plates and singularity of the associated minimal energy function

Abstract We consider the null controllability problem for thermoelastic plates, defined on a two dimensional domain Ω , and subject to hinged, clamped or free boundary conditions. The uncontrolled partial differential equation system generates an analytic semigroup on the space of finite energy. Consequently, the concept of null controllability is indeed appropriate for consideration here. It is shown that all finite energy states can be driven to zero by means of just one L 2 ((0,T)×Ω) control be it either mechanical or thermal. The singularity, as T↓0, of the associated minimal energy function is the main object studied in the paper. Singularity and blow-up rates for minimal energy function are not only of interest in their own right but are also of critical importance in Stochastic PDEs. In this paper, we establish the optimal blow-up rate O (T −5/2 ) for this function. It is shown that the rate of singularity is the same as for finite-dimensional truncations of the model. In view of sharp estimates available in the finite dimensional setting [Math. Control Signals Systems 9 (1997) 327], the singularity rates provided in this paper are optimal.
A Simulation Model of Growth and Ingestion in the Tobacco Hornworm Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

A preliminary deterministic simulation model of growth and ingestion in Manduca sexta (L.) is presented. This system consists of 5 first order differential equations and 1 discontinuous function, describing the following biological processes: ingestion, assimilation, respiration, excretion, molting, and growth. Both ingestion and growth are predicted with a high degree of accuracy. This model is evaluated in terms of (1) mimicking real biological phenomena and (2) its applicability to the field situation.
Differences in moral values between corporations

This research compares the importance of moral values for corporations' managements, as reported by 97 knowledgeable employees in eight corporations. Does an employee consensus emerge within corporations and does it differ between corporations? To answer this question, an analysis of covariance technique was used to compare the importance of moral values between corporations versus within corporations. Results corroborate the hypothesis that closely matched corporations do differ significantly from one another in the importance of prevailing moral values. Evidence also suggests that the importance of prevailing moral values may be inversely related with company size. Implications for future research and for the practice of management are delineated.
Decreased behavioral responsiveness to sucrose after treatment of blowfly taste receptors with vinblastine and colchicine

Abstract 1. Tarsal chemoreceptors on the blowfly Phaenicia serricata were treated with vinblastine, colchicine and lumicolchicine. 2. Application of 10 −3 M colchicine and 10 −3 and 10 −5 M vinblastine to the receptors decreased responsiveness (proboscis extension) to sucrose. 3. Treatment with 10 −3 M lumicolchicine, 10 −7 M vinblastine and 10 −4 M colchicine for 12 hr did not affect responsiveness. 4. The antitubulin drugs apparently decreased responsiveness by acting specifically on microtubules in the blowfly taste receptors.
Not all through-the-scope endoscopic clipping devices are born equal: some can be rotated while others cannot.

We appreciate Drs. Saxena and Khashab’s [1] comments on our benchtop comparison study data of three commonly used through-the-scope (TTS) endoclips [2]. QuickClip2 long (Olympus America, Center Valley, PA, USA) and Instinct clip (Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, NC, USA) are designed and built to provide precise rotational capability. On the other hand, the Resolution clip (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) is not built to rotate. The lack of ability to rotate had been observed since its release through clinical observation. Our study objectively demonstrated and confirmed this long-held practical observation. In our study, we tested the Resolution clip for rotational ability with and without a sheath. Based on their experience, Drs. Saxena and Khashab indicated that the Resolution clip can be rotated with careful technique. Their tricks include removing the outer plastic sheath from the clip prior to use, having the endoscopist rotate the metal cable of the clip close to the biopsy valve, providing small incremental turns, and expecting a short delay. They correctly pointed out that in our study the clips were rotated at the device handle instead of the metal cable. We elected to rotate the device handle since this is the controlling part of nearly all endoscopic devices. It is intuitive to have the assistant control the clip opening, rotation, and deployment by manipulating the handle. In the past, I tried using a hemostat forceps to turn the metal cable of the Resolution clip and straightened the endoscope. My experience has been mostly frustrating. When the endoscope is looped or when using the duodenoscope, the Resolution clip can barely move, not to mention ‘‘dance’’ smoothly with any maneuver. Many endoscopic devices can be ‘‘rotated or jiggered’’ by rotating the metal cable close to the biopsy valve, yet they are not rotational devices and precisely controlled rotation cannot be achieved. We can drive and turn an automobile by handling the steering wheel, yet we can also move the vehicle by pushing it. When we performed the study, we video recorded clip movement and hand movement for analysis. Each clip was given equal time to respond and handle rotation was performed by the only one investigator, myself. We tried our best to control possible study bias.
Association between sleep deficiency and cardiometabolic disease: implications for health disparities

Abstract Background Cardiometabolic diseases, which include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, are associated with reduced quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Unfortunately, there are racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities associated with these diseases such that minority populations, such as African Americans and Hispanics, and those of lower socioeconomic status, experience a greater burden. Several reports have indicated that there are differences in sleep duration and quality that mirror the disparities in cardiometabolic disease. The goal of this paper is to review the association between sleep and cardiometabolic disease risk because of the possibility that suboptimal sleep may partially mediate the cardiometabolic disease disparities. Methods We review both experimental studies that have restricted sleep duration or impaired sleep quality and examined biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease risk, including glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation and food intake, and immune function. We also review observational studies that have examined the association between habitual sleep duration and quality, and the prevalence or risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion Many experimental and observational studies do support an association between suboptimal sleep and increased cardiometabolic disease risk.
Distribution and localization of estrogen-sensitive dopamine receptors in the rat brain.

: Administration of estrogen to adult male rats increases the density of striatal dopamine receptors. The densities of the dopamine receptors in the nucleus accumbens and cortex are not altered, while the density of those in the hippocampus is decreased. In the pituitary the density, on a whole pituitary basis, is not changed. The increased density of striatal dopamine receptors normally observed after estrogen treatment is prevented by prior injection into the striatum of kainic acid, which destroys the intrinsic neurons in the striatum. In addition, the benzodiazepine receptors in the striatum, cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum are not altered by estrogen treatment, showing the specificity of the estrogen treatment and suggesting that the effects of estrogen are not mediated through benzodiazepine receptors.
High-molecular-weight hyaluronan is a novel inhibitor of pulmonary vascular leakiness

Endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction results in increased vascular permeability, a perturbation observed in inflammatory states, tumor angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, and both sepsis and acute lung injury. Therefore, agents that enhance EC barrier integrity have important therapeutic implications. We observed that binding of high-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA) to its cognate receptor CD44 within caveolin-enriched microdomains (CEM) enhances human pulmonary EC barrier function. Immunocytochemical analysis indicated that HMW-HA promotes redistribution of a significant population of CEM to areas of cell-cell contact. Quantitative proteomic analysis of CEM isolated from human EC demonstrated HMW-HA-mediated recruitment of cytoskeletal regulatory proteins (annexin A2, protein S100-A10, and filamin A/B). Inhibition of CEM formation [caveolin-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and cholesterol depletion] or silencing (siRNA) of CD44, annexin A2, protein S100-A10, or filamin A/B expression abolished HMW-HA-induced actin cytoskeletal reorganization and EC barrier enhancement. To confirm our in vitro results in an in vivo model of inflammatory lung injury with vascular hyperpermeability, we observed that the protective effects of HMW-HA on LPS-induced pulmonary vascular leakiness were blocked in caveolin-1 knockout mice. Furthermore, targeted inhibition of CD44 expression in the mouse pulmonary vasculature significantly reduced HMW-HA-mediated protection from LPS-induced hyperpermeability. These data suggest that HMW-HA, via CD44-mediated CEM signaling events, represents a potentially useful therapeutic agent for syndromes of increased vascular permeability.
Rhetorical Elicitation of Concession in Persuasion

Summary The persuasive effect of the rhetorical elicitation of concession was assessed under conditions of initially favorable and initially unfavorable attitude relative to the attitudinal position advocated. Additionally, the resulting resistance to counterpersuasion was measured. Elicitation of concession resulted in a significant increase of persuasiveness under conditions of favorable attitude, and in a significant decrease of persuasiveness under conditions of unfavorable attitude. Various rationales were developed, and their respective predictive accuracy discussed. A model based mainly on the enhancement of cognitive involvement was evaluated as best accounting for the findings obtained.
Ilizarov hip reconstruction without external fixation: a new technique

Purpose The Ilizarov hip reconstruction is a well accepted but complication-prone operative salvage procedure in chronically dislocated hips, not least due to the long-term application of external fixation. Although the advantages of fully implantable devices are well known in limb lengthening and are described consistently, until now, external fixation has been used exclusively to perform the Ilizarov hip reconstruction procedure. We present a new technique of Ilizarov hip reconstruction with purely internal implants.
A cognitive mediation theory of task goals and human performance.

A theory is proposed to explain the linkages between individual task goals and performance. Two cognitive constructs are postulated to mediate between task goals and performance:performance expectancy and performance valence. It is asserted that an individual's task goal has a positive influence on performance expectancy and a negative influence on performance valence. Performance expectancy is proposed to have a positive influence on performance while performance valence is proposed to have a negative influence on performance. Task ability is hypothesized to influence performance both directly and indirectly through its influence on performance expectancy. A laboratory experiment was designed to test the causal model proposed by the theory. A path analysis on the data from this experiment provides strong support for the model, with performance expectancy, performance valence, and task ability predicting 63% of the variance in performance on the laboratory task.
DNA repair by articular chondrocytes. I. Unscheduled DNA synthesis following ultraviolet irradiation in monolayer culture

Abstract The hypothesis that aging of articular chondrocytes at a cellular level results from loss of DNA repair capability was studied by measuring unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). Cultured rabbit and human articular chondrocytes were irradiated with 254 nm ultraviolet light (20 J/m 2 ) following treatment with 10 mM hydroxyurea. Neither the “ in vitro senescence” nor spontaneous transformation that developed during serial passage of rabbit chondrocytes was accompanied by diminution of UDS. Synthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans declined more rapidly than the ability of the cells to divide. Levels of UDS by chondrocytes from old donors, rabbit or human, were comparable to those of younger individuals. UDS was greater in human than rabbit chondrocytes. Similar data have been reported previously for dermal fibroblasts but do not necessarily indicate that there is a direct or causative relationship between UDS capability and the longevity of mammalian species. X-Irradiation of rabbit chondrocytes or cartilage explants, in doses up to 40 000 rads, yielded no measurable UDS.
Short- and long-term effects of environmental urea on fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster

Previous studies have shown that exposure to urea-supplemented food inhibited fecundity in Drosophila females, and that this inhibition was not expressed when females were given a choice between regular and urea-supplemented food as an oviposition substrate. We assayed fecundity, on both regular food and urea-supplemented food, at 5, 15 and 25 days post eclosion on females from ten laboratory populations of Drosophila melanogaster. The females assayed came from one of two treatments; they were maintained as adults on either regular or urea-supplemented food. We found that exposure to urea-supplemented food inhibited fecundity, relative to the levels exhibited on regular food, regardless of whether the urea was present in the assay medium, or in the medium on which the flies were maintained over the course of the experiment, thereby suggesting that urea has both a long-term (possibly physiological) as well as a short-term (possibly behavioural) inhibitory effect on fecundity of Drosophila females. We also tested and ruled out the hypothesis that prior yeasting could ameliorate the inhibitory effect of urea in the assay medium on fecundity, as this was a possible explanation of why flies given a choice between regular and urea-supplemented food did not exhibit a preference for regular food in a previous study.
Initial synthesis of UK-427,857 (Maraviroc)

The initial synthesis of UK-427,857 (Maraviroc) is described including the preparation of 4,4-difluorocyclohexanoic acid and amide coupling utilizing a polymer supported reagent.
Boulder tracks and nature of lunar soil.

Boulder tracks from 19 different locations on the Moon, observable in Lunar Orbiter photographs, have been examined. Measurements of the track width indicate that some of the boulders sank considerably deeper than others. It is suggested that lunar surface materials vary from place to place; the state of compaction (density of lunar soil) is probably one of the significant variables. Using bearing capacity theory, modified to be applicable to the rolling boulder problem by theoretical studies and extensive testing, the friction angle of the lunar soil was estimated. Most of the results were between 24 and 47 degrees with an arithmetic average of 37 degrees. These values suggest corresponding density variations of 1.25 to 2.00 g/cm3.
Preoperative Evaluation of the Patient for Vascular Surgery in the "Real World":

Patients presenting for vascular surgery frequently have multiple coexisting diseases. To meet the goal of providing a safe anesthetic with optimum resource use, we must ex amine the impact of each of these conditions on the patient and how the data from a particular evaluation or test will impact our anesthetic plan. Existing guidelines may be valu able if adapted to institution-specific circumstances. Con sultants represent a relatively high-cost resource, which can be optimized when used with clear goals in sight. Finally, we may be able to modify our evaluation based on the antici pated procedure, as these patients are exposed to a range of potential hemodynamic stresses.
Life sciences and materials: A successful marriage is possible

Although some companies are separating their life sciences and materials businesses, others are keeping these entities under the same corporate umbrella to take advantage of possible synergies at the biology/materials science interface. The following remarks, which provide some perspectives about DuPont's approach to this strategy, were delivered as a keynote address at a conference titled “Life Sciences and Materials … Successful Marriage or Divorce?” organized in Pisa, Italy, in October 1999, by the European Polymer Federation and the University of Pisa. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 667–678, 2000
Thermodynamics of aging in Drosophila melanogaster

The data on mortality kinetics and decline in functions reported in the preceding article are used to calculate temperature coefficients for the aging process(es) in Drosophila. Different values are found, according to the model chosen to account for the mortality kinetics. The respective implications of three equally suitable models are discussed. Thus, organization parameters on two different levels can be identified: rates of changes assumed to occur at the elementary molecular level, and redundancy factors at a more integrated level. Their temperature coefficients are compared with those of protein denaturations and lipid peroxidation pigment accumulation. It is suggested that elementary molecular processes responsible for aging can indeed be protein denaturations, whereas the known lipid peroxidation pigment accumulation is more likely to be a secondary effect, resulting from a failure of the overall cellular organization at a more integrated, supramolecular, level.
The role of the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase PI4KA in hepatitis C virus-induced host membrane rearrangement.

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV), like other positive-sense RNA viruses, replicates on an altered host membrane compartment that has been called the “membranous web.” The mechanisms by which the membranous web are formed from cellular membranes are poorly understood. Several recent RNA interference screens have demonstrated a critical role for the host phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase PI4KA in HCV replication. We have sought to define the function of PI4KA in viral replication. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a nonreplicative model of membranous web formation, we show that PI4KA silencing leads to aberrant web morphology. Furthermore, we find that PI4KA and its product, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate, are enriched on membranous webs and that PI4KA is found in association with NS5A in HCV-infected cells. While the related lipid kinase PI4KB also appears to support HCV replication, it does not interact with NS5A. Silencing of PI4KB does not overtly impair membranous web morphology or phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate enrichment at webs, suggesting that it acts at a different point in viral replication. Finally, we demonstrate that the aberrant webs induced by PI4KA silencing require the activity of the viral NS3-4A serine protease but not integrity of the host secretory pathway. Conclusions/Significance PI4KA is necessary for the local enrichment of PI 4-phosphate at the HCV membranous web and for the generation of morphologically normal webs. We also show that nonreplicative systems of web formation can be used to order molecular events that drive web assembly.
Pyrethroid modification of sodium channel: Current concepts☆☆☆

Abstract Some of the present concepts of sodium channel structure and function are discussed in relation to the membrane potential effects of pyrethroid insecticides. All of the pyrethroids which have been studied to date stabilize sodium channels in the open conformational state. Differences in the membrane potential effects of various pyrethroids can be explained by differences in the kinetics with which sodium channels are stabilized in the open state. A very small fraction of the sodium channels must be modified in order to produce a significant membrane potential effect. This fact may explain, in part, the high insecticidal potency of these compounds.
Soil management and nitrous oxide emissions from cultivated fields in southern Ohio

Abstract Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is an important atmospheric trace gas due to its involvement in the postulated global warming phenomenon and in the depletion of the ozone layer. Widespread concern has been triggered by recent reports of increased atmospheric N 2 O concentration. Since agriculture has been implicated as one contributor to that increase, a monitoring program was undertaken during the 1993 and 1994 cropping season (May–October) to evaluate the effect of several soil management practices on N 2 O emission from soil. Our results show that rates of N 2 O emission were generally near baseline levels during most sampling occasions. Major, but short-lived, fluxes of N 2 O were observed after rainfall events and during the days immediately following fertilizer application. It was during these times that most of the seasonal N 2 O loss occurred. An excellent relationship was found between seasonal N 2 O loss ( y ) and the maximum daily flux of N 2 O ( x ) during a season ( y = −0.4 x 2 + 43.1 x + 338, r 2 = 0.89, P 2 O emission data were log normally distributed for both years. Average daily emissions of N 2 O were 6.9 ± 6.3 g (range, 0.3 – 74.7 g) N 2 ON ha −1 day −1 and 17.6 ± 10.5 g (range, 0.1–326 g) N 2 ON ha −1 day −1 during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, respectively. Seasonal N 2 ON losses were, in general, highest in the continuous corn (CC) ( Zea mays L.) plots and lowest in the soybean ( Glycine max L.) plots of the corn/soybean/wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)-hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth) rotation (CSW-V). Average N loss as N 2 O during a cropping season was between 0.6 kg (for the soybean crop of the CSWV rotation and ridge till treatment) and 3.7 kg N 2 ON ha −1 year −1 , (for the CC rotation and the chisel till treatment). Approximately 0.5–3% of the inorganic N fertilizer added was lost as N 2 O. Our data show that seasonal N 2 ON loss from chisel-till plots were generally significantly higher than from no-till or ridge till plots.
Intelligent bidirectional rapidly-exploring random trees for optimal motion planning in complex cluttered environments

Abstract The sampling-based motion planning algorithm known as Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRT) has gained the attention of many researchers due to their computational efficiency and effectiveness. Recently, a variant of RRT called RRT* has been proposed that ensures asymptotic optimality. Subsequently its bidirectional version has also been introduced in the literature known as Bidirectional-RRT* (B-RRT*). We introduce a new variant called Intelligent Bidirectional-RRT* (IB-RRT*) which is an improved variant of the optimal RRT* and bidirectional version of RRT* (B-RRT*) algorithms and is specially designed for complex cluttered environments. IB-RRT* utilizes the bidirectional trees approach and introduces intelligent sample insertion heuristic for fast convergence to the optimal path solution using uniform sampling heuristics. The proposed algorithm is evaluated theoretically and experimental results are presented that compares IB-RRT* with RRT* and B-RRT*. Moreover, experimental results demonstrate the superior efficiency of IB-RRT* in comparison with RRT* and B-RRT in complex cluttered environments.
Colength sequences for Kemer algebras

This paper is a sequel to [4]. In that paper we calculated the asymptotic behavior of the colength sequence for k × k matrices, and in this paper we will calculate the asymptotic behavior of the colength sequence for the algebras Mk, . Given a p.i. algebra A, the cocharacter sequence {χn(A)}∞n=0 is a sequence of Sncharacters. If we decompose each character into a sum of irreducible Sn-characters, we would get something of the form χn(A)= ∑λ mλ(A)χ. Let ln(A) be the length of χn(A), so ln(A) = ∑λ∈Par(n) mλ(A). The sequence of numbers {ln(A)} is the colength sequence of A. Similar constructions can also be made for other cocharacter sequences, such as the trace cocharacter if A is an algebra with trace. Kemer classified verbally prime p.i. algebras into three families, see [8]. One is k× k matrices whose colength sequence we investigated in [4]. One is k× k matrices over an infinite dimensional Grassmann algebra. We do not know yet how to deal with this case. And the third is the algebras Mk, . Let E be an infinite dimensional Grassmann algebra and let k + = n. Then Mk, is a subalgebra of the matrix algebra Mn(E). In order to define it, note that the Grassmann algebra has a natural Z/2Z grading, E =E0 +E1 with respect to which it is anticommutative. I.e., degree 0 elements are central and degree 1 elements anticommute with each other. Let i and j be between 1 and n. We define the ordered pair (i, j) to be of degree 0 if either 1 i, j k or k+ 1 i, j n, and of degree 1 otherwise. Then Mk, will be the set of all matrices (aij ) ∈Mn(E) in which the degree of each aij
A class of quasilinear stochastic partial differential equations of McKean-Vlasov type with mass conservation

A system ofN particles inR d with mean field interaction and diffusion is considered. Assuming adiabatic elimination of the momenta the positions satisfy a stochastic ordinary differential equation driven by Brownian sheets (microscopic equation), where all coefficients depend on the position of the particles and on the empirical mass distribution process. This empirical mass distribution process satisfies a quasilinear stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE). This SPDE (mezoscopic equation) is solved for general measure valued initial conditions by “extending” the empirical mass distribution process from point measure valued initial conditions with total mass conservation. Starting with measures with densities inL 2(R d ,dr), wheredr is the Lebesgue measure, the solution will have densities inL 2(R d ,dr) and strong uniqueness (in the Ito sense) is obtained. Finally, it is indicated how to obtain (macroscopic) partial differential equations as limits of the so constructed SPDE's.
Methylphenidate oral dose plasma concentrations and behavioral response in children.

The relationship between methylphenidate (MP) oral dose and plasma concentration to social and cognitive behaviors was studied in 25 boys diagnosed as having “attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity”. Children were administered successive 1-week treatment conditions under the following schedule of fixed oral doses given twice daily: placebo; 0.25 mg/kg; 0.50 mg/kg; 1.0 mg/kg; placebo. Teacher and parent ratings showed increased improvement in social behavior as a function of MP dose. No drug effects were obtained on cognitive performance. MP plasma concentrations were significantly associated with oral dose and with measures of social behavior. No relationship was found with cognitive behavior. Side effects at the largest dose were severe enough to require discontinuation of treatment for five children, but were relatively mild for the remaining children.
Memory hierarchy considerations for cost-effective cluster computing

Using off-the-shelf commodity workstations and PCs to build a cluster for parallel computing has become a common practice. The cost-effectiveness of a cluster computing platform for a given budget and for certain types of applications is mainly determined by its memory hierarchy and the interconnection network configurations of the cluster. Finding such a cost-effective solution from exhaustive simulations would be highly time-consuming and predictions from measurements on existing clusters would be impractical. We present an analytical model for evaluating the performance impact of memory hierarchies and networks on cluster computing. The model covers the memory hierarchy of a single SMP, a cluster of workstations/PCs, or a cluster of SMPs by changing various architectural parameters. Network variations covering both bus and switch networks are also included in the analysis. Different types of applications are characterized by parameterized workloads with different computation and communication requirements. The model has been validated by simulations and measurements. The workloads used for experiments are both scientific applications and commercial workloads. Our study shows that the depth of the memory hierarchy is the most sensitive factor affecting the execution time for many types of workloads. However, the interconnection network cost of a tightly coupled system with a short depth in memory hierarchy, such as an SMP, is significantly more expensive than a normal cluster network connecting independent computer nodes. Thus, the essential issue to be considered is the trade-off between the depth of the memory hierarchy and the system cost. Based on analyses and case studies, we present our quantitative recommendations for building cost-effective clusters for different workloads.
Decreased Expression of Voltage- and Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels in Coronary Smooth Muscle During Aging

Abstract—Aging is the main risk factor for coronary artery disease. One characteristic of aging coronary arteries is their enhanced contractile responses to endothelial vasoconstricting factors, which increase the risk of coronary vasospasm in older people. Because large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channels (MaxiK) are key regulators of vascular tone, we explored the possibility that this class of channels is diminished with increasing age. Using site-directed antibodies recognizing the pore-forming α subunit and electrophysiological methods, we demonstrate that the number of MaxiK channels is dramatically diminished in aged coronary arteries from old F344 rats. Channel density was reduced from 52±9 channels/pF (3 months old) to 18±5 channels/pF (25 to 30 months old), which represents a 65% reduction in the older population. Pixel intensity of Western blots was also diminished by ≈50%. Moreover, the age-related decrease in the channel protein expression was also evident in humans, which sho...
An algorithm for glottal volume velocity estimation

We present a new method for the estimation of the glottal volume velocity from voiced segments of the radiated acoustic speech pressure waveform. Our algorithm is based on spectral factorization of the signal and is a general purpose procedure. It does not suffer from residual effects or assume constraining models for the vocal tract and the glottal source, as is commonly the case with existing methods. The resulting estimate of the glottal volume velocity is accurate and can be used for modeling and synthesis purposes.
The risk of colonic adenomas and colonic cancer in obesity

Increasing body fatness has been associated with an increased burden from colorectal cancer. An increased susceptibility spanning the entire continuum from precancerous adenomatous polyps to the development of colorectal cancer, poor outcome with treatment, and reduced survival when compared to those with normal body weight has been described. It is unknown which age period and which degree and duration of excess weight are associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. It is uncertain whether weight loss can reverse this risk. If it can, how long will the new lower or normal weight be maintained to effect enduring risk reduction? Furthermore, it is controversial whether the increased burden of colorectal cancer warrants earlier and/or more frequent screening for obese persons. This article reviews the relationship between obesity and colorectal neoplasia, explores the postulated mechanism of carcinogenesis, discusses interventions to reduce the burden of disease, and suggests future directions of research.
Rethinking Risk-Benefit Assessment for Phase I Cancer Trials

Although vital to developing new cancer treatments, phase I trials in oncology remain ethically controversial. Classically, they involve the initial administration of new antineoplastic agents to patient-participants, based on apparent safety and potential for efficacy in in vitro and animal studies. Participants, though not imminentlydying,generallyhaveadvancedcancer,haveexhausted establishedanticancertreatments,andareineligibleforlater-phase
Four Qualms about 'Legal Pragmatism'

I try to explain why I find “legal pragmatism” mostly useless in thinking about law. My qualms about “legal pragmatism” fall under four headings: (1) Empty eclecticism, (2) reductive instrumentalism, (3) “the primacy of practice” and (4) the metaphysically preservative recoil. Originally a talk at the 2012 Inland Northwest Philosophy Conference, "Law and Pragmatism" Panel.